Ultrasonic Patents (Class 128/200.16)
  • Patent number: 8834848
    Abstract: A drug and device combination system used in a method for treatment of patients suffering from severe and oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma and other respiratory diseases requiring a treatment with orally administered steroids. The method for administration of the inhalable corticosteroid by a flow rate and volume regulated inhalation. The combination system of the inhalable corticosteroid and the device for regulating flow rate and volume of the inhalable corticosteroid and thus achieving delivery of said inhalable corticosteroid into the small airways of the lungs. The individually programmable device that assures safe and reproducible corticosteroid delivery compliant with treatment protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Activaero GmbH Research & Development
    Inventors: Bernard Muellinger, Gerhard Scheuch, Thomas Hofmann, Philipp Kroneberg
  • Patent number: 8820317
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbo-inhaler, comprising an active-liquid container (1) holding a liquid having an active ingredient dissolved therein, a nebulizer (2), by means of which liquid can be converted into an aerosol and introduced into a blade housing (3), in which a bounding dome (4) is suspended, the concave side (41) of which is directed at the nebulizer, an exhaust air duct (5), which is connected to the blade housing in the area of the convex side (42) of the bounding dome, and a supply-air guide (6), by means of which supply air can be introduced between the blade housing and the active ingredient, wherein at least one guide blade (7) is placed on the convex side of the bounding dome and spirally extends thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Unither Therapeutik GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Kern
  • Publication number: 20140216443
    Abstract: A liquid spray device includes a container defining a reception space for receiving a liquid medicine therein, having a discharge outlet for discharging the liquid medicine to an exterior of the container; a spray module disposed in the discharge outlet, and connected electrically to a driving source such that the liquid medicine forcefully collides against the discharge outlet due to ultrasonic oscillation of the spray module and spraying out a plurality of mist droplets; and a particle sorter disposed downstream to a discharging direction of the liquid medicine, spaced from the spray module at a predetermined distance to permit once against collision of the liquid medicine during the discharging operation such that the mist droplets are sprayed out through the particle sorter in terms of a plurality of micro-mist droplets along the discharging direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Sheng-Pin HU
  • Patent number: 8757145
    Abstract: An ejection head cartridge and an inhalation apparatus may limit turbulence in an air stream and reduce the likelihood of collisions of ejected drug in an air flow channel so that the drug can be conveyed in a uniform air stream. An ejection head cartridge that is attachable to an inhalation apparatus for ejecting drug for inhalation by a user and has a plurality of ejection ports includes, among end portions continuous to a surface provided with the ejection ports, an end portion parallel to an ejection port array having a shape that guides a part of the air stream generated in the direction orthogonal to the ejection-port providing surface along the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takatoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8720435
    Abstract: Atomizer for a ventilation machine with a ventilator, including a body with a first connection for connecting the atomizer to a ventilator and a second connection for connecting the atomizer to a line leading to a patient, wherein the body forms a flow channel from the first connection to the second connection; and an atomizing device for atomizing a fluid; wherein the atomizing device is disposed between the first connection and the second connection in the flow channel and adapted so that the fluid can be atomized substantially parallel to, and preferably in, the flow direction from the first connection to the second connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: PARI Pharma GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Gallem, Uwe Hetzer
  • Patent number: 8725529
    Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include accepting an indication of at least one health-related condition and presenting an indication of at least one artificial sensory experience and an indication of at least one inhalation therapy at least partially based on the accepting at least one indication of a health-related condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8679077
    Abstract: A system for delivering moisturizing liquid to the lips of a subject includes an applicator for applying the moisturizing liquid to the lips supported by a support structure so that at least a part of applicator is deployed so as to engage a recess between the lips of subject without obstructing contact between the subject's upper and lower lips. The proximity of the applicator to the lips allows the use of simple contact-based implementations of the applicator. At the same time, disruption of speech and other normal oral movement is minimized by avoiding any obstruction to contact between the lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: IMD Tech Ltd.
