Electrostatic fluid delivery system

Abstract

An electrostatic applicator is disclosed and includes a housing. An electrostatic module (e.g., a high-voltage (HV) electrostatic module) can be inside the housing. A reservoir can be removably attached to an outer surface of the housing. The reservoir can include a cavity adapted to contain a fluid (e.g., an aqueous solution). At least one nozzle can be fluidly connected to the reservoir when the reservoir is attached to the outer surface of the housing, the at least one nozzle being configured to emit fluid in a direction along a flow pathway, and including a high voltage (HV) electrode housing electrically attached to the electrostatic module. An electrode assembly can be included with a plurality of electrodes electrically attached to the electrostatic module configured to electrostatically charge the fluid.

Description

ELECTROSTATIC FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This Application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 530,341. filed August 2, 2023, the contents of each are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth below.FIELD

[0002] The solution of this disclosure relates to electrostatic fluid delivery' systems.BACKGROUND

[0003] Infectious disease is too often acquired in places that should be safe, such as ambulances, hospitals, schools, restaurants, hotels, athletic facilities, and other public areas. These places are traditionally cleaned by spraying a fluid disinfectant onto surfaces and wiping down the surface with a cloth. Unfortunately, such cleaning methods have been shown to be ineffective.

[0004] An improved mechanism for spraying down surfaces uses an electrostatic delivery system that sprays an electrically charged fluid, such as a disinfectant, onto surfaces. In an electrostatic delivery system, a fluid such as chemical solution is atomized by a high- pressure air stream as it passes through an electrode inside a nozzle. Negatively charged particles are thereby induced onto droplet surfaces of the solution to form electric field charge within the spray plume of the solution. The electrostatic charge causes the fluid to cling to a surface to increase the likelihood that the disinfectant will cover and clean the surface. However, existing electrostatic delivery systems are unwieldy and inconvenient due to the power requirements of such systems. They are typically tethered to an electric cord or powered by air compressor or natural gas, which makes the system heavy. In addition, they are expensive. Cost and cording remain the two main obstacles to widespread adoption. In many cases existing corded products prohibit or restrict their use in applications where an extension cord is cumbersome, inconvenient, slow, and in some cases creating a safety concern by introducing a potentially dangerous tripping hazard.

[0005] This disclosure resolves these and other issues of the art.SUMMARY

[0006] The subject of this disclosure is an electrostatic applicator for emitting contents from a reservoir (e.g., aqueous fluid solution contained in the reservoir) to a site.

[0007] In some examples, an electrostatic applicator is disclosed and includes a housing. An electrostatic module (e.g., a high-voltage (HV) electrostatic module) can be inside the housing. A reservoir can be removably attached to an outer surface of the housing. The reservoir can include a cavity' adapted to contain a fluid (e.g., an aqueous solution). At least one nozzle can be fluidly connected to the reserv oir when the reservoir is attached to the outer surface of the housing, the at least one nozzle being configured to emit fluid in a direction along a flow pathway, and including a high voltage (HV) electrode housing electrically attached to the electrostatic module. An electrode assembly can be included with a plurality of electrodes electrically attached to the electrostatic module configured to electrostatically charge the fluid, wherein each electrode is configured to emit ions along an axis that is parallel to the flow pathway of the fluid emitted from the nozzle such that the plurality of electrodes form a static electrical field through which the fluid passes.

[0008] In some aspects, the HV electrode housing includes a non-conductive outer tubular member; and a conductive inner tubular member within the non-conductive outer tubular member electrically connected to the electrostatic module.

[0009] In some aspects, the non-conductive outer tubular member includes a distal nozzle housing into which a distal end of the conductive inner tubular member is at least partially inserted through a proximal end of the distal nozzle housing. A non-conductive electrode housing proximal of the distal nozzle housing, a proximal end of the conductive inner tubular member is at least partially extended from a distal end through a proximal end of the non-conductive electrode housing.

[0010] In some aspects, the HV electrode housing includes a conductive luer fitting electrically attached to a conductive spring within a tubular member in fluid communication with a fluid pathway between the reserv oir and the at least one nozzle, the conductive spring being electrically attached to the electrostatic module.

[0011] In some aspects, the cap assembly attached to an opening of the reservoir, the cap assembly including a cap housing. A fluid outlet port can be extended away from an outer surface of the cap housing and configured to be connected to a fluid inlet opening of the housing. A fluid inlet port extended aw ay from an inner reservoir surface of the cap housing, the inner reservoir surface including a one-way valve configured to vent atmospheric fluid into the cavity of the reservoir as a pump within the housing generates a vacuum in the reservoir.

[0012] In some aspects, the cap housing generates an audible and / or tactile snap feedback when being rotated to a locked position with respect to the fluid inlet opening of the housing.

[0013] In some aspects, the cap assembly including a locking mechanism configured to prevent the cap housing from rotating more than approximately 45 degrees when the reservoir is attached to the outer surface of the housing.

[0014] In some aspects, the reservoir including a base connector configured to removably attach to a base of the housing and an upper connector configured to slidably attach to a barrel portion of the housing until the reservoir fluidly connects to a fluid inlet opening of the housing.

[0015] In some aspects, the barrel portion of the housing at least partially contains the at least one nozzle separated by an inner wall of a reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber including one or more reservoir guides configured to slidably engage with one or more reservoir guides of the upper connector of the reservoir.

[0016] In some aspects, the fluid inlet opening of the housing is positioned on an aft wall of the reservoir chamber that is orthogonal to the one or more reservoir guides.

[0017] In some aspects, the reservoir including a release latch positioned on an outer surface of the reservoir, the release latch biased and configured to slide so as to release the reservoir from an attached configuration with the barrel portion of the housing.

[0018] In some aspects, the applicator includes an electrostatic switch at least partially extended from a base of the housing, the electrostatic switch connected to a printed circuit board within the base of the housing and configured to receive input from a user to activate the electrostatic module.

[0019] In some aspects, the electrostatic switch includes a gasket including an inner silicon layer and an outer mylar layer.

[0020] In some aspects, the applicator includes a motor within the housing configured to propel fluid from the reservoir to the at least one nozzle.

[0021] In some aspects, the applicator includes a direct current battery within the housing configured to power at least one of the electrostatic module and a motor.

[0022] In some aspects, the housing is sized and shaped to be held in a single hand of a user, wherein the housing includes a handle and a trigger that is actuated to active the device.

[0023] In some aspects, the reservoir contains an aqueous solution including a disinfectant, a paint, a sterilizing solution, and / or a medicament.

[0024] In some aspects, a method is disclosed for operating an electrostatic applicator system. The method can include attaching a reservoir to an outer surface of a housing of an electrostatic applicator according to any preceding claim so that at least one nozzle is fluidly connected to the reservoir; causing, by an activation input to the electrostatic applicator, a motor to actuate and a voltage potential to be delivered to a high voltage (HV) electrode housing of the at least one nozzle; electrostatically charging the fluid as an aqueous solution of the reservoir flows through a fluid passageway of the applicator toward the at least one nozzle; and causing the aqueous solution to spray out of the nozzle.

[0025] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the appended drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and further aspects of this invention are further discussed with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the invention. The figures depict one or more implementations of the inventive devices, by way of example only, not by way of limitation.

[0027] FIG. 1 depicts a rear perspective view of an example electrostatic applicator.

[0028] FIG. 2 depicts a forward perspective view of the example electrostatic applicator of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 3 depicts a forward perspective view of the example electrostatic applicator of FIG. 1 with a removable reservoir in an exploded state.

[0030] FIG. 4 depicts a forward perspective view of the example electrostatic applicator of FIG. 1 with the removable reservoir removed strictly for viewing purposes.

[0031] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view' of the reservoir.

[0032] FIG. 6A show s an upper perspective view of a cap of the reservoir.

[0033] FIG. 6B shows a lower perspective view of the cap of FIG. 6A.

[0034] FIG. 6C shows a top plan view of the cap of FIG. 6A.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an example valve configured for use with the cap of FIGs. 6 A to 6C.

[0036] FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 1 .

[0037] FIG. 9A depicts a close-up cross-section view of section 9A from FIG. 8.

[0038] FIG. 9B depicts a close-up side view showing interconnected aspects of FIG. 9A with aspects of the outer housing of the applicator removed for viewing purposes.

[0039] FIG. 10 depicts a close-up cross-section view of section 10 from FIG. 8.

[0040] FIG. 11 A depicts a side cross-section perspective view of an example nozzle holder according to one example of this disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 11B depicts a side cross-section view of an example nozzle assembly with the nozzle holder of FIG. 11 A.

[0042] FIG. 12A depicts a side cross-section view of aspects of another HV electrode housing according to one example of this disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 12B depicts a side cross-section close-up view of the HV electrode housing of FIG. 12A.

[0044] FIG. 13A depicts a side perspective view of the applicator with aspects of its outer housing removed to show an interior of a base portion housing an example electrostatic switch according to one example of this disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 13B depicts a cross-sectional view of an example construction of the electrostatic switch according to one example of this disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of example processes for operating the electrostatic applicator, according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Although example embodiments of the disclosed technology are explained in detail herein, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology be limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0048] It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” "an" and ‘‘the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” it is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition orarticle or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.

[0049] In this disclosure, relative terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” or “approximately” are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% in the stated value.

[0050] In describing example embodiments, terminology’ will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more steps of a method does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Steps of a method may be performed in a different order than those described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosed technology. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a device or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified.

[0051] As discussed herein, a treatment site of a “subject” or “patient” may be a wound site or treatment of a human or any animal. It should be appreciated that an animal may be a variety7of any applicable type, including, but not limited thereto, mammal, veterinarian animal, livestock animal or pet type animal, etc. As an example, the animal may be a laboratory animal specifically selected to have certain characteristics similar to a human (e.g., rat, dog, pig, monkey, or the like). It should be appreciated that the subject may be any applicable human patient, for example.

