Method and apparatus for dispensing liquids as an atomized spray

• US 7,083,112 B2
• Filed: 06/06/2005
• Issued: 08/01/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Novartis Pharma AG (Novartis Ag)
• Original Assignee: Aerogen, Inc. (Nektar Therapeutics)
• Inventors: Ivri, Yehuda
• Primary Examiner(s): Ganey, Steven J.
• Application Number:
  US11/147,982
• Publication Number:
  US 20050279851A1
• Time in Patent Office: 421 Days
• Field of Search: 239/4, 239/102.1, 239/102.2, 239/548, 239/556, 239/601, 347/20, 347/68, 347/47, 347/54
• US Class Current: 239/4
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 11/005 using ultrasonics spraying or atomising liquids using ultrasonic vibrations in general B05B17/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 11/006 operated by applying mechanical pressure to the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0065 Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices A61M15/0028 takes precedence; dosage devices incorporated in aerosol cans B65D83/52
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0081 Locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0085 using ultrasonics spraying or atomising liquids using ultrasonic vibrations in general B05B17/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/025 Bubble jet droplet ejection devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0039 in the inspiratory circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3306 Optical measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3379 Masses, volumes, levels of fluids in reservoirs, flow rates
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3382 Upper level detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3386 Low level detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3389 Continuous level detection A61M2205/3393 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8206 battery-operated
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/08 responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material to be discharged, of ambient medium or of target ; responsive to condition of spray devices or of supply means, e.g. pipes, pumps or their drive means
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 17/0646 Vibrating plates, i.e. plates being directly subjected to the vibrations, e.g. having a piezoelectric transducer attached thereto
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 17/0676 Feeding means
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 17/0684 Wicks or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/025 by vibration
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/04 generating single droplets or particles on demand
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2202/15 Moving nozzle or nozzle plate

Abstract

The invention provides exemplary methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids as an atomized spray. In one particularly preferably method, a liquid is dispensed as an atomized spray from a vibratable member having a front surface and a rear surface, with the member having at least one tapered hole between the surfaces for dispensing the liquid. The tapered hole has a larger cross-sectional area at the rear surface than at the front surface. The liquid is delivered from a supply container to the rear surface of the vibratable member in an amount sufficient to cover the hole with liquid. The vibratable member is then vibrated to dispense at least a portion of the liquid through the hole and from the front surface. Additional liquid is delivered from the supply container and to the rear surface in volumes that are substantially equal to the volumes dispensed.

Claims

1. A droplet ejector device, comprising:

a vibratable member having a rear surface and a front surface, and a plurality of tapered apertures that taper inwardly from the rear surface to the front surface;

a container that is configured to store a liquid that is to be supplied to the rear surface of the vibratable member, wherein when the liquid is at the rear surface the liquid is no greater than atmospheric pressure;

a vibratory element coupled to the vibratable member so as to be on at least opposing sides of the vibratable member, wherein the vibratory element is actuatable to vibrate the vibratable member, and wherein vibration of the vibratable member is configured to eject liquid droplets from the front surface when liquid is supplied from the container to the rear surface.

2. A device as in claim 1, wherein the vibratory element comprises a piezoceramic.

3. A device as in claim 1, wherein the apertures taper from about 0.006 inch to about 0.0025 inch.

4. A device as in claim 1, wherein the vibratory element is configured to vibrate the vibratable member at a frequency of about 60,000 Hz or greater.

5. A method for ejecting liquid droplets, the method comprising:

providing a vibratable member having a rear surface and a front surface, and a plurality of tapered apertures that taper inwardly from the rear surface to the front surface;

supplying an amount of liquid to the rear surface of the vibratable member, wherein when the liquid is at the rear surface the liquid is at no greater than atmospheric pressure;

vibrating the vibratable member with a vibratory element that is coupled to the vibratable member so as to be on at least opposing sides of the vibratable member, wherein the vibratable member is vibrated while the liquid is at the rear surface to cause liquid droplets to be ejected from the front surface.

6. A method as in claim 5, wherein the liquid is supplied to the rear surface from a container.

7. A method as in claim 5, further comprising controlling the amount of liquid supplied to the rear surface.

8. A method as in claim 5, further comprising vibrating the vibratable member with a piezoceramic at a frequency of about 60,000 Hz or greater.

9. A method as in claim 5, wherein the apertures taper from about 0.006 inch to about 0.0025 inch.

10. A method as in claim 5, further comprising vibrating the vibratable member under different pressure conditions.

11. A method as in claim 5, wherein the liquid comprises a medicament.

12. A droplet ejector device, comprising:

a vibratable member having a rear surface and a front surface, and a plurality of tapered apertures that taper inwardly from the rear surface to the front surface;

a container that is configured to store a liquid that is to be supplied to the rear surface of the vibratable member, wherein when the liquid is at the front surface the liquid is at no greater than atmospheric pressure;

a vibratory element coupled to the vibratable member, wherein the vibratory element is actuatable to vibrate the vibratable member, and wherein vibration of the vibratable member is configured to eject liquid droplets from the front surface when liquid is supplied from the container to the rear surface; and

an intermediary member that is coupled to the vibratable member, and wherein the vibratory element is also coupled to the intermediary member.