Abstract: The present invention provides a nebulizing drug delivery system for delivering an aerosolized drug to a user having various features to increase the capacity of the drug delivery device. The drug delivery system includes a heater to increase the viscosity of the drug, a double aerosolizing system to double the capacity of the device, and a valve system to continuously replenish drug to the aerosol generator thereby providing a high speed delivery.

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.

Abstract: A powder inhaler for administering powder by inhalation, comprising: a flow path defined by a plurality of surfaces through which a stream of air is in use drawn on inhalation by a user; and dosing means (18) for providing a dose of powder to the flow path for entrainment in the stream of air; characterized in that the inhaler further comprises dislodging means for dislodging powder accumulated on a surface of the flow path downstream of the dosing means (18).

Abstract: A dosing device with an electromechanical interface is provided. The dosing device includes delivery means, a medium reservoir and an applicator, on the one hand, and a control unit and electrical energy store, on the other hand, in separate structural units. Guide means are provided for fitting one of the structural units into the other structural unit. The guide means has an electromechanical interface for coupling and/or uncoupling relative to the control unit and/or energy store without using tools.

Abstract: A liquid atomizing device for dispensing liquid droplets includes a container for holding a liquid, the container having a porous wick positioned to communicate the liquid from the container, and an orifice plate with apertures, the orifice plate being vibrated by a piezoelectric element to cause liquid communicated from the container to be atomized and dispensed as liquid droplets through the apertures. The device employs a unique placement and design of heaters or fans to promote evaporation and dispersion of the atomized liquid while the liquid is airborne.

Abstract: A device (30) for nebulizing a liquid includes a nebulization head (40) having a capillary tube (40-1) and a nozzle (40-2) for ejecting a liquid (43), a liquid supply tank (42) for supplying the nebulization head with liquid (43), a vibrator (44) for vibration driving the nebulization head so that it ejects droplets of liquid in a nebulization jet. The device (30) further includes a pressure regulator for applying to the liquid at the inlet to the nebulization head (40), during nebulization cycles, a pressure greater than a first pressure threshold above which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when the head is not vibration driven, and lower than a second pressure threshold above which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when the head is vibration driven. Advantages of the device include increase in the nebulization flow rate and low sensitivity to changes in trim and to vibrations.

Abstract: A protective circuit for a supersonic humidifier includes a compare circuit to obtain working voltage at two terminals of an ultrasonic vibrating member to decide whether the humidifier is to be continued to operate or stopped so as to protect it from burning up. The protective circuit does not utilize a vibration needle, a float, a magnetic switch and a HALL IC used in conventional humidifiers.

Abstract: A nebulized fluid, generated by vibrating an aerosolization element, is introduced into a breathing circuit during a certain interval of a patient's breathing cycle. In some embodiments, the fluid comprises an antibiotic that is selected to treat a pulmonary infection resulting from mechanical ventilation.

Abstract: A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve, an air carrying conduit and a retention device for securing system elements in position. The system also includes a flow restriction device for controlling the flow of air through the air carrying conduit.

Abstract: An ejection apparatus for ejecting droplets of liquid includes a loading portion, a reader, and a judging unit. The loading portion detachably loads therein a liquid cartridge container for containing liquid, and a liquid ejection cartridge having an ejecting portion for ejecting liquid separately, or as a combined kit. The reader reads information attached to at least one of the liquid cartridge container and the liquid ejection cartridge. The judging unit judges, based on the information read by the reader, whether each of the liquid cartridge container and the liquid ejection cartridge loaded in the loading portion is appropriate, or whether a combination of the liquid cartridge container and the liquid ejection cartridge is a predetermined combination. The ejection apparatus allows a user to relatively readily and accurately carry out ejection of appropriate liquid by an appropriate ejection unit.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an operation frequency and checking an operating state of the ultrasonic nebulizer is related in the present invention. By detecting the current to determine a resonance frequency and whether deviated from a predetermined normal range, the nebulizer can check the operating state and operate at the resonance frequency for increasing efficiency and saving power.

