EP1508382B1 - Air-assisted ultrasonic atomizer - Google Patents

Air-assisted ultrasonic atomizer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1508382B1
EP1508382B1 EP03447215A EP03447215A EP1508382B1 EP 1508382 B1 EP1508382 B1 EP 1508382B1 EP 03447215 A EP03447215 A EP 03447215A EP 03447215 A EP03447215 A EP 03447215A EP 1508382 B1 EP1508382 B1 EP 1508382B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
atomising
liquid
atomiser
ultrasonic
case
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03447215A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1508382A1 (en
Inventor
Daniel Sindayihebura
Christophe Dumouchel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Polyspray sprl
Original Assignee
Polyspray sprl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Polyspray sprl filed Critical Polyspray sprl
Priority to DE60305486T priority Critical patent/DE60305486T2/en
Priority to ES03447215T priority patent/ES2265561T3/en
Priority to EP03447215A priority patent/EP1508382B1/en
Priority to AT03447215T priority patent/ATE327047T1/en
Publication of EP1508382A1 publication Critical patent/EP1508382A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1508382B1 publication Critical patent/EP1508382B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
    • B05B7/08—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with separate outlet orifices, e.g. to form parallel jets, i.e. the axis of the jets being parallel, to form intersecting jets, i.e. the axis of the jets converging but not necessarily intersecting at a point
    • B05B7/0807—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with separate outlet orifices, e.g. to form parallel jets, i.e. the axis of the jets being parallel, to form intersecting jets, i.e. the axis of the jets converging but not necessarily intersecting at a point to form intersecting jets
    • B05B7/0861—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with separate outlet orifices, e.g. to form parallel jets, i.e. the axis of the jets being parallel, to form intersecting jets, i.e. the axis of the jets converging but not necessarily intersecting at a point to form intersecting jets with one single jet constituted by a liquid or a mixture containing a liquid and several gas jets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0623—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers coupled with a vibrating horn
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0623—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers coupled with a vibrating horn
    • B05B17/063—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers coupled with a vibrating horn having an internal channel for supplying the liquid or other fluent material

