HK1238182B - Removable cartridge for liquid diffusion device and cartridge insert thereof - Google Patents

Description

Removable cartridge and cartridge insert for a liquid diffusion device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to liquid diffusion devices and, more particularly, to a removable cartridge having a multifunctional insert for use with a liquid diffusion device wherein liquid to be diffused is contained in the cartridge and passes through the multifunctional insert before being discharged into a space.

Background Art

Previous diffusion devices have been able to disperse scents or other liquids throughout the air of a desired space, but there have always been some disadvantages. Changing the scent or product being diffused generally requires that the reservoir of the diffusion device be emptied and then filled with a new liquid or scent. Conventional reservoirs can be configured to be refilled directly with the liquid to be diffused, which may be mixed or have a very strong scent. Such refilling may not be suitable for implementation in public places, such as stores, restaurants, casinos or other commercial environments where scents or other products may be diffused. In addition, for home or non-commercial diffusion devices, it is undesirable to have an arrangement where bulk refills have to be handled, which must be dumped or otherwise placed in the reservoir of the diffusion device. It would be desirable to have an improved ability to refill or recharge a diffusion device with scents or other products.

Some diffuser devices have been developed that address the aforementioned issues by enabling a cartridge containing the liquid to be diffused to be removed from a main device and replaced with another similar cartridge when the liquid is depleted. However, such diffuser devices and their removable cartridges can be excessively convoluted, expensive, and/or have other drawbacks or disadvantages, such as, for example, the discharged diffused liquid having less than ideal properties, or the cartridge being susceptible to leakage, damage, fouling, and/or contamination. Therefore, applicants believe there is a need for improved cartridges and cartridge components for liquid diffuser devices.

Summary of the Invention

The removable cartridges shown and described herein for use with liquid diffusion devices and components thereof provide removable cartridges and cartridge components (e.g., multi-functional inserts) having an efficient form factor that is particularly effective in treating spaces with diffused liquids having extremely small liquid particles.

At least one embodiment of an insert for a cartridge for use with a liquid diffusion device can be summarized as comprising: a body; an inlet disposed in the body to receive diffusion liquid generated within the cartridge during operation of the liquid diffusion device; an outlet region at least partially defined by the body through which the diffusion liquid is discharged toward an external environment; and a curved channel extending between the inlet and the outlet region to assist in further reducing the average liquid particle size of the diffusion liquid as the diffusion liquid moves through the curved channel.

The inlet may be located at the periphery of the body, the outlet region may be located at the central region of the body, and the curved channel may spiral between the inlet and outlet regions. The curved channel may open in an upward direction. The body may be formed as a single integral piece including the curved channel. The lower portion of the body may include a recess having an impact surface that is impacted by the diffused liquid during operation of the liquid diffusion device. The impact surface may diverge in a downward direction, thereby directing the liquid radially outward and downward to condense on the impact surface. The curved channel may be at least partially defined by vertical side walls of the body. The curved channel may follow a non-linear path that helps prevent liquid from leaking from the cartridge when the cartridge is inverted. The cross-sectional profile of at least a portion of the curved channel may narrow in a downstream direction.

At least one embodiment of a cartridge for use with a liquid diffuser can be summarized as comprising: a cartridge housing defining an interior housing cavity partially filled with a liquid to be diffused; a diffuser head positioned within the interior housing cavity, the diffuser head including a venturi device for generating diffused liquid from the liquid contained within the interior housing cavity; and an insert positioned downstream of the diffuser head. The insert can include an inlet for receiving the diffused liquid generated by the venturi device; an outlet region through which the diffused liquid is discharged toward an external environment; and a tortuous passage extending between the inlet and outlet regions.

The insert may be sandwiched between the cartridge housing and the diffuser head. The upper portion of the diffuser head and the lower portion of the insert may define a primary expansion chamber directly above the venturi device, a secondary chamber may be provided external to the diffuser head and the insert, and a tertiary chamber may be provided via a curved passageway in the insert. The primary expansion chamber may be in fluid communication with the internal housing chamber external to the diffuser head via a plurality of apertures provided in the upper portion of the diffuser head. The upper portion of the diffuser head may define a baffle that prevents diffused liquid generated by the venturi device from exiting the primary expansion chamber beyond the plurality of apertures.

The tortuous channel of the insert can provide a unique path for the diffusing liquid generated by the venturi device to exit the cartridge. The tortuous channel of the insert can be configured to provide a winding flow path that delays the flow of the to-be-diffused liquid when the cartridge is temporarily held in an inverted position. When the removable cartridge is upright, the initial fill level of the to-be-diffused liquid can be below the venturi device, and when the removable cartridge is inverted and placed on its side, the initial fill level of the to-be-diffused liquid can be below the central axis of the removable cartridge, and the tortuous channel can be configured to provide a winding flow path that includes a portion above the central axis when the removable cartridge is inverted and placed on its side, thereby preventing the to-be-diffused liquid from passing through the entire portion of the tortuous channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 is a perspective view of a removable cartridge for a liquid diffusion device according to one embodiment.

2 is a perspective, partial cross-sectional view of the removable cartridge of FIG. 1 , illustrating internal components of the removable cartridge of FIG. 1 .

3 is a cross-sectional view of the removable cartridge of FIG. 1 taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 .

4 is a cross-sectional view of the removable cartridge of FIG. 1 taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 2 .

5 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of the diffuser head and insert of the removable cartridge of FIG. 1 .

6 is a cross-sectional view of the insert of the removable cartridge of FIG. 1 taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 4 , illustrating the flow path for diffusion liquid to move therethrough.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the removable cartridge of FIG. 1 taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 2 , but with the removable cartridge rotated on its side.

8 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of a removable cartridge for a liquid diffusion device according to another embodiment.

9 is a perspective view of the insert of the removable cartridge of FIG. 8 .

10 is a cross-sectional view of the insert shown in FIG. 9 illustrating the flow path through which the diffused liquid moves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of each disclosed embodiment. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other cases, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments, known devices, structures, and techniques associated with the liquid diffusion device, the components of the liquid diffusion device, and the related methods of diffusing liquid may not be shown or described in detail. For example, embodiments of the removable cartridges and cartridge components (e.g., cartridge inserts) disclosed herein may be used in a variety of primary diffusion devices, including diffusion devices with an onboard pressurized gas source (e.g., an air compressor or pump) and a control system for discharging diffusion liquid with a regular or irregular duty cycle or as required by other needs. In order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of such embodiments, such diffusion devices that may be suitable for accommodating the embodiments of the cartridges and cartridge components described herein are not shown or described in more detail. Examples of diffusion devices and aspects of diffusion devices and related methods that may be used in combination with the cartridges and cartridge components described herein are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,712,683, 7,930,068, and 8,855,827, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims that follow, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" should be construed in an open, inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to."

