US2906463A - Atomizer - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 29, 1959 H. E. CURRY 2,906,463

ATOMIZER Filed Sept. 25, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 k m i INVENTOR. #AzoLo E. C uexav Sept. 29, 1959 Filed Sept. 25. 1956 H. E. CURRY ATOMIZER 3 Shets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. H YOLO E. CUBB Sept. 29, 1959 H. E. CURRY 2,

ATOMIZER Filed Sept. 25, 1956 '3 Sheets-Sheet a INVENTOR. Hfl/ZOLD .CUBRY BY C United States Patent Ofiiee 2,906,463 Patented Sept. 29, 1959 ATOMIZER Harold E. Curry, Santurce, Puerto Rico Application September 25, 1956, Serial No. 611,834 16 Claims. (Cl. 239-338 This invention relates to atomizers of those types wherein atomization is effected by use of a gas or air jet, and it is concerned primarily with a novel means, especially applicable for use in atomizers employing a bulbous type of atomizing chamber but not necessarily confined thereto, whereby the liquid which is to be atomized will be fed by the coaction of capillary surfaces to the atomizing jet.

More particularly, the present invention has reference to improvements in atomizers which are of the general character and purpose of those illustrated and described in United States patents issued to me on September 3, ,1946, and December 16, 1947 under Nos. 2,406,997 and 2,432,660 respectively; it being the primary object of the present invention to provide improved means for the feeding of the liquid to the atomizing jet, that eliminates use of the heretofore generally employed capillary tube and all of those problems arising from its -use which includes clogging of the jet orifice; the requirement for exactness in the holding or positioning of the atomizer in order that liquid be taken up by the capillary tube and the inconveniences and difiiculties of capillary tube cleaning.

For a better understanding of the advantages of the present improvement which are presently to be explained, it will here be pointed out that in each of those atomizers which form the subject matter of my above numbered United States patents, an air jet supplied from a hand pressed rubber bulb, is directed from a nozzle across the open upper end of a capillary tube which has its lower end immersed in a supply of liquid medicament held in the atomizing chamber. This causes the liquid that is raised to the upper end of the tube, to be blown by the jet against a baffle whereby selective grading of drop size is completed.- In the use of capillary tubes in atomizers of this kind, as the liquid feeding means, an appreciable amount of annoyance and trouble is experienced due to tube plugging that necessitates cleaning of the tube in order to restore it to satisfactory use. In the introducing of solvents, or water into the liquid enclosing chamber for purpose of tube cleaning, an air lock often forms in the tube which operates to prevent access of the solvent to the capillary plug, and thus adds to the difficulty already existing.

It is to be noted also that in the prior art devices, the opposite end portions of the capillary feed tubes have different purposes. The upper end formation of the tube effects the shaping and positioning of the liquid surface to be atomized by the impinging jet. For'the various purposes of' atomizing and nebulizing of different liquids, the limited positioning of surface of liquid to the jet, as allowed by the ordinary capillary tube, is often the least eficient. The lower end opening of the capillary tube fixes permanently the exact spot and position from which the liquid must be drawn and incidentally this determines, to great extent, the holding position, or position of use of the atomizer.

In view of the above noted, and other objections to present day types of capillary liquid feeding means in atomizers, and the like, this invention has for its primary object to eliminate the capillary tube, as such, as the liquid feeding means together with its objectionable features and disadvantagesof use, by the provision, and use in lieu thereof, of improved and non-plugging liquid feeding surfaces which may be provided for use in various ways and in various forms, depending primarily upon the physical characteristics of the liquid to be used.

It is a further object of the invention to make possible the complete flexibility of mechanical designin the positioning of the liquid feeding surfaces in relationship to the atomizing air jet. I

A still further object of the invention is to provide improved means of the character above stated which will function satisfactorily through a considerable range of air jet pressures and which provides that the capillary surfaces may be arranged in such relationship that in atomization of liquid supplied thereby, drop sizes as required or desired my be produced, ranging from those typified by sprays down to those of aerosols.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide, and to arrange capillary surfaces and forms, that will not only satisfy to the greater extent, the characteristics of the liquid being atomized including surface tension, viscosity, density, volatility, dissolved content, etc., and vent out the air jet pressure being used but which also will present the particular liquid being usedto the air jet in the best manner.

It is also an object of this invention to provide surfaces of various shapes and relationships to induce capillary feeding of liquid thereby in an uninterrupted and satisfactory manner. Furthermore, to provide the liquid feeding' elements with surfaces that will also operate to collect condensation of vapor particles from the atomizing chamher and draw or drain such back to the supply or to a position for capillary delivery to the atomizing jet.

Still another object is to provide means for retarding accidental spilling of liquid from atomizers which have no non-spill features associated with the delivery neck of the flask.

Further objects and advantages reside in the details of construction and combination of parts, as will hereinafter be described. 7

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view' of an atomizer of a type like that of my United States Patent No. 2,432,660, as equipped with plates or fins providing co-acting' liquid feeding surfaces in accordance with the objects of the present invention.

Figs; 2, 3 and 4 are perspective views, respectively, showing different alternative arrangements of plates or fins having surfaces so related to each other as to provide for the capillary feeding of liquid from the supply to the air jet as discharged from the atomizing nozzle.

Fig; 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 5-5 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5a is a perspective view showing various edge shapes for the capillary plates and their relationship to the air jet nozzle.

Fig. 6is alongitudinal sectional view of an atomizer that corresponds in design to that of my United States Patent No. 2,432,660 and showing it equipped with liquid feeding means of disk form embodied by the present invention.

Fig. 6a is a detail showing the capillary disks as equipped with liquid feed flanges.

Fig; 7 is a cross-section of the atomizer taken on line 7-7 in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an axial section of the nozzle containing end portion of the atomizer of Fig. 6, showing yet another modification of the liquid feeding means embodied by'the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a cross-section taken on line 9-9 in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a central longitudinal section of an atomizer that is somewhat similar to that of Fig. 6 but wherein the air jet nozzle is coaxial of the atomizing chamber and the capillary feeding elements are supported from the container walls symmetrically about the axial line of the chamber.

Fig. 11 is a cross-section in line 1111 in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged sectional detail of the nozzle end portion and adjacent capillary feeding plates seen in Fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is a central longitudinal section of a modification of the device of Fig. 10, and also indicating use of a baffle for large drop deflection.

Fig. 14 is a cross-section on line 1414 in Fig. 13.

Referring more in detail to the drawings: In Fig. 1, I have illustrated an atomizer which is typical of those types quite suited for, and within which liquid feeding means of the type embodied by the present invention may be quite effectively used. The atomizer shown comprises a flask 1 with bulb-like body. The flask preferably is of glass, or clear plastic, and it encloses an atomizing chamber 2 therein, which chamber also serves as a holder for a supply of liquid medicament, this being designated by reference numeral 3. The neck of the flask is tubular and rather elongated and is open at its end for vapor and air outflow. It has an inturned flange 5 at its end providing an annular channel 6 between the flange and the neck Wall as a non-spill feature. In the larger end of the bulb at the top side, is a valve member 7, which may be opened for admittance of air.

Extending through the chamber wall at the larger end of the flask and in co-axial alignment with the neck, is a short air jet nozzle 8. At its outer end, the nozzle is directly connected by means of a flexible tube 9 with a valved rubber bulb 10 which is one of those types which upon being alternately compressed and released, will effect the forcible discharge of air from the nozzle 8 into the atomizing chamber 2.

As a means of feeding liquid from the source of supply in the chamber to the air jet for atomization, the present invention, in lieu of the use of capillary tubes as shown in my above mentioned patents, employs two or more relatively closely spaced plates, discs or other surface forming members, which may be in various forms and also arranged in various ways, as indicated herein by the devices seen in the several views of the drawings, to produce a capillary feeding action.

In the atomizer of Fig. 1, I have illustrated the present invention in what may be considered a basic form. As therein shown, it comprises two thin, fiat plates 12 and 12', supported in fixed relationship to the nozzle 8. These plates have straight top edges disposed in parallel relationship, slightly spaced and at about the same level as the axis of the air jet nozzle. Also, the top edges of the plates are perpendicular to the direction of discharge of the air jet across them, and diverge slightly in a downward direction. Also, each plate leans slightly in the direction or discharge of the air jet. At their lower ends, the two plates, 12 and 12', contact with or project into the stored liquid 3, and, due to the relationship of the plates to each other and the relationship of their surfaces and top edges to the air jet, liquid will be drawn upwardly by capillary action between the plates, and to some extent along their outside surfaces, and fed into the air jet which operates to effect atomization of the liquid.

The particular means for supporting the plates varies with their shapes and arrangements. However, it is a general practice and has been found practical to support them from the nozzle by means of a glass or plastic bar or whisker 15, as shown. The means employed for support of the plates is immaterial, so long as it holds them in fixed relationship to each other and to the nozzle so that atomization by the air jet is satisfactorily accomplished.

Alternative arrangements of plates have been illustrated 4 in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. In Fig. 2, two plates 16-16', of troughed form, are arranged in substantially the same relationship as the plates of Fig. 1 are shown. They are disposed in spaced, nested relationship with the troughs facing toward the nozzle. These plates have the same capillary feeding action but under the influence of the jet, they appear to concentrate the lifted liquid more in line with the jet axis, and this form is more desirable for atomization of some liquids. Their means of support may be the same as provided for the plates in Fig. 1.

In Fig. 3, I have illustrated the use of three flat plates 17, 17', 17", disposed vertically in close, even spacing and in parallel planes transversely of the jet and with their top edges in the same plane and at the level of the nozzle axis. Their means of support also may be as shown in Fig. 1 or otherwise.

In Fig. 4, three vertically disposed plates 18, 18 and 18" are shown as disposed in spaced vertical planes that are parallel with the axis of the nozzle, and with the top edges of the plates substantially at the level of the air jet. Their support also may be as shown in Fig. 1.

In each of these various arrangements of flat plates, liquid will be fed between them at their lower ends, and elevated by capillary action to the air jet as the jet operates to blow the elevated liquid from the top edges of the plates and to eflect its atomization. Such plates may be used in conjunction with baffles, such as that later described in connection with Fig. 13, if such is desired or required to effect a better atomization. The spacing of the capillary plates, their shapes, sizes and relationship to each other and to the nozzle, all have a bearing on the extent of atomization elfected, and character or size of the vapor particles resulting from atomization.

It is further to be understood that the plates, as shown in Figs. 1; 2, 3 or 4 may be used in various numbers. For example, where I have shown use of two plates, in the assemblies of Figs. 1 and 2, there might have been three or more used. The same is true of the arrangement in Fig. 4. Also, the plates might extend in a direction circumferentially of the atomizing chamber so that an exact positioning of the flask when the device is in use is not required in order to maintain some of the plates in contact with the liquid. It is only required, for the capillary lift of liquid, that surfaces be provided in such relationship to each other as to cause them to serve for the lifting between them, of a selected liquid from the supply to the air jet. At this point, it may be noted that the tendency of liquids is to flow by capillary attraction from the wider space to the narrower and that if desired, these spaces may be narrowed at the top for greater lift.

The plates, as used in the various ways illustrated and as above described, do not define enclosed channels in which air locks will form. Liquid from storage feeds easily and readily to the space between plates, and in their close relationship they coact to give the capillary lift to the liquid that feeds it to the air jet.

In Fig. 5a, various edge shapes of coacting plates have been illustrated to best suit the liquid being used 'and the extent of atomization desired. Shapes, as shown in the four different assemblies, provide different surface shapes in relationship to the jet, and thus the character or degree of atomization is diflerent.

