HANDHELD SPRAYER WITH REMOVABLE CARTRIDGE AND METHOD OF USING SAME
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A fluid dispensing cartridge for use with an electrohydrodynamic spray device, said cartridge comprising:
- a body defining a substantially closed fluid chamber therein, said fluid chamber comprising a proximal end and a distal end substantially opposite said proximal end;
a lead screw disposed within said fluid chamber and extending substantially between said proximal and distal ends;
a piston defining a bore therein such that said piston is threadably cooperative with said lead screw such that upon rotation of said lead screw, said piston advances from one end to the other end to force at least a portion of a fluid disposed in said fluid chamber out a discharge aperture;
a seal associated with said piston and threadably cooperative with said lead screw to inhibit fluid leakage between said lead screw and said seal, said seal being made from a material softer than that of said screw; and
an outlet in fluid communication with said fluid chamber.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A cartridge for a handheld electrohydrodynamic (EHD) spraying device and a spraying device incorporating the cartridge. The cartridge is disposable, and can contain therapeutic products. The device includes a wetted lead screw with a compliant seal, where the placement of the seal relative to the screw inhibits leakage during both cartridge use and storage. A frame disposed within the cartridge acts as a load-transferring mechanism for the weight of the cartridge to a handle of the spraying device.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A fluid dispensing cartridge for use with an electrohydrodynamic spray device, said cartridge comprising:
-
a body defining a substantially closed fluid chamber therein, said fluid chamber comprising a proximal end and a distal end substantially opposite said proximal end; a lead screw disposed within said fluid chamber and extending substantially between said proximal and distal ends; a piston defining a bore therein such that said piston is threadably cooperative with said lead screw such that upon rotation of said lead screw, said piston advances from one end to the other end to force at least a portion of a fluid disposed in said fluid chamber out a discharge aperture; a seal associated with said piston and threadably cooperative with said lead screw to inhibit fluid leakage between said lead screw and said seal, said seal being made from a material softer than that of said screw; and an outlet in fluid communication with said fluid chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A method of spraying a fluid, said method comprising:
-
disposing a fluid within a cartridge, said cartridge comprising; a body defining a fluid chamber comprising a proximal end and a distal end substantially opposite said proximal end; a lead screw disposed within said fluid chamber; a piston threadably cooperative with said lead screw; and a seal associated with said piston and threadably cooperative with said lead screw such that upon said advancing of said piston, said seal inhibits fluid leakage through the region defined by the threadable cooperation between said lead screw and said seal, said seal being made from a material softer than that of said screw; connecting said cartridge to a spray device such that a power source therein is engaged with said lead screw; and rotationally moving said lead screw to advance said piston, thereby dispensing at least a portion of said fluid. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A spray device comprising:
-
a handle defining a grip thereon, said handle comprising; an electric power supply; a motor coupled to said electric power supply and responsive thereto; a control member configured to electrically connect said electric power supply and said motor; and a driver rotationally coupled to said motor; and a fluid dispensing cartridge supported by said handle through a cantilevered connection therebetween, said cartridge comprising; a body defining a fluid chamber therein; a plunger disposed in said fluid chamber and responsive to said driver such that rotation thereof forces movement of said plunger to effect dispensing of a fluid disposed in said fluid chamber, said plunger connected to said handle at an interface defined by said driver; and a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with said fluid chamber such that upon movement of said plunger therein, at least a portion of said fluid is discharged from said fluid chamber through said plurality of nozzles in a spray pattern substantially defined by said plurality of nozzles. - View Dependent Claims (20)
-
Specification