References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The present disclosure generally relates to liquid diffusion devices, and more specifically, to removable cartridges 100, 200 for use with diffusion devices, and components of removable cartridges 100, 200, and related methods for discharging diffusion liquid into a space, wherein the liquid to be diffused is contained in the cartridges 100, 200. The cartridges 100, 200 described herein can be used with a diffusion device or system having a unit or housing adapted to removably receive the cartridges 100, 200 so that the diffusion device or system can be refilled with the liquid to be diffused. In some cases, a diffusion device can be provided that includes such a unit or housing, a removable liquid cartridge 100, 200, and a cap that encloses the unit or housing and the cartridges 100, 200, similar to the exemplary diffusion device shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 7,712,683 assigned to Prolitec, Inc., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. One or more operating controllers or status indicators can be set to operate this device, and outlet or opening can be set in this device, so that the diffusion liquid produced by the liquid in the tube 100, the tube 200 is discharged into the environment around this device. When being received in the main diffusion device, removable tube 100, removable tube 200 are joined to or otherwise connected to the outlet of pressurized gas source, so that pressurized gas can selectively pass through tube 100, tube 200 as described herein, thereby diffuse the liquid contained in tube 100, the tube 200. The gas for driving the diffusion of liquid can be any gas in various inert gases. In some cases, diffusion device can comprise the air compressor that utilizes normal room air to drive diffusion. However, other gases can also be used, such as but not limited to nitrogen, carbon dioxide or other similar atmospheric gases. Equally desirably, use and treat the gas of diffusion liquid reaction, such as but not limited to oxygen and other non-inert gases. In addition, diffusion device may utilize, for example but not limited to, onboard compressor, such as the onboard compressed gas source of pressurized reservoir or the connection to external compressed gas source.

In this disclosure, the terms atomization and diffusion are used interchangeably in their various forms. Atomization and diffusion are intended to refer to the generally similar action of dispersing a liquid into very small particle sizes (preferably, but not limited to, one micron or less in size) and releasing the particles into the air of a generally enclosed space. Providing particularly small particles to discharge the diffusion liquid helps ensure that the liquid to be dispersed remains airborne long enough to effectively treat the space.

One way to provide small-sized particles is to incorporate a dispersion or gas-liquid mixing location adjacent to the expansion chamber. The mixed gas and liquid combination may include particles larger than the desired size. Allowing the mixture to remain in the expansion chamber before releasing it into the processing space allows larger particles to settle out of the mixture. The structure in which the gas and liquid mixture streams collide can also contribute to the aggregation of these larger particles and leave only the primarily desired smaller-sized particles for release. The expansion chamber can be maintained at a positive pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure in the space to be processed so that the gas and liquid mixture can be injected from the device into the space. Alternatively, the expansion chamber can be maintained at approximately the atmospheric pressure of the space to be processed, wherein the gas flow through the chamber provides a driving force for the movement of the gas and liquid mixture from the device to the space to be processed. It is also possible to make the pressure in the expansion chamber lower than the pressure in the processing space, which can contribute to the mixing or dispersion of the diffused liquid in the atmosphere in the space.

In the context of this disclosure, diffusion also generally refers to the process or method of dispersing a liquid without destroying the integrity of the liquid compound. Although some degree of reaction between the gas and the liquid can be expected, unlike heating or applying electrical energy to the liquid to diffuse the liquid, diffusion generally does not change the properties of the liquid.

Removable cartridge 100, removable cartridge 200 and parts thereof described herein can be used together with diffusion device, to provide or introduce pleasant or soothing smell (or some other types of liquid that can be used as airborne treatment agent or compound) to the air space of room or other enclosed space.The specific liquid dispersed by diffusion device is contained in removable cartridge 100, removable cartridge 200.The liquid of other possible types that can disperse can comprise detergent, insecticide, insect repellent and the many different types of liquid that can be dispersed in enclosed space desirably.The present disclosure is not limited to the specific type or property of liquid to be dispersed, but is intended to include the treatment agent of preferably dispersed, any desired airborne liquid in enclosed space effectively.As used herein, term enclosed space refers to the space of any volume, in which the atmosphere circulates slowly enough, to allow the liquid that disperses to have its desired effect in this space.Larger spaces such as concert halls, casinos, halls can have one or more openings leading to this space, and still have the required features that allow to be treated with diffusion liquid.Other spaces can preferably be completely enclosed, to allow to be treated by selected liquid. In other cases, for maximum efficiency or for safety reasons, the liquid to be treated may preferably be used in a sealed space. Within the scope of the present disclosure, it is not intended to limit the nature, size or configuration of the space to be treated, except as may be appropriate to the nature of the liquid used to treat the space and the treatment required within the space.

Pressurized gas source 102, pressurized gas source 202 (Fig. 2 and Fig. 8) can be arranged in the diffusion device or be connected with diffusion device, and diffusion device admits removable tube 100, tube 200. Pressurized gas source 102, pressurized gas source 202 can comprise for example small air compressor or pump, internal reservoir or be connected to external pressurized gas source.In some embodiments, controller can be configured to allow to regulate the timing and/or the pressure level of the air or pressurized gas produced by pump or compressor, and this pressurized gas or air are finally guided into and pass tube 100, tube 200.In some cases, operating pressure can be relatively low, for example, is less than about 2psi gauge pressure or about 1.5psi gauge pressure.In tube 100, tube 200, guide pressurized gas, with the liquid held in atomizing tube 100, tube 200, and pressurized gas helps atomized liquid to be dispersed in the air space to be treated.

In some cases, it is desirable that there is an indirect route and outlet 114, outlet 214 (Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 and Fig. 8) from the actual atomization point of liquid, part atomized particles leave tube 100, tube 200 by outlet 114, outlet 214.As will be described in more detail below, removable tube 100 as herein described, the embodiment of removable tube 200 provides atomization zone, and liquid and pressurized gas from tube 100, tube 200 meet and mix in atomization zone.In addition, tube 100, tube 200 can also provide one or more expansion chambers in tube 100, tube 200, keep atomized liquid at these one or more expansion chambers, until allow part atomized liquid to leave tube 100, tube 200 and main diffusion device.As described in more detail elsewhere, tube 100, tube 200 can combine the reservoir for the treatment of diffusion of liquid, for liquid being converted into the atomization structure of air concentration, one or more expansion chambers and towards the outlet 114, outlet 214 of tube 100, tube 200, tortuous path or the passage. The cartridges 100, 200 according to the present disclosure may also be used in conjunction with one or more external expansion chambers to further assist in separating particle sizes and allowing only permitted, desired small particles to enter the space to be treated.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 7, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a removable cartridge 100 for use with a diffusion device configured to treat a space with a diffusion liquid generated by a pressurized gas flow moving through the cartridge 100. As shown in Figure 1, the removable cartridge 100 may include a housing 110 having two or more portions or pieces 110a, 110b that are coupled together to define a fluid container having an interior cavity 113 that is partially filled with a liquid to be diffused 111. In some cases, the housing portions or pieces 110a, 110b may be fixedly coupled together to prevent non-destructive disassembly of the removable cartridge, making the removable cartridge effectively tamper-resistant. This may be desirable to prevent users from refilling and reusing spent cartridges that may be ineffective or less effective in treating the space due to fouling or accumulation of residue from previous use within the cartridge 100. As an example, and with reference to Figures 2 to 4, the housing portions or pieces 110a, 110b can be provided with an interlocking structure 120 that snaps together or otherwise couples together in a manner that prevents non-destructive disassembly of the housing 110, and thus the cartridge 100. A seal 122, such as an O-ring seal or other sealing device, can be provided between the housing portions or pieces 110a, 110b near the interlocking structure 120 to provide a liquid-tight seal when the housing 110 is assembled. In this way, the liquid 111 to be diffused can be prevented from leaking from the housing 110 at the interface between the housing portions or pieces 110a, 110b. When the liquid 111 is exhausted, the cartridge 100 can be easily removed and replaced with a similar cartridge 100 to continue treating the environment surrounding the diffusion device, and the exhausted cartridge 100 can be discarded as a complete unit or collected for refurbishment purposes.

With reference to Fig. 1, the housing 110 of cartridge 100 may include an upper housing portion 110a and a lower housing portion 110b fixedly coupled together. A cartridge inlet 112 may be provided at the bottom end of the lower housing portion 110b to admit a pressurized gas stream during operation, and a cartridge outlet 114 may be provided in the upper housing portion 110a for discharging the diffused liquid produced by cartridge 100 during operation. The cartridge inlet 112 and cartridge outlet 114 may be aligned along the central axis A defined by the housing 110. The housing 110 may be rotationally symmetrical about the central axis A. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the housing 110 may be similar to an urn or similar container rotationally symmetrical about the central axis A. In other cases, the housing 110 may be asymmetrically shaped, and the cartridge inlet 112 and cartridge outlet 114 may not be aligned vertically along a common axis. During storage, transport, etc., respective caps or plugs 104 , 106 may be provided to temporarily close the cartridge inlet 112 and cartridge outlet 114 to prevent fouling or contamination of the cartridge 100 , or possible leakage of liquid 111 held therein.

The internal components and structure of the cartridge 100 and the associated functions will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. According to the illustrated embodiment of the cartridge 100, among other aspects, the internal components and structure provide a flow path, indicated by arrows 130a to 130h, from the cartridge inlet 112 through the cartridge 100 to the cartridge outlet 114. When installed in the primary diffuser assembly, the cartridge inlet 112 is coupled to a pressurized gas source 102 so that the gas can be periodically forced through the cartridge 100, generally as indicated by arrows 130a to 130h, to combine with the liquid 111 and exit as a gas-liquid mixture including particularly small liquid particles carried by the gas, which is generally referred to herein as the diffuser liquid.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, pressurized gas enters the cartridge 100 through the cartridge inlet 112 at the bottom end of the housing 110 and then flows through a diffuser head 140 and a cartridge insert 170 disposed within the housing 110, wherein the diffuser head 140 includes a venturi device 142 for drawing the retained liquid 111 into the moving gas stream, before exiting the cartridge 100 through the cartridge outlet 114. More specifically, the pressurized gas enters the cartridge 100 through the cartridge inlet 112 at the bottom end of the housing 110, as indicated by arrow 130a, and then flows upward through a gas supply conduit 152 defined by an interior surface 154 of a lower portion 144 of the diffuser head 140, as indicated by arrow 130b. The gas then flows through the venturi device 142, thereby drawing liquid 111 from the fluid reservoir of the lower portion 144 of the diffuser head 140, which is surrounded by the internal housing cavity 113 of the housing 110, to produce a gas-liquid mixture including atomized liquid (also referred to herein as diffused liquid), which is discharged into the expansion chamber 148 provided by the upper portion 146 of the diffuser head 140, as indicated by arrow 130c. The diffused liquid is then directed toward an impingement structure or surface 182 positioned opposite the venturi device 142, wherein at least some of the diffused liquid impinges on the impingement structure or surface 182 and collects, and returns to any remaining fluid 111 in the fluid reservoir to be reintroduced into the gas flow through the venturi device 142. At least some of the diffusing liquid is redirected to flow downward around the baffle portion 156 of the diffusing head 140 and through the passage 158 in the diffusing head 140 to a portion of the interior cavity 113 of the housing in the cartridge 100 above the fluid level L of the liquid 111, as indicated by arrows 130d and 130e. From there, some of the diffusing liquid may collect on exposed interior surfaces of the housing 110 or other internal structures of the cartridge 100, or otherwise precipitate from the gas and atomized liquid, and rejoin the liquid 111 in the fluid reservoir to be reintroduced into the gas flow through the venturi device 142. Additional of the diffusing liquid may be propelled into the cartridge insert 170 via its inlet 172, as indicated by arrow 130f. The diffusing liquid travels from the inlet 172 of the insert 170 along a tortuous path, as indicated by arrow 130g, through the cartridge insert 170 before passing through the outlet passage 115 in the housing 110 to the cartridge outlet 114 for discharge from the cartridge 100 (indicated by arrow 130h). During this winding journey from the expansion chamber 148 to the cartridge outlet 114, the liquid particle size distribution of the diffusing liquid is refined so that only extremely fine particles are successfully discharged from the cartridge 100, while relatively larger particles accumulate on one or more surfaces of the internal structure and components of the cartridge 100 or are otherwise precipitated from the gas to merge with the remaining liquid 111 in the liquid reservoir for reintroduction into the gas stream via the venturi device 142.

Further details of the diffuser head 140 and cartridge insert 170 will now be discussed with reference to FIG5 . As shown in FIG5 , the diffuser head 140 can include a unitary diffuser head body 141 comprising an upstream or lower portion 144 and a downstream or upper portion 146. For example, in some cases, the diffuser head 140 can be molded or otherwise formed as a unitary piece of material, such as a suitable plastic or polymer material. As shown in FIG1-4 , the lower portion 144 of the diffuser head 140 can be sized and shaped to closely nest with or otherwise mate with a corresponding portion of the housing 110 and can be fixedly joined to the housing 110 via spin welding, ultrasonic welding, or other joining processes to establish a fluid-tight seal between the housing 110 and the lower portion 144 of the diffuser head 140. In some cases, such as the exemplary embodiment of diffuser head 140 shown in FIG. 5 , lower portion 144 of diffuser head body 141 may include a flange 143 or other features such as steps, protrusions, projections, recesses, or grooves that cooperate with housing 110 to facilitate assembly and engagement of the components.

5 , the lower portion 144 of the diffuser head body 141 includes an inner surface 154 defining a gas supply conduit 152 that leads from the cartridge inlet 112 at the bottom end of the cartridge 100 to the venturi device 142. The gas supply conduit 152 may also be partially defined by a partition 145 of the diffuser head body 141 that separates the upper portion 146 from the lower portion 144 of the diffuser head 140. The partition 145 separates and isolates the gas supply conduit 152 from the expansion chamber 148, with the exception of a flow passage 147 through the venturi device 142 that provides the only fluid communication between the gas supply conduit 152 and the expansion chamber 148.

