EP1225971A1 - Liberation regulee de substances - Google Patents

Liberation regulee de substances

Info

Publication number
EP1225971A1
EP1225971A1 EP99925948A EP99925948A EP1225971A1 EP 1225971 A1 EP1225971 A1 EP 1225971A1 EP 99925948 A EP99925948 A EP 99925948A EP 99925948 A EP99925948 A EP 99925948A EP 1225971 A1 EP1225971 A1 EP 1225971A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
volatile substance
interior region
substance
further including
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99925948A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1225971A4 (fr
Inventor
Ashok V. Joshi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Microlin LLC
Original Assignee
Microlin LC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Microlin LC filed Critical Microlin LC
Publication of EP1225971A1 publication Critical patent/EP1225971A1/fr
Publication of EP1225971A4 publication Critical patent/EP1225971A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M1/00—Stationary means for catching or killing insects
    • A01M1/20—Poisoning, narcotising, or burning insects
    • A01M1/2022—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide
    • A01M1/2061—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide using a heat source
    • A01M1/2077—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide using a heat source using an electrical resistance as heat source
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M1/00—Stationary means for catching or killing insects
    • A01M1/20—Poisoning, narcotising, or burning insects
    • A01M1/2022—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide
    • A01M1/2027—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide without heating
    • A01M1/2033—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide without heating using a fan
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M1/00—Stationary means for catching or killing insects
    • A01M1/20—Poisoning, narcotising, or burning insects
    • A01M1/2022—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide
    • A01M1/2027—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide without heating
    • A01M1/2044—Holders or dispensers for liquid insecticide, e.g. using wicks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M1/00—Stationary means for catching or killing insects
    • A01M1/20—Poisoning, narcotising, or burning insects
    • A01M1/2022—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide
    • A01M1/2061—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide using a heat source
    • A01M1/2072—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide using a heat source combined with a fan
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
    • A61L9/04—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
    • A61L9/12—Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates in general to the release of volatile substances and, more particularly, to a device for controllably releasing volatile substances in their vapor phase to the surrounding atmosphere.
  • the present invention comprises a device for controllably releasing volatile substances from a housing.
  • the controlled substance release device comprises a housing, a volatile substance, and a means for controllably releasing the substance from the housing.
  • the housing further consists of an interior region, an opening in the bottom end of the device, and means for orienting the device so that the force of gravity maintains the volatile substance over the opening the bottom end of the device.
  • the device further consists of a porous plug, which functions as the controlled release means.
  • the plug is positioned within the opening in the bottom of the device, and is in contact with the volatile substance. At the same time, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the plug is exposed to the atmosphere to allow the volatile substance to evaporate from the plug into the surrounding atmosphere.
  • the device may further consist of a means to re-supply the housing with additional volatile substance. Such a re-supplying means may consist of an independent top end to the device, or an inlet port through which the volatile substance may be poured.
  • the volatile substance may be contained in a replaceable cartridge having means to cooperate with the housing during use of the device, to, in turn, allow the volatile substance to be released from the cartridge.
  • the device further consists of aporous plug and the housing being constructed of a material which is substantially permeable to ambient air, yet substantially impermeable to the volatile substance contained within the housing ⁇ in combination functioning as the controlled release means.
  • the housing consists of a series of microscopic pores, and may be fabricated from polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and polyethylene, to name a few.
  • the housing allows ambient air to enter the interior region of the housing, thus allowing the volatile substance to diffuse through the porous plug at a constant and linear rate.
  • the housing prevents any loss of the volatile substance from the housing walls, through, for instance, a vent, thus preventing uncontrolled loss of the volatile substance through passages other than the porous plug.
  • the device further comprises a means to control the amount of ambient air that enters the interior region of the housing, thus controlling the release rate of the volatile substance from the device.
  • a means consists of a housing that is substantially permeable to ambient air, yet substantially impermeable to the volatile substance, and a shell that obstructs at least a portion of this ambient air permeable housing. The shell may be adjusted relative to the housing to, in turn, control the diffusion rate of the volatile substance through the porous plug and thus the release rate of the volatile substance from the device.
  • the device further comprises a porous plug and an electrochemical gas generating cell, which act to control the rate of release of the volatile substance from the housing.
