US 5,667,733 A · Aerosol generator and method for effecting the size of droplets dispersed thereby

Abstract

An ultra low volume fog or aerosol generator produces a fog with droplets whose particle size or sizes are easily varied from about 5 microns to about 20 microns during the operation of the machine. This generator includes an air blower, the discharge of which is directed along a prescribed path, thence, through a passageway and, thence, through a nozzle into the ambient air. Liquid supplied to the nozzle is entrained by the air as it passes through the nozzle for producing finely droplets dispersed in the air. The particle sizes of the droplets are regulated by altering the volume of air discharged through the nozzle by means of an air regulator valve, which diverts a portion of the air from its prescribed path. An electrical motor controls the opening and closing of the air regulator valve. In one embodiment, the motor cyclically modulates the opening and closing of the valve. In another embodiment, the motor is a reversible, D.C., stepping motor, the rotation of which alters the position of the gate in the valve to prescribe the amount to which the valve is opened or closed.

Claims9

Dependent claims

An aerosol generator comprising:

(a) an air blower having an air discharge side;
(b) a nozzle defining a path of travel for an air stream from its air receiving side to its discharge side and thence, into the ambient air, said nozzle being adapted to entrain liquid into said air stream for producing droplets dispensed in said air as it is discharged from said nozzle;
(c) a robe for supplying liquid to said nozzle for being entrained in said air stream;
(d) a duct connected between the discharge side of said blower and said air receiving side of said nozzle for directing air discharged from said discharge side of said blower to said air receiving side of said nozzle;
(e) a valve communicating with said duct for diverting varying portions of the air passing through said duct from being delivered to said nozzle, depending upon the amount of opening of said valve;
(f) said valve being configured to be cycled progressively between a first condition wherein a first portion of the air passing through said duct is discharged to ambience and a second condition wherein a second portion of the air passing through said duct is discharged to ambience;
and
(g) a motor for cycling said valve repeatedly between its first and second conditions.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Aerosol generator and method for effecting the size of droplets dispersed thereby

Life of this patent

Aerosol generator and method for effecting the size of droplets dispersed thereby

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9