U.S. patent application number 12/624922 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for dispenser having piezoelectric elements and method of operation.
Invention is credited to Steven D. Lubetkin, Gregory A. Lyon, Ronald W. Lyon, Mick A. Trompen.
Application Number | 20100064980 12/624922 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33096905 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100064980 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trompen; Mick A. ; et
al. |
March 18, 2010 |
DISPENSER HAVING PIEZOELECTRIC ELEMENTS AND METHOD OF OPERATION
Abstract
A dispenser is provided. The dispenser has a reservoir for
storing a liquid or solid material. The dispenser may have a
piezoelectric valve or pump located in an opening of the reservoir
for regulating dispensing of the material. Alternatively, the
dispenser may have a piezoelectric inchworm that directly or
indirectly propels the material against or out of the opening. The
opening may deposit the material directly or indirectly on the
surface of an animal, or under the animal's skin. The dispenser
also has means for being attached to the surface of the animal.
Alternatively, the dispenser may be placed inside the animal.
Inventors: |
Trompen; Mick A.;
(Westfield, IN) ; Lyon; Gregory A.; (Indianapolis,
IN) ; Lyon; Ronald W.; (Noblesville, IN) ;
Lubetkin; Steven D.; (Zionsville, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOSE MCKINNEY & EVANS LLP
111 MONUMENT CIRCLE, SUITE 2700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
33096905 |
Appl. No.: |
12/624922 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10404274 |
Apr 1, 2003 |
|
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|
12624922 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/650 ;
604/890.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61D 7/00 20130101; A01K
11/001 20130101; A01K 13/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/650 ;
604/890.1 |
International
Class: |
A01K 13/00 20060101
A01K013/00; A61M 37/00 20060101 A61M037/00 |
Claims
1. A dispenser for dispensing a liquid onto an animal, comprising:
a primary reservoir configured to hold the liquid; a piezoelectric
element disposed adjacent or in the primary reservoir, the
piezoelectric element having an inlet to receive liquid from the
primary reservoir and an outlet for the liquid to exit; and an
external capillary means disposed on the exterior of the dispenser
and being in liquid communication with the piezoelectric outlet,
the external capillary means being configured to allow the liquid
exiting the piezoelectric outlet to collect or pool in or on the
external capillary means and eventually roll from the external
capillary means onto the animal.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the external capillary means
comprises at least one groove formed on the exterior of the
dispenser.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an electronics
array for controlling electrical energy supplied to the
piezoelectric element, thereby regulating the flow of liquid from
the outlet.
4. The dispenser of claim 3, further comprising a power source for
providing electrical energy to the electronics array and
piezoelectric element.
5. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an attachment means
for attaching the dispenser to the animal.
6. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an internal
capillary action means adjacent the piezoelectric element.
7. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the internal capillary action
means comprises a fibrous or porous material.
8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the external capillary means
is configured to collect and retain liquid such that there is a
high probability that the collected liquid will make contact with
the animal and not be lost by dropping to the ground.
9. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a secondary
reservoir in fluid communication with the piezoelectric
element.
10. A dispenser for dispensing a liquid onto an animal, comprising:
a primary reservoir configured to hold the liquid; a piezoelectric
element disposed adjacent or in the primary reservoir, the
piezoelectric element having an inlet to receive liquid from the
primary reservoir and an outlet for the liquid to exit; an internal
capillary action means adjacent the inlet of the piezoelectric
element; and an external capillary means disposed on the exterior
of the dispenser and being in liquid communication with the
piezoelectric outlet, the external capillary means being configured
to allow the liquid exiting the piezoelectric outlet to collect or
pool in or on the external capillary means and eventually roll from
the external capillary means onto the animal.
11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the internal capillary
action means comprises a capillary channel.
12. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the internal capillary
action means comprises a fibrous or porous material.
13. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the external capillary means
comprises at least one groove.
14. The dispenser of claim 10, further comprising a secondary
reservoir in fluid communication with the outlet of the
piezoelectric element.
15. A dispenser for dispensing a liquid onto an animal, comprising:
a primary reservoir configured to hold the liquid; a piezoelectric
element disposed adjacent or in the primary reservoir, the
piezoelectric element having an inlet to receive liquid from the
primary reservoir and an outlet for the liquid to exit; a secondary
reservoir in liquid communication with the outlet of the
piezoelectric element; and an external capillary means disposed on
the exterior of the dispenser and being in liquid communication
with the piezoelectric outlet, the external capillary means being
configured to allow the liquid exiting the piezoelectric outlet to
collect or pool in or on the external capillary means and
eventually roll from the external capillary means onto the
animal.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, further comprising an internal
capillary action means adjacent the inlet of the piezoelectric
element.
