Material Atomized In Holder (e.g., Nebulizer) Patents (Class 239/338)
  • Publication number: 20070227535
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a breath-activated nebulizer with flow-based fluidic control and related methods of using such a nebulizer are disclosed. The nebulizer may include a body comprising a reservoir for holding medication, a nozzle for emitting a jet of pressurized gas, and a fluid conduit in communication with the reservoir for delivery of the medication proximate the jet to produce an aerosol of medication. The nebulizer may also include a nebulizer outlet in communication with the body for delivery of the aerosol to a patient, an entrainment passage for providing entrainment flow from atmosphere during inhalation by the patient, and a control conduit in fluid communication with the fluid conduit for delivery of a control gas to the fluid conduit to prevent the delivery of the medication proximate the jet. In some exemplary embodiments, the control conduit may comprise a gas passage proximate the entrainment passage to allow the control gas to flow across the entrainment passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Steven M. Harrington, Douglas Gaylord, David A. Rivera, Neil A. Korneff, Rebecca A. Wilday, Chris Zollinger
  • Publication number: 20070221212
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Yi-Hsin Huang
  • Patent number: 7267120
    Abstract: An atomizing nebulizer for dispensing a substance or medicament is described. The nebulizer is formed with a reservoir base releasably secured to an effluent vent cap that together capture a diffuser and integral dispersing baffle that are further formed with an uptake lumen or channel terminating with a nozzle jet. The diffuser dispersing baffle is positioned relative to the jet nozzle to optimize atomization of any of a number of such substances so as to maximize disbursement of the substance. The reservoir base also incorporates a pressurized fluid-accelerating inlet tube terminated with a metering orifice that cooperates with the nozzle jet when the inlet tube is received within the diffuser uptake lumen or channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Andre Rustad, David Rivera, Charlie Atlas
  • Patent number: 7234459
    Abstract: An inhaler device having a pump unit (P) for producing a stream of compressed air, a drive (G) for the pump unit and a nebuliser unit (Z) which communicates with the pump unit and which is driven pneumatically. The inhaler device produces and releases an air stream which is charged in controlled manner with fine liquid active ingredient particles. The pump unit (P) is equipped with a short-stroke piston pump. The drive takes the form of a crank gear (G) having a gear transmission which can be driven by means of a hand crank (K), the output shaft of which is kinematically connected to the pump piston via an eccentric and drives the pump piston. The inhaler device need not use any elaborate energy supply and can be built in compact and handy fashion. It can be ready for use anytime and anywhere and is therefore particularly suitable for mobile use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Franco Del Bon
  • Patent number: 7195179
    Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention includes: a container operable to hold a liquid; circuitry operable to provide an electrical stimulus; and a piezoelectric element electrically coupled to the circuitry. The piezoelectric element includes a first face positioned beneath the liquid when the liquid is placed in the container, the piezoelectric element being responsive to the electrical stimulus to produce acoustic energy that causes droplets to form from the liquid. The piezoelectric element has a focal length along a focal axis intersecting the first face. The piezoelectric element and the container are structured in relation to one another to form an oblique angle between the focal axis and an axis generally parallel to a surface of the liquid when the liquid is at rest in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Piezo Technologies
    Inventors: Craig Miller, Andreas Hadjicostis
  • Patent number: 7147170
    Abstract: An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol having a desired particle size by passing a liquid through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor. The flow passage includes an outlet section that controls the exit velocity of the vapor and produces an aerosol with a desired particle size. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler, and the liquid can include a medicament, which is delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Tung T. Nguyen, Douglas D. McRae, Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols, Ulysses Smith, Gary E. Grollimund, Donald L. Brookman
  • Patent number: 7131439
    Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fixed diverter and a movable fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected with an actuator for responding to an inhalation or a manual actuation and beginning the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected to an actuator so that the fluid orifice or fluid pathway reaches a nebulizing position during inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Rick Blacker, Evan Goodwin
  • Patent number: 7131599
    Abstract: An atomizing device is provided that comprises: a casing having a release opening; discharging means provided within the casing and having at least one discharge head for discharging a liquid matter as droplets from a nozzle communicating with a cavity by driving an actuator to change a pressure within the cavity filled with the liquid matter; and atomizing means provided within the casing for atomizing the droplets discharged from the discharging means. It is preferred that at least a part of the discharging means and/or at least a part of the atomizing means are detachably mounted to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Katase
  • Patent number: 7131603
    Abstract: A liquid (10) stored in a generation chamber (2) is sprayed by an injection nozzle (33) using pressurized gas introduced to it. This strikes a buffer valve (4) where it is atomized. The generated mist is held in the generation chamber (2). The atomized generated mist is introduced into a particle classifier (5) and made to collide with a collision plate (52). The particles of less than 10 ?m size bouncing off the collision plate are discharged as a micro-mist from a discharge port (56) and fed to a target workpiece. The large particles deposited on the collision plate are recovered in a generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Atusi Sakaida, Toshihisa Taniguchi, Keikichi Takada, Kyoichi Takeda
  • Patent number: 7129619
    Abstract: An ultrasonic nebulizer for producing high-volume sub-micron droplets is disclosed. The ultrasonic nebulizer utilizes a 3 or 5 MHz frequency as an oscillation frequency for producing sub-micron droplets. The nebulizer can also use at least one piezoelectric ceramic oscillator for increasing the volume of the droplets. The ultrasonic nebulizer comprises an ac/dc converter, an oscillator circuit, an amplifying device, a nebulization chamber, and at least one piezoelectric ceramic oscillator. The ac/dc converter rectifies an ac current to a dc current. The oscillator circuit produces an oscillation signal with a frequency larger than or equal to 3 MHz. The amplifying device amplifies the oscillation signal. The nebulization chamber has a lower face for holding a liquid to be nebulized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Purzer Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Che-Hua Yang, Hsiu-Kang Chang, Tiao-Ling Hsieh, Kun-Yi Tsai
  • Patent number: 7121275
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for delivering medication to the lungs is described. Acoustic ink printing technology is modified to operate as an inhaler that generates tiny droplets near a patient's nose or mouth. The tiny droplets are easily carried by air currents into the patient's lungs. The inhaler itself is preferably a battery operated portable device that can be easily carried and easily cleaned to avoid contaminating the medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jaan Noolandi, Babur B. Hadimioglu, Robert A. Sprague
  • Patent number: 7104463
    Abstract: An aerosol generator comprises a vibratable member having a front, a rear, an outer periphery and a plurality of apertures extending between the front and the rear. A support element is disposed about the outer periphery of the vibratable member, and a vibratable element is coupled to the support element. The vibratable element is configured to vibrate the vibratable member at ultrasonic frequencies. An isolating structure is coupled to the support element and is configured to couple the aerosol generator to a support structure. The isolating structure has a mechanical vibrational impedance that is sufficient to substantially vibrationally isolate the aerosol generator from the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Litherland, Joseph Loeffler, Joe Maxwell
  • Patent number: 7086611
    Abstract: A device for producing an aerosol is provided that includes a gas infeed line, an aerosol container, a plurality of nozzles, a differential pressure sensor, a plurality of valves, and a control unit. The plurality of nozzles are located within the aerosol container, and are in fluid communication with the gas infeed line. The differential pressure sensor determines the difference between a first pressure within the gas infeed line, and a second pressure within the aerosol container. The plurality of valves are in fluid communication with the gas infeed line. The control unit is in communication with the plurality of valves. The plurality of nozzles are controllable independent of one another, using the valves. The control unit determines and sets a combination of the plurality of nozzles, using a signal from the differential pressure sensor, to substantially maintain the second pressure within the aerosol container at a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Ingo Grausam
  • Patent number: 7080643
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Trudell Medical Internationl
    Inventors: Jerry R. Grychowski, George Baran, Martin P. Foley
  • Patent number: 7077336
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an information-displaying unit (1) which has a body of a determined geometrical shape internally with an illumination system having in the narrower portions thereof (12) an arrangement for installation of water atomizing nozzles of a body climatization system, and a pedestal (14) to house the components of said system. The right side portion (10) and the left side portion (10?) of the information-displaying unit (1) have an arrangement for installation of an information-displaying device (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Gilles François Dominique d'Ornano
  • Patent number: 7073731
    Abstract: An apparatus for freshening air, including a base unit; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion. The detachable cartridge has (a) a second plug portion matingly engagable with the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid, (c) a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing the first bag and the second bag. A nebulizer is provided so that a first nebulizable liquid flows from the first bag and the second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag so that the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid are nebulized by the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Microflow Engineering SA
    Inventors: Joseph Hess, Myriam Muller
  • Patent number: 7070121
    Abstract: An atomizer 10 atomizes a multi-component liquid from a reservoir 20 into a cloud 14 comprising small droplets 38 which are ejected into the atmosphere to a certain height and allowed to fall toward a surface 12. Essentially complete evaporation is assured by maintaining the size of the droplets, the liquid's component vapor pressures and the height through which the droplets fall according to a predetermined relationship. Also, the suitability of a liquid for evaporation in a vibrating plate atomizer is determined by measuring the rate of size decrease and the surface tension of a pendant drop of the liquid after a predetermined amount of the liquid has evaporated from the drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather R. Schramm, Edward J. Martens, III, Susan M. Clausen, Padma P. Varanasi, Jesse Ben Crandall
  • Patent number: 7066405
    Abstract: A mist sprayer includes a base, a pump, a pressure storage member, a circuit board, a mounting tube, an injection unit, a decorative shade, a mounting seat, a guide unit, a bottle, and a plug. Thus, the liquid is mixed with and atomized by the pressurized gas and the misted gas hits the striking face of the guide unit to multiple misted molecules, thereby enhancing and optimizing the atomized effect of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Jun-Lin Wang
  • Patent number: 7040549
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Yehuda Ivri, Markus Flierl
  • Patent number: 7017829
    Abstract: A replacement reservoir assembly (30) for an atomizing device (20), which uses a vibratable orifice plate (37) for atomizing liquid, includes a container (31), which contains a liquid to be atomized, and an elongated wick (56) having a lower end which is immersed in the liquid within the container (31) and an upper end located above the container (31). The wick (56) includes a dimensionally stable material having capillary passages for drawing liquid out of the container (31) to the upper end of the wick (56), which is outside the container (31). The upper end of the wick (56) has at least one surface that is configured to provide an unobstructed passage to the atmosphere from a region between a top surface of the wick (56) and a facing surface of the vibratable orifice plate (37) when the replacement reservoir is positioned in the atomizing device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Martens, III, Scott D. Walter, Thomas A. Helf, David A. Tomkins
  • Patent number: 6994083
    Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fluid channel air inlet and fluid channel air inlet valve responsive to either a manual force external of the nebulizer, or a patient's breathing, to begin the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid channel air inlet valve against a fluid channel air inlet so that a negative pressure may build up over the fluid in the fluid channel to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and begin nebulization during inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Martin P. Foley, Jerry Grychowski, Rick Blacker
  • Patent number: 6983743
    Abstract: The present invention relates to corrosion resistant stainless steel canisters for propellant-containing aerosol formulations for use in propellant gas-operated inhalers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma KG
    Inventors: Hubert Hoelz, Richard Thomas Lostritto, Juergen Nagel, Julio César Vega
  • Patent number: 6983747
