# US 10,479,571 B2 · Diffusing device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,479,571 B2 - Document ID: US10479571B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/554,770 - Filed: 2016-03-01 - Published: 2018-01-18 - Granted: 2019-11-19 - Earliest claimed: 2015-03-02 - Applicants: David Robert Lanagan; Michael John Owen - Inventors: David Robert Lanagan; Michael John Owen - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10479571B2 ## CPC - B65D 51/2885: {the element being the auxiliary container falling into the main container; the additional article or materials in solid block form falling into the main container} - B01F 21/15: {comprising constructions for blocking or redispersing undissolved solids, e.g. sieves, separators or guiding constructions (B01F21/221 takes precedence)} - B01F 35/7162: {A container being placed inside the other before contacting the contents} - B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES - B01F: MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING (mixing paints B44D3/06) ## Abstract The present invention relates to a capsule (11) for diffusing a substance in a liquid within a receptacle (50). The capsule comprises an expandable element and, in a first state the capsule has a first width and in a second state the capsule has a second width. The width of the capsule in the second state is greater than that of the first state. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A capsule assembly for diffusing a substance in a liquid within a receptacle, wherein the assembly comprises a capsule and a carriage to which the capsule is releasably connected, wherein: the capsule comprises an expandable element and, in a first state the capsule has a first width and in a second state the capsule has a second width; wherein the second width of the capsule in the second state is greater than that of the first state; wherein the capsule is connected to the carriage via a releasable connection mechanism that comprises a threaded section and respective parts of the threaded section are provided on the carriage and the capsule; and wherein each of the carriage and the capsule are provided with a release protrusion and the release protrusions are arranged such that when the carriage and capsule are rotated relative to one another, the release protrusions abut one another to enable the threaded sections to rotate and disengage. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The capsule assembly according to claim 1, wherein the expandable element comprises a material that expands upon contact with liquid and wherein the expandable material is arranged about a periphery of the capsule. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The capsule assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule comprises at least one resilient section that extends beyond a periphery of the capsule when the capsule is in the second state. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The capsule assembly according to claim 3, wherein the resilient section comprises a resilient protrusion that, in the first state, is compressed and in the second state is released. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The capsule assembly according to claim 4, wherein the resilient section comprises an arm, which, in the second state, forms a barb. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The capsule assembly according to claim 3, wherein the resilient section comprises an elastically deformable plastic material. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The capsule assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule further comprises an inner chamber with at least one aperture therein. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The capsule assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule comprises a plurality of at least one of apertures and perforations. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The capsule assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule comprises a weighted section. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The capsule assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule comprises a lip about at least part of its perimeter at the intended top of the capsule and the carriage comprises a clip mechanism arranged to engage the lip of the capsule and retain it thereupon. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The capsule assembly according to claim 10, wherein the clip mechanism of the carriage is attached internally to the intended upper surface of the carriage and it comprises two spaced apart extensions each having at least one inwardly protruding tooth, and wherein the upper surface between the two spaced apart extensions is resiliently flexible. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) A bottle comprising a receptacle and an opening to which is connected a capsule assembly according to claim 1. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) A method of bringing two substances into contact, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a receptacle having an opening; providing a capsule assembly according to claim 1, the capsule assembly having a substance therein; inserting the capsule into the receptacle; wherein when the capsule has passed through the opening of the receptacle, at least one dimension of the capsule increases such that the at least one dimension becomes larger than the width of the opening of the receptacle. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method according to claim 13, wherein the method comprises the use of a diffusing device to hold the capsule, and the further step of operating the diffusing device to detach the capsule into the receptacle. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The method according to claim 13, wherein the receptacle contains a liquid. ### Claim 16 (depends on 13) The method according to claim 13, wherein a liquid is poured into the receptacle once the capsule is in the receptacle.