2 and 3 , the liquid 111 to be diffused can surround the lower portion 144 of the diffuser head 140, such that gas enters the cartridge 100 from the bottom 118 of the cartridge 100 and passes through the area of the diffuser head 140 surrounded by the liquid 111 before reaching the venturi device 142. At the venturi device 142, the gas is accelerated via the flow channel 147, creating a low-pressure zone that draws the liquid 111 to be diffused through the suction tube 119, which provides fluid communication between the liquid reservoir surrounding the lower portion 144 of the diffuser head 140 and the venturi device 142. Preferably, the initial volume of liquid 111 supplied by the cartridge 100 does not fill the entire internal cavity 113 of the housing 110, but rather defines a fluid level L below the venturi device 142.

5 , the diffuser head 140 may include a tube receiving passage 149 in the partition 145 of the diffuser head body 141 to receive one end of the suction tube 119 and position the outlet of the suction tube 119 in fluid communication with the flow passage 147 of the venturi device 142, so that the liquid 111 can be drawn into the path of the pressurized gas as it is accelerated through the flow passage 147 of the venturi device 142. The flow passage 147 of the venturi device 142 may include a converging inlet, a narrow throat, a side port for introducing liquid, and a diverging outlet, the flow passage 147 being configured to accelerate the gas flow, draw the liquid 111 through the side port, and discharge the diffused liquid into a downstream expansion chamber 148 provided by the upper portion 146 of the diffuser head 140. The size and shape of flow channel 147 may be configured based on: the characteristics of the gas flow; the geometry of gas supply conduit 152 ; and the gas volume and velocity required to effectively draw liquid 111 into suction tube 119 and atomize liquid 111 in venturi device 142 .

Continuing with FIG. 5 , the diffused liquid can be expelled from the venturi device 142 with sufficient force to cause at least some of the atomized liquid particles suspended in the gas, particularly the larger particles, to impact and accumulate on the underside of the cartridge insert 170, which is disposed opposite the venturi device 142 and serves as an impaction structure. Preferably, the underside of the cartridge insert 170 is a concave impaction structure. More specifically, the insert 170 can include a lower portion 180 having an indentation or depression, the lower portion 180 including an impaction surface 182, which is impacted by the dispersed liquid generated by the venturi device 142 during operation. In some cases, the impaction surface 182 can be concave and can diverge in a downward direction, thereby directing liquid condensation or accumulation radially outward and downward thereon. In some embodiments, the impaction surface 182 can be a conical surface or a frusto-conical surface. Liquid collected on the underside of the insert 170 can drip or flow down onto the partition 145 of the diffuser head 140 and drain to a liquid reservoir via a channel 158 provided in the upper portion 146 of the diffuser head 140, wherein, in some embodiments, the channel 158 can provide the only fluid communication between the expansion chamber 148 and the internal cavity 113 of the housing 110 outside the diffuser head 140.

As shown in FIG5 , insert 170 is positioned above diffuser head 140 and includes a body 171, an inlet 172, an outlet region 174, and a curved channel 176. Inlet 172 is disposed within body 171 to receive diffused liquid generated within cartridge 100 during operation of the liquid diffuser. Outlet region 174 is at least partially defined by body 171, through which diffused liquid is discharged toward the external environment. Curved channel 176 extends between inlet 172 and outlet region 174 to further reduce the average liquid particle size of the diffused liquid as the diffused liquid moves through curved channel 176 during operation. Inlet 172 may be located at a periphery 173 of body 171, outlet region 174 may be located at a central region 175 of body 171, and curved channel 176 may extend in a spiral or other manner between inlet 172 and outlet region 174 in a winding manner. Curved channel 176 may be at least partially defined by a vertical sidewall 178 of body 171. The sidewalls 178 may extend from the periphery 173 of the body 171 into a central region 175 of the body 171. The bottom plate 179 of the insert 170 may be sloped or tilted toward the inlet 172 to help reroute liquid that has settled out of the gas/diffusion liquid mixture or otherwise collected on the surface of the insert 170 as the mixture passes through the tortuous passage 176 during operation, returning such liquid to rejoin any remaining liquid 111 in the interior cavity 113 surrounding the lower portion 144 of the diffuser head 140 for reintroduction into the gas flow through the venturi device 142.

5 , the curved channel 176 can open in an upward direction, and when the cartridge 100 is assembled, the corresponding portion 117 of the housing 110 can at least partially cover the curved channel 176 to define an aerosol outlet at the remaining uncovered portion of the outlet region 174. Since the insert 170 is sandwiched between the cartridge housing 110 and the diffuser head 140 in the assembled state, the insert 170 can also include chamfers 177 of other features or structures for mating with the housing 110 to help align and secure the insert 170 in the cartridge 100. In the assembled state, the diffuser head 140 and the insert 170 extend longitudinally between the lower housing portion 110b and the upper housing portion 110a, thereby defining a central core of the cartridge 100 that extends completely through the housing 110 in a radial direction.

Preferably, the body 171 of the insert 170 is formed as a single, unitary piece, including the curved channel 176, and is coupled to or otherwise positioned adjacent to the upper portion 146 of the diffuser head 140, thereby covering the expansion chamber 148. For example, in some cases, the insert 170 may be molded or otherwise formed as a unitary piece of material, such as a suitable plastic or polymer material. The upper portion 146 of the diffuser head 140 and the insert 170 may be sized and shaped to nest together. For example, the upper portion 146 of the diffuser head 140 may include a recessed or bracketed portion 150 to receive and support the insert 170. In some embodiments, the insert 170 may be fixedly joined to the diffuser head 140 via spin welding, ultrasonic welding, or other joining techniques. Furthermore, while the diffuser head 140 and the insert 170 are described herein as two separate components positioned or joined together, it should be understood that the structures and features of these components may be formed, such as into a single, unitary piece, via additive manufacturing processes. In other cases, the structures and features of the diffuser head 140 and the insert 170 may be provided by more than two pieces that are joined or otherwise coupled together. However, in the particularly advantageous embodiment shown in Figures 1-7, the removable cartridge 100 consists of or consists essentially of the cartridge housing 110, the diffuser head 140, the cartridge insert 170, the liquid to be diffused 111, and a conduit or tube 119, wherein the conduit or tube 119 extends from a side of the venturi device 142 of the diffuser head 140 to a lower region of the internal housing cavity 113, thereby enabling the liquid 111 contained in the lower region of the internal housing cavity 113 to be drawn into the path of the pressurized gas as it moves through the venturi device 142 during operation.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the curved channel 176 is helical and rotates at least one full revolution about the central axis A. However, it should be understood that the curved channel 176 may take a variety of different forms. For example, the curved channel 176 may include a curved path that at least partially encircles the central axis A as it moves from the inlet 172 toward the outlet region 174. In other cases, the curved channel 176 may include a path having multiple straight segments that are angled relative to each other to provide multiple turns. In still other cases, the curved channel 176 may include a path that combines linear and nonlinear path segments. The cross-sectional shape of the curved channel 176 may also vary along the curved channel 176. For example, the cross-sectional profile of at least a portion of the curved channel 176 may narrow in the downstream direction, i.e., in the direction from the inlet 172 toward the outlet region 174. This narrowing of the curved channel 176 may further help refine the composition of the diffused liquid, so that the diffused liquid includes only the finest liquid particles.

