Claims:
1. A heating mechanism (100), comprising:
a pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b), each connectable to at least one terminal of a power source;
at least one resistive element (102) disposed between the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b), wherein, the at least one resistive element (102) is configured to offer a resistance to flow of current between the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b), the resistance offered to the flow of current generates heat; and
a dielectric layer (103) accommodating the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) and the at least one resistive element (102) in one side (103a), wherein the dielectric layer (103) conducts the heat generated by the resistive element to other side (103b).

2. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the other side (103b) of the dielectric layer (103) accommodates a thermally conductive material (104).

3. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the other side (103b) of the dielectric layer (103) is coated with a thermally conductive material (104).

4. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermally conductive material (104) is configured to distribute the heat uniformly throughout the other side (103b) of the dielectric layer (103).

5. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the thermally conductive material (104) is configured as a heating pad for heating a substance.

6. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) are positioned on one side (103a) of the dielectric layer (103), defining a gap (G).

7. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one resistive element (102) is disposed in the gap (G) between the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b).

8. The heating mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein a plurality of at least one resistive element (102) is provided between the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b).

9. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the resistance offered to the flow of current is variable by varying at least one of gap (G) between the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b), length of the at least one resistive element (102), thickness of the resistive element (102), number of the at least one resistive elements (102), and shape and orientation of at least one resistive element (102).

10. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) and at least one resistive element (102) are in-plane.

11. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one resistive element (102) is an active material.

12. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the active material is at least one of graphene, graphene flakes, and graphene based ink.

13. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dielectric layer (103) is epoxy based dielectric layer.

14. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a pair of conducting wires (106a and 106b), each connecting at least one of the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) with the respective terminal of the power source (109).

15. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a control unit, configured to control supply of current to the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b).

16. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) is interfaced with a thermal cut-off unit (107) associated with the heating mechanism (100), the thermal cut-off unit (107) is configured to generate a signal upon detecting temperature of the thermally conductive material (104) is above a pre-set limit.

17. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 16 wherein the control unit (110) is configured to stop the flow of current to the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) based on the signal received from the thermal cut-off unit (107).

18. The heating mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises an indication unit (108), interfaced with the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to indicate operation state of the device through the indication unit (108).

19. A substance dispenser (400), comprising:
a housing (401) defining a cavity (402); and
a heating mechanism (100) according to any of the preceding claims, positioned in the cavity (402), wherein the heating mechanism (100) is configured to heat a substance received by the housing (401).

20. The substance dispenser (400) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the housing is defined with an opening (403) to receive the substance.

21. The substance dispenser (400) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the substance is in at least one of power form, liquid form, and a gaseous form.

22. The substance dispenser (400) as claimed in claim 19 comprises an electrical connector (404) connecting a pair of conducting wires (106a and 106b), wherein each of the pair of conducting wires (106a and 106b) extends from at least one of the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to a dispenser. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a heating mechanism for the dispenser. Further embodiments of the disclosure disclose the heating mechanism employed with a resistive element for a substance dispenser.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Dispensers are widely employed for dispensing different chemicals ranging from aromatic chemicals, repellents such as insect repellents or repellents for other living beings, and also for dispensing aromatic scents such as room fresheners and air purifiers. Conventionally, dispensers of various types are known in the art, and such dispensers may be broadly classified into an active-type dispenser and a passive-type dispenser.

Active-type dispensers may generally propel active agent from a sealed container. The sealed container may include a pressurized gas, such as in the case of an aerosol can, a deodoriser or a manually or electrically driven pump. Generally, the active agent may be in the form of a mist that may be deposited on the skin or clothing to repel insects/pests from an area in which the repellent is applied. However, the active-type of dispensers have several disadvantages, including providing the active agent in a high initial dosage. The active agent may be generally dispensed at a high rate, which creates an instantaneously heavy pungent concentration of airborne active of the agent around the vicinity of the user. Some of this mist may be inhaled by the user and those nearby, and rest will dissipate into non-active use. Additionally, in view of the safety and ecology of this type of dispensers, handling of such chemicals may be poisonous and may pose a threat to the user and to the environment. Further, untreated discarding of such chemicals used in non-refillable cans may be a threat to the environment.

