Simulated breathing apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus (100) that simulates breathing, which is suitable for use when testing inhalers (14), comprises an inlet (22) to which, in use, an inhaler (14) can be connected, and a vacuum pumping system, which has a vacuum pump (106), a high-speed valve (102) and a flow sensing means (137, 112, 104, 114) interposed between the inlet (22) and the vacuum pump (106), and a controller (126). A user interface (134) enables a user to input a target flow profile (148, 150), which may correspond to human inspiration, such that, in operation, the controller (126) can control the operation of the vacuum pump (106) and the high-speed valve (102) so that the pressure and/or flow rate within the apparatus (100) matches the pressure (150) and/or flow rate (148) of the target flow profile in real-time or near-time.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.