[0052] As discussed herein, “operator” may include, but is not limited to, a doctor, surgeon, nurse, physical therapist, or other healthcare professional, or any other suitable individual, or delivery instrumentation associated with the application of a treatment solution of a treatment site of a subject.

[0053] As discussed herein, the term “sanitize” may include reducing contaminants to safe levels according to public health guidance or otherwise deemed safe levels.

[0054] As discussed herein, the term “disinfect” may include substantially eliminating pathogenic microorganisms on one or more surfaces.

[0055] As discussed herein, the term “sterilize” may include destroying or otherwise eliminating microbes.

[0056] The terms “distal” or “proximal” are used in the following description with respect to a position or direction relative to a reference point (e.g., such as a user [e.g., thetreating physician or medical interventionalist]). “Distal"’ or “distally"’ are a position distant from or in a direction away from the reference point. “Proximal” or “proximally” or “proximate” are a position near or in a direction toward the reference point.

[0057] Recently, the concept of electrospraying aqueous solutions, including liquid fluids such as paint or other coating material as well as antibacterial and / or analgesic solutions, has been considered. Electrostatic spraying is a technique that subjects a solution to an electric field to charge the fluid. The electric field, provided by a voltage source, can create a charge to the fluid being administered (e.g., a positive charge or a negative charge). Polarity differential during use can create a natural attraction between a target site and the solution being sprayed.

[0058] However, the negative / positive attraction is not the only benefit of electrostatic spraying. For example, subjecting the fluid to this electrical field can also produce diminutive droplets (e.g., micron sizes), providing a relatively uniformly distributed layer of treatment solution. When the electrical stresses due to the charge builds in a liquid droplet beyond its surface tension, the droplet disintegrates and / or atomizes into very’ fine droplets — which is known as Rayleigh disintegration or coulomb fission. As discussed herein, the term “atomize” is understood as some or all of the process of converting a substantially liquid solution into very fine particles or droplets. The solvent dielectric constant or conductivity can play a crucial role in dictating particulate morphology. Other factors that affect the way a liquid atomizes include vapor pressure, viscosity and miscibility of the treatment solution, voltage applied to the solution, etc.

[0059] It is noted that prior designs for electrosprayer devices did not take these various ty pes of parameters into consideration. This is because most prior art electrostatic device focused on spraying one type of solution — consider the common examples of ink jet sprayers, paint sprayers, etc., which sprayed consistent solutions at consistent flow rates and with consistent voltage potentials. Further, these types of applications did not focus on operating parameters. The present disclosure provides solutions that can maintain sterility for each administration of a treatment solution by providing individualized, pre-filled disposable cartridges housing the components used for electrospraying. Further, each disposable cartridge can be individually tailored and / or communicate with a reusable electrostatic applicator to individually tailor the parameters needed to administer the preferred particle (e.g., nano to microparticles) droplets for targeted treatment.

[0060] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 provides an example applicator 100 while FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the applicator 100 of FIG. 1 with the cartridge 50 in anassembled state. Applicator 100 can be configured to electrically charge and atomize an aqueous solution for spraying onto a target, such as a patient or some other oppositely charged surface. Applicator 100 can include an applicator housing 110 which can include a lower base portion 30 at the lower section and a handle portion 15. A forward cartridge support portion 32 can also be positioned between portions 30 and 31. In some aspects, an obtuse angle can be formed between aspects of outer surfaces of portions 30 and 32 while handle portion 15 can be orthogonal to portions 30 and / or 31. And while shown as a handheld pistol shaped device, nothing requires the reusable applicator 100 to have a pistolshaped design, as the components herein can also be combined in other electrosprayer designs, including but not limited to a fully-cylindrical handheld electrosprayer design. Housing 110 can include an ergonomic shape that can be easily grasped and held but it should be appreciated that the size and shape of the housing can vary. Applicator 100 also includes at least one actuator 35 that can be actuated to turn on and also turn off an internal pump and / or an electrostatics charger for expelling a plume of electrostatically charged fluid from a nozzle assembly 175.

[0061] In operation, the applicator 100 ejects high voltage ions to the air by means of a plurality of high voltage ion discharge electrodes of a predetermined spacing from each other on a rim of a nozzle holder (described below). The high voltage ion discharge electrodes (e g., electrodes 277) are each positioned along an axis that is in parallel to an axis of a spray nozzle so that the spray and ions are emitted in the same direction and along a parallel axis and therefore the droplets in the spray are surrounded and covered by ion stream and can be efficiently charged when they meet the ion stream. The electrodes thus emit, propel, or otherwise send out ions or charge in a direction parallel to the direct of fluid flow or an average direction of fluid flow from the nozzles.