In Fig. 6, I have illustrated an atomizer of another body design, but serving for a like purpose and in a similar way as that of Fig. 1. Also, this is shown to be equipped with liquid feeding means of yet another form embodied by the present invention. This particular atomizer comprises a bottle-like flask with cylindrical body 20, preferably of glass, or clear plastic, enclosing an atomizing chamber 21 therein, and also serving for holding a supply of liquid medicament designated by numeral 3. The flask is equipped at one end with a removable cap, or closure 22 that has a cylindrical, peripheral flange threaded onto the base end of the flask body, as at 23, and seated in a liquid and air tight joint against a shoulder 24 formed about the body. Extended coaxially from the other end of the cylindrical body, is a tubular neck portion 26 within which a removable stopper 28 is applied. This neck portion has an inner end 28 that extends into the flask chamber to such extent as to provide an annular channel 29 between it and the body wall as a non-spill feature of the device.

Contained within the cap portion 22 with its base end sealed in and extended through the cap wall, is a short air jet nozzle 30. This is mounted parallel with the axis of the device. At its base, or outer end, the nozzle has direct connection with an air supply tube 31 formed integral with the cap, which tube, in turn, has a flexible tube connection 32 with a valved rubber bulb 33, which upon being alternately compressed and released, will effect the forcible discharge of air intothe atomizing chamber 21 through the nozzle 30.

Somewhat above the location of the nozzle, thecap 22 has a tubular air inlet 35 fitted with a removable plug 36; this plug normally being removed during use of the atomizer in order to permit an entrainment of air with that discharged through the neck with the jet air from the nozzle. I

In the use of the atomizer of Fig. 6, a certain amount of the liquid medicament to be atomized is stored in the flask chamber. As a means of feeding this liquid to the air jet for atomization, in lieu of my previous use of a capillary tube, I employ two relatively closely spaced disks, or plates. These, also, may be of various sizes and forms and arranged in various ways to best suit the liquid or shape of the chamber as presently explained.

In the atomizer shown in Fig. 6, two slightly conical disks 42 and 42', are rigidly supported from the nozzle tip by a small rod 43-; these parts usually being of glass or plastic. The two disks are slightly spaced and are held by the rod in a position coaxial of and slightly spaced from the nozzle tip. Each disk is formed with a center hole 45; these holes being approximately of the same diameter as the nozzle orifice. The sizes of these holes, however, are determined by the nature of the liquid and pressure of the air jet and may differ one from the other. The disposition of the disks in the chamber 21 is such that their lower peripheries will be slightly immersed in the liquid supply 3. Also, the disk- 42', which is closest to" the nozzle tip, is slightly more conical than the other. Thus, the capillary passage between the disks is slightly tapered toward the center line of the disks as assembled, to facilitate the capillary action.

With thevarious parts so designed and assembled, and with the stoppers 28' and 36 removed from neck 26 and orifice 3-5 of the flask, intermittent compressions. of the bulb-33causes the air jets to be discharged from the nozzle 30' and directed through the aligned holes 45 in the spaced disks 42 and 42- This causes the liquid thatv rises by capillary action between the disks toward. the disk centers, to be sucked toward and picked up by the air jet, and carried through the orifice 45 in the forward disk and atomized as discharged into the flask. chamber 21. The atomized liquid is then carried by the air stream through the tubular neck 26 to the patient who breathes in the air and its contained atomized or nebulized liquid.

The outflow ofair, under influence of the air jet causes entrainment of air entering through the open passage 35 and: this facilitates the use of the device.

In. some instances it may be desirable to provide the two disks; 4242 with feed fingers or flanges that ex- .te'ndradially' therefrom to contact with the liquid supply.

orifices 45- in alignment with the nozzle tip and extend 6 to the full diameter of the flask, upto the level of the air inlet 35, and are formed about their peripheral edges with openings 52 for the admittance of liquid to the space between disks. Liquid that enters between the disks is drawn upwardly by capillary action and is picked up by the air jet as directed through the plate orifices 35 for atomization in the chamber 11.

The liquid feeding passages as provided between plates of these various modifications are not subject to air lock stoppage as are capillary tubes. They provide for a continuous feeding of liquid to the air jet and do not re quire the same degree of exactness in the position of use of the flask. 7

Other advantages arez The surfaces provided by plates or disks permit a greater volume of liquid to be lifted up to the air jet for atomization and also provide a greater amount of capillary feeding surfaces. Where two disks or plates are shown, any number can be added.

For nebulizing instead of atomizing, such as for oral inhalation, the actual drop size is of great importance. For any specific liquid, the disk orifice size, as well as the angle of the disks to each other and of the inner disk to the nozzle can be so adjusted or established as to give maximum volume and most satisfactory atomization.

The atornizers shown in Figs. 1-0 and 1-3 embody the same idea of the use of cooperating surfaces for the feeding of a liquid fromstorage to an atomizing air jet. However, in these devices the arrangement of disks, plates, fins or the like, permits even greater freedom of positioning and use of the atomizer, and also provides surfaces on which atomized liquid floating in the chamber willbe collected and returned to the stored supply.

It will be understood that by reason of carrying the atomizer in the pocket, or byreason of its actual use, the interior surface of the atomizer flask and plate surfaces will be wetted. When in use, the atomized droplets form a considerable condensate on the wall and plate surfaces which tend to flow along the neck portion of the flask and sometimes drip from its end. The reduction of size of neck and body of such atomizers, although very desirable, only increases this nuisance. In fact, the first air blast from the nozzle may cause large drops of the liquid to be emitted. The construction and relationship of parts as seen in Figs. 10 and 13, overcomes togreat extent, the undesirable liquid movement and facilitates the desired flow through the atomizing air blast.

The device of Fig. 10 comprises a substantially cylindrical flask 60 with a closing wall 60 at its inner end and tubular discharge neck 6011 at its outer end. In this device, no antispill means is employed as in the device of Fig. l. Mounted by the end wall 60", and directed into the flask along its axial line, is a nozzle 65, substantially as shown in Fig. 1. Within the flask chamber, and extending inwardly and forwardly from its enclosing walls are capillary disks 7070' of annular form, with aligned openings 71 at their centers, providing a passage way for the air blast from the nozzle. About the openings, the material of the disks is forwardly flanged as shown. Liquid contained in the flask, in any horizontal position of rotation, Will be lifted by capillary action to the flanges that define the openings 71 and will be impinged by and drawn into the air jet for atomization. The capillary spaces, and surfaces can be arranged and positioned to spread more uniformly the liquid over any desired area including the additional" area of even the sides and top of the interior walls of the atomizer.

It is further shown in Fig. 10' that fins or webs 73 extend along the walls of the flask forwardly from the disks 70-70 to collect and lead liquid from the flask walls back to the disks, and the disks are apertured or notched as at 76 where they join with the flask walls, for a free flow of liquid to spaces between disks. It is also shown that a number of annular fins 77 are applied to the flask walls rearwardly of disk 70" for liquid collection.

By properly spacing, shaping and positioning the various elements of this invention, liquid surfaces of suitable shapes, positions, and areas may be formed, to cause efficient atomization of liquid by the air jet, while at the same time causing the larger unwanted drops to be reabsorbed. Although drops can bounce off a wet surface, this phenomena is elfected by momentum, velocity, angle and surface tension. Variance in spacing of feeding surfaces can be made to present the best surface tension for atomizing at the proper area and at the same time, the most eflicient tension for reabsorption of larger drops in another area.

The net resultant emission is a so called dry aerosol with drop size too small to easily collapse on wet surfaces, and these drops readily float out with the air blast. Furthermore, the elements of this device can be so located as to confine the wetting action to the desired interior areas and also to increase the liquid storage space. In this way, a practical and smaller pocket size atomizer can be produced.