Regardless of specific configuration, among other aspects, the curved channel 176 follows a nonlinear path that helps prevent liquid 111 from leaking from the tube 100 when the tube 100 is inverted. For example, if the tube 100 is temporarily held upside down, the curved channel 176 helps slow down the liquid 111 in the tube 100 from advancing toward the outlet region 174, and therefore slows down the liquid 111 from advancing toward the outlet 114 of the tube 100. In this way, the tube 100 can be straightened without fluid loss subsequently. In addition, as shown in Figure 7, when the tube 100 is inverted and stationary on its side, the tube 100 is configured so that the volume of the liquid 111 supplied by the tube 100 will not rise above the central axis A of the tube 100. In this way, because at least a portion of the curved channel 176 will be positioned above the fluid level L ₂ of the liquid 111, the liquid 111 will not be able to move through the entire portion of the curved channel 176, so the curved channel 176 will prevent the liquid 111 from overflowing from the outlet 114.

Referring again to Figures 2-4, it will be appreciated that the internal components of the housing 110 and cartridge 100 define a plurality of distinct chambers downstream of the venturi device 142, through which the diffused liquid sequentially travels before exiting the cartridge 100 and ultimately into the surrounding environment. More specifically, the upper portion 146 of the diffuser head 140 and the lower portion of the insert 170 define a primary expansion chamber 148 directly above the venturi device 142. A secondary chamber is provided within the interior chamber 113 of the housing 110, external to the diffuser head 140 and insert 170, above the fluid level L of the liquid 111 to be diffused. A third chamber is provided by a tortuous passage 176 of the insert 170. A passage or aperture 158 in the upper portion 146 of the diffuser head 140 provides fluid communication between the primary expansion chamber 148 and the secondary chambers. The upper portion 146 of the diffusion head 140 further defines a baffle or baffle portion 156 that prevents the diffusion liquid generated by the venturi device 142 from exiting the primary expansion chamber 148 except through the plurality of channels or holes 158. An inlet 172 of the insert 170 provides fluid communication between the secondary chamber and the tertiary chamber (i.e., a tortuous channel 176). While only one inlet 172 and one tortuous channel 176 are shown to provide a single path for the diffusion liquid to exit the cartridge 100, it should be understood that multiple inlets 172 may be provided to allow the diffusion liquid to enter one or more tortuous channels leading to the outlet 114 of the cartridge 100. As the diffusion liquid moves through the chambers sequentially during operation, the various chambers described above (i.e., the primary expansion chamber, the secondary chamber, and the tertiary chamber) collectively help refine the composition of the diffusion liquid so that the diffusion liquid includes only the finest liquid particles. For example, before the gas/diffusing liquid mixture exits the cartridge 100, the gas/diffusing liquid mixture resides for a period of time in each of the different chambers to allow undesirable large liquid particles or droplets to settle or otherwise separate from the mixture and return to the liquid reservoir within the interior cavity 113 of the housing 110 and outside the diffusion head 140 for subsequent atomization and dispersion. In this manner, the removable cartridge 100 and its components can provide a cartridge solution for a diffusion device having an efficient form factor that is particularly effective when treating spaces with diffusion liquids having very small liquid particles.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 10, another exemplary embodiment of a removable cartridge 200 is shown that is for use with a diffusion device configured to treat a volume using a diffused liquid generated by a flow of pressurized gas moving through the cartridge 200. As shown in Figure 8, the removable cartridge 200 may include a housing 210 having, among other aspects, two or more portions or pieces 210a, 210b that are coupled together to define a fluid container having an interior cavity 213 that is partially filled with a liquid to be diffused 211. In some cases, the housing portions or pieces 210a, 210b may be fixedly coupled together to prevent non-destructive disassembly of the removable cartridge, making the removable cartridge effectively tamper-resistant. This may be desirable to prevent users from refilling and reusing spent cartridges that may be ineffective or less effective in treating the volume due to fouling or accumulation of residue from previous use within the cartridge 200. By way of example, and with reference to FIG8 , the housing portions or pieces 210 a, 210 b may be provided with an interlocking structure 220 that snaps together or otherwise engages in a manner that prevents non-destructive disassembly of the housing 110 and, therefore, the cartridge 200. A seal 222, such as an O-ring seal or other sealing device, may be provided between the housing portions or pieces 210 a, 210 b near the interlocking structure 220 to provide a fluid-tight seal when the housing 210 is assembled. In this manner, the liquid 211 to be diffused may be prevented from leaking from the housing 210 at the interface between the housing portions or pieces 210 a, 210 b. Upon depletion of the liquid 211, the cartridge 200 may be easily removed and replaced with a similar cartridge 200 to continue treating the environment surrounding the diffusion device, and the depleted cartridge 200 may be discarded as a complete unit or collected for refurbishment purposes.

With reference to Fig. 8, the housing 210 of cartridge 200 may include an upper housing portion 210a and a lower housing portion 210b fixedly coupled together. A cartridge inlet 212 may be disposed at the bottom end of the lower housing portion 210b to admit a pressurized gas stream during operation, and a cartridge outlet 214 may be disposed in the upper housing portion 210a for discharging the diffusion liquid produced by cartridge 200 during operation. The cartridge inlet 212 and cartridge outlet 214 may be aligned along the central axis A ₂ defined by the housing 210. The housing 210 may be rotationally symmetrical about the central axis A _2. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the housing 210 may be similar to an urn or similar container rotationally symmetrical about the central axis A _2. In other cases, the housing 210 may be asymmetrically shaped, and the cartridge inlet 212 and cartridge outlet 214 may not be aligned vertically along a common axis. During storage, transportation, etc., corresponding covers or plugs (not shown) may be provided to temporarily close the cartridge inlet 212 and cartridge outlet 214 to prevent dirt or contamination of the cartridge 200 or possible leakage of the liquid 211 held therein.

The internal components and structure of the cartridge 200 and the associated functionality will now be described with reference to FIG8 . According to the illustrated embodiment of the cartridge 200, the internal components and structure, among other things, define a flow path, indicated by arrows 230 a through 230 h, from the cartridge inlet 212 through the cartridge 200 to the cartridge outlet 214. When installed in the primary diffuser assembly, the cartridge inlet 212 is coupled to a pressurized gas source 202 such that the gas can be periodically forced through the cartridge 200, generally as indicated by arrows 230 a through 230 h, to combine with the liquid 211 and exit as a gas-liquid mixture including particularly small liquid particles carried by the gas, which is generally referred to herein as the diffuser liquid.