17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the internal capillary
action means comprises a capillary channel.
18. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the internal capillary
action means comprises a fibrous or porous material.
19. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the external capillary means
comprises at least one groove.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/404,274 filed on Apr. 1, 2003 and which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a dispenser for small quantities of
liquids or solids, in particular a dispenser having one or more
piezoelectric elements regulating the rate of dispensation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Currently there are various methods used in control of pests
on large domestic animals such as livestock. Commonly employed
methods of pest control include ear tags or tapes, sprays and
dusts, and back rubbers and dust bags.
[0004] Ear tags or tapes are pesticide-impregnated materials which
are attached to animals by piercing the ear with a sharp post and
corresponding locking receptacle or with adhesive. The pesticide
slowly leaches from the carrier material and is deposited to the
animal. The animal will then spread the material by moving its head
from side to side and by rubbing alongside other animals.
[0005] This method of pesticide application tends to have a
diminishing effect through its life cycle as the pesticide level
eventually runs low enough that sub-lethal amounts of pesticide are
deposited on the animal. This poses a serious problem, as
sub-lethal applications of pesticide will allow pests to build a
tolerance to the pesticide. Future generations of pests may
subsequently become immune to what were once lethal exposures to
the pesticide.
[0006] Sprays, dusts, and pour-on applications of pesticide involve
the manual application of pesticide to the animal's back. Although
this method can be effective, it requires additional herding and
handling and may not be practical for large ranches or for
free-range cattle.
[0007] Back rubbers and dust bags impregnated or filled with
pesticide and suspended in a pasture in proximity to a salt lick,
water supply or place where the animals are known to rest. The
animals will make contact with the device in the normal course of
their routine. In addition, the dust bag or back rubber may be
located in a gateway which leads to a salt lick or water supply and
which forces the animal to contact the device. Again, this method
of insecticide application can be effective, but may not be
practical for certain situations such as large ranches or
free-range cattle.
[0008] It would be desirable to have an application method and
dispenser that is capable of dosing a repeatable, prolonged, and
lethal application of pesticide to an animal with no gradual
decline, but rather, a sudden and complete cessation of exposure,
and does not require further herding, handling or contact with the
animal.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A dispenser is provided. The dispenser has a reservoir for
storing a liquid or solid material. The dispenser may have a
piezoelectric valve or pump located in an opening of the reservoir
for regulating dispensing of the material. Alternatively, the
dispenser may have a piezoelectric inchworm that directly or
indirectly propels the material against or out of the opening. The
opening may deposit the material directly or indirectly on the
surface of an animal, or under the animal's skin or into the
gastro-intestinal tract. The dispenser also may have means for
being attached to the surface of the animal. Alternatively, the
dispenser may be placed inside the animal.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0012] FIGS. 3-7 are cross sectional views of a third embodiment of
the invention.
[0013] FIGS. 8-10 are cross sectional views of a fourth embodiment
of the invention.
[0014] FIGS. 11-13 are cross sectional views of a fifth embodiment
of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the first embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the lower section of the
first embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 15a is an exploded view of the lower section of the
first embodiment illustrating the removal of a non-conductive tape
to complete a circuit and activate the dispenser.
[0018] FIG. 15b is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment
having a magnetic reed switch to activate the dispenser.
[0019] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
dispenser.
[0020] FIG. 16a is an enlarged perspective view with portions
broken away of the lower part of a dispenser.
[0021] FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrammatic views illustrating an
inchworm device relative to a reservoir.
[0022] FIGS. 19a and 19b are diagrammatic views illustrating an
internal capillary action means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The device has a reservoir containing a material to be
dispensed. The device also has one or more piezoelectric elements
that act as a pump or as a valve to deliver prescribed and discrete
measures of liquid or solid material. The piezoelectric elements
may work in concert with other materials such as metal, plastic,
ceramics, composite materials, etc. to form the complete pump/valve
assembly. In addition, the piezoelectric element is coupled with an
electronics array to control dose timing and actuation frequency.
