Methods and devices for aromatherapy

A replenishable scent dispenser for dispensing a scent into a surrounding area comprising:

• a rotor having a central axis, a peripheral edge and substantially planar first and second faces, at least one face of the rotor comprising a plurality of vanes that are radially oriented, each vane projecting from the at least one face and having a length that extends from between the peripheral edge of the rotor toward its central axis, the rotor comprising a cartridge-receiving region at its center that is adapted to receive a scent cartridge, the vanes being either parallel to or canted relative to a radial line from the rotor and having a shape that is either flat or cambered;
• and
• a scent cartridge adapted for removable insertion into the cartridge-receiving region of the rotor and having a generally disc shape comprising a rotor insertion face, an external face, and a substantially perpendicular edge that is positioned therebetween, wherein the rotor insertion face is contacted with the rotor when the dispenser is assembled, the scent cartridge having an interior space for retaining an aromatic or fragrant substance, an exterior surface, and a plurality of openings being generally elliptical, circular, grid, slit or slot shaped to allow the passage of air between the exterior of the scent cartridge and its interior space, the aromatic or fragrant substance provided in a form selected from the group consisting of:
• solids, liquids, gels, beads, encapsulates, wicks, a carrier material impregnated with ascent, and combinations thereof;
• a turbine in operative communication with the rotor for driving its rotation, the turbine having a central axis, a peripheral edge and substantially planar first and second faces, at least one face of the turbine comprising a plurality of vanes that are radially oriented, each vane projecting from the at least one face and having a length that extends from between the peripheral edge of the turbine toward its central axis, the vanes being either parallel to or canted relative to a radial line from the turbine and having a shape that is either flat or cambered;
• and
• a fluid inlet port and an outlet port for allowing the flow of fluid through the dispenser, the inlet port in operable communication with the turbine, such that when the dispenser is in use, fluid directed through the inlet port is passed over the turbine to drive its rotation and thereafter passes through the outlet port, the inlet and outlet ports being adapted for attachment in series between a fluid supply adjacent to the inlet port and a fluid delivery fixture, or the inlet port being adapted for attachment to a fluid supply and the outlet port is a fluid delivery fixture, the fluid delivery fixture is a shower head, sprayer, or jet;
• and
• a water-tight seal between the rotor and the turbine;
• and
• a flow control means that can be actuated between an on and off position to control the flow of fluid through the inlet port and across the turbine, comprising a bypass channel for accommodating the flow of fluid when the flow control is in the off position, and a knob for actuating the flow control means;
• and
• a housing that encloses the rotor, the turbine, and the water-tight seal, the housing having an aperture for insertion of the scent cartridge into the cartridge-receiving region of the rotor, and a plurality of openings;
• wherein the dispenser, when in use, is assembled with the scent cartridge inserted into the rotor cartridge-receiving region, and the rotor is driven by the turbine to rotate about its axis, whereby the dispenser is capable of drawing air through the openings in the scent cartridge and passing the air out through the plurality of rotor vanes, thereby emitting scent.

A replenishable scent dispenser for dispensing a scent into a surrounding area comprising:

• a fan that is generally circular, comprising vanes that are either parallel or canted and a cartridge-receiving region that is adapted to receive a scent cartridge;
• and
• a scent cartridge having a generally spherical, hemispherical or disc shape that is adapted for removable insertion into the cartridge-receiving region of the fan, the scent cartridge having an interior space for retaining an aromatic or fragrant substance, an exterior surface, and venting to allow the passage of air between the exterior of the scent cartridge and its interior space, the venting comprising a plurality of openings being generally elliptical, circular, grid, slit or slot shaped, the aromatic or fragrant substance provided in a form selected from the group consisting of:
• solids, liquids, gels, beads, encapsulates, wicks, a carrier material impregnated with ascent, and combinations thereof;
• and
• a vented housing that is generally dome shaped and adapted with an aperture that aligns with the fan cartridge-receiving region to permit insertion and removal of the scent cartridge;
• and
• a drive means in operative communication with the fan for driving its rotation, the drive means comprising a turbine, the dispenser comprising a fluid inlet port and an outlet port for allowing the flow of fluid through the dispenser, the inlet port in operable communication with the turbine, such that when the dispenser is in use, fluid directed through the inlet port is passed over the turbine to drive its rotation and thereafter passes through the outlet port, both the inlet and outlet ports being adapted for attachment either in series between a fluid supply adjacent to the inlet port and a fluid delivery fixture, or the inlet port being adapted for attachment to a fluid supply and the outlet port is a fluid delivery fixture, the fluid delivery fixture is a shower head, sprayer, or jet;
• and
• a water-tight seal between the fan and the turbine;
• and
• a flow control means that can be actuated between an on and off position to control the flow of fluid through the inlet port and across the turbine and a bypass channel for accommodating the flow of fluid when the flow control is in the off position;
• and
• wherein the dispenser, when in use, is assembled with the scent cartridge inserted into the fan cartridge-receiving region, and the fan is driven to rotate, whereby the dispenser is capable of drawing air through the openings in the scent cartridge and passing the air out through the plurality of fan vanes.