U.S. patent application number 17/499057 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-31 for systems and methods for atomizing liquids.
The applicant listed for this patent is IDEAL JACOBS CORP., WISTWELL, INC.. Invention is credited to Andrew C. Jacobs, Nicholas John Rafanello, Todd Sherman.
Application Number | 20220096698 17/499057 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005898431 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220096698 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jacobs; Andrew C. ; et
al. |
March 31, 2022 |
Systems and Methods for Atomizing Liquids
Abstract
Atomizers and methods for operating atomizers for dispersing
vapor into the ambient air are disclosed. Liquid from a vessel
connected to the atomizer may be pumped to a first chamber having
an atomizing element at or near the bottom of the first chamber.
The atomizing element may convert the liquid to a vapor, and a fan
may push air into the first chamber, causing the vapor to be
dispersed into the ambient air through apertures at or near the top
of the first chamber. Liquid remaining in the first chamber may be
pumped back to the vessel, while the fan continues to run to dry
the components in the first chamber.
Inventors: |
Jacobs; Andrew C.; (Short
Hills, NJ) ; Sherman; Todd; (South Orange, NJ)
; Rafanello; Nicholas John; (Morris Plains, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IDEAL JACOBS CORP.
WISTWELL, INC. |
Maplewood
Maplewood |
NJ
NJ |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005898431 |
Appl. No.: |
17/499057 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17146611 |
Jan 12, 2021 |
11141502 |
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17499057 |
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17034039 |
Sep 28, 2020 |
10888634 |
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17146611 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 9/122 20130101;
A61L 2209/111 20130101; A61L 9/14 20130101; B01F 23/2133 20220101;
A61L 2209/134 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/12 20060101
A61L009/12; A61L 9/14 20060101 A61L009/14; B01F 3/04 20060101
B01F003/04 |
Claims
1. A system for dispersing vapor into ambient air, comprising: an
atomizer comprising: a housing having a first chamber extending
from a bottom end to a top end, said top end having one or more
apertures in fluid communication with the ambient air, said bottom
end having a atomizing element; a fan; an air passage capable of
allowing air to travel from the fan to the first chamber; a pump; a
vessel port; a tube leading from the pump to the vessel port; a
non-transitory memory having a machine-readable medium comprising
machine executable code; one or more processors coupled to the
memory; and a scanner in electronic communication with the one or
more processors.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a vessel having an
identifier capable of being scanned by the scanner.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said one or more processors are
configured to execute the machine executable code, wherein the
machine executable code is capable of causing the one or more
processors to receive from the scanner data read from the
identifier.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the machine executable code is
capable of causing the pump to be activated.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the scanner is a QR code
reader.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the scanner is an RFID reader.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the scanner is an NFC chip.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the scanner is a bar code
reader.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the atomizer further comprises a
sensor capable of detecting the pH of the liquid in the bottle.
10. A system for dispersing vapor into ambient air, comprising: an
atomizer comprising: a housing having a first chamber extending
from a bottom end to a top end, said top end having one or more
apertures in fluid communication with the ambient air, said bottom
end having a atomizing element; a fan; an air passage extending
from a first end near the fan to a second end at the first chamber;
a pump; a vessel port; a first tube leading from the pump to the
vessel port; a non-transitory memory having a machine-readable
medium comprising machine executable code; one or more processors
coupled to the memory; and a telecommunications module in
electronic communication with the one or more processors.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the air passage is integrated as
part of the housing.
12. The system of claim 10 wherein the air passage extends at last
partly outside the housing.
13. The system of claim 10 wherein the second end of the air
passage is located near the top end of the first chamber.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the air passage is integrated as
part of the housing.
15. The system of claim 13 wherein the air passage extends at last
partly outside the housing.
16. The system of claim 13 wherein the second end of the air
passage is oriented so as to direct air exiting the second end of
said air passage in the direction of the bottom end of the first
chamber.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the air passage is integrated as
part of the housing.
18. The system of claim 16 wherein the air passage extends at last
partly outside the housing.
19. The system of claim 10 wherein the second end of the air
passage is oriented so as to direct air exiting the second end of
said air passage in the direction of the bottom end of the first
chamber.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein the air passage extends at last
partly outside the housing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 17/146,611, filed on Jan. 12, 2021, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/034,039, filed
on Sep. 28, 2020. The entire contents of these application are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Liquids may be dispensed by atomization, vaporization or
aerosol generation for many purposes. Fluid dispensing devices have
been used, for example, in the administration of medicines, the
diffusion of cosmetic products (e.g., perfumes) and for
disinfection, odor generation, or humidification.
