US 6,661,967 B2 · Variable temperature vaporizer

Abstract

The present invention suitably provides a method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a liquid vaporizer heating element, and thereby the rate of evaporation and level of fragrance delivery from the same. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device may include a switch that suitably allows the temperature of various types of heating elements to be controlled for different levels of fragrance output. For example, an exemplary embodiment may include a two-pronged plug adaptable to typical outlets that might be found in residential homes or businesses. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical switch generally provides varying resistance values to the electric circuitry of the vaporizer such that, by changing the switch setting, the operating temperature of the wick is controlled and thus the rate of fragrance evaporation from the vaporizer.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A method of dispensing a volatile substance comprising the steps of:

providing a temperature variable heating element configured as a PTC element and a resistor combination, said PTC element having a compensation range having an upper limit and said resistor having a maximum resistance;
providing a reservoir and volatile substance to be dispensed therefrom;
and
varying the temperature of said variable heating element by selecting said maximum resistance to be greater than about 11000 KOhms such that electrical current through said resistor is reduced to below said upper limit of said compensation range of said PTC element, thereby maintaining the temperature of said heating element at about 25° C.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Variable temperature vaporizer

Life of this patent

Variable temperature vaporizer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims6