The present invention relates to devices and methods for coating surfaces including surfaces of medical devices, in particular the coating of microprojections on microprojection arrays. The present invention also relates to print head devices and their manufacture and to methods of using the print head devices for manufacturing articles such as microprojection arrays as well as to coating the surfaces of microprojection arrays. The present invention also relates to high throughput printing devices that utilize the print heads of the present invention.

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 haze generating device for generating aerosol from a liquid includes at least one chamber in which the aerosol is generated. Each chamber includes a housing including a bottom and a side wall extending from the bottom to a top of the chamber, an ultrasonic transducer at the bottom, and a filter element at the top. The chamber is at least partially filled with a liquid to a filling level such that at least an ultrasound emitting surface of the ultrasonic transducer is immersed in the liquid. The chamber has a directed gas inlet at the side wall that directs a gas stream introduced into the chamber in a direction substantially parallel to a surface of the liquid and substantially along the side wall. The filter element includes guide surfaces that direct the gas stream out of the chamber in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the liquid.

A dispenser capable of dispensing a fluid via a vertically-oriented piezo device comprises a reservoir containing a fluid to be dispensed, an outlet at a base portion of the reservoir, leading to a dispensing port that comprises a piezo element drivable to vibrate and thereby dispense fluid from the dispensing port, a bleed tube communicating at one end with the dispensing port, extending therefrom to a location above the dispensing port, and including a selectively closeable valve, and a source of below-atmospheric pressure to the portion of the reservoir above the fluid. Embodiments of refills suitable for such a dispensing apparatus are also described.

An ejector device for ejecting droplets of fluid onto a surface includes an ejector mechanism attached to a fluid reservoir through a fluid loading plate that is configured to pierce the reservoir and channel the fluid to a rear surface of the ejector mechanism by capillary action. The ejector mechanism may have a centro-symmetric configuration with a lead free piezo actuator and may be covered by an auto-closing cover.

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.

A dispenser capable of dispensing a fluid via a vertically-oriented piezo device comprises a reservoir containing a fluid to be dispensed, an outlet at a base portion of the reservoir, leading to a dispensing port that comprises a piezo element drivable to vibrate and thereby dispense fluid from the dispensing port, a bleed tube communicating at one end with the dispensing port, extending therefrom to a location above the dispensing port, and including a selectively closeable valve, and a source of below-atmospheric pressure to the portion of the reservoir above the fluid. Embodiments of refills suitable for such a dispensing apparatus are also described.

A volatile liquid droplet dispenser for containing a liquid to be dispensed, with a first substrate having a space for containing the liquid, and having an outlet with at least one outlet nozzle, the first substrate further having the space adjacent to the liquid outlet, to receive the liquid such that the liquid may exit through at least one outlet nozzle of the outlet, a second substrate having a liquid inlet, and an actuating membrane arranged to actuate liquid in the space. The first substrate also has a fluidic channel interconnected to the space and arranged to laterally connect the liquid inlet to the space, thereby conveying the liquid to the space by way of lateral capillary action. The outlet is eccentric to the liquid inlet and in a vertical plane that is substantially the same or lower than the plane of the liquid inlet, depending on the liquid used.

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 portable ultrasonic cosmetic applicator for spraying lip gloss, eye shadow, blush, tanning solutions, moisturizing agents, and sterilants onto the body or face. Useful for wound healing, makeup artists in the movie industry, beauty salons, and for personal use. The applicator is small and lightweight thus making it easy to use without the use of external air pressure more commonly used with airbrush spraying equipment of this type. Noisy compressors, pressurized cylinders and air lines are all eliminated. The amount of unused solutions are reduced due to its ability to produce a smaller and more uniform droplet size which, in turn, produces a fine misty spray unlike some of the more traditional applicators. Due to its lack of complexity and awkwardness, the user is able to apply liquid in a simple and graceful manner.