WO2023166476A1 - Misting devices - Google Patents

Misting devices Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023166476A1
WO2023166476A1 PCT/IB2023/051987 IB2023051987W WO2023166476A1 WO 2023166476 A1 WO2023166476 A1 WO 2023166476A1 IB 2023051987 W IB2023051987 W IB 2023051987W WO 2023166476 A1 WO2023166476 A1 WO 2023166476A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
misting
liquid
chamber
misting device
ultrasonic
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2023/051987
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hilton Lesley PENNY
Original Assignee
Penny Hilton Lesley
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 Penny Hilton Lesley filed Critical Penny Hilton Lesley
Publication of WO2023166476A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023166476A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B05B17/0653—Details
    • B05B17/0676—Feeding means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • 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
    • B05B17/0638—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 spray being produced by discharging the liquid or other fluent material through a plate comprising a plurality of orifices
    • B05B17/0646—Vibrating plates, i.e. plates being directly subjected to the vibrations, e.g. having a piezoelectric transducer attached thereto
    • 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
    • B05B7/0012—Apparatus for achieving spraying before discharge from the apparatus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/14—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes

Definitions

  • This invention relates to misting and nebulizing devices.
  • the invention relates to misting device for producing a dry mist.
  • misting devices employ a pressurised system that pushes water through misting lines and nozzles to create micro water droplets for dispersion into the air of a predefined surrounding area.
  • Humidifying/nebulizing devices on the other hand, specifically ultrasonic humidifiers, require a metal diaphragm that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to produce water droplets that can also be released into a surrounding area and airspace.
  • the nebulized mist also represents a propellant medium for the purpose of introducing microscopic particles into the air for specific distribution of various air treatment products.
  • a misting device for producing a dry mist, which includes a liquid storage chamber for housing a liquid to be dispersed into a surrounding area; a first misting chamber in fluid communication with the liquid storage chamber such that the liquid is fed from the liquid storage chamber into the first misting chamber, the first misting chamber housing an ultrasonic misting device, which produces liquid particles from the liquid, the first misting chamber further includes a liquid particle outlet; and a second misting chamber connected to the liquid particle outlet, for retaining the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device, the second misting chamber having at least one atomizer for atomizing the liquid particles to produce a dry mist, and at least one dry mist outlet through which the dry mist is released from the second misting chamber to the surrounding area.
  • the liquid storage chamber, first misting chamber and second misting chamber although enclosed by a main housing, may be spatially separated there within.
  • the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device may be in the form of mist, fog or the like.
  • the ultrasonic misting device breaks down liquid into small droplets (liquid particles).
  • the misting device for producing a dry mist may include propulsion means for pushing the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device toward the at least one atomizer.
  • the propulsion means may include a fan for pulling/pushing air into the second misting chamber thereby creating a predetermined airflow for carrying the liquid particles toward the at least one atomizer.
  • the liquid storage chamber may be filled with any one or more of the following: water, a disinfectant solution or a combination thereof, sanitizer, pesticide, deodorizer, medication or the like.
  • the liquid storage chamber contains a combination of water and a disinfectant solution for use in curbing the spread of microorganisms.
  • the disinfectant contained within the liquid storage chamber may include a conventional disinfectant comprising of a known active ingredient or a combination of known active ingredients.
  • the first misting chamber may include a housing, which housing contains the ultrasonic misting device.
  • the first misting chamber may include at least one hole or slit formed along sides of the housing for allowing the liquid from the liquid storage chamber to be fed thereinto. It is to be appreciated that the dimension and orientation of the at least one hole or slit enables metered feeding of the liquid into the first misting chamber such that the ultrasonic misting device is continually submerged in the required level of liquid for its operation.
  • the ultrasonic misting device may include a diaphragm for producing the liquid particles from the liquid by vibrating at high frequencies. It is to be appreciated that the vibrations propel the liquid particles from the first misting chamber via the liquid particle outlet into the second misting chamber.
  • the ultrasonic misting device may be in the form of a conventional misting device that is well known in the art.
  • the liquid particle outlet may be in fluid flow communication with the second misting chamber such that the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device escapes from first misting chamber through the liquid particle outlet into the second misting chamber.
  • the second misting chamber is filled with liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device.
  • the at least one atomizer in the second misting chamber may be operable to reduce the liquid particles into a fine liquid vapour (dry mist). It is to be appreciated that the ultrasonic misting device and at least one atomizer may cooperatively produce the dry mist.
  • the liquid particles in the dry mist may have a particle size smaller than 5pm.
  • the at least one atomizer may be positioned proximate the at least one dry mist outlet such that the dry mist, produced by the atomizer, is released through the at least one dry mist outlet into the surrounding area.
  • the at least one atomizer may comprise a conventional atomising device.
  • the misting device for producing a dry mist may include a plurality of atomizers associated with a plurality of dry mist outlets, for dispersing a greater volume of dry mist into the surrounding area.
  • the misting device may further include a liquid inlet for filling the liquid storage chamber.
  • the liquid inlet, through which the liquid storage chamber may be filled, may include a cap for closing the liquid inlet, alternatively, the liquid inlet may include a connector for connecting the misting device permanently or semi-permanently to a liquid supply or source.
  • the misting device for producing a dry mist may be semi-permanently or permanently affixed to a surface contained within the surrounding area, alternatively, the misting device for producing a dry mist may be portable.
  • the liquid storage chamber and first misting chamber may include a base for affixing the misting device to the surface, preferably a ground surface.
  • the second misting chamber may be removably mounted on the base.
  • the misting device for producing a dry mist may include a detachable strap for carrying the misting device between different locations.
  • the strap may be shaped and dimensioned to allow the misting device to be carried over one shoulder of a user, alternatively, the misting device may include two straps for carrying the misting device across two shoulders of the user similar to that of a backpack.
  • the misting device may include a hose connectable to the at least one dry mist outlet, such that the hose may be manoeuvred to disperse dry mist directly onto a surface.
  • the misting device for producing a dry mist may include a smart control arrangement for setting the timing of the operation of the misting device in accordance with a schedule.
  • the smart control arrangement may include a mobile application control and data capture module.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a misting device for producing a dry mist in accordance with one aspect of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the misting device for producing a dry mist as shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the misting device for producing a dry mist of Figure 1 when in use
  • Figure 4 shows another perspective view of the misting for producing a dry mist as shown in Figure 3 when in use
  • Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the misting device for producing a dry mist as shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective of a dry misting device for producing a dry mist in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a misting for producing a dry mist in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
  • reference numeral (10) broadly refers to a misting device for producing a dry mist in accordance with the invention.
  • the misting device for producing a dry mist (10) includes a liquid storage chamber (12) for housing a liquid to be dispersed into a surrounding area (not shown), a first misting chamber (14) in fluid communication with the liquid storage chamber (12) such that the liquid is fed from the liquid storage chamber (12) into the first misting chamber (14), the first misting chamber (14) housing an ultrasonic misting device (16), which produces liquid particles from the liquid, the first misting chamber (14) further includes a liquid particle outlet (18) and a second misting chamber (20) connected to the liquid particle outlet (18), for retaining the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device (16), the second misting chamber (20) having at least one atomizer (22) for atomizing the liquid particles to produce a dry mist, and at least one dry mist outlet (22) through which the dry mist is released from the second misting chamber (20) to the surrounding area.
  • the misting device for producing a dry mist (10) includes propulsion means (24) more specifically a fan (24) for pushing the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device (16) toward the atomizer (22).
  • the fan (24) operates such to introduce a predetermined airflow into the second misting chamber (20) for carrying the liquid particles toward the atomizer (22).
  • the fan (24) is a water resistant AC or DC powered fan.