Further, passive-type of dispensers have also been used and generally allow the active agent to volatilize. The active agent may be present in the form of a liquid, gas, powder ,or a solid element, although typically an impregnated pad or granular form may be utilized. The active agent may be volatilized and released when subjected to heat. One such, passive-type of dispenser may include a plate which may be heated by a suitable heating means. The plate may support a mat with volatilizable chemicals thereby releasing the chemicals due to application of heat to the mat. In such conventional dispensers, resistive coils or heating pads may be used for heating the plate. However, such resistive coils or heating pads may require sufficient time to generate the heat required for heating the plate. Also, variation of heating capacity may not be possible in such device without modifications in coil dimension or the power input.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the mechanism as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the method as described in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

According to first aspect, a heating mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a pair of electrically conductive plates, each connectable to a power source. At least one resistive element is disposed between the pair of electrically conductive plates, and is configured to offer a resistance to flow of current between the pair of electrically conductive plates such that the resistance offered to the flow of current generates heat. The mechanism further includes a dielectric layer accommodating the pair of electrically conductive plates and the at least one resistive element in one side. The dielectric layer conducts the heat generated by the resistive element to other side.

In an embodiment, the other side of the dielectric layer accommodates a thermally conductive material or is coated with a thermally conductive material.

In an embodiment, the thermally conductive material is configured to distribute the heat uniformly throughout the other side of the dielectric layer. Further, the thermally conductive material is configured as a heating pad for heating a substance.

In an embodiment, the pair of electrically conductive plates are positioned on one side of the dielectric layer, defining a gap. Further, at least one resistive element is disposed in the gap between the pair of electrically conductive plates.

In an embodiment, a plurality of at least one resistive element is provided between the pair of electrically conductive plates.

In an embodiment, the resistance offered to the flow of current is variable by varying gap between the pair of electrically conductive plates, length of at least one resistive element, thickness of the resistive element, number of at least one resistive element, and shape and orientation of at least one resistive element.

In an embodiment, the pair of electrically conductive plates and at least one resistive element are in-plane.

In an embodiment, the at least one resistive element is an active material, and the active material is graphene or graphene flakes or graphene based ink.

In an embodiment, the dielectric layer is epoxy based dielectric layer.

In an embodiment the mechanism comprises a pair of conducting wires. Each connecting at least one of the pair of electrically conductive plates with the respective terminal of the power source.

In an embodiment the mechanism comprises a control unit, configured to control supply of current to the pair of electrically conductive plates. The control unit is interfaced with a thermal cut-off unit associated with the heating mechanism. The thermal cut-off unit is configured to generate a signal upon detecting variation in temperature of the thermally conductive material is above a pre-set limit.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to stop the flow of current to the pair of electrically conductive plates based on the signal received from the thermal cut-off unit.

In an embodiment the mechanism comprises an indication unit, interfaced with the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to indicate operation state of the device through the indication unit.

In accordance with a second aspect, a substance dispenser is disclosed. The substance dispenser includes a housing defining a cavity, and a heating mechanism according to the first aspect, positioned in the cavity. The heating mechanism is configured to heat a substance received by the housing.

In an embodiment, the housing is defined with an opening to receive the substance. The substance is in at least one of powder form, liquid form, and a gaseous form.

