Patents by Inventor Walter A. Nichols

Walter A. Nichols has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20080268060
    Abstract: Liquid nanoscale particle precursor materials for generating nanoscale particles include at least one high volatility carrier and a second component. A nanoscale particle generating device generates nanoscale particles by passing a liquid nanoscale particle precursor material through a flow passage heated to convert the carrier into a vapor and the second component into nanoscale particles. The nanoscale particles preferably consist essentially of the second component and can consist essentially of dry, solid particles. The particle generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler, and can be delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler. Composite controlled release particles of micron or nanoscale size can be produced by flowing a solution of medicament, control release agent and carrier liquid through a capillary heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Tung T. Nguyen, Nina Brown, Jui C. Lin, Stephen Pham, Kenneth A. Cox, Douglas D. McRae, Walter A. Nichols
  • Patent number: 7373938
    Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device which includes a heater adapted to volatilize fluid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and method of using the inhaler. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an outlet, the chamber being located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds a predetermined volume of a fluid which is expelled through the outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the fluid, the outlet can be formed by severing the first and/or second layer with a piercing element and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7367334
    Abstract: A fluid vaporizing device useful for vaporizing fluid into an aerosol includes a capillary tube made from an electrically conductive material, an upstream electrode connected to the capillary tube, and a downstream electrode connected to the tube and provided with an electrical resistivity sufficient to cause heating of the downstream electrode during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Gene G. Faison, Jr., Rajiv Gupta, Douglas D. McRae, Walter A. Nichols
  • Patent number: 7323207
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for detecting latent fingerprints that discharges a vapor of a cyanoacrylate-containing solution. The apparatus comprises a reservoir for holding a liquid solution comprising cyanoacrylate, a valve for controlling the release of the solution through a capillary flow passage, and a power supply for heating the capillary flow passage and vaporizing the solution. When cyanoacrylate vapor contacts latent fingerprints, the fingerprints are rendered visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, Daniel Diefenbach
  • Publication number: 20070281043
    Abstract: A microbicidal composition comprising relatively high levels of a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; a metal nitrate; and water. The composition optionally contains magnesium chloride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Mary Jo Bergbauer, John Vincent Berrier, Richard Walter Nichols
  • Patent number: 7173222
    Abstract: A temperature and flow rate controlled capillary aerosol generator includes two heating zones optionally separated by a region in which a pressure drop is induced. Power is metered or applied to the downstream, second zone to achieve a target resistance, and therefore a target temperature, while power is metered or applied to the upstream, first zone to achieve a target mass flow rate exiting the second zone. A target temperature is achieved in the second zone to generate an aerosol from the liquid flowing through the generator at the desired mass flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr., Douglas D. McRae, William R. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 7163014
    Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device, which includes a heater adapted to volatilize liquid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and a method of using the inhaler, is provided. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an openable outlet. The chamber is located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds liquid, which is expelled through the opened outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the liquid, the outlet can be opened and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the opened outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7147170
    Abstract: An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol having a desired particle size by passing a liquid through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor. The flow passage includes an outlet section that controls the exit velocity of the vapor and produces an aerosol with a desired particle size. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler, and the liquid can include a medicament, which is delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Tung T. Nguyen, Douglas D. McRae, Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols, Ulysses Smith, Gary E. Grollimund, Donald L. Brookman
  • Patent number: 7117867
    Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, a heater arranged relative to the flow passage for heating the flow passage, a source of material to be volatilized in communication with the inlet of the flow passage, a valve to open and close communication between the source of material and the inlet of the flow passage, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the flow passage when the valve is in an open position. The aerosol generator further includes a source of power for operating the heater and the valve, and a control device for controlling supply of power from the source of power to the heater and the valve. A metering device in an inhaler includes a pressurized source of medicated fluid and a metering chamber configured to deliver a predetermined volume of fluid to a heated flow passage in the inhaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Cox, Timothy Paul Beane, William R. Sweeney, Walter A. Nichols, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7077130
    Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device which includes a heater adapted to volatilize fluid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and method of using the inhaler. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an outlet, the chamber being located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds a predetermined volume of a fluid which is expelled through the outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the fluid, the outlet can be formed by severing the first and/or second layer with a piercing element and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7040314
