US 20020069465A1
(19) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication (io) Pub. No.: US 2002/0069465 Al
Chute et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 13,2002
(54) AUTOMATED FRAGRANCE APPLICATION APPARATUS AND METHOD
(76) Inventors: Brian Chute, Inver Grove Heights, MN
(US); Charles A. Hodge, Cottage
Grove, MN (US); Richard J. Mehus,
Richfield, MN (US); Peter W. Rauen,
Cottage Grove, MN (US); Thomas L.
Hennemann, Winston-Salem, NC (US);
William Crawford, Eden Prairie, MN
(US); Paul Mattia, Prior Lake, MN
(US)
Correspondence Address:
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402-0903 (US)
(21) Appl. No.: 09/735,395
(22) Filed: Dec. 12, 2000
Publication Classification
(51) Int. CI.7 D06F 29/02; D06F 29/00;
D06F 35/00; D06B 1/00; F26B 11/02
(52) U.S. CI 8/158; 68/13 R; 68/20; 34/597;
34/605
A method and apparatus provide for an automated fragrance dispenser for the application of a fragrance to dry fabrics during an industrial laundering process. In one embodiment, the fragrance dispenser is positioned outside the dryer, and preferably on the exit side of the steam tunnel in the laundering process. The fragrance dispenser includes a sensor for determining whether the garment passing on the conveyor is the type of garment to which the fragrance is to be applied, for example, a uniform shirt versus pants. The fragrance dispenser also includes a delivery system for applying the fragrance to selected garments. The delivery system also includes a timing device for dispensing the fragrance onto the garment for a controlled amount of time.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, automated application of the fragrance to fabrics is provided in the dryer within the laundering process. The fragrance dispenser according to this embodiment includes a product media located in the air intake environment of the dryer, and a delivery system for applying the fragrance to the product media. The delivery system is configured to apply the fragrance to the product media, via an air-injection spray nozzle, during the cooling cycle of the dryer. The operation of the dryer draws air through the product media, thereby applying fragrance to the garments in the rotating drum of the dryer.
