Device for manipulating respiratory air flow and use thereof

• US 20120041329A1
• Filed: 03/04/2010
• Published: 02/16/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kenneth Chatham
• Original Assignee: Kenneth Chatham
• Inventors: Chatham, Kenneth
• Granted Patent: US 10,639,436 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/538
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/087 Measuring breath flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0016 located downstream of the dispenser, i.e. traversed by the product
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0086 Inhalation chambers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0866 Passive resistors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0027 pressure meter
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/56 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/18 for improving respiratory function

Abstract

A device comprising a unit (1) through which a subject can breathe, the unit comprising: an opening (AA) to allow airflow communication to the outside of the device; a mouthpiece element (2) through which the subject can breathe air in from and out into the device; and means for providing resistance (4) to airflow positioned between the opening and the mouthpiece element, said means being arranged to controllably vary the resistance to airflow during inspiration or expiration. Also provided are methods for the use of such a device.

Claims

1. A device comprising a unit through which a subject can breathe, the unit comprising an opening to allow airflow communication to the outside of the device, a mouthpiece element through which the subject can breathe air in from and out into the device and a diaphragm having a variable diameter orifice positioned between the opening and mouthpiece element, the diameter of the orifice being controllable to provide variable resistance during inspiration or expiration.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the unit comprises a tubular passageway within which the diaphragm is positioned.

4. A device according to claim 1 wherein the diaphragm comprises a variable diameter iris.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the mouthpiece element is adapted for insertion into the mouth of a subject and is in fluid communication with the unit.

6. A device according to claim 1 wherein the unit further comprises an air filter.

7. A device according to claim 1 wherein the unit is provided with a pressure sensing device.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the pressure sensing device is connected to the unit between the mouthpiece element and the means for providing resistance to airflow.

9. A device according to claim 7 wherein the pressure sensing device is connected to the unit proximal to the opening.

10. A device according to claim 1 wherein the unit is provided with a connector adapted to engage the outlet of a nebuliser so as to provide a fluid connection between the outlet of the nebuliser and the mouthpiece element of the unit.

11. A device according to claim 1 wherein the unit further comprises a data processor which can perform one or more of the functions of acquisition, display and recordation of data as the subject breathes in or out.

12. A device according to claim 11 wherein the data processor is adapted to acquire data on one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of airflow, air pressure, duration of inspiration and duration of expiration.

13. A method for targeting deposition of an inhaled drug in the respiratory tract of a subject which utilizes a device according to claim 1.

14. A method for respiratory muscle training which utilizes a device according to claim 1.

15. A method for clearing the airway of a subject which utilizes a device according to claim 1.

3. (canceled)

16-19. -19. (canceled)