With Means To Vibrate Or Jiggle Discharge Patents (Class 239/102.1)
  • Patent number: 7963458
    Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid delivery device including a housing having an internal chamber and at least one exhaust port communicating with the internal chamber. An ultrasonic waveguide in the internal chamber ultrasonically energizes liquid within the chamber prior to the liquid being exhausted through the exhaust port. The waveguide includes a valve member movable relative to the housing between a closed position closing the exhaust port, and an open position. An excitation device is operable in the open position of the valve member to ultrasonically excite the ultrasonic waveguide to atomize liquid exiting the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Sean McNichols, Thomas David Ehlert
  • Publication number: 20110139893
    Abstract: A system and method for lowering the structural natural frequency of a synthetic jet actuator is disclosed. A synthetic jet actuator is provided that includes a first plate, a second plate spaced apart from the first plate and arranged parallelly thereto, and a spacer element configured to space the first plate apart from the second plate and define a chamber along with the first and second plates. The spacer element includes at least one orifice formed therein such that the chamber is in fluid communication with an environment external to the chamber, and the spacer element is constructed to deform in a bending motion in response to a deflection of at least one of the first and second plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: TODD GARRETT WETZEL, THOMAS ELLIOT STECHER, CHARLES ERKLIN SEELEY, CHARLES FRANKLIN WOLFE, JR., YOGEN VISHWAS UTTURKAR, BRYAN PATRICK WHALEN
  • Patent number: 7954730
    Abstract: Piezo aerosol and ultrasonic atomizer apparatuses are disclosed. In some embodiments, a piezo aerosol apparatus may comprise a piezo component defining an opening bonded to a metal plate defining a mist reservoir. The mist reservoir may define a plurality of apertures (or holes) orientated substantially perpendicular, and the opening of the piezo component may be located above the mist reservoir. The piezo aerosol apparatus generally defines a non-symmetric compound, while the ultrasonic atomizer comprises a piezo component and metal plate of substantially the same diameter in length. Other embodiments are also claimed and disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Hong Kong Piezo Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Lap Leung Ng
  • Patent number: 7954728
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an operation frequency and checking an operating state of the ultrasonic nebulizer is related in the present invention. By detecting the current to determine a resonance frequency and whether deviated from a predetermined normal range, the nebulizer can check the operating state and operate at the resonance frequency for increasing efficiency and saving power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Taidoc Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shih-Yi Weng, Yi-Hsin Huang, Shu-Mei Wu
  • Patent number: 7950594
    Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus capable of mixing and/or atomizing fluids is disclosed. The apparatus includes a horn having an internal chamber, containing at least one free member, through which fluids to be atomized and/or mixed flow. Connected to the horn's proximal end, a transducer powered by a generator induces ultrasonic vibrations within the horn. Traveling down the horn from the transducer, the ultrasonic vibrations induce the release of ultrasonic energy into the fluids to be atomized and/or mixed as they travel through the internal chamber. As the ultrasonic vibrations travel through the chamber, the fluids within the chamber are agitated and/or begin to cavitate, while the free member moves about the chamber, thereby mixing the fluids. Upon reaching the front wall of the chamber, the ultrasonic vibrations echo off the front wall and pass through the fluids within the chamber a second time, further mixing the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Bacoustics, LLC
    Inventor: Eilaz Babaev
  • Patent number: 7950596
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a fuel injector body defining a fuel inlet and at least one fuel outlet, a valve having a first valve state and a second valve state and an actuator for the valve. The fuel injector includes a biasing spring including a cylindrical rolled sheet having a first spring end, a second spring end and defining a longitudinal center axis. The cylindrical rolled sheet is configured to change in length to bias the actuator toward the first actuator position and includes a helical seam located between the first spring end and a second spring end which has a shape adapted to reduce non-uniformity in a spring constant via distributing stiffness about the longitudinal center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Venkataraghavan, Michael Long, Zhenlong Xu, Stephen Lewis
  • Patent number: 7946508
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a solution containing a target substance. The solution is atomized into a mist in an atomizer (1) to produce a mixed fluid of mist and gas. In the collection of the mist from this mixed fluid, a gas transmission membrane (51) is used. The gas transmission membrane has a pore size that transmits gas but does not transmit the target substance contained in the mist. The mixed fluid is brought into contact with the primary surface of the gas transmission membrane (51), and the pressure on the primary surface is made higher than the pressure on the secondary surface of the opposite side. Thus, the gas in the mixed fluid is allowed to pass through the gas transmission membrane (51) to separate part or all of the gas contained in the mixed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Ultrasound Brewery
    Inventors: Kazuo Matsuura, Tetsuo Fukazu, Taisuke Sekimoto
  • Patent number: 7934665
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic spray coating system comprising an ultrasonic spray head with integrated fluid delivery system (IFDS), which consists of an ultrasonic transducer with a spray forming tip, an ultrasonic generator, an external liquid applicator, a precision liquid delivery system and air directors. The coating liquid is delivered to the spray forming tip on the ultrasonic transducer from an external liquid applicator. The liquid is stored in a pressurized reservoir and fed to the liquid applicator by a precision liquid delivery system. The ultrasonic vibrations of the spray forming tip break up the liquid into small droplets and propel them from the tip in the form of a spray. The spray produced with ultrasonic energy alone is a very narrow “sheet-like” pattern. The width of the spray pattern produced is equal to the width of the spray forming tip (2 mm to 4 mm). Air directors are used to produce air streams to further shape and accelerate the ultrasonically produced spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Ultrasonic Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart J. Erickson, Drew D. Erickson, Wesley O. Davis, Christopher J. Cote, Norman R. Faucher
  • Patent number: 7934666
    Abstract: An acoustic generator of pressure pulsations includes a cylindrical waveguide which is caused to vibrate at a low amplitude by an electromechanical transducer. The vibration of the cylindrical waveguide creates low amplitude pressure pulsations in an acoustic chamber containing stationary pressure fluid. A mechanical amplifier, which is part of the acoustic chamber, amplifies the low amplitude pressure pulsations generated by the cylindrical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Institute of Geonics ASCR, V.V.I.
    Inventors: Josef Foldyna, Branislav Svehla
  • Patent number: 7931212
    Abstract: A fluid dispersion device comprises a substrate (3) having an outer section (25) and an inner section (26), said inner section (26) of the substrate (3) having an aperture (11), a dispersion element (10) positioned at said aperture (11) of said substrate (3), and an actuator (4) arranged to coaxially surround said aperture (11) of said substrate (3), wherein the outer edge of said inner section (26) of said substrate (3) is coupled to said outer section (25) of said substrate by a plurality of resilient members (81, 82, 83).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: PARI Pharma GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Urich, Samuel Charles William Hyde, Neil Pollock, Andrew Jonathan Sant
  • Patent number: 7926738
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid nebulization system comprising a power supply unit, a signal generating unit, a liquid storage unit and a nebulizing unit. The signal generating unit receives power from the power supply unit to generate a main signal and at least an auxiliary signal, wherein the main signal and the auxiliary signal are added together to constructively and destructively interfere with one another to form a driving signal, further causing the nebulizing unit to nebulize the liquid contained in the liquid storage unit using the driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Chun-Fu Lu
  • Publication number: 20110073673
    Abstract: A water supplement member for atomizers is revealed. A vibrator corresponding to a movable water delivery device is mounted in a seat so as to convert water to a mist. A water tank is used to supply the water delivery device water. A slot hole is disposed on the water tank for a transparent water supplement container inserted through the seat to be mounted with. Thus water supplement for producing a mist is achieved. Thereby the shelf life of the atomizer is extended. Moreover, the water level can be seen clearly though the transparent design of the water supplement container. Once the water level is lowered, the water is filled. Thus both the vibrator and the water delivery device have longer life time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Charlie Huang
  • Publication number: 20110074052
    Abstract: A wind-water ultrasonic humidifier includes a housing, a hollow connecting portion, a water circulation system, and a power control box. The water circulation system includes an electric base, a rubber cork plugged into the top of the water circulation system and having a baffle inserted into a concave hole, a circular threaded pipe including a nebulizer and a water pump, two arc-shaped bridging support stands provided for connecting both sides of the electric base in an arc shape, a latch structure disposed at a lower end of the support stand, latches disposed on both sides of the electric base, and a water dripping device installed at an upper end of the bridging support stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Hui-Chin Chen
  • Publication number: 20110068193
    Abstract: Atomization apparatus is configured to produce mist by atomizing liquid after electrolysis to discharge the mist. The apparatus includes a substrate, an electrolysis device and a vibration device. The substrate includes: a liquid receiving part having a liquid storage surface; and a reservoir having a discharge surface. The electrolysis device has an anode and a cathode located at the liquid receiving part. The reservoir holds the liquid after electrolysis obtained from one of the anode and the cathode. The discharge surface is located at the side of the one of the anode and the cathode. The vibration device is configured to vibrate and atomize the liquid after electrolysis held at the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Masaharu Machi, Hiroshi Suda, Youhei Ishigami
  • Publication number: 20110062250
    Abstract: A flame effect generator that operably uses a liquid reservoir to provide liquid for use in generation of flame effects is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Betz, Noel O'Neill, Wolfram Fischer, Gareth Murray
  • Publication number: 20110049261
    Abstract: A display apparatus with a scent disperse device includes a display, a stalk-shaped member, at least one leaf-shaped member, a vibrator and a sensor switch, in which the display is composed of a screen and at least one screen cover, the stalk-shaped member is disposed on the display to disperse scent outward, the leaf-shaped members are positioned around the stalk-shaped member and the vibrator is disposed in the stalk-shaped member and used for driving the leaf-shaped members to sway, and the sensor switch controls the opening and closing of the at least one screen cover and transmitting a starting signal. Whereby, a user is allowed to smell a flavor matching the appearance of the display or prefer scent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: HANNSPREE, INC.
    Inventors: Guan-De Liou, Chia-Pine Huang, Li-Li Lai, Stephen Tsai, Ming-Chun Lee
  • Patent number: 7896539
    Abstract: Ultrasound methods and apparatus for mixing two or more different liquids are disclosed. The ultrasound methods and apparatus may mix varied components including drugs, polymers, and coatings for application to a variety of medical apparatus surfaces. The apparatus and technique can generate a proper mixture which is uninterruptedly/continuously delivered to the surface of the medical apparatus. The apparatus may include specific ultrasound transducer/tip configurations which may allow for the mixing of different liquids in a mixing camera located inside of the vibrating tip. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may mix different drugs, applying them to stent surface using different effects like ultrasound cavitation and radiation forces. Furthermore, the disclosed methods and apparatus may generate a mixture and may deliver a targeted, gentle, highly controllable dispensation of continuous liquid spray which can reduce the loss of expensive pharmaceuticals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bacoustics, LLC
    Inventor: Eilaz P. Babaev
  • Publication number: 20110042481
    Abstract: An atomizing apparatus 10 includes a housing (12), and a tank 40 stores tap water inside the housing. By electrolyzing the tap water by electrolysis electrodes (120p, 120m), the water in the tank becomes electrolyzed water. The electrolyzed water is guide upward through a feedwater rod 56, and supplied to an ultrasonic wave vibrator 76. By rotating or turning a lid 16 to an on-position, an emitting opening 24 and an opening 80 are communicated with each other, to allow mist to be emitted to the outside through the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicants: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD., SANYO CONSUMER ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kanamori, Kenzo Kano
  • Patent number: 7886993
    Abstract: An injection valve for injecting fuel comprises a valve housing (1) inside of which a drive unit (15) controls the movement of a valve needle (5) that is pretensioned by a spring (11). The injection valve also comprises a main chamber (27), which is provided inside the valve housing, is filled with fuel and accommodates the valve needle (5), and comprises a hydraulic bearing for the drive unit (15). The hydraulic bearing has a hydraulic chamber (29) that is connected to the main chamber (27), whereby fuel serves as the operating substance of the hydraulic bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georg Bachmaier, Bernhard Fischer, Bernhard Gottlieb, Andreas Kappel, Hans Meixner, Enrico Ulivieri
  • Publication number: 20110024521
    Abstract: A high-safety, high-performance aromatic nebulizing diffuser capable of producing sound and lighting effects is disclosed to include a base panel, an electronic control unit, a speaker, an electric fan, a fluid container, an ultrasonic oscillator, a fluid intake control device set in between the oscillation chamber and the fluid container, a dip tube in communication between the oscillation chamber and the fluid container and changeable between an open status and a close status to control the fluid intake control device in closing/opening the passage between the oscillation chamber and the fluid container, an outer housing, a holder defining an oscillation chamber at the top and a cover at the bottom, an air passage in air communication between the oscillation chamber and the cover for the passing of currents of air caused by the electric fan, an exhaust passage for guiding a generated fine mist of aromatic fluid droplets out of the oscillation chamber into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Carsten Jörgensen
  • Publication number: 20110023827
    Abstract: An injector including a nozzle that includes an opening and a seat, a needle movably mounted in the nozzle and having an end defining a valve in a contact area with the seat, a mechanism for vibrating the valve, a first acoustic-impedance breaking area at a first distance from the valve along the nozzle, and another first acoustic-impedance breaking area at a second distance from the valve along the needle. Each of the first and second distances is such that the respective propagation time of acoustic waves along the distance is: Ti=ni*[?/2], where ni is a positive integer coefficient different from zero with i=3 for the first distance and i=4 for the second distance, ? being a period of the vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Andre Agneray, Nadim Malek, Marc Pariente, Laurent Levin
  • Publication number: 20110011948
    Abstract: This invention relates to an assembling structure of water conduction device for mist maker in which the water conduction device comprises a mounting seat and a capillary water-conduction fiber; resilient pieces being provided at both sides of the mounting seat, which have engaging means provided thereon; a mounting hole being further provided within the housing of the mist maker, in which the mounting seat of the water conduction device is assembled, the engaging means provided on the resilient pieces of the mounting seat being interlocked on the wall face of the assembling hole of the housing such that the water conduction device can be mounted within the housing of the mist maker. If the water conduction device is to be replaced, two resilient pieces has to be pressed such that the engaging means are released from the interlocking with the wall face of the assembling hole, then the water conduction device can be detached for replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Charlie Huang
  • Patent number: 7872848
    Abstract: A method of ionizing a liquid is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of dispensing an electrically conductive liquid onto an electrically conductive membrane so as to form a liquid film on the surface of the membrane, applying an electrical charge to the liquid film on the membrane, generating ultrasonic waves to vibrate the membrane so as to induce capillary waves in the liquid film, and electrostatically attracting the electrically charged crests in the capillary waves so that electrically charged droplets are extracted from the capillary waves and accelerated therefrom for emission. The method is generally utile in various applications including, for example, spacecraft propulsion, paint spray techniques, semiconductor fabrication, biomedical processes, and the like. In addition to the above-described method, an electrostatic colloid thruster for implementing the method is disclosed herein as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Weidong Song
  • Patent number: 7861944
    Abstract: A jet device is provided in the present invention. The jet device includes a chamber having a nozzle and a lateral channel, wherein the lateral channel is disposed along the outer side of a first side of the chamber, the nozzle is disposed at one end of the lateral channel and the chamber is connected with the lateral channel via the nozzle which is connected with the external space, wherein the fluid is filled in the chamber, the nozzle and the later channel and an arc and a block are disposed at the connection of the nozzle and the lateral channel; and a piston disposed at a second side of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Ruey-Hor Yen, Chi-Feng Lin, An-Bang Wang, Shu-Shen Hsu, I-Chun Lin
  • Patent number: 7861943
    Abstract: Adaptive piezoelectric actuator control system, including: a power supply, a piezoelectric actuator, a driver driving the actuator, a signal generator providing a frequency signal to the driver, a user interface allowing user input of operating conditions, memory storing parameters of the actuator, and system control means controlling the power supply, driver generator and memory so operating frequency of the actuator is monitored and regulated, wherein the driver comprises test means providing a test signal to the actuator, voltage measurement means measuring voltage applied to the actuator caused by the test signal and voltage applied to the actuator caused by the frequency signal, the system control means receiving a response signal in response to the test, and receiving voltages measured by the voltage measurement means, and comprising signal analysis means creating a response signal envelope and controlling the generator to generate a frequency signal corresponding to the envelope maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: EP Systems SA
    Inventors: Amir Feriani, Joseph Hess, Jean-Paul Sandoz
  • Publication number: 20100308125
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compressible spray dispensing container which includes a quantity of a liquid treatment composition contained therein, and a dispensing means which dispensing means includes a fluidic oscillator which provides for oscillation of the liquid exiting the dispensing means, and particularly via a nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Reckitt Benckiser Inc.
    Inventors: John Depiano, Deirdre McKeown
  • Patent number: 7845213
    Abstract: Dispensers and refills for volatile liquids, such as fragrances, are disclosed. Dispensers and refills in combination with dispensers according to the present invention may comprise a volatile liquid and a housing. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid of the present invention has a predetermined evaporation rate, measured and calculated by the method described herein. In other embodiments, the volatile liquid exhibits a predefined relative evaporation rate. In addition to the housing, the present invention includes optional components, such as a motorized fan and/or a wick, to facilitate release of the volatile liquid into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Joel E. Adair, Michael C. Liptrot, Qing Song
  • Patent number: 7837129
    Abstract: A metering device for dispensing a medium to an environment is provided. The metering device includes a housing, a shallow metering chamber within the housing which is of planar design and is essentially closed off from the environment by wall sections, a first media inlet which is connected to the metering chamber and can be connected to a media reservoir, and a vibration mechanism which is arranged in such a manner that vibrations generated by the vibration mechanism cause pulsing changes in volume of an internal volume of the metering chamber. A wall section which is designed as an outlet wall section has metering openings so that the metering chamber is connected to the environment. The vibration mechanism forms a vibration wall section so that the metering chamber is delimited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Schuerle, Joachim Koerner, Michael Helmlinger
  • Publication number: 20100282863
    Abstract: Such apparatuses are used for discharging active substances along with various carrier media, water often being used as a carrier medium. In order to ensure that the water perfectly nebulizes together with the active substance, the mist pipe (10) comprises at least three additional pipes (3 to 6) which partly surround each other to form annular chambers (31 to 33). Such a mist pipe (10) allows the size distribution of the drops to be kept within narrow limits even when water is used as a carrier medium. The nebulizer and the mist pipe (10) are mainly used in the health sector, in agriculture, plantations and greenhouses, for protecting supplies and for disinfection purposes on humans, in animal husbandry, and in food production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: SWINGTEC GMBH
    Inventors: Nikolaus Krug, Martin Eisleb
  • Patent number: 7830070
    Abstract: An ultrasound atomization apparatus including an ultrasound transducer, a horn attached to the distal end of the transducer, a chamber within the horn that receives a fluid to be atomized, a radiation surface, and a channel leading from the chamber to the radiation surface. Vibrations produced by the transducer travel down the horn to the radiation surface. The vibrations induce the release of energy into the fluid to be atomized as it travels through the horn's internal chamber and exits the horn at the radiation surface. Controllably increasing the kinetic energy of the fluid, energy emitted into the fluid assists and/or drives fluid atomization. Assisting and/or driving fluid atomization by utilizing vibrations to increase the kinetic energy of the fluid, the ultrasound atomization apparatus can preserve a desired spray pattern when changing environmental conditions would otherwise destroy the spray pattern and/or reduce atomization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Bacoustics, LLC
    Inventor: Eilaz Babaev
  • Publication number: 20100268443
    Abstract: A method for providing fuel to internal combustion engines including fuel activation prior to injection, comprising: 1) dissolving a mixture of gasses providing improved fuel dispersing after fuel injection into a combustion chamber; 2) stimulating dissolved gasses desorption from a unsaturated fuel solution; 3) full control of fuel flows with dissolved gas/gasses to and from injectors. FET technology is based on Henry law (dissolving gasses in the liquids) and Kelvin principle (vapor pressure over droplet surface). A new system for proving fuel to internal combustion engines consists of compact components, allows excluding a complex exhaust gasses recirculation system, can be easily added to existing diesel and gasoline engine fuel supply systems. The method and system were tested with 4 different types of engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Helpful Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Gurin, Serguei Permiakov, Igor Gachik, Roman Press, Leonid Faynberg, Aleksandr Reshetnyak
  • Patent number: 7815798
    Abstract: A discrete drop dispensing device comprises a substrate comprising an upper surface and a lower surface and orifices extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, adapted to receive a fluid at a flow rate. The discrete drop dispensing device also comprises an oscillator disposed adjacent to the substrate and configured to vibrate the substrate to expel drops having a substantially equal volume of the fluid. The flow rate is substantially identical to a drop dispensing rate. A method and a device for performing liquid chromatography are also described. The method comprises automatically adjusting the drop dispensing rate to a change in the flow rate or a change in a composition of a mobile phase of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Schliefer
  • Patent number: 7814901
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nebulizing drug delivery system for delivering an aerosolized drug to a user having various features to increase the capacity of the drug delivery device. The drug delivery system includes a heater to increase the viscosity of the drug, a double aerosolizing system to double the capacity of the device, and a valve system to continuously replenish drug to the aerosol generator thereby providing a high speed delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Lieberman, Dirk Von Hollen
  • Publication number: 20100258648
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly that produces a cone-shaped spray pattern of entrained liquid droplets is disclosed. The nozzle includes an ultrasonic atomizer for atomizing a liquid on an atomizing surface located at the end of an atomizing stem. The nozzle assembly is supplied pressurized air that is directed to the atomizing surface by intercommunicating ports, chambers and/or channels. To provide the cone-shaped spray pattern, the ports, chambers and/or channels cause or direct the pressurized gas to rotate about the atomizing stem. When the rotating pressurized gas exits the nozzle assembly via proximate the atomizing surface, atomized liquid droplets become entrained in the gas. The rotating pressurized gas propels the droplets forward and moves at least some droplets circumferentially outward in the cone-shaped spray pattern. In various embodiments, the pressure of the gas can be adjusted to control the size and shape of the cone-shaped pattern and the distribution of droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: SPRAYING SYSTEMS CO.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Filicicchia, David C. Huffman, Michel R. Thenin
  • Patent number: 7810742
    Abstract: An ultrasonic fog generator including a container including therein an ultrasonic nebulizer and a liquid, the ultrasonic nebulizer operative to vibrate at very high frequencies and thereby break down the liquid into a fog including tiny vapor particles, the container having an exit opening for the fog to pass therethrough, and a driver and a driving fluid, the driver being operative to cause the driving fluid to flow past the exit opening and draw out the fog through the exit opening without the driving fluid substantially entering the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Zvi Levi
  • Patent number: 7793860
    Abstract: A vapor-dispersing device comprising a moveable piston with a porous protuberance is described that operates by the repetitive movement of the piston to intermittently dip the porous member into a volatile liquid and to expel air out through vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bankers, Kevin Hafer
  • Patent number: 7793861
    Abstract: A vapor-dispersing device comprising a moveable piston with an evaporative member is described that operates by the repetitive movement of the piston to bring the evaporative member into repeated contact with the exposed end of a liquid transfer means to wick volatile liquid out from a reservoir onto the evaporative member and to expel vapors out through vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bankers, Kevin Hafer
  • Publication number: 20100224697
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ultrasonic repellent humidifier for dispersing insect repellant into the air as a micro fine repellent vapor. A repellent tank provides rhodinol and cedarwood oil based repellent to a repellent well. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned in the well beneath the level of the repellent. It vibrates, forming a repellant vapor that is drawn into a vapor duct by a forced air system and out of the unit, dispersing the repellent vapor into the surrounding air. The vibrating portion of the ultrasonic transducer that is exposed to the oil-based repellent is a ceramic material that inhibits residue from forming on the transducer that reduces its efficiency. The ceramic material may be formed on the metal case of the transducer or on the piezoelectric oscillation crystal, or it may be a separately replaceable disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Kemper O'neal Modlin, Leo JohnNiekerk
  • Patent number: 7789322
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a main body having a nozzle hole and a compression chamber. The main body accommodates a compression unit for pressurizing fuel accumulated in the compression chamber. The fuel injection valve further includes a valve element being axially movable in the main body. The valve element includes a valve portion and a pressure-receiving portion. The valve portion is movable in an opening direction to open the nozzle hole in response to pressure of fuel being pressurized by the compression unit and applied to the pressure-receiving portion. A regulating unit is provided in the compression chamber for regulating movement of the valve element with respect to the opening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Yamamoto, Kouichi Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20100219263
    Abstract: A nebulizer comprising a main body, an atomiser, and a vibrating element. The atomiser comprises a substrate, a main recipient supported by the substrate for containing liquid and having surfaces delimiting the liquid reservoir, and a dosing reservoir arranged on the main recipient so as to delimit a predetermined amount of liquid to be expelled. The dosing reservoir comprises a hollow section defining the predetermined amount of liquid, a solid section, a central section, an orifice membrane plate, and a fluidic channel arranged in-between a bottom surface of the solid section and the flat top surface of the main reservoir so as to create a capillary communication between the hollow section and the orifice membrane plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: EP SYSTEMS SA MICROFLOW DIVSION
    Inventors: Amir FERIANI, Joseph HESS, Cédric ZAUGG
  • Publication number: 20100213272
    Abstract: A target supply apparatus controls a gas pressure inside a tank storing a liquid target material to be outputted from a nozzle by a pressure of gas supplied from a gas supply having a pressure regulator. The target supply apparatus comprises a gas passage introducing gas supplied from the gas supply into the tank, and a high-precision pressure regulator arranged on the gas passage and regulating a pressure of gas flowing the gas passage. The high-precision pressure regulator is able to regulate pressure with accuracy higher than the pressure regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Takayuki YABU, Masaki Nakano, Hitoshi Nagano, Takanobu Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20100213273
    Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly that utilizes ultrasonic atomization techniques to atomize a liquid into a cloud of small or fine droplets is disclosed. The nozzle assembly also can use various air or gas atomizing technologies to propel the generally directionless droplet cloud toward a surface or substrate to be coated. The propelled droplet cloud may at this state have a conical or cone-shaped spray pattern. Additional air or gas atomizing technologies can be utilized to shape the propelled droplet cloud into a flattened fan-shaped spray pattern that can be usable in various industrial applications. The shape of the spray pattern and the distribution of droplets within the pattern can be adjusted by manipulation of the gas pressure used in gas atomization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Filicicchia, David C. Huffman, Michel R. Thenin
  • Patent number: 7780095
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus utilizing ultrasonic vibrations to force movement of protrusions to spray a fluid. The apparatus includes a horn with an internal chamber. Within the internal chamber of the horn are protrusions extending from a wall of the chamber. When the horn is vibrated, a fluid is expelled from the horn by the oscillation of the protrusions. Fluid to be expelled from the horn enters the internal chamber of the horn through at least one channel passing through a wall of the horn and leading into the chamber. After passing through the horn's internal chamber, the fluid exits the horn by passing through a channel originating in the front wall of the chamber and ending at the horn's radiation surface. A transducer may be connected to the horn's proximal end to generate ultrasonic vibrations throughout the length of the horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Bacoustics, LLC
    Inventor: Eilaz Babaev
  • Patent number: 7779831
    Abstract: A nebulizer includes a piezoelectric transducer for aerosolizing a drug solution in a disposable cup module disposed above the transducer. Acoustic waves generated by the transducer propagate sequentially through transmitting medium, a first barrier, coupling medium, and a second barrier that forms part of the cup module, and into the interior of the cup module. The transducer at least partially comprises silver. The silver fluidly contacts the transmitting medium to discourage bacteria growth in the transmitting medium. The device includes electronics components that drive the transducer and measure an electrical characteristic associated with the transducer during operation. The electronics components measure changes in the electrical characteristic to determine when the drug solution level falls below a predetermined threshold, and deactivates the device accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Dirk Von Hollen, Eric A. Lieberman, Alexandru Bucur
