Technical Field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to dispensing material from an aerosol dispenser within an indoor environment, particularly in private homes and similar environments. Background of the Invention

[0002] Various devices and products have become popular as a way of providing scents within the indoor environment. These include various forms of scents such as essential oils, or other sources such a synthetic fragrance aromas. The terms scent will be use in the general sense, to cover any such odour producing material which is intentionally emitting into the air.

[0003] Some such devices rely on wicking or similar effect to gradually allow a scent, typically in a carrier solvent, to be dispensed into the air. Another class of such devices dispensed scent at programmed intervals from a pressurised container, such as the devices commonly used in public bathrooms. [0004] One drawback with such devices is that they disperse the scent only in a very localised volume. They rely primarily on dispersal by diffusion, perhaps enhanced by the air movement, draughts etc in the room being treated. The powered devices may disperse over a limited area from the propellant gas, but this is again very limited to the local air volume. [0005] A related issue is the need for dispensing other aerosol dispersed products, for example insect repellent, deodorisers, sanitation agents and the like.

[0006] Systems have been disclosed for dispensing scents into large scale, ducted air conditioning systems, known as HVAC, such as are used in commercial buildings and similar environments. These are known to use timed aerosol dispensers with associated fans and dispensers. Such systems require integrated installation and control, and presuppose the existence of such a ducted system in the intended user's premises.

[0007] US patent No 3499579 to Garrett discloses a system for dispensing aerosol material using air conditioning systems. The device is operated on demand, and dispenses material directly into the output air flow from an air conditioning system. [0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for dispensing aerosol materials within an indoor environment, which provides for improved control over the material dispensed.

Summary of the Invention [0009] In one broad form, the present invention provides a device adapted to disperse an aerosol material into the inlet stream of an air conditioner unit (AC), so that the scent is widely dispersed by mixing within the AC.

[0010] In another broad form, the present invention provides a device adapted to disperse an aerosol material into the inlet stream of an air conditioner unit (AC), the device including a controlled actuator which can control the extent of depression and duration of a pressurised dispenser.

[001 1 ] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a device including a controlled dispensing system for aerosols, and an outlet for dispersing the aerosols once dispensed, the outlet being configured so that it is adapted to disperse the aerosols on demand into the air inlet of an air conditioner system, so that the scent is widely dispersed by mixing within the air conditioning system.

[0012] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a device including a controlled dispensing system for aerosols into an air flow of an air conditioner, the device including a controlled actuator for a pressurised aerosol dispenser having a release valve, the actuator controlling the extent of depression and/or duration of depression of the release valve of the pressurised aerosol dispenser.

[0013] According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a cover plate for an air conditioning system, the plate being adapted to cover an internal component of an air conditioning system and an associated dispensing system, and the dispensing system can be mounted to the left or right of the internal component, wherein the cover plate includes first fixing components for a right side dispensing system, second fixing components for a left side dispensing system, the first or second components being removed if the alternative orientation is selected, such that the cover plate covers the dispensing system and the air conditioning system. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a conceptual view of the overall arrangement of an implementation of the system;

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the operation of the mechanism for operating the aerosol canister according to this implementation; and

[0017] Figure 3 is a conceptual drawing showing the components of the system;

[0018] Figure 4 is a front view of a cover plate according to one implementation of the present invention, showing the comparison to a prior art cover;

[0019] Figure 5 is a rear view of the cover plate of figure 4; and

[0020] Figure 6A, 6B and 6C are detailed views of parts of figure 5.

[0021 ] Figure 7 is a front view of an aerosol canister in position in an implementation of the system. Detailed Description of the invention

[0022] The present invention will be described with reference to a specific implementation. It will be appreciated that the implementation is intended to be illustrative of the implementation of the invention, and not limitative of its scope.

[0023] In particular, the implementation is discussed in the context of a split system air conditioning system. The present invention is also applicable to other types of air conditioning systems. The implementation discussed is in the context of a standalone device associated with the AC, however, it will be appreciated that the present invention could be integrated within a system, for example a split system. In that case, some of the sensors and indicators may be replaced by comparable or suitable components or devices within the integrated system, and control may be provided by the processors for the integrated device rather than a separate device.

[0024] Whilst the present invention is discussed primarily in the context of the dispersal of scent, it will be appreciated that the present invention is applicable to the dispersal of any aerosol packaged material, for example insecticide, insect repellents, deodorisers, or the like. The present implementation is envisaged for use with conventionally packaged aerosol dispensers, with a pressurised can containing the intended material and a propellant, and operated by pressing a release valve at the top of the can. The valve is generally connected to a spray nozzle, for directing the flow. It is preferred that dispensers for use with the present invention have an upwardly directed nozzle, but other nozzles or output systems could be readily used, with suitable modifications to the system. It will be appreciated that while the present invention is described for convenience in the context of a conventional pressurised aerosol can, any such dispenser could be used.

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates the general design of an implementation of the present invention. The interior component of a split system AC 40 is shown, mounted on a wall (not shown). The overall controlled dispensing system 30 sits alongside AC 40. In this implementation it is designed to be aesthetically complementary to the AC40. However, other implementation are possible.

[0026] The air flow sensor 20 can be seen, mounted adjacent to the AC 40 so that an air flow into the AC 40 can be sensed. A remote control 6 is shown, which communicates with the system 30, as will be described in more detail below. The overall scheme of the implementation is that the user can press a button on remote control 6 in order to dispense a dose of aerosol material, which is directed by the system 30 via vents (not visible in this view) towards the intake for AC 40.

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates, partly in section the system in concept. Overall controlled dispensing system 30 includes a canister 3, servo motor/driver 2 and associated arm 12. Canister 3 sits in a recess which is accessible from outside the system 30, via front cover 31 . This folds up to allow access to the whole internal space of the system 30. In an alternative implementation, a new front cover is provided to replace the front of the AC unit 40 as well as cover the front of system 30, so as to provide a completely integrated appearance. It will be appreciated that the system is shown for convenience to the right of the AC unit 40, but could equally be on the left, or positioned in any other suitable position.

[0028] Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate one implementation of a front cover plate which can be used to replace the existing front cover, so as to provide a uniform, neat and professional appearance to the AC unit 40 after the system 30 is installed. It will be appreciated that the exact detail of attachment mechanisms, placement, and locations will vary from model to model and from manufacturer to manufacturer. [0029] A particular feature of the arrangement shown is that the system 30 can be installed either to the left or right of AC unit 40, and the same cover plate 80 can be used. Figure 4 shows the cover plate 80, and for comparison, the existing AC unit 40 front cover 70 which it is intended to replace. [0030] Figures 5 and 6A, 6B and 6C are drawings illustrating the rear of cover plate 80. Figure 6A shows the left side of figure 5; figure 6B the central region; and figure 6C the right side. Various mounts are shown. According to this implementation, depending upon the installation of system 30 to the left or right, some of the mounting components and tabs are removed. In the implementation shown, if the system 30 is installed on the right side, then tabs 85, 87 and 90 are removed. If system 30 is installed on the left side, then tabs 81 , 84 and 86 are removed. It will be appreciated that the remaining tabs in either option are correctly positioned to connect with the fixtures of the AC unit 40.

[0031 ] The tabs that are not required may be removed, for example, by snapping off with pliers or another suitable tool. [0032] In either orientation, mounts 82, 83, 89 and 88 remain. Thus, the cover plate may be readily used to provide a continuous, aesthetically pleasing appearance, regardless of whether the system is mounted on the left or right.

[0033] Figure 7 shows an implementation with an aerosol canister 3 in position in an aerosol canister holder 90 inside the overall controlled dispensing system 30. Aerosol canister holder 90 supports the removable aerosol canister 3 containing the aerosol to be dispensed. Sensor 14 is connected with the aerosol canister holder 90 to detect the presence or absence of a canister 3 in the holder 90.

[0034] In one implementation of the invention, the sensor serves to weigh each canister as it is inserted. This value is then stored, and in a preferred implementation the canister meet a common standard, so that the overall weight of the package and of the contents are known. When the weight, as sensed by the sensor, declines to a predetermined value, for example indicating that the contents are 95% dispensed (i.e. almost empty), a visible warning is provided to the user. It will be appreciated that a variety of sensors may be used to determine the remaining aerosol material within canister 3, for example infrared, weight or force sensors. For example, in figure 3, indicator LED 17 will begin to flash when the infrared, weight or force sensor indicates that 95% of the contents of the canister 3 have been dispensed [0035] In another implementation of the invention, the sensor 14 is used to determine when the canister 3 is removed or inserted only. In this implementation, the sensor 14 works in conjunction with the servo arm 12. When the canister 3 is determined to be empty by the electronic counting system on PC board 9, the indicator LED 17 will begin to flash. When the sensor 14 detects that the canister 3 has been removed and a new canister 3 has been inserted, the electronic counting system is restarted, and an electronic communication is forwarded to the servo arm 12. The count is set by the number of times the servo arm 12 moves down to press on the release valve 15 to empty out aerosol (fragrance, essential oils etc) from the canister. Again, alternative sensors such as infrared, weight or force sensors can also be used in this implementation.

