WO2009060205A1

WO2009060205A1 - Method and device for emanating a fluid from a container

Info

Publication number: WO2009060205A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/003754
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Butler; Chris Jones; Kate Langley; Shaun Rymer
Original assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 2007-11-07
Filing date: 2008-11-07
Publication date: 2009-05-14
Also published as: GB0721844D0

Abstract

The present invention describes an emanation device comprising: a housing adapted to receive a container of fluid; emanation means adapted to emanate, in use, the fluid; at least one motion sensor means having a lens; a controller in operable communication with said emanation means and said motion sensor means; wherein said at least one motion sensor means lens has a partially obscured field of view. The present invention also describes a method for emanating a fluid and a kit of parts.

Description

Method and Device for Emanating a Fluid from a Container

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device and method for emanating a fluid and particularly, but not exclusively, devices with a motion sensor for emanating fluids such as fragrances, deodorizing fluids and/or pest control materials or the like.

Background

The use of devices to emanate fluids such as fragrances into the surrounding environment, such as a room, are well known. There is some disclosure of such devices being operated with a motion sensor. However, known emanator devices having a motion sensor can suffer from the drawback of emanating too much fragrance since the motion sensor is constantly being tripped, thus, causing more fluid to be emanated. This can result in two undesirable phenomenon, one called fragrance saturation and one called fragrance habituation. Saturation is where the device has emanated too much fluid such that the atmosphere surrounding the device is loaded with fragrance which can be overwhelming and, potentially harmful. Habituation is a phenomenon where the benefit of further sprays of fragrance can no longer be appreciated by a user as they have become used to the presence of a residual quantity of the fragrance.

It is an object of the present invention to address the above mentioned concerns and disadvantages.

Summary of Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided therefore an emanation device comprising: a housing adapted to receive a container of fluid; emanation means adapted to emanate, in use, the fluid; at least one motion sensor means having a lens; a controller in operable communication with said emanation means and said motion sensor means; wherein said at least one motion sensor means lens has a partially obscured field of view.

The device of the present invention may be advantageous because the lens or lenses of the at least one motion sensor means has a partially obscured field of view (a blind spot or spots) that means motion in a particular vicinity of the device can not be detected, thus, the device is unable to emanate fluid in response to such motion. Preferably the device is adapted to be responsive to the conditions of the environment surrounding it. In particular, when the device detects motion in the surrounding vicinity it may be operable to increase the frequency at which the emanation means effect emanation of the fluid. In use therefore, the quantity of fluid emanated from a container loaded into the device may increase in response to detected motion. However, the partially obscured field of view will prevent every motion event in the vicinity of the device being detected by the motion sensor means, thus, assisting in the prevention of saturation phenomenon. Yet at the same time, the presence of the motion sensor means allows the quantity of fluid emanated to be proportional to the amount of motion detected, thus, assisting in the prevention of the habituation phenomenon.

The field of view may be substantially >90°. Preferably the field of view is substantially >

180°. Even more preferably the field of view is substantially >270°. Most preferably the field of view is substantially >360°.

The partially obscured field of view may be provided by at least one of the following, namely: at least two motion sensors having respective fields of view that are non-overlapping and spaced apart from each other; a Fresnel configuration being provided for only a portion of the lens of the motion sensor means, such as only on an upper or a lower portion or a right hand side or a left hand side; the lens or lenses having a lens cover wherein said cover has a substantially opaque section; the housing being arranged to partially obscure the field of view of the lens or lenses; the housing having a projection extending therefrom to partially obscure the field of view of the lens or lenses; and/or a movable cover to partially obscure the field of view of the lens or lenses.

When the partially obscured field of view is provided by a Fresnel configuration covering only a portion of the lens or lenses of the motion sensor means the other portion of the lens or lenses may be obscured or at least partially obscured.

The partially obscured field of view may be predetermined.

Alternatively, the partially obscured field of view may be selectable by user, wherein the user may position the partially obscured field(s) of view depending on the application and/or requirements of the device by the user. The selectable obscured field of view may be manually selectable or automatically selectable. Further to the likely alleviation of the saturation phenomenon and habituation phenomenon, the partially obscured field(s) of view may also provide for an improved safe operation of the device. Where the device emanates the fluid by spraying it into the surrounding environment, there is a danger that the fluid could be sprayed directly at a user or a passing pet animal. Therefore when the device is generally intended to be located on a surface such as a table or a shelf, the device is likely to be at a height that is between the waist and head height of a typically sized user. In this arrangement, the partially obscured field of view may be centralized to prevent the device from emanating when the user is directly in front of the device as the motion sensor means will not be able to detect movement by the user in this area.

In contrast, where the device is to be used in an area where there is likely to be a large amount of movement by a pet animal, the partially obscured field of view may be over a lower portion of the motion sensor means to prevent the pet movement from causing emanation of the fluid.

When motion is detected by said motion sensor means, the emanation of fluid may be delayed for a period of time by the controller. The delay may be for 10 seconds, preferably for 30 seconds, even more preferably for 1 minute and most preferably for 5 minutes.

Alternatively the partially obscured field(s) of view may be arranged to cause emanation in particular instances. For instance, where a user wishes to fragrance or deodorize an area where there may be pet animal movement but would not wish for movement of the user to cause emanation, the field of view for the lens of the at least one motion sensor may generally face a downward direction, the remainder of the or each lens' field of view being obscured.

The controller may only be operable to instruct the emanation means to emanate when motion has been located at either side of the partially obscured field of view.

Additionally, the device may advantageously possess a degree of self regulation to prevent the device, in use, from emanating a fluid every time motion is detected. This may also prevent the environment surrounding the device from becoming saturated with emanated fluid.

The device may be operable such that only a maximum quantity of fluid may be emanated within a predefined time period. The motion sensor means may be operable such that after motion has been detected in the surrounding vicinity, the device does is not operable for a period of time, and thus does not consume any power.

The motion sensor means may be provided in the form of at least one of: an infrared (IR) sensor; a laser sensor; a light sensor.

The IR sensor, which is preferably a passive IR sensor, may be operable to detect radiation in the infrared spectrum, thus be capable of detecting the presence of a person or animal within the vicinity of the device. The laser sensor may be operable to emit one or more laser beams and be adapted to detect when an object breaks the one or more beams by moving across the beam(s), thus indicating the presence of a person or an animal within the vicinity of the device. The light sensor may be operable to detect a change in the lighting conditions where the field of view is not obscured, such changing conditions may be indicative of motion in the vicinity of the device.

The motion sensor means may be provided by at least two of: an infrared (IR) sensor; a laser sensor; a light sensor. Preferably the motion sensor means is provided by an infrared (IR) sensor and a laser sensor and a light sensor.

Motion within the vicinity of a device according to the present invention may be defined as one or more 'motion events' within the vicinity of the device. The motion sensor means may be operable to detect each motion event within the vicinity of the device and communicate each event to the controller. Alternatively or additionally, the motion sensor means may only communicate the detection of a motion event to the controller once a predefined number of motion events have been detected. As a further alternative or additional arrangement, the controller may only communicate with the actuation means to cause the actuation thereof once a predefined number of motion events has been communicated to the controller by the motion sensor means.

The number of predefined motion events that may be required in order to cause the activation of the emanation means may be fixed or may be selectable by a user. The possibility for a user to select the number of predetermined motion events required to trigger the emanation means may be advantageous as a user can modify the number based on the location of the device and the user's requirements of the device. The controller may be provided as a discreet component of the device. Alternatively the controller may be integral with or a part of the motion sensor means. As a further alternative, the controller may be integral with or a part of the actuation means.

Preferably the emanation means is provided in the form of at least one heater means and/or at least one electric fan means when the container to be used with the device comprises a wick having a proximal end region within the container and a distal end region above the container from which the fluid, in use of the device, is to be emanated.

Where the container to be used with the device uses a wick to transport the fluid out of the container for emanation, the controller is preferably operable to control the duration of time the heater means and/or fan means are activated. For instance, where a standard activation time is in the order of 10 minutes, the controller may direct the activation to occur for a period of time greater than 10 minutes when the input received by the controller from the sensor means is indicative of large amounts of movement in the vicinity of the device.

