Nebulizer apparatus and method
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Abstract
A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fixed diverter and a movable fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected with an actuator for responding to an inhalation or a manual actuation and beginning the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected to an actuator so that the fluid orifice or fluid pathway reaches a nebulizing position during inhalation.
117 Citations
57 Claims
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1-40. -40. (canceled)
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41. A nebulizer for generating an aerosol for delivery to a patient, the nebulizer comprising:
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a housing having an air inlet, a chamber for holding the aerosol and a fluid reservoir;
an air outlet communicating with the chamber for permitting the aerosol to be withdrawn from the chamber;
a nozzle located in the chamber;
a fluid orifice defined by an outer diameter of the nozzle and an inner diameter of an end of a nozzle cover, wherein at least a portion of the nozzle cover is moveable with respect to the nozzle;
a diverter positioned in the chamber adjacent to the nozzle and the fluid orifice; and
an operational mode switch operatively connected with the nozzle cover, the operational mode switch having a breath actuation position, wherein the nozzle cover moves in response to a patient'"'"'s breathing, and a continuous nebulization position, wherein the nozzle cover is immobilized and the fluid reservoir is in continuous communication with the fluid orifice. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
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54. A nebulizer for generating an aerosol for delivery to a patient, the nebulizer comprising:
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a housing having an air inlet and a chamber for holding the aerosol;
an air outlet communicating with the chamber for permitting the aerosol to be withdrawn from the chamber;
a nozzle located in the chamber;
a nozzle cover positioned adjacent the nozzle and coaxially moveable relative to the nozzle, wherein a fluid orifice is defined by an inner diameter of an end of the nozzle cover and an outer diameter of the nozzle;
a diverter positioned in the chamber adjacent to the nozzle and fluid orifice; and
means for selecting an operational mode of the nebulizer, wherein in a first operational mode, the nozzle cover moves in response to a patient'"'"'s breathing such that nebulization ceases during an exhalation, and in a second operational mode, the nebulizer is configured to provide continuous nebulization. - View Dependent Claims (55, 56, 57)
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Specification