The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 14, 2010
Filed:
Feb. 28, 2003
William G. Atterbury, Columbus, OH (US);
Chad E. Bouton, Delaware, OH (US);
David R. Busick, Lewis Center, OH (US);
James E. Dvorsky, Norwich Township, OH (US);
Peter A. Gaydos, Hilliard, OH (US);
David A. Holley, Lancaster, OH (US);
Daniel D. Meek, Canal Winchester, OH (US);
Gregory A. Trees, Columbus, OH (US);
William G. Atterbury, Columbus, OH (US);
Chad E. Bouton, Delaware, OH (US);
David R. Busick, Lewis Center, OH (US);
James E. Dvorsky, Norwich Township, OH (US);
Peter A. Gaydos, Hilliard, OH (US);
David A. Holley, Lancaster, OH (US);
Daniel D. Meek, Canal Winchester, OH (US);
Gregory A. Trees, Columbus, OH (US);
Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH (US);
Abstract
An improved Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) nozzle particularly suitable for a handheld pulmonary aerosol inhaler increases the consistent and efficient dispensing of therapeutic liquids by reducing or eliminating wetting through shielding of discharge electrodes. Some versions further eliminate wetting while enhances neutralization of the aerosol through presentation of a corona wind of ions annularly surround the aerosol. Incorporation of improved liquid distribution with consistent pressure drops to each EHD nozzle tip allows horizontal dispensing, and by using dielectric nozzle tips with low surface energy to thereby avoid wicking between dispenses and to advantageously reduce achievable particle size when dispensing. Some versions feature enhanced snap-fit assembly and other manufacturability advantages. One of the unique features of the EHD nozzles is achieved high dose rate (microliters/minute) with low wetting and small particle size (1.0-5 microns), although these properties tend to be mutually exclusive. Furthermore, these attributes are incorporated into a conveniently small, handheld device.