Patent attributes
A dispenser for dispensing a liquid includes a chamber holding a supply of liquid, an annular conduit substantially filled with liquid from the chamber, and a thermoelectric transducer near one end of the annular conduit. Upon application of electrical current to the thermoelectric transducer, the transducer operates to cause boiling of a quantity of liquid in the annular conduit. Expansion of a resulting bubble forces liquid out the end of the annular conduit. The dispenser may include battery powered electronic control circuit that includes a supercapacitor. The liquid may be dispensed in periodic bursts. In one application, the dispenser is especially suited to automatically and unobtrusively dispense a fragrance, perfume, or other personal care liquid worn by a person. In some applications, the dispenser may be worn on or under an article of clothing, or attached to an article of jewelry.