  • the cell emits gases into the interior region of the housing, thus allowing constant release of the volatile substance through the porous plug and into the surrounding atmosphere.
  • the device further consists of a first porous plug positioned within the opening in the bottom of the device and at least partially exposed to the ambient atmosphere, a second porous plug positioned in contact with the volatile substance, and an air gap between the two plugs ⁇ in combination forming the means for controllably releasing the volatile substance from the housing.
  • the volatile substance diffuses through the first porous plug and enters the air gap between the plugs in a substantially vapor form. The vapor then diffuses, either remaining in a vapor form or returning to its liquid form, through the second porous plug, before entering the surrounding atmosphere.
  • the device further comprises an opening formed in the housing, which is positioned below the volatile substance, and an emanator pad, which is positioned below the opening ⁇ the controlled release means in this embodiment.
  • the volatile substance drips through the opening, where it falls onto the emanator pad.
  • the emanator pad absorbs the volatile substance, before the substance volatilizes from the surface of the emanator pad into the surrounding atmosphere.
  • the device further consists of a heating element, which increases the evaporation rate, and thus the release rate of the volatile substance.
  • the device may include an emanator positioned outside the housing at a predetermined distance away from the opening of the housing.
  • heating means and circulation increasing means may be utilized to increase the rate of volatilization.
  • the controlled release means may include an electrochemical or chemical gas generating device.
  • Fig. 1 of the drawings is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the device in which the volatile substance is contained in a replaceable cartridge;
  • Fig.4 of the drawings is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the device in which the housing is permeable to ambient air;
  • Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the device in which the user controls the release rate;
  • Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the device in which the user controls the release rate
  • Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of the device in which the user controls the release rate
  • Fig. 8 of the drawings is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the device incorporating an electrochemical gas generating cell
  • Fig. 9 of the drawings is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the device in which two plugs are separated by an air gap
  • Fig. 10 of the drawings is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the device in which a heating element is used in combination with the porous plug
  • Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the device in which an emanator pad is associated with the porous plug
  • Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the device incorporating a gas generating cell
  • Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the device in which the emanator is separated from the housing, and in which a heating element and forced air is used in combination with the emanator.
  • Controlled substance release device 20 is shown in Fig. 1 as comprising volatile substance 21, housing 22, and means for controllably releasing the substance from the housing.
  • the volatile substance is contained within the housing and may consist of any substance exhibiting diffusive properties, such as liquids, vapors, or gelatinous materials.
  • the volatile substance may take the form of a liquid from the group including, but not limited to, perfumes, pesticides, insect repellents, air fragrances, medicines, or combinations thereof.
  • Housing 22 consists of outer surface 24, interior region 26, top end 27, bottom end 28, opening 30 (in the bottom end), and means for controllably releasing the substance from the housing which, in the embodiment of Fig. 1, comprises porous plug 33.
  • top end 27 further consists of means 31 for orienting the device so that the force of gravity maintains the volatile substance over opening 30 in bottom end 18 of the device.
  • Such an orienting means may consist of a hook, although other means not necessarily associated with the top of the device, such as a stand, VelcroTM, etc. are also contemplated.
  • top end 27 may be constructed independently of housing 22, so as to allow secured attachment of the top end to the housing and removal of the top end for re-supplying the housing with additional volatile substance 21. To facilitate such removal, while also maintaining a fluid tight seal, it is preferred that the top end is threadably attached or snap-fit to the housing.
  • an inlet port 38 may be positioned in the housing to allow the housing to be re-supplied with the volatile substance.
  • such an inlet port also includes a removable sealing member 39, such as a stopper, cap, or threaded plug, which is impermeable to the volatile substance.
  • volatile substance 41 may be contained within a replaceable and disposable cartridge 45.
  • a replaceable and disposable cartridge 45 Such a cartridge may, for example, be held in the housing by a removable cap, or locked into the housing by a snap-fit fastening mechanism such as ridge 46 and groove 47.
  • Cartridge 45 may be constructed from a relatively rigid material, such as a hard plastic or metal, or may be relatively pliable and flexible, such as a plastic bag.
  • Cartridge 45 further consists of a means to cooperate with the housing during use of the device, to, in turn, allow the volatile substance to be released from the cartridge and to allow air to enter into the cartridge.
