Abstract: The inhalation therapy assembly and method of use described herein increases the efficiency of metered dose inhalers by allowing delivery of the doses to a collapsible reservoir which can be manually pumped, ensuring that medicants contained therein are properly and completely delivered to the patient. Terminal and proximal valves of the one-way diaphragm type allow flow of the aerosol medicants while preventing improper expulsion. An exhalation valve is adjustable to ensure the patient exhales suitably to permit proper medicant absorption. A conventional metered dosage inhaler having an approved FDA canister provides proper dosage to the patient and is joined to the collapsible reservoir by a connector having a plurality of apertures for receiving the MDI and an accessory T-fitting.

Abstract: An inhalation device has a container 2 for an aerosol volume inhaled via a channel 15 and a mouthpiece 14, the container being located within a housing 12. The aerosol, in particular vitamin A, is introduced from a cartridge 17 into the interior of the container 2 via a nebulizer 18. The breath flow in the inhalation device is controlled via a control means 5 that keeps the inhalation flow essentially constant during the entire inhalation period.

Abstract: A disposable, expandable/collapsible medication inhalation apparatus for use with an MDI inhaler includes an elongated housing for receiving a plume of medication particles ejected by the MDI inhaler, a mouthpiece, and an inhalation valve disposed between the mouthpiece and the housing. A pair of foldable side sections are pressed together to expand the apparatus. An exhalation port in the mouthpiece allows exhalation through the mouthpiece. A collapsible boot adapter receives a mouthpiece of the MDI inhaler. The inhalation apparatus is constructed from a single sheet of foldable sheet material.

Abstract: A method for producing a nozzle useful in generating a fine aerosol for delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents is provided. The method comprises focusing a laser source onto a thin, preferably flexible material so as to form pores substantially through the material. The pores are formed to have an unflexed exit aperture diameter in the range of about 0.5 to about 25 microns, depending on the size of the aerosol particles desired for a particular application. The nozzle may have a variety of shapes and be distributed in a variety of patterns. An elevated area can be formed around the exit aperture of the nozzle in order to prevent intrusion of liquid into the nozzle.

Abstract: A child-sized adaptor for a DPI or MDI is provided. Also provided is a patient feedback mechanism for signaling and/or teaching proper inhaler use.

Abstract: A nasal spray device for dispensing a liquid from a pressurized container (R). The nasal spray device includes two juxtaposed applicators (1a, 1b), each being provided with at least one expulsion duct (10a, 10b) opening at an outer end in a spay nozzle (B) and communicating at an inner end with the container (R) with a pressurizing device (P). The applicators are fixed to a base (2) which couples them to the container (R). The nasal spray device includes a first part (I) supporting the applicators (1a, 1b) and an outer bottom skirt (11) radially clamping onto a cylindrical inner bearing surface (21) provided along a surface of a second part (II) carrying the base (2). The first and second parts (II) define bottom portions of the expulsion ducts (10a, 10b).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metered dosage inhaler device having a first member for receiving and dispensing inhalation medication. There is a first member which is hollow, and has an aerosol medication container insertion end and having a nozzle end for spraying medication into a mouth of a user, wherein the nozzle end has a defined length and has an orifice with a defined cross-sectional area outlet surfaces, inner surfaces and a defined outer perimeter at its termination. This is a second member, the second member which is a spacer fitted on the nozzle and adapted to move outwardly and inwardly relatively to the nozzle, the spacer being hollow and being located about either outer surfaces or within the inner surfaces of the nozzle, the spacer having a total length about equal to or less than the nozzle so as to preserve significant compactness when the spacer is moved inwardly relative to the nozzle.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in atomizing and generating sprays from a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes two members, each with generally planar surfaces, that are joined together. A first set of channels is formed in the generally planar surface of a first one of the members to form, in cooperation with the generally planar surface of the second of the members, a plurality of filter passageways. A plenum chamber is formed in the first member. The plenum chamber is in fluid communication with and downstream of the plurality of filter passageways. A second set of channels is formed in the generally planar surface of the first member to form, in cooperation with the generally planar surface of the second member, a plurality of nozzle outlet passageways. These nozzle outlet passageways are in fluid communication with the plenum chamber.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) an ipratropium salt; and (b) a betamimetic, and their use in treating inflammatory or obstructive diseases of the respiratory tract in a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler for effectively delivering medications by inhalation through the mouth of patients, having a spacer for more effectively mixing the medication and air, and easy to operate lever and canister selection mechanisms. A preferred embodiment of the invention has a mouthpiece comprising a flexible, elastic material. A lever arm is provided that is opposed to the body of the inhaler, which allows a patient to use the entire hand to activate the metered dose inhaler canister. In a preferred embodiment a valve assembly and whistle are included in the inhaler to improve the consistency and effectiveness of delivery of medication to the lungs of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is an inner pressure indicator of a cuff comprising, a housing possessing on one end an opening that can connect to a cuff inflating tube of a tracheostomy tube with a cuff or of an endotracheal tube and on the other end of said housing possessing an opening to which a valve that prevents the reduction of inner pressure is equipped with, said housing is characterized by being equipped with an inner pressure indicating device of cuff and also the inner pressure of the cuff can be regulated by said opening with a valve by way of said inner pressure indicating device of the cuff.

