Patent Publication Number: US-2005127207-A1

Title: Micromechanical dispensing device and a dispensing system including the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part of its commonly-assigned parent application, “A device and system for dispensing fluids into the atmosphere,” application Ser. No. 10/732,724, filed 10 Dec. 2003 by the same inventors as in the present application, now pending, the disclosure of which parent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, verbatim, and with the same effect as though such disclosure were fully and completely set forth herein. 
    
    
      This application is related to the following two (2) applications by Joel A. Kubby et al., the same inventors as in the present application: “An environmental system including a micromechanical dispensing device”, application Ser. No. 10/827,922, filed 20 Apr. 2004; and “A video game system including a micromechanical dispensing device”, application Ser. No. 10/828,411, filed 20 Apr. 2004, both of the foregoing applications being assigned to Xerox Corporation, the same assignee as in the present application.  
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF OTHER U.S. PATENTS  
      The disclosures of the following twenty-six (26) U.S. patents are hereby incorporated by reference, verbatim, and with the same effect as though the same disclosures were fully and completely set forth herein:  
      Carole C. Barron et al., “Chemical-mechanical polishing of recessed microelectromechanical devices,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,548 (hereinafter “Barron &#39;548”);  
      Carole C. Barron et al., “Method for integrating microelectromechanical devices with electronic circuitry,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,788 (hereinafter “Barron &#39;788”);  
      John M. Bloemer, “Humidifier with reversible housing and distribution tray overflow,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,085 (hereinafter “Bloemer”);  
      Edward M. Carrese et al., “Ink tank with securing means and seal,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,615 (hereinafter “Carrese”);  
      Steven T. Cho, “Microfluidic valve and system therefor,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,224 (hereinafter “Cho”);  
      Charles P. Coleman et al., “Method of fabricating a fluid drop ejector,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,198 (hereinafter “Coleman &#39;198”);  
      Charles P. Coleman et al., “Fluid drop ejector,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,841 B1 (hereinafter “Coleman &#39;841”);  
      Anthony J. Farino et al., “Method for photolithographic definition of recessed features on a semiconductor wafer utilizing auto-focusing alignment,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,340 (hereinafter “Farino”);  
      Frank C. Genovese et al., “Magnetically actuated ink jet printing device,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,608 B1 (hereinafter “Genovese”);  
      Arthur M. Gooray et al., “Magnetic drive systems and methods for a micromachined fluid ejector,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,015 B1 (hereinafter “Gooray &#39;015”);  
      Arthur M. Gooray et al., “Micromachined fluid ejector systems and methods,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,915 B1 (hereinafter “Gooray &#39;915”);  
      Arthur M. Gooray et al., “Fluid ejection systems and methods with secondary dielectric fluid,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,130 B1 (hereinafter “Gooray &#39;130”);  
      Arthur M. Gooray et al., “Bi-directional fluid ejection system and methods,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,311 B1 (hereinafter “Gooray &#39;311”);  
      Arthur M. Gooray et al., “Micromachined fluid ejector systems and methods having improved response characteristics,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,169 B1 (hereinafter “Gooray &#39;169”);  
      Arthur M. Gooray et al., “Electronic drive systems and method,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,335 B1 (hereinafter “Gooray &#39;335”);  
      Joel A. Kubby et al., “Micro-electro-mechanical fluid ejector and method of operating same,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,865 B1 (hereinafter “Kubby &#39;865”);  
      Joel A. Kubby et al., “Method of fabricating a micro-electro-mechanical fluid ejector,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,448 B2 (hereinafter “Kubby &#39;448”);  
      Nathan S. Lewis et al., “Sensor array for detecting analytes in fluids,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,401 (hereinafter “Lewis”);  
      Edward J. Martens III et al., “Delivery system for dispensing volatiles,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,780;  
      Stephen Montague et al., “Method for integrating microelectromechanical devices with electronic circuitry,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,283 (hereinafter “Montague”);  
      Robert D. Nasby et al., “Use of chemical mechanical polishing in micromachining,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,084 (hereinafter “Nasby”);  
      Eric Peeters et al., “Print head for use in a ballistic aerosol marking apparatus,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,718 (hereinafter “Peeters &#39;718”);  
      Eric Peeters et al., “Ballistic aerosol marking apparatus for marking with a liquid material,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,409;  
      M. Steven Rodgers et al., “Method for fabricating five-level microelectromechanical structures and microelectromechanical transmission formed,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,208 (hereinafter “Rodgers”);  
      Kia Silverbrook, “Method of manufacture of a thermally actuated ink jet including a tapered heater element,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,427 (hereinafter “Silverbrook”); and  
      Scott Eliott, “Security system for video game system with hard disk drive and internet access capability”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,704 (hereinafter “Eliott”).  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      There is a need to improve the human experience based on human interaction with fluids dispensed into the atmosphere, such fluids including perfumes, pheromones, moisturizers, humectants, miticides, deodorizers, disinfectants, sanitizing agents, insecticides, and the like. While systems for dispensing fluids into the atmosphere are well-known, there are problems associated with current fluid dispensing systems.  
      Current fluid dispensing systems do not provide the desired degree of control and flexibility with respect to the amount, time and type of fluid that is dispensed.  
      It is desirable to provide this capability at low cost with a device or system that is compact in size, operates with a large range of fluids, and that can be variously configured to dispense one or more fluids into the atmosphere.  
      Thus, there is a need for an improved dispensing device and dispensing system for dispensing fluids into an atmosphere.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In a first aspect of the invention, there is described a micromechanical dispensing device to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device comprising one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms, each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms fluidly connected to a corresponding fluid reservoir; the micromechanical dispensing device further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller, the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms.  
      In a second aspect of the invention, there is described a system to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the system comprising a micromechanical dispensing device, the micromechanical dispensing device comprising one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms, each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms fluidly connected to a corresponding fluid reservoir; the micromechanical dispensing device further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller, the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms; the system further comprising at least one other dispensing device, and a system controller, the system controller arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device and with each of the at least one other dispensing devices.  
      In a third aspect of the invention, there is described a micromechanical dispensing device to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device comprising a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms, each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms fluidly connected to a corresponding fluid reservoir; the micromechanical dispensing device further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller, the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms.  
      In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is described a system to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the system comprising a micromechanical dispensing device, the micromechanical dispensing device comprising a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms, each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms fluidly connected to a corresponding fluid reservoir; the micromechanical dispensing device further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller, the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms; and the system further comprising a system controller, the system controller arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device.  
      In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is described a micromechanical dispensing device to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device comprising a micromechanical dispensing mechanism, the micromechanical dispensing mechanism fluidly connected to a plurality of fluid reservoirs; and further comprising a valve, the valve arranged to selectively couple each fluid reservoir of the plurality of fluid reservoirs to the micromechanical dispensing mechanism; and, the micromechanical dispensing device further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller, the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing mechanism and the valve.  
      In a sixth aspect of the invention, there is described a micromechanical dispensing device to dispense a fluid into an atmosphere the micromechanical dispensing device comprising a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms, the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir; and, the micromechanical dispensing device further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller, the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms.  
      In a seventh aspect of the invention, there is described a dispensing system including a micromechanical dispensing device, the micromechanical dispensing device being arranged to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device comprising a micromechanical dispensing mechanism that is fluidly coupled to an included valve, wherein the valve is arranged to selectively fluidly couple the micromechanical dispensing mechanism to a plurality of fluid reservoirs, the dispensing system further comprising a dispensing system controller arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device by means of an included communication means.  
      In an eighth aspect of the invention, there is described a dispensing system including a micromechanical dispensing device, the micromechanical dispensing device being arranged to dispense a fluid into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device comprising a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms that are fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir, the dispensing system further comprising a dispensing system controller arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device by means of an included communication means. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  depicts a typical dispensing device  100  for dispensing a fluid into an atmosphere, as in the prior art.  
       FIG. 2  depicts one embodiment of a micromechanical dispensing device  200  arranged to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere.  
       FIG. 3  depicts a dispensing system  300  for dispensing one or more fluids into an atmosphere using the  FIG. 2  micromechanical dispensing device  200 .  
       FIG. 4  depicts one embodiment of a micromechanical dispensing device  400  arranged to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere.  
       FIG. 5  depicts a dispensing system  500  for dispensing a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere using the  FIG. 4  micromechanical dispensing device  400 .  
       FIG. 6  depicts another embodiment of a micromechanical dispensing device  600  arranged to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere.  
       FIG. 7  depicts one embodiment of a micromechanical dispensing device  700  arranged to dispense a fluid into an atmosphere.  
       FIG. 8A  depicts a first embodiment  800 A of an environmental system including a micromechanical dispensing device. As shown, the environmental system  800 A uses the  FIG. 2  micromechanical dispensing device  200 .  
       FIG. 8B  depicts a second embodiment  800 B of an environmental system including a micromechanical dispensing device. As shown, the environmental system  800 B uses the  FIG. 4  micromechanical dispensing device  400 .  
       FIG. 8C  depicts a third embodiment  800 C of an environmental system including a micromechanical dispensing device. As shown, the environmental system  800 C uses the  FIG. 6  micromechanical dispensing device  600 .  
       FIG. 8D  depicts a fourth embodiment  800 D of an environmental system including a micromechanical dispensing device. As shown, the environmental system  800 D uses the  FIG. 7  micromechanical dispensing device  700 .  
       FIG. 9  depicts a dispensing system  900  using any of the  FIG. 6  micromechanical dispensing device  600  and the  FIG. 7  micromechanical dispensing device  700 .  
       FIG. 10  depicts a video game system  1000  including a micromechanical dispensing device  1090 . As shown, the micromechanical dispensing device  1090 , in turn, comprises any of the  FIG. 2  micromechanical dispensing device  200 , the  FIG. 4  micromechanical dispensing device  400 , the  FIG. 6  micromechanical dispensing device  600  and the  FIG. 7  micromechanical dispensing device  700 .  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      Briefly, a micromechanical dispensing device comprises at least one micromechanical dispensing mechanism that is fluidly coupled to at least one included fluid reservoir. The micromechanical dispensing device is arranged to dispense at least one fluid into an atmosphere under control of an included micromechanical dispensing device controller. A dispensing system includes a micromechanical dispensing device. A dispensing system controller is provided and arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device by means of an included communication means.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is depicted a typical dispensing device  100  for dispensing a fluid into an atmosphere, as in the prior art. As is known, typically such devices  100  are controllable by a system controller, as described herein.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is depicted one embodiment of a micromechanical dispensing device  200  arranged to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere.  
      For good understanding, the term “micromechanical” is sometimes alternately expressed as “micro-electromechanical”. Also, the terms “micromechanical” and “micro-electromechanical” are sometimes abbreviated as “MEMS”.  
      As shown, the micromechanical dispensing device  200  comprises one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  fluidly coupled to a corresponding one or more fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222 .  
      By a “micromechanical dispensing mechanism”, it is meant a dispensing mechanism formed using micromachining and etching techniques, typically with a silicon-based device, as discussed in greater detail below.  
      Referring to  FIG. 2 , the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  include a corresponding one or more inlets  213 ,  214  for receiving one or more fluids to be dispensed by the mechanisms  210 ,  212 .  
      The one or more inlets  213 ,  214 , in turn, are fluidly coupled to one or more channels  254 ,  255 .  
      The one or more channels  254 ,  255 , in turn, are fluidly coupled to one or more channel ports  226 ,  228 .  
      The one or more channel ports  226 ,  228 , in turn, are arranged to removably interconnect or mate with one or more corresponding fluid reservoir ports  223 ,  225 .  
      The one or more reservoir ports  223 ,  225 , in turn, are fluidly coupled to the corresponding one or more fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222 .  
      The one or more fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222 , in turn, contain one or more corresponding fluids  271 ,  273 .  
      In one embodiment, one or more optional check valves  251 ,  253  are interposed between the fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222  and the fluid reservoir ports  223 ,  225 .  
      As a result of the foregoing arrangement, the one or more fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222  and the one or more fluids  271 ,  273  are fluidly coupled to the one or more dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212 .  
      One skilled in the art is familiar with a variety of means to construct a removable fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, for example, any of the one or more fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222  are similar to identical to the fluid reservoir of the Carrese patent.  
      As shown in  FIG. 2 , an included dispensing device controller  240  is arranged to actuate or control the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated to the dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  by means of a communication link or path  231 .  
      In one embodiment, the device controller  240  comprises any of a number of well-known control and programming electronic circuits or devices well-known to those skilled in the art such as, for example, any of an ASIC, a PGA, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, an FPGA and a discrete circuit.  
      In one embodiment, the device controller  240  is comprised of electronic circuitry that is a part of the same micromechanical structure comprising the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, a program control signal  243  is communicated to the device controller  240  by means of an included controller interface  234  and a communication link or path  233 .  
      Referring still to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  200  further comprises an optional dispensing device sensor  260 . The dispensing device sensor  260 , in turn, is arranged to form a dispensing device sensor signal  235  based on a concentration of an atmospheric substance  280 .  
      Sensors responsive to the airborne concentration of substances in the atmosphere are well-known to those skilled in the art. For example, the sensor  260  may comprise a sensor similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  280  comprises any of the one or more fluids  271 ,  273  that are dispensed by the dispensing device  200 .  
      As shown, in one embodiment, the dispensing device sensor  260  is arranged to communicate the dispensing device sensor signal  235  to the controller  240  by means of a communication link or path  232 . In turn, the device controller  240  is arranged to actuate or control the one or more of the dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  based at least in part on the dispensing device sensor signal  235 .  
      In another embodiment, the dispensing device sensor signal  235  is communicated to an included dispensing device sensor interface  262  by means of a communication link or path  261 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  200  comprises a dispersion pad  290  positioned to receive a fluid dispensed by the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212 .  
      In one embodiment, the dispersion pad  290  comprises any natural or synthetic material or polymer, fiber or strand, either singular or woven, twisted, braided, bundled, molded or shaped in a manner that transports fluid or vapors by capillary action or that can serve as a support medium for the fluid or vapors.  
      The dispersion pad  290  is separated from the micromechanical dispensing device  200  by a gap  291 - 291 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the gap  291 - 291 ′ is minimized to achieve substantially zero distance, providing intimate contact between the dispersion pad  290  and the micromechanical dispensing device  200 .  
      Also depicted in  FIG. 2  is an optional orifice plate  295  including an orifice  296 . The orifice plate  295  is arranged such that fluid dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  is further dispensed through the orifice  296 .  
      Referring generally to  FIG. 2 , it will be understood that there are numerous fluids suitable for use with the micromechanical dispensing device  200  to control the quality or other aspects of the atmosphere for aesthetic, hygienic or mood-enhancing effects.  
      In one embodiment, the dispensing device  200  is arranged to dispense any of the following fluids: fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222  contains a fluid  271 ,  273  that comprises any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      As is known, a miticide is one of the known materials to kill mites.  
      Referring still to  FIG. 2 , several embodiments of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  are now described.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprise an electrostatically-driven membrane. For example, in one embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprise a membrane similar or identical to the electrostatically-actuated diaphragm  10  of the fluid ejector  100  of the Kubby &#39;865 patent.  
      Referring now to Kubby &#39;865,  FIG. 1  discloses a micro-electromechanical fluid ejector  100  fabricated in a standard polysilicon surface micromachining process. depicted in  FIG. 1  and described from col. 2, line 65 to col. 3, line 21, the fluid drop ejector  100  comprises a substrate  20 , a silicon wafer, an insulator  30 , a thin film of silicon nitride, Si3N4, a conductor  40 , acting as the counterelectrode, made of metal or a doped semiconductor such as polysilicon, and a membrane  50 , made from polysilicon as is typically used in a surface micromachining process.  
      Still referring to Kubby &#39;865, the operation of the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  100  is described from col. 2, line 65 to col. 4, line 27. As described therein, a power source, element P, shown in  FIG. 1 , is applied between the membrane  10  and the conductor  40  to cause displacement of the membrane  10 . The patent&#39;s  FIG. 2  shows a cross-section of the displaced membrane  10 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , displacement of the membrane  10  toward the conductor  40  increases the volume of the chamber  70  formed by the membrane  10  enclosed by orifice plate  60 . Fluid is thus drawn into the chamber from a fluid reservoir, as described at col. 3, lines 45-46. As shown in  FIG. 3 , an included nipple  52  serves to limit the displacement of the membrane toward the conductor  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , as the voltage between the conductor and the membrane is relaxed, the membrane returns to its initial position, thus creating an increased fluid pressure which ejects a drop of fluid  72 .  
      Still referring to Kubby &#39;865, the process for forming the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  100  is described from col. 6, line 4 to col. 7, line 24.  
      Referring again to the present  FIG. 2 , in a further embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprise an electrostatically-actuated piston. For example, in one embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprise a piston similar or identical to the electrostatically-actuated piston  110  of the fluid ejector  100  of the Gooray &#39;915 patent.  
      Referring now to Gooray &#39;915,  FIG. 1  discloses a micromechanical fluid ejector  100  fabricated using a “SUMMiT” processes or other suitable micromachining processes. As described at col. 3, lines 14-21, the SUMMiT processes are described in various U.S. patents, including the aforementioned patents Farino, Montague, Nasby, Barron &#39;548, Barron &#39;788 and Rodgers. As depicted in  FIG. 1  and described at col. 4, lines 35-65 the fluid drop ejector  100  comprises a movable piston structure  110 , a stationary face plate  130 , a fluid chamber  120  and a substrate  150 .  
      In one embodiment, the piston structure  110  is resiliently mounted on the substrate  150  by one or more spring elements  114 . The stationary face plate  130  further includes a nozzle hole  132  through which a fluid drop is ejected.  
      Still referring to Gooray &#39;915, the piston structure  110  moves towards the faceplate  130  due to electrostatic attraction between the piston structure  110  and the faceplate  130 , ejecting fluid through nozzle hole  132 , as described at col. 2, lines 51-54. Further embodiments of an electrostatically-driven piston are described from col. 4, line 66 to col. 6, line 53.  
      Again referring to the present  FIG. 2 , in another embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprise a magnetically-actuated membrane. For example, in one embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprise a membrane similar or identical to the magnetically-actuated diaphragm  38  of the fluid ejector  12  of the Genovese patent.  
      Referring now to Genovese, a micro-electromechanical fluid ejector  12  is depicted in  FIG. 7 . As described at col. 5, lines 9-40, the fluid drop ejector  12  comprises a silicon plate  32 , including two parallel surfaces  33 ,  34 , with a thickness of about 20 mils (.020 inches) or approximately 500 microns. The silicon plate  32  is anisotropically etched from the surface  34  to form a recess  36  and form a membrane  38  for use as a diaphragm. The diaphragm  38 , with a bottom surface  37  is preferably about 1 micron in thickness.  
      Still referring to Genovese, as described at col. 5, lines 16-19, alternately, a plate of silicon or ceramic is used in conjunction with an appropriate process such as molding or laser ablation. The silicon top surface  33  has an electrode  40  deposited onto it such that at least a portion of the electrode  40  lies on top of diaphragm  38 . An orifice plate  44  with internal cavity  49 , and aligned with diaphragm  38  is formed on silicon surface  33 . As described at col. 5, lines 35-40, the internal cavity  49  is filled with fluid.  
      Referring still to Genovese, the operation of the magnetically-actuated diaphragm is described at col. 5, lines 41-67. The fluid ejector is subject to a predetermined magnetic field B with a field direction extending upward with respect to  FIG. 7 , the upwards direction corresponding to a direction approximately perpendicular to surface  33  and electrode  40 . As the result of the selective application of electric current pulses from left to right through the electrode  40  (as in  FIG. 7 ), a Force F is generated which deforms the diaphragm  38  in the upward direction towards the nozzle. As described at col. 5, lines 50-59, this application of pulses results in ejection of drops from the nozzle, with drop volume determined by the electric current pulses.  
      Still referring to Genovese, the process for forming the micromechanical dispensing mechanism is described from col. 7, line 13 to col. 8, line 51.  
      Referring again to the present  FIG. 2 , in another embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprise a ballistic aerosol micromechanical dispensing mechanism. For example, in one embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  are similar or identical to the aerosol ballistic dispensing device  24  of the Peeters &#39;718 patent.  
      Referring now to Peeters &#39;718, there is described from col. 6, line 66 to col. 7, line 28 a ballistic aerosol dispensing device  24  particularly adapted for deposition of materials onto a substrate for printing. The ballistic aerosol dispensing device comprises a body  26  within which is formed a plurality of cavities  28  for receiving materials to be dispensed on a surface. Also formed in body  26  may be a propellant cavity  30 . Fitting  32  may be provided for connecting cavity  30  to a propellant source  33  such as a compressor, a propellant reservoir or the like. Body  26  may be connected to a print head  34  that will be discussed later. As depicted in  FIG. 3  and described at col. 7, lines 29-40, the cavities  28  further comprise ports  42 , which provide communication between cavities  28  and a channel  46 . In a similar manner, as described with reference to  FIG. 3  and described at col. 8, lines 41-65, cavity  30  includes a port  44  providing communication between the cavity and channel  46  through which propellant may travel.  
      Still referring to Peeters &#39;718, the operation of a ballistic aerosol dispensing device is described from col. 8, line 48 to col. 9, line 6. As discussed, propellant enters the channel  46  through port  44 , from the propellant cavity  30 . The propellant flows continuously through the channel while the dispensing apparatus is operative, or else is modulated such that the propellant passes through the channel only when material is to be dispensed. Such propellant modification may be accomplished by a valve  31  interposed between the propellant source  33  and the channel  46 . Material may controllably enter the channel  46  through one or more of the ports  42 .  
      Referring still to Peeters &#39;718, one embodiment of a process for forming a micromechanical dispensing mechanism incorporating a ballistic aerosol mechanism is described from col. 9, line 7 to col. 10, line 7.  
      Again referring to the present  FIG. 2 , in another embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprise an arrangement incorporating a thermally-actuated paddle vane. For example, in one embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprise an arrangement of a thermally-actuated paddle vane similar or identical to the fluid ejector  20  of the Silverbrook patent.  
      Referring now to Silverbrook, there is described from col. 9, line 58 to col. 10, line 60 a nozzle arrangement comprising a thermally-actuated paddle vane for dispensing fluids, the nozzle arrangement formed using standard micro-electromechanical techniques. The nozzle arrangement comprises an actuator arm  21  which includes a bottom arm  22 , constructed from a conductive material such as a copper nickel alloy, and a top layer  25  composed from the same material. The layer  22  includes a tapered end portion near the end post  24 . The layer  22  is connected to the lower CMOS layers  26 , which are formed in the standard manner on a silicon substrate surface  27 . The tapering of layer  22  means that any conductive resistive heating occurs near the post portion  24 . The actuator arm  21  is interconnected to an ejection paddle located within a nozzle chamber  28 . The nozzle chamber includes an ejection nozzle  29  from which ink is ejected. The nozzle further includes a slot arrangement  30 , which results in minimum fluid outflow through the actuator arm interconnection and also results in minimal pressure increases in this area. An ink supply channel  39  is provided by back etching through the wafer to the back surface of the nozzle.  
      Still referring to Silverbrook, the operation of a fluid micromechanical dispensing mechanism based on a thermally-actuated paddle vane is described at col. 9, lines 10-57, with reference to  FIGS. 2-3 . Inside nozzle chamber  2 , a paddle type device  7  is interconnected to an actuator arm  8  through a slot in the wall of nozzle chamber  2 . The actuator arm includes a heater means  9  located adjacent to a post end portion  20 , the post end affixed to a substrate. To eject a drop, heater means  9  is heated so as to undergo thermal expansion. Ideally, the heater means is located adjacent to the post end portion  20  such that the effects of activation result in large movements of the paddle end  7 . Upon heating, the heating means  9  undergoes thermal expansion, resulting in a general increase in pressure around the meniscus  5 . The heater current is pulsed and fluid is ejected out of the nozzle  4  in addition to flowing in from the fluid channel  3 . Subsequently, the paddle  7  is deactivated to return to its quiescent position.  
      Referring still to Silverbrook, a process for forming a fluid micromechanical dispensing mechanism that comprises a thermally-actuated paddle vane using standard micro-electromechanical techniques from col. 10, line 64 to col. 13, line 41.  
      Referring generally to the present  FIG. 2 , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Still referring generally to the present  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  are similar or identical to any of the micromechanical or micro-electromechanical fluid ejectors described in the following patents: Coleman &#39;198, Coleman &#39;841, Genovese, Gooray &#39;015, Gooray &#39;915, Gooray &#39;130, Gooray &#39;311, Gooray &#39;169, Gooray &#39;335, Kubby &#39;865, Kubby &#39;448, Peeters &#39;718 and Silverbrook.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is depicted a dispensing system  300  for dispensing one or more fluids into an atmosphere. As shown, the dispensing system  300  comprises a dispensing device  301 . The dispensing device  301 , in turn, comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  200  described in connection with  FIG. 2  above.  
      With momentary cross-reference to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment the dispensing device  301  (corresponding to the dispensing device  200  in  FIG. 2 ) is arranged to dispense only one (1) fluid and thus the dispensing device  301  comprises only the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  210  arranged to dispense the fluid  271 .  
      With continued momentary cross-reference to  FIG. 2 , in another embodiment the dispensing device  301  (corresponding to the dispensing device  200  in  FIG. 2 ) is arranged to dispense a plurality of fluids and thus the dispensing device  301  comprises a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  arranged to dispense the plurality of fluids  271 ,  273 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment the dispensing system  300  comprises only a single dispensing device, namely, the dispensing device  301 .  
      In another embodiment, the dispensing system  300  comprises the dispensing device  301  and, in addition, the dispensing system  300  further comprises at least one additional dispensing device depicted as element  302  in  FIG. 3 . In turn, the at least one additional dispensing device  302  comprises any of the dispensing devices  100 ,  200 ,  400 ,  600  and  700 .  
      For good understanding, the dispensing devices  100  and  200  in  FIG. 3  correspond to the dispensing devices  100  and  200  described above in connection with  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Also, the dispensing devices  400 ,  600  and  700  in  FIG. 3  correspond to the dispensing devices  400 ,  600  and  700  described below in connection with  FIGS. 4, 6  and  7 .  
      Referring still to  FIG. 3 , when the dispensing device  301  and the at least one additional dispensing device  302  are both present, the dispensing device  301  dispenses one or more fluids  271 ,  273  and the at least one additional dispensing device  302  dispenses one or more fluids depicted as reference number  360  in  FIG. 3 .  
      Thus, in general, it will be understood that in various embodiments the dispensing system  300  is capable of dispensing a wide variety of combinations and permutations of fluids.  
      As shown in  FIG. 3 , the dispensing system  300  further comprises a dispensing system controller  310 . The dispensing system controller  310 , in turn, comprises a controller communication interface  313 . The dispensing system controller  310  is arranged to actuate or control the dispensing device  301  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated to the dispensing device  301  by means of the controller communication interface  313 , a communication link or path  341 , a communication means  340  and a communication link or path  343 .  
      With momentary cross-reference to  FIG. 2 , the suitable control signals described in connection with  FIG. 3  above correspond to the program control signal  243  in  FIG. 2 . As described in connection with  FIG. 2 , the program control signal  243  is communicated to the device controller  240  comprised in the dispensing device  200  by means of the included controller interface  234  and the communication link or path  233 .  
      Referring again to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment the system controller  310  is further arranged to actuate or control the optional at least one additional dispensing device  302  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated by means of the link or path  341 , the communication means  340  and a communication link or path  344 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment an optional system sensor  330  is provided. For example, the system sensor  330  may be similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      As shown, the system sensor  330  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  335  based on a concentration of an atmospheric substance  380  and to communicate the system sensor signal  335  to the system controller  310  by means of a communication link or path  342 , the communication means  340  and the link or path  341 .  
      With cross-reference to  FIG. 2 , in another embodiment the dispensing device  301  further comprises the optional dispensing device sensor  260  that is described in connection with  FIG. 2 . As shown in the present  FIG. 3 , in this latter embodiment the dispensing device sensor  260  of the dispensing device  301  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  335 ′ (corresponding to the dispensing device sensor signal  235  as communicated to the dispensing device sensor interface  262  in  FIG. 2 ) based on the atmospheric substance  380  and to communicate the system sensor signal  335 ′ to the system controller  310  by means of the link or path  343 , the communication means  340  and the link or path  341 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment the system controller  310  is arranged to actuate or control any of the dispensing devices  301  and  302  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  335  that is formed by the system sensor  330 .  
      In another embodiment, the system controller  310  is arranged to actuate or control any of the dispensing devices  301  and  302  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  335 ′ that is formed by the dispensing device sensor  260  of the dispensing device  301 .  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  340  and the communication links or paths  341 ,  342 ,  343  and  344  comprise a communication network.  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  340  and the links or paths  341 ,  342 ,  343  and  344  comprise any of a wireless network, an internet, a network hub, a telephone network, a local area network, a cable television network, a coaxial cable network, a fiber optics network, a satellite communication system, a universal serial bus, a universal serial bus port adapter and a twisted wire pair.  
      Referring generally to the present  FIG. 3 , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is depicted one embodiment of a micromechanical dispensing device  400  arranged to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere.  
      As shown, the micromechanical dispensing device  400  comprises a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  fluidly coupled to a corresponding plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422 .  
      As shown, the plurality of dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  include a corresponding plurality of inlets  413 ,  414 ,  415  for receiving fluids to be dispensed by the mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412 .  
      The plurality of inlets  413 ,  414 ,  415 , in turn, are fluidly coupled to a corresponding plurality of channels  454 ,  455 ,  456 .  
      The plurality of channels  454 ,  455 ,  456 , in turn, are fluidly coupled to a corresponding plurality of channel ports  426 ,  427 ,  428 .  
      The plurality of channel ports  426 ,  427 ,  428 , in turn, are arranged to removably interconnect or mate with a corresponding plurality of fluid reservoir ports  423 ,  424 , 425 .  
      The plurality of fluid reservoir ports  423 ,  424 ,  425 , in turn, are fluidly coupled to the corresponding plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422 .  
      The plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422 , in turn, contain a corresponding plurality of fluids  471 ,  472 ,  473 .  
      In one embodiment, an optional plurality of check valves  451 ,  452 ,  453  are interposed between the plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422  and the plurality of fluid reservoir ports  423 ,  424 ,  425 .  
      As a result of the foregoing arrangement, the plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422  and the plurality of fluids  471 ,  472 ,  473  are fluidly coupled to the plurality of dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412 .  
      One skilled in the art is familiar with a variety of means to construct a removable fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, for example, any of the plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422  are similar or identical to the fluid reservoir of the Carrese patent.  
      As shown in  FIG. 4 , an included dispensing device controller  440  is arranged to actuate or control the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated to the dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  by means of a communication link or path  431 .  
      In one embodiment, the device controller  440  comprises any of a number of well-known control and programming electronic circuits or devices well-known to those skilled in the art such as, for example, any of an ASIC, a PGA, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, an FPGA and a discrete circuit.  
      In one embodiment, the device controller  440  is comprised of electronic circuitry that is a part of the same micromechanical structure comprising the micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, a program control signal  443  is communicated to the device controller  440  by means of an included controller interface  434  and a communication link or path  433 .  
      Referring still to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  400  further comprises an optional dispensing device sensor  460 . The dispensing device sensor  460 , in turn, is arranged to form a dispensing device sensor signal  435  based on a concentration of an atmospheric substance  480 .  
      Sensors responsive to the airborne concentration of substances in the atmosphere are well-known to those skilled in the art. For example, the sensor  260  may comprise a sensor similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  480  comprises any of the fluids  471 ,  472 ,  473  that are dispensed by the dispensing device  400 .  
      As shown, in one embodiment, the dispensing device sensor  460  is arranged to communicate the dispensing device sensor signal  435  to the controller  440  by means of a communication link or path  432 . In turn, the device controller  440  is arranged to actuate or control the dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  based at least in part on the dispensing device sensor signal  435 .  
      In another embodiment, the dispensing device sensor signal  435  is communicated to an included dispensing device sensor interface  462  by means of a communication link or path  461 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  400  comprises a dispersion pad  490  positioned to receive a fluid dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412 .  
      In one embodiment, the dispersion pad  490  comprises any natural or synthetic material or polymer, fiber or strand, either singular or woven, twisted, braided, bundled, molded or shaped in a manner that transports fluid or vapors by capillary action or that can serve as a support medium for the fluid or vapors.  
      The dispersion pad  490  is separated from the micromechanical dispensing device  400  by a gap  491 - 491 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the gap  491 - 491 ′ is minimized to achieve substantially zero distance, providing intimate contact between the dispersion pad  490  and the dispensing device  200 .  
      Also depicted in  FIG. 4  is an optional orifice plate  495  including an orifice  496 . The orifice plate  495  is arranged such that fluid dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  is further dispensed through the orifice  496 .  
      Referring generally to  FIG. 4 , it will be understood that there are numerous fluids suitable for use with the micromechanical dispensing device  400  to control the quality or other aspects of the atmosphere for aesthetic, hygienic or mood-enhancing effects.  
      In one embodiment, the dispensing device  400  is arranged to dispense any of the following fluids: fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, any of the plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422  contains a fluid  471 ,  472 ,  473  that comprises any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  comprise an electrostatically-driven membrane similar or identical to the electrostatically-driven membrane of the Kubby &#39;865 patent.  
      In another embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  comprise an electrostatically-actuated piston similar or identical to the electrostatically-actuated piston of the Gooray &#39;915 patent.  
      In a further embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  comprise a magnetically-actuated membrane similar or identical to the magnetically-actuated membrane of the Genovese patent.  
      In still another embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  comprise a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism similar or identical to the ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism of the Peeters &#39;718 patent.  
      In a still further embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  comprise a thermally-actuated paddle vane similar or identical to the thermally-actuated paddle-vane of the Silverbrook patent.  
      Referring generally to the present  FIG. 4 , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Still referring generally to the present  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  are similar or identical to any of the micromechanical or micro-electromechanical fluid ejectors described in the following patents: Coleman &#39;198, Coleman &#39;841, Genovese, Gooray &#39;015, Gooray &#39;915, Gooray &#39;130, Gooray &#39;311, Gooray &#39;169, Gooray &#39;335, Kubby &#39;865, Kubby &#39;448, Peeters &#39;718 and Silverbrook.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is depicted a dispensing system  500  for dispensing one or more fluids into an atmosphere. As shown, the dispensing system  500  comprises a dispensing device  501 . The dispensing device  501 , in turn, comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  400  described in connection with  FIG. 4  above.  
      With momentary cross-reference to  FIG. 4 , the dispensing device  501  (corresponding to the dispensing device  400  in  FIG. 4 ) comprises a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  arranged to dispense a plurality of fluids  471 ,  472 ,  473 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment the dispensing system  500  comprises only a single dispensing device, namely, the dispensing device  501 .  
      In another embodiment, the dispensing system  500  comprises the dispensing device  501  and, in addition, the dispensing system  500  further comprises at least one additional dispensing device depicted as element  502  in  FIG. 5 . In turn, the at least one additional dispensing device  502  comprises any of the dispensing devices  100 ,  200 ,  400 ,  600  and  700 .  
      For good understanding, the dispensing devices  100 ,  200  and  400  in  FIG. 5  correspond to the dispensing devices  100 ,  200  and  400  described above in connection with  FIGS. 1, 2  and  4 . Also, the dispensing devices  600  and  700  in  FIG. 5  correspond to the dispensing devices  600  and  700  described below in connection with  FIGS. 6 and 7 .  
      Referring still to  FIG. 5 , when the dispensing device  501  and the at least one additional dispensing device  502  are both present, the dispensing device  501  dispenses a plurality of fluids  471 ,  472 ,  473  and the at least one additional dispensing device  502  dispenses one or more fluids depicted as reference number  560  in  FIG. 5 .  
      Thus, in general, it will be understood that in various embodiments the dispensing system  500  is capable of dispensing a wide variety of combinations and permutations of fluids.  
      As shown in  FIG. 5 , the dispensing system  500  further comprises a dispensing system controller  510 . The dispensing system controller  510 , in turn, comprises a controller communication interface  513 . The dispensing system controller  510  is arranged to actuate or control the dispensing device  501  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated to the dispensing device  501  by means of the controller communication interface  513 , a communication link or path  541 , a communication means  540  and a communication link or path  543 .  
      With momentary cross-reference to  FIG. 4 , the suitable control signals described in connection with  FIG. 5  above correspond to the program control signal  443  in  FIG. 4 . As described in connection with  FIG. 4 , the program control signal  443  is communicated to the device controller  440  comprised in the dispensing device  400  by means of the included controller interface  434  and the communication link or path  433 .  
      Referring again to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment the system controller  510  is further arranged to actuate or control the optional at least one additional dispensing device  502  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated by means of the link or path  541 , the communication means  540  and a communication link or path  544 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment an optional system sensor  530  is provided. For example, the system sensor  530  may be similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      As shown, the system sensor  530  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  535  based on a concentration of an atmospheric substance  580  and to communicate the system sensor signal  535  to the system controller  510  by means of a communication link or path  542 , the communication means  540  and the link or path  541 .  
      With cross-reference to  FIG. 4 , in another embodiment the dispensing device  501  further comprises the optional dispensing device sensor  460  that is described in connection with  FIG. 4 . As shown in the present  FIG. 5 , in this latter embodiment the dispensing device sensor  460  of the dispensing device  501  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  535 ′ (corresponding to the dispensing device sensor signal  435  as communicated to the dispensing device sensor interface  462  in  FIG. 4 ) based on the atmospheric substance  580  and to communicate the system sensor signal  535 ′ to the system controller  510  by means of the link or path  543 , the communication means  540  and the link or path  541 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment the system controller  510  is arranged to actuate or control any of the dispensing devices  501  and  502  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  535  that is formed by the system sensor  530 .  
      In another embodiment, the system controller  510  is arranged to actuate or control any of the dispensing devices  501  and  502  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  535 ′ that is formed by the dispensing device sensor  460  of the dispensing device  501 .  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  540  and the communication links or paths  541 ,  542 ,  543  and  544  comprise a communication network.  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  540  and the links or paths  541 ,  542 ,  543  and  544  comprise any of a wireless network, an internet, a network hub, a telephone network, a local area network, a cable television network, a coaxial cable network, a fiber optics network, a satellite communication system, a universal serial bus, a universal serial bus port adapter and a twisted wire pair.  
      Referring generally to the present  FIG. 5 , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is depicted another embodiment of a micromechanical dispensing device  600  arranged to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere.  
      As discussed below, the dispensing device  600  comprises a micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  arranged with a valve  665  to selectively fluidly couple the dispensing mechanism  610  to a plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622 .  
      As shown, the dispensing mechanism  610  includes an inlet  613  for receiving fluids to be dispensed by the mechanism  610 .  
      The inlet  613 , in turn, is coupled to a channel  611 - 611 ′.  
      The channel  611 - 611 ′, in turn, is fluidly coupled to a first (output) port of the valve  665 .  
      A second (input) port of the valve  665 , in turn, is coupled to a channel  612 .  
      The channel  612 , in turn, is fluidly coupled to a plurality of channel ports  626 ,  627 ,  628 .  
      The plurality of channel ports  626 ,  627 ,  628 , in turn, are arranged to removably interconnect or mate with a corresponding plurality of fluid reservoir ports  623 ,  624 ,  625 .  
      The plurality of fluid reservoir ports  623 ,  624 ,  625 , in turn, are fluidly coupled to the corresponding plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622 .  
      The plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622 , in turn, contain a corresponding plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673 .  
      In one embodiment, an optional plurality of check valves  651 ,  652 ,  653  are interposed between the fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622  and the fluid reservoir ports  623 ,  624 ,  625 .  
