Patent · US Active

Capillary force vaporizers

US7920777B2 · kind B2 · utility

70Cited by
0References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 15, 2006
Grant dateApr 5, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 8, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/49826
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The present invention concerns capillary force vaporizers for use in vaporizing liquids and emitting pressurized vapors. In one embodiment, the inventive capillary force vaporizer includes a porous member, a heater component to convey heat to the porous member, and a vapor containment region. The porous member further includes a capillary network, a surface for receiving liquid and a vaporization area in which vapor is produced from the liquid. The vapor is collected and pressurized within the vapor containment region, which includes one or more openings for the release of vapor at a velocity greater than zero. Several different embodiments for capillary force vaporizers and systems comprising capillary force vaporizers are disclosed along with methods for their use.

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