Gas Flow Induced By Expansion Chamber Device (e.g., Piston/cylinder Ram, Squeeze Bulb, Etc.) Patents (Class 128/200.22)
  • Patent number: 11904340
    Abstract: An aerosol generator (100) has a vibratable plate (1) with apertures therein and an annular piezo (2) which causes movement of the vibratable plate (1). An annular support member (3) supports the piezo (2) and the vibratable plate (1). A first electrical power conducting pin (10) engages directly with a first, top, surface of the piezo (2). A second electrical power conducting pin (11) indirectly conducts electrical power to a second surface of the piezo (2), by contacting an extension tab (103) of the support member (20), also on its top side. There is a film of cured epoxy adhesive on the tab (103), providing excellent gripping force between the pin (11) and the support (3). The aerosol generator (100) avoids need for soldered joints for electrical contact, and the pins are conveniently mounted parallel to each on the same lateral and top side of the piezo and support member. The pins may have multi-point tips (50) for particularly effective electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Stamford Devices Limited
    Inventors: Brendan Hogan, Kieran Hyland, Anthony Redmond
  • Patent number: 11745214
    Abstract: A dispensing paintbrush includes a handle, a brush head connected to the handle, and bristles attached to the brush head to apply a fluid to a surface. A coupler is attached to the handle and is configured to connect to a fluid source. A nozzle is attached to the coupler and is configured to dispense the fluid to the bristles. The nozzle extends within the bristles and terminates at a position from the brush head that is less than one half the length of the bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Deegan
  • Patent number: 11744838
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating hypogonadism in a male subject through administering intranasally to the male subject an intranasal testosterone bio-adhesive gel formulation to deliver a therapeutically effective amount of testosterone. In particular, the testosterone therapy of the invention remains effective if an allergic rhinitis event occurs in the male during the treatment or when the male subject uses a topical nasal vasoconstrictor or a topical intranasal decongestant during the hypogonadism treatment. Further, the present invention relates to a method of preventing the occurrence of an allergic rhinitis event in a male, who is undergoing a hypogonadism treatment with an intranasal testosterone bio-adhesive gel. In certain embodiments, the intranasal testosterone bio-adhesive gel formulation according to the invention comprises 4.0% and 4.5% testosterone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: ACERUS BIOPHARMA INC.
    Inventor: Natalia Tkachenko
  • Patent number: 11717619
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for expression of a hemostatic powder having an elongated reservoir with a manual air pump, such as a bellows, at a proximal end and an expression port at a distal end. A porous filter is slidably disposed within the elongated reservoir between the bellows, a plunger, and the expression port, and a spring is disposed within the elongated reservoir between the manual air pump and the plunger. The hemostatic powder is disposed within the elongated reservoir between the porous filter and the expression port, and the manual air pump is in a fluid communication with the expression port through the porous filter and through the hemostatic powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: John Goodman, Alex W. Kiturkes, Jared Schneider
  • Patent number: 11701481
    Abstract: An inhalation spacer movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The spacer is made from paperboard having a bending stiffness of at least 2.5 mNm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: AER BEATHA LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael Friel
  • Patent number: 11690962
    Abstract: A dispenser device for fluid or powder, including an air expeller (20) and a reservoir (30). The reservoir (30) has an air inlet (31) connected to the air expeller (20) and a composition outlet (32) connected to a dispenser opening (10), and is removably mounted on the air expeller. After actuation, the empty reservoir can be removed from the air expeller and replaced with a new reservoir. The air inlet (31) is closed by a first closure element (40) and the composition outlet (32) is closed by a second closure element (50). A mechanical opening system (61, 62) co-operates with the first and second closure elements to expel each closure element from the closed position. The mechanical opening system has a first rod (61) secured to the air expeller (20), and a second rod (62) secured to the dispenser head (1), co-operating with a closure element during actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventor: Ludovic Petit
  • Patent number: 11548020
    Abstract: Retaining bracket for a fluid spray delivery apparatus to ensure that an applicator rod remains properly attached to the apparatus and in fluid communication with the fluid even when subjected to a driving force. Also disclosed is a fluid application system or assembly, and a method of applying fluid using the same, the system or assembly including a source of fluid to be applied to a target object, a siphon gun assembly, an applicator rod, tubing for placing the applicator rod in fluid communication with the siphon gun assembly, and a retaining bracket that secures the tubing to the siphon gun assembly such that the tubing remains in place and does not disconnect from the siphon gun assembly when subjected to a driving force such as water under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Uniweld Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Pearl, II, Dragan Bukur, Robert Lee Latham
  • Patent number: 11446451
    Abstract: A device for inhaling an active agent is provided that can be moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The device comprises two flexible substrates and a membrane located between the two flexible substrates, and the two flexible substrates being connected at two opposing edges and unconnected at two further opposing edges. An active agent provided on the membrane may be inhaled by a user when the device is in the second configuration. A method of using the device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: INHALER LIMITED
    Inventors: Donald Smith, Gregor John McLennan Anderson, Lisa Charleston Mcmyn, Alan Miller Suttie
  • Patent number: 11260163
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for an anti-reflux nasal aspirator that includes a nozzle comprising a nozzle outlet, a bulb configured to provide suction at the nozzle outlet in response to a squeezing force applied to the bulb, an anti-reflux coupler positioned between the bulb and the nozzle through which air passes from the bulb to the nozzle, and a one-way air valve positioned in an aperture located at a base of the bulb. The anti-reflux coupler may include a check valve configured to prevent reflux of debris into the bulb. The check valve may include one of an umbrella valve; a duckbill valve; a slit-cutting valve; and a flapper valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: NINGBO ALBERT NOVOSINO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yonggui Zhang, Haibo Hu
  • Patent number: 11229754
    Abstract: A nebulizer for nebulizing a fluid and a reservoir with a fluid are proposed. The reservoir includes a collapsible bag with the fluid, where the bag extends in a circumferential direction within the housing part and wherein the reservoir is manually rotated for tensioning the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Joachim Carl Herbert Eicher, Alfred Von Schuckmann
  • Patent number: 11090312
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating hypogonadism in a male subject through administering intranasally to the male subject an intranasal testosterone bio-adhesive gel formulation to deliver a therapeutically effective amount of testosterone. In particular, the testosterone therapy of the invention remains effective if an allergic rhinitis event occurs in the male during the treatment or when the male subject uses a topical nasal vasoconstrictor or a topical intranasal decongestant during the hypogonadism treatment. Further, the present invention relates to a method of preventing the occurrence of an allergic rhinitis event in a male, who is undergoing a hypogonadism treatment with an intranasal testosterone bio-adhesive gel. In certain embodiments, the intranasal testosterone bio-adhesive gel formulation according to the invention comprises 4.0% and 4.5% testosterone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Acerus Biopharma Inc.
    Inventor: Natalia Tkachenko
  • Patent number: 10695778
    Abstract: A system is provided for venting a container used to supply a liquid to a spray coating device. The system may include a container cover having a buffer chamber, a liquid conduit configured to extend into a liquid container, a first vent conduit that extends into the buffer chamber, and a second vent conduit that extends from the buffer chamber to the liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Carlisle Fluid Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yury Shkolnikov, Anatoly Gosis, Mark E. Charpie, Marvin D. Burns
  • Patent number: 10561808
    Abstract: A dose counter for an inhaler includes a counter display arranged to indicate dosage information, and a drive system arranged to move the counter display incrementally in a first direction from a first station to a second station in response to actuation input. A regulator is provided which is arranged to act upon the counter display at the first station to regulate motion of the counter display at the first station to incremental movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: IVAX PHARMACEUTICALS IRELAND, NORTON (WATERFORD) LIMITED, TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS IRELAND
    Inventors: Declan Walsh, Derek Fenlon, Simon Kaar, Jan Geert Hazenberg, Daniel Buck, Paul Clancy, Robert Charles Uschold, Jeffrey A. Karg
  • Patent number: 10471222
    Abstract: In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an aerosolization device for ensuring proper delivery of an aerosolized medication to a user's respiratory system. The aerosolization device may include a conduit, an aerosol generator, a restrictor disposed within the conduit, and an indicator mechanism. The conduit may include a mouthpiece end by which a user may cause inspiratory flow through the conduit. The aerosol generator may include a vibratable mesh. The restrictor may define a plurality of apertures disposed along an outer periphery of the restrictor configured to provide an increase in pressure differential that varies with an inspiratory flow rate within the conduit and to provide a relatively laminar flow downstream of the restrictor compared to upstream of the restrictor. The indicator mechanism may indicate to a user a state of a parameter of the inspiratory flow relative to a predefined desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Dance Biopharm Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Fink, Lisa Molloy, Ronan MacLoughlin, Claire Lillis, Michael Casey, John Mullins, Kieran Hyland, Joe Grehan
  • Patent number: 10441734
    Abstract: An inhaler comprising a source of inhalable composition. An outlet flow path is provided for the composition from the source to a composition outlet at an outlet end of the inhaler. Means are provided to generate a flow of composition from the source along the outlet flow path and out of the composition outlet when suction is applied to the outlet end. A pair of air outlets at the outlet end are arranged on opposite sides of the composition outlet through which air is drawn in respective air jets when suction is applied to the outlet end. The composition and air outlets are arranged such that, in use, the pair of air jets impinge on the composition plume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: KIND CONSUMER LIMITED
    Inventor: Alex Hearn
  • Patent number: 10265485
    Abstract: A medication concentration detecting device includes a medicine container, a three-way pipe, a light emitting member, a first light receiver and a processor. The medicine container has a chamber configured for accommodating nebulized medicine. The three-way pipe has a passageway connected to the chamber for the nebulized medicine to flow along the passageway. The light emitting member is disposed on the three-way pipe and configured for emitting a light beam toward the passageway. The first light receiver is disposed on the three-way pipe and configured for receiving the light beam and outputting a luminous flux signal. The processor is connected to the first light receiver and configured for calculating a luminous flux reference value according to the luminous flux signal. The luminous flux reference value is used for determining whether outputs a low nebulized medicine concentration warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yio-Wha Shau, Ma-Li Wang, Tzu-Wen Tsai, Tian-Yuan Chen, Hsin-Hsiang Lo, Chun-Chuan Lin, Shih-Bin Luo
  • Patent number: 10265718
    Abstract: An atomizing device includes a first liquid chamber to store a liquid to be atomized; a nozzle plate unit disposed on the first liquid chamber and used to spray the liquid into first atomized droplets; and an indirect spray unit disposed at a position where the first atomized droplets are sprayed to accept the first atomized droplets. The indirect spray unit includes a channel structure having a droplet inlet disposed toward a position where the nozzle plate unit sprays out the first atomized droplets; and a droplet outlet disposed on one side wall of the atomizing device. The droplet inlet receives the first atomized droplets to enter the indirect spray unit. The first atomizing droplets undertake striking and rebounding repeatedly in the channel structure to form the second atomized droplets. The second atomized droplets are sprayed out from the droplet outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN PURITIC CORP.
