Methods and apparatus for forming microdroplets of liquids at elevated temperatures
US5415679A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 16, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC23C4/123
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Microdroplets of liquids at elevated temperatures are formed by transferring the liquid to an electrostrictive ejection device and applying an electric field which induces a second order elastic strain in the ejection device. The ejection device responds by ejecting generally spherically-shaped microdroplets. The ejection device comprises an electrostrictive transducer having an orifice through which the liquid is ejected. Drive electronics apply an excitation electric field to the electrostrictive transducer which causes a second order elastic strain in the electrostrictive transducer independent of the polarity of the electric field.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.