Abstract: In a method of and a device for providing a predetermined constant medicament dose for an inhalational administration at a low inhalation flow rate, a closed container 11 is provided which is reducible in terms of volume and comprises a mouthpiece 12 for receiving a predetermined volume of a quantity of medicated aerosol, which is preferably inhalable in one breath, wherein the container 11 is compressed under air-flow control in a direction towards the mouthpiece 12 for preparation of the filling operation, subsequently a means for powder aerosol production is connected to the mouthpiece 12, and finally the container is filled at a high flow rate by air-flow controlled expansion of the container for the introduction of air through the powder aerosol generator.

Abstract: The nasal dispenser (1) consists of but two integral housing bodies (4, 5) for accommodating a medium blister (6). Bodies (4, 5) are interlocked by withdrawal prevention means against separation and by releasable blocking means (49) against actuation. The medium reservoir (7) is located freely in an innermost housing space (62) of the first housing body (4). Thus the dispenser (1) is highly compact, simple in configuration and permits facilitated handling.

Abstract: A system for generating aerosol is disclosed, which system comprises a multiple-dose container, a device which provides the means for aerosol generation and delivery of an aerosol and a disposable package comprised of a single-dose container with a means for drug intake and which can be loaded into the device and filled with drug from the multiple-dose container, and an aerosol generating nozzle material. In one embodiment, the single-dose container of the disposable package comprises a needle which is used to penetrate a self-sealing, re-sealable area on a multiple-dose container holding drug under positive pressure. The drug leaves the multiple-dose container and enters the single-dose container via an open channel in the needle while preserving the sterility of the liquid in the multiple dose container.

Abstract: A fluid filled ampoule comprises an ampoule body having a top end, a bottom end and a sealed interior containing a liquid. A top tab is coupled to the top end and is removable to create a drain vent in the top end. A bottom tab is coupled to the bottom end and is removable to create a drain opening in the bottom end. A movable shroud is coupled to the top end and is disposed about the top tab. The shroud is movable to permit access to the top tab.

Abstract: A spring-actuated output drive device is used for example in medical aerosol therapy for a miniaturised high-pressure producing device for atomising a small dose of a liquid medicament. A locking-stressing-mechanism for such an output d rive device is to be stressed with the application of a relatively small amount of force and is to be released with one hand and is to operate reliably over a prolonged period of time. The locking-stressing-mechanism comprises a force step-up transmission, for example a screw thrust transmission for stressing the spring, an annularly arranged locking member with engaging locking surfaces, two abutments for limiting the travel of the spring and a release button. It is compact, economical to produce, easy to assemble and comprises components with a low rate of wear. It can be reliably and easily handled by unskilled persons, even when high spring forces are involved. A medicament to be atomised can thus be metered with a very high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: An aerosol medication delivery apparatus includes a fixed volume holding chamber which is constructed to allow for a uniformly mixed, concentrated bolus of medicated aerosol to be delivered with each breath. The device further includes a universal inlet, so that any standard small volume nebulizer, as well as any standard metered dose inhaler (MDI), may be utilized therewith. Also filtration can be added to address contaminated patient air and aerosol. A one-way valve is positioned in the patient mouthpiece, to help control the loss of aerosol, and thereby reduce waste.

