354 results about "Droplet size" patented technology

Powder batches of pharmaceutically-active particles and methods for making same. The pharmaceutically-active particles have a small particle size and a narrow particle size distribution and are particularly useful in devices such as medical inhalers. The present invention also provides an aerosol-based method for producing pharmaceutically-active particles wherein an aerosol is produced having a tightly controlled droplet size to produce pharmaceutically-active particles having a small particle size and narrow particle size distribution.

An electrically-actuated variable pressure control system for use with flow-controlled liquid application systems. Direct acting solenoid valves are pulsed at varying frequencies and duty cycles to change the resistance to flow encountered by the flow-controlled liquid application system. This pulsing solenoid valve technique preserves a high degree of accuracy and uniformity through a wide range of pressure control. This wide range of pressure control indirectly allows the flow-controlled liquid application system to operate over a wider range of flow control, yielding indirect benefits to performance and productivity. When the solenoid valves are attached to pressure-atomization spray nozzles, control over spray pattern and droplet size is further achieved.

An apparatus and process for monitoring fluid flow through a nozzle is disclosed. A vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer, is mounted to a nozzle. The vibration output received from the sensor is then analyzed to determine whether or not the nozzle is operating properly. Through the present invention, information can be obtained regarding variations in flow rate, and / or variations in spray pattern and droplet size spectra. If the nozzle flow pulsates, the vibration sensor may also provide information regarding whether the nozzle is pulsating according to a desired frequency duty cycle or waveform.

Using inhomogeneous sized liquid crystal (LC) droplets for lens and prisms. For forming a positive lens, the LC droplet size can gradually increase from the center to the side edges. For forming a negative lens, the LC droplet size can gradually decrease from the center to the side edges. The lens can be created by Ultra Violet light exposure to patterns. The lens can be tuned by applying voltage to the droplets. The inhomogeneous droplets can also be used in Fresnel lens and prisms. Applications of the invention can be used for eyeglasses, arrays, camera type zoom lenses and beam steering applications.

An electric arc device and methods to build up, clad, join, or overlay an alloyed metal onto a parent metal with minimal admixture. The methods employed in the electric arc device provide a high frequency waveform with a high amplitude pulse, a low amplitude background current, and a special shorting routine, to alleviate the problem of generating too much ad-mixture. A fast transition from a peak current level to a background current level along with a shorting response and a plasma boost pulse reduces the droplet size and reduces the heat input required to achieve good welding performance.

A method and apparatus for dispensing precise quantities of reagents is disclosed including a positive displacement syringe pump in series with a dispenser, such as an aerosol dispenser or solenoid valve dispenser. The pump is controlled by a stepper motor or the like to provide an incremental quantity or continuous flow of reagent to the dispenser. The pump and dispenser are operated in cooperation with one another such that the quantity and / or flow rate of liquid dispensed by the dispenser can be precisely metered substantially independently of the particular operating parameters of said dispenser to attain a desired flow rate, droplet size or mist quality, droplet frequency and / or droplet velocity.

A spray-dried, granular powder comprising: (i) from about 50% to about 99% of a water-soluble carrier, (ii) from about 1% to about 50% of a hydrophobic silicone oil dispersed within the carrier, wherein the spray-dried powder has a volume average particle size in the range from about 20 .mu.m to about 500 .mu.m, the powder being prepared by spray-drying an aqueous dispersion of the silicone oil and the water-soluble carrier, characterized in that the silicone oil is present in the dispersion in the form of discrete droplets having a volume average droplet size in the range from about 0.5 .mu.m to about 20 .mu.m and that the ratio of the average spray-dried particle size to the average droplet size is at least about 2.5:1. The powder is dry, free-flowing and processable into a punched tablet or other compressed forms, yet efficiently delivers the silicone oil on subsequent dissolution in water.

A high performance liquid chromatography system employs a nebulizer with a flow restriction at the exit of its mixing chamber to produce finer droplets, and an adjustable impactor for increased control over droplet sizes. Downstream of the mixing chamber, the nebulizer can incorporate tubing that is permeable to the sample liquid, to promote aerosol drying through perevaporation. A condensation particle counter downstream of the nebulizer uses water as the working medium, and is adjustable to control threshold nucleation sizes and droplet growth rates. A particle size selector employing diffusion, electrostatic attraction or selection based on electrical mobility, is advantageously positioned between the nebulizer and the CPC.

