Nebulizer

• US 20050183719A1
• Filed: 02/24/2005
• Published: 08/25/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (C.H. Boehringer Sohn AG & Co. KG)
• Original Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (C.H. Boehringer Sohn AG & Co. KG)
• Inventors: Thoemmes, Ralf, Kunze, Hubert, Wuttke, Gilbert
• Granted Patent: US 7,537,006 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/200.160
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0018 with exhalation check valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0065 Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices A61M15/0028 takes precedence; dosage devices incorporated in aerosol cans B65D83/52
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0021 with a proportional output signal, e.g. from a thermistor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0039 in the inspiratory circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/44 making noise when used incorrectly
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/0005 Components or details of single units wherein the flow is effected by a pump B05B11/1042
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/1091 being first hold in a loaded state by locking means or the like, then released B05B11/1092 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/004 comprising sensors for monitoring the delivery, e.g. by displaying the sensed value or generating an alarm B05B12/08 takes precedence; registering or indicating the condition or the working of machines or other apparatus in general G07C3/00

Abstract

A nebulizer for a fluid having a pressure generator for conveying and nebulizing the fluid, particularly in the form of an inhaler, is proposed. To improve the user guidance it is envisaged that the nebulizer should have a signal device for generating at least one acoustic and/or vibratory signal, particularly during a nebulizing process.

Claims

1. A nebulizer for comprising a signal device for generating at least one acoustic or vibratory signal for user guidance.

2. The nebulizer according to claim 1, characterised in that the signal device is constructed so as to be able to generate a plurality of different signals.

3. The nebulizer according to claim 1, characterised in that the signal or signals can be generated throughout the period of the nebulizing process, at the end of the nebulizing process, during a preferably preset period, or after this period.

4. The nebulizer according to claim 1, characterised in that the signal device can be initiated, switched on, or driven by a pressure generator.

5. The nebulizer according claim 1, characterised in that the signal or signals can be produced throughout an actual inhalation process or at the end of an inhalation process.

6. The nebulizer according to claim 1, characterised in that the signal device preferably operates exclusively mechanically.

7. The nebulizer according to claim 1, characterised in that the signal device has an energy store or drive comprising a spring store.

8. The nebulizer according to claim 7, characterised in that the spring store can preferably be manually tensioned together with the pressure generator, particularly by a part such as a holder of a pressure generator for a container with the fluid.

9. The nebulizer according to claim 1, characterised in that the signal device comprises a preferably plate-shaped impact element which can be actuated in order to generate the signal.

10. The nebulizer according to claim 7, characterised in that the signal device comprises a tappet that can be actuated in order to generate the signal, and in that the tappet can be moved towards the impact element by the spring store in order to generate the signal.

11. The nebulizer according to claim 10, characterised in that the tappet can be tensioned counter to the force of the spring store with a tensioning cam acting on the tappet during the tensioning process and tensioning the spring store.

12. The nebulizer according to one of claims 11, characterised in that the tappet can be locked in the tensioned state.

13. The nebulizer according to claim 12, characterised in that the tappet can be released by the pressure generator by means of a releasing cam.

14. The nebulizer according to claims 13, characterised in that the tensioning cam and the releasing cam are formed on a common cam slide.

15. The nebulizer according to claim 14, characterised in that the cam slide is moveable for tensioning the pressure generator and during the nebulizing process.

16. The nebulizer according to claim 1, characterised in that the signal device comprises a ratchet element which is moveable during a nebulizing process over a latching means, thereby producing the signal.

17. The nebulizer according to claim 16, characterised in that the latching means are formed on a holder of a pressure generator for a container with the fluid.

18. The nebulizer according to claim 16, characterised in that the ratchet element is of finger-like construction.

19. The nebulizer according to claim 16, characterised in that the ratchet element is formed on an inner part of the nebulizer.

20. The nebulizer according to claim 16, characterised in that the ratchet element is elastically biased towards the latching means.