A liquid atomizing nozzle

Abstract

The present invention provides a nozzle capable of multiple atomizing steps of a liquid. In one configuration the nozzle provides atomization of a liquid fluid in a first direction and subsequent post atomization of the same liquid in a second direction to form a counter-flow nozzle. Accordingly, the liquid fluid to be dispensed is atomized in at least two separate stages causing improved atomization and the creation of particulate matter size of the liquid within a specified droplet spectrum. Furthermore, the present invention provides these features through an improved and simplified design providing potential cost savings to the end user due to the more effective operation of the nozzle and more efficient dispensing of fluid agents.

Description

PRIORITY [0001] The present invention claim priority to provisional patent application 60 / 710,934, filed on Aug. 24, 2005, the contents of which are entirely incorporated by reference for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to an improved nozzle for atomization and to dispensing of fluids. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Fluid dispensing systems often utilizes nozzles to control the dispensing of fluid for a particular use. As the application of fluid dispensing devices has increased, so has that of available nozzles for controlling the pattern size and amount of fluids being dispensed. Accordingly, the fluid dispensing industry has developed nozzles for use with different applications. These nozzles include high pressure and low pressure nozzles. These nozzles also include high volume and low volume nozzle. However, certain nozzles have been designed to function properly under high or low pressure and / or high or low volume range. [0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention overcomes the prior nozzle designs by providing a nozzle, and a method of dispensing fluids, which provides multiple atomizing steps of a liquid to be dispensed. In doing so, the nozzle provides for the atomization of a liquid fluid in a first direction and subsequent post atomization of the same liquid in a second direction. Accordingly, the liquid fluid to be dispensed is atomized in two separate stages causing improved atomization and the creation of particulate matter size of the liquid within a specified droplet spectrum. Furthermore, the present invention provides these features through an improved and simplified design providing potential cost savings to the end user due to the more effective operation of the nozzle and more efficient dispensing of fluid agents.

[0010] As should be appreciated, the present invention provides the ability to formulate droplets of a specific size or range of size (e.g., a droplet spectrum) for a specific application. Furthermore, as another benefit, with smaller droplet size, the dispensed liquid is capable of being airborne for a longer period of time thereby resulting in a larger or more effective application area. The formulation of a droplet spectrum is particularly important in the dispensing of fluid droplets for insect control where a specific amount of liquid fluid is required to affect the specific type insect. Alternatively, this is also important for medicinal applications where specific droplet size is desired for optimum application (e.g. nebulization or otherwise). Accordingly, with the creation of a specific range of droplet size, it is possible to reduce the amount of liquid agents used for a given application since over and / or under application of the liquid agent may be reduced.

Problems solved by technology

While the industry has provided certain nozzles for the dispensing of fluid liquids across regions, in this manner, these nozzles have failed to atomize the dispensed fluids in an effective and efficient manner (e.g., more energy is required to create a droplet of a specific size than is necessary) for proper dispensing, Accordingly, the fluids are not dispensed in small enough particulate matter to cover a specific area or the amount of liquid fluid being dispensed is disproportionate to the amount required for the given application or droplet size does not afford for uniform coverage or coating (e.g., the mill thickness created by the coating is not consistent or nonexistent) to be sufficiently effective.

Yet another shortcoming of prior art dispensing nozzles is the intricate and / or costly nozzle designs created to form a specific droplet size.

Unfortunately, gaskets can degrade over time, which reduces the internal tolerances built into the nozzle.

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