LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHODS
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides methods and apparatus for nebulizing liquids. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a thin shell member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween. The apertures are tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface. A liquid supplier is further provided which delivers a predetermined unit volume of liquid to the rear surface. A vibrator vibrates the thin shell member to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the thin shell member.
89 Citations
55 Claims
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1-47. -47. (canceled)
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48. A method for aerosolizing a liquid, the method comprising:
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providing an aerosolization device comprising an aerosol generator, an inhalation sensor, and control circuitry, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a plate having a plurality of apertures and a vibratable element that is mechanically linked to the plate, wherein the vibratable element is configured to vibrate the plate, and wherein the plate is non-planar in geometry;
sensing a user inhalation with the sensor and transmitting an electrical signal to the control circuitry;
sending a signal from the control circuitry to vibrate the vibratable element when the inhalation reaches a threshold amount. - View Dependent Claims (49, 50, 51)
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52. An aerosolization device comprising:
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a housing;
an aerosol generator operably coupled to the housing, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a plate having a plurality of apertures and a vibratable element that is mechanically linked to the plate, wherein the aerosol generator is adapted to aerosolize a liquid for delivery to a user, and wherein the plate is non-planar in geometry;
an inhalation sensor that is configured to sense when the user inhales and to produce an electrical signal that is based on the sensed inhalation;
control circuitry that is configured to actuate the aerosol generator when the electrical signal indicates that the inhalation has reached a threshold amount. - View Dependent Claims (53, 54, 55)
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Specification