METHOD OF USING A TEMPERATURE-BASED AEROSOL DETECTOR
First Claim
1. A method of detecting the presence of aerosol in a pathway, the method comprising:
- sensing a temperature of the fluid pathway; and
determining from the sensed temperature whether aerosol is present in the pathway.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An aerosol delivery system (e.g., MDI or nebulizer for delivering aerosolized medication to a patient) includes a temperature sensor in an aerosol output pathway of the system. A controller determines that an aerosol generator of the system has released aerosol when the sensor senses a predetermined temperature change in the pathway. The temperature sensor may also comprise a thermal flow sensor that includes a heater and upstream and downstream temperature sensors. The controller compares the upstream and downstream temperatures to determine the presence, direction, and/or magnitude of fluid flow in the pathway. The controller may use the aerosol detection and/or flow detection to monitor compliance with desired use of the system and/or provide real-time instructions to a user for proper use of the system. The controller may record the aerosolization and flow data for later analysis.
40 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of detecting the presence of aerosol in a pathway, the method comprising:
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sensing a temperature of the fluid pathway; and determining from the sensed temperature whether aerosol is present in the pathway. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification