Sidestream aerosol generator and method in variable positions

Abstract

A device and method for the aerosolization of a liquid, includes a liquid reservoir having a three dimensional geometric shape within a hollow cylindrical housing and a gas nozzle in the liquid reservoir. An internal component having a three dimensional geometric shape conforming to the internal walls of the liquid reservoir, having a liquid conduit and a liquid orifice, and minimally spaced from the internal walls of the liquid reservoir and the gas nozzle. The gas nozzle coupled to pressurized gas source, produces a high velocity gas stream which exits through the liquid orifice. A subatmospheric pressure is created within the minimal space between the liquid conduit, and gas nozzle. The liquid is aspirated from the minimal space between the internal component and the internal walls of the liquid reservoir, to the minimal space between the liquid conduit, and gas nozzle and out the liquid orifice. A removable threaded cap with an aerosol outlet on the cylindrical housing, provides a seal between the inner surface of the cap, and the region of the minimal space between the internal component, and the internal walls of the liquid reservoir. The seal reduces the quantity of air aspirated from the minimal space, with improved aerosol output. As a result of the geometrical shape of the internal component conforming to the internal geometrical shape of the liquid reservoir, the device will generate an aerosol in any orientation from the vertical to above the horizontal positions.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.