Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
Title: Fragrance delivery system
The present invention relates to a fragrance delivery system, and a kit
of parts comprising said device at least two fragrance reservoirs filled with
a
fragrance substance.
Fragrance dispersion systems are as such known in the art. Many of
such systems are directed to the prevention of the habituation of a fragrance
composition. The problem encountered in terms of fragrance habituation is
that a person in a particular space will become accustomed to a particular
fragrance after a period of time.
Whereas many known systems apply just one single fragrance, recently
fragrance delivery systems have been developed that contain two fragrances
which are delivered in an alternating manner, one after the other. Such
delivery systems have, however, various drawbacks. They deal not in an
effective manner with the problem of fragrance habituation, since the first
fragrance is automatically followed by the second fragrance at a same
intensity.
Object of the present invention is to provide a fragrance delivery
systems which deals with the problem of fragrance habituation in an effective
manner, whereas at the same time it provides flexibility in the sense that the
fragrance intensity may be adjusted to meet more appropriately the size of the
space to which the fragrance is to be delivered.
Surprisingly, it has been found that these objects may be realised when
use is made of a fragrance delivery system which allows each of the fragrances
to be released periodically.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a fragrance delivery system
comprising:
a control unit for controlling a release mechanism to release at least one
selected fragrance, said control unit comprising a selection unit for
selecting
said selected fragrance from at least two fragrances and controlling said
release mechanism to release said selected fragrance, and a switching element
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
2
for switching said release mechanism between a first state and a second state
or vice versa, in which first state said release mechanism releases said
selected
fragrance at a higher rate than in said second state.
The fragrance delivery system according to the present invention has
the advantage that the fragrance may be delivered at a desired intensity,
taking the size of the space to which the fragrance needs to be delivered into
account.
Suitably, said selection unit is arranged to periodically select, in
response to a selection signal, instead of a presently selected fragrance
another
selected fragrance, which delivery system further comprises a timer for
measuring a period of time during which said presently selected fragrance has
been released, and a comparator for comparing said measured period with a
predetermined value representing a desired period and outputting said
selection signal to the selection unit.
In this way a sequence of selected fragrances can be released. In
accordance with the present invention at least one fragrance can be selected
from at least two fragrances. Preferably, one fragrance is selected from at
least
two fragrances. More preferably, one fragrance is selected from three
fragrances.
Suitably, the present delivery system further comprises a timer for
measuring a period of time of said first state and/or second state, a memory
element in which at least one desired value of a period of the first and/or
second state can be stored, and a comparator for comparing the measured
period with said desired value and outputting a switching signal to said
switching element, and wherein said switching element is arranged to change
said state in response to said switching signal.
Suitably, said switching element is arranged to switch said release
mechanism between said first state and said second state during a first period
of time, and to switch said release mechanism between said first state and
said
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
3
second state during a second period of time, in which second period of time
the
ratio of the duration of the first state relative to the duration of the
second
state is lower than in the first period of time.
Suitable values for the combined first and second period are found to be
in the range of 15 to 60 minutes. The first period has suitably a longer
duration than said second period. For example, the first period may have a
duration of more than 15 minutes, such as between 20 and 60 minutes, and/or
in less than or equal to 60 minutes. The second period may for example have a
duration of less than 30 minutes, such as between 10 and 25 minutes.
Suitably, the selected fragrance can be released during both the first
period of time and the second period of time in a continuous manner. When a
lower overall fragrance intensity is required, each of the selected fragrances
can suitably be released in a series of first stages and second states, in the
form of pulses. Hence, the first state will be switched to the second state,
after
which the second state can be switched to the first state. The period of time
in
which such a series of the, first states and the second states can be switched
from one to the other is suitably in the range of from 15 to 60 minutes,
preferably in the range of from 20 to 40 minutes, more preferably in the range
of from 25 to 35 minutes. During such a period of time the duration of the
first
states is preferably in the range of from 100 to 200 seconds, and the duration
of the second states is preferably in the range of from 20 to 100 seconds.
Suitably, the, release mechanism can be disconnected or switched off
after each first state to ensure that less fragrance will be released during
each
second state.
The last first state in such a series of first and second states can be
followed up with a single second state of which the duration is preferably in
the range of from 5 to 30 minutes, more preferably in the range of from 10 to
20 minutes. During such a single second state the release of the selected
fragrance will be less than the release during the preceding first state.
Suitably, said release mechanism can be disconnected or switched off to ensure
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
4
that less or no fragrance will be released during such a single second state.
Such a single second state can suitably be followed up with a single first
state
of another selected fragrance or a series of first states and second states of
another selected fragrance. Such a single first state or the last first state
in a
series of first and second states of the other fragrance can in turn be
followed
by another single second state, after which a single first state or a series
of
first and second states can be applied of yet another selected fragrance.
The duration of the first and second states can suitably be adjusted so as
to bring about an overall fragrance intensity which is appropriate for the
space
into which the fragrances(s) is (are) released. The overall fragrance
intensity
will become higher when the duration of the first states becomes longer,
whereas it will decrease when the duration of the second state(s) become(s)
longer.
Suitably, the duration of the respective first and second states during
the period that a particular fragrance is released can be varied. Suitably, at
least two sets of desired values of the durations of the first and second
state(s)
are provide, preferably three sets of desired values of the durations of the
first
and second state(s). In one such a set the duration of the first states in a
series
of first and second states may be 200 seconds and the duration of the second
states may be 40 seconds, whereas in another set the duration of the first
states may be 150 seconds and the duration of the second states may be 100
seconds. It will be understood that the overall fragrance intensity as
experienced by an individual will be higher with the former set than with the
latter set. Thus, the present invention provides flexibility to ensure that
the
overall fragrance intensity as experienced by an individual can be adjusted to
meet appropriately the size of the space to which the fragrance(s) is (are)
released.
Suitably, the fragrance delivery system has three modes of operation,
namely two modes of operation which provide lower overall fragrance
intensities in which each mode use is made of a different set of desired
values
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
of the duration of the series of first and second states, whereas in a third
mode
of operation in the first period and second period of time the fragrance is
released continuously, without pulses, providing a maximum overall fragrance
intensity.
5 Suitably, said first period has a longer duration than said second period.
During the second period of time, said release mechanism is suitably in
the second state only.
Preferably, said first period and said second period follow in an
alternating manner.
Suitably, in the second state said release mechanism releases said
selected fragrance at a rate below a threshold at which an individual notices
said fragrance, such as a rate of substantially zero.
Preferably, said selection unit is arranged to periodically select a
selected fragrance.
Preferably, said selection unit is arranged to select a selected fragrance
when a second period expires.
Suitably, said release mechanism includes an electro-thermal
transducer, said transducer being electrically connectable to an electrical
power source and which transducer can be coupled thermally to a fragrance
substance, for converting electrical energy from said power source to thermal
energy applied to said selected fragrance.
The present delivery system suitably further comprising a holder for
holding at least two fragrance containers.
Suitably, a release mechanism engageable on said fragrance containers,
for releasing a selected one of at least two fragrances from said fragrance
container.
The timer is capable of measuring a first period of time in the range of
from 100 to 200 seconds, and a second period of time in the range of from 20
to
100 seconds.
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
6
Suitably, the fragrance delivery system further comprising a release
mechanism for releasing a selected one of at least two fragrances from said
fragrance container. Preferably, the release mechanism comprises a heater
which allows the fragrance to be released from the container at a particular
temperature.
Suitably, the heater will be heated to the active state enabling the
fragrance to vaporize, whereas the heater will be switched off during the
inactive state.
The heater can be of any form, for instance, in the form of a ring or a coil
around the wick means of the container containing the fragrance substance.
The selection unit is arranged in such a way that the at least two
fragrances are selected in an alternating manner.
Such release mechanism can either be part of the holder for holding the
at least two fragrance containers or at may be part of each of the fragrance
containers. Accordingly, the at least two fragrance containers can suitably
each be provided with a release mechanism to release the fragrance contained
in the fragrance container.
Preferably, the fragrance delivery system according to the present
invention is capable of releasing at least three different fragrances in an
alternating manner.
The fragrance substance can suitably be in the form of a liquid, gel or
solid. The fragrance substance is preferably in the form of a liquid. Suitable
solvents for the fragrance substances include those known in the art such as
water, propanol, ethanol and appropriate ethers, carbitols and glycols.
Preferably, the fragrance delivery system according to the present
invention is adapted to be connected to an electric power supply, for
instance, a
domestic main socket, to allow the control unit and switching element to
function.
