A method of producing an aperture plate for a nebuliser is described. A substrate (2) is patterned with a resist (5, 6) and a metal (10) is applied by electroless deposition so that the resist forms a desired aperture pattern. The substrate (2) has an array of domes (2(b)) to provide aperture plates (16) with domes (101) and flanges (102) without need for application of mechanical force pressing after deposition. The substrate is shaped for simultaneous manufacture of a plurality of aperture plates in which the resist pattern provides a deposition region for each aperture plate. By using electroless plating the aperture plate accuracy is excellent, especially for defining apertures having a diameter in the rang of only less than 10 µm, and having improved corrosion and fracture resistance for high frequency nebulizer operation.
C23C 18/16 - Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coatingContact plating by reduction or substitution, i.e. electroless plating
C23C 18/20 - Pretreatment of the material to be coated of organic surfaces, e.g. resins
C23C 18/34 - Coating with one of iron, cobalt or nickelCoating with mixtures of phosphorus or boron with one of these metals using reducing agents
C23C 18/36 - Coating with one of iron, cobalt or nickelCoating with mixtures of phosphorus or boron with one of these metals using reducing agents using hypophosphites
C23C 18/50 - Coating with alloys with alloys based on iron, cobalt or nickel
C23C 18/52 - Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coatingContact plating by reduction or substitution, i.e. electroless plating using reducing agents for coating with metallic material not provided for in a single one of groups
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
A nebulizer (1, 102) has a liquid reservoir (3, 112) for supply of liquid to be aerosolized to a first surface of a vibratable aperture plate (41) with apertures having a size in the range of 1pm to 10pm. A drive has a piezoelectric annular element on an aperture plate support to cause the aperture plate to vibrate at a drive frequency of 128kHz to cause droplets to separate from a side of the aperture plate opposed to the reservoir. An outlet conduit (6, 114) is for flow of droplets from the aperture plate. A sensor is arranged with an acoustic transducer in contact with the conduit outer surface to pick up an acoustic signal which is representative of a droplet plume in the conduit, and a processor analyses the signal to provide an output representative of a plume. The monitored acoustic signal frequency band is centred around half of the drive frequency because it takes on average more than one aperture plate cycle to separate a droplet.
B05B 1/00 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A cup having an atomizing inhalation function, comprising a cup body (1) and a cup lid (2). The cup lid (2) is provided with an atomization port (21) and an inhalation nozzle (24). By means of the inhalation nozzle (24), a patient can inhale a medicinal liquid mist into the respiratory tract and the lungs through the mouth, so as to achieve a therapeutic effect. After atomization, the inhalation nozzle can be sealed by means of a plug (25) to prevent the remaining mist from escaping from the cup.
A nebulizer cup and a use thereof in nebulization inhalation administration, in particular, the use of the nebulizer cup in the nebulization inhalation administration of drugs (e.g. SARS-CoV-2 vaccine) for preventing and/or treating respiratory system diseases . After adding an anti-static agent into the nebulizer cup, the stability of the drug aerosol can be effectively maintained within a certain time, the particle size state is stable, the drug residues in the cup are few, an effective inhalable amount is ensured, the administration operation is simple and convenient, the inoculation efficiency can be obviously improved, and the nebulizer cup can be used for large-scale inoculation.
A ventilator system (1) comprising a ventilator (2) and a nebulizer (3), and an interface (4) linking said ventilator with said nebulizer in a manner allowing a degree of control of nebulizer operation by the ventilator controller. The interface (4) has a coupler to the ventilator (2), a cable linking said coupler to an interface controller (5), a cable linking said interface controller (5) to a coupler (11) for fitting to the nebulizer (3). The interface controller (5) performs phasic delivery control of the nebulizer in response to commands from the ventilator, and it implements a time-out monitor in which it generates a command to cease nebulization if a start command has not been received from the ventilator controller before expiry of a time-out period.
An aerosol generator core (1) has an integral body (2) and membrane (4), and a vibratory drive connected to an electrical voltage supply. In some examples the body provides the vibration drive and comprises a piezoelectric polymer (2) of P(VDF-TrFE) material. In this manner a single manufacturing operation can provide the membrane, the support, and the vibration drive, and operations such as attaching a membrane to an annular support are avoided.
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A patient interface (1) is for aerosol treatment, having a base (2) to surround the patient's mouth and nose and engage the skin with a resilient seal, and with a strap (8) to attach to a patient's head. There is a support (3) on and across the base for supporting an aerosol delivery head with prongs (4, 5). An enclosed volume is formed in the interface by attachment of a shell (10), which has an extraction port (11) for attachment of an extraction system (20) to extract gas from this volume. An HFNT system includes a patient interface surrounding the nose and mouth and an aerosol delivery apparatus (4, 6), an extraction apparatus (20), and a controller (100) to control delivery of aerosol and/or gas to the interface and to extract gases from a volume enclosed by the interface. Because of the fully sealed volume within the interface there are a wide range of control scenarios possible, using pressure sensing in the volume, bypass valves (201), dynamically-controllable nebulizer (203).
A dispensing apparatus (100) is for use by users to take a chamber (110), fill the chamber with an aerosolized vaccine or other medicament (104), and dispose of used chambers (120). A display (103) provides instructions to encourage prompt inhalation by the user from a dispensed and filled chamber. The apparatus allows very fast administration of vaccines to large numbers of people. The aerosol dispenser apparatus detects the chamber is in correct position and delivers a predetermined dose of aerosol. Once the dose is delivered a visual and/or audible indicator informs the user that the chamber is filled and that they can take the inhalation. The single dose aerosol chamber (110) is optimized for efficient administration of an aerosol.
B65D 83/00 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
G07F 7/06 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, e.g. bottles
G07F 13/10 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with associated dispensing of containers, e.g. cups or other articles
A61M 15/08 - Inhaling devices inserted into the nose
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
G07F 13/08 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs in the form of a spray
G07F 13/02 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
G07F 17/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articlesCoin-freed facilities or services
G16H 20/13 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients delivered from dispensers
9.
A VACCINE ADMINISTRATION APPARATUS AND SINGLE DOSE CHAMBERS
A single dose aerosol chamber (110) is used with a dispensing apparatus (100) by users to take a chamber (110), fill the chamber with an aerosolized vaccine (104), and dispose of used chambers (120). A display (103) provides instructions to encourage prompt inhalation by the user from a dispensed and filled chamber. The station allows very fast administration of vaccines to large numbers of people. The aerosol dispenser apparatus detects the chamber is in correct position and delivers a pre-determined dose of aerosol. The chamber has a nebulizer delivery port (114) optimized for delivery of aerosol into the chamber container (111) and to act as a vent during inhalation via the inhalation port (115).
A nebulizer (650) has an aerosol generator (651), a reservoir (652), and an aerosol outlet (653). A piezoelectric vibration generator (656) is on a downstream side of a support washer (655), and power to the piezo is provided by a spring contact assembly (657). The assembly (657) has upstanding electrical terminals (680, 681) for contact with electrical supply conductors. There are spring terminals (670) extending around a rim of the spring contact assembly (657) to engage an exposed underside of the washer (655), and a resilient ridge (671) extending in the upstream direction to engage the underside of the piezo (656), which itself is on the downstream side of the washer (655).
A nebulizer (1) has an aerosol generator (5) mounted in a housing (3), and has a vibratable aperture plate (41) mounted to an annular support (40) and to which is attached a vibration generator piezo (46). A downstream annular resilient seal (43) is mounted between the housing and the washer (40) on a side of the aperture plate opposed to the liquid supply reservoir (21). An upstream resilient seal (48) is in the form of a gasket and is mounted between the washer (40) and the housing reservoir (21), and has an opening (72) forming part of a throat (8) over the aperture plate (41). The gasket (48) has a washer-shaped body (70) extending radially from a downstream-extending rim (71) adjacent the aperture plate (41). There are two upwardly-directed ridges (74, 75) for engagement with a housing (21) surface, and the gasket is configured so that when under axial compression the opening (72) internal surface is tapered inwardly in a flow direction to form a funnel shape. The gasket may be textured with sufficient surface roughness to deter bubbles from attaching to a surface exposed to the throat.
A nebulizer device (1) has an aerosol generator mounted in a housing (2), and a mouthpiece (3). The device is adapted for delivery of an active agent in an aerosol into the buccal cavity, with droplet size greater than 10µm. Aerosolization is started at or after the end of breath inhalation and is stopped at or before the start of breath inhalation. The flow is via mouthpiece (25) with internal ridges (21) which periodically narrow the flow path volume to so that droplets coalesce in the flow path 25 before the mesh (3)
A nebuliser control device (1, 10) has a manually adjustable user interface (2, 12) and a cable (4) extending from the interface to a power source, and a cable (5) extending from the interface (2, 12) to an aerosol generator. The interface is manually adjustable by physical movement of an actuator such a slider (2) or a rotating knob (12) to locally control the operation of the aerosol generator.
An aerosolization system includes a respiration system having an inspiratory limb (650) and an expiratory limb (652). The system includes an aerosol chamber (602) coupled with the inspiratory limb via a fluid channel. The fluid channel is disposed such that the aerosol chamber is isolated from continuous flow passing through the respiratory system. The system includes a patient interface (604) positioned at a first location of the aerosol chamber and an aerosolization device (612) positioned at a second location of the aerosol chamber positioned opposite the first location. The aerosolization device includes a reservoir (632) that receives a volume of liquid medicament for aerosolization by the aerosolization device. The aerosol chamber mixes aerosolized medicament from the aerosolization device with respiratory flow received from the respiration system via the fluid channel.
A method of delivering aerosolized surfactant to an infant that includes interfacing an aerosolization device with an airway of an infant and aerosolizing, using the aerosolization device, a volume of surfactant into particles having a mass mean aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of less than about 3 µm at a rate of at least 0.1 ml/min. The surfactant is aerosolized within about 1 to 8 cm from a patient interface. Aerosol is generated for up to approximately 80% or each inspiration. The method also includes delivering the aerosolized surfactant to the infant's airway.
A coupling part with integrated aerosol generator for use in a breathing circuit, comprising a housing (10) enclosing a cavity (V), having a first opening at a first end prepared for direct or indirect connection to a ventilator, a second opening at a second end, which is suitable for direct or indirect connection to a patient line or an endotracheal tube, wherein an aerosol generator (20) is integrated in one side of the housing and is suitable for delivering an aerosolised liquid, in particular a medicament.
An aperture plate (1) is attached at its rim (203) to a support washer (3) by adhesive. Anchor grooves (204) having a zig-zag pattern in plan are machined in the lower surface of the rim (203 of the aperture plate before application of the adhesive. The grooves (204) extend out to the edge of the aperture plate (1). The anchor grooves have a depth in the range of 10µm to 40µm, and a width in the range of 20µm to 150µm, and an angular pitch in the range of 2.5º to 12.5º. Excellent bonding strength is achieved for long term reliable attachment in an environment of high frequency vibration and moisture and chemical corrosion.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
18.
PROTECTION OF APERTURE PLATE DURING AEROSOL GENERATION
An aerosol delivery system has an aerosol generator with a vibrating aperture plate (10) and an actuator (11, 16, 17, 19), a controller (18, 19). The controller in real time monitors (201) the aerosol generator as it is driven for vibration of the aperture plate, and detects (202) a change in an electrical characteristic in response to a transition from a wet state to a dry state of the aperture plate. It automatically modifies (203, 205, 206), during the transition, operation of the aerosol generator in response to the detected change. The modification includes reducing applied power (203). The controller continues (204) to monitor during the transition, including monitoring the aperture plate for presence of residual liquid on the aperture plate first surface. The controller monitors at a number of drive frequencies and maintains data representing trends in a combination of the electrical characteristic signals at the different frequencies, and identifies a start of a transition if a calculated value rises above a threshold. There is one threshold for triggering a check scan for residual volume and a higher threshold to trigger an immediate shut down.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
A gas therapy system (1) has a flow line (3, 2), a coupler (6) to a gas source, and an aerosol generator (4) for aerosol delivery, and a patient interface such as a nasal interface (2). A controller (10) is configured to modulate gas flow and aerosol delivery in real time. The controller changes gas flow rate and dynamically reduces aerosol delivery during upper gas flow rates such as 60 LPM, and activates aerosol delivery during lower gas flow rates of for example 10 LPM. The control may also include sensors to detect breathing, so that there is a bias towards increased aerosol delivery during inhalation in addition to during lower level gas flow.
An aerosol delivery system that includes an aerosol generator that aerosolizes a fluid for delivery to a patient. The aerosol generator includes a housing with a fluid chamber that fluidly communicates with a housing inlet and a housing outlet. Within the housing, the aerosol generator includes a support plate with an aperture that fluidly communicates with the housing outlet. A vibratable member couples to the support plate across the aperture. A piezoelectric actuator also couples to the support plate, and in operation expands and contracts to vibrate the vibratable member, which aerosolizes a fluid. The aerosol generator receives fluid through a fluid conduit that couples to the housing.