[0062] The housing 110 in some aspects is formed of multiple pieces that connect to contain an inner region in which one or more components are contained. For example, as more particularly shown in FIG. 8, aspects such as a motor, pump, protection circuit module (PCM), high voltage module, and / or the like can be powered by a battery 1010, such as a lithium ion battery, which can be positioned within a base portion 31 of the housing 110. An electrical circuit board 2311 (see FIG. 13 A) also within the housing 110 can be configured to convert the DC power to AC power for powering components withing the applicator 100.

[0063] In some aspects, the applicator 100 can include a nozzle assembly 175 located at a front end of the housing 110 and has an opening through which atomized fluid is expelled. Applicator 100 can also have a removable reservoir 125 for storing fluid (e.g.,aqueous solution) to be expelled. In some aspects, one or more dissolvable tablets and / or additional water soluble materials can be added to reservoir 125. For example, the one or more dissolvable tablets and / or additional water soluble materials can include materials for sanitizing, deodorizing, disinfecting, as well as treating a wound site. In some aspects, the materials capable of being added to the reservoir 125 can include one or more compositions (e.g., with at least one hydrocarbon solvent) configured to be mixed in an aqueous solution of reservoir 125 for delivery to an outer surface of an automobile or other vehicle body. trim, wheels, wheel covers, and tires to assist in removing grease, dirt, and the like therefrom. The materials, including the one or more tablets as well as one or more compositions to be mixed therein, can be delivered by being inserted into the reservoir 125 through the opening created when the cap 2005 is removed. The chamber of the reservoir 125 communicates internally with the nozzle assembly 175 for supplying fluid to be electrically charged and atomized by the nozzle assembly, as described more fully below. FIG. 3 depicts a forward perspective view of the applicator 100 with the reservoir 125 removed therefrom in an exploded state. FIG. 4 depicts a forward perspective view of the applicator 100 with the reservoir 125 removed strictly for viewing purposes. As can be seen, the base portion 30 includes a forward reservoir connector recess 32 configured to attach to a corresponding base connector 2035 of the reservoir 125. Recess 32 can include one or more angled surfaces so that the correspondingly shaped angled connector 2035 can be guided until selectively positioned in a connected configuration. Recess 32 can also include one or more lateral tabs 33 configured to snap into corresponding receivers of connector 2035.

[0064] As seen in FIG. 4, the upper barrel portion of the housing 110 can include a reservoir chamber 80 defined by lateral faces 182 and upper face 181. The chamber 80 defined between faces 181, 182 can be sized and shaped to receive an upper portion of the reservoir 125. A fluid inlet opening 1921 can be positioned on an aft face at the rear of the chamber 80. Along faces 182, an upper connector 178 can be included and configured to be slidably attached to a corresponding upper connector 2025 of the reservoir 125. In some aspects, connector 2025 can be configured to attach and slide along the guide rails of connector 178 until the reservoir 125 (e.g.. port 2007) fluidly connects to the fluid inlet opening 1921 of the housing 110. The sidewall faces 182, including connector 178, allows only one orientation of reservoir 125 with respect to housing 110 when combined with the below' interconnection of connector 2035 and recess 32. In some aspects, the w all on which opening 1921 is positioned can be orthogonal to faces 181 and / or 182. As can be seen, wall181 can separate chamber 80 from aspects within housing 110, including but not limited to the nozzle assembly 175.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows the reservoir 125, which includes a cap 2005 that is removably attached to an opening of the reservoir 125 so as to provide access to the internal cavity of the reservoir 125. The reservoir 125 can include a release latch 170 positioned on an outer surface of the reservoir 125, the release latch biased and configured to slide (e.g., slide up- and-down) so as to release the reservoir 125 from an attached configuration with the chamber 80 of the housing 110. Reservoir 125 can include a forward planar face 2020 configured to abut the corresponding face of inlet 1921 so that the port 2007 of the cap 2005 is able to fluidly connect. Reservoir 125 may include a base portion 2030 and a narrower intermediate portion 2050 positioned between base portion 2030 and the cap 2030. In some aspects, the amount or measurable volume levels of the aqueous solution of the reservoir 125 can be observable along visual display 2040.

[0066] FIG. 6A shows an upper perspective view of the cap 2005 while FIG. 6B shows a lower perspective view of the cap 2005 and FIG. 6C shows a top plan view of the cap 2005. In some aspects, the cap 2005 can be configured to seal the reservoir 125 to the fluid inlet 1921 of the housing 110 so as to prevent leaking by compressing a sandwiched gasket or other such seal therebetween. In some aspects, the cap 2005 communicates with and covers the interior cavity of the reservoir 125. The cap 2005 can include a reservoir port 2009 configured to be fluidly connected to an outlet of the reservoir 125. Port 2009 can be a barb-like feature to allow simple replacement of aspects such as reservoir hose 2132 and filter assembly 2125, as shown more particularly in FIG. 8. The cap 2005 can include an outlet port 2007 configured to fluidly connect to inlet 1921 of the housing 110. In some aspects, a main barrel of port 2007 can be configured to seal against inlet 1921 with redundant occurrences. In some aspects, during operations the main barrel of port 2007 can push a shutoff pin (e.g., see pin 1935 of FIG. 10) away of the inlet 1921 to allow for flow between the reservoir 125 and components within the housing 110. In some aspects, the main barrel of port 2007 can include one or more protrusions from the distalmost tip thereof so as to allow fluid flow. In some aspects, ports 2007 and 2009 are advantegously positioned in close proximity to each other to reduce dead volume (e.g., a minimum of .5 inches width and depth for finger fit).

