Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
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.
2. Description of Related Art
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention will be more readily understood when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60656411 | Feb 2005 | US |