Aerosol generating and delivery device
Inventors
Giroux, Marc • DeGroodt, William A. • Pearce, Joseph R. • Kamp, Robert W. • Rinne, Finn O. • Leung, Paul C.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10105501-B2
Publication Date
2018-10-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
Particular aspects provide novel atomizers for generating particles over a broad range of MMAD size distributions, the eliminating the requirement for an impaction baffle in generating the desired particle sizes. In particular aspects, the atomization means communicates with a remote particle filter member configured and positioned to provide for particle size filtering. In additional aspects, the atomization means communicates with a particle dispersion chamber suitable to impart a desired particle flow pattern to particles within and exiting the dispersion chamber. In further aspects, the atomization means communicates with a nasal, ocular, oral or ‘vicinity’ adapter. The novel devices provide for targeted (e.g., nasal, ocular, oral, local vicinity), systemic, and/or topical delivery of an atomized liquid (e.g., via the nasal cavity, olfactory region, and mouth). Further exemplary aspects relate to aerosolization and delivery of perfume, fragrance, essential oil or cosmeceutical agents and the like.
Core Innovation
The invention describes an aerosol generating device for delivering an atomized or aerosolized liquid. The device includes a liquid feed tube with a liquid feed channel having an inlet aperture, a liquid feed channel exit orifice, an end-wall face, and a sidewall. The end-wall face is positioned between the liquid feed channel exit orifice and a perimeter of the liquid feed tube and is normal or substantially normal to a diverting portion of the sidewall.
The device further includes a compressed fluid feed channel having a compressed fluid exit orifice that is spaced from the diverting portion of the sidewall. The compressed fluid exit orifice is configured to direct a stream of compressed fluid toward the diverting portion of the sidewall, where the diverting portion disrupts a portion of the compressed-fluid stream. The disrupted portion is configured to atomize or aerosolize the liquid from the liquid feed channel exit orifice.
The invention additionally describes downstream aerosol conditioning that includes a remote aerodynamic particle size filter/splitter that aerodynamically redirects desired particle sizes while collecting larger particles for return to the reservoir. An integrated particle dispersion chamber imparts a predetermined fluid flow pattern that includes at least one of vortical, turbulent, or randomized flow.
Claims Coverage
The partial document provides one explicitly identified independent claim. The independent claim centers on a compressed-fluid stream disruption atomization scheme, and the described dependent claim topics add particle size filtering and particle dispersion flow patterns, together with geometric and dimensional constraints.
Diverting sidewall atomization from spaced compressed-fluid exit orifice
A liquid feed tube having a liquid feed channel with an end-wall face normal or substantially normal to a diverting portion of the sidewall, together with a compressed fluid feed channel having a compressed fluid exit orifice spaced from the diverting portion; the compressed fluid exit orifice directs a stream toward the diverting portion, the diverting portion disrupts a portion of the stream, and the disrupted portion is configured to atomize or aerosolize the liquid from the liquid feed channel exit orifice.
Aerodynamic particle-size filtering using a filtering member with a predetermined maximum size
A filtering member that aerodynamically filters particles from the atomized or aerosolized liquid when the particles are greater than a predetermined maximum size.
Remote particle filter placement and return of accumulated liquid
A particle filter member placed in fluid communication with particle atomization or aerosolization means at a distance J from a primary orifice plane along a projected longitudinal axis, with aerodynamic fluid flow around the filter; filter support members direct liquid accumulating on the filter away from the filter for return to liquid holding means.
Particle dispersion chamber imposing predetermined flow patterns
A particle dispersion chamber that receives an atomized or aerosolized liquid and imposes a predetermined fluid flow pattern including at least one of vortical flow, turbulent flow, or randomized flow.
Geometric and dimensional constraints relating channel exit orifices and separations
A liquid feed channel geometry including an inlet aperture, an exit orifice, and an end-wall face perimeter sized by an outside diameter, with specific spatial separations and angular relationships between the liquid feed channel exit orifice and the compressed fluid channel exit orifice, including constraints tying a separation distance H and offset distances O to an inner diameter D1 of the compressed fluid channel adjacent its exit orifice.
The inventive coverage centers on using a spaced compressed-fluid exit orifice directed toward a diverting portion of a liquid-feed-tube sidewall to disrupt the compressed-fluid stream and atomize or aerosolize liquid. Additional features include aerodynamic particle-size filtering with a predetermined maximum size, remote placement of the particle filter with return of accumulated liquid, and a particle dispersion chamber that imposes vortical, turbulent, or randomized flow patterns.
Stated Advantages
Provides broader MMAD particle size control.
Improved efficiency/retention.
Capability to atomize more viscous liquids.
Higher flow/atomization rates.
Increased deliverable dose volumes.
Improved performance versus prior art.
Documented Applications
Medical uses including nose-to-brain delivery.
Medical delivery to sinus/paranasal regions (nasal cavity, olfactory region, paranasal sinuses).
Non-medical uses including perfume/fragrance.
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