These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and
elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. Specific
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
7
embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims. Further
details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the attached drawings.
Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an example of an
embodiment of a fragrance delivery device according to present invention.
Figure 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the example of
FIG. 1 along the line II-II.
Figure 3 schematically shows a block diagram of a first example of an
embodiment of a control unit suitable for the example of FIGs. 1 and 2.
Figure 4 schematically shows a block diagram of a second example of an
embodiment of a control unit suitable for the example of FIGs. 1 and 2.
Figure 5 shows a timing diagram of outputs in example of FIG. 4.
Figure 6 schematically shows a perspective view of an example of an
embodiment of a cartridge suitable for the example of FIGs. 1 and 2.
The example of a fragrance delivery system 1 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2
comprises a control unit 2 and a release mechanism 3. The control unit 2 is
connected to the release mechanism 3. The release mechanism 3 can, as is
explained below in more detail, release one or more selected fragrances. The
control unit 2 can control via a suitable control signal which fragrance is
selected and released by the release mechanism.
In the example of FIG. 1 and 2 the release mechanism 3 can operate on
one or more fragrance reservoirs 40-42 to release one or more selected
fragrances from a number of fragrances present in the fragrance delivery
system 1. In this example, the release mechanism 3 comprises a number of
heating elements 30-32, as is shown more clearly in FIGs. 3 and 4. Each of the
heating elements 30-32 is in thermal contacts with at least a part of the
fragrance chemical in a different one of the fragrance reservoirs 40-42. The
heating elements 30-32 may be controlled separately by the control unit 2 to
heat the selected fragrance chemical. This heating causes an increased
release,
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
8
e.g. by evaporation or sublimation of the fragrance substance from the
respective reservoir 40-42.
The heating element 30-32 may be implemented in any manner suitable
for the specific implementation. The heating element may for example be
implemented as a resistor or other electro-thermal transducer which can
convert electrical energy into thermal energy and supply the thermal energy to
the fragrance substance.
The control unit 2 is arranged to select a heating element 30-32 which
can heat the selected fragrance. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an example of
the control unit 2. The example of FIG. 2 comprises a selection unit 22 for
selecting the selected fragrance from the fragrances present in the fragrance
delivery system 1. E.g. in this example, the selection unit 22 has an input
and
a plurality of outputs. Each of the outputs is connected to an input 300-302
of
another heating element 30-32. The selection unit 22 provides an electrical
connection between the input and a selected one of the outputs. Via the
selection unit 22 energy, e.g. in this example electrical power, is provided
to
the selected output and hence to a selected heating element 30-32. Via the
heating element the provided energy is used to release the selected fragrance.
Accordingly, by coiitrolling the selected output of the selection device 22,
the
fragrance being released may be selected.
In the examples of FIGs. 3 and 4, the control unit 22 can control the
release mechanism 3 to be in a first state or in a second state. In the first
state
the selected fragrance is released at a higher rate than in the second rate.
It is
found that by varying the rate, the habituation to the fragrance may be
reduced. For example, by varying the rate between a first state in which the
rate lies above a threshold at which an individual notices said fragrance and
a
second state in which the rate lies below this threshold, habituation is found
be reduced substantially. In the second state, the rate may for example be
very
low or even zero, thus prolonging the period a reservoir may be used without
requiring refills.
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
9
In the example of FIG. 3 for instance, the control unit 2 comprises a
switching element 21 which in a conducting state allows a current flow
between a switch input 2100 and a switch output 2111, whereas in a non-
conducting state the current flow between the switch input 2100 and the
switch output 2111 is inhibited, or at least less than in the condizcting
state.
Thus, depending on the state of the switch more or less current flows to the
selected heating element 30 and accordingly more or less thermal energy is
provided to the selected fragrance and accordingly the release rate of the
selected fragrance is varied.
The state of the switching element 21 may be controlled by a switch
control signal provided at a switch control input 2102. In the example of Fig.
3,
the switch control signal is generated by a switch control circuit. The switch
control circuit comprises a timer 25 which measures the duration of the state
of the switch. The switch control.circuit further comprises a memory 24 in
which a desired value of the duration of the conducting and/or non-conducting
state is stored. A comparator 23 is connected to the memory 24 and the timer
and can compare the measured duration with the value stored in the
memory 24. When this comparison reveals that the measured period is below
the stored value, the comparator outputs a first signal to the switch control
20 input 2102 in response to which the switch is e.g. in the conducting state
and
when this comparison reveals that the measured period is above the stored
value, the comparator outputs a second signal to the switch control input 2102
in response to which the switch is e.g. in the non-conducting state. Thus, the
state of the switch and accordingly the state of the selected heating element
25 30-32 may be controlled.
