System for Detecting a Container or Contents of the Container

Abstract

A system for detecting a container or contents of the container. The system includes a diffuser for retaining the container, where the container is configured to hold an active material therein and may include a wick extending therefrom. The system further includes a sensor positioned to detect, for example, the container retained in the diffuser and/or the contents of the container retained in the diffuser.

1 . (canceled) 
   
   
       2 . A system for detecting a container or contents of the container, the system comprising:
 a diffuser for retaining the container, the container configured to hold an active material therein and having a wick extending therefrom; and   a sensor positioned to detect at least one of the container retained in the diffuser and the contents of the container retained in the diffuser;   wherein the sensor is a capacitance-type sensor that detects a change in capacitance of an area adjacent the sensor.   
   
   
       3 - 16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . A system for detecting a container or contents of the container, the system comprising:
 a diffuser for retaining the container, the container configured to hold an active material therein and having a wick extending therefrom;   a capacitance element disposed adjacent the wick; and   a capacitance sensor for sensing a change in capacitance of the capacitance element.   
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the capacitance element comprises two pieces of foil disposed adjacent the wick and opposing one another and wherein the capacitance sensor and the capacitance element are operatively connected to detect a change in capacitance between the two pieces of foil. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein a wet wick increases capacitance in the capacitance element, thereby indicating that the container has active material therein and wherein a dry or missing wick nominally increases capacitance in the capacitance element, thereby indicating that the container is absent or empty. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the capacitance element comprises a tubular foil structure disposed around and adjacent the wick and wherein the capacitance sensor and the capacitance element are operatively connected to detect a change in capacitance in the tubular foil structure.