    Inventor: Chun-Tai Chiang
  • Patent number: 10238819
    Abstract: A flap (20) for an inhalation actuated mechanism (18) of a powder inhaler (1) comprises a base member (29), a skirt structure (24) projecting from a surface of the base member (29), and a coupling portion (21) to be coupled to a resilient member (40?) of the inhalation actuated mechanism (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Valerio Tampieri, Lorenzo Zuccheri, Emiliano Ilandi, Alice Campanini, Irene Pasquali, Patrick Gerard Linnane, Nicholas Lee Hawson, David Gale, Joanne Garrad
  • Patent number: 10179216
    Abstract: A nasal delivery device comprising: a housing (15); a nosepiece (17) for fitting to a nasal cavity of a subject; a mouthpiece (19) through which the subject in use exhales; and a substance supply unit (21) including an actuation member (23) which extends from one end of the housing and is manually actuated to deliver substance to the nasal cavity of the subject; wherein the housing includes a grip section (27) which is disposed at the one end of the housing from which the actuation member extends, said grip section comprising a first, distal part (28) including at least one projecting grip element (29) by which the subject grips the housing in actuating the actuation member, and a second, proximal part (31) providing a recess (33) in which fingers of the subject are located, said recess promoting proper orientation of the delivery device in a hand of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: OptiNose AS
    Inventors: Per Gisle Djupesland, Kate Dudgeon, Joseph Gordon, Mark Guarraia, Michael Leclerc, Ramy A Mahmoud
  • Patent number: 10022509
    Abstract: A dose counter for an inhaler, the dose counter having a display tape arranged to be incrementally driven from a tape stock bobbin onto an incremental tape take-up drive shaft, the bobbin having an internal bore supported by and for rotation about a support shaft, at least one of the bore and support shaft having a protrusion which is resiliently biased into frictional engagement with the other of the bore and support shaft with longitudinally extending mutual frictional interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignees: Ivax Pharmaceuticals Ireland, Norton (Waterford) Limited, Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland
    Inventors: Declan Walsh, Derek Fenlon, Simon Kaar, Jan Geert Hazenberg, Daniel Buck, Paul Clancy, Robert Charles Uschold, Jeffrey A. Karg
  • Patent number: 9895501
    Abstract: A metering device activated by a user induced airstream for an inhalation of a medicinal substance. The device includes: a closure cap; a piston; a mouthpiece; and an annular chamber disposed upstream of the mouthpiece. A storage chamber stores the substance which can be moved out of the storage chamber when the closure cap is removed. A metering rod for removing the medicinal substance out of the storage chamber into an emptying-standby position. In the emptying-standby position, the metering chamber is closed by the piston. The piston is displaceable by airstream into an emptying-release position. In the emptying-release position, a metering chamber is released and the substance removed by the suction airstream. The metering device includes an outer cylinder which accommodates an inner cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Von Schuckmann, Yorick Kamlag, Stefan Mayer, Dennis Sandell
  • Patent number: 9889263
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body, an elongate flexible strip supporting a plurality of reservoirs, each containing a dose of fluid or powder; an reservoir-opening mechanism for opening a reservoir on actuation; a first displacement mechanism for causing the flexible strip to advance before, during and/or after actuation, so as to bring a full reservoir into register with the reservoir-opening mechanism; and a second displacement mechanism for displacing a full reservoir against the opening mechanism each actuation. The leading end of the flexible strip is fastened to a rotary receiver element, the receiver element including a set of peripheral teeth that co-operates with a movable traction member, a stressed spring acting on the movable traction member so as to displace it, the displacement of the movable traction member causing the receiver element to turn, such that the receiver element exerts a traction force on the elongate strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Pardonge
  • Patent number: 9861773
    Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Terry, Noah Mark Minskoff
  • Patent number: 9814265
    Abstract: A vaporizer device for vaporizing substances is provided, containing active and/or aroma materials, including a mouthpiece with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and including: a heating device with a thermal resistor being a metallic foil or a thin sheet configured as a dual coil and/or sinuous line with two ends and dimensions of the cross-section of a cigarette or a small cigar, wherein the interspaces of the dual coil and/or sinuous line allow fluid flow therethrough, contact tabs are connected to respective opposed ends of the dual coil and/or sinuous line and are not in direct contact with one another, and at least one permeable and wettable vaporizer membrane in large-area contact with the thermal resistor, wherein the thermal resistor and the at least one vaporizer membrane are arranged orthogonally or at an angle to the direction of the fluids passing through the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.