Similarly, if the input received by the controller is indicative of a small amount of movement in the vicinity of the device, the controller may direct the activation to occur for a period of time that is less than 10 minutes.

Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be operable to control the amount of heat applied by the heater means and/or whether the fan is operable depending on the input received from the sensor means. For instance, where the input received from the sensor means suggests a small amount of movement in the vicinity of the device, the controller may be operable to instruct the heater means to impart a standard amount of heat toward the distal end of the wick (e.g. a 0-50% duty cycle). However, when the input is indicative of a moderate amount of movement in the nearby vicinity, the controller may instruct the heater means to impart a standard amount of heat, or a greater than standard amount of heat (e.g. a 50-80% duty cycle) and/or also instruct the fan means to be operable. Then, when the received input is indicative of a large amount of movement the controller may instruct the heater means to impart a greater amount of heat towards the wick than the standard amount

(e.g. a 50-80% duty cycle) or a maximum amount of heat (e.g. 80-100% duty cycle) and/or the controller may also instruct the fan means to be operable.

The heater means may be operable to impart a varying amount of heat, in use, to the wick of a container of fluid by varying the power consumed; increased power consumption resulting in increased heat being imparted to the wick and vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the variance of the heat may be imparted by varying the distance between the heater means and the wick. Alternatively or additionally, the variance of the heat may be imparted by varying the thickness of a heat insulation means between the heater means and the wick.

Alternatively, the emanation means may be provided in the form of an actuation means when the container to be used with the device comprises fluid held under pressure within the container, said actuation means being operable to cause a valve in the container to be opened, thus permitting fluid to be sprayed.

Where the container to be used with the device holds the fluid under pressure, such as an aerosol, the controller is preferably operable to control the duration of time the actuation means holds the valve of the container open. For instance, where a standard actuation of an aerosol is to hold the valve open for 1 second, the controller may direct the actuation means to hold the valve open for a period of time greater than 1 second when the input received by the controller from the sensor means is indicative of large amounts of movement in the vicinity of the device. Similarly, if the input received by the controller is indicative of a small amount of movement in the vicinity of the device, the controller may direct the actuation means to hold the valve open for less than 1 second. The time period of 1 second is used for the purposes of illustration only.

Where the container to be used with the device provides a metered dose of fluid, such as a metered dose aerosol, the controller may be operational in a different manner to that described above. In this embodiment where a standard actuation is for the release of a single dose, the controller may be operable to direct the actuation means to hold the valve open to release a full dose or repeatedly open and close the valve to release several doses depending on the input received from the sensor means.

The housing is preferably shaped such that it is capable of substantially completely surrounding a container of fluid. The housing preferably has an aperture to allow, in use, the emanation of the fluid from the container therethrough. Preferably the motion sensor means is located on the device in a position remote from the aperture.

The device may be operable in a normal mode or a detection mode; wherein in normal mode the emanation means may be operable, in use, to emanate at the time interval of ti and wherein in detection mode the motion sensor means may be operable, in use, to detect motion in the vicinity of the device and communicate any detection to the controller which causes the emanation means to emanate; and wherein subsequent detection of motion by the motion sensor means may be communicated to the controller which causes the emanation means to emanate at a time interval of t₂; and wherein t₂ -St₁. The device may be switchable between the normal mode and the detection mode. The device may be manually or automatically switchable between the normal mode and the detection mode. Automatic switching between normal mode and detection mode may be controlled by a timing mechanism and/or a sensor operably connected to the controller, such as a light sensor and/or sound detection means.

The incorporation of a timing mechanism to effect the switching of the device between a normal mode and a detection mode may be advantageous as a user can select when the detection mode may be operable, thus, providing a user with a greater level of control as to when the actuation frequency may be increased in response to motion being detected. This level of control will also permit a user to conserve the power consumption of the device by controlling the amount of time the device is in the detection mode, thus, controlling when the motion sensor means may consume power. The control of the power consumption may be particularly advantageous when the device is battery powered.