Abstract: The need for the delivery of insulin by injection can be reduced or eliminated by delivering an aerosolized monomeric insulin formulation. Repeatability of dosing and more particularly the repeatability of the blood concentration versus time profile is improved relative to regular insulin. The blood concentration versus time profile is substantially unaffected by specific aspects of the patient's breathing maneuver at delivery. Further, the rate at which blood glucose is lowered is increased by the use of monomeric insulin. Particles of insulin and in particular monomeric insulin delivered to the surface of lung tissue will be absorbed into the circulatory system. The monomeric insulin may be a dry powder but is preferably in a liquid formulation delivered to the patient from a hand-held, self-contained device which automatically releases an aerosolized burst of formulation.

Abstract: The need for the delivery of insulin by injection can be reduced or eliminated by delivering an aerosolized monomeric insulin formulation. Repeatability of dosing and more particularly the repeatability of the blood concentration versus time profile is improved relative to regular insulin. The blood concentration versus time profile is substantially unaffected by specific aspects of the patient's breathing maneuver at delivery. Further, the rate at which blood glucose is lowered is increased by the use of monomeric insulin. Particles of insulin and in particular monomeric insulin delivered to the surface of lung tissue will be absorbed into the circulatory system. The monomeric insulin may be a dry powder but is preferably in a liquid formulation delivered to the patient from a hand-held, self-contained device which automatically releases an aerosolized burst of formulation.

Abstract: The need for the delivery of insulin by injection can be reduced or eliminated by delivering an aerosolized monomeric insulin formulation. Repeatability of dosing and more particularly the repeatability of the blood concentration versus time profile is improved relative to regular insulin. The blood concentration versus time profile is substantially unaffected by specific aspects of the patient's breathing maneuver at delivery. Further, the rate at which blood glucose is lowered is increased by the use of monomeric insulin. Particles of insulin and in particular monomeric insulin delivered to the surface of lung tissue will be absorbed into the circulatory system. The monomeric insulin may be a dry powder but is preferably in a liquid formulation delivered to the patient from a hand-held, self-contained device which automatically releases an aerosolized burst of formulation.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing having a chamber including coaxially aligned inlet and outlet, a medicament cartridge located within the chamber having a passage therethrough and membranes sealing the passage having a burst pressure of less than 10 atmospheres, a manually actuatable fluid delivery device having an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a manually actuated valve located between the outlet of the fluid delivery device and the chamber inlet for delivery of fluid under pressure to the valve. The medicament respiratory delivery device of this invention may be utilized to deliver a controlled unit dose of an aerosolizable medicament on demand by first pressurizing a pressure chamber in the pressure delivery device upstream of the valve, then opening the valve to open the membranes and express the medicament through the chamber outlet.

Abstract: A new and improved inhaler includes an accurate and consistent mechanical dose metering system that dispenses dry powdered medicament in discrete amounts or doses for patient inhalation, a pressure relief system that manages pressure within a medicament reservoir of the inhaler to ensure consistently dispensed doses, and a dose counting system indicating the number of doses remaining in the inhaler.

Abstract: A new and improved inhaler includes an accurate and consistent mechanical dose metering system that dispenses dry powdered medicament in discrete amounts or doses for patient inhalation, a pressure relief system that manages pressure within a medicament reservoir of the inhaler to ensure consistently dispensed doses, and a dose counting system indicating the number of doses remaining in the inhaler.

Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device which includes a heater adapted to volatilize fluid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and method of using the inhaler. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an outlet, the chamber being located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds a predetermined volume of a fluid which is expelled through the outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the fluid, the outlet can be formed by severing the first and/or second layer with a piercing element and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for conveniently setting the volume of a variable-length tubing loop used in a re-breathing circuit to various selected predetermined values. The device includes a card of an inelastic, disposable material which is attachable to a portion of the tubing loop or adjacent structure and which has marked on it several positions to which the tubing loop can be extended to set the volume of the loop at selected predetermined values. The card is preferably formed of a substantially rigid material which may be configured to fold around the tubing loop and adjacent structures to provide support and protection during shipping and handling of the device. The card may include instructions for use of the tubing loop printed on an outer surface thereof. Some or all of the card may be detachable from the tubing loop so that once the desired tubing volume is set, all or a portion of the card may be removed and disposed of.

Abstract: Aerosolizable formulations are disclosed comprised of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a pharmaceutically active drug or detectably labeled compound and a compound which is recognized by its distinct color, taste and/or smell even when present in a small amount and a low concentration. Examples of such compounds include menthol, peppermint, cinnamon and vanilla flavors and water soluble dyes. The compounds can be designed so that they are only detectable by a specific area of the tongue or seen under a certain wavelength of light. The degree of detection of the color, taste or smell of the compound is an indication of the degree of success in the delivery of an aerosolized formulation to a patient. The formulation is preferably delivered from a device which monitors and records information relating to the patient's respiratory movement and also scans and analyzes the aerosol prior to inhalation.

Abstract: The inhalation therapy assembly and method of use described herein increases the efficiency of metered dose inhalers by allowing delivery of the doses to a collapsible reservoir which can be manually pumped, ensuring that medicants contained therein are properly and completely delivered to the patient. Terminal and proximal valves of the one-way diaphragm type allow flow of the aerosol medicants while preventing improper expulsion. An exhalation valve is adjustable to ensure the patient exhales suitably to permit proper medicant absorption. A conventional metered dosage inhaler having an approved FDA canister provides proper dosage to the patient and is joined to the collapsible reservoir by a connector having a plurality of apertures for receiving the MDI and an accessory T-fitting.

Abstract: The inhalation therapy assembly and method of use described herein increases the efficiency of metered dose inhalers by allowing delivery of the doses to a collapsible reservoir which can be manually pumped, ensuring that medicants contained therein are properly and completely delivered to the patient. Terminal and proximal valves of the one-way diaphragm type allow flow of the aerosol medicants while preventing improper expulsion. An exhalation valve is adjustable to ensure the patient expires suitably to permit proper medicant absorption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlled inhalational administration of controlled-dosage drugs into the lungs, comprising a closed recipient adapted to be charged with a predeterminable aerosol volume and from which the aerosol may be withdrawn by means of a control means for controlling the inhalant flow.

Abstract: A nasal inhaler for introducing a substance to a nasal cavity of a user. The nasal inhaler comprises a chamber having an interior and an exterior, an outlet comprising an air exit passageway in flow communication with the interior of the chamber, a one-way air inlet valve in one-way flow communication with the interior of the chamber, and a dosage inlet passageway in flow communication with the interior of the chamber. A container includes a dispensing portion disposed in the dosage inlet passageway. In preferred embodiment, an adapter defines the dosage inlet passageway and is connected to the chamber. A mask also can be connected to the outlet. A method for dispensing a substance into the nasal cavity of the user comprises inserting the outlet into the nasal cavity, dispensing the substance into the chamber and inhaling through the outlet. A method for assembling a nasal inhaler assembly also is provided.

Abstract: A system for safely irrigating nasal and sinus cavities using a portable and reusable device which can be conveniently coupled to a fluid container, wherein the system includes an adapter end for coupling to the fluid container, an insertion end which directs fluid from the fluid container into the nasal and sinus cavities while preventing damage thereto by preventing insertion of the insertion end into the nasal cavities beyond a predetermined length, and a curved section of tubing which is coupled to the adapter end and the insertion end, wherein the curved section of tubing makes the user hold the fluid container in a correct position for directing solution from the fluid container into the nasal and sinus cavities.

