WO2016207815A2

WO2016207815A2 - A portable device for controlled variable vaporization of liquids and gels

Info

Publication number: WO2016207815A2
Application number: PCT/IB2016/053718
Authority: WO
Inventors: Berera Devaiah VIJAYA
Original assignee: Resil Chemical Private Limited
Priority date: 2015-06-22
Filing date: 2016-06-22
Publication date: 2016-12-29
Also published as: WO2016207815A3

Abstract

The present invention provides a portable device (100) for controlled variable vaporization of liquid/gel. The portable device (100) comprises of a cartridge (106), a nano-pad (105), a sensor (107), a plurality of channels (103), a first contact layer (104), a second contact layer (102) and a heater pad (101). The portable device (101) is programmed to heat the heater pad (101) precisely. Here, the second contact layer (102) attached towards the distal end of the heater pad (101) transmits the heat uniformly to the channels (103) from the heater pad (101). The first contact layer (104) in turn transfers the heat to the impregnated nano-pad (105) so as to vaporize the liquid or gel content from the impregnated nano-pad (105).

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

A portable device for controlled variable vaporization of liquids and gels

[0001] Technical field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to vaporizer and more particularly relates to a portable vaporizer to provide controlled variable vaporization of liquid/gel to the surrounding environment.

[0003] Background of the invention

[0004] Vaporizers are used to convert liquid to vapor in various applications, where vapor is necessary, or preferable. The vaporizer adds heat to an inflow of liquid in order to vaporize the liquid and create an outflow of vapor. The vaporizer produces a controlled vapor stream from a liquid fuel at ambient pressure. The vaporizers are used in many applications such as insect repellants, perfumes, deodorants, ionizers, disinfectants etc. Recent developments in the vaporization system have led to the development of a controlled variable device which vaporizes liquid or gel from the cartridge to the surrounding environment. The controlled vaporizer provides controlled vaporization cycle and burst timings depending on the applications.

[0005] Various types of conventional vaporization devices are known in the prior art. For example, United States Patent No.2243752A describes aliquid vaporizing and diffusing device. The claimed device vaporizes more or less volatile liquids such as perfumes and diffuses the vapors slowly within an enclosed space such as a passenger vehicle, thereby produces a pleasant odor within the passenger compartment of a motor car in which the device is placed. The invention is more particularly concerned with a vapor disseminating package which can be shipped, stored and furnished to the user as a completely sealed unit from which there is no danger of leakage, but whose seal or seals can be removed when the device is to be placed in service. When the device in service liquid is fed from the supply by capillary action, for example, to the mouth of the cartridge where the liquid evaporates and diffuses slowly. [0006] For example, United Kingdom Patent no. 2380940 A describes a substrate enclosed in an impermeable aperture material and comprises an active substance, such as insecticide or fragrance, for delivering thereof. The claimed device comprises a solid substrate comprising one or more active substances, wherein the substrate is enclosed in a material which is impermeable to those substances and comprises one or more apertures which permit the active substances to be released into the atmosphere via the apertures. The active substance may be a fragrance or an insecticide, such as a pyrethroid, release of which into the atmosphere would inhibit insect biting. The solid substrate may comprise one or more holes, extending partially or completely through the substrate, preferably in at least partial alignment with the one or more apertures in the material. The substrate may be a fibrous mat. The substrate may comprise one or more solvents (e.g. isopropyl myristate) and may also comprise, as an indicator, a material the light transmitting properties of which vary depending on the amount of solvent present in the substrate. The apertures in the material are preferably present only on the uppermost surface. They may provide for the release of the active substance there-through when the substrate is heated and preferably are releasable sealed (e.g. with an adhesive polymer film) prior to the use of the device. By modifying the configuration of the apertures, the nature and/or amount of solvent, and/or by including a surfactant, the device can be designed to release the active substance into the atmosphere at a substantially constant delivery rate. This allows the desired level of protection to be achieved more economically and for a longer period (e.g. between 2 and 30 days) than would be possible in devices where the delivery rate decays exponentially with time.

[0007] However, the claimed devices do not provide controlled vaporization cycle and burst timings depending on the applications and also these devices do not have the feature to operate for a longer duration using the battery with quick rechargeable option.

[0008] Hence, there is a need for a portable controlled variable device to enable optimum dispensing of repellants, fragrance or other molecules for pest related, health related or odor related applications. As controlled dispensing will enable optimum use of such fluids where the requirements are just minimal and can benefit longer usage of cartridge.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a portable device for controlled variable vaporization of volatile liquid/gel. For this purpose, the portable device of the present invention comprises a cartridge filled with a liquid/gel for vaporization purpose. A nano-pad is attached to the top end of the cartridge to absorb required amount of liquid/gel depending upon the vaporization cycle. Further, a first contact layer is attached to the top end of the nano-pad to receive heat from a plurality of channels and to transmit heat to the impregnated nano-pad to vaporize the liquid/vapor content from the impregnated nano-pad. Here, a plurality of channels is present at the top end of the first contact layer to burst out the vaporized liquid/gel content from the impregnated nano-pad to the surrounding environment. [0011] In accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention, the portable device further comprises a second contact layer positioned between the heater pad and the channels to transmit the heat generated from the heater pad to the channels. The channels transmit the heat received from the second contact layer to the first contact layer. The first contact layer further transmits heat to the impregnated nano-pad to vaporize the liquid/gel content from the impregnated nano-pad. [0012] In accordance to one embodiment of the present invention, the portable device also allows the user to configure vaporization cycle and burst timings depending upon the vaporization applications.

[0013] Thus, the portable device of the present invention provides an effective variable controlled vaporization of liquid/gel into the surrounding environment. Further, the portable device provides controlled vaporization cycle and burst timings to suit the vaporization application demand. The portable device is capable of extending the durations of operations, due to battery assisted mechanism. The portable device also has quick rechargeable feature, which ensures very low down time for the vaporizer.

[0014] Further, the portable device may be readily used in residential and commercial buildings or places. Further, the portable device of the present invention may also be incorporated in portable/hand-held electronic accessories such as mobile phones, smart phones, portable electronic devices, watches or smart watches etc. through the use of state of art electronic integration technologies.

[0015] Brief description of the drawings:

[0016] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0017] FIG 1 illustrates a schematic view of a portable variable controlled device to vaporize liquid/gel, in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention. [0018] FIG 2 illustrates an exploded view of a portable variable controlled device to vaporize liquid/gel, in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention. [0019] Detailed description of the invention:

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention.

[0021] The term "nano-pad" is from the fact that the pad material is impregnated with a nano material to effectively transfer heat to the liquid molecules in the pad for evaporating quickly and effectively. The nano material used currently is silver but this need not be limited to silver and may be copper, gold or other conductive materials in nano or micro form. The base material used for nano-pad herein refers to materials including but not limited to cellulose fibre, cardboard, paperboard, sponge, paper, fibreboard, cloth, sintered glass, glass fibre, metal fibre, asbestos, sintered metal orsintered plastic.

[0022] The present invention provides a portable device for controlled variable vaporization of liquids and gels. The portable device comprises of a cartridge, a nano-pad, a sensor, a plurality of channels, a first contact layer, a second contact layer and a heater pad. The portable device is programmed to heat the heater pad precisely. Here, the second contact layer is attached towards the distal end of the heater pad to transmit heat uniformly to the channels from the heater pad. The first contact layer in turn transfers the heat to the impregnated nano-pad, so as to vaporize the liquid/gel content from the impregnated nano-pad.

[0023] FIG 1 illustrates a schematic view of a portable controlled variable device to vaporize liquid/gel, in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the portable device (100) comprises of a cartridge (106), a nano-pad (105), a sensor (107), a plurality of channels (103), a first contact layer (104), a second contact layer (102) and a heater pad (101). The cartridge (106) is filled with liquid/gel for vaporization purpose. One side of the nano-pad (105) is attached to the cartridge (106) to impregnate required amount of liquid/gel and the other side of the nano-pad (105) is attached with the first contact layer (104). The sensor (107) is fitted in the first contact layer (104) to measure the temperature of the first contact layer (104). The channels (103) are fitted in between the first contact layer (104) and the second contact layer (102) to liberate heat and burst out the vaporized liquid or gel content. The second contact layer (102) is positioned towards the distal end of the heater pad (101) to transmit heat to the channels (103).

[0024] In the preferred embodiment, the portable device (100) may be configured to heat the heater pad (101) precisely. The second contact layer (102) transmits the heat uniformly from the heater pad (101) to the channels (103). The first contact layer (104) in turn transfers heat to the impregnated nano-pad (105). The nano-pad (105) may be configured to soak with the liquid/gel content, based on the designed application to dispense the liquid/gel present in the cartridge (106). The portable device (100) further comprises a wick to soak the nano-pad (105) with liquid/gel. The first contact layer (104) vaporizes liquid/gel content from the impregnated nano-pad (105), based on the liberation of the heat on the impregnated nano-pad (105). The portable device (100) burst out the vaporized liquid/gel content through the channels (103) from the second contact layer (102). The channel (103) retains the intended temperature and bursts the vaporized liquid/gelcontent to the surrounding environment. The sensor (107) in the first contact layer (104) efficiently controls vaporization of the liquid/gel content based on the different vaporization applications. For this purpose, the sensor (107) may be configured to measure the temperature of the first contact layer (104) and transmit signals to control the heating rates of the heater pad, based upon the vaporization application.

[0025] The sensor (107) also increases the battery (109c, FIG 2) life by maintaining the power levels at different ratings for different vaporization applications such as insect repellants, perfumes, deodorants, ionizers, disinfectants etc. Further, the first contact layer (102) and the second contact layer (104) is made up of a high thermal conductivity material such as copper to transmit heat to the impregnated nano-pad (105).

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, the impregnated nano-pad (105) and the channels (103) may vary in different sizes and shapes based on the vaporization application to enable fast and effective heat transfer to the medium of vaporization.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, the portable device (100) is configured to set and control the vaporization cycle and vapor burst timings depending on the vaporization application. The portable device (100) also provides appropriate user interface to set vaporization cycle and vapor burst timings to the user.

[0028] Thus, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention, the heater pad (101) is heated until it reaches a predetermined temperature limit. Here, the predetermined temperature limit may be configured based on the dispensing material characteristics. For instance, the heater pad (101) may be heated until it reaches a temperature limit of say 70 degrees Celsius. Here, the sensor (107) may be configured to measure the temperature of the first contact layer (104). The sensor (107) continuously measures the temperature of the first contact layer (104). The sensor (107) upon detecting a predetermined temperature limit of 70 degrees Celsius in the first contact layer (104), transmits control signals to stop and restart the heating process of the heater pad (101). Thus, the sensor (107) also conserves power based on set vaporization application. Both the vapor burst cycle and the stop-restart cycle are programmable based on application. Apart from this, the entire dispensing cycle is also programmable. Here, when the duration is reached, the device (100) automatically shuts down completely and hence no more power is wasted. The device (100) is activated again only when the user reactivates the device (100) through the user interface.

[0029] The portable device (100) of the present invention allows the user to set predetermined temperature limit and vapor cycle restart time based on the dispensing liquid/gel characteristics. Thus, the portable device (100) provides variable controlled dispensing of vapors depending on the vaporization application.

[0030] The portable device (100) also dispenses vapors in a safe manner. The portable device (100) operates for a longer duration using the battery (109c, FIG 2) and has a quick rechargeable feature.

[0031] FIG 2 illustrates an exploded view of a portable variable controlled device to vaporize liquid/gel, in accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] As shown in FIG 2, the portable device (100) of the present invention comprises a front cover (108) with a user interface to allow the user to set the vaporization cycle duration and vapor burst timings depending upon the vaporization application. The front cover (108) of the portable device (100) further comprises a cartridge window (108a) to allow the user to view the levels of fluid to fill the cartridge (106) with the liquid/gel for vaporization purpose. [0033] The rear cover (109) of the portable device (100) further comprises an integrated heater with nano-pad (109a). Here the integrated heater with nano-pad (109a) further comprises a heater pad (101), a second contact layer (102), a plurality of channels (103), a first contact layer (104) and the impregnated nano- pad (105). The nano-pad (105) impregnates the fluid/gel to be vaporized from the cartridge (106) for vaporization purpose.

[0034] In accordance to one or more embodiment of the present invention, when the power switch (110) is On', the heater pad (101) is heated to a predetermined temperature depending upon the vaporization application. The heat from the heater pad (101) is transmitted to the second contact layer (102) and then to the channels (103). The channel (103) in turn transmits the heat to the first contact layer (104). The first contact layer (104) further transmits the received heat to the impregnated nano-pad (105) to vaporize the liquid/vapor content from the impregnated nano-pad (105). Here the channels (103) present at the top end of the first contact layer (104) are configured to burst out the vaporized liquid/gel content from the impregnated nano-pad (105) to the surrounding environment through a vapor vent (108b) present in the front cover (108) of the device (100). The rear end (109) of the portable device (100) further may also comprise an optional vapor pressurizer (109b) to release the burst out vapors at the peak pressurized state, so that the vapors penetrate through the processor (111) and get released into the surrounding environment through the vapor vent (108b).

[0035] The portable device (100) of the present invention also comprises a processor/controller (111) to transmit control signals to the integrated heater with nano-pad (109a), so as to provide controlled vaporization of liquid/gel depending on the vaporization cycle parameters and the vapor burst timings set by the user.

[0036] Thus, the portable device (100) of the present invention provides an effective variable controlled vaporization of liquid/gel into the surrounding environment. Also, the portable device (100) provides controlled vaporization cycle and vapor burst timings to suit the vaporization application demand. The portable device (100) comes with a battery (109c) for operating for a longer duration, and with a quick rechargeable option. Due to the capability of precise control of vaporization, extremely low rates of vaporizations may be achieved, resulting in low consumption of liquid/gel for a given intervals of operations. [0037] The portable device (100) may be readily used in residential and commercial buildings or places. Further, the portable device (100) of the present invention may also be designed in a nano-scale range to be incorporated in portable/hand-held electronic accessories such as mobile phones, smart phones, portable electronic devices, watches or smart watches.

Claims

Claims: We claim:

1. A portable device (100) for providing controlled variable vaporization of liquid/gel, the device comprising:

a) a cartridge (106) filled with a liquid/gel;

b) a nano-pad (105) positioned at the top end of the cartridge (106) to soak required amount of liquid/gel onto the nano-pad (105) depending upon the vaporization cycle;

c) a first contact layer (104) attached to the top end of the nano-pad (105) to:

receive heat from a plurality of channels (103); and

transmit the received heat to the impregnated nano-pad (105) to vaporize the liquid/vapor content from the impregnated nano- pad (105), wherein a plurality of channels (103) is present at the top end of the first contact layer (104) to burst out the vaporized liquid/gel content from the impregnated nano-pad (105) to the surrounding environment through a vapor vent (108b).

2. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wick (105a) is positioned between the cartridge (106) and the nano-pad (105) to impregnate the nano-pad (105) with required amount of liquid/gel.

3. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nano-pad (105) is impregnated with a nano material including at least a silver, copper, gold or other conductive material to effectively transfer heat to the liquid molecules in the nano-pad (105) for evaporation purpose.

4. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable device (100) also comprises an optional vapor pressurizer (109b) to automatically blow out the vapors at the appropriate time with a burst so that the vapor reaches the vapor vent (108b).

5. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second contact layer (102) is positioned between the heater pad (101) and the channels (103) to transmit heat uniformly from the heater pad (101) to the channels (103).

6. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the channels (103) transmit the heat received from the second contact layer (102) to the first contact layer (104).

7. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first contact layer (104) transmits heat to the impregnated nano-pad (105) to vaporize the liquid/gel content from the impregnated nano-pad (105).

8. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the portable device (100) further comprises a user interface to allow the user to configure the vaporization cycle and the vapor burst timings depending on the vaporization application.

9. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the vaporization application comprises at least one of: an insect repellant, perfume, deodorant or a disinfectant.

10. The portable device (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the portable device (100) further comprises a sensor (107) configured to:

a) measure the temperature of the first contact layer (104); and b) transmit control signals to control the heating rate of the heater pad

(101) depending upon the vaporization application.