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US 2002/0162551 A1Published application
Cymbal-shaped actuator for a nebulizing element
OwnerCraig M. Litherlandinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An aerosol generator comprises a vibratable element and a support member that is coupled to the vibratable element. The support member is cymbal-shaped and has a concave surface and a central opening, and the concave surface faces the vibratable element. A vibratable member is disposed across the central opening and has a plurality of apertures. In this way, liquid that is applied to a rear surface of the vibratable member is ejected from the front surface as an atomized spray upon vibration of the vibratable element.
Claims37
An aerosol generator comprising:
- a vibratable element having a central opening;
- a support member coupled to the vibratable element, the support member having a flat outer region, an angled intermediate region and a flat inner region having a central opening;
- and
- a vibratable member disposed across the central opening of the support member, the vibratable member having a front surface, a rear surface and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween, whereby liquid applied to the rear surface is ejected from the front surface as an atomized spray upon vibration of the vibratable element.
1 more element
An aerosolization device, comprising:
- a housing defining an interior and an exit opening;
- an aerosol generator disposed in the interior, the aerosol generator comprising a vibratable element having a central opening;
- a support member coupled to the vibratable element, the support member having a flat outer region, an angled intermediate region and a flat inner region having a central opening;
- and a vibratable member disposed across the central opening of the support member, the vibratable member having a front surface, a rear surface and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween;
- and
- circuitry to provide electrical current to the vibratable element to vibrate the vibratable element, whereby liquid applied to the rear surface of the vibratable element is ejected from the front surface as an atomized spray that may exit the housing through the exit opening.
3 more elements
A method for aerosolizing a liquid, the method comprising:
- providing an aerosol generator comprising a vibratable element having a central opening;
- a support member coupled to the vibratable element, the support member having a flat outer region, an angled intermediate region and a flat inner region having a central opening;
- and a vibratable member disposed across the central opening of the support member, the vibratable member having a front surface, a rear surface and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween;
- supplying liquid to the rear surface of the vibratable member;
- and
- vibrating the vibratable element to move the vibratable member and to eject the liquid from the front surface as an atomized spray.
3 more elements
An aerosol generator, comprising:
- a vibratable element having a central opening;
- a support member coupled to the vibratable element, the support member having a flat outer region, an angled intermediate region and a flat inner region having a central opening;
- and
- a vibratable member disposed across the central opening of the support member, the vibratable member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween;
- wherein the support member is configured to move the vibratable member back and forth as a generally rigid body upon vibration of the vibratable element, whereby liquid applied to the rear surface of the vibratable element is ejected from the front surface as an atomized spray.
2 more elements
A method for aerosolizing a liquid, the method comprising:
- providing an aerosol generator comprising a support member coupled to the vibratable element, the support member having a central opening;
- and
- a vibratable member disposed across the central opening of the support member, the vibratable member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween;
- supplying liquid to the rear surface of the vibratable member;
- and
- vibrating the vibratable element to move the vibratable member back and forth in a substantially rigid body motion and thereby eject the liquid from the front surface as an atomized spray.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.