Patent Description:
The harmful effects of smoking and tobacco products have been known for many years, and while a prevalent cause of disease and even death, most tobacco products continue to be sold and used worldwide.

Deemed a 'safer' alternative to smoking and smoking products, electronic smoking devices have been developed. The electronic devices use heating coils to convert a nicotine-based liquid to a fine mist or vape. The vape is then inhaled by the user in a similar fashion to smoking a cigarette. These devices have however, failed to eliminate all harmful components from the aerosol. Therefore, the correct terminology for such devices is 'reduced' risk products.

Increasingly studies have shown that the harmful side-effects of smoking, including heart, lung and mouth cancer, can be related to the combustion of the tobacco products, such as dry tobacco or nicotine-based liquids, using heat and/or an open flame. During this process the chemical nature of the compounds are changed, and it is this change which has been closely associated with the carcinogenic effects of smoking. Further, burning nicotine basedliquids, liquids or E-liquids as they are known, produces formaldehyde and acrolein. These are compounds which are known to be toxin to the body.

To avoid combustion, and the chemical change which takes place as a result, devices utilizing liquid cavitation have replaced heating and/or combustion. Oscillation of piezoelectric materials is used to cavitate nicotine-based liquids placed in contact therewith. The cavitation has the same effect of generating a mist or vape, similar to that of the combustible method but without the harmful chemical change in the compounds.

While devices utilizing this cavitation method have begun entering the market place, such devices still suffer from problems, making their introduction to, and uptake by, users undesirable. The devices which are entering the market are prone to leaking, function only in a particular orientation and have little or no external control. Such as control through other electronic devices.

The lack of connectivity of the devices lacks the control needed to monitor nicotine consumption. Thus the devices cannot be used as medical smoke cessation devices.

<CIT> discloses an electrically operated aerosol-generating system.

Some examples of the present disclosure seek to address these problems, at least partly, and provide an electronic smoking device which does not use combustion or heat to generate a vape, and which is leak-proof, usable in any orientation, including leak-proof use while inverted, and which may be controllable, remotely, through connection with an electronic device. The controllable nature making the device a candidate for medical smoke cessation.

The present invention provides a personal ultrasonic atomizer device, as claimed in claim <NUM>.

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent by the following description of the embodiment, which is made by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a personal ultrasonic atomizer device <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The device <NUM> includes a cartridge <NUM> for holding a liquid to be atomized, a sonication chamber <NUM> and a member <NUM> for controlling the amount of liquid flow to the chamber. The cartridge, chamber and member are interconnected in sequential fashion, with the cartridge flanked on either side by the chamber and the member.

The device <NUM> includes a casing <NUM> for housing components used to power and operate the device.

The device <NUM> is shown as an elongate tubular body which includes an end <NUM>, an opposing end <NUM> and a sidewall <NUM> which partially extends between the first and second end.

<FIG> shows the cartridge <NUM> which includes a reservoir <NUM> for holding the liquid to be atomized. In the embodiment shown, the cartridge is an elongate circular shaped body <NUM> having an internal bore <NUM>, which extends between a first end <NUM> and an opposed second end <NUM> of the body.

The body <NUM> includes a shoulder <NUM>, at which the diameter of the body is reduced to form a portion <NUM>. The portion includes a sidewall <NUM> which extends away from the first end <NUM> to terminate in a circular ridge <NUM>. A recess <NUM> is formed in the space between the sidewall and the ridge.

The sidewall <NUM> includes a first duct 46A and a diametrically opposed second duct 46B, which both extend through the sidewall. Additionally, at least a first guide formation <NUM>, extends laterally from the sidewall.

The portion <NUM> provides a mating arrangement for connecting the member <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> additionally includes at least a first opening <NUM>, located along the first end <NUM> and at least a first aperture <NUM> located along the second end <NUM>. This is more clearly shown in <FIG>, respectively.

Situated along the second end <NUM> may be one or more metal plates <NUM> and a microchip <NUM>. The metal plates form part of a complimentary arrangement for engaging the cartridge <NUM> with the sonication chamber <NUM> and will be dealt with in further detail below. Likewise, the microchip will also be discussed in greater detail below.

Opening <NUM> provides a passageway from the surroundings to the reservoir <NUM>. In the current embodiment the cartridge <NUM> includes four such openings, all of which provide a passageway from the surroundings to the reservoir.

