Abstract: An aerosol generator has a vibratable plate with apertures therein and an annular piezo which causes movement of the vibratable plate. An annular support member supports the piezo and the vibratable plate. A first electrical power conducting pin engages directly with a first, top, surface of the piezo. A second electrical power conducting pin indirectly conducts electrical power to a second surface of the piezo, by contacting an extension tab of the support member, also on its top side. There is a film of cured epoxy adhesive on the tab, providing excellent gripping force between the pin and the support. The aerosol generator avoids need for soldered joints for electrical contact, and the pins are conveniently mounted parallel to each on the on the same lateral and top side of the piezo and support member. The pins may have multi-point tips for particularly effective electrical contact.

Abstract: A nebulizer (1) comprises a controller (2) linked at its output to a vibrating mesh nebulizer head (3), and at its input to a USB cable 5 and plug (4) for connection to a host system. The link between the plug (4) and the controller (2) is a USB cable (5) with power and data channels. The controller (2) comprises a boost circuit (10), a micro-controller (11), and a drive circuit (12). The latter provides power and control signals via a cable (6) and plug (7) to the head (3). These signals provide power and control for a vibrating membrane receiving a liquid to be aerosolised. The controller (2) has a housing (25) with LED status lamps (30), and an ON/OFF button (32). The controller (2) can be controlled via a host, either locally or remotely.

Abstract: An aerosol generator has a vibratable plate with apertures therein and an annular piezo which causes movement of the vibratable plate. An annular support member supports the piezo and the vibratable plate. A first electrical power conducting pin engages directly with a first, top, surface of the piezo. A second electrical power conducting pin indirectly conducts electrical power to a second surface of the piezo, by contacting an extension tab of the support member, also on its top side. There is a film of cured epoxy adhesive on the tab, providing excellent gripping force between the pin and the support. The aerosol generator avoids need for soldered joints for electrical contact, and the pins are conveniently mounted parallel to each on the on the same lateral and top side of the piezo and support member. The pins may have multi-point tips for particularly effective electrical contact.

Abstract: An aerosol generator 200 is positioned adjacent to a patient as an attachment to a trocar 201. The trocar has an entry port 203 for insufflation gas 208. Aerosol 207 generated by a vibrating element 205 is entrained in the insufflation gas and the mixture 209 is delivered through the trocar 201. The aerosol may contain a medicament. The trocar 201 may be a conventional trocar. Such trocars are typically used for a camera. The delivery of the aerosolised medicament can occur at the start of the procedure and be delivered in bolus. At the start of the procedure, the peritoneum is being inflated by means of the flow of insufflator gas. This gas flow will help to entrain the aerosolised medicament to the pneumoperitoneum regions. The surgeon can temporarily remove a camera from the trocar port to facilitate insertion and positioning of the aerosolising unit.