  • One such cooperation means comprises cartridge walls 43 that are permeable to ambient air, yet impermeable to the volatile substance contained within the cartridge (as will be described in detail below in reference to Fig. 4).
  • Another cooperation means comprises spikes 48, or other similar means capable of puncturing bottom 44 of cartridge 45, to allow the volatile substance to escape from the cartridge.
  • a seal or any material that is easily penetrated, is contemplated for placement over the bottom of the cartridge to prevent escape of the volatile substance before use.
  • Yet another cooperation means consists of top 49 of cartridge 45 being removable, as for instance with the use of a conventional removable seal.
  • top 49 may also be puncturable, as for instance by a knife, pen, similar readily available object, or even spikes/puncturing means attached to device top 42.
  • a removable or puncturable top would allow cooperation with a gas generating cell (as will be described hereinbelow in reference to Fig. 8).
  • Cartridge 45 may be removed and replaced after the volatile substance has been released.
  • Opening 30, shown in Figs. 1 and 2 may be of any preferred size.
  • opening 30 is the size of the inner diameter of housing 22.
  • Porous plug 33 also shown in Figs. 1 and 2 has a top surface 34, bottom surface 36, and is positioned within opening 30 in bottom end 28 of the housing.
  • the porous plug may also be held in the housing by other conventional means such as adhesive, shoulders, fingers, or the like situated on the inner surface of the housing. Because of the orientation of the device, the porous plug is positioned below the volatile substance such that gravity forces volatile substance 21 to come into contact with at least a portion of top surface 34 of the plug.
  • bottom surface 36 of the porous plug is at least partially exposed to the surrounding atmosphere.
  • the porous plug preferably comprises a microporous polymer membrane
  • the porous plug may be fabricated from any number of materials including, but not limited to, porous plastic, porous polymers, porous ceramics, porous metals, porous glass, fibrous materials, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, or any combinations thereof.
  • bottom surface 36 of porous plug 32 is shown as being partially exposed to the surrounding atmosphere, it is also contemplated that the bottom surface is associated with emanator pad 39 (Fig. 12) to increase the surface area from which volatile substance 21 may evaporate. This increase in evaporative surface area, in turn, allows the release rate of the volatile substance to be increased.
  • Controlled substance release device 50 is shown in Fig. 4 as comprising housing 52, volatile substance 51 , porous plug 53, and interior region 56. While the porous plug and volatile substance are similar to those described above in reference to Figs. 1 and 2, housing 52 is constructed of a material which is substantially permeable to ambient air, but substantially impermeable to the volatile substance contained within the housing. In this embodiment, housing 52, in addition to porous plug 53, serves as the means for controlled release of volatile substance 51.
  • housing 52 consists of a series of microscopic pores 54 which dictate the permeability characteristics of the housing material.
  • the housing is preferably fabricated from polypropylene, a material that allows the diffusion of ambient air through its pores, but prevents similar diffusion by larger molecules comprising the fragrances, oils, medicines, insecticides, repellents, or the like.
  • other materials such as high density polyethylene or polyethylene may also be used to fabricate the housing, as they too exhibit favorable permeability characteristics.
  • the porosity of housing 52 can be in the range of less than 5 microns to 6 microns. It is also contemplated that only a portion of the housing have pores, or pores of different ranges than the pores located at other portions of the housing.
  • these housing materials are also selected so as to avoid erosion, decomposition, or abrasion by long term storage of volatile substances. It is also contemplated that in addition to differences in molecule sizes, permeability can be a function of pressure differential, such as a negative pressure within the interior region of the housing as compared to the pressure in the ambient surroundings. In those circumstances, of course, permeability would be a function of the specific characteristics of the particular volatile substance used, as would be understood to one with ordinary skill in the art ⁇ of course entrance of ambient air via mere diffusion through the particular housing material is indeed contemplated.
  • porous plug 53 is sealed before use, preferably by a plastic or metallic material impermeable to both the ambient air and volatile substance 51. Additionally, the ambient air permeable portions of housing 52 may also be sealed by a similar material, however, such a seal is not required. Because the porous plug is sealed, and because the housing is substantially impermeable to the volatile substance, none of the volatile substance escapes from the housing.
  • volatile substance 51 becomes capable of diffusing out of housing 52 through porous plug 53.
  • any loss of volatile substance 51 from interior region 56 of housing 52 creates a pressure gradient wherein the pressure inside interior region 56 is lower than the pressure in the surrounding atmosphere.
  • This pressure gradient builds as more of the volatile substance diffuses through the porous plug, thus hindering the diffusion rate and release rate of the volatile substance from the device.
  • pores 54 in ambient air permeable housing 52 allow air to enter interior region 56 of the housing. The entrance of air at least partially breaks the pressure gradient and allows volatile substance 51 to diffuse through porous plug 53 and to eventually evaporate into the surrounding atmosphere.
  • housing 52 is impermeable to volatile substance 51, the volatile substance is prevented from escaping through pores 54 in housing 52.
  • this feature stands in contrast to other means for breaking the pressure gradient existing between the interior region of the housing and the surrounding atmosphere ⁇ for instance a vent in the housing ⁇ as those means allow the volatile substance to escape through the housing.
  • This escape of the volatile substance through a passage other than the porous plug is unpredictable and leads to disruption of and inconsistency in the release rate of the volatile substance.
  • the permeability characteristics possessed by housing 52 of device 50 lead to a more uniform, linear, and constant release rate of the volatile substance from the device.
  • Means 68 to control the amount of ambient air entering the interior region of the housing is shown in Figs.
  • controlled substance release device 60 comprises housing 62, volatile substance 61 and interior region of housing 66.
  • a user of device 60 may selectively control the amount of ambient air entering interior region 66 of housing 62, thus controlling the release rate of volatile substance 61 from the device.
  • this embodiment contemplates that at least a portion of housing 62 is substantially permeable to ambient air, but substantially impermeable to the volatile substance contained within the housing.
  • ambient air controlling means 68 is shown in Fig. 5 as consisting of housing 62, shell 63, housing threads 64, and shell threads 69 (collectively comprising an adjustable valve).
  • Shell 63 is a separate component from housing 62, and has a larger diameter so as to be positionable over the housing.
  • Housing threads 64 are formed on the outer surface of the housing, and are designed to receive shell threads 66, formed on the inner surface of the shell.
  • shell 63 selectively obstructs ambient air flow through the ambient air permeable housing walls and into interior region 66.
  • the two sets of threads allow the shell to be adjusted relative to the housing, thus allowing adjustment of the surface area of the air permeable region of the housing exposed to the surrounding atmosphere.
  • threads 64 and 66 may further consist of detent or locking means (not shown) so as to allow a user to adjust the shell to a number of preset positions.
  • Ambient air controlling means 68 is also shown in Fig. 6 as comprising a series of corresponding ridges 72 and grooves 74. Ridges 72 are formed on the inner surface of shell 63, while grooves 74 are formed on the outer surface of housing 62. To lock the housing and shell in place, shell 63 snap-fits over housing 62, thus engaging the corresponding ridges and grooves in a fluid-tight seal. Like the threadable assembly described above in reference to Fig. 5, the shell may be moved up or down to selectively adjust the degree of exposure of the air permeable portions of the housing to the ambient air — thus adjusting the amount of air entering the housing and the release rate of the volatile substance.
  • a reverse construction with the ridges positioned on the outer surface of the housing and grooves positioned on the inner surface of the shell, is equally viable.
  • Ambient air controlling means 68 is additionally shown in Fig. 7 consisting of lug 82 and channel 84.
  • Lug 82 is formed on the outer surface of housing 62, while channel 84 is formed on the inside of shell 63.
  • Channel 84 has a number of set lug stops 86, so as to allow the lug to be positioned within the lug stops at preset positions.
  • a user controls the surface area of the ambient air permeable portion of the housing obstructed by the shell, thus controlling the amount of air entering the interior region of the housing.
  • a reverse construction is also contemplated.
  • any of such adjustable mechanisms by controlling the amount of ambient air that enters into the housing, the user will, in essence, be selectively controlling the amount of volatile substance entering the surrounding atmosphere to, for instance, vary the ambient concentration of a fragrance, medicine, insect repellant, or other volatilizing substance.
  • Controlled substance release device 90 is shown in Fig. 8 as comprising housing 92, volatile substance 91 , interior region of housing 96, electrochemical gas generating cell 95, and porous plug 93.