The at least first aperture <NUM>, provides a flow path <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> out of the cartridge <NUM>. As is shown in <FIG>. A second aperture is also present. The invention is not deemed to be limited as to the number of apertures in this respect.

Apertures <NUM> each include a valve arrangement <NUM>. An enlarged view of the valve arrangement is shown in <FIG>. The arrangement includes a biasing means <NUM>, such as a mechanical spring, and a stopper <NUM> for sealing the aperture <NUM>, when biased toward the sealing position. The flow path <NUM> will be restricted when the stopper is in the sealing position.

Turning to <FIG> which shows the member <NUM>. The member is formed as an elongate circular body and includes a leading end <NUM>, a trailing end <NUM>, an internal orifice <NUM>, which extends between the leading end and trailing end, and an outerwall <NUM> which extends between the two ends.

Positioned toward the leading end <NUM> is an internal step <NUM>, which step is compatible to receive portion <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. The step additionally includes a pair of opposing slots 72A and 72B respectively, and at least one groove <NUM>, for receiving the guide formation <NUM>.

The member <NUM> is connected to the cartridge <NUM>, by portion <NUM> being received by internal step <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the member until shoulder <NUM> abuts the leading end <NUM> of the member, and the guide formation <NUM> is received within the groove <NUM>.

Once connected, the member <NUM> is movable relative to the cartridge <NUM>. The movement may be in the form of a twist, as shown in the Figures, where the degree of movement will be limited, to an extent, by the movement of the guide formation <NUM> as it travels through groove <NUM>.

Twisting the member <NUM> relative to the cartridge <NUM> results in slots 72A and 72B becoming aligned, or misaligned, with the ducts 46A and 46B, respectively. Alignment of the slots with the ducts will provide a passageway for air from the surroundings to the recess <NUM>, and hence, to openings <NUM>. This alignment relates to a flow position.

The degree of twisting movement of the member <NUM> relative to the cartridge <NUM>, is limited to the degree of movement of the guide formation <NUM> as it travels through groove <NUM>. This movement may also correlate to the alignment or misalignment of the slots <NUM> with the ducts <NUM>. Mis-alignment relates to a sealing position.

The member <NUM>, once connected to the cartridge <NUM>, and twisted such that the slots 72A and 72B are misaligned with the ducts 46A and 46B, provides a substantially air-tight seal.

While the twisting of the member <NUM>, relative to the cartridge <NUM>, is described to align the slots <NUM> with the ducts <NUM>, it is clear that any movement of the member in which the alignment takes place may be incorporated in terms of the current description. The invention is not deemed to be limited in this respect. Further the member <NUM> may be connected to the cartridge <NUM> in any fashion, wherein movement, relative to the cartridge, will result in the member aligning or misaligning the slots <NUM> with the ducts <NUM>. The connection may include vertical, or lateral movement of the member.

Located within the recess <NUM> is a ring-shaped liquid retention means <NUM>. The means, once inserted into the recess will cover the slots 72A and 72B of the member <NUM>. The means will further cover the openings <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. The means is substantially pervious to air but, is substantially impervious to a liquid.

When in use, the retention means <NUM> will provide a buffer between the surroundings and the openings <NUM>. Liquid held in the reservoir <NUM> which may pass through the openings will be retained by the means, and hence is prevented from passing through the ducts <NUM>, and/or, slots <NUM>.

The retention means <NUM> provides an anti-leak guard, which limits movement of the liquid from the reservoir <NUM> and pass the openings. Placing the cartridge <NUM> and/or reservoir <NUM> in any orientation will have little or no effect on the anti-leak properties.

The retention means <NUM> provides for the device <NUM> to be used in any orientation, without the liquid being leaked out of the reservoir <NUM> and/or the device itself.

This is particularly useful where a user of the device may be horizontal (i.e. lying down). The device may be used in the horizontal position without any leakage of liquid.

The flow of air through the retention means <NUM> will not be restricted, to a degree. As such air from the surroundings may flow through the retention device, through the openings <NUM> and to reservoir <NUM>. This will be the position when the member <NUM> is twisted to align the slots <NUM> with the ducts <NUM>.

The flow of air will be limited, substantially, when the member <NUM> is twisted to misalign the slots <NUM> and ducts <NUM>. Once misaligned the member and cartridge <NUM> will provide a substantial air-tight seal between them, thus limiting liquid and air-flow from the surroundings to the reservoir <NUM>.

