Sprayhead apparatus for generating a gas-assisted droplet spray for use in oral cleaning

Abstract

The sprayhead device includes a housing ( 60 ) having an orifice plate ( 62 ) therein with at least one orifice opening ( 64 ) therethrough. A liquid line ( 36 ) delivers liquid to the sprayhead, where it proceeds through the orifice opening, wherein the liquid flow rate through the orifice and the liquid pressure are sufficiently great relative to the size of the orifice that the liquid moves through the orifice as a continuous stream. Gas is delivered to the housing and gas flows to the interior of the sprayhead through at least two openings ( 68 ) in the housing. The gas streams (flows) intercept the liquid flow perpendicularly, approximately 180° apart. The velocity of the gas flows is sufficient to break up the liquid stream from the orifice into a spray of droplets of desired size and velocity, accelerating them out of an acceleration duct ( 66 ) exit portion of the housing.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A droplet spray generating apparatus for use in an oral cleaning appliance, comprising:
 a sprayhead housing having a central ring member within the sprayhead housing, wherein the central ring member has at least one orifice opening therethrough, the central ring member surrounding a liquid flow through the orifice opening, wherein the liquid flow rate through the orifice opening is sufficiently great relative to the size of the orifice opening that the liquid moves through the orifice opening and exits therefrom as a stream of liquid;   a source of gas; and   a gas line system for delivering gas to the central ring member, wherein the central ring member includes a plurality of spaced openings therethrough arranged in pairs, each pair of which is approximately 180° apart and perpendicular to the liquid flow, wherein the openings in the central ring member open onto the liquid flow from the orifice opening, the central ring member including an acceleration duct with a droplet spray exit below the spaced openings.