Release rate modulator and method for producing and using same
First Claim
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1. A device for releasing a volatile substance to a surrounding environment, comprising:
- a. a receptacle having an interior for containing the substance, wherein the receptacle is formed from a material essentially nonpermeable to the substance with at least one first opening to allow communication between the interior of the receptacle and the surrounding environment;
b. a membrane selectively permeable to the volatile substance, wherein the membrane is contained within the receptacle;
c. a release rate modulator positioned between the membrane and the substance, wherein the modulator comprises a perforated plate with a plurality of holes; and
d. filter paper onto which the volatile substance is pipetted, wherein the filter paper is contained within the receptacle.
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Abstract
A release rate modulator for use with membrane-based formulations systems to control the release of a substance. The release rate modulator is formed from perforated polypropylene containing approximately 36 holes/cm2. Each hole is approximately 1 mm2 in size. The flow of substance passes through the holes and the membrane before reaching the surrounding environment. The use of the modulator improves the duration of substance release and provides a more constant release of the substance compared to unpredictable release rates obtained when the formulations systems did not contain the modulator.
45 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A device for releasing a volatile substance to a surrounding environment, comprising:
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a. a receptacle having an interior for containing the substance, wherein the receptacle is formed from a material essentially nonpermeable to the substance with at least one first opening to allow communication between the interior of the receptacle and the surrounding environment; b. a membrane selectively permeable to the volatile substance, wherein the membrane is contained within the receptacle; c. a release rate modulator positioned between the membrane and the substance, wherein the modulator comprises a perforated plate with a plurality of holes; and d. filter paper onto which the volatile substance is pipetted, wherein the filter paper is contained within the receptacle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A device for transfer of a substance to a surrounding environment, comprising:
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a. a receptacle containing the substance on filter paper, wherein the receptacle has at least one opening; and b. a plate covering the substance on filter paper, wherein the plate has a plurality of holes providing channels for the substance to pass into the surrounding environment through the opening in a relatively consistent flow. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for releasing a substance to a surrounding environment, comprising:
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a. providing a receptacle having an interior adapted to contain the substance and at least one first opening between the interior and the surrounding environment; b. loading the substance onto filter paper and placing the filter paper into the receptacle or installing filter paper into the receptacle and loading the substance onto the filter paper; and c. installing a perforated plate having a plurality of holes therethrough, the perforated plate substantially covering the substance, whereby release of the substance from the interior of the receptacle through the at least one first opening is modulated by the perforated plate. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification