U.S. patent application number 11/916314 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for vibrating device for treating nasal congestion and sinusitis symptoms and method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ADS & B INVESTMENT FUND L.P. Invention is credited to Yuval Avni.
Application Number | 20080200848 11/916314 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37482055 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080200848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Avni; Yuval |
August 21, 2008 |
Vibrating Device For Treating Nasal Congestion and Sinusitis
Symptoms and Method Thereof
Abstract
The present invention discloses a method of treating nasal
congestion and/or relieving sinusitis symptoms in a patient
comprising attaching a vibration generating means to the patient
head, at a location adjacent to sinuses to be treated, generating a
vibration by said vibration generating means, and delivering the
same to said patient. The present invention also discloses a device
for treating nasal congestion and/or relieving sinusitis symptoms
in a patient, comprising attaching means and a vibration generating
means; said attaching means are in communication with the patient's
head in a location adjacent to said nasal cavity, nasal passageway
or sinuses to be treated; said generating means are adapted to
vibrate said attaching means, to vibrate the location adjacent to
said nasal cavity or sinuses and thus improved mucociliary
clearance of secretions in nasal cavity or sinuses.
Inventors: |
Avni; Yuval; (Giv'ataim,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco PL
21355 EAST DIXIE HIGHWAY, SUITE 115
MIAMI
FL
33180
US
|
Assignee: |
ADS & B INVESTMENT FUND
L.P
Herzliya Pituach
IL
|
Family ID: |
37482055 |
Appl. No.: |
11/916314 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
May 24, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2006/000612 |
371 Date: |
December 3, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
601/46 ;
128/203.15; 128/203.26; 424/742; 514/255.04; 514/5.9; 514/9.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 11/00 20130101;
A61H 2201/0207 20130101; A61M 11/005 20130101; A61M 2205/3673
20130101; A61H 2205/025 20130101; A61M 11/06 20130101; A61M 11/02
20130101; A61M 15/08 20130101; A61H 2201/1215 20130101; A61H
2205/024 20130101; A61M 15/0085 20130101; A61M 2205/103 20130101;
A61H 23/0254 20130101; A61M 2205/07 20130101; A61M 2205/106
20130101; A61H 2205/023 20130101; A61H 2201/1604 20130101; A61M
2205/8206 20130101; A61H 2201/105 20130101; A61H 2201/1607
20130101; A61H 2201/0214 20130101; A61H 15/0085 20130101; A61H
2201/0157 20130101; A61M 16/0066 20130101; A61M 2210/0618 20130101;
A61M 11/041 20130101; A61M 16/0006 20140204; A61M 15/085 20140204;
A61H 2201/0192 20130101; A61M 2205/36 20130101; A61H 2201/0165
20130101; A61M 2210/0681 20130101; A61M 2205/3606 20130101; A61H
2201/0285 20130101; A61H 2201/165 20130101; A61M 2202/064 20130101;
A61H 23/0263 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
601/46 ; 424/742;
514/3; 514/255.04; 128/203.15; 128/203.26 |
International
Class: |
A61H 1/00 20060101
A61H001/00; A61K 36/61 20060101 A61K036/61; A61K 38/28 20060101
A61K038/28; A61M 15/08 20060101 A61M015/08; A61K 31/495 20060101
A61K031/495 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 2, 2005 |
IL |
168974 |
Claims
1-26. (canceled)
27. A method of treating nasal congestion and/or relieving
sinusitis symptoms in a patient, comprising attaching a vibration
generating means to the patient head, at a location adjacent to
sinuses to be treated, generating a vibration by said vibration
generating means, and delivering the same to said patient.
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the body portions
adjacent to nasal cavity, nasal passageway, sinus or sinuses of the
patient are selected from the nasal bone, root-, dorsum- or bridge-
of the nose, nostrils, frontal bone, temporal bone, maxilla bone,
superciliary arch or any combination thereof.
29. The method according to claim 27, wherein delivering the
vibration is applied by cycles of intermittent vibrations or pulses
and/or by applying vibration of various amplitudes.
30. The method according to claim 27, additionally comprising
pulsating a stream of fluid towards the patient's respiration
tracts wherein the fluid is air or a mixture of air and at least
one liquid or gas or powder.
31. The method according to claim 30, comprising vaporizing
essential oils, volatile compounds, etheric oils, terepenes,
terpanols and either water miscible or water-immiscible extracts,
especially oils or extracts obtained from Amyris, Balsam, Bay Rum,
Black Pepper, bornyl acetate, Cajeput, Camphor, Cedarwood,
Cedarleaf oil, Chamomile, chlorbutanol, Cinnamon, Clary Sage
Rosewood, Clove, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger,
Lavender, Lemon, Lemon essential oils, levomenthol, Lime, Menthol,
Mint, Myrrh, nutmeg oil Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Pine Needle,
Rose Eucalyptus, rosemary, Rosewood, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint,
Tea Tree, terpinol, turpentine oil, thymol, Ylang Ylang or any
combination thereof.
32. The method according to claim 30, comprising vaporizing at
least one of the group of Braochodilators, especially sympatic
mimetics, alfa antagonists, anti cholinergics; nasal decongestants,
such as pseudoehedrines, ephedrines; steroids; anti histamines;
anti prostaglandins, alternative or homeopathic medicaments; vaso
constrictors; local anesthetics; mast cell stabilizers;
antibiotics, such as biocides, fungicides etc; pleasant odor;
pheromones; hormone treatments, such as ADH, insulin, growth
hormones; vapors, humidifiers; drying compositions; hot or cold
vapors; hyper-, iso- or hypotonic vapors or any combination
thereof.
33. The method according to claim 30, comprising vaporizing at
least one of the group of compositions and commercial available
medicaments, their derivatives, or by-products provided thereof,
selected from Acrivastine, Aller-Eze Clemastine, Aller-Eze nasal
spray, Azatadine maleate, Azelastine nasal spray, Beclometasone
nasal spray, Beclometasone nasal spray, Beconase hayfever nasal
spray, Beconase hayfever relief for adults, Beconase nasal spray,
Benadryl allergy relief, Benadryl, Benadryl, Benadryl plus,
Brompheniramine maleate, Budesonide nasal spray, Calimal
Antihistamine, Cetirizine, Chlorphenamine, Clarityn, Clemastine,
Cyproheptadine hydrochloride, Desloratadine, Dexa-Rhinaspray Duo.
Dimotane elixir, Dimotane plus, Dimotapp elixir, Dimotapp elixir
paediatric. Dimotapp LA, Flixonase allergy nasal spray, Flixonase
aqueous nasal spray, Fluticasone propionate nasal spray, Galpharm
hayfever and allergy relief, Galpseud Plus, Haymine, Histafen,
Ipratropium bromide nasal spray, Levocabastine nasal spray,
Levocetirizine dihydrochloride, Livostin direct nasal spray,
Livostin nasal spray, Loratadine, Medised, Medised, Mistamine,
Mizolastine, Mizollen, Mometasone furoate nasal spray, Nasacort,
Nasobec nasal spray, Nasonex nasal spray, Neoclarityn
tablets/syrup, Optimine syrup, Periactin, Phenergan, Piriteze,
Piriton, Pollenase hayfever nasal spray, Promethazine hydrochloride
elixir, Promethazine hydrochloride, Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinolast
allergy nasal spray, Rhinolast nasal spray, Rinatec nasal spray,
Rino clenil nasal spray, Rynacrom allergy nasal spray, Rynacrom
nasal spray, Semprex, Sodium cromoglicate nasal spray, Sudafed
Plus, Syntaris nasal spray, Tavegil, Telfast 120, Terfenadine,
Terfinax, Triamcinolone acetonide, Vista-Methasone, Xyzal tablets,
Zirtek allergy relief tablets, Zirtek allergy tablets/solution,
Afrazine, Anadin, Beechams all-in-one, Beechams products, Benylin
products, Contac, Day Nurse, Dimotapp elixir, Dimotapp elixir
paediatric, Dimotapp products, Galpseud, Karvol decongestant
products, Lemsip products, Meggezones, Merocets Plus lozenges,
Nurofen Cold and Flu, Otrivine Menthol Nasal Spray, Otrivine
Metered Dose Sinusitis Spray, Otrivine products, Pseudoephedrine
hydrochloride, Sterwin real lemon cold powders and other products,
Strepsils Menthol and Eucalyptus and other products, Sudafed and
its products, Xylometazoline nasal drops, Bactroban Nasal,
Fusafungine, Locabiotal, Naseptin nasal cream, Ipratropium bromide
nasal spray, Rinatec nasal spray, pseudoephedrine, propylhexedrine,
L-Desoxyephedrine, xylometazoline hydrochloride or any combination
thereof.
34. The method according to claim 30, additionally comprising
cooling or heating said fluid before or in the process of forcing
it towards the respiratory tracks.
35. The method according to claim 30, additionally comprising
activating a medicament by reacting it with one or more reactants
before or in the process of forcing the same towards the
respiratory tracks.
36. The method according to claim 30, additionally comprising
inhaling a dispersed medicament.
37. A device for treating nasal congestion and/or relieving
sinusitis symptoms in a patient, comprising attaching means and a
vibration generating means; said attaching means are in
communication with the patient's head in a location adjacent to
said nasal cavity, nasal passageway or sinuses to be treated; said
generating means are adapted to vibrate said attaching means, to
vibrate the location adjacent to said nasal cavity or sinuses and
thus improved mucociliary clearance of secretions in nasal cavity
or sinuses.
