CN105126214B - The visual detector of aerosol medication delivery apparatus and system - Google Patents

Abstract

This application involves the visual detectors of aerosol medication delivery apparatus and system.Wherein, a kind of flow indicating system, including：Pipeline（102）, there is certain substance in the inside, wherein the pipeline constitutes the dynamic predominating path of material stream；Observation panel（154）, it is connected to the pipeline, which can basically prevent non-ambient atmospheric gas and substance effusion and by observation panel it can be seen that inner space；And flow indicator（138）, it is arranged in the pipeline, can be watched by observation panel, and is arranged to the flowing for having substantially no effect on substance along path.

Description

The visual detector of aerosol medication delivery apparatus and system

It is on May 16th, 2003, entitled " aerosol medicine that the application, which is application No. is the 03816887.1, applying date, The division Shen again of the divisional application 201210570272.6 of the application for a patent for invention of the visual detector of object conveying device and system " Please.

This application claims the priority for enjoying the U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/382,227 that on May 21st, 2002 submits, It is hereby incorporated by reference entire contents.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the visual detector of a kind of aerosol medication delivery apparatus and system, the aerosol drug conveying Device and system are used for managing the dosage of the medicament in aerosol form for patient.

Background technology

The aerosol medication delivery apparatus and system of the medicament in aerosol form of management sucking patient lungs are (hereinafter referred to as Make " aerosol delivery systems ") it is known in the art.Term " substance " as used herein includes but not limited to appoint What substance with therapeutic effect comprising but it is not limited to any drug.Term " patient " includes humans and animals；And term " aerosol delivery systems " include the auxiliary equipment of pressurized metered-dose inhalator (pMDI), pMDI, such as keep chamber including chamber Device, sprayer and the Diskus for pMDI basins of chamber enclosure and integral actuator.This kind of aerosol delivery system The example of system in United States Patent (USP) Nos.4,627,432,5,582,162,5,740,793,5,816,240,6,026,807,6, 039,042,6,116,239,6,293,279,6,345,617 and 6,435,177 disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference entire contents. Traditional pMDI generally includes two parts：1) canister component, wherein the medicine of the suspension or solution form under storing pressure Object particle and volatilizer；2) container part, for keeping and activating basin and carry mouthpiece portion.Canister component generally includes band The outlet of valve, the content in basin can be discharged from outlet.Substance in pMDI distributes in this way：Apply force to basin portion Divide and push it into container part, so that drug microparticles is transported to container part with valvular outlet to open, then from container Partial outlet discharge.When being discharged from basin, corpuscle forms aerosol by " atomization ".

For pMDI keeps chamber, chamber is kept to generally include the chamber shell with front-end and back-end.PMDI holds The mouthpiece portion of device is received in the elastomeric backpiece of chamber shell rear end.United States Patent (USP) No. 5,848,588 is disclosed One example of this back-end component, is hereby incorporated by reference entire contents.The front end of chamber shell includes inlet valve or inhibition Baffle, or including the two and interface such as adapter, ozzle and/or mask.Before interface may be coupled to chamber shell Hold or be integrally molded into the front end of chamber shell.Certain holding chambers include the unitary container of pMDI basins, thus can save Receive and keep the back-end component of pMDI mouthpiece portions or other equivalent structures.

Many aerosol delivery systems presently, there are a problem be when patient sucks lack visual cue come Remind care-giver.For example, for keep the pMDI that is used together of chamber, it is important that care-giver can know that patient whether with It is enough to open inhaling valve atomization medicine is enable to leave and the rate of chamber is kept to be sucked.Know patient when in sucking It is particularly significant, to coordinate the starting and sucking of pMDI.

The present invention propose by solved the above problems using a kind of visual detector in aerosol delivery systems and incite somebody to action The other problems being described below.This visual detector is particularly useful for the patient without determining breathing pattern.These In general patient, such as baby and child have very low tidal air.

Think that certain existing holding chambers can observe the movement of inhaling valve through chamber to determine breathing in the market Pattern.There was only smaller amount of movement in valve and when tidal volume (TV) is very low, this is difficult to.If it is heavy to be accumulated in chamber sidewall Long-pending drug then more interferes observation.Some examples of this kind of device are discussed below.First, United States Patent (USP) 5,385,140 is public A kind of holding chamber with cross-section valve is opened, four flaps in valve rise in air-breathing.When tidal volume (TV) is relatively low, Flap will promote the amount of very little, but this is likely difficult to see, because there are many directions that supporting rib is placed exactly in sight.The U.S. is special Sharp No. 6,039,042 discloses another device, wherein observing valve using transparent adapter to determine breathing pattern. However, generating the valve suction part of movement just in drug pathway and (big compared with there was only slight movement under low discharge About 20 °).Please note that the full content for being hereby incorporated by reference United States Patent (USP) No.5,385,140 and 6,039,042.

For some other devices in the market, it can be seen that the exhalation part of breathing, but think this not as good as seeing sucting Divide so important.United States Patent (USP) No.6,293,279 disclose such a device, are hereby incorporated by reference entire contents.It is this Device includes a mask, and expiration valve therein generates movement when exhaling, but this movement is not when tidal volume (TV) is relatively low Obviously.

When interface includes mask, it is possible to produce another problem be sealing between patient facial region and mask compared with Difference.This poor sealing may be adversely affected for atomization medicine is conveyed to patient.Use above-mentioned visual detector Help that care-giver is reminded to examine the sealing between patient facial region and mask whether poor, if it does, trouble can be readjusted Mask on person's face is to improve leakproofness.

Invention content

One aspect of the present invention is related to a kind of transport system, and this transport system includes：Chamber, in the cavity shape At inner space have certain substance；It is open, which is simultaneously introduced path downstream by the substance for receiving the inner space, The substance is mainly flowed along the path downstream；Interface receives the substance from the opening, which has observation panel, can Basically prevent non-ambient atmospheric gas and substance effusion, and it can be seen that interface inside；And flow indicator, it is arranged in institute It states interface and is watched with will pass through observation panel, and be arranged to have substantially no effect on flowing of the substance along the path.

The second aspect of the present invention is the method for sucking or exhalation when being related to a kind of determining patient using transport system, this Kind method includes the following steps：Distribution makes the substance after the distribution will be main positioned at the substance of transport system internal volume Path flowing in the transport system；Observation is positioned at the position of the flow indicator of transport system, flow indicator setting At having substantially no effect on flowing of the substance along the path；It is determined with according to the position of flow indicator observed Whether the user of transport system is just sucking from transport system.

The third aspect of the present invention is related to a kind of flow indicating system, including：Pipeline carries certain substance, wherein described Pipeline constitutes the dynamic predominating path of material stream；Observation panel is connected to the pipeline, and it is big which can basically prevent non-ambient Gas gas and substance escape and by observation panel it can be seen that inner space；And flow indicator, be arranged in the pipeline so as to It is watched by observation panel, and is arranged to have substantially no effect on flowing of the substance along the path.

Each aspect of the present invention is provided the advantage that, patient or third party care-giver can be helped to determine patient using gas Whether sucked when mist agent transport system, patient or third party care-giver is made to notice the possible cause for influencing sucking, such as Inappropriate sealing between patient facial region and aerosol delivery systems interface such as mask.

The advantages of each aspect of the present invention is provided make user or care-giver be able to observe that sucking when start with Just it is correctly administered.

By the way that the other feature of the present invention and excellent below with reference to the accompanying drawings to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, will be made Point becomes more fully apparent.

Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of aerosol delivery systems according to the ... of the embodiment of the present invention；

Fig. 2 is that the part of aerosol delivery systems in Fig. 1 is the perspective view that dotted line is drawn；

Fig. 3 is the side cross-sectional, view of aerosol delivery systems in Fig. 1；

Fig. 4 is the decomposition perspective view of aerosol delivery systems in Fig. 1；

Fig. 5 is the front perspective view according to the ... of the embodiment of the present invention for the adapter of aerosol delivery systems in Fig. 1；

Fig. 6 is the rear perspective view of adapter in Fig. 5；

Fig. 7 is the front view of adapter in Fig. 5；

Fig. 8 is the rearview of adapter in Fig. 5；

Fig. 9 is the sectional view of adapter 9-9 sections along Fig. 7 in Fig. 5；

Figure 10 is the sectional view of adapter 10-10 sections along Fig. 7 in Fig. 5；

Figure 11 is the sectional view of adapter 11-11 sections along Fig. 8 in Fig. 5；

Figure 12 is the front perspective view of the adapter of aerosol delivery systems in Fig. 1 according to second embodiment of the invention；

Figure 13 is the rear perspective view of adapter in Figure 12；

Figure 14 is the front view of adapter in Figure 12；

Figure 15 is the side view of adapter in Figure 12；

Figure 16 is the front perspective view of the valve of aerosol delivery apparatus in Fig. 1 according to the ... of the embodiment of the present invention；

Figure 17 is the rear perspective view of valve in Figure 16；

Figure 18 is the front view of valve in Figure 16；

Figure 19 is the rearview of valve in Figure 16；

Figure 20 is the sectional view of valve 20-20 sections along Figure 18 in Figure 16；

Figure 21 is the sectional view of valve 21-21 sections along Figure 20 in Figure 16；

Figure 22 is the front perspective view of the valve of aerosol delivery apparatus in Fig. 1 according to second embodiment of the invention；

Figure 23 is the rear perspective view of valve in Figure 22；

Figure 24 is the front view of valve in Figure 22；

Figure 25 is the perspective view of the retaining discs of aerosol delivery systems in Fig. 1 according to the ... of the embodiment of the present invention；

Figure 26 is the side view of retaining discs in Figure 25；

Figure 27 is the side cutaway view of aerosol delivery systems according to the ... of the embodiment of the present invention 27-27 sections along Figure 28；

Figure 28 is the front view of aerosol delivery systems in Figure 27；

Figure 29 is the amplifier section of aerosol delivery systems encircled in Figure 27；

Figure 30 is the partially transparent side view of aerosol delivery systems in Fig. 1, shows exhalation path and sucking path；

Figure 31 is the partially transparent side view of a part for aerosol delivery systems in Fig. 1, is shown in rest position The flow indicator set；

Figure 32 is the longitudinal sectional view of aerosol drug transport system in Fig. 1, shows that the flow in resting position refers to Show device；

Figure 33 is the partially transparent side view of an aerosol delivery systems part in Fig. 1, is shown in sucking position Flow indicator；

Figure 34 is the longitudinal sectional view of aerosol delivery systems in Fig. 1, shows the flow indicator in sucking position；

Figure 35 shows the decomposition perspective view of aerosol delivery systems according to a second embodiment of the present invention；

Figure 36 shows the decomposition perspective view of aerosol delivery systems according to a third embodiment of the present invention；

Figure 37 shows the perspective view of aerosol delivery systems according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention；

Figure 38 shows the decomposition perspective view of dry powder inhaler delivery system according to the ... of the embodiment of the present invention；

Figure 39 shows the perspective view of the dry powder inhaler delivery system of Figure 38；

Figure 40 shows the perspective view of nebulizer delivery system according to the ... of the embodiment of the present invention；

Figure 41 shows the holding chamber and adaptation according to the ... of the embodiment of the present invention for nebulizer delivery system in Figure 40 The decomposition perspective view of device；

Figure 42 shows the perspective view that chamber and adapter are kept in Figure 41；

Figure 43 shows the rearview of another available embodiment of adapter；With

Figure 44 shows the retaining discs for being detachably connected to adapter shown in Figure 43.

Specific implementation mode

Fig. 1 shows the embodiment of aerosol delivery systems 100 to Figure 11, Figure 16 to Figure 21 and Figure 25 to Figure 29.System 100 include keeping chamber or pipeline 102, interface 104, retaining discs 116, inlet valve 132 and substance source as being mounted on holding chamber The pMDI basins 106 of 102 rear end of room.

As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 4 and shown in Figure 27 to Figure 34, keep chamber 102 including being generally columnar chamber shell 108, constitute the inner space that can accommodate the atomization medicine from pMDI 106.The front end of chamber shell 108 includes dome-shaped Tip end piece 110, there is the central circular opening 112 being in fluid communication with the inner space of chamber shell 108.Be open 112 shapes At all edges for the flow path for leaving chamber.Tip end piece 110 further includes several joint fasteners 113, and function will now be described. The rear end of chamber shell 108 is connected to dismountable flexible back-end component 114, and back-end component 114 includes opening (not shown), can Receive the mouthpiece portion of the pMDI containers equipped with pMDI basins.Back-end component 114 preferably substantially with United States Patent (USP) No.5,848, Back-end component disclosed in 588 is identical.United States Patent (USP) No. 5,012,803,5,012,804,5,848,588 and 6,293,279 Entire contents can be hereby incorporated by reference with the example for the pMDI adapters and basin for keeping chamber 102 to be used together by describing.

When power is applied to the shank of pMDI basins, a part of substance is in aerosol from the outlet side of pMDI containers It is discharged in chamber shell 108.Aerosol medication particles in chamber shell 108 are situated between by interface 104 with following by patient The mode to continue sucks.

There is certain substance inside pMDI basins, the drug suspension or solution being preferably under pressure state.In this reality It applies in example, the substance is Hexafluoro acetone (HFA) drug suspension or pharmaceutical solutions as volatilizer.It can also use other Volatilizer such as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC).Although it should be noted that the embodiment is related to the aerosol for conveying atomization medicine from pMDI Agent transport system, but other aerosol delivery systems can also be used within the spirit of the present invention.For example, it should be appreciated that It can use and for example existing ventilating system of aerosol delivery systems is added in visual detector similar to method described below, is done Powder inhalator and sprayer.It is suitble to the sprayer example of visual detector in United States Patent (USP) No.5,823,179 and 6,044,841 It is open, it is hereby incorporated by reference entire contents.

The present invention is not limited to the treatments to afflicted human.For example, it should be appreciated that visual detector setting is existed To in the mask of animal dispenser, animal includes but not limited to horse, cat, dog etc..United States Patent (USP) 5,954,049 discloses one kind and is used for The example of the mask of horse, is hereby incorporated by reference entire contents.In view of this kind of aerosol delivery systems, can increase using root The medicament categories that can be distributed according to the aerosol delivery systems of visual detector of the present invention.

As shown in figure 4, retaining discs 116 are arranged in 112 front of opening of 108 front end of chamber shell.Retaining discs 116 can To be integrally connected to chamber shell 108 or chamber shell 108 can be releasably attached to as shown in Figure 4.Such as Fig. 4 and Shown in Figure 25 to Figure 26, retaining discs 116 are with the annular ring 118 for surrounding opening 120.Four linear appendages 122 are from annular Circle 118 extends internally and is fixed to dome portion 124.Annular ring 118, attachment 122 and the composition of dome portion 124 include four and open The suction opening region 126 of mouth 126A-126D.The 126A-D that is open is arc.Inside radius of these openings are about 10mm, outer Radius is about 18mm.The arc length being each open is 4mm.Size, shape and the number of opening can be according to used drugs And/or volatilizer and change.Retaining discs 116 most handy rigid material such as metal or plastics are made, and used plastics are best It is propylene or makrolon.As shown in Fig. 4,25 and 26, retaining discs 116 include semicircular baffle 117, and effect will be under It explains in face.The other examples of retaining discs are hereby incorporated by reference entire contents in 6,293,279 disclosure of United States Patent (USP).Annular Circle 118 is installed to the front end of chamber shell 108 so that opening 112 and 120 is concentric and overlapped.