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to an air-assisted ultrasonic atomiser with an increased flow rate of the liquid to be atomised, an improved atomisation quality and a controlled and reduced spray drop size distribution.
  • Ultrasonic atomisers composed of piezoelectric elements efficiently tied against a mechanical amplifier are well known, e.g. from US 4153 201 on which the preambles of claims 1 and 5 are based.
  • the mechanical amplifier allows increasing the acoustic wave energy generated by the piezoelectric elements up to a sufficient intensity level to initiate and maintain the atomisation process.
  • Ultrasonic atomisers can be classified in two main categories according to the drop-formation physical mechanism.
  • the first category refers to ultrasonic atomisers for which the drop production is mainly controlled by the disintegration of a liquid jet thanks to a capillary-wave instability. These waves appear in a liquid subject to a flow that stays in contact with a vibrating solid surface. This solid surface is often constituted of an internal part of a small channel made in the mechanical amplifier, the mechanical vibrations being parallel to the liquid flow. Atomisation occurs as soon as the liquid leaves the channel (see e.g. patent US-A-5687905) The present invention does not concern this type of ultrasonic atomisers.
  • the second category refers to ultrasonic atomisers characterised by droplet production based on the disintegration of a mass of ligaments resulting from a square-pattern of surface wave instability. This process takes place on an atomising surface that can have different shapes : conical, spherical, flat with or without a plateau....
  • the liquid arrives on the atomising surface, it almost instantaneously spreads under vibration effect and forms a film whose thickness is a function of the flow rate.
  • the liquid film is subject to transverse vibrations and a square wave pattern develops on its interface.
  • the liquid feeding can be ensured through a channel made in the mechanical amplifier up to the atomising surface or through an external tube that ends very near the atomising surface. In any case the required injection pressure is very small.
  • the present invention aims to provide a low frequency ultrasonic atomiser with a significantly increased flow rate of the liquid to be atomised, an improved atomisation quality and a controlled and reduced spray drop size distribution, overcoming the drawbacks of the state of the art solutions.
  • the present invention relates to a method for atomising a liquid, comprising the steps of
  • the gas flow is induced by an injection pressure below 1 bar.
  • the gas flow is an airflow.
  • the ultrasonic atomiser operates at a frequency below 400 kHz.
  • the invention in a second object relates to a device for atomising a liquid.
  • the device comprises an ultrasonic atomiser operating at a frequency below 400 kHz, said atomiser comprising a mechanical amplifier having a free end that constitutes an atomising surface, and a liquid feeding channel that supplies liquid to the atomising surface.
  • the device further comprises a fixing strap confining the ultrasonic atomiser in a case, whereby there is no contact between the case and the mechanical amplifier.
  • the fixing strap comprises gas passages and the atomising surface comprises a series of holes through which gas can flow.
  • the gas flow is an airflow.
  • Said case is typically shaped as a twyer.
  • liquid feeding channel is positioned inside the ultrasonic atomiser. In an alternative embodiment the liquid feeding channel is external to the ultrasonic atomiser.
  • the invention relates to a humidification device, comprising a device for atomising a liquid as described before.
  • Fig. 1 represents a side section of the atomising system according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 represents a side section of an alternative embodiment of the atomisation system.
  • Fig. 3 represents the atomising surface of the systems presented in Figs. 1 and 2.
  • Fig. 4 represents a side section.
  • Fig. 5 represents the atomising surface of the systems presented in Fig. 4.
  • Fig. 6, 7, 9 represent alternatives of the atomisation systems presented in Figs. 1, 2 and 4.
  • a liquid feeding system external to the atomiser mainly characterises such alternatives.
  • Fig. 8 represents the atomising surface of the atomisers shown in Figs. 6 and 7.
  • Fig. 10 represents the atomising surface of the atomiser shown in Fig. 9.
  • Fig. 11 represents the volume-based drop-size distribution for a liquid flow rate of 0.4 l/h.
  • Fig. 12 represents the volume-based drop-size distribution for a liquid flow rate of 0.65 l/h.
  • ultrasonic atomisation technology is the increase of liquid flow rate to levels suitable for use in large scale industrial applications.
  • the ultrasonic atomiser described in the present invention is suited for air treatment applications, especially the ones that need high liquid flow rates like humidification.
  • Many other industrial and domestic applications do exist like the atomisation of fuel in internal combustion engines and in burners and the diffusion of specific liquids in artificial snow production systems.
  • the ultrasonic atomiser of low frequency (less than 400 kHz) disclosed in the invention belongs to the second category of ultrasonic atomisers as described in the prior art.
  • the problems of the prior art solution are overcome thanks to an adequate and efficient airflow, generated through a series of small orifices made in the atomising surface of the atomiser.
  • the airflow is induced by a very small injection pressure ( ⁇ P i ⁇ 1 bar).
  • ⁇ P i very small injection pressure
  • Figure 1 presents the downstream part of an air assisted ultrasonic atomiser.
  • the ultrasonic atomiser itself is made of a pair of piezoelectric elements (1), a mechanical amplifier (2) and a support (3) that sandwiches the piezoelectric elements against the amplifier.
  • the free end of the mechanical amplifier constitutes the atomising surface (4). It comprises a series of holes of small dimension (9) through which a high fraction of the air flows.
  • the liquid feeding is realised thanks to the use of a channel of small diameter (7) made in the mechanical amplifier (2) (Fig. 1 to 5) or in contact with the atomising surface (4) and supplying liquid to said surface (Fig. 6 to 10).
  • a fixing-strap (6) fixes the ultrasonic atomiser in a case (5) that confines the airflow.
  • the atomiser fixing-strap is symmetrically perforated (8) in order to make air passages (10).
  • the confining case can advantageously be shaped as a twyer. Its internal geometry is designed such that the airflow is directed towards the holes at the atomising surface. It is important that no contact exists between the twyer (confining case (5)) and the mechanical amplifier (2). Thus, the downward part of the twyer and the atomising surface delimit an annular gap of a very small thickness ('d' in Fig.1). This allows minimising the gas flow-rate that issues from this gap.
  • the positioning of the atomiser in the confining case is realised in order to ensure a symmetric gas flow around the ultrasonic atomiser.
  • Fig.1 the twyer only leaves a very narrow gap with the confining case. Some channels to pass the air can be foreseen.
  • the atomising surface (4) is shown in Fig.3, together with the holes (9) of small dimension and the outlet of the liquid feeding channel (7).
  • Figure 2 the air immediately passes to the atomising surface.
  • the confining case is shaped differently, giving rise to an atomising surface with less holes, as can be seen in Fig.5.
  • Figures 6, 7 and 9 represent embodiments wherein the liquid feeding channel is positioned otherwise. For these cases no hole in the middle of the atomising surface is needed for supplying the liquid.

