US 4,094,317 A · Nebulization system

Abstract

A nebulization chamber, designed specifically for radioaerosols, for reducing mean particle size, increasing aerosol concentration, and minimizing dead space. Centrally and vertically disposed is a substantially cylindrical interaction chamber at the lower most portion of which is positioned a membrane-covered opening that serves as the liquid interface to a conventional ultrasonic nebulizer located thereunder. Positioned concentrically within the interaction chamber is an impaction sphere which acts to trap the nebulized aerosol bolus in a small, compact volume for efficient delivery to the patient. Larger aerosol particles are also impacted on the sphere to permit recovery thereof for re-nebulization. The upper end of the interaction chamber communicates with the patient's mouthpiece via a one-way valve. Positioned laterally and downstream of the interaction chamber is a valved air inlet which acts to assist movement of the aerosol bolus during initial inspiration by the patient, thereby improving delivery efficiency and minimizing dead space. An injection inlet conduit may also be provided laterally of the interaction chamber to permit measured quantities of the desired fluid to be administered.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A nebulization system adapted to provide a nebulized aerosol for inhalation therapy of a patient to be treated, which comprises:

an interaction chamber having a reservoir means positioned near the bottom thereof for containing a small amount of liquid to be nebulized;
ultrasonic nebulizer means disposed below said reservoir means and said interaction chamber for nebulizing said small amount of liquid into an aerosol to be received by said interaction chamber;
means positioned within said interaction chamber above said nebulizer means for initially maintaining the position of said aerosol therebelow for increasing the concentration thereof and for causing the larger particles of said aerosol to be impacted thereon and thereby be recovered by renebulization;
outlet conduit means in communication with said interaction chamber for receiving said aerosol and including means for delivering same to the patient upon commencement of inspiration by said patient;
and
air inlet conduit means in communication with said interaction chamber including means for providing air flow behind said aerosol after commencement of inspiration by said patient.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Nebulization system

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Nebulization system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16