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aerosol generator that comprises an oscillating membrane that is provided with openings. The aerosol generator is further characterized in that the liquid container is impinged upon with negative pressure by displacing a sealing element using a slidable sleeve and a rotary sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Pari GmbH Spezialisten für Effektive Inhalation
    Inventors: Thomas Gallem, Markus Urich
  • Patent number: 6978941
    Abstract: An aerosol generator comprises a vibratable member having a front, a rear, an outer periphery and a plurality of apertures extending between the front and the rear. A support element is disposed about the outer periphery of the vibratable member, and a vibratable element is coupled to the support element. The vibratable element is configured to vibrate the vibratable member at ultrasonic frequencies. An isolating structure is coupled to the support element and is configured to couple the aerosol generator to a support structure. The isolating structure has a mechanical vibrational impedance that is sufficient to substantially vibrationally isolate the aerosol generator from the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Litherland, Joseph Loeffler, Joe Maxwell
  • Patent number: 6969010
    Abstract: A foam marking attachment to a lawn and garden tractor or tractor mounted agricultural implement spray apparatus attaches to a low voltage DC power supply of the tractor, applying a left or right side droplet of liquid marking foam to the outer edge of a traveled path, marking the traveled edge of application of a liquid spray from the spray apparatus, preventing over application to an area to be treated with the liquid spray and preventing non-application of the liquid spray the area to be treated with the liquid spray. The attachment may be used when applying liquid fertilizer, pesticide or herbicide to a golf course, yard, field, garden plot or other landscape area, and is used in place of colored spray or dyes which discolor the treated area and may be transferred to person, other objects or clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Duane D. Kriegshauser
  • Patent number: 6962151
    Abstract: An inhalation nebulizer (1) includes an aerosol generator (2) that has a diaphragm (22) vibrated by a vibration generator (23). The inhalation nebulizer (1) includes a liquid storage container (21) that is in fluid contact with the diaphragm (22). A liquid contained in the storage container (21) is atomized into a mixing chamber (3) through openings in the diaphragm and can subsequently be inhaled by a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Pari GmbH Spezialisten für effektive Inhalation
    Inventors: Martin Knoch, Manfred Keller, Roland Stangl, Thomas Gallem, Rainer Liening-Ewert, Markus Urich
  • Patent number: 6938831
    Abstract: A spray misting system for use with headwear having a front and rear, including an integrated reservoir and pump which contains a quantity of water, and a forward misting nozzle. The forward misting head is provided at the front of the headwear forwardly of the user to direct a fine, cooling, spray mist toward the user. A conduit connects the water reservoir with the forward misting nozzle, and a flow control valve allows the user to control the flow of water through the conduit. When desired the user operates a handle on the integrated reservoir and pump to initiate flow through the conduit to create a misting spray at the forward misting head which is directed toward the face and forehead of the user to effect cooling of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Gary Brown
  • Patent number: 6935337
    Abstract: An apparatus for humidifying breathable gas includes (a) at least one humidifier part configured to retain a body of liquid therein and defining at least one chamber therein, (b) an inlet communicated with an interior of the at least one humidifier part and connectable to a blower outlet, and (c) an oulet communicated with the interior of the at least one humidifier part and connectable to a patient supply conduit. The at least one chamber is arranged such that liquid from the body of liquid is prevented from exiting the at least one humidifier part through the inlet thereof when the at least one humidifier part is rotated from a working, upright orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Virr, Ian Malcolm Smith, Perry David Lithgow, Richard Llewelyn Jones, Andrew Cheung
  • Patent number: 6913205
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a fluid product distributor comprising a reservoir of fluid product (1), a distribution outlet, a distribution system (2) for distributing fluid product through the distribution outlet, and an activating button (3) to activate the means of distribution. The distribution further comprises a visible reservoir the distribution outlet and the activating button (3) being located on either side of the reservoir (1), such that the reservoir visibly extends between the distribution outlet and the activating button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S.