The electronics array will control dose timing and actuation
frequency by controlling the supply of electrical energy to the
piezoelectric element. There are several known methods for applying
piezoelectric elements to fluid/liquid transfer, such as those used
in some types of inkjet printers.
[0024] The dispenser may be designed to be attached to the surface
of an animal, typically a domestic animal, in which case it will
include an attachment means for maintaining the dispenser in
position. Attachment means such as tissue piercing posts and
grommets, tapes, adhesives, collars, harnesses, clamps, and staples
or other means may be used. Depending upon the means by and
location at which the dispenser is attached, retention may be
achieved by an externally mounted structure, an internally mounted
weight, or using the weight of the assembled dispenser itself.
[0025] The reservoir may be designed as a permanent component of
the overall assembly or it may be removable and replaceable. In
either case, the piezoelectric pump/valve will be coupled to the
reservoir and the pesticide or other material will be transferred
from the reservoir to the exterior of the device and eventually be
deposited on the animal. The piezoelectric element may be adjacent
to the reservoir or in the reservoir including in an opening of the
reservoir.
[0026] The reservoir may include a one-way valve to allow air to
enter the system as the pesticide or other material is transferred
from the reservoir. In another embodiment, the reservoir may
include an open cell foam sponge which will serve to keep the
system primed by means of capillary action. The sponge will work in
concert with a vent which is open to atmosphere. This technology is
commonly applied to inkjet printing cartridges. In another
embodiment, the reservoir may include a collapsible, flexible
bladder to avoid drawing a vacuum as the pesticide or other
material is transferred from the reservoir. The bladder design will
also eliminate the entry of air to the liquid, which may disrupt
the transfer of the pesticide or other material from the reservoir.
Similarly, the reservoir may be designed along the lines of a
syringe to accomplish the same task. As the pesticide or other
material is transferred from the reservoir, the syringe piston will
move to maintain a constant and predictable system pressure without
the introduction of air to the liquid. In another embodiment, the
device may dispense under vacuum. In this embodiment the
piezoelectric pump or valve may be capable of dispensing the liquid
as the system pulls a vacuum condition, eliminating the need for
venting the reservoir.
[0027] In one embodiment the piezoelectric element is a valve or
pump located in an opening of the reservoir. FIG. 1 shows an
example of this embodiment. The dispenser 10 has a primary
reservoir 12 containing the material to be dispensed. As noted
above, the primary reservoir 12 includes an optional open cell
sponge material 130 which maintains the system primed by means of
capillary action. The device 10 has a piezoelectric element in the
form of a piezoelectric pump or valve 14 located inside to regulate
the flow of the material being dispensed. The embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1 has a means for attaching the dispenser to
the surface of an animal. In this case, the means comprises a post
16 which is meant to be removed from the device and placed through
a piercing in the animal, for example in the animal's ear. Tape 11
in this embodiment is a nonconductive tape that covers one of the
terminals of an internal battery. The tape is attached to post 16
so that when the post is removed from the device, the tape is also
removed, allowing the internal battery to supply power to the
piezoelectric element. After the post is passed through the
piercing, locking ring 18 receives the end of the post to secure
the dispenser in place, thereby serving as a grommet.
[0028] FIG. 15 shows the lower section of the device 10 in an
exploded view. Tape 11 is shown separated from post 16. The post is
fit to battery cover 23 when the device is assembled. Contacts 19a
and 19b connect battery 13 to electronics 15. As mentioned above,
when post 16 is removed, tape 11 is also removed, allowing a
circuit between battery 13 and electronics 15 to be completed. This
is depicted in FIG. 15a. The electronics control piezoelectric
element 14, which has piezoelectric contacts 25 and piezoelectric
stack 27. The electronics are contained in and the piezoelectric
element is mounted on electronics housing 127. Absorbent material
21 is also mounted on the electronics housing in the completed
device. O-ring 17 allows a tight seal between the battery cover and
the electronics housing.