  • Gas generating cell 95 may comprise a conventional gas releasing electrochemical cell such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,427,870 and 5,454,922 to Joshi et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Gas generating cell 95 not only assists gravity in dispensing volatile substance 91 through porous plug 93, but gas generating cell 95, in combination with the porous plug, act as the means for controlled release of the volatile substance ⁇ toward a linear and constant release of same.
  • the gas generating cell is positioned within the device such that gases generated therefrom are emitted into interior region 96 of housing 92. Emission of the gases into the interior region of the housing, in turn, breaks the pressure gradient created by the diffusion of volatile substance 91 through porous plug 93 (described above), thus allowing the volatile substance to diffuse through porous plug 93 at a relatively uniform, linear, and constant rate. Moreover, by controlling the amount of gas emitted by gas generating cell 95, the pressure in the interior region of the housing may be controlled to increase or decrease the rate of diffusion of the volatile substance through the porous plug and, in turn, the rate of volatilization from the porous plug.
  • gas generating cell 95 may likewise be used in combination with one or more of the ambient air permeable housing embodiments of Figs. 4-7, as well as with other embodiments disclosed herein, such as an embodiment with heating elements 123 and 125 (described hereinbelow in reference to Fig. 11), as well as an embodiment which does not use a porous plug.
  • Controlled substance release device 100 is shown in Fig. 9 as including housing 102, volatile substance 101, interior region of housing 106, and means 107 for controllably releasing the substance from the housing.
  • Controlled release means 107 consists of first porous plug 103, air gap 108, and second porous plug 104.
  • Second porous plug 104 is positioned in interior region 106 of housing 102, and in contact with volatile substance 101.
  • First porous plug 103 is positioned in the bottom of the housing with at least a portion of its bottom surface 105 exposed to the ambient atmosphere.
  • Air gap 108 is formed between the porous plugs, as no portion of the second porous plug comes into contact with the first porous plug.
  • the housing is fabricated from a porous medium (such as shown in Fig. 4) and that the portion of the housing surrounding the air gap include more pores, (or pores of greater size) than the pores in the remainder of the housing.
  • volatile substance 101 diffuses through second porous plug 104 and enters air gap 108 between the plugs in a substantially vapor form.
  • the vapor then diffuses through first porous plug 103, before entering the surrounding atmosphere.
  • the use of two porous plugs separated by an air gap controls and linearizes the rate of release of the volatile substance into the ambient atmosphere.
  • the porous plugs may have differing porosities and/or dimensions so as to both control the rate of release of the volatile substance and to accommodate the substantially liquid phase encountered by the second porous plug and the substantially vapor phase experienced by the first porous plug. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that at least a portion of the vapor phase entering the first porous plug is converted back into its liquid phase before volatilizing from the bottom of the first porous plug.
  • the two plug configuration of this embodiment may be used in combination with the one or more additional features, such as the electrochemical gas generating cell 95 (Fig. 8), heating elements 123 and 125 (Fig. 11), and ambient air permeable housing embodiments (Figs.4-7), as well as with a replaceable volatile substance cartridge.
  • Controlled substance release device 110 is shown in Fig. 10 as comprising housing 112, volatile substance 111, and means 115 for controllably releasing the substance from the housing, which, in the embodiment of Fig. 10, consists of opening 114, and emanator pad 116.
  • Volatile substance 111 is contained in housing 112, which is positioned above opening 114. The opening, in turn, is positioned above emanator pad 116, which is at least partially exposed to the ambient atmosphere.
  • volatile substance 111 drips liquid through opening 114 and falls onto emanator pad 116 below, where the substance is absorbed by the pad. The volatile substance then evaporates from the surface of the emanator pad into the surrounding atmosphere.
  • Emanator pad 116 may be placed within the housing, as shown in Fig. 10, or maintained separately from the housing, for instance positioned below the device when the device is in a hanging position.
  • the size of the emanator pad may be varied ⁇ thus varying the surface area of the emanator pad exposed to the atmosphere. This variation in surface area, in turn, allows the rate of volatilization of the substance from the emanator pad to be varied — for instance, increasing the surface area of the emanator pad for a greater volatilization rate.
  • the device of this embodiment may be used in combination with one or more additional features, such as electrochemical gas generating cell 95 (Figs.
