Nebulizer vibrating aperture plate drive frequency control and monitoring
US11065399B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05B12/081
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.