U.S. patent application number 10/771525 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for inhalation device and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Advanced Inhalation Research, Inc.. Invention is credited to Coker, Tim, Conlon, Colleen, DeLong, Mark, Dreesen, Sarah, Durkin, Jason R., Edwards, David, Foshee, David L., Jones, Andrew, McManus, Ryan, Saunders, Margaret Millar, Spaller, Robert W., Stapleton, Kevin, Ziegler, Andrew.
Application Number | 20040216738 10/771525 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25269161 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040216738 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Edwards, David ; et
al. |
November 4, 2004 |
Inhalation device and method
Abstract
Inhalation device and associated method for facilitating
inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a
receptacle. The inhalation device has a chamber for receiving the
receptacle. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface
of the chamber to achieve a higher reproducible emitted dose of
medicament from the receptacle. The inhalation device also includes
an improved implement for puncturing the receptacle, requiring less
force and experiencing fewer failures. The inhalation device also
includes a means for indicating readiness.
Inventors: |
Edwards, David; (Boston,
MA) ; Conlon, Colleen; (Sommerville, MA) ;
Foshee, David L.; (Apex, NC) ; Durkin, Jason R.;
(Apex, NC) ; Coker, Tim; (Merrimack, NH) ;
Stapleton, Kevin; (Boston, MA) ; Dreesen, Sarah;
(Medford, MA) ; DeLong, Mark; (Newton, MA)
; Jones, Andrew; (Roslindale, MA) ; McManus,
Ryan; (Cambridge, MA) ; Saunders, Margaret
Millar; (Cambridge, MA) ; Spaller, Robert W.;
(Amesbury, MA) ; Ziegler, Andrew; (Arlington,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COVINGTON & BURLING
ATTN: PATENT DOCKETING
1201 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20004-2401
US
|
Assignee: |
Advanced Inhalation Research,
Inc.
Cambridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
25269161 |
Appl. No.: |
10/771525 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10771525 |
Feb 5, 2004 |
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10268059 |
Oct 10, 2002 |
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6732732 |
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10268059 |
Oct 10, 2002 |
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09835302 |
Apr 16, 2001 |
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6766799 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/203.21 ;
128/203.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 15/0035 20140204;
A61M 11/003 20140204; A61M 15/0028 20130101; A61M 15/0033 20140204;
A61M 2202/064 20130101; A61M 15/0041 20140204 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/203.21 ;
128/203.15 |
International
Class: |
A61M 015/00; A61M
016/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An indicating device comprising: a casing; a body disposed
within the casing and reversibly moveable between a first position
and a second position; an indicator reversibly moveable between a
rest position and an indicating position; and a means for coupling
the body and the indicator; wherein upon a first movement of the
body from the first position to the second position the means for
coupling couples the body and the indicator, and upon a second
movement of the body from the second position to the first position
the indicator moves from the rest position to the indicating
position.
2. The indicating device of claim 1, wherein upon a subsequent
movement of the body from the first position to the second position
the body and the indicator remain coupled and the indicator moves
from the indicating position to the rest position, and upon a
subsequent movement of the body from the second position to the
first position the body and the indicator remain coupled and the
indicator moves from the rest position to the indicating
position.
3. The indicating device of claim 1, wherein the indicator makes an
audible click when the means for coupling couples the body and the
indicator.
4. The indicating device of claim 1, wherein the indicator is
disposed in the casing.
5. The indicating device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the
indicator is outside of the casing when the indicator is in the
indicating position.
6. The indicating device of claim 1, wherein the indicator
comprises a ring disposed between the casing and the body.
7. The indicating device of claim 1, wherein the means for coupling
comprises a lip coupled to the indicator and a flange coupled to
the body for engaging the lip.
8. The indicating device of claim 7, wherein the flange comprises a
ratchet surface so that the lip remains locked with the flange once
the flange engages the lip.
9. The indicating device of claim 7, wherein the means for coupling
further comprises a stop coupled to the body for coupling the lip
between the stop and the flange.
10. The indicating device of claim 1, further comprising a means
for decoupling the body and the indicator.
11. The indicating device of claim 10, wherein the means for
decoupling is configured so that applying an axial force to the
indicator disengages the flange from the lip.
12. The indicating device of claim 10, wherein the means for
decoupling comprises a knob coupled to the indicator.
13. A device for emitting powder comprising an indicating device of
claim 1.
14. The device for emitting powder of claim 13, wherein the
indicating device indicates the device is ready for use when the
indicator is in the indicating position.
15. An indicating device comprising: a casing; a body disposed
within the casing and reversibly moveable between a first position
and a second position; an indicator reversibly moveable between a
rest position and an indicating position; a lip coupled to the
indicator; and a flange coupled to the body for engaging the lip;
wherein the flange engages the lip upon a first movement of the
body from the first position to the second position, and wherein
the engagement of the flange to the lip causes the indicator to
move from the rest position to the indicating position upon a
second movement of the body from the second position to the first
position.
16. A device for emitting powder, comprising: a casing, said casing
comprising at least one aperture configured to emit powder
therethrough; a cylindrical chamber, defined by a straight wall of
circular cross-section, disposed in said casing, said chamber
having a proximal end and a distal end, said chamber comprising a
ring circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of said chamber;
a body disposed within the casing and reversibly moveable between a
first position and a second position; an indicator reversibly
moveable between a rest position and an indicating position; and a
means for coupling the body and the indicator; wherein upon a first
movement of the body from the first position to the second position
the means for coupling couples the body and the indicator, and upon
a second movement of the body from the second position to the first
position the indicator moves from the rest position to the
indicating position.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the casing further comprises a
hemispheric region defining said at least one aperture.
18. The device of claim 16, further comprising a second casing, the
body being disposed in the second casing.
19. The device of claim 16, wherein upon a subsequent movement of
the body from the first position to the second position the body
and the indicator remain coupled and the indicator moves from the
indicating position to the rest position, and upon a subsequent
movement of the body from the second position to the first position
the body and the indicator remain coupled and the indicator moves
from the rest position to the indicating position.
20. The device of claim 16, wherein the indicator makes an audible
click when the means for coupling couples the body and the
indicator.
21. The device of claim 16, wherein a portion of the indicator is
outside of the casing when the indicator is in the indicating
position.
22. The device of claim 16, wherein the indicator comprises a ring
disposed between the casing and the body.
23. The device of claim 16, wherein the means for coupling
comprises a lip coupled to the indicator and a flange coupled to
the body for engaging the lip.
24. The device of claim 23, wherein the flange comprises a ratchet
surface so that the lip remains locked with the flange once the
flange engages the lip.
25. The device of claim 23, wherein the means for coupling further
comprises a stop coupled to the body for coupling the lip between
the stop and the flange
26. The device of claim 16, further comprising a means for
decoupling the body and the indicator.
27. The device of claim 26, wherein the means for decoupling is
configured so that applying an axial force to the indicator
disengages the flange from the lip.
28. The device of claim 26, wherein the means for decoupling
comprises a knob coupled to the indicator.
29. A device for emitting powder, comprising: a casing, said casing
comprising at least one aperture configured to emit powder
therethrough; a cylindrical chamber, defined by a straight wall of
circular cross-section, disposed in said casing, said chamber
having a proximal end and a distal end, said chamber comprising a
ring circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of said chamber;
a body disposed within the casing and reversibly moveable between a
first position and a second position; an indicator reversibly
moveable between a rest position and an indicating position; a lip
coupled to the indicator; and a flange coupled to the body for
engaging the lip; wherein the flange engages the lip upon a first
movement of the body from the first position to the second position
while the indicator remains in the rest position, and wherein the
engagement of the flange to the lip causes the indicator to move
from the rest position to the indicating position upon a second
movement of the body from the second position to the first
position.
30. The device for emitting powder of claim 29, wherein the casing
further comprises a hemispheric region defining said at least one
aperture.
31. The device for emitting powder of claim 29, further comprising
a second casing, the body being disposed in the second casing.
32. A device for emitting powder, comprising: a casing, said casing
comprising at least one aperture configured to emit powder
therethrough; a cylindrical chamber, defined by a straight wall of
circular cross-section, disposed in said casing, said chamber
having a proximal end and a distal end, said chamber comprising a
ring circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of said chamber;
a means for indicating readiness of the device for emitting
powder.
33. A method for indicating the readiness of a device for
dispensing a medicament, comprising: providing a device for
dispensing a medicament, the device comprising a casing comprising
at least one aperture configured to emit powder therethrough, a
body coupled to said casing and reversibly moveable between a first
position and a second position, and an indicator coupled to said
casing and reversibly moveable between a rest position and an
indicating position; applying an axial force to said body to move
said body from said first position to said second position, which
readies the powder for dispensing and couples said body to said
indicator; and releasing said axial force from said body to allow
said body to move from said second position to said first position,
which moves said indicator to said indicating position.
34. The method of claim 33, further comprising decoupling said
indicator from said body; and moving said indicator to said rest
position.
35. A method of indicating that a device for dispensing a
medicament has been used, comprising: providing a device for
dispensing a medicament, the device comprising a casing comprising
at least one aperture configured to emit a medicament therethrough,
a body coupled to said casing and reversibly moveable between a
first position and a second position, and an indicator coupled to
said casing and reversibly moveable between a rest position and an
indicating position; applying an axial force to said body to move
said body from said first position to said second position, which
couples said body to said indicator; dispensing the medicament from
the device; releasing said axial force from said body to allow said
body to move from said second position to said first position,
which moves said indicator to said indicating position to indicate
that the device has been used.
36. The method of claim 35, further comprising decoupling said
indicator from said body; and moving said indicator to said rest
position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional of Application Ser.
No. 10/268,059, filed Oct. 10, 2002, which is a
continuation-in-part of Application Ser. No. 09/835,302, filed Apr.
16, 2001, the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to facilitating
release of powder contained in a receptacle. More specifically, the
present invention relates to the administration of medication by a
method and apparatus for facilitating inhalation of powder
medicaments.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] In the medical field, it is often desirable to administer
various forms of medication to patients. Well known methods of
introducing medication into the human body include the oral
ingestion of capsules and tablets, intravenous injection through
hypodermic needles, and numerous others. In one method, certain
medications may be inhaled into a patient's respiratory tract and
lungs through the nose or mouth. Certain of these medications, such
as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, etc., for the treatment of
asthma and other respiratory anomalies, may be aimed at the
respiratory tract directly. Others are inhaled for purposes of
systemic treatment, i.e. for treatment of any area of the body
through absorption from the respiratory tract through the lung
tissue, into the deep lungs, and into the bloodstream. Each of
these medications comes in a variety of forms, including fluids,
which are commonly administered as an aerosol vapor or mist, as
well as solids. Inhalable solids typically take the form of fine,
dry powders. Specialized devices, such as inhalers, are provided to
assist the patient in directing these fine powder medications into
the respiratory tract.
[0006] Various types of inhalers are known for the administration
of dry powder medicaments. However, each of these inhalers suffers
certain drawbacks. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,881 discloses
an inhaler that is used with encapsulated dry powder medicaments.
However, use of this device requires numerous steps and imposes a
number of inconveniences on a user. For example, the medication
capsules used with the device have an aperture formed therein prior
to insertion into an opening in the inhaler. Therefore, there
exists a danger that an amount of medication may be lost prior to
or during insertion into the device. After insertion of the
capsule, use of the device requires the additional step that a
cover must be closed before the medication may be inhaled.
[0007] Inhalation devices configured for use with a capsule
containing some type of medicament are shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,069,819 to Valentini et al. ("the '819 patent") and U.S. Pat. No.
4,995,385 to Valentini et al. ("the '385 patent"). The inhalation
device described in the '385 patent was developed to overcome the
drawbacks of the device described in the '819 patent. Particularly,
in a large number of cases, the device described in the '819 patent
experienced irregular and incomplete emptying of the capsule,
thereby resulting in difficulties in properly administering the
medicament in the capsule. The inhalation device described in the
'385 patent attempts to overcome this deficiency by tapering the
nebulization chamber toward the end surface that comprises the
discharge holes. Thus, the nebulization chamber of the '385 patent
is not cylindrical, but rather frusto-conical in form in an attempt
to achieve regular complete emptying of the nebulization
chamber.
[0008] However, further improvements in the design of inhalation
devices are needed to achieve high emitted doses and highly
dispersed powders while maintaining low resistance, especially when
the inhaler is used with high doses and is operated at low peak
inspiratory flow rates (PIFR) and low inhalation volumes. As used
herein, "emitted dose" (ED) refers to the percentage of the dose of
powder medicament that is emitted from a receptacle in the
inhalation device. The dispersal of the powder can be quantified by
measuring the volume mean geometric diameter (VMGD) of the emitted
powder. As used herein "volume mean geometric diameter" refers to
the average geometric diameter of the powder. As used herein,
"resistance" refers to the square root of the pressure gradient
across the inhaler divided by the peak inspiratory flow rate
through the inhaler. As used herein "low peak inspiratory flow
rate" refers to a peak inspiratory flow rate of approximately 25
L/min or less. Moreover, improvements are needed to achieve high
emitted doses and highly dispersed powders that are consistently
reproducible, i.e., that have a low standard deviation of emitted
dose percentage and VMGD, respectively.
[0009] Another drawback of the inhalation devices described in the
'819 and the '385 patents is the piercing device that is used to
puncture the capsule. Such conventional piercing devices are formed
from circular stock, with the points created by pinching the stock
at an angle, thereby creating a single sharp cutting edge.
Drawbacks of such a design are that the point (which must puncture
the capsule material) is often rounded, lessening its effectiveness
as a piercing device. Moreover, burrs often form on the lower edge,
which can stop the piercing device from retracting from the
capsule, thereby causing a device failure. The holes formed by such
a conventional piercing device are generally round, and do not have
the appearance of being cut by a sharp edge. With such a
conventional design, the capsule is often crushed, rather than
punctured or pierced. If such a conventional piercing device is
used with brittle capsule materials such as gelatin, pieces of
capsule material of a size that can be inhaled are usually broken
off from the capsule. Thus, conventional piercing devices are less
than optimal, particularly for brittle capsule material.
[0010] Another drawback of conventional inhalation devices is that
they have no means for indicating when the powder in the inhaler is
ready for inhalation by the user. It is desirable to have a means
for indicating to the user that a dose of powder is ready for
inhalation. For example, it would be desirable for a patient using
a device for dispensing fluticasone propionate (used to treat
asthma) to know when the device is ready for inhalation.
[0011] Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved method and
apparatus for inhalation of dry powder medicaments. What is needed
is an inhaler that provides for a higher emitted dose that is
consistently reproducible with low standard deviation. Such a need
is particularly acute for low peak inspiratory flow rates, and for
high dosage ranges. There is a further need in the art for an
improved means for puncturing the capsule containing the
medicament. The present invention, the description of which is
fully set forth below, solves the need in the art for such improved
methods and apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
facilitating release of powder from a device. In one aspect of the
invention, a device for emitting powder is provided. The device
includes a first casing portion, and a second casing portion
removably coupled to the first casing portion. A cylindrical
chamber, defined by a straight wall of circular cross section, is
coupled to the first casing portion. The chamber has a proximal end
and a distal end. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner
surface of the chamber. The ring is preferably disposed at
approximately a midpoint of the chamber, or, alternatively,
disposed adjacent the proximal end of the chamber. The second
casing portion includes an emitter portion disposed at the proximal
end of the chamber when the first and second casing portions are
coupled together. The emitter portion defines at least one aperture
configured to emit powder therethrough.
[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the device is
configured as an inhalation device for administering powder. In
this aspect of the present invention, the emitter portion is
configured as an inhalation portion so that powder is dispersed in
the chamber and administered to a user through the inhalation
portion. The inhalation portion may be configured as a mouth piece
for inhalation through the mouth, or as a nose piece for inhalation
through the nose.
[0014] One aspect of the invention comprises an optimized
configuration of a device for administering powder that comprises a
chamber defined by a wall and configured to hold a receptacle
containing a powder, the wall defining a plurality of vents, and
the inhalation device further comprising an inhalation portion
defining at least one aperture for emitting powder therethrough.
The inhalation device is configured to have a resistance of at most
0.28 (cm H.sub.2O).sup.1/2/L/min and to provide an emitted dose of
at least 85% when the dose of powder is up to 20 mg and when the
device is operated at a peak inspiratory flow rate of 25 L/min or
less and at an inhalation volume of 0.75 L or less. Preferably the
standard deviation of the emitted dose is 10% or less.
[0015] In another aspect, the device of the present invention is
configured to cause the emitted powder to be highly dispersed. By
"highly dispersed" is meant that the VMGD of the emitted powder is
substantially similar to the VMGD of the powder contained in the
receptacle. Highly dispersible powders have a low tendency to
agglomerate, aggregate or clump together and/or, if agglomerated,
aggregated or clumped together, are easily dispersed or
de-agglomerated as they emit from an inhaler and are breathed in by
the subject. Typically, the highly dispersible particles suitable
in the methods of the invention display very low aggregation
compared to standard micronized powders which have similar
aerodynamic diameters and which are suitable for delivery to the
pulmonary system. Properties that enhance dispersibility include,
for example, particle charge, surface roughness, surface chemistry,
relatively large geometric diameters, and the configuration of the
device used to dispense the powder.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention, the powder is contained
in a receptacle that is disposed in the chamber. Upon puncturing
the receptacle, powder is dispersed in the chamber and emitted or
inhaled from the device.
[0017] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the device
of the present invention includes means for puncturing the
receptacle. In one embodiment, the means for puncturing can be
configured as a staple. Such a staple is preferably configured in a
substantially U-shape, having two prongs. In one aspect of the
present invention, each of the prongs has a square cross-section.
In another aspect of the present invention, the substantially
U-shaped staple includes a rounded portion and two prongs that
define a non-planar inner edge and a non-planar outer edge of the
staple, the staple being formed from a rectangular length having
two end surfaces and four planar side surfaces that intersect to
form four non-planar edges. The inner edge of the staple is
configured to be one of the non-planar edges, and the outer edge of
the staple is the non-planar edge that is opposite that non-planar
edge. Each end surface is an angled diamond-shaped surface. In a
preferred aspect, each end surface has a top point at an apex of
the inner edge, and a bottom point at an apex of the outer edge,
each top point forming a cutting point for one of the prongs.
[0018] In another embodiment, the puncturing means can be
configured as a substantially longitudinal prong comprising a
puncturing surface on the distal end of the prong, a primary
cutting surface running from the proximal end to the distal end of
the prong and terminating at the puncturing surface, and a
substantially planar face opposite to the primary cutting edge and
running from the proximal end to the distal end of the prong.
Another embodiment of the puncturing means comprises a
substantially longitudinal prong comprising a puncturing surface on
the distal end, a primary cutting surface terminating at the
puncturing surface, and a face opposite to the primary cutting
edge, wherein the prong is configured to create an opening in a
wall by forming a hanging chad in the wall, the hanging chad having
a free end formed by the puncturing surface and the primary cutting
edge and a hinge coupled to the wall formed by the face. In another
embodiment, the prong is configured to form a hanging chad in a
wall of the receptacle having a longitudinal axis substantially
parallel to the prong and a minor axis substantially perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis, the hanging chad being opened to an angle
of at least 30 to 45 degrees with respect to the minor axis of the
receptacle. In another embodiment the prong is configured so that
at least 3/4 of the length of the prong can be inserted into a
receptacle without breaking off chads in the receptacle.
