And Baffle, Diffuser Or Flow Separating Means (i.e., Nebulizer) Patents (Class 239/370)
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Patent number: 8991389Abstract: 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 measures changes in the electrical characteristic to determine when the drug solution level falls below a predetermined threshold, and deactivates the device accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: RIC Investments, LLCInventors: Mark Morrison, Eric A. Lieberman, Lakshmi Penugonda
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Patent number: 8955769Abstract: Foam dispensers, refill units for foam dispensers, and liquid pumps for use in foam dispensers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an inverted foam pump includes a compression chamber having an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The compression chamber is in fluid communication with a flow restrictor, an atomizer, a mixing chamber, a foaming chip and an outlet. The inlet valve, outlet valve, flow restrictor, atomizer, mixing chamber, foaming chip and outlet extend along a common axis. An air inlet is included that extends into the mixing chamber; the air inlet is an opening to atmospheric pressure. During operation, the liquid pump is located below the liquid container and liquid flowing from the compression chamber is accelerated and atomized. The atomized liquid enters the mixing chamber at a velocity sufficient to draw in air from the air inlet to mix with the liquid to form a foam.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Keith Allen Pelfrey, Richard C. Sayers, Nick E. Ciavarella, John J. McNulty, Jackson W. Wegelin
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Patent number: 8910890Abstract: Tracer particles together with air are jetted from a nozzle of a seeder into a hood, the air is guided by a collision surface of the hood, deflected to a downstream side in an airflow direction in a wind tunnel, and flows out into the wind tunnel through an opening of the hood. Tracer particles having a large diameter fly straightly without being drifted by the deflected air and collide with the collision surface and are trapped thereon and are prevented from being supplied into the wind tunnel. Tracer particles having a small diameter are drifted by the deflected air, thereby deflected, and supplied into the wind tunnel without collision with and adhesion to the collision surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kei Ambo, Makoto Yanaka, Yuji Ishitsuka, Yuichi Fukuchi
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Patent number: 8887521Abstract: Provided is an air conditioner for an automobile capable of having uniform perfume performance in a width direction of the automobile by discharging air mixed with a perfume component supplied from a perfume generating unit through a discharging part.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.Inventors: Jae Jo Kim, Jin Hyuck Kim, Sung Je Lee, Yong Jun Jee, Sang Chul Byon, Nam Jun Lee, Yong Sung Kwon
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Patent number: 8881997Abstract: A nanoparticle aerosol generator, comprised of a vibrating fluidized bed with a baffle, a vibrating Venturi disperser and a cyclone separator. To generate nanoparticle aerosols, the nanoparticle aerosol generator uses the multiple impaction, vibrating air flow and vibrating high speed air flow to break up larger agglomerates, and multiple dilution to minimize the re-agglomeration of the particles.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: West Virginia UniversityInventors: Jinghai Yi, Timothy Robert Nurkiewicz, Jinghai Yi
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Patent number: 8746586Abstract: A device for spraying a cosmetic or dermatological composition may comprise an ultrasound or electrostatic spray head, an airflow generator for entraining a spray of composition particles atomized by the spray head and a conditioning device, the conditioning device arranged to modify the temperature of the outgoing stream of air.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: L'OrealInventors: Nicolas Duru, Marion Prunier
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Patent number: 8671935Abstract: The invention relates generally to a device for delivering a substance in an aerosol, liquid or cream form into a cellular organism with the assistance of asymmetric pulse magnetic energy and ultrasound.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Sheiman Ultrasonic Research Foundation PTY Ltd.Inventor: Vladimir Sheiman
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Patent number: 8579209Abstract: A gas powered fluid gun for propelling a stream or slug of a fluid at high velocity toward a target. Recoil mitigation is provided that reduces or eliminates the associated recoil forces, with minimal or no backwash. By launching a quantity of water in the opposite direction, net momentum forces are reduced or eliminated. Examples of recoil mitigation devices include a cone for making a conical fluid sheet, a device forming multiple impinging streams of fluid, a cavitating venturi, one or more spinning vanes, or an annular tangential entry/exit.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Mark C. Grubelich, Gerold Yonas
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Patent number: 8556191Abstract: A device for spraying a cosmetic composition may include a sonotrode, the sonotrode having an end collar defining an ejection surface for ejecting particles of composition, the collar being suitable for bending under the effect of vibration of the sonotrode.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: L'OREALInventors: Nicolas Duru, Marion Prunier, Pascal Tierce
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Patent number: 8377185Abstract: This invention is a dust removal system for dust gas which comprises at least an atomizer. The atomizer comprises an atomizing chamber and an atomizing mechanism; the atomizing chamber includes an inlet for the dust gas and an outlet for the gas after mixture; the atomizing mechanism comprises a water chamber, the first atomizing ball, the second atomizing ball, an umbrella-shaped atomizer, and a regulating mechanism; the water chamber includes the first and second water inlet and the first and second water outlet; the regulating mechanism adjusts the fit clearance between the first atomizing ball and the first water outlet, the fit clearance between the second atomizing ball and the second water outlet, and the flare angle of the umbrella surface of the umbrella-shaped atomizer. The beneficial effect is: the two-stage atomization—coordinating the atomizing balls and the water outlets, and using an umbrella-shaped atomizer—guarantees the atomizing effect.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Shenzhen Sunxing Light Alloys Materials Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xuemin Chen, Qingdong Ye, Sihai Zhou
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Patent number: 8336636Abstract: A water and inert gas fire suppression system (10), and method for extinguishing a fire in a protected space are provided with a simple and inexpensive freeze protection mechanism. To prevent the water, or other liquid fire extinguishing agent, entrained in the inert gas flow from freezing during transport through the inert gas distribution network (15, 15a, 15b, 17, 19) a secondary liquid is introduced into the inert gas flow and then removed from the inert gas flow upstream of the discharge of the two-phase water and inert gas flow into the space being protected. The inert gas is heated by means of the thermal inertia (TI) of the secondary liquid, which may be excess amount of water or an amount of another liquid having a thermal inertia (TI) at least equal to that of water.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Kidde IP Holdings, LimitedInventors: Robert J. Lade, Robert G. Dunster
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Patent number: 8261739Abstract: A dry powder inhaler has a main airflow path including a cyclone chamber (16) having an air inlet and being so shaped that at least a part of the chamber decreases in cross-sectional area in a direction away from the air inlet, so as thereby in use to set up a reverse flow cyclone in the chamber. A bypass airflow path (8) bypasses the cyclone chamber and the main and bypass airflow paths communicate with a mouthpiece (6). The cyclone chamber may be provided by a part (22) which is removable from the rest of the inhaler for regular replacement thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Cambridge Consultants LimitedInventors: David Stuart Harris, Simon James Smith
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Publication number: 20120091223Abstract: A nanoparticle aerosol generator, comprised of a vibrating fluidized bed with a baffle, a vibrating Venturi disperser and a cyclone separator. To generate nanoparticle aerosols, the nanoparticle aerosol generator uses the multiple impaction, vibrating air flow and vibrating high speed air flow to break up larger agglomerates, and multiple dilution to minimize the re-agglomeration of the particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Jinghai Yi, Timothy Robert Nurkiewicz, Jinghai Yi
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Patent number: 8056832Abstract: A jetspray nozzle for cleaning a photolithographic mask or semiconductor wafer and method for cleaning the same. The jetspray nozzle in one embodiment includes a water supply inlet, a gas supply inlet, a first row of gas injection nozzles communicating with the gas supply inlet, a mixing cavity defining a jetspray nozzle outlet, and a flow mixing baffle disposed in the cavity. The mixing baffle preferably is configured and arranged to combine gas and water in the jetspray nozzle for delivering a concentrated stream of gas with a cluster of micro water droplets entrained in the gas for removing contaminant particles from the mask. The jetspray nozzle is capable of cleaning photo masks or wafers without the use of chemicals. In one embodiment, the water may be deionized water and the gas may be nitrogen. In another embodiment, the jetspray nozzle further includes a second row of gas injection nozzles spaced above or below the first row of gas injection nozzles that communicate with the gas supply inlet.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kun-Long Hsieh, Chien-Hsing Lu
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Patent number: 8015969Abstract: A conventional respiratory nebulizer has an emergency medication dose storage system delivering the stored medication dose directly to the nebulizing chamber with a single impulse of manual force to a simple mechanical delivery system, thereby making the nebulizer useable in two steps: (a) opening the medication capsule with a simple opening action; and (b) inhaling the nebulized medication. The nebulizer can be operated without disassembling the nebulizer housing so as to expose the nebulizing chamber and without manually opening the liquid medication container and, without spillage and without manual pouring of the liquid medication directly into the nebulizing chamber, and without reassembling the nebulizer housing before positioning the inhaler mouthpiece in the mouth so as to inhale the nebulized medication. The delivery system includes a pressure burstable seal at one end of the capsule, which is burst by the application of force against the opposite end of the capsule.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventor: Robert Abrams
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Patent number: 8001962Abstract: The invention relates generally to a nebulizer, for example, of ultrasonic nebulizer (30) having a bowl shaped container (12) and a tubular energy transmitter in the form of acoustic transmitter pipe (34). One end of the acoustic transmitter pipe (34) is immersed in the liquid (14) of the container (12). The bowl shaped ultrasonic transducer (16) is operatively coupled to the bowl shaped container (12) for transmission of ultrasonic energy to the liquid (14) and acoustic transmitter pipe (34). Absorption of transmitted energy by the liquid (14) forces the liquid (14) toward an upper end of the acoustic transmitter pipe (34) where it is nebulized in the form of an aerosol. The invention also relates generally to a device and method for delivering a substance in an aerosol form into a cellular organism, and a hand held device for delivering a substance to a cellular organism.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Sheiman Ultrasonic Research Foundation Pty Ltd.Inventor: Vladimir Sheiman
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Patent number: 7997265Abstract: A conventional respiratory nebulizer has an emergency medication dose storage system delivering the stored medication dose directly to the nebulizing chamber with a single impulse of manual force to a simple mechanical delivery system, thereby making the nebulizer useable in two steps: (a) opening the medication capsule with a simple opening action; and (b) inhaling the nebulized medication. The nebulizer can be operated without disassembling the nebulizer housing so as to expose the nebulizing chamber and without manually opening the liquid medication container and, without spillage and without manual pouring of the liquid medication directly into the nebulizing chamber, and without reassembling the nebulizer housing before positioning the inhaler mouthpiece in the mouth so as to inhale the nebulized medication. The delivery system includes a pressure burstable seal at one end of the capsule, which is burst by the application of force against the opposite end of the capsule.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Inventor: Robert Abrams
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Patent number: 7954487Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer, in one embodiment, 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. The nebulizer also includes a fluid return channel to a fluid source, such as a removable vial, containing fluid to be aerosolized.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Trudell Medical InternationalInventors: Jerry Grychowski, Martin P. Foley, Michael Nuttall
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Patent number: 7878418Abstract: An atomizer provides a control of duty cycle or a motor driving a diaphragm pump. By providing precise, high-speed flow through an eductor nozzle, improved atomization occurs. However, to control the total volume of atomized liquid discharged, the delay time between operational time periods may also be controlled. Thus, a very effective atomizer provides economical use of essential oils by control duty cycle. Precision modeling provides highly integrated subsystems providing superior performance and reliability.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Early Vaughn Sevy
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Patent number: 7836885Abstract: A conventional respiratory nebulizer has an emergency medication dose storage system conveniently useable in an emergency to deliver the stored medication dose directly to the nebulizing chamber quickly, reliably, and with a single impulse of manual force to a simple mechanical delivery system, thereby making the nebulizer useable in two steps: (a) opening the medication capsule with a simple opening action; and (b) inhaling the nebulized medication. The nebulizer can be operated without disassembling the nebulizer housing so as to expose the nebulizing chamber and without manually opening the liquid medication container and, without spillage and without manual pouring of the liquid medication directly into the nebulizing chamber, and without reassembling the nebulizer housing before positioning the inhaler mouthpiece in the mouth so as to inhale the nebulized medication.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Inventor: Robert Abrams
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Publication number: 20100154790Abstract: A process for manufacturing a membrane of nozzles of a spray device, comprising the steps of laying a substrate, forming a membrane layer on the substrate, forming a plurality of nozzles in the membrane layer, forming a plurality of supply channels in the substrate, each supply channel being substantially aligned in a vertical direction to a respective nozzle of the plurality of nozzles and in direct communication with the respective nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.Inventors: Angelo Antonio Merassi, Angelo Pesci, Benedetto Vigna, Ernestino Galeazzi, Marco Mantovani
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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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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: 20080169725Abstract: This invention discloses a piezoelectric actuation system used for a nebulizer, and the system includes a frequency generator, a control interface and a piezoelectric actuator. The frequency generator generates at least one electric signal of a frequency value. The control interface is electrically connected to the frequency generator and provided for users to input or select an electric signal of the frequency generator, such that the frequency generator can issue an electric signal of a specific frequency value according to the input or selection of the control interface. Therefore, the piezoelectric actuator can receive the electric signal with the specific frequency value to produce a vibration of the best working frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventors: Shan-Yi Yu, Han-Chang Liu, Wen-Yu Tsai
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Patent number: 7303156Abstract: A micro-nozzle for generating micro-bubbles. The micro-nozzle includes a liquid inlet forming a liquid path, a gas inlet, and a constricting wall positioned in the liquid path and shaped to abruptly constrict said liquid path to a width of less than approximately 20 um and then gradually diverge.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Louisiana Tech University Research Foundation as a Division of the Louisiana Tech University FoundationInventors: Sung Sam Kim, Roy Schubert
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Patent number: 7229028Abstract: An aerosol impingement baffle, and more particularly, an aerosol impingement baffle employed in ultrasonic nebulizers, wherein the impingement orifices thereof are formed by disposing line-shaped impingement grooves at the inner breadth of the impingement baffle, thereby increasing the differentiation probabilities of liquid particles and avoiding congestions thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Kai Chih Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wen-Pin Chen, Kevin Cheng, Chih-Hung Huang
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Patent number: 7131439Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fixed diverter and a movable fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected with an actuator for responding to an inhalation or a manual actuation and beginning the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected to an actuator so that the fluid orifice or fluid pathway reaches a nebulizing position during inhalation.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Trudell Medical InternationalInventors: Rick Blacker, Evan Goodwin
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Patent number: 7131603Abstract: A liquid (10) stored in a generation chamber (2) is sprayed by an injection nozzle (33) using pressurized gas introduced to it. This strikes a buffer valve (4) where it is atomized. The generated mist is held in the generation chamber (2). The atomized generated mist is introduced into a particle classifier (5) and made to collide with a collision plate (52). The particles of less than 10 ?m size bouncing off the collision plate are discharged as a micro-mist from a discharge port (56) and fed to a target workpiece. The large particles deposited on the collision plate are recovered in a generator.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Atusi Sakaida, Toshihisa Taniguchi, Keikichi Takada, Kyoichi Takeda
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Publication number: 20030127533Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method and a dispenser in which, compared with known dispensers, the fluid path design is simplified. The dispenser has a medium reservoir (19) containing a medium to be discharge during one discharge stroke of the dispenser (11). For this purpose a feed fluid flows through the medium reservoir and discharges the medium through a reservoir discharge opening. For producing a discharge stroke, the dispenser has an actuator (25), whose actuation at least indirectly leads to an impact spike (29) penetrating from the outside into the medium reservoir (19), so as to produce a connection between a pump (40) for a feed fluid and the medium reservoir. As a result of the pressure of the feed fluid flowing into the medium reservoir, at a point in the medium reservoir (19) differing from the entry point of the impact spike (29), an opening is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventor: Alexander Stihl
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Patent number: 6536685Abstract: A foam dispenser utilizes a deformable reservoir, a foamable fluid and air or other gas; a discharge device and an arrangement for producing foam that includes a plurality of mesh screens. When the dispenser is operated, air from inside the dispenser is mixed with the fluid to produce foam. The dispenser employs a shaped and resilient deformable seal for use in quickly recharging the container with air used in the creation of foam. The dispenser also advantageously employs an integrally molded swirl manifold to create a foam of excellent quality and consistency.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Unilever Home and Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.Inventor: Robert Alfred Bennett
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Patent number: 6513727Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid atomizer device for producing aerosols. The device includes a first housing part (A) which includes an inner member (3) of an atomizer nozzle and a first connection for connecting the first housing part (A) to a further housing part to form a nebulizing chamber (1), and further includes a second housing part (B) that includes an outer member of the atomizer nozzle which can be brought into engagement with the inner member (3) to form the atomizer nozzle, and a second connection means (11) that can be brought into engagement with the first connection (9) for connecting the second housing part to the first housing part. The invention is characterized in that a service life indicator (L) is arranged at a place that does not impede the flow passing through the device, but is accessible to the aerosol and a sterilant.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1999Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Pari GmbH Spezialisten fureffektive InhalationInventors: Stefan Jaser, Matthias Remke, Stephan Brugger
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Patent number: 6405944Abstract: A nebulizing attachment having a body with an open conical chamber formed therein. The body includes a nozzle with a sharp edge behind which a perforation is formed for supplying air under pressure. Another nozzle is provided in communication with the open conical chamber for supplying liquid therein. The liquid is sucked into the chamber by the effect of vacuum brought about by the passage of the air flow from the nozzle to an outlet therefor. The liquid is fractionated and mixed by the effect of turbulence in this chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: SARL ProlitecInventor: Karim Benalikhoudja
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Patent number: 6357669Abstract: A nozzle 10 which receives first and second materials 24, 30 and which has an outlet aperture 18. The first material 24 is received within the outlet aperture 18 and is atomized by the second material 30 within the outlet aperture 18 before it is emitted from the nozzle 10 and applied to a targeted location and/or object 26.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Visteon Global tech., Inc.Inventors: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka, Marc Alan Straub, Jay D Baker
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Patent number: 6338443Abstract: A pneumatic nebulizer that produces a high volume of aerosols for inhalent delivery of medications and other constituencies. High pressure gas formed into a gas jet is passed through a thin choked region of fluid that is entrailed and impinged upon an aerosol amplifier which creates a spray whose aerosol components are directed up through vents to an aerosol outlet for delivery. Larger-sized liquid particles are caused to pool up in a region surrounding the aerosol amplifer and then drip down back into the liquid medication reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Mercury Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Samuel David Piper
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Patent number: 6176234Abstract: A mouth piece exhalation valve for a nebulizer or breathing circuit. The nebulizer has an internal passageway containing an offset causing an inspiration mist flow to bypass the exhaust valve without impingement. The offset includes a deflector which aids in the deflection of the inspiration mist flow away from the exhaust valve. The deflector is also utilized for directing the exhaust flow upon expiration by a patient through the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve design includes a flap or disc having leaves formed by peripheral arcuate cuts to facilitate the opening and the closing of the leafs in accordance with the expiration and inhalation of a patient respectively. The cuts also aid in the re-introduction of any accumulation of fluid on the external surface of the disc and valve back into the inspirational cycle so as to minimize any external buildup of fluid.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Salter LabsInventors: Peter W. Salter, James Chua, Walter Van Horn, Duane D. Kazal, Laurence McGann
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Patent number: 5655520Abstract: A nebulizer is improved by placing a flexible valve in the ambient air inlet tube. Inhalation suction and Venturi effect shut down the flexible valve in proportion to the strength of the inhalation. Thus, the same output flow rate is obtained even with variable strength inhalations. Medications can be properly administered by controlled inhalation flow rates. In an alternate embodiment a metered dose inhaler (MDI) is outfitted with a similar flexible valve. Once again the patient is forced to inhale at a constant flow rate, thus causing the medication to seep deeply into the lungs. In both embodiments the flexible valve is preferably shaped in a duck billed fashion with air flow flowing toward the narrow end of the duck bill.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1993Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventors: Harvey James Howe, Craig Jonathan Madden, Richard Raphzel Rosenthal
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Patent number: 5570840Abstract: Improved hand-held, hand-powered spraying devices are provided herein. The improvement provides the ability to spray viscous fluids in an even consistent spray without the use of propellants or outside compressed air or power sources. The spraying apparatus are constructed to provide air delivery to a nozzle assembly, followed by combined air and liquid delivery, followed by air delivery after cessation of liquid delivery, all with a single stroke of a single trigger. One particular apparatus provided is a trigger sprayer which utilizes the compression of dual chambers with a single trigger stroke, and another apparatus is a compression sprayer which utilizes a hand pump and a single container for holding air and liquid. Additionally, a combination pour spout trigger sprayer device is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1994Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: Fourth and Long, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Gettinger, Joel Hetrick
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Patent number: 5549102Abstract: The invention relates to a nebulizer, especially for application in devices for inhalation therapy. The nebulizing chamber 1 is closed at the bottom by a liquid collection region 2. The liquid mist is inhaled by the patient through a short suction pipe 4 from the nebulizing chamber 1. The process of mixing and homogenization is provided in a very effective manner by the nebulizing chamber divider 6, by means of which one part 1a of the nebulizing chamber 1, which lies in the immediate vicinity of the opening of the short suction pipe 4, is divided to a certain degree from the remaining part 1b of the nebulizing chamber 1. The nebulizing chamber divider 6 in the nebulizing chamber functions as baffle plate, which prevents overly large droplets from being dragged along into the opening of the short suction pipe and for the settling out or precipitation of the overly large droplets, and thus for the homogenization of the liquid mist.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Paul Ritzau Pari-Werk GmbHInventors: Andreas Lintl, Martin Knoch
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Patent number: 5520337Abstract: A discharge head is connected to a double pump for air and liquid. The air and liquid are separately passed by pump actuation through a flow calming member and then into a combining member in a way such that the air enters in the form of numerous individual jets and under a low pressure and at a low flow rate into a liquid-wetted screen unit provided in a widened chamber. In the vicinity of the screen unit which are supplied with liquid from a chamber, the liquid can be foamed in a stepwise manner with the aid of air until the foam is discharged ready for use through an end channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Karl-Heinz Fuchs
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Patent number: 5490630Abstract: A hand-held aerosol dispenser for a therapeutic liquid for inhalation therapy with an atomizer nozzle disposed in a housing for the delivery of compressed air is provided with a detachable reservoir for the liquid. The liquid is aspirated by the Venturi principle through a duct discharging in the region of the atomizer nozzle and atomized into very fine particles using a baffle element opposite the atomizing nozzle. The reservoir, which corresponds in its dimensions to the dimensions of the housing, is detachably accommodated in the lower part of the housing. The duct, discharging in the region of the atomizing nozzle, is elongated downward by a suction nozzle, which passes through an upper opening of the reservoir into the vicinity of the bottom of the reservoir. The reservoir contains sterile water or a mixture of sterile water and drug.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1994Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Assignee: Kendall Medizinische Erzeugnisse GmbHInventor: Karl-Heinz Hecker
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Patent number: 5411177Abstract: A foam dispensing apparatus which includes a foamable liquid container and a foam generating device for mixing a gas with a foamable liquid. The foam generating device has a plurality of passages through which pressurized gas flows simultaneously with foamable liquid into the foam generating chamber past a flow restrictor. The passages are formed by a plurality of vertical flutes or horizontal grooves in one of the members.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1993Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: Jack W. KaufmanInventor: Joseph W. Blake, III
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Patent number: 5312046Abstract: A liquid atomizer having only two housing sections, which can be forced into engagement, so that the prescribed distances within the segment forming the nozzle body are set semi automatically. In addition, at least one of the housing sections is equipped with a springy element, which, however, is designed integrally with the housing section. The springy element may be a weakened wall segment.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1992Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Assignee: Paul Ritzau Pari Werk GmbHInventors: Martin Knoch, Andreas Lintl
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Patent number: 5289952Abstract: The device comprises a pump (10) for delivering a liquid with a foaming agent from a container (R). The displacement of a rigid push-button (14) causes a variation in the volume of an annular chamber (13), and a return air inlet valve (22) allows for the inflow of air into this chamber. The end of the container (R) provided with the pump (10) is closed by a head (5) having a base (7) recessed with respect to the end of a central sleeve (8) carrying the pump and partly delimiting the said annular chamber (13), while the push-button (14) has in its base a collar (17) capable of closing the annular chamber (13) and compressing the air contained therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1992Date of Patent: March 1, 1994Assignee: L'OrealInventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
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Patent number: 5194115Abstract: An improved loop producing apparatus includes an adhesive gun and a nozzle member for emanating a bead of adhesive in a spiral pattern caused by the direction of air jets toward the adhesive bead as it emanates from the nozzle. A plenum chamber just upstream of the nozzle member is provided with diffusing or baffling means for diffusing the flow of air before it is introduced to the bores in the nozzle member. Overlapping loops of an adhesive bead are deposited onto a substrate in very consistent loop widths and with little loop width variation independently of the angular orientation of the nozzle member.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1991Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Alan R. Ramspeck, Scott R. Miller