Abstract: A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve, an air carrying conduit and a retention device for securing system elements in position. The system also includes a flow restriction device for controlling the flow of air through the air carrying conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of selecting or optimising a nebuliser device to be used to deliver a vaccine comprising selecting a nebuliser capable of producing a plurality of vaccine particles having the following particle droplet size distribution: (i) Dv10: 2.0+/?0.2 ?m (ii) Dv50: 5.0+/?0.5 ?m (iii) Dv90: 10.0+/?1.0 ?m (iv) a mean mass aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 4.5 to 8.0 ?m This allows the selection of, for example, commercially available nebulisers, previously used for drug delivery, for vaccine delivery. This considerably reduces the work required to identify suitable nebulisers. The additional preferred features are disclosed for the selection of nebulisers for use in mass vaccination programs. Nebulisers identified by the methods of the invention are also claimed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for aerosolizing medicament to be inhaled by a user. A housing is provided with an aerosol generator contained within the housing. A medicament feed system supplies medicament to the aerosol generator. A mouthpiece has separate medicament and air flow passages. The medicament flow passage provides aerosolized medicament from the aerosol generator to an outlet of the medicament flow passage, and the air flow passage has an inlet in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere. The outlets of the medicament and air flow passages are provided at an end of the mouthpiece to provide simultaneous flows of medicament and air that mix in the user's mouth upon inhalation by the user at the end of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The present invention related to an ultrasonic nebulizer apparatus and a method for adjusting an operation frequency and checking an operating state of the ultrasonic nebulizer apparatus. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a current detecting element for actively detecting an electrical current passed through it early. By detecting the current to determine a resonance frequency and whether deviated from a predetermined normal range, the nebulizer apparatus according to the present invention can check the operating state and operate at the resonance frequency for increasing efficiency and saving power.

Abstract: A gas dispenser includes a reservoir for holding a liquid, and a chamber in communication with the reservoir. The chamber receives the liquid, and a micro power source generates energy for conversion of the liquid disposed in the chamber. A nozzle defining an orifice in selective communication with the chamber. The nozzle is used to release the converted liquid from the chamber through the orifice.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are formulations of fluoroquinolones suitable for aerosolization and use of such formulations for aerosol administration of fluoroquinolone antimicrobials for the treatment of pulmonary bacterial infections. In particular, inhaled levofloxacin specifically formulated and delivered for bacterial infections of the lungs is described. Methods include inhalation protocols and manufacturing procedures for production and use of the compositions described.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and methods for optimizing the performance and protecting one or more aerosol generating transducers from deterioration while operating in a chemically reactive aqueous solution by utilizing one or more protective barrier techniques to eliminate chemical interaction between the aqueous solution and the transducers. The method of the present invention produces an aerosol producing transducer with the transducer housing and assembly to be constructed in such a way as to assure its efficient and effective long-term and problem free operation in an aqueous solution that is chemically reactive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nebulizing device with a housing that includes a mouthpiece module, an intermediate module, and a base module. An aerosol generator is in communication with a fluid. A barrier is disposed between the fluid and a drug solution provided within the housing. A signal transmitter and a signal receiver are carried by the housing. The signal is either initiated or terminated when one of the modules is separated or misaligned from the other modules. The device further includes a variable volume resilient structure disposed in communication with the fluid to provide volumetric relief in the event that the fluid expands.

Abstract: Methods, systems and/or devices for generating and aerosol from one or more composition are provided herein.

Abstract: A method for controlling the supply of liquid to an aerosol generator comprises operating a liquid supply system to supply a liquid to a vibratable aperture plate of an aerosol generator which senses an amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate, and controls operation of the liquid supply system to adjust the amount of liquid adhering to the vibratable aperture plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for delivery of a medicament to a respiratory system. A reservoir is provided for a liquid medicament with the reservoir having a liquid medicament inlet port and a medicament outlet. An aerosol generator is provided at the medicament outlet of the reservoir for aerosolizing the liquid medicament. A connector entrains the aerosolized medicament from the aerosol generator with a gas.

