Abstract: Two cylinder devices are respectively connected to two flow path switching devices; first and second position detectors which detect movement and passage of a piston are disposed at one end side of the two cylinder devices; and third and fourth position detectors are disposed at an interval more toward the one end side. The cylinder device in the filling process is set to the pressure feeding process by a flow path switching device in accordance with signals of the first and second position detectors of the cylinder device in the pressure feeding process, and the cylinder device in the pressure feeding process is subsequently set to the filling process by a flow path switching device in accordance with signals of the third and fourth position detectors.

Abstract: Two cylinder devices are respectively connected to two flow path switching devices; first and second position detectors which detect movement and passage of a piston are disposed at one end side of the two cylinder devices; and third and fourth position detectors are disposed at an interval more toward the one end side. The cylinder device in the filling process is set to the pressure feeding process by a flow path switching device in accordance with signals of the first and second position detectors of the cylinder device in the pressure feeding process, and the cylinder device in the pressure feeding process is subsequently set to the filling process by a flow path switching device in accordance with signals of the third and fourth position detectors.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated pump having structure where a plurality of cell pumps having an inlet and an outlet to discharge fluid drawn from a consolidated inlet to the consolidated outlet is connected in series or parallel. A plurality of cell pump may be connected in parallel to constitute an integrated pumps. The integrated pump of the present invention can obtain a desired output connecting in series and parallel a number of cell pumps. For a high output integrated pump where many cell pumps are connected to provide high capacity and high head, by unitizing the individual cell pumps during transportation or installation, the transportation and installation work for the integrated pump can be easily done.

Abstract: Since a reduction gearbox (50) is mounted onto the outer wall of the discharge elbow (30), the installation height of a vertical axis pump is reduced. A pump shaft (34) comes out the outer wall of the discharge elbow (30) and passes through a separate wall (36) provided above the outer wall of the discharge elbow (30). An air space (40) is formed between the separate wall (36) and the outer wall of the discharge elbow (30). The air space (40) is open through and through to the atmosphere. A casing (76) for the reduction gearbox (50) is formed including the separate wall (36) and the outer wall of the discharge elbow (30). The reduction gearbox (50) is mounted onto the discharge elbow (30) in a one-piece construction. An output stage gear (54) of a gear train of the reduction gearbox (50) is mounted onto the pump shaft (34) comes out through the outer wall of the discharge elbow (30). An input shaft (52) of the reduction gearbox (50) comes out in the horizontal direction and is connected to a driver (86).

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in atomizing and generating sprays from a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes two members joined together. In one of the two members are formed one or more nozzle outlets, one or more fluid inlets, and a plurality of channels that form filter passageways. The nozzle outlets discharge fluid jets that impinge on one another to thereby atomize the fluid. Alternatively, an impact element or a vortex-generating structure can be used in the nozzle outlet to atomize the fluid. Methods are also provided for producing the nozzle assembly by forming the inlets, outlets, and/or channels through electrical or chemical etching or other processes that selectively remove material from at least one face of a nozzle assembly member.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler for dispensing a fluid medicament as droplets of small mean particle size without the use of pressurized gas or liquefied propellants. A liquid drug is contained in a fluid reservoir, and metered quantities of the drug are successively presented into a reduced cross-section pressure chamber, with non-return valves controlling the flow of liquid through the device. The metered quantity of the drug is then subjected to a sudden and great increase in pressure by releasing a piston into the pressure chamber. The liquid drug is thereby ejected through an atomizing head, to reduce it to a fine atomized spray of small mean particle size, preferably less than approximately 12 micrometers.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in atomizing and generating sprays from a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes two members joined together. In one of the two members are formed one or more nozzle outlets, one or more fluid inlets, and a plurality of channels that form filter passageways. The nozzle outlets discharge fluid jets that impinge on one another to thereby atomize the fluid. Alternatively, an impact element or a vortex-generating structure can be used in the nozzle outlet to atomize the fluid.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly which comprises a nozzle aperture for discharge of a fluid as a spray of droplets, and a conduit in fluid flow communication with the nozzle aperture. The flow of fluid through the conduit is restricted by the minimum effective cross-sectional area of the conduit transverse to the line of flow of fluid through the conduit so that back flow of fluid from the nozzle aperture through the conduit at ambient and operational pressure differentials is substantially prevented. The invention further provides for a method of discharging a fluid as a spray of droplets, and a spray generating device which includes the nozzle assembly of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for discharging a fluid, notably an aqueous medicament solution, as a spray of droplets by causing a fluid to flow through a nozzle aperture so that a secondary flow is induced in at least part of the flow of fluid through the nozzle aperture by a flap or orifice lip located within the bore of the nozzle passage, and/or adjacent an end of the nozzle passage, and/or adjacent the nozzle aperture. Preferably a secondary flow at the nozzle orifice is induced such that at least 10% of the fluid flows at an exit angle of 90.degree. to the overall line of travel of the remainder of the fluid.

Abstract: A process and a discharge valve assembly are provided for regulating the flow of a liquid product from an aerosol container which is pressurized with a permanent gas propellant. The liquid product is conveyed under pressure to a mixing region and the propellant gas is separately conveyed to the mixing region. The mixture is passed through at least one choke restrictor that is located between the mixing region and the discharge nozzle. The mixture expanding downstream of the restrictor forms a foam-like mixture internally of the valve assembly and prior to discharge of the mixture from the exit nozzle.