[0067] The cap 2005 can include a central rib 2015 extended between aspects of an outer surface 2013. The outer surface 2013 can be any shape though is shown as a circular or otherwise rounded cap. The cap 2005 can include a one-way valve 201 1, such as a duckbillvalve 2011 shown in FIG. 7. Valve 2011 can be positioned in the cap 2005 and provides a vent for fluid to enter into the interior of the reservoir 125 from atmosphere as a vacuum is pulled in the reservoir 125. In some aspects, valve 2011 can be housed with cap 2005 using one or more retention tabs thereby eliminating the need for a secondary' clamping component. In some aspects, the rib 2015 can be rotated by the end user so as to result in one or more of audible and tactile snap feedback to ensure the cap 2005 is locked in position. In some aspects, a rotation of the rib 2015 a predetermined amount (e.g.. 45 degree turn) will cause a locking mechanism of the cap 2005 to prevent further rotation and avoid overturning when the cap 2005 is interfacing with the reservoir 125.

[0068] FIG. 8 shows the applicator 100 with a portion of the outer housing 110 removed to show internal components thereof. As shown, the base portion 30 of the housing 110 can house a battery 1010 that provides the voltage potential to create the electrical field at the nozzle assembly 175 and / or can power the components of applicator 100 (e.g., CPU, motor 105, HV module 111, etc.). In some aspects, HV module 111 is a 12 kV electrostatic module and it is configured to electrostatically charge an item, such as the electrodes, ring, and / or tube of or otherwise associated with nozzle assembly 175.

[0069] Battery 1010 can include one or more batteries, including for example direct current batteries such as lithium ion batteries. Battery 1010 can provide sufficient voltage to create the voltage potential described above, including but not limited to approximately 1 V to approximately 40 kV. In some examples, the range can be approximately 1 V to 8 kV. In some examples, the voltage supply of battery 1010 can be one or more rechargeable batteries. In this example, aspects of the applicator 100, such as portion 32, can engage with the charging base 80 that can in turn charge the voltage supply of module 111 (e.g., inductively) when the device is not in use. For example, the actuator 35 can initiate power from module 111. By activating and / or initiating power from module 111, the system is powered to electrostatically charge the aqueous solution of the reservoir 125 via direct charging, induction charging, indirect charging, or any combinations thereof. In the case of direct charging, aqueous solution of the cartridge can flow through an electrically conductive tube or other conduit that is electrostatically charged such that the aqueous solution is directly contacted and charged by direct contact.

[0070] In some examples, the battery 1010 can power the HV module 111, including any pump, motor 105, PCB in the base portion 30, one or more processors of applicator 100 as well as components of the nozzle assembly 175. In some aspects, other features can be included in the applicator 100 that can obviate the need for actuator 35, including for exampleaccelerometers, activation inputs from a user device, etc. In some aspects, HV module 111 can include electrical components for powering the components used for charging and spraying the aqueous solution of the reservoir 125. For example, HV module 11 1 can include the components used for providing electricity7so as to control the voltage applied to the aqueous solution of the reservoir 125, and / or for providing electricity to aspects of the nozzle assembly 175 so as to control the flow rate of aqueous solution from the reservoir 125 and through nozzle assembly 175.

[0071] In some examples, the motor 105 can cause fluid, including air and the aqueous solution of the reservoir 125, to flow toward the nozzle assembly 175. The nozzle assembly 175, as discussed further herein, can be configured to atomize and expel fluid in a spray. As air is urged toward the nozzle assembly 175, a pressure differential is created that sucks aqueous solution from the reservoir 125 into the nozzle assembly 175 where it is atomized and expelled as a result of blowing air therethrough. It should be appreciated that other mechanisms can be used to blow air or to blow or otherwise propel liquid from the reservoir 125.

[0072] In some aspects, HV module 11 1 and / or PCB 2311 of the applicator 100 can be configured to adjust or otherwise control operational aspects of applicator 100, including but not limited to frequency, duty7cycle, and input voltage to yield varying output voltages at different efficiencies. In some aspects, HV module 111 can be a closed loop system that monitors the output voltage and adjusts input parameters to optimize the output to a desired voltage for use. HV module 11 1 can also be configured to produce positive and / or negative high voltage using the same board. In some aspects, HV module 111 can be in electrical communication with a PCB 2311 that is double sided so as to minimize footprint used within housing 110. In some aspects, the applicator 100 can include one or more processors, for example CPU, that can facilitate activation of applicator 100, receiving and outputting signals relating to the voltage, flow rate, proximity, etc. for the particular aqueous solution, and the like.

