With Electrogasdynamic Generator In Spray Device Patents (Class 239/692)
  • Patent number: 11192127
    Abstract: In an electrostatic atomization coating apparatus including a nozzle head including a plurality of coating material ejection ports; a coating material chamber that is provided inside the nozzle head and to which a coating material is supplied via a coating material supply path, each of the coating material ejection ports being in communication with the coating material chamber via an individual branch coating material path; and a voltage application device that provides a potential difference between the nozzle head and an object to be coated, the coating material ejected from each of the coating material ejection ports via the coating material supply path, the coating material chamber, and the branch coating material path being brought into a charged state through application of a voltage by the voltage application device, an open/close valve device that opens and closes all of the branch coating material paths, or opens and closes a specific subset of a plurality of branch coating material paths out of all
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Taikisha Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Manabe, Shogo Noda, Tatsuya Tanikawa
  • Patent number: 10898910
    Abstract: A generator usable in an explosive atmosphere zone, and having a power greater than or equal to 8 Watts, preferably greater than 10 Watts, and an assembly including an electrostatic sprayer for a coating product and the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: EXEL INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Gilles Goisot, RĂ©mi Pagot
  • Patent number: 10471447
    Abstract: A system includes an electrostatic tool having a cascade that includes electrical components configured to convert a first voltage from an incoming alternating current into an outgoing second voltage at a direct current and a shell configured to cover the electrical components. The shell radially conforms to the electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Carlisle Fluid Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Paul Baltz, Andrew James Heldman
  • Patent number: 8893991
    Abstract: A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Finishing Brands Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alexander, Gene P. Altenburger, Michael C. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8796617
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to sample ionization, and provides ionization probe assemblies, systems, computer program products, and methods useful for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ibis BioSciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Hofstadler, Jose R. Gutierrez, James C. Hannis, Jared J. Drader, Rex O. Bare, Jeffrey C. Smith, Paul J. Gleason, Jared Nathanson
  • Patent number: 8770496
    Abstract: A coating dispensing device includes a trigger assembly for actuating the coating dispensing device to dispense coating material and a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The coating dispensing device further includes a source of voltage and a voltage multiplier for multiplying the voltage. The voltage multiplier is coupled to the source. An output terminal of the voltage multiplier is charged to a high-magnitude electrostatic potential and is adapted to charge coating material as the coating material is dispensed from the dispensing device. The coating dispensing device further includes a circuit for providing a visual indication of the voltage at the output terminal. The circuit for providing a visual indication of the voltage at the output terminal comprises a first impedance across which a portion of the voltage at the output terminal appears and an amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Finishing Brands Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Gene P. Altenburger
  • Patent number: 8590817
    Abstract: A coating dispensing device includes a trigger assembly for actuating the coating dispensing device to dispense coating material and a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The coating dispensing device further includes a first port adapted to supply compressed gas to the coating dispensing device and a second port adapted to supply coating material to the coating dispensing device. The coating dispensing device further includes a generator having a shaft. A turbine wheel is mounted on the shaft. Compressed gas coupled to the first port impinges upon the turbine wheel to spin the shaft, producing voltage. An electrode adjacent the nozzle is coupled to the generator to receive electricity therefrom to electrostatically charge the coating material. First and second seals seal the shaft where the shaft protrudes from the generator at its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Baltz
  • Publication number: 20130277463
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray tool is provided to output an electrostatically charged spray. The electrostatic spray tool includes a portable power module. The portable power module includes an air flow switch configured to regulate air flow within the portable power module and a turbine generator configured to generate a voltage from the air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: FINISHING BRANDS HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: James P. Baltz, Roger T. Cedoz, Daniel J. Hasselschwert, Judith Ann Lietzke
  • Publication number: 20130140384
    Abstract: A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: GRACO, INC.
    Inventor: GRACO, INC.