    Inventors: Arno Rinker, Philipp Litzenberger
  • Patent number: 9750901
    Abstract: A dry powder drug-dosing device comprises a flow passage member (10), a drug powder storage container (19), and a drug-dosing metering component. A drug powder storage container (19), an annular manual rotation portion (3) and a rotational slide passage (23) are disposed on the outer surface of the housing. A sliding block (26) is disposed at an inner side of the annular manual rotation portion (3) A stirring gear (28) disposed on a transmission sleeve (27) is fit with the raised vibration tooth (21), so as to form a vibration component for enabling an outlet of the inverted conical drug powder storage container (19) to generate vibration. The dry powder drug-dosing device is applicable to the inhalation administration of various medicines in the form of dry powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SHANGHAI XIUXIN CHENPON PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lan Chen, Dizheng Du, Lei Xu
  • Patent number: 9498789
    Abstract: A nebulizer kit includes a case body having a compressed air introduction tube in an upper end portion of which is a nozzle hole that expels compressed air, a suction channel formation member forming a suction channel for sucking liquid toward the upper end portion and forming an atomizing area in an exit region of the hole, and a flow channel formation member having an aerosol discharge port. The suction channel has first and second suction channels respectively extending upward along an outer circumferential surface of the tube and from the suction channel toward the hole at a leading end area of the tube and has a liquid suction port that expels the liquid. A particle segregating portion having a blade portion, whose orientation to the atomizing area is adjustable, is between the atomizing area and the port. The suction channel formation member is fixed to the case body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Esaki, Yoichi Sasai
  • Patent number: 9452274
    Abstract: An atomizer has a venturi nozzle positioned at an outlet end of an air line and has a discharge end and is oriented horizontally when in use and forms a mixing chamber at its discharge end. A valve is positioned at a canister port and actuable to allow a metered flow of gas at a predetermined pressure and time through the air line and venturi nozzle. A suction line extends from the venturi nozzle and mixing chamber to a medication receiver and draws medication upward and mixes it with gas passing through the venturi nozzle into the mixing chamber and atomizes the medication into a mist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Pneumoflex Systems, LLC
    Inventors: W. Robert Addington, Stuart P. Miller
  • Patent number: 9433724
    Abstract: An assembly structured for concurrent irrigation and aspiration of a nasal cavity including a housing having a supply container disposed therein for the removable retention of irrigating fluid. A nasal applicator comprises first and second passages respectfully structured to deliver irrigating fluid to the nasal cavity and concurrently remove waste fluid therefrom. An activating assembly includes a plunger biased into a continuous pressure applying, dispensing relation to the irrigating fluid and a valve assembly is selectively disposable into an open position facilitating fluid communication between the supply container and the applicator for the delivery of the irrigating fluid therethrough into the nasal cavity. The activating assembly is further structured to create a negative pressure within the chamber which communicates with the second passage of the applicator to facilitate delivery of the waste fluid therefrom along a path of travel to an interior of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: PREVA, LLC.