[0003] Regarding disinfection, easily communicable diseases,
viruses, or bacteria may spread from one person to another through
a variety of ways, including by touch; by contact with blood and
other bodily fluids; by breathing in an airborne virus; or by being
bitten by an insect. It is well-known that liquid disinfectant
vaporized and dispersed into the air in droplets of sufficient size
may help prevent transmission by several of these means. For
example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0143110 discloses a
device that uses high frequency ultrasonic energy for the
atomization of disinfectant solutions.
[0004] However, the need exists for an atomizing system that is
able to check whether the solution to be atomized is provided in an
approved vessel, is approved for the application for which it is
intended, and/or has an acceptable pH before the atomizer converts
the solution to vapor. The need also exists for an atomizer that
can perform self-maintenance operations by transferring unused
solution back to a source vessel, and by drying the atomizing
element when the atomization process is complete.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to an atomizer for
dispersing vapor into the ambient air surrounding the atomizer. The
vapor may be, for example, a disinfecting solution capable of
inhibiting the spread of communicable diseases.
[0006] One objective of the present invention is to provide an
atomizer that includes a pump capable of drawing liquid from a
vessel, delivering the liquid to a first chamber having an
atomizing element, and returning unused liquid from the chamber to
the vessel when the atomization process is complete.
[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an
atomizer having a fan capable of delivering air to the first
chamber, and which continues to run while the pump returns unused
liquid from the first chamber to the vessel. Continuing to run the
fan while the pump returns unused liquid to the vessel helps ensure
the unused liquid can be drawn by the pump. It also helps dry the
first chamber and the components therein.
[0008] A vessel containing a liquid to be atomized may be connected
to the atomizer. The vessel may have an identifier on, or embedded
in, an outer wall of the vessel. It is another object of the
present invention to provide an atomizer having a scanner capable
of scanning the vessel identifier. The scanner may read data from
the identifier, and one or more processors within the atomizer may
determine, based on that data, whether to pump liquid from the
vessel to the chamber to atomize the liquid.
[0009] The atomizer may include a pH sensor to determine the pH of
liquid in the vessel. The atomizer may use pH information provided
by the sensor to determine whether to pump liquid from the vessel
to the chamber to atomize the liquid. The atomizer may further
include a second chamber containing a liquid that may be delivered
to the vessel to, for example, change the pH of the liquid in the
vessel.
[0010] Numerous variations may be practiced in the preferred
embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A further understanding of the invention can be obtained by
reference to exemplary embodiments set forth in the illustrations
of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiments
are merely exemplary of systems, methods, and apparatuses for
carrying out the invention, both the organization and method of
operation of the invention, in general, together with further
objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by
reference to the drawings and the following description. Like
reference numbers generally refer to like features (e.g.,
functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements).
[0012] The drawings are not necessarily depicted to scale; in some
instances, various aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein
may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate
an understanding of different features. Also, the drawings are not
intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth
with particularity in the claims as appended hereto or as
subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The invention may be understood more readily by reference to
the following detailed descriptions of embodiments of the
invention. However, techniques, systems, and operating structures
in accordance with the invention may be embodied in a wide variety
of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those
in the disclosed embodiments. Also, the features and elements
disclosed herein may be combined to form various combinations
without exclusivity, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Consequently, the specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are merely representative. Yet, in that regard,
they are deemed to afford the best embodiments for purposes of
disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein, which
define the scope of the invention. It should also be noted that, as
used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular
forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0017] Use of the term "exemplary" means illustrative or by way of
example, and any reference herein to "the invention" is not
intended to restrict or limit the invention to the exact features
or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed
in the present specification. Also, repeated use of the phrase "in
one embodiment," "in an exemplary embodiment," or similar phrases
do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
Terms like "preferably," "commonly," and "typically," are not used
herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that
certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the
structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, those terms
are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features
that may or may not be used in a particular embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the
sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal
arrangement, the steps of any such processes or methods are not
limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or
arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in
such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various
different sequences and arrangements while still falling within the
scope of the present invention.
[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an atomizer (100) in accordance with
the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of atomizer
(100) depicted in FIG. 2. Atomizer (100) includes a housing (110)
having one or more outer walls (112). Within housing (110) may be a
first chamber (120), an atomizing element (125), a pump (130), a
fan (140), a scanner (155), a first liquid sensor (182), a second
liquid sensor (184), a non-transitory memory (not shown), and/or
one or more processors (not shown) coupled to the non-transitory
memory. Pump (130), fan (140), atomizing element (125), scanner
(155), first liquid sensor (182) and/or second liquid sensor (184)
may be in electronic communication with the one or more processors
and/or the non-transitory memory. Power may be supplied to one or
more of the components of atomizer (100) identified herein from,
for example, a battery located within or attached to housing (110)
and/or from an electric outlet via a power cord attached to housing
(110).
[0020] First chamber (120) may be formed from one or more chamber
walls (122), that extend from bottom end (124) of first chamber
(120) to top end (126) of first chamber (120), forming an inner
space (128) therein. The one or more chamber walls (122) of first
chamber (120) may be arranged in any suitable shape, for example,
in a circle, an oval, a rectangle, a square, or an octagon.
[0021] At or near bottom end (124) of first chamber (120) may be an
atomizing element (125). Atomizing element (125) may comprise, for
example, a piezoelectric transducer that may be driven by, for
example, an AC power supply.
[0022] In the top end (126) of first chamber (120) or in the one or
more chamber walls (122) of first chamber (120) may be one or more
apertures (190). Apertures (190) may allow the inner space (128)
within first chamber (120) to be in fluid communication with the
ambient air surrounding atomizer (100). One or more apertures (190)
may be oriented so as to cause a gas passing through the one or
more apertures (190) to be directed in a plurality of
directions.
[0023] Atomizer (100) may further include a vessel port (150).
Vessel port (150) may be capable of receiving the opening of a
vessel (200), such as a bottle, canister, can, container, or
capsule. Vessel (200) may contain a liquid. For example, vessel
(200) may contain a liquid having disinfecting properties.
[0024] Vessel port (150) may be attached to atomizer (100) by a
hinge (155). Hinge (155) may allow vessel port (150) to be angled
away from atomizer (100) to allow easier access to vessel port
(150) and facilitate attaching vessel (200) to vessel port
(150).
[0025] Vessel (200) may have one or more outer walls (205) that
extend from a top (230) to a bottom (240). Vessel (200) may have a
generally cylindrical shape. Vessel (200) may have a constant or
generally constant cross-section from top (230) to bottom (240).
Alternatively, vessel (200) may have a shape that does not comprise
a constant or generally constant cross-section from top (230) to
bottom (240). Top (230) and/or bottom (240) may taper or curve
toward the center axis of vessel (200).
[0026] Top (230) of vessel (220) may have an aperture (260).
Aperture (260) may lead to a neck (220) that may have the form of a
hollow cylinder with open ends. A cap (not shown) may enclose neck
(220) when vessel (200) is not connected to atomizer (100), so as
to prevent the liquid within vessel (200) from spilling out of
vessel (200) and/or from becoming contaminated by the introduction
of elements from outside vessel (220). Additionally or
alternatively, the top of neck (220) may be sealed by a removable
cover. The removable cover may be a plastic cover having, for
example, the same structure as covers commonly used to seal milk
cartons and other containers.
[0027] Vessel (200) and/or vessel port (150) may have one or more
connection elements capable of releasably or permanently joining
vessel (200) to vessel port (150). The vessel port may, for
example, have one or more walls that form a cylinder having an
outer surface and an inner surface. To the extent vessel (200) has
a neck (220), a screw thread (not shown) may extend from the outer
and/or inner surface of neck (220). To the extent that vessel (200)
does not have a neck (220) a screw thread (not shown) may extend
from the inner surface of aperture (260). The screw thread on neck
(220) and/or the screw thread on the inner surface of aperture
(260) may be capable of mating with a screw thread (not shown) on
the outer or inner surface of vessel port (150). Additionally or
alternatively, one or more protrusions (not shown) may extend from
the inner or outer surface of neck (220) and/or the inner surface
of aperture (260). The protrusions may be capable of mating with
one or more complementary slots in one or more walls of vessel port
(150), forming a bayonet connection. Additionally or alternatively,
neck (220) and/or the inner surface of aperture (260) may have one
or more slots that are capable of mating with one or more
protrusions on the inner and/or outer walls of vessel port (150),
forming a bayonet connection. Alternatively, vessel (200) or neck
(220) of vessel (200) may connect to atomizer (100) by snapping to
vessel port (150).
[0028] Vessel (200) may have one or more identifiers (210). The one
or more identifiers (210) may be, for example, attached to, printed
on, and/or embedded in one or more of the outer walls (205), top
(230), and/or bottom (240) of vessel (200). Each of the one or more
identifiers (210) may be, for example, a QR code, a bar code, an
RFID tag, or an NFC chip. To the extent that vessel (200) has more
than one identifier (210), each identifier may be of a different
type and maybe attached to vessel (200) in a different way. For
example, vessel (200) may have a bar code printed on bottom (230)
and an RFID tag embedded in an outer wall (205).
[0029] Atomizer (100) may further include a scanner (155). Scanner
(155) may be, for example, located in or attached to an outer wall
(112) of atomizer (100). Scanner (155) may be positioned to allow
it to read and/or transmit data to identifier (210) on vessel
(200). Scanner (155) may be located above, below, or to the side of
vessel (200) when vessel (200) is connected to vessel port (150).
The connection elements discussed above for vessel (200) and vessel
port (150) (e.g., screw threads, a bayonet connection, a snap
connection) may cause vessel (200) to be oriented in a particular
direction and/or oriented in a particular rotation so that, for
example, when vessel (200) is connected to vessel port (150),
identifier (210) is facing in a particular direction, such as
toward scanner (155), and/or is located in proximity to scanner
(155). A screw thread on neck (220) and/or a screw thread on vessel
(200) and/or a bayonet connection formed between vessel port (150)
and vessel (200) may cause vessel (200) to rotate to a particular
orientation when vessel (200) is connected to vessel port (150).
That orientation may cause identifier (210) to be adjacent to
scanner (155) as shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] A first tube (not shown) may lead from pump (130) to vessel
port (150). The first tube may extend from a first end connected to
pump (130) to a second end that extends though vessel port (150).
When a vessel (200) is connected to vessel port (150) the second
end of the first tube may extend into vessel (200), and preferably
to the bottom or near to the bottom of vessel (200).
[0031] A second tube (135) may lead from pump (130) to first
chamber (120). The second tube may extend from a first end (136)
connected to pump (130) to a second end (138). The second end (138)
of the second tube may extend through a chamber wall (122) of first
chamber (120), at or near bottom end (124) of first chamber
(120).
[0032] When pump (130) is activated it may be capable of drawing
liquid from vessel (200), through the first tube, and forcing the
liquid through the second tube, into first chamber (120). Pump
(130) may be further capable of pumping liquid in the reverse
direction, i.e., from first chamber (120), through the second tube,
through the first tube, and into vessel (200). Pump (130) may be a
peristaltic pump, capable of pumping liquid in both directions
described above.
[0033] Fan (140) may be an electric fan. An air passage (144) may
extend from a first end (146) at or near fan (140) to a second end
(148) at or near first chamber (120). Air passage (144) may be
integrated as part of housing (110) as shown in FIG. 2, or may
comprise a tube or other passage that extends outside of housing
(110).
[0034] Preferably second end (148) of air passage (144) is located
at or near top end (126) of first chamber (120). Second end (148)
of air passage (144) may be oriented so as to direct air exiting
air passage (144) through second end (148) in the direction of
bottom end (124) of first chamber (120). Alternatively, second end
(148) of air passage (144) may be oriented so as to direct air
exiting air passage (144) through second end (148) in the direction
of a chamber wall (122) of first chamber (120).
[0035] One or more apertures (145) may be located in one or more
outer walls (112) of housing (110). The one or more apertures (145)
may cause air outside atomizer (100) (ambient air) to be in fluid
communication with fan (140). Fan (140) is capable of blowing air
through air passage (144), from first end (146) to second end (148)
and into first chamber (120). The air blown through air passage
(144) may be ambient air drawn through one or more apertures (145),
into housing (110), before being blown by fan (140) through air
passage (144).
[0036] A first liquid sensor (182) may be located in and/or
attached to a chamber wall (122) of first chamber (120). A second
liquid sensor (184) may also be located in and/or attached to a
chamber wall (122) of first chamber (120). Second liquid sensor
(184) may be located above first liquid sensor (182). Additionally,
or alternatively, a float may be included in first chamber (120) to
measure the height of the liquid therein. First liquid sensor (182)
and/or a float may provide an indication when the liquid pumped
into first chamber (120) has reached as sufficient level to begin
atomizing the liquid. Second liquid sensor (184) and/or a float may
provide an indication when the liquid level in first chamber (120)
has reached a level at which the pump should cease pumping liquid
into first chamber (120).
[0037] Preferably, second end (148) of air passage (144) may be
located between six inches and 24 inches above first liquid sensor
(182). Specifically, second end (148) of air passage (144) may be
located approximately eight inches to twelve inches (x) above
liquid sensor (182). Introducing air from fan (140) into first
chamber (120) from that height causes desirable dispersion of the
atomized vapor from first chamber (120), through one or more
apertures (190) without undue disruption of the vapor droplets.
[0038] Atomizer (100) may include a second chamber (170) and a pH
sensor (not shown). A third tube may extend from second chamber
(170), through vessel port (150). When vessel (200) is attached to
vessel port (150), the pH sensor and/or the third tube may extend
into vessel (200). A liquid having a predetermined pH may be
included in second chamber (170).
[0039] An atomizer (100) in accordance with the present invention
may further include one or more visual indicators, such as one or
more displays and/or one or more lights, and/or may include one or
more audible indicators, such as one or more speakers or bells. The
one or more processors may send a signal to the one or more visual
or audible indicators to indicate to a user that, for example, the
liquid in vessel (200) has been atomized and/or that the atomizing
element (125) has been deactivated. Additionally or alternatively,
atomizer (100) may have a transmitter capable of transmitting a
signal over a wired connection or wirelessly to another device or
to a device on a network, such as the internet. Additionally or
alternatively, a system in accordance with the present invention
may include an electric sign or other display that may be installed
separate and apart from atomizer (100), such as outside of a room
in which atomizer (100) is located. A transmitter in atomizer (100)
may be capable of transmitting a signal to the sign or display. The
sign or other display may indicate that the atomization process is
completed.
[0040] FIG. 3 depicts a flow chart showing a method of operating an
atomizer (100) in accordance with the present invention. At Step
300, a vessel (200) may be received by atomizer (100). Vessel (200)
may be attached to atomizer (100) at a vessel port (150). For
example, vessel (200) may have an extended opening at the top with
a screw thread on the outer surface and/or a screw thread on the
inner surface. The screw thread may mate with a screw thread on
vessel port (150). As another example, vessel (200) may have an
extended opening at the top with one or more protrusions that mate
with one or more complementary slots in vessel port (150), forming
a bayonet connection. Alternatively, vessel (200) may have one or
more slots that mate with one or more protrusions on vessel port
(150), forming a bayonet connection. Alternatively, vessel (200)
may connecting to atomizer (100) by snapping to vessel port (150).
The connection formed between the vessel and the vessel port may
orient the vessel in a particular direction and/or rotation.
[0041] To the extent that the vessel has an identifier (210), at
Step 310, a scanner (155) on or in the atomizer may read identifier
(210). As noted above, identifier (210) may be, for example, a QR
code, a bar code, an RFID tag, or an NFC chip. Scanner (155) may be
capable of reading identifier (210) and/or transmitting data to
identifier (210) if, for example, identifier (210) is capable of
receiving and/or storing data.
[0042] At Step 320, atomizer (100) may determine whether to begin
atomization of the liquid in vessel (200) based on scan of a vessel
identifier (155) and/or based on the pH of the liquid in vessel
(200). If an identifier (210) is scanned by scanner (155), one or
more processors in atomizer (100) may determine whether to initiate
atomization of liquid in vessel (200) by, for example, (1)
comparing data transmitted from scanner (155) to data stored in
non-transitory memory in atomizer (100); (2) processing data
transmitted from scanner (155) by an algorithm or other software
stored in non-transitory memory; and/or (3) comparing data
transmitted from scanner (155) to data stored at a remote server,
such as a server accessed by a wireless (e.g., a Wi-Fi, cellular)
or wired connection between atomizer (100) and the internet. Based
on one or more of those processes, the one or more processors may
initiate atomization of the liquid in vessel (200).
