Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a nebula or aerosol to a patient. In one aspect, a nebulizer is pressure sensitive so that nebulization is coordinated with a breathing cycle of the patient. The nebulizer includes a movable gas diverter that diverts pressurized gas across a liquid outlet. The diverter is moved in response to the patient's breathing cycle. In one aspect, a biasing member moves the diverter. According to another aspect of the nebulizer, an annular liquid orifice disperses an aerosol in a radial direction in response to a pressurized gas flow from an orifice located concentrically thereto. Multiple liquid orifices may be provided. In a further aspect of the nebulizer, a reservoir includes an upper, wide portion and a lower narrow portion to apply relatively uniform pressure at a liquid orifice.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a nebulizer for delivery of aerosol medication to respiratory airways of a user has an elongated conduit provided with a one-way valve for admitting ambient air on one of its ends and a mouthpiece—on its opposite end. A calibrated pressure exhalation valve allows escape of exhaled gas once the pressure in the conduit exceeds a pre-determined setting of the valve. The outlet valve is spring-loaded and allows for various calibrations. The conduit is attachable to a nebulizer and facilitates build-up of positive pressure in the user's sealed airways to help maintain the airways distended for more effective delivery of the medication.

Abstract: A device for administration of a medicated aerosol via the lungs consists of an inhalation mouthpiece 11, with an associated adjustable vaporizer 12, and of a compressed-air control valve 14 through which a pre-settable (13) volumetric flow of compressed air can be discharged to the vaporizer 12 containing the liquid medicament throughout a settable period of time. For operation of the device an electronic controller is provided on which the vaporizing period of the vaporizer and a pause interval can be set, with provisions being made for triggering the beginning of the vaporizing operation by means of a pressure sensor responsive to a suction pressure in the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The invention describes a mouthpiece for an inhalation therapy unit wherein an aerosol for inhalation is prepared for a patient, said mouthpiece comprising a substantially tubular base (1), in the wall of which an orifice (2) is formed, and a flat, elastic valve member (3), which is adapted in dimension and shape to the orifice (2) for the closing thereof and which is secured to the mouthpiece in such a manner that during an inspiration process through the mouthpiece the orifice (2) is closed and during an expiration process directed into the mouthpiece the orifice (2) is opened. According to the invention, at least one enlarged contact surface (6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16) is provided at the orifice (2) for the accumulation and holding of an amount of liquid by adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for delivering bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions. Antiadhesion compositions can be made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then used as fluids, gels or foams. By providing a product bag, the compositions can be delivered as gels or as sprays. By dissolving propellant gases in the compositions, the materials can be delivered as foams, which have decreased density, and therefore can adhere to surfaces that previously have been difficult to coat with antiadhesion gels. Delivery systems can also provide mechanisms for expelling more product, and for directing the flow of materials leaving the delivery system. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, antiadhesion, and/or hemostatic compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: A medical nebulizer has a reservoir for medical liquid, a capillary nozzle having a proximal end for receiving liquid from the reservoir and a distal end connectable to an inspiration gas flow path to deliver liquid droplets into an inspiration gas flow, a pump for supplying liquid from the reservoir through the capillary nozzle, and a regulator for regulating the delivery of the liquid to a predetermined amount. The pump supplies the liquid in a continuous flow throughout the delivery of the predetermined amount and a stimulator, such as a piezoelectric vibrator, is provided for vibrating the distal end of the nozzle to stimulate droplet formation.

Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of 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. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: A unitary breathing head device for administering intermittent percussive ventilation to a patient having an airway and for use with an IPV device having a source of continuous gas flow and having a source of pulsed gases comprising a combination injector and exhalation valve assembly comprising a main body having an airway port for communication with the airway of the patient and having proximal and distal extremities and a flow passage extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. The main body has a depending portion forming a plenum chamber in communication with the flow passage in the main body. A nebulizer is removably secured to the depending portion of the main body and has a nebulizer chamber in communication with the plenum chamber. The depending portion of the main body and the nebulizer form a handle adapted to be gripped by the hand of the patient holding the breathing head assembly.

Abstract: A pressure-liquefied propellant mixture for aerosols, comprising dinitrogen monoxide and a hydrofluoroalkane having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, in particular 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and/or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, makes possible an improvement in the wetting properties of pharmaceutically active compounds, whereby the formulation problems existing with hydrofluoroalkanes can be overcome with respect to suspension and solution aerosols and thus improved medicinal aerosol formulations can be obtained. With the aid of dinitrogen monoxide, it is also possible to influence the pressure and thus the particle size distribution specifically and, by displacement of oxygen from the hydrofluoroalkanes, to improve the storage stability of oxidation-sensitive active compounds. If desired, the propellant mixture can additionally contain carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A medicinal formulation is disclosed. The formulation comprises (a) a protein or peptide medicament; (b) a fluid carrier for containing said medicament; and a stabilizer selected from an amino acid, a derivative thereof or a mixture of the foregoing.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a peak flow meter measuring the respiratory function of a patient and a nebulizer as a inhaler of a liquid medicine. The patient blows in the breath from a peak flow meter blow-in section of the nebulizer into the peak flow meter to measure the respiratory function. Further, the patient inhales the liquid medicine in a liquid medicine bottle inserted into a liquid medicine bottle insert opening from a nebulizer inhale opening. Simultaneously, outer air measurement is performed with a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor of the nebulizer. Such measurement data and inhale recording data are transmitted to a server from an external connection. Thus, a health site of the patient based on the data is opened on a network. The patient can obtain appropriate advice from a doctor, and a liquid medicine supply from a service provider at appropriate timing.

Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of 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. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medicinal aerosol formulation and more particularly, to a medicinal aerosol formulation containing a troglitazone medicament and a fluid carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medicinal aerosol formulation and more particularly, to a medicinal aerosol formulation containing pioglitazone medicament and a fluid carrier.

Abstract: A nebulizer apparatus to atomize liquid solutions or suspensions. The nebulizer is typically used in conjunction with a breathing circuit to deliver atomized medicine to a patient. A housing with an opening covered by a thin mesh plate is supplied with the liquid to be nebulized on an “on-demand” basis. The mesh plate or liquid is vibrated at ultrasonic frequencies to atomize the liquid as it passes through the plate into the breathing gases flowing through the breathing tube. The vibration is produced with a piezoelectric element. The most efficient point to produce vibrations is found by measuring current, voltage or phase angle taken by the piezoelectric element or by measuring the resistance of the strain gauge attached to vibrator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medicinal aerosol formulation and, more particularly, to a medicinal aerosol formulation an insulin combination and a fluid carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medicinal aerosol formulation and more particularly, to a medicinal aerosol formulation containing a &bgr;-cell hypoglycemic agent and a fluid carrier.

Abstract: A patient recovering from major surgery often suffers from cracked lips and parched palate. The patient usually frequently contacts the nursing staff and requests that they provide the patient with cool water and/or cracked ice. The amount of water and/or cracked ice which the patient can have has to be very limited in order to prevent debilitating vomiting by the patient. The patient's discomfort and suffering is greatly reduced by the mouth moisturizer which via an atomizer supplies a controlled amount of water mist to the lips and palate of the patient. Also, the nurses have more time to devote to their other duties.

Abstract: The present invention is a nebulizer for infants which provides a respirable gas to an infant while the infant is suckling. The respirable gas may be oxygen or a respirable gas containing a medication. In a first series of embodiments, a feeding bottle is provided so that the infant may bottle feed. In a second preferred embodiment, a pacifier is provided so that the infant may suckle while the respirable gas is administered.

Abstract: The inhalation atomizer of the invention has a valve box, which is divided into two sub-chambers by a partition wall. The valve box is closed by a valve box cover. A one-piece valve element projects into both sub-chambers and closes the openings provided in the sub-chambers and in the valve box cover in dependence on the breathing of the patient.

Abstract: A hand-held breathing device for use by patients having respiratory problems creates a sealed backpressure in the airways of the patient by creating resistance to exhalation. A peep valve is mounted inside a hollow body, and a pre-set compression spring is mounted between the valve and an adjustable cap or cam lever in the main body of the device. A pair of valve openings extend through the wall of the main body, one opening serving as an intake port for inhaling of air by the patient and the second port—for exhalation of carbon dioxide. An intake valve is mounted inside the body between a normally open end of the device and the exhalation valve. In one of the embodiments, the device is attached to a nebulizer to facilitate buildup of positive pressure and delivery of medication to the patients' lungs.

Abstract: A delivery device for the delivery of an agent to the mouth, nose or other bodily site of a user. The delivery device includes an aerosol canister that is actuated to expel propellant, which captures and disperses the agent. In a preferred embodiment, the propellant captures and disperses the agent into the mouth or nose of a user, and inhalation by the user directs the agent to the lungs of the user. The delivery device is particularly suitable for the treatment of bronchial asthma, respiratory conditions and for the delivery of systemically absorbed agents.

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: A composition used in combination with an electrohydrodynamic device capable of delivering an active ingredient to the aerodigestive system of the user. The composition comprises three or optionally four basic components: an active ingredient; a carrier material in which the active ingredient may be dissolved, suspended, or emulsified; an aerosol properties adjusting material which provides the composition with the physical characteristics required to create an aerosol cloud by electrostatic or electrohydrodynamic means; and optionally at least one excipient that further adjusts, preserves, stabilizes, or enhances the overall performance of the composition.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) has two remote pressure handles (29, 35) and lateral gripping recesses (58) for mutually displacing two units (2, 3) axially and rotationally. A tear-off web (52) prevents the two units (2, 3) from being actuated accidentally. A discharge stud (34) protrudes beyond the handles (29, 35, 58). The dispenser (1) is so small that it may be fully enveloped and covered by one user's hand. Nevertheless reliable actuation for nasal application is assured.

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.

Abstract: A non-aqueous medicinal aerosol formulation comprising rosiglitazone maleate, a fluid carrier, and an amino acid stabilizer. The aerosol formulation may also include drug combination formulations comprising rosiglitazone maleate and a second anti-diabetic medicament.

Abstract: A non-aqueous medicament aerosol formulation comprising troglitazone, or a derivative thereof, a fluid carrier, and an amino acid stabilizer. The aerosol formulation may also include drug combination formulations comprising troglitazone and a second anti-diabetic medicament.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a nebulizer for delivery of aerosol medication to respiratory airways of a user has an elongated conduit provided with a one-way valve for admitting ambient air on one of its ends and a mouthpiece—on its opposite end. A calibrated pressure exhalation valve allows escape of exhaled gas once the pressure in the conduit exceeds a pre-determined setting of the valve. The outlet valve is spring-loaded and allows for various calibrations. The conduit is attachable to a nebulizer and facilitates build-up of positive pressure in the user's sealed airways to help maintain the airways distended for more effective delivery of the medication.

Abstract: A breath actuated nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized liquid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a valve assembly having an actuator piston for quickly responding to an inhalation and beginning the nebulization process, and a relief piston to lower the inhalation effort required of the inhaling patient. Also provided is a method of providing breath actuated nebulization including the steps of moving an actuator piston connected to a diverter so that the diverter reaches a nebulizing position during an initial period of inhalation, and moving a relief valve to allow a greater flow of air, and thereby reduce inhalation effort, after the initial period of inhalation.

Abstract: This invention covers a nebulizer for aerosol systems comprised of a non-spill system (25) at the opening (21) conveying the nebulized medication towards the user, thus preventing the liquid medication from spilling if the nebulized is inclined or dropped.

Abstract: A device for controllably dispensing and volatilizing liquid by the user sucking or drawing on the device. An elongate tube defines a reservoir for liquid and air bounded by a solid and a porous plug, and an aperture for the flow of air that is positioned between said porous plug and the open end of the device. A mechanical means of controlling the surface area of said aperture is provided. Three preferred embodiments of said mechanical means include a pleated section with holes in the troughs of pleats, a rotating sleeve about an ovular slit, and a translating tubular insert into the open end of a device with an aperture consisting of a series of holes.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a nebulizer for delivery of aerosol medication to respiratory airways of a user has an elongated conduit provided with a one-way valve for admitting ambient air on one of its ends and a mouthpiece—on its opposite end. A calibrated pressure exhalation valve allows escape of exhaled gas once the pressure in the conduit exceeds a pre-determined setting of the valve. The outlet valve is spring-loaded and allows for various calibrations. The conduit is attachable to a nebulizer and facilitates build-up of positive pressure in the user's sealed airways to help maintain the airways distended for more effective delivery of the medication.

Abstract: A nebulizing attachment having a body with an open conical chamber formed therein. The body includes a nozzle with a sharp edge behind which a perforation is formed for supplying air under pressure. Another nozzle is provided in communication with the open conical chamber for supplying liquid therein. The liquid is sucked into the chamber by the effect of vacuum brought about by the passage of the air flow from the nozzle to an outlet therefor. The liquid is fractionated and mixed by the effect of turbulence in this chamber.

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 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 present invention is directed to a jet nebulizer assembly for administering drugs via aerosols in a patient's home and a method of treating a cancer in a patient's home by utilizing the jet nebulizer assembly.

Abstract: A nebulizer assembly for engagement in a ventilator circuit is provided . The assembly includes a coupler having two end ports and a lateral port. The coupler defines a chamber in communication with each of the ports. Each of the two end ports are engageable to ventilator circuit hose segments. A tubular housing defines a first opening at a first end and a second opening at an opposite end. The housing defines a passageway between the ends that is in communication with the first opening and the second opening. The first end of the housing is engageable to the lateral port of the coupler. The housing has a bend adjacent the first end of the housing. A valve is disposed within the housing adjacent the first end of the housing. The valve has an open position and a closed position and is operable to hermetically seal a portion of the passageway in the chamber in the closed position. The valve includes a valve closing portion and a valve opening.

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: The invention is directed to a portable inhalation device. This device is compact and portable and contains a compressor, an air filter and a power supply, and permits, together with an aerosol nebuliser, the mobile administration of drugs by inhalation.

Abstract: A pneumatic nebulizer that produces a high volume of aerosols for inhalent delivery of medications and other constituencies. High pressure gas formed into a gas jet is passed through a thin choked region of fluid that is entrailed and impinged upon an aerosol amplifier which creates a spray whose aerosol components are directed up through vents to an aerosol outlet for delivery. Larger-sized liquid particles are caused to pool up in a region surrounding the aerosol amplifer and then drip down back into the liquid medication reservoir.

Abstract: A nebulizer assembly for engagement in a ventilator circuit is provided in which the nebulizer can be used, maintained and serviced without breaking the ventilation circuit or causing turbulence in the system or loss of pressure. The assembly includes a coupler having two end ports and a lateral port. The coupler defines a chamber in communication with each of the ports. Each of the two end ports are engageable to ventilator circuit hose segments. A tubular housing defines a first opening at a first end and a second opening at an opposite end. The housing defines a passageway between the ends that is in communication with the first opening and the second opening. The first end of the housing is engageable to the lateral port of the coupler. The housing has a bend adjacent the first end of the housing. A valve is disposed within the housing adjacent the first end.

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: 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: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a closure-cap and a container in the form of a two-chamber cartridge in which an active ingredient and a solvent can be stored separately until the apparatus is used in a nebuliser, as well as an active substance concentrate in which the active substance is present as a solution or suspension for storage purposes.

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 pulmonary dosing system and method for supplying to a patient a predetermined amount of respirable therapeutically active material. The system comprises a patient interface to introduce the material into the patient's lungs. The patient interface is connected to a flexible inhalation tube and a flexible exhalation tube. The exhalation tube is connected to a filter having an outlet connected to atmosphere. The inhalation tube is connected to an apparatus for providing pulsed amounts of the material entrained in filtered atmospheric air. A control unit operates the pulmonary dosing system in accordance with operator inputs regarding the number of patent exhales between pulses, and pulse length. The exhaust filter and the apparatus for providing pulsed amounts of the therapeutically active material may be enclosed in a containment case and the patient's interface may comprise a mouth tube-mask combination when the therapeutically active material comprises at least one toxic drug.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for nebulising a liquid, in particular for medical use, comprises a box case (2) and a compressor assembly (4) housed internally to said box case (2) and provided with an air intake conduit (5) and an air delivery conduit (6). A device (10) for activating the compressor assembly (4) is housed internally to the box case (2) and it is provided with an external command (16) which can be activated by the user. A nebulising bulb (17) is housed in the box case (2), presents a terminal mouthpiece (18) and it is provided with an air inlet section placed directly in communication with the delivery conduit (6) of the compressor assembly (4).

Abstract: A product dispensing system comprises a calibrated nebulizer having a nebulizer jet, mouthpiece, means for sourcing compressed air, a manifold for distributing the source of compressed air in at least one direction, a nebulizer accommodation means which is accessed by port, and a valve means for controlling the manifold and thereby the flow of compressed air to the port. The manifold and the port are linked by a length of tube, wherein the internal volume of the tube from the manifold outlet to the nebulizer jet is less than 0.7 ml.

Abstract: A nebulizer and method for forming a finely atomized aerosol are provided. A first aerosol is formed by passing a gas jet across the mouth of a liquid channel that communicates with a liquid reservoir. The first aerosol then strikes a stop surface and is converted into a second, more finely atomized aerosol. The second aerosol impacts a buffer plate. The larger liquid particles in the second aerosol strike the plate and are either broken up or returned to the liquid reservoir. The smaller particles follow a labyrinthine path through at least one slit-shaped passage in the buffer plate, in the process forming a third, final aerosol. Selection of the passage size allows control of the particle size distribution of the third, final aerosol.