    Abstract: Liquid aerosol formulations for generating aerosols include at least one high volatility carrier and a second component. In some embodiments, the liquid aerosol formulation is propellant free. An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol by passing liquid aerosol formulation through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor, which is mixed with air to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, particles of the aerosol consist essentially of the second component. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler. The aerosol can be delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Tung T. Nguyen, Christopher L. Irving, Kenneth A. Cox, Douglas D. McRae, Walter A. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20050252444
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for detecting latent fingerprints that discharges a vapor of a cyanoacrylate-containing solution. The apparatus comprises a reservoir for holding a liquid solution comprising cyanoacrylate, a valve for controlling the release of the solution through a capillary flow passage, and a power supply for heating the capillary flow passage and vaporizing the solution. When the cyanoacrylate vapor contacts latent fingerprints, the fingerprints are rendered visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Walter Nichols, Daniel Diefenbach
  • Publication number: 20050235991
    Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a constriction in the flow passage at the outlet end. A heater is operable to heat liquid in the flow passage to produce a vapor, which is expelled from the outlet end of the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Walter Nichols, Rajiv Gupta, Gene Faison, Kenneth Cox
  • Publication number: 20050205084
    Abstract: An aerosol generating device includes a housing, a heater and an optional mouthpiece. The heater volatilizes liquid within a flow passage and forms an aerosol in the mouthpiece. An aerosol confinement sleeve is disposed to control the size distribution of the aerosol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventors: Rajiv Gupta, Douglas McRae, Kenneth Cox, Walter Nichols
  • Patent number: 6923179
    Abstract: An aerosol generating device includes a housing, a heater and an optional mouthpiece. The heater volatilizes liquid within a flow passage and forms an aerosol in the mouthpiece. An aerosol confinement sleeve is disposed to control the size distribution of the aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Gupta, Douglas D. McRae, Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20050132879
    Abstract: A piston pump delivers precise and repeatable volumes of a fluid from a reservoir to a downstream component, and includes a piston that is rotatably and reciprocally mounted within a cylinder. The outer periphery of the piston forms an interference fit with the inner periphery of the cylinder. At least one groove is formed in the outer periphery of the piston, with the groove defining a precise volume between the piston and the cylinder, and extending in an axial direction of the piston. The cylinder includes an inlet port for providing fluid communication between a reservoir and the at least one groove when the piston is in a first position, and an exit port circumferentially spaced from the inlet port for providing fluid communication between the at least one groove and a downstream component when the first piston is rotated to a second position where the at least one groove is aligned with the exit port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventors: Gary Grollimund, Donald Brookman, Kenneth Cox, Walter Nichols, Edwin Waldbusser
  • Publication number: 20050133029
    Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device, which includes a heater adapted to volatilize liquid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and a method of using the inhaler, is provided. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an openable outlet. The chamber is located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds liquid, which is expelled through the opened outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the liquid, the outlet can be opened and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the opened outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventors: Walter Nichols, F. Sprinkel
  • Publication number: 20050045179
    Abstract: A fluid vaporizing device useful for vaporizing fluid into an aerosol includes a capillary tube made from an electrically conductive material, an upstream electrode connected to the capillary tube, and a downstream electrode connected to the tube and provided with an electrical resistivity sufficient to cause heating of the downstream electrode during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: Gene Faison, Rajiv Gupta, Douglas McRae, Walter Nichols
  • Patent number: 6854461
    Abstract: An aerosol generator and methods of delivering aerosol to a user inhaling on a mouthpiece when a pressure drop is detected within the mouthpiece are disclosed. A medicated fluid passing through a capillary passage is heated to vaporize the fluid and form the aerosol by condensation or mixture of the vaporized fluid with admixed air. A metering chamber allows consistent delivery of precise doses of fluid to the capillary passage. Once the pressure drop is detected, aerosol can be quickly delivered to the user as the user begins to inhale on the mouthpiece. The quick delivery of aerosol provides more efficient use of the user's lung capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, Donald L. Brookman, Gary E. Grollimund, Ulysses Smith
  • Publication number: 20040255941
    Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device which includes a heater adapted to volatilize fluid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and method of using the inhaler. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an outlet, the chamber being located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds a predetermined volume of a fluid which is expelled through the outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the fluid, the outlet can be formed by severing the first and/or second layer with a piercing element and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: CHRYSALIS TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, F. Murphy Sprinkel