In the device of Fig. 13 the principal parts are the same as in Fig. and have been given like reference numerals. It differs in that the number and arrangement of annular plates 77 has been increased and they are all located forwardly of the disks 70-70, and a baffle 80 is supported immediately forward of the passage 71 as provided at the centers of the disks. This baffie is close enough to the source of atomized droplets to collapse or deflect the unwanted larger ones; and also a passage way about the baffle is provided for the now curving air flow to carry the small drops or aerosol around the baflle. A portion of the collapsed drops on the baffle may be reatomized. The angle of the sides of the bafile, as well as the shape of the baffle are such as to best deflect the drops not collapsed. The larger drops, with greater momentum, tend to collapse on the bafile. The distance from air blast to baffle can even be made short enough to reatomize some of the collapsed drops. The angle of the deflecting portion of the baflie is such as to most favorably drive the deflected drops toward the receptively tensioned liquid surface for reabsorption. Now the distance from baffle to liquid surface as well as the size of the aerosol emitting orifice is such as will allow the aerosol drop size to curve and follow the air flow. Since the larger heavier drops cannot do this they follow paths determined by the bafle and collapse on the receptive liquid surface. These drops having joined the liquid storage are recycled through the atomizing action. The baffle is supported by or a part of any convenient element in a manner as to permit capillary drainage by the support. Several supports may be used to cause proper drainage while the atomizer is held in any position of use. The general shape of the back of the baffle is such as would not only facilitate baifle drainage but also the flow of the aerosol around same to be emitted by the last element orifice.

It will be apparent here that these same elements could also be positioned and formed as to collapse on a predetermined portion of the atomizer wall. In so doing a relatively dry aerosol would still emit from the orifice of the element bounding said predetermined area.

This illustration demonstrates not only a novel use of shaped, formed, positioned area of liquid surface to accomplish several purposes at once; but also demonstrate the versatility or adaptability in the uses of the capillary spaces and surfaces, formed and bounded by elements I having capillary surfaces of this invention when substi- The present means for the feeding of liquid from storage in the atomizing chamber by capillarity provides passages or paths for flow of liquid that do not easily become clogged, and which can be easily cleaned if such should occur. Basically, the invention is concerned with the use of surfaces which provide paths of flow that are unrestricted as to the longitudinal or side limits such as exemplified by the use of plates as shown in Fig. 5. However, it extends also to use of surfaces such as provided in the devices of Fig. 6 through Fig. 14 and the use also of collector and feeder fins for collecting and returning that atomized liquid which is not carried out by the air jet, back to storage or to plate surfaces whereby it is fed by capillarity to the paths or spaces that lead it back to the jet.

In the following claims the term air jet will be used to designate a jet of air or of any other gas suitable for the present operation. The term capillary space is used to designate any space defined between surfaces that operate to cause the flow or advancement of liquid therealong by capillarity. Leading edges will have reference to those edges of the plates or plate surfaces between which the capillary space or path terminates and at which the advanced liquid is exposed to the air jet for atomization.

I claim:

1. In a device employing an air jet for the atomization of a liquid; means for inducing a flow of liquid to .a position for atomizing impingement by the air jet; said means comprising surface forming plate-like elements disposed with opposedly related surfaces thereof defining a capillary space therebetween within which liquid supplied to said surfaces will be advanced by capillarity to a position of surface exposure to the atomizing action of the air jet.

2. In a device employing an air jet for the atomization of a liquid: means for inducing a flow of liquid to a position for atomizing impingement by the air jet; said means comprising flat surfaced plate-like elements disposed in spaced relationship and defining a capillary space therebetween within which liquid supplied to the surfaces will be induced to advance by capillary attraction to a position of exposure of its leading edge portion to the atomizing action of the air jet. 7

3. In a device employing an air jet for the atomization of a liquid: means for inducing a flow of liquid to a position for atomizing impingement by the air jet; said means comprising complemental plate-like elements disposed with opposedly related surfaces thereof in spaced relationship, slightly converged and with terminal edges substantially at the level of the axial line of the air jet, and providing a space therebetween within which liquid supplied to those surface portions of wider spacing will be induced to advance by capillary attraction to a position of exposure to the air jet for atomization.

