Apparatus for the delivery of multiple separate odors

Abstract

The device includes a belt made of a continuous band with multiple scent reservoirs attached thereto. The device includes a belt motor configured and positioned to drive and stop the belt. A heater block is positioned to heat one of the scent reservoirs having a first scent after the motor positions the belt to bring one of the multiple scent reservoirs into proximity with the heater block. A fan is positioned to blow air out of the device over the heated one of the multiple scent reservoirs to present the scent to the user. The belt can then be moved to bring another scent reservoir into proximity with the heater block, this latter scent reservoir having a different scent, and the process can be repeated. A series of scents can be presented to the user in this manner.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 481,768, filed January 26, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The invention described herein relates to providing scents to patients for therapeutic or other purposes. [Background technology]

[0003] Environmental enrichment has been shown to positively affect cognitive function, such as by ameliorating cognitive decline in various animal models. Environmental enrichment can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, the introduction of various objects, sounds, smells, colors, animals, etc. Published studies reaching this conclusion have shown cognitive benefits to alleviate or overcome animal models of human neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, vascular dementia, neuronal death due to aging, traumatic brain injury, head injury, Parkinson's disease, seizures, stroke symptoms, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, autism, ADHD, Huntington's disease, Down's syndrome, stress, depression, cerebral palsy, chemotherapy-induced encephalopathy, schizophrenia, prenatal alcoholism, lead exposure, poisoning, and cancer, to name a few. Significant behavioral changes have been observed in children with autism after as little as six months of environmental enrichment.

[0004] Among the various stimulants used in environmental enrichment, cognition has been found to be strongly associated with olfaction. Olfaction is the only sense with a significant direct pathway to cognitive and emotional areas of the brain. Loss of smell sometimes precedes memory loss from aging and forms of dementia. Loss of smell causes a significant loss of neurons in the brain. In people over the age of 50, a decline in olfactory ability has been found to accurately predict all-cause mortality within the next five years.

[0005] Biologically, olfactory stimulation activates the entorhinal cortex. The entorhinal cortex declines with age and other factors, such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. When the entorhinal cortex declines, it releases the dentate gyrus and CA3 (subhippocampal area) from inhibition, thereby interfering with memory. Therefore, restoring olfactory sense can increase neurogenesis and / or neural complexity in the entorhinal cortex, thereby normalizing dentate gyrus / CA3 activity and restoring memory.

[0006] Interventions based on environmental enrichment may be expensive or difficult to maintain, as in the case of implementation. Currently, there is a lack of environmental enrichment methods and devices that are low-cost and easy to use or maintain, yet effectively improve cognitive function and memory. More specifically, there is a lack of environmental enrichment devices that utilize the strong connection that olfaction has with the cognitive and emotional areas of the brain. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1A] 1A and 1B illustrate one embodiment as viewed from the front. [Figure 1B] 1A and 1B illustrate one embodiment as viewed from the front.

[0008] [Figure 2A] 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment as viewed from the rear. [Figure 2B] 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment as viewed from the rear.

[0009] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of a scent-bearing belt, according to some embodiments.

[0010] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the scent-bearing belt of FIG. 3A.

[0011] [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of a scent-bearing belt, according to some embodiments.

[0012] [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D illustrates a side view of the scent-bearing belt of FIG. 3C.

[0013] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of one embodiment.

[0014] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a process for presenting a scent to a user according to an embodiment.

[0015] Further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the operation of the various embodiments of the present invention, are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] (Detailed Description of the Invention) Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures, where like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. While specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, this is done for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can also be employed in a variety of other systems and applications.

[0017] The process of olfactory therapy may require the patient to sequentially detect several novel, distinct odors. This has traditionally been either a manual process (e.g., sniffing from a sample vial) or a somewhat invasive process (e.g., using a mask or nasal tube). The challenge is delivering distinct odors to the patient from a distance without oversaturating the environment with odorants. Oversaturation would make it difficult to remove one distinct odor before initiating the next.