Abstract

The present invention is related to a method for atomising a liquid, comprising the steps of providing an ultrasonic atomiser comprising a mechanical amplifier (2) having a free end that constitutes an atomising surface (4), and a liquid feeding channel (7) supplying liquid to said atomising surface (4), fixing said ultrasonic atomiser in a case (5) by means of a fixing strap (6) provided with gas passages (10), said case (5) not being in contact with said mechanical amplifier (2), inducing an gas flow around said ultrasonic atomiser directed towards a series of holes in said atomising surface (4), and atomising liquid on said atomising surface (4). <IMAGE>

Description

    Field of the invention
  • The present invention is related to an air-assisted ultrasonic atomiser with an increased flow rate of the liquid to be atomised, an improved atomisation quality and a controlled and reduced spray drop size distribution.
    • State of the art
  • Ultrasonic atomisers composed of piezoelectric elements efficiently tied against a mechanical amplifier are well known, e.g. from US 4153 201 on which the preambles of claims 1 and 5 are based. The mechanical amplifier allows increasing the acoustic wave energy generated by the piezoelectric elements up to a sufficient intensity level to initiate and maintain the atomisation process. Ultrasonic atomisers can be classified in two main categories according to the drop-formation physical mechanism.
  • The first category refers to ultrasonic atomisers for which the drop production is mainly controlled by the disintegration of a liquid jet thanks to a capillary-wave instability. These waves appear in a liquid subject to a flow that stays in contact with a vibrating solid surface. This solid surface is often constituted of an internal part of a small channel made in the mechanical amplifier, the mechanical vibrations being parallel to the liquid flow. Atomisation occurs as soon as the liquid leaves the channel (see e.g. patent US-A-5687905) The present invention does not concern this type of ultrasonic atomisers.
  • The second category refers to ultrasonic atomisers characterised by droplet production based on the disintegration of a mass of ligaments resulting from a square-pattern of surface wave instability. This process takes place on an atomising surface that can have different shapes : conical, spherical, flat with or without a plateau.... When the liquid arrives on the atomising surface, it almost instantaneously spreads under vibration effect and forms a film whose thickness is a function of the flow rate. The liquid film is subject to transverse vibrations and a square wave pattern develops on its interface. The liquid feeding can be ensured through a channel made in the mechanical amplifier up to the atomising surface or through an external tube that ends very near the atomising surface. In any case the required injection pressure is very small. Sindayihebura, Bolle, Cornet and Joannes (J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103 (3), 1998, pp. 1442-1448) developed a mathematical model allowing a precise determination of the optimum dimensions of the second category ultrasonic atomisers according to a given frequency.
  • Although these ultrasonic atomisers produce sprays much finer than classical mechanical injectors, the resulting spray drop size distribution might not be as narrow as expected. As a matter of fact, big drops are sometimes produced. The presence of these drops makes the atomiser inappropriate for some domestic or industrial applications. Furthermore, it has been observed that the variation of the liquid flow rate might be accompanied by non-negligible variations of the spray characteristics and drop size distribution. The increase of the flow rate induces a coarse atomisation and higher energy consumption. Such behaviour limits the possible use of these atomisers in domestic or industrial applications requiring very low flow rates only.
    • Aims of the invention
  • The present invention aims to provide a low frequency ultrasonic atomiser with a significantly increased flow rate of the liquid to be atomised, an improved atomisation quality and a controlled and reduced spray drop size distribution, overcoming the drawbacks of the state of the art solutions.
    • Sunmary of the invention
  • The present invention relates to a method for atomising a liquid, comprising the steps of
    • providing an ultrasonic atomiser comprising a mechanical amplifier having a free end that constitutes an atomising surface, and a liquid feeding channel supplying liquid to said atomising surface,
    • fixing said ultrasonic atomiser in a case by means of a fixing strap provided with gas passages, said case not being in contact with said mechanical amplifier,
    • inducing a gas flow around said ultrasonic atomiser directed towards a series of holes in said atomising surface, and
    • atomising liquid on said atomising surface.
  • Advantageously the gas flow is induced by an injection pressure below 1 bar. Preferably the gas flow is an airflow.
  • In a typical embodiment the ultrasonic atomiser operates at a frequency below 400 kHz.
  • In a second object the invention relates to a device for atomising a liquid. The device comprises an ultrasonic atomiser operating at a frequency below 400 kHz, said atomiser comprising a mechanical amplifier having a free end that constitutes an atomising surface, and a liquid feeding channel that supplies liquid to the atomising surface. The device further comprises a fixing strap confining the ultrasonic atomiser in a case, whereby there is no contact between the case and the mechanical amplifier. The fixing strap comprises gas passages and the atomising surface comprises a series of holes through which gas can flow.
  • Advantageously the gas flow is an airflow.
  • Said case is typically shaped as a twyer.
  • In a preferred embodiment the liquid feeding channel is positioned inside the ultrasonic atomiser. In an alternative embodiment the liquid feeding channel is external to the ultrasonic atomiser.
