Abstract:
An improved atomization jet assembly for aromatherapy essential oil diffuser wells. It does not loose the cap during handling. It uses the capillary of liquids principal to draw essential oils between the exterior of the jet FIG.  12  and the inner cap profile FIG.  7 . The flow of liquid is stopped by a capillary break  40 . The Ventura principal is then used to create a low pressure area between the top of the jet ball  44  and the inside radius of the cap  65 . An air/oil mixture blows out of the cap orifice  66  with the aid of an air pump. The net result is increased availability of air molecules attaching to oil molecules and making them airborne and breathable.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/464,664 Filed Apr. 10, 2003 
   Design patent application, Ser. No. 29/179,375 Filed Apr. 10, 2003 (Now Issued) U.S. Pat. No. D491,258 S, Date of Patent: Jun. 8, 2004 
   Design patent application: Ser. No. 29/179,376 Filed Apr. 10, 2003 (Now pending) 
   Design patent application: Ser. No. 29/179,346 Filed Apr. 10, 2003 (Now Issued) U.S. Pat. No. D492,020 S, Date of Patent: Jun. 22, 2004 

   FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
   Not applicable 
   SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
   Not applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   This invention relates to aromatherapy essential oil diffusers, specifically to an improved atomization jet assembly for essential oil diffuser wells. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A rectangular essential oil diffuser well previously sold by Young Living Essential Oils Corporation, had some disadvantages and design problems. The jet cap would fall off during handling or cleaning. Customers would often loose the cap and have to order a replacement. The cap was a small object that became a great inconvenience to customers. 
   Two separate holes were drilled in the diffuser well body from opposite ends ( 94  and  98 ). The first hole  98  created an air passage through the center of a barb  99  and up through the center of the jet  95  (FIG. P 7 ). A second hole  93  was drilled to connect oil well hole  91  to jet well hole  92  which allowed oil to pass from the oil well hole  91  to the jet well hole  92 . An extra hole  93  required a second machining operation which increased manufacturing costs and had to be plugged and re-surfaced to hide plug  94  ( FIG. 14 ). Plug  94  often showed up as “unattractive” after anodization due to color variation. 
   This design also spit and sputtered making undesirable noise. I found it was the distance between the air jet orifice  95  (FIG. P 1 ) and the small hole in cap  97  (FIG. P 1 ). This distance was created by a drill angle inside the cap  96  (FIG. P 1 ) which often interrupted the venture action (Vacuum) because a portion of the air blew underneath the cap  96 . This is largely what caused the sputtering and spiting of oils, operational inconsistencies and unpredictable output. 
   I found machining tolerances in manufacturing also effected performance of atomizing jet FIGS. P 5  to P 8 . Too large of hole in the cap  97  affected the amount of low pressure created by venture action (Vacuum). Improper sizing of air jet orifice  95  would effect air flow and its ability to create venture action. Without proper air velocity delivered through air jet orifice  95  and incorrectly sized hole in cap  97  the assembly would spit and sputter large droplets of oil The gap, or distance between hole  95  and hole  97  becomes critical for breaking down (atomizing) oil particles efficiently, 
   Management and employees of Young Living Essential oils corporation knew for years that the rectangular essential oil diffuser well (FIGS. P 1  to P 14 ) needed some improvement, but did not have acceptable options until now. 
   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   2. Objects and Advantages 
   Having seen the manufacturing process of the prior art and evaluating the same consumer inconveniences for myself, I decided to design a new style of essential oil diffuser well, atomization jet, cap and glass diffuser with more attractive shapes and superior function. My system presents and overall feminine appeal which provides a better marketing edge over the prior art. The rectangular shaped prior art, diffuser well, atomization jet and glass diffuser are no longer manufactured. My jet and cap assembly was specifically designed to solve the disadvantages of the prior art in the following areas: 
   1. A Teflon rod was added which provides a dual function:
         A- It creates tension between the jet and cap. The cap can be easily removed, but does not fall off, even if the diffuser well is turned upside down or shaken.   B- The lower end of the Teflon rod sticks down into the bottom of the jet slot and oil supply hole. This helps draw the oil from the lowest point of the diffuser jet well to the top of the capillary break.       

