WO2014184044A1 - Module de distribution de substance multidose - Google Patents

Module de distribution de substance multidose Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014184044A1
WO2014184044A1 PCT/EP2014/059167 EP2014059167W WO2014184044A1 WO 2014184044 A1 WO2014184044 A1 WO 2014184044A1 EP 2014059167 W EP2014059167 W EP 2014059167W WO 2014184044 A1 WO2014184044 A1 WO 2014184044A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
substance
module
delivery
piston
cartridge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2014/059167
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Anthony Dyche
Ian Thomas Petherbridge
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Publication of WO2014184044A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014184044A1/fr

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0085—Inhalators using ultrasonics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
    • A61M11/005—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes using ultrasonics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/0021—Mouthpieces therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0028—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up
    • A61M15/003—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up using capsules, e.g. to be perforated or broken-up
    • A61M15/0033—Details of the piercing or cutting means
    • A61M15/0035—Piercing means
    • A61M15/0036—Piercing means hollow piercing means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0028—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up
    • A61M15/003—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up using capsules, e.g. to be perforated or broken-up
    • A61M15/0033—Details of the piercing or cutting means
    • A61M15/004—Details of the piercing or cutting means with fixed piercing or cutting means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0028—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up
    • A61M15/0045—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up using multiple prepacked dosages on a same carrier, e.g. blisters
    • A61M15/0046—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up using multiple prepacked dosages on a same carrier, e.g. blisters characterized by the type of carrier
    • A61M15/0048—Inhalators using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up using multiple prepacked dosages on a same carrier, e.g. blisters characterized by the type of carrier the dosages being arranged in a plane, e.g. on diskettes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0653—Details
    • B05B17/0676—Feeding means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/0003—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with means for dispensing more than one drug
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/0013—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with inhalation check valves
    • A61M15/0015—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with inhalation check valves located upstream of the dispenser, i.e. not traversed by the product
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/002—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with air flow regulating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/0015—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors
    • A61M2016/0018—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical
    • A61M2016/0021—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical with a proportional output signal, e.g. from a thermistor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
    • A61M2016/0027—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure pressure meter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/02—General characteristics of the apparatus characterised by a particular materials
    • A61M2205/0205—Materials having antiseptic or antimicrobial properties, e.g. silver compounds, rubber with sterilising agent
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/02—General characteristics of the apparatus characterised by a particular materials
    • A61M2205/0238—General characteristics of the apparatus characterised by a particular materials the material being a coating or protective layer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/18—General characteristics of the apparatus with alarm
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/27—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use
    • A61M2205/273—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use preventing reuse, e.g. of disposables
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/27—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use
    • A61M2205/276—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use preventing unwanted use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3379—Masses, volumes, levels of fluids in reservoirs, flow rates
    • A61M2205/3386—Low level detectors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/50—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
    • A61M2205/502—User interfaces, e.g. screens or keyboards
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/50—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
    • A61M2205/52—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/581—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by audible feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/60—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
    • A61M2205/6045—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means having complementary physical shapes for indexing or registration purposes
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    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
    • A61M2205/8206—Internal energy supply devices battery-operated

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a substance delivery module, and particularly but not exclusively to a substance delivery module for use in an apparatus for delivering a substance in aerosol form.
  • Medicinal substances such as drugs and other medications are often required to be delivered in aerosol form for inhalation into the lungs of a patient.
  • Various devices are available for delivery of medicinal substances in aerosol form, including for example nebulizers.
  • a nebulizer is a device designed to convert a liquid substance into an aerosol which may then be inhaled by a patient, typically via a mouthpiece.
  • Different types of nebulizer exist, using different technologies to convert the liquid substance to aerosol form. Two of the more popular technologies are jet nebulizers, which introduce compressed air to the liquid substance, and vibrating mesh nebulizers, which use a fine mesh vibrating at ultrasonic frequencies to generate a mist of substance droplets.
  • Medicinal substances are typically required to be delivered as controlled doses of a specific volume, and dose control is one area of nebulizer technology which has received attention.
  • some nebulizers have incorporated a multi dose system, in which individual doses of liquid substance are provided in place of a single liquid reservoir.
  • An example of such a system is disclosed in US 2003/0163099, in which a plurality of sealed vials of medicinal liquid are mounted on a support member for sequential dispensing via a plunger. While such multi dose systems provide improvements in dose control over single reservoir systems, difficulties remain in assuring delivery of a maximum amount of the liquid dose to the patient lungs. Patient operation of the apparatus can introduce inconsistencies in the manner in which each dose of medicinal substance is dispensed, which can significantly affect the percentage of the dose that reaches the patent lungs. Summary
  • aspects of the present invention seek to provide a module and apparatus which obviate or reduce at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above.
  • a substance delivery module comprising a feed unit that includes a substance container and a piston, an actuator configured to exert a delivery force on the feed unit, and a releasable locking element configured to retain the feed unit against the delivery force.
  • the substance container may be suitable for containing a liquid substance including for example a medicinal liquid substance such as a drug in liquid form.
  • the module may comprise a plurality of feed units.
  • the module may comprise a dedicated actuator for each feed unit.
  • one or more feed unit substance containers may contain a substance that is different to that contained in one or more other feed unit substance containers of the module.
  • the different substances may for example be different medicinal substances.
  • the feed unit may comprise a plurality of substance containers.
  • the actuator may comprise a biasing element.
  • the biasing element may for example comprise a spring such as a compression spring.
  • the actuator may be mounted in the module to engage the substance container and urge the substance container onto the piston.
  • the actuator may for example be mounted about the substance container.
  • the piston may comprise a passage extending therethrough.
  • the passage may for example comprise a delivery conduit through which substance in the substance container may be delivered.
  • the piston may comprise a cutting element, which may be mounted on a leading surface of the piston.
  • the cutting element may for example be operable to pierce the substance container.
  • the cutting element may be disposed about a leading opening of the through passage of the piston.
  • the cutting element may define a cutting surface which is angled with respect to an axis of advance of the substance container onto the piston.
  • the piston may further comprise a second cutting element mounted about a rim of the leading surface of the piston.
  • the substance container may comprise a cup and sealing membrane and may be mounted in the module with the sealing membrane presented to a leading face of the piston.
  • the piston may be dimensioned to displace an internal volume of the substance container, and may thus ensure that a maximum of substance held within the container is displaced for example via a through passage of the piston.
  • An outer diameter of the piston may sealingly engage an inner diameter of the container.
  • the module may further comprise a cartridge, and the feed unit, actuator and releasable locking element may be mounted within the cartridge.
  • the releasable locking element may engage between the feed unit and the cartridge.
  • the releasable locking element may for example comprise a locking pin.
  • the releasable locking element may be releasably received within an opening in the cartridge.
  • the actuator may engage against the cartridge.
  • the cartridge may for example comprise a base and a lid, and the actuator may engage against one or both of the base and/or the lid.
  • the base may comprise a base plate and side walls.
  • the cartridge may for example be of annular form.
  • the module may further comprise a vent which may be located adjacent the piston and may be configured to allow gas flow away from the piston.
  • an apparatus for delivering a substance in aerosol form comprising an aerosol generator, an aerosol delivery conduit in fluid communication with the aerosol generator, and a substance delivery module according to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • a delivery opening of the piston of the substance delivery module may be in fluid communication with the aerosol generator.
  • the apparatus may further comprise an activating element, which may be configured to release the releasable locking element of the substance delivery module.
  • the activating element may be controlled by a switch, and may for example form a part of the switch.
  • the switch may for example be an electromechanical switch such as a solenoid switch.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a sensor, and activation of the activating element may be triggered by a signal received from the sensor.
  • the sensor may be mounted in an inhalation flow path of the apparatus and may for example comprise a pressure sensor.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a control module, and the substance delivery module may be mounted for rotation about at least part of the control module.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a biasing element which may be mounted between the substance delivery module and the control module and may be operable to urge the substance delivery module in a first rotational direction.
  • the biasing element may act between a cartridge of the substance delivery module and the control module, and may for example act between a base of the cartridge and the control module.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a second releasable locking element which may be operable to fix a position of at least part of the substance delivery module relative to the control module.
  • the position may be a rotational position.
  • the part of the substance delivery module may for example comprise a cartridge of the control module or a cartridge base of the control module.
  • the second releasable locking element may for example be controlled by a second activation element which may comprise a switch such as a solenoid switch.
  • At least part of the apparatus may comprise an antimicrobial surface.
  • the anti-microbial surface may be formed by coating or creating a part of the apparatus from/with an anti-microbial material (for example silver) or by treating a part of the apparatus with an antimicrobial process (for example ultra violet light).
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a nebulizer
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of a mouthpiece of the nebulizer of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 is an exploded view of the mouthpiece of Figure 2
  • Figure 4 is a sectioned perspective view of the nebulizer of Figure 1;
  • Figure 5 is an exploded view of a substance delivery module and control module;
  • Figure 6 shows a detail of a part of the view of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of a substance delivery module mounted on a control module
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a substance delivery module
  • Figure 9 shows a detail of a part of the view of Figure 8;
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of a partially loaded cartridge base;
  • Figure 11 shows a detail of a part of the view of Figure 10;
  • Figure 12a is a perspective view of a substance container;
  • Figure 12b is an exploded view of a substance container;
  • Figure 13 is a partial sectional view of a feed unit and actuator mounted in a cartridge
  • Figure 14 is an enlarged partial section view of a feed unit and releasable locking element
  • Figure 15 shows the feed unit and actuator of Figure 13 in a discharged position
  • Figures 16 and 17 are partial sectional views of another embodiment of feed unit and actuator
  • Figure 18 is a perspective view of a substance delivery module mounted on a control module
  • Figures 19 to 21 are sectional views of substance delivery module and control module illustrating different states of operation;
  • Figure 22 is a sectional view of a substance delivery module and activating element;
  • Figure 23 is an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 20.
