Atomizer wicking system
US7017829B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05B17/0684
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A replacement reservoir assembly (30) for an atomizing device (20), which uses a vibratable orifice plate (37) for atomizing liquid, includes a container (31), which contains a liquid to be atomized, and an elongated wick (56) having a lower end which is immersed in the liquid within the container (31) and an upper end located above the container (31). The wick (56) includes a dimensionally stable material having capillary passages for drawing liquid out of the container (31) to the upper end of the wick (56), which is outside the container (31). The upper end of the wick (56) has at least one surface that is configured to provide an unobstructed passage to the atmosphere from a region between a top surface of the wick (56) and a facing surface of the vibratable orifice plate (37) when the replacement reservoir is positioned in the atomizing device (20). A wick (56) for use in a replaceable reservoir assembly (30) that contains liquid to be atomized by a vibratory orifice plate (37) and a method of positioning an upper end of a solid, dimensionally stable wick (56) are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.