# US 2021/0276028 A1 · Device for dispersing in the air a vapor of a liquid substance > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2021/0276028 A1 - Document ID: US20210276028A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 17/252,904 - Filed: 2019-06-18 - Published: 2021-09-09 - Earliest claimed: 2018-06-18 - Assignees: Caelimp - Applicants: Caelimp - Inventors: Yoann PEREZ; Philippe RIVIERE; Philippe PICHON - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20210276028A1 ## CPC - A61L 9/127: {comprising a wick} - B05B 7/1613: {comprising means for heating the atomising fluid before mixing with the material to be sprayed} - A01M 1/02: with devices {or substances, e.g. food, pheronones} attracting the insects - A01M 1/2033: {using a fan} - A01M 1/2044: {Holders or dispensers for liquid insecticide, e.g. using wicks} - A01M 1/2072: {combined with a fan} - A01M 1/2077: {using an electrical resistance as heat source (A01M1/2083 takes precedence)} - A01M 7/0003: {Atomisers or mist blowers (single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use B05B11/00)} - A01M 29/12: using odoriferous substances, e.g. aromas, pheromones or chemical agents - A61L 9/032: {comprising a fan} - A61L 9/042: {with the help of a macromolecular compound as a carrier or diluent (A61L9/048 takes precedence)} - A61L 9/122: {comprising a fan} - A61L 9/125: {emanating multiple odours} - A61L 9/14: using sprayed or atomised substances {including air-liquid contact processes} - B05B 7/22: electrically {, magnetically or electromagnetically}, e.g. by arc {(B05B7/20 takes precedence)} - A01M 1/2061: {using a heat source} - A01M 7/0014: {Field atomisers, e.g. orchard atomisers, self-propelled, drawn or tractor-mounted} - A61L 2209/111: Sensor means, e.g. motion, brightness, scent, contaminant sensors - A61L 2209/13: Dispensing or storing means for active compounds - 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) - B05B: SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES (spray-mixers with nozzles B01F25/72; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces by spraying B05D) - 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 ## Abstract A device for dispersing in the air in the vapor state and a substance that is in the liquid state at ambient temperature, and is contained in a storage container, has a ventilation system with a duct that opens out into the open air and is configured to permit the passage of a flow of air into the duct; at least one dispensing unit is designed to be supplied with a liquid substance by the storage container, the dispensing unit having micro-ducts forming an outlet is provided in the duct in order to constitute an area of evaporation of the substance therein, and a heating unit is provided on or in the dispensing unit, such as to control a flow of the substance through the dispensing unit. ## Claims ### Claim at position 1 1-50. (canceled) ### Claim 51 An apparatus for dispersing in the air, in the vapor state, a substance which is in the liquid state at ambient temperature, and is contained in a storage container, the apparatus comprising: a ventilation system comprising a duct (2, 4, 510) which opens out into the open air, and is configured to permit the passage of a flow of air into the duct; at least one dispensing unit (8, 208) which is designed to be supplied with a liquid substance by the storage container, the dispensing unit comprising micro-ducts forming an outlet which is provided in the duct in order to constitute an area of evaporation of the substance therein; at least one storage container (5, 106, 300, 400, 550) which contains the substance and is connected to the dispensing unit (8, 208), wherein the storage container (5, 300, 400, 550) has a discharge orifice which is connected to the dispensing unit, and is oriented downwards when the apparatus is in a position of use, the dispensing unit being below the discharge orifice in the position of use, a heating unit (11, 211, 132) which is provided on or in the dispensing unit, such as to control a flow of the substance through the dispensing unit, wherein the substance has a viscosity which is variable according to the temperature, said viscosity being such that the substance can not flow through the micro-ducts of the dispensing unit at an ambient temperature lower than a first temperature, and wherein the heating unit is configured to heat the dispensing unit to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, such that a flow of the substance through the micro-ducts of the dispensing unit takes place by capillarity in the position of use. ### Claim 52 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the dispensing unit comprises a porous body (8, 208) comprising pores, said pores constituting at least part of the micro-ducts of the dispensing unit. ### Claim 53 (depends on 52) The apparatus as claimed in claim 52, wherein the pores have a diameter contained between 0.01 and 10 μm. ### Claim 54 (depends on 52) The apparatus as claimed in claim 52, wherein the porous body (8, 208) is in the form of a cylinder. ### Claim 55 (depends on 54) The apparatus as claimed in claim 54, wherein the supply of substance is received in a blind recess (9) provided parallel to the axis of the porous body (8). ### Claim 56 (depends on 54) The apparatus as claimed in claim 54, wherein the porous body comprises a lug (208b) which is provided on an upper part of said body, extends along a longitudinal axis of the porous body, and is configured to receive the