Liquid dispensing apparatus and methods
US6640804B2 · kind B2 · utility
98Cited by
111References
8Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2022 |
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.