Optimized liquid droplet spray device for an inhaler suitable for respiratory therapies
US6405934B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M15/025
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The liquid droplet spray device (1) comprises a housing formed of a superposition of a first and a second substrate (5, 6) and a space (2) within the housing for containing a liquid substance (3), vibrating means (8) for applying a frequency vibration to the substance (3) thereby generating the liquid droplet spray, and outlet means (7, 9, 10) for ejecting the liquid droplet spray. The outlet means comprise a cavity (7), output nozzles (9) and output channels (10) connecting the cavity (7) to the outlet nozzles (9). According to the invention, the vibrating means (8) creates a standing wave pattern within the liquid substance (3), and the outlet means are arranged such that said outlet nozzles (9) are superposed on the vibration mode peaks of the standing wave pattern. Advantageously, the first and second substrates have similar geometrical shapes. Minimal retention and optimal flow of the substance are obtained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.