      Referring again to the channel  611 - 611 ′, the channel  611 - 611 ′ is depicted as comprising a first element  611  and a second element  611 ′. In one embodiment, an optional mixing chamber  670  to combine fluids is interposed between the channel elements  611  and  611 ′.  
      As a result of the foregoing arrangement, the fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622  and the fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  are fluidly coupled to the valve  665  which, in turn, is fluidly coupled to the dispensing mechanism  610 .  
      Valves for micromechanical systems are well-known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, for example, the valve  665  comprises a device similar or identical to the valve of the Cho patent.  
      One skilled in the art is familiar with a variety of means to construct a removable fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, for example, any of the plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622  are similar or identical to the fluid reservoir of the Carrese patent.  
      As shown in  FIG. 6 , an included dispensing device controller  640  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated to the dispensing mechanism  610  by means of a communication link or path  631 .  
      As shown, the device controller  640  is further arranged to actuate or control the valve  665  by means of further suitable control signals that are communicated to the valve  665  by means of a communication link or path  637 .  
      Based on the control signals that are communicated by the links or paths  631  and  637 , the device controller  640  actuates or controls the valve  665 . As a result of such actuating or control by the device controller  640 , the valve  665  acts to thereby selectively fluidly couple any of the plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622  and the corresponding plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  to the dispensing mechanism  610  by means of the channels  612  and  611 - 611 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the device controller  640  comprises any of a number of well-known control and programming electronic circuits or devices well-known to those skilled in the art such as, for example, any of an ASIC, a PGA, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, an FPGA and a discrete circuit.  
      In one embodiment, the device controller  640  is comprised of electronic circuitry that is a part of the same micromechanical structure comprising the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, a program control signal  643  is communicated to the device controller  640  by means of an included controller interface  634  and a communication link or path  633 .  
      Referring still to  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  600  further comprises an optional dispensing device sensor  660 . The dispensing device sensor  660 , in turn, is arranged to form a dispensing device sensor signal  635  based on a concentration of an atmospheric substance  680 .  
      Sensors responsive to the airborne concentration of substances in the atmosphere are well-known to those skilled in the art. For example, the sensor  660  may comprise a sensor similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  680  comprises any of the fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  that are dispensed by the dispensing device  600 .  
      In one embodiment, the dispensing device sensor  660  is arranged to communicate the dispensing device sensor signal  635  to the controller  640  by means of a communication link or path  632 . In turn, the device controller  640  is arranged to actuate or control any of the dispensing mechanism  610  and the valve  665  based at least in part on the dispensing device sensor signal  635 .  
      In another embodiment, the dispensing device sensor signal  635  is communicated to an included dispensing device sensor interface  662  by means of a communication link or path  661 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  600  comprises a dispersion pad  690  positioned to receive a fluid that is dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610 .  
      In one embodiment, the dispersion pad  690  comprises any natural or synthetic material or polymer, fiber or strand, either singular or woven, twisted, braided, bundled, molded or shaped in a manner that transports fluid or vapors by capillary action or that can serve as a support medium for the fluid or vapors.  
      The dispersion pad  690  is separated from the micromechanical dispensing device  600  by a gap  691 - 691 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the gap  691 - 691 ′ is minimized to achieve substantially zero distance, providing intimate contact between the dispersion pad  690  and the dispensing device  600 .  
      Also depicted in  FIG. 6  is an optional orifice plate  695  including an orifice  696 . The orifice plate  695  is arranged such that fluid dispensed by the dispensing mechanism  610  is further dispensed through the orifice  696 .  
      Referring generally to  FIG. 6 , it will be understood that there are numerous fluids suitable for use with the micromechanical dispensing device  600  to control the quality or other aspects of the atmosphere for aesthetic, hygienic or mood-enhancing effects.  
      In one embodiment, the dispensing device  600  is arranged to dispense any of the following fluids: fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, any of the plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622  contains a fluid  671 ,  672 ,  673  that comprises any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  comprises an electrostatically-driven membrane similar or identical to the electrostatically-driven membrane of the Kubby &#39;865 patent.  
      In another embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  comprises an electrostatically-actuated piston similar or identical to the electrostatically-actuated piston of the Gooray &#39;915 patent.  
      In a further embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  comprises a magnetically-actuated membrane similar or identical to the magnetically-actuated membrane of the Genovese patent.  
      In still another embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  comprises a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism similar or identical to the ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism of the Peeters &#39;718 patent.  
      In a still further embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  comprises a thermally-actuated paddle vane similar or identical to the thermally-actuated paddle-vane of the Silverbrook patent.  
      Referring generally to the present  FIG. 6 , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Still referring generally to the present  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  is similar or identical to any of the micromechanical or micro-electromechanical fluid ejectors described in the following patents: Coleman &#39;198, Coleman &#39;841, Genovese, Gooray &#39;015, Gooray &#39;915, Gooray &#39;130, Gooray &#39;311, Gooray &#39;169, Gooray &#39;335, Kubby &#39;865, Kubby &#39;448, Peeters &#39;718 and Silverbrook.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is depicted one embodiment of a micromechanical dispensing device  700  arranged to dispense a fluid into an atmosphere.  
      As shown, the micromechanical dispensing device  700  comprises a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir  720 .  
      As shown, the plurality of dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  include a corresponding plurality of inlets  713 ,  714 ,  715  for receiving fluids to be dispensed by the mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712 .  
      The plurality of inlets  713 ,  714 ,  715 , in turn, are fluidly coupled to a channel  754 .  
      The channel  754 , in turn, is fluidly coupled to a channel port  726 .  
      The channel port  726 , in turn, is arranged to removably interconnect or mate with a corresponding fluid reservoir port  723 .  
      The reservoir port  723 , in turn, is fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir  720 .  
      The fluid reservoir  720 , in turn, contains a fluid  771 .  
      In one embodiment, an optional check valve  751  is interposed between the fluid reservoir  720  and the fluid reservoir port  723 .  
      As a result of the foregoing arrangement, the fluid reservoir  720  and the fluid  771  are fluidly coupled to the plurality of dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712 .  
      One skilled in the art is familiar with a variety of means to construct a removable fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, for example, the fluid reservoir  720  is similar or identical to the fluid reservoir of the Carrese patent.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7 , an included dispensing device controller  740  is arranged to actuate or control the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated to the dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  by means of a communication link or path  731 .  
      In one embodiment, the device controller  740  comprises any of a number of well-known control and programming electronic circuits or devices well-known to those skilled in the art such as, for example, any of an ASIC, a PGA, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, an FPGA and a discrete circuit.  
      In one embodiment, the device controller  740  is comprised of electronic circuitry that is a part of the same micromechanical structure comprising the micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, a program control signal  743  is communicated to the device controller  740  by means of an included controller interface  734  and a communication link or path  733 .  
      Referring still to  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  700  further comprises an optional dispensing device sensor  760 . The dispensing device sensor  760 , in turn, is arranged to form a dispensing device sensor signal  735  based on a concentration of an atmospheric substance  780 .  
      Sensors responsive to the airborne concentration of substances in the atmosphere are well-known to those skilled in the art. For example, the sensor  760  may comprise a sensor similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  780  comprises the fluid  771  that is dispensed by the dispensing device  700 .  
      As shown, in one embodiment, the dispensing device sensor  760  is arranged to communicate the dispensing device sensor signal  735  to the controller  740  by means of a communication link or path  732 . In turn, the device controller  740  is arranged to actuate or control the dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  711  based at least in part on the dispensing device sensor signal  735 .  
      In another embodiment, the dispensing device sensor signal  735  is communicated to an included dispensing device sensor interface  762  by means of a communication link or path  761 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  700  comprises a dispersion pad  790  positioned to receive a fluid that is dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712 .  
      In one embodiment, the dispersion pad  790  comprises any natural or synthetic material or polymer, fiber or strand, either singular or woven, twisted, braided, bundled, molded or shaped in a manner that transports fluid or vapors by capillary action or that can serve as a support medium for the fluid or vapors.  
      The dispersion pad  790  is separated from the micromechanical dispensing device  700  by a gap  791 - 791 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the gap  791 - 791 ′ is minimized to achieve substantially zero distance, providing intimate contact between the dispersion pad  790  and the dispensing device  700 .  
      Also depicted in  FIG. 7  is an optional orifice plate  795  including an orifice  796 . The orifice plate  795  is arranged such that fluid dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  is further dispensed through the orifice  796 .  
      Referring generally to  FIG. 7 , it will be understood that there are numerous fluids suitable for use with the micromechanical dispensing device  700  to control the quality or other aspects of the atmosphere for aesthetic, hygienic or mood-enhancing effects.  
      In one embodiment, the dispensing device  700  is arranged to dispense any of the following fluids: fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, the fluid reservoir  720  contains a fluid  771  that comprises any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  comprise an electrostatically-driven membrane similar or identical to the electrostatically-driven membrane of the Kubby &#39;865 patent.  
      In another embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  comprise an electrostatically-actuated piston similar or identical to the electrostatically-actuated piston of the Gooray &#39;915 patent.  
      In a further embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  comprise a magnetically-actuated membrane similar or identical to the magnetically-actuated membrane of the Genovese patent.  
      In still another embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  comprise a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism similar or identical to the ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism of the Peeters &#39;718 patent.  
      In a still further embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  comprise a thermally-actuated paddle vane similar or identical to the thermally-actuated paddle-vane of the Silverbrook patent.  
      Referring generally to the present  FIG. 7 , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Still referring generally to the present  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  are similar or identical to any of the micromechanical or micro-electromechanical fluid ejectors described in the following patents: Coleman &#39;198, Coleman &#39;841, Genovese, Gooray &#39;015, Gooray&#39;915, Gooray &#39;130, Gooray&#39;311, Gooray &#39;169, Gooray&#39;335, Kubby&#39;865, Kubby &#39;448, Peeters &#39;718 and Silverbrook.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 8A , there is depicted an environmental system  800 A including a micromechanical dispensing device  801 . The micromechanical dispensing device  801 , in turn, comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  200  described in connection with  FIG. 2  above.  
      As shown in  FIG. 8A , the environmental system  800 A comprises an environmental system controller  810 . The environmental system controller  810 , in turn, comprises a controller communication interface  813 . The environmental system controller  810  is arranged to communicate with one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , a communication link or path  841 , a communication means  840 , a communication link or path  844  and an optional communication link or path  845 .  
      As shown, the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are located in an environmental region  870 .  
      As shown, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of suitable control signals  892  that are communicated to the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , the link or path  841 , the communication means  840  and the links or paths  844 ,  845 .  
      As shown, the environmental region  870  comprises an atmosphere  820 . Moreover, the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are arranged to alter or control one or more physical properties of the atmosphere  820 .  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are arranged to alter or control any of the following included physical properties of the atmosphere  820 : temperature, humidity, circulation and cleanliness.  
      n one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air heating device such as, for example, any of a furnace, an electric heater and a heat pump.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air cooling device such as, for example any of an air conditioner and a heat pump.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air humidity control device including, without limitation, means to increase the humidity, decrease the humidity, or both. In one embodiment, for example, any of the environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprises a device similar or identical to the humidifier described in the Bloemer patent.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air circulating or flow device such as, for example, any of a blower, a fan and a damper.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air cleaning device such as, for example, any of a filter, a purifier, an ozone generator and an electrostatic precipitator.  
      Still referring to  FIG. 8A , the environmental system controller  810  is further arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device  801 . The micromechanical dispensing device  801  is located in the environmental region  870 .  
      As shown, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  801  by means of suitable control signals  891  that are communicated to the micromechanical dispensing device  801  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , the link or path  841 , the communication means  840  and a communication link or path  843 .  
      With momentary cross-reference to  FIG. 2 , as mentioned above, the micromechanical dispensing device  801  in the present  FIG. 8A  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  200 . Hence, the aforementioned control signals  891  in the present  FIG. 8A  correspond to the program control signal  243  in  FIG. 2 . As described in connection with  FIG. 2  above, the program control signal  243  is communicated to the device controller  240  comprised in the dispensing device  200  by means of the included controller interface  234  and the communication link or path  233 .  
      With continued cross-reference to  FIG. 2 , the micromechanical dispensing device  801  in the present  FIG. 8A , corresponding to the dispensing device  200 , comprises one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212 , each of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  being arranged to fluidly couple by means of channels  254 ,  255  to a corresponding fluid reservoir of one or more fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222 . The one or more fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222 , in turn, contain a corresponding one or more fluids  271 ,  273 . As a result, the micromechanical dispensing device  801  in the present  FIG. 8A  is arranged to dispense the one or more fluids  271 ,  273  into the atmosphere  820 .  
      With continued cross-reference to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, any of the one or more fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222  contain a fluid  271 ,  273  comprising any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      As described in connection with  FIG. 2  above, in one embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprised in the micromechanical dispensing device  801  in the present  FIG. 8A  comprise any of an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane and a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      Referring again to the present  FIG. 8A , in one embodiment the environmental system  800 A further comprises an optional system sensor  830  that is located in the environmental region  870 . For example, the system sensor  830  may be similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      As shown, the system sensor  830  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  835  based on an atmospheric substance  880  comprised in the atmosphere  820 . The system sensor  830  is further arranged to communicate the system sensor signal  835  to the environmental system controller  810  by means of a communication link or path  842 , the communication means  840 , and the link or path  841 .  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 .  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  801  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 .  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  880  comprises any of the one or more fluids  271 ,  273  that are dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing device  801 .  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  880  comprises any of a human body fluid in liquid or gaseous form and an odor or fragrance that is formed by a human body.  
