Mobile scent tester
First Claim
1. A scent testing device, comprising:
- a housing defining an interior and an exterior, the exterior of the housing having a testing location that includes a source opening between the interior and exterior;
a sample test chamber within the interior of the housing, an interior of the sample test chamber being selectively openable to the exterior of the housing and closeable so as to be sealed within the interior of the housing, wherein the sample test chamber is openable and closeable while in fluid communication with the source opening, and is sized to accept a variety of different scent samples and scented product forms;
a first gas flow device in communication with the sample test chamber and operable to direct a sample gas flow from the sample test chamber and out of the source opening to an exterior of the device;
a return opening between the interior and exterior of the housing; and
a second gas flow device in communication with the return opening and operable to draw the sample air flow from the exterior of the device through the return opening.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A self-contained mobile apparatus which replicates the evaluation of scents, fragrances, aromas and odors in controlled and home environments. The apparatus simulates various stages of the consumer experience and has adjustable settings for dosing, air flow, and room size. The scented compound sample is placed within a cabinet having an enclosed sample chamber which is connected to an upward facing sample tube. An air fan is mounted within the sample chamber which circulates and controls sample air flow upward to a testing station wherein the sample air flow is tested for the identification and the concentration of the scent contained therein. A return air chamber and filter are mounted below the testing station. The filtered return air is controlled downward by a return air blower to provide an exhaust out through the bottom of the apparatus.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A scent testing device, comprising:
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a housing defining an interior and an exterior, the exterior of the housing having a testing location that includes a source opening between the interior and exterior; a sample test chamber within the interior of the housing, an interior of the sample test chamber being selectively openable to the exterior of the housing and closeable so as to be sealed within the interior of the housing, wherein the sample test chamber is openable and closeable while in fluid communication with the source opening, and is sized to accept a variety of different scent samples and scented product forms; a first gas flow device in communication with the sample test chamber and operable to direct a sample gas flow from the sample test chamber and out of the source opening to an exterior of the device; a return opening between the interior and exterior of the housing; and a second gas flow device in communication with the return opening and operable to draw the sample air flow from the exterior of the device through the return opening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for producing a scented test gas flow within a predetermined testing area, comprising:
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generating and allowing a first gas flow to pass through a test chamber within an interior of a testing unit, the test chamber being in fluid communication with an exterior of the testing unit via a source opening in the testing unit, a scent sample being positioned within the test chamber; allowing the first gas flow to cause a source gas flow containing scent particles from the scent sample to flow out of the source opening for testing by a user at the testing area; and generating a second gas flow through a return conduit within the testing unit, the return conduit being isolated from the test chamber and being in fluid communication with the exterior of the testing unit via a return opening adjacent the source opening; and controlling the first and second gas flows such that a return gas flow containing at least a portion of the scent particles from the source gas flow effective to avoid adversely influencing the quality of air at the testing area is drawn through the return opening and back into the testing unit. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A scent testing device, comprising:
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a housing defining an interior and an exterior, the exterior of the housing having a testing location that includes a source opening between the interior and exterior, the scent testing device being portable from a first location to a second remote location; a sample test chamber within the interior of the housing that is in fluid communication with the source opening, an interior of the sample test chamber being selectively openable to the exterior of the housing and closeable so as to be sealed within the interior of the housing, wherein the sample test chamber is openable and closeable while in fluid communication with the source opening; a first gas flow device in communication with the sample test chamber and operable to direct a sample gas flow from the sample test chamber and out of the source opening to the exterior of the device for testing a scent sample housed in the sample test chamber; a return opening between the interior and exterior; and a second gas flow device in communication with the return opening and operable to draw the sample gas flow from the exterior of the device through the return opening. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification