Dispenser having piezoelectric elements and method of operation
First Claim
1. A dispenser for dispensing a material comprising a reservoir, the reservoir containing a material to be dispensed, the reservoir having an opening, a piezoelectric element disposed adjacent to the reservoir or in the reservoir, the piezoelectric element being a piezoelectric pump or piezoelectric valve, an electronics array for controlling electrical energy supplied to the piezoelectric element, thereby regulating the flow of the material out of the reservoir, a power source for providing electrical energy to the electronic array and piezoelectric element, and an attachment means for attaching the dispenser to the surface of an animal.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A dispenser for dispensing a material comprising
a reservoir, the reservoir containing a material to be dispensed, the reservoir having an opening, a piezoelectric element disposed adjacent to the reservoir or in the reservoir, the piezoelectric element being a piezoelectric pump or piezoelectric valve, an electronics array for controlling electrical energy supplied to the piezoelectric element, thereby regulating the flow of the material out of the reservoir, a power source for providing electrical energy to the electronic array and piezoelectric element, and an attachment means for attaching the dispenser to the surface of an animal.
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20. A dispenser for dispensing a material in the rumen of an animal, comprising
a reservoir, the reservoir containing a material to be dispensed, the reservoir having an opening, a piezoelectric element disposed adjacent to the reservoir, the piezoelectric element being a piezoelectric pump or piezoelectric valve, an electronics array for controlling electrical energy supplied to the piezoelectric element, thereby regulating the flow of the material out of the reservoir, a power source for providing electrical energy to the control means and piezoelectric element, and a retention means for retaining the dispenser in the rumen of the animal.
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22. A method of dispensing liquid comprising
providing a dispenser, the dispenser comprising a reservoir, the reservoir containing a material to be dispensed, the reservoir having an opening, a piezoelectric element disposed adjacent to the reservoir, the piezoelectric element being a piezoelectric pump or piezoelectric valve, an electronics array for controlling electrical energy supplied to the piezoelectric element, thereby regulating the flow of the material out of the reservoir, a power source for providing electrical energy to the control means and piezoelectric element, and an attachment means for attaching the dispenser to the surface of an animal, and attaching the dispenser to the surface of the animal.
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24. A dispenser comprising
a reservoir, an outlet in communication with the reservoir, and a piezoelectric inchworm device adjacent to the reservoir, the piezoelectric inchworm comprising a first and a second piezoelectric element having axes of expansion or contraction substantially parallel to each other, the piezoelectric inchworm device further comprising a third piezoelectric element connected to and between the first and second piezoelectric element and having an axis of expansion and contraction substantially perpendicular to the axes of expansion and contraction of the first and second piezoelectric elements.
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33. A method of dispensing liquid comprising
providing a dispenser, the dispenser comprising a reservoir, the reservoir containing a liquid material to be dispensed, the reservoir having an opening, a piezoelectric element disposed adjacent to or in the reservoir, the piezoelectric element being a piezoelectric pump or piezoelectric valve, an electronics array for controlling electrical energy supplied to the piezoelectric element, thereby regulating the flow of the material out of the reservoir, a power source for providing electrical energy to the control means and piezoelectric element, and implanting the dispenser in a domestic animal.
Specification