U.S. patent application number 09/876402 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-26 for fluid filled ampoules and methods for their use in aerosolizers.
Invention is credited to Klimowicz, Michael, Loeffler, Joseph P., Poynter, Richard Q., Rapp, David.
Application Number | 20020134374 09/876402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25210528 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020134374 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Loeffler, Joseph P. ; et
al. |
September 26, 2002 |
Fluid filled ampoules and methods for their use in aerosolizers
Abstract
A fluid filled ampoule comprises an ampoule body having a top
end, a bottom end and a sealed interior containing a liquid. A top
tab is coupled to the top end and is removable to create a drain
vent in the top end. A bottom tab is coupled to the bottom end and
is removable to create a drain opening in the bottom end. A movable
shroud is coupled to the top end and is disposed about the top tab.
The shroud is movable to permit access to the top tab.
Inventors: |
Loeffler, Joseph P.;
(Mountain View, CA) ; Poynter, Richard Q.;
(Crystal Lake, IL) ; Rapp, David; (Mountain View,
CA) ; Klimowicz, Michael; (Los Altos, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Family ID: |
25210528 |
Appl. No.: |
09/876402 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09876402 |
Jun 7, 2001 |
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09812755 |
Mar 20, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/200.14 ;
215/47 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 15/0085 20130101;
A61M 15/009 20130101; A61M 2205/6045 20130101; Y10S 206/828
20130101; A61J 1/065 20130101; B65D 2203/00 20130101; Y10S 215/03
20130101; A61J 2205/10 20130101; A61M 15/0031 20140204; A61J
2205/60 20130101; A61M 15/0028 20130101; A61M 2205/6054 20130101;
B05B 17/0607 20130101; B65D 1/095 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/200.14 ;
215/47 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/02; A61M
011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fluid filled ampoule, comprising: an ampoule body having a top
end, a bottom end, and a sealed interior containing a liquid; a top
tab that is coupled to the top end, wherein the top tab is
removable to create a drain vent in the top end; a bottom tab that
is coupled to the bottom end, wherein the bottom tab is removable
to create a drain opening in the bottom end; and a movable shroud
that is coupled to the top end and which is disposed about the top
tab.
2. An ampoule as in claim 1, wherein the top tab and the bottom tab
are coupled to the ampoule body such that they are removable by
applying a twisting action.
3. An ampoule as in claim 1, wherein the shroud is bendable to
provide access to the top tab.
4. An ampoule as in claim 1, further comprising a pair of
longitudinal rails on the ampoule body that are adapted to guide
the ampoule into a receiver of an aerosolization device.
5. An ampoule as in claim 4, wherein the rails have different sizes
so that the ampoule may be inserted into the receiver in only one
orientation.
6. An ampoule as in claim 1, wherein the bottom end is tapered to
provide a surface area at the bottom end that is adapted to provide
a seal with a receiver of an aerosolization device.
7. An ampoule as in claim 1, wherein the ampoule body has a wall
thickness of at least about 0.03 inch.
8. An ampoule as in claim 1, further comprising at least one keying
element on the ampoule body that is adapted to permit operation of
an aerosolization device when the keying element is accepted by the
aerosolization device.
9. An ampoule as in claim 8, wherein the keying element comprises a
protrusion extending from the ampoule body.
10. An ampoule as in claim 8, wherein the keying element comprises
a readable pattern on the ampoule body.
11. A fluid filled ampoule, comprising: an ampoule body having a
top end, a bottom end, and a sealed interior containing a liquid,
wherein the top end and the bottom end are each adapted to be
opened to provide respective vent and drain openings; and at least
one orientation element to facilitate proper insertion of the
ampoule into an aerosolization device.
12. An ampoule as in claim 11, further comprising a pair of
orientation elements that comprise a pair of longitudinal rails on
the ampoule body that are adapted to guide the ampoule into the
aerosolization device in a particular orientation.
13. An ampoule as in claim 12, wherein the rails have different
sizes so that the ampoule may be inserted into the aerosolization
device in only one orientation.
14. An ampoule as in claim 11, further comprising a top tab that is
coupled to the top end, wherein the top tab is removable to create
the drain vent in the top end, and a bottom tab that is coupled to
the bottom end, wherein the bottom tab is removable to create the
drain opening in the bottom end.
15. An ampoule as in claim 14, wherein the top tab and the bottom
tab are coupled to the ampoule body such that they are removable by
applying a twisting action.
16. An ampoule as in claim 14, further comprising a shroud disposed
about the top tab, wherein the shroud is bendable to provide access
to the top tab.
17. An ampoule as in claim 11, wherein the bottom end is tapered to
provide a surface area at the bottom end that is adapted to provide
a seal with an aerosolization device.
18. An ampoule as in claim 11, further comprising at least one
keying element on the ampoule body that is adapted to permit
operation of the aerosolization device when the keying element is
accepted by the aerosolization device.
19. An ampoule as in claim 18, wherein the keying element comprises
a protrusion extending from the ampoule body.
20. An ampoule as in claim 18, wherein the keying element comprises
a readable pattern on the ampoule body.
21. A fluid filled ampoule, comprising: an ampoule body having a
top end, a bottom end, and a sealed interior containing a liquid,
wherein the top end and the bottom end are each adapted to be
opened to provide respective vent and drain openings; and at least
one keying element on the ampoule body that is adapted to permit
operation of an aerosolization device when the keying element is
accepted by the aerosolization device.
22. An ampoule as in claim 21, wherein the keying element comprises
a protrusion extending from the ampoule body.
23. An ampoule as in claim 21, wherein the keying element comprises
a readable pattern on the ampoule body.
24. An ampoule as in claim 21, further comprising at least one
orientation element to facilitate proper insertion of the ampoule
into the aerosolization device.
25. An ampoule as in claim 24, further comprising a pair of
orientation elements that comprise a pair of longitudinal rails on
the ampoule body that are adapted to guide the ampoule into the
aerosolization device in a particular orientation.
26. An ampoule as in claim 25, wherein the rails have different
sizes so that the ampoule may be inserted into the aerosolization
device in only one orientation.
27. An ampoule as in claim 21, wherein the bottom end is tapered to
provide a surface area at the bottom end that is adapted to provide
a seal with the aerosolization device.
28. An ampoule as in claim 21, further comprising a top tab that is
coupled to the top end, wherein the top tab is removable to create
the drain vent in the top end, and a bottom tab that is coupled to
the bottom end, wherein the bottom tab is removable to create the
drain opening in the bottom end.
29. An ampoule as in claim 28, wherein the top tab and the bottom
tab are coupled to the ampoule body such that they are removable by
applying a twisting action.
30. An ampoule as in claim 28, further comprising a shroud disposed
about the top tab, wherein the shroud is bendable to provide access
to the top tab.
31. A method for supplying liquid to an aerosolization device, the
method comprising: providing an ampoule comprising an ampoule body
having a top end, a bottom end, and a sealed interior containing a
liquid, a top tab that is coupled to the top end, a bottom tab that
is coupled to the bottom end, and a shroud disposed about the top
tab; moving the shroud away from the tab; removing the top tab to
create a drain vent; removing the bottom tab to create a drain
opening; wherein upon creation of the drain vent and the drain
opening, the liquid in the interior flows out of the drain opening
and is available for aerosolization by an aerosolization
device.
32. A method as in claim 31, further comprising inserting the
ampoule into the aerosolization device after removing the bottom
tab and prior to removing the top tab.
33. A method as in claim 31, further comprising bending the shroud
to move the shroud away from the top tab.
34. A method as in claim 31, further comprising twisting the top
tab and the bottom tab to remove them from the ampoule body.
35. A method as in claim 31, wherein the ampoule further includes a
pair of longitudinal rails on the ampoule body, and further
comprising inserting the ampoule into the aerosolization device
such that the rails are received into corresponding slots in the
aerosolization device.
36. A method as in claim 35, wherein the rails and the slots have
different sizes, and further comprising inserting the ampoule such
that the rails and received into the appropriately sized slots.
37. A method as in claim 32, wherein the bottom end is tapered, and
further comprising providing a seal with the bottom end and the
aerosolization device.
38. A method as in claim 31, wherein the ampoule further includes
at least one keying element on the ampoule body, and further
comprising inserting the aerosolization device and permitting
operation of the aerosolization device only when the keying element
is accepted by the aerosolization device.
