Apparatus and methods for the delivery of therapeutic liquids to the respiratory system
US5586550A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2016/0039
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides methods and apparatus for the delivery of therapeutic liquids to the respiratory system of a patient. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a vibratable non-planar member having tapered apertures which produce droplets wherein about 70% of more of the droplets by weight have a size in the range from about 1 .mu.m to 6 .mu.m. The apparatus may further optionally include a breath sensor which detects the inspiratory flow rate and transmits a signal to vibrate the non-planar member at a frequency corresponding to the inspiratory flow rate. Optionally, the non-planar member may be included in a disposable mouthpiece assembly that is separate from the oscillator assembly. In this manner, the mouthpiece assembly may be discarded after use, while the oscillator assembly may be reused.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.