Sprayer device

Abstract

A sprayer device (10) includes a portable sprayer body (12) having an air inlet (34) and an air outlet (36), a fan (32) configured to draw air through the air inlet (34) and force the air out of the air outlet (36), a reservoir (46) configured to hold a liquid, a liquid outlet (60), and a pump (54) in fluid communication with the reservoir (46), wherein the reservoir (46) has a reservoir outlet (50), and the liquid outlet (60) is disposed adjacent to or downstream of the air outlet (36). The pump (54) is operable to move liquid from the reservoir (46) and out of the liquid outlet (60), such that the liquid exiting the liquid outlet (60) enters the air exiting the air outlet (36) to form a mist.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 979,760, filed on February 21, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 862,339, filed on June 17, 2019, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present technology generally relate to spray device technology. Background Art

[0004] In a spray device, a liquid (e.g., an insecticide) is converted into fine droplets, typically in the range of 50 to 200 microns in size. Similarly, a mist spray device produces droplets less than 50 microns in size. When using insecticides, smaller particles are more easily absorbed by insects, thereby providing better efficacy. Devices that produce mist require heating of the liquid, thereby creating a potential burn hazard for the liquid or the device. When used outdoors, mists of fine particle size also create a potential risk of inhalation and wind drift. A mist particle can be produced without heating, and the risk of inhalation and wind drift is reduced. A cold atomizer can operate by passing pressurized air through a moving liquid jet to produce atomized particles. An improved sprayer is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In an embodiment, a sprayer device includes a portable sprayer body having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan configured to draw air through the air inlet and force the air out of the air outlet, a reservoir configured to hold a liquid, the liquid outlet, and a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein the reservoir has a reservoir outlet, the liquid outlet being disposed adjacent to or downstream of the air outlet. The pump is operable to move the liquid from the reservoir and out of the liquid outlet, such that the liquid exiting the liquid outlet enters the air exiting the air outlet to form a mist.

[0006] In another embodiment, a sprayer device includes a portable sprayer body having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan configured to draw air through the air inlet and force the air out of the air outlet, a motor operably connected to the fan, and a reservoir configured to hold a liquid, the reservoir having a reservoir outlet. The sprayer device also includes a liquid outlet and a positive displacement pump, the liquid outlet being disposed near or downstream of the air outlet, and the positive displacement pump being in fluid communication with the reservoir. The positive displacement pump is operable to move liquid from the reservoir and out of the liquid outlet, such that the liquid exiting the liquid outlet enters the air exiting the air outlet to form a mist. The liquid outlet is substantially perpendicular to the air outlet, and the liquid outlet is configured to dispense the liquid in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the air exiting the air outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will be more easily understood through a detailed description of some example embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 is a top isometric view of a sprayer device according to one or more embodiments;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A bottom axonometric view of the sprayer device;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front view of a sprayer device;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A rear view of the sprayer device;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side view of a sprayer device;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a sprayer assembly;

[0014] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the spray device taken along line BB;

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a spray device;

[0016] Figure 8A yes Figure 1 A front view of the sprayer device with a portion of the housing removed;

[0017] Figure 8B yes Figure 7An enlarged view of the sprayer device;

[0018] Figure 8C yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a pump, a liquid outlet, and an air nozzle of a sprayer device;

[0019] Figure 9 is a graph illustrating particle size distribution of mist emitted by a sprayer device at two feet from the nozzle according to one or more embodiments;

[0020] Figure 10 is a graph illustrating average particle size of mist generated by a nebulizer device relative to nozzle position according to one or more embodiments; and

[0021] Figure 11 It will Figure 10 The average particle size distribution of the mist is compared with the average particle size distribution of the mist produced by the conventional device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function, and principles of use of the devices, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] References throughout this specification to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "some example embodiments," "an example embodiment," or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "some example embodiments," "an example embodiment," or "in an embodiment" throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0024] The examples discussed here are merely examples and are provided to help explain the apparatus, devices, systems and methods described herein. Unless specifically designated as mandatory, any feature or component shown in the drawings or discussed below should not be considered to be mandatory for any specific embodiment of any of these apparatuses, devices, systems or methods. For ease of reading and clarity, some components, modules or methods may be described only in conjunction with specific drawings. Any combination or sub-combination of components that fails to be specifically described should not be understood to represent that any combination or sub-combination is impossible. In addition, for any method described, no matter whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow chart, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified or required in the context, any explicit or implicit order of the steps performed in the execution of the method does not mean that the steps must be performed in the order presented, but can be performed in different orders or in parallel.

[0025] Described herein are example embodiments of a nebulizer device. In some embodiments, the nebulizer device is portable. As used herein, the term "portable" refers to being easily carried or moved, particularly because it is lighter and smaller than conventional versions and is not limited to the location where it can be carried or moved. For example, a device that requires a hard-wired connection to an AC power source (e.g., an AC power cord that plugs into an AC outlet) is not portable.

[0026] refer to Figure 1-4 , a representative sprayer device 10 is shown. For example, the sprayer device 10 includes a sprayer body 12. In some embodiments, the sprayer body 12 may include a first shell 14 and a second shell 16, which may be connected together to form the sprayer body 12. The sprayer device 10 may also include a handle 18. In some embodiments, the sprayer body 12 may include, for example Figure 1 and Figure 3 The handle 18 can be configured in any manner. In some embodiments, the handle 18 is configured to have an ergonomic or curved shape to fit or more comfortably fit the operator's hand. The sprayer body 12 can also include an inlet and an outlet positioned anywhere along the body. In some embodiments, as shown, Figure 1-3 As shown, the sprayer body 12 may include an inlet 20 positioned on the front or front side of the sprayer body 12 and an outlet 22 positioned on the bottom side of the sprayer body 12. In addition, the sprayer body 12 may also include an aperture 24. The aperture 24 may also be positioned anywhere along the sprayer body. In some embodiments, the aperture 24 is positioned on the upper side of the sprayer body, for example Figure 3As further discussed below, the aperture 24 allows a portion of the can to extend therethrough. In some embodiments, the first shell 14 and the second shell 16 can be configured so that when the two shells are brought together and / or connected to each other, they form the handle 18, the inlet 20, the outlet 22, and the aperture 24 (e.g., see Figure 4 ). The first housing and / or the second housing 16 may also include vents 26. The vents 26 may allow air to flow into the sprayer body 12 to cool internal components (eg, the motor).

[0027] The sprayer device 10 may include a motor 28 disposed externally to the sprayer body 12, partially within the sprayer body 12, or completely within the sprayer body 12. Figure 1-4 As shown in the embodiment of FIG, a motor 28 is disposed between one or more batteries 30 and a fan 32, which defines a fan inlet 34 and a fan outlet 36. The motor 28 is electrically connected to the one or more batteries 30 and mechanically connected to the fan 32, thereby drawing power from the one or more batteries 30 to drive the fan 32. The sprayer device may include a first air passage 38 (e.g., airflow A) between the inlet 20 and the fan inlet 34 and a second air passage 40 (e.g., airflow B) from the fan outlet 36 to the air nozzle.

[0028] The sprayer device 10 may include an air nozzle 42 disposed in the second air passage 40 upstream of the outlet 22. In some embodiments, the air nozzle 42 may be disposed within and / or at the outlet 22. In some embodiments, for example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the air nozzle 42 may include a blade 44 disposed in the air nozzle 42. The blade 44 may be configured to agitate the airflow at the air channel 40 and / or in the air channel 40 before the airflow leaves the outlet 22. The number and shape of the blades may vary. In some embodiments, the blade 44 is configured to include a curved shape and / or angled relative to the airflow in the second air channel 40, for example, a spiral design as shown. The spiral design may generate a vortex flow of the airflow in the second air channel 40 when the airflow leaves the air nozzle 42 and subsequently passes through and leaves the outlet 22. In other embodiments, the air nozzle 42 may not include a blade. The air nozzle 42 may be removed from the sprayer body 12. The size and shape of the air nozzle 42 may vary. In some embodiments, a plurality of air nozzles 42 with different sizes may be configured to be attached to the same sprayer body 12.