[0036] System 30 is intended to operate primarily with a remote control device 6. This could be a stand alone device, or integrated within the manufacturer's controls for a split system AC40. This may be infra red (IR) coded, radio frequency RF) optical, or any other suitable wireless system. In one form, remote 6 may include an adhesive pad for attachment to the remote control for AC 40.

[0037] The remote control signal is received by a sensor on the PC board 9. PC board 9 also includes required control electronics, and electrical interfaces to the motor driver 2 and other systems.

[0038] Power is received via transformer 19, preferably from an off take from the AC 40. This may be a power cord run from the existing split terminal block. In another implementation, the transformer could be connected using a separate mains connection.

[0039] The motor/driver unit 2 incorporates control electronics and a servo motor. This allows for accurate and controlled positioning of the servo arm 12. The servo motor may be of any suitable type, for example a model FR0109M from Feetech

[0040] As can be seen in figures 2 and 3, the servo arm 12 rotates relative to the motor 2 and operatively depresses the release valve 15 of canister 3, in order to release the aerosol material. Canister 3 rests on platform 4, with sensor 14 positioned so as to sense the weight of the canister 3, or simply to detect the presence of the canister 3. It will be appreciated that alternative sensors may be used depending on the application, for example infrared, weight or force sensors. The servo arm 12 is controlled so as to rotate to a certain point, which determines how far down the release valve of the canister is pressed, as well as for how long it is kept depressed. It will be appreciated that to achieve a general consistent level of scent, then the amount dispensed will need to vary with the capacity and fan speed of the AC unit. [0041 ] An indoor fan of a split system air conditioner usually 3 or 4 adjustable speed settings. The present implementation is able to deliver a controlled dosage of aroma spray (set as a default) to the air conditioned space by using the medium fan speed as a default for all split systems range. Taking a typical 2.5kw split system, for example,

Fan speed quiet low medium high

Litres per second 83 88 93 130 [0042] The appropriate settings will be dependent upon the specific geometry of the system, the action on the release valve, the height and position of canister 3, and similar factors, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The degree of rotation or servo arm 12 is what is directly controlled by the motor driver 2, however, it will be appreciated that the outcome required is that the aerosol material is dispensed for a particular period of time.

[0043] So, if the user has switched on AC 40 and presses the remote control 6, the servo arm 12 will rotate the predetermined angle, depress the release valve 15, and dispense an appropriate quantity of aerosol material. It will be appreciated that this will need to be set for each type of AC 40, in order to provide appropriate output of aerosol material.

[0044] For some release valves 15, the rate of dispensing may vary with the extent to which the button is depressed, and this may be taken into account in the operation of the servo arm. For others, the valve may be more or less completely on or completely off. The core requirement is to control the ejected volume of the aerosol material, and those skilled in the art will be readily able to adjust the operation to suit the canister and release valve used.

[0045] The medium fan speed is preferred as a default across all different models of split system air conditioners, as the user would not be likely to notice any difference from a stronger or weaker aroma smell over this range. Users would be able to increase the dosage by pressing the push button remote control again.