As shown in FIG8 , pressurized gas enters the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 212 at the bottom end of the housing 210 and then flows through a diffuser head 240 and a cartridge insert 270 disposed within the housing 210, wherein the diffuser head 240 includes a venturi device 242 for drawing the retained liquid 211 into the moving gas stream, before exiting the cartridge 200 through the cartridge outlet 214. More specifically, the pressurized gas enters the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 212 at the bottom end of the housing 210, as indicated by arrow 230 a, and then flows upward through a gas supply conduit 252 defined by an interior surface 254 of a lower portion 244 of the diffuser head 240, as indicated by arrow 230 b. The gas then flows through the venturi device 242, thereby drawing liquid 211 from the fluid reservoir of the lower portion 244 of the diffuser head 240, which is surrounded by the internal housing cavity 213 of the housing 210, to produce a gas-liquid mixture including atomized liquid (also referred to herein as diffused liquid), which is discharged into the expansion chamber 248 provided by the upper portion 246 of the diffuser head 240, as indicated by arrow 230c. The diffused liquid is then directed toward an impingement structure or surface 282 positioned opposite the venturi device 242, wherein at least some of the diffused liquid impinges on the impingement structure or surface 282 and collects, and returns to any remaining fluid 211 in the fluid reservoir to be reintroduced into the gas flow through the venturi device 242. At least some of the diffusing liquid is redirected to flow downward around the baffle portion 256 of the diffusing head 240 and through the passage 258 in the diffusing head 240, thereby opening into a portion of the interior cavity 213 of the housing in the cartridge 200 above the fluid level _L3 of the liquid 211, as indicated by arrows 230d and 230e. From there, some of the diffusing liquid may accumulate on exposed interior surfaces of the housing 210 or other internal structures of the cartridge 200, or otherwise precipitate from the gas and atomized liquid, and rejoin the liquid 211 in the fluid reservoir to be reintroduced into the gas flow through the venturi device 242. Additional diffusing liquid may be propelled into the cartridge insert 270 via its inlet 272, as indicated by arrow 230f. The diffusing liquid travels from the inlet 272 of the insert 270 along a tortuous channel 276 (see Figures 9 and 10) through the cartridge insert 270, as indicated by arrow 230g, before passing through the outlet channel 215 in the housing 210 to the cartridge outlet 214 for discharge from the cartridge 200 (as indicated by arrow 230h). During this winding journey from the expansion chamber 248 to the cartridge outlet 214, the liquid particle size distribution of the diffusing liquid is refined so that only extremely fine particles are successfully discharged from the cartridge 200, while relatively larger particles accumulate on one or more surfaces of the internal structure and components of the cartridge 200 or are otherwise precipitated from the gas to merge with the remaining liquid 211 in the liquid reservoir for reintroduction into the gas stream via the venturi device 242.

As shown in FIG8 , the diffuser head 240 may include a unitary diffuser head body 241 comprising an upstream or lower portion 244 and a downstream or upper portion 246. For example, in some cases, the diffuser head 240 may be molded or otherwise formed as a unitary piece of material, such as a suitable plastic or polymer material. As shown in FIG8 , the lower portion 244 of the diffuser head 240 may be sized and shaped to nest closely with a corresponding portion of the housing 210 or otherwise mate with the housing 210 and may be fixedly joined to the housing 210 via a joining process such as spin welding, ultrasonic welding, or other joining techniques, thereby establishing a fluid-tight seal between the housing 210 and the lower portion 244 of the diffuser head 240. In some cases, such as the exemplary embodiment of the diffuser head 240 shown in FIG8 , the lower portion 244 of the diffuser head body 241 may include a flange 243 or other features such as a step, protrusion, projection, recess, or groove that mate with the housing 210 to facilitate assembly and engagement of the components.

8 , the lower portion 244 of the diffuser head body 241 includes an inner surface 254 defining a gas supply conduit 252 that leads from the cartridge inlet 212 at the bottom end of the cartridge 200 to the venturi device 242. The gas supply conduit 252 may also be partially defined by a partition 245 of the diffuser head body 241 that separates the upper portion 246 from the lower portion 244 of the diffuser head 240. The partition 245 separates and isolates the gas supply conduit 252 from the expansion chamber 248, with the exception of a flow passage 247 through the venturi device 242 that provides the only fluid communication between the gas supply conduit 252 and the expansion chamber 248.

8 , the liquid 211 to be diffused can surround the lower portion 244 of the diffuser head 240, such that gas enters the cartridge 200 from the bottom 218 of the cartridge 200 and passes through the area of the diffuser head 240 surrounded by the liquid 211 before reaching the venturi device 242. At the venturi device 242, the gas is accelerated via the flow passage 247 and creates a low-pressure zone that draws the liquid 211 to be diffused through the suction tube 219, which provides fluid communication between the liquid reservoir surrounding the lower portion 244 of the diffuser head 240 and the venturi device 242. Preferably, the initial volume of liquid 211 supplied by the cartridge 200 does not fill the entire interior cavity 213 of the housing 210, but rather is defined as a fluid level L ₃ below the venturi device 242.

As shown in FIG8 , the diffuser head 240 may include a tube receiving passage 249 in the partition 245 of the diffuser head body 241 to receive one end of the suction tube 219 and position the outlet of the suction tube 219 in fluid communication with the flow passage 247 of the venturi device 242, so that the liquid 211 can be drawn into the path of the pressurized gas as it is accelerated through the flow passage 247 of the venturi device 242. The flow passage 247 of the venturi device 242 may include a converging inlet, a narrow throat, a side port for introducing liquid, and a diverging outlet, and the flow passage 247 is configured to accelerate the gas flow, draw the liquid 211 through the side port, and discharge the diffused liquid into a downstream expansion chamber 248 provided by the upper portion 246 of the diffuser head 240. The size and shape of flow channel 247 can be configured based on the characteristics of the gas flow; the geometry of gas supply conduit 252; and the gas volume and velocity required to effectively draw liquid 211 into suction tube 219 and atomize liquid 211 in venturi device 242.

Continuing with FIG8 , the diffused liquid can be expelled from the venturi device 242 with sufficient force to cause at least some of the atomized liquid particles suspended in the gas, particularly the larger particles, to impact and accumulate on the underside of the cartridge insert 270, which is disposed opposite the venturi device 242 to serve as an impaction structure. Preferably, the underside of the cartridge insert 270 is a concave impaction structure. More specifically, the insert 270 can include a lower portion having an indentation or depression 280, which includes an impaction surface 282. Impaction surface 282 is impacted by the dispersed liquid generated by the venturi device 242 during operation. In some cases, impaction surface 282 can be concave and can diverge in a downward direction, thereby directing liquid condensation or accumulation radially outward and downward thereon. In some embodiments, impaction surface 282 can be a conical surface or a frusto-conical surface. Liquid collected on the underside of the insert 270 may drip or flow down onto the partition 245 of the diffuser head 240 and be discharged to a liquid reservoir via a channel 258 provided in the upper portion 246 of the diffuser head 240, wherein, in some embodiments, the channel 258 may provide the only fluid communication between the expansion chamber 248 and the internal cavity 213 of the housing 210 outside the diffuser head 240.