The central part of retaining discs 116 includes control baffle, and position can partly stop opening 112.Retaining discs 116 reduce the flow velocity or flow of the Aerosol medication particles of the flowing of axis 128 along chamber shell 108, or all reduce.Resistance The dome portion 124 of stagnant disk 116 is aligned and just consistent with opening 112 with the central axis 128 of chamber shell 108.Flow path In separate central axis 128 Aerosol medication particles speed be less than by axial ray 128 particle speed.Retaining discs 116 dome portion 124 can reduce its forward speed for along the Aerosol medication particles that axis sprays and be used as simultaneously Impact surfaces, to protect duckbill-type valve 132.Moreover, dome portion 124 enables the Aerosol medication particles court of low speed The side wall 130 of chamber shell 108 moves.Along advance speed of the chamber length direction far from the Aerosol medication particles at axis 128 Degree is also because the annular ring 118 of retaining discs 116 reduces.It should be appreciated that the dome portion can also be by the plane against rear end Surface is constituted, or by curved surface, such as protrusion or recessed surface, is constituted.

As shown in figure 4, duckbill-type valve 132 is mounted on the front surface of annular ring 118.The structure one of duckbill-type valve 132 As all have learned that, with top surface 134 and bottom surface 136.Surface 134 and 136 can be opened and closed in a manner of both knowing about, with Allow or gas is prevented to flow through valve 132.Duckbill-type valve 132 is preferably the valve of 19mm, is made of flexible plastic, such as silicones Or thermoplastic elastomer.It should be realized that other valves can also be used, for example include but not limited to, it is center post valves, narrow Stitching clack valve and central opening has the valve of seal perimeter.

At the top of duckbill-type valve 132, sight flow indicator 138 is integrally connected to 132 outer peripheral edge of duckbill-type valve Top.Sight flow indicator 138 is rectangle, although other shapes such as square or ellipse can also be used.For example, can There can be rounded top edge depending on flow indicator 138', as shown in Figure 22 to Figure 24.Rectangle and the instruction of circular visible flow Device 138,138' length can be 5-20mm, preferably 7-11mm, preferably 8.5mm；Width can be 5-20mm, more preferably Be 8-12mm, preferably 10mm；Thickness can be 0.1-2mm, preferably 0.15-1mm, preferably 0.25mm.Visual stream Amount indicator 138,138' length from hinged region (not shown) calculate.In this case, sight flow indicator 138,138' Sensitivity is the function of indicator length, and indicator is longer, and the flow measured is sensitiveer.Will be described in mode detail below can Depending on the function of flow indicator 138,138'.

Flow indicator can be integrally formed with valve, or can be made as separate part.Indicator 138,138' It is hinged to valve by the hinges for being arranged in its joint, or can be connected with pin.The bullet of indicator 138,138' Property bias indicator is in resting position.It should be recognized, however, that can be acted on secondary spring makes it be biased on the indicator Resting position.

As described above, chamber shell 108, retaining discs 116 and duckbill-type valve 132, which are constituted, keeps chamber 102.Holding chamber Room 102 is connected to patient interface 104, but the patient interface for being integrally molded into 108 front end of chamber shell is also possible.One In embodiment, patient interface 104 includes adapter 140 and the mask 144 with expiration valve 142.Other patient interface can To include but not limited to various ozzles, mask, endotracheal tube etc..As shown in Fig. 4 to Figure 11, adapter 140 includes with narrow Annular connection ring 146, transition piece 150 and the cylindrical exit port 152 of slot 148.By the way that the joint fastener 113 of chamber shell 108 is blocked Being anchored in slit 148 makes adapter 140 be connected to chamber 102, and then reversing chamber shell 108 or adapter 140 makes joint fastener 113 lock in place in slit 148.After chamber shell 108 is fixed on adapter 140, duckbill-type valve 132 and flow indicator 138,138' is located in transition piece 150.Specifically, flow indicator 138,138' are located at the observation panel of the protrusion of transition piece 150 In area 154.Since the observation mouth region 154 of adapter 140 and its transition piece 150 and protrusion is such as poly- with transparent rigid plastics respectively Carbonic ester or copolyester are made, so user can see the movement of flow indicator 138,138'.In another modification In, observation mouth region 154 is arranged in retainer ring 146, and indicator 138,138' are located therein.

As described above, retaining discs 116 are arranged in the front end of chamber shell, and can be integrally connected to shell, or It is removably connectable, for example is arranged between chamber shell and adapter 140.In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 43 and 44, resistance Stagnant disk 116 is detachably connected on adapter 140 or other patient interface components.In one embodiment, several are engaged Piece 123 is arranged in the inside of adapter and is engaged in a snap-fit manner with the peripheral surface of annular ring 118.In other embodiments In, retaining discs are integrally molded into adapter or other patient interface components, or pass through bonding, fastener and other similar dresses Set fixation.In this way, remove chamber shell such as in cleaning device when, retaining discs 116 and mounted on adaptation Valve 132 between device and retaining discs remains attached to adapter 140 or other similar chamber shell ends of being fixed on On component.Therefore, the reduction of the possibility of loss retaining discs 116 and/or valve 132 can be made.

Notice the alternative embodiment that adapter is shown in Figure 12 to Figure 15.Adapter 140' has and Fig. 5 to figure Size as adapter class and element in 11.Its operation is also similar with connection type.The difference is that equipped with indicator 138, The shape of the observation mouth region 154' of 138'.

Expiration valve 142 is inserted and fixed in the outlet for being formed in 144 nose reception area 160 of mask.It this mask and exhales The example of air valve is hereby incorporated by reference entire contents in 5,988,160 and 5,645,049 disclosure of United States Patent (USP).Mask 144 Cylindrical shape input port 156 be mounted on the outlet 152 of adapter 140,140', and connected by frictional fit.

By the above-mentioned introduction to 100 structure of aerosol delivery systems, the worked of system 100 can easily understand that Journey.Specifically, his or her face is placed on 144 inside 158 of mask by patient, and his or her nose is made to be located at nose reception area 160 In.In other embodiments, patient interface such as ozzle or endotracheal tube are appropriately interposed in patient mouthful by patient or caregiver. Then patient or caregiver squeeze the pMDI basins in pMDI adapters, and pMDI 106 is connected to positioned at 108 rear end of chamber shell Back-end component 114, so that drug is transported to opening 112 according to mode described above with aerosol form.

When squeezing pMDI basins or after just having squeezed pMDI basins, patient breaths.In normal suction process, due to The effect sight flow indicator 138 of suction pressure will pivot forward angle, θ, and angle, θ is best between 25 ° to 45 ° It is 45 °；And bear sealingly against on the surface 162 of adapter 140,140', as shown in Fig. 3 and Figure 33 to Figure 34.In view of patient Such as the different characteristics of children and baby, angle, θ can change.Notice sight flow indicator 138 due to its size and shape And there is minimum drag, and can react to low tidal volume (TV), being suitable for baby, (tidal volume (TV) is about 50cc, and flow velocity is big About 5 liters/min) and child (tidal volume (TV) is about 150 to 250cc, and flow velocity is about 12 liters/min).Against surface 162 Sight flow indicator 138,138' formed sealing with prevent sucking surrounding air.Focus on observe mouth region 154, The care-giver of 154' sealing formed when will be seen that the movement of flow indicator 138,138', therefore will realize sucking into Row has occurred and that.Moreover, during inhalation, duckbill-type valve 132 will be opened, to enable atomization medicine to leave chamber Shell 108 simultaneously introduces path downstream by opening 112, and drug is finally inhaled by a patient along path downstream flowing.Such as Fig. 2 and Figure 31 Shown in Figure 34, flow indicator 138,138' are located at the top of duckbill-type valve 132 and are open other than 112 periphery, thus Except medication dispensing pathway, so drug will not be interfered to convey.Noticing can cause drug to pass through opening by external force or internal force 112 access paths.

In patient expiration or after stopping suction, it is initial perpendicular that flow indicator 138,138' will be pivoted to it backward Straight position, until being engaged with baffle 117, as shown in Figure 31 to Figure 32.Indicator 138,138' elasticity make indicator around the pivot Rotate or be biased into resting position.Equally, focus on observation mouth region 154, the care-giver of 154' will be seen that flow refers to Show the return movement of device 138,138', to realize that expiration has occurred and that.For the patient interface including mask, flow instruction The movement of device also makes care-giver firmly believe in patient face other than reminding care-giver's air-breathing or expiration carrying out or having occurred and that Sealing appropriate is formd between portion and mask 144.

Notice that flow indicator 138,138' form channel really, which is located at observation mouth region 154,154' The subsequent surrounding air fluid contact of flow indicator 138,138'.The channel is included in back face aperture or setting in observation mouth region 154, the opening of 154' top-rears, therefore flow indicator 138,138' are pulled out baffle.However, that as described above Sample, flow indicator 138,138' are sealed on surface 162 to prevent sucking surrounding air.

The main path of exhaled gas is by the expiration valve 142 in mask 144, as shown in figure 30.Specifically, extend Baffle 117 and flow indicator 138,138' be essentially prevented from all exhaled gas and escaped by observation panel, but allow ring simultaneously Border air flows into.Similarly, the baffle 117 and flow indicator 138,138' being superimposed on upon inhalation on surface 162 can be basic On prevent distributed substance by observe mouth region leave transport system.Therefore, baffle 117 and flow indicator 138,138' can It basically prevents non-ambient atmospheric gas and substance and is escaped from transport system by observing mouth region.Baffle 117 can be removed by noticing And observation mouth region is made to become two-way valve, to allow, ambient air enters and exhaled gas is left.