A vacuum within the reservoir <NUM> is formed when the cartridge <NUM> and the member <NUM> are connected to one another, and the member is set to the sealing position. The vacuum prevents the liquid held in the reservoir <NUM>, from flowing through the apertures <NUM> (this is true even when the valve arrangement <NUM> is in a flow position).

To release the vacuum, air from the surroundings must be introduced to the reservoir <NUM>. This is possible by moving the member <NUM> from the sealing potion to the flow position. Air may then flow through the slots <NUM> and the duct <NUM> through the openings <NUM> to the reservoir. By releasing the vacuum, liquid in the reservoir may flow out of the apertures <NUM>.

The vacuum may be reinstated by moving the member <NUM> to the sealing position and restricting the air flow.

The rate at which liquid flows from the reservoir through the apertures may also be controlled, to a degree, by the amount of air being introduced. Controlling the air flow is possible by the limiting the degree to which the slots <NUM> and ducts <NUM> are aligned and/or misaligned, through the movement of the member <NUM> relative to the cartridge <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, which shows the sonication chamber <NUM>. The chamber includes the ultrasonic oscillation arrangement <NUM>, provided for atomizing a liquid. The chamber further includes a wick <NUM>, a portion of an inhalation channel <NUM>, an air inlet port <NUM>, a contact panel <NUM>, a rigid connector <NUM> and an inner chamber <NUM>.

Casing <NUM> houses a portion of the chamber <NUM> and includes an outer shell <NUM>, conterminous with the outerwall <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> of the member <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> houses additional components for powering and operating the device <NUM>.

These components include an energy storage arrangement <NUM>, activation switch <NUM>, computer <NUM> and a visual indicator <NUM>, such as a light emitting diode, for providing signals to a user. These are more clearly shown in the exploded view of the device <NUM> in <FIG>.

The chamber <NUM> includes two rigid connectors <NUM>. Each of the connectors include a rigid piston <NUM> and a hole <NUM> and fulfil two roles in the invention. The first of these roles is to provide a liquid path <NUM> for a liquid from outside of the chamber, through the hole to an inner chamber <NUM>, housed within the chamber. A liquid to be atomized is held in the inner chamber before atomization takes place. The inner chamber places the liquid in fluid communication with the wick <NUM>.

The second role of the connectors is to move the stoppers <NUM> of the valve arrangements <NUM> from the sealing position, to an open position, to open the liquid path <NUM>. This is achieved once the pistons <NUM> are brought into abutment with the valves, during engagement of the cartridge <NUM> and the chamber <NUM>. Thus, liquid held in the reservoir <NUM> is permitted to flow over the pistons and through the holes <NUM>, to inner chamber <NUM>. Disengagement of the cartridge from the chamber provides the stoppers <NUM> of the valve arrangements to return, under bias, to the sealing position, effectively closing the liquid path <NUM> and sealing the reservoir.

The engageable nature of the cartridge <NUM> and the chamber <NUM>, is made possible by a complimentary arrangement situated at an interface between the chamber and cartridge.

In the current embodiment, the chamber <NUM> includes a pair of magnets <NUM> spaced apart and aligned to attract a pair of metal plates <NUM> positioned along the cartridge <NUM>. Bringing the magnets and plates into proximity allows the attractive force of the magnet to draw the plates into abutment, to form the engagement.

The complimentary arrangement may take various forms; such as a bayonet type arrangement, a threadedly engaged type arrangement or even a friction fit type arrangement. What is required is that the arrangement provides sufficient engaging force to hold the cartridge <NUM> and chamber <NUM> together, and overcome the biasing force applied to the stoppers <NUM> of the valve arrangement <NUM>, to open the flow path.

Turning now to <FIG>. The ultrasonic oscillation arrangement <NUM> includes a piezoelectric disc <NUM> seated in a flexible sleeve <NUM> which is in proximity to the wick <NUM>.

The wick <NUM> is placed in contact with an atomization surface <NUM> of the piezoelectric disc <NUM>. The wick is formed to have a capillary action to draw liquid placed in contact with the wick, and/or held in the inner chamber <NUM>, to the atomization surface.

Unlike the use of a normal absorbent material, such as cotton, the capillary wick <NUM> will draw the liquid to be atomized to the atomization surface <NUM>, irrespective of the orientation of the device <NUM> itself.

Therefore, certain absorbent materials may allow liquid to drain away from the atomization surface, say for example where the device is completely inverted. The liquid will drain through the material under the influence of gravity and away from the surface <NUM>. In this scenario the device, although powered and functioning, could not be used in the ordinary sense. Oscillation of the piezoelectric ceramic disc <NUM> would still take place, but there would be no liquid to atomize.

By using the capillary wick <NUM>, liquid will always be drawn to the atomization surface <NUM>, even if the device <NUM> is completely inverted. Particularly useful for times when a user is horizontal, or lying down. The wick's construction, and physical properties ensure that saturation of the wick, by the liquid to be atomized, is always evenly distributed throughout the wick. Therefore, liquid cannot drain away (or in any direction) based on the orientation of the device <NUM>.

To feed an amount of liquid to the inner chamber <NUM> for atomization, requires that the stoppers <NUM> of the valve arrangements <NUM> be moved against the biasing force applied by the biasing means <NUM> to open the liquid path <NUM>.

This action is made possible by engaging the cartridge12 with the chamber <NUM>, while the member <NUM> is twisted to an open position, to release the vacuum and allow the liquid, held in the reservoir <NUM>, to flow through the liquid path <NUM>, over pistons <NUM> and through holes <NUM> to the inner chamber <NUM>.

When a sufficient amount of liquid has entered the inner chamber <NUM>, the member <NUM> may be twisted to the sealing position, to thus restore the vacuum and hold the liquid within reservoir <NUM>.

The liquid now in the inner chamber <NUM> will then meet the wick <NUM> and be drawn to the atomization surface <NUM>.

The ultrasonic oscillation arrangement <NUM> is interconnected to the energy storage arrangement <NUM> and computer <NUM>. The computer controls and regulates the oscillation of the piezoelectric disc <NUM>. Thus, when the device is activated the liquid brought into contact with the atomization surface <NUM> is atomized to form a vape (V).

The chamber <NUM> includes at least one air inlet port <NUM> for supplying air from the surroundings to the inner chamber <NUM>. The air supplied from the port is directed away from the atomization surface <NUM>, and toward the direction of the inhalation channel <NUM>.

In the current embodiment the inlet port <NUM> is shown as a tubular body having a cut-out portion located over, and orientated away from, the atomization surface <NUM>.

The inhalation channel <NUM> is positioned over the atomization surface <NUM>, such that any vape generated by the oscillation arrangement <NUM> is fed to the channel.

Air introduced through the port <NUM> mixes with the vape being generated from the atomization surface <NUM>. The vape/air fluid mixture then passes into the inhalation channel <NUM>, when in use.

The inhalation channel <NUM> extends from the chamber <NUM>, through the internal bore <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, and through the internal orifice <NUM>, terminating at the trailing end <NUM> of the member <NUM>. The channel additionally includes a mouth piece (not shown) at the trailing end.

The inhalation channel <NUM> includes a frustoconical body <NUM>. The body includes an internal passage <NUM>, aligned in the similar direction as the inhalation channel <NUM>, having a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. The distal end having a diameter less than that of the proximal end, such that the internal passage reduces in diameter over the bodies length.

The frustoconical body <NUM> is positioned in alignment with the atomization surface <NUM>, wherein the proximal end <NUM> is nearer the surface. As shown in <FIG> the air inlet port <NUM> is positioned between the atomization surface and the frustoconical body.

The vape/air fluid mixture which is passes into the inhalation channel <NUM> is met by the frustoconical body <NUM>. The reducing internal passage <NUM> increases the pressure of the fluid mixture which, in turn accelerates movement of the fluid mixture through the channel and toward the mouth piece.

<FIG> shows slots <NUM> of the member <NUM> in alignment with the ducts <NUM> (A and B, respectively) of the cartridge <NUM>. When in alignment, air from the surroundings may flow to the reservoir <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> and chamber <NUM> may be disengaged. When disengagement occurs, the pistons <NUM> are withdrawn from abutment with the stoppers <NUM> of the valve arrangement <NUM>. The stoppers move to the sealing position under the force of the biasing means <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> is sealed, thus preventing leakage of liquid from the reservoir.

Different cartridges <NUM> may be used interchangeably with the chamber <NUM>, without having to completely or partially discharge the reservoir <NUM> from liquid. Each cartridge used and/or interchanged with the chamber is specifically coded and identifiable to the chamber through the cartridge's microchip <NUM>.

The microchip <NUM> is brought into contact with the contact panel <NUM> when the cartridge <NUM> and chamber <NUM> are engaged. The panel provides communication between the data stored on the microchip and the computer <NUM>.

The computer <NUM> and the energy storage arrangement form part of an electronic system for operating the device <NUM>. The system includes, in addition to the computer <NUM> and the energy storage arrangement <NUM>, a means for communication with an electronic device <NUM> and a GPS module <NUM>.

The computer <NUM> operates the device <NUM>. Such operation may include permitting power from the energy storage arrangement <NUM> to power the device <NUM> or preventing power from the energy storage arrangement to render the device unusable.

Powering the device <NUM>, includes providing a current to the electronic oscillation arrangement <NUM>. The arrangement, which includes the piezoelectric disc <NUM>, cannot oscillate the disc without a current, and without oscillation, there is no atomization of a liquid at the atomization surface <NUM>.

The operation may be dependent on the nature of the data contained on a microchip <NUM> and/or the physical location of the device. In addition, the computer <NUM> may operate the device according to any pre-programmed guidelines held within the computer's firmware or software.

The computer <NUM> may connect and communicate with an electronic device, through the means for communication with an electronic device <NUM>. Typically, such communication will take place by connecting the device <NUM> to a program hosted on the electronic device.

The program may be used to operate the device <NUM>, by passing commands to the computer <NUM>.

In a use case, the communication will relate to determining the authenticity of the cartridge <NUM> being used with the device <NUM>. The computer <NUM> is programmed to detect the use of a fake, or non-original, cartridge. And if such a fake cartridge was detected, the computer would prevent power to the device, rendering it unusable.

The computer <NUM> may also record data of the cartridge <NUM>, such as make, model, number and even flavour, and volume of the cartridge. By recording and storing this data, the computer may operate the device <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flow diagram <NUM>, which depicts the steps in which the computer <NUM> will operate the device <NUM>, based on data stored on the microchip <NUM>.

Step one <NUM> involves the cartridge <NUM> being engaged with the chamber <NUM>. The engagement is such that the microchip <NUM> is brought into contact with the contact panel <NUM>. Such contact provides a communication link between the microchip and the computer <NUM>. Information relating to the cartridge's make, model, number, flavour and volume is read by the computer.

Step two <NUM> requires that the authenticity of the cartridge <NUM> is verified. Data specific to the cartridge in a coded form is communicated to the computer <NUM>. The computer will run an algorithm designed specifically to identify cartridges with corresponding codes matching the algorithm to ensure authenticity of the cartridge.

Step three <NUM>, involves authenticating the cartridge <NUM>. If the code on the cartridge is compatible with the algorithms of the computer <NUM>, a signal will be sent to activate the device <NUM>. Such activation may involve permitting power from the energy storage arrangement <NUM> to the device, this is shown by arrow <NUM> (activate).

However, if the code is not compatible with the computer's <NUM> algorithm a signal will be sent to deactivate the device <NUM>. Such deactivation may involve preventing power from the energy storage arrangement <NUM> to the device, this is shown by arrow <NUM> (deactivate). As referred to above, deactivation amounts to preventing power to the electronic oscillation arrangement <NUM>. This in turn prevents oscillation of the piezoelectric disc <NUM> and no atomization can take place.

Step four <NUM> (activate). The signal to activate the device <NUM> may include a signal to activate the ultrasonic oscillation arrangement <NUM>.

Alternatively, step four <NUM> (deactivate). The signal to activate the device <NUM> is not sent, and the ultrasonic oscillation arrangement <NUM> is not activated. In this instance, the operation <NUM> is ended, shown by arrow <NUM>.

Only by replacing the cartridge <NUM> with a different cartridge will the operation be restarted. This serves as an anti-counterfeiting deterrent, allowing only original cartridges to function with the device <NUM>.

Step five <NUM>, the device <NUM> is used in accordance with ordinary normal use of the device. The computer <NUM> continually monitors the cartridge <NUM>. The monitoring may include measuring the volume of liquid within the cartridge during use, and measuring rate of consumption, to determine when the cartridge is likely to be discharged of fluid.

If the cartridge still contains fluid and is currently in use with the device, the device will continue to operate in the ordinary normal way, this is depicted by arrow <NUM> (normal use).

When the cartridge is discharged, a signal will be sent to the computer <NUM> to this effect. Such a signal will result in the deactivation of the ultrasonic oscillation arrangement <NUM> and the end of the device <NUM> operation. This is depicted by arrow <NUM> (discontinued use).

Step six <NUM>, during normal ordinary use of device <NUM>, information related to the cartridge <NUM> is saved and stored on the computer <NUM>. The information may be used in operating this, or other, cartridges.

The information stored on the computer <NUM>, may include the make, model and volume of the reservoir and the nature of the liquid as it relates to a cartridge <NUM>. Additionally, the information stored may also include the amount of liquid which has been discharged from the reservoir <NUM> during the use of the device <NUM>.

By measuring the amount of liquid discharged, the computer <NUM> may predict, based on the number of times the device <NUM> is activated, how much liquid is remaining in the reservoir <NUM>. The amount of liquid remaining provides a guideline as to how much longer the device may be used with the cartridge, <NUM> before the reservoir is completely discharged and when operation must be prevented.

When a cartridge <NUM> is removed, prior to all the liquid being discharged in the reservoir <NUM>, the computer <NUM> will create a memory data entry to record the amount of liquid which remained in the cartridge. Once the cartridge is re-inserted, and normal use continues, the computer will recall the memory data of the amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir.

Operation of the device <NUM> will then only be permitted for as long as the remaining liquid would take to be depleted. Once this remaining fluid is depleted, the operation will be prevented.

This memory data recall will act as a tamper deterrent, wherein any additional liquid inserted to the reservoir <NUM> will not be used. Examples may include where a user attempts to refill the reservoir using a syringe filled with liquid, to increase the use of a particular cartridge <NUM>.

The computer <NUM> may also operate the device <NUM> by determining the physical location of the device, using either the GPS module <NUM>, or the GPS module of the electronic device. Locating the device within certain predefined geo-locations results in the computer preventing power from the energy storage arrangement <NUM> to power the device. In such a scenario, the operation <NUM> of the device <NUM> will be similar to that depicted in <FIG>.

Step three <NUM> will be replaced with a location confirmation relative to certain rules surrounding a predefined geolocation. Depending on the location of the device within the geolocation, the computer may operate the device <NUM> according to step four <NUM> (activate) as depicted by arrow <NUM> (activate) or alternatively step four <NUM> (deactivate) as depicted by arrow <NUM> (deactivate).

Over time, the computer <NUM> may require software updates to its processing systems.

Software updates may be communicated to the computer <NUM> in different ways. One such way to provide for an update is when the means for communicating with an electronic device <NUM> connects to the program on said electronic device. The program may contain the update and communicate this to the computer.

A further way in which an update may take place would be when the update data/information is contained on the microchip <NUM> of a cartridge <NUM> inserted into the device. The information is then transferred through the direct communication which is created when the microchip contacts the contact panel <NUM>. The flow of data may then take place.

An even further way in which the computer <NUM> may be updated would be to place the contact panel <NUM> in contact with a dedicated updating system.

The dedicated updating system may be in any form which creates a physical connection between the contact panel <NUM> and an electronic device which contains the update. Common examples of such devices include a docking station, or an electronic cable connected to an electronic device, such as a computer.

Once the physical connection is made, the data, or update, may be transferred to the computer <NUM>, to update the computer.

Claim 1:
A personal ultrasonic atomizer device (<NUM>) comprising:
a cartridge (<NUM>) having a reservoir (<NUM>) for holding a liquid to be atomized;
a sonication chamber (<NUM>), placed in fluid communication with the reservoir (<NUM>), and
a member (<NUM>) for controlling the amount of liquid flow into the chamber, wherein:
the reservoir (<NUM>) includes a first opening (<NUM>) for providing air passage from the surroundings to the interior of the reservoir (<NUM>) and a first aperture (<NUM>) for providing a flow path from the interior of the reservoir (<NUM>) to the sonication chamber (<NUM>);
the member (<NUM>) is engaged with the cartridge (<NUM>) to be movable between a sealed position, at which the opening (<NUM>) is closed, and a flow position, at which the opening (<NUM>) is open;
liquid held in the reservoir (<NUM>) is discharged to the sonication chamber (<NUM>) once the member (<NUM>) is in the flow position, and liquid held in the reservoir (<NUM>) remains in the reservoir (<NUM>) when the member (<NUM>) is in the sealed position, and
at least a first slot (<NUM>) through the member (<NUM>) provides air passage from the surroundings, wherein:
the slot (<NUM>) is aligned with the opening (<NUM>) when the member (<NUM>) is in the flow position, and wherein the slot (<NUM>) is misaligned with the opening (<NUM>) when the member (<NUM>) is in the sealed position, and optionally wherein the sealed position is an air-tight seal.