Breath actuated inhaler having an electromechanical priming mechanism

US5347998A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company · US

Inventors

• Peter D. Hodson · Breaston, GB
• Eric A. Baum · Loughborough, GB
• David K. Smith · Georgetown, US
• Anton Kuepper · Kaarst, DE
• Matthew J. Wilby · Loughborough, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 23, 1992
• Grant date: Sep 20, 1994
• Expiry date: Dec 23, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M15/0095
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An inhalation device for use with a pressurized aerosol canister. The device involves an electromechanical mechanism for applying a priming force to the aerosol canister prior to or at the start of inhalation. The device also involves a blocking mechanism. The electromechanical mechanism electromechanically applies to the aerosol canister a priming force sufficient to actuate the aerosol canister, and the blocking mechanism prevents the priming force from actuating the aerosol canister until inhalation is detected.