[0018] To address this issue, the present description discloses an embodiment of a device that uses odor-infused wax with a large difference in odor transmission rate between its solidified and molten states. Multiple pieces of wax, each incorporating a different scent ingredient that provides a distinct odor, are placed in the device, which circulates each wax piece individually, selectively heating it above its melting point, releasing its odor—i.e., vapor from its scent ingredient—and exposing it to an airflow, transmitting the odor to a user or patient at a distance; then cooling the wax below its melting point, ceasing odor release, and transitioning to the next wax piece, and repeating. The disclosed embodiments can provide a therapy that may be useful for treating memory decline and other neurological disorders. Note that the terms "vapor" and "vaporization" are used broadly herein to refer to any heat-facilitated release of scent-constituting molecules, and that release may not necessarily require a discrete phase change to a gaseous state.

[0019] Embodiments of the apparatus and process include, but are not limited to, some of the features listed herein and detailed below.

[0020] Selectively exposing a single scent among multiple scents to an air stream and repeating for each scent in the sequence.

[0021] Selectively exposing a single scent among multiple scents to an air stream and repeating for each scent in the sequence.

[0022] Selectively heating and melting a wax piece from among a number of wax pieces having its incorporated scent ingredient, and repeating for each of the series of wax pieces.

[0023] A series of scent reservoirs containing odor-infused wax pieces arranged on a closed-loop belt with the opening of each reservoir facing towards the center of the loop.

[0024] A membrane to seal the opening of each scent reservoir, allowing odor to pass but preventing wax from passing through.

[0025] A pair of drums around which a belt of scent reservoirs is wrapped. The upper drum rotates to engage features on the belt and act as a drive wheel to move the belt around the two drums. The lower drum is hollow, does not rotate, and has an opening on its bottom surface exposing the opening of a single reservoir at the center of the lower drum.

[0026] A fan positioned at the rear of the lower drum blows air through the lower drum, across the opening of the single scent reservoir, and out the front of the device.

[0027] A heating element that rises and falls surrounding a single scent reservoir exposed at the center of the lower drum to heat the contents of the scent reservoir.

[0028] An enclosure that isolates all scent reservoirs from the user environment except for the reservoir that is currently aligned with the opening on the bottom of the lower drum.

[0029] A door to open the enclosure to allow for installation and replacement of belts and maintenance of other internal components.

[0030] One or more control modules that are programmable to create specific schedules and sequences of scent delivery.

[0031] The devices described herein enable a multifaceted approach to scent delivery and scent isolation, enabling environmental isolation, airflow isolation, and thermal isolation. The devices can selectively expose one scent at a time to the user's environment using one or more, or a combination of, an isolation chamber, a directional airflow, and a directional heat source. By combining scent isolation, environmental isolation, airflow isolation, and thermal isolation, the devices described herein provide the necessary combination of rapid scent detection, rapid removal, clear differentiation, and minimal accumulation.

[0032] Additional details are now provided with respect to the figures presented herein.

[0033] FIG. 1A shows a device 100 for providing a series of scents, according to one embodiment. The device may include a rear housing 105 and an access door 110 that can be opened as needed for maintenance purposes. The device 100 may include an airflow chamber 170, which is a volume of space formed by the interior of a lower drum, as described in more detail below. At the bottom of the airflow chamber 170 is an opening 180 that exposes the contents of a scent reservoir. The device 100 may include a series of scent reservoirs, at least some of which may provide a respective separate scent. For scent reservoirs positioned directly below the openings 180, scent vapor may be released through the openings 180 into the airflow chamber 170. A fan 160 at the rear of the device 100 may then blow the vapor out of the airflow chamber 170. As used, the device 100 may be used to direct the vapor to a user. The airflow chamber 170 also serves as an isolation chamber, in that only a single scent is introduced into the chamber at any given time. The scent is removed from the chamber by operation of the fan 160 before any further scent is introduced.