    Inventors: Oded Elish, Ehud Nagler, Gilad Heftman
  • Patent number: 8671935
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a device for delivering a substance in an aerosol, liquid or cream form into a cellular organism with the assistance of asymmetric pulse magnetic energy and ultrasound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sheiman Ultrasonic Research Foundation PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Vladimir Sheiman
  • Patent number: 8668901
    Abstract: Methods, devices and compositions for treatment of severe and uncontrolled asthma are provided by which high amounts of an inhaled corticosteroid are directed to the small airways of the lower lungs. The invention provides for a substantial decrease in the dose of concurrently administered oral corticosteroids. A particular advantage of the invention is the significant reduction in corticosteroid-related adverse effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Activaero GmbH Research & Development
    Inventors: Bernard Muellinger, Gerhard Scheuch, Thomas Hofmann, Philipp Kroneberg
  • Patent number: 8656908
    Abstract: Methods and systems for aerosol delivery of agents to a patient are described herein. The present system can be used to administer various types of agents, such as a vaccine or other types of pharmaceutical substances. Certain embodiments of the present system utilize an actuator coupled to a disposable aerosolizing element that aerosolizes an agent for delivery to a patient when acted upon by the actuator. The aerosolizing element prevents the agent from contacting the actuator and other non-disposable components of the system so that little or no cleaning or maintenance is required. The present system also can include an aerosolization rate monitor that monitors the rate at which an agent is being aerosolized and provides feedback to the user to ensure that the proper dose is being administered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Creare Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Papania, James J. Barry, Mark C. Bagley, Nabil A. Elkouh, Darin Knaus, Robert Trabka
  • Patent number: 8640971
    Abstract: A nebulizer comprising a main body, an atomizer, and a vibrating element. The atomizer comprises a substrate, a main recipient supported by the substrate for containing liquid and having surfaces delimiting the liquid reservoir, and a dosing reservoir arranged on the main recipient so as to delimit a predetermined amount of liquid to be expelled. The dosing reservoir comprises a hollow section defining the predetermined amount of liquid, a solid section, a central section, an orifice membrane plate, and a fluidic channel arranged in-between a bottom surface of the solid section and the flat top surface of the main reservoir so as to create a capillary communication between the hollow section and the orifice membrane plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: EP Systems SA
    Inventors: Amir Feriani, Joseph Hess, Cédric Zaugg
  • Publication number: 20140020680
    Abstract: An aerosol transfer device for medical aerosol generators comprises a body, fluidically coupled to a nebulizer and to a patient interface. An ambient air intake is formed into a lower body. The body is shaped and configured to optimize mixing of ambient air from the ambient air intake and the aerosol generated by the nebulizer, resulting in the formation of an aerosol plume having optimum characteristics for delivery of the aerosol to the patient's pulmonary system, such as the central or deep lung regions. The shape and dimensions of the body are further designed to minimize aerosol deposition, thus improving delivery efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: James B. Fink, Nani P. Kadrichu
  • Publication number: 20140018616
    Abstract: A nebulizing catheter for bronchial therapy includes a catheter having a sheath defining an interior space and an open tip. A nebulizer is positioned in the interior space and located adjacent the open tip. The nebulizer includes a piezoelectric device. A liquid mixture is provided and placed in flow communication with the piezoelectric device for nebulizing a portion of that liquid mixture into small droplets for use in the bronchial therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Melsheimer, Frank J. Fischer, JR.