In the example of Fig. 4, the switching element 21 is arranged to switch
the release mechanism 3 between the first state and the second state during a
first period of time, e.g. between to and t2 in the timing diagram of FIG. 5.
Thereby, the fragrance intensity may be adjusted during the first period to
meet more appropriately the size of the space to which the fragrance is to be
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
delivered. For example, by controlling e.g. the duty cycle of the switching
between the first state and the second state, the average release rate during
the first period may be controlled. Thus, for example, the release rate of the
selected fragrance may be adapted to a room in which the fragrance delivery
5 system 1 is provided in a simple manner and the need for complex control
elements which for example control the temperature to which the fragrance
chemical is heated is obviated. The control of the first state and the second
state may be implemented in any manner suitable for the specific
implementation. In the example of FIG. 4, for instance, the control circuit
has
10 a release control input _ 29 by means of which the duty cycle of the signal
generated by the clock 212 may be controlled. for example manually.
During the first period, the release mechanism 3 may be switched
between the first state and the second state in an alternating manner. A cycle
of the first state and second state may have any period suitable for the
specific
implementation. For example, the duration of the first state may be in the
range of from 100 to 200 seconds, and the duration of the second state may be
in the range of from 20 to 100 seconds. The ratio of the duration of the first
state relative to the duration of the second state may have any value suitable
for the specific implementation and for example be in the range of 2 to 5
during the first period.
The switching element 21 may further be arranged to switched the
release mechanism 3 between the first state and the second state in a
different
manner during a second period, e.g. between t2 and ti. In the example of FIG.
4, during the second period of time for instance, the ratio of the duration of
the
first state relative to the duration of the second state may lower than in the
first period of time. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5 during the second
period
the first state may be absent, e.g. the ratio is (almost) zero. In FIG. 5, the
output signals of the counter 214 (at output 2141), the counter 213 (at output
2131), and the selection unit 22 (at output 2202) are shown respectively as a
function of time t.
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
11
In the example of Fig. 4, for instance, the switching element 21
comprises a first switch 210 which is alternately switched between a
conducting state and a non-conducting state with a switching period T much
shorter than the first period. The state of the first switch 210 is controlled
by a
suitable control signal provided to a control input 2102 of the switch 210 by
a
clock 212.
The switching element 21 further has a second switch 211 which is
alternately switched between a conducting state and a non-conducting state by
a control signal provided at a control input 2112. The control signal is
presented to the control input 2112 at a counter output 2131 of a counter 213.
An input of the counter 213 is connected to the output 2121 of the clock 212.
The counter 213 controls the second switch 211 to be in the conducting state
during a period of time corresponding to the first period and in the non-
conducting state during a period of time corresponding to the second period.
The counter 213 may for example count the number of periods of the clock
signal and switch the second switch to the non-conducting state or vice versa
after a number of periods corresponding to the duration of the first period.
In
During the second period of time, the release mechanism may for instance be
in the second state only. In the example of FIG. 4, the second switch 211
inhibits a current to the release mechanism 3 during the entire second period
and hence controls the release mechanism to be in the second state with a
release rate of substantially zero.
Preferably, the second period is sufficiently long to reduce the detection
level of a human being, such as to the level before habituation, whereas the
first period may be sufficiently short to prevent rising the detection level
above
the concentration of the selected fragrance in the space in which the
fragrance
delivery system 1 is positioned. Suitable values for the combined first and
second period are found to be in the range of 15 to 60 minutes. The first
period
has suitably a longer duration than said second period. For example, the first
period may have a duration of more than 15 minutes, such as between 20 and
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
12
60 minutes, and/or in less than or equal to 60 minutes. The second period may
for example have a duration of less than 30 minutes, such as between 10 and
25 minutes.
The first period and said second period may for example follow in an
alternating manner. For example, a number of cycles of alternating the first
period and the second period may be performed. The duration of the first
period and/or second period may differ per cycle or be constant in time.
In the example of FIG. 3 and 4, the selection unit is arranged to
periodically select a selected fragrance. In the example of FIG. 3, to that
end
the selection unit has a control input 2202 which is connected to an output of
a
comparator 26. The comparator 26 has an input which is connected to a
memory 27 and another input is connected to a timer 28. In the memory 27 a
desired value of a period of time during which a fragrance is selected may be
stored and by means of the comparator 26 a duration measured by the timer
28 may be determined. In case the measured duration exceeds the desired
value, the selection unit 22 is controlled by the comparator 26 to select
another
fragrance. In this respect, the comparator may select a fragrance which is not
presently selected or select the presently selected fragrance again.
The selection unit 22 may be arranged to select the fragrances in a
predetermined order. In such case, for example, the fragrances may be selected
to generate a certain atmosphere or user experience. However, it is also
possible to select the fragrances at random, thereby further reducing the
habituation of an individual to the fragrances.
The selection unit 22 may for instance be arranged to select a selected
fragrance when a second period expires. In the example of Fig. 4, for example,
a control input 2202 of the selecting unit 214 is connected to an output 2141
of
a counter 214. The counter 214 counts the periods of the signal outputted by
the counter 213 connected the second switch 211. In case the output signal of
the counter 213 has completed one cycle of a first period and a second period,
the counter outputs, as shown in Fig. 5, a control signal to the selection
unit 22
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
13
in response to which the selection unit 22 selects a heating element 30-32 to
provide a current and hence selects a fragrance.
The selection unit may be arranged to select randomly the selected
fiagrance from the at least two fragrances in case the delivery system 1 is
turned on. Thereby the different fragrances are used more and the change that
one reservoir is empty before the other reservoirs is reduced.
Returning to Figs. 1 and 2, the control unit 2 is provided in a housing 8.
The control unit 2 may be connected by means of a plug 10 to a conventional
(not shown) socket and hence to a power source 100.
In the example of Figs. 1 and 2, the release mechanism 3 further
comprises a wick 6 which can transport the fragrance out of the reservoir 40-
42 into the vicinity of a respective heating element 30-32. The wick 6 may be
made of natural or synthetic fibrous materials such as fibreglass, cotton,
graphite, mineral fibres, and polyester. The wick extends into a passage 37,
which may also be referred to as a chimney. The heating element 30-32 is
provided on the outside of the passage 37 and in thermal contact with the
inside thereof. The heating element 30-32 may be of any form, for instance, in
the form of a ring or a coil around the wick means. Thermal energy is
transported from the heating element to the inside of the passage 37 via the
passage wall. The thermal energy in the inside of the passage 37 heats the
fragrance transported by the wick 6 and thus volatilizes the fragrance. The
volatilized fragrance may subsequently be released out of the fragrance
delivery system via an open side at the top of the passage 37
It should be noted that the release mechanism 3 may also be
implemented in a different manner and for example comprise a pressurizing
means which provides a pressure into a reservoir and thereby pumps the
fragrance out of the reservoir via a vent.
The fragrance chemical may be of any type suitable for the specific
implementation. In case the release mechanism heats the fragrance substance,
the fragrance substance may for instance be of a type with a low release at
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
14
room temperature and exhibit an increased evaporation or sublimation at
elevated temperatures (i.e. above room temperature). Such a fragrance
substance may be volatilized by increasing the temperature above room
temperature, such as to 600 Celsius of higher, such as to 70 Celsius or
higher,
such as to 75 Celsius or higher, 80 Celsius or higher for example. The
fragrance may be provided in the reservoirs 40-42 in any phase. The reservoirs
40-42 for may for example be contain a fluid which comprises the fragrance
substance. The fragrance substance can be in the form of a liquid, gel or
solid.
The fragrance substance is preferably in the form of a liquid. Suitable
solvents
for the fragrance substances comprise those known in the art such as water,
propanol, ethanol and appropriate ethers, carbitols and glycols.
In the example of Figs. 1 and 2, the fragrance delivery system further
comprises a holder 9 for holding the two fragrance reservoirs 40-42. In the
example, the holder 9 comprises a recess in the housing 8 in which the
fragrance reservoirs 40-42 may be placed and be fixated in position relative
to
the housing 8. When one or more of the fragrance reservoirs 40-42 are empty
or when replacing or removing the fragrance reservoirs is desired for other
reasons, the fragrance reservoirs 40-42 may be released from the fixated
position, in this example manually by pressing clamp constructions 43 which
engage on the fragrance reservoirs to lock the fragrance reservoirs 40-42 in
position.
