US 2008/0184993 A1 · DEVICES AND METHODS FOR NEBULIZING FLUIDS FOR INHALATION

Abstract

A nebulizer comprising an aerosol generator and a titration mechanism comprising a dosing mechanism, a screw assembly, a plunger and an actuator, wherein the dosing mechanism is rotatably mounted in the nebulizer and the plunger is mounted in the nebulizer to travel along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the dosing mechanism. The actuator is mounted to the nebulizer to travel in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The screw mechanism allows the rotation of the dosing mechanism to fix a variable distance of travel of the plunger based on the selected dose, without moving the plunger longitudinally. This allows the user to verify and if necessary correct the selected dose prior to any drug being released from the vial. Operation of the actuator causes longitudinal movement, through the screw mechanism, to the plunger. The actuator always moves a fixed distance along the longitudinal axis, while the plunger always moves a variable distance depending on rotation of the dosing mechanism to a selected dose.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of delivering a nebulized fluid for inhalation, comprising the steps of:

providing an aerosol generator, a container containing a fluid to be nebulized, a reservoir in fluid communication with the container and with the aerosol generator, a moveable member positioned to act upon the container in a manner to eject fluid therefrom, and a linkage mechanism coupled to the moveable member to selectively control the distance of movement of the moveable member,
selecting a distance of travel of the of the moveable member,
moving the moveable member to eject fluid from the container into the reservoir,
operating the aerosol generator to eject fluid from the reservoir as a nebulized fluid for inhalation.

1 more element

A nebulizer comprising a titration mechanism, a dispensing mechanism aerosol generator;

the titration mechanism comprises:
a housing configured to receive a medicine vial defining a central axis therein,
a plunger movably mounted within the housing to travel to and fro substantially parallel to the central axis of a vial when such a vial is received within the housing,
an actuator button configured to move the plunger when said actuator button is pressed by a user;
a titration control mechanism operable to selectively control the distance of travel of the plunger when the actuator button is pressed, and
wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises:
a cannula, a reservoir comprising a lumen defined by a wall, and a delivery tube in fluid communication between the cannula and the reservoir lumen wherein the cannula is configured to engage in fluid communication with a medicine vial and wherein fluid can be moved from a medicine vial through the cannula and through the delivery tube to the reservoir;
and
wherein the aerosol generator is mounted within the lumen wall of the reservoir such that when the aerosol generator is operated, fluid within the reservoir is moved from the reservoir and released therefrom as a mist.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Devices and methods for nebulizing fluids for inhalation

Life of this patent

Devices and methods for nebulizing fluids for inhalation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20