Patent US5497944A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5497944A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Atomising devices and methods
Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
•
Filing: 1991-03-21
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Granted: 1996-03-12
•
Expires: 2011-03-21
Abstract
Abstract A metered dose inhaler for dispensing a fluid medicament as droplets of small mean particle size without the use of pressurized gas or liquefied propellants. A liquid drug is contained in a fluid reservoir, and metered quantities of the drug are successively presented into a reduced cross-section pressure chamber, with non-return valves controlling the flow of liquid through the device. The metered quantity of the drug is then subjected to a sudden and great increase in pressure by releasing a piston into the pressure chamber. The liquid drug is thereby ejected through an atomizing head, to reduce it to a fine atomized spray of small mean particle size, preferably less than approximately 12 micrometers.
Inventors
- 👤 Terence E. Weston
- 👤 Stephen T. Dunne
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 01:01
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M11/00; A61M11/001; A61M15/00; A61M15/0065; B; B05; B05B; B05B1/00; B05B1/26; B05B1/262; B05B1/265; B05B11/00; B05B11/0005; B05B11/0037; B05B11/0039; B05B11/0041; B05B11/01; B05B11/02; B05B11/026; B05B11/10; B05B11/1001; B05B11/1042; B05B11/1073; B05B11/1074; B05B11/109; B05B11/1091; B05B15/00; B05B15/40; B05B9/00; B05B9/03; B05B9/04; B05B9/08; B05B9/085; B05B9/0877; B05B9/0883; G; G01; G01F; G01F11/00; G01F11/02; G01F11/021; G01F11/025; B05B1/34; B05B1/3405; B05B1/341; B05B1/3421; B05B1/3431; B05B1/3436
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 87
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for dispensing a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity of fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least 50 bar to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomising means for atomising said fluid discharged from said chamber, said atomising means comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less, whereby said fluid is atomized into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for dispensing a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity of fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least 50 bar to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomising means for atomising said fluid discharged from said chamber, said atomising means comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less, whereby said fluid is atomized into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device according to claim 1, further comprising: a conduit connecting said chamber and said atomising means; and a valve mechanism for regulating the flow of fluid between said chamber and said atomising means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said hydraulic diameter is of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 2, wherein said valve mechanism comprises a pressure release valve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 1, further comprising: latching means to retain said energy storage means in a state retaining said predetermined amount of energy; and actuation means for releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said first pressure is substantially ambient pressure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said outlet aperture has a hydraulic diameter of up to 50 micrometers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said second pressure is in the range of approximately 100 bar to approximately 350 bar.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 8, wherein said hydraulic diameter is in the range of 1 to 12 micrometers.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said hydraulic diameter is in the range of 2 to 6 micrometers.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said energy storage means comprises a piston adapted to act directly on said chamber to pressurize said metered quantity of fluid.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said piston comprises a hollow channel in fluid communication with said chamber.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 12, further comprising: a nor-return inlet valve for said chamber disposed within said channel.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 12, further comprising: a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said channel, wherein said piston extends from said fluid reservoir.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said hydraulic diameter is of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 15, wherein said hydraulic diameter is of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size in the range of 2 to 6 micrometers.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said energy storage means comprises a pump having a piston and a spring, said chamber defined by a cylinder space in said pump beyond said piston.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device according to claim 17, wherein said pump is provided with a latching mechanism whereby said pump can be held in a cocked state prior to release of the energy from said spring.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device according to claim 1, further comprising: a non return inlet valve in fluid communication with said chamber; and a non-return outlet valve in fluid communication with said chamber to permit repeated charge of fluid into said chamber and discharge of fluid from said chamber.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 1, further comprising: a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said chamber from which said chamber can be charged with fluid.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device according to claim 20, wherein said fluid reservoir is removable.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
11 words
A device according to claim 20, wherein said reservoir is collapsible.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said second pressure is in the range of approximately 300 bar to approximately 500 bar.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
176 words
A device for dispensing a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity of fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of 50 bar or more to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomising means for atomising said fluid from said chamber comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less and configured so that said fluid forms a jet of fluid, and an impingement body located in the line of trajectory of said jet, said impingement body adapted to cause break up of said jet into a spray of droplets, said droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
176 words
