초록 ▼

The invention provides an aerosol delivery method and system for producing a charged electrohydrodynamic (EHD) aerosol, discharging the aerosol and moving the discharged aerosol in a desired direction without substantial wetting of the device. The delivery system may include a spray nozzle for dispe

The invention provides an aerosol delivery method and system for producing a charged electrohydrodynamic (EHD) aerosol, discharging the aerosol and moving the discharged aerosol in a desired direction without substantial wetting of the device. The delivery system may include a spray nozzle for dispensing the fluid to be aerosolized and negatively charging the aerosol droplets, a discharge electrode generally downstream of the spray nozzle for generating a positive ion stream which intercepts and electrically neutralizes the negative aerosol droplets while also imparting a desired movement on the aerosol in a direction generally away from the discharge electrode and a reference electrode between the spray nozzle and the discharge electrode for modifying the electric field between the spray nozzle and the discharge electrode.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A directionally controlled electrohydrodynamic aerosol sprayer comprising:a spray nozzle in fluid communication with a source of fluid to be aerosolized, the spray nozzle having at least one spray tip near which the fluid exits the spray nozzle and is aerosolized;a discharge elec

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A directionally controlled electrohydrodynamic aerosol sprayer comprising:a spray nozzle in fluid communication with a source of fluid to be aerosolized, the spray nozzle having at least one spray tip near which the fluid exits the spray nozzle and is aerosolized;a discharge electrode;a reference electrode located between the spray nozzle and the discharge electrode and crossing a line connecting the spray tip and the discharge electrode;a first voltage source maintaining the spray nozzle at a negative or positive potential relative to the potential of the reference electrode; anda second voltage source maintaining the discharge electrode at the opposite potential relative to the potential of the reference electrode than is the spray nozzle.