[0073] FIG. 9A depicts a close-up cross-section view of section 9A from FIG. 8 showing aspects of the nozzle assembly 175 when assembled within aspects of the housing 110. FIG. 9B depicts a close-up side view showing interconnected aspects of FIG. 9 A with aspects of the outer housing of the applicator 100 removed for viewing purposes. As can be seen, the nozzle assembly 175 includes a nozzle housing 276 having an internal cavity that removably contains a nozzle holder 264 in which one or more nozzles are positioned. Nozzle housing 276 can include one or more high voltage ion discharge electrodes 277 projectingoutwardly from an outer surface of the nozzle housing 276 and radially arranged around the nozzle tip 266. Electrodes 277 are each positioned along an axis that is in parallel to an axis of nozzle tip 266 so that the spray and ions are emitted in the same direction and along a parallel axis and therefore the droplets in the spray are surrounded and covered by ion stream and can be efficiently charged when they meet the ion stream. The electrodes thus emit, propel, or otherwise send out ions or charge in a direction parallel to the direct of fluid flow or an average direction of fluid flow from the nozzles.

[0074] In some aspects, nozzle assembly 175 is at least partially removably attached to a forward distal end of the housing. For example, housing 276 can be removed from the remainder of nozzle assembly 175. In some aspects, the entire nozzle assembly 175 can be detached from the housing 110. As shown, nozzle assembly 175 can be positioned at least partially within housing 110 and above face 181 of chamber 80. Latch 170 of the reservoir 125, including catch 171, can also be configured to securely connected to an interior notch 185 of chamber 80 directly below nozzle assembly 175.

[0075] An O-ring seal 265 can be positioned press fit between the nozzle tip 266 and the nozzle housing 276. In some aspects, the nozzle tip 266 can include conductive material while the nozzle housing can include a non-conductive material. An internal gasket 264 can be positioned at a distal end of the nozzle holder 232. In turn, the nozzle holder 232 in some aspects can include a threaded surface on its distal end configured to connect with a proximal threaded surface of the nozzle housing 276. A fluid conduit 262 can be positioned within a chamber of the nozzle holder 232 and run between a proximal end of the nozzle tip 266 and a proximal end of the holder 232. An inlet 220 can be positioned at a proximal end of the fluid conduit 262 and be configured in fluid communication with corresponding fluid pathway 224 which runs to motor 105. Fluid conduit 262 can include a high voltage contact 263 configured to be in electrical communication with module 111. In operation, as aqueous solution flow s from reservoir 125 to motor 105 and through the fluid conduit 262, the high voltage contact 263 directly contacts the aqueous solution as it flows and passes a charge to the fluid through direct contact. In this way, the fluid conduit 262 electrostatically charges the fluid prior to the fluid passing all the way through the nozzle 175. In some aspects, holder 232 and / or nozzle housing 276 can include a reduced inner diameter. In some aspects, fluid conduit 262 can include a longer contact portion to increase contact area with aqueous solution flowing therethrough. In some aspects, conduit 262 and inlet 220 can include conductive material(s) whereby the inlet 220 can include a tubing barb and one or more baffles to increase surface area.

[0076] FIG. 10 depicts a close-up cross-section view of section 10 from FIG. 8. Specifically, FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of inlet 1921 interconnecting with port 2007 and in turn port 2009 fluidly connected with hose 2132. Inlet 1921 can include a shutoff pin 1935 with one or more bias elements connected thereto. When not pushed inward by port 2007, then pin 1935 will remain closed and preventing ingress of any fluids through inlet 1921 into the housing 110. A fluid pathway 227 can also run proximally from inlet 1921 to the motor 105 before being urged distally from motor 105 towards nozzle assembly 175. In some aspects, the inlet 1921 can be a reservoir interface with one or more elastomers to facilitate sealing as between port 2007 and the shutoff pin 1935. FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of another example nozzle holder 332 that can be used with any herein disclosed nozzle assembly of any example applicator (e.g., applicator 100). FIG. 11B shows a side crosssection view of holder 332 when assembled with other aspects of an example nozzle assembly 375. In some aspects, the holder 332 can be a HV electrode housing that can include an over molded conductive tube (e.g., a metal tub) with an HV ring and / or one or more threaded surfaces. Holder 332 is particularly advantageous to increase conductive surface area so as to maximize direct conductive contact with aqueous solution flowing therethrough. Holder 332 in some aspects can include a threaded surface on its distal end configured to connect with a proximal threaded surface of other components such as nozzle tip 366 and / or nozzle housing 376. A fluid conduit 362 can be positioned within a chamber of the nozzle holder 332 and run at least partially between a proximal end of the nozzle tip 366 and a proximal end of the holder 332.

