Patent ID: 6467476
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: A61M,B05B,B41J

Abstract:
An apparatus for aerosolizing a liquid, the apparatus comprising:an aperture plate comprising a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween, said apertures being tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface, the vibrating element being coupled to the aperture plate to vibrate the aperture plate, wherein vibrations of the aperture plate cause the fluid at the rear surface to be ejected through the apertures; a liquid supplier to deliver liquid to the rear surface; and a vibrator to vibrate the aperture plate at a frequency of at least about 45 kHz; and wherein the aperture plate is configured to produce an aerosol having a respirable fraction of at least about 70% upon vibration of the aperture plate.