Mist sprayer device

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 979,760, filed February 21, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 862,339, filed June 17, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002]

[0002] Embodiments of the present technology relate generally to atomizing device technology. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] In mist spraying devices, liquids such as insecticides can be converted into fine droplet sizes, generally ranging from 50 microns to 200 microns. Similarly, fog spraying devices generate smaller droplet sizes below 50 microns. When using insecticides, the smaller particles are more easily absorbed by insects, thereby improving efficacy. Fog generating devices require heating of the liquid, which creates a potential risk of burns from the liquid or device. Also, the fine particle size of the fog creates a potential risk of inhalation and a potential risk of wind drift when used outdoors. Mist-sized particles can be generated without heat and with reduced risk of inhalation and wind drift. Low temperature foggers can operate by passing pressurized air through a moving liquid jet to create misted fine particles. There is a need for improved foggers. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In an embodiment, a sprayer device includes a portable sprayer body having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan configured to draw air through the air inlet and push air out the air outlet, a reservoir configured to contain a liquid having a reservoir outlet, a liquid outlet disposed adjacent to or downstream of the air outlet, and a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir. The pump is operable to move liquid from the reservoir and out of the liquid outlet such that the liquid exiting the liquid outlet enters air exiting the air outlet, thereby forming a mist.

[0005]

[0005] In another embodiment, a sprayer device includes a portable sprayer body having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan configured to draw air through the air inlet and push air out the air outlet, a motor operably coupled to the fan, and a reservoir configured to contain a liquid having a reservoir outlet. The sprayer further includes a liquid outlet disposed adjacent to or downstream of the air outlet, and a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with the reservoir. The positive displacement pump is operable to move liquid from the reservoir out of the liquid outlet such that liquid exiting the liquid outlet enters air exiting the air outlet, thereby forming a mist. The liquid outlet is substantially perpendicular to the air outlet, and the liquid outlet is constructed to dispense liquid in an orientation substantially perpendicular to air exiting the air outlet.

[0006]

[0006] The present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of several exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top isometric view illustrating a sprayer device according to one or more embodiments. [Diagram 2]

[0008] FIG. 2 is a bottom isometric view of the atomizer device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3]

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of the sprayer device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]

[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the sprayer device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5]

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the sprayer device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5]

[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the atomizer device of FIG. [Figure 6]

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sprayer device taken along line BB in FIG. 1. [Figure 7]

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the atomizer device of FIG. [Figure 8A]

[0015] 2 is an elevational view of the sprayer device of FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. [Figure 8B]

[0016] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the atomizer device of FIG. [Figure 8C]

[0017] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the pump, liquid outlet, and air nozzle of the sprayer device of FIG. 1. [Figure 9]

[0018] 1 is a chart showing particle size distribution of a mist sprayed 2 feet away from a nozzle of a sprayer device according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 10]

[0019] 1 is a chart showing the average particle size of the mist generated by an atomizer device according to one or more embodiments relative to the location of the nozzle. [Figure 11]

[0020] 11 is a chart comparing the average particle size distribution of FIG. 10 to the average particle size distribution of mist generated by a conventional device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008]

[0021] Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to enable a full understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the devices, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. Features shown or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009]

[0022] Reference throughout this specification to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "some exemplary embodiments," "one exemplary embodiment," or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or property described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the multiple appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "some exemplary embodiments," "one exemplary embodiment," or "in an embodiment" throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these particular features, structures, or properties may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0010]

[0023] The examples discussed herein are merely examples and are provided to aid in the description of the apparatus, devices, systems, and methods described herein. Features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should not be construed as essential for any particular implementation of any of these apparatus, devices, systems, or methods, unless specifically designated as essential. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described alone in association with certain figures. Any lack of specific description of a combination or subcombination of components should not be understood as indicating that any combination or subcombination is not possible. Also, in any method described, whether or not the method is described with a flow diagram, unless otherwise stated and required by context, any stated or implied order of steps performed in performing the method does not imply that the steps must be performed in the order presented, but rather that the steps may be performed in a different order or in parallel.

