Systems and methods for dispersion of atomized liquid particles

Abstract

A system for producing a dispersion of atomized liquid particles, including a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid. A pressurization unit is in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein the pressurization unit is configured to pressurize liquid from the supply of liquid. At least one nozzle is configured to receive the fluid from the pressurization unit to emit the liquid in a form of atomized particles. A method for producing a dispersion of atomized liquid particles. A method of dispersing atomized liquid particles in an environment.

Description

Systems and Methods for Dispersion of Atomized Liquid ParticlesFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for the production of atomized liquid particles.BACKGROUND

[0002] Machines for producing dispersions of liquids in air or other gases for the generation of fogs are typically referred to as “fog machines.” These apparatus have been employed in various applications, such as for the production of military smoke screens or fogs of insecticidal compositions for the control of insect pests, fungi, molds, etc. Conventional fog machines generally generate smoke or other environmentally harmful dispersions for fog production. Such machines generate a limited volume of smoke and typically require frequent servicing and attention. A need remains for improved fog production apparatus.SUMMARY

[0003] An aspect of this disclosure is a system for producing a dispersion of atomized liquid particles, including a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid; a pressurization unit in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein the pressurization unit is configured to pressurize liquid from the supply of liquid; and at least one nozzle configured to receive the fluid from the pressurization unit to emit the liquid in a form of atomized particles.

[0004] An aspect of this disclosure is a method for producing a dispersion of atomized liquid particles, including disposing a pressurization unit in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir; activating the pressurization unit to pressurize the fluid from the reservoir; disposing at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurization unit to emit the liquid in a form of atomized particles.

[0005] An aspect of this disclosure is a method of dispersing atomized liquid particles in an environment, including actuating a pressurization unit to pressurize a fluid for emission from at least one nozzle in a form of atomized liquid particles, wherein the pressurization unit is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir; and aiming each at least one nozzle to disperse the emitted atomized liquid particles into the environment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a liquid particle dispersion system according to the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows an expanded view of a waterproof enclosure according to the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 shows an end view of a liquid particle dispersion system according to the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 shows an oblique view of a liquid particle dispersion system according to the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 shows a cutaway view of a waterproof enclosure according to the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 6 shows a schematic of a liquid particle dispersion system according to the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7A shows nozzle embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7B shows another nozzle embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7C shows another nozzle embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7D shows another nozzle embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7E shows another nozzle embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7F shows another nozzle embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a liquid particle dispersion system according to the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of a liquid particle dispersion system according to the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 shows cross-section of another liquid particle dispersion system according to the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11 shows another view of the liquid particle dispersion system of FIG.10.

[0022] FIG. 12 shows a schematic of a liquid particle dispersion system according to the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of another liquid particle dispersion system according to the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 14A shows a schematic of a maritime vessel formation employing a liquid particledispersion system according to the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 14B shows the maritime vessel formation of FIG. 14A upon actuation of the liquid particle dispersion system.

[0026] FIG. 14C shows the maritime vessel formation of FIG. 14A after actuation of the dispersion system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Illustrative embodiments are disclosed herein. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation may be described. In the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions may need to be made to achieve the design-specific goals, which may vary from one implementation to another. It will be appreciated that such a development effort, while possibly complex and time-consuming, would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for persons of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are not to be limited to the precise arrangements and configurations shown in the figures, in which like reference numerals may identify like elements. Also, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in generalized or schematic form, in the interest of clarity and conciseness. As used herein, the term “environment" is construed to include an open-air environment, a closed-off environment (e.g., a building structure, a vessel, etc.), an environment above Earth surface, subterranean, underwater, and a combination of any of the foregoing environments.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a liquid particle dispersion system 10 embodiment of this disclosure. The system 10 comprises a frame structure 12 formed of interconnected rails 14. The individual rails 14 may be coupled together via any suitable means as known in the art (e.g., welding, via fasteners, etc.). Some rail 14 segments may also be manufactured as single-piece sections (e.g., sides, ends, etc.). The rails 14 may also be formed of any suitable materials as desired for a particular application or environment (e.g., metal, plastics, composites, etc.). Although the frame 12 is shown as a general box-like structure, it will be appreciated that other frame embodiments may be formed in any desired geometric configuration. Some frame 12 embodiments may be configured with connection points 16 (e.g., lifting eyes) for lifting and hoisting of the assembly. Embodiments may also be configured with slots or apertures 18 formed on one or more rail 14 segments for coupling to another structure.

[0029] One or more waterproof enclosures 20 are disposed on the frame 12. Turning to FIG.2, the enclosures 20 are configured with a main cylindrical body 21 , a first end cap 22, and a second end cap 23. Each enclosure 20 is secured to the frame 12 via conventional fastener means (e.g., clamps, adhesion, flanges, bolted brackets, etc.). The enclosures 20 may be formed of any suitable materials as known in the art (e.g., metals, alloys, composites, etc.), provided the materials can withstand the heat, fire, and explosive pressure specifications required for the application.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, an electric motor 24 is disposed in each enclosure 20. The electric motor 24 is mounted abutting the first end cap 22 such that the motor’s rotation shaft extends through an opening in the first end cap. A fluid pump 26 is mounted on the exterior surface of the first end cap 22. The pump 26 is mounted such that the motor 24 shaft engages with the pump to provide the motive force to actuate the pump. With this configuration, the electric motor 24 is completely enclosed within the waterproof enclosure 20 while the pump 26 is exposed for easy access and operation. Fluid under high pressure is pumped out from the pump 26 outlet through a nozzle 27 with apertures 28. Nozzles 27 with differently configured / sized apertures 28 can be swapped and coupled to the pump 26 outlet to produce different atomized particle dispersions (see FIGS. 7A-7F). In some embodiments, the nozzle 27 can be coupled to a fluid conduit (e.g., hose) interposed between the pump 26 outlet and the nozzle 27 to facilitate dispersion of the atomized particles at a distance from the enclosure 20.

[0031] System 10 embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented with nozzles 27 that produce small droplets (e.g.. under 10 microns (0.01 mm)). Some embodiments may also be implemented with nozzles producing atomized droplets in the range between 10-100 microns (0.01- 0.1mm). The relatively small apertures 28 on the nozzles 27 provide backpressure (e.g., 1000-2000 psi (6895-13789 kPa).

[0032] Returning to FIG. 1, one or more fluid reservoirs 29 are mounted on the frame 12. Each reservoir 29 is fluidly coupled to a fluid pump 26 via one or more fluid conduits 30 (e.g., hose) linked between the respective reservoir and the pump inlet. When the fluid reservoir 29 is placed above the pump 26, fluid from the reservoir will flow into the pump inlet via natural gravity feed. Any conventional fluid reservoirs 29 may be used in implementations of the disclosed systems 10. Some reservoirs 29 may be configured with ports for refilling and / or purging the tank. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments may also be implemented with fluid reservoirs 29 that can be pressurized for applications requiring a high pressure fluid feed.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, embodiments may be implemented with a control panel 32disposed on the frame 12 to provide direct and convenient user controls. The control panel 32 may be configured with conventional electronics, a touch screen, and software programmed to allow user control of the system 10 components (e.g., Human Machine Interface). Some embodiments may also be implemented with control panels 32 configured for operation via a user and / or a remote operated vehicle (ROV). Some embodiments may also be implemented with control panels 32 configured with conventional electronics providing for remote wireless communication and user control of the systems 10.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows an end view of a liquid particle dispersion system 10 according to this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the waterproof enclosures 20 may be implemented with multiple port junctions 34A, 34B, 34C on the second end cap 23. The port junctions 34A, 34B, 34C are fluidly sealed ports with threaded or locking pin ends that provide an inlet / outlet port for access to the interior of the enclosure 20 and its internal components without having to remove either end cap 22, 23 or otherwise open the enclosure. FIG. 3 shows a system 10 embodiment with one port junction 34A having a communication conduit 36 coupled thereon.

[0035] Turning to FIG. 4, the other end of the communication conduit 36 is shown linked to a control manifold 38 configured with input / output junctions to coordinate motor 24 and pump 26 activation. Some system 10 embodiments may be configured to link with other systems 10 to provide system redundancy or multi-system 10 operations. In such applications, the control manifold 38 may be configured to control valves channeling fluid flow from one or more fluid reservoirs 29 in one system 10 to other selected systems 10.

[0036] Other port junctions (e.g., 34B, 34C) may be configured to receive a power cable to power the pump(s) 26. Some embodiments may also be configured with rechargeable batteries contained within the waterproof enclosure 20 (further described below). In some embodiments, a port junction 34B, 34C may be implemented to couple with an ROV configured to recharge systems 10 configured with rechargeable batteries. In some embodiments, one or more of the waterproof enclosures 20 may be filled with material to provide cooling and / or corrosion prevention for the housed components (e.g., oil, sand, foam, etc.). One or more of the port junctions 34B, 34C may be used to fill and / or purge the waterproof enclosure 20.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a cutaway schematic of a waterproof enclosure 20 according to this disclosure. As described above, rechargeable batteries 40 may be used in implementations of the waterproof enclosures 20. Embodiments may be implemented with conventional battery 40management components 46, 48 (e.g., AC to DC converter, switching circuitry, circuit breakers, charge controller, etc.). Embodiment may also be implemented with conventional heat transfer components (e.g., heat sinks, heat pipes, etc.).

[0038] The disclosed systems 10 provide efficient motor-pump modules for use in hazardous environments or applications. Having the pump 26 mounted externally provides for easier maintenance and replacement when necessary. Conventional fluid pumps 26 may be used (e.g., capable of providing an operating pressure in the neighborhood of 1500 psi (10342 kPa) at a flowrate of approximately 120 gpm (27.3 m3per hour). System 10 embodiments can generate atomized particle dispersions to rapidly cover large spaces (e.g., 454,249 m3per minute). Having the motor 24 mounted inside the enclosure 20 protects components and can meet explosion proof ratings where applicable. The enclosures 20 can also be configured to be flameproof. The systems 10 provide a compact package with a small footprint. Embodiments configured with slidable rails 14 or rollers also provide modules that can be rapidly transported and deployed with ease.Various fluid compositions (item 50 FIG. 1) may be used with the disclosed systems 10. As previously noted, the system 10 fluid reservoirs 29 can be configured to contain the fluid compositions 50 at static pressure or under pressure. Usable fluid compositions 50 include commercially available fluids and fluid mixtures (e.g., glycine, glycerine, propylene glycol and water, ethaline glycol, etc.). The fluid compositions 50 used with systems 10 of this disclosure are safe for human exposure. Compliance with European Standard EN50131-8 may be maintained, ensuring that the generated fog is safe for human exposure and does not create hazardous environments. ISO 9001 manufacturing standards may also be adhered to, guaranteeing consistent quality and reliability. The systems 10 embodiments are also compliant with ACPO Secured by Design Accreditation, which is recognized by law enforcement agencies as an effective deterrent.

[0039] Some system 10 embodiments may be implemented with fluid solutions 50 doped with additives (i.e.. substances or particulates) with properties that provide desired attenuation properties in the atomized dispersions (e.g., UV dye, anti-radar dye, anti-optical / laser dye, thermal dye. etc.).The dye agents or particulates are added to the fluid composition 50 and dispensed with the generated fog.

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a schematic of another liquid particle dispersion system 10 embodiment of this disclosure. A frame structure 52 formed of interconnected rails 54 supports a fluid reservoir 56. In some embodiments, the reservoir 56 is a bladder-type container. The reservoir 56 suppliesthe fluid 50 to one or more high-pressure pumps 58 driven by one or more motors 60 to pressurize the fluid. A control panel 62 on the frame 52 provides for user actuation of the pump unit. The motor(s) 60 can be powered via a battery pack 64 mounted on the frame 52 or external electrical power supplied via a cable junction.