A flexible, self-adjusting flow nozzle is provided, optimally configured for agricultural uses. The nozzle flexes automatically in response to changes in fluid pressure, thereby maintaining an optimal droplet size and spray area for a variety of flow rates. The self-adjusting characteristic of the nozzle allows for the creation of a fully or semi-automatic spray system. The fully automatic system uses a GPS receiver to compare actual geographic data against a predetermined flow plan for automatically making adjustments to flow rate in order to accommodate both speed changes and varying crop needs. The semi-automatic system uses a manually controlled flow rate but utilizes the self-adjusting capabilities of the spray nozzle.

A nozzle (54) for cleaning a gas turbine unit (1) during operation. The invention further relates to a method for washing a gas turbine unit (1) during operation. The nozzle (54) is arranged to atomize a wash liquid in the air stream in an air intake (2) of the gas turbine unit (1) and comprises a nozzle body (40) comprising an intake end (41) for intake of said wash liquid and outlet end (55) for exit of said wash liquid. The nozzle further comprises a number of orifices (42, 46; 42, 46, 60) that are connected to the outlet end (55) and respective orifice (42, 46; 42, 46, 60) is arranged at a suitable distance from a centre axis (49) of said nozzle body (40), whereby the local density of the injected wash liquid in a desired area can be increased with preserved droplet size and thereby the efficiency of the cleaning process can be significantly improved at the same time as the risk for damaging the components in the gas turbine unit is significantly reduced.

Apparatus and method for delivering fine spray of air and nutrient rich liquid to the root area of developing plants with a shaped nozzle end for controlling and varying the dimensions and shape of the delivered fog, and capable of providing a droplet size of between 30 and 80 micron and not below 5 micron. A kit is also provided.

Nozzles and nebulizers that can be adjusted to produce an aerosol with optimum and reproducible quality based on the feedback information obtained using laser imaging techniques are provides. Two laser-based imaging techniques based on particle image velocimetry (PIV) and optical patternation are provided to map and contrast the size and velocity distributions for indirect and direct pneumatic nebulizations in plasma spectrometry. The flow field of droplets is illuminated by two pulses from a thin laser sheet with a known time difference. The scattering of the laser light from droplets is captured by a charge coupled device (CCD), providing two instantaneous images of the particles. Pointwise cross-correlation of the corresponding images yields a two-dimensional (2-D) velocity map of the aerosol velocity field. For droplet size distribution studies, the solution is doped with a fluorescent dye and both laser induced florescence (LIF) and Mie scattering images are captured simultaneously by two CCDs with the same field of view. The ratio of the LIF / Mie images provides relative droplet size information, which is then scaled by a point calibration method via a phase Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA). Two major outcomes are realized for three nebulization systems: 1) a direct injection high efficiency nebulizer (DIHEN); 2) a large-bore DIHEN (LB-DIHEN); and 3) a PFA microflow nebulizer with a PFA Scott-type spray chamber. First, the central region of the aerosol cone from the direct injection nebulizers and the nebulizer-spray chamber arrangement comprise fast (>13 m / s and >8 m / s, respectively) and fine (<10 μm and <5 μm, respectively) droplets as compared to slow (<4 m / s) and large (>25 μm) droplets in the fringes. Second, the spray chamber acts as a momentum separator, rather than a droplet size selector, as it removes droplets having larger sizes or velocities. Smart-tunable nebulizers may utilize the measured momentum as a feedback control for adjusting certain operation properties of the nebulizer, such as operating conditions and / or critical dimensions.

Provided are silver-containing powders and a method and apparatus for manufacturing the silver-containing particles of high quality, of a small size and narrow size distribution. An aerosol is generated from liquid feed and sent to a furnace, where liquid in droplets in the aerosol is vaporized to permit formation of the desired particles, which are then collected in a particle collector. The aerosol generation involves preparation of a high quality aerosol, with a narrow droplet size distribution, with close control over droplet size and with a high droplet loading suitable for commercial applications.

Antiperspirant emulsions which exhibit excellent phase stability even in the presence of an effective concentration of antiperspirant salts in solution and which are thickened are obtainable by dispersing a hydratable polymer and particularly an amphoteric or cationic modified starch in an aqueous emulsion forming a viscous emulsion, often at an elevated temperature, subjecting the emulsion to high shear, thereby reducing the droplet size of the dispersed oil phase, bringing the emulsion to below 40° C. and introducing the antiperspirant, preferably in aqueous solution. The viscous emulsion subjected to high shear mixing desirably has a Sheer Stress of 10 to 500 Pa. The resultant emulsions show good phase stability even when they contain aluminium / zirconium antiperspirant salts that promote instability and even at elevated storage temperatures such as at 50° C.

