Abstract: The present invention provides a patient inhalation/exhalation device such as a spirometer, respiratory inhaler or spacer, the device comprising: at least one aperture for inlet or outlet of air into/from the device; a mouthpiece for communication with the mouth of the patient; and a body defining an air flow path extending between the aperture and the mouthpiece along which air is drawn to the mouthpiece by inhalation by the patient or air is forced towards the aperture by exhalation by the patient. The body comprises an air flow rate indicator operable to generate a sound signal to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level. In another aspect, the present invention provides a device for indicating a desired fluid flow rate along a fluid flow path through a respiratory inhaler.

Abstract: An adapter for fitting to a drug delivery device, the adapter including: an outlet for communication with the mouth of a patient; an air flow path through the adapter along which air is drawn to the outlet by inhalation by the patient; an inlet adapted for connection to a mouthpiece of the drug delivery device; and an air flow rate indicator operable to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level suitable for delivery of the drug to the patient. A drug delivery device having, in its body, an air flow rate indicator operable to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level suitable for delivery of the drug to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for alternatively indicating at least a first fluid flow rate and a second fluid flow rate. The device, which may be a spirometer (e.g. a peak flow meter) comprises an aperture, a mouthpiece and a body defining a fluid flow path extending between the aperture and the mouthpiece. The body comprises a fluid flow rate indicator operable to alternatively generate at least a first sound signal and a second sound signal indicative of the first or second fluid flow rate in a first direction. The fluid flow rate indicator comprises a corrugated portion having a plurality of corrugations extending into the fluid flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides an end fitting (1) for a spacer assembly and a spacer assembly having such an end fitting for fitting to a drug delivery inhaler device (21). The spacer assembly has a spacer body (17) with opposing first and second axial ends. The end fitting comprises an end panel having an upper end face (2) and a lower end face (3). A lower annular recess (4) is provided on the lower end face for receiving the first axial end (18) of the spacer body in a first configuration. An upper annular recess (12) is provided on the upper end face for receiving the second axial end (20) of the spacer body in a second configuration. The end fitting further comprises an open-ended tubular projection (16) extending from the upper end face and an aperture extending through the end panel from the lower end face to the tubular projection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patient inhalation/exhalation device such as a spirometer, respiratory inhaler or spacer, the device comprising: at least one aperture for inlet or outlet of air into/from the device; a mouthpiece for communication with the mouth of the patient; and a body defining an air flow path extending between the aperture and the mouthpiece along which air is drawn to the mouthpiece by inhalation by the patient or air is forced towards the aperture by exhalation by the patient. The body comprises an air flow rate indicator operable to generate a sound signal to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level. In another aspect, the present invention provides a device for indicating a desired fluid flow rate along a fluid flow path through a respiratory inhaler.

Abstract: An adapter for fitting to a drug delivery device, the adapter including: an outlet for communication with the mouth of a patient; an air flow path through the adapter along which air is drawn to the outlet by inhalation by the patient; an inlet adapted for connection to a mouthpiece of the drug delivery device; and an air flow rate indicator operable to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level suitable for delivery of the drug to the patient. A drug delivery device having, in its body, an air flow rate indicator operable to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level suitable for delivery of the drug to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adapter for fitting to a drug delivery device, the adapter comprising: an outlet for communication with the mouth of a patient; an air flow path through the adapter along which air is drawn to the outlet by inhalation by the patient; an inlet adapted for connection to a mouthpiece of the drug delivery device; and an air flow rate indicator operable to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level suitable for delivery of the drug to the patient. The present invention also provides a drug delivery device having, in its body, an air flow rate indicator operable to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level suitable for delivery of the drug to the patient.

Abstract: An adapter for fitting to a drug delivery device, the adapter including: an outlet for communication with the mouth of a patient; an air flow path through the adapter along which air is drawn to the outlet by inhalation by the patient; an inlet adapted for connection to a mouthpiece of said drug delivery device; and an air flow rate indicator operable to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level suitable for delivery of the drug to the patient. A drug delivery device having, in its body, an air flow rate indicator operable to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level suitable for delivery of the drug to the patient.

Abstract: In a meter for assessing ventilatory capacity, a piston is free of any sliding contact with the body of the meter except over a region which extends axially not less than about 25% of the piston's diameter. In this way, tilting of the piston is avoided. Sliding contact is further reduced by the piston or wall having contact ribs extending axially.

Abstract: An inhalatory flow meter with a restriction flow meter with a restriction device located in the air flow path through the meter for increasing the resistance to flow through the meter. The restriction device may be removable or adjustable or capable of being rendered inoperative. A plurality of alternative restriction devices may be used interchangeably with the inhalatory flow meter, each having a predetermined pressure:flow rate characteristic. Also provided is a method of testing the performance of a subject in relation to the use of an inhalatory dispensing device for the introduction of a substance to the airways of the subject. In the method an inspiratory flow meter is provided with a predetermined flow restriction to provide a comparison with the resistance of the inhalatory dispensing device in use.

Abstract: The apparatus measure the exhalation of a subject and stores selected data relating to the peak value of the air pressure during exhalation. The storing unit for the data stores the peak values for a plurality of time periods and the apparatus can collect a series of measurements over an extended time period. Auxiliary information and data relating to each measurement can also be stored in the storing unit. A dedicated power source may be incorporated for holding the stored information in the storing unit.

Abstract: An applanating member is provided for use in an applanation tonometer and comprises an optical element replaceably held in a tubular carrier. The element is formed as a replaceable plastics moulding with integral means for locating it in the member axially and rotationally. Such an optical element can be used disposably so as to achieve higher standards of hygiene without excessive costs.