[0011]

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the sprayer device are described herein. In some embodiments, the sprayer device is portable. The term "portable" as used herein means that it can be easily carried or moved, especially because it is a lighter and smaller version than the normal version, and is not limited as to where it can be carried or moved. For example, a device that requires a hardwired connection to an AC power source (e.g., an AC power cord that plugs into an AC outlet) is not portable.

[0012]

[0025] 1-4, an exemplary sprayer device 10 is shown. For example, the sprayer device 10 includes a sprayer body 12. In some embodiments, the sprayer body 12 can include a first housing 14 and a second housing 16 that can be connected together to form the sprayer body 12. The sprayer device 10 can further include a handle 18. In some embodiments, the sprayer body 12 can include a handle, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. The handle 18 can be constructed to take any form. In some embodiments, the handle 18 is constructed to have an ergonomic or curved shape to fit or fit more comfortably in the operator's hand. The sprayer body 12 can further include an inlet and an outlet located at any position along the body. In some embodiments, the sprayer body 12 can include an inlet 20 at the front or front side and an outlet 22 at the bottom side of the sprayer body 12, as shown in FIG. 1-3. In addition, the sprayer body 12 can further include an aperture 24. The aperture 24 may be located anywhere along the sprayer body as well. In some embodiments, the aperture 24 is located on the upper side of the sprayer body, for example, as shown in FIG. 3. The aperture 24 allows a portion of the tank to extend through the aperture 24, as will be discussed further below. In some embodiments, the first housing 14 and the second housing 16 may be constructed such that when the two housings are combined and / or connected to each other, they will form the handle 18, the inlet 20, the outlet 22, and the aperture 24 (see, for example, FIG. 4). The first housing and / or the second housing 16 may further include a vent 26. The vent 26 may allow air to flow into the sprayer body 12 to cool the internal components (e.g., the motor).

[0013]

[0026] The sprayer device 10 can include a motor 28 that is disposed outside the sprayer body 12, partially disposed within the sprayer body 12, or completely disposed within the sprayer body 12. As shown in the embodiment of Figures 1-4, the motor 28 is disposed between one or more batteries 30 and a fan 32, the fan 32 defining a fan inlet 34 and a fan outlet 36. The motor 28 is electrically connected to the one or more batteries 30 and mechanically connected to the fan 32 such that the motor 28 draws power from the one or more batteries 30 to drive the fan 32. The sprayer device can include a first air path 38 (e.g., air flow A) between the inlet 20 and the fan inlet 34, and a second air path 40 (e.g., air flow B) from the fan outlet 36 to an air nozzle.

[0014]

[0027] The sprayer device 10 can include an air nozzle 42 disposed in the second air path 40 upstream of the outlet 22. In some embodiments, the air nozzle 42 can be disposed in and / or at the outlet 22. In some embodiments, the air nozzle 42 can include vanes 44 disposed in the air nozzle 42, for example as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The vanes 44 can be constructed to agitate the air flow at and / or within the air path 40 before the air flow exits the outlet 22. The number and shape of the vanes can vary. In some embodiments, the vanes 44 are constructed to have a curved shape and / or be angled relative to the air flow in the second air path 40, for example in a helical design as shown in the figures. This helical design can create a vortex of the air flow in the second air path 40 as the air flow exits the air nozzle 42, passes through the outlet 22, and exits the outlet 22. In other embodiments, the air nozzle 42 can be vane-free. The air nozzle 42 may be removable from the atomizer body 12. The air nozzle 42 may vary in size and shape. In some embodiments, multiple air nozzles 42 having various sizes may be configured to be attached to the same atomizer body 12.

[0015]

[0028] The sprayer device 10 can include a tank 46 that is disposed outside the sprayer body 12, partially disposed within the sprayer body 12, or completely disposed within the sprayer body 12. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a reservoir such as the tank 46 is disposed within the sprayer body 12. In some embodiments, the tank 46 can be disposed adjacent to the sprayer body 12 and / or connected to the sprayer body 12 (e.g., to be carried separately from the sprayer body 12, such as in a backpack). The tank 46 can include a tank inlet 48 and a tank outlet 50, which allows for filling the tank 46 with liquid and dispensing the liquid from the tank 46. In embodiments, a single opening can serve as the inlet and outlet for the tank 46. In some embodiments, the tank 46 is constructed to contain a non-pressurized liquid. Exemplary liquids that may be contained within the tank 46 include, but are not limited to, pest control products such as pesticides and insecticides, herbicides, and disinfectants (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium, citric acid, etc.). As shown, the sprayer device 10 may include a tank cap 52 that is constructed to be removably connected to the tank inlet 48. A portion of the tank 46 may extend through the aperture 24. In some embodiments, the sprayer device 10 may include one or more tanks, such as the tank 46. In embodiments with two or more tanks, the tanks may contain the same or different liquids. If the tanks contain different liquids, the liquids may be combined before entering the pump, as described below.

[0016]

[0029] As shown, in some embodiments, the sprayer device 10 can include a pump 54, a first liquid path 56, a second liquid path 58, and a liquid outlet 60. The pump 54, the first liquid path 56, and / or the second liquid path 58 can be disposed outside the sprayer body 12, partially disposed within the sprayer body 12, or completely disposed within the sprayer body 12. The pump 54 can include a pump inlet 62 and a pump outlet 64, which allows the pump 54 to draw liquid into or out of the pump 54. The pump 54 can be any type of pump. In some embodiments, the pump 54 is a positive displacement pump. In such exemplary embodiments, the first liquid path 56 connects the pump inlet 62 to the tank outlet 50. Additionally, in embodiments, the liquid in the tank 46 is not a pressurized liquid (e.g., when the pump 54 is a positive displacement pump). The second liquid path 58 can connect the pump outlet 64 to the liquid outlet 60. The liquid outlet 60 may comprise one or more nozzles, such as a liquid nozzle 66. In the embodiment shown, the liquid outlet 60 may be positioned to be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the air nozzle 42, the second air path 40, and / or the air flow exiting the air nozzle and / or the second air path 40. In this configuration, the liquid outlet 60 causes the liquid exiting the liquid outlet 60 to enter the air flow exiting the air nozzle 42 in a perpendicular or substantially perpendicular direction. In other words, in such an embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the liquid stream exiting the liquid outlet 60 is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the air stream exiting the air nozzle 42. In various other embodiments, the liquid outlet 60 is not positioned to be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the air nozzle 42, the second air path 40, and / or the air flow exiting the air nozzle and / or the second air path 40. For example, the liquid outlet 60 may be positioned at an acute or obtuse angle relative to the air nozzle 42 , the second air path 40 , and / or the air flow exiting the air nozzle and / or second air path 40 .The liquid outlet 60 may direct the liquid exiting the liquid outlet 60 towards or away from the air nozzle 42, the second air path 40, and / or the air flow exiting the air nozzles and / or second air path 40. Additionally, the liquid outlet 60 may be positioned parallel or substantially parallel to the air nozzles 42, the second air path 40, and / or the air flow exiting the air nozzles and / or second air path 40.