      For example, in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  880  comprises an odor or fragrance based on an environmental discomfort that is being experienced by one or more humans located in the environmental region  870  as a result of an environmental problem such as, for example, excessive heat, excessive cold, excessive humidity, excessive dryness, the air containing an unpleasant odor, etc. For example, the odor or fragrance might comprise human perspiration or human “body odor” as a result of excessive heat or excessive humidity.  
      With cross-reference to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment the dispensing device  801  in  FIG. 8A  (which corresponds to the dispensing device  200  in  FIG. 2 ) further comprises the optional dispensing device sensor  260  that is described in connection with  FIG. 2 . As shown in the present  FIG. 8A , in this embodiment the dispensing device sensor  260  of the dispensing device  801  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  835 ′ (corresponding to the dispensing device sensor signal  235  as communicated to the dispensing device sensor interface  262  in  FIG. 2 ) based on the atmospheric substance  880  comprised in the atmosphere  820  and to communicate the system sensor signal  835 ′ to the environmental system controller  810  by means of the link or path  843 , the communication means  840  and the link or path  841 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 8A , in one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  801  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  840  and the communication links or paths  841 ,  842 ,  843 ,  844  and  845  comprise a communication network.  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  840  and the links or paths  841 ,  842 ,  843 ,  844  and  845  comprise any of a wireless network, an internet, a network hub, a telephone network, a local area network, a cable television network, a coaxial cable network, a fiber optics network, a satellite communication system, a universal serial bus, a universal serial bus port adapter and a twisted wire pair.  
      Referring generally to the present  FIG. 8A , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Still referring generally to the present  FIG. 8A , in one embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprised in the micromechanical dispensing device  801  are similar or identical to any of the micromechanical or micro-electromechanical fluid ejectors described in the following patents: Coleman &#39;198, Coleman &#39;841, Genovese, Gooray &#39;015, Gooray &#39;915, Gooray &#39;130, Gooray &#39;311, Gooray &#39;169, Gooray &#39;335, Kubby &#39;865, Kubby &#39;448, Peeters &#39;718 and Silverbrook.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 8B , there is depicted an environmental system  800 B including a micromechanical dispensing device  802 . The micromechanical dispensing device  802 , in turn, comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  400  described in connection with  FIG. 4  above.  
      As shown in  FIG. 8B , the environmental system  800 B comprises an environmental system controller  810 . The environmental system controller  810 , in turn, comprises a controller communication interface  813 . The environmental system controller  810  is arranged to communicate with one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , a communication link or path  841 , a communication means  840 , a communication link or path  844  and an optional communication link or path  845 .  
      As shown, the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are located in an environmental region  870 .  
      As shown, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of suitable control signals  892  that are communicated to the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , the link or path  841 , the communication means  840  and the links or paths  844 ,  845 .  
      As shown, the environmental region  870  comprises an atmosphere  820 . Moreover, the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are arranged to alter or control one or more physical properties of the atmosphere  820 .  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are arranged to alter or control any of the following included physical properties of the atmosphere  820 : temperature, humidity, circulation and cleanliness.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air heating device such as, for example, any of a furnace, an electric heater and a heat pump.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air cooling device such as, for example any of an air conditioner and a heat pump.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air humidity control device including, without limitation, means to increase the humidity, decrease the humidity, or both. In one embodiment, for example, any of the environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprises a device similar or identical to the humidifier described in the Bloemer patent.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air circulating or flow device such as, for example, any of a blower, a fan and a damper.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air cleaning device such as, for example, any of a filter, a purifier, an ozone generator and an electrostatic precipitator.  
      Still referring to  FIG. 8B , the environmental system controller  810  is further arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device  802 . The micromechanical dispensing device  802  is located in the environmental region  870 .  
      As shown, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  802  by means of suitable control signals  891  that are communicated to the micromechanical dispensing device  802  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , the link or path  841 , the communication means  840  and a communication link or path  843 .  
      With momentary cross-reference to  FIG. 4 , as mentioned above, the micromechanical dispensing device  802  in the present  FIG. 8B  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  400 . Hence, the aforementioned control signals  891  in the present  FIG. 8B  correspond to the program control signal  443  in  FIG. 4 . As described in connection with  FIG. 4  above, the program control signal  443  is communicated to the device controller  440  comprised in the dispensing device  400  by means of the included controller interface  434  and the communication link or path  433 .  
      With continued cross-reference to  FIG. 4 , the micromechanical dispensing device  802  in the present  FIG. 8B , corresponding to the dispensing device  400 , comprises a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412 , each of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  being arranged to fluidly couple by means of channels  454 ,  455 ,  456  to a corresponding fluid reservoir of a plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422 . The plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422 , in turn, contain a corresponding plurality of fluids  471 ,  472 ,  473 . As a result, the micromechanical dispensing device  802  in the present  FIG. 8B  is arranged to dispense the plurality of fluids  471 ,  472 ,  473  into the atmosphere  820 .  
      With continued cross-reference to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, any of the plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422  contain a fluid  471 ,  472 ,  473  comprising any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      As described in connection with  FIG. 4  above, in one embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  comprised in the micromechanical dispensing device  802  in the present  FIG. 8B  comprise any of an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane and a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      Referring again to the present  FIG. 8B , in one embodiment the environmental system  800 B further comprises an optional system sensor  830  that is located in the environmental region  870 . For example, the system sensor  830  may be similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      As shown, the system sensor  830  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  835  based on an atmospheric substance  880  comprised in the atmosphere  820 . The system sensor  830  is further arranged to communicate the system sensor signal  835  to the environmental system controller  810  by means of a communication link or path  842 , the communication means  840 , and the link or path  841 .  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 .  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  802  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 .  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  880  comprises any of the plurality of fluids  471 ,  472 ,  473  that are dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing device  802 .  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  880  comprises any of a human body fluid in liquid or gaseous form and an odor or fragrance that is formed by a human body.  
      For example, in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  880  comprises an odor or fragrance based on an environmental discomfort that is being experienced by one or more humans located in the environmental region  870  as a result of an environmental problem such as, for example, excessive heat, excessive cold, excessive humidity, excessive dryness, the air containing an unpleasant odor, etc. For example, the odor or fragrance might comprise human perspiration or human “body odor” as a result of excessive heat or excessive humidity.  
      With cross-reference to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment the dispensing device  802  in  FIG. 8B  (which corresponds to the dispensing device  400  in  FIG. 4 ) further comprises the optional dispensing device sensor  460  that is described in connection with  FIG. 4 . As shown in the present  FIG. 8B , in this embodiment the dispensing device sensor  460  of the dispensing device  802  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  835 ′ (corresponding to the dispensing device sensor signal  435  as communicated to the dispensing device sensor interface  462  in  FIG. 4 ) based on the atmospheric substance  880  comprised in the atmosphere  820  and to communicate the system sensor signal  835 ′ to the environmental system controller  810  by means of the link or path  843 , the communication means  840  and the link or path  841 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 8B , in one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  802  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  840  and the communication links or paths  841 ,  842 ,  843 ,  844  and  845  comprise a communication network.  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  840  and the links or paths  841 ,  842 ,  843 ,  844  and  845  comprise any of a wireless network, an internet, a network hub, a telephone network, a local area network, a cable television network, a coaxial cable network, a fiber optics network, a satellite communication system, a universal serial bus, a universal serial bus port adapter and a twisted wire pair.  
      Referring generally to the present  FIG. 8B , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Still referring generally to the present  FIG. 8B , in one embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  comprised in the micromechanical dispensing device  802  are similar or identical to any of the micromechanical or micro-electromechanical fluid ejectors described in the following patents: Coleman &#39;198, Coleman &#39;841, Genovese, Gooray &#39;015, Gooray &#39;915, Gooray &#39;130, Gooray &#39;311, Gooray &#39;169, Gooray &#39;335, Kubby &#39;865, Kubby &#39;448, Peeters &#39;718 and Silverbrook.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 8C , there is depicted an environmental system  800 C including a micromechanical dispensing device  803 . The micromechanical dispensing device  803 , in turn, comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  600  described in connection with  FIG. 6  above.  
      As shown in  FIG. 8C , the environmental system  800 C comprises an environmental system controller  810 . The environmental system controller  810 , in turn, comprises a controller communication interface  813 . The environmental system controller  810  is arranged to communicate with one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , a communication link or path  841 , a communication means  840 , a communication link or path  844  and an optional communication link or path  845 .  
      As shown, the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are located in an environmental region  870 .  
      As shown, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of suitable control signals  892  that are communicated to the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , the link or path  841 , the communication means  840  and the links or paths  844 ,  845 .  
      As shown, the environmental region  870  comprises an atmosphere  820 . Moreover, the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are arranged to alter or control one or more physical properties of the atmosphere  820 .  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are arranged to alter or control any of the following included physical properties of the atmosphere  820 : temperature, humidity, circulation and cleanliness.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air heating device such as, for example, any of a furnace, an electric heater and a heat pump.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air cooling device such as, for example any of an air conditioner and a heat pump.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air humidity control device including, without limitation, means to increase the humidity, decrease the humidity, or both. In one embodiment, for example, any of the environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprises a device similar or identical to the humidifier described in the Bloemer patent.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air circulating or flow device such as, for example, any of a blower, a fan and a damper.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air cleaning device such as, for example, any of a filter, a purifier, an ozone generator and an electrostatic precipitator.  
      Still referring to  FIG. 8C , the environmental system controller  810  is further arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device  803 . The micromechanical dispensing device  803  is located in the environmental region  870 .  
      As shown, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  803  by means of suitable control signals  891  that are communicated to the micromechanical dispensing device  803  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , the link or path  841 , the communication means  840  and a communication link or path  843 .  
      With momentary cross-reference to  FIG. 6 , as mentioned above, the micromechanical dispensing device  803  in the present  FIG. 8C  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  600 . Hence, the aforementioned control signals  891  in the present  FIG. 8C  correspond to the program control signal  643  in  FIG. 6 . As described in connection with  FIG. 6  above, the program control signal  643  is communicated to the device controller  640  comprised in the dispensing device  600  by means of the included controller interface  634  and the communication link or path  633 .  
      With continued cross-reference to  FIG. 6 , the micromechanical dispensing device  803  in the present  FIG. 8C , corresponding to the dispensing device  600 , comprises a micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  that is fluidly coupled to a valve  665  by means of channel  611 - 611 ′. As described in connection with  FIG. 6  above, the valve  665 , in turn, is arranged to selectively fluidly couple the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  to a plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622  by means of channels  611 - 611 ′ and  612 . The plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622 , in turn, contain a corresponding plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673 . As a result, the micromechanical dispensing device  803  in the present  FIG. 8C  is arranged to dispense the plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  into the atmosphere  820 .  
      With continued cross-reference to  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, any of the plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622  contain a fluid  671 ,  672 ,  673  comprising any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      As described in connection with  FIG. 6  above, in one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  comprised in the micromechanical dispensing device  803  in the present  FIG. 8C  comprise any of an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane and a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      Referring again to the present  FIG. 8C , in one embodiment the environmental system  800 C further comprises an optional system sensor  830  that is located in the environmental region  870 . For example, the system sensor  830  may be similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      As shown, the system sensor  830  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  835  based on an atmospheric substance  880  comprised in the atmosphere  820 . The system sensor  830  is further arranged to communicate the system sensor signal  835  to the environmental system controller  810  by means of a communication link or path  842 , the communication means  840 , and the link or path  841 .  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 .  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  803  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 .  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  880  comprises any of the plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  that are dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing device  803 .  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  880  comprises any of a human body fluid in liquid or gaseous form and an odor or fragrance that is formed by a human body.  
      For example, in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  880  comprises an odor or fragrance based on an environmental discomfort that is being experienced by one or more humans located in the environmental region  870  as a result of an environmental problem such as, for example, excessive heat, excessive cold, excessive humidity, excessive dryness, the air containing an unpleasant odor, etc. For example, the odor or fragrance might comprise human perspiration or human “body odor” as a result of excessive heat or excessive humidity.  
      With cross-reference to  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment the dispensing device  803  in  FIG. 8C  (which corresponds to the dispensing device  600  in  FIG. 6 ) further comprises the optional dispensing device sensor  660  that is described in connection with  FIG. 6 . As shown in the present  FIG. 8C , in this embodiment the dispensing device sensor  660  of the dispensing device  803  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  835 ′ (corresponding to the dispensing device sensor signal  635  as communicated to the dispensing device sensor interface  662  in  FIG. 6 ) based on the atmospheric substance  880  comprised in the atmosphere  820  and to communicate the system sensor signal  835 ′ to the environmental system controller  810  by means of the link or path  843 , the communication means  840  and the link or path  841 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 8C , in one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  803  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  840  and the communication links or paths  841 ,  842 ,  843 ,  844  and  845  comprise a communication network.  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  840  and the links or paths  841 ,  842 ,  843 ,  844  and  845  comprise any of a wireless network, an internet, a network hub, a telephone network, a local area network, a cable television network, a coaxial cable network, a fiber optics network, a satellite communication system, a universal serial bus, a universal serial bus port adapter and a twisted wire pair.  