  • Figures 24 to 26 are sectional views of a substance delivery module and activating element.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide a substance delivery module and substance delivery apparatus that enable controlled delivery of a dose of substance contained within the apparatus or module.
  • the apparatus and module may be used for example to deliver liquid medicinal substances in aerosol form.
  • an embodiment of an apparatus for delivering a substance in aerosol form may take the form of a nebulizer 2.
  • the nebulizer 2 comprises a substance delivery module 4, a control module 6 and a mouthpiece 8.
  • the nebulizer further comprises an aerosol generator 10 in the form of a piezo electric mesh 12 mounted within a housing 28 in the mouthpiece 8.
  • the mouthpiece 8 comprises an aerosol delivery conduit 14 leading from the aerosol generator 10 to an opening 16 sized to be placed in the mouth of a patient for inhalation of a substance dispensed in aerosol form by the nebulizer 2.
  • the mouthpiece 8 further comprises an inhalation stem 18 within which is mounted a flow control valve 20.
  • the inhalation stem comprises a through passage 22 that extends from an opening 24 via the flow control valve 20 to open into the aerosol delivery conduit 14.
  • the inhalation stem and aerosol delivery conduit thus together define an inhalation flow path 26, as illustrated in Figure 4.
  • the inhalation stem further comprises an opening 30 extending through a wall of the stem to communicate with the inhalation flow path 26.
  • the housing 28 of the mouthpiece 8 is received within a recess 32 formed in the control module 6, such that the aerosol generator 10 is presented to, and in fluid communication with, the output of a substance feed unit 100 formed in the substance delivery module 4, as explained in further detail below.
  • the control module 6 comprises a substantially sealed unit within which is housed power and control circuitry.
  • the power and control circuitry may include a battery or other power source, an electronic tagging device such as an RFID tag, a memory and circuitry to power a patient display panel such as a screen, LED indicator light etc.
  • the control module further comprises first and second activation elements 150, 160, which may be controlled by, and form a part of electromechanical switches such as solenoid switches, as discussed in further detail below.
  • the control module also houses the drive circuitry for the aerosol generator 10.
  • the electrical connection between the aerosol generator 10 and the control module 6 may use physical contacts or inductive coupling. The functioning of the control module is discussed in detail below with respect to the operation of the nebulizer 2.
  • the control module 6 comprises a substantially cylindrical main body 34 and a hub 36, protruding from a planar face of the main body 34.
  • the hub is also substantially cylindrical and comprises an annularly recessed portion that forms a coaxial cylindrical protrusion 38 of reduced diameter.
  • the protrusion 38 is suitable for receiving a cartridge lid 56 of the substance delivery module 4 as described in further detail below.
  • the control module hub 36 includes a guide recess 40 formed on an outer planar face of the protrusion 38, which recess is dimensioned to cooperate with and closely receive a guide lip 42 formed on the cartridge lid 56 of the substance delivery module 4, as discussed below.
  • the control module hub 36 and protrusion 38 each comprise an opening 44, 46 formed in a cylindrical outer wall of the hub and protrusion.
  • the first and second activation elements 150, 160, housed within the control module 6, may engage with the substance delivery module 4 through the openings 44, 46.
  • a recess 32 is formed in the main body of the control module 6, extending from the face opposite to that from which the hub 36 protrudes.
  • the recess 32 is dimensioned to accept the housing 28 of the mouthpiece 8.
  • the recess 32 communicates with a delivery passage 48 which extends through the main body 32 of the control module to open onto the face from which the hub 34 extends.
  • the delivery passage 48 is radially aligned with the openings 44, 46 for the activation elements and with the guide lip 42.
  • the control module 6 may also comprise an opening 50 through which a pressure sensor (not shown) may protrude.
  • a pressure sensor (not shown) may protrude.
  • the opening 50 communicates with the opening 30 on the mouthpiece 8 to allow a pressure sensor mounted within the control unit 6 to protrude into the inhalation flow path 26.
  • the cooperating openings can be seen in the assembled sectional view of Figure 4.
  • the substance delivery module 4 comprises a cartridge 52 having a cartridge base 54 and cartridge lid 56.
  • the cartridge base 54 comprises an annular structure having a base plate 58, inner annular wall 60, and outer annular wall 62.
  • the cartridge may be closed by an annular plate 58b extending between inner and outer annular walls.
  • the outer annular wall 62 comprises a plurality of gripping protrusions 64 formed on an outer surface thereof.
  • the cartridge lid 56 comprises an annular top plate 66 and an inner annular skirt 68.
  • a guide lip 42 protrudes radially inwardly from the top plate 66 of the cartridge lid 56, and is received in the guide recess 40 on the control module 6 when the components of the nebulizer 2 are assembled.
  • the guide lip 42 is sized to be closely received in the guide recess 40, such that relative rotational motion between the cartridge lid 56 and control module 6 is prevented.
  • the inner annular skirt 68 of the cartridge lid comprises an opening 70 formed in the region of the guide lip 42.
  • the opening 70 is defined by shoulders 72, 74 formed on the skirt 68, which shoulders act to guide a second activation element as discussed below.
  • the substance delivery module 4 further comprises a plurality of delivery pistons 76 mounted in the cartridge base 54 and which will be described in further detail below.
  • a single piston 76 may be mounted in the cartridge base 52.
  • the pistons 76 are integrally formed with the cartridge but in alternative embodiments, the pistons may be separately formed and fixed in place in the cartridge base 54.
  • Protruding from the inner annular wall of the cartridge base 54 is a plurality of indexing arms 78, substantially evenly distributed around the inner circumference of the wall 60.
  • Each arm 78 terminates in a locking rib 80.
  • Each of the locking ribs 80 is dimensioned to be received in the opening 70 formed between shoulders 72, 74 on the skirt 68 of the cartridge lid 56.
  • the indexing arms 78 are resilient, able to support mild deflection such that the locking rib 80 on the end of each arm may be disengaged from the opening 70 while the remainder of the cartridge base 54 remains in place.
  • the base plate 58 of the cartridge base 54 comprises a plurality of openings 82, each of which corresponds to a through passage formed through a delivery piston 76 as described below.
  • the lid 54 When the components of the cartridge 52 are assembled, the lid 54 is received over the cartridge base 53 such that a locking rib 80 of an indexing arm 78 is received in the opening 70 of the skirt 68. Relative rotational motion between the cartridge base 54 and lid 56 is thus controlled by an indexing action of the indexing arms 78.
  • each vial 90 comprises a cup 92 and a sealing membrane 94.
  • the cup comprises an annular lip 96 to which the membrane 94 is sealed.
  • each vial 90 is mounted in the cartridge base 54 axially aligned with a piston 76, with the membrane 94 presented to the leading face of the piston 76 to form the feed unit 100.
  • a single feed unit 100 before and after substance delivery can be seen in detail in Figures 13, 14 and 15 and is described below. It will be appreciated that each of the feed units comprises corresponding features.
  • the piston 76 comprises a through passage 102 extending from a leading opening 104 on a leading face 106 of the piston 62 to a delivery opening 108 which is coincident with the corresponding opening 82 formed in the base plate 58 of the cartridge base 54.
  • the leading opening 104 is surrounded by a first cutting element 110 which extends towards the membrane 94 of the vial 90 and defines an angled cutting plane 112.
  • a dedicated releasable locking element 120 is mounted to cooperate with each feed unit 100.
  • the releasable locking element 120 comprises a sealing sleeve 122, annular shoulder 124 and locking pin 126.
  • the locking pin 126 is connected to the annular shoulder 124 via a resilient arm 128 which may be deflected under an activating force as described in further detail below.
  • the releasable locking element 120 is mounted about the feed unit 100 such that the annular shoulder 124 engages the lip 96 of the container cup 92 and the sealing sleeve 122 extends from the shoulder 124 to surround the first cutting element 110, providing sliding sealing engagement with an outer surface 114 of the piston 76.
  • the sealing sleeve 122 may also assist in guiding the vial 90 onto the piston 76, as discussed below.
  • the piston 76 comprises only a single cutting element 110.
  • the piston 76 further comprises a second cutting element 116.
  • the second cutting element also extends towards the membrane 94 of the vial 90 and is mounted about a rim of the leading surface 106 of the piston 76.
  • a dedicated actuator 140 in the form of a compression spring 142 contained within a cylindrical housing sleeve 144.
  • the compression spring 142 engages at a first end against the plate 58b of the cartridge base 54 or against the cartridge lid 56.
  • the compression spring 142 engages via the housing sleeve 144 onto an underside of the lip 96 of the vial 90.
  • the compression spring 142 thus exerts a force on the vial 90 of the feed unit 100, urging the vial 90 onto the delivery piston 76.
  • this force comprises a delivery force, under the action of which the substance contained in the vial 90 may be delivered via the piston 76 to the aerosol generator 10.
  • the delivery force of the compression spring 142 is resisted by the releasable locking element 120.
  • the locking pin 126 of the re leasable locking element 120 is received in an opening 146 formed in the inner wall 60 of the cartridge base 54.
  • a series of openings 146 is formed around the inner wall 60, each opening adjacent to a feed unit or to the vacant position V.
  • the locking pin 126 engages in the opening 146 and, via the resilient arm 128 and annular shoulder 124, holds the vial 90 in position, exerting a counter force on the lip 96 of the vial 90.
  • the feed unit 100 is activated by the first activating element 150 as discussed below, the locking pin 124 is released from the opening 146, removing the counter force from the vial 90.
  • the vial 90 is forced onto the piston 76 under the action of the compression spring 142 as illustrated in Figure 15.
  • the first cutting element 110 pierces the membrane 94 and the piston 76 enters the internal volume of the cup 94, displacing the substance contained in the cup 94 and forcing it through the passage 102 and delivery opening 108. This process is described in further detail below with reference to operation of the nebulizer 2.
