A frequency tracking method for an ultrasonic electronic cigarette is provided. The method includes enabling start of working of an ultrasonic atomizer and selecting an oscillation frequency range of the ultrasonic atomizer as a frequency scan range according to the natural frequency characteristics of the ultrasonic atomizer. The method further includes selecting N frequency points within the frequency scan range and controlling the ultrasonic atomizer to work at the N frequency points. The method further includes finding out a maximum current value Imax and a minimum current value Imin of the ultrasonic atomizer when working at the N frequency points, and finding out a working frequency fimax corresponding to the maximum current value Imax. The method further includes controlling the ultrasonic atomizer to work at a frequency f.sub.tracking=fimax+Δf; and detecting the working current I of the ultrasonic atomizer.

A hookah device (202) which attaches to a hookah (246). The hookah device (202) comprises a plurality of ultrasonic mist generator devices (201) for generating a mist for inhalation by a user. The hookah device (202) comprises a driver device (202) which controls the mist generator devices (201) to maximize the efficiency of mist generation by the mist generator devices (201) and optimize mist output from the hookah device (202).

The present invention relates to a device (10) for supplying a mist of liquid (F). The device (10) is used in combination with a container (20) with an opening (200) for containing the liquid (F). The device (10) includes a main body (100) comprising: (i) a center axis (C); (ii) a liquid chamber (110) formed inside the main body (100), into which a predetermined amount of liquid (F) can be taken up; (iii) a first port (112) formed in a base wall (114) of the main body (100) forming a bottom surface (116) of the liquid chamber (110) so as to face the opening (200) when the device (10) and the container (20) are combined with each other, through which the liquid (F) can flow; (iv) a second port (118) formed in the base wall (114) at a position different from the position where the first port (112) is formed so as to face the opening (200) when the device (10) and the container (20) are combined with each other, through which the liquid (F) can flow; and (v) an aperture (120) connected to the liquid chamber (110), through which a mist of liquid (F) can be released to the outside of the main body (100). The device (10) further includes: a connecting section (122) provided on the main body (100) so as to extend from it in a direction away from the base wall (114) and used for connecting the container (20) to the main body (100); an atomizing element (124) interposed between the liquid chamber (110) and the aperture (120) to atomize the liquid (F) taken up in the liquid chamber (110) and release a mist of the liquid (F) to the outside of the main body (100) from the aperture (120); a first valve (126) mounted on the main body (100) corresponding to the first port (112), wherein the first valve (126) permits the liquid (F) in the container (20) flowing into the liquid chamber (110) through the first port (112) under the influence of gravity, and prevents the liquid (F) in the liquid chamber (110) flowing into the container (20) under the influence of gravity; and a second valve (128) mounted on the main body (100) corresponding to the second port (118), wherein the second valve (128) prevents the liquid (F) in the container (20) from flowing into the liquid chamber (110) through the second port (118) under the influence of gravity, and selectively permits or prevents the liquid (F) in the liquid cha

The invention provides a monolithic integrated mesh device for atomization or pumping of a fluid or liquid comprising a plurality of apertures and a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric material is bonded to the mesh device at an atomic scale. In one embodiment the monolithic micro-fabricated device of the invention includes piezoelectric material that eliminates the need for expensive assembly process and improves reliability. This also has advantage of requiring lower operating voltage and less complicated circuitry.

A hookah device (202) which attaches to a hookah (246). The hookah device (202) comprises a plurality of ultrasonic mist generator devices (201) for generating a mist for inhalation by a user. The hookah device (202) comprises a driver device (202) which controls the mist generator devices (201) to maximize the efficiency of mist generation by the mist generator devices (201) and optimize mist output from the hookah device (202).

A hookah device (202) which attaches to a hookah (246). The hookah device (202) comprises a plurality of ultrasonic mist generator devices (201) for generating a mist for inhalation by a user. The hookah device (202) comprises a driver device (202) which controls the mist generator devices (201) to maximize the efficiency of mist generation by the mist generator devices (201) and optimize mist output from the hookah device (202).

A hookah device (202) which attaches to a hookah (246). The hookah device (202) comprises a plurality of ultrasonic mist generator devices (201) for generating a mist for inhalation by a user. The hookah device (202) comprises a driver device (202) which controls the mist generator devices (201) to maximize the efficiency of mist generation by the mist generator devices (201) and optimize mist output from the hookah device (202).

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 same lateral and top side of the piezo and support member. The pins may have multi-point tips for particularly effective electrical contact.

An aperture plate is manufactured by plating metal around a mask of resist columns having a desired size, pitch, and profile, which yields a wafer about 60 μm thickness. This is approximately the full desired target aperture plate thickness. The plating is continued so that the metal overlies the top surfaces of the columns until the desired apertures are achieved. This needs only one masking/plating cycle to achieve the desired plate thickness. Also, the plate has passageways formed beneath the apertures, formed as an integral part of the method, by mask material removal. These are suitable for entrainment of aerosolized droplets exiting the apertures.

An atomizer for applying a coating includes a nozzle plate, an actuator, and an acoustic focusing device. The nozzle plate defines at least one aperture. The actuator is configured to oscillate to form pressure waves within a fluid to eject the fluid from the nozzle plate. The acoustic focusing device focuses the pressure waves toward the apertures.