    Inventors: Keith Rubin, Ken Solovay, James Layer, Alex Desimone
  • Patent number: 9364618
    Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fixed diverter and a movable fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected with an actuator for responding to an inhalation or a manual actuation and beginning the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected to an actuator so that the fluid orifice or fluid pathway reaches a nebulizing position during inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Rick Blacker, Evan J. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 9333317
    Abstract: A system for respiratory therapy that includes a nebulizer, an adaptor, and a nasal cannula. The nebulizer is operable to generate an aerosolized medicament and pass the aerosolized medicament through a nebulizer outlet port. The adaptor has a nebulizer coupling port configured to be coupled to the nebulizer outlet port. The nasal cannula is configured to provide a flow of breathing gas from a breathing gas source to the patient. The nasal cannula includes at least one nasal prong and an attachment device positioned adjacent the at least one nasal prong. The attachment device is configured to secure the adaptor outlet port adjacent an outlet of the nasal prong. A method for respiratory therapy includes securing a nasal cannula to the patient, attaching an adaptor to the nasal cannula, generating an aerosolized medicament, transferring the aerosolized medicament into the adaptor, and providing a flow of breathing gas to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., William F. Niland, George McGarrity
  • Patent number: 9220862
    Abstract: A patient interface device (8, 108) includes a mask component (16, 116) structured to engage a face of the patient, a head support member (22, 122) structured to rest on a head of the patient, and a coupling arm (24, 124) having a first end (40, 134) coupled to the mask component and a second end (42, 136) coupled to the head support member. The second end of the coupling arm is coupled to the head support member in a manner wherein the mask component is selectively moveable relative to the head support member in multiple planes such that the mask component can be rotated at least 180 degrees in a plane that is parallel to the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Robert Earl Hieber, Kevin Shick
  • Patent number: 9216260
    Abstract: A manually operated metered dose inhaler includes a dose counter chamber including a dose display tape driven by a ratchet wheel which is driven in turn by an actuator pawl actuated by movement of a canister, the tape unwinding from a stock bobbin during use of the inhaler, a rotation regulator being provided for the stock bobbin and including a wavelike engagement surface with concavities which engage against control elements in the form of protrusions on resilient forks of a split pin thereby permitting incremental unwinding of the stock bobbin yet resisting excessive rotation if the inhaler is dropped onto a hard surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignees: IVAX Pharmaceuticals Ireland, Norton Waterford, Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland
    Inventors: Declan Walsh, Derek Fenlon, Simon Kaar, Jan Geert Hazenberg, Dan Buck, Paul Clancy, Robert Charles Uschold, Jeffrey A. Karg
  • Patent number: 8973571
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in conjunction with a metered dose inhaler which includes a novel valve system to aid in the delivery of aerosolized medicament to a subject. The apparatus also includes a novel rotational flow generator to aid in the useable delivery of said medication and avoid its loss either in the apparatus or by non-useful delivery to said subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: PRE Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gallem, Kevin Grant Gowanlock, Robert Carlton Lynch
  • Patent number: 8950396
    Abstract: A dispensing device, a storage device and a method are proposed for dispensing a formulation as a spray. The formulation is dispensed by means of a gas stream. To improve the dispensing effect, pressure pulses are generated in the gas stream and/or the direction of gas flow alternates. The formulation is dispensed through a duct. The duct is connected to a storage chamber containing the formulation via a sharp edge or transition portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Wachtel, Frank Richter
  • Publication number: 20140331995
    Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fixed diverter and a movable fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected with an actuator for responding to an inhalation or a manual actuation and beginning the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected to an actuator so that the fluid orifice or fluid pathway reaches a nebulizing position during inhalation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: TRUDELL MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Rick Blacker, Evan J. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 8875706
    Abstract: A ventilator assembly includes a housing defining an inhalation interior space and an exhalation interior space separate from the inhalation interior space. A ventilator port is positioned at a first location of the housing and defines a first passageway in communication with the inhalation interior space and the exhalation interior space. A patient port is positioned at a second location of the housing and defines a second passageway in communication with the inhalation interior space and the exhalation interior space. A one-way inhalation valve permits one-way flow from the ventilator port to the patient port through the inhalation interior space and a one-way exhalation valve permits one-way flow from the patient port to the ventilator port through the exhalation interior space. A receptacle is in communication with the inhalation interior space and is operative to receive a container comprising an aerosolized medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Adam Meyer, James Schmidt, Martin P. Foley, Jerry R. Grychowski
  • Patent number: 8813743
    Abstract: An atomizer for the delivery, and in particular, the atomization of a formulation, particularly, a powder. A simple construction and simple intuitive operation are made possible, in particular, by the fact that the atomizer has a mouthpiece with an associated cover, so that opening and/or closing of the cover causes a delivery medium, in particular air, to be taken in and/or put under pressure by a delivery device, a spring store is put under tension and/or a preferably annular reservoir containing a plurality of doses of the formulation is further rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Thoemmes, Timo Von Brunn
  • Patent number: 8776786
    Abstract: Liquid nebulizer apparatus, systems, and formulation compositions, as well as systems for the nebulized, aerosol delivery of such compositions, for the administration and insufflation of medicinal aerosols into the pulmonary system of a mammal are described. The nebulizing apparatus and system can effectively aerosolize a variety of viscosities of medicinal liquid drug carriers, including those made up of oil, water, or emulsions of oil and water. Drugs dissolved or suspended in the compositions and formulations described and adapted for use herein are not damaged or denatured by the nebulization process when the nebulizer described is used. Further, the nebulization system itself can be adapted for use with both mechanically assisted pulmonary ventilation systems as well as hand-held inhalers and nose/mouth face masks for use in pulmonary drug delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Edward R Kraft, Perenlai Enkhbaatar, Daniel S Traber, Gabriela A. Kulp
  • Patent number: 8770188
    Abstract: A metered dose inhaler (MDI) spacer has a body that defines a dose receiving chamber. A proximal end portion coupled between the body and a mouth port through which a metered dose may be inhaled by a user of the MDI spacer. A distal end portion is coupled with the body. A combined one-way and flow rate control valve coupled with the distal end portion is configured for permitting external airflow into and prohibiting internal airflow out of the dose receiving chamber. A collar coupled with the distal end portion is configured for receiving an actuator shaft of a metered dose inhaler and for forming a seal about an aerosol nozzle of the metered dose inhaler such that a metered dose of medication is admissible into the dose receiving chamber via the collar while airflow into and out of the dose receiving chamber via the collar is prohibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 207, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Stenzler, Steve Han
  • Patent number: 8752543
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device for dispensing a fluid having a viscosity of from 10 to 2000 mPas at 25° C., the dispensing device having at least one finger-operable lever pivotably moveable into the housing transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fluid discharge device, to apply a force to an actuating member connected to the neck of a container, the device having a pre-load to prevent pivoting until a pre-determined force is applied, wherein the actuating member and the lever have surfaces which slidingly interact, wherein the pre-load is formed by one of the surfaces of the actuating member or the lever having a dual-gradient profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Michael Birsha Davies, Mark Graham Hedley, Margot Jean Jones
  • Patent number: 8733343
    Abstract: A drug delivery device is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device includes a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized into particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Universidad de Sevilla
    Inventor: Alfonso M. Ganan-Calvo
  • Patent number: 8720434
    Abstract: The invention provides a medicine ejection device which provides stable ejection even when a reservoir with high sealability is used and can eject an appropriate amount of medicine. A medicine ejection portion 1 includes an ejection nozzle 1a for ejecting a medicine and an element 1b which generates energy for ejecting the medicine from the ejection nozzle 1a, and is connected to a medicine storing portion 2 for storing the medicine. The medicine storing portion 2 is blocked from the outside air except a path through the ejection nozzle 1a, so that when the medicine is ejected from the ejection nozzle 1a, a pressure difference is formed between the outside and the inside of the medicine storing portion 2. A pressure unit 3 which is a feature of the present invention pressurizes a movable wall 5 when ejecting a medicine, which is displaced so that the volumetric capacity of the medicine storing portion 2 decreases due to the pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuru Imai
  • Publication number: 20130312739
    Abstract: An aerosol generator (19), comprising a storage chamber (10), a dosing chamber (20) and an expansion chamber (30), wherein the storage chamber (10), dosing chamber (20) and expansion chamber (30) reside in a single unit and wherein the dosing chamber (20) defines a maximum volume of fluid that may be delivered from the storage chamber (10) to the expansion chamber (30), is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Rome, Tom Woodman
  • Publication number: 20130312740