  • Patent number: 8418942
    Abstract: An oxidation and reduction fine particles generator includes an atomization electrode, a water feeder for supplying water to the atomization electrode and a high voltage generator, and also includes a switch device and a controller. The switch device changes an operation mode to an oxidation mode or a reduction mode. The controller generates negatively charged fine water particles including radicals through electrostatic atomization by applying a high voltage to water supplied to the atomization electrode in the oxidation mode. The controller also inactivates and activates the water feeder and the high voltage generator, respectively to generate reduction fine particles from the atomization electrode by dry discharge in the reduction mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suda, Masaharu Machi, Yasunori Matsui, Takayuki Nakada
  • Patent number: 8382015
    Abstract: A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Graco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alexander, Gene P. Altenburger, Michael C. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8158936
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to sample ionization, and provides ionization probe assemblies, systems, computer program products, and methods useful for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ibis Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Hofstadler, Jose R. Gutierrez, James C. Hannis, Jared J. Drader, Rex O. Bare, Jeffrey C. Smith, Paul J. Gleason, Jared Nathanson
  • Patent number: 8083161
    Abstract: A cartridge for a handheld electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic products. The device includes a wetted lead screw with a compliant seal, where the placement of the seal relative to the screw inhibits leakage during both cartridge use and storage. A frame disposed within the cartridge acts as a load-transferring mechanism for the weight of the cartridge to a handle of the spraying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James J. Lind, Gregory Trees, Joseph E. Zambanini, Brian Graham, R. Reade Harpham
  • Patent number: 8016213
    Abstract: A coating dispensing device includes a trigger assembly for actuating the coating dispensing device to dispense coating material and a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The coating dispensing device further includes a first port adapted to supply compressed gas to the coating dispensing device and a second port adapted to supply coating material to the coating dispensing device. The coating dispensing device further includes a generator having a shaft and a turbine wheel mounted on the shaft. Compressed gas coupled to the first port impinges upon the turbine wheel to spin the shaft, producing voltage. The coating dispensing device further includes an electrode adjacent the nozzle and coupled to the generator to receive electricity therefrom to electrostatically charge the coating material and a regulator coupled to the generator for regulating the voltage generated by the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Gene P. Altenburger
  • Patent number: 7988075
    Abstract: A coating dispensing device includes a trigger assembly for actuating the coating dispensing device to dispense coating material and a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The coating dispensing device also includes a first port adapted to supply compressed gas to the coating dispensing device and a second port adapted to supply coating material to the coating dispensing device. The coating dispensing device further includes a generator having a shaft and a turbine wheel mounted on the shaft. Compressed gas coupled to the first port impinges upon the turbine wheel to spin the shaft, producing voltage. The dispensing device further includes an electrode adjacent the nozzle and coupled by circuitry to the generator to receive electricity therefrom to electrostatically charge the coating material. A circuit board assembly containing components of the circuitry is configured to partially surround and partially enclose the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Gene P. Altenburger
  • Patent number: 7926748
    Abstract: A coating dispensing device includes a trigger assembly for actuating the coating dispensing device to dispense coating material and a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The device further includes a first port adapted to supply compressed gas to the coating dispensing device and a second port adapted to supply coating material to the coating dispensing device. The device further includes a multi-phase generator having a shaft. A turbine wheel is mounted on the shaft. Compressed gas coupled to the first port impinges upon the turbine wheel to spin the shaft, producing multi-phase voltage. The device further includes an electrode adjacent the nozzle and coupled to the multi-phase generator to receive electricity therefrom to electrostatically charge the coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Gene P. Altenburger
  • Patent number: 7918409
    Abstract: A device for dispensing coating material includes at least two electrodes for coupling to at least one high-magnitude potential supply so that the at least two electrodes are maintained substantially at two different high-magnitude potentials so that an electric field exists between the at least two electrodes. At least one of the at least two electrodes includes a passageway extending therethrough to provide a flow of compressed gas through the at least one of the at least two electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Schaupp, Austin A. Saylor
  • Patent number: 7891589
