| abstract |
A gravity force driven device and associated methods for the sustained release of a fluid such as a volatile substance into a local environment. The device includes a housing having a lumen and a first open end, at least one porous plug permeable to volatilized substance positioned within the housing's first open end and partially occupying the lumen thereby, a reservoir, defined by the lumen and porous plug, and a quantity of the fluid contained within the reservoir. In use, the device is oriented so that the substance contained within the reservoir is in constant fluid communication with the porous plug. The device may further include an inlet port for refilling the device with the substance in fluid communication with the reservoir, and, for home use, may have an ornamental piece associated with (e.g. affixed to) the device. The device may also use an electrochemical gas generating cell to assist the gravity-driven dispersal. In certain embodiments, the device will be associated with, or further include, a heating element for volatilizing the substance. In one embodiment, the device is used to deliver a beneficial agent to the skin of an animal such as a mammal. The invention also includes associated methods for using the device. The delivery devices of the instant invention are rugged and may be mass-produced at a relatively low cost. Volatile substances which can be dispensed include fragrances, perfumes, volatile insecticides, pest repellent fluids, and volatile medicament fluid compounds. |