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body, a reservoir, a dispenser head incorporating a dispenser orifice, and a dispenser member mounted on the reservoir by a fastener ring. The dispenser member includes a dispenser-member body and a movable member that moves axially in the dispenser-member body while the dispenser member is actuated. The device comprises a lateral actuator system that is secured to the body, the system including an actuator element that co-operates with the fastener ring, the actuator element being movable, substantially transversally to the direction of movement of the movable member, between a rest position in which the dispenser member is not actuated, and an actuated position in which the dispenser member is actuated. The fastener ring includes a top radial flange that extends radially outwards. The actuator element includes at least one radial projection having a top edge that comes into contact with a bottom edge of the radial flange during actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: APTAR FRANCE S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Pardonge
  • Patent number: 8590750
    Abstract: A fluid delivery device for discharging a fluid having a housing, a piston pump, a biasing mechanism, and a trigger mechanism. The housing has a fluid discharge outlet. The pump has a pump chamber casing for fluid storage, a piston sliding in the pump chamber, a piston plunger, and a delivery channel leading to the housing outlet. The biasing mechanism biases the piston pump casing towards the housing outlet. The trigger mechanism has a catch member and a restraining member movable by a manually actuatable trigger from a cocked to a triggered configuration. The cocked restraining member engages the catch member to prevent movement and fluid discharge. A triggered restraining member disengages from the catch member for movement of the casing towards the housing outlet to discharge fluid from housing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Consort Medical PLC
    Inventors: Richard Warby, Graham Hately, Kevin Chilvers, John Olley, Paul Allsop
  • Patent number: 8573204
    Abstract: A dosing device can be activated by a vacuum air stream of a user for the inhalation of a powder substance, particularly medicine, which is arranged in a supply chamber and which can be brought out of the same into an open emptying-ready position by a dosing chamber of a dosing rod when the mouthpiece-closure cap is removed. In particular, in order to improve dispensing, the provision of two air paths, of which one serves to open and empty the dosing chamber, and/or the second air path penetrates directly into a ring chamber in order to mix with the air flow containing the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Siegfried Generics International
    Inventors: Alfred Von Schuckmann, Yorick Kamlag, Stefan Mayer, Dennis Sandell
  • Patent number: 8567390
    Abstract: Discharge device for nasal application of medicaments. The invention relates to a discharge device (10) for nasal application of medicaments, with a main body (A) having a contact surface (10b) which, during use, is vertically oriented and is directed toward the face of the user, and with a nosepiece (70) which is arranged in a fixed position with respect to the main body (A) and is designed to be inserted into a nostril of the user, which nosepiece (70) is provided on an upper edge area of the contact surface (10b), protrudes from the contact surface (10b) and has a discharge opening (72). Use as a discharge device that counteracts incorrect use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Aptar Radolfzell GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Stadelhofer
  • Patent number: 8539944
    Abstract: A method of delivering a nebulized fluid for inhalation, including providing an aerosol generator, providing a container containing a fluid to be nebulized, providing a reservoir in fluid communication with the container and with the aerosol generator, providing a moveable member positioned to act upon the container in a manner to elect fluid therefrom, providing a linkage mechanism operable through a range of operating positions that is coupled to the moveable member to selectively control a distance of movement of the moveable member, selecting the distance of movement of the moveable member, moving the moveable member to eject fluid from the container into the reservoir, and operating the aerosol generator to elect fluid from the reservoir as a nebulized fluid for inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Rajan Patel, Michael A. Klimowicz
  • Publication number: 20130199519
    Abstract: Buccal aerosol sprays or capsules using polar and non-polar solvent have now been developed which provide biologically active compounds for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprise formulation I: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; formulation II: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, optionally flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation III: non-polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; and formulation IV: non-polar solvent, active compound, optional flavoring agent, and propellant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Abbott Laboratories
  • Publication number: 20130180521
    Abstract: A spray package including a container defining a cavity and having an opening; a spray container movable disposed in the cavity, the spray container having a fluid container portion movably disposed in the cavity and a projection portion having an orifice in fluid communication with the first fluid container portion, the projection portion being movable through the opening in the container between a retracted and extended position; and a therapeutic liquid disposed in the fluid container portion and being discharged through the orifice upon application of a force to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Baschnagel