[0019] In each of these embodiments, the prong preferably has an
angled surface at the distal end, the surface having a distal end
terminating at the puncturing surface and a proximal end
terminating at the substantially planar face. In addition, the
prong preferably is tapered, so that its distal end is smaller than
its proximal end, to facilitate removing the prong from the
receptacle. The prong also preferably has a plurality of
longitudinal faces and a plurality of longitudinal edges running
from the proximal end to the distal end of the prong. In one
embodiment, the cross section of the prong is a pentagon. In a
related embodiment, the width of the substantially planar face may
be very small and the four longitudinal faces may be substantially
at right angles to each other so that the prong has substantially a
diamond shaped cross section. In another embodiment, the cross
section of the prong is a triangle.
[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, the puncturing means
comprises one or more of the longitudinal prongs coupled to a base,
preferably in a U-shape. In another aspect of the invention, any of
these embodiments of the longitudinal prongs may be coupled to the
device for administering powder.
[0021] In still a further aspect of the present invention, a method
for dispensing powder by inhalation is provided. Such a method
comprises
[0022] providing a powder inhalation device, the device
comprising
[0023] a first casing portion,
[0024] a cylindrical chamber, defined by a straight wall of
circular cross-section, coupled to said first casing portion, said
chamber having a proximal end and a distal end and configured to
receive a receptacle therein, said chamber comprising a ring
circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of said chamber,
and
[0025] a second casing portion removably coupled to said first
casing portion, said second casing portion comprising an inhalation
portion disposed at the proximal end of said chamber when said
first and said second casing portions are coupled, said inhalation
portion comprising a hemispheric region defining a plurality of
apertures configured to emit powder therethrough;
[0026] puncturing the receptacle to allow release of powder into
said chamber; and
[0027] dispersing powder through inhalation of the powder through
said inhalation portion.
[0028] In one aspect of the present invention, the inhaling step is
carried out by inhaling the powder through a mouthpiece into a
user's mouth. Alternatively, the inhaling step may be carried out
by inhaling the powder through a nose piece into a user's nose.
[0029] The present invention also encompasses an indicating device
comprising a body disposed within a casing and reversibly moveable
between a first and a second position, an indicator moveable
between a rest position and an indicating position, and a means for
coupling the body and the indicator, wherein upon a first movement
of the body from the first position to the second position, the
means for coupling couples the body and the indicator, and upon a
second movement of the body from the second position to the first
position, the indicator moves from the rest position to the
indicating position.
[0030] In another embodiment, the present invention encompasses an
indicating device comprising a body disposed within a casing and
reversibly moveable between a first position and a second position,
an indicator reversibly moveable between a rest position and an
indicating position, a lip coupled to the indicator and a flange
coupled to the body for engaging the lip, wherein upon a first
movement of the body from the first position to the second
position, the flange engages the lip, and upon a second movement of
the body from the second position to the first position, the
engagement of the lip and the flange causes the indicator to move
from the rest position to the indicating position.
[0031] The invention further encompasses one of the previously
described embodiments of a device for emitting powder comprising a
means for indicating readiness of the device for emitting powder.
The means for indicating readiness of the device for emitting
powder may comprise one of the previously described embodiments of
an indicating device.
[0032] In addition, the invention comprises a method for indicating
the readiness of a device for emitting a medicament. Such a method
comprises
[0033] providing a device for dispensing a medicament, the device
comprising a casing comprising at least one aperture configured to
emit powder therethrough, a body coupled to said casing and
reversibly moveable between a first position and a second position,
and an indicator coupled to said casing and reversibly moveable
between a rest position and an indicating position;
[0034] applying an axial force to said body to move said body from
said first position to said second position, which readies the
powder for dispensing and couples said body to said indicator;
[0035] releasing said axial force from said body to allow said body
to move from said second position to said first position, which
moves said indicator to said indicating position; and
[0036] dispensing the medicament from said device.
[0037] The invention further comprises a method for indicating that
a device for dispensing a medicament has been used. Such a method
comprises
[0038] providing a device for dispensing a medicament, the device
comprising a casing comprising at least one aperture configured to
emit a medicament therethrough, a body coupled to said casing and
reversibly moveable between a first position and a second position,
and an indicator coupled to said casing and reversibly moveable
between a rest position and an indicating position;
[0039] applying an axial force to said body to move said body from
said first position to said second position, which couples said
body to said indicator;
[0040] dispensing the medicament from the device;
[0041] releasing said axial force from said body to allow said body
to move from said second position to said first position, which
moves said indicator to said indicating position to indicate that
the device has been used.
Features and Advantages
[0042] One feature of the present invention is that it provides, in
a low resistance inhaler with a highly dispersed powder, high
emitted doses that are consistently reproducible over a range of
peak inspiratory flow rates, inhalation volumes and dosage
quantities. Advantageously, the present invention improves and
optimizes the emitted dose at low peak inspiratory flow rates, low
inhalation volumes, and high dose ranges. A particularly
advantageous feature of the present invention is its ability to
operate at low peak inspiratory flow rates, such as would be
associated with a child, an elderly person, or a person with a
respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD).
[0043] One advantage of the present invention is that the means for
puncturing used in the device is less expensive to manufacture than
conventional piercing devices. Advantages of the injection molding
manufacturing process used for the puncturing means include
reliability, reproducibility, and design flexibility, such as the
ability to make a wide variety of shapes and sizes of longitudinal
prongs. For example, larger longitudinal prongs of the present
invention can create larger openings in the receptacles than
conventional piercing devices, which allows for higher emitted
doses at low peak inspiratory flow rates, low volumes, and high
dosage quantities. Another advantage of the present invention is
that at least one configuration of the puncturing means facilitates
forming a hanging chad in the wall of the receptacle, with an
opening of at least 30 to 45 degrees, to facilitate more efficient
removal of powder from the receptacle and, thus, higher emitted
doses than could be achieved with conventional piercing devices.
Moreover, the means for puncturing of the present invention
advantageously provides improved puncturing performance since less
force is needed to puncture the receptacles, and fewer failures
result than with conventional piercing devices. Yet another
advantage is that the prongs are shaped for easy removal from the
receptacle without breaking off the hanging chad formed in the wall
of the receptacle.
[0044] Another advantage of the preferred means for puncturing is
an improvement to the emitted dose rate of the inhaler. In one
aspect of the invention, the puncturing means improves the powder
flow from the receptacle by increasing the size of the holes in the
receptacle. In another aspect of the invention, the puncturing
means improves the peak inspiratory flow rate by opening a hanging
chad in the wall of the receptacle to an angle of at least 30 to 45
degrees with respect to the wall of the receptacle. Consequently,
the emitted dose of the powdered medicament delivered to a patient
will be independent of how fast the patient breathes, thereby
ensuring that a consistent dose of medicament is delivered each
time. Another advantageous feature of the present invention is the
accuracy of medicament dosage delivered thereby. Since only one
dosage of medication is present in the inhaler during each use, the
possibility of overdose is eliminated, and the medicament need not
be metered prior to delivery. A patient may simply inhale all
medicament present in the device. Yet another advantage is the
design of the puncturing means allows for a greater range of
puncturing depths without breaking off the chads formed in the
receptacle, allowing for greater optimization of the inhaler.
[0045] Because the present invention operates only under the
inhalative power of the patient, the inhaler carries the additional
advantage that no accessory device, such as a compressed air
cylinder or other propellant, needs to be used in conjunction with
the present invention.
[0046] Another advantage of the present invention is that during
inhalation, the medicament is subjected to mixing in the dispersion
chamber. This helps to ensure that the medicament exiting the
inhaler and entering the patient's respiratory system is in the
form of a fine dry powder, facilitating medicament deposition in
the lungs. In addition, inhalation of finer powders is typically
more comfortable for the patient.
[0047] Still another advantage of the present invention is that it
can be used with individuals who cannot breathe hard, such as a
child, an elderly person, or a person suffering from a respiratory
disease, such as asthma, or individuals who are sleeping or in a
coma.
[0048] Yet another advantage of the apparatus of the present
invention is that it is reusable. To reuse, a patient removes the
emptied receptacle, and replaces it with a fresh receptacle filled
with the proper dose of medicament.
[0049] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
includes a means for indicating when a device for emitting powder
is ready for inhalation. Such a means for indicating informs the
user when the device is ready for use and/or when the device needs
to be refilled or discarded. For example, the means for indicating
could be used with a device for emitting fluticasone propionate
(used to treat asthma) to indicate that the device is ready for
inhalation. Alternatively, the means for indicating could be used
with an epinephrine pen for treating allergies to indicate that the
pen has been used. In addition, the means for indicating preferably
makes an audible click so that a user will know when the device has
been properly actuated. Also, the means for indicating is easy to
manufacture and use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0050] The present invention is described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers
indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
[0051] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a device of the
present invention;
[0052] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the device shown in FIG. 1
along line 2-2;
[0053] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-section of one
embodiment of a dispersion chamber of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-section of another
embodiment of a dispersion chamber of the present invention showing
one location for a ring in the dispersion chamber;
[0055] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-section of another
embodiment of a dispersion chamber of the present invention showing
another location for a ring in the dispersion chamber;
[0056] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-section of another
embodiment of a dispersion chamber of the present invention showing
another location for a ring in the dispersion chamber;
[0057] FIG. 7A is a top view of a preferred embodiment of a staple
suitable for use with the device of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 7B is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
7A;
[0059] FIG. 7C is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
7A;
[0060] FIG. 7D is an isometric view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
7A;
[0061] FIG. 8 shows the puncture obtained with the staple shown in
FIGS. 7A through 7D;
[0062] FIG. 9A shows a partial view of another embodiment of a
staple suitable for use with the device of the present
invention;
[0063] FIG. 9B illustrates the puncture obtained with the staple
shown in FIG. 9A;
[0064] FIG. 10 is a bar graph illustrating emitted dose at peak
inspiratory flow rates of 20 L/min (left bar), 40 L/min (center
bar), and 60 L/min (right bar) for four dispersion chamber
configurations;
[0065] FIG. 11 is a bar graph illustrating emitted dose at low peak
inspiratory flow rates for devices with varying numbers of
vents;
[0066] FIG. 12 is a bar graph showing a comparison of mass fraction
distributions obtained for 6 mg (left bar) and 50 mg (right bar)
fill weights;
[0067] FIG. 13 is a graph showing glucose levels (mg/dL) in beagle
dogs after administration of insulin using an aerosol generator and
a device of the present invention with the low ring configuration
substantially as shown in FIG. 4;
[0068] FIG. 14 is a bar graph illustrating the percentage emitted
dose as a function of air volume; and
[0069] FIG. 15 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of a device of the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a puncturing device suitable for use with the present
invention.
[0071] FIG. 16B is a front view of the puncturing device shown in
FIG. 16A.
[0072] FIG. 16C is a side view of the puncturing device shown in
FIG. 16A.
[0073] FIG. 16D is a top view of the puncturing device shown in
FIG. 16A.
[0074] FIGS. 17A-17C are schematic diagrams of one of the prongs of
the puncturing device shown in FIGS. 16A-D being used to puncture a
receptacle and create a hanging chad therein.
[0075] FIG. 18 is a front cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the device for administering powder comprising a
means for indicating the readiness of the device.
[0076] FIGS. 19A-19C are enlarged partial cross-sectional views of
a preferred embodiment of the means for indicating readiness of the
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Overview
[0077] The present invention provides an improved method and
apparatus for facilitating release of powder. In a preferred
embodiment, the powder is contained in a receptacle. As used
herein, the termn "receptacle" includes but is not limited to, for
example, a capsule, blister, film covered container well, chamber,
and other suitable means of storing a powder known to those skilled
in the art. The present invention will be described below in the
context of a method and apparatus for dispensing dry powder
medicaments for inhalation by a patient. However, it should be
apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not
limited to such an exemplary embodiment, and could be used for
other purposes.
[0078] As will be described in more detail below, an apparatus of
the present invention is an inhaler that includes a chamber. In one
embodiment, the chamber is configured to receive the receptacle
containing the medicament. To improve the emptying of the
receptacle and provide a higher reproducible emitted dose, the
chamber includes a ring circumferentially coupled to an inner
surface of the chamber. The ring is preferably disposed at
approximately a midpoint of the chamber, or alternatively, adjacent
the proximal end of the chamber. In proper use, air will exit the
inhaler carrying a full dose of medicament in the form of a fine,
dry powder.
[0079] Another aspect of the present invention is an optimized
chamber configured to have a resistance of at most 0.28 (cm
H.sub.2O).sup.1/2/L/min and to provide an emitted dose of at least
85% when the dose of powder is up to 20 mg and when the device is
operated at a peak inspiratory flow rate of 25 L/min or less and at
an inhalation volume of 0.75 L or less.
[0080] The inhaler of the present invention is preferably
configured with a means for puncturing the receptacle that improves
puncturing performance, particularly with brittle receptacle
material. In one preferred embodiment, the means for puncturing the
receptacle of the present invention is configured as a
substantially U-shaped staple with two prongs, each prong having a
sharp point and two cutting edges. In one such embodiment, each
prong has a square cross-section, with the staple material being
bent around a face so that the innermost part of the U-shaped
staple is flat. In another such embodiment, the staple material is
rotated 45 degrees so that it is bent around an edge so that the
innermost part of the U-shaped staple is an edge. In such an
embodiment, the end surface of each prong is an angled
diamond-shaped surface.
[0081] In another preferred embodiment, the means for puncturing
the receptacle is configured as a substantially longitudinal prong
comprising a puncturing surface on the distal end, a primary
cutting surface running from the proximal end to the distal end of
the prong and terminating at the puncturing surface, and a
substantially planar face opposite to the primary cutting edge and
running from the proximal end to the distal end of the prong. The
prong preferably has an angled surface at the distal end, the
angled surface having a distal end terminating at the puncturing
surface and a proximal end terminating at the substantially planar
face. In addition, the prong is preferably tapered so that the
distal end is smaller than the proximal end, to facilitate removing
the prong from a receptacle. The prong also preferably has a
plurality of longitudinal faces and a plurality of longitudinal
edges running from the proximal end to the distal end of the
prong.
[0082] The prong is configured to create an opening in a wall by
forming a hanging chad in the wall, the hanging chad having a free
end formed by the puncturing surface and the primary cutting edge
and a hinge coupled to the wall formed by the face. In a preferred
embodiment, the prong is configured to open the hanging chad to an
angle of at least 30 to 45 degrees between the minor axis of the
receptacle and the hanging chad, wherein the minor axis is
substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the
receptacle, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal
prong.
[0083] The methods of the present invention use an inhaler to
dispense powder by inhalation. As will be discussed in greater
detail below, a user operates the device to puncture the receptacle
to disperse powder in the chamber, and inhales the powder through
the inhalation portion. The present invention further encompasses a
means for indicating readiness coupled to a device for
administering powder.
Inhaler and Associated Method of the Present Invention
[0084] A front view of one embodiment of an inhalation device 100
of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The rear view of
device 100 is substantially identical to the front view. Device 100
includes a first or lower casing portion 120 and a second or upper
casing portion 130 removably coupled to first casing portion 120 .
Upper casing portion 130 and lower casing portion 120 include a
flattened region 132 and 122, respectively, for ease of gripping
the casing for use by a patient. Lower casing portion 120
preferably includes an outer casing 126 and an inner casing 124
movably received within outer casing 126. A removable cap 110 is
provided at the user or inhalation end of the device.
[0085] Preferred materials for device 100 include Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) approved, USP tested plastics. Preferably,
device 100 is manufactured using an injection molding process, the
details of which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the
art.
[0086] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of device 100 shown in FIG. 1
along line 2-2. As shown in FIG. 2, device 100 includes an
inhalation or emitter portion 220. Inhalation portion 220 comprises
a hemispheric region 222 that defines a plurality of apertures 224.
It should be understood that the present invention is not limited
to a particular number of apertures 224, and can be configured such
that at least one aperture 224 is provided. An inhalation piece 226
is provided to allow for inhalation of the medicament by a user.
Inhalation piece 226 can be configured as a mouth piece for
inhalation through a user's mouth. Alternatively, inhalation piece
226 can be configured as a nose piece for inhalation through a
user's nose.
[0087] Device 100 includes a cylindrical chamber 210 that is
defined by a straight wall 212 of circular cross-section. Chamber
210 has a proximal end 214 and a distal end 216. A plurality of
vents 218 are defined by wall 212, and are configured for
introducing air into chamber 210 to disperse powder released from a
capsule 219. It should be understood that the present invention is
not limited to a particular number of vents 218, and can be
configured such that at least one vent 218 is provided. Powder
released from capsule 219 is dispersed in chamber 210 and inhaled
through apertures 224 and inhalation piece 226 by the user.
[0088] In other embodiments of the invention, receptacles other
than capsules are used, such as blisters and film covered container
wells as is known in the art. In one embodiment, the volume of the
receptacle is at least about 0.37 cm.sup.3. In another embodiment,
the volume of the receptacle is at least about 0.48 cm.sup.3. In
yet another embodiment, the receptacles have a volume of at least
about 0.67 cm.sup.3 or 0.95 cm.sup.3. In one embodiment of the
invention, the receptacle is a capsule designated with a capsule
size 2, 1, 0, 00, or 000. Suitable capsules can be obtained, for
example, from Shionogi (Rockville, Md.). Blisters can be obtained,
for example, from Hueck Foils, (Wall, N.J.).
[0089] The receptacle encloses or stores particles, also referred
to herein as powders. The receptacle is filled with particles in a
manner known to one skilled in the art. For example, vacuum filling
or tamping technologies may be used. Generally, filling the
receptacle with powder can be carried out by methods known in the
art. In one embodiment of the invention, the particle or powder
enclosed or stored in the receptacle have a mass of at least about
5 milligrams (mg). In another embodiment, the mass of the particles
stored or enclosed in the receptacle is at least about 10 mg, and
up to approximately 50 mg. In a preferred embodiment, the mass of
the particles is approximately 20 mg.
[0090] In one embodiment of the present invention, particles used
with the device have a tap density of less than about 0.4
g/cm.sup.3. Particles having a tap density of less than about 0.4
g/cm.sup.3 are referred to herein as "aerodynamically light". In a
preferred embodiment, the particles have a tap density of near to
or less than about 0.1 g/cm.sup.3. Tap density is a measure of the
envelope mass density characterizing a particle. The envelope mass
density of particles of a statistically isotropic shape is defined
as the mass of the particle divided by the minimum sphere envelope
volume within which it can be enclosed. Features that can
contribute to low tap density include irregular surface texture and
hollow or porous structure. Particularly preferred particles and
powders are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,136,295, 5,985,309,
5,874,064, and 5,855,913, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/591,307, filed Jun. 9, 2000 entitled "High Efficient Delivery of
a Large Therapeutic Mass Aerosol", the entirety of each of the
foregoing patents and patent applications is hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
[0091] Device 100 includes a means for puncturing 230 that is used
to puncture capsule 219 to release powder contained therein into
chamber 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, means for
puncturing 230 is configured as a substantially U-shaped staple
having two prongs 232. In this embodiment, each of prongs 232 is
configured with a square cross-section 234, thereby providing a
sharp point and two cutting edges. This will be discussed in more
detail below with respect to FIGS. 9A and 9B. As discussed in more
detail below, device 100 could alternatively be configured with the
means for puncturing shown in FIGS. 7A through 7D. Also, device 100
could alternatively be configured with the means for puncturing
shown in FIGS. 16A through 16D. As can be readily appreciated by
one skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to
these means for puncturing the capsule, described in detail below.
For example, one, or a plurality of, straight needle-like
implements could be used. Preferably, the means for puncturing is
configured to puncture at least two holes in the capsule.
[0092] Means for puncturing 230 is preferably configured to be
movable between a non-puncturing position (as depicted in FIG. 1)
and a puncturing position. In the puncturing position, prongs 232
pierce or puncture capsule 219 to make holes therein. In a
preferred embodiment, a means for biasing is provided that biases
the means for puncturing 230 in the non-puncturing position. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the means for biasing is configured as
a spring 242 that biases the substantially U-shaped staple in the
non-puncturing position.
[0093] As noted with respect to FIG. 1, device 100 includes inner
casing 124 and outer casing 126. As shown in FIG. 2, a spring 244
is disposed in lower casing portion 120 that biases inner casing
124 in an outward position. Upon compression of spring 244, inner
casing 124 moves from the outward position to an inward position,
thereby drawing lower casing portion 120 toward upper casing
portion 130. Compression of spring 244 also causes compression of
spring 242, thereby causing means for puncturing 230 to move to the
puncturing position. Upon release of compression, springs 242 and
244 return to their biased state, thereby returning means for
puncturing 230 to its non-puncturing position, and inner casing 124
to its outward position.
[0094] A pair of flanges 252 is disposed on first casing portion
120. A pair of grooves 254 is disposed on second casing portion 130
so that flanges 252 can be received within grooves 254 to thereby
couple the first and second casing portions. Preferably, the first
and second casing portions are coupled with a friction-fit
engagement. A friction-fit engagement can be achieved using the
groove and flange arrangement depicted in FIG. 2. Other alternative
configurations for a friction-fit engagement would be readily
apparent to one skilled in the art.
[0095] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-section of one
embodiment of chamber 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
chamber 210 does not contain a ring disposed on an inner surface,
and an inner diameter of chamber 210 is depicted as "X". Such a
configuration may be referred to herein as a "straight" chamber
configuration.
[0096] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-section of another
embodiment of chamber 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a
ring 400 is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of
chamber 210. An inner diameter of ring 400 is depicted as "Y", and
is less than inner diameter X of chamber 210. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 4, ring 400 is disposed at approximately a midpoint
of chamber 210. Such a configuration may be referred to herein as a
"low" ring position or "low" chamber configuration. As shown in
FIG. 4, in the low ring position, ring 400 is disposed adjacent
vents 218. The ring position is measured by the distance from the
top of hemispheric region 222 to the bottom edge of ring 400. This
distance is depicted as "Z". The following dimensions are provided
as exemplary dimensions of a device of the present invention. It
should be understood by one skilled in the art that the present
invention is not limited to the dimensions provided herein, or to
any particular dimensions. In one embodiment of the chamber 210
shown in FIG. 4, diameter X is 0.47 in., diameter Y is 0.38 in.,
and distance Z is 0.49 in.
[0097] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-section of another
embodiment of chamber 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, ring
400 is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of chamber
210. An inner diameter of ring 400 is depicted as "Y", and is less
than inner diameter X of chamber 210. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 6, ring 400 is disposed adjacent the proximal end of chamber
210. Such a configuration may be referred to herein as a "high"
ring position or a "high" chamber configuration. The ring position
is measured by the distance from the top of hemispheric region 222
to the bottom edge of ring 400. This distance is depicted as "Z".
The following dimensions are provided as exemplary dimensions of a
device of the present invention. It should be understood by one
skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the
dimensions provided herein, or to any particular dimensions. In one
embodiment of the chamber 210 shown in FIG. 6, diameter X is 0.47
in., diameter Y is 0.38 in., and distance Z is 0.29 in.
[0098] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-section of another
embodiment of chamber 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, ring
400 is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of chamber
210. An inner diameter of ring 400 is depicted as "Y", and is less
than inner diameter X of chamber 210. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5, ring 400 is disposed between the low ring position of FIG.
4 and the high ring position of FIG. 6. Such a configuration may be
referred to herein as a "mid" ring position or "mid" chamber
configuration. The ring position is measured by the distance from
the top of hemispheric region 222 to the bottom edge of ring 400.
This distance is depicted as "Z". The following dimensions are
provided as exemplary dimensions of a device of the present
invention. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to the dimensions provided
herein, or to any particular dimensions. In one embodiment of the
chamber 210 shown in FIG. 5, diameter X is 0.47 in., diameter Y is
0.38 in., and distance Z is 0.39 in.
[0099] In one embodiment of the present invention, ring 400 is
integral with chamber 210. In such an embodiment, ring 400 and
chamber 210 are formed as a unit, such as through an injection
molding, extrusion or a casting process. In another embodiment of
the present invention, ring 400 is attached to the inner surface of
chamber 210 in a manner known to those skilled in the art, such as
through the use of glue or other type of adhesive, or by using an
attaching device such as a pin or screw, etc. Preferably, the
casing of device 100 is made from a material that can be injection
molded, such as a plastic material (preferably FDA approved, USP
tested). As would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art,
the material is preferably durable, easy to clean, and non-reactive
with powder medicaments.
[0100] An exploded cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of a device 1500 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 15.
Device 1500 includes a first or lower casing portion 1540 and a
second or upper casing portion 1550 removably coupled to first
casing portion 1540. First and second casing portions 1540 and 1550
are coupled through the use of a flange 1552 and a groove 1554.
Preferred materials for device 1500 include Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) approved, USP tested plastics. Preferably,
device 1500 is manufactured using an injection molding process, the
details of which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the
art.
[0101] Device 1500 includes an inhalation or emitter portion 1520.
Inhalation portion 1520 comprises a hemispheric region 1522 that
defines a plurality of apertures 1524. It should be understood that
the present invention is not limited to a particular number of
apertures 1524, and can be configured such that at least one
aperture 1524 is provided. An inhalation piece 1526 is provided to
allow for inhalation of the medicament by a user. Inhalation piece
1526 can be configured as a mouth piece for inhalation through a
user's mouth. Alternatively, inhalation piece 1526 can be
configured as a nose piece for inhalation through a user's
nose.
[0102] Device 1500 includes a cylindrical chamber 1510 that is
defined by a straight wall 1512 of circular cross-section. A
plurality of vents 1518 are defined by wall 1512, and are
configured for introducing air into chamber 1510 to disperse powder
released from, for example, capsule 219 as illustrated in FIG. 2.
It should be understood that the present invention is not limited
to a particular number of vents 1518, and can be configured such
that at least one vent 1518 is provided. Powder released from
capsule 219 is dispersed in chamber 1510 and inhaled through
apertures 1524 and inhalation piece 1526 by the user.
[0103] As would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art,
device 1500 can be configured with means for puncturing and means
for biasing in a manner similar to that described above with
respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Means for
puncturing are described in more detail below with respect to FIGS.
7A through 7D, 8, 9A-9B, 16A-16D, and 17A-17C. Moreover, device
1500 can be configured with the chamber designs described above
with respect to FIGS. 3-6.
[0104] FIG. 10 is a bar graph illustrating emitted dose at peak
inspiratory flow rates of 20 L/min (left bar), 40 L/min (center
bar), and 60 L/min (right bar) for a total volume of 2L for four
dispersion chamber configurations (standard deviations shown;
sample size n=3). The peak inspiratory flow rates were measured
with a flow meter. The emitted dose measurement involved placing a
capsule into four embodiments of the inhaler of the present
invention for actuation into an emitted dose (ED) measurement
apparatus. The ED apparatus included a powder filter and a filter
holder. The powder collected by the ED apparatus was quantified by
fluorescence spectrophotometry. The straight configuration is shown
in FIG. 3; the low configuration is shown in FIG. 4; the mid
configuration is shown in FIG. 5; and the high configuration is
shown in FIG. 6. As can be seen from FIG. 10, each of the low, mid,
and high configurations demonstrated a higher emitted dose at each
of the three flow rates than the straight (no ring) configuration.
Thus, the ring configuration of the present invention provides an
improvement over conventional chamber designs without a ring, such
as those shown in the '819 and '385 patents. At each of the flow
rates shown in FIG. 10, the low configuration produced a higher
emitted dose and a lower standard deviation than the mid and high
configurations.
[0105] FIG. 11 is a bar graph illustrating emitted dose at low peak
inspiratory flow rates for devices with varying numbers of vents
218. The measurements were taken at a flow rate of 5 L/min, with a
volume of 67 cc and a 15 mg dosage. As show in FIG. 11, by
decreasing the number of vents 218, the emitted dose increases so
that the device of the present invention successfully delivers a
high emitted dose at a low peak inspiratory flow rate over multiple
(ten) actuations. Thus, the device of the present invention
achieves a high emitted dose at low peak inspiratory flow rates
that is consistently reproducible with low standard deviation.
[0106] Experiments were conducted to evaluate the emitted dose as a
function of air volume drawn through the inhaler. The inhaler was
operated at a constant flow rate of 30 L/min for a 5 mg dose. The
volume of air through the inhaler was varied by varying the
actuation time. Volumes of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 L were
investigated. FIG. 14 shows the percentage emitted dose as a
function of air volume (n=3, standard deviations shown). The
emitted dose remained constant across the range of volumes and was
consistently reproducible with low standard deviation.
[0107] In the embodiments having the inner diameter X of chamber
210 of 0.47 in. and the inner diameter Y of ring 400 of 0.38 in.,
the ratio of the inner diameter of the ring to the inner diameter
of the chamber is about 0.8. By modifying the inner diameters of
the ring and the chamber, it is possible to optimize the emitted
dose at varying flow rates. As reported in Annals of the ICRP,
Human respiratory tract model for radiological protection, 24
(1-3), Elsevier Science, Inc., New York, 1994, the peak inspiratory
flow rate for a tidal breathing seated adult male is 300 mLs (18
L/min) for a volume of 750 mL. In one embodiment of a device of the
present invention optimized for low peak inspiratory flow rates,
inner diameter X of chamber 210 is 0.33 in. and inner diameter Y of
ring 400 is 0.30 in. In such an embodiment, the ratio of the inner
diameter of the ring to the inner diameter of the chamber is about
0.9. Preferably, the ratio of the inner diameter of the ring to the
inner diameter of the chamber is about 0.9 or less.
[0108] The device of the present invention can also be optimized
for varying dosage ranges. One way to do so is to vary the
dimensions of chamber 210 to accommodate varying sizes of capsules.
For example, a chamber having an inner diameter X of 0.33 in.,
inner diameter Y of 0.30 in., and distance Z of 0.57 in. can be
used with size 2 and size 00 capsules. It should be readily
apparent to one skilled in the art that chamber 210 can be scaled
to accommodate varying capsule sizes, and to accommodate those
capsule sizes at varying peak inspiratory flow rates.
[0109] The device of the present invention can be used with varying
dosage ranges. A highly dispersible powder was prepared and loaded
into capsules to obtain a large pre-metered dose (50 mg) and a
smaller pre-metered dose (6 mg). The particle size characteristics
of the powder were as follows: VMGD=10.6 .mu.m; .rho.=0.11 g/cc;
and Da=3.5 .mu.m, where VMGD is the volume mean geometric diameter,
p is the powder density, and Da is the mean aerodynamic diameter.
The aerodynamic particle size distributions were characterized
using a multistage liquid impinger that extracted air at 60 L/min
after actuating the inhaler device (D). As shown in FIG. 12, the
mass fraction was measured at D, the induction port (IP) of the
impactor, stages S1-S4, and the filter cutoff (SF). Size 2 capsules
were used for the 6 mg dose and size 000 capsules were used for the
50 mg dose. FIG. 12 shows the results comparing the two particle
size distributions obtained for the 6 mg (left bar) and 50 mg
(right bar) doses. "ED" used on the graph refers to emitted dose,
and FPM used on the graph refers to fine particle mass (estimate of
the mass that would deposit in the lungs). The fine particle
fraction <6.8 .mu.m relative to the total dose
(FPF.sub.TD<6.8 .mu.m) for the 6 and 50 mg doses were 74.4% and
75.0%, respectively. Similar aerodynamic particle size
distributions were obtained for both doses.
[0110] FIG. 13 is a graph showing glucose (mg/dL) in beagle dogs
after administration of human insulin using an aerosol generator
and a device of the present invention with the low ring
configuration substantially as shown in FIG. 4. The generator is a
device with proven ability for forming a respirable aerosol that
results in deposition of powder in dog lungs. Metered powder is
presented to a chamber where the powder is dispersed by a high
velocity jet of air. The dispersed powder is directed toward a
baffle to separate large agglomerates before inhalation by the dog.
The pharmakodynamic profile shown in FIG.13 confirms that the
device of the present invention produces a pattern of powder
deposition similar to the aerosol generator.
[0111] The dogs were anesthetized for the dosing procedure. A
forced maneuver was used with dogs being ventilated at 75% of their
vital capacity (approximately 100 cc/s or 6 L/min for a duration of
1 second). A 4 second breath-hold was applied at the end of each
inhalation. A physically smaller device was used with the low ring
configuration to facilitate administration. The device performed
well at the low peak inspiratory flow rate with the anesthetized
dogs using the forced maneuver. Based on these results, such a
device could be used with a sleeping person or a person having
breathing problems, such as from chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD).
[0112] As can be seen from the description above, the device of the
present invention relies upon the breath of the user to drive the
inhalation process, yet the device is configured to work
successfully at low peak inspiratory flow rates. As such, the
device of the present invention has particular suitability for use
with individuals who cannot breath hard, such as a child, an
individual with respiratory disease, or individuals who are
sleeping or in a coma.
[0113] The present invention further encompasses optimizing the
configuration of device chamber 210 in order to maintain a low
resistance of at most 0.28 (cm H.sub.2O).sup.1/2/L/min and to
achieve an emitted dose at least 85% when the receptacle contains a
dose of up 10 to 50 mg of powder and when the device is operated at
a peak inspiratory flow rate of 25 L/min or less and at an
inhalation volume of 0.75 L or less. Experiments were performed on
various chamber configurations, using size 00 capsules filled with
a 20 mg dose of standard test powder. The various configurations
were tested for emitted dose (ED), using known methods described
above, at peak inspiratory flow rates ranging from 15 L/min to 25
L/min and at inhalation volumes ranging from 0.25 L/min to 0.75
L/min. In addition, the dispersion of the powder was quantified by
measuring the volume mean geometric diameter (VMGD) of the emitted
powder, by employing a RODOS dry powder disperser (or equivalent
technique) such that at about 1 Bar, particles of the dry powder
emitted from the RODOS orifice with geometric diameters, as
measured by a HELOS or other laser diffraction system, are less
than about 1.5 times the geometric particle size as measured at 4
Bar. In addition, the resistance of each chamber was measured using
methods that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0114] The following dimensions of chamber 210 were varied in order
to discover the optimal combination: mouthpiece hole area,
mouthpiece hole number, chamber diameter (X in FIG. 4), ring
diameter (Y in FIG. 4), vent area (the product of vent width, vent
height, and vent number), and capsule hole area (the product of the
hole area and the number of holes). Initially, it was discovered
that it is always desirable to maximize the capsule hole area.
Accordingly, the capsule hole area was fixed at 0.013 square
inches. It should be understood that the present invention
encompasses other capsule hole areas, especially when used with
different sized capsules. It was also determined that the total
area of the holes in the mouthpiece was an important factor but
that the number of holes in the mouthpiece did not effect the
results.
[0115] Next, 130 chambers were tested, each having a different
combination of mouthpiece hole area, chamber diameter, ring
diameter, and vent area. During the testing it was discovered that
each of these dimensions have competing effects on the emitted
dose, the volume mean geometric diameter, and the resistance of the
chamber. For example, increasing the vent area has a positive
impact on (i.e., decreases) resistance, but has a negative effect
on (i.e., decreases) emitted dose and has a negative effect on
(i.e., increases) volume mean geometric diameter. Other dimensions
have similar competing effects. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 20A
to 20C and discussed in detail below, the vent area and the chamber
diameter have combinational effects on the properties of the
chamber. Other combinations of dimensions have similar
combinational effects.
[0116] Of the 130 chambers tested, three preferred embodiments of
chambers were identified that achieved the desired characteristics.
The pertinent dimensions of each of those chambers is described in
Table 1.
1TABLE 1 Aspects of Preferred Embodiments of Chambers Chamber F
Chamber H Chamber I Resistance (cm 0.27 0.22 0.19
H.sub.2O).sup.1/2/L/min Mouthpiece Hole 0.020 0.022 0.022 Area (sq.
in.) Chamber Diameter 0.440 0.436 0.440 (in.) Ring Diameter (in.)
0.400 0.380 0.400 Vent Area (sq. in.) 0.014 0.020 0.024 Vent Number
(in.) 3 4 5 Vent Width (in.) 0.020 0.025 0.020 Vent Length (in.)
0.236 0.195 0.236
[0117] Tables 2-4 summarize the emitted dose (ED) (in percent) and
dispersion (volume mean geometric diameter (VMGD) in microns))
(with standard deviations in parentheses) achieved with each of
these preferred embodiments of chambers, operated with a capsule
having a dose of approximately 20 mg and at peak inspiratory flow
rates from 15 L/min to 25 L/min and at inhalation volumes from 0.25
L to 0.75 L. The test powder, referred to herein as "standard test
powder," was a placebo powder of 84.99 wt % maltodextran, 15 wt %
leucine, and 0.01 wt % rhodamine. It had a VMGD of 12 .mu.m
measured using the RODOS at 1 bar and an aerodynamic size (volume
mean aerodynamic diameter or VMAD) of 3 .mu.m measured using an 8
stage Anderson Cascade Impactor. The goal emitted dose was at least
85%. The goal dispersion for the standard test powder was a VMGD of
11.8 .mu.m or less, although it should be understood that this goal
would vary depending on the type of powder used.
2TABLE 2 Chamber F Volume .fwdarw. Flow 0.25 L 0.5 L 0.75 L Rate
VMGD ED VMGD ED VMGD ED 15 15.0 (0.8) 67 (14) 13.5 (0.8) 87 (6)
16.4 (1.6) 93 (3) L/min 20 10.2 (0.5) 66 (9) 9.3 (0.6) 89 (4) 9.0
(0.6) 88 (10) L/min 25 9.3 (0.6) 77 (8) 7.8 (0.3) 91 (5) 7.9 (0.5)
93 (3) L/min
[0118]
3TABLE 3 Chamber H Volume .fwdarw. Flow 0.25 L 0.5 L 0.75 L Rate
VMGD ED VMGD ED VMGD ED 15 16.1 (0.8) 57 (9) 15.7 (0.7) 78 (11)
14.6 (1.1) 90 (4) L/min 20 12.0 (0.6) 66 (9) 10.4 (0.6) 81 (7) 10.2
(0.4) 89 (8) L/min 25 10.4 (0.6) 75 (11) 8.1 (0.3) 94 (4) 8.2 (0.3)
97 (1) L/min
[0119]
4TABLE 4 Chamber I Volume .fwdarw. Flow 0.25 L 0.5 L 0.75 L Rate
VMGD ED VMGD ED VMGD ED 15 18.2 (0.7) 49 (8) 19.3 (1.3) 69 (12)
18.2 (1.9) 79 (12) L/min 20 13.4 (0.5) 43 (13) 12.7 (1.0) 71 (10)
12.5 (0.6) 83 (9) L/min 25 12.0 (0.4) 65 (8) 10.0 (0.4) 85 (7) 9.7
(0.3) 87 (9) L/min
[0120] In Tables 2-4, the italicized print indicates peak
inspiratory flow rates and inhalation volumes at which the chambers
achieved both the goal of an emitted dose of at least 85% and a
dispersion of a VMGD of 11.8 .mu.m or less. As is apparent from
Tables 2-4, these goals were achieved for peak inspiratory flow
rates of 25 L/min or less and for inhalation volumes of 0.75 L or
less. Moreover, the standard deviations were quite small for the
emitted dose (on the order of approximately 10% or less) and for
the VMGD (on the order of approximately 1.0 or less).
[0121] In addition, statistical analysis was used to extrapolate
the results from these three chambers into ranges of variables that
would consistently yield the desired emitted dose and volume mean
geometric diameter. For example, optimized combinations of chamber
diameter, vent area, and mouthpiece hole area were determined. It
should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that
optimization analysis could be performed for other variable
combinations, and for other capsule sizes and powders, in order to
optimize the design of the chambers.
[0122] Having done a thorough analysis, it has been determined that
the present invention encompasses an optimized chamber, for a size
00 capsule, that has:
[0123] at least one aperture has an aggregate area of 0.018 to
0.022 square inches; or
[0124] a ring inner diameter of 0.380 to 0.400 inches; or
[0125] a chamber inner diameter of 0.400 to 0.440 inches; or
[0126] three to five vents; or
[0127] a vent width of 0.020 to 0.025 inches; or
[0128] a vent length of 0.195 to 0.236 inches; or
[0129] a total vent area of 0.014 to 0.024 square inches,
[0130] and that when used with a dose of approximately 20 mg of the
standard test powder described above and operated at a peak
inspiratory flow rate of 25 L/min or less and an inhalation volume
of 0.75 L or less, the emitted dose of powder will be at least 85%,
and the VMGD will be about 11.8 .mu.m or less.
[0131] While the preferred embodiment described above relates to
optimizing the design of a chamber to have a have a resistance of
at most 0.28 (cm H.sub.2O ).sup.1/2/L/min and to provide an emitted
dose of at least 85% when the dose of standard test powder is about
20 mg and when the device is operated at a peak inspiratory flow
rate of 25 L/min or less and at an inhalation volume of 0.75 L or
less, it should be understood that the invention also encompasses
optimizing the chamber to have any other combination of resistance
and emitted dose, at any other combination of powder type, dose
weight, peak inspiratory flow rate, and inhalation volume.
[0132] Turning now to FIGS. 7A through 7D, a preferred embodiment
of the means for puncturing, in the form of a staple, suitable for
use in the present invention is shown. The staple preferably
comprises a rectangular length of material that has four planar
side surfaces 730. Each planar side surface intersects with two
other planar side surfaces to create a total of four non-planar
edges 736. The staple is preferably bent into a substantially
U-shaped configuration, thereby having a rounded portion and two
prongs 732. The prongs 732 terminate at two end surfaces 731. As
best seen in FIGS. 7A, 7C and 7D, end surfaces 731 are
diamond-shaped.
[0133] The diamond-shaped end surfaces are created by bending the
material about a non-planar edge. This configuration is best shown
in FIGS. 7B and 7D. As can be seen, each prong 732 has an inner
surface 738 that comprises one of the non-planar edges and an outer
surface 740 that comprises the opposite non-planar edge. The inner
surface 738 of each prong 732 terminates at the uppermost portion
737 of the diamond-shaped end surface, thereby creating a cutting
edge for the prong. The outer surface 740 of the prong 732
terminates at the lowermost portion 735 of the diamond-shaped end
surface.
[0134] FIGS. 9A and 9B depict another embodiment of a means for
puncturing in the form of a staple, suitable for use in the present
invention. This staple preferably comprises a rectangular length of
material that has four planar side surfaces. Each planar side
surface intersects with two other planar side surfaces to create a
total of four non-planar edges. The staple is preferably bent into
a substantially U-shaped configuration, thereby having a rounded
portion and two prongs. The prongs terminate at two end surfaces
that have a square shape.
[0135] The square-shaped end surfaces are created by bending the
material about a planar side surface. As shown in FIG. 9A, each
prong has an inner surface that comprises one of the planar side
surfaces and an outer surface that comprises the opposite planar
side surface. The inner surface of each prong terminates at the
uppermost portion of the square-shaped end surface, thereby
creating a cutting edge for the prong. The outer surface of the
prong terminates at the lowermost portion of the square-shaped end
surface.
[0136] FIG. 9B illustrates a puncture obtained from using the
staple depicted in FIG. 9A. As shown, the holes formed by this
staple have the appearance of being cut with a sharp edge. In
addition, the material removed to create the hole is peeled back
and remains well attached to the capsule; thereby preventing the
capsule material from being inhaled by the user when the powder
medicament is being dispensed.
[0137] FIG. 8 illustrates a puncture obtained from using the staple
depicted in FIGS. 7A-7D. The holes formed by the staple appear to
be cut with a sharp edge, and the excess material is peeled back.
In testing, the effort required to puncture the capsule is lower
than circular section staples, and approximately the same as a
square section staple. However, during testing, no instances were
noted of crushed or otherwise mispunctured capsules. These staples
are extremely inexpensive to produce, approximately one-third the
cost of square section staples such as those depicted in FIG.
9A.
[0138] In addition to improved puncturing performance, drug
delivery from capsules punctured with the staple depicted in FIGS.
7A-7D is greatly improved. The Emitted Dose (ED) and Fine Particle
Fraction (FPF) of a test powder was measured at both 20 and 60
Liters per minute (LPM). In all cases, the aerosol emitted from
capsules punctured with the diamond section staple of FIGS. 7A-7D
was improved over a conventional circular stock staple. Most
significantly, the FPF of powder delivered at 20 liters per minute
was improved almost to the level of the FPF at 60 liters per
minute.
[0139] FIGS. 16A through 16D illustrate yet another preferred
embodiment of a means for puncturing suitable for use in the
present invention, in the form of puncturing device 1600.
Puncturing device 1600 comprises two substantially longitudinal
prongs 1620 coupled to a base 1610 coupled to form a U-shape. Base
1610 is configured to be coupled to inhalation device 100. Although
two prongs are illustrated in the figures, it should be understood
that any number of prongs 1620 could be coupled to base 1610,
depending on the number of holes desired to be made in the
receptacle. For ease of discussion, only one of prongs 1620 is
described in detail below.
[0140] Prong 1620 has a proximal end coupled to the base 1610 and a
distal end having a puncturing surface 1630 for making an initial
puncture hole in the receptacle. In the embodiment shown,
puncturing surface 1630 is a sharp point, although it should be
understood that puncturing surface 1630 may also have a different
shape, such as a sharp edge.
[0141] The periphery of prong 1620 further comprises a primary
cutting edge 1640 running from the proximal end to the distal end
of prong 1620 and terminating at puncturing surface 1630. In a
preferred embodiment, primary cutting edge 1640 is sharp and may
have additional features to enhance its cutting ability, such as
being serrated or jagged. The periphery also comprises
substantially planar face 1650 running from the proximal end to the
distal end of prong 1620. In a preferred embodiment substantially
planar face 1650 is substantially flat, although it may also be
another suitable shape, such as slightly concave.
[0142] Prong 1620 further comprises a plurality of longitudinal
edges 1645 and a plurality of longitudinal faces 1655 disposed
around the periphery and running from the proximal end to the
distal end of the prong. In a preferred embodiment, each of the
longitudinal faces 1655 is substantially planar, although it should
be understood that they may be other suitable shapes, such as
concave. In a preferred embodiment, each of the longitudinal edges
1645 is sharp, although it should be understood that they may also
have other suitable shapes, such as being serrated, jagged, blunt,
or rounded.
[0143] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16D, there are four
longitudinal edges 1645 and four longitudinal faces 1655, in
addition to primary cutting edge 1640 and substantially planar face
1650, so that prong 1620 has a cross section substantially in the
shape of a pentagon. However, it should be understood that there
may be any number and arrangement of longitudinal faces 1655 and
longitudinal edges 1645 so that prong 1620 may have other suitable
cross sectional shapes, so long as substantially planar face 1650
is opposite to primary cutting edge 1640. For example, width W (see
FIG. 16D) of substantially planar face 1650 may be very small and
the four longitudinal faces 1655 may be substantially at right
angles to each other so that prong 1620 has substantially a diamond
shaped cross section. In yet another embodiment, prong 1620 may
have two longitudinal edges 1645 and two longitudinal faces 1655,
in addition to primary cutting edge 1640 and substantially planar
face 1650, so that prong 1620 has a triangular cross section.
[0144] The distal end of prong 1620 preferably further comprises an
angled face 1660 terminating in puncturing surface 1630 at its
distal end and at substantially planar face 1650 at its proximal
end, as best seen in FIG. 16C. It should be understood that angled
face 1660 may be at any angle, or may be comprised of a plurality
of angled faces at various angles, so long as puncturing surface
1630 is located distal to the distal end of substantially planar
face 1650.
[0145] Also, as shown in FIG. 16B, prong 1620 is slightly tapered
so that the distal end is smaller than the proximal end. This
tapering facilitates removing prong 1620 from the wall to be
punctured without sticking and without detaching the chad formed in
the wall. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the taper is
approximately 0.116 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of
the prong.
[0146] In a preferred embodiment, puncturing device 1600 is made by
injection molding of a suitable metal, such as stainless steel or
titanium. Injection molding facilitates making larger prongs than
could be achieved in conventional piercing devices. As discussed
above, larger prongs facilitate making larger holes in the
receptacle in order to optimize the emitted dose and the volume
mean geometric diameter. It should be understood that puncturing
device 1600 may be made of another material, such as ceramic or
plastic, or by another manufacturing process, such as casting or
forging. Moreover, it should be understood that the other
embodiments of means for puncturing 230 depicted in FIGS. 7A-D and
9A-B could be made by any of these manufacturing processes or
materials. It should also be understood that these other
embodiments of means for puncturing 230 could be coupled to a base
similar to base 1610 in FIGS. 16A-D.
[0147] FIGS. 17A through 17D schematically illustrate the use of
prong 1620 to puncture and create a hanging chad in the wall 1710
of receptacle 1700. Although receptacle 1700 is illustrated in the
shape of a capsule, it should be understood that the receptacle may
have any other suitable shape, such as a tablet or a blister pack.
Receptacle 1700 has a longitudinal axis 1770 substantially parallel
to prong 1620 and a minor axis 1780 substantially perpendicular to
longitudinal axis 1770.
[0148] As shown in FIG. 17A, puncturing surface 1630 of prong 1620
initially punctures a small opening 1740 in wall 1710. Next, as
shown in FIG. 17B, prong 1620 is inserted into receptacle 1700 to a
depth D, increasing the size of opening 1740 and forming chad 1750
having free end 1755. Substantially planar face 1650 forms a hinge
1760 between chad 1750 and wall 1710 so that chad 1750 is a hanging
chad. Finally, as shown in FIG. 17C, prong 1620 is withdrawn from
wall 1710, leaving handing chad 1750 inside of receptacle 1700.
Preferably, the angle A between chad 1750 and minor axis 1780,
after prong 1600 has been removed from receptacle 1700, is at least
30 to 45 degrees in order to facilitate efficient emptying of the
receptacle and a high emitted dose.
[0149] Several experiments were performed to evaluate the emitted
doses achieved using puncturing device 1630. The tests were done
with size 00 capsules containing approximately 20 mg per capsule
and using a flow rate of approximately 20 L/min for 1.5
seconds.
[0150] In the first experiment, two prototype staples similar in
shape to the U-shaped staple shown in FIGS. 7A-7D but with larger
prongs (referred herein as Staple #1 and Staple #2 ) were used to
puncture ten capsules. For Staple #1, the mean emitted dose from
the punctured capsules was approximately 81.0%, with a standard
deviation of approximately 13.3%. For Staple #2, the mean emitted
dose was approximately 51.0%, with a standard deviation of
approximately 25.3%.
[0151] Next, the same experiments were run with Staple #1 and
Staple #2, only this time the chads were manually opened to an
angle of at least 45 degrees with respect to the receptacle after
removal of the puncturing device, by using a blunt instrument. In
that case, the mean emitted dose for Staple #1 was approximately
93.6%, with a standard deviation of approximately 2.4%. For Staple
#2, the mean emitted dose was approximately 93.0%, with a standard
deviation of approximately 2.0%.
[0152] The same experiments were then run using a prototype of the
puncturing device 1600 illustrated in FIGS. 16A-D (called Staple #4
). In the experiment performed without manually opening the chads
to an angle of at least 45 degrees, the mean emitted dose after
using Staple #4 was approximately 89.5%, with a standard deviation
of approximately 4.9%. In the experiment in which the hanging chads
were manually opened to an angle of at least 45 degrees, the mean
emitted dose was approximately 93.9%, with a standard deviation of
approximately 1.8%. By itself, Staple #4 opens the hanging chad to
an angle of at least 30 to 45 degrees. Thus, the embodiment of
puncturing device 1600 illustrated in FIGS. 16A-D has significant
advantages over other puncturing means, including those previously
described in this application, because it yields a consistent
emitted dose of at least 85% and opens the chads to an angle of at
least 30 to 45 degrees.
[0153] Other experiments were performed to determine the puncturing
depth that could be achieved using puncturing device 1630. First,
Staple #3, another prototype having almost the same structure as
Staples #1 and #2, was used to puncture capsules to varying depths.
It was determined that the capsules could consistently be punctured
to a depth of 0.1495 inches without causing chads to become
removed. Next, Staple #5, another prototype of puncturing device
1600 illustrated in FIGS. 16A-D, was used to puncture capsules to
varying depths. It was determined that the prongs could be inserted
to a depth of at least 3/4 of the length L (see FIG. 16B) of the
prongs, or approximately 0.2442 inches, without causing the chads
to become removed. Accordingly, puncturing device 1600 illustrated
in FIGS. 16A-D has significant advantages over other puncturing
means because it allows greater depth of puncturing, which allows
for greater optimization of the inhaler.
[0154] The present invention also relates to a method for
dispensing powder medicaments to a user through the various
embodiments of the disclosed inhalation device. In such a method, a
receptacle containing the powder medicament, e.g., a capsule 219,
is placed or formed into cylindrical chamber 210. When the user
compresses the inhalation device, staple 230 is moved toward
capsule 219 thereby puncturing capsule 219 to cause the release of
powder into chamber 210. After release into the chamber, the powder
is then inhaled by the user through apertures 224 and inhalation
piece 226. As noted, inhalation piece 226, can be configured as
either a mouth piece or a nose piece. For subsequent uses, the user
merely replaces emptied capsule 219 with another capsule 219 that
contains a new supply of power medicament. Alternatively, powder
medicament is injected into a permanent receptacle that is formed
into chamber 210.
[0155] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19A-19C, in another embodiment of
the present invention, device 100 comprises a means for indicating
readiness of the device for emitting powder 1800. The means for
indicating readiness 1800 comprises a body 1820 coupled to inner
casing 124 and disposed in outer casing 126. Body 1820 is
reversibly moveable between a first position, as shown in FIGS. 18,
19A and 19C, and a second position, as shown in FIG. 19B. Body 1820
preferably is coupled to compression spring 244 so that it is
biased in the first position. In a preferred embodiment, body 1820
comprises a hollow tube of oblong cross section, although it should
be understood that body 1820 may have any other suitable shape,
such as a round cylinder or rod.
[0156] Means for indicating readiness 1800 further comprises an
indicator 1810 disposed in outer casing 126. Indicator 1810 is
reversibly moveable between a rest position, as shown in FIGS. 18,
19A and 19B, and an indicating position, as shown in FIG. 19C.
Indicator 1810 preferably comprises a hollow ring of oblong cross
section, although it should be understood that indicator may have
any other suitable shape, such as a round cylinder, a rod, or a
plate.
[0157] Means for indicating readiness 1800 further comprises a
means 1830 for coupling body 1820 and indicator 1810. In a
preferred embodiment, coupling means 1830 comprises at least one
lip 1836 coupled to indicator 1810 and a corresponding at least one
flange 1832 coupled to indicator 1810. Each flange 1832 preferably
comprises a ratchet surface 1834 to facilitate coupling and to
prevent inadvertent decoupling of each lip 1836 and each flange
1832. In addition, each flange 1832 preferable also comprises a
stop 1838 to prevent indicator 1810 from riding up body 1820 beyond
each flange 1832. Although a preferred embodiment is illustrated,
coupling means 1830 may comprise any other suitable structure for
coupling body 1820 and indicator 1810, such as, for example, a
friction fit engagement, a plurality of corresponding tangs and
grooves, a clip, or a hook and loop fastener.
[0158] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19A, before
device 100 is actuated, body 1820 is biased in the first position
and indicator 1810 is in the rest position and is substantially
within outer casing 126, so as to not be visible to the user. When
device 100 is actuated to puncture a receptacle, body 1820 moves
from the first position to the second position and further into
outer casing 126, as shown in FIG. 19B. When in the second
position, coupling means 1830 causes body 1820 to become coupled to
indicator 1810. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG.
19B, lip 1836 rides over ratchet surface 1834 of flange 1832 and
becomes locked between flange 1832 and stop 1838. Preferably,
indicator 1810 makes an audible click when it becomes coupled to
flange 1832, which informs the user that the device has been
actuated properly.
[0159] After device 100 is actuated, body 1820 is released and
allowed to return to the first position, as shown in FIG. 19C.
Because body 1820 is coupled to indicator 1810, the movement of
body 1820 to the first position causes indicator 1810 to move from
the rest position to the indicating position. In the indicating
position, indicator 1810 is at least partially outside of outer
casing 126 so that indicator 1810 is visible to the user to
indicate that device 100 is ready for inhalation. Indicator 1810
preferably has a bright color, such as, for example, green, to be
easily visible.
[0160] Upon subsequent actuations of device 100, indicator 1810
remains coupled to body 1820 and moves between the indicating
position and the rest position as body 1820 moves between the first
position and the second position, respectively, as shown in FIGS.
19B and 19C. In a preferred embodiment, indicator 1810 is equipped
with a means 1840 for decoupling indicator 1810 from body 1820, in
order to return indicator 1810 to the rest position while body 1820
remains in the first position, as shown in FIG. 19A. The decoupling
means 1840 is configured so that applying an axial force to
indicator 1810 decouples indicator 1810 from body 1820. In a
preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, decoupling means
1840 comprises at least one knob 1845 coupled to indicator 1810 to
facilitate the user returning indicator 1810 to the rest position.
It should be understood that decoupling means 1840 may have any
other suitable structure, including a plurality of grooves or knobs
or another type of easily graspable surface.
[0161] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19A-19C, indicator 1810 is
disposed almost completely within outer casing 126 while in the
rest position and is disposed partially within outer casing 126
when in the indicating position. However, it should be understood
that a wide variety of other configurations are within the scope of
the present invention. For example, indicator 1810 may be disposed
substantially within outer casing 126 at both the rest position and
the indicating position and may be viewable in one or both of these
positions through a window in outer casing 126. In another
alternative embodiment, indicator 1810 may be disposed in upper
casing portion 130. In yet another alternative embodiment,
indicator 1810 may be interchanged with body 1820 such that, for
example, the body comprises a ring surrounding the indicator and
the indicator is viewable through a window in the body and/or in
the outer casing. In yet another alternative embodiment, indicator
1810 may be disposed in the indicating position before device 100
is ready for inhalation and in the rest position when device 100 is
ready for inhalation, particularly in an embodiment in which
indicator 1810 is viewable through a window in outer casing
126.
[0162] Means for indicating 1800 may be used with any type of
inhaler, or any another type of device that utilizes a body to
which is applied an axial force. For example, in an alternative
embodiment, means for indicating 1800 may be used to indicate that
an epinephrine injection pen, used for treating allergies, has been
used or is ready for use. In another alternative embodiment, means
for indicating 1800 may be used to indicate that an aerosol
canister inhaler has been used or is ready for use. Means for
indicating 1800 may be used with both single-use and multiple-use
devices. In addition, a device containing a plurality of inhalation
chambers and a plurality of receptacles may comprise a plurality
means for indicating 800.
Conclusion
[0163] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. For example,
the present invention is not limited to the physical arrangements
or dimensions illustrated or described. Nor is the present
invention limited to any particular design or materials of
construction. As such, the breadth and scope of the present
invention should not be limited to any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance
with the following claims and their equivalents.
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