Fluid ejection

Abstract

1. A device for dispensing a fluid, the device comprising: at least one interior wall (250) of a housing member (220) at least partially enclosing an interior chamber region (245) disposed within a body portion of the housing member (220), the interior wall (250) having an interior fluid port (255) disposed at a first end region of the interior chamber region (245) and in fluid communication with an open region (235) of the housing member (220) disposed at the first end region of the housing member; and at least one fluid communication passage (290) disposed within the body portion and adjacent the open region (235). and at least one fluid communication passage 290 having a first end and a remaining end of the at least one fluid communication passage 290 adjacent a further end of the housing member that is spaced from the first end region of the housing member, the at least one fluid communication passage 290 being positioned radially outside the interior chamber region 245 and in fluid communication with the open region 235; and at least one wall fluid port 270 extending through the inner wall 250 and the outer surface of the housing member 220 and fluidly connecting the interior chamber region 245 with a fluid communication region located outside the housing body. The housing member 220 is connected to or integrally formed with the valve assembly 150, which includes elongated valve stems 135 associated with respective stem axes 140 and a stem housing radially surrounding at least a portion of the elongated valve stems 135, the stem housing having at least one stem housing fluid communication region 149 fluidly connected to the at least one fluid communication passage 290 and fluidly connectable with an internal stem channel 176 arranged along at least a portion of the elongated valve stems 135, and the stem housing further having at least one gas communication region 520 fluidly connectable with the internal stem channel 176, thereby allowing at least one fluid and at least one gas to mix within the internal stem channel 176.a housing member having a region 235 of the housing member 220 disposed at a first end region of the housing member; at least one fluid communication passage 290, the at least one fluid communication passage 290 being disposed within the body portion and proximate the open region 235, and a remaining end of the at least one fluid communication passage being proximate a further end of the housing member spaced from the first end region of the housing member, the at least one fluid communication passage 290 being disposed radially outside of the interior chamber region 245 and in fluid communication with the open region 235; at least one wall fluid port 270 extending through the inner wall 250 and an outer surface of the housing member 220, fluidly connecting the interior chamber region 245 with a fluid communication region located outside the housing body; and at least one wall fluid port 270 disposed within the interior chamber region 245 and movable within the interior chamber region 245, the wall fluid port 270 being movable within the interior chamber region 245 and configured to move relative to the interior flow. and a closure element 260 that selectively restricts fluid flow through the body port 255, the housing member 220 being connected to or integrally formed with the valve assembly 150, the valve assembly 150 including elongated valve stems 135 associated with respective stem axes 140 and a stem housing radially surrounding at least a portion of the elongated valve stems 135, the stem housing having at least one stem housing fluid communication region 149 fluidly connected to the at least one fluid communication passage 290 and fluidly connectable with an internal stem channel 176 disposed along at least a portion of the elongated valve stem 135, the stem housing further having at least one gas communication region 520 fluidly connectable with the internal stem channel 176, thereby allowing at least one fluid and at least one gas to mix within the internal stem channel 176.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for dispensing fluids. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to a fluid dispensing device that includes a valve arrangement for selectively controlling the flow of fluid through the device and a movable valve stem operable to dispense a liquid fluid mixed with a propellant gas, such as a compressed gas (e.g., nitrogen, helium, oxygen, propane, etc.), in various directions. [Background technology]

[0002] At times, it may be necessary to dispense a fluid from a container. For example, many health care products, such as deodorant, hairspray, sunscreen, etc., are provided to consumers as a fluid in a container. Examples of other products that may be provided in this manner include cooking products, cleaning products, painting products, etc. During use, it may be necessary to dispense the fluid contained in these containers onto a desired location, such as onto the human body.

[0003] Conventional fluid dispensing devices, such as aerosol cans and automated wall-mounted or floor-standing dispenser units, often contain pressurized fluid to be dispensed. Such devices may include a stem valve assembly disposed on top of a can or other container to dispense a predetermined amount of fluid product from the can. The stem valve assembly used in such devices may include a stem housing, an elongated stem movable within the stem housing between a valve-open position and a valve-closed position, and an actuator for moving the stem. The actuator may be attached to the stem by a simple interference fit. The actuator may include a nozzle for dispensing fluid from the can or other fluid container in a predetermined pattern when manually or automatically actuated. The actuator may selectively actuate the stem valve assembly to expel the fluid as a spray from the nozzle via a propellant provided within the can / container.

[0004] These products are often provided to the consumer in a pressurized can or other container, i.e., in the form of an aerosol containing the desired fluid together with a propellant, often a gas, when a valve system is actuated, causing the fluid and propellant mixture to be expelled from the can as a spray.

[0005] Many conventional fluid dispensing devices must be positioned in a substantially upright position to dispense the desired fluid. Operating such devices in other orientations, such as upside down, can result in the device dispensing only gaseous propellant, which can deplete the propellant in the aerosol container. This can result in some fluid in the can being unable to be dispensed due to lack of propellant. As a result, the fluid in the container is wasted.

[0006] Additionally, some conventional fluid ejection devices include complex valve components. Manufacturing these complex components, for example, by molding or extrusion, can result in defects commonly known as "flash." For example, excess material can remain on the interior surfaces of the complex valve components, which can reduce the efficiency of the valve components or prevent the valve components from operating in a desired manner. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to at least partially alleviate one or more of the problems mentioned above.

[0008] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a valve configuration for a fluid ejection device that is capable of ejecting fluid in a variety of directions and has a generally symmetrical design that reduces the risk of manufacturing defects.

[0009] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a valve arrangement for a fluid ejector that is operable even when the fluid ejector is in an inverted position.

[0010] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a valve configuration that is generally symmetrical about a major stem axis along which the valve stem is disposed.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for discharging a fluid, the apparatus comprising: at least one interior wall of a housing member at least partially enclosing an internal chamber region disposed within a body portion of the housing member, the at least one interior wall having an internal fluid port disposed in a first end region of the internal chamber region and in fluid communication with an open region of the housing member disposed in the first end region of the housing member; and at least one fluid communication passage, the first end of the fluid communication passage being disposed within the body portion and proximate the open region, and a remaining end of the fluid communication passage being spaced from the first end of the housing member and proximate a further end of the housing member. The fluid communication passage includes at least one fluid communication passage disposed radially outside the interior chamber region and fluidly connected to the open region; at least one wall fluid port extending through the interior wall and the outer surface of the housing member and fluidly connecting the interior chamber region with the fluid communication region located outside the housing body; and a closure element disposed within the interior chamber region and movable within the interior chamber region to selectively restrict fluid flow through the internal fluid port. The housing member is connected to or integrally formed with the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes elongated valve stems associated with respective stem axes and a stem housing radially surrounding at least a portion of the valve stems. The stem housing includes at least one stem housing fluid communication region in fluid communication with the fluid communication passage and fluidly connectable with an internal stem channel disposed along at least a portion of the valve stem. The stem housing further comprises at least one gas communication region fluidly connectable with the internal stem channel, thereby allowing the at least one fluid and the at least one gas to mix within the stem channel.

[0012] Suitably, the valve stem comprises a fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the stem channel and selectively connectable to the stem housing fluid communication region, and a gas inlet port in fluid communication with the stem channel and selectively connectable to the gas fluid communication region, the fluid inlet port being positioned to be fluidly connected to the stem housing fluid communication region at the same time that the gas fluid port is fluidly connected to the gas fluid communication region, thereby providing a fine spray by two-fluid atomization within the stem channel.

[0013] Suitably, the device further comprises a valve seat area disposed within the internal chamber area and adjacent the first fluid port, and when the housing member is disposed in the first orientation, the closure element is positionable against the valve seat area to prevent fluid flow through the internal fluid port.

[0014] Suitably, the device further comprises a closure element support region arranged at a further end region of the internal chamber region spaced from the first end region of the internal chamber region, wherein when the housing member is positioned in the further orientation the closure element is positionable against the closure element support region thereby allowing fluid flow through the internal fluid port.

[0015] Suitably the housing member is a unitary body part, optionally comprising a single moulded body part.

[0016] Suitably, the maximum width of the closure element is less than the maximum width of the interior chamber area over which the closure element is movable during operation.

[0017] Suitably, the maximum width of the closure element is less than the maximum width of the interior chamber area between the valve seat area and the closure element support area.

[0018] Suitably, the housing member is connected to the valve assembly at a further end region of the housing member spaced from the first end of the housing member.

[0019] Suitably, the internal chamber region, internal fluid port and opening are disposed on the stem axis, and optionally are substantially symmetrical along the stem axis.

[0020] Suitably, the wall fluid ports are arranged along an axis substantially perpendicular to the stem axis.

[0021] Suitably, the at least one wall fluid port comprises a pair of wall fluid ports located on substantially opposite sides of the housing member.

[0022] Suitably, the device further comprises a first fluid flow path extending from the open region, through the fluid communication passage, through the stem housing fluid communication region and into the stem channel via the stem fluid port, the stem channel optionally extending along the stem axis.

[0023] Suitably, the first fluid flow path is operable for fluid flow when the housing member, optionally comprising a substantially downwardly facing open area, is positioned in a first orientation.

[0024] Suitably, the device further comprises at least one gas flow path at least partially disposed between the mounting cup through which the valve stem extends and the housing member, whereby, in a first direction, gas can pass through the gas inlet, into the gas communication region, and through a stem gas port in the valve stem to flow into the stem gas port and mix with the fluid in the stem channel.

[0025] Suitably, the device further comprises a further fluid flow path extending from the fluid communication region via a wall fluid port to the internal chamber region and extending from the internal chamber region via said internal fluid port through the fluid communication passage to the internal stem channel via the stem fluid inlet.

[0026] Suitably the further fluid flow path is operable for fluid flow when the housing member, optionally comprising the substantially upwardly facing open area, is oriented in the further orientation.

[0027] Suitably, in the first valve stem position, the stem fluid port is closed to prevent fluid from entering the stem channel, thereby blocking the first or further fluid flow path, and in the further valve stem position, the stem fluid port is open to allow fluid to enter the stem channel, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the first or further fluid flow path.

[0028] Suitably, the first valve stem position is an equilibrium position and the further valve stem position is a position in which the valve stem is biased along the stem axis towards the housing member.

[0029] Suitably, the apparatus further comprises at least one biasing element which biases the valve stem towards the first valve stem position.

[0030] Suitably, the apparatus further comprises a dip tube having a first end region located in the open region and a further end region spaced apart from the housing body.

[0031] Suitably, the device further comprises a sloped wall region of the inner wall, the sloped wall region being parallel to the stem axis and offset from an axis tangent to the radially innermost portion of the sloped wall region, whereby the sloped wall region forms an angle of 10 degrees or less with the axis.

[0032] Suitably, the housing member comprises an opening region located at the terminal end of the open region located at the first end region of the housing member, and a neck region including a channel located between the opening region and the main body portion.

[0033] Suitably, the valve seat region comprises an annular abutment surface for abutting the closure element which is oblique to the stem axis and optionally forms a valve seat angle with the stem axis of between 30 and 50 degrees.

[0034] Suitably the valve seat angle is about 45 or 48 degrees.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid ejection device comprising: at least one interior wall of a housing member at least partially enclosing an internal chamber region disposed within a body portion of the housing member, the at least one interior wall having an internal fluid port disposed in a first end region of the internal chamber region and in fluid communication with an open region of the housing member disposed in the first end region of the housing member; and at least one fluid communication passage, the first end of the fluid communication passage being disposed within the body portion and proximate the open region, and the remaining end of the fluid communication passage being spaced from the first end of the housing member and proximate a further end of the housing member. The fluid communication passage includes at least one fluid communication passage disposed radially outside the internal chamber region and fluidly communicating with the open region; at least one wall fluid port extending through the inner wall and the outer surface of the housing member and fluidly connecting the internal chamber region with the fluid communication region located outside the housing body; a closure element disposed within the internal chamber region and movable within the internal chamber region to selectively restrict fluid flow through the internal fluid port; and a canister connected to the valve assembly via a mounting cup from which the valve stem extends and containing at least one fluid to be dispensed and optionally at least one propellant, which may be a gas. The housing member is connected to or integrally formed with the valve assembly, and the valve assembly includes elongated valve stems associated with respective stem axes and a stem housing radially surrounding at least a portion of the valve stem. The stem housing includes at least one stem housing fluid communication region in fluid communication with the fluid communication passage and fluidly connectable with an internal stem channel disposed along at least a portion of the valve stem. The stem housing further comprises at least one gas communication region fluidly connectable with the internal stem channel, thereby allowing the at least one fluid and the at least one gas to mix within the stem channel.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for discharging a fluid, the method comprising the steps of: supplying fluid to a first end of a fluid communication passage disposed within a body portion of a housing member and proximate an open region located at a first end region of the housing member; transporting the fluid from the first end of the fluid communication passage to a further end of the fluid communication passage located at a further end region of the housing member spaced from the first end region; transporting the fluid from the further end of the fluid communication passage to a stem housing fluid communication region located within a stem housing surrounding at least a portion of a valve stem associated with a stem axis; and supplying at least one gas to a gas communication region extending along at least a portion of the valve stem and fluidly connectable to an internal stem channel connectable to the stem housing fluid communication region. The step of transporting the fluid from the first end of the fluid communication passage to the further end of the fluid communication passage comprises transporting the fluid through the fluid communication passage radially outside of an internal chamber region at least partially surrounded by at least one inner wall of the housing member located within the body portion.

[0037] Suitably, the method further comprises fluidly connecting the stem housing fluid communication region with the internal stem channel while simultaneously fluidly connecting the gas communication region with the internal stem channel.

[0038] Suitably, the method further comprises mixing the fluid and gas within the internal stem channel.

[0039] Suitably, the method further comprises the step of providing a fine spray of a mixture of fluid and gas within the internal stem channel by two-fluid atomisation.

[0040] Suitably, the method further includes, in the first operating mode, before supplying fluid to the first end of the fluid communication passage, biasing a closure element disposed within the internal chamber region against a valve seat region located near the first end region of the internal chamber region, thereby preventing fluid flow through an internal fluid port disposed near the first end region of the internal chamber and in fluid communication with the open region; supplying fluid to the open region; and transporting fluid from the open region to the first end of the fluid communication passage.

[0041] Suitably, the method further comprises the step of positioning the housing member in a substantially upright configuration so that the open region is in a substantially lower position relative to the further end region, while simultaneously moving the closure element relative to the valve seat region.

[0042] Suitably, in a further operating mode, the method further includes the steps of: prior to supplying fluid to the first passage end, biasing a closure member disposed within the internal chamber region against a closure member support region disposed at a further end region of the internal chamber region spaced from an internal fluid port disposed near the first end region of the internal chamber region, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the internal fluid port; transporting fluid from a fluid communication region located outside the housing member to the internal chamber region via at least one wall fluid port extending through the inner wall and the outer surface of the housing member; and transporting fluid from the first fluid communication region via the internal fluid port to the first passage end.

[0043] Suitably, the method further comprises the step of positioning the housing member in a substantially inverted configuration so that the open region is located in a substantially upper position relative to the further end region, while simultaneously biasing the closure element against the closure element support region.

[0044] Suitably, the method further includes transporting fluid from the further passage end via the stem housing fluid communication region at least partially around a valve assembly connected to the further end region of the housing member and comprising a valve stem and stem housing, and transporting fluid into the internal stem channel via at least one stem fluid port.

[0045] Suitably, the method further comprises the step of urging the valve stem away from the equilibrium position prior to transporting fluid into the internal stem channel, thereby optionally opening a stem fluid inlet of the valve stem by urging the valve stem towards the housing member.

[0046] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a valve assembly for a fluid ejection device that is operable in multiple device orientations, including inverted and upright orientations.

[0047] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a valve system for a fluid ejector that is generally symmetrical about a main stem axis.

[0048] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a valve assembly for a fluid ejector with a reduced risk of manufacturing defects.

[0049] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a valve assembly for a fluid ejection device that can be rotated 180 degrees while still ejecting fluid.

[0050] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a valve assembly for a fluid ejection device that is actuable in various directions and capable of ejecting fluid as a fine spray by two-fluid atomization with a gas propellant.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] 1 shows a cross section of a portion of a fluid flow device. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a valve configuration of a fluid ejector. [Figure 3] FIG. 3A shows the fluid ejector in an upright orientation. FIG. 3B shows the fluid ejector rotated 45 degrees from the upright orientation. FIG. 3C shows the fluid ejector rotated 90 degrees from the upright orientation. FIG. 3D shows the fluid ejector rotated 135 degrees from the upright orientation. FIG. 3E shows the fluid ejector rotated 180 degrees from the upright orientation, resulting in an inverted orientation. FIG. 3F shows the fluid ejector in an inverted orientation. FIG. 3G shows the fluid ejector rotated 45 degrees from the upright orientation. FIG. 3H shows the fluid ejector rotated 90 degrees from the upright orientation. FIG. 3I shows the fluid ejector rotated 135 degrees from the upright orientation. FIG. 3J shows the fluid ejector rotated 180 degrees from the upright orientation, resulting in an upright orientation. [Figure 4] 3A-3J show the direction of the fluid spray for the orientation of the fluid ejection device shown in FIG. 3A-3J. [Figure 5A] The flow of liquid fluid through the valve arrangement is shown when the fluid ejector is in the orientation shown in Figures 3A and 3J. [Figure 5B] The flow of gas through the valve arrangement is shown when the fluid ejector is in the orientation shown in Figures 3A and 3J. [Figure 6] 1A-1C show different perspective cross-sectional views of the valve configuration when the fluid ejector is in an upright orientation. [Figure 7] Figure 7A shows the flow of liquid fluid through the valve arrangement when the fluid ejector is oriented as shown in Figures 3B and 31. Figure 7B shows the flow of gas through the valve arrangement when the fluid ejector is oriented as shown in Figures 3B and 31. [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a sealing ball of a valve arrangement abutting a valve seat area located in an interior chamber area of ​​the valve arrangement. [Figure 9A] The flow of liquid fluid through the valve arrangement is shown when the fluid ejector is in the orientation shown in FIG. 3C. [Figure 9B]The flow of gas through the valve arrangement is shown when the fluid ejector is in the orientation shown in FIG. 3C. [Figure 10A] The flow of liquid fluid through the valve arrangement is shown when the fluid ejector is in the orientation shown in Figures 3D and 3G. [Figure 10B] The behavior of gas in the valve configuration is shown when the fluid ejector is oriented as shown in Figures 3D and 3G. [Figure 11] 10 shows a schematic view of a sealing ball positioned relative to a closure element support area arranged in an internal chamber area. [Figure 12A] The flow of liquid fluid through the valve arrangement is shown when the fluid ejector is in the orientation shown in Figures 3E and 3F. [Figure 12B] The behavior of gas in the valve configuration is shown when the fluid ejector is oriented as shown in Figures 3E and 3F. [Figure 13] 10A-10C show perspective cross-sectional views of different valve configurations in an inverted orientation. [Figure 14A] The flow of liquid fluid through the valve arrangement is shown when the fluid ejector is in the orientation shown in Figure 3H. [Figure 14B] Gas flow through the valve arrangement is shown when the fluid ejector is in the orientation shown in Figure 3H. [Figure 15A] 10 shows an alternative interior chamber region. [Figure 15B] 10 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative valve seat area. [Figure 15C] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a further alternative interior chamber region including a sloped wall region. [Figure 16] 1 shows a perspective view from above of the spring seat and fluid flow valve housing of the valve arrangement. [Figure 17] 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow valve housing. [Figure 18] 1A-1C show perspective cross-sectional views of a fluid flow valve housing from different sides. [Figure 19] 1A-1C show different perspective cross-sectional views of a fluid flow valve housing. [Figure 20] 1A-1C show different perspective cross-sectional views of a fluid flow valve housing. [Figure 21] 1A-1C show different perspective cross-sectional views of a fluid flow valve housing. [Figure 22] 1 shows a perspective view from below of a fluid flow valve housing. [Figure 23] 10A-10C show different perspective views of a fluid flow valve housing, substantially from below. [Figure 24] 1 is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of fluid communication paths and wall fluid ports within a fluid flow valve housing. FIG. [Figure 25] Figure 25A shows a cross-sectional view of the valve configuration in the closed position in an upright orientation, Figure 25B shows a cross-sectional view of the valve configuration in the open position in an upright orientation, and Figure 25C shows a cross-sectional view of the valve configuration in the open position in an inverted orientation. [Figure 26A] FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of the valve arrangement. [Figure 26B] 1 shows a perspective view from above of the valve arrangement. [Figure 26C] 1 shows a perspective view from below of the valve arrangement. [Figure 27A] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the spring seat from above. [Figure 27B] 1 shows a perspective view of a spring seat from the side. [Figure 27C] 1 shows a perspective view of the spring seat from below. [Figure 27D] A cross-sectional view of a spring seat is shown. [Figure 27E] 1 shows different perspective views of a spring seat; [Figure 28] Figure 28A shows a perspective view from above of the stem valve assembly housing of the valve arrangement. Figure 28B shows a perspective view from the side of the stem valve assembly housing. Figure 28C shows a perspective view from below of the stem valve assembly housing. Figure 28D shows a cross-sectional view of the stem valve assembly housing. Figure 28E shows a portion of the stem valve assembly housing in more detail. Figure 28F shows a further portion of the stem valve assembly housing in more detail. Figure 28G shows a different perspective view of the stem valve assembly housing. [Figure 29] Figure 29A shows a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly in an upright orientation, Figure 29B shows a further cross-sectional view of the valve configuration in an upright orientation, Figure 29C shows another further cross-sectional view of the valve configuration in an upright orientation, and Figure 29D shows a cross-sectional view of the valve configuration in an inverted orientation. [Figure 30] Figure 30A shows a side perspective view of the valve configuration, Figure 30B shows a bottom perspective view of the valve configuration, Figure 30C shows a top perspective view of the valve configuration, and Figure 30D shows a different perspective view of the valve configuration. [Figure 31A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the valve arrangement assembled. [Figure 31B] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled valve configuration.

[0053] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid ejection device 100 in an "open" mode of operation. The fluid ejection device may be, for example, an aerosol spray device, such as an aerosol can that dispenses a fluid dispensed as a mist of particles. It is understood that the can is one example of a container. Only a partial cross-section of such a can is shown in FIG. 1. It is understood that other fluid ejection devices that do not dispense fluid as an aerosol may also be provided, such as devices that dispense creams, gels, foams, etc. The fluid ejection device 100 includes a rigid container 105 having a stem valve assembly 110 attached thereto. The stem valve assembly 110 is held in a central position above the container 105 via a mounting cup 115. The mounting cup 115 is selectively crimped around the edge of the rigid container 105 and the area of ​​the stem valve assembly 110, thereby hermetically sealing the container. The fluid ejection device 100 of FIG. 1 also includes an outer sealing gasket 118 and an inner sealing gasket 120 provided in areas adjacent to the crimped area of ​​the mounting cup 115 to support the seal provided by the crimping process. Alternatively, the fluid ejection device may not include the outer and / or inner sealing gaskets. Alternatively, the fluid ejection device may include additional sealing gaskets. The inner and outer sealing gaskets of FIG. 1 are made of a polymeric material. Alternatively, any other suitable material may be used to fabricate the inner and outer sealing gaskets. It will be appreciated that alternative methods for providing a sealing engagement, such as an interference fit, a liquid sealant, or the like, may be used in place of crimping. It will be appreciated that the container 105 may be made of a metallic material. Suitably, the container 105 may be made of an alloy material, such as aluminum. The container 105 may be made of any other suitable material. It will be appreciated that the mounting cup 115 may be made of a metallic material. Suitably, the mounting cup 115 may be made from an alloy material, such as aluminum, for example. The mounting cup 115 may also be made from any other suitable material.

[0055] Within the sealed container is a fluid reservoir 125, which typically contains a predetermined amount of liquid (product) to be dispensed. It will be understood that the liquid within the fluid reservoir is one example of a fluid to be dispensed. Any liquid component may move freely within the container, forming a liquid level due to the influence of gravity. It will be understood that the liquid level formed by the liquid component within the container 105 depends on the orientation of the fluid dispensing device 100 and at any given time. The fluid reservoir 125 may be dispensed from the device (when in the "open" mode of operation, as shown in FIG. 1 ) using a propellant contained within the headspace 130 of the sealed container to "push" the product out of the container. The propellant may be a compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or air. A mixture of two or more gases may also be used as a propellant. It will be understood that, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the propellant may have some solubility with the fluid reservoir 125, such that when the liquid product is dispensed from the fluid reservoir, some of the propellant that was held as a liquid is also dispensed. The gas in the headspace may have an initial pressure of, for example, 5 to 20 bar, depending on the type of container used. The initial pressure may be, for example, 9 to 12 bar. The initial pressure may be, for example, about 8 bar. Of course, a high-pressure canister, for example, with an initial pressure of 18 bar or more, may alternatively be used.

[0056] The stem valve assembly 110 includes an elongated valve stem 135 that is reciprocable along a main stem axis 140 (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 1 ) by pressing and releasing an actuator 145 attached to the valve stem. It will be appreciated that the elongated valve stem 135 is in a first, closed position when no force is applied to the actuator and is held in this position by a resilient member 148, which in the system shown in FIG. 1 is a spring. Alternatively, any other suitable resilient member may be used instead. It will be appreciated that the spring 148 is an example of a biasing element. Any other suitable biasing element may be used instead. When the elongated valve stem 135 is in the closed position, which corresponds to a closed mode of operation of the fluid ejector 105, fluid cannot communicate from a stem valve assembly fluid communication region 149 located within a stem valve assembly housing 150 to an outlet nozzle 155 of the actuator 145. It will be appreciated that the stem valve assembly housing is an example of a stem housing. In use, the actuator 145 is pushed downward (toward the stem valve assembly housing 150), as shown by arrow A in FIG. 1, and thus selectively biased along the main stem axis 140, thereby biasing the elongated valve stem 135 toward the open position shown in FIG. 1, against the force exerted on the valve stem by the spring 148. When the elongated valve stem 135 is in the open position, fluid can be communicated between the stem valve assembly fluid communication region 149 and the outlet nozzle 150, thereby generating an external aerosol spray 152 that can be delivered to a target. It will be appreciated that in the closed position, the valve stem is pushed upward (relative to the position shown in FIG. 1) away from the stem valve assembly housing 150, causing a larger portion of the valve stem to protrude through the mounting cup 115 and outside the canister.

[0057] As described above, the stem valve assembly 110 includes a stem valve assembly housing 150 that at least partially houses an elongated valve stem 135 and a spring 148. In the closed position of the valve stem 135, with the spring 148 biasing the valve stem upward (as viewed from the perspective shown in FIG. 1 ), a protruding shoulder 165 on the valve stem 135 abuts an inwardly protruding lip 170 on the stem valve assembly housing 150 of the stem valve assembly 110, thereby sealingly engaging the valve stem. That is, in the "closed" position of the fluid ejection device, the protruding shoulder 165 on the valve stem 135 abuts the inwardly protruding lip 170 on the stem valve assembly housing 170, thereby providing an effective seal between the protruding shoulder 165 and the lip 170. It will be appreciated that the internal sealing gasket 120, if used, also contributes to sealingly engaging the valve stem 135. It will be understood that certain embodiments of the present invention may be used with other conventional valve assemblies / actuators.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the valve stem 135 may be manufactured from a metallic material, such as an alloy material, which may be, for example, aluminum. It will be appreciated that the stem 135 may be manufactured from a polymeric material, such as a plastic material. It will be appreciated that the stem valve assembly housing 150 may be manufactured from a polymeric material, such as a plastic material. It will be appreciated that the stem valve assembly housing 150 may be manufactured by molding, etc. It will be appreciated that the stem valve assembly housing may be manufactured by extrusion, etc.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1 , when the actuator 145 is depressed to direct the valve stem to an open position, the protruding shoulder 165 disengages from the inwardly protruding lip 170, and the stem fluid inlet port 175 of the valve stem moves to a position within the stem valve assembly housing 155 below the inwardly protruding lip 170. This allows fluid communication between the stem valve assembly fluid communication region 149 and the stem fluid inlet 175, allowing fluid located in the stem valve assembly fluid communication region 149 to flow into the stem fluid inlet. This allows fluid located in the stem valve assembly fluid communication region to move along the main stem axis at least partially through the stem into an internal stem channel 176 that extends between and is in fluid communication with the stem fluid inlet 175. As shown in FIG. 1 , the stem fluid inlet 175 (i.e., the stem fluid inlet port 175) is located on the side of the valve stem 135. As will be described in more detail below, a gas passage 178 is provided in the stem valve assembly housing 150 to facilitate fluid communication with a stem gas inlet 179 in the valve stem when the stem is in the open position. This facilitates gas flow into the stem channel 176 through the stem gas port 179 when the stem is in the open position. Thus, when the stem is in the open position, the liquid to be dispensed and the propellant gas can mix within the stem channel, as will be described in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 1 , the stem gas inlet 179 is located in a side region of the valve stem 135 substantially opposite the stem fluid inlet 175. Alternatively, the stem gas inlet 179 may be located in any other suitable location on the valve stem 135.

[0060] The fluid ejection device of Figure 1 includes a fluid flow valve assembly 190 located below the stem valve assembly (from the perspective shown in Figure 1). As will be described below, the fluid flow valve assembly 190 enables fluid ejection from the fluid ejection device 100 in various orientations of the fluid ejection device 100. As shown in Figure 1, a dip tube 195 is connected to the end of the fluid flow valve assembly 190 that faces downward from the perspective of Figure 1.

[0061] It will be appreciated that when the canister is upright (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the connection between the dip tube 195 and the fluid flow valve assembly 190 may position the fluid flow valve assembly 190 in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 125. It will be appreciated that when the fluid ejection device 100 is tilted relative to the main stem axis 140, the dip tube 195 may no longer be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 125. As will be described in more detail below, when tilted, the fluid flow valve assembly 190 provides an alternate fluid path through which fluid may still be communicated to the outlet nozzle 150.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the stem valve assembly 150 , the fluid flow valve assembly 190 , the dip tube 195 , and the mounting cup 115 together form a valve arrangement 199 of the fluid ejection device 100 .

[0063] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 of the fluid ejection device 100 of FIG. 1 in more detail. As described in connection with FIG. 1, the valve arrangement includes a stem valve assembly 110. The stem valve assembly 110 includes a valve stem 135, a portion of which is disposed within a stem valve assembly housing 150. The stem 135 includes an internal channel, a stem channel 176, which extends at least a portion of the valve stem 135 from the stem fluid inlet 175 to a terminal end 205 of the stem. As shown in FIG. 2, the internal stem channel 176 extends from a position slightly past the stem fluid inlet 175 to the terminal end 205 of the stem 135. In the perspective shown in FIG. 2, the terminal end 205 of the stem 135 is the uppermost end of the stem. That is, the terminus 205 of the stem 135 is the end of the stem that is farthest from and faces away from the stem valve assembly housing 150. As shown in Figure 2, the internal stem channel 176 extends only partially through the valve stem and is aligned along the main stem axis 140 (shown in Figure 1). Alternatively, the internal stem channel 176 may extend entirely through the stem 135.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2 , the portion of the stem located within the stem valve assembly housing 150 includes an outwardly flaring stem region 210 beneath which the end of the spring 148 is positioned. It will be appreciated that the outwardly flaring stem region 210 includes the protruding shoulder 165 of the stem 135. The outwardly flaring stem region 210 includes a spring abutment surface 206 that abuts the end of the spring 148 and can apply a biasing force to bias the stem 135 toward a “closed” position corresponding to the position of the stem 135 when the fluid ejector is in a “closed” mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 2 , the remaining end of the spring 148 rests on a spring seat 215 that is located adjacent a bottom-most region of the stem valve assembly housing 150 from the perspective shown in FIG. 2 . The spring seat 215 in FIG. 2 is a separate component from the stem valve assembly housing 150. That is, the spring seat 215 is not integrally formed with the stem valve assembly housing 150. Suitably, the spring seat 215 may be integrally formed with the stem valve assembly housing 150 .

[0065] 2 includes a gas flow passage 178 that allows gas to enter the stem valve assembly housing 150, and the stem has a stem gas inlet 179 when the stem 135 is in an open position, i.e., an open position corresponding to the position of the stem 135 when the fluid ejection device is disposed in an "open" mode of operation. Thus, the gas flow passage 178 (together with the stem gas inlet 179) allows gas within the stem valve assembly to enter the internal stem channel 176 when the stem 135 is in the open position (or open mode of operation). The flow of gas through the stem valve assembly 110 is described in more detail below.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2 and as described above with respect to FIG. 1, the valve configuration also includes an internal sealing gasket 120 disposed within the stem valve assembly housing 135 at the top of the housing (from the perspective shown in FIG. 2) and around the stem 135.

[0067] 1, the mounting cup 115 is crimped around the stem valve assembly housing 150. An external sealing gasket 118 is disposed on the inner surface of the periphery of the mounting cup 115 where the mounting cup 115 connects to the can, thereby sealing the interface between the mounting cup 115 and the can.

[0068] As described with respect to FIG. 1 , the fluid flow valve assembly 190 is also included in the valve configuration 199. As shown in FIG. 2 , the fluid flow valve assembly 190 includes a fluid flow valve housing 220, which is an example of a housing member. From the perspective shown in FIG. 2 , the fluid flow valve housing 220 is located below and connected to the stem valve assembly housing 150. An open area 225 of the fluid flow valve housing 220 is fixed around a retaining portion 230 located at the lower end (from the perspective shown in FIG. 2 ) of the stem valve assembly housing 150. The retaining portion 230 of the stem valve assembly housing 150 includes three circumferential ridges 232 extending radially outward from the outer surface of the stem valve assembly housing 150 at the retaining portion 230. Alternatively, one, two, or any other suitable number of ridges may be included. Each ridge 232 cooperates with a corresponding groove 233 on the inner surface of the open area 225 of the fluid flow valve housing 220, thereby securing the stem valve assembly housing 150 and the fluid flow valve housing 220 together through a combination of an interference fit and cooperation between the cooperating grooves 233 and ridges 232. In the valve configuration 199 shown in FIG. 2, the stem valve assembly housing 150 and the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 are two separate units. That is, the stem valve assembly housing 150 and the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 are each manufactured separately and then connected as described above. Of course, the stem valve assembly housing 150 and the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 may be an integrally formed single unit. It will be appreciated that other suitable fastening methods, such as using threads with corresponding screws, may be used to secure the stem valve assembly housing 150 to the fluid flow valve housing 220.

[0069] The remaining end of the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 includes an open region 235. As shown in FIG. 2, this end of the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 is substantially opposite the end of the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 that includes the open region 225. That is, the end of the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 that includes the open region 235 is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the end of the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 that includes the open region 225. It will be understood that the end of the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 that includes the open region 235 is an example of a first end of the fluid flow valve assembly housing, and therefore an example of a first end of a housing member. It will also be understood that the end of the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 that includes the open region 225 is an example of a further end of the fluid flow valve assembly housing, and therefore an example of a further end of a housing member. As shown in FIG. 2, the open region 235 includes an elongated neck region that includes an open-ended channel 243. That is, the open-ended channel 243 is a channel that is open at the first end of the fluid flow valve housing 220. An end region of the dip tube 195 is disposed within the open-ended channel 243 such that the dip tube 195 is secured to the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 by an interference fit.

[0070] It will be appreciated that by having separate parts (e.g., separate stem valve assembly housing 150, dip tube 195, fluid flow valve housing 220, and mounting cup 215), these components can be retrofitted to a particular fluid ejection device.

[0071] 2 also shows that the open area 235 of the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 extends from the body portion 240 of the fluid flow valve assembly housing. The body portion 240 of the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220 is an expanded diameter region of the fluid flow assembly housing 220 relative to the open area 235. The body portion 240 includes an interior chamber region 245. The interior chamber region 245 is partially surrounded by a generally cylindrical inner wall 250 of the fluid flow valve assembly housing 220. Thus, the interior chamber region 245 is generally cylindrical in shape. It will be appreciated that the interior chamber region 245 may be any other suitable shape, and therefore, any suitable number of interior walls may at least partially surround the interior chamber region 245. As shown in FIG. 2 , an internal fluid port 255 is located at the bottom end (from the perspective shown in FIG. 2 ) of the internal chamber region 245, which is an example of a first end region 246 of the internal chamber region 245 that is closest to the open region 235 of the fluid flow valve housing 220. The internal fluid port 255 is in fluid communication with the open region 235 of the fluid flow valve housing 220. A sealing ball 260, which is an example of a closure element, is located in the internal chamber region 245. It will be understood that the sealing ball 260 is movable within the internal chamber region 245. The sealing ball may be manufactured from a polymeric material, a metallic material, a composite material, or the like. For example, the sealing ball 260 may be plastic or rubber, or the like. It will be understood that any other suitable closure element, such as a plate-shaped closure element, a cylindrical closure element, or a cubic closure element, may be used instead.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 2 , the interior chamber region 245 is longer and wider than the diameter of the sealing ball 260, allowing the sealing ball 260 to move both laterally and vertically within the interior chamber region 245. That is, the sealing ball 260 can move in three dimensions within the interior chamber region 245, including up-down movement (from the perspective shown in FIG. 2 ) and left-right movement (from the perspective shown in FIG. 2 ). As shown in FIG. 2 , the sealing ball 260 can be positioned against a valve seat 265 (an example of a valve seat region) or collar to fluidly isolate the interior fluid port from the interior chamber region 245. It will be appreciated that the sealing ball 260 can move freely within the interior chamber region 245 toward or away from the valve seat 265. It will be appreciated that the valve seat 265 is located near the first end region 246 of the interior chamber region 245 and near the interior fluid port 255.

[0073] 2, an example of a further end region 257 of the interior chamber region 245, which is an upper portion of the interior chamber region 245 (from the perspective shown in FIG. 2), is defined by a spring seat 215. It will be understood that the spring seat 215 is a separate unit from the fluid flow valve housing 220 (including the interior wall 250) and is located at the top of the cylindrical interior wall 250. It will be understood that the further end region 257 of the interior chamber region 245 is the remaining end of the interior chamber region 245 and is spaced apart from the first end region 246 of the interior chamber region 245.

[0074] The interior wall 250 of the fluid flow valve housing 220 includes two wall fluid ports 270, which are side ports disposed on the cylindrical interior wall 250. Only one of these ports 270 is shown in FIG. 2 and extends into the plane of the page in the perspective of FIG. 2. It will be understood that the remaining ports 270 extend out of the plane of the page in the perspective view shown in FIG. 2 but are not shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2. Alternatively, one, three, four, or any other suitable number of wall fluid ports 270 may be used. The wall fluid ports fluidly connect the interior chamber region 245 (including the interior chamber fluid communication region 275) with a fluid communication region 280 located outside the fluid flow valve housing 220 and within the can. Each of the wall fluid ports 270 extends through the interior surface 250 of the fluid flow valve housing 220 and the exterior surface 271 of the fluid flow valve housing.

[0075] 2 , the body portion 240 of the fluid flow valve inner housing includes two fluid communication passages 290 on opposite sides of the interior chamber region 245, which extend around the interior chamber region 245 and are in fluid communication with the open region 235 of the fluid flow valve housing 220. That is, the fluid communication passages 290 are disposed radially outward of the interior chamber region 245 and are spaced apart from the interior chamber region 245 within the fluid flow valve housing 220. It will also be appreciated that each of the fluid communication passages 290 includes a first end 291 located near the open region 235 of the fluid flow valve housing 220 and a further end 292 located near the opening region 225 of the fluid flow valve housing 220. Thus, the fluid communication passages 290 extend through the fluid flow valve housing 220 from the open region 235 to the opening region 225, thereby fluidly connecting the open region 235 and the opening region 225.

[0076] The fluid flow valve housing 220 of Figure 2 is a single unit, i.e., the fluid flow valve housing 220 is formed as a single body, optionally by a molding process or the like.

[0077] It will be appreciated that the fluid flow valve housing 220 and the stem valve assembly housing 150 are substantially symmetrical about the stem axis (except for certain ports such as gas flow passages, fluid wall fluid ports, and fluid communication passages). However, slicing the stem valve assembly housing and the fluid flow valve assembly housing with a plane across the page from the perspective shown in Figure 2 results in two symmetrical portions of the stem valve assembly housing and the fluid flow valve assembly housing. In other words, both the stem valve assembly housing and the fluid flow valve assembly housing are single units formed as a single body, each including substantially symmetrical halves.

[0078] 3A-3J illustrate various cross-sectional views of the fluid ejection device 100 of FIG. 1 that may be utilized in the operation of the fluid ejection device 100. FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate that the fluid ejection device 100 can be tilted counterclockwise from an upright to an inverted orientation during use while maintaining a substantially constant fluid spray. FIGS. 3F-3J illustrate that the fluid ejection device 100 can be tilted counterclockwise from an inverted to an upright orientation while maintaining a substantially constant fluid spray.

[0079] FIG. 3A illustrates the fluid ejection device 100 of FIG. 1 in an upward or upright orientation 305. It will be understood that the upright orientation is the same as the orientation illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A illustrates how, when the fluid ejection device is in the upright orientation, the fluid reservoir 125 settles to adopt a fluid level that is substantially perpendicular to the main stem axis 140 (shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 3A also illustrates how, when the fluid ejection device is positioned in the upright orientation, the stem 135 extends along a stem axis that is parallel to (and extends along) the main stem axis 140 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A further illustrates how, when the fluid ejection device 100 is positioned in the upright orientation, the dip tube 195 is positioned such that the end of the dip tube 195 that is not connected to the fluid flow valve housing 220 is located within the fluid reservoir.

[0080] FIG. 3B illustrates the fluid ejector 100 of FIG. 1 tilted diagonally in a counterclockwise direction away from the upright position 305 of FIG. 3A, while still in a substantially upright orientation 310. It will be appreciated that the orientation 310 illustrated in FIG. 3B represents a 45-degree counterclockwise rotation of the fluid ejector 100 from the upright orientation 305 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the stem 135 extends along an axis that is the stem axis, i.e., an axis that is 45 degrees relative to the main stem axis 140 illustrated in FIG. 1, when the fluid ejector is in the orientation 310 of FIG. 3B. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the fluid reservoir 125 is defined such that the fluid level in the reservoir is oblique to the axis along which the stem 135 extends. It will be appreciated that the fluid level in the fluid reservoir is determined by gravity and is therefore always substantially perpendicular to the main stem axis 140 illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3B, the dip tube 195 is positioned so that the end of the dip tube 195 that is not connected to the fluid flow valve housing 220 is positioned within the fluid reservoir 125 in the orientation of FIG. 3B.

[0081] FIG. 3C illustrates the fluid ejector 100 tilted counterclockwise from an upright orientation 305, resulting in a substantially sideways orientation 315. It will be appreciated that the orientation 315 illustrated in FIG. 3C represents a 90-degree counterclockwise rotation of the fluid ejector 100 from the upright orientation 305 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the stem 135 extends along an axis that is the stem axis, i.e., an axis that is 90 degrees relative to the main stem axis 140 illustrated in FIG. 1, when the fluid ejector 100 is in the orientation 310 of FIG. 3C. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the fluid reservoir 125 is defined such that the fluid level in the reservoir is substantially parallel to the axis along which the stem 135 extends. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the dip tube 195 is oriented such that the end of the dip tube 195 that is not connected to the fluid flow valve housing 220 is positioned within the fluid reservoir 125 in the orientation of FIG. 3C.

[0082] FIG. 3D illustrates the fluid ejector 100 tilted diagonally in a counterclockwise direction away from the upright orientation 305, but in a substantially inverted orientation 325. It will be appreciated that the orientation 325 illustrated in FIG. 3D represents a 135-degree counterclockwise rotation of the fluid ejector 100 from the upright orientation 305 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the stem 135 extends along an axis that is the stem axis, i.e., an axis that is 135 degrees relative to the main stem axis 140 illustrated in FIG. 1, when the fluid ejector 100 is in the orientation 310 of FIG. 3D. As illustrated in FIG. 3D, the fluid reservoir 125 is defined such that the reservoir fluid level is oblique to the axis along which the stem 135 extends. As illustrated in FIG. 3D, the dip tube 195 is oriented such that the end of the dip tube 195 not connected to the fluid flow valve housing 220 is located outside the fluid reservoir 125 in the orientation of FIG. 3D.

[0083] FIG. 3E illustrates the fluid ejection device 100 in an inverted orientation 325. It will be appreciated that the inverted orientation 325 is rotated 180 degrees from the upright orientation shown in FIG. 3A. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the stem 135 extends along an axis that is the stem axis, i.e., an axis that is 180 degrees relative to the main stem axis 140 shown in FIG. 1, when the fluid ejection device 100 is in the orientation 310 of FIG. 3D. That is, the stem extends along the main stem axis 140 shown in FIG. 1, but in the opposite direction (downward) compared to the upright orientation 305 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A). As shown in FIG. 3D, the fluid reservoir 125 is oriented such that the fluid level in the reservoir is substantially perpendicular to the axis along which the stem 135 extends. As shown in FIG. 3S, the dip tube 195 is oriented such that the end of the dip tube 195 that is not connected to the fluid flow valve housing 220 is located outside the fluid reservoir 125 in the orientation of FIG. 3D.

[0084] 3F-3J show the orientation of the fluid ejector 100 when it is tilted from the inverted position 325 shown in FIG. 3E to the upright position 305 shown in FIG. 3A.

[0085] Figure 3F illustrates the fluid ejection device in an inverted orientation 330. It will be understood that the inverted orientation 330 is rotated 180 degrees from the upright orientation 305 illustrated in Figure 3A. It will be understood that the orientation 330 illustrated in Figure 3F is substantially the same as the inverted orientation 325 described with respect to Figure 3E.

[0086] Figure 3G shows the fluid ejection device 100 in a tilted, but substantially downward, orientation 340, rotated 45 degrees from the inverted orientation 330 shown in Figure 3F. It will be understood that the orientation 340 shown in Figure 3G is substantially the same as the orientation 320 described with respect to Figure 3D.

[0087] Figure 3H illustrates the fluid ejection device in a substantially sideways or lateral orientation 350, rotated 90 degrees from the inverted orientation 330 illustrated in Figure 3F. It will be appreciated that the orientation 350 illustrated in Figure 3F is substantially the same as the orientation 315 described with respect to Figure 3H. However, it is noted that the sealing ball 260 is positioned in a different location within the interior chamber region 245 compared to the orientation 315 illustrated in Figure 3C.

[0088] Figure 3I shows the fluid ejection device in a tilted, but substantially upward, orientation 360, rotated 135 degrees from the inverted orientation 330 shown in Figure 3F. It will be understood that the orientation 360 shown in Figure 3I is substantially the same as the orientation 315 described with respect to Figure 3B.

[0089] FIG. 3F shows the fluid ejection device in an upright orientation 370, rotated 180 degrees from the inverted orientation 330 shown in FIG. 3F, and is substantially the same as the orientation described with respect to FIG. 3A.

[0090] Figure 4 shows the direction of the fluid spray 152 from the fluid ejection device 100 of Figure 1 when the fluid ejection device 100 is oriented as shown in Figures 3A-3J. Direction (1) 410 corresponds to directions 305, 370 described with reference to Figures 3A and 3J. Direction (2) 420 corresponds to directions 310, 360 described with reference to Figures 3B and 3I. Direction (3) 430 corresponds to directions 315, 350 described with reference to Figures 3C and 3H. Direction (4) 440 corresponds to directions 320, 340 described with reference to Figures 3D and 3G. Direction (4) 450 corresponds to directions 325, 330 described with reference to Figures 3E and 3F.

[0091] Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2 when the fluid ejector 100 is positioned in the substantially upright orientation 305, 370 of Figures 3A and 3J. In particular, Figure 5A shows how fluid, i.e., liquid initially disposed in a fluid reservoir to be ejected, flows through the valve arrangement when the fluid ejector is positioned in the substantially upright orientation 305, 370. The arrows in Figure 5A indicate the flow of liquid through the valve arrangement 199. It will be understood that the upright orientation 305, 370 of the fluid ejector 100 (and therefore the valve arrangement 199) is an example of a first mode of operation of the fluid ejector 100 and the valve arrangement 199. It will be appreciated that when the fluid ejection device 100 is positioned in the upright orientation 305, 370, the remaining end of the dip tube 195 that is not secured to the open area 235 of the fluid flow valve housing 220 is positioned near the bottom of the canister of the fluid ejection device 100 and, therefore, within the fluid reservoir 125 (if a sufficient amount of fluid remains in the canister for fluid ejection). It will be appreciated that the gas propellant located in the headspace 130 above the fluid reservoir 125 is pressurized and therefore pushes the fluid reservoir 125 downward. This pressure acting on the fluid reservoir 125 forces liquid up through the dip tube 195 and into the open area 135 of the fluid flow valve housing 220 (through the dip tube 195 located within the open area 135).

[0092] As shown in FIG. 5A, when the fluid ejection device 100 is oriented in a substantially upright orientation 305, 370, the sealing ball 260 rests on the valve seat 265.

[0093] It will be appreciated that the sealing ball 260 is positioned on the valve seat 265 by gravity. The sealing ball 260 thereby prevents liquid in the open region 235 of the fluid flow valve assembly 220 from entering the interior chamber region 245 via the interior fluid port 255. That is, the sealing ball 260 fluidly isolates the interior chamber region 245 from the open region 235. Liquid is instead forced to flow around and through the two fluid communication passages 290, thereby moving fluid around the interior chamber region 245. Thus, liquid moves from the open region 235 of the fluid flow valve housing 220 through the fluid communication passages 290 to the opening region 225. Thus, liquid is forced upward from the opening region 225 into the stem valve assembly fluid communication region 149 (i.e., the stem housing fluid communication region) of the stem valve assembly housing 150. As shown in FIG. 5A, the stem valve assembly fluid communication region 148 extends around the periphery of the valve stem 135.

[0094] It will be appreciated that when the stem 135 is in the closed position, the stem shoulder 165 is biased by the spring 148 against the inner lip 170 of the stem valve assembly housing 150. Thus, the stem shoulder 165 and the inner lip 170 form a seal, preventing liquid from entering the stem fluid inlet 175 of the stem 135. However, when the stem 135 is depressed and moved to the open position as shown in FIG. 5A (or biased against the biasing force provided by the spring 148), the stem shoulder 165 is axially spaced from the inner lip 170, and the stem fluid inlet 175 is positioned below the inner lip 170 (from the perspective shown in FIG. 5A ). As shown in FIG. 5A , liquid is forced from the stem valve assembly fluid communication region 225 through the stem fluid inlet 175 and into the stem channel 176, where it is mixed with the propellant and ejected as a spray from the fluid ejection device 100.

[0095] FIG. 5B illustrates gas flow through the valve configuration 199 of FIG. 5A when the fluid ejection device 100 is in the upright orientation 305, 370 of FIGS. 3A and 3J. FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the valve configuration 199. As shown in FIG. 5B, gas propellant within the canister headspace 130 above the fluid reservoir 125 passes through a gas inlet region 510 between the inner surface of the mounting cup 115 and the outer surface of the fluid flow valve housing 220 at the housing's opening region 225. The gas enters through the gas inlet region 510 into a gas communication region 520 located between the inner surface of the mounting cup 115 and the outer surface of the stem valve assembly housing 150. The gas can then flow from the gas communication region 520 through the gas flow passage 178 in the stem valve assembly housing 150 and from the gas flow passage 178 to a gas flow region 530 located below the internal sealing gasket 120 and radially around the stem 135. When the stem 135 is in the closed position, the stem gas inlet 179 of the stem 135 is located at or above the internal sealing gasket 120, so that the internal sealing gasket 120 prevents gas from flowing from the gas flow region 530 located below the internal sealing gasket 120 to the stem gas inlet 179. When the stem 135 is depressed to the open position, as shown in FIG. 5A, the stem gas inlet 179 is moved to be located below the internal sealing gasket 120, so that gas propellant can flow into the stem channel 176 through the stem gas inlet 179.

[0096] It will be appreciated that when the stem 135 is depressed or biased toward the stem valve assembly housing 150 into an open position, the liquid fluid and gas propellant simultaneously flow into the stem channel 176. Thus, the liquid fluid and gas propellant mix, resulting in atomization of the two fluids within the stem channel 176. That is, the mixing of the high-pressure gas propellant with the liquid fluid being dispensed breaks the fluid into fine droplets in an essentially gas phase (or at least substantially gas-like), which are propelled upward within the stem channel 176 and dispensed as a fine spray from the fluid dispenser 100 through the nozzle 155. Thus, the stem channel 176 is an example of atomization of two fluids. It will be appreciated that when the stem 135 is depressed to the open position, the stem fluid inlet 175 allows fluid to flow into the stem channel 176 while the stem gas inlet 179 allows gas to flow into the stem channel 176, thereby causing atomization of the two fluids.

[0097] It will be appreciated that when the fluid ejection device 100 is in the upright orientation 305, 370, the wall fluid port 270 located on the interior wall 250 of the fluid flow valve housing 220 is located within the headspace region 130 of the canister, thereby allowing pressurized propellant gas to pass from the headspace 130 into the interior chamber region 245. The sealing ball 260, located on the valve seat 265 and thereby blocking fluid flow from the interior chamber region 245 through the interior fluid port 255 (effectively closing the interior fluid port 255), therefore prevents the flow of gas propellant from the headspace into the liquid flow path through the fluid flow valve housing 220 and the stem valve assembly housing 150. That is, gas from the headspace 130 that can pass into the interior chamber region 245 via the wall fluid port 270 cannot pass through the interior fluid port 255 toward (or into) the fluid communication passageway 290 due to the sealing ball 260 abutting the valve seat 265. Suitably, sealing ball 260 may be sized to prevent or limit the inflow of propellant gas into interior chamber region 245 via wall fluid ports 270 when sealing ball 260 is positioned against valve seat 265. Thus, sealing ball 260 helps prevent or limit air surges and the like, which could cause pressurized gas to rush through the liquid flow path of valve arrangement 199, causing the fluid dispensing device to only dispense, and thus waste, propellant gas upon actuation. Additionally, pressurized gas located in interior chamber region 245 (from headspace 130 via wall ports 270) can exert pressure on sealing ball 260, urging sealing ball 260 against valve seat 265 and enhancing the fluid sealing effect of sealing ball 260 against valve seat 265.

[0098] Figure 6 shows a different perspective view of the partial cross section of the valve arrangement 199 of Figures 5A and 5B when the fluid ejector 100 of Figure 1 is positioned in the upright orientation 305, 370 shown in Figures 3A and 3J. The arrows shown in Figure 6 indicate the liquid fluid flow path of the liquid to be ejected when the fluid ejector 100 is in the upright position or orientation 305, 370.

[0099] It will be appreciated that the rate at which the product (liquid fluid) rises through the dip tube will be relatively slow because the smallest orifice in the product, i.e., the stem fluid inlet (or alternatively the internal stem channel), is smaller than the dip tube. Optionally, the stem fluid inlet may have a diameter of about 0.50 mm. Optionally, the dip tube may have an internal diameter of about 3.45 mm. Optionally, any other suitable dimensions may be used. Using these exemplary dimensions, the rate at which the fluid rises through the dip tube will be about 9.348 mm. 2 ÷0.785mm 2 , i.e., 11.90 times slower than the velocity through the stem orifice.

[0100] It will be appreciated that after the valve is opened, even if there is no appreciable pressure difference (between the inside of the canister of the fluid ejection device and the outside of the fluid ejection device), gravity and the density of the sealing ball are sufficient (or nearly sufficient) to hold the ball on the seat.

[0101] FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG. 2 in the direction 310, 360 shown in FIGS. 3B and 3I. Thus, the valve arrangement 199 shown in FIG. 7A is disposed in a diagonally tilted, but substantially upright, orientation 310, 360, in which the axis associated with the valve stem 135 is offset 45 degrees from the main valve stem axis 140 shown in FIG. 1. That is, it will be appreciated that the angle of the main stem axis of the fluid ejector of FIG. 7A forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the upright oriented main stem axis 140 shown in FIG. 1. That is, in the position shown in FIG. 7A, the fluid ejector 100 is tilted at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the upright position or direction 305, 270 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3J. The arrows in FIG. 7A indicate the flow of liquid through the valve arrangement 199 when the stem 135 is depressed in the open configuration shown in FIG. 7A. As shown in Figure 7, the flow path of liquid through the valve arrangement 199 in the directions 305, 370 as described with respect to Figures 5A and 5B is substantially the same as that described with respect to Figure 5A.

[0102] Figure 7B illustrates how gas flow occurs through the valve configuration 199 of Figure 7A. Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the valve configuration 199. The arrows in Figure 7B indicate the flow of gas through the valve configuration 199. As shown in Figure 7B, when the fluid ejector is positioned in the illustrated diagonally tilted but substantially upright orientation 310, 360, the flow of gas through the valve configuration 199 is substantially the same as that described with respect to Figure 5B.

[0103] It will be appreciated that in addition to showing the valve assembly 199 when the fluid ejection device 100 is tilted 45 degrees from the upright orientation 305, 370, Figures 5A and 5B also show the valve assembly 199 when the fluid ejection device is tilted 135 degrees from the inverted orientation 325, 330 (shown in Figures 3E and 3F), in accordance with the orientation 360 of the fluid ejection device 100 shown in Figure 3I.

[0104] FIG. 8 shows a more detailed schematic diagram of the sealing ball 260 and valve seat 265 of the fluid ejection device. It will be understood that the sealing ball 260 and valve seat 265 shown in FIG. 8 are positioned corresponding to the directions 310, 360 of the fluid ejection device shown in FIGS. 3B and 3I. As shown in FIG. 8, the sealing ball 260 is positioned in intimate contact with the valve seat 265, fluidly sealing or substantially fluidly sealing the area around the valve seat 265. It will be understood that the sealing ball 260 therefore functions to fluidly isolate or substantially fluidly isolate the interior chamber region 245 and the interior fluid port 255 of the valve configuration 199 of FIG. 2.

[0105] 8, when the valve seat 265 is tilted (as in the position shown in FIG. 8) relative to the position of the valve seat 265 when the fluid ejector 100 is in the upright position 305, 370 (as shown in FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3J), the weight of the sealing ball 260 acts in a direction oblique to the axis along which the stem extends, i.e., the stem axis when the fluid ejector 100 is in the direction 310, 360. It will be appreciated that this axis forms a 45-degree angle with the main stem axis shown in FIG. 1. It will also be appreciated that the interior chamber region 245 and the valve seat 265 are disposed about the axis along which the stem extends. It will be appreciated that the weight of the sealing ball 260 acts downward (toward the ground) along the main stem axis 140 shown in FIG. 1 (which is the stem axis 140 when the fluid ejection device 100 is positioned in the upright orientation 305, 370) when the sealing ball 260 is in sealing engagement with the valve seat 265.

[0106] The force components of the weight of the sealing ball 160 (acting along the stem axis (Wx) and perpendicular to the stem axis (Wy) in the orientation of a given fluid ejection device 100 where the center of mass of the sealing ball 260 is located when the sealing ball 260 is seated on the valve seat 265) can therefore be resolved: Wx = Wcos(θ) (extending along the stem axis) and Wy = Wsin(θ) (extending perpendicular to the stem axis).

[0107] It will be appreciated that various orientations of the fluid ejector 100 will affect the position of the sealing ball 260 relative to the valve seat 265. Table 1 shows the various force components and the associated position of the sealing ball 260 when the fluid ejector 100 is oriented at an angle θ between the stem axis (the axis along which the force component Wx extends) and the downward vertical direction, which is the direction in which the weight of the sealing ball 260 acts due to gravity. It will be appreciated that the orientations described in Table 1 are associated with rotating the fluid ejector 100 from an upright orientation 305, 370 to an inverted orientation 325, 330.

[0108] [Table 1]

[0109] In the fluid ejection device 100 of Figure 1, comments regarding the force components associated with the weight of the sealing ball 260 and the position of the sealing ball 260 relative to the valve seat 265 in various directions where the stem axis of the fluid ejection device 100 forms an angle θ with the downward direction on which the weight of the sealing ball 260 acts.

[0110] As can be seen from Table 1, when the fluid ejector 100 is rotated approximately 45 degrees from the upright position 305, 370 (shown in FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3J), the fluid ejector 100 reaches a critical position, from which point further rotation of the fluid ejector 100 relative to the upright position 305, 370 beyond 45 degrees will cause the sealing ball 260 to move out of its sealed position against the valve seat shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5A, 5B, 7A, and 7B. Thus, when the stem axis is rotated beyond 45 degrees from the upright orientation 305, 370, the sealing ball 260 will not fully abut the valve seat 265. If the sealing ball 260 is dimensioned to block fluid flow through the wall fluid port 270 when seated on the valve seat 265 in the sealing position, rotating the fluid ejection device 100 more than 45 degrees from the upright orientation 305, 310 will substantially open the wall port 270.

[0111] It will be appreciated that the position of the sealing ball 260 relative to the valve seat 265 will change in response to gravity and optionally buoyancy forces.

[0112] FIG. 8 also shows that the valve seat 265 includes an annular abutment surface 810 against which the sealing ball 260 abuts when placed in a sealing position against the valve seat 265. It will be appreciated that the abutment surface 810 surrounds a circular opening that is the internal fluid port 255. As shown in FIG. 8 , the annular abutment surface 810 is oblique to the stem axis. That is, the annular abutment surface 810 is slanted or tilted. Thus, when the sealing ball 260 is placed in a sealing position on the valve seat 265, the sealing ball 260 partially penetrates the valve seat 265, with a portion of the sealing ball 260 located within the internal fluid port 255. Suitably, the angled valve seat 810 forms an angle of approximately 25 to 55 degrees with respect to the stem axis. Suitably, the angle is between 30 and 50 degrees. Suitably, the angle is approximately 45 degrees. Suitably, the angle is approximately 48 degrees. It will be appreciated that this angle of the valve seat helps to enhance the seal provided by the sealing ball and valve seat (by allowing the sealing ball to partially penetrate the valve seat and partially enter the internal fluid port), and also helps to allow the sealing ball to disengage from the valve seat in a desired orientation of the fluid ejection device.

[0113] FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG. 2 when the fluid ejector 100 of FIG. 1 is positioned in the substantially lateral direction 315 shown in FIG. 3C. The lateral or sideways direction 315 of the fluid ejector 100 is understood to be an orientation 315 in which the fluid ejector 100 is rotated 90 degrees relative to the upright positions 305, 370 shown in FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3J. FIG. 9A illustrates the flow of liquid fluid through the valve arrangement 199 in the lateral direction 315. The flow of fluid through the valve arrangement 199 is indicated by arrows in FIG. 9A. As shown in FIG. 9A, the flow of liquid fluid through the valve arrangement 199 is substantially the same as the fluid flow path described with respect to FIG. 5A.

[0114] As can be seen in Figure 9A, the sealing ball 260 has moved from its sealing position against the valve seat 265. That is, the sealing ball 260 is no longer fully sealingly seated against the annular abutment surface 810 of the valve seat 265. This is because the fluid ejection device has been rotated more than 45 degrees from its upright orientation 305, 370. Figure 9A shows that the sealing ball 260 has instead moved to a position contacting the inner wall 250 of the fluid flow valve housing 220, and is now only partially contacting the valve seat 265. Thus, a gap 910 exists in the remaining portion of the valve seat 265 where the sealing ball 260 no longer abuts. 9A , when the fluid ejection device 100 is positioned in the so-called side position 315, if the wall fluid port 270 is located below the liquid level in the liquid fluid reservoir 125, it will be appreciated that liquid fluid can enter the interior chamber region 245 and exit from the interior chamber region 245 through the interior fluid port 255 via the gap 910 between the valve seat 265 and the sealing ball 260. Thus, even if the dip tube 195 is located wholly or partially outside the fluid reservoir 125, such as due to a bend in the dip tube 195, some fluid can still enter the fluid communication passage 290 of the fluid flow valve housing 220 via the gap 910, thereby being ejected in a manner similar to that described with respect to the inverted orientations 325, 330 of the fluid ejection device 100 described below.

[0115] FIG. 9B illustrates how gas flow occurs through the valve arrangement 199 of FIG. 2 when the fluid ejection device 100 is in the lateral direction 315 shown in FIG. 3C. It will be understood that FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199. The arrows included in FIG. 9B indicate the flow of gas through the valve arrangement 199. As shown in FIG. 9B, gas flow through the valve arrangement 199 occurs in substantially the same manner as described with respect to FIG. 5A. It can be seen that liquid fluid cannot pass or does not easily pass through the gas inlet region 510 between the mounting cup 115 and the fluid flow valve housing 220. Thus, even when the valve arrangement 199 is positioned to the side as shown in FIG. 9B, gas can flow into the gas communication region 520, which is located at the top of the gas inlet region 510 (from a side perspective of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 10A), outside the fluid reservoir 125 and within the headspace 130 in the can, pass around the stem valve assembly housing 150 to the gas flow path 178 of the stem valve assembly housing 150, and flow into the stem channel 176 to mix with the liquid fluid when the stem 135 is depressed.

[0116] 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the valve configuration 199 of FIG. 2 when the fluid ejector 100 of FIG. 1 is in a tilted, but substantially downward, orientation 320, 340. Accordingly, the orientation of the valve configuration 199 illustrated in FIG. 10A is the orientation of the valve configuration 199 when the fluid ejector 100 is in the orientation 320, 340 shown in FIGS. 3D and 3G. Accordingly, it will be understood that the orientation of the valve configuration 199 illustrated in FIG. 10A is such that the fluid ejector 100 is tilted 135 degrees from the upright orientation 305, 370, resulting in a position where the stem axis forms an angle of approximately 135 degrees with respect to the main stem axis 140 illustrated in FIG. 1 when the fluid ejector 100 is in the upright orientation 305, 370 (i.e., the stem axis when the fluid ejector 100 is in the upright orientation 305, 370). In other words, the position shown in Figure 10A depicts the valve arrangement 199 when the fluid ejector 100 is tilted approximately 135 degrees from the upright position shown in Figure 3E. It will also be understood that the position of the valve arrangement 199 depicted in Figure 10 is also the position when the fluid ejector 100 is tilted 45 degrees from the inverted orientations 325, 330, as shown in Figure 31. In particular, Figure 10A depicts how fluid flow occurs through the valve arrangement 199 when the fluid ejector 100 is in the orientations 320, 340 shown.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 10A , the sealing ball 260 is positioned differently than the sealing ball 260 shown in FIGS. 5A , 5B , 5C , 7A and 7B , and 9A and 9B . Instead of being positioned adjacent the valve seat 265, as shown in FIG. 10A , the sealing ball 260 is positioned against the rear surface 1020 of the spring seat 215 at the further end 1010 of the interior chamber region 245, on the opposite side of the spring seat 215 from the side against which the spring 148 abuts. That is, the sealing ball 260 is positioned against the rear surface 1020 of the spring seat 215, which forms a surface of the interior chamber region 245 at the further end 1010 of the chamber. It will be appreciated that the rear surface 1020 of the spring seat 215 is an example of a closure element support region. It will be appreciated that the rear surface 1020 of the spring seat 215 includes a generally concave central region 1030 around which an annular lip 1040 extends. As shown in the cross-sectional view depicted in FIG. 10A, generally concave region 1030 has a generally arcuate cross-section extending between a protruding cross-sectional area corresponding to annular lip 1040 .

[0118] 10A shows that the annular lip 1040 on the rear surface 1020 of the spring seat 215 is sized to cooperate with the cylindrical inner surface 250 of the fluid flow valve housing 220, such that the annular lip 1040 is located within an end region of the cylindrical inner surface 250. Thus, the outer wall of the annular lip region 1040 of the spring seat 215 abuts a portion of the cylindrical inner surface 250. Because the diameter of the outer surface of the annular lip 1040 is similar to the diameter of the cylindrical inner surface 250, the annular lip 1040 forms an interference fit with the inner surface 250, thereby connecting the spring seat 215 to the fluid flow valve housing 220. As shown, the annular abutment surface is located radially outward of the annular lip 1040 abutting the cylindrical inner surface 250. The spring seat 215 and the inner surface 250 therefore partially enclose the interior chamber region 245.

[0119] 10A , the recessed area 1030 on the rear surface 1020 of the spring seat 215 causes the interior chamber region 245 to have a recessed end region at the further end 1010 of the chamber. It will be appreciated that the sealing ball 260 is configured such that its diameter is approximately the same size as or smaller than the diameter of the annular lip 1040 of the spring seat 215. Thus, the sealing ball 260 can be positioned within the annular lip 1040 and can penetrate into the recessed end region, i.e., the recessed area 1030 of the spring seat 215, when the sealing ball 215 is positioned at the further end 1010 of the interior chamber region 245. It will be appreciated that when sealing ball 260 is located at the further end 1010 of interior chamber region 245 and within the annular lip 1040 and recessed region 1030 of the rear surface 1020 of spring seat 215, sealing ball 260 is spaced apart from interior fluid port 255 and therefore does not impede fluid flow therethrough. Similarly, sealing ball 260 is spaced apart from wall port 270 and therefore does not prevent or reduce fluid flow therethrough.

[0120] It will be appreciated that gravity can position the sealing ball 260 in the position shown in FIG. 10A . As previously described, when the fluid ejection device 100 is tilted 45 degrees from the upright position, as shown in FIG. 3C , the sealing ball 260 moves out of its sealing position against the valve seat 265, but gravity still keeps the sealing ball 260 in contact with a portion of the seat 265 (the portion of the seat closest to the ground). The position of the valve arrangement 199 shown in FIG. 3C is a critical orientation, in which gravity causes the sealing ball 260 to roll off the valve seat 265 along the bottom of the inner wall 250 as the fluid ejection device 100 is rotated further from the upright orientation (and toward an inverted orientation) from the position shown in FIG. 3C . Thus, gravity causes the sealing ball 260 to roll toward the further end 1010 of the interior chamber region 245 (the spring seat 215 side) and into the recessed region 1030 of the rear surface 1020 of the spring seat 215.

[0121] As shown in Figure 10A, the fluid flow path through the valve configuration differs from the fluid flow path described in connection with Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 7A, 7B, 9A, and 9B. When the fluid ejection device 100 is positioned in the orientations 320, 340 shown in Figures 3D and 3G, the fluid reservoir 125 is located substantially toward the top end of the can (the end to which the mounting cup 115 is secured). Therefore, the wall fluid port 270 of the fluid flow valve housing 220 is positioned below the liquid level of the liquid fluid within the can. Therefore, in the fluid communication region of the can, liquid fluid from outside the fluid flow valve housing 220, i.e., liquid fluid outside the fluid flow valve housing 220, flows through the wall fluid port 270 into the interior chamber region 245. Liquid can then flow from the interior chamber region 245 through the interior fluid port 255, which is open because the sealing ball 260 is located at the further end 1010 of the interior chamber region 245, to the first end 291 of each fluid communication passageway 290. The first end 291 of each fluid communication passageway 290 is located near the open region 235 of the fluid flow valve housing 220. Thus, liquid fluid can flow through the fluid communication passageway 290 toward the further end 292 of the fluid communication passageway 290 (both of which are located near the stem valve assembly housing 150). The liquid fluid then flows around the stem valve assembly housing 150 and into the stem 135, as described in connection with FIG. 5A .

[0122] It will be appreciated that when the sealing ball 260 is positioned at the further end 1010 of the interior chamber region 245, the sealing ball 260 does not act to block or reduce fluid flow into the interior chamber region 245 through the wall fluid port 270.

[0123] As indicated by the arrows in Figure 10A, when the valve arrangement 199 is in the position shown in Figure 10A, if the end of the dip tube (the end not connected to the fluid flow valve assembly 220) is submerged in the fluid reservoir 125 (this depends on the length and shape of the dip tube 195 and the amount of liquid fluid left in the canister), some fluid may travel through the dip tube 195 into the fluid flow valve housing 220 and thus through the valve arrangement 199, as described in connection with Figure 5A. However, it will be appreciated that when the valve arrangement 199 is disposed in the position shown in Figure 10A, if the end of the dip tube 195 (the end not connected to and remote from the fluid flow valve assembly 220) is not submerged in the fluid reservoir (as is the case with the fluid ejection device 200 shown in Figures 3D and 3G), fluid will not flow into the fluid flow valve housing 220 through the dip tube 195.

[0124] FIG. 10B illustrates the behavior of the propellant gas within the headspace 130 of the can when the valve arrangement 199 is oriented in the orientation shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199. As shown with respect to FIGS. 3D and 3G, when the fluid ejection device 100 is tilted or angled (relative to the upright orientation 305, 370) in a substantially downward orientation 320, 340, the liquid fluid reservoir 125 is positioned toward the top of the can (where the mounting cup 115 is located), and the headspace 130 containing the propellant gas is positioned above the fluid reservoir 125 toward the bottom end of the can (substantially upward from the perspective shown in FIGS. 3D and 3G) (because it is less dense than the liquid fluid). Thus, the propellant gas exerts pressure on the fluid reservoir 125, causing the liquid fluid to flow through the valve arrangement 199, as described above with respect to FIG. 10A. The gas exerts a substantially uniform pressure across the entire surface of the defined fluid reservoir 125. However, in the orientation of valve configuration 199 shown in Figure 10B, gas is isolated from stem valve assembly housing 150. Therefore, when stem 135 is depressed (or urged toward stem valve assembly housing 150) while fluid ejection device 100 is in the orientations 320, 340 shown in Figures 3D and 3G, gas does not flow into stem 135 or is ejected from device 100. Therefore, in the orientation of valve configuration 199 shown in Figure 10B, no gas is ejected when the device is actuated, only liquid is ejected.

[0125] FIG. 11 illustrates how the sealing ball 260 lies against the rear surface 1020 of the spring seat 215 when the valve arrangement 199 is oriented in the orientation shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B . FIG. 11 shows the sealing ball 260 and the sealing ball support surface of the spring seat 215 in more detail. It will be understood that the sealing ball 260 and spring seat shown in FIG. 11 are in positions corresponding to the orientation of the fluid ejection device 100 shown in FIGS. 3D and 3G . Thus, FIG. 11 illustrates how the sealing ball 260 lies against the rear surface 1020 of the spring seat 215 when the valve arrangement 199 is oriented in the orientation shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B . As shown in FIG. 11 , the sealing ball 260 lies within the annular lip 1040 of the spring seat rear surface 1020 and penetrates into the recessed region 1030 of the spring seat rear surface 1020 at the further end 1010 of the interior chamber region 245. This positions sealing ball 260 away from interior fluid port 255 and wall fluid port 270. It will be appreciated that this provides a fluid connection between interior chamber region 245 and interior fluid port 255 (and wall fluid port 270, if the sealing ball is sized to effectively close off wall fluid port 270 from interior chamber region 245 when it is positioned against valve seat 265).

[0126] 11, in the orientations 320, 340 of the fluid ejection device 100 shown in FIGS. 3D and 3G, the weight of the sealing ball 260 acts in a direction oblique to the stem axis along which the stem extends in the orientation of the device. It will be appreciated that the interior chamber region 245 and the spring seat 215 are disposed on this stem axis and are substantially symmetrically disposed about this axis. Therefore, the force can be resolved into a force component acting along the stem axis (Wx; where the center of mass of the sealing ball is located when the sealing ball is disposed within the annular lip 1040 of the spring seat rear surface 1020) and a force component (Wy) acting along an axis perpendicular to the stem axis and extending through the center of mass of the sealing ball. The force components of the sealing ball's weight are Wx = Wcos(θ) (extending along the stem axis) and Wy = Wsin(θ) (extending perpendicular to the stem axis).

[0127] It will be appreciated that various orientations of the fluid ejector 100 will affect the position of the sealing ball 260 relative to the spring seat support surface. Table 2 shows the various force components and the associated position of the sealing ball 260 when the fluid ejector 100 is oriented at an angle θ between the stem axis (the axis along which the force component Wx extends) and the downward vertical direction, which is the direction in which the weight of the sealing ball acts due to gravity. It will be appreciated that the directions described in Table 2 are associated with rotating the fluid ejector from an inverted orientation 325, 330 to an upright orientation 305, 370.

[0128] [Table 2]

[0129] Comments on the force components associated with the weight of the sealing ball 260 and the position of the sealing ball 260 relative to the sealing ball support area in various directions in which the stem axis of the fluid ejection device 100 forms an angle θ with the downward direction on which the weight of the sealing ball 260 acts.

[0130] As can be seen from Table 2, when the fluid ejection device 100 is rotated approximately 45 degrees from the inverted orientation, the fluid ejection device 100 reaches a critical position, and from that point on, further rotation of the fluid ejection device from the inverted orientation 325, 330 to the upright position 305, 370 acts to move the sealing ball 260 away from the closure element support surface, thereby disengaging the sealing ball from the annular lip 1040 of the spring seat 215.

[0131] FIG. 12A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG. 2 when the fluid ejector 100 of FIG. 1 is positioned in an inverted orientation 325, 330. It will be understood that the inverted positions are illustrated in FIGS. 3E and 3F. In particular, FIG. 12A illustrates fluid flow through the valve arrangement 199 when the fluid ejector 100 is in the inverted orientation 325, 330. The arrows in FIG. 12A indicate how fluid flow occurs through the valve arrangement 199. As shown in FIG. 12A, the liquid fluid flow through the valve arrangement 199 in the inverted orientation is substantially the same as the liquid flow described with respect to FIG. 10A.

[0132] It is noted that in the inverted orientations 325, 330, the dip tube 195 is located outside of the fluid reservoir 125 and within the headspace 135. This can be seen in Figures 3E and 3F. Therefore, liquid fluid does not flow through the dip tube 195 into the fluid flow valve assembly 199.

[0133] Figure 12B illustrates the behavior of the propellant gas when the fluid ejector 100 is positioned in an inverted orientation 325, 330, as shown in Figures 3E and 3F. Figure 12B shows a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 in the position shown in Figure 12A. As shown in Figure 12B, the propellant gas behaves in substantially the same manner as described with respect to Figure 10B.

[0134] Figure 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view from a different perspective of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2 when the fluid ejector 100 of Figure 1 is in an inverted orientation 325, 330. The arrows in Figure 13 indicate the flow of liquid fluid through the valve arrangement 199 when the fluid ejector 100 is in an inverted orientation.

[0135] It will be appreciated that the internal pressure of the can may be, for example, 8.0 bar, 4.0 bar, or 2.0 bar. It will be appreciated that when the can (or fluid dispensing device) is inverted, the pressure acts evenly on all areas of the surface of the fluid reservoir, including any residual liquid in the dip tube, the liquid in the body of the can, and the liquid in the wall fluid ports, until the stem is forced to the open position and a pressure drop occurs. This pressure therefore allows liquid that enters the interior chamber area through the wall fluid ports (when the fluid dispensing device is in the inverted orientation) to move upward against gravity, through the interior fluid ports, and into the fluid communication passageway.

[0136] It will be appreciated that fluid flow through the valve arrangement in an upright or first direction corresponds to a first mode of operation of the valve arrangement, and fluid flow through the valve arrangement in an inverted or further direction corresponds to a further mode of operation of the valve arrangement.

[0137] FIG. 14A shows a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG. 2 when the fluid ejection device 100 of FIG. 1 is in the substantially lateral or transverse direction 350 shown in FIG. 3H. In particular, FIG. 10A illustrates how liquid fluid flow occurs through the valve arrangement 199 when the fluid ejection device 100 is in the lateral direction 350 of FIG. 3H. The arrows in FIG. 14A indicate the direction of fluid flow. While the orientation of the valve arrangement 199 shown in FIG. 14A is substantially the same as the orientation shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, it will be appreciated that the sealing ball 260 in the configuration shown in FIG. 14A is in a different position than the orientation shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. As shown in FIG. 14A, the sealing ball 260 is not located near the valve seat 265, but rather is located against a closure element support surface at the further end 1010 of the interior chamber region 245. It will be appreciated that the sealing ball 260 may alternatively be positioned away from the annular lip 1040 and against a lower portion of the interior wall 250. Such an arrangement may depend on the pressure acting on the sealing ball, the weight of the sealing ball, or the buoyancy of the sealing ball, etc. It may also depend on the amount of fluid and / or gas present within the interior chamber region 245. It will be appreciated that the lateral orientation of Figure 14A occurs when the fluid ejection device 100 is tilted 90 degrees from an inverted orientation 325, 330 to an upright orientation 305, 370.

[0138] Figure 14A shows how liquid fluid flow occurs through valve arrangement 199. The arrows in Figure 14A indicate the flow of liquid fluid through the valve arrangement. It will be understood that the flow of liquid fluid through valve arrangement 199 in the direction shown in Figure 14A is substantially the same as that described with respect to Figure 5A.

[0139] Figure 14B shows how gas flow occurs through the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2 in the lateral direction shown in Figure 14A. The valve arrangement is shown in cross section in Figure 14B. The arrows in Figure 14B indicate the flow of gas through the valve arrangement 199. It will be understood that the flow of gas through the valve arrangement 199 in the direction shown in Figure 14A is substantially the same as that described with respect to Figure 5A.

[0140] Figure 15A illustrates, in cross section, an alternative interior chamber region 1510 that may be used in the valve configuration 199 of Figure 2 in the fluid ejection device 100 of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 15A, the alternative interior chamber region 1510 includes a wall port 1520 having a substantially rectangular cross-section and an interior fluid port 1530 (and a valve seat 1540 in which a sealing ball 1545 may be seated) that is eccentrically positioned relative to the interior chamber region 1510.

[0141] FIG. 15B shows a schematic diagram of an alternative valve seat 1550 that can be used in the valve configuration 199 of FIG. 2 for the fluid ejection device 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 15B, the valve seat 1550 does not include an abutment surface that is angled relative to the stem axis. Instead, the valve seat 1550 includes a through-hole 1555 that is sized slightly smaller than the diameter at which a sealing ball 1570 can be positioned, the through-hole 1555 penetrating a substantially rectangular bottom wall 1560 of an interior chamber region 1565. It will be appreciated that the hole 1555 penetrating the bottom wall 1560 of the interior chamber region 1565 is an interior fluid port. Thus, when the sealing ball 1570 is positioned in a sealing position relative to the valve seat 1550, the sealing ball 1570 is positioned within the hole 1555 and blocks fluid flow through the interior fluid port.

[0142] 15C shows a schematic diagram of an alternative interior chamber region that can be used in the valve configuration 199 of FIG. 2 for the fluid ejection device 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 15C, an interior wall region 1582, or a portion of the interior wall region, of the interior chamber region 1580 is angled relative to a major axis associated with the interior chamber region 1580. Thus, the interior wall region 1582, which is an angled wall region, is angled relative to the stem axes within the valve assembly. As shown in FIG. 15C, the angled wall region 1582 flares outward toward the top end 1584 of the interior chamber region 1580 (away from the interior fluid port 1586 at the bottom end of the interior chamber region), such that the interior chamber region 1580 narrows toward an end 1588 of the interior chamber region 1580 that includes the interior fluid port 1586 (and valve seat 1589) and flares toward the top end 1584 of the interior chamber region 1580. The angled wall region 1582 shown in FIG. 15C is parallel to the stem axis and oblique to an axis 1590 tangent to the innermost portion of the angled wall region 1582 (at the lowermost end of the angled wall region), with the angled wall region 1582 forming a 10-degree angle with the axis 1590. Alternatively, any angle between 0 and 10 degrees may be used. It will be appreciated that such an angled wall region 1582 will cause the sealing ball 1592 to roll toward the upper end 1584 of the interior chamber region 1580 when the fluid ejection device is tilted at an angle less than 90 degrees from the upright orientation. While FIG. 15 shows the valve seat 1586 of FIG. 15B used with the angled wall region 1582, it will be appreciated that angled wall regions may also be used in the interior chamber region 245 of the valve configuration 199 shown in FIGS. 1-14.

[0143] Figure 16 shows a top perspective view of the fluid flow valve housing 220 and spring seat 215 of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2. Figure 16 shows how the spring seat is mounted within the fluid flow valve housing 220.

[0144] Figure 17 shows a side perspective view of a cross section of the fluid flow valve housing 220 of the valve configuration 199 of Figure 2. Figure 17 shows how the wall port 270 extends completely through a portion of the fluid flow valve housing 220 from (and through) the inner surface 250 that at least partially defines the interior chamber region 245 to (and through) the outer surface 1710 of the fluid flow valve housing 220. Figure 17 also shows how the fluid communication passage 290 does not intersect with the wall port 270. Figure 17 shows how the two wall fluid ports 270 are located on substantially opposite sides of the fluid flow valve housing 220.

[0145] Figure 18 shows a different cross-sectional view of the fluid flow valve housing 220 of the valve configuration 199 of Figure 2. It will be appreciated that the perspective shown in Figure 18 rotates the fluid flow valve housing 220 45 degrees (about a major axis of the fluid flow valve housing corresponding to the major stem axis 140 shown in Figure 1) relative to the perspective view of Figure 17. Figure 18 shows how two fluid communication passages 290 are located on substantially opposite sides of the fluid flow valve housing 220. The arrows in Figure 18 indicate how liquid fluid flow occurs through the fluid flow valve housing 220 when the fluid ejection device 100 is in a substantially upright orientation 305, 370.

[0146] Figure 19 shows another further perspective view of the fluid flow valve housing 220 of the valve configuration 199 of Figure 2. Figure 19 shows that the fluid communication passage 290 extends through the housing 220 and is located radially outside the interior chamber region 245. The arrows in Figure 19 indicate how liquid fluid flow occurs through the fluid flow valve housing 220 when the fluid ejection device 100 is in a substantially upright orientation 305, 370.

[0147] Figure 20 shows a further perspective view of the fluid flow valve housing 220 of the valve configuration 199 of Figure 2. Figure 20 shows how the fluid communication passages 290 extend around respective wall port blocks 2010, which are solid portions of the fluid flow valve housing 220 through which respective wall fluid ports 270 extend. The arrows in Figure 20 indicate how liquid fluid flow occurs through the fluid flow valve housing 220 when the fluid ejection device 100 is in a substantially upright orientation 305, 370.

[0148] Figure 21 shows a different perspective view of the fluid flow valve housing 220 of the valve configuration 199 of Figure 2. Figure 21 shows how the fluid communication passages 290 extend around respective wall port blocks 2010, which are solid portions of the fluid flow valve housing 110, through which respective wall fluid ports 270 extend. The arrows in Figure 21 indicate how liquid fluid flow occurs through the fluid flow valve housing 220 when the fluid ejection device 100 is in a substantially upright orientation 305, 370.

[0149] Figure 22 shows a bottom perspective view of the fluid flow valve housing 220 of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2. Figure 22 shows that the internal fluid port 255 is located at the first or bottom end of the internal chamber region 245.

[0150] Figure 23 shows a different perspective view from below of the fluid flow valve housing 220 of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2. Figure 23 shows how the interior fluid port 255 is located at the first or bottom end of the interior chamber region 245.

[0151] FIG. 24 shows a schematic top view of two fluid communication passages 290, an interior chamber region 245, and two wall ports 270 located within the fluid flow valve housing 220. FIG. 24 illustrates that the two fluid communication passages 290 are located on substantially opposite sides of the fluid flow valve housing 220 and have a generally arcuate cross-section. FIG. 24 also illustrates that the two fluid communication passages 290 are not located on the same side of the fluid flow valve housing 220 as the wall fluid ports 270. Therefore, the fluid communication passages do not intersect with the wall fluid ports 270. Instead, the two wall fluid ports 270 are located within respective wall fluid port blocks 2010 located on substantially opposite sides of the fluid flow valve housing 220.

[0152] Figure 25A shows a cross-sectional schematic view of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2 in a substantially upright orientation. It will be understood that the valve arrangement 199 shown in Figure 25A is in a closed configuration, i.e., the stem 135 is biased upward by the spring 148, with the stem shoulder 165 abutting the inner lip 270 of the stem valve assembly housing 150. Figure 25A illustrates how, when the stem 135 is in the closed configuration, the stem fluid inlet 175 and the stem gas inlet 179 are fluidly isolated from the fluid and gas flow paths, respectively.

[0153] Figure 25B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2 in an upright and open configuration. It can be seen that the stem 135 is biased downward by an external force. Figure 25B shows how the stem fluid inlet 175 and stem gas inlet 179 are fluidly connected to the fluid and gas flow paths, respectively, when the stem is in the open configuration.

[0154] Figure 25C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve configuration 199 of Figure 2 in an inverted orientation. It will be appreciated that the perspective view of Figure 25C is not only inverted, but also rotated 45 degrees about the main stem axis 140 shown in Figure 1 relative to the perspective view shown in Figure 25B. Figure 25C shows two wall fluid ports 270 extending through a valve block 2010 located on opposite sides of the fluid flow valve housing 220.

[0155] Figure 26A shows a perspective view of the assembled valve configuration 199 of Figure 2. Figure 26A shows how the fluid flow valve housing 220 is connected below the stem valve assembly housing 150 with the mounting cup 115 located therein.

[0156] FIG. 26B shows a perspective view from above of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG.

[0157] FIG. 26C shows a perspective view from below of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG.

[0158] Figure 26A shows a top perspective view of the spring seat 215 of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2. Figure 26A shows that the spring seat 215 includes a spring cavity 2710 in which the spring 148 is located. A number of spring support elements 2720 help support the spring in place.

[0159] Figure 26B shows a side perspective view of the spring seat 215 of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2. Figure 26B shows that the spring seat includes an annular lip 1040 located on its rear surface for receiving the sealing ball 260.

[0160] FIG. 26C shows a perspective view from below of the spring seat 215 of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG.

[0161] Figure 26D shows a perspective view in cross section of the spring seat 215 of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2. Figure 26D shows how the rear surface 1020 of the spring seat includes a recessed area 1030 into which the sealing ball 260 may enter in use.

[0162] Figure 26E shows a further perspective view of the spring seat 215 of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2. Figure 26E shows a spring cavity 2710 in an upper region 2730 of the spring seat 215 in which the spring 148 may be located.

[0163] FIG. 27A shows a perspective view from above of the stem valve assembly housing 150 of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG.

[0164] Figure 27B shows a side perspective view of the stem valve assembly housing 150 of the valve configuration 199 of Figure 2. Figure 27B shows how a gas flow path 178 is located within the stem valve assembly housing 150, forming part of the gas flow path between the headspace region 130 of the canister and the stem channel 176.

[0165] FIG. 27C shows a perspective view from below of the stem valve assembly housing 150 of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG.

[0166] Figure 27D shows a cross-sectional view of the stem valve assembly housing 150 of the valve configuration 199 of Figure 2. Figure 27D shows that the stem valve assembly housing 150 includes a bore 2810 in which the stem 135 is disposed during use. Figure 27D also includes two circled areas labeled B and C.

[0167] Figure 27E shows in more detail the cross-sectional view within the circle designated C. Figure 27E illustrates how the narrowed lower connecting portion 2820 of the stem valve assembly housing 150 includes a plurality of circumferentially outwardly extending ribs or ridges 232 that help secure the stem valve assembly housing in the opening 225 of the fluid flow valve housing 220 with corresponding grooves 233.

[0168] Figure 27F shows in more detail the cross-sectional view within the circle labeled B. Figure 27F shows how the stem valve assembly housing 150 includes an inward lip 170 that helps fluidly isolate the stem channel 176 from the stem valve assembly housing. Figure 27F also shows how a gas flow region 530 is located below the space where the internal sealing gasket 120 is located during use. This gas flow region 530 helps transport gas from the gas passage 178 to the stem channel 176 when the stem 135 is in the open configuration.

[0169] FIG. 28G shows a different perspective view of the stem valve assembly housing 150 of the valve configuration 199 of FIG.

[0170] FIG. 29A shows a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG. 2 in an upright orientation when the stem 135 is disposed in a closed configuration.

[0171] Figure 29B shows a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2 in an upright orientation when the stem 135 is disposed in a closed configuration. It will be appreciated that the perspective shown in Figure 29B is rotated 45 degrees about the stem axis 140 relative to the valve arrangement shown in Figure 29A.

[0172] Figure 29C shows a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2 in an upright orientation when the stem 135 is in an open configuration. It will be understood that the perspective shown in Figure 29C is the same as the perspective shown in Figure 29A, except that the valve arrangement 199 is in an open configuration.

[0173] Figure 29D shows a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement 199 of Figure 2 in an inverted orientation when the stem is in a closed configuration. It will be understood that the perspective shown in Figure 29D is the same as the perspective shown in Figure 29B, except that the valve assembly is inverted.

[0174] Figure 30A shows a perspective view of the assembled valve configuration 199 of Figure 2. Figure 30A shows how the fluid flow housing is connected below the stem valve assembly housing with the mounting cup in place.

[0175] FIG. 30B shows a perspective view from below of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG.

[0176] FIG. 30C shows a perspective view from above of the valve arrangement 199 of FIG.

[0177] Figure 30D shows a different perspective view of the valve configuration of Figure 2. Figure 30D shows how wall fluid ports 270 extend through the exterior surface of fluid flow valve housing 220.

[0178] FIG. 31A shows how the valve arrangement 199 of FIG. 2 is assembled. As shown in FIG. 31A , the spring seat 215, which has a spring cavity on its upper surface in which the spring 148 is disposed, is inserted into the open region of the fluid flow valve housing 220 and is configured to close the upper or further end of an interior chamber region 245 located in the main body of the fluid flow valve housing 220. It will be understood that the annular rib located on the rear surface of the spring seat 215 is adapted to be disposed within the end of the cylindrical inner surface of the fluid flow valve housing 220 that partially surrounds the interior chamber region. It will also be understood that prior to disposing the spring seat 215 in the fluid flow valve housing 220, the sealing ball 260 is inserted into the upper or further end of the interior chamber region 245, and the sealing ball 260 is disposed within the interior chamber region 245.

[0179] The outer sealing gasket 218 is disposed inside the outer peripheral wall of the mounting cup 115, which is crimped onto the top of the stem valve assembly housing 150. The stem valve assembly enclosed in the mounting cup 115 is connected to an opening in the fluid flow valve housing 220 via a connection in the stem valve assembly housing 250. This can be done before, after, or at the same time that the outer gasket 218 is provided to the mounting cup 115.

[0180] 31B shows a perspective view in cross section of the assembled valve configuration 199. It will therefore be understood that the assembled stem valve configuration 199 shown in FIG. 31B is the configuration described above in connection with FIG.

[0181] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," and are not intended to exclude, and do not exclude, other moieties, additives, components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular includes the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be interpreted as implying the plural possibility as well as the singular, unless the context otherwise requires.

[0182] It will be understood that any feature, element, characteristic, or group described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention is applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, to the extent not incompatible. All features and / or steps of any disclosed method or process disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be combined in any combination, except where at least some features and / or steps are mutually incompatible. The invention is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The invention also extends to any novel feature or combination of features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel step or combination of steps of any disclosed method or process.

[0183] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents filed contemporaneously or previously hereto in connection with this application and in the public domain herewith, the contents of all such papers and documents being incorporated herein by reference.

[0184] In addition, the following items are disclosed:

[0185] 1. A device for dispensing a fluid, comprising: at least one interior wall of the housing member at least partially enclosing an interior chamber region disposed within a body portion of the housing member, the interior fluid port being disposed at a first end region of the interior chamber region and in fluid communication with an open region of the housing member disposed at the first end region of the housing member; at least one fluid communication passageway, the at least one fluid communication passageway being disposed within the body portion and having a first end thereof proximate the open region and a remaining end thereof proximate a further end of the housing member spaced from the first end of the housing member, the at least one fluid communication passageway being disposed radially outward of the interior chamber region and in fluid communication with the open region; at least one wall fluid port extending through the inner wall and the outer surface of the housing member to fluidly connect the interior chamber region with a fluid communication region located outside the housing body; a closure element disposed within the interior chamber region and movable within the interior chamber region to selectively restrict fluid flow through the interior fluid port; the housing member is connected to or integrally formed with a valve assembly, the valve assembly including elongated valve stems associated with respective stem axes and a stem housing radially surrounding at least a portion of the valve stems, the stem housing having at least one stem housing fluid communication region fluidly connected to the fluid communication passage and fluidly connectable with an internal stem channel disposed along at least a portion of the valve stems, the stem housing further having at least one gas communication region fluidly connectable with the internal stem channel, thereby allowing at least one fluid and at least one gas to mix within the stem channel.

[0186] 2. The device described in paragraph 1, wherein the valve stem comprises a fluid inlet port fluidly connected to the stem channel and selectively connectable to the stem housing fluid communication region, and a gas inlet port fluidly connected to the stem channel and selectively connectable to the gas fluid communication region, the fluid inlet port being positioned to be fluidly connected to the stem housing fluid communication region at the same time that the gas fluid port is fluidly connected to the gas fluid communication region, thereby providing a fine spray by two-fluid atomization within the stem channel.

[0187] 3. The device described in paragraph 1 or 2, further comprising a valve seat area disposed within the internal chamber area and adjacent to the first fluid port, wherein the closure element is positionable against the valve seat area when the housing member is positioned in a first orientation, thereby preventing fluid flow through the internal fluid port.

[0188] 4. The device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, further comprising a closure element support region disposed in a further end region of the internal chamber region, spaced from the first end region of the internal chamber region, wherein the closure element is positionable relative to the closure element support region when the housing member is positioned in a further orientation, thereby allowing fluid flow through the internal fluid port.

[0189] 5. The device of any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the housing member is a unitary body part, optionally comprising a single molded body part.

[0190] 6. A device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the maximum width of the closure element is smaller than the maximum width of the area of ​​the internal chamber over which the closure element can move during operation.

[0191] 7. The device of paragraphs 3 and 4, wherein the maximum width of the closure element is less than the maximum width of the area of ​​the internal chamber between the valve seat area and the closure element support area.

[0192] 8. A device as described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the housing member is connected to the valve assembly at a further end region of the housing member that is spaced from the first end of the housing member.

[0193] 9. A device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, wherein the internal chamber region, the internal fluid port and the opening are positioned on the stem axis and, optionally, are substantially symmetrical along the stem axis.

[0194] 10. The device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the wall fluid port is arranged along an axis substantially perpendicular to the stem axis.

[0195] 11. The device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one wall fluid port comprises a pair of wall fluid ports positioned on substantially opposite sides of the housing member.

[0196] 12. A device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, further comprising a first fluid flow path extending from the open area, through the fluid communication passage, through the stem housing fluid communication area, and into the stem channel via the stem fluid port, the stem channel optionally extending along the stem axis.

[0197] 13. The device described in paragraphs 3 and 12, wherein the first fluid flow path is operable for fluid flow when the housing member, optionally having the open area facing substantially downward, is positioned in the first orientation.

[0198] 14. The device described in paragraph 13, further comprising at least one gas flow passage at least partially disposed between a mounting cup through which the valve stem extends and the housing member, whereby, in the first direction, gas can pass through the gas inlet, enter the gas communication region, and flow through a stem gas port in the valve stem to the stem gas port and mix with the fluid in the stem channel.

[0199] 15. A device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, further comprising a further fluid flow path extending from the fluid communication region through the wall fluid port to the internal chamber region, and extending from the internal chamber region through the fluid communication passage via the internal fluid port, through the stem fluid inlet to the internal stem channel.

[0200] 16. The device described in paragraphs 4 and 15, wherein the further fluid flow path is operable for fluid flow when the housing member, optionally comprising the open area facing substantially upward, is positioned in the further direction.

[0201] 17. A device described in any one of paragraphs 12 to 16, wherein in a first valve stem position, the stem fluid port is closed, preventing fluid from flowing into the stem channel, thereby blocking the first fluid flow path or the further fluid flow path, and in a further valve stem position, the stem fluid port is open, allowing fluid to flow into the stem channel, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the first fluid flow path or the further fluid flow path.

[0202] 18. The device described in paragraph 12, wherein the first valve stem position is an equilibrium position and the further valve stem position is a position in which the valve stem is biased along the stem axis toward the housing member.

[0203] 19. The device of paragraph 17 or 18, further comprising at least one biasing element biasing the valve stem toward the first valve stem position.