  • Patent number: 7766253
    Abstract: A device (30) for nebulizing a liquid includes a nebulization head (40) having a capillary tube (40-1) and a nozzle (40-2) for ejecting a liquid (43), a liquid supply tank (42) for supplying the nebulization head with liquid (43), a vibrator (44) for vibration driving the nebulization head so that it ejects droplets of liquid in a nebulization jet. The device (30) further includes a pressure regulator for applying to the liquid at the inlet to the nebulization head (40), during nebulization cycles, a pressure greater than a first pressure threshold above which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when the head is not vibration driven, and lower than a second pressure threshold above which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when the head is vibration driven. Advantages of the device include increase in the nebulization flow rate and low sensitivity to changes in trim and to vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Osmooze
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Le Pesant, Hugues Brouard
  • Publication number: 20100187328
    Abstract: Regarding a portable ultrasonic mist generating device, to make a device compact and prevent the amount of mist from decreasing by making the device compact. A cover 12 is arranged above a liquid surface 10. The cover 12 is a dome-like shaped. Therefore, it is possible to collide the liquid column 10 against the cover 12 and restrict the height of a liquid column 11 by the cover 12. And it is possible to guide drops of the liquid column 11 to direct then around the liquid column 11 at positions away from the liquid column 11. The drops of the liquid column 11 falls to the liquid surface 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Konishi, Makiko Konishi
  • Patent number: 7753285
    Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus capable of mixing and/or atomizing fluids is disclosed. The apparatus includes a horn having an internal chamber through which fluids to be atomized and/or mixed flow. Connected to the horn's proximal end, a transducer powered by a generator induces ultrasonic vibrations within the horn. Traveling down the horn from the transducer, the ultrasonic vibrations induce the release of ultrasonic energy into the fluids to be atomized and/or mixed as they travel through the horn's internal chamber. As the ultrasonic vibrations travel through the chamber, the fluids within the chamber are agitated and/or begin to cavitate, thereby mixing the fluids. Upon reaching the front wall of the chamber, the ultrasonic vibrations are reflected back into the chamber, like an echo. The ultrasonic vibrations echoing off the front wall pass through the fluids within the chamber a second time, further mixing the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Bacoustics, LLC
    Inventor: Eilaz Babaev
  • Patent number: 7744833
    Abstract: Dispensers and refills for volatile liquids, such as fragrances, are disclosed. Dispensers and refills in combination with dispensers according to the present invention may comprise a volatile liquid and a housing. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid of the present invention has a predetermined evaporation rate, measured and calculated by the method described herein. In other embodiments, the volatile liquid exhibits a predefined relative evaporation rate. In addition to the housing, the present invention includes optional components, such as a motorized fan and/or a wick, to facilitate release of the volatile liquid into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Joel E. Adair, Michael C. Liptrot, Qing Song
  • Publication number: 20100155502
    Abstract: An acoustic generator of pressure pulsations includes a cylindrical waveguide which is caused to vibrate at a low amplitude by an electromechanical transducer. The vibration of the cylindrical waveguide creates low amplitude pressure pulsations in an acoustic chamber containing stationary pressure fluid. A mechanical amplifier, which is part of the acoustic chamber, amplifies the low amplitude pressure pulsations generated by the cylindrical waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: INSTITUTE OF GEONICS ASCR, V.V.I.
    Inventors: Josef FOLDYNA, Branislav SVEHLA
  • Patent number: 7735747
    Abstract: A micro-spray system resonance frequency modulation method and device designed to minimize resonance frequency drift during atomization involves using a resonance frequency modulation unit for modulating resonance frequency and nodes, controlling and calibrating resonance frequency, and performing real-time measurement and correction to prevent operating frequency from drifting beyond a preferred operating frequency range, with a view to increasing spray flow and spray area, minimizing effects of ambient factors, and overcoming drawbacks of prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Po-Fu Chou, Chi-Ming Huang, En-Wei Chang, Hung-Liang Chiang