Propellant-based aerosol generation devices and method

US6412416B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army · US

Inventors

• William G. Rouse · Aberdeen, US
• Raymond J. Maleck · Perry Hall, US
• Daniel J. Hartman · Orlando, US
• Noel Gonzalez · Oviedo, US
• Daniel M. Jackson · Oviedo, US
• Walter Thomas Robinson · Pegram, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 19, 2001
• Grant date: Jul 2, 2002
• Expiry date: Mar 19, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F42B5/15
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed is an aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge containing a propellant. When ignited, propellant gases expand through a diffuser, then through and into a clearing pad and then through and into a filler area, thereby de-agglomerating and fluidizing the filler and increasing pressure until a frangible end seal on the retainer end of the cartridge ruptures and releases the filler as an aerosol cloud. Methods for disseminating an aerosol and for using the device are also disclosed.