    Abstract: An electrical separating unit is disclosed for a fluid conveying line, in particular a paint conveying line, which has an elongated separating pipe that can be freed or closed at its ends by separating valves. The interior of the separating pipe can be brought by a compressor to a pressure that is significantly above atmospheric pressure or can be evacuated by a suction pump to a pressure that is significantly below atmospheric pressure. In both cases the electrical resistance of the separating unit has a significantly higher value than if a pipeline over a corresponding length was only freed from paint, solvent, or cleaning agent, and was filled with air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Eisenmann Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jan Reichler
  • Patent number: 7883033
    Abstract: A cartridge for an electrohydrodynamic spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge, where the cartridge includes a locking mechanism. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic or other fluid products. The fluid is delivered from the cartridge by a shaft-mounted piston, while the locking mechanism can be selectively engaged with the shaft such that in the engaged position, the locking mechanism prevents the piston from advancing by inhibiting movement of the shaft. When the locking mechanism is disengaged from the shaft, the shaft and piston are free to move, such as in response to a power source in the spraying device. The selective engagement between the locking mechanism and the shaft during periods of inoperability of the spray device prevents the buildup of fluid pressure in the cartridge that otherwise could blurt out upon subsequent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: James Lind
  • Patent number: 7883032
    Abstract: Methods are described of delivering biological material, which methods include the steps of providing a liquid formulation containing the biological material, supplying the liquid formulation to an outlet and subjecting liquid issuing from the outlet to an electrical field thereby causing electrohydrodynamic processing of the liquid without denaturing the biological material. In one example, the liquid formulation is provided by removing salts from a formulation containing biological material that does not denature in alcohol and then adding an alcohol to the formulation before supplying the liquid formulation to the outlet. An acid may be added to the liquid formulation before supplying the liquid formulation to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Lee Adrian Davies, David Neville Davies, Margaret Sin Ka Wan, Ronald Alan Coffee
  • Patent number: 7849850
    Abstract: An improved Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) nozzle particularly suitable for a handheld pulmonary aerosol inhaler increases the consistent and efficient dispensing of therapeutic liquids by reducing or eliminating wetting through shielding of discharge electrodes. Some versions further eliminate wetting while enhances neutralization of the aerosol through presentation of a corona wind of ions annularly surround the aerosol. Incorporation of improved liquid distribution with consistent pressure drops to each EHD nozzle tip allows horizontal dispensing, and by using dielectric nozzle tips with low surface energy to thereby avoid wicking between dispenses and to advantageously reduce achievable particle size when dispensing. Some versions feature enhanced snap-fit assembly and other manufacturability advantages. One of the unique features of the EHD nozzles is achieved high dose rate (microliters/minute) with low wetting and small particle size (1.0-5 microns), although these properties tend to be mutually exclusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: William G. Atterbury, Chad E. Bouton, David R. Busick, James E. Dvorsky, Peter A. Gaydos, David A. Holley, Daniel D. Meek, Gregory A. Trees
  • Patent number: 7841549
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device has a removable cartridge with a reservoir containing a volume of liquid compositions to be electrically sprayed. The device includes a nozzle for dispensing the liquid and an emitter electrode disposed adjacent to the nozzle for charging the liquid composition just being dispensed from the nozzle. A field electrode surrounds the reservoir in order to charge the liquid composition within the reservoir, thereby avoiding an occurrence of electric current which would deteriorate the composition remaining in the reservoir. The reservoir is at least partially made of deformable material such that the reservoir is capable of receiving pressure to deform and thus supply the liquid composition out of the reservoir. Thus, the reservoir can be designed into a simple and compact structure, thereby providing an increased liquid containing volume in relation to the bulk of the removable cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignees: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Shunichi Nagasawa, David Edward Wilson
  • Patent number: 7823809
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device has a capability of confirming that the device is ready for making an electrostatic spraying of the liquid composition on a user's skin. The device includes a nozzle and a pump for dispensing the liquid composition out through the nozzle. An emitter electrode is disposed to electrostatically charge the liquid composition being dispensed for making the electrostatic spraying. The device is provided with a power switch and a selector for selection between a spraying mode and a dripping mode. In the dripping mode, the pump is alone actuated to dispense the liquid composition absent electrostatic charge. In the spraying mode, both of the pump and the emitter electrode are activated to make the electrostatic spraying. Thus, the user can be easy to drip the liquid composition by simply manipulating the selector prior to initiating the electrostatic spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Koji Asakawa, David Edward Wilson, Kazumi Toyama, Meei-Lih Lin
  • Patent number: 7823808