  • the misting device for producing a dry mist (10) includes three atomizers (22.1 - 22.3) for dispersing a greater volume of dry mist into the surrounding area. It is to be appreciated that the number of atomizers are not limited to three, in other examples the number of atomizers may be more or less, depending on the area size and application of the misting device.
  • the liquid storage chamber (12) is filled with a combination of water and a disinfectant solution for use in curbing the spread of microorganisms.
  • the disinfectant contained within the liquid storage tank includes a conventional disinfectant comprising a known active ingredient or a combination of known active ingredients with different disinfectants workable in different embodiments.
  • the first misting chamber (14) includes a housing (14), which housing contains the ultrasonic misting device (16).
  • the first misting chamber (14) includes three holes (14.1 - 14.3) formed along sides of the housing (14) for allowing the liquid from the liquid storage chamber (12) to be fed thereinto. It is to be appreciated that the dimension and orientation of the holes (14.1-14.3) enables the metered feeding of the liquid into the first misting chamber (14) such that the ultrasonic misting device (16) is continually submerged in the required level of liquid for its operation.
  • the required level of liquid for conventional ultrasonic misting devices is no greater than 60 mm.
  • the ultrasonic misting device (16) includes a diaphragm (not shown) for producing the liquid particles from the liquid fed into the first misting chamber (14) by vibrating at high frequencies. In use, the vibrations propel the liquid particles from the first misting chamber (14) via the liquid particle outlet (18) into the second misting chamber (20). It is to be appreciated that the ultrasonic misting device (16) is in the form of a conventional ultrasonic misting device that is well known in the art.
  • the liquid particle outlet (18) is in fluid flow communication with the second misting chamber (20) such that the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device (16) escapes from first misting chamber (14) through the liquid particle outlet (18) into the second misting chamber (20).
  • the second misting chamber (20) is filled with liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device (16).
  • the misting device (10) includes three atomizers (22.1 - 22.3) in the second misting chamber operable to reduce the liquid particles into a fine liquid spray (dry mist).
  • the dry mist can remain airborne for up to 5 hours and can be introduced at ceiling height, into Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) ducting or in combination with fan/air conditioning outlets.
  • HVAC Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  • Each of the three atomizers (22.1 - 22.3) are positioned proximate a dry mist outlet (26) such that the dry mist, produced by the atomizers (22.1 - 22.3), is released through the dry mist outlets (26.1 - 26.3) into the surrounding area.
  • the atomizers (22.1 - 22.3) comprise conventional atomising devices.
  • the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist includes a liquid inlet (28) for filling the liquid storage chamber (12).
  • Figure 5 shows the separation of the liquid storage chamber (12), first misting chamber (14) and second misting chamber (20), which separation allows for the separation of the liquid phases as the liquid follows the fluid flow path within the chambers (12, 14 and 20).
  • the separation of the first misting chamber (14) from the liquid storage chamber (12) is such to prevent the splash, slosh and surge of the liquid within the first misting chamber (14) to counter any adverse effects on the performance of the ultrasonic misting device (16).
  • the second misting chamber (20) separates the liquid particles from the liquid storage chamber (12) and first misting chamber (14).
  • the liquid particles contained in the second misting chamber (20) is of size limited to less than 5 microns in size.
  • liquid storage chamber (12) and first misting chamber (14) includes a base (13) for affixing the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist to a ground surface.
  • the second misting chamber (20) is removably mounted on the base (13).
  • the misting device (10) is portable.
  • the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist includes a hose (50) connectable to a dry mist outlet (26), such that the hose (50) is manoeuvred to disperse dry mist directly onto a surface.
  • the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist also includes a detachable strap (52) for carrying the misting device (10) between different locations.
  • the strap (52) is shaped and dimensioned to allow the misting device (10) to be carried across two shoulders of the user similar to that of a backpack.
  • the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist includes a system having a manual control as a backup to a Wi-Fi supported smart control arrangement for setting scheduled, loop and around the clock timing, frequency, duration or combination timing.
  • the control system includes a mobile application control and data capture.
  • FIG 7 shows another example of the misting device (10), as shown in Figures 1 to 6.
  • the misting device (10) includes a smart control arrangement, which comprises of a display and control panel (60), an electronic control compartment (62) and a wiring and electronic circuit compartment (64).
  • a smart control arrangement which comprises of a display and control panel (60), an electronic control compartment (62) and a wiring and electronic circuit compartment (64).
  • an operator of the misting device (10) can set and monitor the use of the misting device (10) via the display and control panel (60).
  • the smart control arrangement is connected to the ultrasonic misting device (16), which in this example is in the form of a nebulizer, and the fan (24).
  • the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist can have various applications which include direct HVAC injection, general air treatment for disinfection, deodorising, pesticide and medicinal nebulising in an open area when used with approved medicinal, disinfecting, deodorising products. Further applications include automatic disinfecting of handrails i.e., escalator handrails, ATM points, computers, instrument panels and various other electronic components and general surfaces. Additional applications in the agricultural industry are typically in abattoirs, poultry installations, chicken hatcheries other husbandry and all other food processing plants. Further applications are in mobile vehicles, and other transport applications.
  • the inventor believes that the invention provides a misting device that produces a dry mist that allows for the continuous dispersion of disinfectant, medicated, and other solutions into a surrounding area or directly onto a surface without wetting the surfaces the dry mist comes into contact with.

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  • Special Spraying Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a misting device for producing a dry mist, which includes a liquid storage chamber for housing a liquid to be dispersed into a surrounding area, a first misting chamber in fluid communication with the liquid storage chamber such that the liquid is fed from the liquid storage chamber into the first misting chamber. The first misting chamber includes an ultrasonic misting device, which produces liquid particles from the liquid and further includes a liquid particle outlet. Furthermore, a second misting chamber is connected to the liquid particle outlet, for retaining the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device. The second misting chamber having at least one atomizer for atomizing the liquid particles to produce a dry mist and at least one dry mist outlet through which the dry mist is released from the second misting chamber to the surrounding area.

Description

MISTING DEVICES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to misting and nebulizing devices. In particular, the invention relates to misting device for producing a dry mist.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally misting devices employ a pressurised system that pushes water through misting lines and nozzles to create micro water droplets for dispersion into the air of a predefined surrounding area. Humidifying/nebulizing devices on the other hand, specifically ultrasonic humidifiers, require a metal diaphragm that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to produce water droplets that can also be released into a surrounding area and airspace. The nebulized mist also represents a propellant medium for the purpose of introducing microscopic particles into the air for specific distribution of various air treatment products.
Conventional misting and fogging devices form water droplets which leads to the formation of a condensate, wetting the surfaces it ultimately comes into contact with.
It is an objection of this invention to address the above shortcomings by providing a misting device that produces a dry mist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Broadly according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a misting device for producing a dry mist, which includes a liquid storage chamber for housing a liquid to be dispersed into a surrounding area; a first misting chamber in fluid communication with the liquid storage chamber such that the liquid is fed from the liquid storage chamber into the first misting chamber, the first misting chamber housing an ultrasonic misting device, which produces liquid particles from the liquid, the first misting chamber further includes a liquid particle outlet; and a second misting chamber connected to the liquid particle outlet, for retaining the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device, the second misting chamber having at least one atomizer for atomizing the liquid particles to produce a dry mist, and at least one dry mist outlet through which the dry mist is released from the second misting chamber to the surrounding area.
The liquid storage chamber, first misting chamber and second misting chamber, although enclosed by a main housing, may be spatially separated there within.
The liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device, may be in the form of mist, fog or the like. The ultrasonic misting device breaks down liquid into small droplets (liquid particles).
The misting device for producing a dry mist may include propulsion means for pushing the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device toward the at least one atomizer. The propulsion means may include a fan for pulling/pushing air into the second misting chamber thereby creating a predetermined airflow for carrying the liquid particles toward the at least one atomizer.
