Controllably activatable self- heating devices for dispensing volatile materials

• Main Authors: METZGER-GROOM, SABINE URSULA, ADDISON, MICHAEL CROMBIE, BLENKIRON, PETER, BURROWES, LEE, CURTIS, TERENCE GRAHAM
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 15.05.2002
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: AGRICULTURE; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUSPLANTS; CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS, ORSURGICAL ARTICLES; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION, OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; FISHING; FORESTRY; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HUNTING; HYGIENE; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS, OR SURGICALARTICLES; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS INGENERAL; TRAPPING

Disclosed are devices for dispensing volatile materials such as fragrances into the atmosphere surrounding each such device. Release of volatile materials from a volatilization zone in such a device is promoted by the generation of heat via the non-combustive oxidation reaction of thermogenic materials held within a heating zone in the device. Heat is produced when these thermogenic materials are contacted with air. The devices are also provided with means for controlling contact of the thermogenic materials with air. Such means comprise both means for initiating contact of thermogenic materials with air to activate the device as well as additional means for thereafter increasing, decreasing or terminating contact of air with the thermogenic materials. The air contract control means associated with the devices herein thus serves to control and regulate the amount of heat produced within the device.