8-10 , insert 270 is positioned above diffuser head 240 and includes a body 271, an inlet 272, an outlet region 274, and a curved channel 276. Inlet 272 is disposed within body 271 to receive diffused liquid generated within cartridge 200 during operation of the liquid diffuser. Outlet region 274 is at least partially defined by body 271, through which diffused liquid is discharged toward the external environment. Curved channel 276 extends between inlet 272 and outlet region 274 to further reduce the average liquid particle size of the diffused liquid as the diffused liquid moves through curved channel 276 during operation. Inlet 272 may be located at or near periphery 273 of body 271, outlet region 274 may be located at a central region 275 of body 271, and curved channel 276 may extend in a spiral or other manner between inlet 272 and outlet region 274 in a winding manner. Curved channel 276 may be at least partially defined by vertical sidewalls 278 of body 271. The sidewalls 278 may extend from the periphery 273 of the body 271 into or toward the central region 275 of the body 271. The bottom plate 279 of the insert 270 may be sloped or tilted toward the inlet 272 to help redirect liquid that has settled out of the gas/diffusing liquid mixture or otherwise collected on the surface of the insert 270 as the mixture passes through the tortuous passage 276 during operation, returning such liquid to rejoin any remaining liquid 211 in the interior cavity 213 surrounding the lower portion 244 of the diffuser head 240 for reintroduction into the gas flow through the venturi device 242.

8 and 9 , the curved channel 276 can open in an upward direction, and when the cartridge 200 is assembled, the corresponding portion 217 of the housing 210 can at least partially cover the curved channel 276 to define an aerosol outlet at the remaining uncovered portion of the outlet region 274. In the assembled state, the insert 270 can be sandwiched between the cartridge housing 210 and the diffuser head 240. In the assembled state, the diffuser head 240 and the insert 270 extend longitudinally between the lower housing portion 210 b and the upper housing portion 210 a, thereby defining a central core of the cartridge 200 that extends completely through the housing 210 in a radial direction.

Preferably, the body 271 of the insert 270 is formed as a single, unitary piece, including the curved channel 276, and is coupled to or otherwise positioned adjacent to the upper portion 246 of the diffuser head 240, thereby covering the expansion chamber 248. For example, in some cases, the insert 270 may be molded or otherwise formed as a unitary piece of material, such as a suitable plastic or polymer material. The upper portion 246 of the diffuser head 240 and the insert 270 may be sized and shaped to nest together. For example, the upper portion 246 of the diffuser head 240 may include a recess or bracket portion 250 to receive and support the insert 270. In other cases, the upper portion 246 of the diffuser head 240 and the insert 270 may abut each other along a planar surface. In some embodiments, the insert 270 may be fixedly joined to the diffuser head 240 by spin welding, ultrasonic welding, or other joining techniques. In addition, although the diffusion head 240 and the insert 270 are described herein as two separate components positioned or joined together, it should be understood that the structure and characteristics of these components can be formed as such as a single integral piece by, for example, an additional manufacturing process. In other cases, the structure and characteristics of the diffusion head 240 and the insert 270 can be provided by two or more pieces that are coupled together by joining or otherwise. However, in the specific advantageous embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 10, the removable cartridge 200 is made up of or substantially consists of a cartridge housing 210, the diffusion head 240, the cartridge insert 270, liquid 211 to be diffused, and a conduit or pipe 219, wherein the conduit or pipe 219 extends from the side of the venturi device 242 of the diffusion head 240 to the lower region of the internal housing chamber 213, so that when the pressurized gas moves through the venturi device 242 during operation, the liquid 211 contained in the lower region of the internal housing chamber 213 can be drawn into the path of the pressurized gas.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the curved channel 276 is helical and rotates at least one full revolution about the central axis _A2 . However, it should be understood that the curved channel 276 may take a variety of different forms. For example, the curved channel 276 may include a curved path that at least partially encircles the central axis _A2 as it moves from the inlet 272 toward the outlet region 274. In other cases, the curved channel 276 may include a path having multiple straight segments that are angled relative to each other to provide multiple turns. In still other cases, the curved channel 276 may include a path that combines linear and nonlinear path segments. The cross-sectional shape of the curved channel 276 may also vary along the curved channel 276. For example, the cross-sectional profile of at least a portion of the curved channel 276 may narrow in the downstream direction, i.e., in the direction from the inlet 272 toward the outlet region 274. This narrowing of the curved channel 276 may further help refine the composition of the diffused liquid, so that the diffused liquid includes only the finest liquid particles.

Regardless of the specific configuration, among other things, the curved channel 276 follows a nonlinear path that helps prevent the liquid 211 from leaking from the barrel 200 when the barrel 200 is inverted. For example, if the barrel 200 is temporarily held upside down, the curved channel 276 helps slow the liquid 211 in the barrel 200 from advancing toward the outlet region 274, and thus slows the liquid 211 from advancing toward the outlet 214 of the barrel 200. In this way, the barrel 200 can then be straightened without fluid loss. In addition, when the barrel 200 is inverted and resting on its side, the barrel 200 is configured so that the volume of the liquid 211 supplied by the barrel 200 does not rise above the central axis _A2 of the barrel 200. In this way, since at least a portion of the curved channel 276 will be positioned above the fluid level of the liquid 211, the liquid 211 will not be able to move through all of the curved channel 276, so the curved channel 276 will prevent the liquid 211 from overflowing from the outlet 214.

Referring again to FIG. 8 , it will be appreciated that the internal components of the housing 210 and cartridge 200 define a plurality of distinct chambers downstream of the venturi device 242, through which the diffused liquid sequentially travels before exiting the cartridge 200 and ultimately being discharged into the surrounding environment. More specifically, the upper portion 246 of the diffuser head 240 and the lower portion of the insert 270 define a primary expansion chamber 248 directly above the venturi device 242. A secondary chamber is provided within the interior chamber 213 of the housing 210, external to the diffuser head 240 and insert 270, above the fluid level _L3 of the liquid 211 to be diffused, and a third chamber is provided by a curved passage 276 of the insert 270. A passage or aperture 258 in the upper portion 246 of the diffuser head 240 provides fluid communication between the primary expansion chamber 248 and the secondary chambers. The upper portion 246 of the diffuser head 240 further defines a baffle or baffle portion 256 that prevents the diffused liquid generated by the venturi device 242 from exiting the primary expansion chamber 248 except through a plurality of channels or apertures 258. An inlet 272 of the insert 270 provides fluid communication between the secondary chamber and the tertiary chamber (i.e., the tortuous passage 276). While only one inlet 272 and one tortuous passage 276 are shown to provide a single path for the diffused liquid to exit the cartridge 200, it should be understood that multiple inlets 272 may be provided to allow the diffused liquid to enter one or more tortuous passages leading to the outlet 214 of the cartridge 200. As the diffused liquid moves through the chambers sequentially during operation, the various chambers described above (i.e., the primary expansion chamber, the secondary chamber, and the tertiary chamber) collectively help refine the composition of the diffused liquid so that the diffused liquid includes only the finest liquid particles. For example, before the gas/diffusing liquid mixture exits the cartridge 200, the gas/diffusing liquid mixture resides for a period of time in each of the different chambers to allow undesirable large liquid particles or droplets to settle out of the mixture or otherwise separate from the mixture and return to the liquid reservoir within the interior cavity 213 of the housing 210 and outside the diffusion head 240 for later atomization and dispersion. In this way, the removable cartridge 200 and its components can provide a cartridge solution for a diffusion device having an efficient form factor that is particularly effective when treating spaces with diffusion liquids having very small liquid particles.

