MONITORING DEVICES FOR INHALER VALVES

• US 20070091273A1
• Filed: 08/25/2006
• Published: 04/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Rosti Technical Plastics Holding A/S (Rosti Group AB)
• Original Assignee: Rosti Technical Plastics Holding A/S (Rosti Group AB)
• Inventors: SULLIVAN, MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US11/467,276
• Publication Number:
  US 20070091273A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 353/31
• 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 15/008 Electronic counters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/009 using medicine packages with incorporated spraying means, e.g. aerosol cans pocket atomiser of the injector type A61M11/08
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3306 Optical measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3389 Continuous level detection A61M2205/3393 takes precedence

Abstract

The operation of a valve in a medicant dispenser for example, is monitored by an optical system. When the valve is first moved to its open position, a light passage from a valve component to a light sensor is defined. Upon each subsequent operation of the valve which allows light to pass along the passage, the sensor sends a signal to a counter which keeps a record of use of the valve.

Claims

1-21. -21. (canceled)

22. The combination of a valve and a device for monitoring the operation thereof, in which the valve is connected to a component movable between a valve open and a valve closed position, and in which the device has a framework upon which is mounted a light sensor, the combination comprising:

a light source mounted on the component;

one of a piezzoelectric crystal and a voltaic polymer adapted to be compressed to activate the light source upon the component reaching the valve open position; and

means defining a passage for light from the light source when the valve component is in the valve open position, wherein the valve open position of the component is established and said light passage defined upon a first movement of the component thereto, and wherein the sensor is coupled to a counter for counting subsequent movements of the component to the valve open position.

23. A combination according to claim 22 wherein the sensor comprises an array of detectors, and the light passage is defined by the detector receiving the beam of light generated upon the component reaching the valve open position.

24. A combination according to claim 23 wherein the array comprises a matrix of photo silicon material.

25. A combination according to claim 22 wherein the valve is installed in a pressurized canister and the component is mounted on a valve stem extending from the canister, the framework being fixed relative to the canister.

26. A combination according to claim 25 wherein the light source registers with the sensor when the component is in the valve open position with the light passage passing through an opening in an element of the framework.

27. A combination according to claim 26 wherein the opening in the framework element is formed upon the first movement of the component to the valve open position.

28. A combination according to claim 26 wherein the sensor comprises an array of detectors, and the light passage is defined by the detector receiving the beam of light generated upon the component reaching the valve open position.

29. A combination according to claim 22 including means for activating the counter upon initial operation of the component in the first and subsequent movements and prior to the component reaching the valve open position, to prepare the counter for counting.

30. An inhaler comprising a pressurized canister containing a medicant and having a valve installed thereon, and a device for monitoring operation of the valve, in which the valve is connected to a component movable between a valve open and a valve closed position, and in which the device has a framework upon which is mounted a light sensor, the inhaler including a light source mounted on the component;

one of a piezzoelectric crystal and a voltaic polymer adapted to be compressed to activate the light source upon the component reaching the valve open position; and

means defining a passage for light from the light source when the valve component is in the valve open position, wherein the valve open position of the component is established and the light passage defined upon a first movement of the component thereto, and wherein the sensor is coupled to a counter for counting subsequent movements of the component to the valve open position.

31. An inhaler according to claim 30 wherein the sensor comprises an array of detectors, and the light passage is defined by the detector receiving the beam of light generated upon the component reaching the valve open position.

32. An inhaler according to claim 31 wherein the array comprises a matrix of photo silicon material.

33. An inhaler according to claim 30 wherein the component is mounted on a valve stem extending from the canister, the framework being fixed relative to the canister.

34. An inhaler according to claim 33 wherein the light source registers with the sensor when the component is in the valve open position with the light passage passing through an opening in an element of the framework.

35. An inhaler according to claim 34 wherein the opening in the framework element is formed upon the first movement of the component to the valve open position.

36. An inhaler according to claim 34 wherein the sensor comprises an array of detectors, and the light passage is defined by the detector receiving the beam of light generated upon the component reaching the valve open position.

37. A combination according to claim 30 including means for activating the counter upon initial operation of the component in the first and subsequent movements and prior to the component reaching the valve open position, to prepare the counter for counting.

38. A dispensing device comprising a pressurized canister mounted in a framework to which is fitted a light sensor, the canister containing a medicant and having a valve installed thereon;

and means for monitoring operation of the valve, in which the valve is connected to a component movable between a valve open and a valve closed position, and including a light source mounted thereon;

one of a piezzoelectric crystal and a voltaic polymer adapted to be compressed to activate the light source upon the component reaching the valve open position; and

means defining a passage for light from the light source when the valve component is in the valve open position, wherein the valve open position of the component is established and the light passage defined upon a first movement of the component thereto, and wherein the sensor is coupled to a counter for counting subsequent movements of the component to the valve open position.

39. A device according to claim 38 wherein the sensor comprises an array of detectors, and the light passage is defined by the detector receiving the beam of light generated upon the component reaching the valve open position.

40. A device according to claim 39 wherein the array comprises a matrix of photo silicon material.

41. A device according to claim 38 wherein the valve is installed in a pressurized canister and the component is mounted on a valve stem extending from the canister, the framework being fixed relative to the canister, and wherein the light source registers with the sensor when the component is in the valve open position with the light passage passing through an opening in an element of the framework.

42. A device according to claim 41 wherein the opening in the framework element is formed upon the first movement of the component to the valve open position.

43. A device according to claim 38 including means for activating the counter upon initial operation of the component in the first and subsequent movements and prior to the component reaching the valve open position, to prepare the counter for counting.