Inhaler with deagglomerating device
US5918594A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2202/064
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An inhalation device comprising means for breaking down aggregates of finely divided powdered medicament to provide medicament having a large number of particles within the respiratory range (less than 10 .mu.m). The deaggregation means comprise at least two pairs of opposing surfaces in a gas/air flow path. The first pair define an inlet to a constricted region in the air flow path, and the second pair are located at or near the outlet of the constriction. The two pairs of surfaces are oriented at different angles with respect to the axis of the air flow path. In use, medicament particles carried by the gas/air flow impact the first pair of surfaces, then enter the constricted region where the speed of the gas/air flow is increased, and then impact the second pair of surfaces. The impacts break down agglomerations of the finely divided medicament, thereby delivering to the user a greater number of particles in the respiratory range.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.