Material Atomized In Holder (e.g., Nebulizer) Patents (Class 239/338)
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Patent number: 7712683Abstract: A removable replaceable cartridge for use with a liquid diffusing device. The cartridge includes a venturi, a conduit extending to the venturi, a mixing area and an outlet path for atomizing and dispersing a liquid within the cartridge. A diffusion device including a removable replaceable cartridge received within a housing. The housing includes a source of compressed gas which is directed into the cartridge. A venturi head with a unitary body for use with a diffusion device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Prolitec, Inc.Inventors: Marc Robert, Richard Weening
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Patent number: 7677467Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for aerosolizing medicament to be inhaled by a user. A housing is provided with an aerosol generator contained within the housing. A medicament feed system supplies medicament to the aerosol generator. A mouthpiece has separate medicament and air flow passages. The medicament flow passage provides aerosolized medicament from the aerosol generator to an outlet of the medicament flow passage, and the air flow passage has an inlet in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere. The outlets of the medicament and air flow passages are provided at an end of the mouthpiece to provide simultaneous flows of medicament and air that mix in the user's mouth upon inhalation by the user at the end of the mouthpiece.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Novartis Pharma AGInventors: James B. Fink, Nicanor A. Domingo
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Patent number: 7673812Abstract: The present invention related to an ultrasonic nebulizer apparatus and a method for adjusting an operation frequency and checking an operating state of the ultrasonic nebulizer apparatus. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a current detecting element for actively detecting an electrical current passed through it early. By detecting the current to determine a resonance frequency and whether deviated from a predetermined normal range, the nebulizer apparatus according to the present invention can check the operating state and operate at the resonance frequency for increasing efficiency and saving power.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Taidoc Technology CorporationInventors: Shih-Yi Weng, Yi-Hsin Huang, Shu-Mei Wu
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Publication number: 20100001084Abstract: The present invention relates to air conditioning equipment capable of controlling the level of relative air humidity through a closed-loop system, enabling a stable relative air humidity level to be obtained for a pre-adjusted value. Thus, the present application describes air conditioning equipment comprising at least one cooling system and a humidification module associated to each other, said humidification module characterized by being removably built-in to the air conditioning equipment and by being controllable independently from the cooling system through at least one electronic sub-module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventors: Andrei Tres, Cintia Abdelnur Lopes, Rogerio Soares Brisola
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Patent number: 7634995Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a nebula or aerosol to a patient. In one aspect, a nebulizer is pressure sensitive so that nebulization is coordinated with a breathing cycle of the patient. The nebulizer includes a movable gas diverter that diverts pressurized gas across a liquid outlet. The diverter is moved in response to the patient's breathing cycle. In one aspect, a biasing member moves the diverter. According to another aspect of the nebulizer, an annular liquid orifice disperses an aerosol in a radial direction in response to a pressurized gas flow from an orifice located concentrically thereto. Multiple liquid orifices may be provided. In a further aspect of the nebulizer, a reservoir includes an upper, wide portion and a lower narrow portion to apply relatively uniform pressure at a liquid orifice.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Trudell Medical InternationalInventors: Jerry R. Grychowski, George Baran, Martin P. Foley
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Patent number: 7631815Abstract: A device for spraying a fluid contains a receptacle for the fluid that is to be sprayed, a first measuring device which allows a fluid level in the receptacle to be measured, a control and/or regulation device which allows the spraying rate to be regulated, and a spraying device which allows the fluid located in the receptacle to be sprayed. The spraying rate is determined from a measured fluid level with the aid of the control and/or regulation device. An adjusting device is provided which allows the desired spraying rate to be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Boga GmbH Gesellschaft fuer Moderne GeraetetechnikInventor: Gregor Dahlhoff
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Patent number: 7628339Abstract: A method for controlling the supply of liquid to an aerosol generator comprises operating a liquid supply system to supply a liquid to a vibratable aperture plate of an aerosol generator which senses an amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate, and controls operation of the liquid supply system to adjust the amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Novartis Pharma AGInventors: Yehuda Ivri, Markus Flierl
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Patent number: 7624968Abstract: For changing a liquid medicine into a fine mist a compressor nebulizer is disclosed to include a pressure gage that indicates the pressure range of the compressed air passing out of the air pump to the nebulizer cup through aerosol tubing so that the user can quickly recognize the normal operation of the device and, if abnormal, decide if external parts should be replaced or the device should be returned for repair.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Inventor: Hsueh-Yu Lu
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Publication number: 20090272820Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fluid channel air inlet and fluid channel air inlet valve responsive to either a manual force external of the nebulizer, or a patient's breathing, to begin the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid channel air inlet valve against a fluid channel air inlet so that a negative pressure may build up over the fluid in the fluid channel to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and begin nebulization during inhalation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Martin P. Foley, Jerry Grychowski, Rick Blacker
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Patent number: 7611753Abstract: A process is provided for impregnating porous mineral substrates by a spray technique in which use is made of a gas-supported spraying assembly to apply liquid impregnating agent in a controlled manner to the substrate surface, the amount consumed being markedly less than the amount consumed in a conventional method of application by a flow-coating process.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Degussa AGInventors: Bernd Bartkowiak, Kerstin Weissenbach, Nadja Kempkes, Burkhard Standke
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Publication number: 20090256005Abstract: The invention concerns a diffuser device for an aerosol can with secure actuation comprising: a cap; an end piece adapted to be fixed onto a diffusion valve of the aerosol can, the end piece being moveable in a direction of actuation so as to actuate the diffusion valve; and an actuator adapted to cause movement of the end piece in the direction of actuation, the actuator having a second degree of freedom between an initial secure position in which the actuator is blocked with respect to the direction of actuation and at least one unblocked position in which an actuating movement is possible, a cut-out being provided in the cap for the actuator, the actuator comprising an edge surface which is located, in the initial secure position, facing a rim of the cut-out parallel to the actuating direction, the movement in the second degree of freedom being a movement of pushing-in until the edge surface is clear of the rim.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2007Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: I.T.W. FASTEX FRANCEInventor: Ludovic Tournier
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Publication number: 20090230215Abstract: An apparatus for generating and spraying an aerosol which contains liquid particles in a gas stream and for pointedly supplying the aerosol to a lubricating location, comprises (a) a vessel containing a supply of liquid and a pressure space above the level of the liquid supply, (b) an atomizer disposed in the pressure space above the level of the liquid supply and comprising: (i) a spraying device for spraying the aerosol, (ii) a liquid feed line connected at one end to the liquid supply and its other end to the spraying device and including a pump for feeding the liquid, (iii) a gas feed line connected at one end to a pressure gas source and at its other end to the spraying device, (iv) at least one apertured wall disposed in the way of the trajectories of the spray jets from the spraying device and having holes for passing liquid particles of a predetermined size while separating greater liquid particles at the apertured wall, and (c) an aerosol line which connects the pressure space with a machiningType: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: microjet GmbHInventors: Edmar Link, Thomas Wendler, Rudi Beideck
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Publication number: 20090230214Abstract: The spray assembly of a dispensing device is arranged together with a mixing assembly inside a mixing and spray head, the mixing assembly being arranged before the swirl chamber of the spray assembly, and the mixing and spray head, which forms a unit, being removably attached to a multicomponent dispensing appliance. The result is a more homogeneous spray action, on one hand, and an easy replacement of the head, on the other hand.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: MEDMIX SYSTEM AGInventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
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Patent number: 7584905Abstract: Efficient fuel combustion catalyst delivery device and method are provided. A fuel combustion catalyst delivery device includes a storage vessel that contains a liquid. The liquid includes one or more catalytic materials. The storage vessel is attached to a nebulizer that can convert the liquid to an aerosol to be delivered into an air intake of a combustion zone. The aerosol can accelerate fuel combustion. The storage vessel and the nebulizer are made from materials suitable to be exposed to the liquid and the aerosol. The storage vessel and the nebulizer are also suitable to be placed in proximity to the combustion zone such as an engine compartment so that the aerosol can be delivered into the air intake of the combustion zone easily and effectively. The surfaces of the delivery device exposed to the liquid or the aerosol may be made of corrosion-resistant or inert materials if the liquid is acidic.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Emissions Technology, Inc.Inventors: Emmett Manuel Cunningham, George M. Malouf, Russ Webster, Kevin Hong, Xiong Pei Li
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Publication number: 20090218418Abstract: An atomising nozzle (10) has an inlet (16), an outlet orifice (21) and an internal fluid flow passageway (20) which connects the inlet (16) to the outlet orifice (21). The nozzle (10) has a body with two component parts (12A, 12B) each component part having an abutment surface (22, 24) which contacts a corresponding abutment surface on the other of the parts. At least one of the abutment surfaces has at least one groove and/or recess (26a-34a; 26b-34b) therein to define part of the fluid flow passageway (20), including an expansion chamber (28). The body has a fixed partition means (44) which extends into the expansion chamber (28) to define one or more than one constricted openings (48) through which fluid is constrained to flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: INCRO LIMITEDInventor: Rajab Sharief
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Patent number: 7581718Abstract: An atomizer includes: an enclosed reservoir defining an inner space adapted to receive a liquid therein; a jet nozzle provided in the inner space for passage of an air jet therethrough and formed with an air outlet; a jacket sleeved around the jet nozzle to define a fluid-introducing gap therebetween, the fluid-introducing gap being in fluid communication with the inner space; an air inlet conduit extending into the inner space, disposed above and connected to the jacket, and including a bottom wall having a jet-blocking portion aligned with the air outlet of the jet nozzle in a jet-ejecting direction, and a plurality of through-holes disposed around the jet-blocking portion and opening in the jet-ejecting direction; and a mist-discharging conduit extending sealingly into and in fluid communication with the inner space.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Hsiner Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eric Chang
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Publication number: 20090212133Abstract: An ophthalmic fluid atomizer configured to safely deliver an ophthalmic fluid, the ophthalmic fluid atomizer including a body having a proximal end and a distal end and a reservoir connected to the body, wherein the reservoir contains an ophthalmic fluid disposed therein, wherein the ophthalmic fluid is selected from the group consisting of a decongestant and a tear substitute. The atomizer further includes a discharge plate disposed at the distal end, wherein the discharge plate includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventor: James F. Collins, JR.
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Patent number: 7579358Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) an active substance consisting of a compound of formula 1 wherein X? is an anion; (b) ethanol or a mixture of ethanol and water; (c) a pharmacologically acceptable acid.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbHInventors: Georg Boeck, Friedrich Schmidt
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Publication number: 20090200398Abstract: A spray head for spraying a cosmetic or dermatological composition, in particular for application to the human body, may include a sonotrode for transmitting ultrasound vibration from a transducer to an ejection surface for ejecting particles of composition, the sonotrode including a channel for feeding the composition to the ejection surface. The channel may present a narrow portion between a composition inlet into the sonotrode and the composition outlet to the ejection surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: L'OREALInventors: NICOLAS DURU, MARION PRUNIER, PASCAL TIERCE
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Patent number: 7568480Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fluid channel air inlet and fluid channel air inlet valve responsive to either a manual force external of the nebulizer, or a patient's breathing, to begin the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid channel air inlet valve against a fluid channel air inlet so that a negative pressure may build up over the fluid in the fluid channel to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and begin nebulization during inhalation.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Trudell Medical InternationalInventors: Martin P. Foley, Jerry Grychowski, Rick Blacker
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Publication number: 20090192443Abstract: An ophthalmic fluid atomizer configured to safely deliver an ophthalmic fluid, the ophthalmic fluid atomizer including a body having a proximal end, a distal end and a keyed surface contour, a reservoir connected to the body within a cavity of the body, wherein the reservoir contains an ophthalmic fluid disposed therein, wherein the keyed surface contour permits insertion of the reservoir into the cavity when the reservoir is in a predetermined orientation and prevents insertion into the cavity when the reservoir is not in the predetermined orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventor: James F. Collins, JR.
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Patent number: 7559491Abstract: An atomizer includes: an enclosed reservoir defining an inner space adapted to receive a liquid therein; a jet nozzle provided in the inner space for passage of an air jet therethrough; a jacket sleeved around the jet nozzle to define a fluid-introducing gap therebetween, the fluid-introducing gap being in fluid communication with the inner space for passage of the liquid therethrough; a mist-discharging conduit extending sealingly into and in fluid communication with the inner space and aligned with the jacket in a jet-ejecting direction; and a compressible member connected to the mist-discharging conduit and the jacket and compressible in the jet-ejecting direction. The jacket, the compressible member, and the mist-discharging conduit are an integrally formed single piece.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Hsiner Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eric Chang
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Publication number: 20090114742Abstract: An ophthalmic fluid delivery environment that includes a human eye in an open position and an atomizer having a nozzle aimed at the human eye in the open position, wherein a plume of ophthalmic fluid mist is directed by the nozzle so that the mist is received by the human eye in the open position and the received mist has a momentum that is insufficient to trigger to at least one of an ocular blink reflex and a lacrimation reflex of the human eye that receives the mist.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventor: James F. Collins, JR.
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Publication number: 20090108085Abstract: A device for adjusting a temperature and a humidity using a wind power is provided. The device includes an inlet; an outlet connected to the inlet; a sprayer spraying a nebulized liquid into the device; and an airflow sensor electrically connected to the sprayer for activating the sprayer when an airflow passes through.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITYInventors: An-Bang WANG, Chia-Fong LEE, Wen-Chin TSAI, I-Chun LIN, Fei-Yau LU, Chih-Chieh CHEN, Liang-Jenq LEU, Chuin-Shan CHEN, Wen-Pin SHIH
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Publication number: 20090095821Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: MICROFLOW ENGINEERING SAInventors: Amir Feriani, Joseph Hess, Jean-Paul Sandoz
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Patent number: 7510130Abstract: A method provides in a fluid device an orifice aperture having an exact aperture size and easy changeability of that size. While being brought into communication with a connecting pipe through an intersecting inner aperture drilled in a lower plate of a device main body, two inner apertures with their one ends opening to a recessed portion are each provided with a female thread. An orifice member provided with a through-hole having an inside diameter corresponding to an orifice aperture and communicating with a hexagon socket into which a hexagon bar spanner wrench is internally fit, is threaded into each female thread whereby the orifice member is mounted. Finally, a covering member is sealingly threaded into an opening of the other end of each inner aperture. Air supplied from the connecting pipe passes through the through-hole serving as the orifice aperture and is blown into oil stored within the recessed portion from an end opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Fuji BC Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsutomu Inoue
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Patent number: 7493898Abstract: An inhalation apparatus for medicinal use which will deliver aerosolized medication to the patient that comprises up to about 80% of the medication aerosolized in essentially the same particle size distribution of the aerosol mist that originates from the nebulizer which produces the mist. The apparatus also provides delivered dose consistency over a wide range of patient breathing parameters.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Healthline Medical, Inc.Inventor: Russell King
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Publication number: 20090044787Abstract: Carburetors for attaching to fuel-burning engines are described. The carburetors generate improved engine efficiency and reduced engine emissions by improving combustion of fuel. The carburetors include a plurality of nebulizers, each of which nebulizes a thin film of fuel covering a vibrating plate. The vibrating plate vibrates at a high frequency, and this vibration ejects a fog or mist of fuel particles into an air/fuel mixture channel that passes above the nebulizers in series. Air is drawn into the air/fuel mixture channel, passes over each of the plurality of nebulizers in turn, and then passes to a nebulized fuel outlet within a Venturi narrowing of a main channel of the carburetors. The Venturi narrowing provides a reduced air pressure area that performs the function of drawing the air through the air/fuel mixture channel over the nebulizers, thus drawing out the mixed air and nebulized fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventor: Georg B.L. Adams