Abstract: A system for the precisely and accurately controlled delivery and collection of aerosolized masses. The system includes an aerosol generator, an upstream electro-optional aerosol mass concentration sensor past which aerosols are transported at a known upstream volumetric flow rate, a deposition zone within which aerosols are collected on or within a media, and a downstream electro-optical aerosol mass concentration sensor past which aerosols uncollected in the deposition zone are transported at a known downstream volumetric flow rate. The net mass of aerosols collected in the deposition zone is determined by integrating over time the product of mass concentration measured by the upstream electro-optical sensor and the upstream volumetric flow rate minus the product of mass concentration measured by the downstream electro-optical sensor and the downstream volumetric flow rate.

Abstract: The invention provides an aerosol medication delivery apparatus for use with a pMDI canister having medication and a propellant contained therein under pressure, wherein the pMDI canister has a discharge orifice from which the medication and propellant can be discharged forming an aerosol. The apparatus has a chamber housing having an input end and an output end and defining an interior space, wherein the input end receives the medication discharged from the discharge orifice of the pMDI canister into the interior space and wherein the medication can be withdrawn from the interior space by inhalation by a patient from the output end. The aerosol medication delivery apparatus also includes a valve at the output end. The valve has a valve seat and a valve member. The valve seat has a sealing surface and the valve member has a central open area and a sealing portion at the perimeter of the open area that mates with the sealing surface when the valve is closed.

Abstract: An inhalation device has a container 2 for an aerosol volume inhaled via a channel 15 and a mouthpiece 14, the container being located within a housing 12. The aerosol, in particular vitamin A, is introduced from a cartridge 17 into the interior of the container 2 via a nebulizer 18. The breath flow in the inhalation device is controlled via a control means 5 that keeps the inhalation flow essentially constant during the entire inhalation period.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a highly concentrated mixture of aerosolized liquid and pressurized gas to a patient including a collapsible membrane defining a chamber, the membrane further defining a first opening and a second opening in communication with the chamber. A mask defining an enclosure having a first passageway in communication with the first opening. A nebulizer having a body defining a reservoir for holding the liquid therein, the body including an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice which communicates with the second opening. A pressurized gas source which contains a pressurized gas with the pressurized gas source being in communication with the inlet orifice for providing the pressurized gas to the nebulizer. When the pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source enters the nebulizer, the pressurized gas mixes to form a mixture with the liquid inside the reservoir of the nebulizer.

Abstract: An inhalation apparatus for dispensing a product that includes a housing and an end cap axially slidable relative to the housing. The housing has a portion adapted to receive a pressurized dispensing container and connected to a mouthpiece, and duct means communicating with the container-receiving portion for conveyance of product toward the mouthpiece. The end cap has a socket for engaging the pressurized dispensing container. The end cap has a collar with an inwardly directed rim. The housing includes an outwardly directed flange which fits within the rim. The end cap is movable between a first position in which the rim and flange have an axial overlap and there is no or a minimal flow of air through the housing, and a second position in which there is a maximum flow of air, the air flow being created by a user applying suction to the mouthpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus for aerosol therapy which is designed to draw air from the environment and transmit it to the user, comprising an optional external casing housing a motor, an optional fan for cooling and a compressor group which has a terminal block interfaced with the exterior by means of an intake duct and by means of a delivery duct, wherein the terminal block incorporates the intake duct and the delivery duct and interfaces directly with the exterior by means of an intake socket and a delivery socket designed to fit the profile of the external casing.