In the present disclosure, the outlet 114, outlet 214 and/or the outlet of the main diffusion device of tube 100, tube 200 allow the atomized liquid produced in tube 100, tube 200 to flow directly into the space to be treated. However, tube 100, tube 200 can also alternatively guide the diffusion liquid into an air transmission or distribution system. The air delivery system can include a piping system or other passages that allow the diffusion liquid to be dispersed into the space of a remote location or a plurality of remote locations. Thus, tube 100, tube 200 can be used for example to diffuse and disperse liquid in whole buildings through existing HVAC ducts.

It is also contemplated that tube 100 may be suitable for being directly installed to the fittings on compressed gas source or the conduit, and need not be installed in the main diffusion device or as a part for the main diffusion device.This fitting may allow tube 100, tube 200 to be positioned to handle the air in the single enclosed space, or may be used for handling the air flowing through the air delivery system and handling a plurality of spaces. Alternatively, a plurality of similar tubes 100, tube 200 may be used for handling independent space, but may be connected to identical gas source. Then, the compressed gas source may be centrally controlled to the space of all processing, and local control may not be required or may be provided for the space of each processing. Perhaps each space may have a valve, thereby controlling the gas stream by tube 100, tube 200, and thereby controlling the power or intensity of the processing in the concrete space. Then, such a local control valve may allow identical or similar tube 100, tube 200 to be combined with a common gas source to handle the space of a plurality of different sizes or configurations.

It should also be noted that various diffusion devices disclosed herein, removable tube 100, removable tube 200 and parts can include some form of operating control member, such as a control member for changing the operating pressure, speed or timing of the onboard air compressor, to provide the airflow through tube 100, tube 200. Except using this control member to change the amount of liquid diffused by the device and the corresponding degree of treatment of the space, the characteristic of liquid to be diffused can also affect the amount of the diffusion liquid and the degree of treatment. For example, more viscous liquid can diffuse more slowly. The density of the liquid can also affect the degree of treatment provided. When arranging the function of the diffusion device about receiving tube 100, tube 200 and the control member of operation, it is also necessary to consider these characteristics of tube 100, tube 200.

In addition, the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications, and non-patent publications cited in this specification and/or listed in the application data sheet are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If necessary, aspects of the embodiments can be modified to apply the features, structures, functions, or concepts of the various patents, applications, and publications to provide further embodiments.

The entire contents of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/982,504, filed April 22, 2014, and U.S. Patent Application No. 14/612,072, filed February 2, 2015, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, in the appended claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be construed to encompass all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalents to the claims. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by this disclosure.

Claims (19)

1. An insert for use with a liquid diffusion device, the insert comprising: The main body, formed as a single integral component, includes: An inlet is provided in the body to receive the diffused liquid generated in the cylinder during operation of the liquid diffusion device, wherein the inlet is located at the outer edge of the body; An outlet area, at least partially defined by the main body, through which the diffused liquid is discharged toward the external environment, wherein the outlet area is located in the central region of the main body; and A curved channel, at least partially defined by the vertical sidewalls of the body, extends in a non-linear path between the inlet and outlet regions, thereby assisting in further reducing the average liquid particle size of the diffusing liquid as it moves through the curved channel. 2. The insert according to claim 1, wherein the curved channel opens in an upward direction. 3. The insert according to claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the body includes a recess having an impact surface that is impacted by the diffusing liquid during operation of the liquid diffusion device. 4. The insert according to claim 3, wherein the impact surface diverges in a downward direction to guide the liquid condensed on the impact surface radially outward and downward. 5. The insert of claim 1, wherein the curved channel follows a non-linear path that helps prevent liquid leakage from the cylinder when the cylinder is inverted. 6. The insert of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the cross-sectional profile of the curved channel narrows in the downstream direction. 7. A cylinder for use with a liquid diffusion device, the cylinder comprising: The shell defines an internal shell cavity that is partially filled with the liquid to be diffused; A diffusion head, positioned within the inner housing cavity, the diffusion head including a Venturi device for generating a diffusion liquid from a liquid contained within the inner housing cavity; and An insert, positioned downstream of the diffusion head, the insert comprising a body formed as a single integral part, the body comprising: An inlet, located at the outer edge of the body, is used to receive the diffused liquid generated by the Venturi device; An outlet area, located in the central region of the main body, through which the diffusion liquid is discharged toward the external environment; and The curved passage, at least partially defined by the vertical sidewalls of the body, extends in a non-linear path between the inlet and the outlet areas. 8. The cylinder of claim 7, wherein the curved channel of the insert is configured to further reduce the average liquid particle size of the diffused liquid as the diffused liquid moves through the curved channel. 9. The cylinder of claim 7, wherein the curved channel is partially covered by the cylinder shell such that the cylinder shell surrounds a portion of the curved channel and defines an aerosol outlet at the remaining uncovered portion. 10. The cylinder of claim 7, wherein the lower portion of the insert includes a recess having an impact surface, the impact surface being impacted by the diffused liquid generated by the Venturi device during operation of the liquid diffusion device. 11. The cylinder according to claim 10, wherein the impact surface diverges in a downward direction to guide the liquid condensed on the impact surface radially outward and downward. 12. The cylinder of claim 7, wherein the curved channel follows a non-linear path that helps prevent liquid leakage from the cylinder when the cylinder is inverted. 13. The cylinder of claim 7, wherein the insert is sandwiched between the cylinder housing and the diffuser head. 14. The tube of claim 7, wherein the upper portion of the diffuser head and the lower portion of the insert define a primary expansion cavity directly above the venturi device, wherein a secondary chamber is disposed outside the insert and the diffuser head, and wherein a third chamber is disposed through the curved channel of the insert. 15. The tube of claim 7, wherein the upper portion of the diffuser head and the lower portion of the insert define a main expansion cavity directly above the venturi device, and wherein the main expansion cavity is in fluid communication with the inner housing cavity outside the diffuser head via a plurality of holes provided in the upper portion of the diffuser head. 16. The cylinder of claim 15, wherein the upper portion of the diffuser head defines a baffle that prevents the diffused liquid generated by the Venturi device from leaving the main expansion chamber through portions other than the plurality of orifices. 17. The cylinder of claim 7, wherein the curved channel of the insert provides the only channel for the diffused liquid generated by the Venturi device to exit the cylinder. 18. The cylinder of claim 7, wherein the curved channel of the insert is configured to provide a coiled flow path that delays the flow of the liquid to be diffused through the insert when the cylinder is temporarily held in an inverted position. 19. The cylinder of claim 7, wherein, when the cylinder is upright, the initial fill level of the liquid to be diffused is below the Venturi device, and when the cylinder is inverted and placed laterally, the initial fill level of the liquid to be diffused is below the central axis of the cylinder housing, and wherein the curved channel of the insert is configured to provide a coiled flow path, the coiled flow path including a portion located above the central axis when the cylinder is inverted and placed laterally, thereby preventing the liquid to be diffused from passing through the entire portion of the curved channel.