A method of manufacturing an optical article includes supplying a first coating composition and supplying one or more additional coating compositions to an ultrasonic discharge nozzle of a coating apparatus. At least one of the first coating composition and the one or more additional coating compositions is a photochromic coating composition. The method includes mixing the first coating composition and the one or more additional coating compositions at the ultrasonic discharge nozzle of the coating apparatus, and applying the mixture of the first coating composition and the one or more additional coating compositions to at least a portion of the optical article so as to provide a pattern on the optical article upon exposure to actinic radiation. The mixture of the first coating composition and the one or more additional coating compositions is applied from the ultrasonic discharge nozzle as a controlled, predetermined pattern of atomized droplets.

An ultrasonic atomization material applicator includes a material applicator with at least one transducer and an array plate with an array of micro-applicators. Each of the micro-applicators has a material inlet, a reservoir, and a micro-applicator plate with a plurality of apertures. At least one supply line is in communication with the micro-applicators and configured to supply at least one material to each of the micro-applicators. The at least one ultrasonic transducer is mechanically coupled to the at least one array of micro-applicators and configured to vibrate the at least one array of micro-applicators such that atomized droplets of the at least one material are ejected from each of the micro-applicators. A movement device configured to cyclically move the at least one array of micro-applicators back and forth about at least one axis of the at least one array of micro-applicators can be included.

An ultrasonic apparatus for producing particles of a pharmaceutical agent or other material comprises a flow-through ultrasonic horn comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an interior channel that connects the inlet to the outlet for flow of a fluid therethrough. The ultrasonic horn is connectable to a transducer, and a crystallization tube is adjacent to the ultrasonic horn. The crystallization tube comprises an inlet port and outlet port for flow of an antisolvent therethrough, and it further includes a side access port. The outlet of the ultrasonic horn is inserted into the side access port so as to be in fluid communication with the crystallization tube.

An ultrasonic-rotary composite atomization mechanism comprises a housing and an ultrasonic unit passing through the housing and free to rotate with respect to the housing. A dynamic unit is installed in a position of the ultrasonic unit, which is corresponding to the housing, to drive the ultrasonic unit to rotate with respect to the housing. The ultrasonic unit includes a material supply channel, a vibration member disposed in the ultrasonic unit, and a vibration-rotation cup connected with the material supply channel. The material supply channel carries a liquid into the vibration-rotation cup. The dynamic unit and vibration member operate simultaneously to make the vibration-rotation cup rotate at high speed and vibrate ultrasonically. Thus is generated a synergistic effect: the ultrasonic vibration uses inertia force to break the cohesion and disperse the liquid, and the high-speed rotation generates centrifugal force to atomize the liquid.

Disclosed is an ultrasonic spray coating system wherein (1) the surface of the feed blade of the ultrasonic spray head has been modified to add a series shallow channels to redirect the ultrasonic surface wave system that exists on the surface; (2) the internal passageway of the liquid applicator has been modified to add a series of channels to uniformly feed the liquid from the liquid applicator to the spray-forming tip; (3) a positive displacement pump is utilized to deliver the liquid to the spray head at a precise flow rate independent of the associated resistances of the liquid delivery system components; and (4) the gas entrainment system has been improved so as to expand the ultrasonically produced spray uniformly and without pulsations.

A handheld misting device has a housing having a dispensing window is arranged and configured to contain a sonic generator, a power source coupled to the sonic generator, at least one reservoir containing a liquid, and a conduit extending from the at least one reservoir to a nozzle removably coupled to the sonic generator. The sonic generator includes a converter and an elongate horn having a proximal end coupled to the converter and a distal end, and the nozzle is removably coupled to the distal end of the horn. Thus, the device delivers the liquid through a delivery opening formed in the nozzle, and activating the sonic generator energizes the liquid in the nozzle to generate an aerosol plume that is delivered through the dispensing window.

A handheld misting device includes a sonic generator, a power source coupled to the sonic generator, at least one reservoir containing a first liquid, and a conduit from the at least one reservoir. The sonic generator includes a converter and an elongate horn comprising a first horn section coupled to the converter and a second horn section physically connected to and removable from the first horn section. Sonic energy delivered to the first horn section is conducted to the second horn section. The conduit transports liquid from the at least one reservoir to the second horn section to a delivery opening distal the first horn section.

A unit dose capsule for use with a sonic generator includes a deformable membrane adapted to releasably engage the distal end of the elongate horn, a nozzle including at least one delivery opening; a nozzle including at least one delivery opening; and a reservoir containing a liquid composition disposed therebetween. When the unit dose capsule is engaged to the distal end of the elongate horn, the nozzle is disposed in an outwardly facing orientation, and the reservoir is in liquid communication with the at least one nozzle. The unit dose capsule can be included in a kit with a handheld misting device comprising a housing having a dispensing window arranged and configured to contain a sonic generator and a power source.

Disclosed is an ultrasonic spray coating system wherein (1) the surface of the feed blade of the ultrasonic spray head has been modified to add a series shallow channels to redirect the ultrasonic surface wave system that exists on the surface; (2) the internal passageway of the liquid applicator has been modified to add a series of channels to uniformly feed the liquid from the liquid applicator to the spray-forming tip; (3) a positive displacement pump is utilized to deliver the liquid to the spray head at a precise flow rate independent of the associated resistances of the liquid delivery system components; and (4) the gas entrainment system has been improved so as to expand the ultrasonically produced spray uniformly and without pulsations.

A dispensing nozzle comprising an ultrasound emitter is disclosed. A wall of the ultrasound emitter defines a channel. The ultrasound emitter comprises an inlet, a top and a bottom. The bottom of the ultrasound emitter may comprise a conical outlet. The conical outlet comprises an outer diameter that decreases in size in a direction towards an outlet opening defined by the conical outlet. The channel may extend from the inlet to the conical outlet. The dispensing nozzle further comprises a tube. The tube may be configured to deliver free-flowing material to the inlet. The ultrasound emitter may be configured to deliver ultrasound waves to free-flowing material flowing through channel. The ultrasound emitter may be configured to induce cavitation in free-flowing material passing through the conical outlet. The cavitation may be sufficient to destroy microorganisms and reduce microbial contamination of the free-flowing material dispensed from the dispensing nozzle.