Abstract: The need for the delivery of insulin by injection can be reduced or eliminated by delivering an aerosolized monomeric insulin formulation. Repeatability of dosing and more particularly the repeatability of the blood concentration versus time profile is improved relative to regular insulin. The blood concentration versus time profile is substantially unaffected by specific aspects of the patient's breathing maneuver at delivery. Further, the rate at which blood glucose is lowered is increased by the use of monomeric insulin. Particles of insulin and in particular monomeric insulin delivered to the surface of lung tissue will be absorbed into the circulatory system. The monomeric insulin may be a dry powder but is preferably in a liquid formulation delivered to the patient from a hand-held, self-contained device which automatically releases an aerosolized burst of formulation.

Abstract: A hand-held compressor nebulizer suitable for vaporizing liquid medication, comprising a casing (2) and a motor-driven air pump (5). The nebulizer includes a liquid medication supply unit and a vaporizing unit. The vaporizing unit comprises upper and lower vaporizing chamber (9 and 6), said lower chamber (6) including a reservoir (12) for liquid medication from the liquid medication supply unit. The vaporizing unit includes a hollow conical member located within lower chamber (6) and defining an internal conical passage (11) having a relatively smaller upper end and a relatively larger lower end, said lower end being in communication with the air pump (5) for receiving an upward airflow produced by the air pump (5). The airflow increases in speed in the upward direction and creates a negative pressure upon exit from the upper end of the conical passage (11).

Abstract: A pump-type dispenser for dispensing predetermined doses of medicament in droplets or in spray form to the nasal area incorporates a rigid vial for medicament, an expandable pouch located within the rigid vial, a nasal screen, a one-way actuation mechanism, a one-way valve mechanism in the nozzle area and a spring element, both the valve mechanism and the spring element being formed as integral portions of the pump body. The nasal screen aligns the dispenser nozzle with the nasal passage and also allows the user to discreetly hide the nasal area from public view. The one-way valve mechanism in the nozzle area ensures a one-way movement of medicament from the dispenser, thereby preserving substantially perfect sterility of the medicament in the dispenser regardless of the environment surrounding the dispenser, without requiring the use of preservatives.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber containing beads. A dose of dry powder is released into the chamber, or into an inlet tangentially joining into the chamber. As the patient inhales on a nosepiece or mouthpiece, air moves circularly through the dispersion chamber to drive the beads. The beads roll, bounce, and collide repeatedly with the drug particles on the chamber surfaces or on the beads. The smaller active drug particles are separated from the larger carrier particles and from each other, and a powder aerosol is created and inhaled by the patient. The beads are preferably lightweight, so that they can be rapidly accelerated and moved, even with nominal inspiration. The flow resistance of the inhaler is also reduced via the beads, allowing greater air flow and powder dispersion, without any increased effort by the patient.

Abstract: A nasal aspirator having a stem, a tip and a bulb. The stem having an inner lumen from a top to a bottom. The tip comprising of an aperture at a point that arches from a base, wherein the base is secured to the top of the stem. The bulb having a ribbed opening into an inner hollow cavity. The bottom of the stem being inserted through the ribbed opening and into the inner hollow cavity so that the top of the stem is secured at the ribbed opening of the bulb.

Abstract: Aerosolizable formulations are disclosed comprised of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a pharmaceutically active drug or detectably labeled compound and a compound which is recognized by its distinct color, taste and/or smell even when present in a small amount and a low concentration. Examples of such compounds include menthol, peppermint, cinnamon and vanilla flavors and water soluble dyes. The compounds can be designed so that they are only detectable by a specific area of the tongue or seen under a certain wavelength of light. The degree of detection of the color, taste or smell of the compound is an indication of the degree of success in the delivery of an aerosolized formulation to a patient. The formulation is preferably delivered from a device which monitors and records information relating to the patient's respiratory movement and also scans and analyzes the aerosol prior to inhalation.

Abstract: A nozzle comprised of a thin, flexible membrane material having a plurality of pores is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pores have an unflexed exit aperture diameter in the range of about 0.5 to about 2 microns (preferably about 1 micron) and are positioned substantially uniformly in the material, preferably about 50 microns apart. The nozzle preferably has a conical or trumpet-shaped cross-section. In another aspect of the invention, the exit aperture of the nozzle is surrounded by an elevated area protruding above the substantially planar exit side of the membrane in order to prevent intrusion of liquid back into the nozzle. The nozzle can be used to form an aerosol containing a pharmaceutical composition from the exit side of the nozzle upon forcible application of the composition to the entrance side of the nozzle. This aerosol can be used to administer the pharmaceutical composition, for example, to the eye or to a selected portion of the respiratory tract.

Abstract: A child nasal decongesting device for relieving nasal congestion in children. The child nasal decongesting device includes a bulb defining an air cavity therein and a facemask outwardly extending from the bulb. The facemask has an open distal end opposite the bulb designed for positioning over a mouth and nostrils of a user such that the mouth and nostrils of the user are covered by the distal end of the facemask. An elongate tube outwardly extends from the bulb through the facemask. The tube is in fluid communication with the air cavity and has an open distal end outwardly extending from the distal end of the facemask and which is designed for insertion into the mouth of the user when the distal end of the facemask is positioned over the user's mouth and nostrils.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for an aerosol chamber having an input opening and an output opening with back pressure created in the chamber by an apertured barrier, such as a disk having a plurality of concentric and circumferentially disposed sets of openings to reduce the size of particles applied at the input opening before leaving the output opening, which is of lesser diameter than the input opening and extends to the input opening by an arcuate surface of revolution that serves to redirect interiorally of the chamber aerosol particles that have entered the chamber and reached the surface of revolution.

Abstract: The need for the delivery of insulin by injection can be reduced or eliminated by delivering an aerosolized monomeric insulin formulation. Repeatability of dosing and more particularly the repeatability of the blood concentration versus time profile is improved relative to regular insulin. The blood concentration versus time profile is substantially unaffected by specific aspects of the patient's breathing maneuver at delivery. Further, the rate at which blood glucose is lowered is increased by the use of monomeric insulin. Particles of insulin and in particular monomeric insulin delivered to the surface of lung tissue will be absorbed into the circulatory system. The monomeric insulin may be a dry powder but is preferably in a liquid formulation delivered to the patient from a hand-held, self-contained device which automatically releases an aerosolized burst of formulation.

Abstract: An aerosol holding chamber for use with a metered-dose inhaler having a tubular outlet has an elongated body having a rear end wall formed with a hole shaped to fit snugly around the tubular outlet of the inhaler, a front end provided with a mouthpiece, and a partition defining in the body a front compartment at the mouthpiece and a rear compartment at the rear wall. A vent passage opens outward from the front compartment and a first check valve at the partition permits gas flow through the partition only from the rear compartment to the front compartment. A second check valve permits gas flow only out of the front compartment through the vent passage. An air-flow actuated noise maker in the vent passage generates an audible sound when air blown into the front compartment exits through the vent passage. The device is inserted into the user's mouth and the user first exhales into it, with the noisemaker indicating that this is happening.

Abstract: An inhalation device (10) for use with an aerosol container comprises a housing (11) for receiving an aerosol container (12) and a spacer member (13) having a mouthpiece (14) defining an outlet (15) through which a user can inhale. The housing and the spacer member are attached together so as to be movable with respect to each other between an inoperative position in which the housing is received within the spacer member and an operative position in which the housing is withdrawn from the spacer member and oriented at a substantial angle thereto. The device further comprises a dispensing member (16) for receiving material to be dispensed from the container and delivering it into the spacer member. The dispensing member (16) is located in the housing and supported spaced from the walls thereof by a plurality of spaced ribs (19).

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler pump for delivering a metered dose of an active compound from an active compound inlet through a spray outlet without the need of a pressurized active compound container. Reciprocating action of an inlet valve, an outlet valve and a plunger alternately draw a metered dose of the active compound from an active compound container into an active compound chamber and pressurize the drawn metered dose of the active compound to eject the metered dose through the spray outlet. The plunger substantially fills and evacuates the metered dose chamber, leaving no void head space therein.