Micro-orifice nozzle
US5518183A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05B1/3086
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A dispensing nozzle is provided with uniform, very-small diameter orifices of 0.001 to 0.015 inch (25 to 400 microns) by slotting at least one of two preferably-conical abutting faces between relatively movable parts defining a nozzle wall. The orifices can be formed by cutting with a broach to form an array of slots in a conical plug structure that fits against a complementary conical seat. Micro-orifices are defined between the conical structure and seat, preferably with an internal diameter of about 0.004 to 0.007 inch (100 to 170 microns) for dispensing uniform small droplets of thin oil/water invert emulsions. The conical structure can be liftable from the seat for flushing the slots by use of a spring mount, whereby increasing the dispensing pressure lifts the plug and flushes the slots. A filter screen reduces the tendency of the nozzle to clog. The dispensing nozzle provides an efficient and cost effective means to form uniform small droplets, enabling ultra low volume spraying of agricultural active agents in thin invert emulsions, for example obtaining effective applications at one pint to one quart per acre.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.