Nebulizer apparatus and method
US6612303B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/3306
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for providing a nebula or aerosol to a patient. In one aspect, a nebulizer is pressure sensitive so that nebulization is coordinated with a breathing cycle of the patient. The nebulizer includes a movable gas diverter that diverts pressurized gas across a liquid outlet. The diverter is moved in response to the patient's breathing cycle. In one aspect, a biasing member moves the diverter. According to another aspect of the nebulizer, an annular liquid orifice disperses an aerosol in a radial direction in response to a pressurized gas flow from an orifice located concentrically thereto. Multiple liquid orifices may be provided. In a further aspect of the nebulizer, a reservoir includes an upper, wide portion and a lower narrow portion to apply relatively uniform pressure at a liquid orifice.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.