The liquid storage chamber may be filled with any one or more of the following: water, a disinfectant solution or a combination thereof, sanitizer, pesticide, deodorizer, medication or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid storage chamber contains a combination of water and a disinfectant solution for use in curbing the spread of microorganisms. The disinfectant contained within the liquid storage chamber may include a conventional disinfectant comprising of a known active ingredient or a combination of known active ingredients.
The first misting chamber may include a housing, which housing contains the ultrasonic misting device. The first misting chamber may include at least one hole or slit formed along sides of the housing for allowing the liquid from the liquid storage chamber to be fed thereinto. It is to be appreciated that the dimension and orientation of the at least one hole or slit enables metered feeding of the liquid into the first misting chamber such that the ultrasonic misting device is continually submerged in the required level of liquid for its operation.
The ultrasonic misting device may include a diaphragm for producing the liquid particles from the liquid by vibrating at high frequencies. It is to be appreciated that the vibrations propel the liquid particles from the first misting chamber via the liquid particle outlet into the second misting chamber. The ultrasonic misting device may be in the form of a conventional misting device that is well known in the art.
The liquid particle outlet may be in fluid flow communication with the second misting chamber such that the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device escapes from first misting chamber through the liquid particle outlet into the second misting chamber.
In use, the second misting chamber is filled with liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device. The at least one atomizer in the second misting chamber may be operable to reduce the liquid particles into a fine liquid vapour (dry mist). It is to be appreciated that the ultrasonic misting device and at least one atomizer may cooperatively produce the dry mist. The liquid particles in the dry mist may have a particle size smaller than 5pm.
The at least one atomizer may be positioned proximate the at least one dry mist outlet such that the dry mist, produced by the atomizer, is released through the at least one dry mist outlet into the surrounding area. The at least one atomizer may comprise a conventional atomising device.
In another embodiment, the misting device for producing a dry mist may include a plurality of atomizers associated with a plurality of dry mist outlets, for dispersing a greater volume of dry mist into the surrounding area.
The misting device may further include a liquid inlet for filling the liquid storage chamber. The liquid inlet, through which the liquid storage chamber may be filled, may include a cap for closing the liquid inlet, alternatively, the liquid inlet may include a connector for connecting the misting device permanently or semi-permanently to a liquid supply or source.
The misting device for producing a dry mist may be semi-permanently or permanently affixed to a surface contained within the surrounding area, alternatively, the misting device for producing a dry mist may be portable. In this first embodiment, the liquid storage chamber and first misting chamber may include a base for affixing the misting device to the surface, preferably a ground surface. In this example, the second misting chamber may be removably mounted on the base. In the second embodiment, the misting device for producing a dry mist may include a detachable strap for carrying the misting device between different locations. The strap may be shaped and dimensioned to allow the misting device to be carried over one shoulder of a user, alternatively, the misting device may include two straps for carrying the misting device across two shoulders of the user similar to that of a backpack. In such an example the misting device may include a hose connectable to the at least one dry mist outlet, such that the hose may be manoeuvred to disperse dry mist directly onto a surface.
The misting device for producing a dry mist may include a smart control arrangement for setting the timing of the operation of the misting device in accordance with a schedule. The smart control arrangement may include a mobile application control and data capture module.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures.
FIGURE(S)
In the figures:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a misting device for producing a dry mist in accordance with one aspect of the invention;
Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the misting device for producing a dry mist as shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the misting device for producing a dry mist of Figure 1 when in use; Figure 4 shows another perspective view of the misting for producing a dry mist as shown in Figure 3 when in use;
Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the misting device for producing a dry mist as shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 6 shows a perspective of a dry misting device for producing a dry mist in accordance with another aspect of the invention; and
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a misting for producing a dry mist in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
In the figures, like reference numerals denote like parts of the invention unless otherwise indicated.
EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
In Figures 1 to 7, reference numeral (10) broadly refers to a misting device for producing a dry mist in accordance with the invention. The misting device for producing a dry mist (10) includes a liquid storage chamber (12) for housing a liquid to be dispersed into a surrounding area (not shown), a first misting chamber (14) in fluid communication with the liquid storage chamber (12) such that the liquid is fed from the liquid storage chamber (12) into the first misting chamber (14), the first misting chamber (14) housing an ultrasonic misting device (16), which produces liquid particles from the liquid, the first misting chamber (14) further includes a liquid particle outlet (18) and a second misting chamber (20) connected to the liquid particle outlet (18), for retaining the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device (16), the second misting chamber (20) having at least one atomizer (22) for atomizing the liquid particles to produce a dry mist, and at least one dry mist outlet (22) through which the dry mist is released from the second misting chamber (20) to the surrounding area.
The liquid storage chamber (12), first misting chamber (14) and second misting chamber (20), although enclosed by a main housing (10), are spatially separated there within.
The misting device for producing a dry mist (10) includes propulsion means (24) more specifically a fan (24) for pushing the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device (16) toward the atomizer (22). The fan (24) operates such to introduce a predetermined airflow into the second misting chamber (20) for carrying the liquid particles toward the atomizer (22). The fan (24) is a water resistant AC or DC powered fan. As best shown in Figures 1 to 4, the misting device for producing a dry mist (10), includes three atomizers (22.1 - 22.3) for dispersing a greater volume of dry mist into the surrounding area. It is to be appreciated that the number of atomizers are not limited to three, in other examples the number of atomizers may be more or less, depending on the area size and application of the misting device.
The liquid storage chamber (12) is filled with a combination of water and a disinfectant solution for use in curbing the spread of microorganisms. The disinfectant contained within the liquid storage tank includes a conventional disinfectant comprising a known active ingredient or a combination of known active ingredients with different disinfectants workable in different embodiments.
As best shown in Figure 5, the first misting chamber (14) includes a housing (14), which housing contains the ultrasonic misting device (16). The first misting chamber (14) includes three holes (14.1 - 14.3) formed along sides of the housing (14) for allowing the liquid from the liquid storage chamber (12) to be fed thereinto. It is to be appreciated that the dimension and orientation of the holes (14.1-14.3) enables the metered feeding of the liquid into the first misting chamber (14) such that the ultrasonic misting device (16) is continually submerged in the required level of liquid for its operation. Typically, the required level of liquid for conventional ultrasonic misting devices is no greater than 60 mm.
The ultrasonic misting device (16) includes a diaphragm (not shown) for producing the liquid particles from the liquid fed into the first misting chamber (14) by vibrating at high frequencies. In use, the vibrations propel the liquid particles from the first misting chamber (14) via the liquid particle outlet (18) into the second misting chamber (20). It is to be appreciated that the ultrasonic misting device (16) is in the form of a conventional ultrasonic misting device that is well known in the art.
The liquid particle outlet (18) is in fluid flow communication with the second misting chamber (20) such that the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device (16) escapes from first misting chamber (14) through the liquid particle outlet (18) into the second misting chamber (20).
In use, the second misting chamber (20) is filled with liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device (16).
As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the misting device (10) includes three atomizers (22.1 - 22.3) in the second misting chamber operable to reduce the liquid particles into a fine liquid spray (dry mist). The dry mist can remain airborne for up to 5 hours and can be introduced at ceiling height, into Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) ducting or in combination with fan/air conditioning outlets. It is to be appreciated that the ultrasonic misting device (16) and the three atomizers (22.1 - 22.3) cooperatively produce the dry mist.
Each of the three atomizers (22.1 - 22.3) are positioned proximate a dry mist outlet (26) such that the dry mist, produced by the atomizers (22.1 - 22.3), is released through the dry mist outlets (26.1 - 26.3) into the surrounding area. It is to be appreciated that the atomizers (22.1 - 22.3) comprise conventional atomising devices.
In Figures 1 to 4, the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist includes a liquid inlet (28) for filling the liquid storage chamber (12). The liquid inlet (28), through which the liquid storage chamber (12) is filled, includes a cap (28.1) for closing the liquid inlet (28).
