Abstract:
The invention provides an aerosol delivery method and system for producing a charged electrohydrodynamic (EHD) aerosol, discharging the aerosol and moving the discharged aerosol in a desired direction without substantial wetting of the device. The delivery system may include a spray nozzle for dispensing the fluid to be aerosolized and negatively charging the aerosol droplets, a discharge electrode generally downstream of the spray nozzle for generating a positive ion stream which intercepts and electrically neutralizes the negative aerosol droplets while also imparting a desired movement on the aerosol in a direction generally away from the discharge electrode and a reference electrode between the spray nozzle and the discharge electrode for modifying the electric field between the spray nozzle and the discharge electrode.
Abstract:
A device for dispensing a liquid for inhalation, which comprises an unshielded electrohydrodynamic comminution means (1), a means for supplying a liquid to the comminution means, a sharp discharge electrode (12) and, optionally, a means for charging the discharge electrode to a polarity opposite to that of the comminution means, wherein the discharge electrode is located so as to direct gaseous ions into the body of the comminuted liquid and thereby to fully or partially discharge the comminuted liquid.
Abstract:
The controlled generation of vapors and/or aerosols from liquids is accomplished by applying a regulated, DC voltage to a wicklike, porous emitter or generator assembly which is supplied with the desired liquid to be vaporized. An electrostatic charge is applied to the liquid by means of an electrode positioned in contact with the wick assembly and connected to the DC power supply. The wick assembly includes a porous, capillary material, such as braided fibers, through which the liquid passes to exposed, vapor-emitting fiber tips.The environment in a room, enclosed spaced of any kind, or a building may be aromatically conditioned and/or have its quality modified and enhanced by using a selected liquid conditioning substance such as an aromatic oil, deodorant, disinfectant, fumigant, fungicide, insecticide, or bactericide. Charged, conditioning vapors may be discharged into the circulating air of a building air conditioning system by mounting an emitter assembly within an air handling duct, directly in the moving air stream.
Abstract:
An electrostatic spraying device comprises a housing (10) incorporating a cartridge (16) containing liquid, such as a fragrance-producing oil, which is to be sprayed via a vertically disposed capillary structure (22), electrical potential being applied to the liquid so that the liquid is drawn across the end face of the capillary structure and is sprayed as a plurality of ligaments which break up into droplets.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for projecting liquid in the form of a sheet for deposition on a target comprises a nozzle having a slot 10 of width not less than 250 microns to which the liquid is supplied. High voltage is applied to the liquid and the liquid is supplied to the slot at a flow rate such that the liquid is formed as, and is maintained in the form of, a sheet by preponderantly electrostatic forces thereby effecting deposition of the sheet on to the target.
Abstract:
An electrically insulated needle tip is provided for forming an electrospray from a solution containing a solute sample. The insulated needle tip is positioned between an upstream electrode and a downstream counterelectrode. The solution passes through the needle, emerges from the insulated tip and is converted to an electrospray under the influence of an electric field generated between the electrode and the counterelectrode.
Abstract:
The controlled generation of vapors and/or aerosols from liquids is accomplished by applying a regulated, DC voltage to a wick-like, porous emitter or generator assembly which is supplied with the desired liquid to be vaporized. An electrostatic charge is applied to the liquid by means of an electrode positioned in contact with the wick assembly and connected to the DC power supply. The wick assembly includes a porous, capillary material, such as braided fibers, through which the liquid passes to exposed, vapor-emitting fiber tips.The environment in a room, or enclosed space of any kind, may be aromatically conditioned and/or have its quality modified and enhanced by using a selected liquid conditioning substance such as an aromatic oil, deodorant, disinfectant, fumigant, fungicide, insecticide, or bactericide.
Abstract:
An electrostatic spraying device is designed in such a way that potential surface leakage paths (FIG. 1b) along which current may leak from the HT generator (2b) are sufficiently long to allow the use of a generator having a smaller than conventional maximum current output.
Abstract:
A method of atomizing a polar liquid utilizes apparatus comprising a tube having an inlet for liquid and at least one aperture providing an outlet from the tube for the liquid and a field intensifying electrode disposed adjacent the aperture. The method comprises applying a potential difference between the polar liquid and the field intensifying electrode and feeding the liquid along the tube from the inlet to the aperture.In carrying out the method, the tube is supported at a position remote from the aperture and the potential difference, flow rate and tube stiffness are so selected relatively to each other that the tube can be electrostatically maintained in vibration or gyration to cause atomized liquid particles to be thrown from the tube at the aperture.
Abstract:
An electrostatic spraying apparatus in which an electrode is mounted adjacent to the sprayhead, means are provided for causing a first electrical potential to be applied to liquid emerging from the sprayhead, and further means are provided for applying a second electrical potential to the electrode. The difference between the first and second potentials is sufficient to cause an intense field to be developed between the emerging liquid and the electrode, sufficient to atomise the liquid. The electrode has a core of conducting or semiconducting material sheathed in a "semi-insulating" material. This "semi-insulating" material has a dielectric strength and volume resistivity sufficiently high to prevent sparking between the electrode and the sprayhead and a volume resistivity sufficiently low to allow charge collected on the surface of the material to be conducted through the "semi-insulating" material to the conducting or semiconducting core.