Abstract: A novel method to fabricate a needle includes stamping an elongated shape in a flat metal sheet. The elongated shape defines a longitudinal axis and two edges that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Each of the two edges includes an inward curve with relative alignment to create a relatively narrow neck. A longitudinal channel is formed to give the elongated shape a U-shaped cross-section in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis. The method includes punching through the neck with a punch that slides along a punching axis that intersects the longitudinal axis with an angle in the range 15° to 50°. Alternatively the method includes coining a thinned region that spans the neck and may define a V-shape in a major plane of the flat metal sheet, and separating the elongated shape along the thinned region after coining.

Abstract: A medicine vaporizer for an inhaler includes a metal louver. The metal louver has a first end and an opposing second end, and defines a louver thickness. The medicine vaporizer also includes first and second electrically conductive pins that define a pin thickness greater than the louver thickness. The first electrically conductive pin includes a first crimping region that is attached to and crimped over the first end. The second electrically conductive pin includes a second crimping region that is attached to and crimped over the second end.