[0041] The pump 58 unit is coupled to a nozzle bay 66 by one or more conduits 68 (e.g., pipes, hoses, tubing). The nozzle bay 66 may be fitted with one or more nozzles 27. FIGS. 7A - 7F show various sample nozzles 27 that may be used to implement the disclosed systems 10. Suitable nozzles 27 are commercially available (e.g., https: / / hddlion.com). As previously described, the nozzles 27 can be easily replaced or swapped on the systems 10 to provide the desired particle dispersion.

[0042] Nozzle 27 designs may incorporate air- fluid jet interactions to optimize atomization. In internal mix configurations (e.g., FIG. 7A), compressed air or gas from a compressor (79 in FIG.9) may be introduced into a mixing chamber within the nozzle 27, where it interacts with the pressurized fluid 50 stream to create shear forces, resulting in droplet breakup into sizes ranging from 10-60 microns. External mix variants (e.g., FIG. 7B ) feature separate air and fluid outlets, with air jets impinging on the fluid 50 stream post-ejection for controlled atomization (30-200 microns). Swirl-jet mechanisms can be integrated, wherein helical vanes induce rotational flow in the fluid or air, promoting vortex mixing and primary impingement for sub- 10 micron droplets at lower pressures (e.g., 100-500 psi air assist). Such nozzle 27 embodiments allow independent control of air and fluid pressures for fine-tuning particle size, spray angle (e.g., 25°-160°), and distribution, ensuring uniform fog density. Fans or directed air streams (FIG. 8) may further aid in targeted dispersion.

[0043] Particle size distribution can be precisely controlled by adjusting operational parameters, including fluid pressure (e.g., 1000-20,000 psi), nozzle 27 aperture 28 diameter (e.g., 0.01-0.1 mm), and fluid composition 59 viscosity. For instance, higher pressures (e.g., 5000-20,000 psi) combined with smaller apertures 28 yield sub- 10 micron droplets suitable for prolonged suspension and multispectral obscuration (visible and IR wavelengths). Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling may be employed to optimize for bimodal distributions, where 20-50% of particles are in the 0.2-2 micron range for persistence and the remainder in 5-50 microns for rapid volume coverage. Environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, influence settling rates, with smaller particles (e.g., <5 microns) exhibiting Brownian motion for extendedhang times (up to 10-30 minutes in still air).

[0044] FIG. 8 shows a schematic of another liquid particle dispersion system 10 embodiment of this disclosure. A high-pressure pump unit 70, similar to the unit of FIG. 1. is shown with a multi-nozzle array 72 coupled to the high-pressure outlet from the pump(s) 26. Arrays 72 can be implemented with a high number of nozzles 27 (e.g., over 100 in a large system 10). This system 10 enables high-volume fog production as disclosed herein. Multi-nozzle arrays 72 can be used with any of the disclosed systems 10. Although FIG. 8 shows the multi-nozzle array 72 coupled to the pump 26 outlet at the frame 12, other embodiments may be implemented with the array 72 positioned at a remote distance from the pump unit 70 by coupling the array via one or more conduits (e.g., FIG. 6, conduit 68).

[0045] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of another liquid particle dispersion system 10 embodiment of this disclosure. A general illustration of the system 10 components is shown. It will be understood that the system 10 of FIG. 9 can be implemented with the components and arrangements of the systems 10 disclosed herein. In this system 10, a heater 74 is interposed between the pump 26 and the fluid 50 reservoir 29, 56 to pre-heat the pressurized fluid before particle dispersion via one or more nozzles 27. Conventional heaters 74 can be used to implement the system 10. In some embodiments, a fan 76 may be added to further target dispersion of the atomized particles in the environment.

