U.S. patent application number 12/075470 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-23 for antistatic medication delivery apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Trudell Medical International. Invention is credited to James N. Schmidt, Sarah Bruce Snyder.
Application Number | 20080257345 12/075470 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33300058 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080257345 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snyder; Sarah Bruce ; et
al. |
October 23, 2008 |
Antistatic medication delivery apparatus
Abstract
An aerosol medication delivery apparatus include a holding
chamber having an input end and an output end and defining an
interior space. In one embodiment, the holding chamber is
antistatic and is made of a plastic material having a surface
resistivity of between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq. In
another embodiment, a component, such as a backpiece or mouthpiece,
separate from the holding chamber, is antistatic and is made of a
material having a surface resistivity of between about 10E10 and
about 10E12 ohm/sq. The component is connected to the holding
chamber, which may or may not be antistatic. In one embodiment, the
component is made of an elastomeric material. In one embodiment, at
least a portion of the holding chamber and/or component is
see-through. Various methods for introducing an aerosol into the
holding chamber at the input end thereof and inhaling the aerosol
through the output end are also provided.
Inventors: |
Snyder; Sarah Bruce;
(Waterloo, CA) ; Schmidt; James N.; (London,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Assignee: |
Trudell Medical
International
|
Family ID: |
33300058 |
Appl. No.: |
12/075470 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10821260 |
Apr 8, 2004 |
7360537 |
|
|
12075470 |
|
|
|
|
60463288 |
Apr 16, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/203.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2205/0233 20130101;
A61M 15/0086 20130101; A61M 15/009 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/203.15 |
International
Class: |
A61M 15/00 20060101
A61M015/00 |
Claims
1-46. (canceled)
47. A medication delivery apparatus comprising: an holding chamber
comprising a plastic material having a surface resistivity of
between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq, wherein said holding
chamber has an input end and an output end spaced apart along a
longitudinal axis; a patient interface communicating with said
output end, said patient interface and said holding chamber
defining a flow path for an inhalation flow; a viewing port located
adjacent said flow path; and a visual flow indicator visible
through said viewing port and moveable between at least an at-rest
position and an inhalation position so as to provide a visual cue
about said inhalation flow.
48. The medication delivery apparatus of claim 47 further
comprising a one-way valve disposed adjacent said output end, said
one-way valve moveable between an open position allowing said
inhalation flow and a closed position.
49. The medication delivery apparatus of claim 47 wherein said
viewing port is coupled to said patient interface.
50. The medication delivery apparatus of claim 49 wherein said
viewing port and said patient interface are integrally formed.
51. The medication delivery apparatus of claim 47 wherein said
patient interface comprises a plastic material having a surface
resistivity of between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq.
52. The medication delivery apparatus of claim 47 wherein said
viewing port comprises a see-through plastic material having a
surface resistivity of between about 10E10 and about 10E12
ohm/sq.
53. The medication delivery apparatus of claim 47 wherein said
plastic material comprises a polypropylene material.
54. The medication delivery apparatus of claim 47 wherein said
plastic material is selected from the group consisting of
polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, nylon, acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene, high density polyethylene, acetal, polybutylene
terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate glycol.
55. The medication delivery apparatus of claim 47 wherein said
surface resistivity of said plastic material is between about 10E10
and about 10E11 ohm/sq.
56. A method of delivering a medication comprising: introducing a
medication into a holding chamber through an input end of said
holding chamber, wherein said holding chamber comprises a plastic
material having a surface resistivity of between about 10E10 and
about 10E12 ohm/sq; moving said medication through said holding
chamber from said input end to an output end spaced from said input
end along a longitudinal axis; moving said medication from said
output end to a patient interface; inhaling said medication through
said patient interface; moving a visual indicator from an at-rest
position to an inhalation position simultaneously with said
inhaling said medication through said patient interface; and
viewing said visual indicator through a viewing port.
57. The method of claim 56 wherein said moving said medication from
said output end to said patient interface comprises moving said
mediation through a one-way valve disposed adjacent said output
end.
58. The method of claim 56 wherein said viewing port is coupled to
said patient interface.
59. The method of claim 58 wherein said viewing port and said
patient interface are integrally formed.
60. The method of claim 56 wherein said patient interface comprises
a plastic material having a surface resistivity of between about
10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq.
61. The method of claim 56 wherein said viewing port comprises a
see-through plastic material having a surface resistivity of
between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq.
62. The method of claim 56 wherein said plastic material comprises
a polypropylene material.
63. The method of claim 56 wherein said plastic material is
selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polycarbonate,
polystyrene, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high density
polyethylene, acetal, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene
terephthalate glycol.
64. The method of claim 56 wherein said surface resistivity of said
plastic material is between about 10E10 and about 10E11 ohm/sq.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/821,260, filed Apr. 8, 2004, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/463,288, filed Apr. 16,
2003, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a medication delivery
apparatus, and in particular, to an antistatic medication delivery
apparatus.
[0003] Medication delivery systems are used, in general, to
administer medication to a user. For example, aerosol delivery
systems are configured to deliver a medication in aerosol form to
the lungs of the user. Other systems deliver the medication to the
nasal passageways of the user. Some systems use a pressurized
metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), which typically includes a container
in which medication particles are stored under pressure, and an
actuator used to dispense the medication from the container.
[0004] In other systems, a holding chamber or spacer is connected
to one of the container or actuator, as shown for example in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,293,279, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. The holding chamber reduces the need for the user to
coordinate activation of the pMDI canister with inhalation, helps
reduce the delivery of nonrespirable medication particles from the
canister, and helps reduce the impaction of medication particles in
the user's oropharnyx and upper airway. In some configurations,
shown for example in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,279 and U.S. Pat. No.
5,881,718, the apparatus can be provided with one or both of an
inhalation and exhalation valve(s) at an output end of the chamber.
The output end is typically configured with a mouthpiece, which is
received in the mouth of the user, or with a mask, which is placed
over the mouth and nose of the user.
[0005] Often, holding chamber devices are made of various plastics,
such as polypropylene or polycarbonates. However, plastic materials
typically have relative high surface resistivities, typically
greater than 10E12 ohm/sq. As such, the interior of the chamber can
become electrostatically charged, thereby causing some of the
medication particles in the aerosol to deposit on the walls and/or
other parts attached to or forming part of the holding chamber. As
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,176, for example, one solution to
this problem is to provide a spacer made of metal or other
materials having resistivities below 10E9 ohm. However, metal
spacers or holding chambers, made for example of stainless steel or
aluminum, are relatively expensive to manufacture and are heavy and
more difficult to handle. In addition, metal spacers or holding
chambers do not allow the user or caregiver to visualize the
delivery of medication from the chamber. Likewise, many plastics,
if formed with antistatic additives, such as metal fibers, are not
see-through and can obstruct a view of the interior of the chamber.
In addition, plastic components having an antistatic surface
coating can tend to degrade and lose their antistatic properties
over time, e.g., within about a year.
[0006] Another solution is to periodically wash a plastic holding
chamber with a detergent. However, such a solution can be
cumbersome. Accordingly, the need remains for an improved holding
chamber made of plastic, preferably clear, having inherent
substantially permanent antistatic properties.
SUMMARY
[0007] By way of introduction, various preferred embodiments of an
aerosol medication delivery apparatus include a holding chamber
having an input end and an output end and defining an interior
space. In one embodiment, the holding chamber is antistatic and is
made of a plastic material having a surface resistivity of less
than about 10E12 ohm/sq, and preferably between about 10E10 and
about 10E12 ohm/sq. In one preferred embodiment, at least a portion
of the holding chamber is see-through. In addition, the antistatic
properties are substantially permanent.
[0008] In another embodiment, a component, separate from the
holding chamber, is antistatic and is made of a material having a
surface resistivity of between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq.
The component is connected, directly or indirectly, to the holding
chamber, which may or may not be antistatic. In one preferred
embodiment, the component is a backpiece connected to an input end
of the holding chamber. In one embodiment, the backpiece is made of
an elastomeric material. In another embodiment, the component
includes a mouthpiece connected to the output end of the holding
chamber.
[0009] In other aspects, various methods are provided that include
introducing an aerosol into the holding chamber at the input end
thereof and inhaling the aerosol through the output end.
[0010] The various embodiments provide significant advantages over
other holding chamber devices. For example, both the holding
chamber and component, such as the backpiece, can be made of
various plastic and/or elastomeric materials, which are relatively
light weight and inexpensive to manufacture. At the same time, one
or more of the holding chamber and components can be made
antistatic, such that the medication particles in the aerosol are
less likely to be attracted to the interior surface of the holding
chamber or components, thereby providing improved consistency in
the amount of medication delivered to the patient without
pretreating the delivery apparatus. In addition, the plastic
material can be made see-through, such that the user or caretaker
can monitor and visualize the interior of the holding chamber
and/or component. Moreover, the antistatic properties are
substantially permanent, such that they do not degrade over
time.