[0017]

[0030] The sprayer device 10 may be connectable to a power source, such as an AC power source, via a hardwired connection, such as an AC cord that can be connected to an AC power outlet, thereby providing power to the sprayer device. In some embodiments, the sprayer device 10 may be connectable to a DC power source, such as one or more batteries 30. The DC power source may be located separate from the sprayer device 10 and connected to the sprayer device 10 using a hardwired connection, such that the sprayer device 10 may be moved, but the DC power source remains stationary. In some embodiments, the DC power source may be permanently or removably connected to the sprayer device 10. For example, the one or more batteries 30 may be located outside the sprayer body 12, partially located within the sprayer body 12, or completely located within the sprayer body 12. In some of these embodiments, the one or more batteries 30 may be located within and connected to the sprayer body 12. In some embodiments, the one or more batteries 30 are rechargeable batteries, while in other embodiments, the one or more batteries 30 are disposable. In some embodiments, a power source, such as, for example, one or more batteries 30, is connected to the pump 54 such that the power source provides power to the pump 54 to drive or operate the pump 54.

[0018]

[0031] The sprayer device 10 can include a switch 68 disposed on the exterior of the sprayer body 12 or partially disposed within the sprayer body 12. The switch 68 can be disposed along the handle 18 as shown. In some embodiments, the switch 68 is a two-position linear switch. The switch 68 can be electrically connected to a power source, such as, for example, one or more batteries 30. In some embodiments, the switch 68 can include a printed circuit board 70, a switch cover 72, and / or a switch lock 74, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0019]

[0032] In some embodiments, the sprayer device 10 can be operated as described below with reference to Figures 1-5. An operator can activate the switch 68, thus operating the sprayer device 10 by providing power to one or more of the motor 28 and the pump 54 by the battery 30. When the switch 68 is activated, the motor 28 begins to rotate, increasing the air velocity. After a period of time, e.g., 3 to 5 seconds, the pump 54 is activated to pump liquid into the air stream.

[0020]

[0033] The motor 28 causes the fan 32 to draw air into the inlet 20, through a first air path 38 (e.g., air stream A), and / or into the fan inlet 34. The fan 32 forces the air out the fan outlet 36 into and through a second air path 40 (e.g., air stream B). The fan 32 also forces air stream B into, through, and out of an air nozzle 42.

[0021]

[0034] At or near the same time, the fan 32 draws air into the sprayer device 10 and the switch 68 is actuated such that the battery 30 provides power to the pump 54. In an embodiment, the switch 68 may be dedicated to the motor 28 and the sprayer device may include a second switch to control the power provided to the pump 54. In this way, an operator may select to use the sprayer device 10 as a blower before actuating the pump 54. The pump 54 draws liquid from the tank 46, through the tank outlet 50, and into the first liquid path 56. The liquid flows through the first liquid path 56 and into the pump inlet 62 (e.g., liquid flow C). Although not shown, the sprayer device may include a dial to control the amount of liquid pumped out of the tank 46. The pump 54 pumps the liquid out the pump outlet 64, into the second liquid path 58, and through the second liquid path 58 (e.g., liquid flow D). The pump 54 also pumps the liquid flow D through the liquid nozzle 66 and out of the liquid nozzle 66. This liquid flow exiting the nozzle 66 in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the air flow B or a significant portion of the air flow B is shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 as liquid flow E. When the air flow B exits the air nozzle 42 (i.e., downstream of the air nozzle 42, the outlet of the air nozzle 42 coincides with the outlet 22), the liquid flow E enters and / or mixes with the air flow B. When the liquid flow E mixes with the air flow B exiting the air nozzle 42, these two flows create a new mixed fluid flow F containing liquid and air. The fan 32 pumps the fluid flow F out of the atomizer body 12, through the outlet 22, and out of the outlet 22. In other words, the atomizer device 10 can dispense (i.e., spray) the fluid flow F. An outer skirt or shroud extending from the air nozzle 42 does not affect the characteristics of the fluid flow F. In other words, the outer skirt does not affect the formation of the mist or the velocity or direction of the mist. Rather, the outer skirt functions to protect the liquid nozzle 66 in the event of an accident (e.g., if the sprayer device 10 is dropped).The air flow volume at the outlet of the air nozzle 42 may be in the range of about 6.5 kl / min (230 CFM) to about 6.8 kl / min (240 CFM) or may be about 6.65 kl / min (235 CFM). The air flow velocity at the outlet of the air nozzle 42 may be in the range of about 346 km / h (215 mph) to about 362.1 km / h (225 mph) or may be about 350.8 km / h (218 mph). When the sprayer device 10 includes a DC motor 28, the power consumption may be in the range of about 160 W to about 190 W or about 162 W to about 189 W.

[0022]

[0035] The configuration of some of the embodiments described and shown herein allows the sprayer device (e.g., sprayer device 10) to dispense the fluid flow F at various angles relative to the ground (i.e., angles other than horizontal, i.e., angles other than parallel to the ground level of the earth) without any dispensing loss and / or performance loss. For example, the sprayer device 10 can dispense the fluid flow F at a maximum of plus or minus 90 degrees above and below the horizontal relative to the ground level of the earth (e.g., plus or minus 30 degrees above and below an imaginary plane parallel to the ground level of the earth), where there is minimal and / or zero loss in the flow rate of the fluid flow F dispensed from the sprayer device 10. This relatively constant flow of mist (e.g., fluid flow F) can be achieved by the constant pressure and flow provided by the pump 54 and the fan 32. The pressure and speed of the pump 54 and the fan 32 are not affected by the inclination of the sprayer device 10.

[0023]

[0036] Additionally, configurations of some of the embodiments described and illustrated herein allow the sprayer device (e.g., sprayer device 10) to dispense a fluid flow F, where the fluid flow F can have constant fluid properties and / or constant fluid flow characteristics. For example, the fluid flow F can have a particle size distribution as shown by the three notations AC+3.5 inches, AC spray center, and AC-3.5 inches (all of which are shown in red) in Table 1 below. The AC spray center curve represents particle size measured at the center of the fluid flow F at a linear distance of 24 inches from the outlet 22 (i.e., the centerline extending from the outlet 22 to a point 24 inches from the outlet 22) versus the cumulative distribution. The AC+3.5 inch curve represents particle size measured 3.5 inches above the center of fluid flow F at a linear distance of 24 inches from outlet 22, for the cumulative distribution. The AC-3.5 inch curve represents particle size measured 3.5 inches below the center of fluid flow F at a linear distance of 24 inches from outlet 22, for the cumulative distribution.

[0024]

[0037] For comparison purposes only and not for limitation, the particle size distribution for the spray of a conventional sprayer device versus cumulative distribution was measured at a linear distance of 24 inches from the exit of the sprayer device. The particle size distribution for the spray of the sprayer device versus cumulative distribution is shown in Table 1 below by three notations BF+3.5 inches, BF spray center, and BF-3.5 inches (all of which are shown in green). The BF spray center curve represents the particle size measured at the center of the spray (i.e., the center line extending from the exit to a point 24 inches from the exit) at a linear distance of 24 inches from the exit, versus cumulative distribution. The BF+3.5 inches curve represents the particle size measured 3.5 inches above the center of the spray at a linear distance of 24 inches from the exit, versus cumulative distribution. The BF-3.5 inch curve represents the cumulative distribution versus particle size measured 3.5 inches below the center of the spray at a linear distance of 24 inches from the exit.

[0025]

[0038] The particle size distribution for the cumulative distribution shown in Figure 9 can be measured using a particle size analyzer (HELOS / KF). The vertical axis represents the cumulative distribution as a percentage of the total particles. For example, looking at the solid red line on the chart, at about 100 pm it crosses the 60% mark. This means that 60% of the particles are smaller than 100 pm, while 40% of the particles are larger than 100 μm. At about 300 pm the red line reaches 100%. This means that all particles are 300 pm or larger.

[0026]

[0039] With reference to Figures 10 and 11, a sprayer device according to one or more embodiments can generate a mist where the smallest particle sizes are concentrated towards the very center of the spray. As shown in Figure 10, the particle sizes (10th and 50th percentile sizes are shown) are significantly smaller towards the center of the spray compared to the outer portions of the spray. Figure 11 shows the particle size distribution generated by the sprayer device described herein compared to a conventional device. Overall, the sprayer device according to one or more embodiments produces smaller particles overall, while also producing a more distinct minimum in the center of the spray.

[0027]

[0040] The above description of the embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to only the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of these modifications have been contemplated, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These embodiments have been selected and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the various embodiments as suited to the particular use contemplated. Of course, the scope is not limited to only the examples described herein, but may be employed by those skilled in the art in any number of applications and equivalent devices. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be defined rather by the appended claims.

Claims

1. a. A portable sprayer body having an air inlet and an air outlet; b. a fan configured to draw air through the air inlet and push air out of the air outlet; c. a reservoir configured to contain a liquid, the reservoir having a reservoir outlet; d. a liquid outlet disposed downstream of the air outlet; e. a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, the pump operable to move the liquid from the reservoir and out of the liquid outlet such that the liquid exiting the liquid outlet enters air exiting the air outlet, thereby forming a mist; Equipped with the liquid outlet is substantially perpendicular to the air outlet; the liquid outlet is constructed to dispense the liquid in an orientation that is generally perpendicular to air exiting the air outlet; Sprayer device.

2. a first flow rate of the mist when the longitudinal axis of the air outlet is parallel to the ground, said first flow rate being substantially equal to a second flow rate when the longitudinal axis of the air outlet is at an upward angle of up to about 90 degrees relative to the ground; 2. The atomizer device of claim 1.

3. the first flow rate of the mist when the longitudinal axis of the air outlet is parallel to the ground is substantially equal to a third flow rate when the longitudinal axis of the air outlet is at a downward angle of up to about 90 degrees with respect to the ground; 3. The atomizer device of claim 2.

4. the liquid outlet is not coaxial with the air outlet; Atomizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The pump is a positive displacement pump. Atomizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. further comprising a motor operably coupled to the fan. Atomizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. further comprising a battery coupled to the pump and the motor.

7. The atomizer device of claim 6.

8. a switch operatively configured to control the fan; Atomizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the switch is operatively configured to control the pump; 9. The atomizer device of claim 8.

10. and wherein the liquid in the reservoir is not pressurized. Atomizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. an air path extending between the fan outlet and the air outlet; Atomizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. a first fluid path in fluid communication with the reservoir and the pump; Atomizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. a second liquid pathway in fluid communication with the pump and the liquid outlet.

13. The atomizer device of claim 12.

14. The mist contains particles, and 40% or more of the particles are larger than 100 pm; Atomizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. the atomizer device is configured to generate a spray having a particle size distribution such that smaller particles are concentrated toward the center of the spray and larger particles are concentrated toward the outer edges of the spray; Atomizer device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. a. A portable sprayer body having an air inlet and an air outlet; b. a fan configured to draw air through the air inlet and push air out of the air outlet; c. a motor operably coupled to the fan; d. a reservoir configured to contain a liquid, the reservoir having a reservoir outlet; e. a liquid outlet disposed downstream of the air outlet; f. a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with said reservoir, said positive displacement pump operable to move said liquid from said reservoir and out of said liquid outlet such that said liquid exiting said liquid outlet enters air exiting said air outlet, thereby forming a mist; Equipped with the liquid outlet is substantially perpendicular to the air outlet, the liquid outlet being constructed to dispense the liquid in a substantially perpendicular orientation to air exiting the air outlet; the mist comprises particles; At least 40% of the particles are larger than 100 pm; Sprayer device.

17. and wherein the liquid in the reservoir is not pressurized.

17. The atomizer device of claim 16.

18. the atomizer device is configured to generate a spray having a particle size distribution such that smaller particles are concentrated toward the center of the spray and larger particles are concentrated toward the outer edges of the spray; Atomizer device according to claim 16 or 17.

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