      Referring generally to the present  FIG. 8C , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Still referring generally to the present  FIG. 8C , in one embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  610 ,  611 ,  612  comprised in the micromechanical dispensing device  803  are similar or identical to any of the micromechanical or micro-electromechanical fluid ejectors described in the following patents: Coleman &#39;198, Coleman &#39;841, Genovese, Gooray &#39;015, Gooray &#39;915, Gooray &#39;130, Gooray &#39;311, Gooray &#39;169, Gooray &#39;335, Kubby &#39;865, Kubby &#39;448, Peeters &#39;718 and Silverbrook.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 8D , there is depicted an environmental system  800 D including a micromechanical dispensing device  804 . The micromechanical dispensing device  804 , in turn, comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  700  described in connection with  FIG. 7  above.  
      As shown in  FIG. 8D , the environmental system  800 D comprises an environmental system controller  810 . The environmental system controller  810 , in turn, comprises a controller communication interface  813 . The environmental system controller  810  is arranged to communicate with one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , a communication link or path  841 , a communication means  840 , a communication link or path  844  and an optional communication link or path  845 .  
      As shown, the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are located in an environmental region  870 .  
      As shown, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of suitable control signals  892  that are communicated to the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , the link or path  841 , the communication means  840  and the links or paths  844 ,  845 .  
      As shown, the environmental region  870  comprises an atmosphere  820 . Moreover, the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are arranged to alter or control one or more physical properties of the atmosphere  820 .  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  are arranged to alter or control any of the following included physical properties of the atmosphere  820 : temperature, humidity, circulation and cleanliness.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air heating device such as, for example, any of a furnace, an electric heater and a heat pump.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air cooling device such as, for example any of an air conditioner and a heat pump.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air humidity control device including, without limitation, means to increase the humidity, decrease the humidity, or both. In one embodiment, for example, any of the environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprises a device similar or identical to the humidifier described in the Bloemer patent.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air circulating or flow device such as, for example, any of a blower, a fan and a damper.  
      In one embodiment, any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  comprise an air cleaning device such as, for example, any of a filter, a purifier, an ozone generator and an electrostatic precipitator.  
      Still referring to  FIG. 8D , the environmental system controller  810  is further arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device  804 . The micromechanical dispensing device  804  is located in the environmental region  870 .  
      As shown, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  804  by means of suitable control signals  891  that are communicated to the micromechanical dispensing device  804  by means of the controller communication interface  813 , the link or path  841 , the communication means  840  and a communication link or path  843 .  
      With momentary cross-reference to  FIG. 7 , as mentioned above, the micromechanical dispensing device  804  in the present  FIG. 8D  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  700 . Hence, the aforementioned control signals  891  in the present  FIG. 8D  correspond to the program control signal  743  in  FIG. 7 . As described in connection with  FIG. 7  above, the program control signal  743  is communicated to the device controller  740  comprised in the dispensing device  700  by means of the included controller interface  734  and the communication link or path  733 .  
      With continued cross-reference to  FIG. 7 , the micromechanical dispensing device  804  in the present  FIG. 8D , corresponding to the dispensing device  700 , comprises a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  that are arranged to fluidly couple by means of channel  754  to a fluid reservoir  720 . The fluid reservoir  720 , in turn, contains a corresponding fluid  771 . As a result, the micromechanical dispensing device  804  in the present  FIG. 8D  is arranged to dispense the fluid  771  into the atmosphere  820 .  
      With continued cross-reference to  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, the fluid reservoir  720  contains a fluid  771  comprising any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      As described in connection with  FIG. 7  above, in one embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  comprised in the micromechanical dispensing device  804  in the present  FIG. 8D  comprise any of an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane and a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      Referring again to the present  FIG. 8D , in one embodiment the environmental system  800 D further comprises an optional system sensor  830  that is located in the environmental region  870 . For example, the system sensor  830  may be similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      As shown, the system sensor  830  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  835  based on an atmospheric substance  880  comprised in the atmosphere  820 . The system sensor  830  is further arranged to communicate the system sensor signal  835  to the environmental system controller  810  by means of a communication link or path  842 , the communication means  840 , and the link or path  841 .  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 .  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  804  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 .  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  880  comprises the fluid  771  that is dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing device  804 .  
      In one embodiment, the atmospheric substance  880  comprises any of a human body fluid in liquid or gaseous form and an odor or fragrance that is formed by a human body.  
      For example, in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  880  comprises an odor or fragrance based on an environmental discomfort that is being experienced by one or more humans located in the environmental region  870  as a result of an environmental problem such as, for example, excessive heat, excessive cold, excessive humidity, excessive dryness, the air containing an unpleasant odor, etc. For example, the odor or fragrance might comprise human perspiration or human “body odor” as a result of excessive heat or excessive humidity.  
      With cross-reference to  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment the dispensing device  804  in  FIG. 8D  (which corresponds to the dispensing device  700  in  FIG. 7 ) further comprises the optional dispensing device sensor  760  that is described in connection with  FIG. 7 . As shown in the present  FIG. 8D , in this embodiment the dispensing device sensor  760  of the dispensing device  804  is arranged to form a system sensor signal  835 ′ (corresponding to the dispensing device sensor signal  735  as communicated to the dispensing device sensor interface  762  in  FIG. 7 ) based on the atmospheric substance  880  comprised in the atmosphere  820  and to communicate the system sensor signal  835 ′ to the environmental system controller  810  by means of the link or path  843 , the communication means  840  and the link or path  841 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 8D , in one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control any of the one or more environmental air units  860 ,  861  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the environmental system controller  810  is arranged to actuate or control the micromechanical dispensing device  804  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  835 ′.  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  840  and the communication links or paths  841 ,  842 ,  843 ,  844  and  845  comprise a communication network.  
      In one embodiment, the communication means  840  and the links or paths  841 ,  842 ,  843 ,  844  and  845  comprise any of a wireless network, an internet, a network hub, a telephone network, a local area network, a cable television network, a coaxial cable network, a fiber optics network, a satellite communication system, a universal serial bus, a universal serial bus port adapter and a twisted wire pair.  
      Referring generally to the present  FIG. 8D , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Still referring generally to the present  FIG. 8D , in one embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  comprised in the micromechanical dispensing device  804  are similar or identical to any of the micromechanical or micro-electromechanical fluid ejectors described in the following patents: Coleman &#39;198, Coleman &#39;841, Genovese, Gooray &#39;015, Gooray &#39;915, Gooray &#39;130, Gooray &#39;311, Gooray &#39;169, Gooray &#39;335, Kubby &#39;865, Kubby &#39;448, Peeters &#39;718 and Silverbrook.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is depicted a dispensing system  900  for dispensing one or more fluids into an atmosphere. As shown, the dispensing system  900  comprises a dispensing system controller  910 , a communication means  940  and a micromechanical dispensing device  901 .  
      In one embodiment the dispensing system  900  comprises only a single dispensing device, namely, the dispensing device  901 .  
      In another embodiment, the dispensing system  900  comprises the dispensing device  901  and at least one additional dispensing device  902 . The at least one additional dispensing device  902 , in turn, comprises any of the dispensing devices  100 ,  200 ,  400 ,  600  and  700  that are respectively described in connection with  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4 ,  6  and  7 . As shown, the optional at least one additional dispensing device is arranged to dispense one or more fluids  960 .  
      As shown, the dispensing system controller  910  actuates or controls the dispensing device  901  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated to the dispensing device  901  by means of an included controller communication interface  913 , a communication link or path  941 , the communication means  940  and a communication link or path  943 . The system controller  910  further actuates or controls the optional at least one additional dispensing device  902  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated to the dispensing device  902  by means of the controller communication interface  913 , the link or path  941 , the communication means  940  and a communication link or path  944 .  
      In one embodiment, an optional system sensor  930  is provided. For example, the system sensor  930  may be similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      As shown, the system sensor  930  forms a system sensor signal  935  based on a concentration of an atmospheric substance  980  and communicates the system sensor signal  935  to the system controller  910  by means of a communication link or path  942 , the communication means  940  and the link or path  941 .  
      Still referring to  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment, the system controller  910  actuates or controls any of the micromechanical dispensing device  901  and the at least one additional dispensing device  902  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  935  that is formed by the system sensor  930 .  
      Referring still to  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment the dispensing device  901  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  600  described in connection with  FIG. 6  above. This embodiment is now discussed in greater detail.  
      As described in connection with  FIG. 6 , the micromechanical dispensing device  600  is arranged to dispense a plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  into the atmosphere. Accordingly, in this embodiment the dispensing system  900  is thus arranged to dispense the plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  into the atmosphere.  
      With momentary cross-reference to  FIG. 6 , the dispensing device  901  comprises the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610 . As described in connection with  FIG. 6 , the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  is fluidly coupled to the included valve  665 . The valve  665 , in turn, is arranged to selectively fluidly couple the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  to a plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622 . The plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622 , in turn, comprise a corresponding plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673 . As a result, the micromechanical dispensing device  600  is arranged to dispense the plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  into the atmosphere.  
      In one embodiment, any of the plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622  contain a fluid  671 ,  672 ,  673  comprising any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      As described in connection with  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  comprises any of an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane and a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      As mentioned above, the dispensing system controller  910  actuates or controls the dispensing device  901  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated to the dispensing device  901  by means of the communication link or path  941 , the communication means  940  and the communication link or path  943 . These control signals, in turn, correspond to the program control signal  643  in  FIG. 6 . As described in connection with  FIG. 6 , the program control signal  643  is communicated to the device controller  640  comprised in the dispensing device  600  by means of the included controller interface  634  and the communication link or path  633 .  
      In one embodiment, the dispensing device  901  further comprises the optional dispensing device sensor  660  in  FIG. 6 . As shown in the present  FIG. 9 , the dispensing device sensor  660  forms a system sensor signal  935 ′ (corresponding to the dispensing device sensor signal  635  as communicated to the dispensing device sensor interface  662  in  FIG. 6 ) based on the atmospheric substance  980  and communicates the system sensor signal  935 ′ to the system controller  910  by means of the link or path  943 , the communication means  940  and the link or path  941 .  
      In one embodiment, the system controller  910  actuates or controls any of the micromechanical dispensing device  901  and the at least one additional dispensing device  902  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  935 ′ that is formed by the dispensing device sensor  660  of the dispensing device  901 .  
      Referring still to  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment, the dispensing device  901  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  700  described in connection with  FIG. 7  above. This embodiment is now discussed in greater detail.  
      As described above in connection with  FIG. 7 , the micromechanical dispensing device  700  is arranged to dispense the fluid  771  into the atmosphere. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the dispensing system  900  depicted in the present  FIG. 9  is thus arranged to dispense the fluid  771  into the atmosphere.  
      With momentary cross-reference to  FIG. 7 , the dispensing device  901  comprises the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712 . As described in connection with  FIG. 7 , the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  are fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir  720 . The fluid reservoir  720  comprises a corresponding fluid  771 . As a result, the micromechanical dispensing device  700  is arranged to dispense the fluid  771  into the atmosphere.  
      In one embodiment, the fluid reservoir  720  contains a fluid  771  comprising any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent and insecticide.  
      As described in connection with  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  comprise any of an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane and a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      As mentioned above, the dispensing system controller  910  actuates or controls the dispensing device  901  by means of suitable control signals that are communicated to the dispensing device by means of the communication link or path  941 , the communication means  940  and the communication link or path  943 . These control signals, in turn, correspond to the program control signal  743  in  FIG. 7 . As described in connection with  FIG. 7 , the program control signal  743  is communicated to the device controller  740  comprised in the dispensing device  700  by means of the included controller interface  734  and the communication link or path  733 .  
      In one embodiment, the dispensing device  901  further comprises the optional dispensing device sensor  760  in  FIG. 7 . As shown in the present  FIG. 9 , the dispensing device sensor  760  forms a system sensor signal  935 ′ (corresponding to the dispensing device sensor signal  735  as communicated to the dispensing device sensor interface  762  in  FIG. 7 ) based on the atmospheric substance  980  and communicates the system sensor signal  935 ′ to the system controller  910  by means of the link or path  943 , the communication means  940  and the link or path  941 .  
      In one embodiment, the system controller  910  actuates or controls any of the micromechanical dispensing device  901  and the at least one additional dispensing device  902  based at least in part on the system sensor signal  935 ′ that is formed by the dispensing device sensor  760  of the dispensing device  901 .  
      Referring again generally to the present  FIG. 9 , the dispensing system  900  dispenses one or more fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  when the dispensing device  901  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  600 . The dispensing system  900  dispenses the fluid  771  when the dispensing device  901  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  700 . Further, the dispensing system  900  dispenses one or more additional fluids  960  when the optional at least one additional dispensing device  902  is provided. Thus, in various embodiments the dispensing system  900  is capable of dispensing a wide variety of combinations and permutations of fluids into the atmosphere.  
      Referring now generally to the present  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  980  comprises any of the one or more fluids that are dispensed by the dispensing system  900 . Thus, when the dispensing device  901  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  600  of  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  980  comprises any of the plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  that are dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing device  600  and the one or more fluids  960  that are dispensed by the optional at least one additional dispensing device  902 . Further, when the dispensing device  901  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  700  of  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  980  comprises any of the fluid  771  that is dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing device  700  and the one or more fluids  960  that are dispensed by the optional at least one additional dispensing device  902 .  
      Still referring generally to  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  980  comprises any of a human body fluid in liquid or gaseous form and an odor or fragrance that is formed by a human body.  
      For example, the atmospheric substance  980  may comprise an odor or fragrance based on a state of mind (such as anxiety, fear or excitement) that is experienced by one or more humans. As another example, the odor or fragrance might comprise human perspiration or other human body odors.  
      Referring again generally to the present  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment the communication means  940  and the communication links or paths  941 ,  942 ,  943  and  944  comprise a communication network.  
      Still referring generally to  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment the communication means  940  and the links or paths  941 ,  942 ,  943  and  944  comprise any of a wireless network, an internet, a network hub, a telephone network, a local area network, a cable television network, a coaxial cable network, a fiber optics network, a satellite communication system, a universal serial bus, a universal serial bus port adapter and a twisted wire pair.  
      Referring still generally to  FIG. 9 , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is depicted a video game system  1000  including a video game system controller  1010  and a micromechanical dispensing device  1090 . As shown, the micromechanical dispensing device  1090 , in turn, comprises any of the micromechanical dispensing devices  200 ,  400 ,  600  and  700 .  
      For good understanding, the micromechanical dispensing device  200  is described in connection with  FIG. 2  above, the micromechanical dispensing device  400  is described in connection with  FIG. 4  above, the micromechanical dispensing device  600  is described in connection with  FIG. 6  above, and the micromechanical dispensing device  700  described in connection with  FIG. 7  above.  
      The video game system controller  1010  is arranged to execute a video game program for the use of one or more video game players  1001 ,  1002 .  
      The micromechanical dispensing device  1090  is arranged to dispense at least one fluid  1091  into an atmosphere  1020  under control of the video game system controller  1010 .  
      In one embodiment, the one or more video game players  1001 ,  1002  are located in the atmosphere  1020 .  
      As a result of the video game players  1001 ,  1002  being in the atmosphere  1020 , the video game players  1001 ,  1002  influence the atmosphere  1020  and the atmosphere  1020  influences the video game players  1001 ,  1002 . This is explained below.  
      First, the video game players  1001 ,  1002  influence the atmosphere  1020  as the video game players  1001 ,  1002  form various human body fluids in liquid and gaseous form including without limitation odors and fragrances. These human body fluids, in turn, are emitted into the atmosphere  1020  by various methods, including without limitation evaporation.  
      Second, the atmosphere  1020  influences the video game players  1001 ,  1002  as the video game players  1001 ,  1002  receive various substance that are comprised in the atmosphere  1020 . These substances are received by various sensing methods, including detecting by human sensing organs such as, for example, the nose.  
      Further, as the video game system controller  1010  (under control of the video game program) causes the at least one fluid  1091  to be dispensed into the atmosphere  1020 , then the video game system controller  1010  influences the video game players  1001 ,  1002 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 10 , the video game system controller  1010  comprises a video game system controller communication interface  1013 . Moreover, the video game system controller  1010  controls the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  by means of suitable control signals  1051  that are communicated to the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  by means of the communication interface  1013 , a communication path or link  1041 , an included communication means  1040  and a communication path or link  1043 .  
      As shown, in one embodiment the video game system  1000  optionally comprises one or more video game components  1060  that are arranged to exchange video game information  1061  with the one or more video game players  1001 ,  1002 . The video game system controller  1010  controls the one or more video game components  1060  by means of suitable control signals  1052  that are communicated to the video game components  1060  by means of the communication interface  1013 , the path or link  1041 , the communication means  1040  and a communication path or link  1044 .  
      In one embodiment, the one or more video game components  1060  comprise one or more of any of the following: video display units, audio speakers, human hand control input devices, joysticks, keyboards, cursor control devices and computer mouse devices.  
      As shown in  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment the video game system controller  1010  is embodied in a video game system controller host  1009 . In one embodiment, the video game system controller host  1009  comprises any of a video game console, a personal computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a computing device, a communication device, a video game playing device, a personal digital assistant, a portable computing device, a portable communication device, a wireless phone, or the like.  
      With cross-reference to the Eliott patent, for example, in one embodiment the video game system controller host  1009  in the present  FIG. 10  is similar or identical to the Eliott patent&#39;s video game console  52  comprising the main processor  100  that executes the video game program contained within the storage device  54  (game cartridge) as described in the Eliott patent from col. 9, line 19 to col. 15, line 60.  
      Referring again to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment the video game program is provided to the video game system controller  1010  as embodied in a physical medium such as a game cartridge (as in the Eliott patent), a compact disk (CD), a DVD, or the like.  
      In one embodiment, the video game program is provided to the video game system controller  1010  remotely by means of electronic communication such as, for example, by being down-loaded from a remotely-located video game program source.  
      As explained in greater detail below, in various embodiments the video game system  1000  is arranged to form various system sensor signals  1035 ,  1035 ′, or both, based on a particular atmospheric substance  1080  that is comprised in the atmosphere  1020 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment the video game system  1000  comprises a system sensor  1030 . For example, the system sensor  1030  may be similar or identical to the sensor of the Lewis patent.  
      The system sensor  1030  forms a system sensor signal  1035  based on the atmospheric substance  1080 . The system sensor  1030  communicates the system sensor signal  1035  to the video game system controller  1010  by means of a communication path or link  1042 , the communication means  1040  and the path or link  1041 .  
      In one embodiment, the video game system controller  1010  controls the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  based on the system sensor signal  1035 .  
      Also as shown in  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  further comprises an integral dispensing device sensor  260 ,  460 ,  660  or  760 . This is explained below.  
      Thus, in one embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the  FIG. 2  micromechanical dispensing device  200 . As described in connection with  FIG. 2  above, the micromechanical dispensing device  200 , in turn, includes the dispensing device sensor  260 .  
      Further, in another embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the  FIG. 4  micromechanical dispensing device  400 . As described in connection with  FIG. 4  above, the micromechanical dispensing device  400 , in turn, includes the dispensing device sensor  460 .  
      Also, in still another embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the  FIG. 6  micromechanical dispensing device  600 . As described in connection with  FIG. 6  above, the micromechanical dispensing device  600 , in turn, includes the dispensing device sensor  660 .  
      Further, in yet another embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the  FIG. 7  micromechanical dispensing device  700 . As described in connection with  FIG. 7  above, the micromechanical dispensing device  700 , in turn, includes the dispensing device sensor  760 .  
      As shown, in this latter embodiment the dispensing device sensor ( 260 ,  460 ,  660  or  760 , as the case may be) comprised in the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  forms a system sensor signal  1035 ′ based on the atmospheric substance  1080 . As shown, the dispensing device sensor comprised in the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  communicates the system sensor signal  1035 ′ to the video game system controller  1010  by means of the path or link  1043 , the communication means  1040  and the path or link  1041 .  
      In one embodiment, the video game system controller  1010  controls the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  based on the system sensor signal  1035 ′.  
      Referring generally to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  1080  comprises the at least one fluid  1091  that is dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing device  1090 .  
      Still referring generally to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  1080  comprises a human body fluid in liquid or gaseous form.  
      Further, in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  1080  comprises an odor or fragrance that is formed by a human body.  
      Also, in one embodiment the atmospheric substance  1080  comprises a human body odor or fragrance that is formed by any of the one or more video game players  1001 ,  1002 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 10 , as mentioned above, in a first embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  200  described in connection with  FIG. 2  above. Thus, with cross-reference to  FIG. 2 , in this first embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  arranged to dispense one or more fluids  271 ,  273  into the atmosphere  1020 , each of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  arranged to fluidly couple to a corresponding fluid reservoir of the one or more fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222 .  
      In this first embodiment, any of the one or more fluid reservoirs  220 ,  222  contain a fluid  271 ,  273  comprising any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer and humectant.  
      In this first embodiment, any of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  comprise any of an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane and a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      Still referring to  FIG. 10 , as mentioned above, in a second embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  400  described in connection with  FIG. 4  above. Thus, with cross-reference to  FIG. 4 , in this second embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  arranged to dispense a plurality of fluids  471 ,  472 ,  473  into the atmosphere  1020 , each of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms arranged to fluidly couple to a corresponding fluid reservoir of the plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422 .  
      In this second embodiment, any of the plurality of fluid reservoirs  420 ,  421 ,  422  contain a fluid  471 ,  472 ,  473  comprising any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer and humectant.  
      In this second embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  comprise any of an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane and a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      Still referring to  FIG. 10 , as mentioned above, in a third embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  600  described in connection with  FIG. 6  above. Thus, with cross-reference to  FIG. 6 , in this third embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  arranged to dispense a plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  into the atmosphere  1020 , the micromechanical dispensing mechanism being fluidly coupled to the included valve  665 , wherein the valve is arranged to selectively fluidly couple the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  to the plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622 .  
      In this third embodiment, any of the plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622  contain a fluid  671 ,  672 ,  673  comprising any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer and humectant.  
      In this third embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  comprises any of an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane and a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      Still referring to  FIG. 10 , as mentioned above, in a fourth embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the micromechanical dispensing device  700  described in connection with  FIG. 7  above. Thus, with cross-reference to  FIG. 7 , in this fourth embodiment the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  comprises the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  arranged to dispense a fluid  771  into the atmosphere  1020 , the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms arranged to fluidly couple to the fluid reservoir  720 .  
      In this fourth embodiment, the fluid reservoir  720  contains a fluid  771  comprising any of a fragrance, perfume, therapeutic, mood-enhancing agent, pheromone, moisturizer and humectant.  
      In this fourth embodiment, any of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  comprise any of an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane and a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      Referring now generally to the present  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment the communication means  1040  and the path or links  1041 ,  1042 ,  1043  and  1044  comprise any of a local area network, local channels, local wiring, local cabling, wide area network, wireless network, internet, network hub, telephone network, cable television network, coaxial cable network, fiber optics network, satellite communication system, universal serial bus, universal serial bus port adapter and twisted wire pair.  
      Still referring generally to the present  FIG. 10 , it is believed that all information, know-how and resources needed to enable the various communications between and amongst the components depicted therein and described above in connection therewith are common and well-known to those skilled in the art.  
      Referring still generally to the present  FIG. 10 , various applications of the video game system  1000  are now discussed.  
      In one application, the video game system controller  1010  (under control of the video game program) causes the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  to dispense odors or fragrances to enhance the video game players  1001 ,  1002 &#39;s enjoyment of the video game.  
      In another application, the video game system controller  1010  causes the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  to dispense odors or fragrances to enhance or modify the video game players  1001 ,  1002 &#39;s reaction to the action or events depicted in the video game.  
      In a further application, the video game system controller  1010  causes the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  to dispense odors or fragrances related to the background setting of the action or events depicted in the video game.  
      For example, if an auto racing video game uses a racetrack background setting, then racetrack fragrances are dispensed. As a variant, if the auto racing video game is depicted in a city streets background setting, then city street fragrances are dispensed.  
      As another example, if a sporting event video game uses an outdoor stadium background setting, then outdoor stadium fragrances are dispensed. As a variant, if the sporting event video game uses an indoor stadium background setting, then indoor stadium fragrances are dispensed.  
      In still another application, the video game system controller  1010  causes the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  to dispense odors or fragrances that are associated with the action or events depicted in the video game. For example, certain actions or events have characteristic odors or fragrances.  
      In a still further application, the video game system controller  1010  (under control of the video game program) is arranged to detect a situation or event arising from the video game players  1001 ,  1002  use of the video game system.  
      Thus, in one example, the video game system controller  1010  is programmed to detect (by means of any of the sensing devices described herein) the odor, fragrance or smell of fear, anxiety or tension that is emitted by the video game players  1001 ,  1002  and to react by causing the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  to dispense a calming odor or fragrance to counter-act the fear, anxiety or tension in the players. In a variant, the dispensing device  1090  dispenses pheromones to control the situation.  
      In another application, the video game system controller  1010  (under control of the video of the video game program) generates a desired mood or emotional state in the video game players  1001 ,  1002  by causing the micromechanical dispensing device  1090  to dispense a mood-enhancing agent. In a variant, the controller  1010  detects (by means of an associated sensing device) when the desired mood or emotional state in the video game players  1001 ,  1002  is achieved.  
      Referring now generally to the embodiments described in connection with  FIGS. 2-10  above, in one application any of these embodiments are used to dispense fragrances.  
      The domestic home fragrance market in 2000 was 2.2 billion dollars. This market is high-value, emotive-driven, and demands the latest high tech, trendy and “hip” delivery devices. Various technologies have been used to deliver fragrances including candles, diffusers, room sprays and ultrasonic nebulizers. Candles and diffusers typically require heating of the fragrance in order to disperse the fragrance, and are not amenable to digital delivery-on-demand as might be required in applications such as a digital “smell synthesizer” or a closed-loop olfactory system that includes an electronic smell detector or “nose” and a digital smell actuator. While existing thermal fluid ejectors could be used to provide a drop-on-demand fragrancer, it would also heat the fragrance which, in turn, could cause chemical changes in the odor. Ultrasonic nebulizers and sprayers work without heating the fragrance, but are not amenable to drop-on-demand with well-controlled doses. These latter devices are also not easily integrated with control and feedback electronics as might be required for a smell synthesizer.  
      In addition, other potential applications for the embodiments of  FIGS. 2-10  include dispensing any of perfumes, therapeutics, mood-enhancing agents, pheromones, moisturizers, humectants, miticides, deodorizers, disinfectants, sanitizing agents and insecticides.  
      One key advantage of the embodiments of  FIGS. 2-10  is that the included micromechanical dispensing devices are able to deliver multiple fragrances on demand without the need for heating the fragrance. Since the micromechanical dispensing devices can be used to control the dosage by means of electronic control signals, they can be used in systems such as a digital smell synthesizer or closed loop olfactory system. In addition, the micromechanical dispensing devices can be fabricated using microelectronic batch fabrication in order to decrease the cost of the fluid actuator, thus opening new fragrance-dispensing markets.  