Functionalized polymers are mixed with pesticides to form semi-stable complexes with desirable field properties: reduced leaching in soil, improved leaf retention (rainfastness), selective unloading to roots and convenient packaging and application. Pesticides that may be so complexed include herbicides, insecticides (including compounds controlling non-insect arthropods and nematodes), bacteriocides, rodenticides, and fungicides. Polymers with which they may be complexed include derivatives of carbohydrates, amides, imines, alkanes, vinyls, styrenes or glycols. The polymers may be functionalized with chemical groups that exhibit ionic (amines, carboxyls), hydrophobic, complexing (e.g. metal chelating) and ligand binding interactions. The variously functionalized polymers may be mixed, grafted, or fused to obtain optimal properties. The polymer / pesticide formulations may be applied as granules, as suspensions or solutions in sprays, as foams, or as coats for seeds and fertilizers. The formulations may be applied to foliage, soil, irrigation water, construction materials (plastics, wood), seeding materials, grains, and buildings.

A fluid can be discontinuously atomized with an atomizer of the present invention. The atomizer can include a helical spring, disk spring or gas spring, acting as a pressure spring, as an energy storage device, a cylinder, piston, two ducts and two valves. Atomization can be initiated manually by triggering a locking mechanism. The energy storage device can be disposed outside a storage container for the fluid. The energy storage device can be provided mechanical energy manually. Via the piston, the stored energy can exert pressure onto the fluid in the cylinder, which ranges from 1 MPa to 5 MPa (10 bar to 50 bar). Distribution of the droplet size in the atomized jet can be independent from the level of experience and behavior of the person actuating the atomizer, and can be adjusted in a reproducible manner. The mean droplet diameter can be smaller than about 50 micrometers. The mass flow of the fluid through the nozzle can be less than about 0.4 g / s. The design and function of the atomizer can be adjusted to properties of the fluid, to a planned application, and to a desired manner for handling the atomizer.

A portable, battery-powered sprayer for dispensing two liquid products at the same time includes first and second nozzles which receive first and second liquids and first and second air supplies. The nozzles are arranged to dispense the liquids at different flow rates, with different droplet sizes, and into different target zones. A low battery sensor prevents operation when the batteries have insufficient power to produce the intended flow rates and droplet sizes.

The invention discloses a digital microfluidic droplet driving device and method. The digital microfluidic droplet driving device comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and a control circuitlayer. A droplet accommodating space is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A reference electrode is arranged in one side of the first substrate. A first hydrophobic layer isarranged in one side of the reference electrode layer. A driving electrode layer is arranged in one side of the second substrate. The driving electrode layer comprises multiple driving electrode blocks spaced apart from each other. A dielectric layer is disposed on one side of the driving electrode layer. A second hydrophobic layer is arranged in one side of the dielectric layer. The control circuit layer comprises a scanning line and a first driving signal line. The scanning line and the first driving signal line intersect to define a plurality of control units. The control units are arrangedcorresponding to the driving electrode blocks. The digital microfluidic droplet driving device can greatly improve the number of independent electrodes in the microfluidic chip and a controllable droplet size and realize free movement, separation and merging of high-density droplets.

An electric arc welder including a high speed switching power supply with a controller for creating high frequency current pulses with negative polarity components through the gap between a workpiece and a welding wire advancing toward the workpiece. Molten metal droplets are quickly created during negative polarity portions of the weld cycle. Welding controls include integrating a parameter during the negative polarity portions to determine when a desired amount of energy has been generated at the welding wire. This energy is associated with a desired droplet size for consistent droplet transfers to the workpiece.

A method and apparatus for vaporizing liquid fuel. The apparatus includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end; a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state; a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage; and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The flow passage can be a capillary tube heated by a resistance heater or a section of a tube heated by passing electrical energy therethrough. The liquid fuel can be supplied to the flow passage at any desired pressure depending on the required mass flow rate for the application. The vaporized fuel can be mixed with air to form an aerosol having a mean droplet size of 25 μm or less to minimize ignition energy of the fuel-air mixture, promote fuel flow in an air stream, and combust the liquid fuel efficiently and cleanly.

A fluid can be discontinuously atomized with an atomizer of the present invention. The atomizer can include a helical spring, disk spring or gas spring, acting as a pressure spring, as an energy storage device, a cylinder, piston, two ducts and two valves. Atomization can be initiated manually by triggering a locking mechanism. The energy storage device can be disposed outside a storage container for the fluid. The energy storage device can be provided mechanical energy manually. Via the piston, the stored energy can exert pressure onto the fluid in the cylinder, which ranges from 1 MPa to 5 MPa (10 bar to 50 bar). Distribution of the droplet size in the atomized jet can be independent from the level of experience and behavior of the person actuating the atomizer, and can be adjusted in a reproducible manner. The mean droplet diameter can be smaller than about 50 micrometers. The mass flow of the fluid through the nozzle can be less than about 0.4 g / s. The design and function of the atomizer can be adjusted to properties of the fluid, to a planned application, and to a desired manner for handling the atomizer.

Using inhomogeneous sized liquid crystal (LC) droplets for lens and prisms. For forming a positive lens, the LC droplet size can gradually increase from the center to the side edges. For forming a negative lens, the LC droplet size can gradually decrease from the center to the side edges. The lens can be created by Ultra Violet light exposure to patterns. The lens can be tuned by applying voltage to the droplets. The inhomogeneous droplets can also be used in Fresnel lens and prisms. Applications of the invention can be used for eyeglasses, arrays, camera type zoom lenses and beam steering applications.

A long throw Pop-Up Irrigation Nozzle assembly has no oscillating or rotating parts and includes a cylindrical body having a fluid inlet and a sidewall defining at least one fluidic circuit configured to generate a selected spray pattern when irrigation fluid flows through the body. In order to throw long distance, droplet velocity, droplet size and droplet initial aim angle determine the throw to provide a low precipitation rate (“PR”) for fluidic sprays. The nozzle assembly and method of the present invention achieve a PR of 1 in / hr or less and good spray distribution with a scheduling coefficient (“SC”) of about 1.5 without utilizing any moving components to provide a significantly more cost effective nozzle assembly, as compared to prior art rotator nozzles.

The present invention relates to the aerial spray technology field, in particular to an unmanned gyroplane wind field electrostatic spraying device. The unmanned gyroplane wind field electrostatic spraying device comprises an unmanned gyroplane, an ultrasonic sensor arranged on the unmanned gyroplane and used for detecting the position data of crops, a laser sensor used for detecting the topographic data, a wind speed sensor used for measuring the wind field data under the unmanned gyroplane, an electrostatic sprayer used for carrying out the electrostatic spraying, and a controller used for receiving a signal and controlling the unmanned gyroplane. According to the present invention, the height of an airplane can be adjusted flexibly according to the topography, the relative distance with the crop canopy does not change, the spraying pressure and the droplet size are adjusted according to the wind field under the gyroplane, and the working precision of the aerial spray is improved effectively.

The present disclosure relates to ejector mechanisms and devices for generating a directed stream of droplets, as well as improved methods for delivering an ejected stream of droplets to a target. The device and methods may be useful for the delivery of fluid for ophthalmic, topical, oral, nasal, or pulmonary use, more particularly, for use in the delivery of ophthalmic fluid to the eye. Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to devices and methods for the delivery of a therapeutically effective low dosage volume medicament composition to a target, e.g., by controlling charge, droplet size and / or droplet deposit parameters of the medicament composition.

An aerosol delivery system is disclosed that is a single-use (disposable) continuous nebulizer system designed for use with mechanically ventilated patients to aerosolize medications for inhalation with a general purpose nebulizer, or for connection with devices usable in endoscopic procedures. The system separates the liquid reservoir from the nebulization process taking place either at the adapter hub, where it fits into an endotracheal tube (ETT), or a gas humidifier, where the aerosol may treat a gas used in an endoscopic procedure, with a multi-lumen tube configured to nebulize liquid and air at its distal end. The refillable liquid reservoir is mounted away from the immediate treatment zone, avoiding orientation issues associated with other types of nebulizers having a self-contained reservoir. The system can produce aerosols having a wide range of droplet sizes, depending upon central lumen diameter, with values of MMAD that range from 4 to 30 μm.

A method and apparatus for dispensing precise quantities of reagents is disclosed including a positive displacement syringe pump in series with a dispenser, such as an aerosol dispenser or solenoid valve dispenser. The pump is controlled by a stepper motor or the like to provide an incremental quantity or continuous flow of reagent to the dispenser. The pump and dispenser are operated in cooperation with one another such that the quantity and / or flow rate of liquid dispensed by the dispenser can be precisely metered substantially independently of the particular operating parameters of said dispenser to attain a desired flow rate, droplet size or mist quality, droplet frequency and / or droplet velocity.