Mist inhaler devices

Abstract

A mist generator device for delivering nicotine. The device includes an elongate housing comprising an air inlet port and a mist outlet port. A liquid chamber and sonication chamber are provided in the housing. The liquid chamber contains a nicotine-containing liquid. The device includes a planar capillary element comprising an enlarged end, a first portion having a generally rectangular shape and a second portion having a partly circular shape, the capillary element extending between the liquid chamber and the sonication chamber such that the first portion of the capillary element is within the liquid chamber. The enlarged end sits in the liquid contained in the liquid chamber and the second portion of the capillary element is within the sonication chamber. An ultrasonic transducer having a planar atomisation surface is provided within the sonication chamber. The transducer is mounted within the mist generator housing such that the plane of the atomisation surface is substantially parallel with a longitudinal length of the mist generator housing. Part of the second portion of the capillary element is superimposed on part of the atomisation surface. The transducer vibrates the atomisation surface to atomise the liquid carried by the second portion of the capillary element to generate a mist comprising the atomised liquid and air within the sonication chamber. An airflow arrangement provides an air flow path between the air inlet port, the sonication chamber and the air outlet port.