In the example of Figs. 1 and 2, the release mechanism 3 is incorporated
in the housing 8. In case one or more reservoirs are removed from the housing,
the release mechanism is not removed. Accordingly, the construction of the
reservoirs is more simple. However, as shown in FIG. 6, at least a part of the
release mechanism may be provided on the reservoirs 40-42. in the example of
Fig. 6, heating elements 33-36 in the form of resistors are placed on the
outside of the reservoirs 40-42. When the reservoirs 40-42 are placed in the
housing 8, the heating elements 33-36 are electrically connected to the
control
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
unit 2 and the power source, for example by exposed metal contacts in the
housing and on the heating elements.
Preferably, the fragrance delivery system according to the present
invention is adapted to be connected to an electric power supply, for
instance, a
5 domestic main socket, to allow the control unit and switching element to
function.
The at least two fragrances may differ from each other completely or
they may be related to each other. It will be understood that each fragrance
may be composed of a number of fragrance components. Suitably, the at least
10 two fragrances are related to each other. For instance, a first fragrance
may be
associated with oriental bamboo, whereas a second fragrance associated with
relaxing incense. The fragrances to be used may be selected from a group of
types of scents. The fragrances can, for instance, share a common theme. In a
very attractive embodiment of the present invention the fragrances
15 complement each other. In the context of the present invention the term
"complement" means that the fragrances used convey to a particular theme in
the sense that it provides a special physiological effect. The themes can
relate
to various times of the day, particular geographical regions such as the
Orient,
seasons of the year, and particular aromas such as vanilla-related fragrances.
Suitable themes comprise, for instance, "Oriental Dreams" which an individual
will associate with tropical fragrances, "Heavenly Flowers" which an
individual will associate with floral fragrances, and "Seaside Stroll" which
an
individual will associate with fragrances experienced at the seashore.
The present invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising the
fragrance delivery system according to the present invention and at least two
fragrance reservoirs filled with a fragrance chemical. As shown in the example
of FIGs.1 and 2 and of FIG. 6, the fragrance reservoirs can be part of a
fragrance cartridge 4. In these example the cartridge 4 includes a carrier 44
which fixates a number of fragrance reservoirs 40-42 to each other.
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
16
The bottles may for example be made of glass or a plastic material. In
the example of FIGs. 1 and 2, the fragrance reservoirs are formed as bottles
of
an optically transparent material. The housing 8 is provided with one or more
windows 81 via which the content of the bottles may be viewed.
The present invention further relates to the use of a control unit for
controlling a release mechanism to release a selected one of at least two
fragrances in a fragrance delivery system, which control unit comprises a
selection unit for selecting said selected fragrance and controlling said
release
mechanism to release said selected fragrance, and a switching element for
switching said release mechanism between an active state and an inactive
state or vice versa.
In addition, the present invention relates to the use of the fragrance
delivery system according to the present invention or the kit of parts
according
to the present invention to deliver a fragrance to a space which is at least
periodically occupied by an individual.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with
reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will,
however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made
therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention
as
set forth in the appended claims. For example, the switches shown in the
examples may be implemented as transistors or other suitable electronic
components. Also, the fragrance delivery system may be capable of releasing at
least three different fragrances in an alternating manner and include a
housing which is adapted to hold three different reservoirs.
Furthermore, the control unit may be implemented in non-
programmable hardware or as one or more programmable devices or units able
to perform the desired device functions by operating in accordance with
suitable program code. Furthermore, the devices may be physically distributed
over a number of apparatuses, while functionally operating as a single device.
For example, the control unit may be implemented as a circuit of discrete
CA 02632758 2008-05-30
WO 2007/064188 PCT/NL2005/000823
17
electronic components. Also, devices functionally forming separate devices may
be integrated in a single physical device. For example, the control unit may
be
implemented as a single integrated circuit.
In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not
be construed as limiting the claim. The word 'comprising' does not exclude the
presence of other elements or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore,
the words 'a' and 'an' shall not be construed as limited to 'only one', but
instead
are used to mean 'at least one', and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact
that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not
indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