[0034] It is noted that in some applications, the user may be a patient for whom a range of scents may have therapeutic value.

[0035] Some of the internal components of device 100 are shown in FIG. 1B according to one embodiment. These components may include a start button 120. These components may further comprise a closed-loop belt 140. Belt 140 may be a band to which a series of scent reservoirs 150 are attached. Each reservoir may be spaced apart from one another on belt 140, and each reservoir may contain a different scent. In some embodiments, no two adjacent reservoirs contain the same or similar scent. The band may be made of a durable yet flexible material, as discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, belt 140 may be moved by a rotatable upper drum, which effectively serves as drive wheel 130. Belt 140 may therefore be movable in a looped path around a portion of lower drum 175, which, in the illustrated embodiment, has an opening 180 at its bottom. Belt 140 may also be moved by lower drum 175. Although not shown, in one embodiment, device 100 may include a single rotatable drum, such as drive wheel 130. In this embodiment, belt 140 is configured to wrap, partially or completely, around the single rotatable drum. Other than the two-drum sides of device 100, all other features and functions as described herein can be implemented within a single drum device.

[0036] In operation, the drive wheel 130 is configured to move the belt 140 in a manner that positions one of the scent reservoirs 150 near the opening 180 and in close proximity to the heater block 190. In some embodiments, the drive wheel 130 is configured to rotate the belt 140 so that one of the scent reservoirs 150 is located below the opening 180. Once one of the scent reservoirs 150 is located below the opening 180, the movement of the belt 140 can be paused for a desired duration. In this manner, the heater block 190 can heat the scent reservoir 150, thereby releasing the scent embedded within the reservoir 150 for a determined amount of time. In some embodiments, the heater block 190 can be composed of metal, metal composite, ceramic, and / or other materials in combination. In certain embodiments, the heater block 190 can be raised or moved to a position closer to the now-steady-state scent reservoir 150, and heat can be applied by the heater block 190. In some embodiments, the heater block 190 may be recessed so that it surrounds the scent reservoir 150 and provides efficient heat transfer.

[0037] In some embodiments, a heating rod (not shown) can be implemented in place of the heater block 190. The heating rod can be positioned near or directly above the opening 180. Like the heater block 190, the heating rod can also be constructed from metal, composite, ceramic, or a combination thereof.

[0038] In some embodiments, scent reservoir 150 holds a piece of wax incorporating a scent ingredient, such as scented oil or other scent-retaining material. Heating the wax allows the scent within the scent-retaining material to be released. In some embodiments, the scent-retaining material may also heat when the wax is heated. When heated, the scent-retaining material may undergo a heat-induced change in one or more of its material properties, thereby releasing the scent. In some embodiments, the scent-retaining material is wax itself. When heated, the wax may partially or fully melt, releasing the scent. When heat is applied for a predetermined heating interval, scent or vapor from the wax and / or scent-retaining material then enters the interior of lower drum 175, which is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B as airflow chamber 170. Fan 160 may be activated to push the vapor out of device 100 through airflow chamber 170. Device 100 may be positioned so that the vapor is directed toward the user.

[0039] 2A and 2B show the back of device 100, according to one embodiment. In both figures, belt 140 is shown with a series of scent reservoirs 150 attached to it. In alternative embodiments, the scent reservoirs may be integrated into or embedded in the belt. Fan 160 is shown positioned to draw air from the rear of device 100. FIG. 2A shows heater block 190 positioned to heat one of scent reservoirs 150. In some embodiments, heater block 190 can be positioned so that it encompasses a portion of reservoir 150. Heater block 190 can be positioned by a connected lever arm 210. Alternatively, heater block 190 can be positioned by other mechanical means, such as an axial actuator (not shown) positioned below reservoir 150.

[0040] After the heating interval is completed, the lever arm 210 and heater block 190 may move away from the scent reservoir, as shown in FIG. 2B. In this manner, the wax pieces within the scent reservoir may be allowed to cool. In one embodiment, as the wax pieces cool, the belt 140 rotates, moving the cooled scent reservoir away so that a different scent reservoir may be put into position for heating.