   2. A single hole drilled at 1 degree angle performs three functions.
         A-It helps drain the oil from the oil well hole to the jet well hole.   B- It connects the oil well hole to the jet well hole. Drilling only one hole eliminated the unattractive plug and reduced extra machining operations.   C- It directs air to the jet. The jet acts as a plug that separates the air inlet from the oil reservoir. The jet seals the air cavity from the oil cavity.       

   3. Spitting, sputtering and noise were reduced by a consistent special relationship between the jet and cap. Machining tolerances held between the jet ball and the inside radius of the cap is critical. A maintained distance ensured consistent venture action (vacuum) created by the air velocity coming out of the jet orifice. A countersink angle on the cap hole aided the natural distribution of air/oil molecules in a fan shaped pattern. The net result of these design changes are improved performance and reliability of atomization. 
   Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. Advantages covering the aesthetic appeal and better salability are covered in other design patents sited above. 
   SUMMARY 
   In accordance with the present invention, a Teflon rod, jet and cap comprises the entire  3  component assembly. The jet acts as a plug to divide the air supply from the oil supply. A carefully engineered gap tolerance between the jet and cap create dependable atomization. This assembly must then be pressed into a diffuser well to complete a functional system that supplies air and oil to the jet for atomization. 

   
     DRAWING 
     FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an assembly view of my 3 component atomization jet. A Teflon rod  70  must be inserted into slot  36  before a cap  60  is placed over jet  30 . The assembly does not become a functioning system until it has been pressed into some type of diffuser well designed for it. The shape of the diffuser well does not matter, only that it meets functional design criteria for the atomization jet assembly. 
       FIG. 2  Front elevation view where the Teflon rod is shown underneath the cap. 
       FIG. 3  Bottom plan view showing only a portion of the rod, hidden lines indicate the rest is hidden from view. 
       FIG. 4  Right elevation view showing the rod protrudes out slightly. This protrusion will later be pinched inside a diffuser well to hold it in place. 
       FIG. 5  Top plan view 
       FIG. 6  Front elevation view 
       FIG. 7  Section view to show inside and outside diameter relationships. 
       FIG. 8  Bottom plan view showing sectional cut line. 
       FIG. 9  Rear elevation view showing the optional horizontal air inlet hole. 
       FIG. 10  Bottom plan view 
       FIG. 11  Top plan view 
       FIG. 12  Front elevation view showing the slot. 
       FIG. 13  Left side elevation view showing inner hole relationship to the outside diameter. 
       FIG. 14  Right elevation view shows slot and taper relationship to the outside diameter. 
       FIG. 15  Section view showing inner structure of jet 
       FIG. 16  Front elevation view of Teflon rod. 
       FIG. 16B  Top plan view of Teflon rod 
       FIG. 17  Bottom plan view of jet showing section line reference. 
       FIG. 18  Sectioned assembly view showing air and oil flow paths 
       FIG. 19  Top plan view of jet receptacle in well 
       FIG. 20  Section view of jet receptacle 
       FIG. 21  Section view of jet pressed into jet receptacle 
       FIG. 22  Top plan view of jet pressed into an oval shaped diffuser well 
       FIG. 23  Front elevation view of jet pressed into an oval shaped diffuser well 
       FIG. 24  Top plan view of jet pressed into an round shaped diffuser well 
       FIG. 25  Front elevation view of jet pressed into an round shaped diffuser well 
       FIG. 27  Section view of oval or  FIG. 8  shaped diffuser well showing jet location 
       FIG. 28  Top plan view of  FIG. 8  shaped diffuser well 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   FIGS. AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 15  shows an atomization jet assembly for an aromatherapy device, which comprises of a jet and a jet cap, in which: A jet comprises of:
         a top end;   a bottom end;   a capillary break near the top end; and   a cavity extending from the bottom end to said top end wherein the top end has an orifice leading to said cavity. The bottom end has an opening therein which leads from an outer surface of the jet to the cavity.       
     FIG. 7  shows a section view of a cap which comprises of a hollow shaped structure having a top end and a bottom end where the top end has a orifice which is in alignment with the orifice of said jet. The shape of the cap is adapted to fit over the jet from the top end of said jet toward the bottom end of said jet. 
     FIG. 21  shows the shapes of said jet and said cap are similar in profile, such that a capillary space exists between the jet and cap. Capillary; is defined as the action of drawing a liquid between two surfaces in close proximity to each other. 
     FIG. 1  shows the atomization jet assembly of both said jet and said cap have a cylindrical profile. Although a round shape is not necessary, it is a preferred method of manufacturing for ease of machining. 
   Any shape could be used to create capillary action. Such as Triangular, square, oval, rectangle, trapezoid, pyramid, octagon, hex or any other form or combination of forms could be used. The shape of a cap being adapted to fit over a jet from the top end of said jet toward the bottom of the jet wherein the shapes of the jet and cap are similar in profile, such that a capillary space exists between said jet and said cap. 
     FIGS. 22 through 28  show that any shape of base structure that has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer surface connecting said top surface and said bottom surface, and that comprises a cavity therein, can be adapted to receive the bottom end of said jet. 
   A particulate separator can be adapted to fit over, around or in close proximity to the atomization jet assembly with the bottom surface of said particulate separator and may rest in any cavity or receptacle in the base. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   FIGS. AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT (continued) 
   The jet and cap are typically manufactured on standard screw machines with specialized tooling or CNC lathes with standard tooling and specialized programming. Any conventional or modernized machine shop with the proper equipment can make these parts. There is really nothing special about the manufacturing process other than maintaining the tolerances listed on the prints. The jet and cap can be made of any machineable or injection moldable material that maintains structural integrity after manufacture. Some materials are preferred because of their chemical resistance or aesthetic properties. Materials typically used are anodized aluminum, stainless steel or oil resistant polymers. 
   A cap  FIGS. 5-8  is a cylindrical object with a dome shape on one end and flat on the other. A countersink  67  and through hole  66  are drilled in the center of a dome  61 . Bottom edges are chamfered  62  which make a transition to an inside diameter  63  and outside diameter  60 . A diameter change  64  inside the cap leads to an inside radius  65  and to a through hole  66 . Surface finish on the cap is typically very smooth. The cap fits symmetrically about the axis of a jet. 
   A jet is a cylindrical shaped object with three diameter changes on the body and two tapered transitions. (Ramification: Angular and diameter transitions are not necessary to the function of the system, but they are helpful in forming a positive seal during assembly)  FIG. 12  shows a flat surface  45  on the bottom of the jet is chamfered  46  to create a lead in angle during assembly. A small diameter  32  is connected to a transition angle  33  that is approximately 0.050″ long. Intermediate diameter  34  is in between transition angles  33  and  35 . Transition angle  35  is typically the same length as  33  and connects to the large diameter  37 . Chamfer  38  must maintain a fairly tight machining tolerance +/−0.002″ with respect to surface  39  and large diameter  37 . A capillary break  40  is formed near the top of the jet and underneath a ball radius  41 . A small hole  42  is drilled in the center of ball radius  41  and concentric to large diameter  37 . The depth of hole  42  should be a minimum of 1.5 times the diameter of hole  42 . A slot  36  is machined into the jet and ranges in width from 0.075″ to 0.125″ in typical applications. A bi-directional taper  47  is added to facilitate cap insertion over the jet and angles outward and downward towards the center of ball radius  41 . A hole  43  is drilled through the center axis of the jet  FIG. 15  and stops approximately 0.020″ from exiting ball radius  41 . In some applications a hole  44   FIG. 9  and  FIG. 15  is drilled parallel to flat surface  45  and  180  degrees from slot  36 . This hole is located near transition angle  33 , Hole  44  is not used where the diffuser well design supplies air from the bottom  FIG. 25 . All surface finishes should be smooth to reduce contamination collection. 
   A 1/16″ diameter Teflon rod  FIGS. 16 and 16B  is cut to length depending on the jet height. The ends can be cut square or tapered and usually requires some type of crimp on one end before inserting it into the jet and diffuser well assembly. 
   A jet hole inside a jet well  FIG. 20  is required to complete the atomizing jet system. Diameter interference tolerances of  72  and  74  are critical for proper seal between air supply  86  and oil supply  80 ,  FIG. 8 . Diameter transitions  71  and  72  are critical with reference to angular transitions  33  and  35 . Although diffuser well patents are not covered by this application, I have included  FIGS. 22 to 25  to show a few alternatives in diffuser well designs and how the jet assembly is used. (Ramification: There is really no limit to the diffuser well designs that can use the same jet assembly). 
   The process of inserting the jet requires a diffuser well of any shape or size. A special insertion tool (not shown) must be designed to fit over the jet ball radius  41  and seat on shoulder  39 . The tool must be designed so the pressure required to insert the jet does not distort jet diameter  37 , chamfer  38  or shoulder  39 . Chamfer angle  46  helps guide the jet into the jet well hole  FIG. 20 . Approximately 0.002″ interference should exist between diameters  32 ,  34  and  72 ,  74  after anodization. (For raw aluminum jets and diffuser wells this interference should be about 0.0035″ ). Angular transition areas  33  and  35  will distort and crush onto diameter transitions  71  and  73 . This crushing action and diameter interference will form a positive seal between the air supply  86 , oil supply  80  and diffuser well hole  84 . If all these surfaces do not seal properly, air bubbles will exit through the oil supply side  80  or through the jet well  84 . 
   After the jet has been installed, a special tool (not shown) is required to insert the Teflon rod between slot  36  and diameter  72 . Crimping the end of the Teflon rod makes it easier to insert into the opening. As the Teflon rod is pushed to the bottom of the opening it becomes distorted and maintains its position by the tension created by distortion. 
   A cap  FIG. 1 , is slipped over the jet and pushed down until diameter change  64   FIG. 7  rests on chamfer  38 . At this point the atomization jet assembly is complete and ready for use. (Do I need to provide a description for  FIGS. 22 to 25  and the prior art drawings?) 
   OPERATION OF THE INVENTION 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 18  an air supply  86 , requires aproximatly 1 psi and 400 cubic centimeters per minute air flow to begin atomization. As the air travels through hole  43  and out small hole  42  it creates a low pressure area (better known as the Ventura principal) at the top of ball radius  41 . The gap between ball radius  41  and inside cap radius  65  acts as an enclosure around the low pressure area. An oil (or liquid) present in oil supply hole  80  is drawn up slot  36 . Slot  36  provides an easy flow path for the oil or liquid. As the oil reaches the top of ball radius  41  it mixes with air exiting small hole  42 . An air/oil mixture now sprays out through hole  66  in an upward direction. The oil/air mixture may create a spray pattern ranging from a fine mist to a sputtering of large droplets depending on the viscosity of the oil. A glass diffuser  82  is inserted into jet well hole  84  to separate large oil particles from airborne particles. (Please see design patent for Glass diffuser) The large particles are returned to jet well  84  and airborne particles are carried out the top of glass diffuser  82  with the escaping air flow. When air supply  86  is turned off, back siphoning of oil into small hole  42  is prevented by capillary break  40 . Gravity pulls oil down to the open area created by radius  40 . Without capillary break  40 , oil could enter small hole  42  and begin filling air supply chamber  86  by way of capillary. If oil were to fall down hole  43  it would create a suction and keep pulling more oil through hole  42 . This process would keep going until jet well  84  is empty. Oil is suspended around surface  39  and chamfer  38  due to capillary tension between large Jet diameter  37  and inside diameter  63  of the cap. Capillary tension is also created by jet slot  36 , Teflon rod  70  (not shown in  FIG. 18 ) and inside cap diameter  63 . Capillary break  40  is very important because it stops back siphoning. 
   A slot  36  is machined into the side of the jet  FIG. 15  to provide a place for a 1/16″ diameter Teflon rod  FIG. 16  to rest.  FIG. 1  shows the Teflon rod as the locking component that holds the cap onto the jet. Tension between the cap and jet is accomplished by compressing or deforming the Teflon rod 0.003 to 0.007 inches. It is important to maintain resiliency of the Teflon rod by not compressing it too much. 