[0043] Additionally or alternatively, Step 320 may include
determining whether to initiate atomization of the liquid in vessel
(200) based on the pH of the liquid in vessel (200). For example,
when vessel (200) is attached to atomizer (100) in Step 120, a pH
sensor may be inserted into vessel (200). The pH sensor may send to
the one or more processors data indicating the pH of the liquid in
the vessel. The one or more processors may determine whether the pH
level received from the pH sensor is the same as a predetermined
level, above a predetermine level, below a predetermined level, or
within a predetermined range. Based on one or more of those
comparisons, the one or more processors may initiate atomization of
the liquid in vessel (200). Alternatively, the one or more
processors may cause liquid from second chamber (170) to be
delivered to vessel (200) before initiating atomization of the
liquid in vessel (200).
[0044] Additionally or alternatively, once atomization is
initiated, the one or more processors in atomizer (100) may delay
proceeding with one or more of the following Steps by a
predetermined time. For example, if a user of atomizer (100) would
prefer to exit the space in which the atomizer will disperse vapor
before the vapor is dispersed, the delay may allow the user time to
exit that space. The delay time may be predetermined (e.g. 30
seconds), may be selected by the user from a set of predetermined
times (e.g., 30 seconds, one minute, five minutes), or may be set
by the user by, for example, transmitting a time to atomizer (100)
from a mobile device.
[0045] At Step 330, liquid within vessel (200) may be pumped from
vessel (200) to a first chamber (120) of atomizer (100).
Specifically, one or more processors may send a signal to pump
(130), causing pump (130) to begin pumping liquid from within
vessel (200) to first chamber (120). Preferably, the liquid would
be introduced into first chamber (120) at or near the bottom of
first chamber (120).
[0046] The liquid would be pumped into first chamber (120) until
the level of fluid in first chamber (120) reaches a predetermined
height within first chamber (120). For example, at Step 200, a
first liquid sensor (182) within first chamber (120) may send a
signal to the one or more processors indicating that the level of
liquid within first chamber (120) has reached at least the height
of the location of first liquid sensor (182) relative to the bottom
of first chamber (120).
[0047] At Step 340, upon receiving a signal from first liquid
sensor (182), the one or more processors may send a signal to
atomizing element (125) or regulate a voltage sent to atomizing
element, causing atomizing element (125) to begin atomization of
the liquid. For example, atomizing element (125) may begin
transmitting ultrasonic waves, which may be focused at the surface
of the liquid, and may produce an ultrasonic "nozzle". This peak
may discharge small droplets of the liquid.
[0048] At Step 350, fan (140) may be activated. Fan (140) may blow
air through an air passage (144) to first chamber (120). Air may be
drawn by the fan from one or more apertures (145) in one or more
outer wall (112) of housing (110). Preferably, the air exiting air
passage (144) enters first chamber (120) at or near the top end
(126) of first chamber (120). Also, preferably, air exiting air
passage (144) is directed downward, toward the bottom end (124) of
first chamber (120).
[0049] While the atomizing element (125) and fan (130) are active,
pump (140) may continue to pump liquid from vessel (200) to first
chamber (120). At Step 360, a second signal may be received by the
one or more processors from first liquid sensor (182), indicating
that the liquid is no longer at the height of the first liquid
sensor (182) in first chamber (120).
[0050] At Step 365, upon receiving the second signal from the first
liquid sensor (182), the atomizing element may be deactivated.
[0051] At Step 370, pump (140) may be run in reverse. In other
words, pump (140) may pump liquid from first chamber (120) to
vessel (200). Preferably, fan (130) continues to operate while pump
(140) is run in reverse to help force the liquid out of first
chamber (120) and toward pump (140), and to help to dry the
components in first chamber (120), including atomizing element
(125).
[0052] At Step 380, a signal may be transmitted or displayed,
indicating that the atomization process has completed. For example,
a display or light on atomizer (200) may indicate that the
atomizing element has been deactivated. Additionally or
alternatively, and audible signal may be played. Additionally or
alternatively, a signal may be transmitted over a wired connection
or wirelessly to another device or to a device on a network, such
as the internet. For example, an electric sign or other display may
be installed on the outside of a room. When the atomization process
is completed, atomizer (100) may transmit a signal to the sign or
other display. The sign or other display may then indicate that the
atomization process is completed.
[0053] While the invention has been described in detail with
reference to embodiments for the purposes of making a complete
disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary
and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive
enumeration of all aspects of the invention. It will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous changes may be
made in such details, and the invention is capable of being
embodied in other forms, without departing from the spirit,
essential characteristics, and principles of the invention. Also,
the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements
that may allow or facilitate any benefit, advantage, or solution
are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential to the
invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the
appended claims.
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