A liquid atomizing nozzle

Abstract

The present invention provides a nozzle capable of multiple atomizing steps of a liquid. In one configuration the nozzle provides atomization of a liquid fluid in a first direction and subsequent post atomization of the same liquid in a second direction to form a counter-flow nozzle. Accordingly, the liquid fluid to be dispensed is atomized in at least two separate stages causing improved atomization and the creation of particulate matter size of the liquid within a specified droplet spectrum. Furthermore, the present invention provides these features through an improved and simplified design providing potential cost savings to the end user due to the more effective operation of the nozzle and more efficient dispensing of fluid agents.

1 . An air liquid atomizing nozzle, the nozzle comprising: 
 a first member extending along an axis and having a first fluid connector for receiving a first fluid from a first fluid supply and a second fluid connector for receiving a second fluid from a second fluid supply; and    a second member attached to the first member, the first and second members defining: 
 a first fluid flow formed from the first fluid supply,  
 a second fluid flow formed from the second fluid supply,  
 a third fluid flow formed from the first fluid supply, and  
 wherein the second fluid flow path merges with the first fluid flow to cause atomization of the second fluid and wherein the second fluid flow merges with the third fluid flow to cause further atomization of the second fluid.  
   
   
   
       2 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein the first fluid flow and the third fluid flow rotate in opposite directions.  
   
   
       3 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein the first fluid flow is defined by a first chamber and the third fluid flow is defined by a second chamber.  
   
   
       4 . The nozzle of  claim 3 , further comprising a wall separating the first and second chamber, wherein the wall includes grooves formed therein for directing the first fluid flow or the second fluid flow within the nozzle.  
   
   
       5 . The nozzle of  claim 3 , further comprising a pre-atomization chamber for atomizing the second fluid flow.  
   
   
       6 . The nozzle of  claim 3 , further comprising one or more feature located at the end of the first or second chamber for effecting the direction of the fluid flow exiting the chamber.  
   
   
       7 . The nozzle of  claim 6 , wherein the second fluid flow rotates in a direction opposite the first fluid flow.  
   
   
       8 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein the first fluid comprises a gas and the second fluid comprises a liquid.  
   
   
       9 . The nozzle of  claim 8 , wherein first fluid comprises substantially of air and the second fluid comprises an insecticide.  
   
   
       10 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein upon exiting the nozzle, a droplet spectrum is formed.  
   
   
       11 . The nozzle of  claim 10 , wherein the droplet spectrum comprises droplet between 5-30 microns.  
   
   
       12 . The nozzle of  claim 10 , wherein the droplet spectrum comprises droplets less than 5 microns.  
   
   
       13 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein a seal is formed between the first and second member.  
   
   
       14 . The nozzle of  claim 13 , wherein the nozzle is substantially free of a gasket.  
   
   
       15 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein the first fluid flow is formed by a first set of openings formed through the first member and the third fluid flow is formed by a second set of openings formed through the first member.  
   
   
       16 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is configured to direct the first and second fluid flow at an angle with respect the nozzle axis.  
   
   
       17 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is a low pressure nozzle dispensing fluid between 2 to 20 psi.  
   
   
       18 . The nozzle of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is a high pressure nozzle dispensing fluid greater than 100 psi.  
   
   
       19 . A low pressure air liquid atomizing nozzle, the nozzle comprising: 
 a housing member extending along an axis, the member having a first fluid connector for receiving a first fluid from a first fluid supply and a second fluid connector for receiving a second fluid from a second fluid supply,    wherein the housing member defines a first fluid flow formed from the first fluid supply, a second fluid flow formed from the second fluid supply, and a third fluid flow formed from the first fluid supply,    wherein the second fluid flow path merges with the first fluid flow to cause atomization of the second fluid and wherein the second fluid flow merges with the third fluid flow to cause further atomization of the second fluid, and    wherein the first fluid flow path rotates in a first direction and the second fluid flow path rotates in a second direction.    
   
   
       20 . The nozzle of  claim 19 , wherein the first and second fluid flow paths rotate in opposite directions with respect to the nozzle axis.