[0011] The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of
general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of
the following claims. The presently preferred embodiments, together
with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to
the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an
aerosol medication delivery system.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol
medication delivery system shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a holding chamber.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a medication delivery system.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a medication delivery system.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a medication delivery system.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a medication delivery system.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a medication delivery system.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a medication delivery system.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a partial side view of an output end of an
alternative embodiment of a holding chamber.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dry
powder inhaler.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a dry
powder inhaler.
[0024] FIG. 13 is an end view of the dry powder inhaler shown in
FIG. 12.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a dry powder inhaler.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the dry powder inhaler
shown in FIG. 14.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a side view of a nasal inhaler.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, one preferred embodiment of
an aerosol medication delivery system 50 includes a pressurized
metered dose inhaler (pMDI) holding portion 2, or dispenser
(sometimes referred to as an actuator boot), coupled to a chamber
housing 4, otherwise referred to as a holding chamber, at an input
end 6 thereof. A medication container 8, for example a pMDI
canister, is disposed in a cavity 12 formed in the dispenser, with
a stem of the canister being inserted into a well 10 formed in the
bottom of the dispenser. Preferably, the dispenser 2 is pivotally
connected to the chamber housing 4 so that the dispenser 2 can be
pivoted and translated for storage inside the chamber housing when
the device is not in use. The term "medication" or "medicament" and
variations thereof as used herein means any substance used in
therapy, for example in the treatment of asthma.
[0029] In various alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and
7-9, the apparatus includes a backpiece 22 secured to a holding
chamber 20, 90 at an input end 52, 94 thereof. The backpiece 22,
which is preferably formed as a separate component from the holding
chamber, includes an opening 24 shaped to receive a mouthpiece
portion 54 of a separate pMDI dispenser 156, which holds the
container 8. Various configurations of chamber housings and
dispensers are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,293,279, 5,012,803 and
5,012,804, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference. It should be understood that a holding chamber
can also be used in conjunction with medication delivery containers
other than a pMDI container, including for example and without
limitation nasal sprayers, dry powder inhalers and nebulizer
systems.
[0030] In yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus
includes a holding chamber 70 that can be introduced into the
inspiratory flow path of a ventilator circuit 302. The apparatus
includes a backpiece member 72, configured with a pMDI receptacle
76, which is connected to the input end 79 of the holding chamber.
The receptacle 76 is configured as a cylindrical housing shaped to
receive the pMDI container and includes a well 10 formed at the
bottom of the receptacle shaped to receive a pMDI valve stem 78. A
discharge opening 80 is formed in the receptacle and communicates
with the well 10, thereby allowing the aerosol, and medication, to
be introduced into an interior 32 of the holding chamber through
the backpiece 72 and input end 74 of the holding chamber.
[0031] In all of the embodiments, the chamber housing 4, 20, 70
defines an interior space 19, 56, 82 and further includes an output
end 14, 58, 84, 94, through which the medication is dispensed to
the user. The holding chamber 20 can have a substantially circular
cross section as shown for example in FIG. 7, or the holding
chamber 4 can have other shapes, for example a substantially oval
cross-section as shown in FIG. 1 or an elliptical or rectangular
cross-section (not shown). In addition, the holding chamber 20 can
have a substantially constant cross-section, for example forming a
cylinder as shown in FIG. 7, or the holding chamber 20 can be
tapered, such that the cross-sectional area gradually increases
from the input end 92 to the output end 94 as shown in FIGS. 8 and
9, or decreases along the same path (not shown).
[0032] As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 and 6-8, the output
end 14, 58, 84, 94 includes a downstream portion 23 that is
configured with a mouthpiece 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. The
mouthpiece 102, 106, 108, 110 can be formed as a separate component
that is releasably secured to a main housing 21 with one or more
fastening elements 25, 27, as shown for example in FIGS. 1, 2, and
4-8. For example, the fastening elements can be configured as tabs
25 and recesses 24 in one preferred embodiment, which provides a
snap-fit between the main housing 21 and the downstream portion 23.
As shown in FIG. 3, the mouthpiece 104 can alternatively be formed
integrally with the housing.