  • emanator pad 116 may be positioned a predetermined distance below the housing such that it is physically separated from the housing, but still a part of the overall fluid delivery system. In such an embodiment, the volatile fluid drips onto the emanator by way of gravity, or with the aid of a gas generating cell, such as a chemical or electrochemical gas generating cell of the type shown in Fig. 13.
  • Emanator pad 116 may comprise a porous material, or, alternatively may comprise a substantially non-porous surface, such as a substantially non-porous plate.
  • the emanator is a non-porous plate, the volatile fluid collects and remains on the upper surface thereof until it evaporates.
  • a conventional fan or other forced air device can be utilized as a means for enhancing the emanation of the fluid.
  • the fan is positioned so as to increase the circulation of air proximate the emanator.
  • a heating element 123 which, for example, operates on electric current from a battery or from a wall outlet may be utilized to heat the emanator, which, in turn further enhances the volatilization of the fluid.
  • Controlled substance release device 120 is shown in Fig. 11 and consists of housing 122, volatile substance 121, porous plug 133, and heating elements 123 and 125.
  • heating elements 123 and 125 are positioned proximately to porous plug 133, so as to allow either the porous plug, or the volatile substance, to be heated. This heating, in turn, increases the volatilization rate of volatile substance 121 from the device.
  • device 120 preferably consists of standard wall socket member 124 to activate heating elements 123 and 125, although other conventional heat activating means, such as a battery or other electrical source, are likewise contemplated.
  • a circular housing is shown in Fig. 11 , the housing may comprise any desired configuration.
  • the controlled substance release device such as the surface area of the porous plug exposed to the surrounding atmosphere; the physical properties of the plug (i.e. porosity, material, etc.); the physical properties of the volatile substance; the height of the device; and the diameter or circumference of the device, among others, also dictate the rate of release of the volatile substance. Accordingly, these factors may also be adjusted in combination with one of the above- described embodiments to assist in controlling the rate of release of the volatile substance and to assist in achieving a linear, constant and controlled release rate.
  • the device is shown in the Figures as substantially cylindrical in shape, it is likewise contemplated that the device may take any number of shapes, including circular, spherical, square, rectangular, pyramidal, triangular, polygonal, tubular, or conical, to name just a few.

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif (20) destiné à libérer une substance volatile (21), ce dispositif comprenant un boîtier (22) pourvu d'une zone interne (26) contenant une substance volatile (21), et à la possibilité de libérer la substance volatile (21) de manière régulée à partir dudit boîtier (22). Cette libération régulée est possible à condition que le boîtier (22) soit en grande partie perméable à l'air ambiant, mais en grande partie imperméable à la substance volatile (21) contenue dans la zone interne (26) du boîtier (22). Par ailleurs, l'invention se rapporte à l'utilisation d'un ou de plusieurs bouchons poreux (33) destinés à la diffusion de la substance volatile (21), qui arrive finalement dans l'atmosphère sous forme de vapeur. Pour faciliter cette diffusion, l'invention se rapporte à l'utilisation d'une cellule électrochimique (95) produisant du gaz, à un élément de chauffe (123, 125) et/ou à d'autres facteurs permettant à l'air d'entrer de manière régulée dans la zone interne (26) du boîtier (22).
EP99925948A 1999-05-28 1999-05-28 Liberation regulee de substances Withdrawn EP1225971A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1999/011775 WO2000072951A1 (fr) 1999-05-28 1999-05-28 Liberation regulee de substances

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1225971A1 true EP1225971A1 (fr) 2002-07-31
EP1225971A4 EP1225971A4 (fr) 2010-04-07

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99925948A Withdrawn EP1225971A4 (fr) 1999-05-28 1999-05-28 Liberation regulee de substances

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1225971A4 (fr)
JP (1) JP3904393B2 (fr)
AU (1) AU4213299A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000072951A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7614568B2 (en) * 2000-08-24 2009-11-10 Microlin, Llc Device employing gas generating cell for facilitating controlled release of fluid into ambient environment
JP4591458B2 (ja) * 2001-07-19 2010-12-01 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和機
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JP2003500181A (ja) 2003-01-07
AU4213299A (en) 2000-12-18
EP1225971A4 (fr) 2010-04-07
WO2000072951A1 (fr) 2000-12-07
JP3904393B2 (ja) 2007-04-11

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