  • FIGs 16 and 17 illustrate another embodiment of feed unit 100A and actuator 140A in which the locking pin 126A of the releasable locking element 120A is mounted on the housing sleeve 144A of the actuator 140A.
  • the releasable locking element 120A also performs the function of the housing sleeve 144A, containing the compression spring 142 A.
  • the openings 146 A on the inner annular wall 60 are displaced away from the base plate 58A when compared with the corresponding openings 146 in Figures 13 and 15, to allow for the differently positioned locking pin 126A.
  • the piston 76A of the feed unit 100A can also be seen to have a simplified shape with respect to the piston 76 of the feed unit 100 illustrated in Figures 13 and 15.
  • feed unit 100, 100A may be incorporated into the substance delivery module 4 and nebulizer 2.
  • the substance control module 4 is first assembled with the required drug or drugs sealed in the vials 90 and the vials 90 loaded in position adjacent their corresponding pistons 76 to form feed units 100.
  • the substance delivery module comprises 14 pistons and 14 vials, forming 14 feed units 100 and corresponding to a one week supply of a twice daily dose of medicinal substance.
  • Other embodiments may comprise more or less pistons 76 as required.
  • not all pistons may have a corresponding vial loaded.
  • the cartridge 52 includes a vacant position V, in which no piston is provided.
  • the assembled substance delivery module 4 may be supplied to a patient on a weekly or other regular basis, each module 4 charged with a specific course of drug treatment. The patient may then assemble the nebulizer 2 for use as required.
  • the mouthpiece 8 is mounted on the control module 6 with the housing 28 received in the recess 32 and the openings 30, 50 aligned. This presents the aerosol generator 10 to the delivery passage 48 of the control module 6.
  • the mouthpiece 8 may be removed and reassembled with the control module 6 by the patient to allow for cleaning or replacement of the mouthpiece 8.
  • the assembled substance delivery module 4 may then be mounted on the hub 36 of the control module 6.
  • the guide lip 42 on the cartridge lid 56 and guide recess 40 on the control unit hub protrusion 38 cooperate to guide the patient in correctly assembling the substance delivery module 4 onto the control module 6.
  • Figure 18 illustrates this assembled state.
  • the substance delivery module 4 slides axially onto the hub 36, with the cooperating guide lip 42 and recess 40 ensuring that the opening 70 in the skirt 68 is aligned with the opening 46 on the hub protrusion 38.
  • the opening 44 on the control unit main body 34 is similarly aligned with the opening 146 on the inner cartridge base wall 60 corresponding to the vacant position V.
  • Figures 19, 20 and 21 are sectional views illustrating the first and second activating elements 150, 160 mounted within the control module 6, and demonstrating operation of the nebulizer.
  • the mouthpiece 8 is omitted from these views for clarity.
  • Figure 23 is an enlarged view showing detail of the indexing system of the nebulizer 2
  • Figures 22, 24, 25 and 26 are further sectional views demonstrating operation of the nebulizer.
  • first and second activation elements 150, 160 are housed within the control module opposite the openings 44, 46 formed in the control module hub 34 and hub protrusion 38.
  • the first activation element 150 is mounted opposite the opening 44 in the hub 36
  • the second activation element 160 is mounted opposite the opening 46 in the hub protrusion 38.
  • Each of the first and second activation elements is controlled by an electromechanical switch such as a solenoid switch.
  • the first and second activation elements comprise pins 152, 162 of solenoid switches 154, 164.
  • Each pin 152, 162 is dimensioned to pass through the opening 44, 46 directly opposite it to engage with the substance delivery module 4.
  • Figures 19 and 22 illustrate the initial assembly arrangement of the nebulizer 2.
  • the vacant position V on the cartridge 52 is opposite the openings 44, 46, and hence aligned with the delivery passage 48 and aerosol generator 10. The nebulizer is thus assembled and ready for first use.
  • the patient When a patient is ready to administer a dose of the substance contained in the nebulizer 2, the patient first powers on the nebulizer using a power switch on the control module 6. Powering on the nebulizer has the effect of activating the second solenoid switch 160, causing the pin 162 to advance into the opening 46 immediately opposite it. As discussed above, the opening 46 is aligned with opening 70, in which locking rib 80 of the vacant position indexing arm is received. As illustrated in Figure 23, as the pin 162 of second solenoid switch 164 advances into the aligned openings 46, 70, the pin displaces the locking rib 80, disengaging the locking rib 80 from the opening 70, and allowing rotation of the cartridge base 54 relative to the cartridge lid 56 and control module 6.
  • the cartridge base is rotated by the patient as indicated by arrow A in Figure 18 until the first feed unit 100 is brought into the delivery position opposite the openings 44, 46. In alternative embodiments, this rotation may take place under the action of a biasing element such as a spring.
  • the solenoid switch 164 releases, retracting the pin 162 from the aligned openings 46, 70 and returning the pin 162 to its original position. In this manner, as the indexing arm 78 corresponding to the first feed unit 100 approaches the aligned openings, the locking rib 80 engages in the opening 70 to fix the cartridge base 54 in position.
