Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for nebulizing liquids. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a thin shell member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween. The apertures are tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface. A liquid supplier is further provided which delivers a predetermined unit volume of liquid to the rear surface. A vibrator vibrates the thin shell member to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the thin shell member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic nebulizer for producing high-volume sub-micron droplets is disclosed. The ultrasonic nebulizer utilizes a 3 or 5 MHz frequency as an oscillation frequency for producing sub-micron droplets. The nebulizer can also use at least one piezoelectric ceramic oscillator for increasing the volume of the droplets. The ultrasonic nebulizer comprises an ac/dc converter, an oscillator circuit, an amplifying device, a nebulization chamber, and at least one piezoelectric ceramic oscillator. The ac/dc converter rectifies an ac current to a dc current. The oscillator circuit produces an oscillation signal with a frequency larger than or equal to 3 MHz. The amplifying device amplifies the oscillation signal. The nebulization chamber has a lower face for holding a liquid to be nebulized.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus also can include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhalation therapy apparatus comprising an aerosol generating device (1, 6, 7) for atomizing a liquid (3), a connecting device (8, 9) for supplying a control signal, and a control device (10) from which a control signal of the connecting device can be supplied to the aerosol generating device whereby causing the aerosol generating device to atomize the liquid. To this end, an output signal, which is elicited by the breathing of the patient on the connecting device (8, 9) of the aerosol generating device (1, 6, 7) is supplied to the control device (10) for controlling the inhalation therapy apparatus.

Abstract: A method for controlling the supply of liquid to an aerosol generator comprises operating a liquid supply system to supply a liquid to a vibratable aperture plate of an aerosol generator which senses an amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate, and controls operation of the liquid supply system to adjust the amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus also can include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerosol generator that comprises an oscillating membrane that is provided with openings. The aerosol generator is further characterized in that the liquid container is impinged upon with negative pressure by displacing a sealing element using a slidable sleeve and a rotary sleeve.

Abstract: A nebulizer determines the pressure and flow direction of the receiving gas for atomized liquid. A member of the apparatus is subjected to pressure exerted by the gas. The member is coupled to a bi-directional mechanical-electrical conversion element, such as a piezoelectric element, to form a pressure transducer. The member exerts a mechanical loading on the element responsive to the gas pressure to which it is subjected. In one embodiment, the element mechanically vibrates responsive to alternating electrical energization to discharge the liquid into the gas. The electrical admittance of the element is alterable by the mechanical loading applied to the element by the member. The difference between admittances measured in the loaded condition of the element and in an unloaded condition at the selected energization frequency is an indication of the pressure of the gas.

Abstract: A nebule comprising at least one identification marker or label can be coupled an aerosol generator. The identification marker can be sensed by a sensing device on the aerosol generator so as to identify the liquid in the nebule to the controller of the aerosol generator. The controller of the aerosol generator can control the aerosol generator based on the information read from the identification marker.

Abstract: An inhalation nebulizer (1) includes an aerosol generator (2) that has a diaphragm (22) vibrated by a vibration generator (23). The inhalation nebulizer (1) includes a liquid storage container (21) that is in fluid contact with the diaphragm (22). A liquid contained in the storage container (21) is atomized into a mixing chamber (3) through openings in the diaphragm and can subsequently be inhaled by a patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonically driven pump, which may be used for sampling body fluids or atomizing liquids, has a stationary outer needle and an inner needle mounted within the bore of the outer needle. The distal end of the inner needle is positioned adjacent to the distal end of the outer needle. The inner needle is ultrasonically vibrated by an ultrasonic actuator without vibrating the outer needle, with resulting draw of liquid through the distal end of the outer needle into the bore of the inner needle for discharge through the proximal end of the inner needle. The outer needle can be formed to have a penetrating tip suited for penetrating the skin of a subject to allow sampling of body fluids including interstitial fluids. The pump can also be used for atomizing liquid, by drawing liquid from a supply that is pumped from the distal end to an open proximal end of the inner needle where the liquid is discharged by atomization into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a fluid product distributor comprising a reservoir of fluid product (1), a distribution outlet, a distribution system (2) for distributing fluid product through the distribution outlet, and an activating button (3) to activate the means of distribution. The distribution further comprises a visible reservoir the distribution outlet and the activating button (3) being located on either side of the reservoir (1), such that the reservoir visibly extends between the distribution outlet and the activating button.

Abstract: A bush (31) is fitted into a housing (10) and an ultrasonic pump (12) is supported liquid tightly by the bush (31). The ultrasonic pump (12) is constituted by a pump shaft (21) formed to include a pump bore (22) passing through it axially and having upper and lower ends which are open, and an ultrasonic vibrator (23) mounted on the pump shaft (21) in the vicinity of the midpoint thereof in terms of the axial direction. A liquid vessel.(16) is mounted in the housing (10) in a freely attachable and detachable manner, and the lower end portion of the pump shaft (21) is received inside the liquid vessel (16). A cap (15) is freely detachably attached to the upper end portion of the housing (10) so as to cover the upper end portion of the pump shaft (21). The top side of the cap (15) is provided with a spray port (51), and a step portion (57) is formed for supporting a mesh plate (14) at the periphery thereof at a position below the spray port (51).

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which the optimum transmission/reception conditions and image processing conditions can be easily set for each body part of an object to be inspected. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving unit; an image processing unit for executing image processing of image data by using image processing condition parameters; an information input unit to be employed for inputting information of object concerned with the object to be inspected, a parameter memory unit for storing the image processing condition parameters in correspondence with the information of object; a control unit for reading out the image processing condition parameters corresponding to the information of object input by employing the information input unit to supply the read-out parameters to the image processing unit; and a display unit for displaying an image.

Abstract: A method for generating an aerosol includes the step of guiding a gas which flows at supersonic velocity and which has input particles suspended therein in such a way that a compression shock occurs. The input particles are broken down into smaller output particles upon crossing the compression shock. A device for generating an aerosol is also provided.

Abstract: A piezoelectric atomizer (10) has a horizontal support (14) with an opening (16). Mounting posts are formed to extend up from the horizontal support alongside the opening (16). A wire support 26 extends from an atomizing assembly (24) to the mounting posts and the ends of the wire support are wound around two of the mounting posts.

Abstract: A portable, handheld breath actuated inhalator, to aerosolize and distribute a pressurised liquid, including a breath flow path defined between an air inlet (132) and a mouthpiece (131) outlet, a container (30) for the liquid, an aerosolizing element (115) for introducing the aerosolized liquid into the breath flow path, a valve element (113) between the container and the aerosolizing means for allowing fluid communication between the container and the aerosolizing element, and an actuator to regulate the valve element. The actuator is mechanical and is energized by the flow of inhaled air.

Abstract: A nebulizer for atomizing a high-temperature liquid includes a truncated, conical concentrator that defines a vertex and that has a small-diameter end and a large-diameter end. The small-diameter end has a spherical-shaped, concave surface and the large-diameter end has a spherical-shaped, convex surface. A piezoelectric transducer has a spherical-shaped, concave surface that is attached to the convex surface of the concentrator. A cylindrical-shaped droplet manifold is positioned over the small-diameter end of the concentrator to create a liquid chamber in the manifold with the vertex inside the liquid chamber. A feeding tube introduces the high-temperature liquid into the liquid chamber until the surface of the liquid reaches the vertex. With an activation of the transducer, acoustic waves that have spherical wavefronts are launched away from the concave surface of the transducer. The concentrator propagates and directs the spherical wavefronts for convergence at the vertex to nebulize the liquid.

Abstract: Devices and methods for nebulizing a fluid are described. A replaceable fluid assembly may include a reservoir and a fluid cartridge. The reservoir may be detachable from the fluid cartridge and may be assembled by the prior prior to loading into the nebulizing device.

Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing having a mouthpiece, an aerosol generator, a flow sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to begin operation of the aerosol generator upon receipt of a signal from the flow sensor indicating that a threshold flow rate has been achieved by a user when inhaling a tidal breath through the mouthpiece, and to stop operation after the passage of an operation time period that is selected such that continuation of the tidal breath delivers substantially all of the aerosol to the lungs.

Abstract: A controlled sustained release fluid delivery device is disclosed which has enhanced fluid delivery. The device generally includes a housing having a fluid reservoir therein for holding a fluid, at least one opening in the housing for enabling fluid delivery out of the fluid reservoir and the housing, and structures for delivering the fluid, and retaining the fluid proximate an ambient environment. Once held there, the structure holding the fluid is vibrated so as to enhance the delivery of the fluid to the ambient environment. Other aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metered dose inhaler including an ejection mechanism with at least one chamber for containing a medicament. The ejection mechanism is configured to effect controlled ejection of the medicament from the chamber. The inhaler further includes a controller configured to send electronic signals to the ejection mechanism to direct ejection of medicament from such chamber, and configured to selectively alter dosage of the medicament by selected changes in such electronic signal.

Abstract: A device for aerosolizing a liquid includes a chamber having a deformable wall which expands and contracts as fluid is delivered and expelled from a fluid chamber. The chamber is partially bounded by a vibrating structure having holes therein for expelling the fluid. In another aspect, the invention provides exemplary aerosolization apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a substance. A liquid is transferred from a first chamber into a second chamber having a substance that is in a dry state to form a solution. The solution is then transferred from the second chamber and onto an atomization member. The atomization member is operated to aerosolize the solution.

Abstract: A fluid product dispenser includes: a fluid product tank, a dispenser part comprising a pierced membrane connected directly to the tank, a mechanism to vibrate the pierced membrane, and an actuator button to activate the vibration mechanism. The tank is located above the pierced membrane such that the fluid product is supplied to the membrane from the tank using the force of gravity under normal operating conditions. The membrane is connected to the tank by a passage provided with an inlet valve capable of opening and cutting off the passage selectively.

Abstract: An improved device and method for measuring the amount of liquid to be discharged that is present in an apparatus, such as a nebulizer. A first member has holes through which the liquid passes to be nebulized. A second member is spaced from the first member so that a volume is defined in the nebulizer by the area of mutual overlap of the first and second members and the amount of spacing between them. The first and second members are formed to establish a mutual capacitance that reflects the amount of liquid in the volume. A measuring circuit measures the capacitance existing between the first and second members and hence the amount of liquid in the nebulizer. The capacitance measurement can be used to control the supply of liquid into the volume in the nebulizer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for nebulizing liquids. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a thin shell member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween. The apertures are tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface. A liquid supplier is further provided which delivers a predetermined unit volume of liquid to the rear surface. A vibrator vibrates the thin shell member to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the thin shell member.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary aerosolization apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a substance. According to one exemplary method, a liquid is transferred from a first chamber into a second chamber having a substance that is in a dry state to form a solution. The solution is then transferred from the second chamber and onto an atomization member. The atomization member is operated to aerosolize the solution.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dosage device having an enclosure for providing a medication in the form of a nebulized mist, including an energy source positioned within the enclosure and a vibration device with a switch for applying electrical energy from the energy source to the vibration device. An assembly is attached to the enclosure and has a membrane disposed between the vibration device and the medication for containing the medication and maintaining the medication in contact with the vibration device only by way of the membrane, whereby the membrane is vibrated and the medication is thereby converted into the mist by vibrations transmitted to the medication by way of the membrane when power is applied to the vibration device.

Abstract: Bioactive agents are topically administered or delivered to a mucous membrane by a jet dispenser using inkjet technology, such as that used in printing. The dispenser propels precise volumes of droplets or powder for administration to a subject, such as being inhaled through the mouth or nose. A controller in the dispenser may control delivery of multiple different drugs, timing of drug administration, or change drug regimens in response to a changing medical condition of a patient, such as those monitored by a sensor in communication with the controller, for example to prevent an overdose. Administration methods are also provided, along with replacement kits.

Abstract: Nebulizer pump adapters allow the attachment of a bicycle pump to a nebulizer when a source of compressed air is not otherwise available. In order for a nebulizer to work, there must be a source of gas flow sufficient to nebulize the solution. The compressed gas tank or electrical air compressor that is normally used may not be available in certain situations, such as in the wilderness or during a blackout. As a result, having the option of using a hand-operated pump may be critical in administering inhaled aerosol medications.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve adapted to control the flow of air through a tracheostoma comprising a tubular housing having an open first end to be connected to the tracheostoma, and forming at least one side opening in the wall thereof, a shut-off valve member, and a normally closed cough valve member is disclosed. The shut-off valve member comprises a flexible diaphragm mounted in the housing and shaped to normally assume a curled position spaced from the inside surface of the housing wall to allow air flow through the housing and the side opening from trachea to the ambient atmosphere, and to engage said the surface, closing the side opening, at a predetermined air flow rate. The cough valve member controls an open second of the housing to open in response to a particular pressure achieved in the housing and to close automatically at reduction of the air pressure.

Abstract: A nebulizer has a main body and an inhalator attachment which is detachably attached to the main body. The attachment has a tubular member including an receptacle. The tubular member has a medicament inlet for receiving nebulized medicament from the nebulizer, an inhalation opening which is opposite the medicament inlet and through which a patent inhales the nebulized medicament passed through the tubular member, and an air inlet through which air outside is introduced and passed through the tubular member. A brim member for guiding droplets of liquefied medicament and the user's saliva into the receptacle is formed partially around the medicament inlet. The air inlet is preferably formed by cutting the tubular member at the medicament inlet.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical delivery system for oral inhalation is disclosed through nebulization consisting of an inert supporting material impregnated with or deposited with pharmaceutically active ingredient which must be solubilized or suspended in a pharmaceutical solvent to form a solution or suspension prior to administration. Each pharmaceutical delivery unit dosage form comprises one or more therapeutically effective and safe amounts of pharmaceutically active ingredient uniformly impregnated in or deposited on a supporting material which is a natural or synthetic polymer, woven or non-woven fabrics, inert paper, inorganic materials such as foil and combination thereof in a single or multi-layer lamination in a form of a sheet or strip or film or membrane or sponge-like or cup or well. The dosage form of this invention is to be administered to a patient through oral or nasal inhalation using a nebulizer after reconstitution with a reconstituting solvent.

Abstract: A bush (31) is fitted into a housing (10) and an ultrasonic pump (12) is supported liquid tightly by the bush (31). The ultrasonic pump (12) is constituted by a pump shaft (21) formed to include a pump bore (22) passing through it axially and having upper and lower ends which are open, and an ultrasonic vibrator (23) mounted on the pump shaft (21) in the vicinity of the midpoint thereof in terms of the axial direction. A liquid vessel.(16) is mounted in the housing (10) in a freely attachable and detachable manner, and the lower end portion of the pump shaft (21) is received inside the liquid vessel (16). A cap (15) is freely detachably attached to the upper end portion of the housing (10) so as to cover the upper end portion of the pump shaft (21). The top side of the cap (15) is provided with a spray port (51), and a step portion (57) is formed for supporting a mesh plate (14) at the periphery thereof at a position below the spray port (51).

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter having a tube and including mechanisms that provide precision control over insertion and retraction of the catheter tube. The catheter is particularly adapted for introduction into the pulmonary system. The catheter includes an insertion depth control mechanism that acts as a stop and provides a tactile indication to the person inserting the catheter tube that a predetermined position has been reached. The catheter also includes an anti-bunching mechanism to prevent bunching of a protective sleeve disposed around the catheter tube, thereby reducing interference from the sleeve during insertion of the catheter tube.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for nebulising a liquid, in particular for medical use, comprises a box case (2) and a compressor assembly (4) housed internally to the box case (2) and provided with an air intake conduit (5) and an air delivery conduit (6). A device (10) for activating the compressor assembly (4) is housed internally to the box case (2) and is provided with an external command (16) which can be activated by the user. A nebulising bulb (17) is housed in the box case (2), presents a terminal mouthpiece (18) and is provided with an air inlet section placed directly in communication with the delivery conduit (6) of the compressor assembly (4).

Abstract: An inhaler has a housing containing a chamber (1a) providing a reservoir (8) for liquid providing an active ingredient to be supplied to a liquid outlet (10a). First and second electrodes are spaced apart (11 and 12) with the first electrode being spaced apart (11 and 12) with the first electrode being provided at or adjacent the liquid outlet (10a). A voltage supply (5, 7) is activated in response to air flowing through an air inlet (30) of the housing to provide a potential difference between the first and second electrodes (11 and 12) to create an electric field for causing comminution of liquid issuing from the liquid supply outlet (10a) to produce a stream of electrically charged comminuted matter for supply to the nasal passages of a user via an outlet (4) of the housing.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering a bioactive composition includes a jet dispenser having an orifice for ejection of droplets from the dispenser. The jet dispenser further includes a main body. At least partially insertable through the main body is a replaceable fluid reservoir for holding and delivering the bioactive composition to the orifice for ejection therethrough. A body orifice spacer is positioned between the orifice of the dispenser and a target during ejection of the bioactive composition to the target.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of a patient having a pulmonary disease involving chronic obstruction of the airways includes a container having therein a chamber containing a composition of L-tartrate in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; an opening connected to the chamber so as to provide an outlet therefor, the opening sized for producing droplets of a predetermined size range responsive to the composition being motivated from the chamber through the opening; and a source of motivating force connected with the chamber so as to motivate the composition through the opening to thereby cause nebulization of the composition. A treatment kit comprises the container described and a mouthpiece connectable to the container so as to be in fluid connection with the opening and downstream therefrom to thereby convey the nebulized composition into a patient's mouth to thereby facilitate oral inhalation of the nebulized composition by the patient.

Abstract: A bush (31) is fitted into a housing (10) and an ultrasonic pump (12) is supported liquid tightly by the bush (31). The ultrasonic pump (12) is constituted by a pump shaft (21) formed to include a pump bore (22) passing through it axially and having upper and lower ends which are open, and an ultrasonic vibrator (23) mounted on the pump shaft (21) in the vicinity of the midpoint thereof in terms of the axial direction. A liquid vessel (16) is mounted in the housing (10) in a freely attachable and detachable manner, and the lower end portion of the pump shaft (21) is received inside the liquid vessel (16). A cap (15) is freely detachably attached to the upper end portion of the housing (10) so as to cover the upper end portion of the pump shaft (21). The top side of the cap (15) is provided with a spray port (51), and a step portion (57) is formed for supporting a mesh plate (14) at the periphery thereof at a position below the spray port (51).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for nebulizing liquids. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a thin shell member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween. The apertures are tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface. A liquid supplier is further provided which delivers a predetermined unit volume of liquid to the rear surface. A vibrator vibrates the thin shell member to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the thin shell member.

Abstract: A respiratory delivery system is disclosed which preferably includes both medicament and plower recharge capabilities. The system includes a portable inhaler with a rechargeable medicament cartridge and a rechargeable power supply. This power supply may be electrically interconnected with one or more components of the portable inhaler, including a droplet ejection device, a controller for the droplet ejection device, an actuation switch, an inhalation sensor, and/or an electronic memory. The system further includes a recharging unit which includes an inhaler docking station, a medicament recharging system, and a power recharging system. When the portable inhaler is docked to the recharging unit, the recharging unit recharges the power supply of the portable inhaler and recharges the medicament cartridge of the portable inhaler by providing additional medicament thereto.