[0029] The sprayer device 10 may include a canister 46 disposed externally to the sprayer body 12, partially within the sprayer body 12, or completely within the sprayer body 12. Figure 1-3As shown, a reservoir (e.g., tank 46) is provided in the sprayer body 12. In some embodiments, tank 46 can be positioned adjacent to and / or connected to the sprayer body 12 (e.g., carried separately from the sprayer body 12, e.g., placed in a backpack). Tank 46 can include a tank inlet 48 and a tank outlet 50 to allow liquid to be filled into the tank 46 and to dispense this liquid from the tank 46. In an embodiment, a single opening can serve as the inlet and outlet of the tank 46. In some embodiments, the tank 46 is configured to accommodate non-pressurized liquids. Exemplary liquids that can be accommodated in the tank 46 include, but are not limited to, pest control products, such as pesticides and insecticides, herbicides, and disinfectants (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium, citric acid, etc.). As shown, the sprayer device 10 can include a tank cover 52, which is configured to be detachably connected to the tank inlet 48. A portion of the tank 46 can extend through the hole 24. In some embodiments, the sprayer device 10 can include one or more tanks, such as tank 46. In an embodiment with more than one tank, the tank can accommodate the same or different liquids. In the event that the tanks contain different liquids, the liquids may be mixed before entering the pump, as will be discussed below.

[0030] As shown, in some embodiments, the sprayer device 10 may include a pump 54, a first liquid passage 56, a second liquid passage 58, and a liquid outlet 60. The pump 54, the first liquid passage 56, and / or the second liquid passage 58 may be disposed outside the sprayer body 12, partially within the sprayer body 12, or completely within the sprayer body 12. The pump 54 may include a pump inlet 62 and a pump outlet 64 to allow the pump 54 to draw liquid into or out of the pump 54. The pump 54 may be any type of pump. In some embodiments, the pump 54 is a positive displacement pump. In such an illustrative embodiment, the first liquid passage 56 connects the pump inlet 62 to the tank outlet 50. Furthermore, in embodiments, the liquid in the tank 46 is not pressurized liquid (e.g., if the pump 54 is a positive displacement pump). The second liquid passage 58 may connect the pump outlet 64 to the liquid outlet 60. The liquid outlet 60 may include one or more nozzles, such as a liquid nozzle 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid outlet 60 can be positioned perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the air nozzle 42, the second air passage 40, and / or the air flow exiting the air nozzle and / or the second air passage 40. In this configuration, the liquid outlet 60 causes the liquid exiting the liquid outlet 60 to enter the air flow exiting the air nozzle 42 in a perpendicular or approximately perpendicular direction. In other words, in such an embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the liquid flow exiting the liquid outlet 60 is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the air flow exiting the air nozzle 42. In various other embodiments, the liquid outlet 60 is not positioned perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the air nozzle 42, the second air passage 40, and / or the air flow exiting the air nozzle and / or the second air passage 40. For example, the liquid outlet 60 can be positioned at an acute or oblique angle relative to the air nozzle 42, the second air passage 40, and / or the air flow exiting the air nozzle and / or the second air passage 40. The liquid outlet 60 can direct the liquid exiting the liquid outlet 60 toward or away from the air nozzle 42, the second air passage 40, and / or the air flow exiting the air nozzle and / or the second air passage 40. Furthermore, the liquid outlet 60 may be positioned parallel or substantially parallel to the air nozzle 42 , the second air passage 40 , and / or the air flow exiting such air nozzle and / or the second air passage 40 .

[0031] The sprayer device 10 can be connected to a power source, such as an AC power source, via a hardwire connection (e.g., an AC cord that can be connected to an AC power outlet) to power the sprayer device. In some embodiments, the sprayer device 10 can be connected to a DC power source, such as one or more batteries 30. The DC power source can be placed separately from the sprayer device 10 and connected to the sprayer device 10 using a hardwire connection, so that the sprayer device 10 can be moved but the DC power source remains stationary. In some embodiments, the DC power source can be permanently or removably connected to the sprayer device 10. For example, the one or more batteries 30 can be located outside the sprayer body 12, partially located inside the sprayer body 12, or completely located inside the sprayer body 12. In some of these embodiments, the one or more batteries 30 can be positioned within the sprayer body 12 and connected to the sprayer body 12. In some embodiments, the one or more batteries 30 are rechargeable batteries; in other embodiments, the one or more batteries 30 are disposable. In some embodiments, the power source (e.g., one or more batteries 30) is connected to the pump 54 so that the power source provides power to the pump 54 to drive or operate the pump 54.

[0032] The sprayer device 10 may include a switch 68 disposed externally or partially internally of the sprayer body 12. As shown, the switch 68 may be located along the handle 18. In some embodiments, the switch 68 is a two-position linear switch. The switch 68 may be electrically connected to a power source, such as one or more batteries 30. In some embodiments, the switch 68 may include a printed circuit board 70, a switch cover 72, and / or a switch lock 74, such as Figure 5 shown.

[0033] In some embodiments, the nebulizer device 10 may be configured as follows: Figure 1-5 The device 10 operates as described. The operator can activate switch 68, thereby starting the sprayer device 10 by causing the battery 30 to power one or more motors 28 and pump 54. When switch 68 is activated, motor 28 begins to rotate to increase the air velocity. After a period of time, for example, 3 to 5 seconds, pump 54 starts and pumps liquid into the air flow.

[0034] Motor 28 causes fan 32 to draw air into inlet 20, through first air passage 38 (e.g., airflow A), and / or into fan inlet 34. Fan 32 causes air to exit fan outlet 36 into second air passage 40, and then through second air passage 40 (e.g., airflow B). Fan 32 further causes airflow B to enter, pass through, and exit air nozzle 42.

[0035] At or about the same time that the fan 32 draws air into the sprayer device 10, activation of the switch 68 causes the battery 30 to power the pump 54. In an embodiment, the switch 68 may be dedicated to the motor 28, and the sprayer device may include a second switch for controlling the power provided to the pump 54. In this way, the operator may elect to use the sprayer device 10 as a blower before activating the pump 54. The pump 54 draws liquid from the tank 46 through the tank outlet 50 and causes the liquid to enter the first liquid passage 56. The liquid flows through the first liquid passage 56 and into the pump inlet 62 (e.g., liquid stream C). Although not shown, the sprayer device may include a dial for controlling the amount of liquid pumped from the tank 46. The pump 54 causes the liquid to exit the pump outlet 64 into the second liquid passage 58 and then pass through the second liquid passage 58 (e.g., liquid stream D). The pump 54 further causes liquid stream D to pass through the liquid nozzle 66 and exit the liquid nozzle 66. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the liquid stream exiting the nozzle 66 in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the air flow B or a substantial portion of the air flow B is shown as liquid stream E. When the air flow B exits the air nozzle 42 (i.e., downstream of the air nozzle 42, the outlet of the air nozzle 42 corresponds to the outlet 22), the liquid stream E enters the air flow B and / or mixes with the air flow B. When the liquid stream E mixes with the air flow B exiting the air nozzle 42, the two streams create a new mixed fluid stream F comprising liquid and air. The fan 32 causes the fluid stream F to pass through and exit the outlet 22, thereby exiting the sprayer body 12. In other words, the sprayer device 10 can distribute (i.e., spray) the fluid stream F. The outer skirt or shroud extending from the air nozzle 42 does not affect the characteristics of the fluid stream F. In other words, the outer skirt does not affect the formation of the mist or the speed or direction of the mist. Instead, the outer skirt serves to protect the liquid nozzle 66 in the event of an accident (e.g., if the sprayer device 10 is dropped). The air flow rate at the outlet of the air nozzle 42 may be in the range of about 230 CFM to about 240 CFM or about 235 CFM. The air flow rate at the outlet of the air nozzle 42 may be in the range of about 215 mph to about 225 mph or about 218 mph. When the sprayer device 10 includes the DC motor 28, the power consumed may be in the range of about 160 W to about 190 W, or about 162 W to about 189 W.

[0036] Due to the configurations of some embodiments described and illustrated herein, a sprayer device (e.g., sprayer device 10) can dispense fluid stream F at various angles relative to the ground (i.e., at angles other than horizontal or parallel to the ground plane) without any increase or loss in distribution and / or performance. For example, sprayer device 10 can dispense fluid stream F at positions ranging from plus or minus 30 degrees to plus or minus 90 degrees above or below horizontal relative to the ground plane (e.g., plus or minus 30 degrees above or below an imaginary plane parallel to the ground plane) with minimal and / or no increase or loss in the flow rate of fluid stream F dispensed from sprayer device 10. This relatively constant mist flow (e.g., fluid stream F) can be provided by the constant pressure and flow rate generated by pump 54 and fan 32. The pressure and speed of pump 54 and fan 32 are unaffected by the tilt of sprayer device 10.

[0037] Furthermore, due to the configurations of some embodiments described and illustrated herein, a sprayer device (e.g., sprayer device 10) can dispense a fluid stream F, wherein the fluid stream F can have specific fluid properties and / or fluid flow characteristics. For example, the fluid stream F can have a particle size distribution as shown in the three representative curves in Table 1 below, labeled: AC+3.5in, AC Center Spray, and AC-3.5in (all indicated in red). The AC Center Spray curve represents the relationship between the particle size measured at the center of the fluid stream F at a linear distance of 24 inches from the outlet 22 (i.e., the centerline extending from the outlet 22 to a point 24 inches from the outlet 22) and the cumulative distribution. The AC+3.5in curve represents the relationship between the particle size measured 3.5 inches above the center of the fluid stream F at a linear distance of 24 inches from the outlet 22 and the cumulative distribution. The AC-3.5in curve represents the relationship between the particle size measured 3.5 inches below the center of the fluid stream F at a linear distance of 24 inches from the outlet 22 and the cumulative distribution.

[0038] For comparison purposes only and not limitation, the relationship between the particle size distribution and the cumulative distribution of the spray of a conventional sprayer device was measured at a straight-line distance of 24 inches from the outlet of the device. The relationship between the particle size distribution and the cumulative distribution of the spray of this sprayer device is shown by three representatives in Table 1 below, labeled: BF+3.5in, BF Center Spray, and BF-3.5in (all represented in green). The BF Center Spray curve represents the relationship between the particle size measured at the center of the spray at a straight-line distance of 24 inches from the outlet (i.e., the centerline extending from the outlet to the point 24 inches from the outlet) and the cumulative distribution. The BF+3.5in curve represents the relationship between the particle size measured 3.5 inches above the center of the spray at a straight-line distance of 24 inches from the outlet and the cumulative distribution. The BF-3.5in curve represents the relationship between the particle size measured 3.5 inches below the center of the spray at a straight-line distance of 24 inches from the outlet and the cumulative distribution.

[0039] A particle size analyzer (HELOS / KF) can be used to measure Figure 9 The relationship between particle size distribution and cumulative distribution is shown. The vertical axis represents the percentage of total particles in the cumulative distribution. For example, the solid red line on the graph crosses the 60% mark near 100 μm, meaning that 60% of the particles are smaller than 100 μm, while 40% are larger than 100 μm. At around 300 μm, the red line reaches 100%, meaning that all particles are 300 μm or smaller.

[0040] about Figure 10 and Figure 11 The sprayer device according to one or more embodiments can generate a mist in which the smallest particle size is concentrated in the very center of the spray. Figure 10 As shown, the particle size is significantly smaller towards the center of the spray compared to the outer parts of the spray (sizes at the 10th and 50th percentiles are shown). Figure 11 The particle size distribution produced by the nebulizer device described herein is shown compared to a conventional device.In general, the nebulizer device according to one or more embodiments produces generally smaller particles while also producing a more pronounced minimum located at the center of the spray.