Another alternative embodiment of aerosol delivery systems is shown in Figure 35.In addition to keeping chamber and patient to connect Mouth has been made as shown in the picture and except described change, aerosol delivery systems 200 and Fig. 1 to Figure 11, Figure 16 to Figure 21 And the aerosol delivery systems 100 in Figure 25 to Figure 29 are identical.Therefore, similar component will be continuing with similar label. Then, keep chamber or pipeline 202 that there is the back-end component 114 for the rear end for being connected to chamber shell 108.Back-end component 114 Opening can accommodate the outlet side of the adapter (not shown) with pMDI basins.It further includes being integrally connected to circle to keep chamber 202 The retaining discs 216 of 108 front end of cylindrical chamber shell.Retaining discs 216 include the annular ring 218 around opening 220.Eight straight Linear attachment 222 extends internally from annular ring 218 and junction is in central core 223.Annular ring 218, attachment 222 and central core 223 compositions include the suction opening regions 226 of eight openings.Size, shape and the number of opening can be according to used medicines Object and/or volatilizer and change.

As shown in figure 35, clack valve 232 is fixed on the front surface of annular ring 218.Specifically, the whole shape on annular ring 218 At pin 233 be appropriately interposed and be arranged in the corresponding opening 235 of clack valve 232.The course of work of clack valve 232 is in the art In be known.The most handy material similar with duckbill-type valve 132 of clack valve is made.At the top of clack valve 232, visible flow refers to Show that device 138,138' are integrally connected to the top of 232 outer periphery of clack valve.

It keeps chamber or pipeline 202 to be connected to interface, is similar to Fig. 1 to Figure 11, Figure 16 to Figure 21 and Figure 25 to Figure 29 Shown in interface 104.The interface of the embodiment of Figure 35 is to have used shorter adapter 240, be adapted to the difference of interface 104 Device 240 includes the cylindrical exit port 252 that can be used as ozzle.Alternatively, adapter 240 can be with Fig. 1 to Figure 11, Figure 16 to Figure 21 and figure 25 are connected to expiration valve knead dough cover (not shown) to the mode described in Figure 29.As shown in figure 35, adapter 240 includes with narrow Annular connection ring 246, transition piece 250 and the cylindrical exit port 252 of slot 248.

Adapter 240 is set to be connected to chamber shell by the way that the joint fastener 212 of chamber shell 108 to be snapped into slit 248 108, then reversing chamber shell 108 or adapter 240 makes joint fastener 212 be locked in slit 248 in place.Chamber shell 108 It is fixed on after adapter 240, clack valve 232 and flow indicator 138,138' are located in transition piece 250.Specifically, flow refers to Show that device 138,138' are located in the observation mouth region 254 of protrusion of transition piece 250.Adapter 240 and its transition piece 250 and protrusion Observation mouth region 254 is made of transparent rigid plastics such as makrolon or copolyester respectively.Chamber shell 108 can also be used saturating Bright material such as rigid plastics is made.Therefore, care-giver it can be seen that in adapter 240 sight flow indicator 138,138' fortune It moves and it can be found that whether sucking or whether being formed and aerosol in Fig. 1 to Figure 11, Figure 16 to Figure 21 and Figure 25 to Figure 29 The identical appropriate sealing of agent transport system.Adapter can also include the retainer contacted with flow indicator.

In each embodiment shown in Fig. 1 to Figure 35, sight flow indicator 138,138' are integrally connected to its corresponding valve Door.It should be noted that it is this integrated connection it is not necessary to.For example, indicator 138,138' can be made with independent material Shape, and one end is connected to a part for adapter so that the free end of this material is located in observation panel.It can pass through The end is inserted between two flanges of adapter and is bonded thereunto to realize connection.

Figure 36 shows the example of another sight flow indicator for being not connected to valve.In this embodiment, visually Flow indicator 338 is connected to the aerosol delivery system similar with aerosol delivery systems disclosed in United States Patent (USP) 6,293,279 System 300.The difference is that the chamber shell 308 for being connected to canister holding portion 309 includes transparent viewing port 354.Another In one alternative embodiment, observation panel can be arranged in the downstream part of transport system 311.Sight flow indicator 338 by snapping fit attachment chamber shell 308 or including the downstream part 311 of ozzle 313.Sight flow indicator 338 It is preferably provided with the shape and structure similar with aforementioned sight flow indicator 138,138', there is similar motion range.In work In work, when substance is moved to ozzle 313, chamber shell 308 has the function of substance tube.

Other variations of sight flow indicator are also that may be used.For example, observation mouth region may be provided at adapter 140,240, other places of chamber shell 308 and downstream part 311, corresponding sight flow indicator setting can pass through sight Examine the place that mouth region is observed.For the aerosol delivery system in Fig. 1 to Figure 11, Figure 16 to Figure 21 and Figure 25 to Figure 29 System, observation mouth region can move to the side of adapter 140, as shown in figure 37.In this case, corresponding visible flow instruction Device 138,138' are moved in duckbill-type valve 132 against observation mouth region 154, the side of 154'.

Figure 38 to Figure 42 shows that the present invention is used for the aerosol delivery system as Diskus and nebulizer systems System.As shown in figures 38 and 39, Diskus 400 includes the chamber shell 402 equipped with dry powder.Chamber shell 402 and the U.S. are special Profit 4,627, chamber shell disclosed in 432 is similar, is hereby incorporated by reference entire contents.It is other to combine flow indicator Diskus such as United States Patent (USP) 6, disclosed in 116,239, is hereby incorporated by reference its content.Chamber shell 402 includes circle Bottom opening 404 and with surrounding air be in fluid communication open top 406.Interface including pipeline or ozzle 408 is connected to Bottom opening 404 so that ozzle 408 is communicated with the internal flow of chamber shell 402.Transparent viewing port area 410 is connected to ozzle 408.It is equipped with sight flow indicator 412 in observation mouth region 410.There is sight flow indicator 412 lower rear slit (not show Go out), the flange 414 being arranged below open top 406 can be accommodated.It, will with adhesive after flange 414 is received into after slit Sight flow indicator 412 is permanently attached on flange 414.