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B41J 2/025 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating a continuous ink jet by vibration
B41J 2/04 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand
A61M 15/02 - Inhalators with activated or ionized gasesOzone-inhalators
An aerosol delivery system (10) that includes an aerosol generator (16) that aerosolizes a fluid for delivery to a patient as a patient inhales. The aerosol delivery system includes a pump (24) coupled to the aerosol generator that pumps the fluid to the aerosol generator, and a breath sensor (36) that emits a signal as the patient breathes. A controller (26) couples to the aerosol generator, the pump, and the breath sensor. In operation, the controller receives the signal from the breath sensor, controls a flow of fluid to the aerosol generator in response to the signal, and controls the aerosol generator to start aerosolizing the fluid before the patient inhales.
An aerosol delivery system that includes an aerosol generator that aerosolizes a fluid for delivery to a patient as a patient inhales. The aerosol delivery system includes a pump coupled to the aerosol generator that pumps the fluid to the aerosol generator, and a breath sensor that emits a signal as the patient breathes. A controller couples to the aerosol generator, the pump, and the breath sensor. In operation, the controller receives the signal from the breath sensor, controls a flow of fluid to the aerosol generator in response to the signal, and controls the aerosol generator to start aerosolizing the fluid before the patient inhales.
An aperture plate 1 comprises an inlet surface 2 for receiving a liquid to be aerosolised, an outlet surface 3 and a plurality of apertures 4 extending therebetween. The apertures 4 are tapered from an inlet opening 10 at the inlet surface 2 to an outlet or exit opening 12. The aperture plate is convex in the direction of the inlet openings 10 and concave in the direction of the exit openings 12. The aerosol exits on the concave side of the aperture plate. The aperture plate of the invention generates an aerosol plume which converges and is particularly suitable for application to the eye.
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
A61F 9/00 - Methods or devices for treatment of the eyesDevices for putting in contact-lensesDevices to correct squintingApparatus to guide the blindProtective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A digital processor of a nebulizer controller controls and monitors drive current (I) applied to an aperture plate. The drive current is detected as a series of discrete values at each of multiple measuring points, each having a particular drive frequency The processor in real time calculates a slope or rate of change of drive current with frequency and additionally determines a minimum value for drive current leading up to the peak value. The processor uses both the value of the minimum drive current during the scan and also the maximum slope value to achieve reliable prediction of end of dose, when the aperture plate becomes dry.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
A method for aerosolising a liquid comprises the steps of:- providing an aperture plate having at least 100 outlet holes per mm; delivering liquid to the aperture plate; and vibrating the aperture plate to produce an aerosol. The viscosity of the liquid is in the range of from 1 tol5 cP and the surface tension of the liquid is in the range of from 72 to 0.5 mN/m. The output rate of the generated aerosol is greater than 0.01 mL/min.
A liquid reservoir (100) of a nebulizer has a funnel portion (102) with ribs (103, 104) extending downwardly along a side wall towards a reservoir outlet (105). The ribs (103, 104) prevent the formation of air bubbles between the aperture plate and medication as any trapped air will be expelled along the geometry formed by the rib or groove and reservoir wall. Bubble formation is therefore prevented with only modification of the wall internal surface configuration of the reservoir.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
An aerosol delivery system (1) has a nebulizer (2) and a humidifier (7) providing a gas flow to the nebulizer. A controller varies humidity level of the gas flow to the nebulizer (2) so that if the nebulizer is not operating it has about 100% humidity and it is operating the value is less to allow for the humidification effect of the nebulizer. The control may be achieved by dynamically varying proportions of flow through a dry branch (10, 11) and a humidification branch (8, 7).
An aperture plate is manufactured by plating metal around a mask of resist columns (2) having a desired size, pitch, and profile, which yields a wafer about 60μιη thickness. This is approximately the full desired target aperture plate thickness. The plating is continued so that the metal (3) overlies the top surfaces of the columns until the desired apertures (4) are achieved. This needs only one masking/plating cycle to achieve the desired plate thickness. Also, the plate has passageways (24) formed beneath the apertures (32), formed as an integral part of the method, by mask material removal. These are suitable for entrainment of aerosolized droplets exiting the apertures (32).