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device having a removable cartridge with a reservoir containing a volume of liquid compositions to be electrically sprayed on a user's skin. The device includes a nozzle for dispensing the liquid as well as an emitter electrode disposed adjacent to the nozzle for charging the liquid composition just being dispensed from the nozzle. A field electrode surrounds the reservoir in order to charge the liquid composition within the reservoir, thereby avoiding an occurrence of electric current which would otherwise flow in the liquid composition and would deteriorate the composition remaining in the reservoir. The reservoir is devoid of the field electrode, and therefor can be designed into a simple and compact structure without being restricted by the field electrode, assuring to have an enhanced liquid containing volume in relation to the bulk of the removable cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd., The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Naoki Yamaguchi, Koji Asakawa, David Edward Wilson, Shunichi Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 7757973
    Abstract: A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Alexander, Gene P. Altenburger, Michael C. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7712687
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray device that maintains a consistent charge-to-mass ratio in order to maintain a consistent target spray quality is disclosed. During steady state conditions, the high voltage power supply adjusts the output voltage level in response to changing environmental and/or operating conditions. During transient conditions such as start-up, shut-down and changing flow rate conditions, the high voltage power supply ensures that the charge-to-mass ratio is maintained. During, start-up, for example, the high voltage power supply charges the high voltage electrode to a predetermined voltage level before the product is delivered to the charging location. During shut-down, the product delivery is stopped before the high voltage power supply shuts off power to the high voltage electrode, and during changes in product flow rate, the voltage level of the high voltage electrode is adjusted to maintain a consistent charge-to-mass ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Edward Wilson, Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Wataru Hirose, Yoshihiro Wakiyama, Takeshi Aoyama, Takeshi Mori, Toru Sumiyoshi
  • Patent number: 7673819
    Abstract: A cartridge for a handheld electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic products. The device includes a wetted lead screw with a compliant seal, where the placement of the seal relative to the screw inhibits leakage during both cartridge use and storage. A frame disposed within the cartridge acts as a load-transferring mechanism for the weight of the cartridge to a handle of the spraying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James J. Lind, Gregory Trees, Joseph E. Zambanini, Brian Graham, R. Reade Harpham
  • Patent number: 7672478
    Abstract: A spray data acquisition system includes a spray pump actuator that is capable of providing a pumping force to a pumping device to generate an aerosol spray plume along a spray axis. The system also includes an illumination device that illuminates the aerosol spray plume along at least one first geometric plane that intersects the aerosol spray plume. The system further includes an imaging device that acquires data representative of an interaction between the illumination and the aerosol spray plume along at least one geometric plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Proveris Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Dino J. Farina
  • Patent number: 7621471
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun includes a power supply, an enclosure having a wall and a valve providing access through the wall to evacuate the enclosure. Components of the power supply are housed in the enclosure and subject to the atmosphere within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Varce E. Howe
  • Publication number: 20090224083
    Abstract: A module for mounting on the end of a handle of a coating material dispensing device comprises at least a coating material fitting for coupling to a source of coating material. The module further includes a first fractional module component and a second fractional module component. The coating material fitting is captured between the first fractional module component and the second fractional module component when the first and second fractional module components are assembled together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: James P. Baltz
  • Publication number: 20090001199
    Abstract: A system for dispensing pulverulent coating material comprises a source of pulverulent coating material, a source of compressed gas, a device for movably supporting a nozzle, the nozzle coupled to the source of pulverulent material and providing an opening through which the pulverulent material is dispensed, a deflector supported by the device and spaced from the opening to aid in shaping a cloud of dispensed coating material, and a source of high-magnitude electrostatic potential coupled to impart electrostatic potential to the dispensed pulverulent material. The deflector includes at least one first passageway extending with a radial component of the deflector and communicating with the source of compressed gas to direct gas with a radial component into the cloud of dispensed coating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Kui-Chiu Kwok, John F. Schaupp
  • Publication number: 20080308095
    Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for electrohydrodynamic (EHD) aerosolization of liquids utilizing a dissociated discharge electrode and an electric field shield disposed between the nozzle and the discharge electrode. Preferred embodiments are designed as inhalers suitable for administration of therapeutic compounds to the respiratory tract of a patient, preferably the lungs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Ventaira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Trees, Jason Chungyin Fong
  • Patent number: 7463751
    Abstract: A spray data acquisition system includes a pumping device responsive to an applied force to generate an aerosol spray plume along a spray axis. The system further includes a spray pump actuator that is capable of controlling the pumping force and the duration of the aerosol spray plume produced by the pumping device. The system also includes an illumination device that illuminates the aerosol spray plume along at least one first geometric plane that intersects the aerosol spray plume. The system further includes an imaging device that acquires data representative of an interaction between the illumination and the aerosol spray plume along at least one geometric plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Proveris Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Dino J. Farina
  • Patent number: 7411184
    Abstract: A microfluidic device including a microfluidic chip assembled to an electrospray structure. The microfluidic chip includes at least one microfluidic channel leading through an outlet aperture to a surface area of the microfluidic chip. The electrospray structure includes at least one thin, planar point provided with a capillary slot that terminates at the end of the point so as to form an aperture for ejection of a liquid to be sprayed. The electrospray structure is arranged on the surface area of the microfluidic chip so that the point is cantilivered with respect to the microfluidic chip and so that the outlet aperture of the microfluidic device leads to the capillary slot of the point, which microfluidic device also has a mechanism to apply an electrospray voltage to the liquid to be sprayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignees: Commissariat A l'Energie Atomique, Universite des Sciences Et Technologies de Lille
    Inventor: Nicolas Sarrut
  • Patent number: 7337993
    Abstract: An atomization device comprises a conduit containing liquid to be atomized, a spray electrode (1) and a discharge electrode (3). Each electrode is adjacent to a dielectric (5) and they are connected in an electrical circuit (10) to enable a potential difference to be applied between them to atomize the liquid and to generate charge carriers of a first polarity in the proximity of the spray electrode (1) and ions of a second polarity in the proximity of the discharge electrode (3). Some of the first polarity charge carriers deposit on the dielectric adjacent to the spray electrode (1) and some of the second polarity ions deposit on the dielectric (5) adjacent to the discharge electrode (3) so that the atomized liquid is repelled from the dielectric (5) adjacent to the spray electrode (1) and electrically discharged by second polarity ions that are repelled by the dielectric (5) adjacent to the discharge electrode (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Aerstream Technology, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alastair Bruce Pirrie
  • Patent number: 7152817
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray device and a cartridge for an electrostatic spray device that reduce the occurrence of electrically induced emulsion product separation are disclosed. The device and/or the cartridge may reduce electrically induced emulsion product separation by providing a conductive high voltage shield substantially around the product reservoir. Alternatively, the device and/or the cartridge may prevent the product located at the charging location from being in fluid communication with the product reservoir so that the product that is being charged cannot flow back into the product reservoir. The device and/or cartridge may alternatively reduce electrically induced emulsion product separation by minimizing the volume of product between the charging location and the exit orifice of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Edward Wilson, Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Wataru Hirose, Yoshihiro Wakiyama, Takeshi Aoyama, Takeshi Mori, Toru Sumiyoshi, Joseph Michael Crowley
  • Patent number: 6860434
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing ultra-fine particles using an electrospray device is disclosed. One or more capillary provided at its tip with a nozzle is positioned within a guide duct and precursors such as metal organic materials and metal halogen compounds, or nonvolatile substances or volatile substances are supplied to the capillary. Voltages are applied to the capillary and the guide duct, respectively, so that a voltage difference is generated therebetween and the highly charged liquid droplets from the capillary are sprayed. The sprayed liquid droplets are carried along the guide duct together with carrier gas injected into the guide duct. When heat energy is applied to the liquid droplets, chemical reactions of the liquid droplets occur. A collecting plate positioned in front of the guide duct collects ultra-fine particles formed by the chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: Kang Ho Ahn, Jeong Ho Ahn, Sang Hyun Ahn
  • Patent number: 6814318