[0029] In one embodiment the piezoelectric element is located in or
adjacent to either the reservoir or a chamber in fluid
communication with the reservoir. By pulsing current through the
piezoelectric element it is possible to expand the element, thereby
reducing the space in the reservoir or chamber and forcing a small
amount of liquid out of the reservoir or chamber. By pulsing
current at a high frequency it is possible to expel a large number
of droplets of fluid from the opening. FIGS. 2 and 16a show an
example of this embodiment. The piezoelectric stack 27 of
piezoelectric pump or valve 14 has a chamber 120 having an outlet
140. With reference to FIG. 16a, piezoelectric stack 27 is in
liquid communication with reservoir 12 and secondary reservoir 220,
such that the liquid to be dispensed passes through the
piezoelectric element. Portion 20 of piezoelectric element 14
expands and contracts as voltage is pulsed through it, causing it
to press and release against flexible wall 22. This causes droplets
or particles of material 124 to pass through outlet 140. The
illustrated embodiment in FIG. 2 also shows optional inlet 24 and
optional filter 125. Element 26 shown in FIG. 3 is an o-ring which
is used to couple the piezoelectric stack 27 to the reservoir 12
shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5. That is, an additional container such
as reservoir 12 holding material to be dispensed may be connected
to piezoelectric stack 27 via inlet 24, such that piezoelectric
stack 27 is in fluid communication with reservoir 12. As also noted
(see FIG. 16a), piezoelectric element 27 is in fluid communication
with secondary reservoir 220. As just mentioned, in such cases it
may be desirable to interpose a filter 125 (FIG. 2) between the
inlet 24 and the outlet 140 to prevent opening 14 from being
clogged by environmental contamination.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a close-up detail of inlet 24. The inlet would
typically contain an o-ring 26 to firmly seat an additional
container. FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of an additional
container suitable for use in the present invention. The container
28 defines a reservoir 12 like that shown in FIG. 1 that contains
material 30 to be passed into the piezoelectric element. The
container has an opening 32 in wall 34 with means to couple to
inlet 24 of piezoelectric stack 27. The illustrated container also
contains an internal capillary action means consisting of an
optional plate or filter 36 of fibrous or porous material (e.g.,
material 130 shown in FIG. 1) disposed adjacent to wall 34,
defining a capillary channel 38 between the plate or filter 36 and
the wall 34. The optional plate or filter or disc 36 may be used
when the material 30 is a liquid material. This capillary channel
ensures that if the container is inverted so that the material
falls away from opening 32, a small amount of the liquid material
will remain in the capillary channel 38. This is useful to reduce
the likelihood of chamber 120 of piezoelectric element 14 emptying
of material and becoming filled with air, as such an event could
disrupt the proper pumping function of the piezoelectric element.
In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 19a and 19b, a different
internal capillary action means could be used, such as a series of
grooves or small passages 226 and 228 leading directly to the inlet
24 of the piezoelectric element 14.
[0031] The device may also incorporate piezoelectric inchworm
technology to eject a material from an element such as a syringe.
In addition, the inchworm device could be used to advance a solid
material through the end of a tube or similar device. Piezoelectric
inchworm devices are comprised of several piezoelectric elements,
which work together to produce a mechanical movement of the
piezoelectric elements in a tube or along a rod or similar
component. Alternatively, the piezoelectric elements may remain
stationary while causing movement of another element such as a rod.
FIGS. 17 and 18 schematically show a piezoelectric inchworm 300
disposed in reservoir 12 (FIG. 17) or adjacent to reservoir 12
(FIG. 18).
[0032] FIGS. 6 through 10 illustrate the operation of an inchworm
device having ring-shaped piezoelectric elements 40, 42, 44 shown
in cross-section operating to move the inchworm along a rod 46.
Elements numbered 40 and 42 expand and contract radially with
respect to the rod, while elements 44 expand and contract axially
with respect to the rod. In FIG. 6 elements 40 are contracted,
elements 44 are expanded, and elements 42 are expanded to clamp
against rod 46. FIG. 7 demonstrates the next step, in which
elements 44 contract, pulling elements 40 toward elements 42. FIG.
8 shows the succeeding step, in which elements 40 expand to clamp
against rod 46. FIG. 9 shows the assembly after elements 42
contract, releasing their grip on rod 46, and elements 44 expand,
moving elements 42 away from elements 40. In FIG. 10 elements 42
once again expand to clamp on rod 46. The cycle repeats as elements
40 contract to release their grip on the rod, resulting in the
situation as shown in FIG. 6. Of course, if either elements 40 or
42 were fixed in place against a stationary surface, then the same
process could be used to impart axial movement to a movable rod
rather than moving the inchworm along a fixed rod. Furthermore, it
would be possible to operate the inchworm using a set of
piezoelectric elements adjacent to a rod, rather than ring-shaped
elements as shown in FIGS. 6 through 10.