When operated, patient starts chamber shell 402 and passes through the dry powder in 408 intake chamber shell 402 of ozzle.Sucking When, the dry powder substance in shell 402 introduces path downstreams by opening 404, and substance passes through interface and ozzle along the path downstream 408 reach patient.During inhalation, around the pivot is pivotally lowered into horizontal position by the top of sight flow indicator 412.Such as Fruit patient does not have air-breathing or air-breathing not to can exceed that defined rate, the top of sight flow indicator 412 will keep vertical position And closure tip opening 406.The motion range of sight flow indicator 412 preferably with above-mentioned sight flow indicator 138, the motion range of 138' and 338 is identical.

Sight flow indicator can be also used for nebulizer systems.Sprayer 500 includes the chamber shell of flowing material 502, as shown in Figure 40 to Figure 42.Chamber shell 502 is similar with chamber shell disclosed in United States Patent (USP) 5,823,179.Outside chamber Shell 502 includes the rectangular outlet 504 with opening (not shown).Interface includes the adapter 506 for being connected to outlet 504, can be with The internal flow of chamber shell 502 communicates.Interface further includes being connected to the ozzle 508 of adapter 506, therefore ozzle 508 passes through Adapter 506 is communicated with the internal flow of chamber shell 502.Transparent outer cover 510,512 is connected respectively to adapter 506 and ozzle 508.When ozzle 508 is connected to adapter 506, transparent viewing port area 514 is formed.It is equipped with visible flow in observation mouth region 514 Indicator 516.Sight flow indicator 516 has a pair of of slot lower 518, can accommodate a pair of flanges being arranged in ozzle 508 520、522.After flange 520,522 is contained in slit 518, sight flow indicator 516 is permanently attached to flange with adhesive 520、522。

When operation, patient is by 508 air-breathing of ozzle to start storage unit 502.When sucking, the fluid in shell 502 is logical The opening (not shown) for crossing outlet 504 introduces path downstream, and substance passes through interface and ozzle 508 to reach patient along path downstream. Therefore, the pipeline of adapter 506 and ozzle 508 respectively as inhaled material.In suction process, sight flow indicator 516 Around the pivot is pivotally lowered into horizontal position by top.If patient does not have air-breathing or air-breathing not to can exceed that defined rate, visually The top of flow indicator 516 will keep the opening of vertical position and closure 510.The movement of sight flow indicator 516 Range is preferably identical as the motion range of above-mentioned sight flow indicator 138,138', 338 and 412.

As previously described, sight flow indicator according to the present invention can be used for various aerosol delivery systems. In each system, there is common modes to illustrate that the present invention includes various aerosol delivery systems described above System.Specifically, each aerosol delivery systems can be regarded as including flow indicating system, and transport system part therein is such as connected to The interface or chamber shell for observing mouth region are regarded as pipeline.The pipeline forms inner space, certain substance such as atomization medicine The flow path that main edge is formed in the inner space.Flow indicating system includes flow indicator as shown in Figure 1 to Figure 42 The flow indicator of introduction, flow indicator arrangement is watched with will pass through observation panel in the duct, but flow indicator is substantially Positioned at the outside of flow path, thus have substantially no effect on flowing of the substance along inner space.

Although the present invention disclosed herein embodiment is presently considered to be preferred, spirit of that invention and model are not being departed from Various modifications and changes may be made in the case of enclosing.It should be appreciated that above discussion is descriptive, illustrative and exemplary , thus the scope of the invention being indicated in the appended claims cannot be limited, without departing from general principles and its equivalent model The all modifications enclosed are regarded as comprising wherein.

Claims (27)

1. a kind of transport system, including：

Storage chamber, the inner bulk with input, output end and the space being limited between the input terminal and output end Product, the output end include the User's Interface with outlet, and the output end has in the User's Interface and described interior The first opening being connected between portion's volume and separated second being connected between the User's Interface and ambient enviroment open Mouthful and third opening, wherein medication dispensing pathway be limited at the outlet of the User's Interface and the storage chamber Between the internal volume；

The valve that can be moved between the first position and the second position, the valve configurations are opened by described first at preventing fluid Mouth flowing, the valve configurations are open and at allowing fluid from described first along medication dispensing pathway flowing；

The flow indicator that can be moved between the first position and the second position, the flow indicator are configured to prevent fluid logical Second open flow is crossed, the flow indicator is configured to allow for fluid to pass through second open flow, the flow Indicator includes tongue piece, and the tongue piece can be in response to the pressure that is applied thereto and far from resting position along towards the use The input terminal of the direction of the outlet of person's interface and the separate storage chamber pivots, and the tongue piece is described when being in Against fixed stop when resting position；

The expiration valve that can be moved between the first position and the second position, the expiration valve configurations pass through institute at preventing fluid State third open flow, the expiration valve configurations are at allowing fluid from the third open flow；And

The valve, flow indicator and expiration valve can be moved independently relative to each other.