  • Patent number: 8616199
    Abstract: An ejection head unit is attachable to an inhaler for ejecting a medicine to cause a user to inhale the medicine and has a plurality of ejection heads having an element generating energy for ejecting the medicine, and a plurality of ejection nozzles through which the medicine is ejected by the element. An inhaler for ejecting a medicine to allow inhalation thereof by a user has an air flow path guiding a medicine that is inhaled accompanying inspiration by the user to a suction port, an ejection head unit having a plurality of ejection heads including an element generating energy for ejecting the medicine and a plurality of ejection nozzles through which the medicine is ejected by the element, and a positioning unit for positioning a single ejection head among the plurality of ejection heads at an opening provided in one portion of the air flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Soji Hamano, Mitsuru Imai
  • Patent number: 8616195
    Abstract: A nebulizer to deliver a medicament that includes a housing having a reservoir for the medicament, an aerosol generator that can be supplied the medicament from the reservoir, where the generator aerosolizes at least a portion of the medicament into an aerosol, a gas venting inlet to permit a gas to enter the nebulizer and form a mixture with the aerosol, and a passage through which the mixture of the aerosol and the gas is delivered to an outlet port of the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: John S Power, Declan Moran, Donal Devery, Gavan O'Sullivan, James Fink, Niall Smith
  • Publication number: 20130327322
    Abstract: An aerosol generating device (20) comprises a reservoir(1) for containing a liquid to be atomized and a nebulization chamber (3) for nebulizing a portion of the liquid received from the reservoir. The aerosol device further comprises liquid exchange means (7,8) for exchanging in use a further portion of the liquid received in the nebulization chamber with liquid from the reservoir to reduce a temperature increase of liquid in the nebulization chamber caused by heat produced by the piezo (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Henricus Cornelius Bentvelsen, Hendrik Huijgen
  • Patent number: 8606592
    Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include accepting at least one indication of a bioactive agent use by an individual and/or assigning an artificial sensory experience to monitor at least one desired effect of the bioactive agent on the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8602022
    Abstract: Provided are a medicine ejection device capable of realizing appropriate ejection by surely setting an inner pressure of a medicine tank at a negative pressure in an initial period of every ejection time, and a control method for the medicine ejection device. A medicine container section that contains medicine is coupled to a medicine ejection section including nozzles from which the medicine is ejected, and elements which generate energy for ejecting the medicine from the nozzles. A plug as a movable wall positionally shifts so that a capacity of the medicine container section can increase or decrease in accordance with a predetermined pressure difference between an inside and outside of the medicine container section. Prior to opening a head cap, the capacity is increased so as to generate pressure variations in a negative pressure direction, which have a larger value than a value equivalent to the predetermined pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Soji Hamano
  • Patent number: 8596262
    Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes an energy generating element which generates energy to be used to discharge a liquid; and a plurality of discharge ports which is formed for each energy generating element and allows the liquid to be discharged therethrough. The plurality of discharge ports have regions where the angles of contact with the liquid are different around the discharge ports, and the regions in the discharge ports where the contact angles are relatively small are formed at different positions in the plurality of discharge ports, and the liquids discharged from the plurality of discharge ports are discharged in directions away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Haruhiko Terai
  • Patent number: 8578931
    Abstract: The invention provides exemplary aerosolization apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a substance. According to one exemplary method, a liquid is transferred from a first chamber into a second chamber having a substance that is in a dry state to form a solution. The solution is then transferred from the second chamber and onto an atomization member. The atomization member is operated to aerosolize the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Yehuda Ivri, Linda R. De Young, Cheng H. Wu, Miro S. Cater, Vijay Kumar, Markus Flierl
  • Patent number: 8561604
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for nebulizing liquids. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a thin shell member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween. The apertures are tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface. A liquid supplier is further provided which delivers a predetermined unit volume of liquid to the rear surface. A vibrator vibrates the thin shell member to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the thin shell member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Yehuda Ivri, Cheng H. Wu
  • Publication number: 20130269684
    Abstract: A method is described for supplying a metered amount of a liquid medicament to an aerosolizing device. The method utilizes a dispenser comprising an elongate dispenser body having a proximal end and a tip at a distal end through which a liquid medicament is dispensed. The dispenser further comprises a dispensing mechanism that operates to dispense a metered quantity of the liquid medicament from the tip each time the dispenser body is compressed. The dispenser is grasped with one hand such that the fingers wrap around the dispenser body, with the thumb closest to the proximal end and the last finger closest to the tip. The tip is inserted into an opening of an inhaler and the elongate body is forced toward the tip to cause the dispenser body to compress, thereby operating the dispensing mechanism and causing a metered quantity of the liquid medicament to eject into the inhaler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Dance Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8556191