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.

Abstract: A microdosing device includes a dosing chamber which at least temporarily receives a quantity of liquid, and to which at least one dispensing opening is assigned. A vibration unit is operatively connected to at least one boundary surface of the dosing chamber in order to cause this boundary surface to oscillate for the purpose of a dispensing operation. At least two admission channels spaced apart from one another are provided on the dosing chamber.

Abstract: An aerosol aspirator has a casing (2) with a mouthpiece (8) and an outside air inlet (52), a generation passage (56, 60, 68) extending from the outside air inlet (52) to the mouthpiece (8), a syringe pump (18) arranged within the casing (2) to deliver a solution to a distributing position (A) in the generation passage in a fixed amount each time it is activated, and a tubular heater (58) disposed downstream of the distributing position (A) and forming a part of the generation passage. When a user sucks at the mouthpiece (8), the solution at the distributing position (A) is transferred from the position (A) into the heater (58), and within the heater, atomized, and then turns into an aerosol by condensing in sucked air flow, and the aerosol thus formed is sucked by the user with the air flow.

Abstract: Adaptive piezoelectric actuator control system, including: a power supply, a piezoelectric actuator, a driver driving the actuator, a signal generator providing a frequency signal to the driver, a user interface allowing user input of operating conditions, memory storing parameters of the actuator, and system control means controlling the power supply, driver generator and memory so operating frequency of the actuator is monitored and regulated, wherein the driver comprises test means providing a test signal to the actuator, voltage measurement means measuring voltage applied to the actuator caused by the test signal and voltage applied to the actuator caused by the frequency signal, the system control means receiving a response signal in response to the test, and receiving voltages measured by the voltage measurement means, and comprising signal analysis means creating a response signal envelope and controlling the generator to generate a frequency signal corresponding to the envelope maximum.

Abstract: A liquid medication cartridge includes an accommodating portion for accommodating a liquid medication; a liquid discharge portion having a discharge port for discharging the liquid medication by using an ink jet technique, a communicating member for establishing communication between the accommodating portion and the liquid discharge portion and a filling member for filling the liquid discharge portion with the liquid medication.

Abstract: A device is disclosed including ultrasonic nebulising means for providing a mist of a liquid medical solution for the treatment of diseases in the lungs, such as asthma or the like, to a human or animal user, such as a horse, the device including a mist reservoir enclosure for receiving the mist produced by the nebulising means, whereby a mist may be produced to fill the enclosure prior to inhalation thereof. The mist is therefore kept ready for inhalation for a longer period of time instead of being produced only in connection with the actual inhalation, and a more efficient and precise inhalation with finer droplets and less waste of the medical solution is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical aerosols which are useful for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases of the airways, such as the lungs, the bronchi, or the sinunasal cavities. The aerosols comprise an active agent selected from the group of quinolone antibiotics. Also disclosed are liquid and solid compositions suitable for being converted into the aerosols, and kits comprising such compositions.

Abstract: A silicon die having an orifice layer with plural openings formed therein defines a drop ejection device for use in a handheld inhaler. An underlying control layer defines fluid chambers, each carrying a heat transducer. A control system energizes selected heat transducers to heat fluid in the chambers, vaporizing the fluid, which is ejected through the orifices in small droplets.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser including a housing, a medicament container having a dispensing outlet; an agitator for agitating the contents; and a driver for driving the agitator independent of any container movement. The driver includes an energy storeage for storing energy releasable to drive the agitator. The medicament container may be a metered dose inhaler or delivering a suitable inhalable medicament.

