Fluid Atomizer, Nozzle Assembly and Methods for Assembling and Utilizing the Same

Abstract

A method of assembling a nozzle assembly is disclosed. The method includes: providing a nozzle member having a central passage defined by at least an inner side surface and an inner distal surface; inserting a fluid atomizer into the central passage of the nozzle member; and, with a distal surface of the fluid atomizer arranged adjacent the inner distal surface of the nozzle member, flexing legs of the fluid atomizer in a radially-outward direction for engaging each leg of the legs with the inner side surface of the nozzle member. A fluid atomizer is also disclosed. A nozzle assembly is also disclosed. A method of utilizing a nozzle assembly is also disclosed.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method of utilizing a nozzle assembly, comprising the steps of:
 providing a nozzle member having a stem portion and a central passage defined by at least an inner side surface and an inner distal surface;   assembling the nozzle assembly by inserting a fluid atomizer into the central passage of the nozzle member; and   inserting a distal portion of a spray gun into the central passage of the nozzle member for:   firstly urging a distal surface of the fluid atomizer adjacent the inner distal surface of the nozzle member then secondly flexing legs of the fluid atomizer in a radially-outward direction in response to an application of an axial force to a proximal surface of the fluid atomizer for radially engaging the legs with the inner side surface of the nozzle member; and   actuating the spray gun for causing a fluid to travel from the spray gun, through the central passage of the nozzle member;   atomizing the fluid as the fluid travels through the central passage of the nozzle member; and   permitting the fluid to travel beyond the fluid atomizer and out of the nozzle member in an atomized spray pattern.   
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 27 , wherein prior to the actuating step,
 arranging the nozzle assembly within a nasal passage of animalia, wherein the fluid is a drug, medicine or vaccination that is delivered into the nasal passage of the animalia in the atomized spray pattern.   
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 27 , wherein the spray pattern includes fluid droplets, wherein the fluid droplets are defined by: a D10 particle size distribution value, a D50 particle size distribution value and a D90 particle size distribution value. 
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the D10 particle size distribution value ranges between approximately 15-25 um (microns), the D50 particle size distribution value ranges between approximately 50-65 um (microns), and the D 90  particle size distribution value ranges between approximately 180-200 um (microns). 
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the D10 particle size distribution value is greater than approximately 15 um. 
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the D90 particle distribution value is less than approximately 200 um. 
     
     
         34 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the D50 particle size distribution value ranges between approximately 50-60 um. 
     
     
         35 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein the D10 particle size distribution value is greater than approximately 15 um, the D50 particle size distribution value ranges between approximately 50-60 um, and the D90 particle distribution value is less than approximately 200 um. 
     
     
         36 . The method according to  claim 28 , wherein the assembling the nozzle assembly step includes, prior to the actuating step, connecting a cap member to the stem portion of the nozzle member. 
     
     
         37 . The method according to  claim 36 , wherein the cap member includes an axial passage sized to receive the stem portion of the nozzle member. 
     
     
         38 . The method according to  claim 36 , wherein the stem portion of the nozzle member includes one or more radially outwardly projecting barbs. 
     
     
         39 . The method according  claim 38  wherein the one or more radially outwardly projecting barbs secure the cap member to the stem portion of the nozzle member. 
     
     
         40 . The method according to  claim 36 , wherein the cap member is conical. 
     
     
         41 . The method according to  claim 36 , wherein the cap member is formed from a soft, resilient material. 
     
     
         42 . The method according to  claim 28 , further comprising:
 after delivering the fluid to the animalia, removing the nozzle assembly from the nasal passage of animalia.   
     
     
         43 . The method according to  claim 42 , further comprising cleaning the nozzle assembly. 
     
     
         44 . The method according to  claim 43 , wherein the cleaning step includes removing the distal portion of the spray gun from the central passage of the nozzle member. 
     
     
         45 . The method according to  claim 44  wherein the cleaning step further includes removing the fluid atomizer from the central passage of the nozzle member. 
     
     
         46 . The method according to  claim 36 , further comprising:
 after delivering the fluid to the animalia, removing the nozzle assembly from the nasal passage of animalia.   
     
     
         47 . The method according to  claim 46 , further comprising cleaning the nozzle assembly. 
     
     
         48 . The method according to  claim 47 , wherein the cleaning step includes disconnecting the cap member from the stem portion of the nozzle member. 
     
     
         49 . The method according to  claim 28 , wherein the animalia is selected from the group consisting of a swine, a cow and a horse.