    Abstract: A device for spraying a cosmetic composition may include a sonotrode, the sonotrode having an end collar defining an ejection surface for ejecting particles of composition, the collar being suitable for bending under the effect of vibration of the sonotrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Nicolas Duru, Marion Prunier, Pascal Tierce
  • Patent number: 8555874
    Abstract: An aerosol transfer device for medical aerosol generators includes a body, fluidically coupled to a nebulizer and to a patient interface. An ambient air intake is formed into a lower body. The body is shaped and configured to optimize mixing of ambient air from the ambient air intake and the aerosol generated by the nebulizer, resulting in the formation of an aerosol plume having optimum characteristics for delivery of the aerosol to the patient's pulmonary system, such as the central or deep lung regions. The shape and dimensions of the body are further designed to minimize aerosol deposition, thus improving delivery efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: James B. Fink, Nani P. Kadrichu
  • Patent number: 8544462
    Abstract: Aerosol delivery systems and methods for delivering an agent to a patient are described herein. In particular embodiments, an insulated receptacle is connected to a housing and holds a vial of an agent to be delivered to a patient. The vial is located in an inverted position within the receptacle. One or more reusable thermal packs can be located on the inner sides of the receptacle, to maintain a selected temperature surrounding the vial. The agent is administered to a patient by placing a prong into one of the patient's orifices and then activating an aerosol delivery system. Such systems can include jet aerosolization and pneumatic and ultrasonic nebulizers and preferably are portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Creare Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark James Papania, James J. Barry, Nabil A. Elkouh, Mark C. Bagley
  • Patent number: 8545463
    Abstract: A reservoir assembly for use in an ophthalmic fluid delivery device adapted to deliver an ophthalmic fluid in the form of a mist to an ocular region of a patient is provided, wherein the device has a lumen-defining component configured to deliver the fluid from the reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir defining an aperture and a cavity in fluid flow communication with the aperture, a fluid contained in the cavity of the reservoir, and a gasket traversing the aperture. The gasket defines a passage configured to receive a portion of the lumen-defining component and to permit the flow of the fluid from the cavity and through the aperture when the portion of the lumen-defining component is inserted through the passage. The gasket is also configured to substantially prevent the flow of the fluid from the cavity and through the aperture when the portion of the lumen-defining component is not inserted through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Optimyst Systems Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Collins, Jr., Michael Joseph Jobin
  • Publication number: 20130247902
    Abstract: A respiratory treatment device comprising a self-sensing respiratory treatment device comprising: power supply means; a liquid dispensing element comprising an actuator and a dispensing aperture; electronic control means operable to control said actuator; liquid supply means; valving means; wherein said actuator is operable to execute in itself at least a dispensing function and a detecting function, the detecting function detecting at least characteristics external to the self-sensing respiratory treatment device and causing said actuator to generate a command signal, and wherein said electronic control means is operable to control said valving means and said actuator based on the reception of said command signal, wherein said actuator is a piezoelectric actuator, and the respiratory treatment device further comprising: a mouthpiece, and a fluidic interface, wherein said electronic control means and said piezoelectric actuator being arranged to detect a breathing pattern of a user through said mouthpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Amir Feriani, Cedric Zaugg, Jean-Paul Sandoz, Joseph Hess
  • Patent number: 8517010
    Abstract: A nebulizer 1 particularly for home use includes a housing 2 having an aerosol generator 3 mounted therein. The housing is closed by a hinged cap 4 and has an outlet 5 through which aerosol generated by the generator 3 is delivered. A suitable connector such as a mouthpiece 6 may be connected to the outlet 5. The housing 2 has a receiver for receiving a nebule 8. The receiver includes a slot 7 which is sized and/or shaped to accommodate only a nebule 8 of predetermined shape and/or size. The nebulizer cap 4 has a nebule opening device which may be in the form of a puncture pin 10 projecting therefrom to pierce the nebule 8 when the cap is moved to the closed position. The pin 10 is hollow or splined to regulate flow from the nebule. The nebulizer 1 also has a switch device for enabling operation of the aerosol generator 3 when the nebule 8 is opened. The switch device comprises a microswitch 12 on the housing which is engageable by a trigger 13 on the cap 4 when the cap is moved to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: John Sylvester Power, Conor Paul Duffy, Niall Smith, Dermot Clancy, Kiernan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20130213392
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inhaler having a vibration element for aerosolizing medicament contained in a blister pack, wherein individual blister packs are positioned within the housing to be simultaneously engaged with the flow channel and the vibration element. The flow channel includes a blister pack clamping surface that engages the blister pack near the top of the crown and allows the blister three rotational degrees of freedom. The advantages of this arrangement include improved consistency and higher airspeed of the synthetic jet, as well as other advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: MICRODOSE THERAPEUTX, INC.
    Inventor: MICRODOSE THERAPEUTX, INC.
  • Patent number: 8448635
    Abstract: A discharge head 10 (in illustrated embodiments) for discharging droplets from discharge ports can withstand high water pressure and is provided with a first orifice plate 3 having first discharge ports 3a and a second orifice plate 6 having second discharge ports. The first orifice plate 3 and the second orifice plate 6 are separated from each other in the liquid discharge direction of the discharge head 10 and disposed opposite to each other. The diameter of the discharge ports of the second orifice plate 6 is smaller than the diameter of the discharge ports 3a of the first orifice plate 3 so that very fine droplets 9 are discharged from the discharge head 10 as the liquid discharged from the discharge ports 3a of the first orifice plate 3 is split by the second discharge ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Fukumoto, Masaya Kobayashi, Masaru Sugita
  • Patent number: 8434473
    Abstract: Ultrasonic nozzle devices without a central channel but employing a design of cascaded multiple Fourier horns in resonance produce micrometer-sized monodisperse or narrowly-sized droplets with greatly reduced electrical drive power requirements. The liquid to be atomized is brought externally to or adjacent to the endface of the nozzle tip. The above liquid transport method is equally applicable to the ultrasonic nozzle-array devices that are comprised of a plurality of ultrasonic single-nozzle devices configured in parallel. The longitudinal length, transverse width, shape, and area of the nozzle endface of single-nozzle and nozzle-array devices may be tailored or designed (e.g. enlarged) to obtain optimum or large quantities of product droplets to achieve high throughput. By increasing the drive frequency to 8 MHz or higher, sub-micrometer-sized monodisperse or narrowly-sized droplets can be produced using the ultrasonic single-nozzle and nozzle-array devices or any solid endface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventors: Chen S. Tsai, Shirley C. Tsai
  • Patent number: 8434474
    Abstract: Dispensing apparatus for delivering metered doses of product from a pressurized dispensing container, having a housing for receiving, in use, the pressurized dispensing container, and an outlet through which, in use, metered doses of product from the pressurized dispensing container can be dispensed. The housing has an aperture via which the pressurized dispensing container can be inserted into the housing. The dispensing apparatus is at least partially enclosed by a shrink wrapped film, the shrink wrapped film including an opening which is: (a) at least partly aligned with the aperture of the housing; and (b) dimensioned so as to allow, in use, said pressurized dispensing container to pass through the opening in order to be inserted into the housing via the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Consort Medical PLC
    Inventor: Graham Charles Hately
  • Publication number: 20130071442
    Abstract: A fosfomycin plus tobramycin combination formulation for delivery by aerosolization is described. The concentrated fosfomycin tobramycin combination formulation containing an efficacious amount of fosfomycin plus tobramycin is able to inhibit susceptible bacteria. Fosfomycin and tobramycin are formulated separately in a dual ampoule such that when reconstituted, the pH is between 4.5 and 8.0 or as a dry powder. The method for treatment of respiratory tract infections by a formulation delivered as an aerosol having mass medium average diameter predominantly between 1 to 5?, produced by a jet or ultrasonic nebulizer (or equivalent) or dry powder inhaler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: William Baker, David MacLeod
  • Publication number: 20130061849
    Abstract: Examples of the invention include inhalation systems, breathing apparatuses, and methods for administering a solution by inhalation to a patient. Example breathing apparatuses described herein may be configured to minimize loss of the solution to the environment. Additionally or instead, example breathing apparatuses may be configured to recirculate exhaled solution to increase an amount of the solution available to a patient while minimizing exhausted solution. In some examples, breathing apparatuses may deliver nebulized platelet rich plasma (“PRP”).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: BRIAN ANTHONY LEMPER
  • Patent number: 8387895
    Abstract: The aerosol generator of an inhalation therapy device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention continuously produces an aerosol at a generation rate of about 0.2 ml/min to about 1.5 ml/min, preferably 0.4 ml/min to about 1.2 ml/min and the mixing chamber has a volume of about 60 ml to about 150 ml, preferably about 80 ml to about 120 ml, and even more preferably about 90 to about 110 ml. While the patient inhales through the inhalation therapy device, the generated aerosol is inhaled by the patient. While the patient exhales into the inhalation therapy device, the generated aerosol is collected in the mixing chamber. Due to the specific size of the mixing chamber, the continuously generated aerosol can accumulate therein without losses even when the exhalation phase is longer than the inhalation phase like in the case of emphysema.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: PARI Pharma GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Stangl
  • Patent number: 8382008
    Abstract: An optimized and miniaturized aerosol generator preferably includes a transducer plate, at least one transducer, a level float, a fluid container, at least one aerosol output member and an air input member. At least one transducer counterbore is formed in the transducer plate to retain the at least one transducer. The fluid container includes a float chamber and an aerosol chamber. The at least one aerosol output and the air input member are retained in a top of the aerosol chamber. A sealing gasket is preferably placed between a top of the transducer plate and a bottom of the fluid. The level float is contained in the float chamber. Air is pumped into the aerosol chamber through the air input member. A transducer driver powers the at least one transducer. The at least one transducer vibrates and produces an aerosol, which exits the at least one aerosol output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Ricciardi, Carl L. Ricciardi, John D. Wolf, II
  • Patent number: 8371294
    Abstract: An inhaler is disclosed wherein medicament in a flat-bottomed container is aerosolized with a vibrator piezoelectric transducer. The transducer is driven by a signal that excites multiple harmonic frequencies to create a complex pattern of oscillations. A circuit for generating the drive signal to the transducer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Microdose Therapeutx, Inc.