  • the first feed unit 100 is thus locked and ready in a delivery position, with its corresponding opening 146 in the inner wall 60 aligned with the opening 44 in the control module hub 34.
  • the delivery opening 108 of the delivery piston 76 of the feed unit 100 is also aligned with the delivery passage 48 of he control unit 6 and hence with the aerosol generator 10. This position is shown in Figures 20 and 24.
  • a trigger event causes activation of the first solenoid switch 154 to deliver the substance contained in the vial 90 of the feed unit 100.
  • the trigger event is an air pressure reading corresponding to a patient inhalation.
  • a pressure sensor (not shown) is mounted in the control module to protrude through the aligned openings 30, 50 and into the fluid flow path 26. As the patient inhales through the mouthpiece 8, the air flow is registered by the pressure sensor which sends a signal activating the first solenoid switch 154.
  • the first solenoid switch 154 causes the pin 152 to advance through the opening 44 in the control module hub 34 and into the aligned opening 146 on the inner wall 60 of the cartridge base 54.
  • the pin 152 thus displaces the locking pin 126 of the releasable locking element 120 mounted about the feed unit 100. With the locking pin 126 disengaged from the opening 146, the releasable locking element no longer retains the delivery force of the compression spring 142, and the compression spring 142 forces the vial 90 of the feed unit 100 onto the piston 76 of the feed unit 100.
  • This process is illustrated in Figure 25.
  • the initial movement of the vial 90 onto the piston 76 causes the first cutting element 1 10 to pierce the membrane 94 allowing liquid from the vial 90 to start to enter the delivery passage 102 of the piston 76.
  • the delivery passage 102 may have an internal diameter shaped to create a pressure gradient that encourages flow of the liquid in the vial into the passage 102.
  • the compression spring 142 forces the vial 90 completely over the piston 76, until the full internal volume of the vial is occupied, and all liquid contained in the vial has been displaced, as illustarted in Figures 21 and 26.
  • the external surface of the piston is shaped substantially to displace the entire internal volume of the vial 90, so ensuring that a maximum amount of liquid is emptied from the vial and delivered to the through passage of the piston 76.
  • the through passage 102 delivers the liquid from the vial 90 to the delivery passage 48 and so to the aerosol generator 10.
  • the aerosol generator aerosolises the liquid and delivers the liquid in aerosol form into the inhalation flow path 26 to be entrained with inhaled air and drawn into the lungs of the patient.
  • the feed unit 100 and actuator 140 thus cooperate to form a substance feed system that delivers a maximum amount of a dose of liquid substance to the aerosol generator 10.
  • a vent (not shown) may be mounted on the cartridge 52 adjacent each piston 76 and between the piston 76 and aerosol generator 10, to allow for escape of any air in the feed system during dispensing of the liquid substance.
  • the vent may prevent liquid escape and may include a non return valve to prevent air entering the feed system between treatments.
  • the vent may also allow air to replace liquid during aerosolization.
  • the nebulizer 2 may be powered off until the next dose is due.
  • the patient powers on the device and repeats the above described steps, indexing the cartridge base 54 to the next position as permitted by the activated second solenoid switch 164 and so placing the next feed unit 100 in the delivery position in front of the aerosol generator 10.
  • the patient then inhales through the mouthpiece 8.
  • the inhalation is sensed by the pressure sensor which triggers the first solenoid switch 150 to release the locking pin and allow the actuator to force the vial 90 of the feed unit 100 onto its delivery piston 76, so dispensing the contents of the vial via the piston 76 to the aerosol generator 10 and into the inhalation flow path 26.
  • the substance delivery module and nebulizer may be structured to support relative linear translation between the cartridge base and the control unit.
  • a substantially linear cartridge base and lid may support relative translation, such that for example the cartridge base enters progressively into the lid to present each feed unit to the delivery passage and first activation element (first solenoid switch).
  • the cartridge base and lid may be sized such that the cartridge base is fully received into the lid once all vials in the cartridge have been dispensed.
  • the cartridge lid may be sized such that only a small portion of the cartridge base located adjacent the mouthpiece is covered by the lid. The cartridge may progress from a first side of the lid to a second, opposite side of the lid as the vials in the cartridge are dispensed.
  • the mechanism of indexing the cartridge base and activating delivery via a releasable locking pin and actuator may operate substantially as described above with reference to the attached Figures.
  • Various control mechanisms within the nebulizer 2 may be used to manage the process of dispensing the substance from a vial 90 into the inhalation flow path 26 in aerosol form.
  • the flow control valve 20 may limit the flow rate at which air may be inhaled into the nebulizer, allowing patients to inhale for a longer time during each breath and so potentially reducing treatment time.
  • the flow control valve may also prevent exhalation into the device 2.
  • the dimensions and spring qualities of the compression spring 142 in the actuator 140 may be chosen to limit the speed with which the vial 90 is forced onto the delivery piston 76 and so to limit the transfer rate of the drug from vial to delivery piston and on to the aerosol generator.