      In one application, any of the embodiments of  FIGS. 2-10  are arranged to sense and react to various situations. Thus, a fragrance dispenser, such as any of the micromechanical dispensing devices described herein, is placed at a particular location in a room, and an electronic nose, such as any of the sensing devices described herein, is placed at a different location where the smell is to be controlled to determine the concentration of the fragrance at this remote location. An included controller actuates the fragrance dispenser until a set-point fragrance concentration is reached at the remote location.  
      In one application, an electronic nose, such as any of the sensing devices described herein, is arranged to detect the presence of an undesirable or foul odor and to react by causing an associated fluid dispenser, such as any of the micromechanical dispensing devices described herein, to dispense a pleasant odor. In a variant, this arrangement is used in refrigerators to counteract the unpleasant odors that are currently treated with an open box of baking soda. In another variant, this arrangement is used in toilets and washrooms to address unpleasant situations.  
      In one application, an electronic nose, such as any of the sensing devices described herein, is arranged to detect a situation arising from a human meeting, such as the smell of fear, anxiety or tension, and to react by causing an associated fluid dispenser, such as any of the micromechanical dispensing devices described herein, to dispense a calming odor to counter-act the fear, anxiety or tension. In a variant, the fluid dispenser dispenses pheromones to control the situation.  
      In summary, there has been described the first aspect of the invention, namely, a micromechanical dispensing device  200  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device comprising one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212 , each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms fluidly connected to a corresponding fluid reservoir  220 ,  222 ; the micromechanical dispensing device  200  further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller  240 , the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms.  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  200  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere further comprises at least one port  226 ,  228  to which the corresponding fluid reservoir  220 ,  222  may be removably, fluidly connected.  
      In another embodiment, in the micromechanical dispensing device  200  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, at least one micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  further comprises an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane or a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      In one embodiment, in the micromechanical dispensing device  200  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, at least one fluid reservoir  220 ,  222  contains a fluid  271 , the fluid comprising a perfume, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent or insecticide.  
      In another embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  200  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere further comprises a sensor  260 , the sensor  260  arranged to form a sensor signal  235  responsive to an atmospheric substance  280 , and to communicate the sensor signal to the micromechanical dispensing device controller  240 .  
      In a further embodiment, in the micromechanical dispensing device  200  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, the atmospheric substance  280  is a fluid  271  that has been dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing device  200  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere.  
      In one embodiment, in the micromechanical dispensing device  200  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device controller  240  is arranged to actuate at least one of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  in response to the sensor signal  235 .  
      In another embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  200  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere further comprises one or more check valves  251 ,  253 , wherein each of the one or more check valves is interposed between a corresponding micromechanical dispensing mechanism  210 ,  212  from amongst the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms and the corresponding fluid reservoir  220 ,  222  of the corresponding micromechanical dispensing mechanism.  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  200  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere further comprises a dispersion pad  290 , wherein the dispersion pad is arranged to receive at least one fluid  271  dispensed into the atmosphere by at least one of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212 , wherein the dispersion pad comprises porous ceramics, celluloseic fibers, flax, cotton, wood, protein-based fibers, wool, animal hides, nylon, polyester or olefinic fibers.  
      In another embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  200  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere further comprises an orifice plate  295 , the orifice plate comprising an orifice  296 , the orifice plate arranged such that at least one fluid of the one or more fluids  271  dispensed by at least one of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  is further dispensed through the orifice.  
      Also, there has been described the second aspect of the invention, namely, a system  300  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the system comprising a micromechanical dispensing device  200 , the micromechanical dispensing device comprising one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212 , each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms fluidly connected to a corresponding fluid reservoir  220 ,  222 ; the micromechanical dispensing device further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller  240 , the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms; the system further comprising at least one other dispensing device  302 , and a system controller  310 , the system controller arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device  200  and with each of the at least one other dispensing devices  302 .  
      In one embodiment, in the system  300  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, at least one of the one or more micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  210 ,  212  of the micromechanical dispensing device  200 , further comprises an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane or a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      In another embodiment, in the system  300  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, at least one fluid reservoir  220 ,  221  contains a fluid  271 ,  273 , the fluid comprising a perfume, a pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent or insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, the system  300  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere is arranged to dispense at least one of the plurality of fluids  271  by the micromechanical dispensing device  200  and to dispense at least one other of the plurality of fluids  360  by the at least one other dispensing device  302 .  
      In another embodiment, the system  300  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere further comprises a system sensor  330 , the system sensor arranged to form a system sensor signal  335  responsive to an atmospheric substance  380  and to communicate the system sensor signal to the system controller  310 .  
      In a further embodiment, in the system  300  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the system controller is arranged to actuate at least one of the micromechanical dispensing device  200  and the at least one other dispensing device  302  in response to the system sensor signal  335 .  
      In one embodiment, in the system  300  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device  200  further comprises a sensor  260 , the sensor arranged to form a sensor signal  235  responsive to the atmospheric substance  380  and to communicate the sensor signal to the system controller  310 .  
      In a further embodiment, in the system  300  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the system controller  310  is arranged to actuate at least one of the micromechanical dispensing device  200  and the at least one other dispensing device  302  in response to the sensor signal  235 .  
      In one embodiment, the system  300  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, further comprises a communication means  340 , the communication means comprising a network.  
      In another embodiment, in the system  300  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the network  340  comprises a wireless network.  
      Also, there has been described the third aspect of the invention, namely, a micromechanical dispensing device  400  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device comprising a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412 , each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms fluidly connected to a corresponding fluid reservoir  420 ,  421 ,  422 ; the micromechanical dispensing device further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller  440 , the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms.  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  400  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere further comprises at least one port  426 ,  427 ,  428  to which the corresponding fluid reservoir  420 ,  421 ,  422  may be removably, fluidly connected.  
      In one embodiment, in the micromechanical dispensing device  400  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, at least one micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  further comprises an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane or a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      In another embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  400  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere further comprises a fluid  471 ,  472 , the fluid comprising a perfume, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent or insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  400  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, further comprises a sensor  460 , the sensor arranged to form a sensor signal  435  responsive to an atmospheric substance  480  and to communicate the sensor signal to the micromechanical dispensing device controller  440 .  
      In one embodiment, in the micromechanical dispensing device  400  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the atmospheric substance to which the sensor signal  435  is responsive is a fluid  471 ,  472  that has been dispensed by the micromechanical dispensing device to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere.  
      In one embodiment, in the micromechanical dispensing device  400  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device controller  440  is arranged to actuate at least one of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  in response to the sensor signal  435 .  
      In another embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  400  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, further comprises at least one check valve  451 ,  452 ,  453  interposed between at least one of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  and its corresponding fluid reservoir  420 ,  421 ,  422 .  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  400  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, further comprises a dispersion pad  490 , wherein the dispersion pad is arranged to receive at least one fluid  471 ,  472  dispensed into the atmosphere by at least one of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412 , wherein the dispersion pad comprises porous ceramics, celluloseic fibers, flax, cotton, wood, protein-based fibers, wool, animal hides, nylon, polyester or olefinic fibers.  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  400  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, further comprises an orifice plate  495 , the orifice plate comprising an orifice  496 , the orifice plate arranged such that at least one fluid of the plurality of fluids  471 ,  472  dispensed by at least one of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  is further dispensed through the orifice.  
      Also, there has been described the fourth aspect of the invention, namely, a system  500  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the system comprising a micromechanical dispensing device  400 , the micromechanical dispensing device comprising a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412 , each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms fluidly connected to a corresponding fluid reservoir  420 ,  421 ,  422 ; the micromechanical dispensing device further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller  440 , the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with each micromechanical dispensing mechanism of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms; and the system further comprising a system controller  510 , the system controller arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device  400 .  
      In one embodiment, in the system  500  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, at least one of the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  410 ,  411 ,  412  of the micromechanical dispensing device  400 , further comprises an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane or a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      In one embodiment, in the system  500  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, at least one fluid reservoir  420 ,  421  of the micromechanical dispensing device  400  contains a fluid  471 ,  472 , the fluid comprising a perfume, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent or insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, the system  500  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere further comprises a second dispenser  502  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, the second dispenser arranged to communicate with the system controller  510 , wherein at least one fluid reservoir  420 ,  421  of the micromechanical dispensing device  400  contains a first fluid  471 ,  472  and the second dispenser contains a second fluid  560  which is different from the first fluid.  
      In one embodiment, the system  500  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere further comprises a system sensor  530 , the system sensor arranged to form a system sensor signal  535  responsive to an atmospheric substance  580  and to communicate the system sensor signal to the system controller  510 .  
      In a further embodiment, in the system  500  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the system controller  510  is arranged to actuate the micromechanical dispensing device  400  in response to the system sensor signal  535 .  
      In one embodiment, in the system  500  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device  400  further comprises a sensor  460 , the sensor arranged to form a sensor signal  435  responsive to an atmospheric substance  480  and to communicate the sensor signal to the system controller  510 .  
      In a further embodiment, in the system  500  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere the system controller  510  is arranged to actuate the micromechanical dispensing device  400  in response to the sensor signal  435 .  
      In one embodiment, the system  500  to dispense a plurality of fluids into an atmosphere further comprises a communication means  540 , the communication means comprising a wireless network.  
      Also, there has been described the fifth aspect of the invention, namely, a micromechanical dispensing device  600  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device comprising a micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610 , the micromechanical dispensing mechanism fluidly connected to a plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622 ; and further comprising a valve  665 , the valve arranged to selectively couple each fluid reservoir of the plurality of fluid reservoirs to the micromechanical dispensing mechanism; and, the micromechanical dispensing device further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller  640 , the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing mechanism and the valve.  
      In one embodiment, in the micromechanical dispensing device  600  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  further comprises an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane or a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      In one embodiment, in the micromechanical dispensing device  600  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, at least one fluid reservoir  620 ,  621 ,  622  contains a fluid  671 ,  672 ,  673 , the fluid comprising a perfume, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent or insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  600  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, further comprises a sensor  660 , the sensor arranged to form a sensor signal  635  responsive to an atmospheric substance  680  and to communicate the sensor signal to the micromechanical dispensing device controller  640 , and the micromechanical dispensing device controller is arranged to actuate the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  in response to the sensor signal.  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  600  to dispense one or more fluids into an atmosphere, further comprises a mixing chamber  670 , the mixing chamber fluidly interposed between the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  and the plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622 .  
      Also, there has been described the sixth aspect of the invention, namely, a micromechanical dispensing device  700  to dispense a fluid into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device comprising a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712 , the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir  720 ; and, the micromechanical dispensing device further comprising a micromechanical dispensing device controller  740 , the micromechanical dispensing device controller arranged to communicate with the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms.  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  700  to dispense a fluid into an atmosphere, further comprises a port  726  to which the fluid reservoir  720  may be removably, fluidly connected.  
      In one embodiment, in the micromechanical dispensing device  700  to dispense a fluid into an atmosphere, at least one micromechanical dispensing mechanism  710 ,  711 ,  712  further comprises an electrostatically-driven membrane, an electrostatically-actuated piston, a magnetically-actuated membrane, a thermally-actuated paddle vane or a ballistic aerosol dispensing mechanism.  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  700  to dispense a fluid into an atmosphere further comprises a fluid  771 , the fluid comprising a perfume, pheromone, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, deodorizer, disinfectant, sanitizing agent or insecticide.  
      In one embodiment, the micromechanical dispensing device  700  to dispense a fluid into an atmosphere further comprises a sensor  760 , the sensor arranged to form a sensor signal  735  responsive to an atmospheric substance  780  and to communicate the sensor signal to the micromechanical dispensing device controller  740 , and the micromechanical dispensing device controller is arranged to actuate the plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  in response to the sensor signal.  
      In one embodiment, in the micromechanical dispensing device  700 , the atmospheric substance  780  comprises the fluid that is dispensed into the atmosphere by the micromechanical dispensing device.  
      Also, there has been described the seventh aspect of the invention, namely, a dispensing system  900  including a micromechanical dispensing device  600 , the micromechanical dispensing device  600  being arranged to dispense a plurality of fluids  671 ,  672 ,  673  into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device  600  comprising a micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  that is fluidly coupled to an included valve  665 , wherein the valve  665  is arranged to selectively fluidly couple the micromechanical dispensing mechanism  610  to a plurality of fluid reservoirs  620 ,  621 ,  622 , the dispensing system  900  further comprising a dispensing system controller  910  arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device  600  by means of an included communication means  940 .  
      Also, there has been described the eighth aspect of the invention, namely, a dispensing system  900  including a micromechanical dispensing device  700 , the micromechanical dispensing device  700  being arranged to dispense a fluid  771  into an atmosphere, the micromechanical dispensing device  700  comprising a plurality of micromechanical dispensing mechanisms  710 ,  711 ,  712  that are fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir  720 , the dispensing system  900  further comprising a dispensing system controller  910  arranged to communicate with the micromechanical dispensing device  700  by means of an included communication means  940 .  
      While various embodiments of a micromechanical dispensing device and a dispensing system including the same, in accordance with the present invention, have been described above, the scope of the invention is defined by the claims below.