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device being configured and disposed to electrostatically charge and dispense a product from a supply to a point of dispersal. This device has a reservoir configured to contain the supply of product and a nozzle to disperse the product. A channel is disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle, wherein the channel permits the electrostatic charging of the product upon the product moving within the channel. A positive displacement mechanism is used to move the product from the reservoir to the nozzle. A portion of the high voltage electrode being disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle is used to electrostatically charge the product within the channel at a charging location. A mixing mechanism may be disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle to reconstitute any product which may have separated. The high voltage contact may be spring biased in direction towards the high voltage electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Edward Wilson, Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Toru Sumiyoshi
  • Patent number: 6682004
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrostatic spraying device to electrostatically charge and dispense a product from a reservoir to a point of dispersal that includes a nozzle having an exit orifice and being disposed at the point of dispersal to disperse the product. A channel is included that permits the electrostatic charging of product. A positive displacement mechanism is used to move the product from the reservoir to the nozzle. A power source supplies an electrical charge. A portion of a high voltage electrode being disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle is used to electrostatically charge product within the channel at a charging location. A distance between the charging location and the nozzle exit orifice is governed by Vo/d<100,000, wherein Vo=an output voltage of said high voltage power supply and d=linear distance between the charging location and said nozzle exit orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, David Edward Wilson, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Wataru Hirose, Yoshihiro Wakiyama, Takeshi Aoyama, Takeshi Mori, Yoshito Komada, Toru Sumiyoshi, Joseph Michael Crowley
  • Patent number: 6679441
    Abstract: The invention concerns electrohydrodynamic spraying means enabling electrohydrodynamic spraying, in the air and at atmospheric pressure, of liquids with high surface tension such as water. The means are characterised in that they comprise at least a liquid dispensing conduit (1) whereof the dimensions of the external diameter and of the internal diameter, at the liquid exit point, correspond to an appropriate ratio. Said means can be advantageously used for depolluting aerosol effluents, or transformable into aerosols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)
    Inventors: Jean-Pascal Borra, Pascale Ehouran
  • Publication number: 20020176799
    Abstract: An autosampler for manipulating a specimen container into and out of a furnace of a parent instrument is disclosed. The autosampler has upper, lower and middle gripping fingers which grip and stabilize a crimped wire, which has a large bend therein. The middle gripping finger is positioned between and opposed to the upper and lower gripping finger and has a portion at one end thereof sized and shaped to receive the bend of the crimped wire. The gripping fingers grip and hold the crimped wire while a tray table moves to place the specimen container on a hook at the bottom of the crimped wire. If the specimen container is sealed, a hole may be punctured therein by a puncturing apparatus, which has a housing which is movable between an upper and lower position and biased toward the lower position. A pin is positioned inside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: E. Joel McCorkle
  • Patent number: 6481648
    Abstract: A laboratory microchip includes a carrier with a micro spray tip projecting vertically out of a plane of the carrier. The carrier and spray tip are designed as a monolithic or single unit. The spray tip includes a passage channel which conveys the substances to be sprayed from a channel to a spray tip aperture. The channel is a part of a channel structure which is enclosed to the outside by a cover plate. The spray tip includes, on the sides of the spray aperture, an area which tapers conically inwards. Connected to this tapered area is a constant cross-section drill hole forming an annular internal step formation at the transition between the two areas. The outer diameter of the conically tapering tip is locally reduced in proximity to the aperture to provide a finer tip to the spray tip. The finer tip increases the electrical fields occurring at the tip, to further increase the forces which act on the substances and for dispersion spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6468475
    Abstract: An autosampler for manipulating a specimen container into and out of a furnace of a parent instrument is disclosed. The autosampler has upper, lower and middle gripping fingers which grip and stabilize a crimped wire, which has a large bend therein. The middle gripping finger is positioned between and opposed to the upper and lower gripping finger and has a portion at one end thereof sized and shaped to receive the bend of the crimped wire. The gripping fingers grip and hold the crimped wire while a tray table moves to place the specimen container on a hook at the bottom of the crimped wire. If the specimen container is sealed, a hole may be punctured therein by a puncturing apparatus, which has a housing which is movable between an upper and lower position and biased toward the lower position. A pin is positioned inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Winfried Goenner, Donald L. Groeschner, E. Joel McCorkle
  • Patent number: 6454193
    Abstract: A electrohydrodynamic aerosol sprayer wherein a gas flow deflector is used for creating a gas flow past the spray nozzle to stabilize the Taylor cone and to transport at least a portion of the aerosol away from the region downstream of the spray nozzle. This stabilization of the cone and transport of aerosol improves the droplet size and distribution and may also reduce the deposit of droplets on the internal components of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: BattellePharma, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Busick, James E. Dvorsky, Gregory A. Trees, James H. Saunders