substance. ### Claim 57 (depends on 52) The apparatus as claimed in claim 52, wherein the dispensing unit (8) comprises a peripheral membrane which is provided around the porous body, and is pierced with holes constituting micro-ducts. ### Claim 58 (depends on 52) The apparatus as claimed in claim 52, wherein the porous body (8, 208) has porosity in an inner part of the porous body which is lower than porosity in an outer part of the porous body surrounding the inner part. ### Claim 59 (depends on 52) The apparatus as claimed in claim 52, wherein the porous body comprises a wick which is made of wood, textile, ceramic or polymer. ### Claim 60 (depends on 52) The apparatus as claimed in claim 52, wherein the heating unit (11, 132, 211) is placed directly on a surface of the porous body. ### Claim 61 (depends on 52) The apparatus as claimed in claim 52, wherein the porous body has at least one recess (210) which accommodates at least part of the heating unit. ### Claim 62 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the dispensing unit comprises a hollow needle (220) which is configured to pierce a cap and/or to displace a membrane (310) which acts as a shutter of the storage container, and bring the substance contained in the storage container to the evaporation surface. ### Claim 63 (depends on 62) The apparatus as claimed in claim 62, wherein the needle (220) is disposed at one of the ends of the porous body. ### Claim 64 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the micro-ducts have a cross-section contained between 10-4 μm2 and 106 μm2, preferably between entre 0.1 μm2 and 103 μm2. ### Claim 65 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, additionally comprising a securing unit, the direction and/or inclination of which can be oriented relative to the duct of the ventilation system, in order to orient the duct relative to the ground when the securing unit is secured on a support. ### Claim 66 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the ventilation system comprises at least one fan (1) which is placed in part of the duct (2, 4, 510). ### Claim 67 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the ventilation system comprises openings provided in an end wall of the duct (2, 4), and adjustable shutters which equip said openings, in order to make it possible to regulate a cross-section of passage of the openings. ### Claim 68 (depends on 66) The apparatus as claimed in claim 66, wherein said apparatus comprises a regulator unit (130, 530) for a flow of air in the duct, which unit is configured to control the fan and/or the shutters, in order to regulate a flow of air in the duct. ### Claim 69 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, additionally comprising a control device (130, 530) which is configured to control the heating unit (11, 132, 211) according to a set temperature in the dispensing unit. ### Claim 70 (depends on 69) The apparatus as claimed in claim 69, wherein the heating unit comprises at least one electronic board (130, 230) and at least one electrical resistor (211) which is supplied electrically by the electronic board. ### Claim 71 (depends on 70) The apparatus as claimed in claim 70, wherein the control device is provided on the electronic board (130). ### Claim 72 (depends on 69) The apparatus as claimed in claim 69, wherein the dispensing unit is equipped with a temperature sensor (10), for example at a free end. ### Claim 73 (depends on 69) The apparatus as claimed in claim 69, wherein the set temperature is defined according to the substance. ### Claim 74 (depends on 73) The apparatus as claimed in claim 73, wherein the control device is connected to a detector which is configured to detect marking at the storage container (5, 300, 400, 550) indicating the substance contained in the container, and wherein according to said marking the control device determines at least one operating parameter of the apparatus from out of the set temperature, a flow of air, and temporal indications defining a stop/operating cycle. ### Claim 75 (depends on 69) The apparatus as claimed in claim 69, wherein the control device (130, 230) comprises a memory which stores a table of values associating substances with set temperatures. ### Claim 76 (depends on 75) The apparatus as claimed in claim 75, additionally comprising a communication module, in order to ensure wired or non-wired communication with a data server, in order to modify the table of values. ### Claim 77 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the substance at the second temperature spreads in the liquid state on a surface of the dispensing unit, which surface is situated in the ventilation system. ### Claim 78 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the heating unit (11, 132, 211) is configured to regulate a flow of the substance through the dispensing unit by modifying a viscosity of the substance without vaporizing the substance. ### Claim 79 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the second temperature is selected such that the flow of the substance takes place at a flow rate which is sufficiently low to prevent the formation of drops becoming detached from the dispensing unit, and sufficiently great for the evaporation area to remain permanently wetted despite the flow of air sent by the ventilation system. ### Claim 80 (depends on 79) The apparatus as claimed in claim 79, wherein the storage container (300) does not have an opening other than the discharge orifice, said storage container containing a gaseous phase which occupies at least 20% of the volume of the storage container, as well as the liquid substance. ### Claim 81 (depends on 79) The apparatus as claimed in claim 79, wherein the storage container (400) comprises an outer tank (402) and an inner tank (403) which is accommodated in the outer tank, the inner tank being connected to the dispensing unit via the discharge orifice, and having a vent (401) which is connected to the atmosphere at an end opposite the discharge orifice, an orifice for communication between the outer tank and the inner tank being provided in the vicinity of the discharge orifice, the outer tank not having an opening other than the communication orifice. ### Claim 82 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the storage container (5, 300, 400, 550) is fitted removably in the apparatus, and is configured such as to be able to be removed from the apparatus without loss of substance. ### Claim 83 (depends on 82) The apparatus as claimed in claim 82, wherein the storage container is fitted in the apparatus by being screwed or snapped in. ### Claim 84 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the dispensing unit has a first surface which faces towards the storage container, and is provided with a seal (214) ensuring a sealed connection between the dispensing unit and the storage container, and a second surface which is provided in the ventilation system. ### Claim 85 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the storage container (300) comprises a seal (308) which is provided around the discharge orifice such as to ensure a sealed connection between the storage container and the dispensing unit. ### Claim 86 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the storage container (400) comprises an alveolar retention unit (408) which is provided in the container in a manner adjacent to the discharge orifice, in order to limit a flow of the substance. ### Claim 87 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the substance has a boiling temperature contained between 30° C. and 400° C. at atmospheric pressure. ### Claim 88 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the substance has a viscosity greater than 1 cPa·s at 25° C., and less than 1 cPa·s at 60° C. ### Claim 89 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the substance is a solution comprising at least one compound taken from the group formed by odiferous agents which can be used for people or animals, semiochemical substances, cosmetic agents, essential oils, perfumes and phytosanitary and agricultural agents. ### Claim 90 (depends on 89) The apparatus as claimed in claim 89, wherein the odiferous agents which can be used for animals are selected from amongst fatty acids or the esterified form of said fatty acids, such as methyl oleate, methyl palmitate, dimethyl azelate, and dimethyl pimelate. ### Claim 91 (depends on 89) The apparatus as claimed in claim 89, wherein the substance is a solution which contains at least one semiochemical substance, at least one pheromone, an allomone or a kairomone of natural or synthetic origin. ### Claim 92 (depends on 89) The apparatus as claimed in claim 89, wherein the substance is a solution containing at least one pheromone which is or is not sexual, an allomone, a synomone or a kairomone, designed to provoke a positive or negative response relative to the species concerned, the behavioral result of which can be sexual confusion, confusion of another kind, sexual attraction, attraction of another kind, repulsion of any kind, in arthropods, including arachnids, or including hexapods, which includes in particular insects, including harmful insects. ### Claim 93 (depends on 89) The apparatus as claimed in claim 89, wherein the substance is a solution containing at least one pheromone or a sexual pheromone, an allomone, a synomone or a kairomone designed to provoke a positive or negative response relative to the species concerned, the behavioral result of which can in particular be pacification, relaxation, mood elevation, or intimidation, in the classes mammalia and ayes. ### Claim 94 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the substance comprises a solvent selected from amongst isopropyl myristate, dipropylene glycol, monomethyl dipropylene glycol ether, and an isoparaffinic hydrocarbon. ### Claim 95 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, comprising a plurality of storage containers (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) each containing a substance in liquid form, or a plurality of substances in liquid form which are miscible with one another. ### Claim 96 (depends on 95) The apparatus as claimed in claim 95, wherein all or part of the assembly of the storage containers (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) is supported on the exterior by the duct (2) of the ventilation system. ### Claim 97 (depends on 95) The apparatus as claimed in claim 95, wherein each storage container (5) is associated with a porous body (8) of the dispensing unit, the assembly of the porous bodies (8) being placed in the interior of the duct of the ventilation system, and being disposed with offsettings of the porous bodies (8) in a longitudinal direction of the duct. ### Claim 98 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the first temperature is equal to 30° C. ### Claim 99 (depends on 51) The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the first temperature is equal to 50° C. and the substance is a solution of Codlémone.