Figure 5 shows the separation of the liquid storage chamber (12), first misting chamber (14) and second misting chamber (20), which separation allows for the separation of the liquid phases as the liquid follows the fluid flow path within the chambers (12, 14 and 20). The separation of the first misting chamber (14) from the liquid storage chamber (12) is such to prevent the splash, slosh and surge of the liquid within the first misting chamber (14) to counter any adverse effects on the performance of the ultrasonic misting device (16). The second misting chamber (20) separates the liquid particles from the liquid storage chamber (12) and first misting chamber (14). The liquid particles contained in the second misting chamber (20) is of size limited to less than 5 microns in size. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist is semi-permanently affixed to the surface contained within the surrounding area. In this example, liquid storage chamber (12) and first misting chamber (14) includes a base (13) for affixing the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist to a ground surface. The second misting chamber (20) is removably mounted on the base (13).
In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the misting device (10) is portable. As shown, the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist includes a hose (50) connectable to a dry mist outlet (26), such that the hose (50) is manoeuvred to disperse dry mist directly onto a surface. In this example, the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist also includes a detachable strap (52) for carrying the misting device (10) between different locations. The strap (52) is shaped and dimensioned to allow the misting device (10) to be carried across two shoulders of the user similar to that of a backpack.
Although not shown, the misting device (10) for producing a dry mist includes a system having a manual control as a backup to a Wi-Fi supported smart control arrangement for setting scheduled, loop and around the clock timing, frequency, duration or combination timing. The control system includes a mobile application control and data capture.
Figure 7 shows another example of the misting device (10), as shown in Figures 1 to 6. In this example, the misting device (10) includes a smart control arrangement, which comprises of a display and control panel (60), an electronic control compartment (62) and a wiring and electronic circuit compartment (64). In use, an operator of the misting device (10) can set and monitor the use of the misting device (10) via the display and control panel (60). It is to be appreciate that the smart control arrangement is connected to the ultrasonic misting device (16), which in this example is in the form of a nebulizer, and the fan (24).
The misting device (10) for producing a dry mist can have various applications which include direct HVAC injection, general air treatment for disinfection, deodorising, pesticide and medicinal nebulising in an open area when used with approved medicinal, disinfecting, deodorising products. Further applications include automatic disinfecting of handrails i.e., escalator handrails, ATM points, computers, instrument panels and various other electronic components and general surfaces. Additional applications in the agricultural industry are typically in abattoirs, poultry installations, chicken hatcheries other husbandry and all other food processing plants. Further applications are in mobile vehicles, and other transport applications.
The inventor believes that the invention provides a misting device that produces a dry mist that allows for the continuous dispersion of disinfectant, medicated, and other solutions into a surrounding area or directly onto a surface without wetting the surfaces the dry mist comes into contact with.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1 . A misting device for producing a dry mist, which includes a liquid storage chamber for housing a liquid to be dispersed into a surrounding area; a first misting chamber in fluid communication with the liquid storage chamber such that the liquid is fed from the liquid storage chamber into the first misting chamber, the first misting chamber housing an ultrasonic misting device, which produces liquid particles from the liquid, the first misting chamber further includes a liquid particle outlet; and a second misting chamber connected to the liquid particle outlet, for retaining the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device, the second misting chamber having at least one atomizer for atomizing the liquid particles to produce a dry mist, and at least one dry mist outlet through which the dry mist is released from the second misting chamber to the surrounding area.
2. The misting device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the liquid storage chamber, first misting chamber and second misting chamber, are enclosed by a main housing, and the chambers are spatially separated within the main housing.
3. The misting device as claimed in claim 1 , which includes propulsion means for pushing the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device toward the at least one atomizer.
4. The misting device as claimed in claim 3, in which the propulsion means includes a fan for pulling/pushing air into the second misting chamber thereby creating a predetermined airflow for carrying the liquid particles toward the at least one atomizer.
