Inhalation method and apparatus

• US 7,748,382 B2
• Filed: 11/20/2003
• Issued: 07/06/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Respironics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Respironics Incorporated
• Inventors: Prince, Ivan R., Denyer, Jonathan S. H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Douglas; Steven O
• Assistant Examiner(s): STUART, COLIN W
• Application Number:
  US10/535,597
• Publication Number:
  US 20060243277A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,420 Days
• Field of Search: 128/204.21, 128/200.24, 128/202.22, 128/203.13, 128/203.14, 128/204.18, 128/204.23, 128/204.26, 600/529, 600/538, 604/23, 604/26, 604/890.1, 604 65- 67, 434/238, 434/236, 434/262
• US Class Current: 128/204.21
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/002 with air flow regulating means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0085 using ultrasonics spraying or atomising liquids using ultrasonic vibrations in general B05B17/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0021 with a proportional output signal, e.g. from a thermistor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3375 Acoustical, e.g. ultrasonic, measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3386 Low level detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/581 by audible feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/582 by tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/583 by visual feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/587 Lighting arrangements

Abstract

Signals may be generated in a drug delivering apparatus through which a person inhales to generate a inhaled airstream to signal to the person to cease inhalation after a pre-set period of time has elapsed from detection of the commencement breathing by that person. The pre-set period of time for subsequent inhalations is adjusted depending on the time the person takes to stop inhaling after being signalled.

Claims

1. A method of generating signals in a drug delivering apparatus through which a person inhales to generate an inhaled airstream, comprising the steps of:

detecting the commencement of inhalation via a sensor;

signalling to the person to cease inhalation after a pre-set period of time has elapsed from the detection of the commencement of breathing;

detecting, via the sensor, a time the person takes to stop inhaling after being signalled; and

adjusting the pre-set period of time for subsequent inhalations depending on the time the person takes to stop inhaling after being signalled.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the pre-set period of time is increased if the time taken to stop inhaling exceeds a first threshold time.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the pre-set period of time is decreased if the time taken to stop inhaling is less than a threshold time.

4. A method according to claim 2, wherein the pre-set period of time is decreased if the time taken to stop inhaling is less than a second threshold time and wherein the first threshold time is greater than or equal to the second threshold time.

5. A method according to claim 2, wherein the first threshold time is about 0.5 seconds.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the first threshold time is in the range of 0.25 to 0.75 seconds.

7. A method according to claim 5, wherein the first threshold time is in the range of 0.35 to 0.65 seconds.

8. A method according to claim 5, wherein the first threshold time is in the range of 0.45 to 0.55 seconds.

9. A method according to claim 3, wherein the second threshold time is about 0.3 seconds.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the second threshold time is in the range of −

0.2 to 0.5 seconds.

11. A method according to claim 9, wherein the second threshold time is in the range of 0 to 0.4 seconds.

12. A method according to claim 9, wherein the second threshold time is in the range of 0.25 to 0.35 seconds.

13. A method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises calculating the period of inhalation and the period between inhalations.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises the step of calculating an I:

E ratio, and if it is greater than a third threshold, increasing the pre-set period of time.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the third threshold is about one.

16. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of calculating the I:

E ratio, and if it is less than a fourth threshold, decreasing the pre-set period of time.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the fourth threshold is about one third.

18. A method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of delivering an aerosolized substance into at least a part of the inhaled airstream.

19. A method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of ceasing aerosol delivery before signaling to the person to cease inhalation.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein aerosol delivery is ceased at least two seconds before signalling to the person.

27. A method according to claim 19, wherein aerosol delivery is ceased at least one second before signalling to the person.

21. A drug delivery apparatus arranged to deliver aerosolized drug into an inhaled airstream of a person comprising:

an airflow sensor for detecting the inhaled airstream;

a signalling device arranged to give signals to the person; and

a controller arranged to control the operation of the signalling device on the basis of the inhaled airstream detected by the flow sensor, wherein the controller is configured to;

cause the signalling device to signal to the person to cease inhalation after a pre-set period of time following the detection of inhalation;

detect, via the airflow sensor, a time the person takes to stop inhaling after being signaled; and

adjust the pre-set period of time for subsequent inhalations depending on the detected time the person takes to stop inhaling after being signalled.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising an airflow regulator for restricting the speed of the inhaled airstream through the apparatus.

23. An apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising an aerosol generator for aerosolizing the drug into the inhaled airstream.

24. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the signalling device is any one or more of:

an audio device, a visual device and a vibrator device.

25. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the controller includes a calculator arranged to calculate the pre-set period of time.

26. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the controller is formed by a microprocessor.