  • Dose control may also be provided by the interaction of the two solenoid switches that act as first and second activation elements.
  • the second solenoid switch may be arranged such that once activated, it cannot be activated again until the first solenoid switch has also been activated, indicating that the dose in the current feed unit 100 has been delivered.
  • the nature of the delivery process ensures that a delay can be tolerated between loading a new feed unit into the delivery position and dispending the substance. Delivery of the drug is not compromised and the patient may place the nebulizer on a surface in order to attend to other tasks with the feed unit ready in position.
  • a reminder may be displayed on a display screen, or a warning light etc may be illuminated in the event of a long delay following power on and consequent activation of the second solenoid switch and before patient inhalation triggers the first solenoid switch. This may ensure that a patient does not accidentally skip a dose.
  • Another form of control may be provided by the RFID tag discussed above. Electronic tagging of the control module and substance delivery module may ensure that only certain substance delivery modules may be used with certain control modules. Thus if a control module 6 is to be restricted to use with only specific substances/substance delivery modules, the control module can be programmed such that functioning of the module and release of the first and second solenoid switches will only be permitted when the correct electronic tag recognition is registered.
  • Electronic tagging of this nature may also enable tracking of how many and which substance delivery modules have been used with a particular control module 6. Additionally, the power supplied to the aerosol generator 10 may be tailored according to particular substance delivery modules charged with different substances. In this manner, the process of aerosolising the substance may be tailored to the particular substance contained in the substance delivery module. Similar tagging may be used with the mouthpiece 8 to control use of the mouthpiece 8 and feedback instructions to the patient. Such tagging may have benefits in facilitating patient monitoring, reminders for cleaning of the mouthpiece, replacement of the control module and/or mouthpiece when they have reached their recommended lifespan and/or reminders to restock with charged substance delivery modules 4. A mechanical key system may also be used to ensure certain control modules 6 may only be used with specific substance delivery modules 4.
  • the pressure sensor also provides control by timing drug delivery according to sensed patient inhalation. In this manner, the patient is not required to judge the timing of inhalation and drug dispensing; the pressure sensor and first solenoid switch automatically ensure that aerosol is dispensed into the fluid flow path over a target percentage of the inhalation breath.
  • the pressure sensor may be provided with a gel coating, allowing substances in contact with the inhalation flow path to be disinfected using alcohol or other solutions.
  • the automatic breath activation may have particular benefits for nebulizers intended for use by young children, elderly patients, or any patients for whom coordination of inhalation and device activation may be challenging.
  • the first solenoid switch 154 may be decoupled from the pressure sensor and may be activated for example via an activation button on the control module.
  • the aerosol generator may also communicate with the control module 6 to feedback a state of the feed system.
  • the aerosol generator 10 may detect a change in drive characteristics, for example by detecting a change in the impedance of the peizo mesh, indicating that all of the substance in the current vial has been dispensed and the feed system is now dry. This information may be fed back to the patient via a light, buzzer or other indicator, providing confirmation of complete dispensing of a dose of substance.
  • the control module may indicate this to the patient.
  • Further feedback may be provided via the control module 6 or the substance delivery module 4 to indicate the number of sealed vials remaining in the substance delivery module 4.
  • This feedback may be provided by the cartridge base and cartridge lid, linked to the indexing system, or may be provided via the control module using a counter.
  • the material of the mouthpiece 8, pistons 76 and aerosol generator 10 may comprise or be coated with an antimicrobial material (for example silver) or be treated with an antimicrobial process (for example ultra violet light) to reduce the formation of bacteria at sites of residual substance, saliva, condensate etc.
  • Embodiments of the present invention thus provide a substance delivery module and apparatus for delivery of a substance that are efficient and easy to use.
  • the substance delivery module provides controlled dosing, with individual vials of substance each containing a single dose. Complete delivery of the dose is assured through the arrangement of the components forming the feed system.
  • the feed flow path from vial through piston to aerosol generator is comparatively short, reducing to a minimum the surfaces that are wetted by the substance in passing, and so reducing substance wastage.
  • the shortened feed flow path also has advantages in the ease of use of the substance delivery module and apparatus. By reducing the surfaces wetted by the substance during delivery, the surfaces requiring regular cleaning are also reduced to a minimum. These surfaces are essentially found in the mouthpiece 8, meaning those surfaces requiring cleaning are found in a single component which may be removed and cleaned as required.
  • Each vial has a corresponding delivery piston that essentially forms the feed flow path for that vial, delivering the substance to the aerosol generator.
  • Each new vial thus benefits from an unused feed flow path, meaning that different substances can be loaded in different vials and dispensed through the same apparatus.
  • a treatment course comprising different medicaments for morning and afternoon dispensing may be contained in a single substance delivery module, with the substance vials loaded in alternating pattern in the cartridge. Risk of contamination between the substances is minimised by the design of the delivery module and apparatus.
  • a cleaning substance for example a volatile cleaning solution such as ethanol may be included in one or more of the vials spaced around the apparatus.
  • the apparatus may be locked during this time to prevent a patient inhaling the cleaning substance. Separating the wetted and contaminated surfaces between the three units of the apparatus also assists in maximising the usage life of the individual units.
  • the substance delivery module may be rendered entirely disposable, a new module provided with each new course of treatment. The mouthpiece may be cleaned between uses and between treatment courses and may thus have a longer usage life for example of between one and 24 months.
  • the control module which has minimal contact with the inhalation flow and feed paths may benefit from a longer usage life of several years, and with appropriate cleaning may be used by several different patients.
  • the substance delivery module can be provided to a patient ready loaded with sealed vials and for example completely sterilized after assembly and before delivery to the patient.
  • the patient is merely required to load the substance delivery module onto the control module and dispense the substance as described above.
  • Embodiments of the invention also render the dispensing process easy for a patient to achieve.
  • the patient is merely required to index the substance delivery module to load a new feed unit into the dispensing position. Delivery of the substance may then be accomplished automatically, via sensing of patient inhalation, thus removing from the patient the responsibility of timing drug delivery correctly with inhalation.
  • the arrangement of the dedicated actuators ensure that drug delivery may be accomplished by the simple release of a locking pin via a solenoid switch, and so may be triggered automatically to by patient inhalation.
  • the dispensing process is thus entirely automated.
  • the indexing process requires simple rotation motion in a continuous direction, clockwise or anticlockwise, which may be clearly indicated on the device. In some examples this rotation may take place under the action of a biasing element such as a spring. There is no requirement for additional patient motion such as plunging to load or dispense a dose of the substance.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un module de distribution de substance (4) et un appareil (2) pour distribuer une substance sous forme d'aérosol. Le module de distribution de substance (4) comprend une unité d'alimentation (100) qui comprend elle-même un récipient de substance (90) et un piston (76). Le module de distribution de substance (4) comprend en outre un actionneur (140) configuré pour exercer une force de distribution sur l'unité d'alimentation (100) et un élément de verrouillage libérable (120) configuré pour retenir l'unité d'alimentation (100) contre la force de distribution. L'élément de verrouillage libérable (120) peut être libéré afin de permettre la distribution d'une substance contenue dans la substance contenue sous l'action de la force de distribution. Le module de distribution de substance (4) peut être assemblé avec un générateur d'aérosol (10) et une conduite de distribution d'aérosol (14) pour former un appareil (2) pour distribuer une substance sous forme d'aérosol. L'appareil (2) peut comprendre en outre un module de commande (6).
PCT/EP2014/059167 2013-05-17 2014-05-06 Module de distribution de substance multidose WO2014184044A1 (fr)

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EP13168173.6 2013-05-17

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EP3037177A1 (fr) * 2014-12-22 2016-06-29 HILTI Aktiengesellschaft Dispositif d'épandage d'une masse fluide et cartouche multi-composants
GB2536261A (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-09-14 Linde Ag An ultrasonic piezo nebuliser
US20190388627A1 (en) * 2017-01-02 2019-12-26 Stefan Kern Nebulizer unit with directly connectible ampoule
CN113573762A (zh) * 2019-01-14 2021-10-29 艾尔弗雷德·冯舒克曼 用于吸入粉末状物质的设备、这种设备的物质容器以及填充这种设备的方法

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US20080210229A1 (en) * 2007-03-02 2008-09-04 Corbco, Inc. Manually operated monodose nasal sprayer
US20100258121A1 (en) * 2007-12-03 2010-10-14 Valois Sas Fluid product distribution device
US20100319693A1 (en) * 2006-12-11 2010-12-23 Valois Sas Fluid product dispensing device

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US20060107957A1 (en) * 2002-07-02 2006-05-25 Djupesland Per G Nasal devices
US20100319693A1 (en) * 2006-12-11 2010-12-23 Valois Sas Fluid product dispensing device
US20080177246A1 (en) * 2007-01-09 2008-07-24 First City Tower Intranasal Cartridge Devices
US20080210229A1 (en) * 2007-03-02 2008-09-04 Corbco, Inc. Manually operated monodose nasal sprayer
US20100258121A1 (en) * 2007-12-03 2010-10-14 Valois Sas Fluid product distribution device

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3037177A1 (fr) * 2014-12-22 2016-06-29 HILTI Aktiengesellschaft Dispositif d'épandage d'une masse fluide et cartouche multi-composants
GB2536261A (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-09-14 Linde Ag An ultrasonic piezo nebuliser
US20190388627A1 (en) * 2017-01-02 2019-12-26 Stefan Kern Nebulizer unit with directly connectible ampoule
US11497863B2 (en) * 2017-01-02 2022-11-15 Stefan Kern Nebulizer unit with directly connectible ampoule
CN113573762A (zh) * 2019-01-14 2021-10-29 艾尔弗雷德·冯舒克曼 用于吸入粉末状物质的设备、这种设备的物质容器以及填充这种设备的方法
CN113573762B (zh) * 2019-01-14 2024-01-30 艾尔弗雷德·冯舒克曼 用于吸入粉末状物质的设备

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