Mobile scent tester
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.
1. A self-contained mobile apparatus which replicates the evaluation and testing of scents, fragrances, aromas and odors in controlled and home environments for objectively and scientifically analyzing the identity, composition, profiling and preferences of consumers for scents contained within a standardized test sample, which comprises:
a cabinet having a security shield within its front to enclose and protect the operating mechanisms therein;
a sample test chamber to receive the test sample is enclosed within the cabinet and is extended upward through a sample air tube mounted through the top of the sample test chamber so that sample air flow from within the test chamber is circulated upward by a sample air fan mounted within the sample test chamber, which sample air flow moves through the sample air tube and out a sample air exit mounted through the top of the cabinet;
a testing station forming part of the top of the cabinet and encircling the sample air exit to receive positive sample air flow from the top of the sample air exit, and with a bloom guard partially encircling the front of the sample air exit to enclose and direct the sample air flow towards the operator at the rear of the cabinet, who performs tests thereon for identity, concentration and acceptance of the scent within the sample air flow;
a return air chamber connected below the testing station which receives return air flow through perforations within the testing station;
a filter cartridge enclosed within the return air chamber for scrubbing and filtering the return air flow and directing it downward; and
a return air blower mounted within a return air tube which suctions the return air flow down from the testing station, through the return air chamber and filter cartridge, thence out through a return air exhaust mounted at the bottom of the return air tube and extending out through the bottom of the cabinet, so that the operation of the scent tester is not adversely influenced by filtered return air flow.