    Inventors: Anand Gumaste, John Bowers, Douglas Weitzel
  • Patent number: 8371290
    Abstract: An apparatus for discharging fluid for a subject breathing. The apparatus includes a fluid cavity for conveying a fluid to be discharged; a valve for guiding the flow of fluid through the fluid cavity; a control unit for controlling the valve for guiding the flow of fluid; a first housing having a wall and a hole on this wall for fluid flowing through the fluid cavity; a first member apart from the first housing having holes discharging fluid through them for the subject breathing; a chamber between the first member and the first housing for receiving the fluid coming along the fluid cavity; a vibrator making the first member to vibrate and discharge fluid through the holes to a subject breathing tube. The vibrator is in contact with the first member through a transmitter extending towards the chamber and which transmitter transmits the vibration effect from the vibrator to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Heikki Antti Mikael Haveri
  • Patent number: 8353287
    Abstract: A nebulizer includes a piezoelectric transducer for aerosolizing a drug solution in a disposable cup module disposed above the transducer. Acoustic waves generated by the transducer propagate sequentially through transmitting medium, a first barrier, coupling medium, and a second barrier that forms part of the cup module, and into the interior of the cup module. The transducer at least partially comprises silver. The silver fluidly contacts the transmitting medium to discourage bacteria growth in the transmitting medium. The device includes electronics components that drive the transducer and measure an electrical characteristic associated with the transducer during operation. The electronics components measure changes in the electrical characteristic to determine when the drug solution level falls below a predetermined threshold, and deactivates the device accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Dirk Von Hollen, Eric A. Lieberman
  • Patent number: 8336545
    Abstract: A method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, where the method includes delivering a dose of aerosolized medicament intermittently to a ventilator circuit coupled to the respiratory system of the patient. Also, a method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, where the method includes taking the patient off a ventilator, and administering to the patient, a nebulized aerosol comprising from about 100 ?g to about 500 mg of a medicament. Also a method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, the method comprising administering an aerosolized first medicament comprising amikacin to the patient and administering, systemically a second medicament comprising an antibiotic to the patient that also treats the pulmonary disease, wherein a resulting amikacin concentration in the lung and/or pulmonary system is therapeutically-effective, and an amount of the systemically administered antibiotics is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Novartis Pharma AG
    Inventors: James B. Fink, John Power, Ehud Ivri, Kevin J. Corkery
  • Publication number: 20120298099
    Abstract: A docking station holds a flow generator of a CPAP system. The docking station has many purposes including having an acoustic chamber to reduce the inherent acoustic noise including from the intake of the flow generator that the user and other hear. The docking station has additional features including humidifying and intake air filtering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: DESHUM MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Lalonde
  • Publication number: 20120291777
    Abstract: Various arrangements for determining whether a liquid is in contact with a nebulizer element are disclosed. A nebulizer element may be energized with an electrical signal at a measurement frequency. An impedance of the nebulizer element may be measured, thereby obtaining a measured impedance value. The impedance value may be compared to a stored impedance value. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether the liquid contacts the nebulizer element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: NEKTAR THERAPEUTICS
    Inventors: Benjamin Morris Gordon, Steven David Gardner, Thomas Edward Parker
  • Publication number: 20120285447
    Abstract: A nebulizer (10) comprises a head detachably coupled to a body. The head comprises nebulizing means (42, 40, 44), an air channel (50) and a flow sensor (52). A nebulized liquid is released in an air channel (50) that ends in a mouth piece 70 through which a user inhales (5) and exhales (7). The inhaling and exhaling causes a flow in the air channel which is detected with the flow sensor (52). The nebulizing means are controlled by control means (60, 62) included in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Alphonsus Tarcisius Jozef Maria Schipper, Michael James Robbert Leppard, Jonathan Stanley Harold Denyer, Tony Dyche, Klaas Jacob Lulofs, Jaap Roger Haartsen
  • Patent number: 8306296
