GB2367006A

GB2367006A - Aroma dispensing device

Info

Publication number: GB2367006A
Application number: GB0023065A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Abraham Weissman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-09-20
Filing date: 2000-09-20
Publication date: 2002-03-27
Also published as: GB0023065D0

Abstract

An aroma dispensing device includes a plurality of aroma storage means 2 each for containing a source of aroma, and means 4 for selectively dispensing aromas from the sources in such a manner that selected aromas can be dispensed to a user for selected periods of time. The aroma storage means 2 may be provided in an array on a disc 1 arranged so that each storage means 2 may be selectively brought into register with the dispensing means 4. The disc may be driven by an electric motor 6 and may be controlled by a predetermined program identifying selected aromas and respective periods of time for which they are to be dispensed so as to produce aroma "music".

Description

AROMA DISPENSING DEVICE This invention concerns an aroma dispensing device for combining different smells of various duration. The device is intended for"playing"smells in a manner analogous to the playing of music wherein a combination of sound pitches of various duration is provided. In the device of the invention playing is conducted in a similar manner except that smells or aromas are utilised instead of musical tones.

The invention accordingly provides an aroma dispensing device comprising a plurality of aroma storage means each adapted to contain a source of a corresponding aroma or smell and means for selectively dispensing aromas from the respective sources in such a manner that selected aromas can be dispensed to a user for corresponding selected periods of time.

Advantageously, means are provided for dispensing aromas from the respective sources automatically in response to the reading of a corresponding programme identifying selected aromas and respective periods of time for which they are to be dispensed.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawing, which comprises a diagrammatic perspective view of a device in accordance with the invention.

Referring to the drawing, a disc I is provided with a variety of receptacles 2 each capable of containing a source of a given aroma. The disc I is contained within an outer housing 3 comprising an aroma dispensing means 4 capable of being placed under the nose of a user. The arrangement is such that each receptacle 2 is sealed within the housing 3 except when in register with a conduit communicating with the dispensing means 4. Each receptacle 2 is associated with an index means 5 for identifying the corresponding aroma and the disc I is arranged to be driven in rotation by means of an electric motor 6. A sensor 7 responsive to the presence of an index means in register therewith is coupled to a control device 8 for controlling the rotation of the disc 1 in response to detection of the presence of selected index means in register with the sensor 7. A programming device 9 containing a programme determining a sequence of aromas to be dispensed for predetermined periods of time is arranged to control the rotation of the electric motor so that selected receptacles 2 are arrested in register with the dispensing means 4 in a given sequence and for predetermined periods of time.

The index means may, for example, comprise bar codes and the sensor may comprise a bar code reader, in which case the programming device is arranged to cause the electric motor to rotate until a pre-selected bar code is detected and read by the bar code reader, whereupon the motor is stopped to retain a corresponding receptacle in the dispensing position for a given time, thus producing an"aromatic note".

The information contained in the programming means may be derived from an appropriate pre-recorded programme upon a suitable recording means, or. for example, the information could be down loaded and stored from an information source such as the Internet.

Thus, in accordance with the invention, there is provided an"aromatic music"player.

A parallel can be drawn with any music player. The main difference is that the sense of smell rather than hearing is engaged and aromas can be combined and played as songs, symphonies, etc.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An aroma dispensing device comprising a plurality of aroma storage means each adapted to contain a source of a corresponding aroma or smell and means for selectively dispensing aromas from the respective sources in such a manner that selected aromas can be dispensed to a user for corresponding selected periods of time.
2. A device according to Claim 1 wherein said dispensing means is adapted to be controlled by a predetermined programme identifying selected aromas and respective periods of time for which they are to be dispensed.
3. A device according to Claim I or 2 wherein said aroma storage means are provided in an array on a disc arranged for rotation within an external housing, said housing comprising dispensing means so arranged that each storage means on said disc can selectively be brought into register with said dispensing means.
4. A device according to Claim 3 wherein said disc is provided with a plurality of index means each associated with a corresponding storage means, said housing is provided with a sensor located adjacent a path of travel of the index means provided on said disc, and said disc is arranged to be driven by an electric motor that is in turn controllable by means of an electronic control device that is responsive to an output from said sensor in order to arrest said disc in selected positions defined by said index means.
5. A device in accordance with Claim 4 wherein said control device is selectively programmable to provide predetermined sequences wherein the said disc is arrested in selected positions for predetermined periods of time.
6. An aroma dispensing device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawing.