Devices for measuring inspiratory airflow

• US 20050133024A1
• Filed: 11/24/2004
• Published: 06/23/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/25/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Robert E. Coifman
• Original Assignee: Robert E. Coifman
• Inventors: Coifman, Robert E.
• Application Number:
  US10/997,278
• Publication Number:
  US 20050133024A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/200.140
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/087 Measuring breath flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 combined with drug delivery
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/00 Inhalators drug delivery in endotracheal tubes A61M16/04
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/208 Non-controlled one-way valves, e.g. exhalation, check, pop-off non-rebreathing valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0036 in the breathing tube and used in both inspiratory and expiratory phase
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0039 in the inspiratory circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0042 in the expiratory circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/064 Powder
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8206 battery-operated

Abstract

New applications of unidirectional airflow sensing in devices which measure inspiratory airflow and bidirectional airflow are provided. Such devices can be used for administration of a medication via inhalation, in spirometers and in devices which measure and monitor respiratory ventilation.

Claims

1. A device for administration of a medication via inhalation comprising a sensor of inspiratory flow rate.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the medication is administered via a continuous aerosol generation device comprising a nebulizer fitted with a sensor of inspiratory flow rate, output of which is used for active or passive feedback control of flow rate and to optimize release of aerosolized medication for efficient and reproducible inhalation.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the medication is administered via a discrete puff dosing device fitted with a sensor of inspiratory flow rate, output of which is used for active or passive feedback control of flow rate and to optimize release of aerosolized medication for efficient and reproducible inhalation.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the medication is administered via a breath-powered dry powder inhalers fitted with an inspiratory flow meter.

5. A device for measuring bidirectional respiratory airflow comprising a spirometer with a pair of one way flow sensors positioned such that the placement and operation of one does not interfere with the accurate measurement of airflow through the other.

6. A device to measure and monitor respiratory ventilation in real time, comprising a sensor of inspiratory flow rate positioned in an inspiratory rebreathing flow channel of a non-rebreathing or a rebreathing respiratory ventilation system.

7. A method for monitoring and prompting subjects to inhale air or specific gas mixtures at programmed rates that are needed for the accurate performance of various diagnostic tests using the device of claim 6.