Laminar flow droplet generator device and methods of use

A device for generating a directed stream of droplets, the device comprising:

• a housing;
• a reservoir disposed within the housing for receiving a volume of fluid;
• and
• an ejector mechanism in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to generate the directed stream of droplets of said fluid, the ejector mechanism comprising a generator plate and a piezoelectric actuator;
• wherein the generator plate includes a fluid facing surface, a droplet ejection surface, and a plurality of openings formed through its thickness between said surfaces;
• wherein the piezoelectric actuator is operable to directly or indirectly oscillate the generator plate, at a frequency to generate the directed stream of droplets of said fluid;
• and
• wherein the plurality of openings of the generator plate have a gradual slope of change from the fluid facing surface to the droplet ejection surface so as to provide an external entry radius of curvature having a circular shape thereby reducing airflow through the plurality of openings from the droplet ejection surface to the fluid facing surface during generation of the directed stream of droplets to provide the fluid with laminar flow as it passes through the openings.