39. A method as in claim 38, wherein the keying element comprises a
protrusion on the ampoule body, and further comprising inserting
the ampoule into the aerosolization device such that the protrusion
is received into a keyed slot in the aerosolization device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of liquid
aerosolization, and in particular to the management of liquids used
in the aerosolization process. More specifically, the invention
relates to ampoules containing liquids that are to be
aerosolized.
[0002] The ability to aerosolize or nebulize small liquid droplets
is important to a variety of industries. Merely by way of example,
many pharmaceuticals can now be delivered to the lungs in liquid
form. Aerosolization is also a useful technique to dispense
deodorizers, perfumes, insecticides or the like into the
atmosphere.
[0003] Aerosolizers or nebulizers typically utilize a supply of
liquid that is contained in some type of reservoir, such as a
container, canister, or the like. In this way, the liquid may be
stored in a sealed environment until ready for aerosolization,
However, because the liquid is sealed within a container, the fluid
needs to be removed and transferred to the aerosol generator prior
to aerosolization. Hence, this invention relates to the use of
various ampoules that are employed to store liquids prior to
aerosolization, as well as to techniques for accessing and
transferring the liquid to an aerosol generator.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one embodiment, a fluid filled ampoule is provided that
comprises an ampoule body having a top end, a bottom end, and a
sealed interior containing a liquid. The ampoule body may be
manufactured by blowing or vacuum forming the ampoule body in a
mold. The ampoule body may then be filed with liquid, and a melt
sealing process may be used to seal the liquid within the ampoule
body. The ampoule further includes a top tab that is coupled to the
top end and a bottom tab that is coupled to the bottom end. In this
way, the top tab may be removed to create a drain vent in the top
end while the bottom tab may be removed to create a drain opening
in the bottom end. Conveniently, the top and bottom tabs may be
removed by twisting the tabs. Alternatively, the tabs may be crack
tabs where material is not completely removed but the seal is
broken. Combinations of twist and crack tabs may also be used.
Further, in one alternative, the ampoule may be constructed to be
pierced at either the top end and/or the bottom end to create the
vent or drain opening.
[0005] In one aspect, the ampoule may include a shroud that is
coupled to the top end so that it is disposed about the top tab. In
this way, the top tab is prevented from being removed until first
moving or bending the shroud away from the top tab. Such a shroud
is useful in ensuring the proper order of removal of the top and
bottom tabs. For example, by preventing access to the top tab, a
user may be trained to first remove the bottom tab. Once removed,
the ampoule may then be placed into an aerosolization device. In so
doing, the liquid remains within the ampoule because no vent has
yet been provided. When the ampoule is within the aerosolization
device, the shroud may be bent and the top tab removed to create
the vent opening. Upon creation of the vent opening, the liquid
flows into the aerosolization device where it is available for
aerosolization.
[0006] In another aspect, the ampoule may include one or more
orientation elements to ensure proper orientation of the ampoule
when it is inserted into an aerosolization device. For example, the
ampoule body may include a pair of longitudinal rails that are
adapted to guide the ampoule into a receiver of an aerosolization
device. Conveniently, the rails may have different sizes so that
the ampoule may be inserted into the receiver in only one
orientation.
[0007] In a further aspect, the ampoule may include one or more
keying elements that are used to ensure that the correct ampoule is
used in an aerosolization device. The keying elements may be used
to prevent insertion of the ampoule into an aerosolization device
if the ampoule is not the correct ampoule. Such keying elements may
include, for example, one or more protrusions that extend from the
ampoule body. These protrusions must fit within corresponding slots
within the aerosolization device to permit the ampoule to be
inserted. Alternatively, the keying element may be configured to
prevent operation of the aerosolization device unless recognized by
the aerosolization device. For example, the ampoule body may
include a readable pattern, such as a bar code, a magnetic pattern,
or the like, which must be recognized by the aerosolization device
before operation will be permitted. In another aspect, the ampoule
may include one or more protrusions to trigger an electrical switch
which closes a circuit in the aerosol generator. Such a trigger may
be used to supply power to the aerosol generator. When the user
inhales, a flow sensor may be actuated to fully power up the
aerosol generator to aerosolize the liquid. If the correct
protrusions are not included on the ampoule, the aerosol generator
will not actuate.
[0008] In a further aspect, the ampoule may be provided with a
large sealing surface that is configured to provide a seal with the
aerosol generator. The large sealing surface is advantageous in
that it leaves a relatively large, empty socket in the
aerosolization device after the ampoule is removed. In this way,
the aerosolization device may more easily be accessed during
cleaning after the ampoule has been removed. The large sealing
surface may conveniently be provided by tapering the bottom end to
increase the surface area. In yet another aspect, the ampoule is
provided with a relatively thick wall to reduce the chance of
droplet spillage. For example, the ampoule body may be provided
with a wall thickness of at least about 0.03 inches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an ampoule
according to the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of the ampoule of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the ampoule of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom-end view of the ampoule of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of the ampoule of
FIG. 4 taken along lines A-A.
[0014] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the ampoule of
FIG. 4 taken along lines B-B.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a bottom-end view of the ampoule of FIG. 1 after
the removal of a bottom tab to expose a drain opening.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side view of the ampoule of FIG. 5 and further
illustrating the removal of a top tab to expose a vent opening.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a top view of the ampoule of FIG. 6 and further
illustrating the bending of a shroud to gain access to the top tab
(shown removed).
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative ampoule
according to the invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an ampoule having contact
points that serve as keying element according to the invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an ampoule having
contact fingers that are used as keying elements according to the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The invention provides various ampoules used to store
liquids that are to be atomized as well as techniques for
transferring the stored liquids to an aerosolizer. The ampoules of
the invention may conveniently include a variety of features to
facilitate their use within various types of aerosolization
devices. Such features may include, for example, features to insure
their proper insertion into an aerosolization device, to insure
proper operation of the ampoules when releasing the stored liquids,
and to insure that the correct ampoule is being inserted into the
aerosolization device.
[0022] The ampoules of the invention may be used with a wide
variety of aerosolization devices that are configured to aerosolize
a volume of liquid. Such aerosolizers may be of the type, for
example, where a vibratable member is vibrated at ultrasonic
frequencies to produce liquid droplets. Some specific, non-limiting
examples of technology for producing fine liquid droplets is by
supplying liquid to an aperture plate having a plurality of tapered
apertures and vibrating the aperture plate to eject liquid droplets
through the apertures. Such a technique is described generally in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,164,740; 5,938,117; 5,586,550; 5,758,637 and
6,085,740, the complete disclosures of which are herein
incorporated by reference. However, it will be appreciated that the
invention is not intended to be limited for use only with such
devices.
[0023] The ampoules of the invention may be used to store a wide
variety of liquids. Merely by way of example, liquids that may be
stored within the ampoules include various pharmaceuticals such as
saline, albuterol, chromatin, budesinide, nicotine, THC, cocaine,
and the like. Other liquids that may be stored include
insecticides, deodorizers, perfumes, and the like. Hence, it will
be appreciated that the ampoules of the invention may be used to
store essentially any type of liquid that is capable of being
aerosolized.
[0024] The ampoules of the invention may be constructed by blowing
or vacuum-forming the ampoule in a mold, filling the ampoule with
liquid, and melt-sealing the liquid into the ampoule. The ampoules
may further be provided with a set of removable tabs to provide a
drain vent and a drain opening. Typically, these will be located in
the top and bottom of the ampoule so that the liquid may drain by
force of gravity once the openings are formed. The tabs may be
removed by twisting, cracking, or the like so that the opening may
be formed. In some cases, the ampoules may be configured to be
opened simply by piercing the top and/or bottom end. Such piercing
elements may conveniently be incorporated into the aerosolization
device.
[0025] Various materials may be used to construct the ampoules,
such as moderate durometer polymer materials, thermoplastic
synthetics, such as low density polyethylene and polypropylene, and
the like. The ampoules may be provided with a thick enough wall to
minimize droplet spillage. For instance, the wall thickness may be
greater than about 0.030 inch. The ampoule may further be
configured so that the diameter of the drain opening minimizes the
drip potential for the fluid stored within the ampoule. For
example, larger diameter openings may be provided when storing
higher viscosity fluids and smaller diameter openings may be used
for low viscosity fluids.
[0026] The ampoules may include one or more orienting elements to
ensure proper orientation of the ampoule when inserted into an
aerosolization device. For example, the ampoule may include one or
more keyed rails that must be inserted into the appropriate slots
in the aerosolization device. One way to key the rails is by making
them of different widths so that each rail must be inserted into a
specific slot in the aerosolization device. Conveniently, the
difference in width may be accomplished by thickening the entire
length, or by the incorporation of one or more discrete points of
thicknesses, which may be either at the top, bottom or any
combination of points along the length of the rail. The use of
discrete width increases in the rails is advantageous in that it
decreases the addition of voids in the fill space and thus reduces
the hold-up volume of the ampoule when drained.
[0027] Another feature of the ampoules is that they may include in
their physical design an order of operation. In other words, the
ampoule may be configured so that it is operated in a certain way
when removing the liquid. For example, the first twist-off tab to
be used may be unrestricted and easily accessible to the user. On
the other hand, access to the second twist-off tab may be prevented
access until a prior operation, such as the folding of a shroud, is
performed in order to expose the second twist-off tab.
[0028] The use of a folding shroud may also be used as a handle for
removal of the ampoule after drainage of the fluid. Such a handle
may also be used to place the ampoule into the space in which it is
loaded in the aerosolization device.
[0029] Another feature of the ampoules is that they may be provided
with a large sealing surface as well as a large ratio of the
sealing surface to the twist-off tab for the drain opening. The
sealing surface may be provided with a large diameter so that the
empty socket which remains after the ampoule is removed may easily
be cleaned. The seal between the ampoule and the aerosolization
device may be made between the outside diameter of the ampoule and
the inside diameter of a receiver in the aerosolization device.
However, this seal may also made between the inside of the ampoule
and the outside of the aerosolization device receiver.
[0030] In another embodiment, the ampoule may be constructed so
that it may not be used with some aerosolization devices, or so
that it may fit within more than one device. For example, the
ampoule may include male or female protrusions that may be used to
key the ampoule to a specific aerosolization device or devices. The
presence of such a keying feature on the aerosolization device
receiver would require the same key feature to be on the ampoule.
However, some ampoules with the same pattern, but a different
number of keying protrusions or intrusions may be accepted by
multiple front ends of aerosolization devices. An ampoule may be
configured to be excluded or included into a specific
aerosolization device by choosing the number and/or location of the
keying protrusions or inclusions.
[0031] The ampoules may alternatively be provided with a variety of
other keying features, such as by using a thin metallic strip that
is attached to the side or face of the ampoule. For example, the
strip may be bonded to the ampoule, molded into the ampoule, or
crimped onto the side of the ampoule after production. The strip
may have a series of alternating metallic areas where a reader in
the aerosolization device may read the pattern on the surface
through a resistance method to identify the type of drug in the
ampoule, the expiration date, the dosage to be delivered, or any
other information that may accompany the ampoule. As another
alternative, the ampoule may be bar coded with visible,
ultraviolet, or infrared ink to provide the same keying features
through a detector mounted within the aerosolization device. Such
aerosolization devices may utilize a memory device, a magnetic
strip, or other communication device to communicate the specifics
of the ampoule to the aerosolization device. The controller of the
aerosolization device may also be configured to provide feedback,
to keep a tally of the total doses taken, or other information.
[0032] A further alternative for keying the ampoule may be to
provide protrusions molded into the side of the ampoule on the
keying rail. These protrusions or nubs may either stick out in line
with the plane made by the two side rails or may be mounted 90
degrees relative to this plane. The side rails may be of different
widths, and of different overall lengths, as well as shapes that
are different from each other or that are different from other
ampoules. The rail may have a variety of shapes, such as square,
rounded, triangular, angled, or the like, and may also be applied
to the overall volume of the ampoule for a unique keying
strategy.
