System and method of controlling operation of a liquid diffusion appliance

Abstract

A method and system of controlling operation of a diffusion appliance to treat the atmosphere within an enclosed space. The appliance may be programmed to operate according to a control scheme specifying a flow rate of liquid to a diffusion means and a periodic operation of the diffusion means. Control schemes may be associated with different volumes of spaces to be treated by the appliance. Anti-fatigue schemes may provide variation of the flow rate or periodic operation of the appliance. Initiation controls schemes may be used to start treatment of the space before the appliance is programmed to operate according to one of the control schemes.

1 . A method of controlling a liquid diffusion appliance comprising:
 providing an enclosed space to be treated by a liquid and with which the appliance is in fluid communication, the appliance including a reservoir of liquid and a means of diffusing the liquid into the air of the space;   providing a plurality of control schemes for the appliance which are based on characteristics of the liquid and a level of treatment desired for the space, each of the control schemes specifying operational parameters for the appliance including a flow rate of liquid, and a periodic timing of operation of the diffusion means;   providing the diffusion means including a venturi in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir, and the venturi in fluid communication with a source of compressed gas, and wherein operation of the diffusion means comprises release of the pressurized gas into the venturi, the release of the gas into the venturi operating to draw liquid from the reservoir into the venturi where the liquid mixes with the gas at the desired flow rate and then dispersing the gas and liquid mixture into the space;   determining a volume of the space to be treated;   selecting one of the control schemes based on the volume of the space to be treated;   operating the appliance based on the selected control scheme.