[0033] The term "component" as used herein means any part, member,
device, or feature that forms part of the medication delivery
apparatus, and includes without limitation, the chamber housing,
the backpiece, the mouthpiece, the output end, various adapters,
baffle members, actuators, valve assemblies, tubes or conduits,
masks, and the like, and portions thereof, which are incorporated
into the system. The terms "connected" and "secured," and
variations thereof, as used herein, means that one or more members
are associated or coupled to each other, either directly or
indirectly (for example with intervening members).
[0034] In one alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, an adapter
30 includes an input end 32 configured as an insert portion that is
fitted in an opening formed in an output end 64 of a chamber
housing 66. Conversely, the input end 32 can be fitted over or
around an end portion of the chamber housing. In one embodiment,
the adapter includes a narrow orifice, as disclosed for example in
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/377,528, filed May
3, 2002 and entitled "Aerosol Medication Delivery Apparatus With
Narrow Orifice," the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference. The adapter further includes an
output end 34 that, in one preferred embodiment, is shaped to be
received in the mouth of the user. For example, the output end 34
can have an outer circular cross-section, or it can be elliptical,
oval, obround or any other shaped suitable for insertion into the
mouth of the user. Alternatively, an additional mouthpiece (not
shown) can be fitted in or around the output end.
[0035] In yet another alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, a
mask 160 is fitted in or around, i.e. a connector member 300,
secured to the output end of the holding chamber. The mask 160 is
shaped to be disposed over the face, preferably including the mouth
and nose, of the user. In yet another alternative embodiment, a
nasal applicator (not shown), provided for example with prongs, can
be fitted into or around the output end. In yet another embodiment,
a patient interface element, such as an endotracheal tube, can be
fitted to one or more of the output end of the holding chamber or
adapter.
[0036] In all of the embodiments, shown for example in FIGS. 1-9,
the output end 14, 58, 84, 94 of the holding chamber 4, 20, 70, 90
can be configured with a baffle member 200. The baffle member 200
is preferably curved, and can have one or more concave or convex
surfaces facing toward and away from the input end of the holding
chamber. Of course, it should be understood that the baffle member
200 can be flat, or have other non-curved shapes. In addition, it
should be understood that the apparatus can be configured without a
baffle formed at the output end of the holding chamber.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the output end of the holding chamber
can be configured with one or both of an inhalation and exhalation
valve 220. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the valve 220
includes a central open area 224 having a peripheral edge portion
226 that seats on a valve seat formed on a center baffle portion
228 of the baffle member 200. The valve is displaced from the seat
during inhalation. An outer peripheral portion 230 of the valve is
seated on a second valve seat and is displaced therefrom during
exhalation. Of course, it should be understood that other valve
configurations, such as a duckbill valve, can also be used.
[0038] The valve member 220 is preferably made of a flexible
material, including for example and without limitation a silicone,
a thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer
(EPDM) or Berfluodelaastomers (FFKN).
[0039] Preferably, the adapter 30 and the chamber housing 4, 20,
70, 90 are made of a hard antistatic plastic, for example by
injection molding. Typically, plastics have a surface resistivity
of greater than 10E12 ohm/sq. Antistatic materials have a surface
resistivity of between about 10E10 ohm/sq and about 10E12 ohm/sq.
Static dissipative materials have a surface resistivity of between
about 10E6 ohm/sq. and about 10E12 ohm/sq. Conductive materials
have a surface resistivity of between about 10E1 ohm/sq and about
10E6 ohm/sq. Metals typically have a surface resistivity of between
about 10E-1 to about 10E-5 ohm/sq. Surface resistivity as set forth
herein is measured pursuant to ASTM test D257.
[0040] In various embodiments, the chamber housing 4, 20, 70, 90,
adapter 30, mouthpiece 102, 106, 108, 110, and/or backpiece 22, 72
are made of one or more of a polypropylene, polycarbonate,
polystyrene, nylon, ABS, high density polyethylene (HDPE), acetal,
PBT, PETG, various thermoplastic elastomers, and/or combinations
thereof. For example, the components can be made of various
PermaStat.RTM. compounds available from the RTP Company, having a
place of business at 580 East Front Street, Winona, Minn., 55987.
