Nebulizer apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A method of supplying nebulized medication to a patient comprising the steps of:
- providing a nebulizer having an outlet for delivery to a patient, a chamber, a biasing member attached to the chamber, and a gas diverter positioned adjacent to a gas nozzle in the chamber;
changing a deflection angle of gas from the gas nozzle across a liquid outlet in the chamber to nebulize a liquid in response to a reduction of pressure in the chamber; and
returning the deflection angle of gas from the gas nozzle to an initial state in response to a return of pressure in the chamber to a level at or above an ambient pressure, wherein the liquid is not nebulized.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for providing a nebula or aerosol to a patient. In one aspect, a nebulizer is pressure sensitive so that nebulization is coordinated with a breathing cycle of the patient. The nebulizer includes a movable gas diverter that diverts pressurized gas across a liquid outlet. The diverter is moved in response to the patient'"'"'s breathing cycle. In one aspect, a biasing member moves the diverter. According to another aspect of the nebulizer, an annular liquid orifice disperses an aerosol in a radial direction in response to a pressurized gas flow from an orifice located concentrically thereto. Multiple liquid orifices may be provided. In a further aspect of the nebulizer, a reservoir includes an upper, wide portion and a lower narrow portion to apply relatively uniform pressure at a liquid orifice.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of supplying nebulized medication to a patient comprising the steps of:
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providing a nebulizer having an outlet for delivery to a patient, a chamber, a biasing member attached to the chamber, and a gas diverter positioned adjacent to a gas nozzle in the chamber;
changing a deflection angle of gas from the gas nozzle across a liquid outlet in the chamber to nebulize a liquid in response to a reduction of pressure in the chamber; and
returning the deflection angle of gas from the gas nozzle to an initial state in response to a return of pressure in the chamber to a level at or above an ambient pressure, wherein the liquid is not nebulized. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A nebulizer comprising:
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a housing defining a chamber for holding an aerosol;
a chamber air outlet in communication with the chamber;
an air inlet in communication with the chamber for allowing a supply of air to enter the chamber;
a nozzle assembly positioned in the chamber, the nozzle assembly defining a liquid outlet and a gas outlet and having an upper surface; and
a sensor associated with the housing, the sensor configured to monitor a number of cycles of operation of the nebulizer. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of supplying a nebulized substance, the method comprising:
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providing a nebulizer having a housing and a sensor associated with the housing;
nebulizing a substance in the housing in coordination with a breathing cycle of a patient; and
monitoring a number of cycles of operation of the nebulizer with the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification