Fluid sprinkling – spraying – and diffusing – With selectively preset flow cutoff or initiating means – Timer means
Reexamination Certificate
2001-03-30
2003-02-11
Morris, Lesley D. (Department: 3752)
Fluid sprinkling, spraying, and diffusing
With selectively preset flow cutoff or initiating means
Timer means
C239S069000, C239S303000, C239S337000, C239S373000, C169S009000, C169S044000, C169S060000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06517009
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of spray dispensers, and specifically to electric-powered automatic dispensers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Certain products such as insecticides and air fresheners are commonly supplied in pressurized containers. The contents of the container are usually dispensed to the atmosphere by pressing down on a valve at the top of the container. The contents of the container are consequently emitted through a channel in the valve.
In many cases it is desired that the contents of the container be automatically dispensed periodically. Many automatic dispensers are known in the art.
A first type of automatic dispenser includes dispensers with mechanical means, such as an arm, which periodically presses the valve of the container. Such dispensers are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,184,612, 3,739,944, 3,543,122, 3,768,732, 5,038,972 and 3,018,056. However, these dispensers cannot accurately control the output of the container, since the valve and the contact of the dispenser with the valve are not accurately controlled by the dispenser. Also these dispensers are generally not portable and are fit for use only with containers of a specific size. The valves are also susceptible to failure because of valve sticking, resulting in complete discharge of the contents of the container within a short period.
Another type of automatic dispenser employs a solenoid, which is periodically energized in order to emit a burst of the contents of the container. Such dispensers are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,415,797, 3,351,240 and 3,187,949. These dispensers require substantial electrical power, and are dependent on gravity and/or the fluid pressure in the container for successful operation.
A third type of automatic dispenser is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,273. In this automatic dispenser the pneumatic pressure of the container is used to operate a timing device causing the contents of the container to be periodically dispensed. However, the ability to control the dispensation intervals is complicated and limited due to the pneumatic characteristic of the timing device.
Automatic dispensation from non-pressurized containers is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,117.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to provide an automatic spray dispenser, which allows accurate control of the amount of discharged material. Therefore, it is possible to use the dispenser with materials which require dispensing in accurate quantities.
It is a further object of some aspects of the present invention to provide an automatic spray dispenser which allows flexibility in setting the frequency of dispensation.
It is yet another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide an automatic spray dispenser which is compatible with a large variety of containers.
It is yet another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide an automatic spray dispenser which is compact and portable.
It is yet another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide an automatic spray dispenser whir is operationally reliable.
It is vet another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide an automatic spray dispenser which is of a simple construction.
It is yet another object of some aspects of the present invention to provide an automatic spray dispenser which has low energy consumption.
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a spray dispenser which can be mounted on a large variety of pressurized containers, for dispensing aerosol materials and other fluids. Such containers typically have a built-in valve, which is actuated by being pressed down. The spray dispenser is firmly attached to the container, whereupon the valve of the container is kept constantly open by an actuator.
Preferably, the valve is continuously depressed by a corresponding plunger in the dispenser. Preferably, the plunger is an integral part of the dispenser. Alternatively or additionally, the plunger is a separate unit which accommodates the dispenser to the container. Thus, the valve is held constantly open, but the dispenser prevents the contents of the container from being released. This feature enables the dispenser to operate substantially independently of any particular characteristics of the container, and it is possible to employ the dispenser of the present invention with a large variety of standard and non-standard containers. The dispenser includes an outlet which controllably releases portions of the contents of the container according to predefined or user actuated instructions.
Preferably, the dispenser allows automatic periodic dispensing of the spray. The amount of spray emitted at each period is preferably controlled by setting the time in which the outlet is open.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser comprises an electric circuit, preferably including a microprocessor, which controls the release of material from the container, according to predetermined settings, preferably set by a user. Preferably, the settings include the interval between dispensations and the duration of each dispensation. Alternatively or additionally, he dispenser includes an operation switch for selecting among constant/periodic/off modes of operation. Further preferably, the dispenser can be programmed to have different frequencies of operation at different times. For example, an insecticide may be dispensed in an office during nights before work days at a first rate, while during nights before holidays the insecticide is dispensed at a second rate.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a photoelectric cell is coupled to the microprocessor, to change the operation mode of the dispenser between day and night modes of operation. The microprocessor may be further coupled to a thermostat, wind sensor or any other required sensors, such as sensors of “MEMS” (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems) technology, so as to operate the dispenser in response thereto. In one such preferred embodiment, the dispenser has a plug for connecting to external sensors and/or remote controls.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser actively opens and closes the controlled outlet, so that its operation is not dependent on gravity or on the pressure within the container. Thus the dispenser may be positioned in any orientation without causing problems in its operation.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser has an open state in which a fluid is emitted from the dispenser, and a closed state in which the fluid is prevented from leaving the dispenser. The dispenser substantially does not consume energy during the open and closed states, and consumes energy only during transition between the open and closed states.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser comprises a motor, which applies rotational movement in order to dispense material from the dispenser. The use of rotational, rather than linear, movement generally requires less energy and allows better control of the dispenser. The use of a motor requires energy only when opening and closing the outlet, whereas a solenoid continuously requires energy in order to dispense the material in the container.
Preferably, the dispenser is assembled in a simple manner without use of screws, in order to reduce the cost and skill required for assembly. Further preferably, the dispenser does not include gears or cams, so that accurate rate sizing and placement is not required in the manufacturing process.
Preferably, the spray dispenser is battery-operated and contains within it batteries which supply operation power. Preferably, the batteries are packed in an easily replaceable battery power pack. Most preferably, the batteries are rechargeable, and may be recharged within the dispenser, while the dispenser is in use, for example, using a car battery, an AC electric supply,
Gotit Ltd.
Hwu Davis
Morris Lesley D.
Pillsbury & Winthrop LLP
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