Abstract: The present invention prevents liquid droplets from colliding with each other and prevents the change of a liquid droplet size and the degeneration of medicinal solutions from occurring in the center portion where the flow rate of the airflow becomes the maximum inside an airflow path. Inside an inhalation flow path of a flow path mouthpiece unit having a mouthpiece at one end, a cylindrical structure is disposed, and the cross-section of the inhalation flow path is made ring-shaped. The surface of the structure is provided with a plurality of medicine ejection portions, and the medicinal liquids are supplied from a reservoir provided in the inside of the structure. Even when the plurality of medicine ejection portions is simultaneously driven, it can prevent the liquid droplets from colliding with each other to change the liquid droplet size and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhalation therapy device including a membrane aerosol generator. A detection device is provided for determining whether a liquid to be atomized is available. In the absence of liquid, the activation of the membrane aerosol generator is interrupted and/or a signal is output.

Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery device including a drug delivery tube that defines a flow path and a droplet ejection device configured to eject droplets of medication into the flow path. Using collected feedback, the pulmonary drug delivery device can control the size of the droplets that are administered to a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O2 or SF/O2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.

Abstract: The concentration of xenon, in a medical gas mixture of xenon as an active component with a known composition of oxygen and, optionally, nitrogen and/or helium recirculating through a medical device (103) in which carbon dioxide is introduced into the mixture, is monitored by removal (135, 133) of carbon dioxide downstream of the medical device (103) and subsequently passing the carbon dioxide-free gas through an ultrasonic gas analyser (143) upstream of the medical device. The gas analyzer determines the xenon concentration by measuring the time delay between transmission of an ultrahigh frequency ultrasonic pulse of at least 100 kHz axially through the sample chamber from a location at one end thereof and reflection of said pulse axially from the other end of the sample chamber back to said location. An analyser of novel construction is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nebuliser and method of nebulising a liquid. The nebuliser includes a nebulisation chamber (1) having a well (2) adapted to contain a liquid (3) to be nebulised. An energy source in the form of an ultrasonic transducer (6) has as a curved energy transmission surface (7). This curved energy transmission surface defines a focal point (8) and a focal length (9). The energy source is spaced from the well such that the distance between the focal point and the energy source intrudes into the well not greater than 50% of the focal length. Preferably the well is shaped such that during nebulisation the level of the liquid in the well remains within a predetermined focal length range to thereby provide a substantially constant flowrateut of nebulised liquid. The nebuliser may also include a deflector baffle or fountain diverter (16) which acts to deflect the nebulised liquid fountain rising from the well.

Abstract: An artificial cigarette, inhaler or other nebulizer device may include a housing, an air passage into the housing, a fog generator chamber within the housing connected to the air passage, a liquid source connected to the fog generating chamber, and a fog generator within the fog generating chamber for receiving liquid from the liquid source and creating an aerosol. The fog generator may be an ultrasonic nebulizer and/or a pneumatic nebulizer.

Abstract: [OBJECTS AND PROBLEMS] Relating to a mist generator capable of emitting any of chemical substances used in life, such as perfumes, pharmaceuticals and pesticides, in the form of fog or vapor. An object of the invention is to attain means for efficiently atomizing liquid, means for easily and rapidly switching the type of chemical substance emitted and a compact apparatus of good maintainability. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] An apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer; an ultrasonic propagation medium disposed so as to fill a plane of vibration of the transducer; liquid retaining means disposed so as to be in contact with an end face of the medium; and an ultrasonic focusing reflecting mechanism (concave reflection mirror) disposed in an ultrasonic propagation path, thereby the apparatus attains discharging into air and atomization of the liquid by means of ultrasonic waves. Atomization efficiency is enhanced by the use of an ultrasonic reflection tube, and mist emission is carried out.

Abstract: A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve, an air carrying conduit and a retention device for securing system elements in position. The system also includes a flow restriction device for controlling the flow of air through the air carrying conduit.

Abstract: A nebulizer and a method for atomizing liquid are provided. The method includes directing liquid from a first chamber to a second chamber in a housing. The second chamber is configured to form standing pressure waves therein when the liquid therein is vibrated. The method further includes vibrating the liquid in the second chamber utilizing a piezo-electric device such that standing pressure waves are formed in the second chamber. The method further includes atomizing liquid in the second chamber as the liquid propagates through a meshed screen wherein the meshed screen is disposed a predetermined distance from the piezo-electric device at a high amplitude region of the standing pressure waves and within a focal region of the piezo-electric device.

Abstract: Methods of modulating a characteristic of a pharmaceutical compound spray by acoustic measurement and control of the pharmaceutical spray are disclosed. The methods include analyzing a selected characteristic of a pharmaceutical compound spray utilizing acoustic measurement to develop corresponding acoustic data. The methods further include controlling the selected characteristic by applying acoustic excitation to the pharmaceutical compound spray in accordance with the acoustic data developed.

Abstract: A nebulizer and methods for controlling the nebulizer are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the nebulizer activates a piezo-electric device to atomize liquid only when a person is inhaling.

Abstract: The inhalation therapy device comprises an aerosol generator (2) and a mixing chamber (3). The introduction of ambient air is achieved by means of supply channels (9) under the control of an inspiration valve (20), including an aerosol passage (22), a region with inspiration air through openings (23) and a valve element (21). The aerosol passage (22) surrounds the membrane (6) of the aerosol generator (2), whereby a front face edge (22a) of the tubular aerosol passage (22) lies along a sealing line (20a) on a surface of the aerosol generator (2).

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler consisting of first chamber having an orifice for holding a dry powder and a gas, and a second chamber for receiving a deaggregated form of the dry powder and for communicating the deaggregated dry powder to a user. A synthetic jet drives the dry powder from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: A nebule comprising at least one identification marker or label can be coupled an aerosol generator. The identification marker can be sensed by a sensing device on the aerosol generator so as to identify the liquid in the nebule to the controller of the aerosol generator. The controller of the aerosol generator can control the aerosol generator based on the information read from the identification marker.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of a medicament to the respiratory system comprises a reservoir that is adapted to hold a liquid medicament that is to be delivered to a respiratory system. An aerosol generator is provided that is adapted to aerosolize the liquid medicament. A liquid supplier is used to deliver the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the aerosol generator. A connector is operably coupled to the aerosol generator and comprises a gas conduit having an inlet, and an outlet, and an aerosol supply conduit. The aerosol generator is configured to provide the aerosolized liquid medicament into the gas conduit through the aerosol supply conduit, and the gas conduit is adapted to pass gases to entrain the aerosolized liquid medicament.

Abstract: A nebulizer apparatus according to the present invention has an enclosure including a primary chamber of ambient air, a medicant chamber and a secondary chamber. The secondary chamber is for containing water and includes an ultrasonic transducer and is in communication with the primary chamber. The apparatus further has a first switch for activating pump means for evacuating air from the primary chamber after which the transducer is activated for a predetermined time. The pump stops after a predetermined pressure is achieved. The apparatus has a valve that opens allowing a dose of powdered medicine in the medicant chamber to move into the vapor-rich primary chamber to seed and form a cloud laden with medicine. A mouthpiece is attached to said primary chamber to allow the patient to suck and inhale the cloud. The mouthpiece may further include a one way valve that seals the mouthpiece during evacuation and upon the patient sucking the tubing of the mouthpiece the valve opens to allow the cloud to be inhaled.

Abstract: A liquid nebulizer utilizes a channel forming element to position a portion of a sonic vibrator and form a channel passing to a medication cup. When the sonic vibrator vibrates up and down, the liquid from the medication cup passes the channel toward a mesh plate for nebulizing the liquid. The liquid nebulizer provides an easily manufactured channel forming element and has a simple structure. Furthermore, the manufacturing cost of the liquid nebulizer is inexpensive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inhalation therapy. Said device comprises an aerosol-producing device for spraying a liquid (3), preferably comprising a membrane (1), a support unit (6), an electromechanical transducer unit (7), and a connecting device (8,9) for supplying an oscillation control signal. The inventive device also comprises a control device (10) from which an oscillation control signal can be supplied to the connecting device of the aerosol-producing device, such that the aerosol-producing device sprays the liquid. Another control signal is supplied to the aerosol-producing device (1,6,7), moving the membrane (1) in oscillation in an audible frequency range, thus causing the emission of audible signals for a user.