An inhalation device controller includes a holding portion configured to hold an atomizer including a heater configured to heat an aerosol source, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the heater of the atomizer attached to the holding portion, an amplifier to which a voltage according to a voltage of a node on a current path configured to supply the power to the heater is input, and a processor configured to acquire information from the amplifier and execute control according to the information. A first range that a value of the information takes in a holding state in which the holding portion holds the atomizer and a second range that the value of the information takes in a non-holding state in which the holding portion does not hold the atomizer do not include ranges overlapping each other.

Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a plant material. In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the plant material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the temperature of the plant material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the plant material is at a first temperature, the first heating step is terminated, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the plant material. The first temperature is less than 95 percent of the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, a second input is received at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the plant material is heated to the vaporization temperature, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described.

A system to generate a vapor from a liquid includes an electric heater and an elongate wick. The electric heater defines an interior void having an inner surface and a plurality of apertures, and it is formed of an electrically resistive material contained within a heat diffusing material. The elongate wick is formed of a durable elongate structure having a plurality of liquid-conducting features on the outer surface. At least a portion of the liquid-conducting features of the elongate wick proximate the first end engage at least a portion of the one inner surface of the electric heater and are capable of conducting a the liquid from a source proximate the second end of the wick along the outer surface of the elongate wick to the electric heater.

The present embodiment relates to the use of liquid terbutaline sulfate from a nebulizer. Liquid terbutaline sulfate is not typically available in plastic dosage vials. Rather, liquid terbutaline sulphate is most commonly packaged in capped glass ampules such as those used for injectable drugs. In view of the effectiveness of liquid terbutaline sulphate in treating pulmonary and bronchial constriction diseases, a method and apparatus that can be employed by pharmacists and patients allowing for the increased ease of use of liquid terbutaline sulphate from capped glass ampules in nebulizers is disclosed.

A handheld misting device has a housing having a dispensing window is arranged and configured to contain a sonic generator, a power source coupled to the sonic generator, at least one reservoir containing a liquid, and a conduit extending from the at least one reservoir to a nozzle removably coupled to the sonic generator. The sonic generator includes a converter and an elongate horn having a proximal end coupled to the converter and a distal end, and the nozzle is removably coupled to the distal end of the horn. Thus, the device delivers the liquid through a delivery opening formed in the nozzle, and activating the sonic generator energizes the liquid in the nozzle to generate an aerosol plume that is delivered through the dispensing window.

The present invention provides a new inhaler device for the storage and administration of inhalable liquids to a patient, such as halogenated volatile liquids, particularly methoxyflurane for use as an analgesic, the device having one or more advantages or improvements over known inhalers.

A system to generate a vapor from a liquid includes an electric heater and an elongate wick. The electric heater defines an interior void having an inner surface and a plurality of apertures, and it is formed of an electrically resistive material contained within a heat diffusing material. The elongate wick is formed of a durable elongate structure having a plurality of liquid-conducting features on the outer surface. At least a portion of the liquid-conducting features of the elongate wick proximate the first end engage at least a portion of the one inner surface of the electric heater and are capable of conducting a the liquid from a source proximate the second end of the wick along the outer surface of the elongate wick to the electric heater.

Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a plant material. In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the plant material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the temperature of the plant material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the plant material is at a first temperature, the first heating step is terminated, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the plant material. The first temperature is less than 95 percent of the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, a second input is received at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the plant material is heated to the vaporization temperature, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described.

An electronic smoking device (210, 310, 410) has two portions (12, 13) wherein one of the portions (12, 13) comprises a cavity (240, 340, 440) for a liquid reservoir (234, 334, 434). The portions (12, 13) can be moved with respect to each other, by a movement and a respective counter movement, at least between an insertion configuration and a closed cavity configuration. In the insertion configuration a liquid reservoir (234, 334, 434) can be inserted into the cavity (340, 440). In a closed cavity configuration, the cavity (240, 340, 440) is closed by the other portion and a liquid reservoir opening element (70) of said one or the other portion opens the housed liquid reservoir (234, 334, 434).

A nicotine powder delivery system includes an inhaler article and a nicotine powder capsule disposed within the inhaler article. The nicotine powder capsule rotates about a longitudinal axis when air flows through the inhaler article.