[0033] Such protrusions may be used to close an electromechanical
circuit when inserted into the aerosolization device. Once the
circuit is closed, power is provided to the aerosol generator. For
example, the aerosol generator may be placed in sleep or silent
mode. When the user inhales, a flow sensor senses the breath and
increases the power to the aerosol generator to aerosolize the
liquid.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of an ampoule 10
will be described. Ampoule 10 comprises an ampoule body 12 having a
top end 14 and a bottom end 16. Ampoule body 12 has a sealed
interior 18 containing a liquid 20 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). Ampoule
body 12 may be constructed by blowing or vacuum-forming the ampoule
body in a mold. The ampoule body may then be filled with liquid 20
and a melt-sealing process used to seal the fluid within ampoule
body 10.
[0035] Integrally formed with ampoule body 12 at top end 14 is a
top tab 22 that is surrounded by a bendable shroud 24. Tab 22 is
removable from ampoule body 12 by grasping tab 22 and twisting it
relative to ampoule body 12. Once tab 22 is removed, a drain vent
26 is formed in top end 14 as best shown in FIG. 7. To permit tab
22 to be twisted off, shroud 24 is bent relative to ampoule body 12
as illustrated generally in FIG. 7. Conveniently, recesses 28 may
be provided in shroud 24 to facilitate bending of shroud 24 to
provide access to tab 22.
[0036] Integrally formed with ampoule body 12 at bottom end 16 is a
bottom tab 30 to form a drain opening 32 as best shown in FIG. 5.
Conveniently, bottom tab 30 may be configured to be twisted off in
a manner similar to top tab 22 to form drain opening 32.
[0037] When both drain vent 26 and drain opening 32 are formed,
liquid 20 is permitted to drain through drain opening 32 by force
of gravity (assuming top end 14 is vertically above bottom end 16).
In use, ampoule 10 may need to be inserted into an aerosolization
device. Conveniently, the aerosolization device may include a
receiver into which ampoule 10 is inserted. Merely by way of
example, ampoule 10 may be inserted into a receiver as described in
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. ______, filed on the same date
as the present application (Attorney Docket Ser. No. 16770-004500),
the complete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by
reference. Ampoule 10 is configured to ensure the proper order of
tab removal when using ampoule 10 with an aerosolization device.
For example, shroud 24 prevents access to top tab 22, thereby
suggesting to the user that tab 30 should first be removed in order
to create the drain opening. Once tab 30 is removed, ampoule 10 may
be inserted into an aerosolization device, with liquid being
prevented from exiting through drain opening 32 by the vacuum
existing within interior 18. Once within the device, shroud 24 may
be bent to the side and top tab 22 twisted off to provide drain
vents 26. In so doing, liquid 20 is free to flow from ampoule body
12 and into the aerosolization device where it may be
aerosolized.
[0038] Bottom end 16 includes an outer edge 34 that is used to form
a seal between ampoule body 12 and the aerosolization device into
which ampoule 10 is inserted. Outer edge 34 has a relatively large
diameter so that the socket into which ampoule 10 is inserted is
also relatively large. In this way, the empty socket in the
aerosolization device may easily be cleaned following removal of
ampoule 10. Merely by way of example, outer edge 34 may have a
diameter in the range from about 0.2 inch to about 1 inch.
[0039] Ampoule body 12 includes a pair of longitudinal rails 36 and
38. As best shown in FIG. 4, rail 36 is thicker than rail 38. In
this way, rails 36 and 38 are keyed to ensure proper orientation of
ampoule 10 into an aerosolization device. For example, the
aerosolization device may include a receiver having a wide slot and
a narrow slot that are configured to receiver rails 36 and 38,
respectively.
[0040] Ampoule further includes a set of keying protrusions 40 that
protrude from ampoule body 12. Protrusions 40 are used to key
ampoule 10 so that it may be inserted only into aerosolization
devices that are specifically configured to receive such an
ampoule. For example, as shown, ampoule 10 includes four
protrusions 40. With such a configuration, the aerosolization
device may include four slots that are configured to receive
protrusions 40. The slots have the same dimension and are at the
same angle of orientation so that ampoule 10 may be inserted into
the aerosolization device. To vary the keying features, ampoule 10
may be provided with a different number of protrusions, or by
changing the size and/or position of protrusions 40 on ampoule
body-12. In this way, ampoule 10 may be keyed for a specific
device. With such a configuration, a drug may be placed into
ampoule 10 which is specifically configured for a certain
aerosolization device. If the ampoule containing the proper drug is
not inserted into the aerosolization device, the drug may not be
aerosolized. Although shown with protrusions, it will be
appreciated that a wide variety of other keys may be used to key
ampoule 10 as previously described. Further, other specific
examples of keying features will be described hereinafter with
reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, various information may be molded
into ampoule body 12. For example, the lot number of the ampoule
and the expiration date of the drug may be molded into ampoule body
12. Further, it will be appreciated that other descriptive
information may also be included on ampoule body 12.
