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Method and apparatus for releasing a controlled amount of aerosol medication over a selectable time interval

  • US 5,392,768 A
  • Filed: 01/29/1993
  • Issued: 02/28/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/05/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for providing a timed release of an amount of aerosol medication comprising:

  • a flow sensor for detecting inspiratory flow;

    a canister of medication having a body and a valve stem, the valve stem being spring biased closed and depressible relative to the canister body to open and release a dose of aerosol medication;

    a housing having a valve stem receptacle for receiving the valve stem and a nozzle for releasing an aerosol into an inhalation flow path, the valve stem receptacle having an inner dimension terminating in the nozzle;

    a drive element for depressing the canister body relative to the valve stem receptacle, thereby to release a dose of aerosol medication;

    a release actuator for moving the drive element to depress the canister body relative to the valve stem receptacle and maintain the body depressed for a selected period of time so that a controlled dose of medication is released through the valve stem receptacle inner dimension and out the nozzle;

    a first compression spring fixed at one end and secured to the drive element and movable from a loaded condition to a released condition for moving the drive element to depress the canister body;

    a second spring fixed at one end and secured to the drive element and moveable from a loaded condition to a released condition for allowing the drive element to release the canister body from a depressed condition;

    a trigger pin having a first position for maintaining the first and second springs in the loaded condition, a second position for allowing the first spring to release and maintaining the second spring in a loaded condition, and a third position for allowing the second spring to release;

    a motor for allowing the pin to move from the first to the second to the third positions; and

    means for operating the motor so that the trigger pin is maintained in the second position for the selected period of time.

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