   If the jet is stainless steel, both diameters  32  and  34  should have about a 0.002″ interference fit after anodization with reference to the diffuser well jet hole  72  and  74  (See  FIG. 12 ). If a raw aluminum jet is pressed into a raw aluminum well, the interference tolerance should be about 0.0035 inches. Once the jet is pressed into place, the interface fit creates a seal between the air inlet cavity  86  and the oil supply hole  80  ( FIG. 18 ). The tapered sections on jet  33  and  35  crush against the lip  71  and  73  inside the jet well hole  FIG. 20 . This crushing action of material creates a positive sealing ring between the air inlet cavity  86  and all oil containment areas. The entire system relies upon these interface fits and crushing rings to separate the oil cavities from pressurized air. If these seals fail, the diffuser will blow bubbles into the oil or leak oil into the air supply line. Any seal failure is undesirable and renders the assembly useless. 
   Operation of Invention 
   Air supply  86  can be turned on before or after oil is added to the diffuser well. The glass diffuser  82  ( Fig. 18 ) should be in place prior to starting air flow. This will prevent liquid or oil from blasting out onto the table or other areas. 
   Once oil contacts the bottom parameter of cap  62  ( FIG. 6 ) it will begin pulling oil vertically by way of capillary through jet slot  36  and between the Teflon rod ( FIG. 16 ) and inner cap diameter  63  ( FIG. 7 ). Capillary action will move the oil with or without air flowing through the jet. Oil or liquid may be pulled as high as capillary break  40  ( FIG. 12 ). If oil does pass between ball radius  41  and inside radius  65  without air flowing through the jet orifice  42 , then the jet well  84  ( FIG. 18 ) is too deep and/or the oil level  83  is too high. With a properly designed jet well this should never happen. The capillary break  40  is designed to stop the flow of liquid from getting into the air supply line. The only exception to this rule would be the un-intended use of a vacuum pulling or air flowing in the reverse direction of the air supply channel  86  ( FIG. 18 ). Under normal and intended use, this has never been a problem. Even with the jet well full of oil and the air supply turned off during operation, the oil will pull away from jet orifice  42  and move down the jet ball radius  41  towards the capillary break  40 . 
   Oil cannot, under normal circumstances, be pulled up around jet ball  41  and exit the cap hole  66  without assistance of the Ventura action (vacuum) created by the air velocity  86  flowing through the jet orifice  42 . A low pressure area is created between the top of the jet ball  44  and the inner cap radius  65  as air exits the hole in the top of the cap  66  &amp;  67 . Oil is also drawn out with the air and the net result is an increased availability of air molecules mixing with oil molecules. These molecules or particles are carried into the glass diffuser tube  82 . The larger particles fall back into the jet well. The majority of oil particles are collected onto the inner surfaces of the glass diffuser and returned back to the jet well  84 . (see design patent application for glass diffusers). Typically the smaller, airborne molecules are carried out of the top of the glass diffuser  82 . A visibly detectable mist or fume usually comes out the top of the glass diffuser. Sometimes it has the appearance of a smoke stream, some times it is not visible. The rate of atomization depends on the viscosity and properties of the liquid. Sometimes it is easier to tell if the diffuser is atomizing by smelling the top of the glass diffuser or watching the oil come out of the cap hole  66  &amp;  67 . 
   CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION 
   Thus we see that customers are happier about the cap maintaining its position on the jet, so it does not get lost. Out of 18,000 sold since the provisional patent application was filed, no one has requested a replacement for the cap. We also see that the system works more reliably and consistently with a more shapely and attractive form. 
   The above descriptions and specifications should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but as exemplification&#39;s of one preferred embodiment. Many other variations are possible. For example: The jet and cap can be made of numerous materials. In fact, the jet could be molded as part of the diffuser well. Clear plastic caps could be used to monitor the movement of the liquid. 
   The assembly will work just fine without the Teflon rod. Holding the cap in place is not required. The size, shape tolerances, colors and length of the cap and jet could all be changed and still meet functional criteria. 
   The jet does not require an oil supply hole coming from a secondary oil well hole as illustrated  FIG. 18 .  FIGS. 22 through 28  show other shapes of diffuser wells.  FIG. 21  shows air access from below the jet instead of from the side of the jet. 
   Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents, not by the illustrated embodiments.