Intermittent signal actuated nebulizer synchronized to operate in the exhalation phase, and its method of use

A method of operating a nebulizer having means for generating an aerosol;

• means for supplying said aerosol to a mechanical respirator having an inhalation phase, an exhalation phase and a gas passageway to a patient, and an external electrical signal source generating a first electrical signal during said exhalation phase, said method further comprising:
• generating said aerosol;
• introducing said aerosol into said gas passageway during a portion or all of said exhalation phase;
• monitoring the amount of aerosol introduced into said gas passageway;
• and
• gradually ceasing the introduction of said aerosol into said gas passageway after a predetermined amount of aerosol has been introduced.

A nebulizing attachment in combination with a respirator means having an inhalation phase for inhaling and an exhalation phase for exhaling, a first tubing means connecting said respirator means with a patient wherein during said inhalation phase said respirator means is fluidically connected to the patient through said first tubing means for introducing gas in said first tubing means into the respirator tract of the patient, a second tubing means connecting said respirator means with the patient wherein during said exhalation phase said respirator means is fluidically connected to the patient through said second tubing means for receiving exhaled gas from the patient into said respirator means;

• said nebulizing attachment comprising:
• a filter pressure sensor for detecting the pressure differential in said second tubing means, and for generating a filter pressure signal in response thereto;
• an airway pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in said first tubing means, and for generating an airway pressure signal in response thereto;
• means for receiving said filter pressure signal and said airway pressure signal and for generating a first electrical signal synchronized with the commencement of said exhalation phase;
• means for generating an aerosol;
• aerosol connecting means for connecting said generating means to said first tubing means;
• means for introducing said aerosol into said first tubing means in response to and synchronized with said first electrical signal;
• means for monitoring the amount of aerosol introduced into said gas passageway;
• and
• means for gradually terminating the introduction of said aerosol into said first tubing means after a predetermined volume of aerosol is introduced into said first tubing means.

A respirator having an inhalation phase for inhaling and an exhalation phase for exhaling for use with a patient, comprising:

• a first tubing means for connection to the patient;
• a second tubing means for connection to the patient;
• means for introducing gas in said first tubing means into the respiratory tract of the patient during said inhalation phase and for receiving exhaled gas from the patient during said exhalation phase;
• a filter pressure sensor for detecting the pressure differential in said second tubing means, and for generating a filter pressure signal in response thereto;
• an airway pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in said first tubing means, and for generating an airway pressure signal in response thereto;
• means for receiving said filter pressure signal and said airway pressure signal and for generating a first electrical signal synchronized with the commencement of said exhalation phase;
• means for generating an aerosol;
• aerosol connecting means for connecting said generating means to said first tubing means;
• means for introducing said aerosol into said first tubing means in response to and synchronized with said first electrical signal;
• means for monitoring the amount of aerosol introduced into said gas passageway;
• and
• means for gradually terminating the introduction of said aerosol into said first tubing means after a predetermined volume of aerosol is introduced into said first tubing means.

A method of operating a nebulizer having means for generating an aerosol;

• means for supplying said aerosol to a mechanical respirator having an inhalation phase, an exhalation phase, a first gas passageway to a patient, and a second gas passageway from the patient, and an external electrical signal source generating a first electrical signal during said exhalation phase, said method further comprising:
• generating said aerosol;
• introducing said aerosol into said first gas passageway during a portion or all of said exhalation phase;
• generating a decreasing flow of volume of gas;
• preventing spurious triggering of said mechanical respirator by directing said decreasing flow of volume of gas into said second gas passageway during a portion or all of said exhalation phase;
• monitoring the amount of aerosol introduced into said first gas passageway;
• and
• gradually ceasing the introduction of said aerosol into said first gas passageway after a predetermined amount of aerosol has been introduced.