Piston actuated vapor-dispersing device
View Patent ↗A vapor-dispersing device comprising a moveable piston with an evaporative member is described that operates by the repetitive movement of the piston to bring the evaporative member into repeated contact with the exposed end of a liquid transfer means to wick volatile liquid out from a reservoir onto the evaporative member and to expel vapors out through vents.
1. A vapor-dispersing device comprising:
a. a housing with top, bottom, side walls and an interior;
b. a vent on said housing allowing air flow between said interior and the environment exterior to said housing;
c. a piston moveable along a path between first and second positions within said housing, said piston comprising a top, bottom and sidewalls;
d. a substantially flat evaporative pad member attached against the bottom of said piston;
e. a reservoir positioned within said housing having an opening;
f. a volatile liquid contained within said reservoir;
g. a liquid transfer means with a first end positioned in said opening and in communication with said volatile liquid, and a second end protruding from said reservoir;
h. a drive means connected to said piston opposite said evaporative pad member for repetitively touching said pad onto said second end of said liquid transfer means;
i. an electromechanical means connected to said drive means for electromechanically moving said piston along said path within said housing through said drive means; and,
j. an electrical control means for powering and electronically controlling said electromechanical means.
2. The vapor-dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said evaporative pad member is selected from the group consisting of cellulose, cotton, synthetic fibers and fiberboard.
3. The vapor-dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said liquid transfer means is a porous plastic or graphite wick.
4. The vapor-dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said opening is fitted with a fitment to seal said liquid transfer means within said opening.
5. The vapor-dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said liquid transfer means is a glass or plastic capillary tube.
6. The vapor-dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said second end of said liquid transfer means is initially sealed closed with a removable sealing member chosen from the group consisting of foil film, plastic film and a plastic cap.
7. The vapor-dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said electromechanical means is an AC or DC electrical motor.
8. The vapor dispersing device of claim 7 , wherein said drive means further comprises at least one toothed gear.
9. The vapor dispersing device of claim 7 , wherein said drive means further comprises a hinged arm and rotating cam connected between said motor and said piston.
10. The vapor-dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said electromechanical means is selected from the group consisting of a push-type solenoid, pull-type solenoid, and a push/pull-type solenoid.
11. The vapor-dispersing device of claim 10 , wherein said drive means consists of a metal pin surrounded by a spring attached to the top of said piston.
12. The vapor dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said electrical control means further includes an electrical cord terminating in a plug having suitable prong configuration for connection to a 110 volt or 220 volt electrical outlet.
13. The vapor dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said electrical control means further includes electrical prongs protruding directly from said housing for plugging said device directly into a 120 volt or 220 volt electrical outlet for both support and electrical power.
14. The vapor dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said electrical control means further comprises a rectifier.
15. The vapor dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said electrical means further comprises at least one battery and a moveable door for accessing said battery.
16. The vapor dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said electrical means further comprises an ON/OFF switch.
17. The vapor dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said electrical means further comprises a timer circuit programmable by the user.
18. The vapor dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said electrical control means further comprises a logic circuit for programming run time and intensity output of the device.
19. The vapor-dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said volatile liquid is a blend of synthetic or natural fragrance oils and solvents.
20. The vapor-dispersing device of claim 1 , wherein said volatile liquid is an insecticide mixture.
21. A method for dispensing vapor into the environment comprising the steps of:
a. providing a vapor-dispersing device according to claim 1 ; and,
b. interacting with said electrical control means to operate said device.