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Patent number: 7481379Abstract: Efficient and effective fuel combustion catalyst delivery apparatus is disclosed. A fuel combustion catalyst delivery apparatus may include a receptacle containing a material such as a liquid. The liquid may include one or more catalytic materials. The apparatus may further include a vibration pump configured to convert the liquid to an aerosol to be delivered into an intake air of a combustion zone, a pressure equalizer configured to maintain the pressure level of the receptacle at about the same pressure level as that of the intake air of the combustion zone, and a liquid delivery device configured to deliver the liquid to the vibration pump. The apparatus may further include an electronic control module and a mounting bracket or a docking station. The electronic control module may be used to control the vibration pump.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Emissions Technology, Inc.Inventors: Emmett Manuel Cunningham, George M. Malouf, Russ Webster
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Publication number: 20090020626Abstract: A coating material dispensing apparatus comprising a bell cup and a motor for rotating the bell cup about an axis of rotation of the bell cup. The motor is housed in a housing. A conduit is provided for feeding coating material to the interior of the bell cup as the bell cup is rotated by the motor. The coating material flows to an edge of the bell cup and is atomized therefrom in accordance with known principles. The housing includes an annular slot formed around the bell cup edge. Compressed air is coupled to the annular slot to generate and direct a first air stream at an exterior of the bell cup. At least one additional opening is formed in the housing radially outwardly from the annular slot. Compressed air is also coupled to the at least one additional opening to generate and direct a second air stream to combine with the first air stream to provide an air band.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventor: David M. Seitz
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Nebulizer with Nanometric Flow Rate of a Liquid Effluent and Nebulizing Installation Comprising Same
Publication number: 20090014640Abstract: The invention concerns a nebuliser with nanometric flow rate of a liquid effluent in a nebulising gas comprising at least arranged substantially concentric, a capillary tube for intake of the liquid effluent and a nebulising needle including a central channel fed with liquid effluent through the capillary tube, a chamber for intake of the nebulising gas feeding a nozzle for expelling the nebulising gas, the nebulising needle passing through the intake chamber and the nozzle expelling the nebulising gas, the nebulising needle including a outlet for the liquid effluent whereof the aperture diameter is less than 20 ?m, the ratio of the diameter of the outlet of the nozzle expelling the nebulising gas and the outlet of the nebulising needle being more than 10 The inventive nanometric flow rate nebuliser and nebulising installation are applicable in mass spectrometry of trace elements contained in intracellular or microbiological medium for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2006Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE, UNIVERSITE DE PAU ET DES PAYS DE L'ADOURInventors: Dirk Schaumloffel, Pierre Giusti, Joanna Szpunar, Ryszard Lobinski -
Publication number: 20090000317Abstract: Device and method for disinfection of ice machines, ice silos, and/or chutes for transport of the ice, with a storage tank (8) for holding a disinfectant, with a pressure line (7) for the supply of pressurized carrier fluid, with at least one atomizer device (6) for atomizing the disinfectant and for generating a mixture of carrier fluid and disinfectant and with an inlet for introducing the carrier fluid/disinfectant mixture into the ice machine (1, 19, 23, 28, 32), the ice silo (2, 20, 24, 33), or the ice chutes (4, 21, 29, 34).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Joachim Schill, Joachim Roos
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Publication number: 20080290187Abstract: Pneumatic painting apparatus of the present invention includes a compressor, a de-humidifier device, a heater for compressed air, a regenerating device for an adsorptive agent, a spray gun with a temperature sensor, a delivery pipe, and a control unit. The control unit opens upstream from the de-humidifier device. The circuit, along which the flow of air from the container of compressed air travels, includes passing through at least the heater and going along the delivery pipe of the compressed air flow towards a spray gun or vice-versa, not supplying the spray gun. The upstream circuit of the de-humidifier device closes, activating the regenerating device for the adsorptive agent of the de-humidifier device. The circuit takes a regenerating path inverse to the previous one, the circuit, from the compressed air container first crossing the heater device and later the de-humidifier device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: WALMEC SPAInventor: Paolo ZANETTI
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Publication number: 20080271350Abstract: Procedure and device for the micro-mixing of miscible or immiscible fluids through reflux cell, produced by the invasion of one of the fluids going upstream into the feeding tube of the other fluid. This tube is closed and has a tube exit which is placed opposite an area of confluence where the exiting flow of the intercepted fluid meets an approximately perpendicular current of invading fluid, which is radially and centripetally directed to the axis of this exiting flow. The product is released outside through an exit orifice. The edges of the tube exit and the exit orifice are opposite each other and separated by an axial gap; and the penetration of this reflux cell into the feeding tube is regulated by controlling the velocity of the fluid. An application of the invention is the ironing with a steam-aided water spray of drops smaller than 200 microns.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2006Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventor: Alfonso Miguel Ganan Calvo
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Publication number: 20080245362Abstract: The present invention relates to a nebuliser and method of nebulising a liquid. The nebuliser includes a nebulisation chamber (1) having a well (2) adapted to contain a liquid (3) to be nebulised. An energy source in the form of an ultrasonic transducer (6) has as a curved energy transmission surface (7). This curved energy transmission surface defines a focal point (8) and a focal length (9). The energy source is spaced from the well such that the distance between the focal point and the energy source intrudes into the well not greater than 50% of the focal length. Preferably the well is shaped such that during nebulisation the level of the liquid in the well remains within a predetermined focal length range to thereby provide a substantially constant flowrateut of nebulised liquid. The nebuliser may also include a deflector baffle or fountain diverter (16) which acts to deflect the nebulised liquid fountain rising from the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2006Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: George Moessis, Jack Vaisman, Philip Jenkinson, David Bull, Andy Wyatt
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Patent number: 7424980Abstract: A nebulizer is provided for use as an ion source for a mass spectrometer. The nebulizer facilitates alignment with a mass spectrometer target, reduces sample and nebulizer gas leakage, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and operates over a wide range of sample flow rates.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb CompanyInventors: Waldemar Ruediger, Richard Erich Gedamke
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Publication number: 20080184993Abstract: A nebulizer comprising an aerosol generator and a titration mechanism comprising a dosing mechanism, a screw assembly, a plunger and an actuator, wherein the dosing mechanism is rotatably mounted in the nebulizer and the plunger is mounted in the nebulizer to travel along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the dosing mechanism. The actuator is mounted to the nebulizer to travel in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The screw mechanism allows the rotation of the dosing mechanism to fix a variable distance of travel of the plunger based on the selected dose, without moving the plunger longitudinally. This allows the user to verify and if necessary correct the selected dose prior to any drug being released from the vial. Operation of the actuator causes longitudinal movement, through the screw mechanism, to the plunger.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: Aerogen, Inc.Inventors: Rajan Patel, Michael A. Klimowicz
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Patent number: 7407118Abstract: An improved atomization jet assembly for aromatherapy essential oil diffuser wells. It does not loose the cap during handling. It uses the capillary of liquids principal to draw essential oils between the exterior of the jet FIG. 12 and the inner cap profile FIG. 7. The flow of liquid is stopped by a capillary break 40. The Ventura principal is then used to create a low pressure area between the top of the jet ball 44 and the inside radius of the cap 65. An air/oil mixture blows out of the cap orifice 66 with the aid of an air pump. The net result is increased availability of air molecules attaching to oil molecules and making them airborne and breathable.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventor: Earl Vaughn Sevy
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Patent number: 7389943Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a volatile substance includes an electromechanical dispenser attached to a pivot arm, and a cartridge for holding a plurality of reservoirs each containing a volatile substance. The cartridge is rotatable such that any one of the reservoirs can be positioned in an engagement position, in which the volatile substance can be dispensed. The cartridge has a cam feature consisting of a contoured circumferential surface that alternately rises and falls. The pivot arm operates in tandem with the cam feature such that, when the cartridge is rotated, the dispenser alternately engages and disengages from successive reservoirs, and remains out of the path of motion traversed by the reservoirs as the cartridge rotates from one engagement position to a subsequent engagement position. The electromechanical dispenser may be a piezoelectrically actuated vibratory type liquid atomization apparatus, and the volatile substance may be a fragrance.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Jaworski
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Patent number: 7387265Abstract: An apparatus for freshening air, comprising: a base unit having a recess for engaging at least one cartridge; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; an active portion of a nebulizer that includes a piezoelectric element connected to be driven by a driving and switching circuit connected to the power supply, wherein the active portion is incorporated with the base unit; a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the recess of the base unit, wherein the cartridge comprises a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid, a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, a passive portion of the nebulizer, wherein the passive portion includes an interface; a casing enclosing the first and second bags, and housing the passive portion; wherein when the dispensing cartridge engages the recess of the base unit, the passive portion is connected to the active portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Microwflow Engineering SAInventors: Joseph Hess, Myriam Muller
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Publication number: 20080116296Abstract: A spray gun which comprises a gun body and a nebulizing device attached to the front portion of the gun body, wherein the nebulizing device has an air nebulizing cap and a fluid disperser unit, wherein the nebulizing cap is composed of a fixed nut and a nebulizing nozzle while the fluid disperser unit is composed of a fluid nozzle and an air disperser unit, wherein the fluid nozzle has a threadless combining portion. Thus, through a linked push structure formed between the air nebulizing cap and the fluid disperser unit, the threadless combining portion can be pushed toward and therefore contacting the gun body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventor: Chung-Tsuen Juo
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Patent number: 7367661Abstract: The invention concerns a nozzle body for a liquid droplet spray device for atomising a high viscous liquid substance such as perfume. A first and second substrate enclose a space for containing the liquid substance. Outlet means are arranged in the second substrate and have at least one outlet nozzle and at least one output channel, said output channel having straight side walls. Each output channel has a stepped shape having a wider portion and a thinner portion, the wider portion being arranged adjacent the space. The thinner portion contains a protrusion section protruding beyond the top surface of the second substrate such that the exterior side wall of the protrusion section is at a substantially straight angle with respect to the top surface of the second substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Microflow Engineering SAInventors: Joseph Hess, Jean-Marc Flick, Bo Hu, Philippe Luginbuhl, Raphael Weber
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Publication number: 20080061163Abstract: A fluid dispensing device comprises one or more micromechanical fluid dispensing mechanisms arranged to dispense fluids into the atmosphere. The fluids include any of a perfume, pheromone, fragrance, disinfectant, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, fumigant, deodorizer, sanitizing agent and insecticide. A dispenser controller communicates with the fluid micromechanical dispensing mechanisms to selectively activate the fluid micromechanical dispensing mechanisms. Optionally, the fluid dispensing device includes a sensor to detect the airborne concentration of fluids that are dispersed in the atmosphere. Optionally, one or more fluid dispensing devices may be arranged to form a system, perhaps including a system sensor and a system controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Joel A. Kubby, Nancy Y. Jia, Edward Francis, Robert M. Duffner, Jun Ma, Cathie J. Burke, James C. Diehl
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Patent number: 7341056Abstract: A portable oxygen supply unit for breathable air with an enhanced oxygen content has a tilt valve in a mounting cup on a pressurized container containing medical or aviators oxygen. A hollow housing is sealed to the mounting cup. The hollow housing is flowably connected to a mouthpiece and to an inlet for ambient air. A user can open the tilt valve with an actuator that is slidable in the hollow housing. When the valve is open, the pressurized oxygen flows into the hollow housing. As the user inhales through the mouthpiece the oxygen released from the container is diluted with ambient air drawn through the inlet for efficient use of the oxygen dispensed from the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: The Big Ox, L.L.C.Inventor: Daniel R. Tucker
