Abstract: A dispensing device and method for forming a least partially solid or gel-like material from a liquid. At least one liquid issuing from an outlet is subjected to an electric field causing the liquid to form at least one electrically charged jet which, after formation, forms a fiber (F) or breaks up into fiber fragments (FF) or particles (D). The thus formed at least partially solid or gel-like material may be directly deposited, by virtue of the energy in the electrical field, onto a surface area, for example an area of skin enabling, for example, formation of a dressing for a wound or burn which is of high specific area and extremely absorbent. A biologically active ingredient such as a pharmaceutical ingredient or biological matter such as DNA may be incorporated into the fibers (F), fragments (FF) or particles (D). Fibrils, particles or microcapsules incorporating a biologically active ingredient may be supplied for oral or nasal administration to an animal such as a human being.

Abstract: An electrohydrodynamic dispensing device for comminuting a liquid which comprises a comminution site, a means for supplying liquid to the comminution site and a means for inducing an electrical charge at the comminution site sufficient to comminute the liquid supplied to it.

Abstract: A device for comminuting liquid has a liquid supply with first and second outlets, a first electrohydrodynamic comminuter for subjecting liquid issuing from the first outlet to an electrical potential to cause the liquid to be commrinuted to form a comminution of one polarity and a second electrohydrodynamic comminuter for subjecting liquid issuing from the second outlet to an electrical potential to cause liquid to be commninuted to form a comminution of the opposite polarity. The first and second electrohydrodynamic comminuters are arranged so as to cause substantial admixing of two opposite polarity comminutions.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a comminuted liquid to the upper respiratory tract, which comprises an electrohydrodynamic comminution device and a supplier of a liquid to the comminution device. And a device for comminuting a liquid, the comminution site of which is provided by fibers projecting from an end surface or edge, the edge or surface being composed substantially of fibers.

Abstract: A device for comminuting a liquid, which produces at least two sprays of droplets formed by electrohydrodynamic comminution, the device being arranged so that in use sprays of opposing polarity are formed which are substantially admixed after formation, so as to provide a comminution having a residual electrical charge.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a liquid for inhalation, which comprises an unshielded electrohydrodynamic comminution means (1), a means for supplying a liquid to the comminution means, a sharp discharge electrode (12) and, optionally, a means for charging the discharge electrode to a polarity opposite to that of the comminution means, wherein the discharge electrode is located so as to direct gaseous ions into the body of the comminuted liquid and thereby to fully or partially discharge the comminuted liquid.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a comminuted liquid to the upper respiratory tract, which comprises an electrohydrodynamic comminution means and a means for supplying a liquid to the comminution means. And a device for comminuting a liquid, the comminution site sit of which is provided by fibres projecting from an end surface or edge, the edge or surface being composed substantially of fibres.