[0204] 20. The device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 19, further comprising a dip tube having a first end region disposed in the open region and a further end region spaced apart from the housing body.

[0205] 21. A device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 20, further comprising an inclined wall region of the inner wall, the inclined wall region being parallel to the stem axis and offset from an axis tangent to the radially innermost part of the inclined wall region, whereby the inclined wall region forms an angle of 10 degrees or less with respect to the axis.

[0206] 22. A device described in any one of items 1 to 21, wherein the housing member comprises an opening area disposed at the end of the open area located at the first end of the housing member, and a neck area including a channel disposed between the opening area and the main body portion.

[0207] 23. A device described in any one of paragraphs 3 to 22, wherein the valve seat area is oblique to the stem axis and optionally has an annular abutment surface for abutting the closure element, the abutment surface forming a valve seat angle with the stem axis of between 30 degrees and 50 degrees.

[0208] 24. The device of paragraph 23, wherein the valve seat angle is approximately 45 degrees or 48 degrees.

[0209] 25. A fluid ejection device comprising: The device according to any one of items 1 to 24, A fluid ejection device comprising: a canister connected to the valve assembly via a mounting cup from which the valve stem extends, and containing at least one fluid to be ejected and optionally at least one propellant, which may be a gas.

[0210] 26. A method for dispensing a fluid, comprising: providing fluid to a first end of a fluid communication passage disposed within a body portion of a housing member and proximate an open area located at a first end region of the housing member; transporting fluid from the first end of the fluid communication passage to a further end of the fluid communication passage located at a further end region of the housing member spaced from the first end region; transporting fluid from the further end of the fluid communication passage to a stem housing fluid communication region located within a stem housing that surrounds at least a portion of a valve stem associated with a stem axis; supplying at least one gas to a gas communication region extending along at least a portion of the valve stem and fluidly connectable with an internal stem channel connectable with the stem housing fluid communication region; The method, wherein the step of transporting fluid from the first end of the fluid communication passage to the further end of the fluid communication passage includes transporting fluid through the fluid communication passage radially outside of an internal chamber region that is at least partially surrounded by at least one inner wall of the housing member located within the body portion.

[0211] 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising fluidly connecting the stem housing fluid communication region with the internal stem channel while simultaneously fluidly connecting the gas communication region with the internal stem channel.

[0212] 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising mixing a fluid and a gas within the internal stem channel.

[0213] 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising providing a fine spray of a mixture of fluid and gas within the internal stem channel by two-fluid atomization.

[0214] 30. In a first mode of operation, prior to supplying fluid to the first end of the fluid communication passage, biasing a closure element disposed within the interior chamber region against a valve seat region located near a first end region of the interior chamber region, thereby preventing fluid flow through an interior fluid port located near the first end region of the interior chamber and in fluid communication with the open region; 30. The method of any one of claims 26 to 29, further comprising the steps of supplying a fluid to the open area and transporting the fluid from the open area to the first end of the fluid communication passage.

[0215] 31. The method of paragraph 30, further comprising the step of disposing the housing member in a substantially upright configuration so that the open region is in a substantially lower position relative to the further end region, while simultaneously moving the closure element relative to the valve seat region.

[0216] 32. In a further mode of operation, prior to supplying fluid to the first passage end, biasing a closure member disposed within the interior chamber region against a closure member support region disposed at a further end region of the interior chamber region spaced from an interior fluid port disposed near a first end region of the interior chamber region, thereby permitting fluid flow through the interior fluid port; transporting fluid from a fluid communication region located exterior to the housing member to the interior chamber region via at least one wall fluid port extending through the interior wall and an exterior surface of the housing member; 30. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, further comprising the step of transporting fluid from the first fluid communication region through the internal fluid port to the first passage end.

[0217] 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of placing the housing member in a substantially inverted configuration such that the open region is in a substantially upper position relative to the further end region, while simultaneously biasing the closure element against the closure element support region.

[0218] 34. A method according to any one of paragraphs 19 to 23, further comprising the steps of transporting fluid from the further passage end via the stem housing fluid communication region at least partially around a valve assembly connected to the further end region of the housing member and comprising the valve stem and the stem housing, and transporting fluid into the internal stem channel via at least one stem fluid port.

[0219] 35. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of urging the valve stem away from an equilibrium position prior to transporting fluid into the internal stem channel, thereby optionally opening the stem fluid inlet of the valve stem by urging the valve stem toward the housing member.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid, comprising: at least one interior wall (250) of the housing member (220) at least partially enclosing an interior chamber region (245) disposed within a body portion of the housing member (220), the interior wall (250) having an interior fluid port (255) disposed at a first end region of the interior chamber region (245) and in fluid communication with an open region (235) of the housing member (220) disposed at the first end region of the housing member; at least one fluid communication passage (290) disposed within the body portion and comprising a first end of the at least one fluid communication passage proximate the open region (235) and a remaining end of the at least one fluid communication passage proximate a further end of the housing member spaced from the first end region of the housing member, the at least one fluid communication passage (290) disposed radially outward of the interior chamber region (245) and in fluid communication with the open region (235); at least one wall fluid port 270 extending through the inner wall 250 and the outer surface of the housing member 220 to fluidly connect the interior chamber region 245 with a fluid communication region located outside the housing body; a closure element (260) disposed within the interior chamber region (245) and movable within the interior chamber region (245) to selectively restrict fluid flow through the interior fluid port (255); The housing member (220) is connected to or integrally formed with a valve assembly (150), the valve assembly (150 including elongated valve stems (135) associated with respective stem axes (140) and a stem housing radially surrounding at least a portion of the elongated valve stems (135), the stem housing having at least one stem housing fluid communication region (149) fluidly connected to the at least one fluid communication passage (290) and fluidly connectable with an internal stem channel (176) disposed along at least a portion of the elongated valve stems (135), the stem housing further having at least one gas communication region (520) fluidly connectable with the internal stem channel (176), thereby allowing at least one fluid and at least one gas to mix within the internal stem channel (176).

2. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongated valve stem comprises a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the internal stem channel and selectively connectable to the stem housing fluid communication region, and a stem gas inlet in fluid communication with the internal stem channel and selectively connectable to the at least one gas communication region, the fluid inlet being positioned to be fluidly connected to the stem housing fluid communication region at the same time that the stem gas inlet is fluidly connected to the at least one gas communication region, thereby providing a fine spray by two-fluid atomization within the internal stem channel.

3. 3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a valve seat area (265) disposed within the internal chamber area (245) and proximate the internal fluid port (255), wherein when the housing member (220) is disposed in a first orientation, the closure element (260) is positionable against the valve seat area (265), thereby preventing fluid flow through the internal fluid port (255).

4. 4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a closure element support region (257) arranged in a further end region (257) of the internal chamber region (245) spaced from the first end region (257) of the internal chamber region (245), wherein when the housing member (220) is positioned in a further orientation, the closure element (260) is positionable against the closure element support region (257), thereby allowing fluid flow through the internal fluid port (255).

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing member 220 is a single body part, optionally comprising a single moulded body part.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the maximum width of the closure element (260) is less than the maximum width of the area of ​​the interior chamber region (245) over which the closure element (260) can move during operation.

7. 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the maximum width of the closure element is less than the maximum width of the area of ​​the interior chamber region between the valve seat area and the closure element support area.

8. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing member 220 is connected to the valve assembly 150 at a further end region of the housing member 220 that is spaced from the first end region of the housing member 220.

9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the internal chamber region (245), the internal fluid port (255) and the opening region (225) are disposed on the stem axis (140) and, optionally, are substantially symmetrical along the stem axis (140).

10. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one wall fluid port (270) is arranged along an axis substantially perpendicular to the stem axis (140).

11. The device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one wall fluid port (270) comprises a pair of wall fluid ports located on substantially opposite sides of the housing member (220).

12. The device of claim 2, further comprising a first fluid flow path extending from the open region 235, through the at least one fluid communication passage 290, through the stem housing fluid communication region 149, and into the internal stem channel 176 via the fluid inlet 175, the internal stem channel 176 optionally extending along the stem axis 140.

13. 13. The device of claim 3 and claim 12, wherein the first fluid flow path is operable for fluid flow when the housing member 220 is positioned in the first orientation, and the housing member 220 optionally includes the open area 235 facing substantially downward.

14. 14. The device of claim 13, further comprising at least one gas flow passage at least partially disposed between the mounting cup 115 through which the elongated valve stem 135 extends and the housing member 220, whereby, in the first direction, gas can pass through the gas inlet region 510, enter the at least one gas communication region 520, and flow into a stem gas inlet 179 in the elongated valve stem 135 to mix with the fluid in the internal stem channel 176.

15. 3. The device of claim 2, further comprising an additional fluid flow path extending from the fluid communication region located outside the housing body and the internal chamber region (245) through the at least one wall fluid port (270) to the internal chamber region (245), and from the internal chamber region (245) through the at least one fluid communication passage (290) via the internal fluid port (255), through the fluid inlet (175) to the internal stem channel (176).

16. 16. The device of claim 4 and claim 15, wherein the further fluid flow path is operable for fluid flow when the housing member 220 is positioned in the further orientation, and the housing member 220 optionally comprises the open area 235 facing substantially upward.

17. 17. The device of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein in a first valve stem position, the fluid inlet 175 is closed to prevent fluid from entering the internal stem channel 176, thereby blocking the first fluid flow path or the further fluid flow path, and in a further valve stem position, the fluid inlet 175 is open to allow fluid to enter the internal stem channel 176, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the first fluid flow path or the further fluid flow path.

18. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the first valve stem position is an equilibrium position and the further valve stem position is a position in which the elongated valve stem is biased along the stem axis toward the housing member.

19. 19. The apparatus of claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising at least one biasing element 148 that biases the elongated valve stem 135 toward the first valve stem position.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a dip tube (195) having a first end region located in the open area (235) and a further end region spaced apart from the housing body.

21. 21. The device of any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a sloped wall region of the inner wall (250), the sloped wall region being parallel to the stem axis (140) and offset from an axis tangent to the radially innermost portion of the sloped wall region, whereby the sloped wall region forms an angle of 10 degrees or less with respect to the axis.

22. The device of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the housing member 220 comprises an opening region 225 located at the end of the open region located at the first end region of the housing member 220, and a neck region including a channel located between the opening region 225 and the main body portion.

23. 23. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 22, wherein the valve seat area 265 comprises an annular abutment surface for abutting the closure element 260, which is oblique to the stem axis 140 and optionally forms a valve seat angle with the stem axis 140 of between 30 and 50 degrees.

24. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the valve seat angle is about 45 degrees or about 48 degrees.

25. 1. A fluid ejection device, comprising: The device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, A fluid ejection device comprising: a canister connected to the valve assembly (150) via a mounting cup (115) from which the elongated valve stem (135) extends, and containing at least one fluid to be ejected and optionally at least one propellant, which may be a gas.

26. 1. A method for dispensing a fluid, comprising: providing fluid to a first end of a fluid communication passageway (290) disposed within a body portion of the housing member (220) and proximate an open area (235) located at a first end region of said housing member (220); transporting fluid from the first end of the fluid communication passageway (290) to a further end of the fluid communication passageway (290) located at a further end region of the housing member (220) spaced from the first end region; conveying fluid from the further end of the fluid communication passageway to a stem housing fluid communication region 149 located within a stem housing that surrounds at least a portion of an elongated valve stem 135 associated with a stem axis 140; supplying at least one gas to a gas communication region (520) extending along at least a portion of the elongated valve stem (135) and fluidly connectable with an internal stem channel (176) connectable with the stem housing fluid communication region (149); The method, wherein the step of transporting fluid from the first end of the fluid communication passage 290 to the further end of the fluid communication passage 290 includes transporting fluid through the fluid communication passage 290 radially outside of an internal chamber region 245 that is at least partially surrounded by at least one inner wall 250 of the housing member 220 located within the main body portion.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising fluidly connecting the stem housing fluid communication region (149) with the internal stem channel (176) while simultaneously fluidly connecting the gas communication region (520) with the internal stem channel (176).

28. The method of claim 27 further comprising mixing a fluid and a gas within the internal stem channel 176.

29. 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising providing a fine spray of a mixture of fluid and gas within the internal stem channel 176 by two-fluid atomization.

30. in a first mode of operation, prior to supplying fluid to the first end of the fluid communication passageway 290, biasing a closure element 260 disposed within the interior chamber region 245 against a valve seat region 265 located near a first end region of the interior chamber region 245, thereby preventing fluid flow through an interior fluid port 255 located near the first end region of the interior chamber region 245 and in fluid communication with the open region 235; 30. The method of any one of claims 26 to 29, further comprising the steps of supplying a fluid to the open area (235) and transporting a fluid from the open area (235) to the first end of the fluid communication passage (290).

31. 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of positioning the housing member 220 in a substantially upright configuration while simultaneously moving the closure element 260 relative to the valve seat region 265 so that the open region 235 is located in a substantially lower position relative to the further end region of the housing member 220.

32. in a further mode of operation, prior to supplying fluid to the first end of the fluid communication passageway 290, biasing a closure member 260 disposed within the interior chamber region 245 against a closure member support region 265 disposed at a further end region 257 of the interior chamber region 245 spaced from the interior fluid port 255 disposed near the first end region of the interior chamber region 245, thereby permitting fluid flow through the interior fluid port 255; transporting fluid from a fluid communication region located outside the housing member 220 to the interior chamber region 245 via at least one wall fluid port 270 extending through the interior wall 250 and the exterior surface of the housing member 220; 32. The method of claim 30 or claim 31, further comprising transporting fluid from the fluid communication region through the internal fluid port 255 to the first end of the fluid communication passage 290.

33. 33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the step of placing the housing member 220 in a substantially inverted configuration so that the open region 235 is located in a substantially upper position relative to the further end region of the housing member 220, while simultaneously biasing the closure element 260 against the closure element support region 265.

34. The method of any one of claims 26 to 33, further comprising the steps of transporting fluid from the further end of the fluid communication passageway 290 via the stem housing fluid communication region 149 at least partially around a valve assembly 150 connected to the further end region of the housing member 220 and comprising the elongated valve stem 135 and the stem housing, and transporting fluid into the internal stem channel 176 via at least one fluid inlet 175.

35. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of urging the valve stem 135 away from an equilibrium position before transporting fluid into the internal stem channel 136, thereby optionally urging the valve stem 135 toward the housing member 220 to open the at least one fluid inlet 175 of the valve stem 135.

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