Furthermore, the incorporation of a sensor to effect the switching of the device between a normal mode and a detection mode may be advantageous as a user can allow the device to automatically cause the switching between a normal mode and a detection mode providing a user with a greater level of control as to when the actuation frequency may be increased in response to motion being detected. For instance, a light sensor may be used to only allow the switching when light is detected such that motion at night does not cause the emanation means to emanate. Whereas a sound detection means may permit the switching into the detection mode only when sound is detected, thus, preventing the motion sensor means from consuming power until sound is detected, the sound possibly being indicative of the environment around the device being used.

The device may be provided with an indicator wherein said indicator is operable to indicate to a user what function the device is currently performing. The indicator may be operable to provide a visual indication and/or provide an audible indication.

Preferably the indicator is configured to provide a visual indication by emitting light from one or more light sources, preferably one or more LEDs.

The one or more light sources may be adapted to emit a different colour of light to indicate the current function the device is performing. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more light sources may blink or flash to indicate the current function the device is performing. Alternatively or additionally, the device may be operable to visually indicate the function currently being performed by the device via a screen. The screen may be an LCD screen that is adapted to provide a message to a user, for instance such messages could include "ON", "SENSING", "MOTION DETECTED", "RESTING", "NORMAL MODE", "DETECTION MODE", "OFF".

The device may be provided with a boost mechanism. The boost mechanism may be linked to a user operated switch or button or the like. On operating the boost mechanism the emanation means may emanate, and this emanation may occur regardless of the current mode of operation of the device. In effect, the boost mechanism may provide the user with a control to override the operation of the device for a single emanation.

The device may be power by mains-supplied electricity and/or be battery powered and/or be powered by solar cells located on the device. When the container of fluid to be used with the device holds the fluid under pressure, such as an aerosol, the device is preferably battery powered. Whereas, when the container of fluid to be used with the device is transports the fluid via a wick, the device is preferably powered by mains electricity.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided therefore a method of emanating a fluid from a fluid container, the method comprising the steps of: loading a container of fluid into a device according to the first aspect of the present invention; placing the device in an operational mode wherein the motion sensor means is capable of detecting motion in the non-obscured field of view of the motion sensor means lens within the vicinity of the device; and wherein, upon detection of motion by said motion sensor means, the controller causes the actuation means to actuate thus causing the emanation of fluid from the container into the environment surrounding the device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided therefore a kit of parts for emanating a quantity of fluid, said kit comprising a device in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, said device being adapted to operate in accordance with the method according to the second aspect of the present invention, and further comprising a container of fluid wherein said container is configured to be loadable into the housing of the device.

Description of an Embodiment Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following description and drawings in which:

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig.1 illustrates a front elevation of one embodiment of a device of the present invention; Fig. 2. illustrates a plan elevation of the device of Fig.1 ;

Fig. 3 illustrates a front elevation of an other embodiment of a device of the present invention; and

Fig. 4 illustrates a front elevation of yet another embodiment of a device of the present invention.

The device 1 illustrated in Figs. 1 & 2 is shown with a container of volatile liquid engaged therewith. The container has a reservoir portion in the form of a glass bottle 2 containing a volatile liquid and a wick 3 extending into the bottle. The wick 3 also extends above the top of the bottle through a seal and into a chimney of the device 1. The wick 3 may be substantially cylindrical. The seal is present to retain the liquid within the bottle should the device 1 be knocked over and/or inverted when the container is engaged therewith.

The device 1 has a housing 8 which partially extends over the container and its upper part. From the rear wall of the housing extends electrical plug formations 6. The top of the housing δ has a generally circular central aperture 10 to allow volatilised liquid to flow up and out into the environment surrounding the device 1.

The emanation means may be provided in the form of at least one heater means (not shown) and/or at least one electric fan (not shown). These heating means may be provided in the form of separate resistors, such as positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors, and/or by a ring heater or the like.

The controller (not shown) may act as the principal receiver of information from the motion sensor means and direct the emanation means to activate as it directs.

The motion sensor means has a lens cover 12 which protrudes from the front of the device 1 to ensure a wide field of view. The lens cover is depicted as a Fresnel configuration, but other arrangements may be possible. The motion sensor means may be a passive infra-red sensor. The lens cover 12 has it's field of view partially obscured by an opaque area 14. The opaque area 14 prevents the passage of IR radiation therethrough, thus, creating a 'blind spot' for the motion sensor means.