[0041] FIG. 3A illustrates a section of one embodiment of a belt 140 having multiple scent reservoirs 150A-150J. While this embodiment shows 10 scent reservoirs on the belt, other embodiments may have more or fewer scent reservoirs. Each reservoir can contain a different scent. The belt 140 may alternatively contain one or more repeating scents. In some embodiments, no two adjacent reservoirs contain the same or similar scents. The scent reservoirs 150 can be disposed on the surface of the belt 140, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Additionally, the belt 140 includes scent-free zones 155 disposed between adjacent scent reservoirs 150. In some embodiments, the scent-free zones 155 contain or can be infused with a scent neutralizer. Each scent-free zone 155 can contain a different scent neutralizer configured to neutralize a particular scent. For example, one of the absent zones 155 may have a neutralizing agent specifically formulated to neutralize the base scent of the scent pyramid, while another absent zone 155 may have a different neutralizing agent specifically formulated to neutralize the top scent. Scent neutralization is discussed further below.

[0042] The belt 140 may be made from two or more belt sections, each including attachment features 350 and 355 at each end of the belt section. In this manner, the belt sections can be fastened together to form a continuous band. The attachment features 350 and 355 may be located on one of the surfaces of each belt section. Alternatively, the attachment features 350 and 355 may be located on the side edges at the ends of each belt section. The attachment features 350 and 355 may be male-female fastening features, hook-and-loop fastening features, or other fastening means such as magnets and adhesives.

[0043] In one embodiment, the belt 140 may be made from four belt segments connected end to end using attachment features to form a closed loop. The belt segments may be made from a plastic or polymer material, such as, by way of example and not limitation, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, or high impact polystyrene.

[0044] In another embodiment, the belt may not be a loop, but instead may be straight, in which case an alternative mechanism (not shown) may be used to move the belt back and forth as needed to position the scent reservoir in close proximity to the heating element.

[0045] 3C and 3D illustrate one embodiment of the belt 140 where multiple scent reservoirs are embedded within the belt 140. Rather than being elevated above the surface of the belt 140, the scent reservoirs 150 in this embodiment are integrated within the belt 140.

[0046] 4 shows device 100 in an exploded view. Belt 140, along with its scent reservoir 150, is mounted on a motorized drive wheel 130 and a steady-state lower drum 175. The movement of drive wheel 130 and belt 140 may be determined by a drive wheel motor 312. Drive wheel motor 312 may be controlled by a control module. The control module may be implemented as logic embodied on a main printed circuit board (PCB) 309. In various embodiments, this logic may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. This logic may control when the drive wheel turns, how far it turns, when it pauses, and the length of the pause. This logic may also control the duration of each heating interval and / or the intensity (i.e., temperature) of the heating process. In this manner, the logic of PCB 309 may dictate the particular scent reservoirs 150 to be heated, the duration and / or temperature of heating, the duration of cooling, and the sequence of scent reservoirs 150 (corresponding sequence of scents) to be presented to the user. The logic may also dictate higher level scheduling of the operation of device 100, i.e., the timing and duration of the sequence of scent presentations. For example, the logic may dictate that scent presentations occur each night during the time the user normally goes to bed. In another embodiment, the logic may respond to biometric sensors measuring physiological parameters of the user, such that scent presentations occur only when these parameters indicate one or more particular stages of sleep.

[0047] The PCB 309 may also include logic for controlling the position of the heater block arm 210 (cam) or axial actuator (not shown) based on the scent presentation schedule, heating interior and / or intensity. For example, during a scent presentation mode, the PCB 309 may include logic for moving the heater block 190 into position and turning the heater block 190 on. During break periods between scent presentations, the PCB 309 may include logic for moving the heater block 190 away from the scent reservoir 150 and / or for turning the heater block 190 off.