A device for dispensing a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity of fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of 50 bar or more to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomising means for atomising said fluid from said chamber comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less and configured so that said fluid forms a jet of fluid, and an impingement body located in the line of trajectory of said jet, said impingement body adapted to cause break up of said jet into a spray of droplets, said droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 24, wherein said second pressure is in the range of approximately 100 bar to approximately 350 bar and wherein said hydraulic diameter is in the range of 1 to 12 micrometers.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 25, wherein said hydraulic diameter is in the range of 2 to 6 micrometers.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
174 words
A device for dispensing a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity of fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of 50 bar or more to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomising means for atomising said fluid from said chamber comprising a plurality of outlet apertures, each of said plurality of outlet apertures having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less and configured so that said fluid forms a plurality of jets of fluid, said plurality of jets of fluid impinging upon one another to form a spray of droplets, said droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
174 words
A device for dispensing a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity of fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of 50 bar or more to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomising means for atomising said fluid from said chamber comprising a plurality of outlet apertures, each of said plurality of outlet apertures having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less and configured so that said fluid forms a plurality of jets of fluid, said plurality of jets of fluid impinging upon one another to form a spray of droplets, said droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
43 words
A device according to claim 27, wherein said second pressure is in the range of approximately 100 bar to approximately 350 bar and wherein each of said plurality of outlet apertures has a hydraulic diameter in the range of 1 to 12 micrometers.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 28, wherein each of said plurality of outlet apertures has a hydraulic diameter in the range of 2 to 6 micrometers.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for dispensing a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of fine droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomizing means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity of fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least about 100 bar to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomizing means for atomizing said fluid discharged from said chamber, said atomizing means comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter suitable for formation of atomized droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
145 words
A device for dispensing a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of fine droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomizing means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity of fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least about 100 bar to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomizing means for atomizing said fluid discharged from said chamber, said atomizing means comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter suitable for formation of atomized droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device according to claim 30, wherein said hydraulic diameter is suitable for formation of atomized droplets having a mean size in the range of 2 to 6 micrometers.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
162 words
A device for discharging a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means; means for applying a predetermined amount of energy to said energy storage means; means for releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means to said chamber so as to subject said fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure to a second pressure and to initiate discharge of said fluid from said chamber; and atomising means for receiving said metered quantity of pressurized fluid from said chamber as a single discharge from said chamber, and for atomising said metered quantity of fluid, said atomising means comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less whereby said fluid is atomized into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
162 words
A device for discharging a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means; means for applying a predetermined amount of energy to said energy storage means; means for releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means to said chamber so as to subject said fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure to a second pressure and to initiate discharge of said fluid from said chamber; and atomising means for receiving said metered quantity of pressurized fluid from said chamber as a single discharge from said chamber, and for atomising said metered quantity of fluid, said atomising means comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less whereby said fluid is atomized into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 32, wherein said second pressure is 50 bar or greater.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 33, wherein said hydraulic diameter is of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 34, wherein said hydraulic diameter of said outlet aperture is 50 micrometers or less.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 34, wherein said hydraulic diameter is of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size in the range of 2 to 6 micrometers.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 31, wherein said second pressure is 100 bar or greater.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 37, wherein said hydraulic diameter is of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 32, wherein said hydraulic diameter is of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according 16 claim 39, wherein said hydraulic diameter is of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size in the range of 2 to 6 micrometers.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device according to claim 32, further comprising: a conduit connecting said chamber and said atomising means; and a valve mechanism for regulating the flow of fluid between said chamber and said atomising means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 41, wherein said valve mechanism comprises a pressure release valve.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device according to claim 32, further comprising: a non return inlet valve in fluid communication with said chamber; and a non-return outlet valve in fluid communication with said chamber to permit repeated charge of fluid into said chamber and discharge of fluid from said chamber.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 24, further comprising: a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said chamber from which said chamber car be charged with fluid.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device according to claim 44, wherein said fluid reservoir is removable.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
