Abstract:
A method and device are provided for providing sensory cues, signals, or indicators regarding the status of electrohydrodynamically spraying a material, including power-on status of an electrohydrodynamic spray device, active electrohydrodynamic spray status, and material status within the electrohydrodynamic spray device. In particular, audible, tactile, or intermittent visible signals indicate active electrohydrodynamic spraying, audible, tactile, or visible signals indicate power-on status of the electrohydrodynamic spray device, and sensory signals indicate the status of other operationally-related variables, including the rate of electrohydrodynamic spray, time increments, which may be correlated with electrohydrodynamic spray flowrates, and material supply levels.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 60/656,411 filed Feb. 25, 2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not applicable.  
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A CD  
       [0003]     Not applicable.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0005]     This invention relates generally to providing sensory cues, signals, or indicators regarding the application of material. Particularly, material that is difficult to see or virtually invisible or which application is difficult to hear or is virtually silent. More particularly, this invention relates to the application of liquid using electric field effect technology (EFET) spraying.  
         [0006]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0007]     EFET, also known as electrohydrodynamic (EHD), spraying is a process where materials are applied, sprayed, or aerosolized using electrical forces. In a typical EHD spray nozzle, the material to be sprayed flows over a region of high electric field strength. When it does so, it receives a net electric charge that tends to stay on the surface of the material. Hence, as the material exits the nozzle, the repelling force of the surface charge balances against the surface tension of the liquid, and a so-called Taylor cone is formed. The tip of the cone has the greatest concentration of charge, and, at this point, the electrical force overcomes the surface tension, generating a thin jet of material. The jet breaks up into droplets of more or less uniform size, which collectively form a spray. The jet may also form particles, fibers, or fibrils.  
         [0008]     The spraying of material using EHD, however, is generally virtually silent and the spray, particularly an aerosol, virtually invisible. During operation, therefore, it is desirable that a user have some indication when, in what amount, and at what rate the material is, in fact, being applied. It may be further desirable that the user have an indication of what material is being applied and where the material is being applied. It is to be understood, moreover, that the invention contemplates applying not only a single material, but more than one material, either sequentially or simultaneously, either through a common delivery outlet, or through multiple delivery outlets.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for indicating the electrohydrodynamic spraying of a material comprising electrohydrodynamically spraying the material and concomitantly emitting a signal selected from the group consisting of audible, tactile, variable visible, and combinations thereof.  
         [0010]     In a another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for indicating the electrohydrodynamic spraying of a material comprising electrohydrodynamically spraying the material and concomitantly emitting a periodic audible tone.  
         [0011]     In a further embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for indicating the electrohydrodynamic spraying of a material comprising electrohydrodynamically spraying the material, concomitantly emitting a signal selected from the group consisting of audible, tactile, variable visible, and combinations thereof, and concomitantly emitting a further signal selected from the group consisting of audible, tactile, visible, or combinations thereof.  
         [0012]     In a yet further embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for indicating an activation status of a device adapted to electrohydrodynamic spraying of a material and for indicating the electrohydrodynamic spraying of the material comprising electrohydrodynamically spraying the material and concomitantly emitting a signal selected from the group consisting of audible, tactile, variable visible, and combinations thereof.  
         [0013]     In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for indicating the electrohydrodynamic spray rate of a material comprising emitting a sensory signal variable with the material spray rate.  
         [0014]     In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for indicating the amount of material in a supply of material to an electrohydrodynamic spray device comprising emitting a sensory signal in response to an amount of material in the material supply.  
         [0015]     In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for indicating a target of an electrohydrodynamic spray comprising directing a visible signal at the target.  
         [0016]     In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for indicating the attributes of a material supply container of an electrohydrodynamic spray device comprising providing a device adapted to electrohydrodynamically spraying a material, providing a material supply container adapted for the device, and emitting a sensory signal in response to the material supply container.  
         [0017]     In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for indicating the status of electrohydrodynamically spraying a material comprising emitting a first sensory signal, electrohydrodynamically spraying the material, and emitting a second sensory signal concomitant with the step of electrohydrodynamically spraying the material.  
         [0018]     In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for indicating the status of electrohydrodynamically spraying a material comprising providing power to an electrohydrodynamic device and concomitantly emitting a first sensory signal and electrohydrodynamically spraying a material and concomitantly emitting a second sensory signal.  
         [0019]     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a device is provided for electrohydrodynamically spraying a material comprising a material supply, an electrohydrodynamic sprayer in material communication with the material, a first switch operably connected to a first sensory signal emitter adapted to emit a signal selected from the group consisting of audible, tactile, visible, and combinations thereof, and a second switch operably connected to the electrohydrodynamic sprayer and to a second sensory signal emitter adapted to emit a signal selected from the group consisting of audible, tactile, intermittent visible, or combinations thereof.  
         [0020]     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a device is provided for electrohydrodynamically spraying a material comprising a material supply, an electrohydrodynamic sprayer is communication with the material, a first switch operably connected to a sensory signal emitter, and a second switch operably connected to the electrohydrodynamic sprayer and to the sensory signal emitter.  
         [0021]     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for indicating the status of an electrohydrodynamic device comprising sensing a change in the state of a switch, emitting an audible, tactile, or intermittent visible sensory signal in response to the change in state of the switch, and effecting a change in state of a circuit within the electrohydrodynamic device.  
         [0022]     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention and by reference to the following drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]     The following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention will be more readily understood when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:  
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wand-like handheld device according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a device having an extended shaft according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a delivery site according to a further embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a wand-like handheld device according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0029]      FIGS. 1-4  illustrate exemplary EHD devices which embody the present invention. It will be appreciated, however, that the illustrated devices are not intended to be inclusive of the type and variety of devices in which the present invention may be embodied.  
         [0030]     Turning to  FIG. 1 , a handheld device  10  is shown which embodies elements of the present invention. The device  10  is adapted to be held in the hand of a user and moved, for example, in a wand-like fashion over the surface to be sprayed. For example, the device  10  may be used to spray an animal, such as a horse, with medicaments, pesticides, grooming aids, or other beneficial materials. The device  10  comprises one or more EHD spray sites  12  (indicated generally, but not shown), a first switch  14 , an optional second switch  16 , and one or more optional indicator lights  18 . As will be appreciated, the switches  14 ,  16  may conveniently be in the form of push switches or, for example, a trigger having an “off” position, a “power-on” position, and a further “spray activation” position depending upon the degree of force applied. Optionally, or in combination, audible and tactile sensory signals (not shown) may be provided. Audible signals may include, for example, steady, intermittent, variable frequency sounds, or sounds varying in intensity. Tactile signals may include, for example, steady, intermittent, variable frequency vibrations, or vibrations varying in intensity.  
         [0031]     Operationally, the first switch  14  may comprise a power switch which generally activates power to the device  10 . Optionally, the power switch  14  may also activate a circuit which initiates EHD spraying or the second switch  16  may do so. Further, a timer may be included to, for example, activate when EHD spraying is initiated, thereby providing a method of activating a sensory signal to indicate EHD spraying is in progress as well as indicate the passage of time which may be correlated to the amount of material sprayed. As will be further appreciated, many sensory signals and combinations are possible. In general, it may be desirable to indicate the power-on state of the device  10 . Thus, when the power switch  14  is closed, one or more of the indicator lights  18  may illuminate to indicate the power-on state. Concurrently, or alternatively, audible and/or tactile sensory signals may be initiated. When EHD spraying is initiated, either through the first switch  14  or the second switch  16 , one or more of the indicator lights  18  may change state by, for example, blinking, changing color, or changing intensity. The indicator lights  18  may further blink sequentially to give the appearance of a moving light. As with the power-on state, audible and/or tactile sensory signals may be initiated to indicate the EHD-spraying state. As will be appreciated, multiple sensory signals may be presented concurrently or sequentially.  
         [0032]     Turning to  FIG. 2 , another handheld device  20  is shown which embodies elements of the present invention. As shown, a handle  23  is separated from one or more EHD spray sites  22  (indicated generally, but not shown) by a shaft  25 . The device  20  would include switches and sensory signals as convenient. For example, switches could be placed in the handle  23 . Indicators (not shown) could be placed in the handle  23 , anywhere on the shaft  25 , or distal to the handle  23  near the one or more spray sites  22 .  
         [0033]     Turning to  FIG. 3 , a portion of a spray device  30  is shown.  FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary spray site  32  (which may comprise multiple spray sites) and indicator light  38 . The indicator light  38  may comprise a light which is activated when the spray site  32  emits an EHD spray, thus illuminating the normally-invisible spray. The indicator light  38  may comprise a light that is activated before the spray site  32  begins emitting an EHD spray so as to indicate the area of the target about to be sprayed to aid in coverage. The light may be steady or may be intermittent to indicate a power-on condition and/or a spraying condition. The indicator light  38  may further comprise multiple lights of varying colors. Finally, the indicator light  38  may comprise a laser light for illumination as well as for targeting.  
         [0034]      FIG. 4  illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. The spray device  40  comprises a spray site  42  (indicated generally, but not shown) which may comprise one or more spray sites, a first switch  44 , which may, for example, comprise a power-on-off switch, a second switch  46 , which may, for example, comprise a switch to initiate EHD spraying, and indicator lights  47 ,  48 . Optionally, the spray device  40  comprises audible and/or tactile sensory signals (not shown). The indicator lights  48  may optionally flash in a sequential manner to give the appearance of moving toward the spray site  42 . For example, the indicator lights  48  may sequentially illuminate when the second switch  46  is closed to initiate EHD spraying.  
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart which illustrates an embodiment of the present invention. When the power switch is set to an “on” condition, a first sensory signal is emitted. This signal indicates a power-on condition of the circuitry in the EHD device. The signal may be of any form that is detectible by the user, but preferably an audible, tactile, or visible signal. An audible signal may comprise a steady tone, a tone varying in intensity and/or frequency, an intermittent tone such as a “beeping” sound, a voice-like sound, music, or combinations thereof. A tactile signal may comprise vibrations or movements of the handle which alert the user to the power-on condition of the EHD device. Finally, a visible signal may comprise an intermittent light or one varying in intensity and/or color. Or, the visible signal need not comprise a light, but a dial or other similar indication or a portion of the device may change color in response to the EHD spray or a “smart cartridge”. Multiple signals may also be used. The nature of the signal may further be tailored to the material to be electrohydrodynamically sprayed, by, for example, a “smart” cartridge containing the material.  
         [0036]      FIG. 5  further illustrates the indication of material being electrohydrodynamically sprayed. When EHD spraying is activated, through a switch separate from the power switch, simultaneously through the power switch itself, or, for example, through a time delay, one or more signals may be emitted. The signal may be of any form that is detectible by the user, but preferably an audible, tactile, or intermittent visible signal. The “spray-activated” signal may be emitted concomitant with the “power-on” signal or the “power-on” signal may cease or change to a different signal. As with the “power-on” signal, the nature of the signal may be tailored to the material being electrohydrodynamically sprayed to alert the user. Further, visual indication may be provided by appropriately illuminating the EHD spray. A simple on-off indication may be given, or a signal or signals responsive to the material being sprayed.  
         [0037]     Various other embodiments of the present invention may aid in delivering an EHD spray. As pertains to the EHD spray itself, signals may indicate a particular flowrate. By way of example only, and not limitation, an audible signal may change frequency or intensity or intermittent audible signals may change tempo; similarly, a visible signal may change color or intensity or intermittent visual signals may change tempo. Tactile signals may also similarly be tailored to the application. Signals according to the present invention may be utilized to indicate, for example, when a predetermined amount of material has been sprayed or when a predetermined length of time has elapsed. Likewise, signals according to the present invention may be utilized to indicate a low level of material in a material supply container.  
         [0038]     In addition to indications of power status and EHD spraying status, the present invention benefits the application of EHD-sprayed material by indicating the target area of the surface to be sprayed. By way of example only, and not limitation, a laser pointer or other visible light may be directed to shine off the target area.  
         [0039]     While the present invention has been described in connection with specific exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the claims unless explicitly recited in the claims themselves. Finally, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the recited advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claim, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.