    Inventors: Gérard Cornet, Firmin Garcia
  • Patent number: 6900246
    Abstract: A method for generating an aerosol includes the step of guiding a gas which flows at supersonic velocity and which has input particles suspended therein in such a way that a compression shock occurs. The input particles are broken down into smaller output particles upon crossing the compression shock. A device for generating an aerosol is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Buender Glas GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus List, Roman Messerschmid, Klaus-Jürgen Steffens, Manfred Wolf
  • Patent number: 6896193
    Abstract: A piezoelectric atomizer (10) has a horizontal support (14) with an opening (16). Mounting posts are formed to extend up from the horizontal support alongside the opening (16). A wire support 26 extends from an atomizing assembly (24) to the mounting posts and the ends of the wire support are wound around two of the mounting posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Helf, Scott D. Walter, Thomas Jaworski, Nick K. L. Wu, Terry S. S. Kong
  • Patent number: 6883729
    Abstract: A nebulizer for atomizing a high-temperature liquid includes a truncated, conical concentrator that defines a vertex and that has a small-diameter end and a large-diameter end. The small-diameter end has a spherical-shaped, concave surface and the large-diameter end has a spherical-shaped, convex surface. A piezoelectric transducer has a spherical-shaped, concave surface that is attached to the convex surface of the concentrator. A cylindrical-shaped droplet manifold is positioned over the small-diameter end of the concentrator to create a liquid chamber in the manifold with the vertex inside the liquid chamber. A feeding tube introduces the high-temperature liquid into the liquid chamber until the surface of the liquid reaches the vertex. With an activation of the transducer, acoustic waves that have spherical wavefronts are launched away from the concave surface of the transducer. The concentrator propagates and directs the spherical wavefronts for convergence at the vertex to nebulize the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Archimedes Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergei Putvinski, Boris V. Kuteev
  • Patent number: 6851625
    Abstract: An atomizer with high spraying speeds is disclosed. A spout has a booster chamber. One side of the spout is extended with a pumping tube. The pumping tube is formed with a guide chamber. The guide chamber has at least one expanding sub-chamber. The guide chamber is communicable to a booster chamber. A probe is placed in the guide chamber. The probe is formed with at least one stepped section. At least one boost chamber is formed with a spraying opening. A pumping tube with sliding fit encloses the booster chamber. A receiving chamber is formed between the pumping tube and the boosting chamber. A piston is assembled to the receiving chamber for pumping liquid into the receiving chamber. A triggering handle is assembled to the spout. The triggering handle is squeezable to slide into the pumping tube; and depress the piston to actuate the spraying of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Roy Kuo
  • Patent number: 6851626
    Abstract: Devices and methods for nebulizing a fluid are described. A replaceable fluid assembly may include a reservoir and a fluid cartridge. The reservoir may be detachable from the fluid cartridge and may be assembled by the prior prior to loading into the nebulizing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajan Patel, Michael Klimowicz, Paul Albulet, Nicanor A. Domingo
  • Patent number: 6845770
    Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing having a mouthpiece, an aerosol generator, a flow sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to begin operation of the aerosol generator upon receipt of a signal from the flow sensor indicating that a threshold flow rate has been achieved by a user when inhaling a tidal breath through the mouthpiece, and to stop operation after the passage of an operation time period that is selected such that continuation of the tidal breath delivers substantially all of the aerosol to the lungs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Klimowicz, James B. Fink
  • Patent number: 6837445
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a nozzle type atomizer with two or more aligned “horn” stages. The definition of a “horn” stage is well known in the prior art as an effectively half wavelength length and a tapering shape with a central conduit. The present invention uses two to five, or more, horn stages integrally attached end to end. The dramatic improvement in amplitude of the vibration at the tip of the nozzle is without precedence in the prior art. The present invention makes application of transducer vibration at greater than 200 kHz possible. The present invention reduces the required applied energy for generating the necessary amplitude at the tip by the discovery of amplitude multiplication with two or more horn stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Shirley Cheng Tsai
  • Publication number: 20040256487
    Abstract: A fluid atomizer is disclosed. The fluid atomizer comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end. A removable reservoir containing a fluid disposed therein is connected to the body. A discharge plate is disposed at the distal end, wherein the discharge plate includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough. An ultrasonic oscillator is disposed in the body for transmitting the fluid from the reservoir to the discharge plate and through the plurality of openings, wherein transmission of the fluid through the plurality of openings atomizes the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: James F. Collins, Randal B. Chinnock, Jeffrey Melanson, Joseph Howard
  • Publication number: 20040256486
    Abstract: A nebulizer for atomizing a high-temperature liquid includes a truncated, conical concentrator that defines a vertex and that has a small-diameter end and a large-diameter end. The small-diameter end has a spherical-shaped, concave surface and the large-diameter end has a spherical-shaped, convex surface. A piezoelectric transducer has a spherical-shaped, concave surface that is attached to the convex surface of the concentrator. A cylindrical-shaped droplet manifold is positioned over the small-diameter end of the concentrator to create a liquid chamber in the manifold with the vertex inside the liquid chamber. A feeding tube introduces the high-temperature liquid into the liquid chamber until the surface of the liquid reaches the vertex. With an activation of the transducer, acoustic waves that have spherical wavefronts are launched away from the concave surface of the transducer. The concentrator propagates and directs the spherical wavefronts for convergence at the vertex to nebulize the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: S. Putvinski, B. V. Kuteev
  • Publication number: 20040256488
    Abstract: A feed system for an aerosolizer utilizes an ampoule containing a liquid and includes a housing having an ampoule region into which the ampoule is held, and a liquid receiving region that is adapted to receive liquid dispensed from the ampoule. An interface is used to couple the liquid receiving region to an aerosol generator, whereby liquid from the liquid receiving region is permitted to flow to the aerosol generator for aerosolization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Loeffler, David Rapp, Victor Briones, Ralf Bitdinger, Michael Klimowicz
  • Publication number: 20040227011
    Abstract: A disposable spray nozzle capable of accommodating liquid dose installed in a medical compressor nebulizer or connected to a device of other pressure sources, comprises a dose container and a spray nozzle; the dose container has a guide duct and an unsealing section connected to the guide duct disposed at the opening end of the guide duct. The spray nozzle is disposed on the guide duct of the dose container, and has a dose accommodating space in the dose container; a first opening section and a second opening section are disposed on both ends of the dose accommodating space and sealed respectively by a sealing section, such that the dose as well as the disposable spray nozzle can be inserted directly into the guide duct of the dose container. The unsealing section at the end of the guided duct pierces through the sealing section of the first and second opening sections of the spray nozzle, so that the liquid dose seeps out for the nebulizing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel C.M. Tseng
  • Patent number: 6814071
    Abstract: A device for aerosolizing a liquid includes a chamber having a deformable wall which expands and contracts as fluid is delivered and expelled from a fluid chamber. The chamber is partially bounded by a vibrating structure having holes therein for expelling the fluid. In another aspect, the invention provides exemplary aerosolization apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a substance. A liquid is transferred from a first chamber into a second chamber having a substance that is in a dry state to form a solution. The solution is then transferred from the second chamber and onto an atomization member. The atomization member is operated to aerosolize the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Klimowicz, Yehuda Ivri
  • Patent number: 6802460
    Abstract: An apparatus for freshening air, including a base unit; a power supply operably connected to the base unit; a driving and switching circuit connected to be powered by the power supply; a first plug portion connected to the driving and switching circuit; a detachable autonomous liquid droplet dispensing cartridge detachably engagable with the first plug portion. The detachable cartridge has (a) a second plug portion matingly engagable with the first plug portion, (b) a first airless bag for storing a first nebulizable liquid, (c) a second airless bag for storing a second nebulizable liquid, and (d) a casing enclosing the first bag and the second bag. A nebulizer is provided so that a first nebulizable liquid flows from the first bag and the second nebulizable liquid flows from the second bag so that the first nebulizable liquid and the second nebulizable liquid are nebulized by the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Microflow Engineering SA
    Inventors: Joseph Hess, Myriam Muller
  • Patent number: 6796513
    Abstract: The nebulizer vial for aerosol therapy comprising a tube fed at a first end with compressed air, the tube being constricted at its second end prior to the relative exit orifice to obtain a venturi effect. The orifice of the tube emerges from the free surface of a solution of an aerosol therapy medicament, a nozzle being concentrically mounted on the second end of the tube such that between the tube and nozzle there remains an interspace communicating with the solution. A flow breaker device is provided above the orifice of the nozzle. The vial is provided with an exit for the formed aerosol and an inlet for entry of external air as a result of suction exerted by the patient on the exit. For diameter parity of the orifice of the nozzle, elements are provided to vary the distance between the nozzle orifice and the flow breaker device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Med 2000 S.p.A.
    Inventor: Nicola Fraccaroli
  • Patent number: 6769626
    Abstract: An improved device and method for measuring the amount of liquid to be discharged that is present in an apparatus, such as a nebulizer. A first member has holes through which the liquid passes to be nebulized. A second member is spaced from the first member so that a volume is defined in the nebulizer by the area of mutual overlap of the first and second members and the amount of spacing between them. The first and second members are formed to establish a mutual capacitance that reflects the amount of liquid in the volume. A measuring circuit measures the capacitance existing between the first and second members and hence the amount of liquid in the nebulizer. The capacitance measurement can be used to control the supply of liquid into the volume in the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Instrumentarium Corp.
    Inventor: Heikki Haveri
  • Patent number: 6769624
    Abstract: A method of producing stable, non-fogging fragrances for automobiles and other vehicular environments. A non-fogging fragrance constructed by combining ingredients individually passing a standard fogging test. Non-fogging solvents identified to maintain a liquid fragrance and prevent freezing at low temperatures. The fragrance chemically stabilized by storage in a tightly sealed container covered with an inert gas. The sealed container also eliminates unwanted vapor emissions in the vehicle. The fragrance is provided on demand as a spray, ensuring delivery with uniform odor integrity over the lifetime of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Aromatic Fragrances & Flavors
    Inventors: Stephen J. Herman, Richard N. H. Neill
  • Publication number: 20040124265
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerosol-producing device (1) comprising an injector device (5) in which an aerosol (2) is produced from a carrier gas and a liquid. The carrier gas and the liquid are each supplied in controlled quantities to the injector device (5) via at least one throttle (8, 9) of a throttle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: German Kaelberer
  • Patent number: 6748945
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Jerry R. Grychowski, George Baran, Martin P. Foley
  • Patent number: 6739333
    Abstract: The present invention relates to corrosion resistant stainless steel canisters for propellant-containing aerosol forumlations for use in propellant gas-operated inhalers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma KG
    Inventors: Hubert Hoelz, Richard Thomas Lostritto, Juergen Nagel, Julio César Vega
  • Patent number: 6736135
    Abstract: Nebulizer pump adapters allow the attachment of a bicycle pump to a nebulizer when a source of compressed air is not otherwise available. In order for a nebulizer to work, there must be a source of gas flow sufficient to nebulize the solution. The compressed gas tank or electrical air compressor that is normally used may not be available in certain situations, such as in the wilderness or during a blackout. As a result, having the option of using a hand-operated pump may be critical in administering inhaled aerosol medications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: John D. Klich
  • Patent number: 6732944
    Abstract: An aerosol generator comprises a vibratable member having a front, a rear, an outer periphery and a plurality of apertures extending between the front and the rear. A support element is disposed about the outer periphery of the vibratable member, and a vibratable element is coupled to the support element. The vibratable element is configured to vibrate the vibratable member at ultrasonic frequencies. An isolating structure is coupled to the support element and is configured to couple the aerosol generator to a support structure. The isolating structure has a mechanical vibrational impedance that is sufficient to substantially vibrationally isolate the aerosol generator from the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Aerogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Litherland, Joseph Loeffler, Joe Maxwell