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Publication number: 20080041973Abstract: The present invention provides film forming method and a droplet discharge method for removing bubbles in a pressurizing chamber to prevent defective discharge without disposing a large amount of materials in a droplet discharging device. Before a material is discharged in the droplet discharging device, a step is provided in which reduced pressure is kept in a pressurizing chamber and a material supply portion, which are connected, to remove bubbles that exist in the pressurizing chamber. A flow path connected to the outside such as an opening of a nozzle surface of the pressurizing chamber or a material supply port of the material supply portion is sealed, and pressure in the pressurizing chamber and the material supply portion is reduced from an inlet and outlet connected to the material supply portion with the use of a reduced pressure means such as a pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventor: Gen Fujii
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Publication number: 20080029621Abstract: A spray nozzle assembly for atomizing a medium through a nozzle channel, comprising a first channel portion which is tapered by two lateral surfaces facing each other to form an elongate narrow cross-sectioned surface, a passage orifice disposed in the narrow cross-sectioned surface the cross-sectional area of which is smaller than is the narrow cross-sectioned surface, and a second channel portion adjoining the passage orifice in the direction of medium flow which has two opposed lateral surfaces separating from each other with an increase in distance from the passage orifice, whose edges facing the passage orifice extend crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the narrow cross-sectioned surface, characterized in that the nozzle channel having the two channel portions and the passage orifice are configured inside an integrally formed plastic component.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: LINDAL Ventil GmbHInventors: Michael Horn, Oskar Pittl
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Patent number: 7322349Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of a medicament to the respiratory system comprises a reservoir that is adapted to hold a liquid medicament that is to be delivered to a respiratory system. An aerosol generator is provided that is adapted to aerosolize the liquid medicament. A liquid supplier is used to deliver the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the aerosol generator. A connector is operably coupled to the aerosol generator and comprises a gas conduit having an inlet, and an outlet, and an aerosol supply conduit. The aerosol generator is configured to provide the aerosolized liquid medicament into the gas conduit through the aerosol supply conduit, and the gas conduit is adapted to pass gases to entrain the aerosolized liquid medicament.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.Inventor: John S. Power
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Patent number: 7316360Abstract: A nozzle comprising a thin, flexible substantially planar polymeric film having a plurality of pores with structures allowing for generation of an aerosol at reduced extrusion pressure is disclosed. The pores can comprise at least two sections, or steps, in which the thickness of the membrane is reduced in stepwise fashion, or the pores can be tapered. Nozzles formed comprising pores having such structures permit aerosol generation at lower extrusion pressures, thereby allowing for decreased weight of aerosolization devices, increased efficiency, increased portability and increased battery life. The pore structures also allow for the use of thicker, more easily processed polymeric films in manufacturing while having a thinner, more efficient aerosolization area. The use of decreased extrusion pressures also results in increased uniformity in aerosol generation and improved reliability of other components.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Aradigm CorporationInventors: Rajesh S. Patel, Sudarsan Srinivasan
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Publication number: 20070227536Abstract: Various embodiments of a breath-activated nebulizer with fluidic control and related methods of using such a nebulizer are disclosed. The nebulizer may include a body comprising a reservoir for holding medication, a nozzle for emitting a jet of pressurized gas, and a fluid conduit in communication with the reservoir for delivery of the medication proximate the jet to produce an aerosol of medication. The nebulizer may also include a nebulizer outlet in communication with an interior of the body for delivery of the aerosol to a patient, a control conduit in fluid communication with the fluid conduit for delivery of a control gas to the fluid conduit to prevent the delivery of the medication proximate the jet, and a fluidic amplifier configured to control the delivery of the control gas to the control conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventors: David A. Rivera, Steven M. Harrington, Bruce K. Bridges, Neil A. Korneff
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Patent number: RE40591Abstract: An atomizer including a gas exit, an outlet adjacent the gas exit, and a deflector for deflecting gas issuing from the gas exit over the outlet for drawing a substance to be atomized out from one outlet and atomizing the substance in the gas issuing from the gas exit characterised in that the deflector is movable between a first position in the path of the gas issuing from the gas exit for atomization and a second and non-atomizing position.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Profile Respiratory Systems LimitedInventor: Jonathan Stanley H. Denyer