5. The misting device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the liquid storage chamber is fillable with any one or combination of the following: water, a disinfectant solution, sanitizer, pesticide, deodorizer and medication.
6. The misting device as claimed in claim 1, in which the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device, is in the form of mist or fog.
7. The misting device as claimed in claim 1, in which the liquid particles in the dry mist have a particle size smaller than 5pm.
8. The misting device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first misting chamber includes a housing, which housing contains the ultrasonic misting device.
9. The misting device as claimed in claim 8, in which the first misting chamber includes at least one hole or slit formed along sides of the housing for allowing the liquid from the liquid storage chamber to be fed thereinto.
10. The misting device as claimed in claim 9, in which the at least one hole or slit being dimensioned and orientated to enable metered feeding of the liquid into the first misting chamber such that the ultrasonic misting device is continually submerged in the required level of liquid for its operation.
11 . The misting device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the ultrasonic misting device includes a diaphragm for producing the liquid particles from the liquid by vibrating at high frequencies.
12. The misting device as claimed in claim in claim 1, in which the ultrasonic misting device is in the form of a conventional misting device.
13. The misting device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the liquid particles outlet is in fluid flow communication with the second misting chamber such that the liquid particles produced by the ultrasonic misting device escapes from first misting chamber through the liquid particle outlet into the second misting chamber.
14. The misting device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the at least one atomizer comprises of a conventional atomising device.
15. The misting device as claimed in claim 1, which includes a liquid inlet for filling the liquid storage chamber.
16. The misting device as claimed in claim 15, in which the liquid inlet includes a cap for closing the liquid inlet.
17. The misting device as claimed in claim 15, in which the liquid inlet includes a connector for connecting the misting device permanently or semipermanently to a liquid supply or source.
18. The misting device as claimed in claim 1 , which comprises of a portable device.
19. The misting device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the misting device includes a base for affixing the misting device to a surface contained within the surrounding area.
20. The misting device as claimed in claim 18, in which the portable device includes a detachable strap for carrying the misting device between different locations.
21. The misting device as claimed in claim 20, in which the detachable strap is shaped and dimensioned to allow for the misting device to be carried over at least one shoulder of a user.
22. The misting device as claimed in claim 18, in which the portable device includes a hose connectable to the at least one dry mist outlet, such that the hose may be manoeuvred to disperse dry mist directly onto a surface.
23. The misting device as claimed in claim 1 , which includes a smart control arrangement for controlling the misting device.
24. The misting device as claimed 23, in which the smart control arrangement is operable for setting the timing of the operation of the misting device in accordance with a schedule.
25. The misting device as claimed in claim 23, in which the smart control arrangement includes a mobile application control.
26. The misting device as claimed in claim 23, in which the smart control arrangement includes a data capture module.
27. The dry misting device as claimed in claim 1 , substantially as herein described and illustrated.
PCT/IB2023/051987 2022-03-03 2023-03-03 Misting devices WO2023166476A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2022/02592 2022-03-03
ZA202202592 2022-03-03

Publications (1)

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5354515A (en) * 1992-01-13 1994-10-11 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Domestic electric appliance
JPH08309248A (en) * 1995-05-16 1996-11-26 Sawaa Corp:Kk Liquid atomizer
GB2450536A (en) * 2007-06-29 2008-12-31 John Deal Mist generating device and control means
JP2013099472A (en) * 2011-11-09 2013-05-23 Ｐｅｎｔａ−Ｃ株式会社 Spraying method and indoor spraying apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5354515A (en) * 1992-01-13 1994-10-11 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Domestic electric appliance
JPH08309248A (en) * 1995-05-16 1996-11-26 Sawaa Corp:Kk Liquid atomizer
GB2450536A (en) * 2007-06-29 2008-12-31 John Deal Mist generating device and control means
JP2013099472A (en) * 2011-11-09 2013-05-23 Ｐｅｎｔａ−Ｃ株式会社 Spraying method and indoor spraying apparatus

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