[0046] FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of another liquid particle dispersion system 10 embodiment of this disclosure. The system 10 comprises a cylindrical enclosure 78 providing a pressure housing with a front end 80 and a back end 82. The enclosure 78 may be formed of any suitable materials as desired for a particular application or environment (e.g., metal, plastics, composites, etc.). The enclosure 78 is implemented with a nozzle cap 84 at the front end. The nozzle cap 85 provides a threaded orifice 86 to receive a nozzle 27. A burst disc 88 is mounted at the internal end of the orifice 86 on the nozzle cap 84. The burst disc 88 is appropriately rated to rupture and permit fluid 50 flow through the orifice 86.

[0047] The enclosure 78 also incorporates a reservoir or fluid containment section 90 to hold a fluid solution 50 as disclosed herein. A moveable piston 92 is disposed at one end of the fluid containment section 90. The piston 92 is shown in its resting position. The nozzle cap 84 and piston 92 are mounted on the enclosure 78 with conventional seals 94 to provide sealing integrity. The piston 92 may be formed of any suitable material.

[0048] A charge module 96 is disposed on the enclosure 78 adjacent to the piston 92 on the side opposite the fluid containment section 90. A charge 98, which may be in the form of a heat and / or percussively initiated chemical propellant, is contained in the charge module 96. The charge 98 may be initiated to combust or react to produce high pressure gases, which in turn propel the piston 92 and thus pressurize the fluid solution 50 in the fluid containment section 90. An initiator 100 (e.g., blasting cap) is disposed on the charge module 96 to activate the charge 98. An orifice 102 on the charge module 96 provides a port for the gases to enter the reservoir 90 to propel the piston 92 upon activation of the charge 98. The charge module 96 and the initiator 100 can be easily and rapidly replaced for repeated use of the system 10.

[0049] The enclosure 78 is implemented with a trigger 104 mechanism linked to the initiator 100. The trigger 104 houses a battery pack 106 to provide the electrical current to ignite the initiator 100 to activate the charge 98. The trigger 104 may implemented with a manual switch and / or with conventional electronics to enable wireless remote activation of the initiator 100. Actuation of the trigger 104 causes the charge 98 to detonate. The force from the charge 98 causes the piston 92 to move (left-to-right in FIG. 10), thereby creating a high-pressure front for the fluid 50 in the reservoir 90.

[0050] FIG. 11 shows a schematic of the particle dispersion system 10 of FIG. 10 after the charge 98 has been initiated to propel the piston 92 to pressurize the fluid 50. The piston 92 is shown at half stroke within the enclosure 78. A nozzle 27 is fitted on the nozzle cap 84 to disperse the atomized liquid particles or droplets 108 through the nozzle 27 aperture(s) 28. In some embodiments, the piston 92 is configured to regulate the pressure from the charge 98 so that the fog 108 is dispersed rapidly over a time period (e.g.. 5 to 60 seconds). In an example system 10 embodiment, the charge 98 may produce a pressure of 20,000 psi (137895 kPa). The piston 92 regulates the 20,000 psi (137895 kPa) pressure against a 1000-2000 psi (6895-13789 kPa) backpressure from the nozzle 27, which causes the solution 50 to be dispersed as small droplets over a 5-20 second time period. It will be understood that the nozzle 27 size may be selected based on the solution 50, applied pressure from the charge 98, and the particular application.

[0051] The system 10 of FIG. 11 provides a compact, readily deployable unit that can fog over a large volume of space. The lack of a frame structure and associated controls components (compared to the system 10 of FIGS. 1 and 6) makes the system 10 of FIG. 11 more versatile as it can be readily transported and deployed by a single person (e.g., in military operations). Forexample, a system 10 embodiment with an enclosure 78 having a length of 9 meters and a diameter of 1.2 meters can generate atomized particle dispersions to rapidly cover large spaces (e.g., 5,000 m3).

[0052] FIG. 12 shows a schematic of another liquid particle dispersion system 10 embodiment of this disclosure. The system 10 comprises a fluid reservoir 110 to hold a fluid solution 50 as disclosed herein. The reservoir 110 is coupled to an accumulator 112 via a conduit 114 (e.g., hose, piping). The accumulator 112 is charged to hold air 113 under high pressure (e.g. 3000-20,000 psi). A valve 116 controls the discharge of the compressed air 113 into the reservoir 110 to pressurize the fluid 50, which is emitted via a nozzle 27 to produce the fog 108. The valve 116 can be a manually operated valve or a wireless-actuation valve.

[0053] FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of another liquid particle dispersion system 10 embodiment of this disclosure. The system 10 comprises a cylindrical enclosure 78 providing a pressure housing and is implemented with a nozzle 27, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 11. The enclosure 78 incorporates a fluid reservoir 90 to hold a fluid solution 50 as disclosed herein. A moveable piston 92 is also disposed in the reservoir 90 of this system 10. The enclosure 78 end opposite the nozzle 27 provides an accumulator section 118 to hold air 113 under high pressure. A valve 120 controls the discharge of the compressed air 113 into the reservoir 90 to propel the piston 92 to pressurize the fluid 50, which is emitted via a nozzle 27 to produce the fog 108. The valve 120 can be a manually operated valve or a wireless-actuation valve.

[0054] Advantages of the disclosed systems 10 include a capability for rapid deployment of a high-volume, safe, concealment fog 108. This fog 108 is not simple water or fluid fog. The disclosed systems 10 produce a fog 108 that effectively limits visibility, obfuscating visual and optical sensor capabilities (e.g., from drones) and is scalable across multiple environments and various platforms: ships, tanks, trucks, personnel. The systems’ 10 ability to rapidly generate a fog dispersion to cover large spaces enables concealment of large areas (e.g., airports, power plants, stadiums, business parks, government facilities). The systems 10 are also ideally suited for military and law enforcement applications (e.g., protection of ports, cargo ships, and offshore installations from drone threats). FIG. 14A shows a schematic of system 10 deployment in a maritime military vessel formation 100. FIG. 14B shows the vessel formation 100 of FIG. 14A moments after the system(s) 10 have been activated to generate the fog 108 dispersion as disclosed herein. FIG. 14C shows the vessel formation 100 of FIG. 14A shortly after activation of the system(s) 10 to generatethe fog 108 dispersion. System 10 embodiments can deploy fog 108 through a large number of nozzles 27 (e.g., array 72 of FIG. 8).

[0055] The disclosed systems 10 represent a revolutionary advancement in security fog solutions, offering orders of magnitude greater fog generation rates compared to conventional apparatus. The systems 10 are engineered for diverse applications across military, policing, maritime logistics, and commercial security sectors. Key aspects of the disclosed systems 10 include unparalleled fog 108 production capabilities, ruggedized design for military operations, and human and environmentally safe formulations. The systems 10 achieve fog deployment at rates exponentially faster than conventional security fog systems, providing instant concealment of assets, personnel, and infrastructure, reducing the effectiveness of visual and optical surveillance. Unlike conventional apparatus, the systems 10 can sustain high- volume fog dispersion for extended periods without degradation. The fluid reservoirs 29, 56, 90 can be easily and quickly refilled with fluid compositions 50.

[0056] Additional advantages of the systems 10 include no thermal effects, ensuring safety in confined spaces and temperature-sensitive environments. The fluid compositions 50 are formulated without harmful chemicals, leaving no residue and minimizing environmental impact. The systems 10 enable adjustable fog 108 density and particle size to provide optimal concealment under varying weather conditions and operational scenarios. Specialized fluid compositions 50 can be deployed for indoor, outdoor, and confined space applications. The systems 10 can incorporate an auxiliary vessel 77 (FIG. 9) to mix one or more additives with the fluid compositions 50 (e.g., invisible marking compounds, aiding law enforcement in post-event tracking and suspect identification). Fluid compositions 50 with compounds that adhere to surfaces and clothing may be used with the systems 10, providing forensic evidence without altering the fog's concealment properties.

[0057] The dispersed fluid can be used to deliver fog 108 with additives including drug compositions for crowd control or security applications. System 10 embodiments may also be implemented to generate fog 108 with additives including metallic particulates (e.g., aluminum flakes) or marking compounds may be co-dispersed for radar obscuration or forensic tracking. The systems 10 can generate non-toxic, eco-friendly fog dispersion orders of magnitude faster than conventional devices. The fluid compositions 50 may include sedative agents for applications in crowd control, security, or medical scenarios, dispersed as aerosols to induce temporary sedationor disorientation. Suitable agents include, but are not limited to, benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, lorazepam), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), and approved opioid analgesics (e.g., alfentanil, remifentanil for therapeutic delivery, fentanyl and its derivatives such as alpha fentanyl). These agents can be formulated at concentrations ensuring safe, reversible effects (e.g., 0.01-1% w / v), with particle sizes <10 microns for efficient respiratory absorption. The ruggedized systems 10 are also compatible with vehicle-mounted and portable configurations, providing flexibility in deployment for field operations. Systems 10 may also be implemented for artificial intelligence enabled adaptive deployment.

[0058] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosed systems 10 may be implemented for use in numerous applications and fields of endeavor. The example embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments may be implemented using conventional electronics, processors, software, hardware, and components.

Claims

Claims1. A system for producing a dispersion of atomized liquid particles, comprising:a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid;a pressurization unit in fluid communication with the reservoir,wherein the pressurization unit is configured to pressurize liquid from the supply of liquid; andat least one nozzle configured to receive the fluid from the pressurization unit to emit the liquid in a form of atomized particles.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressurization unit comprises a pump linked to the reservoir.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressurization unit comprises a piston configured to reduce a volume within the reservoir to pressurize the liquid.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a charge configured to propel the piston when the charge is activated.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the charge comprises a chemical propellant.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller to actuate the pressurization unit.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a frame to support the reservoir and the pressurization unit.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir and pressurization unit are configured as a portable unit.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to emit the atomized particles at a size less than 10 microns.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to emit the atomized particles at a size in the range of 10 to 100 microns.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to emit the atomized particles with a volume median diameter tunable between 0.2 microns and 100 microns via a pressure variation.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured with an air-assisted atomizing mechanism for internal or external mixing of air.

13. A method for producing a dispersion of atomized liquid particles, comprising:disposing a pressurization unit in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir; activating the pressurization unit to pressurize the fluid from the reservoir; and disposing at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurization unit to emit the liquid in a form of atomized particles.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein activating the pressurization unit comprises actuating a pump linked to the fluid reservoir.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein activating the pressurization unit comprises activating a charge configured to propel a piston to pressurize the fluid.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the charge comprises a chemical propellant.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the reservoir and pressurization unit are configured as a portable unit.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the pressurization unit is linked to a controller configured to actuate the pressurization unit.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the reservoir and the pressurization unit are housed in a frame structure.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to emit the atomized particles at a size less than 10 microns.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to emit the atomized particles at a size in the range of 10 to 100 microns.

22. The method of claim 13, further comprising adjusting the fluid pressure and / or the at least one nozzle to emit the atomized particles with at least 50% of the particles sized less than 5 microns.

23. A method of dispersing atomized liquid particles in an environment, comprising:actuating a pressurization unit to pressurize a fluid for emission from at least one nozzle in a form of atomized liquid particles,wherein the pressurization unit is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir; and aiming each at least one nozzle to disperse the emitted atomized liquid particles into the environment.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the atomized liquid particles are dispersed into the environment to reduce visibility in the environment.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising mixing an additive with the fluid for dispersion of the mixed fluid into the environment.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the additive consists of a drug composition or metallic particulates.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing at least one fan to disperse the emitted particles in a targeted direction in the environment.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to emit the atomized particles at a size less than 10 microns.

29. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to emit the atomized particles at a size in the range of 10 to 100 microns.

30. The method of claim 23, further comprising introducing compressed air into the at leastone nozzle, wherein air pressure is adjusted independently of fluid pressure.

31. The method of claim 23, further comprising mixing an additive with the fluid for dispersion of the mixed fluid into the environment, wherein the additive comprises a sedative agent selected from the group consisting of benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antihistamines, and opioid analgesics.

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