Plug-in type liquid atomizer

US6857580B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• S. C. JOHNSON & SON, INC. · US

Inventors

• Scott D. Walter · New Richmond, US
• Thomas A. Helf · Waukesha, US
• Edward J. Martens, III · Caledonia, US
• Luke Stonis · Columbus, US
• John Knittle · Westerville, US
• Chris Von Dohlen · Columbus, US
• Dennis J. Denen · Columbus, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 3, 2001
• Grant date: Feb 22, 2005
• Expiry date: May 13, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B05B17/0646
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A piezoelectrically actuated liquid atomizer device which applies alternating voltages from an ordinary wall outlet to a piezoelectric actuator intermittently and at a high rate sufficient to cause an atomization plate which is vibrated by the actuator to form small droplets from liquid which is supplied to the plate. The intermittent application of voltages to the piezoelectric actuator is carried out according to a duty cycle in which the off times are adjustable. An override of the duty cycle is provided so that the piezoelectric actuator operates continuously for intervals which are manually or automatically controlled.