In an embodiment the substance dispenser includes an electrical connector connecting a pair of conducting wires. Each of the pair of conducting wires extends from at least one of the pair of electrically conductive plates.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG.1 is a schematic view of a heating mechanism for a dispenser, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG.2 illustrates a schematic rear view of the heating mechanism for the dispenser, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates schematic front view of the heating mechanism for the dispenser of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a substance dispenser, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates sectional top view of the substance dispenser of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of a substance dispenser, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such method. In other words, one or more acts in a method proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other acts or additional acts in the method.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a heating mechanism for a substance dispenser such as a dispenser used for dispensing chemicals such as aromatic or mosquito repellent molecules. Generally, the dispensers used for such purposes are employed with different heating mechanisms, and one such common mechanism is by the usage of a heating coil. The heating coil as known in the art converts electrical energy into heat through the process of Joule heating. Electric current passing through the element encounters resistance, resulting in heating of the element. However, the heating coils requires more electrical energy to produce heat, and also more time is required for producing the heat. To overcome the problems associated with such conventional heating mechanisms, the present disclosure discloses a heating mechanism which is employed with an active material which offers resistance to the flow of current, and thereby generates heat, quickly and efficiently.
Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure disclose the heating mechanism for a substance dispenser. The heating mechanism includes a plurality of electrically conductive plates mounted on a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer as known in the art is an electric insulator and may be a thermal conductor. The plurality of electrically conductive plates may be positioned on the dielectric layer defining a gap between them, and each of the plurality of electrically conductive plates is connectable to at least one terminal of the power source. Further, a resistive element may be disposed in the gap between the electrically conductive plates. In an embodiment, the resistive element may be an active material, and be positioned in any orientation between the plurality of electrically conductive plates. The resistive element is configured to offer a resistance to flow of current between the pair of electrically conductive plates such that the resistance offered to the flow of current generates heat. The heat generated on one surface of the dielectric layer conducts the heat to other side quickly and efficiently. This configuration of the heating mechanism may generate high heat energy for a given electrical energy. For example, for an electric energy of 5V, within 10 minutes, the surface temperature of the conducting surface shoots up to 80oC. Thus, offers a quick heating based on the requirement.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure, since the method may be used on other types of steels where such need arises. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a schematic view of the heating mechanism (100). The heating mechanism (100) may be employed in any device where the heat is required to be generated quickly for heating a substance of any form. In an embodiment, the heating mechanism (100) may be employed in the dispenser. As shown in FIG. 1, the heating mechanism (100) may be made of multiple layers of different materials with different material properties like thermal and electrical conductivity. The heating mechanism (100) includes a plurality of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) mounted on a dielectric layer (103). In an embodiment, the plurality of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) may be arranged in pairs. FIG. 1, shows only one pair of the electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) for the purpose of simplicity. The plurality of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) may be made of suitable metallic material such as but not limiting to copper, aluminum, and any other material which is good conductor of electricity. Each pair of the plurality of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) are positioned on the dielectric plate (103) defining a gap (G) between them. The dielectric layer (103) as known in the art is an electric insulator and may be a thermal conductor. In an embodiment, the dielectric layer (103) may be made of epoxy-based material, such that the dielectric layer does not conduct electricity but may conduct heat. Further, each of the electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) is connectable to at least one terminal of the power source for supplying the electrical energy. In an embodiment, the electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) may be formed as conductive layers on the dielectric layer (103), by depositing a suitable conductive material.

Further, a resistive element (102) may be disposed in the gap (G) between the electrically conductive plates. In an embodiment, the resistive element (102) may be the active material and may be positioned in any orientation between the electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b). The resistive element (102) is configured to offer a resistance to the flow of current between the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) when the electrical energy is supplied. In an embodiment, the resistive element is an active material, and the active material is graphene or graphene flakes or graphene based ink. In some embodiment, the resistive element may be formed by depositing or printing the resistive material in the gap (G) on the dielectric layer (103). As shown in FIG.1, one of the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) acts as source and the other of the electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) acts as drain when the electrical energy is supplied. The resistance to the flow of current offers by the resistive element (102) between the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) generates heat.
The heat generated in one surface (103a) of the dielectric layer (103) conducts the heat to other side (103b) quickly and efficiently. In an embodiment, the other side (103b) of the dielectric layer (103) may be coated with a thermal conductive material (104). In another embodiment, the conductive material may be provided in the other side (103b) of the dielectric layer (103). The thermal conductive material (104) good conductor such as copper. Further, the resistive element (102) may be deposited in any shape and configuration, such as but not limiting to parallel to the plurality of conductive plates (101a and 101b), in a serpentine pattern, in a curved pattern or in an inclined orientation. In an embodiment, resistance offered to the flow of current may be varied by varying at least one of gap (G) between the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b), length of the at least one resistive element (102), thickness of the resistive element (102), number of the at least one resistive elements (102), and shape and orientation of at least one resistive element (102).

In an exemplary embodiment, the resistive material (102) may be the active material. As an example, the active material may be a be a graphene material. The resistive element (102) of graphene may be deposited or applied in the gap (G) between the pair of conductive plates (101a and 101b), such that they are in plane. This in-plane configuration of the resistive element (102) and the pair of conductive plates (101a and 101b) offers an efficient way of heat generation with minimum input power.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the resistive element (102) in the form of graphene ink is printed on an epoxy based dielectric layer (103) which is also electrically insulator (EI) touching the pair of conductive plates (101a and 101b), which are configured as a source and drain. After applying DC voltage through source and the drain, the current may be passed though the resistive element (102) to generate heat energy which will pass through other side of the dielectric layer (103) to spread the heat evenly.

By modulating resistance of the resistive element (102), the heat energy may be produced as follows:
P = V * I (where V = voltage in volt, I = current in amp and P = power in watt)
= V * V/ (R* I) (where R = resistance in ohm)

Heat energy (Joules) = P (watt) * time (sec)

In an example embodiment, for heat generation (~ 6 watt within 2-3 mins = 720 – 1080 Joules) powered by any phone charger or USB ports of computers and power bank suppling up to 5 volts DC voltage and allows up to 2 amps of current. This range of voltage or current is safe enough to touch by hand and mobile enough to carry anywhere.

The shape of the design may be changed by changing the dimension of the resistive element (102) or thickness of the resistive element (102) using following equation:
R = ? L / X * Y (where ? = bulk resistivity)
R’ = ? L’ / X’ * Y’ (where ? = bulk resistivity)
R/R’ = L * (X’ * Y’)/L’* (X * Y)

By keeping two parameters constant R can directly be increased or decreased by changing length (Y) and thickness (X) of the print.

In an embodiment, about 6 watts power is sufficient enough to generate heat energy to go above 85 °C from RT within 2-3 min.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating a top and bottom views of the heating mechanism (100), showing electrical connections in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the heating mechanism (100) includes all the layers such as the dielectric layer (103), the plurality of conductive plates (101a and 101b), the resistive element (102). In addition to the element shown in FIG.1, the heating mechanism (100) includes a pair of conducting wires (106a and 106b). Each of the pair of conducting wires (106a and 106b) is configured to establish an electrical connection between one terminal of the power source, and the at least one of the pair of conducting plates (101a and 101b). In an embodiment, the power source (109) may be a Universal Serial Port (USB) connector or a USB C connector, which connects to the pair of conducting wires (106a and 106b). The pair of conducting wires (106a and 106b) may be insulated wires, and may be separated by a predetermined distance, each leading to one of the pair of conductive plates (101a and 101b). Further, referring to FIG. 2, the heating mechanism (100) includes a control unit (110) which is configured to control operation of the heating mechanism (100). In an embodiment, the control unit (110) may be configured to regulate the supply of current to the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b). The control unit (110) may be interfaced with a thermal cut-off unit (107) associated with the heating element (100). The thermal cut-off unit (107) may be connected to either of the pair of conductive plates (1091a and 101b) and may be configured to generate a signal upon detecting temperature of the thermally conductive material (104) to be above a pre-set limit. In an embodiment, the thermal cut-off unit may include a thermal sensor, or any equivalent device configured to detect the temperature of the heating mechanism (100). Further, the control unit (110) may be configured to stop the flow of current to the pair of electrically conductive plates (101a and 101b) based on the signal received from the thermal cut-off unit (107). The heating mechanism (100) may also include an indication unit (108), interfaced with the control unit (110). The indication unit may be regulated by the control unit (110) to indicate operation state of the heating mechanism (100).

