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High modulus polymeric ejector mechanism, ejector device, and methods of use

  • US 10,639,194 B2
  • Filed: 09/06/2017
  • Issued: 05/05/2020
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/12/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A device for delivering a fluid to a target, the device comprising:

  • a housing;

    a reservoir disposed within the housing for receiving a volume of fluid; and

    an ejector mechanism in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to eject a stream of droplets, the ejector mechanism comprising an ejector plate having a first surface in fluid communication with a fluid delivery area of the reservoir, and a second surface coupled to a polymeric generator plate and a piezoelectric actuator;

    the polymeric generator plate having a first fluid intake surface coupled to the ejector plate and in fluid communication with a fluid delivery area of the reservoir, a second fluid exit surface, and a plurality of openings formed through its thickness, the plurality of openings having an average opening diameter at the second fluid exit surface of from about 20 μ

    m to about 100 μ

    m, which average opening diameter at the second fluid exit surface is smaller than the average opening diameter at the first fluid intake surface; and

    the piezoelectric actuator being operable to oscillate the ejector plate, and thereby the polymeric generator plate, at a frequency and generate a directed stream of droplets;

    wherein one or more of said plurality of openings are shaped so as to comprise a fluid entrance orifice, an entrance cavity, a capillary channel, and a fluid exit orifice, the capillary channel having a length in the range of from about 70 μ

    m to about 120 μ

    m.

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