  • Patent number: 6318647
    Abstract: A disposable catridge for use with an electrostatic charging device. The disposable cartridge can have a reservoir configured to contain a supply of product suitable for electrostatic spraying, a nozzle configured and disposed to disperse the electrostatically charged product, and an electrode disposed to electrostatically charge the product prior to its dispersal. The disposable cartridge can also have an insulator for insulating the supply of product from electrostatic charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Chinto Benjamin Gaw, Chow-Chi Huang, Ayub Ibrahim Khan, Ivan Andrew McCracken, Eric Jason Wallace, Robert James Peterson
  • Publication number: 20010038047
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray device and a cartridge for an electrostatic spray device that reduce the occurrence of electrically induced emulsion product separation are disclosed. The device and/or the cartridge may reduce electrically induced emulsion product separation by providing a conductive high voltage shield substantially around the product reservoir. Alternatively, the device and/or the cartridge may prevent the product located at the charging location from being in fluid communication with the product reservoir so that the product that is being charged cannot flow back into the product reservoir. The device and/or cartridge may alternatively reduce electrically induced emulsion product separation by minimizing the volume of product between the charging location and the exit orifice of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: David Edward Wilson, Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Wataru Hirose, Yoshihiro Wakiyama, Takeshi Aoyama, Takeshi Mori, Toru Sumiyoshi, Joseph Michael Crowley
  • Patent number: 6311903
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device which is designed to be portable, hand-held, self-contained and battery operated, with a disposable cartridge. The electrostatic spraying device is configured to provide a precise essentially constant flow rate of a product being applied, to provide uniformity and ease of application of the product, as well as to conserve product usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Chinto Benjamin Gaw, Chow-Chi Huang, Ayub Ibrahim Khan, Jeffrey Keith Leppla
  • Patent number: 6302331
    Abstract: The invention provides an aerosol delivery method and system for producing a charged electrohydrodynamic (EHD) aerosol, discharging the aerosol and moving the discharged aerosol in a desired direction without substantial wetting of the device. The delivery system may include a spray nozzle for dispensing the fluid to be aerosolized and negatively charging the aerosol droplets, a discharge electrode generally downstream of the spray nozzle for generating a positive ion stream which intercepts and electrically neutralizes the negative aerosol droplets while also imparting a desired movement on the aerosol in a direction generally away from the discharge electrode and a reference electrode between the spray nozzle and the discharge electrode for modifying the electric field between the spray nozzle and the discharge electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Battelle Pulmonary Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Dvorsky, Songsdhit Chongsiriwatana
  • Publication number: 20010020653
    Abstract: An electrostatic spray device that maintains a consistent charge-to-mass ratio in order to maintain a consistent target spray quality is disclosed. During steady state conditions, the high voltage power supply adjusts the output voltage level in response to changing environmental and/or operating conditions. During transient conditions such as start-up, shut-down and changing flow rate conditions, the high voltage power supply ensures that the charge-to-mass ratio is maintained. During, start-up, for example, the high voltage power supply charges the high voltage electrode to a predetermined voltage level before the product is delivered to the charging location. During shut-down, the product delivery is stopped before the high voltage power supply shuts off power to the high voltage electrode, and during changes in product flow rate, the voltage level of the high voltage electrode is adjusted to maintain a consistent charge-to-mass ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: David Edward Wilson, Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Wataru Hirose, Yoshihiro Wakiyama, Takeshi Aoyama, Takeshi Mori, Toru Sumiyoshi
  • Publication number: 20010020652
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device which is configured and disposed to electrostatically charge and dispense a product from a supply to a point of dispersal. The electrostatic spraying device has a reservoir configured to contain the supply of product and a nozzle to disperse the product. The nozzle being disposed at the point of dispersal. The nozzle has an exit orifice. A channel is disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle, wherein the channel permits the electrostatic charging of the product upon the product moving within the channel. A positive displacement mechanism is used to move the product from the reservoir to the nozzle. A power source supplies an electrical charge. A high voltage power supply, high voltage contact, and high voltage electrode are used. A portion of the high voltage electrode being disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle is used to electrostatically charge the product within the channel at a charging location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, David Edward Wilson, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Wataru Hirose, Yoshihiro Wakiyama, Takeshi Aoyama, Takeshi Mori, Yoshito Komada, Toru Sumiyoshi, Joseph Michael Crowley