Breath actuated nebulizer with valve assembly having a relief piston
US6044841A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M16/0666
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A breath actuated nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized liquid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a valve assembly having an actuator piston for quickly responding to an inhalation and beginning the nebulization process, and a relief piston to lower the inhalation effort required of the inhaling patient. Also provided is a method of providing breath actuated nebulization including the steps of moving an actuator piston connected to a diverter so that the diverter reaches a nebulizing position during an initial period of inhalation, and moving a relief valve to allow a greater flow of air, and thereby reduce inhalation effort, after the initial period of inhalation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.