Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved electrohydrodynamic (EHD) apparatus having a time varying voltage component. The invention further relates to the use of such enhanced EHD apparatus to produce respirable and non-respirable aerosols from highly aqueous liquids, as well as the use of such aerosols. The combination of modifying surface rheology and superimposing a time varying waveform onto the direct current (DC) electrical field enables electrohydrodynamic aerosolization of high aqueous content formulations (>50% water) beyond what can be achieved through other means, including the individual gains by applying surface rheology modification and superimposing a sinusoidal waveform onto the DC electrical field individually.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to metering devices, systems, and methods that mitigate differential thermal expansion/contraction for the efficient, accurate, and reproducible metered delivery of fluids. The present invention allows the net fluid volume and a plunger location within a fluid dispensing container to automatically adjust under the influence of differential thermal expansion/contraction between the fluid and the fluid dispensing container that the fluid is contained within. Further, the present invention allows the metering system drive to sense the adjusted plunger location and allows the metering system drive to re-zero itself to produce an accurate volumetric delivery of fluid from the fluid dispensing container. The metering system includes means for controlling the travel of the metering system drive, and hence the travel of the plunger into the fluid dispensing container, for delivering accurate/precise amounts of the fluid from the fluid dispensing container.

Abstract: Methods and devices for dispensing an aerosolized liquids that generate an electric field proximate an outlet of a liquid supplier to cause liquid issuing from the outlet to be aerosolized for dispensing, and regulating an electrical characteristic, such as voltage, for generating the electric field based on a detected electrical characteristic, e.g., current drawn, of the electric field and/or based on an environmental sensor, to compensate, for example, for adverse effects of relative humidity in the aerosolization process. Such methods and devices are suitable for use as, for example, an inhaler for dispensing therapeutic liquids to a patient's lungs, spraying paint, crops or other liquids over a surface area.

Abstract: An air flow sensor comprises a flexible resistive element permanently affixed to a flexible substrate. The air flow sensor is positioned in an inlet for airway to be monitored such that the sensor covers the inlet at all times other than during inhalation. When a vacuum is applied to the airway, a resulting drop in air pressure within the airway causes air to flow through the inlet and airway, causing the sensor's substrate to flex. Flexure of the substrate also causes a resistive element to flex, resulting in a change in the electrical resistance of the resistive element, such as an increase in resistance. Flexure of the sensor is enhanced by flexible leads, which serve as a hinge point. An air shield may be positioned around the periphery of the air flow sensor to channel and restrict the movement of air flowing through the air inlet, thereby enhancing movement of the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to metering devices, systems, and methods that mitigate differential thermal expansion/contraction for the efficient, accurate, and reproducible metered delivery of fluids. The present invention allows the net fluid volume and a plunger location within a fluid dispensing container to automatically adjust under the influence of differential thermal expansion/contraction between the fluid and the fluid dispensing container that the fluid is contained within. Further, the present invention allows the metering system drive to sense the adjusted plunger location and allows the metering system drive to re-zero itself to produce an accurate volumetric delivery of fluid from the fluid dispensing container. The metering system includes means for controlling the travel of the metering system drive, and hence the travel of the plunger into the fluid dispensing container, for delivering accurate/precise amounts of the fluid from the fluid dispensing container.