[0046] It will be appreciated that this is an example only, the period of operation of the dispenser valve 15 will vary with different systems and arrangements. In order to adjust to a different capacity unit, it is preferred that a simple adjustment is provided to allow for the correct dosage to be produced, dependent upon the capacity of the AC unit. [0047] In a simple form, this could be done with 3 dip switches 8 as shown in figure 2. Switch 8A is selected for a 2.0kw to 2.5kw unit; Switch 8B is selected for a 3.5kw unit; Switch 8C is selected for a 5kw unit. These can be readily selected by the customer or the installer. It will be appreciated that other control interfaces could be provided. These switches can either be found on the controlled dispensing system 30 itself or could be incorporated into the remote control 6. [0048] A timer may be set to indicate how many times the release valve 15 is pressed to determine when the canister 3 is empty and needs to be replaced. This predetermined time of counting will be different across the switches, depending on the capacity of the AC unit 40. The timer works in conjunction with the servo arm 12. The timer is programmed via the control electronics on PC board 9 and counts the number of times the servo arm is pressed downwards to register when the canister is empty and would need to be changed. The sensor 14 then registers the removal of the canister 3 and the re-insertion of a new canister 3 to restart the counting system via the electronics on PC board 9. An additional switch would be included to switch between manual control via the remote control or predetermined time intervals. This switch would be included on the controlled dispensing system 30 itself or programmed into the remote control 6

[0049] If the canister 3 has been inserted incorrectly or is not spraying the aerosol as it should be, the "off" button can be pressed followed by the "on" button which is indicated by indicator LED 17. The remote control 6 is then pressed for a predetermined number of times, and the servo arm 12 releases so the user can remove and reinsert the canister 3 correctly. The electronic counting system will be restarted.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the aerosol dispenser of the present invention can be used as a multifunctional device that can be dispensed at pre-set timed intervals. Another additional switch would be used to emit fragrance in one position and aerosols other than fragrance aromas (e.g. deodorisers, insect repellent etc) when switched to the other position. For example, the user may require the emission of insect repellent, for example, on a timed interval for a given time period to be followed by the emission of fragrance on a timed interval for another time period. This additional switch would be included on the controlled dispensing system 30 itself or programmed into the remote control 6 for manual control. It will be appreciated that further additional switches could be incorporated to include further functionality in the overall controlled dispensing system 30.

[0051 ] If an air conditioning manufacture chooses to build a newly designed air conditioner that provides both air conditioning and aerosol dispensation, then the AC unit 40 could be directly programmed to cover these features. The aerosol dispenser of the present invention can be built into a new AC unit 40 as well as fitted onto an existing AC unit 40.

[0052] In a preferred form, the remote control will not respond if the control is pressed many times in succession, as for example by a child. The user can only press the push button remote control to release the aroma 3 times within 5 minutes period. This is done so the user will not inhale too much aroma his safety measure is particularly important since the aroma might be over powering (especially for children), or an excessive level of insecticide may be produced. It will be appreciated that a suitable alternative control regime could be used. [0053] Aerosols are generally flammable, and under pressure, so that it is important that they not exceed a safe temperature. Alarm 9 is responsive to a temperature sensor (not shown) adjacent the canister, and provides a visual and audible signal at indicator 1 if the predetermined temperature is exceeded. This is typically set for 50°C. The system will deactivate and stop working until the temperature falls below 50 degrees. It is preferred that the user removes the canister in response.

[0054] The air flow sensor is shown as connected by a wire, but in suitable implementations it could be a wireless, e.g. Bluetooth, connection with an internal power supply. It serves to determine whether air is flowing through AC 40 before the system 30 will dispense scent. Air flow sensor may be of any suitable, conventional type, for example a model MD0550 wind sensor from Modern Device. This is a thermal anemometer based on a traditional technique for measuring wind speed. The technique is called the "hotwire" technique, and involves heating an element to a constant temperature and then measuring the electrical power that is required to maintain the heated element at temperature as the wind changes. This measured electrical input is then directly proportional to the square of the wind (air) speed.

[0055] Once the AC 40 is turned on, the present system will go into standby mode. It is not operable until the air flow sensor 20 provides s signal indicating that air is flowing. Once the remote control 6 is pressed, the driver/motor unit 2 causes arm 12 to rotate and press the release valve 15 of canister 3, so that a dose of aerosol material is released. This flows 10 upward, through angled vanes 16. These serve to guide the dispensed aerosol material, as can be more clearly seen in figure 1 , into the intake for AC 40. The aerosol material is mixed with the air flow during passage through AC40 and dispersed to the room through AC 40 air flow 25. [0056] The angled vanes 16 serve to direct the flow of scent (or other aerosol) directly into the intake of the AC 40. This allows the scent to be mixed well with the volume of air going through AC 40. Of course, other suitable containment and guidance structures could be used to ensure that the scent predominantly inserted into the air intake for AC 40.