  • In another object the invention relates to a humidification device, comprising a device for atomising a liquid as described before.
    • Short description of the drawings
  • Fig. 1 represents a side section of the atomising system according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 represents a side section of an alternative embodiment of the atomisation system.
  • Fig. 3 represents the atomising surface of the systems presented in Figs. 1 and 2.
  • Fig. 4 represents a side section.
  • Fig. 5 represents the atomising surface of the systems presented in Fig. 4.
  • Fig. 6, 7, 9 represent alternatives of the atomisation systems presented in Figs. 1, 2 and 4. A liquid feeding system external to the atomiser mainly characterises such alternatives.
  • Fig. 8 represents the atomising surface of the atomisers shown in Figs. 6 and 7.
  • Fig. 10 represents the atomising surface of the atomiser shown in Fig. 9.
  • Fig. 11 represents the volume-based drop-size distribution for a liquid flow rate of 0.4 l/h.
  • Fig. 12 represents the volume-based drop-size distribution for a liquid flow rate of 0.65 l/h.
    • Detailed description of the invention
  • Actual challenge in ultrasonic atomisation technology is the increase of liquid flow rate to levels suitable for use in large scale industrial applications. The ultrasonic atomiser described in the present invention is suited for air treatment applications, especially the ones that need high liquid flow rates like humidification. Many other industrial and domestic applications do exist like the atomisation of fuel in internal combustion engines and in burners and the diffusion of specific liquids in artificial snow production systems.
  • The ultrasonic atomiser of low frequency (less than 400 kHz) disclosed in the invention belongs to the second category of ultrasonic atomisers as described in the prior art. The problems of the prior art solution are overcome thanks to an adequate and efficient airflow, generated through a series of small orifices made in the atomising surface of the atomiser. The airflow is induced by a very small injection pressure (ΔPi < 1 bar). Unexpectedly a small dimension fan or a deviation of a small air fraction passing through the ventilation shaft suffices to produce the required effect.
  • This air flow technique allows to decrease the contacts between ligament ends whose rupture induces the drop formation process, to limit drop impacting and to have a better evacuation of the drops in the atomising surface vicinity. Other advantages comprise :
    • significant increase of the atomised liquid flow rate while keeping a very good atomisation quality without increased energy consumption,
    • production of liquid sprays finer than those produced by the classical second-category ultrasonic atomisers : for example, at a working frequency of 55 kHz, the measured diameter of the biggest droplets in the sprays is equal to 150 µm for a non-air-assisted ultrasonic atomiser and equal to 98 µm for an air-assisted ultrasonic atomiser at an injection air pressure of about 200 mbar, and
    • possibility to control the spray angle acting to the air flow direction.
  • Figure 1 presents the downstream part of an air assisted ultrasonic atomiser. The ultrasonic atomiser itself is made of a pair of piezoelectric elements (1), a mechanical amplifier (2) and a support (3) that sandwiches the piezoelectric elements against the amplifier. The free end of the mechanical amplifier constitutes the atomising surface (4). It comprises a series of holes of small dimension (9) through which a high fraction of the air flows. The liquid feeding is realised thanks to the use of a channel of small diameter (7) made in the mechanical amplifier (2) (Fig. 1 to 5) or in contact with the atomising surface (4) and supplying liquid to said surface (Fig. 6 to 10). A fixing-strap (6) fixes the ultrasonic atomiser in a case (5) that confines the airflow. The atomiser fixing-strap is symmetrically perforated (8) in order to make air passages (10). The confining case can advantageously be shaped as a twyer. Its internal geometry is designed such that the airflow is directed towards the holes at the atomising surface. It is important that no contact exists between the twyer (confining case (5)) and the mechanical amplifier (2). Thus, the downward part of the twyer and the atomising surface delimit an annular gap of a very small thickness ('d' in Fig.1). This allows minimising the gas flow-rate that issues from this gap. The positioning of the atomiser in the confining case is realised in order to ensure a symmetric gas flow around the ultrasonic atomiser.
  • Several embodiments can be envisaged. As discussed above, in Fig.1 the twyer only leaves a very narrow gap with the confining case. Some channels to pass the air can be foreseen. The atomising surface (4) is shown in Fig.3, together with the holes (9) of small dimension and the outlet of the liquid feeding channel (7). Figure 2 the air immediately passes to the atomising surface. In Fig. 4 the confining case is shaped differently, giving rise to an atomising surface with less holes, as can be seen in Fig.5.
  • Figures 6, 7 and 9 represent embodiments wherein the liquid feeding channel is positioned otherwise. For these cases no hole in the middle of the atomising surface is needed for supplying the liquid.
  • Some results with a 55 kHz ultrasonic atomiser are discussed now.
    The maximum water flow rate (qv) of a 55 kHz atomiser not air assisted is equal to 1.1 l/h. With an air flow induced by an injection pressure of 200-mbar (ΔPi air = 200 mbar), the maximum liquid flow rate (qv) increases up to 4.2 l/h. Figures 11 and 12 show volume-based drop-size distribution obtained for two different liquid-flow rates, 0.40 l/h and 0.65 l/h, respectively. In both cases the air injection pressure is equal to 200 mbar. It can be seen that the resulting spray is much finer when the atomisation is air assisted.

