Abstract: One or more rods are employed in the flow passage of the above-described flowmeter as the drag-producing bluff body. Conveniently, the rods can also serve as probes for sensing the pressure in the flow passage. In the preferred embodiment, one rod is radially oriented upstream of the restriction and another rod is radially oriented at an angle to the first rod within the restriction. The rods have hollow interiors connected to a .DELTA.P transducer. The first rod has a chamfered end facing upstream.

Abstract: One or more rods are employed in the flow passage of the above-described flowmeter as the drag-producing bluff body. Conveniently, the rods can also serve as probes for sensing the pressure in the flow passage. In the preferred embodiment, one rod is radially oriented upstream of the restriction and another rod is radially oriented at an angle to the first rod within the restriction. The rods have hollow interiors connected to a .DELTA.P transducer. The first rod has a chamfered end facing upstream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying an active ingredient as an aerosol. A transducer (22) for creating an aerosol includes a propellant inlet (96) and a chamber defined by at least one chamber wall (128) confluent with the propellant inlet. A bluff body (112) is provided for creating at least one vortex (152) in the chamber when the propellant enters the propellant inlet in a supersonic flow condition. An orifice (118, 146) spaced apart from the bluff body and separated therefrom by the chamber wall is provided for creating an exiting vortex (154).

Abstract: A perforated planar member is spaced from the outlet of a vortex generating transducer and a tube is coupled between the outlet of the transducer and the perforated member to completely close the space therebetween. Preferably, the perforated member is a screen composed of non-conductive criss-crossing wires having resonant dimensions as to a component frequency of the sonic waves generated by the transducer. In addition, the screen is also preferably spaced from the outlet of the transducer a resonant distance as to the component frequency. A drag member is spaced from the perforated member. Preferably, the drag member is cylindrical and its axis lies transverse to the plane of the perforated member; the drag member is spaced from the perforated member a resonant distance as to a component frequency of the sonic waves generated by the transducer. Atomization in the described apparatus is enhanced by means of thermal and/or electrical energy.

Abstract: The nebulizing device (44') and apparatus (10) for supplying nebulized liquids or powders for inhalation is provided. The device (44') include a base (108) having a closed bore (50) and an annular passageway (60) extending from the bore to an outlet (62). At least one auxiliary passage (62) is provided which extends through the base from the bore and opens to the passageway. Compressed gas is supplied through a supply hose (52) to the bore. A liquid port (118) extends from a liquid supply to the passageway adjacent the outlet such than when compressed gas is supplied to the bore the gas flows through the passageway and is discharged from the outlet, generating a subatmospheric pressure region to draw the liquid through the port into the passageway, the gas further generating a vortex action to nebulize the liquid. A plurality of screens (88, 92, 100) may be provided in series to further slow and nebulize the liquid. The apparatus includes a container (12).

Abstract: A nebulizer comprises an upright, cylindrical, tower-like chamber mounted on the lid of a liquid storage bottle and a vortex-generating transducer. The chamber has a closed upper end and an open lower end directed to the bottle. The transducer is mounted on the closed end with its outlet opening into the chamber. Windows are formed in the side of the chamber adjacent the outlet of the transducer. A nebulizer comprises a T-shaped chamber secured to the inside of a closed liquid storage bottle and a vortex-generating transducer. The chamber has inline legs with open ends and a transverse leg with a closed end. One open end faces downwardly into the bottle, the other open end is connected by an elbow to a spout leaving the bottle. The transducer is mounted on the closed end with its outlet facing into the chamber and its axis is pointed down at a small acute angle to the axis of the transverse leg.