Patent · US Expired

Liquid dispensing apparatus and methods

US6467476B1 · kind B1 · utility

126Cited by
102References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 18, 2000
Grant dateOct 22, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 18, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M2205/3306
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The invention provides methods and apparatus for nebulizing liquids. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a thin shell member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween. The apertures are tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface. A liquid supplier is further provided which delivers a predetermined unit volume of liquid to the rear surface. A vibrator vibrates the thin shell member to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the thin shell member.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.