Abstract: A spray-entrapped product such as dispensed by an MDI device includes an elongated passageway having a mouthpiece portion and a main chamber portion. The MDI device is mounted to direct a medication spray into the main chamber. A first air inlet allows a low-level inspiratory breath to be developed through the unit prior to operation of the MDI device. When the MDI device is operated a second, air inlet is opened, allowing a higher-level breath to be developed, which causes a high level of mixing with the MDI spray for efficient draws into the lungs. The second air inlet remains open after MDI operation ceases, insuring that a complete, high flow rate breath can be made to fully sweep the medication out of the chamber.

Abstract: An improved aerosol delivery system utilizes a pair of horizontally-extending passageways terminating in common opposed ends, the first end being mouthpiece-adjustable, the second end being coupled to the atmosphere. A dual action valve, utilizing a single diaphragm element, provides for opposed one-way air flow through the passageways. A nebulizer is mounted transversely through the passageways, and outputs into the passageway allowing inspiratory flow to the user. A combination adjustment knob/fill port is located at the top of the nebulizer, which extends upwardly above the passageways. The knob is coupled to a valve which meters the liquid to be aspirated which may be aligned with an aperture in the top of the nebulizer for filling purposes. During normal use the apertures are out of alignment, closing the fill port.

Abstract: A device for blending a medication with an airflow intended for inhalation, such as may be provided by a ventilator circuit is in the form of a tubular body intended to be placed in series with the ventilator line. The body is provided with a reduced-diameter portion which accelerates the airflow therethrough. Medication is ejected into the accelerated airflow in a direction contrary thereto, whereby increased dispersion and blending of the medication into the airflow results. The medication is then carried by the airflow to the patient.

Abstract: A portable peak flow meter for monitoring the expiratory flow rate of a user includes an on-line metering unit having a combination cover and handle. The metering unit, which has opposed mouthpiece and exit ends, is of generally rectangular construction. A pair of opposed and hinged cover elements are pivotly mounted to the side walls of the metering unit, and pivot from a first position in which they embrace and cover the mouthpiece, to a second position perpendicular to the length of the metering unit in which they serve as a handle. The cover elements both maintain the mouthpiece in a sanitary condition when the unit is not in use and allows the unit to be held in a manner where the user's hand is distanced from the meter, thus preventing interference with operation of the unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a measured amount of a spray-entrapped product, typically dispensed by a metered dose inhaler device, includes an elongated passageway having a mouthpiece portion and a main chamber portion. The metered dose inhaler is mounted between the mouthpiece and main chamber portions such that upon operation its spray is directed away from the mouthpiece. A two-position valve is provided to allow a first, low-level flow to be developed through the unit, followed by a higher flow rate as the metered dose inhaler unit is operated. This increased flow, passing through the device in the direction opposite to that of the MDI spray, contacts the spray plume to cause a high level of mixing and a decrease in spray particle size which results in an efficient draw of the spray medication into the lungs of the user.