[0033] FIGS. 11 through 13 show another embodiment of the inchworm,
in which the inchworm has piezoelectric elements 48, 50, and 52
which move through a tubular space defined by walls 54. Elements 48
and 50 expand and contract radially to fit against the walls 54 of
the space, while element 52 expands axially along the direction of
movement. FIG. 11 shows element 48 expanded against walls 54,
element 50 contracted to move freely, and element 52 contracted.
FIG. 12 shows the situation after element 50 expands to fit against
walls 54, and FIG. 13 shows the situation after element 48
contracts to release its grip on walls 54 and element 52 expands to
move element 48 away from element 50. Following these steps,
element 48 would expand again, element 50 would contract to release
its grip on walls 54, and element 52 would contract again, at which
point the assembly is returned to the configuration shown in FIG.
11, but displaced in the direction of travel.
[0034] In another embodiment, the device may be entirely or
partially implanted in an animal in a known manner in order to dose
pesticides, therapeutic agents, growth hormones, medicines, drugs,
etc. If the animal is a ruminant, the entire device may also be
deposited to the animal's rumen with a balling gun. Intraruminal
devices for dispensing drugs, medicine, hormones, etc. are
disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/141,300, the
contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. Such
devices generally contain a housing with externally mounted
retention device such as a pair of plastic "wings", or else are
weighted to prevent their being passed out of the rumen. The device
may also be attached to the animal with only a small portion of the
device implanted under the skin of the animal to act as a passage
for the dosing of a desired material.
[0035] The device can dose a discrete amount of material on demand,
on a prescribed timed interval or it may dose continuously and
indefinitely over an extended time period until the insecticide or
other material is exhausted.
[0036] In addition, since the primary delivery is not through
diffusion and is not dependent on high solubility of a parasiticide
in a polymer matrix, the fluid utilized in the present invention
can be expanded to include previously unusable parasiticides and
still include compounds previously dissolved in polymer matrices.
These include, but are not limited to various avermectins,
benzimidazoles, milbemycins, carbamates, organophosphates,
phenylpyrazoles, amidines, insect growth regulators, juvenile
hormones, nicotinoids, pyrroles and naturalytes (i.e., the spinosyn
family). Representative compounds may include abamectin,
doramectin, eprinomectin, selamectin, alphamethrin, amitraz,
coumaphos, ivermectin, deltamethrin, cyhalothrin, diazinon,
cyromazine, cypermethrin, milbemycin, cyfluthrin, cyloprothrin,
famphur, fenthion, fen valerate, flucythrinate, flumethrin,
fipronil, hexaflumaron, imidacloprid, lindane, lufenuron,
malathion, methoprene, metriphonate, moxidectin, permethrin,
pyrethrin, pyrethrum, phomet, pirimiphos, chlorvinphos, rotenone,
propetamphos, tetrachlorvinphos, zetacypermethrin, chlorpyrifos and
spinosad, among others.
[0037] In another embodiment, the actuation of the device may be
controlled by a centrally located RF (radio frequency) transponder.
Each device in this embodiment will incorporate a RF receiver which
will allow an operator to transmit instructions to the electronics
array. This RF technology could be used to deliver insecticide or
other materials on demand or it could be used to change the
program, dose frequency, dose amount, rate of delivery, etc. It
would also be possible to use the RF signal as the power source for
the device, thus greatly reducing the weight by avoiding the use of
batteries.
[0038] The device may be activated initially by the user in a
number of ways. In one embodiment, the user may remove an
insulating strip located between an electrical contact and battery
or between two electrical contacts. The strip may be removed by
attaching it to an integral component of the device, such as a
piercing post, such that any attempt to use the post to mount the
device would necessarily force the user to remove the strip. This
is depicted in FIG. 15a. The strip may also be attached to the
packaging of the device. As the device is removed from the package,
the strip is pulled out and the device is activated. In another
embodiment, the device may be activated with a push button or a
similar device. FIG. 16 illustrates device 10 having pushbutton
200, radio frequency receiver 212 and one way valve 214. In one
embodiment, a separate radio frequency transponder 213 allows
communication between an operator and the electronics array 15. In
another embodiment, the device may be delivered to the user with an
integral part, such as the piercing post, inserted into the device,
such that the integral part holds a circuit in the open position.