Claims (10)

  1. Method for atomising a liquid, comprising the steps of
    • providing an ultrasonic atomiser comprising a mechanical amplifier (2) having a free end that constitutes an atomising surface (4), and a liquid feeding channel (7) supplying liquid to said atomising surface (4),
    • fixing said ultrasonic atomiser in a case (5) by means of a fixing strap (6) provided with gas passages (10), said case (5) not being in contact with said mechanical amplifier (2), characterised by
    • inducing a gas flow around said ultrasonic atomiser directed towards a series of holes in said atomising surface (4), and
    • atomising liquid on said atomising surface (4).
  2. Method for atomising a liquid as in claim 1, characterised in that said gas flow is induced by an injection pressure below 1 bar.
  3. Method for atomising a liquid as in claim 1, characterised in that said gas flow is an airflow.
  4. Method for atomising a liquid as in claim 1, characterised in that said ultrasonic atomiser operates at a frequency below 400 kHz.
  5. A device for atomising a liquid, comprising an ultrasonic atomiser operating at a frequency below 400 kHz, said atomiser comprising a mechanical amplifier (2) having a free end that constitutes an atomising surface (4), and a liquid feeding channel (7) supplying liquid to said atomising surface (4), said device further comprising a fixing strap (6) confining said ultrasonic atomiser in a case (5), said case not being in contact with said mechanical amplifier (2), characterised in that said fixing strap (6) comprises gas passages (10) and said atomising surface (4) comprises a series of holes through which gas can flow.
  6. The device for atomising a liquid as in claim 5, characterised in that said gas flow is an airflow.
  7. The device for atomising a liquid as in claim 5, characterised in that said case (5) is shaped as a twyer.
  8. The device for atomising a liquid as in claim 5, characterised in that said liquid feeding channel (7) is positioned inside said ultrasonic atomiser.
  9. The device for atomising a liquid as in claim 5, characterised in that said liquid feeding channel (7) is external to said ultrasonic atomiser.
  10. A humidification device, comprising a device for atomising a liquid as in any of claims 5 to 9.
EP03447215A 2003-08-20 2003-08-20 Air-assisted ultrasonic atomizer Expired - Lifetime EP1508382B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE60305486T DE60305486T2 (en) 2003-08-20 2003-08-20 Air assisted ultrasonic atomizer
ES03447215T ES2265561T3 (en) 2003-08-20 2003-08-20 ULTRASONIC AIR ASSISTED ATOMIZER.
EP03447215A EP1508382B1 (en) 2003-08-20 2003-08-20 Air-assisted ultrasonic atomizer
AT03447215T ATE327047T1 (en) 2003-08-20 2003-08-20 AIR-ASSISTED ULTRASONIC ATOMIZER

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03447215A EP1508382B1 (en) 2003-08-20 2003-08-20 Air-assisted ultrasonic atomizer

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1508382A1 EP1508382A1 (en) 2005-02-23
EP1508382B1 true EP1508382B1 (en) 2006-05-24

Family

ID=34043035

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03447215A Expired - Lifetime EP1508382B1 (en) 2003-08-20 2003-08-20 Air-assisted ultrasonic atomizer

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1508382B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE327047T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60305486T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2265561T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2927237B1 (en) 2008-02-13 2011-12-23 Oreal DEVICE FOR SPRAYING A COSMETIC PRODUCT WITH HOT OR COLD AIR BLOWING
FR2927240B1 (en) 2008-02-13 2011-11-11 Oreal SPRAY HEAD COMPRISING A SINGOTRODE, RUNWAYED BY A CANAL OF THE PRODUCT
FR2927238B1 (en) 2008-02-13 2012-08-31 Oreal SPRAY DEVICE COMPRISING A SOUNDRODE

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2445791C2 (en) * 1974-09-25 1984-04-19 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München Ultrasonic liquid atomizer
DE2612928A1 (en) * 1976-03-26 1977-09-29 Adolf Striegel IC engine liq. fuel vaporising system - has chamber fitted between carburettor and inlet manifold which contains disc vibrating at ultrasonic frequency
US4153201A (en) * 1976-11-08 1979-05-08 Sono-Tek Corporation Transducer assembly, ultrasonic atomizer and fuel burner

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE327047T1 (en) 2006-06-15
EP1508382A1 (en) 2005-02-23
ES2265561T3 (en) 2007-02-16
DE60305486D1 (en) 2006-06-29
DE60305486T2 (en) 2006-12-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0049636B1 (en) Electric liquid atomizing apparatus
US6189214B1 (en) Gas-assisted atomizing devices and methods of making gas-assisted atomizing devices
US6837445B1 (en) Integral pump for high frequency atomizer
US5145113A (en) Ultrasonic generation of a submicron aerosol mist
AU728998B2 (en) Rayleigh-breakup atomizing devices and methods of making rayleigh-breakup atomizing devices
JPH0642426A (en) Droplet generator
EP0642390A1 (en) Method and apparatus for producing a liquid spray
CA2237714A1 (en) An apparatus and method for ultrasonically producing a spray of liquid
EP0202102A1 (en) Ultrasonic atomizing vibratory element
WO1998001228A9 (en) Rayleigh-breakup atomizing devices and methods of making rayleigh-breakup atomizing devices
EP1508382B1 (en) Air-assisted ultrasonic atomizer
DE2842232A1 (en) Atomisation of liquids and powders - using high intensity ultrasonic vibrator to form standing wave, substance being injected into nodes of this to atomise it
TWI243712B (en) Fluid injector for treating surface of flat display panel
WO2010018805A1 (en) Water-in-oil emulsion production method, water-in-oil emulsion production apparatus, and water-in-oil emulsion fuel production apparatus
JP2003170332A (en) Lubricating cooling system
JPH0664161A (en) Ink particle formation in ink jet printer
CN218650263U (en) Atomizing nozzle and atomizing device
JPS63218274A (en) Liquid atomizer
US7963507B2 (en) Smoke generator
CN101417271B (en) Plane liquid layer atomizing method
SU1086310A1 (en) Device for humidifying ventilation air
US20080142616A1 (en) Method of Producing a Directed Spray
JP3021786B2 (en) Liquid fuel combustion device
Gañón-Calvo et al. A New Method to Generate Micron-Sized AerosolS With Narrow Size Distribution
JPS5867372A (en) Atomizing device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20050818

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20060524

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060524

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060524

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060524

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060524

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060524

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060524

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060524

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60305486

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20060629

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060821

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060824

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060824

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: BOVARD AG PATENTANWAELTE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061024

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2265561

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20070227

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060825

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060824

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060524

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061125

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060524

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20060820

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060524

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20100806

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20100727

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PFA

Owner name: POLYSPRAY SPRL

Free format text: POLYSPRAY SPRL#SCAVEE DU BIEREAU, 20#1348 LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE (BE) -TRANSFER TO- POLYSPRAY SPRL#SCAVEE DU BIEREAU, 20#1348 LOUVAIN-LA-NEUVE (BE)

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20111026

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20111027

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20111118

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20111028

Year of fee payment: 9

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: *POLYSPRAY S.P.R.L.

Effective date: 20120831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20120820

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120831

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20130430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130301

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120820

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60305486

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130301

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20131022

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120821