Abstract: An inhaler is disclosed which delivers medicament or other appropriate fluids to a user, typically in droplet form and typically during inhalation. One embodiment of the inhaler includes an inhaler housing, an airflow conduit assembly which at least extends through the inhaler housing, a mouthpiece which is at least fluidly interconnectable with the airflow conduit assembly, a droplet ejection cartridge housing which is at least partially disposed within the airflow conduit assembly, and a droplet ejection cartridge which is removably disposed within the droplet ejection cartridge housing. Dosing of the medicament can be controlled by the measurement of airflow through the device. Droplets of medicament which are discharged by the droplet ejection cartridge are entrained in the flow of air which is drawn through the airflow conduit assembly by the user's inhalation and are discharged from the inhaler through the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An inhaler that uses capillary effects to output droplets of pharmaceutical product is described. The inhaler includes transducers and lenses to generate focused acoustic waves. The frequency and pulse width output of the transducers are set to cause capillary action in a reservoir of pharmaceutical product. The capillary action results in the ejection of small droplets of pharmaceutical product at low frequencies.

Abstract: A hand-held compressor nebulizer suitable for vaporizing liquid medication, comprising a casing and a motor-driven air pump. The nebulizer includes a liquid medication supply unit and a vaporizing unit. The vaporizing unit comprises upper and lower vaporizing chambers, the lower chamber including a reservoir for liquid medication from the liquid medication supply unit. The vaporizing unit includes a hollow conical member located within the lower chamber and defining an internal conical passage having a relatively smaller upper end and a relatively larger lower end, the lower end being in communication with the air pump for receiving an upward airflow produced by the air pump. The airflow increases in speed in the upward direction and creates a negative pressure upon exit from the upper end of the conical passage. The vaporizing unit further includes a vaporizing jacket having a tapered interior and disposed around the conical member to form a narrow gap with the conical member.

Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery device includes a hand piece that is electrically connected to a control unit. A cartridge is engagable with the hand piece and includes a drug reservoir, a pump connected to the drug reservoir, an electrically chargeable nozzle connected to the pump, a discharge electrode, and an information storage element. The control unit controls the pump and the electrical charge of the nozzle and discharge electrode in accordance with instructions stored within the information storage element.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of a medicament to the respiratory system comprises a reservoir that is adapted to hold a liquid medicament that is to be delivered to a respiratory system. An aerosol generator is provided that is adapted to aerosolize the liquid medicament. A liquid supplier is used to deliver the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the aerosol generator. A connector is operably coupled to the aerosol generator and comprises a gas conduit having an inlet, and an outlet, and an aerosol supply conduit. The aerosol generator is configured to provide the aerosolized liquid medicament into the gas conduit through the aerosol supply conduit, and the gas conduit is adapted to pass gases to entrain the aerosolized liquid medicament.

Abstract: A needle-less injector suitable for injecting fluid through a surface includes a housing, a driver, an engine and a trigger. The housing contains a fluid and the engine contains a compressed gas. Upon application of sufficient force to the trigger, the compressed gas is released from the engine forcing the driver through the interior of the housing, expelling the liquid from the housing at a speed sufficient to pierce an injection surface. In one embodiment, the needle-less injector includes a mechanism for mitigating the kickback associated with releasing compressed gas from the engine. In another embodiment, the housing includes finger rests that provide stability and resistance to activate the device. In another embodiment, the engine is fitted with a reusable valve.

Abstract: A device for administration of a medicated aerosol via the lungs consists of an inhalation mouthpiece 11, with an associated adjustable vaporizer 12, and of a compressed-air control valve 14 through which a pre-settable (13) volumetric flow of compressed air can be discharged to the vaporizer 12 containing the liquid medicament throughout a settable period of time. For operation of the device an electronic controller is provided on which the vaporizing period of the vaporizer and a pause interval can be set, with provisions being made for triggering the beginning of the vaporizing operation by means of a pressure sensor responsive to a suction pressure in the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for creating a directed spray of liquid or powder particles which is produced by contacting the liquid of powder with a radiation surface of an ultrasonic transducer such as a piezofilm or ultrasound tip. The ultrasonic waves cause the spray to project outwardly from the radiation surface and directs it into a patient's mouth or onto another target. Directed particle spray delivers sharp dosage and uniformed up to 90% particle size drug delivery.