    Abstract: Embodiments for setting eigenvectors for clutter signal filtering from Doppler signals in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system includes: a Doppler signal acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to acquire first Doppler signals; and a processing unit configured to compute a plurality of eigenvectors by using the first Doppler signals and form second Doppler signals corresponding to directions of the computed eigenvectors, the processing unit being further configured to compute component values of the second Doppler signals and set eigenvectors for clutter signal filtering among the plurality of eigenvectors by using the computed component values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Medison Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong Ho Song, Tae Yun Kim
  • Publication number: 20120272952
    Abstract: An ophthalmic ultrasonic nebulizer, relying on a built-in ultrasonic nebulizer module to deliver therapeutic pharmaceuticals or preparations or protective formulations through fine mist sprayed directly into the eyes, and fitted with a removable internal chamber for holding pharmaceutical preparations in a conveniently replaceable pre-filled container, so users can directly replace a new container after the liquid has been depleted, thus avoiding risks of contamination during refilling or prolonged use of a container, preventing internal bacterial growth leading to contamination within the container vessel, and ensuring the mist stream generated by the ultrasonic nebulizer device remains pure. The ophthalmic ultrasonic nebulizer module can rely on the most optimal small sized battery to power the device, allowing convenient use and carrying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Middleland Sensing Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Hsiung Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20120251585
    Abstract: A method and a composition for treatment of pulmonary bacterial infections caused by gram-negative bacteria suitable for treatment of infection caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter species, Serratia marcescens as well as those caused by Burkholderia cepacia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, and multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using a concentrated formulation of aztreonam lysinate delivered as an aerosol or dry powder formulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Bruce Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20120216801
    Abstract: Treprostinil can be administered using a metered dose inhaler. Such administration provides a greater degree of autonomy to patients. Also disclosed are kits that include a metered dose inhaler containing a pharmaceutical formulation containing treprostinil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Horst Olschewski, Robert Roscigno, Lewis J. Rubin, Thomas Schmehl, Werner Seeger, Carl Sterritt, Robert Voswinckel
  • Patent number: 8235037
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided. The device contained in the kit typically, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Also disclosed, are methods for using these aerosols and kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron L. Hale, Craig C. Hodges, Peter M. Lloyd, Amy T. Lu, Daniel J. Myers, Joshua D. Rabinowitz, Martin J. Wensley, Jeffrey A. McKinney, Alejandro C. Zaffaroni
  • Publication number: 20120192861
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are formulations of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compounds for aerosolization and use of such formulations for aerosol administration of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compounds for the prevention or treatment of various fibrotic and inflammatory diseases, including disease associated with the lung, heart, kidney, liver, eye and central nervous system. In some embodiments, pirfenidone or pyridone analog compound formulations and delivery options described herein allow for efficacious local delivery of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compound. Compositions include all formulations, kits, and device combinations described herein. Methods include inhalation procedures, indications and manufacturing processes for production and use of the compositions described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: GENOA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventor: Mark William SURBER
  • Publication number: 20120167878
    Abstract: A therapeutic treatment system has a delivery device is adapted to deliver a cooled breathing gas mixture to a patient and an injection device positioned near a distal end of the delivery device. The injection device is coupled to a source of liquid. The treatment system also includes a control system coupled to the delivery device and the injection device. Alternatively, the control system is adapted to control the injection device to release a fluid into the cooled breathing gas mixture to form a frozen mist of fine ice particles in the cooled breathing gas mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: ThermoCure, Inc,
    Inventors: Amir Belson, Robert M. Ohline, Nimrod Tzori