2. transport system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the valve includes clack valve, and described first opens Mouthful by being formed in multiple limited openings of the central disc center portion point between multiple attachmentes radially extended, the attachment and described Central disc center portion point limits the valve seat of the clack valve.

3. transport system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that second opening and third limited opening expiration end Mouthful, and the flow indicator and expiration valve configurations are flowed at the expiration port is allowed fluid from during expiration.

4. transport system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the flow indicator includes hinged tongue piece.

5. transport system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that second opening and third opening and the stream Amount indicator and expiration valve are connected to the User's Interface.

6. transport system according to claim 5, which is characterized in that the User's Interface includes mask.

7. transport system according to claim 5, which is characterized in that the User's Interface is detachably connected to described The end section of storage chamber.

8. transport system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the valve includes duckbill valve.

9. transport system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the input terminal includes back-end component, the rear end Component is configured to keep pressurized metered-dose inhalator.

10. transport system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the fixed stop is formed in the storage chamber The output end on.

11. a kind of transport system, including：

Storage chamber, the inner bulk with input, output end and the space being limited between the input terminal and output end Product, the output end include the User's Interface with outlet, and the output end has in the User's Interface and described interior The first opening being connected between portion's volume, and separated second being connected between the User's Interface and ambient enviroment open Mouthful and third opening, wherein medication dispensing pathway be limited at the outlet of the User's Interface and the storage chamber Between the internal volume；

What is be connected to the input terminal accommodates the pressurized metered-dose inhalator of drug,

The valve that can be moved between the first position and the second position, the valve configurations are opened by described first at preventing fluid Mouth flowing, the valve configurations are open and at allowing fluid from described first along medication dispensing pathway flowing；

The flow indicator that can be moved between the first position and the second position, the flow indicator are configured to prevent fluid logical Second open flow is crossed, the flow indicator is configured to allow for fluid to pass through second open flow, the flow Indicator includes tongue piece, and the tongue piece can be in response to the pressure that is applied thereto and far from resting position along towards the use The input terminal of the direction of the outlet of person's interface and the separate storage chamber pivots, and the tongue piece is described when being in Against fixed stop when resting position；

The expiration valve that can be moved between the first position and the second position, the expiration valve configurations pass through institute at preventing fluid State third open flow, the expiration valve configurations are at allowing fluid from the third open flow；And

The valve, flow indicator and expiration valve can be moved independently relative to each other.

12. transport system according to claim 11, which is characterized in that the valve includes clack valve, and described first Opening is by being formed in multiple limited openings of the central disc center portion point between multiple attachmentes radially extended, the attachment and institute State the valve seat that central disc center portion point limits the clack valve.

13. transport system according to claim 11, which is characterized in that second opening and third limited opening are exhaled Port, and the flow indicator and expiration valve configurations during expiration at allowing fluid from the expiration port flow It is dynamic.

14. transport system according to claim 11, which is characterized in that the flow indicator includes hinged tongue piece.

15. transport system according to claim 11, which is characterized in that it is described second opening and third opening and it is described Flow indicator and expiration valve are connected to the User's Interface.

16. transport system according to claim 15, which is characterized in that the User's Interface includes mask.

17. transport system according to claim 15, which is characterized in that the User's Interface is detachably connected to institute State the end section of storage chamber.

18. transport system according to claim 11, which is characterized in that the valve includes duckbill valve.

19. transport system according to claim 11, which is characterized in that the input terminal includes back-end component, described to add Press metered dose inhaler include ozzle, the opening that the ozzle is passed through in the back-end component and be received.

20. transport system according to claim 11, which is characterized in that the fixed stop is formed in the storage chamber The output end on.

21. a kind of transport system, including：

Storage chamber, the inner bulk with input, output end and the space being limited between the input terminal and output end Product, the output end includes the User's Interface with outlet, and the storage chamber is limited to the input terminal and output The longitudinal axis extended between end, wherein medication dispensing pathway are limited at the outlet of the User's Interface and the storage Between the internal volume for depositing chamber；

Flow indicator comprising tongue piece, the tongue piece can in response to the pressure that is applied thereto and far from resting position along Direction towards the outlet of the User's Interface and the input terminal pivot far from the storage chamber, the tongue Piece is located at the outside of the medication dispensing pathway and when the tongue piece is pivoted from the resting position to perpendicular to described vertical It moves in the front of the plane extended to axis.

22. transport system according to claim 21, which is characterized in that the tongue piece includes towards the User's Interface The outlet and the surface area that can be seen by user.

23. transport system according to claim 21, which is characterized in that the flow indicator can be in response to suction pressure And it is pivoted from the resting position.

24. transport system according to claim 21, which is characterized in that the flow indicator is connected to the user Interface.

25. transport system according to claim 24, which is characterized in that the User's Interface includes mask.

26. transport system according to claim 24, which is characterized in that the User's Interface is detachably connected to institute State the end section of storage chamber.

27. transport system according to claim 21, which is characterized in that the input terminal includes back-end component, after described End pieces are configured to keep pressurized metered-dose inhalator.