Multi-element ultrasonic atomizer
AssigneeSonics & Materials, Inc.
InventorMichael Donaty
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-element ultrasonic atomizer and method for atomizing liquids is described, having a power generator, a converter, an ultrasonic horn coupled to the converter, and at least two atomizing probes coupled to the ultrasound horn, each atomizing probe including at least one liquid passage extending longitudinally along the atomizing probe and terminating at an atomizing tip at a distal end of the atomizing probe. The atomizing probes are made to vibrate at same frequency. A liquid is delivered to an atomizing surface through the liquid passage and through an opening at the atomizing tip.
Claims20
A multi-element ultrasonic atomizer, comprising:
- a power generator;
- a converter;
- an ultrasonic horn coupled to said converter;
- and
- at least two atomizing probes coupled to said ultrasound horn, each atomizing probe comprising at least one liquid passage extending longitudinally along the atomizing probe and terminating at an atomizing tip at a distal end of the atomizing probe;
- wherein said at least two atomizing probes are made to vibrate at same frequency;
- wherein a liquid is delivered to an atomizing surface through said at least one liquid passage and through an opening at said atomizing tip;
- and
- wherein said converter converts an electrical oscillation supplied by said power generator to a mechanical oscillation and transfers the mechanical oscillation to said ultrasonic horn.
A method for atomizing liquids, comprising the steps of:
- supplying electrical power from a power generator;
- providing a converter for converting said electrical power to mechanical oscillation;
- transferring the mechanical oscillation to an ultrasonic horn coupled to said converter;
- transferring the mechanical oscillation from the ultrasonic horn to at least two atomizing probes coupled to said horn such that the probes oscillate at same frequency;
- and
- delivering a liquid to an atomizing surface through at least one liquid passage extending longitudinally along the atomizing probe and terminating at an atomizing tip at a distal end of the atomizing probe.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.