Apparatus for releasing a fluid to the atmosphere

摘要

An apparatus (10) for releasing a fluid to the atmosphere comprises a housing (12) for the fluid. The housing can comprise a biodegradable polymer, or a polymer that has been adapted to biodegrade. The polymer can also comprise a component that is reflective to infrared radiation so as to prevent melting of the housing polymer during immersion in or whilst in proximity to flame. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism (30, 32, 42, 50, 56, 58) for causing the fluid to be released to the atmosphere from the housing. The mechanism can be housed in a second housing (14) that is detachably mounted to the first housing to define a housing unit. Further, a restraint mechanism (34) can be provided for regulating when the fluid is to be released from the housing to the atmosphere. The restraint mechanism can be deactivated once a certain force of apparatus impact with a surface has been reached.