38. The device according to claim 37, wherein the vibrating means
comprises a motor, a power source, at least one wheel for
transporting the power generated by the motor to a circular
movement rotating cogwheels and at least one weight, the position
there between generates a torque translated into vibrations to be
transported to a plate or membrane.
39. The device according to claim 38, wherein said cogwheels hit a
rigid material with at least every one rotation, the impact on the
rigid material generates vibrations to be transported to a plate or
membrane.
40. The device according to claim 38, wherein the vibrating means
comprises a motor, a power source and a rotor in communication with
an axle rotating coaxially, said rotation being translated to a
vibration and further being delivered to body portion adjacent
sinuses of the patient.
41. The device according to claim 37, wherein the vibrating means
comprising an electrical or electro-magnetic motor.
42. The device according to claim 37, additionally comprising means
of forcing a stream of fluid towards the patient's respiration
tracks and/or medicament dispersing means further wherein the
medicament delivery is provided by 2D or 3D specific and
predetermined fitting mechanism between the capsule and the
device's envelope, or by any other physical parameter.
43. The device according to claim 42, wherein the fluid is air or a
mixture of air and at least one liquid, gas or solid powder other
than air.
44. The device according to claim 37, additionally comprising
heating means adapted to heat said fluid before or in the process
of forcing it towards the respiratory tracts.
45. The device according to claim 42, additionally comprising
activating means adapted to activate a medicament by reacting it
with one or more reactants before or in the process of forcing the
same towards the respiratory tracts.
46. The inhalator as defined in claim 37, wherein the medicament is
at least partially contained in a capsule.
47. The device according to claim 37, additionally comprising one
or more dispensing means being either active or passive means,
adapted to force or purge at least a portion of the dispersed
material towards a predetermined, e.g. focused target being either
adjacent to the invented device or located in a remote location.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a vibrated
medical device for the treatment and relieving of symptoms caused
by nasal congestion and sinusitis and to a method of treating the
same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Sinusitis is a medical condition that affects the lives of
many millions of people around the world. As much as 15 million
people each year develop symptoms of sinusitis, which are often
annoying and disturbing a patient to conduct his everyday life. The
symptoms of sinusitis usually comprise pain, tenderness, and
swelling depending on the affected sinus. Known treatment for
sinusitis comprises use of nasal sprays and medication that cause
blood vessels to narrow and are aimed to improve sinuses drainage.
Other types of sinusitis require the use of antibiotics. However,
the known suggested treatments are often not useful. Furthermore,
for said medications used have often short-term expediency and most
of the medication has undesirable side effects.
[0003] There is therefore a need in the art for a simple, safe,
relatively cheep, as well as devoid of side effect treatment form
that is not surgical. There is further need for a treatment
modality that has a high efficacy and a long-term effect on the
person inflicted with nasal congestion and/or sinusitis
symptoms.
[0004] Upper respiratory disorders such as viral upper respiratory
tract infections or "common cold", allergic rhinitis, and
rhinosinusitis are associated with impairment in mucociliary
clearance in the nasal passages. Although the causes of these
disorders are varied, they share a common set of nasal symptoms
such as rhinorrhea, nasal congestion/blockage, and post-nasal drip.
In these conditions the mucous membranes of the nose and paranasal
sinuses become irritated, leading to symptoms. In some patients,
this irritation is sufficient to hinder the normal drainage of the
sinuses into the nasal cavity, resulting in blockage that may lead
to additional impaired ciliary activity, intense pressure/pain, and
increased likelihood of infection.
[0005] Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a condition that results from
exposure to allergens, either at specific times of the year
(seasonal allergic rhinitis) or year-round (perennial allergic
rhinitis). Up to one-half of AR patients suffer from both seasonal
as well as perennial AR, approximately one-third suffer from
seasonal AR alone and another one-third from perennial AR alone. In
either seasonal or perennial AR, the symptoms and treatment
approaches are similar. Symptoms most often include nasal
congestion or stuffiness, rhinorrhea and nasal itching. Allergic
rhinitis affects nearly 150 million people in the world's seven
major pharmaceutical markets, and annual sales of prescription
products to treat allergic rhinitis are estimated to total more
than $4.5 billion worldwide. The treatments currently available
include primarily prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines,
decongestants and nasal corticosteroids, delivered by nasal sprays,
evaporation devices, and ointments.
[0006] Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) and the common
cold affect all ages and are uncomfortable conditions with lost
work and school days.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0007] It is one object of the present invention to disclose a
novel method of treating nasal congestion and/or relieving
sinusitis symptoms in a patient, comprising attaching a vibration
generating means to the patient head, at a location adjacent to
sinuses.