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Patent number: 4991779Abstract: A foam producing device for the alternative dispensing of foams or liquids comprising a porous element a partially gas permeable wall, a gas distributing plenum a gas entry port in fluid connection with said plenum; a second wall opposite the outer surface of said gas permeable wall; a mixing chamber comprising at one end, the proximal end, a small annular opening between said gas permeable and second wall, comprising an orifice for the uniform distribution of foamable liquids therethrough into said chamber and at the distal end an exit port for the discharge of foams or liquids from said chamber said chamber being tapered or not, as required; a liquid distribution plenum for the uniform distribution of said foamable liquids to said orifice and a liquid entry port in fluid connection, through a conduit with said plenum wherein said plenum and a source of foamable liquid are in fluid connection through a conduit therebetween; with the proviso that only the portion of said gas permeable wall between said orificType: GrantFiled: February 16, 1990Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Inventor: Joseph W. Blake, III
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Patent number: 4942874Abstract: An improved steam inhaler for producing steam from water and aspirating inhalation liquid having a certain medical efficacy with the steam, comprising: a water supply tank, a first conduit, a first heating chamber, a second conduit, a second heating chamber, and a steam nozzle, along the path the water conveyed. The first and second heating chambers are provided with heating elements, and a one-way valve is provided in the first conduit. Therefore, the water boiled in the first chamber is conducted into the second heating chamber and prevented from returning to the water tank by the one-way valve. The water is completely vaporized in the second heating chamber. Since the water is thus metered from the water tank into the first heating chamber substantially upon demand, the steam inhaler can be activated immediately after the power is turned on, and can be deactivated immediately after the power is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1989Date of Patent: July 24, 1990Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.Inventors: Takao Terada, Toshiyuki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 4901925Abstract: An article for generating foams from foamable liquids and pressurized gases comprising a housing encompassing a hollow porous element in fluid connection with the gas source through an inlet port in the housing, a mixing chamber comprising the space between the walls of the porous element and housing in fluid connection a source of the foamable liquid wherein the liquid and the gas diffusing thereto through the wall of the element mix to form the foam which is discharged without passing through pores the article further comprising, if desired, a valve to prevent entry of the gas to the porous element, and therethrough to mix with the liquid, whereby the liquid is dispensed in its liquid form.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1987Date of Patent: February 20, 1990Inventor: Joseph W. Blake, III
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Patent number: 4836452Abstract: An artificial fog generator device is provided with air jet pipes, an oil bath, filtering screens, and an enclosing housing to include all of these elements, and outlet channels for directing the generated cloud of oil bubbles from the housing, and an air compressor that feeds high pressure air into the spraying pipes. A much more efficient generator of fine oil bubbles is achieved by locating the air jet pipes directly above the surface of the oil bath. The compressed air is fed into the pipes that are located directly above the oil bath and high pressure air jets spraying into the oil bath cause a cloud of fine oil bubbles to fly out of the oil bath. The generated oil bubbles than pass through the filtering screens and are then directed out of the housing through the outlet channels. The fog or smoke generator housing may be portable, and have a carrying handle, and may contain the air compressor, and a power supply and battery to power the air compressor.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1988Date of Patent: June 6, 1989Inventor: Jim Fox
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Patent number: 4792097Abstract: An improved nebulizer for substantially complete discharge of liquid before "sputtering" occurs includes a housing having a mist outlet, and an aspirating structure including a nozzle having a base portion at one end thereof within the housing. The nozzle includes a nozzle outlet for discharge of gas under pressure within the housing at end of the nozzle opposite the base portion. The nebulizer further includes an inverted frusto-conical bottom wall disposed about the base portion of the nozzle away from the nozzle outlet, the bottom wall forming a liquid reservoir that drains towards the base portion of the nozzle. The aspirating structure also includes at least one passageway peripherally located with respect to the nozzle, the passageway communicating with the reservoir for aspiration of liquid from the reservoir in response to gas discharged from the nozzle to form a mist.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1987Date of Patent: December 20, 1988Assignee: Mallinckrodt, Inc.Inventors: Carl P. Kremer, Jr., Ann S. Kremer, Henry Tom
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Patent number: RE33717Abstract: A device and method for aerosolizing a liquid in a gas using a pressurized gas by creating the fog or "steam" at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The liquid is drawn into the gas stream using a venturi pipe. The amount of entrained liquid is enhanced by directing the flow of liquid and gas against a deflector. Liquid entrainment is further enhanced by directing the flow past projections causing turbulence in the stream. The device may be operated in either a horizontal position or vertical position by providing a liquid passage to the perimeter of the liquid reservoir by means of an angled liquid conduit formed between a pair of cone members.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Inventor: Steven A. Svoboda