Abstract: The invention provides an aerosol generator (21) for an inhalation device, comprising a vibratable membrane (25), a support member (22), a flexible connector (40) and an annular piezoelectric element (30) having first (33) and second (34) conductive regions on its first (31) and second (32) surfaces. The second conductive region (34) extends onto the first surface of the piezoelectric element to form a contact region (38) so that there are two electrical contacts on the first surface (31). The flexible connector (40) has a surface (42) which is an electrical insulator with first (47) and second (48) conductive regions that correspond to the first conductive region (34) and to the contact region (38) on the piezoelectric element respectively. It has two ‘S’ shaped legs (43, 44) for making electrical connection to a controller that provides a driving current to the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibrating membrane nebulizer with an aerosol generator comprising a vibrator and a membrane, a reservoir for liquid to be aerosolized, a channel and an optical sensor for detecting the presence of aerosol in the channel. The device determines whether aerosol is present in the channel on the basis of the output signal from the optical sensor, in order to detect when the reservoir becomes empty, and stops vibration of the membrane if it determines that no aerosol is present. A method for operating the device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an inhalation device for enabling a user to inhale at a desired inspiratory flow rate and/or pressure, comprising a feedback system configured to indicate to a user by means of a signal during an inhalation maneuver whether an inhalation parameter, such as the inspiratory flow rate, is within a predefined target range. The signal may be an optical or a non-optical signal, such as a light signal, an acoustic signal, or a tactile signal.

Abstract: The invention provides an inhalation device for enabling a user to inhale at a desired inspiratory flow rate and/or pressure, comprising a feedback system configured to indicate to a user by means of a signal during an inhalation manoeuvre whether an inhalation parameter, such as the inspiratory flow rate, is within a predefined target range. The signal may be an optical or a non-optical signal, such as a light signal, an acoustic signal, or a tactile signal.