[0008] It is in the scope of the present invention wherein the
delivering the vibration is applied in one course, by cycles of
intermittent vibrations or pulses and/or by applying vibration of
various amplitudes.
[0009] It is in the scope of the present invention wherein
additionally to the vibrating, the method comprising forcing a
stream of fluid towards the patient's respiration tracks,
preferably wherein the fluid is a mixture of air and at least one
liquid or gas or powder other than air, and wherein the respiration
tracks are selected from the nasal tracks and the pulmonary
system.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cost
effective device for treating nasal congestion and/or relieving
sinusitis symptoms in a patient, comprising attaching means and a
vibration generating means. The attaching means are in
communication with the patient's head in a location adjacent to
said sinuses to be treated. The generating means are adapted to
vibrate the attaching means and thus to vibrate the location
adjacent to the sinuses.
[0011] It is also in the scope of the present invention wherein the
device also comprising medicament dispersing means and/or further
comprising means for forcing a stream of fluid towards the
patient's respiration tracks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may
be implemented in practice, a preferred embodiment will now be
described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawing, in which
[0013] FIG. 1 is presenting a schematic illustration of a device
(1) with several possible modules according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 2a and 2b are illustrating a schematic front and side
views of a device according to yet another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is presenting a lateral view of a device (without the
housing's cover) showing some of the device's modules according to
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is presenting a side view of an incorporated
vibrating and venting mechanisms actuated by a single electrical
motor according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is presenting a side view of the venting and inhaling
means according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is presenting a side view of the housing of the
medicament's container according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 schematically presenting a side view of a disc pulsed
inhaler (incomplete mechanism) according to yet another embodiment
of the present invention; said device comprising multiple motors,
e.g., a vibrator (71) potentially enveloped by a sponge (73), and a
disc motor (72) in communication with a fan-like disc (74);
[0020] FIG. 8 schematically presenting a side view of a disc pulsed
inhaler (complete mechanism) according to said multiple-motors
containing embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 schematically presenting a side view of the envelope
of a disc pulsed inhaler according to said multiple-motors
containing embodiment of the present invention; and,
[0022] FIG. 10 schematically presenting a top and front view of the
same, only partially covered by its envelope.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The following description is provided, alongside all
chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person
skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the
best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this
invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to
those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the
present invention have been defined specifically to provide means
and method of treating nasal congestion and/or relieving sinusitis
symptoms in a patient, comprising attaching a vibration generating
means to the patient head, at a location adjacent to sinuses to be
treated, generating a vibration by said vibration generating means,
and delivering the same to said patient.
[0024] The term `body portions adjacent to nasal cavity, nasal
passageways sinus or sinuses` refers hereinafter to any location at
the head of the patient, and especially to locations selected from
the nasal bone, root-, dorsum- or bridge- of the nose, nostrils,
frontal bone, temporal bone, maxilla bone, superciliary arch or any
combination thereof. The term is further related to the pulmonary
system.
[0025] The method defined in the present invention is preferably,
yet not limited to a procedure in which 10 vibration cycles are
applied, each of the cycle comprise about 30 seconds of vibration
and about 20 seconds of relief and vice versa.
[0026] It is according to one embodiment of the present invention
wherein the hereto-disclosed method additionally comprising forcing
a stream of fluid towards the patient's respiration tracks. The
term `forcing a stream of fluid` refers hereinafter to the
generation of flowing fluid and its directions either as a
contentious flow of fluid or a pulses of the same by means of
vents, fans, jets, injectors, compressors, pumping means or other
means known in the art adapted to force a fluid towards at least
one predetermined location. Preferably, the aforesaid fluid is air.
Alternatively, the aforesaid fluid is a mixture of air and at least
one liquid or gas other than air.
[0027] It is according to another embodiment of the present
invention wherein the hereto defined method additionally comprising
vaporizing (and/or inhaling) at least one of the group of
Braochodilators, especially sympatic mimetics, alfa antagonists,
anti cholinergics; nasal decongestants, such as pseudoehedrines,
ephedrines; steroids; anti histamines; anti prostaglandins,
alternative or homeopathic medicaments; vaso constrictors; local
anesthetics; mast cell stabilizers; antibiotics, such as biocides,
fungicides etc; pleasant odor; pheromones; hormone treatments, such
as ADH, insulin, growth hormones; vapors, humidifiers; drying
compositions; hot or cold vapors; hyper-, iso- or hypotonic vapors
or any combination thereof, and/or essential oils, volatile
compounds, etheric oils, terepenes, terpanols and either water
miscible or water-immiscible extracts, especially oils or extracts
obtained from Amyris, Balsam, Bay Run, Black Pepper, bornyl
acetate, Cajeput, Camphor, Cedarwood, Cedarleaf oil, Chamomile,
chlorbutanol, Cinnamon, Clary Sage Rosewood, Clove, Eucalyptus,
Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon essential
oils, levomenthol, Lime, Menthol, Mint, Myrrh, nutmeg oil Orange,
Patchouli, Peppermint, Pine Needle, Rose Eucalyptus, rosemary,
Rosewood, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Tea Tree, terpinol,
turpentine oil, thymol, Ylang Ylang or any combination thereof.
[0028] Otherwise, and yet in a non-limiting manner, the aforesaid
method comprising vaporizing (and/or inhaling) of at least one of
the group of compositions and commercial available medicaments,
their derivatived, or by-products provided thereof, selected from:
Acrivastine, Aller-Eze Clemastine, Aller-Eze nasal spray, Azatadine
maleate, Azelastine nasal spray, Beclometasone nasal spray,
Beclometasone nasal spray, Beconase hayfever nasal spray, Beconase
hayfever relief for adults, Beconase nasal spray, Benadryl allergy
relief, Benadryl, Benadryl, Benadryl plus, Brompheniramine maleate,
Budesonide nasal spray, Calimal Antihistamine, Cetirizine,
Chlorphenamine, Clarityn, Clemastine, Cyproheptadine hydrochloride,
Desloratadine, Dexa-Rhinaspray Duo. Dimotane elixir, Dimotane plus,
Dimotapp elixir, Dimotapp elixir paediatric. Dimotapp LA, Flixonase
allergy nasal spray, Flixonase aqueous nasal spray, Fluticasone
propionate nasal spray, Galpharm hayfever and allergy relief,
Galpseud Plus, Haymine, Histafen, Ipratropium bromide nasal spray,
Levocabastine nasal spray, Levocetirizine dihydrochloride, Livostin
direct nasal spray, Livostin nasal spray, Loratadine, Medised,
Medised, Mistamine, Mizolastine, Mizollen, Mometasone furoate nasal
spray, Nasacort, Nasobec nasal spray, Nasonex nasal spray,
Neoclarityn tablets/syrup, Optimine syrup, Periactin, Phenergan,
Piriteze, Piriton, Pollenase hayfever nasal spray, Promethazine
hydrochloride elixir, Promethazine hydrochloride, Rhinocort Aqua,
Rhinolast allergy nasal spray, Rhinolast nasal spray, Rinatec nasal
spray, Rino clenil nasal spray, Rynacrom allergy nasal spray,
Rynacrom nasal spray, Semprex, Sodium cromoglicate nasal spray,
Sudafed Plus, Syntaris nasal spray, Tavegil, Telfast 120,
Terfenadine, Terfinax, Triamcinolone acetonide, Vista-Methasone,
Xyzal tablets, Zirtek allergy relief tablets, Zirtek allergy
tablets/solution, Afrazine, Anadin, Beechams all-in-one, Beechams
products, Benylin products, Contac, Day Nurse, Dimotapp elixir,
Dimotapp elixir paediatric, Dimotapp products, Galpseud, Karvol
decongestant products, Lemsip products, Meggezones, Merocets Plus
lozenges, Nurofen Cold and Flu, Otrivine Menthol Nasal Spray,
Otrivine Metered Dose Sinusitis Spray, Otrivine prducts,
Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, Sterwin real lemon cold powders and
other products, Strepsils Menthol and Eucalyptus and other
products, Sudafed and its products, Xylometazoline nasal drops,
Bactroban Nasal, Fusafingine, Locabiotal, Naseptin nasal cream,
Ipratropium bromide nasal spray, Rinatec nasal spray,
pseudoephedrine, propylhexedrine, L-Desoxyephedrine, xylometazoline
hydrochloride or any combination thereof. Inhaling of a dispersed
medicament while vibrating the respiratory tracks thus is thus the
core of the present invention.
[0029] It is according to another embodiment of the present
invention wherein the medicament is introduced to the dispenser by
means of a disposable capsule or the like. Said capsule comprises
an envelope adapted to be punctured such that at least a limited
measure of the medicament contained in said enveloped is forced to
flow toward the pulsed column of fluid in a predetermined flux.
[0030] According to a further embodiment of the present invention
the medicament is contained into an envelope (capsule). The
insertion of this capsule may initiate the medicament delivery by
means of a micro-switch triggered by the detergent dispensing
cabinet when said cabinet is closed. Said capsule may provides
coded information for activating the dispensing of the medicament.
It is another embodiment of the present invention in which the
medicament delivery is provided by 2D or 3D specific and
predetermined fitting mechanism, e.g., fitting by means of shape
and sizes. In a further embodiment of the present invention the
shape of the capsules inside the inhaler envelope provides
key-in-lock information for activating the inhaler.
[0031] It is according to another embodiment of the present
invention wherein said method additionally comprising heating of
said fluid before or in the process of forcing it towards the
respiratory tracks. Such a heating step provides for an effective
dispersion or evaporation of the fluid, the medicaments or both. It
is further acknowledged in this respect that said method may also
comprising a step or steps of physical or chemical activating a
medicament by reacting it with one or more reactants before or in
the process of forcing the same towards the respiratory tracks.
[0032] A device for treating nasal congestion and/or relieving
sinusitis symptoms in a patient is further presented. This novel
device is comprised of both an attaching means and a vibration
generating means being either incorporated or interconnected.
[0033] While the description sets forth various embodiment specific
details, it will be appreciated that the description is
illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as
limiting the invention. Furthermore, various applications of the
invention, and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who
are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general
concepts described herein. The portable device of the present
invention, generally designated 100, is shown in FIG. 1, applied to
the eye of a person, Device 100 can be applied directly to the
cornea 102 of the eye of a person, or to the eyelid 104 of a person
when the person closes his eyelids. Device 100 can be applied to
the persons cornea 102 when preferably a connecting media such eye
drops are applied to the cornea of the eye. Device 100 can be
applied directly to the closed eyelid or to the eyelid having
connecting medium thereof. Device 100 comprises two main
components, a body 106 which contains all the machinery parts
responsible for the device operation, and a plate or membrane 108
that is applied to the cornea or the eyelid. As seen in FIG. 1 the
person suffering from Glaucoma 110 operates the device by holding
body 106 by his hand and gently applying plate 108 to his cornea or
eyelid. In operation plate 108 of device 100 vibrates as a result
of action of inner machinery of device 100 situated in body 106.
The vibration of plate 108 is transferred to the body tissue, more
specifically the eyelid or the cornea. The person 110 may switch
the device on or off by pressing button 112. The vibration cycle or
vibration amplitude or duration can be controlled by changing the
settings of the device 100. For example, dial 114 allows the
patient 110 to change the amplitude of the vibration. Preferably,
the amplitude will range from about 5 vibrations per second (Hertz)
to a range greater than 1000 Hertz. High ranges of vibrations can
be effectively applied to the eye to relieve intraocular pressure.
Another like dial (not shown) will enable the patient to change the
duration of time during which vibration waves 116 are applied to
the eye. In addition, another dial may enable the user of the
device to increase or decrease the vibration amplitude by changing
the range of movement of the plate or amplitude of the vibration
transporting part. Thus, increasing the vibration amplitude will
allow the vibrating plate or membrane 108 to travel additional
distance between one position and a second position comprising the
vibration movement range. On the other hand reducing the vibration
amplitude will restrict the vibration movement range of the plate
or membrane 108 thus resulting in weaker vibration transfer. The
vibration generated by the device 100 is then conveyed through the
tissue to the inner parts machinery of the eye where the vibration
action takes place. The vibration action increases the iridocorneal
angle and enhances aqueous flow 118 through the trabecular mash 120
and Schlemm's canal 122. It should be clear to the person skilled
in the art that other vibration producing elements other then plate
108 can produce said vibration. Such can be small air jets of short
duration emitted from device 100 as well as other like vibration
generating membranes. As can be seen from FIG. 1 the device 100 is
portable and light, preferably operated via batteries or other
cheap and effective sources of energy, including an external power
source. The device can be carried by the patient and provide
effective relief of symptoms at any time.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a one possible embodiment of the device
of the present invention. The present invention may provide a
single integral unit or a mechanism comprising from various parts
which provide the vibration to be transported to the eye of the
patient. FIG. 2 represents a non-limiting exemplary preferred
embodiment of the present device, in which vibrating external eye
parts of a person alleviate this condition. The person skilled in
the art will appreciate that other mechanisms can be used to
generate a vibration and transport said vibration to the eye of the
patient. Once such exemplary device can be an electrical engine
powered by batteries rotating a screw driving a shaft connected to
a series of stellar wheels and/or discs transforming the rotating
screw relatively slow movement into a fast rotating disc having
speeds of 5-100 Hertz. The rotating disc may have a flap thereon.
Each turn of the rotating disc the flap hits a rigid material which
generates a vibration. The vibration is transported from the rigid
material directly to plate 108 of FIG. 1. The vibration may
likewise be generated through the use of a piezoelectric device
directly vibrating plate 108 of FIG. 1. Another exemplary mechanism
can include an electro-magnetic drive instead of the electric
engine. Yet another example may include a device having strings
which can be wound. A handle may be provided to wind the string.
When the string is wound a release button may allow the spring to
unwind and generate a circular motion which will drive the shaft
driving the series of wheels and the disc having a flap, the flap
hitting the rigid material generating the vibration and
transporting the vibration to the plate 108 of FIG. 1. Such device
will not require external or internal power source. The plate 108
of FIG. 1 can be replaced by a membrane which can be replaceable
after each use or every predetermined period of time. Another
exemplary mechanism for generating the vibrations to be applied to
the eye of the patient can include a pneumatic pump, preferably a
micro pump, vibrating the membrane 108 or a diaphragm that will
provide vibrations directly to the eye. The micro pump will be
generating fast air movements the impact of which vibrates the
membrane 108 or a diaphragm. Another exemplary embodiment provides
a mechanism for discharging air bursts from a wide plate like chute
towards the eye of the patient. This device will include a
pressurized container having pressurized air there within. The
pressurized air will be released in 5-1000 releases per second. A
piezoelectric device can open and close the pressurized air tank
every predetermined times per second. The pressurized air tank can
be replaced when depleted. Alternatively, the air tank can be
refilled by an air pump activated by internal or external power
source. The preferred device of the present invention may also
include a small, low power consuming processing unit (such as a
microcontroller) for storing and managing various treatment
programs. The frequency and amplitude of the vibration can be
preprogrammed before treatment begins. Alternatively, varying
amplitude or frequency can be used by a single treatment. Yet,
another alternative would be to provide a series of treatments
preprogrammed and providing a changing frequency and/or amplitude
from treatment to treatment or even within the same treatment.
Thus, for example, a treatment of 5 hertz at amplitude of 1
millimeter can be generated in a first activation of the device and
a treatment of 50 hertz at amplitude of 2 millimeters can be
provided during the second time the device is activated. Various
programs can be used and adapted to each patient personally. It
will be appreciated that for the device to be effective the
vibration frequency and amplitude regime must change over time in
order to provide an effective treatment for glaucoma through the
use of vibrating of the eye. One skilled in the art can will
appreciate that the device according to the invention can be
applied an orbital bone of the eye for providing a relief and/or
reducing intraocular pressure in the eye.
[0035] It will be easily appreciated that the device of FIG. 2 can
be designed with different embodiments as well. FIG. 2 illustrates
device 100 a motor and power source housing 2, a mechanism housing
1 and plate or membrane 3. Motor and power source housing 2 and
mechanism housing 3 may comprise a single housing element. Motor
and power source housing 2 has a base 4 that substantially seals
device 100 from insertion of any object within device 100. Base 4
also allows changing of the batteries and maintenance of the device
100. Motor and power source housing 2 functions as a handle for
user 110 as viewed in FIG. 1. According to other preferred
embodiments of the present invention motor and power source housing
or other handle of a device according to the invention comprises a
shock absorber that absorbs part of the vibrating movement of
device. Vertically oriented axis pivot 9 shown in FIG. 2 rotates
and generates vibrations as the mechanism depicted in view of the
figures below rotates. While the vibrations generated by the
mechanism depicted below is transported to plate or membrane 3
through the body and housing of the device, vertical axis pivot 9
is specifically in contact with the device internal housing 1, 2 to
ensure the vibrations (even at lower frequencies) are transported
to plate or membrane 3. Device 100 provides a user with the
possibility hold device 100 with housing 2 and placing plate 3
against eyelid or cornea of user 110 viewed in FIG. 1.
[0036] The device (1) according to one embodiment of the present
invention comprising ingredients selected from attaching means
(100) adapted to attach device (1) to the patient's head (200),
especially to the nasal bridge (201); vibrating means (300); means
for forcing a stream of fluid (400); medicaments, reactants and/or
fluids other then air container (500); power supply (600), and a
light housing (See dashed line, 1) or any combination thereof.
[0037] The attachment of attaching means (100) to the patient's
face is preferably provided by physical means, such as clippers,
fasteners, vacuum means or a combination thereof. The size and
shape of said attaching means is preferably adjustable and
expendable. It may be characterized by various shapes, such as
clipper-like, glasses or spectacles-like, mask-like or other shapes
are utilized. While device (1) may be immobilized to the patent's
face without a continuous help of the patient, other modes,
requiring the patient to carry the device for a prolong time, are
also possible. The proximal end of attaching means (100) may wide
and comprise of a relatively wide contacting surface, yet it may
alternatively be characterized by a figure-like end, massaging the
patients with narrow effecting tips.
[0038] A secondary vibrating means are provided according to yet
another embodiment of the present invention, wherein said attaching
means comprising at least one joint, passively translating a
vibration along one axis to movement along at least one other
axis.
[0039] It is further in the scope of the present invention wherein
said proximal portion is heated to a predetermined measure above
the ambient temperature, for example up to about 45.degree. C.
[0040] Vibration generating means (300) are adapted to generate
vibrations, e.g., oscillations, sharp movements etc in a
predetermine frequency and intensity protocol. Said protocol is
selected in a non-limiting manner from continues or pulsed, equal
or varied vibration characteristics. Said vibrating means, as other
ingredients of device, is regulated by the user, (on/Off switch,
regulator or program selection know, not shown), and/or by a remote
controller. Preferably, the amplitude will range from about 5
vibrations per second (Hertz) to a range greater than about 1,000
Hertz, while the each session in the procedure is provided for
about 1 to about 15 minutes.
[0041] It is according to another embodiment of the present
invention wherein the vibrating means comprising an electrical or
electro-magnetic motor.
[0042] Reference is made now to FIG. 3, illustrating the various
modules of device 1 defined above, wherein vibrating means (300)
are interconnected with the attaching means (100) by at least one
mutual axle, here, and in a non-limiting manner, a coaxial
transmitter (301).
[0043] It is according to another embodiment of the present
invention wherein device 1 additionally comprising means for
forcing a stream of fluid towards the patient's respiration tracks.
Said venting to dispersing means is either separated from the
vibrating and attaching means or incorporated tone mechanism.
Reference is made thus to FIG. 4 schematically presenting one
electrical engine incorporated in one end to the vibrating means
(upper portion) and to a rotating cyclone (lower portion).
[0044] It is according to another embodiment of the present
invention wherein the fluid forced towards is air, either at
ambient temperature or of lower/higher temperature. The heating is
easily provided by forcing the fluid throughout a heated labyrinth,
wherein its cooling is provided by wetting it or force it at a
Peltier device. Alternatively, the fluid forced by the venting
mechanism is a mixture of air and at least one liquid, solid powder
or gas other than air or powder with air. This heating or cooling
means adapted to heat or chill said fluid is preferably provided
before or in the process of forcing it towards the respiratory
tracks.
[0045] It is according to another embodiment of the present
invention wherein device 1 additionally comprising means to store
medicaments and other fluids and to provide its inhalation by the
respiratory tracks of the patients, e.g., via his nasal or oral
systems. The term `medicaments` is hereinafter related in a
non-limiting manner to any medicament, fluid, essential oil,
volatile compound, etheric oil, terpene, terpanol and either water
miscible or water-immiscible extracts, especially oils or extracts
of vegetables or fruits or powder. Additionally, said device may
also comprising activating means adapted to activate said
medicament by reacting it with one or more reactants before or in
the process of forcing the same towards the respiratory tracks.
[0046] Reference is made now to FIG. 5, presenting a close look to
said inhaling system, wherein rotating cyclone (400) is forcing
ambient air towards a thin path (501) such that medicament
accommodated in container (500) is dispersed. The fluid, now
comprising a predetermined measure of the released medicament (502)
is forced towards the client respiratory tracks. Possibly,
operating knob (503) provides said release, e.g., by opening said
container's cover. The release mechanism (510), here comprising two
knobs are also described.
[0047] It is further in the scope of the present invention wherein
the released medicament (502) is forced towards the client
respiratory tracks directly as defined above or indirectly, e.g.
via one or more dispensing means being either active or passive.
Active dispensing means are selected in a non-limiting manner from
medicament dispensers, such as inhalers of Ventolin.TM.
(Salbutamol.TM.) or the like, humidifiers etc. It is thus according
to one embodiment of the present invention wherein the dispersed
medicaments forced outside the invented device is fed into said
active dispensers. Passive dispensing means are either flexible or
rigid pipes, tubes and other conducting means adapted to force or
purge at least a portion of the dispersed material towards a
predetermined, e.g., focused target being either adjacent to the
invented device or located in a remote location.
[0048] Reference is made now to FIG. 6, schematically presenting a
close look the medicament container (500) in its housing. Said
housing and the container's releasing mechanism provides for a
quick and easy displacement of the medicament's container. A
possible heating device allowing an increase of the dispersion of
the medicaments is not shown.
[0049] Reference is also made now to FIG. 7-10, illustrating a
multiple-motors containing inhaler; wherein FIG. 7 schematically
presents a side view of a disc pulsed inhaler (incomplete
mechanism) according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention. The portable and cost effective device comprising
multiple motors, e.g., a vibrator (71) potentially enveloped by a
sponge (73), and a disc motor (72) in communication with a fan-like
disc (74). FIG. 8 schematically presents a side view of the same
(complete mechanism); FIG. 9 schematically illustrates side view of
the envelope of a disc pulsed inhaler and FIG. 10 schematically
discloses a top and front view of the same, only partially covered
by its envelope.
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