Device for the controllable transfer of a liquid and an apparatus for dispensing transferred liquids

Abstract

A device is disclosed which allows the controllable transfer of a liquid, such as a perfume, a pharmaceutical agent, a masking agent, an insecticide or an organoleptic substance, through an outlet opening of a container. This device includes a holder with a fitting designed to embrace a capillary medium and to fit into the opening in such a way that liquid is only transferable through the opening by the capillary medium. The holder, adjacent to the fitting, further includes a sleeve which further embraces the capillary medium at least at a length which is chosen in such a way that, in a first vertical position of the sleeve liquid has access, and in a second, inverse, vertical position of the sleeve liquid has no access to the capillary medium. An apparatus is also provided in which at least one device is installed on a rotor.

1 . (cancelled)  
   
   
       2 . A device for the controllable transfer of a liquid stored in a container through an outlet opening of said container, which device comprises: 
 a container having an opening, and a bottom;    a quantity of a liquid selected from the group consisting of a perfume, a pharmaceutical agent, a masking agent an insecticide or an organoleptic substance within said container:    a capillary medium having two ends, one end extending into the region of the bottom of the container;    a holder for the capillary medium, the holder comprising a fitting adapted to embrace the capillary medium and to fit within the opening, and further comprising a sleeve which extends into the container and which embraces the capillary medium, the sleeve having a length less than the length of the capillary medium, and wherein there is no gap in contact between the length of the holder and the capillary medium;    wherein in a first position of the device the capillary medium is in contact with the quantity of liquid, and in a second position of the device the quantity of liquid contacts the sleeve but does not contact the capillary medium; and    wherein the capillary medium, which is extended out of the fitting, is connected to a second capillary medium, from which the transferred liquid is exposed to the air or to the air flow generated by an air flow generator and evaporated.    
   
   
       3 - 7 . (cancelled)  
   
   
       8 . The device according to  claim 2  further comprising an annular container with at least one reservoir being equipped with a holder for the transfer of a liquid through a first capillary medium to a second capillary medium which is embraced by the annular container.  
   
   
       9 . The device according to  claim 8  wherein the annular container is molded in one piece or consists of interconnectable segments comprising a reservoir.  
   
   
       10 . The device according to  claim 2  wherein the holder is incorporated in the container.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus for dispensing at least one liquid, comprising at least one device according to  claim 2  for the controllable transfer of a liquid through an outlet opening of a container to a second capillary medium, the device being rotatably mounted between at least a first position in which liquid is transferred and a second position in which transfer of liquid is prevented.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus according to  claim 11  further comprising a rotor which is turned around at least a first axis in such a way that for two devices installed on a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, in a first position of the rotor liquid is transferred only in the first device and in a second position of the rotor liquid is only transferred in the second device.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus according to  claim 12  further comprising a third device installed on a third axis which is perpendicular to the first and the second axis so that in a first position of the rotor liquid is transferred only in the first device, in a second position of the rotor liquid is only transferred in the second device, and in a third position of the rotor liquid is only transferred in the third device.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein the rotor is rotatable around the first axis and the second axis with at least a fourth and/or a fifth device installed on the first axis so that in a fourth position of the rotor liquid is transferred only in the fourth device and that in a fifth position of the rotor liquid is only transferred in the fifth device.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein the second capillary medium of the installed devices is oriented towards the crossing point of the first and the second axis.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus according to  claim 12  further comprising a device having an annular container with at least one reservoir equipped with a holder for the transfer of a liquid through a first capillary medium to a second capillary medium, which is embraced by the annular container.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus according to  claim 12  further comprising an air flow generator which is generating an air flow towards at least the second capillary medium of the device whose first capillary medium is exposed to the liquid.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein the air flow generator is a fan.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus according to  claim 12  further comprising a control unit comprising a switch for actuating the air flow generator and/or comprising a sensor for detecting the position of the rotor, the control unit being able to actuate the air flow generator and/or to control the air flow depending on the position of the rotor.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus according to  claim 19  wherein the control unit is programmable and capable of controlling a motor used to turn the rotor between the operating positions.  
   
   
       21 . The apparatus according to  claim 12  further comprising a stator comprising the air flow generator and a bearing for the axis of the rotor which carries at least one device.  
   
   
       22 . The apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein the liquid is a perfume, a pharmaceutical agent, a masking agent, an insecticide or an organoleptic substance.  
   
   
       23 . (cancelled)  
   
   
       24 . The apparatus according to  claim 21  further comprising a stator comprising the air flow generator and a bearing for the axis of the rotor which carries up to five devices.