# US 11,077,221 B2 · Volatile dispenser for use in volatile dispensing systems > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,077,221 B2 - Document ID: US11077221B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/005,651 - Filed: 2016-01-25 - Published: 2017-07-27 - Granted: 2021-08-03 - Earliest claimed: 2016-01-25 - Assignees: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. - Applicants: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. - Inventors: Nathan R. Westphal - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11077221B2 ## CPC - A61L 9/12: Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor - A01M 29/12: using odoriferous substances, e.g. aromas, pheromones or chemical agents - A61L 9/03: Apparatus therefor - B65D 75/325: {one sheet being recessed, and the other being a flat not- rigid sheet, e.g. puncturable or peelable foil} - B65D 75/326: {and forming one compartment} - A61L 2209/131: Semi-permeable membranes - A61L 2209/133: Replaceable cartridges, refills - A61L: METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES (preservation of bodies or disinfecting characterised by the agents employed A01N; preserving, e.g. sterilising, food or foodstuffs A23; preparations for medical, dental or toiletry purposes A61K) - A01M: CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS (appliances for catching swarms or drone-catching A01K57/00; fishing A01K69/00 - {A01K99/00}; biocides, pest repellants or attractants A01N); APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS - 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 ## Abstract A volatile dispenser for use in a volatile dispensing system is provided. The volatile dispenser includes a blister with a surface having at least one flexible portion, a permeable membrane sealable to the surface and configured to form a sealed reservoir with the blister, and a volatile material contained within the sealed reservoir. Diffusion of the volatile material through the permeable membrane generates a pressure differential between the sealed reservoir and an ambient atmosphere to induce a movement of the at least one flexible portion to perform at least one function for the volatile dispensing system. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A volatile dispenser for use in a volatile dispensing system, the volatile dispenser comprising: a blister comprising a cup-shaped structure having at least one sidewall perpendicular to a permeable membrane, a peripheral flange, and a bottom surface having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is more flexible than the second portion; the permeable membrane sealable to the peripheral flange and extending across the entire cup-shaped structure to form a sealed reservoir with the blister; and a volatile material contained within the sealed reservoir, wherein a diffusion of the volatile material through the permeable membrane generates a pressure differential inducing a movement of the first portion to perform at least one function for the volatile dispensing system, the pressure differential being between the sealed reservoir and an ambient atmosphere; and wherein only the first portion undergoes said movement as a result of the pressure differential. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The volatile dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a vapor impermeable laminate releasably connected to the permeable membrane and configured to substantially prevent the diffusion of the volatile material. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The volatile dispenser of claim 1, wherein the at least one sidewall is still perpendicular to the permeable membrane when subjected to the pressure differential. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The volatile dispenser of claim 1, wherein the volatile material comprises a dispensing liquid. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The volatile dispenser of claim 4, wherein the dispensing liquid is a diffusible fragrance. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The volatile dispenser of claim 4, wherein the dispensing liquid is a diffusible pest control agent. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The volatile dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first portion is further configured to control, based on the movement thereof, at least one of an output, a uniformity, and a directionality of the volatile material delivered by the volatile dispensing system. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The volatile dispenser of claim 7, wherein the first portion is further configured to control the output of the volatile material by controlling pathways for the volatile material through a dispenser housing of the volatile dispensing system. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The volatile dispenser of claim 7, wherein the first portion is further configured to control the output of the volatile material by controlling flow of the volatile material through one or more vent openings in the volatile dispensing system. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The volatile dispenser of claim 7, wherein the first portion is further configured to control the output of the volatile material by controlling operation of one or more heater elements in the volatile dispensing system. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The volatile dispenser of claim 1, wherein the at least one function includes interacting with a sensing device. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The volatile dispenser of claim 1, wherein the at least one function includes providing an indication with respect to a state of the volatile dispenser. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The volatile dispenser of claim 1, wherein a thickness of first portion has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the second portion. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The volatile dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first portion includes a material that is different compared to the second portion. ### Claim 15 A volatile dispenser for use in a volatile dispensing system, the volatile dispenser comprising: a blister comprising a cup-shaped structure formed from a single sheet, the cup-shaped structure having at least one sidewall and a bottom surface having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is more flexible than the second portion; a permeable membrane sealable to the cup-shaped structure and configured to form a sealed reservoir with the blister; and a volatile material contained within the sealed reservoir, wherein a diffusion of the volatile material through the permeable membrane generates a pressure differential inducing a movement of the first portion to perform at least one function for the volatile dispensing system, the pressure differential being between the sealed reservoir and an ambient atmosphere; and wherein only the first portion undergoes said movement as a result of the pressure differential. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The volatile dispenser of claim 15, wherein a thickness of the first portion has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the second portion. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The volatile dispenser of claim 16, wherein the thickness of the first portion is between 20% to 50% of the thickness of the second portion. ### Claim 18 (depends on 15) The volatile dispenser of claim 15, wherein the first portion includes a material that is different compared to the second portion.