[0077] An inlet 320 (e.g., a barb) can be positioned at a proximal end of the fluid conduit 362 and be configured in fluid communication with a corresponding fluid pathway which runs to a motor (e.g., motor 105). Fluid conduit 362 can include a high voltage contact configured to be in electrical communication with module 111 (e.g., connects to module 11 1 via screw and terminal ring). In some aspects, holder 332 can be potted within its proximal enclosure with on or more potting materials 359 (e.g., epoxy) to eliminate risk of leaking and to maintain wire connection. As shown, inlet 320 of holder 332 can be outside of the area of the one or more potting materials 359. In some aspects, holder 332 can be threaded directly into tip 366 and / or nozzle housing 376 so as to minimize contact with non-conductive aspects (e.g., contact with plastic materials) as well as bypass any leak points in an electrode housing of non-conductive materials. In some aspects, a nut or clip 385 can be positioned in the potting area 359 distal of the inlet 320. In some aspects, nozzle housing 376 can be a non- conductive outer tubular member. In some aspects, the nozzle housing 376 can include adistal nozzle housing portion into which a distal end of conductive fluid conduit 362 is at least partially inserted through a proximal end of housing 376. In some aspects, holder 332 can include a conductive luer fitting electrically attached to a conductive spring within a tubular member in fluid communication with a fluid pathway between the reservoir 125 and the at least one nozzle, the conductive spring being electrically attached to the electrostatic module.

[0078] FIG. 12A depicts a side cross-section view of another example HV electrode housing according to one example of this disclosure. FIG. 12B depicts a side cross-section close-up view of the HV electrode housing of FIG. 12A, including a conductive luer fitting 591. In FIG. 12A, the flow direction of aqueous solution within a first portion 524a of tubular fluid pathway 524 is shown incoming from motor 105 with the larger arrows. An HV wire 594 is provided extended from the module 11 1 (not shown) into the conductive luer fitting 591. A conductive spring 596 can be electrically attached to HV wire 594 while being positioned around and in conductive communication with an outer surface of a distal end of fitting 591. Spring 596 can also be within a proximal end of a distal portion 524b of the tubular fluid pathway 524. In some aspects, the proximal end of portion 524b can be proximal of a junction 521 between portions 524a and 524b. While a luer fitting 591 is shown in FIGs. 12A and 12B, it is understood that fitting 591 can be any fluidic fitting w ith a fluidic seal.

[0079] FIG. 13A depicts a side perspective view of internal aspects of the base portion 30 of the applicator 100 with aspects of housing 1 10 removed for viewing purposes. A printed circuit board (PCB) 2311 can be positioned within base portion 30. An electrostatic switch 2313 can be connected to the PCB 2311 with an electrostatic switch button 2315 externally accessible through the housing 110 by an end-user. In some aspects, switch 2313 can protrude from the housing 110 by approximately 1 mm. In some aspects, actuation of switch 2313 can include sliding via switch button 2315, fingernail in slot, as well as use of one or more slots sized to accept coins (e.g., penny, dime, nickel, quarter, etc.). FIG. 13B depicts a cross-sectional view of an example construction of switch 2313. Switch 2313 can include an outer mylar layer 2319. a central silicon layer 2317, and an inner adhesive layer 2315. Layer 2315 can be connected in an inner central portion of base portion 30 (e.g., connected directly to PCB 2311). Layer 2319 can be positioned at least partially external of housing 110.

[0080] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an exemplary method 1400 for operating an electrostatic applicator system. In method 1400, step 1405 can include attaching a reservoirto an outer surface of a housing of an electrostatic applicator according to any preceding claim so that at least one nozzle is fluidly connected to the reservoir. Step 1410 of method 1400 can include causing, by an activation input to the electrostatic applicator, a motor to actuate and a voltage potential to be delivered to a high voltage (HV) electrode housing of the at least one nozzle. Step 1415 of method 1400 can include electrostatically charging the fluid as an aqueous solution of the reservoir flows through a fluid passageway of the applicator toward the at least one nozzle. Step 1420 of method 1400 can include causing the aqueous solution to spray out of the nozzle.

[0081] Although systems and methods have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For example, to one of ordinary' skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that any element of FIGS. 1-14 may be modified, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. For example, one or more of the procedures, processes, or activities of FIG. 14 may include different procedures, processes, and / or activities and be performed by some different modules, in some different orders.

[0082] The specific configurations, choice of materials and the size and shape of various elements can be varied according to particular design specifications or constraints requiring a system or method constructed according to the principles of the disclosed technology. Such changes are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosed technology. The presently disclosed embodiments, therefore, are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. It will therefore be apparent from the foregoing that while particular forms of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An electrostatic applicator, comprising: a housing; an electrostatic module inside the housing; a reservoir removably attached to an outer surface of the housing, the reservoir comprising a cavity adapted to contain a fluid; at least one nozzle fluidly connected to the reservoir when the reservoir is attached to the outer surface of the housing, the at least one nozzle being configured to emit fluid in a direction along a flow pathway, and comprising a high voltage (HV) electrode housing electrically attached to the electrostatic module; and an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes electrically attached to the electrostatic module configured to electrostatically charge the fluid, wherein each electrode is configured to emit ions along an axis that is parallel to the flow pathway of the fluid emitted from the nozzle such that the plurality of electrodes form a static electrical field through which the fluid passes.

2. The applicator of Claim 1, wherein the HV electrode housing comprises: a non-conductive outer tubular member; and a conductive inner tubular member within the non-conductive outer tubular member electrically connected to the electrostatic module.

3. The applicator of Claim 2. wherein the non-conductive outer tubular member comprises: a distal nozzle housing into which a distal end of the conductive inner tubular member is at least partially inserted through a proximal end of the distal nozzle housing; and a non-conductive electrode housing proximal of the distal nozzle housing, a proximal end of the conductive inner tubular member is at least partially extended from a distal end through a proximal end of the non-conductive electrode housing.

4. The applicator of Claim 1, wherein the HV electrode housing comprises a conductive luer fitting electrically attached to a conductive spring within a tubular member influid communication with a fluid pathway between the reservoir and the at least one nozzle, the conductive spring being electrically attached to the electrostatic module.

5. The applicator of Claim 1, further comprising: a cap assembly attached to an opening of the reservoir, the cap assembly comprising: a cap housing; a fluid outlet port extended away from an outer surface of the cap housing and configured to be connected to a fluid inlet opening of the housing; a fluid inlet port extended away from an inner reservoir surface of the cap housing, the inner reservoir surface comprising a one-way valve configured to vent atmospheric fluid into the cavity of the reservoir as a pump within the housing generates a vacuum in the reservoir.

6. The applicator of Claim 5, wherein the cap housing generates an audible and / or tactile snap feedback when being rotated to a locked position with respect to the fluid inlet opening of the housing.

7. The applicator of Claim 5, the cap assembly comprising a locking mechanism configured to prevent the cap housing from rotating more than approximately 45 degrees when the reservoir is attached to the outer surface of the housing.

8. The applicator of Claim 1, the reservoir comprising a base connector configured to removably attach to a base of the housing and an upper connector configured to slidably attach to a barrel portion of the housing until the reservoir fluidly connects to a fluid inlet opening of the housing.

9. The applicator of Claim 8, wherein the barrel portion of the housing at least partially contains the at least one nozzle separated by an inner wall of a reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber comprising one or more reservoir guides configured to slidably engage with one or more reservoir guides of the upper connector of the reservoir.

10. The applicator of Claim 9, wherein the fluid inlet opening of the housing is positioned on an aft wall of the reservoir chamber that is orthogonal to the one or more reservoir guides.

11. The applicator of Claim 8, the reservoir comprising a release latch positioned on an outer surface of the reservoir, the release latch biased and configured to slide so as to release the reservoir from an attached configuration with the barrel portion of the housing.

12. The applicator of Claim 1, further comprising an electrostatic switch at least partially extended from a base of the housing, the electrostatic switch connected to a printed circuit board within the base of the housing and configured to receive input from a user to activate the electrostatic module.

13. The applicator of Claim 12, wherein the electrostatic switch comprises a gasket comprising an inner silicon layer and an outer mylar layer.

14. The applicator of Claim 1, further comprising a motor within the housing configured to propel fluid from the reservoir to the at least one nozzle.

15. The applicator of Claim 1, further comprising a direct current battery within the housing configured to power at least one of the electrostatic module and a motor.

16. The applicator of Claim 1. wherein the housing is sized and shaped to be held in a single hand of a user, wherein the housing includes a handle and a trigger that is actuated to active the device.

17. The applicator of Claim 1. wherein the reservoir contains an aqueous solution comprising a disinfectant, a paint, a sterilizing solution, and / or a medicament.

18. A method for operating an electrostatic applicator system, comprising: attaching a reservoir to an outer surface of a housing of an electrostatic applicator according to any preceding claim so that at least one nozzle is fluidly connected to the reservoir; causing, by an activation input to the electrostatic applicator, a motor to actuate and a voltage potential to be delivered to a high voltage (HV) electrode housing of the at least one nozzle;electrostatically charging the fluid as an aqueous solution of the reservoir flows through a fluid passageway of the applicator toward the at least one nozzle; and causing the aqueous solution to spray out of the nozzle.

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein the HV electrode housing comprises a non- conductive outer tubular member; and a conductive inner tubular member within the non- conductive outer tubular member electrically connected to a electrostatic module.

20. The method of Claim 19, wherein the non-conductive outer tubular member comprises: a distal nozzle housing into which a distal end of the conductive inner tubular member is at least partially inserted through a proximal end of the distal nozzle housing; and a non-conductive electrode housing proximal of the distal nozzle housing, a proximal end of the conductive inner tubular member is at least partially extended from a distal end through a proximal end of the non-conductive electrode housing.

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