A high flow nasal therapy system (1) has a gas supply (2), a nebulizer (12), and a nasal interface (7). There are two branches (11, 10) and a valve (6) linked with the controller, the branches including a first branch (11) for delivery of aerosol and a second branch (10) for delivery of non-aerosolized gas. The controller controls delivery into the branches (11, 10), in which flow is unidirectional in the first and second branches, from the gas supply towards the nasal interface. The first branch (11) includes the nebulizer (12) and a line configured to store a bolus of aerosol during flow through the second branch (10). The valve (6) comprises a Y-junction between the gas inlet on one side and the branches on the other side.
A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2- 4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
31.
A METHOD OF PRODUCING AN APERTURE PLATE FOR A NEBULIZER
A photo-resist (21) is applied in a pattern of vertical columns having the dimensions of holes or pores of the aperture plate to be produced. This mask pattern provides the apertures which define the aerosol particle size, having up to 2500 holes per square mm. There is electro-deposition of metal (22) into the spaces around the columns (21). There is further application of a second photo-resist mask (25) of much larger (wider and taller) columns, encompassing the area of a number of first columns (21). The hole diameter in the second plating layer is chosen according to a desired flow rate.
A nebulizer (1) comprises a controller (2) linked at its output to a vibrating mesh nebulizer head (3), and at its input to a USB cable 5 and plug (4) for connection to a host system. The link between the plug (4) and the controller (2) is a USB cable (5) with power and data channels. The controller (2) comprises a boost circuit (10), a micro-controller (11), and a drive circuit (12). The latter provides power and control signals via a cable (6) and plug (7) to the head (3). These signals provide power and control for a vibrating membrane receiving a liquid to be aerosolised from a feed container. The controller (2) has a housing (25) with LED status lamps (30), and an ON/OFF button (32). Communication can take place between the controller (2) and the USB power source (4), in compliance with the USB protocol. This allows the controller (2) to be controlled via a host, either locally or remotely. The controller may be a slave device, with the dosing regime determined by the host. This allows comprehensive control and treatment monitoring for a wide variety of situations such as in the home or in hospitals.
An aperture plate is formed from a palladium nickel alloy comprising about 89% palladium and about 11% nickel. There is a generally fine substantially equiaxed grain microstructure throughout the thickness of the aperture plate. The average grain width (W) is in the range of from 0.2 μm to 5.0 μm, in some cases from 0.2 μm to 2.0 μm. Because the grain structure is equiaxed (L/W =1) the grain length (L) is the same as the grain width. The improved aperture plate extends the life of nebulisers, eliminates the risk of premature and unpredictable failure of a nebuliser in service, eliminates the risk of product returns from hospitals and patients, and eliminates the possible risk of fragments of the aperture plate breaking free from the nebulizer.
In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an aperture plate includes depositing a releasable seed layer above a substrate, applying a first patterned photolithography mask above the releasable seed layer, the first patterned photolithography mask having a negative pattern to a desired aperture pattern, electroplating a first material above the exposed portions of the releasable seed layer and defined by the first mask, applying a second photolithography mask above the first material, the second photolithography mask having a negative pattern to a first cavity, electroplating a second material above the exposed portions of the first material and defined by the second mask, removing both masks, and etching the releasable seed layer to release the first material and the second material. The first and second material form an aperture plate for use in aerosolizing a liquid. Other aperture plates and methods of producing aperture plates are described according to other embodiments.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
C25D 5/02 - Electroplating of selected surface areas
C25D 5/10 - Electroplating with more than one layer of the same or of different metals
An aerosol generator (100) has a vibratable plate (1) with apertures therein and an annular piezo (2) which causes movement of the vibratable plate (1). An annular support member (3) supports the piezo (2) and the vibratable plate (1). A first electrical power conducting pin (10) engages directly with a first, top, surface of the piezo (2). A second electrical power conducting pin (11) indirectly conducts electrical power to a second surface of the piezo (2), by contacting an extension tab (103) of the support member (20), also on its top side. There is a film of cured epoxy adhesive on the tab (103), providing excellent gripping force between the pin (11) and the support (3). The aerosol generator (100) avoids need for soldered joints for electrical contact, and the pins are conveniently mounted parallel to each on the on the same lateral and top side of the piezo and support member. The pins may have multi-point tips (50) for particularly effective.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
A nebuliser 1 particularly for home use comprises a housing 2 having an aerosol generator 3 mounted therein. The housing is closed by a hinged cap 4 and has an outlet 5 through which aerosol generated by the generator 3 is delivered. A suitable connector such as a mouthpiece 6 may be connected to the outlet 5. The housing 2 has a receiver for receiving a nebule 8. The receiver comprises a slot 7 which is sized and/or shaped to accommodate only a nebule 8 of predetermined shape and/or size. The nebuliser cap 4 has a nebule opening means which may be in the form of a puncture pin 10 projecting therefrom to pierce the nebule 8 when the cap is moved to the closed position. The pin 10 is hollow or splined to regulate flow from the nebule. The nebuliser 1 also has a switch means for enabling operation of the aerosol generator 3 when the nebule 8 is opened. The switch means comprises a microswitch 12 on the housing which is engageable by a trigger 13 on the cap 4 when the cap is moved to the closed position. Aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 3 is delivered into a chamber defined by the nebuliser housing 2. Air passes into the chamber through air inlets 30. The air entrains the aerosolised medicament and the entrained aerosolised medicament is delivered from the nebuliser through the outlet 5.
A supplemental oxygen delivery system is described in which Aerosol is delivered into a housing (10, 20,) which sits in the circuit from the supplemental oxygen supply and optional humidifier. The supplemental oxygen passes through this chamber (10, 20) in which the aerosol is located, and collects the aerosol transporting it to a patient via a nasal cannula (3) or a face mask (4). An aerosol generator (9) is mounted to the housing (10, 20) and delivers aerosol into an oxygen stream (13) flowing between an inlet (14) and an outlet (15) of the housing (10). The housing (10) also has a removable plug (16) in the base (17) thereof for draining any liquid that accumulates in the housing (10). There is no disruption of oxygen delivery to patients using nasal cannulas who currently have to use a separate face-mask when receiving nebulized medication.
Apparatus used in insufflation comprises an insufflator (12) for generating an insufflation gas such as carbon dioxide and an aerosol generator (2) for aerosolising a fluid and entraining the aerosol with the insufflation gas which is delivered during surgery. The aerosol generator (2) comprises a vibratable member (40) having a plurality of apertures extending between a first surface and a second surface. The fluid may comprise a therapeutic or prophylactic agent. A controller (3) is used to control the operation of the aerosol generator (2). The controller (3) controls operation, of the aerosol generator (2) responsive to the flow of insufflation' gas such as detected by a flow sensor (11). The pulse rate at a set frequency of. vibration of the vibratabie member (40) is controlled.
A method for humidifying gas in a ventilator circuit 100, 101, 102, 105. 106 comprises aerosolising a humidifying agent such as water or saline using aerosol generator 2 and delivering the aerosolised humidifying agent, to the inspiration line 101 of the ventilator circuit coupled to the respiratory system of a patient. The aerosol generator 2 comprises a vibratable member 40 having a plurality of apertures extending between a first surface and a second surface. A controller 3 controls the operation of aerosol generator 2, for example in response to the flow of air in the inspiration line 101 as detected by a sensor11.
A61M 16/16 - Devices to humidify the respiration air
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A method for humidifying gas in a ventilator circuit 100, 101, 102, 105, 106 comprises aerosolising a humidifying agent such as water or saline using an aerosol generator 2 and delivering the aerosolised humidifying agent to the inspiration line 101 of the ventilator circuit coupled to the respiratory system of a patient. The aerosol generator 2 comprises a vibratable member 40 having a plurality of apertures extending between a first surface and a second surface. A controller 3 controls the operation of aerosol generator 2, for example in response to the flow of air in the inspiration line 101 as detected by a sensor 11.
A61M 16/16 - Devices to humidify the respiration air
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
Apparatus used in insufflation comprises an insufflator 12 for generating an insufflation gas such as carbon dioxide and an aerosol generator 2 for aerosolising a fluid and entraining the aerosol with the insufflation gas. The aerosol generator 2 comprises a vibratable member 40 having a plurality of apertures extending between a first surface and a second surface. The fluid may comprise a therapeutic or prophylactic agent. A controller 3 is used to control the operation of the aerosol generator 2. The controller 3 controls operation of the aerosol generator 2 responsive to the flow of insufflation gas such as detected by a flow sensor 11.
A61M 16/16 - Devices to humidify the respiration air
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
patents