[0042] Shown in FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of an ampoule
50. Ampoule 50 is essentially identical to ampoule 10 except for
the size of various components. For convenience of illustration,
similar components will be referred to using the same reference
numerals followed by a prime ("'"). Ampoule body 12' of ampoule 50
is significantly smaller than ampoule body 12. In this way, ampoule
50 may be used for drugs requiring less of a unit dosage. Because
ampoule body 12' has been reduced in size, top tab 22' and shroud
24' are made larger so that ampoule 50 retains the same overall
size as ampoule 12. In this way, a variety of ampoules that contain
different unit dosages may be used within the same type of
aerosolization devices. Merely by way of example, ampoule 50 may be
configured to hold a volume of about 0.2 mL to about 1.0 mL while
ampoule 10 may hold a volume of about 0.2 mL to about 6 mL, and
more preferably from about 0.8 mL to about 3.0 mL. For other
aerosolization applications, such as when aerosolizing a deodorizer
or insecticizer, larger volumes may be used.
[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an ampoule
52. Ampoule comprises an ampoule body 54 having a top end 56 and a
bottom end 58. Ampoule body 54 includes a reservoir 60 that
contains a liquid. Ampoule body 54 includes score lines 62 that
permit bottom end 58 to be broken off from ampoule body 54 to
provide a drain opening, and score lines 63 to permit top end 56 to
be broken off to provide a vent. Conveniently, a piercing mechanism
may be used to pierce reservoir 60 to permit the liquid to drain
from reservoir 60.
[0044] Ampoule body 54 further includes a side 64 that includes a
series of alternating metallic areas 66. In this way, when ampoule
52 is inserted into an aerosolization device, an electrical reader
may be used to read the pattern of metallic areas 66 to determine
the liquid contained within reservoir 66. If the appropriate
ampoule has not been inserted, the aerosolization device may
include a controller to prevent its operation. Although shown in
connection with FIG. 9, it will be appreciated that similar
metallic areas may be used within any of the embodiments described
herein in order to key the ampoule to a specific type of
liquid.
[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an ampoule
68 that has the same overall appearance to ampoule 52 of FIG. 9.
For convenience of discussion, similar elements will be referred to
with the same reference numerals. Ampoule 68 differs from ampoule
52 in that it utilizes a set of fingers 70 that serve as keying
elements to identify the particular type of liquid contained within
reservoir 60. Ampoule 68 may be used within an aerosolization
device having spring contact leaves that are actuated to cause a
circuit to be created upon insertion. In this way, the
aerosolization device recognizes the specific type of ampoule and
may be configured to operate only when the proper ampoule has been
inserted.
[0046] Other techniques for keying such ampoules is by including a
metal film on the surface of the ampoule body. This may be
accomplished by plating, spraying, taping or any other attachment
scheme. The attached metal may be selectively covered by paint or
may be attached only in certain areas. The presence of the metal
serves as a conductor and patterns of the conductive material may
cause the aerosolization device to recognizes the particular type
of ampoule. For example, the pattern of conductive areas may be
sensed by a linear or other set of spring sensors. Such spring
tension sensors may serve to both hold the ampoule in place and to
push the contacts against the ampoule body to make a reliable
contact. Such a scheme may be used with any of the ampoules
described herein.
[0047] In some embodiments, the ampoule may be provided with a
programmable memory chip, such as an EPROM chip that is on the
surface or embedded as part of the manufacturing process. The
aerosolization device may include a reader to read the information
from the memory. In this way, the aerosolizer may keep a record of
various information, such as the number of doses, the time of
dosing, the expiration date, and the like.
[0048] The invention has now been described in detail for purposes
of clarity of understanding. However, it will be appreciated that
certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope
of the appended claims.
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