The 'blind spot' is directly to the front of the lens. This may prevent motion occurring directly in front of the device from being detected by the motion sensor means. This arrangement may be advantageous in preventing the emanation of a liquid when someone is directly in front of the device.

Although not illustrated, the device 1 may be provided with means to receive at least two separate containers of liquid. In this arrangement the device 1 may be provided with additional emanation means to cause the emanation of the liquid, or a single set of emanation means, such as the first heater means and second heater means and an electric operable to emanate liquid from both containers as directed by the controller.

The mode of operation of the device and the inter-relation of the components will now be explained.

The device 1 must first be placed in an operational mode. There may be a user-activated switch 7 movable in a guide channel 9 to permit the device to be switched into the operational mode. The device 11 will draw power from the power source which is depicted as plug formations 6 to draw mains electric power, this could be from solar cells mounted on the device and/or one or more batteries however.

In one mode, initiating the operational mode will cause a first heater means to warm up to a temperature that will cause a standard amount of evaporation of the volatile liquid from the device 1 , so called 0-50% duty cycle. If no motion, or at least not greater than a base level of motion, is detected from the motion sensor means the controller may direct the emanation means to continue to evaporate a standard amount of volatile liquid or begin a rest period, a so-called 0% duty cycle.

After a period of time set by the user or predetermined in the device, the sensor may be operative to inform the controller of the current movement in the vicinity of the device such that the controller can direct a different response from the emanation means if there is a change.

The sensor means may in any event be operable to continually scan the vicinity of the device to inform the controller of a difference in the level of movement. Alternatively the sensor means may only perform a scan at set intervals in order to conserve power consumption.

If the controller is informed of increased levels of motion, the controller may direct the emanation means to emanate an increased quantity of liquid. For instance, when the input to the controller from the sensor means is indicative of a moderate amount of movement in the nearby vicinity, the controller may instruct either or both heater means to impart a standard amount of heat and also instruct the fan to activate. Alternatively, the controller may instruct either or both heater means to impart a greater than standard amount of heat (e.g. a 50-80% duty cycle).

Should the input from the sensor means to the controller be indicative of a large amount of movement, the controller may instruct either or both heater means to impart a greater amount of heat towards the wick than the standard amount (e.g. a 50-80% duty cycle) and instruct the fan to activate. Alternatively, the controller may instruct either or both heater means to impart a maximum amount of heat (e.g. 80-100% duty cycle) and/or instruct the fan to be activate.

The controller may also be configured to adjust the activation time the emanation means are activated for to alter the quantity of liquid that is evaporated in response to the input received from the sensor means.

The device 1 may be operable to not emanate any liquid until the sensor means inform the controller that at least some movement has been detected.

Where the device 1 is provided with two separate containers of liquid 3, the controller may be operable to analyse the input from the sensor means to determine whether there is an increased amount of movement in the vicinity of the device 1. Based on the information received from the sensor means, the controller may then be operable to alternate between the sources of liquids based on the amount of movement detected.

The illustrated device 1 is shown having an indicator 11 which is provided in the form of an LED. The LED 11 may be operable to provide a visual indication of the function currently being performed by the device. For instance, the LED could indicate when the device is in an operational mode by emitting a constant light which is converted to a flashing operation when motion has been detected. The indicator 11 may also be provided with an audio component (not shown) wherein this component is capable of giving an audible alert when a particular function is being performed and/or motion has been detected or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, a screen (such as an LCD screen) could be presented on a prominent part of the device 1 to provide a message to a user indicating the current functioning of the device 1. For instance such messages could include "ON", "SENSING", "MOTION DETECTED", "RESTING", "NORMAL MODE", "DETECTION MODE", "OFF".

Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate a further embodiment of a device 18,18' of the present invention. In this embodiment the device 18,18' is configured for use with a container of fluid where the fluid is held under pressure, such as an aerosol. The device 18,18' is configured to emanate the fluid by spraying it therefrom. The device 18,18' comprises a housing 22,22' which supports an internal platform (not shown) which is shaped to support and retain a container of fluid when the device is in use. The housing 22,22' may also support an emanation means (not shown), a controller (not shown), a motion sensor means having a lens 32,32' that protrudes through the front face of the housing 22,22'. The device 18,18' is connected to a power source, which is preferably one or more batteries.