When the user removes the integral part prior to making use of the
device, the circuit would close. In the alternative, the part may
make momentary contact with a circuit to initiate a pre-programmed
response of activating the device.
[0039] In another embodiment, a photo voltaic cell or similar
device may be used to activate the device. The device may be
activated as it is removed from its packaging and exposed to light.
The device may be activated as a strip covering the photovoltaic
cell or similar device is removed and exposed to light. The device
may be activated as an integral component such as the male piercing
post is removed from a section of the device to attach the device
to an animal. The piercing post could be situated such that it
covers the photovoltaic cell until it is removed for use. In
another embodiment, the device may be powered by a capacitive
device.
[0040] The device may be activated as the piercing post is seated
to the retention grommet. This action may complete a circuit or
break a circuit or make momentary contact to initiate activation.
The device may also be activated with a magnetic reed switch and a
magnetic application tool, such as magnetic reed switch 202 and
magnet tool 204 depicted in FIG. 15b.
[0041] The device may be powered with a battery or photo voltaic
device and a voltage converter. In another embodiment, the device
could be powered with another piezoelectric element such as a
bender. The bender could be actuated through movement from the
animal or from the animal's pulse and the produced voltage could be
stored. The stored energy could then be used to power the
piezoelectric element and associated electronics that control the
pump/valve assembly. In another embodiment, the device could be
powered by the animal's body temperature and a thermoelectric
device or thermoelectric pile to generate a current. The produced
current could be stored. The stored energy could then be used to
power the piezoelectric element and associated electronics that
control the pump/valve assembly.
[0042] In another embodiment, the device could be powered with a
device similar to a self-winding watch mechanism where the
mechanical energy derived from the concentric motion of the device
is converted to electrical energy and stored. The stored energy
could then be used to power the piezoelectric element and
associated electronics that control the pump/valve assembly.
[0043] The pesticide or other material may be transferred directly
to the surface of the animal, to its skin or fur. Another
embodiment would direct the pesticide or other material to an
absorbent material, sponge, felt, cloth or other absorbent or
porous material in proximity to the animal's skin or fur. The
material will be such that it can retain the liquid pesticide or
other material without a measurable or significant portion being
released in droplet form and falling to the ground. Through the
animal's normal movements, the liquid would be rubbed off to the
animal's skin or fur. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 16a, the
external surface 210 of the device 10 would have an external
capillary action means such as a groove or series of grooves 222
molded adjacent the outlet 140 of the piezoelectric pump or valve
14. As noted above and as depicted in FIG. 16a, pulsing electric
current through piezoelectric stack 27 causes droplets of material
124 to pass through outlet 140 and be received and collected in
secondary reservoir 220, and exit the secondary reservoir outlet or
opening 225. The external capillary means or grooves 222 are in
liquid communication with the outlet 140 and capture and retain the
expelled liquid on the exterior surface of the device, allowing it
to eventually contact the animal. The capillary action means may be
used in conjunction with the absorbent material, or by itself. In
other words, the pesticide or other material is directed to a
secondary and exterior reservoir or surface of the device, which
allows the insecticide to collect or pool and eventually roll onto
the animal. The secondary reservoir or surface defines an opening
or outlet 225 (FIG. 16a) and is located such that there is a high
probability that the collected pool of pesticide or other material
will make contact with the animal and not be lost by dropping to
the ground._Thus, the external capillary means is configured to
allow the liquid exiting the piezoelectric outlet to collect or
pool in or on the external capillary means and eventually roll from
the external capillary means onto the animal.
[0044] Another embodiment would direct the pesticide or other
material to a secondary and exterior reservoir or surface of the
device, which would allow the insecticide to collect or pool and
eventually roll onto the animal. The secondary reservoir or surface
will be located such that there is a high probability that the
collected pool of pesticide or other material will make contact
with the animal and not be lost by dropping to the ground.
[0045] Once the pesticide or other material has reached the animal,
it is spread further through the animal's normal movement and
interaction with other animals. As the animal moves it head from
side to side and rubs along other animals, the pesticide or other
material is spread along the entire length of the animal.
[0046] While the device has been discussed in the context of large
domestic animals such as ruminants, it would be equally suitable
for use with smaller domestic animals, such as companion
animals.
[0047] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described, it should be understood that various
modifications and changes may be resorted to without departing from
the scope of the invention as disclosed and claimed herein.
* * * * *