[0048] To facilitate control of the belt 140, a belt position sensor 318 may be used to detect the position of the belt 140 and provide this information to the logic of the PCB 309. The position of the belt 140 may be sensed by optical and / or mechanical processes. For example, the belt position sensor 318 may optically detect physical or identification markers on the belt 140 and / or scent reservoirs 150 to determine the position of the belt. Such identification markers may be, for example, without limitation, a barcode, a QR code, an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip, an NFC tag, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag, or a low-energy Bluetooth beacon associated with one or more scent reservoirs 150 or each belt 140. The identification markers may identify one or more of the following: the location of the scent reservoir relative to the isolation chamber 170; the scent type of each scent reservoir on the belt 140 (e.g., peach, vanilla, cinnamon, mint); a scent identification number that can provide the scent type and other characteristics (e.g., recommended neutralizer); and the sequence of the scents as they are positioned on the belt 140. Alternatively, the belt position may be determined by tracking the degree and direction the belt is moving relative to a known reference point. In an embodiment, the logic of the PCB 309 may be programmable by the manufacturer, medical treatment provider, and / or user. The interface for such a programming process may be wired or wireless and use any communication protocol known to those skilled in the art. In an embodiment, programming may be performed through an application running on a user's computing device, such as a personal computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other user device.

[0049] As discussed above, the wax pieces may be heated by heater block 190. Heater block 190 may be covered on its underside by an isolated heater block cover 329. Further isolation may be provided by heater block arm 210. Heater block 190 may be heated by a heating element, shown here with a thermistor and thermostat. These three components are collectively shown as assembly 326. Heater block 190 may be moved into and out of position by heater block motor 321. The positioning of heater block 321 may be further controlled by limit switch 323.

[0050] Operation of device 100 includes the following actions, according to one embodiment: The logic of PCB 309 may be initially programmed by a user, treatment provider, retailer, or manufacturer to define the sequence or rotation of specific scents that device 100 will present. The programming may also define the duration of presentation of each scent and / or the time interval between scents.

[0051] A different scent in the programmed sequence corresponds to each scent reservoir 150 on the belt 140. The scent sequence therefore corresponds to a series of scent reservoirs 150 to be positioned below the opening 180. This, in turn, corresponds to a series of positions of the belt 140, each position corresponding to the appropriate scent reservoir 150 positioned below the opening 180. The specific belt position can therefore be identified by logic executing on the PCB 308. Under the control of this logic, the drive wheel motor 312 can rotate the drive wheel 130 to position the belt 140 so that the desired scent reservoir 150 is directly below the opening 180 in the lower drum 175. The drive wheel 130 and belt 140 can then rest. The required positioning of the belt 140 can be facilitated by a belt position sensor 318.

[0052] Once in a steady state, the scent reservoir 150 may be brought into proximity with the heater block 190 and then heated by the heater block 190 by raising the lever arm 210 so that the heater block 190 is adjacent or close enough to the scent reservoir 150 and activating the heating element assembly 326. This at least partially melts the wax pieces of the scent reservoir 150, vaporizing some of the scent ingredients therein and releasing vapor into the airflow chamber 170.

[0053] In some embodiments, scent reservoir 150 may include a membrane or other barrier (not shown) that keeps the wax in place while allowing vapor to pass out of scent reservoir 150. Fan 160 may push air across opening 180, moving the scent out of device 100 and toward the user.

[0054] Once the scent has been delivered for a time interval defined by programming, the lever arm 210 may lower, moving the heater block 190 away from the scent reservoir 150, which may then be allowed to cool. In some embodiments, the lever arm 210 may be spring loaded to raise the heater block 190, and a rotating cam may be used to lower the lever arm 120, moving it away from the scent reservoir 150. The next scent (and associated scent reservoir 150) may be defined by programming, and the process may be repeated for this latter scent reservoir, as well as any additional scents and scent reservoirs. The movement of the lever arm 210 and heater block 190 toward and away from the steady-state scent reservoir 150 may be actuated by a mechanism connected to the heater block motor 321 and comprising one or more cams, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the above components are housed within a two-piece chassis comprising a back housing 105 and an access door 110, which may be connected by one or more hinges 360. The device may also include a base 333, which may be made from one or more of a thermally isolating material, a vibration-absorbing material, and / or a sound-deadening material. Such a base 333 would facilitate installation of the device 100 in a home or professional setting, if desired.

[0056] A process 500 for presenting a scent to a user is illustrated in FIG. 5 according to one embodiment. At 510, a scent is identified for presentation. The scent may be determined by logic programmed within the control module. At 520, the belt is rotated until the scent reservoir associated with the determined scent is exposed within the isolation chamber. In some embodiments, the belt 140 is rotated until the selected scent reservoir is adjacent to an opening in the lower drum 130. At 530, the scent reservoir is heated by the mechanism described above. This releases the determined scent into the lower drum (i.e., the isolation chamber). Activation of a fan forces the scent out of the device.

[0057] In some embodiments, the belt 140 can be stationary and an isolation chamber (i.e., lower drum 130) can be moved to a desired scent reservoir on the belt 140 to selectively isolate the scent reservoir for the scent release / presentation process. This can include moving a heat source (i.e., heater block 190) to the desired scent reservoir on the belt 140. Alternatively, the heat source can be stationary and coupled to the movable isolation chamber via a flexible duct.

[0058] The scent emission continues until the heating interval is completed. The length of the heating interval may be determined by the programming of the control module and may be unique for the determined scent or may be the same for all scents. A determination may be made at 540 as to whether the heating interval is completed. If not, heating continues at 530.

[0059] If the heating interval is complete, heating is terminated at 550 and the heating element is removed from the scent reservoir. This allows the scent reservoir to cool. The length of the cooling interval may be determined by the programming of the control module and may be unique for the determined scent or may be the same for all scents. A determination may be made at 560 as to whether the cooling interval is complete. If not, cooling continues at 550.

[0060] The cooling interval may be based on one or more of the size of the room in which the device is operating, the scent characteristics (e.g., base, middle, or top notes as mapped on an aroma pyramid), the temperature and / or humidity in the room, the altitude (which may be determined by the user's location using, for example, global positioning coordinates or the user's Internet Protocol address), the device's fan speed and / or fan capacity (e.g., cubic feet per minute), user input, and the distance between the device and the user at the time of operation.

[0061] When the cooling interval is complete, a determination is made at 570 as to whether the entire scent schedule has been completed. If not, the process returns to 510 and another scent is determined by the programming for presentation. Process 500 may repeat so that a sequence of scents is presented to the user. Once the schedule is complete, as determined by the programming at 570, the process may stop at 580.

[0062] As noted above, the sequence of scents presented to the user may or may not coincide with the arrangement of scent reservoirs on the belt. After a determined scent is presented to the user, the next scent on the schedule may not correspond to an adjacent scent reservoir on the belt. In either case, the belt will be rotated until the reservoir with the next scent is positioned at the opening of the lower drum. Rotation of the belt to the correct position may be facilitated by operation of a belt position sensor and a position indicator on the belt.

[0063] In that unintentional mixing of scents can diminish the therapeutic value of the device and its operation, it may be desirable to isolate a given scent for presentation to the user. Preferably, a scent is presented to the user, possibly followed by an interval during which the scent dissipates before the next scent is presented. In certain embodiments, this isolation may be facilitated by introducing an intervening odor that acts as a separator between successive scents. Such an intervening odor may serve to neutralize the preceding scent. Compounds that may be used for this purpose include hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, diethylene glycol, sodium citrate, sodium maleate, or a combination of some or all of these. Alternatively, the intervening odor may be a mixture of odors that, in combination, produce an olfactory white odor.

[0064] To implement such an intervening odor, one or more scent reservoirs 150 may hold such a mixture of odors or scent raw materials comprised of one or more of the above compounds. Such scent raw materials may or may not be embodied in wax. The intervening odors may then be included in a schedule programmed into the logic of the control module. The device may then present a scent from a particular scent reservoir, followed by the presentation of an intervening odor from that scent reservoir, followed by the presentation of another scent, and so on. In various embodiments, the presentation of the intervening odor may or may not require heating.

[0065] The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional components that illustrate implementations of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional components have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternative boundaries may be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

[0066] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will fully disclose the general nature of the present invention to the extent that others, by applying knowledge within the art, can readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various uses without departing from the general concept of the invention and without undue experimentation. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for purposes of description and not of limitation, and that the terminology or terminology herein will be interpreted by one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teaching and guidance.

[0067] The scope and breadth of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus, comprising: a belt comprising a band having a plurality of scent reservoirs; a belt motor configured and positioned to drive and stop the belt; a heater block positioned to heat one of the plurality of scent reservoirs after the motor positions the belt to bring one of the plurality of scent reservoirs into proximity with the heater block; a fan positioned to blow air out of the device over the heated one of the plurality of scent reservoirs; and The device is provided with:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a control module configured to control the belt motor and the movement of the belt.

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the control module is configured to start and stop the belt in a manner that positions two or more of the plurality of scent reservoirs adjacent the heater block in a predetermined sequence.

4. The control module stopping the belt for a predetermined heating interval when one of the two or more of the plurality of scent reservoirs is proximate to the heater block; controlling movement of the heater block toward the one or more of the plurality of scent reservoirs; turning on the heater block to heat the one or more of the plurality of scent reservoirs; The apparatus of claim 3 configured to:

5. The control module further comprises: turning off the heater block after the predetermined heating interval has expired; controlling movement of the heater block away from one of the scent reservoirs; The apparatus of claim 4 configured to:

6. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the control module is programmable to define a period of time between the heating interval and the next heating interval of the next scent reservoir.

7. 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising an airflow chamber positioned to receive the air blown by the fan over the heated one of the plurality of scent reservoirs and to direct the air out of the device.

8. a heater block motor; a heater block lever arm connected to the heater block and positioned to move the heater block lever arm and the heater block to position the heater block toward or away from the one of the plurality of scent reservoirs; The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

9. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of scent reservoirs contains a respective scent raw material mixed with wax, and wherein heating one of the scent reservoirs at least partially melts the wax and releases at least a portion of the scent raw material therein, and wherein the air blown by the fan over the heated one of the scent reservoirs moves the released scent raw material out of the device.

10. A belt, the belt comprising: A band having a plurality of scent reservoirs, each of which releases a scent when heated. Equipped with a belt.

11. 11. The belt of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of scent reservoirs contains a different scent.

12. 11. The belt of claim 10, wherein adjacent scent reservoirs of the plurality of scent reservoirs have different scents.

13. 11. The belt of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of scent reservoirs comprises a scent ingredient that releases vapor when heated.

14. 14. The belt of claim 13, wherein the scent ingredients, when held in each scent reservoir, are present in a mixture of waxes.

15. 14. The belt of claim 13, wherein the scented ingredients are retained within each scent reservoir at least in part by a semi-permeable material that allows the vapor from the scented ingredients to escape.

16. 14. The belt of claim 13, wherein the vapor from the scent ingredient escapes from the scent reservoir in response to heating of the scent ingredient.

17. The belt of claim 10, wherein the band comprises a continuous band.

18. 11. The belt of claim 10, wherein the band comprises a plurality of belt sections, each belt section comprising a first attachment feature at a first end of the belt section and a second attachment feature at a second end of the belt section, the first attachment feature of the first belt section configured to attach to the second attachment feature of the second belt section.

19. The belt of claim 10, wherein the plurality of scent reservoirs are embedded within the band.

20. The belt of claim 10, further comprising one or more identification markers configured to provide information regarding the location of one or more scent reservoirs or the belt.

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