11 words
A device according to claim 44, wherein said reservoir is collapsible.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
155 words
A method of discharging a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising the steps of: providing said metered quantity of fluid in a chamber at which said fluid is held at a first pressure; applying a predetermined amount of energy to an energy storage means; releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means to said chamber so as to subject said fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure to a second pressure and to initiate discharge of said fluid from said chamber; and discharging said metered quantity of pressurized fluid from said chamber as a single discharge from said chamber through an outlet aperture in the atomising means, said outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less, thereby atomising said fluid into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
155 words
A method of discharging a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising the steps of: providing said metered quantity of fluid in a chamber at which said fluid is held at a first pressure; applying a predetermined amount of energy to an energy storage means; releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means to said chamber so as to subject said fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure to a second pressure and to initiate discharge of said fluid from said chamber; and discharging said metered quantity of pressurized fluid from said chamber as a single discharge from said chamber through an outlet aperture in the atomising means, said outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less, thereby atomising said fluid into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 47, wherein said second pressure is from 50 to 500 bar and wherein said discharging step produces droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 45, wherein said energy storage means comprises a pump having a piston and a spring, said chamber defined by a cylinder space in said pump beyond said piston.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 49, wherein said pump is provided with a latching mechanism whereby said pump can be held in a cocked state prior to release of the energy from said spring.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 47, wherein said droplets have a mean size in the range of 1 to 12 micrometers.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 51, wherein said droplets have a mean size in the range of 2 to 6 micrometers.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of discharging a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising the steps of: providing said metered quantity of fluid in a chamber at which said fluid is held at a first pressure; applying a predetermined amount of energy to an energy storage means; releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means to said chamber so as to subject said fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least 50 bar; and discharging said fluid from said chamber through an outlet aperture in the atomising means, said outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less, thereby atomising said fluid into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of discharging a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising the steps of: providing said metered quantity of fluid in a chamber at which said fluid is held at a first pressure; applying a predetermined amount of energy to an energy storage means; releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means to said chamber so as to subject said fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least 50 bar; and discharging said fluid from said chamber through an outlet aperture in the atomising means, said outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less, thereby atomising said fluid into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 53, wherein said droplets have a mean size in the range of 1 to 12 micrometers.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
157 words
A metered dose inhaler for supplying fluid medicament to the lungs, comprising: a chamber for containing a metered quantity of fluid medicament at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least 50 bar to permit discharge of said metered quantity from said chamber at said second pressure, said energy storage means comprising a piston adapted to act directly on said chamber to pressurize said metered quantity, a spring, and a latching mechanism whereby said energy storage means can be held in a cocked state prior to release of the energy from said spring; and atomising means for atomising said metered quantity discharged from said chamber, said atomising means comprising a first outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
157 words
A metered dose inhaler for supplying fluid medicament to the lungs, comprising: a chamber for containing a metered quantity of fluid medicament at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least 50 bar to permit discharge of said metered quantity from said chamber at said second pressure, said energy storage means comprising a piston adapted to act directly on said chamber to pressurize said metered quantity, a spring, and a latching mechanism whereby said energy storage means can be held in a cocked state prior to release of the energy from said spring; and atomising means for atomising said metered quantity discharged from said chamber, said atomising means comprising a first outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
53 words
A metered dose inhaler according to claim 55, further comprising: a non-return inlet valve, wherein said piston comprises a hollow channel in fluid communication with said chamber, said non-return inlet valve disposed within said channel; and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said channel, wherein said piston extends from said fluid reservoir.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
38 words
A metered dose inhaler according to claim 56, wherein said latching mechanism is released to initiate discharge of said metered quantity from said chamber at said second pressure, wherein said second pressure is in excess of 100 bar.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
65 words
A metered dose inhaler according to claim 56, wherein said atomising means further comprises: a second outlet aperture, wherein a first jet of said metered quantity is discharged through said first outlet aperture and a second jet of said metered quantity is discharged through said second outlet aperture, said first jet and said second jet impinging upon one another to form a spray of droplets.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
17 words
A-metered dose inhaler according to claim 56, wherein said second pressure is in excess of 100 bar.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
28 words
A metered dose inhaler according to claim 55, wherein said latching mechanism is released to initiate discharge of said metered quantity from said chamber at said second pressure.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
A metered dose inhaler according to claim 60, wherein the second pressure is in excess of 100 bar.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
65 words
A metered dose inhaler according to claim 60, wherein said atomising means further comprises: a second outlet aperture, wherein a first jet of said metered quantity is discharged through said first outlet, aperture and a second jet of said metered quantity is discharged through said second outlet aperture, said first jet and said second jet impinging upon one another to form a spray of droplets.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
18 words
A metered dose inhaler according to claim 55, wherein said second pressure is in excess of 100 bar.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
65 words
A metered dose inhaler according to claim 55, wherein said atomising means further comprises: a second outlet aperture, wherein a first jet of said metered quantity is discharged through said first outlet aperture and a second jet of said metered quantity is discharged through said second outlet aperture, said first jet and said second jet impinging upon one another to form a spray of droplets.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
144 words
A device for dispensing a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity of fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least 50 bar to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomising means for atomising said fluid discharged from said chamber, said atomising means comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
144 words
A device for dispensing a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means for retaining and applying a predetermined amount of energy to said chamber so as to subject said metered quantity of fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least 50 bar to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomising means for atomising said fluid discharged from said chamber, said atomising means comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device according to claim 65, further comprising: a conduit connecting said chamber and said atomising means; and a valve mechanism for regulating the flow of fluid between said chamber and said atomising means.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device according to claim 65, further comprising: latching means to retain said energy storage means in a state retaining said predetermined amount of energy; and actuation means for releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 65, wherein said first pressure is substantially ambient pressure.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 65, wherein said second pressure is in the range of approximately 100 bar to approximately 350 bar.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 65, wherein said energy storage means comprises a piston adapted to act directly on said chamber to pressurize said metered quantity of fluid.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 70, wherein said piston comprises a hollow channel in fluid communication with said chamber.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 71, further comprising: a non-return inlet valve for said chamber disposed within said channel.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device according to claim 71, further comprising: a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with said channel, wherein said piston extends from said fluid reservoir.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 65, wherein said second pressure is in the range of approximately 300 bar to approximately 500 bar.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of discharging a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising the steps of: providing said metered quantity of fluid in a chamber at which said fluid is held at a first pressure; applying a predetermined amount of energy to an energy storage means; releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means to said chamber so as to subject said fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least 50 bar; and discharging said fluid from said chamber through an outlet aperture in the atomising means, said outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers, thereby atomising said fluid into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of discharging a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising the steps of: providing said metered quantity of fluid in a chamber at which said fluid is held at a first pressure; applying a predetermined amount of energy to an energy storage means; releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means to said chamber so as to subject said fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure from said first pressure to a second pressure of at least 50 bar; and discharging said fluid from said chamber through an outlet aperture in the atomising means, said outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of suitable size for formation of droplets having a mean size of less than 10 micrometers, thereby atomising said fluid into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
161 words
A device for discharging a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means; means for applying a predetermined amount of energy to said energy storage means; means for releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means to said chamber so as to subject said fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure to a second pressure to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomising means for receiving said metered quantity of pressurized fluid from said chamber, and for atomising said metered quantity of fluid, said atomising means comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less whereby said fluid is atomized into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
161 words
A device for discharging a metered quantity of fluid as a spray of droplets by discharging the metered quantity of fluid under pressure through an atomising means, comprising: a chamber for containing said metered quantity of fluid at a first pressure; an energy storage means; means for applying a predetermined amount of energy to said energy storage means; means for releasing said predetermined amount of energy from said energy storage means to said chamber so as to subject said fluid to a predetermined increase in pressure to a second pressure to permit discharge of said metered quantity of fluid from said chamber at said second pressure; and atomising means for receiving said metered quantity of pressurized fluid from said chamber, and for atomising said metered quantity of fluid, said atomising means comprising an outlet aperture having a hydraulic diameter of 100 micrometers or less whereby said fluid is atomized into droplets having a mean size suitable for inhalation into the lungs.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-03-12 | 1999-09-11 | 2000-03-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-03-12 | 2003-09-11 | 2004-03-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-03-12 | 2007-09-11 | 2008-03-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |