An automatic discharge device, comprising: a housing having a top portion and a base portion , wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container ; at least one gear disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing , wherein a drive motor is in association with the at least one gear ; and an actuator arm ; wherein activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that has a directional component parallel to a longitudinal axis of the recess ; the automatic discharge device further including a cover secured to the housing characterized in that the cover includes a generally teardrop shaped orifice provided in the lower end thereof and a similarly shaped button extending through the orifice and projecting outwardly from the cover ; wherein the button includes a top surface for engagement by a user's thumb or finger; the top surface being bounded by a peripheral edge and generally having a concave appearance therebetween; wherein an oval shaped recess is disposed within a medial portion of the top surface this being adapted to assist a user in engaging the button to actuate same; wherein a curved orifice is disposed above the recess on the top surface of the button , the orifice being aligned with a sensor within the base portion of the housing ; wherein the button is provided for activating the automatic discharge device, wherein a signal is generated to activate the electrical components of the automatic discharge device to emit fluid upon the depression of the button wherein the button is attached to the front side of the housing by way of a living hinge and wherein the depression and/or rotation of the button about the living hinge causes a switch beneath an extension to generate said signal and the automatic discharge device to discharge fluid during a manual activation sequence. a housing having a top portion and a base portion , wherein surfaces defining a recess are provided therebetween for securely holding a container ; at least one gear disposed substantially between the recess and a rear panel of the housing , wherein a drive motor is in association with the at least one gear ; and an actuator arm ; wherein activation of the drive motor and the at least one gear provides for movement of the actuator arm between at least one of a pre-actuation position and a discharge position along a path that has a directional component parallel to a longitudinal axis of the recess ; the automatic discharge device further including a cover secured to the housing characterized in that the cover includes a generally teardrop shaped orifice provided in the lower end thereof and a similarly shaped button extending through the orifice and projecting outwardly from the cover ; wherein the button includes a top surface for engagement by a user's thumb or finger; the top surface being bounded by a peripheral edge and generally having a concave appearance therebetween; wherein an oval shaped recess is disposed within a medial portion of the top surface this being adapted to assist a user in engaging the button to actuate same; wherein a curved orifice is disposed above the recess on the top surface of the button , the orifice being aligned with a sensor within the base portion of the housing ; wherein the button is provided for activating the automatic discharge device, wherein a signal is generated to activate the electrical components of the automatic discharge device to emit fluid upon the depression of the button wherein the button is attached to the front side of the housing by way of a living hinge and wherein the depression and/or rotation of the button about the living hinge causes a switch beneath an extension to generate said signal and the automatic discharge device to discharge fluid during a manual activation sequence. <EOS>