[0041] The foregoing description of the embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the forms described. Many variations are possible based on the above teachings. Some of these variations have been discussed, and those skilled in the art will appreciate other variations. The embodiments have been selected and described in order to best illustrate the principles of various embodiments suitable for the intended specific use. Of course, the scope is not limited to the examples set forth herein, but can be used by those of ordinary skill in the art in any number of applications and equivalent devices. Rather, the scope of the invention is thus intended to be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sprayer device comprising: a portable sprayer body, the sprayer body having an air inlet and an air outlet; b. a fan configured to draw air in through the air inlet and force the air out of the air outlet; c. a reservoir configured to contain a liquid, the reservoir having a reservoir outlet; d. a liquid outlet disposed outside the air outlet and downstream of the air outlet so that the liquid outlet is away from the air outlet in both the radial and axial directions; e. a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, the pump being operable to move liquid from the reservoir and out of the liquid outlet so that the liquid exiting the liquid outlet enters the air exiting the air outlet to form a mist; as well as f. an air nozzle disposed within the air outlet and comprising a blade having a spiral shape; and, The mist includes particles, and 40% or more of the particles are larger than 100 μm.

2. The spray device according to claim 1, wherein The mist has a first flow rate when the longitudinal axis of the air outlet is parallel to the ground and a second flow rate when the longitudinal axis of the air outlet is at an upward angle of up to about 90 degrees relative to the ground.

3. The spray device according to claim 2, wherein The first flow rate of the mist when the longitudinal axis of the air outlet is parallel to the ground is substantially the same as the third flow rate when the longitudinal axis of the air outlet is at a downward angle of up to about 90 degrees relative to the ground.

4. A nebulizer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The liquid outlet is substantially perpendicular to the air outlet, the liquid outlet being configured to dispense liquid in an orientation substantially perpendicular to air exiting the air outlet.

5. The nebulizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The liquid outlet is not coaxial with respect to the air outlet.

6. A nebulizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The pump is a positive displacement pump.

7. The nebulizer device of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a motor operably coupled to the fan.

8. The sprayer device of claim 7, further comprising a battery coupled to the pump and the motor.

9. The nebulizer device of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a switch operably configured to control the fan.

10. The nebulizer device of claim 9, wherein The switch is operably configured to control the pump.

11. The nebulizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a liquid, wherein The liquid in the reservoir is not pressurized.

12. A nebulizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an air passage extending between an outlet of the fan and the air outlet.

13. The nebulizer device of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first liquid passage in fluid communication with the reservoir and the pump.

14. The sprayer device of claim 13, further comprising a second liquid passage in fluid communication with the pump and the liquid outlet.

15. A nebulizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The nebulizer device is configured to produce a spray having a particle size distribution in which smaller particles are concentrated toward a center of the spray and larger particles are concentrated toward an outer edge of the spray.

16. A sprayer device comprising: a portable sprayer body, the sprayer body having an air inlet and an air outlet; b. a fan configured to draw air in through the air inlet and force the air out of the air outlet; c. a motor operatively connected to the fan; d. a reservoir configured to hold a liquid, the reservoir having a reservoir outlet; e. a liquid outlet disposed outside the air outlet and downstream of the air outlet so that the liquid outlet is away from the air outlet in both the radial and axial directions; f. a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, the positive displacement pump being operable to move liquid from the reservoir and out of the liquid outlet so that the liquid exiting the liquid outlet enters the air exiting the air outlet to form a mist; as well as g. an air nozzle disposed within the air outlet and comprising a blade having a spiral shape; wherein the liquid outlet is substantially perpendicular to the air outlet, the liquid outlet being configured to dispense liquid in an orientation substantially perpendicular to air exiting the air outlet; and The mist includes particles, and 40% or more of the particles are larger than 100 μm.

17. The sprayer device of claim 16, further comprising the liquid, wherein The liquid in the reservoir is not pressurized.

18. A nebulizer device according to any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein The nebulizer device is configured to produce a spray having a particle size distribution in which smaller particles are concentrated toward a center of the spray and larger particles are concentrated toward an outer edge of the spray.

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