To emanate the fluid by spraying, an arm 20,20' connected to the emanation means is moved in a downward direction and into contact with a spray head 28 of the aerosol. The movement of the arm 20,20' continues until the spray head is depressed and the valve within the aerosol is opened, thus, causing a quantity of fluid to be sprayed therefrom. Preferably the device 18,18' has a metered dose aerosol loaded therein. A metered dose aerosol being advantageous as a single depression of the spray head will release a predefined quantity of fluid from the aerosol regardless of the duration of time the spray head is depressed. However, a non-metered dose aerosol may be used in the device 18,18' as could a non-pressurised container possessing a pump mechanism to spray the fluid therefrom.

Alternatively, the emanation means could take the form of a valve system, such as a solenoid valve system. Such a solenoid valve system may work together with a pressurised aerosol engaged therewith. Rather than initiate actuation by movement, the solenoid valve would be energised to initiate the release of a quantity of fluid from the aerosol.

The front cover of the housing 22,22' includes an aperture 30,30' therethrough which is in registration with the spray head 28 of the container. When the arm 20,20' of the emanation means causes the spraying of the fluid, the fluid may exit the housing through the aperture 30,30' into the environment surrounding the device 18'18.

The motion sensor means has a lens cover 32,32' which protrudes from the front of the device 18,18' to ensure a wide field of view. The lens cover is depicted as a Fresnel configuration, but other arrangements may be possible. The motion sensor means may be a passive infra-red sensor.

The lens cover 32,32' has it's field of view partially obscured by an opaque area 34,34'. The opaque area 34,34' prevents the passage of IR radiation therethrough, thus, creating a 'blind spot' for the motion sensor means.

In Fig. 3 the 'blind spot' is directly to the front of the lens. This may prevent motion occurring directly in front of the device from being detected by the motion sensor means. This arrangement may be advantageous in preventing the spraying of a fluid when someone is directly in front of the device.

In Fig. 4 the 'blind spot' is directly beneath the lens. This may prevent motion occurring at a lower level to the device from being detected by the motion sensor means. This arrangement may be advantageous in preventing the spraying of a fluid resulting from motion of domestic pets walking past the device.

Regardless of the specific form of the emanation means, the mode of operation of the device and the inter-relation of the components will now be explained in detail.

The device 18,18' must first be placed in an operational mode. There will be a user- activated switch (not shown) to permit the device to be switched into the operational mode. The device 18,18' will draw power from the power source. The motion sensor means may also draw power either constantly or periodically to sense for movement in the vicinity of the device 18,18'.

If the motion sensor means senses movement it is operable to communicate this information to the controller. Once the controller has received this information it is operable to instruct the emanation means to activate, thus causing a spray of fluid. Subsequent detection of motion by the motion sensor means may also be communicated to the controller which will cause the emanation means to activate, possibly only if there has been a time interval following the previous spraying. When the device is first placed in an operational mode the controller may cause the emanation means 18 to activate substantially immediately or after a short delay, say after 2- 20 seconds, to cause a quantity of fluid to be sprayed. Should motion be detected immediately after the fluid has been sprayed the controller may cause the emanation means to activate again with subsequent actuations taking place only after a certain time interval following the previous spraying.

The device 18,18' may be switchable between a normal mode and a detection mode, a user controllable switch (not shown) may be provided. In this embodiment the normal mode of operation permits the emanation means to actuate at the routine time interval. When the device is switched into detection mode however, the motion sensor means may be operable to detect motion in the vicinity of the device. Should motion be detected, this information is communicated to the controller which causes the emanation means to activate. Whilst the device remains in detection mode subsequent detection of motion by the motion sensor means is communicated to the controller which may causes the emanation means to activate.

The device may be automatically switchable between the normal mode and the detection mode. Such automatic switching may be controlled by a timing mechanism and/or a sensor operably connected to the controller, such as a light sensor and/or sound detection means. The automatic switching may permit the device to consume less power by only permitting the device to operate in the detection mode of a limited period of time, thus conserving the power consumed by the motion sensor means. Such conservation of power may be advantageous where the device is powered by batteries and/or solar cell(s).

Indicator 34,34' means may be provided, such as in the form of two LEDs, to provide a visual indication of the function currently being performed by the device. For instance, one LED could indicate when the device is in an operational mode and the other LED could indicate when motion has bee detected.

The indicator means 34,34' may also be provided with an audio component (not shown) wherein this component is capable of giving an audible alert when a particular function is being performed and/or motion has been detected or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, the indicator means 34,34' may be provided with an LCD screen (not shown) where the screen is adapted to provide a message to a user indicating the current functioning of the device 10. For instance such messages could include "ON", "SENSING", "MOTION DETECTED", "RESTING", "NORMAL MODE", "DETECTION MODE", "OFF".

The partially obscured field of view for all of the above described embodiments is illustrated as being provided by an opaque area on the lens cover. However, the 'blind spot(s)' may be alternatively or additionally provided at least two motion sensors having respective fields of view that are non-overlapping and spaced apart from each other; they could be provided by a Fresnel configuration on only a portion of the lens of the motion sensor means; the housing could be arranged to partially obscure the field of view of the lens or lenses; the housing could have a projection extending therefrom to partially obscure the field of view of the lens or lenses; and/or a movable cover may be provided to partially obscure the field of view of the lens or lenses.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. Furthermore, the invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. An emanation device comprising: a housing adapted to receive a container of fluid; emanation means adapted to emanate, in use, the fluid; at least one motion sensor means having a lens; a controller in operable communication with said emanation means and said motion sensor means; wherein said at least one motion sensor means lens has a partially obscured field of view.

2. An emanation device according to claim 1 , wherein the field of view is substantially > 90°.

3. An emanation device according to claim 1 , wherein the field of view is substantially > 180°.

4. An emanation device according to claim 1 , wherein the field of view is substantially > 270°.

5. An emanation device according to claim 1 , wherein the field of view is substantially > 360°.

6. An emanation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the partially obscured field of view is provided by at least one of the following, namely: at least two motion sensors having respective fields of view that are non-overlapping and spaced apart from each other; a Fresnel configuration being provided for only a portion of the lens of the motion sensor means, such as only on an upper or a lower portion or a right hand side or a left hand side; the lens or lenses having a lens cover wherein said cover has a substantially opaque section; the housing being arranged to partially obscure the field of view of the lens or lenses; the housing having a projection extending therefrom to partially obscure the field of view of the lens or lenses; and/or a movable cover to partially obscure the field of view of the lens or lenses.

7. An emanation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the partially obscured field of view is predetermined.

8. An emanation device according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the partially obscured field of view is selectable by user.

9. An emanation device according to claim 8, wherein the selectable obscured field of view is manually selectable.

10. An emanation device according to claim 8, wherein the selectable obscured field of view is automatically selectable.

11. An emanation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is operable to instruct the emanation means to emanate when motion has been located at either side of the partially obscured field of view.

12. An emanation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the motion sensor means is provided in the form of at least one of: an infrared (IR) sensor; a laser sensor; a light sensor.

13. An emanation device according to any of claims 1-11 , wherein the motion sensor means is provided by at least two of: an infrared (IR) sensor; a laser sensor; a light sensor.

14. An emanation device according to any of claims 1-11 , wherein the motion sensor means is provided by an infrared (IR) sensor and a laser sensor and a light sensor.

15. A method of emanating a fluid from a fluid container, the method comprising the steps of: loading a container of fluid into a device according to any preceding claim; placing the device in an operational mode wherein the motion sensor means is capable of detecting motion in the non-obscured field of view of the motion sensor means lens within the vicinity of the device; and wherein, upon detection of motion by said motion sensor means, the controller causes the actuation means to actuate thus causing the emanation of fluid from the container into the environment surrounding the device.

16. A kit of parts for emanating a quantity of fluid, said kit comprising a device in accordance with any of claims 1-14, said device being adapted to operate in accordance with the method according to claim 15, and further comprising a container of fluid wherein said container is configured to be loadable into the housing of the device.