4. Means as recited in claim 3 wherein the terminal edges of said plate-like elements between which the advanced liquid is exposed to the air jet, are substantially at a right angle to the direction of the jet.

5. Means as recited in claim 3 wherein the terminal edges of said plate-like elements between which the advanced liquid is exposed to the impinging action of the air jet are substantially parallel to the direction of the jet.

6. Means as recited in claim 3 wherein said complemental plate-like elements are longitudinally troughed, and are disposed with the troughs facing the jet and slightly inclined in the direction of discharge of the jet.

7. Means as recited in claim 3 wherein the said platelike elements are in the form of slightly conical disks, axially aligned with the air jet and formed at their centers with openings through which the jet is directed for the atomization of liquid that is advanced between said elements to said openings by capillarity.

8. An atomizer comprising a container for retaining a supply of liquid for atomization and defining an atomizing chamber, and formed with a discharged passage from said chamber, a nozzle directed into the chamber for discharge of an air jet, means in the chamber for inducing the upward advancement of liquid from storage to a position of surface exposure to the atomizing action of the air jet; said means comprising surface forming elements disposed with surfaces thereof in spaced relationship defining a capillary space therebetween without side limits in which liquid will be induced by capillary attraction to flow upwardly to the terminal end of said capillary space, and means supporting said surface forming elements in fixed relationship to each other and to said nozzle and whereby the leading surface of the advancing liquid is exposed to the atomizing jet, and whereby lower edge portions of said elements are disposed in position for contact by liquid in the liquid storing portion of the container.

9. An atomizer as recited in claim 8 wherein said surface forming elements are of plate form and supported with the cooperating surfaces, which define the capillary space, in convergence toward the path of the air jet; and with those edge portions that are remote from the jet in capillary relationship to those walls of the container which serve to confine the liquid to be atomized.

10. An atomizer recited as in claim 9 wherein a plurality of fins are applied to the chamber walls for collection of atomized liquid thereon and for the draining of said collected liquid thereon back to storage.

11. An atomizer as recited in claim 9 including also a drop sizing baffie supported in the path of the jet beyond the place of contact of the air jet with the leading surface of the liquid stream.

12. An atomizer comprising a cylindrical bulb-like container with an open discharge passage at one end and an air jet nozzle directed axially thereinto at its other end, a plurality of disk-like fins fixed within and circumferentially of the container, each in liquid feeding contact at its outer periphery with the container wall and formed at its center with a passage that is aligned with the nozzle for discharge of the air jet therethrough; said and defining the passages therethrough, and a drop sizing baflie is disposed in the line of the jet forwardly of said passage for deflection of the atomized liquid.

15. The atomizer of claim 12 wherein a baffle is disposed in the line of the jet forwardly of said passages and a plurality of collector fins are formed on the chamber walls for collection of atomized liquid thereon and for feeding it back to storage.

16. An atomizer comprising an atomizing chamber formed with an outlet, a nozzle directed into the chamber for discharge of an air jet, and means for drawing liquid by capillarity from storage in said chamber to a place of surface exposure to the atomizing action of an air jet discharged from said nozzle; said means comprising a plurality of separate surface forming elements with spaced, coacting surfaces providing a capillary passage; the leading edges of said surfaces terminating in the path of said air jet, and said surfaces being extended along the walls of said chamber for the collection and drawing of liquid condensed thereon, by capillary attraction, into the capillary path between them.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,432,660 Curry Dec. 16, 1947 2,442,991 Allen June 8, 1948 2,530,557 Vogel Nov. 21, 1950 2,639,192 Fletcher May 19, 1953 2,782,073 Shadegy Feb. 19, 1957

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