High modulus polymeric ejector mechanism, ejector device, and methods of use
First Claim
Patent Images
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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Abstract
An ejector device and method of delivering safe, suitable, and repeatable dosages to a subject for topical, oral, nasal, or pulmonary use is disclosed. The ejector device includes 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 coupled to a generator plate and a piezoelectric actuator; the piezoelectric actuator being operable to oscillate the ejector plate, and thereby the generator plate, at a frequency and generate a directed stream of droplets.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A device for delivering a fluid to a target, the device comprising:
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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; andthe 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An ejector mechanism configured to eject a stream of droplets, the ejector mechanism comprising:
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an ejector plate having a first surface in fluid communication with a fluid delivery area of a 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, 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; andthe 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. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification