Abstract:
A device and method for delivering an aerosolized liquid having therapeutic properties to a user's lungs. The compact and convenient device includes a housing of such size that it can be held in a user's one hand with an exit opening in the housing for directing the aerosol to the user's mouth. The housing encloses a dispensing system for containing the liquid to be aerosolized and delivering it to an electrohydrodynamic apparatus and an electrohydrodynamic apparatus for aerosolizing the liquid and delivering the aerosol to the exit opening. The electrohydrodynamic apparatus produces a cloud of aerosolized liquid droplets having a monodispersed respirable droplet size and near zero velocity. The aerosolizing apparatus includes a plurality of spray sites each having a tip end, the spray sites cooperating with a charge source to result in an aerosolized spray from at least one tip end, a plurality of discharge electrodes downstream of the tip ends, and a plurality of reference electrodes downstream of the plurality of discharge electrodes.
Abstract:
An aerosolization system comprises a gas flow passage, and an aerosol generator comprising a plate having a plurality of apertures and a vibratable element disposed to vibrate the plate. The aerosol generator is adapted to aerosolize a liquid for delivery into the gas flow passage. A flow sensor is configured to sense a gas flow through the passage, and a controller is employed to actuate the aerosol generator based on the gas flow sensed by the flow sensor.
Abstract:
The invention provides exemplary aerosolization apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a substance. According to one exemplary method, a liquid is transferred from a first chamber into a second chamber having a substance that is in a dry state to form a solution. The solution is then transferred from the second chamber and onto an atomization member. The atomization member is operated to aerosolize the solution.
Abstract:
A controlled sustained release fluid delivery device is disclosed which has enhanced fluid delivery. The device generally includes a housing having a fluid reservoir therein for holding a fluid, at least one opening in the housing for enabling fluid delivery out of the fluid reservoir and the housing, and structures for delivering the fluid, and retaining the fluid proximate an ambient environment. Once held there, the structure holding the fluid is vibrated so as to enhance the delivery of the fluid to the ambient environment. Other aspects are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Bioactive agents are topically administered or delivered to a mucous membrane by a jet dispenser using inkjet technology, such as that used in printing. The dispenser propels precise volumes of droplets or powder for administration to a subject, such as being inhaled through the mouth or nose. A controller in the dispenser may control delivery of multiple different drugs, timing of drug administration, or change drug regimens in response to a changing medical condition of a patient, such as those monitored by a sensor in communication with the controller, for example to prevent an overdose. Administration methods are also provided, along with replacement kits.
Abstract:
A feed system for an aerosolizer utilizes an ampoule containing a liquid and includes a housing having an ampoule region into which the ampoule is held, and a liquid receiving region that is adapted to receive liquid dispensed from the ampoule. An interface is used to couple the liquid receiving region to an aerosol generator, whereby liquid from the liquid receiving region is permitted to flow to the aerosol generator for aerosolization.
Abstract:
A method for aerosolizing a liquid comprises providing an aerosol generator having a plate with a plurality of apertures and a piezoelectric element to vibrate the plate. Liquid is supplied to the plate, and the piezoelectric element is energized to vibrate the plate at an initial frequency. The energy level is adjusted to vibrate the plate at its instantaneous resonant frequency during aerosolization of the liquid.
Abstract:
An improved method and apparatus for delivering medication to the lungs is described. Acoustic ink printing technology is modified to operate as an inhaler that generates tiny droplets near a patient's nose or mouth. The tiny droplets are easily carried by air currents into the patient's lungs. The inhaler itself is preferably a battery operated portable device that can be easily carried and easily cleaned to avoid contaminating the medication.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a portable inhalation device. This device is compact and portable and contains a compressor, an air filter and a power supply, and permits, together with an aerosol nebuliser, the mobile administration of drugs by inhalation.