Mary F Barnhart

US Patent:

6413476, Jul 2, 2002

Filed:

Apr 5, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/286553

Inventors:

Mary F. Barnhart - Taylorsville NC 28682

International Classification:

A62B 708

US Classification:

422124, 422 5, 422123, 422125, 422305

Abstract:

A diffuser for dispersing an aroma into a surrounding area includes a cartridge having an aromatic substance dispersed in a wax carrier. The cartridge includes a container in which the wax carrier is located and a cover that includes a central vented tubular projection. The container is positioned in a heat conductive cup and a heating element is located below the cup A fan forces air past the cup and aromatic vapors released when the wax carrier is at least partially melted are entrained by the air currents and released through a vented dome at the top of the diffuser. An outer cylindrical housing is used to mount the components. When the heat is removed, the wax carrier solidifies, trapping the aromatic substance. The cartridge vent extends into the container and the annular volume around the inwardly projecting vent is sufficient to provide space for the melted wax if the diffuser is upset.