For example, considering the heat to be generated by the heating mechanism (100) as 85 °C within 2-3 min. Here, the thermal cut off may be fixed at 80 °C to protect the mechanism (100). When, the temperature reaches 80 °C, the thermal cut-off unit (107) may generate a signal and the control unit (110) may take necessary action accordingly. Further, as an example, the indication unit may by be a LED light sensor, which is configured to turn into red colour indicating that the current is passing through the resistive element (102) to reach 80 °C. However, this colour should not be considered as a limitation and any other suitable colour may be used to indicate that the current is passing through the resistive element (102). Further, the connection is in parallel to indicate the circuit is active. After auto-cut off the LED light sensor may turn green which signifies that the main power is still on however the current is not passing through the resistive element (102). Here, it may be noted that the temperature values, and type of indication unit are exemplary embodiments, and one skilled in the art would consider that the equivalents are part of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the other side (103b) of the dielectric layer (103) may accommodate a thermally conductive material (104). In an embodiment, the thermally conductive material (104) may be coated or placed on the other side the other side (103b) of the dielectric layer (103). The thermally conductive material (104) may be of a good conductive material like copper. The thermally conductive material (104) is configured as the heating pad and is configured to distribute the heat generated by the resistive element (102) [shown in FIG. 2] uniformly across the heating pad, such that, any substance placed on the heating pad may be heated to the required temperature.

Now referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating a substance dispenser (400) employing a heating mechanism (100). The substance dispenser (400) may use for dispensing the different chemicals such as aromatic or mosquito repellent molecules, and for dispensing scents. The substance dispenser (400) may be a portable device, which may be connected to an external electrical source for dispensing substance by the heating the substance. In an embodiment, the substance may be in any form such as gaseous form, liquid form, powder form. In some embodiment, the substance may be in the form of a mat with volatilize chemicals. The mat when heated above particular temperature, it may release the chemicals. Therefore, the substance dispenser (400) of this configuration finds application in wide variety of fields including dispensing repellents such as insect repellents or repellents for any other pests such as flies, lizards, rodents and the like.
The substance dispenser (400) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may include a housing (401) made of any less conductive material. In an embodiment, the housing (401) may be made of a polymeric material defining an internal chamber for accommodating various elements. The housing (401) may be composed of an upper body defined with an opening (403), and a lower body defined with a cavity (402). The upper and lower bodies may be removably coupled together with a suitable means such as a snap lock or a press lock. The cavity (402) in the lower body may be configured to accommodate the heating mechanism (100). As evident from the above, passages and the heating mechanism (100) may comprise a dielectric layer (103), the plurality of conductive plates (101a and 101b), the resistive element (102), a pair of conducting wires (106a and 106b) and the power source (109) along with other peripheral components. The heating mechanism (100) may be positioned in the housing (401), such that the heating pad portion is oriented towards the opening (403), and the power source (109) extends from the housing (401). In an embodiment, the power source (109) may be a USB connector (404) which is configured to electrically couple with an external power source, such as a USB port such as micro, mini or any equivalent source which sever the purpose. (. In some embodiments, the power source (109) and the external power source may be any suitable circuit, not limiting USB connection circuit. In an embodiment, any suitable connection mechanism such as plug and socket mechanism may be employed to supply the required power for operation of the substance dispenser (400).

Further, as evident from the FIG. 4, the substance dispenser (400) may have a depression or a slot in the upper body for receiving the substance to be heated. The substance placed in the depression contacts the heating mechanism (100), and thereby receives heat from the heating mechanism (100) to dispense the substance. In an embodiment, the substance may be the mat having volatile mosquito repellent [shown in FIG. 6]. When, the mat is positioned on the heating mechanism (100), the heat generated by the heating mechanism (100) may be received by the mat to dispense the repellent by volatilising the substance. This configuration helps in generating the heat quickly, and efficiently with minimum power inputs, and thus saves power. The configuration also enhances usability of the substance dispensers.

It may be noted that the use of heating mechanism (100) in the substance dispenser (400) is an exemplary application, and the heating mechanism (100) may be employed in any other application without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Various modifications may also be carried out in the heating mechanism (100) to suit a particular application, and accordingly such modifications should be considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals

Referral Numerals Description
100 Heating mechanism
101a and 101b Conductive plates
102 Resistive element
103 Dielectric layer
103a One side of the
dielectric layer
103b Second side of the
dielectric layer
104 Thermal conductive material

106a and 106b Conductive wires
107 Thermal cut-off unit
108 Indication unit
109 Power source
110 Control unit
400 Substance dispenser
401 Housing
402 Cavity
403 Opening
404 Connector