Of course, it should be understood that materials other than
PermaStat.RTM. compounds are suitable. In any event, the materials
preferably have a surface resistivity of less than about 10E12
ohm/sq, more preferably between about 10E1 and about 10E12 ohm/sq,
more preferably between about 10E6 and about 10E12 ohm/sq, more
preferably between about 10E10 and about 10E12 ohm/sq, and most
preferably between about 10E10 and about 10E11 ohm/sq.
[0041] In various exemplary embodiments, and without limitation,
the chamber housing 4, 20, 70, 90, adapter 30, mouthpiece 102, 106,
108, 110, and backpiece 22, 72 can be made from one or more of a
PermaStat.RTM. 100 series polypropylene material, a PermaStat.RTM.
200 series Nylon (PA6, PA6/6 or P12) material, a PermaStat.RTM. 300
series polycarbonate material, a PermaStat.RTM. 400 series
polystyrene (PS) material, a PermaStat.RTM. 600 series
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material, a PermaStat.RTM.
700 series high density polyethylene (HDPE) material, a
PermaStat.RTM. 800 series Acetal (POM) material, a PermaStat.RTM.
1000 series polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) material, a
PermaStat.RTM. 1100 series polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
modified (PETG) material, a PermaStat.RTM. 1200 series polyurethane
thermoplastic elastomer material, a PermaStat.RTM. 1500 series
polyester thermoplastic elastomer, a PermaStat.RTM. 1800 series
acrylic (PMMA) material, a PermaStat.RTM. 2500 series
polycarbonate/ABS alloy material, a PermaStat.RTM. 2700 series
Styrenic thermoplastic elastomer (TES) material, a PermaStat.RTM.
2800 series Olefinic thermoplastic elastomer (TEO) materials, or a
PermaStat.RTM. 4700 series polytrimethylene Terephthalate (PTT)
material, all being permanently anti-static and having a surface
resistivity between about 10E10 and about 10E11 ohms/sq with
electrical shock discharge (ESD) protection. PermaStat.RTM.
compounds are colorable and retain the transparency of the host
resin. Such compounds are further free of carbon black, and are
non-sloughing, meaning they do not release conductive contaminants.
The compounds are further formulated to meet MIL-PRF-81705D static
decay requirements. Since the compound is compounded into the
molded material, the component is more robust and can function in
all humidity levels. The term "plastic" as used herein includes
thermoplastic elastomer materials.
[0042] Preferably, the chamber housing 4, 20, 70, mouthpiece 102,
106, 108, 110 and adapter 30 are made of an RTP 199 X 95281 S
Nat/Clear, available from the RTP Company. Another suitable
material is the RTP 199 X 95281 U Nat/Clear material, which is a
high temperature material, also available from RTP Company.
[0043] Preferably, the backpiece 22, 72 is made of one or more of
the elastomeric materials, or other elastomers available from RTP,
including for example the RTP 1200 series Polyurethane elastomers,
the 1500 series copolyester elastomers, the 2700 series styrenic
elastomers and/or the 2800 series olefinic elastomers. It should be
understood that the backpiece 22, 72 also can be made of
non-elastomeric materials. In addition, it should be understood
that the holding chamber 4, 20, 70, 90, and various components,
including without limitation, the adapter, mouthpiece and backpiece
can be made of materials that are not antistatic, having for
example surface recitatives of greater than 10E12 ohm/sq.
Therefore, for example, the delivery apparatus may be configured
with only the holding chamber 4, 20, 70, 90 being antistatic, only
one or more of the various components being antistatic, such as the
backpiece, mouthpiece and/or adapter but not the holding chamber,
or all of the components including the holding chamber being
antistatic.
[0044] Preferably, the antistatic material is substantially clear,
such that at least a portion of the various components, including
without limitation the holding chamber, backpiece, mouthpiece and
adapters, are see-through such that the user can monitor the
interior of the delivery apparatus. In this way, the term "clear"
simply means see-through, and includes materials that are
completely transparent, as well as materials that are opaque or
shaded, so long as an object is visible on the other side of the
material. For example, by providing one or more see-through
components, various visual flow indicators can be seen. Such visual
indicators are shown for example in U.S. Provisional Application
60/382,227, filed May 21, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the
antistatic properties associated with various afore-described
materials are substantially permanent, and will not dissipate over
time.
[0045] In other embodiments, the holding chamber 4, 20, 70, 90, and
other components, including for example and without limitation the
adapter 30, mouthpiece 102, 106, 108, 110 and backpiece 22, 72, are
made of various thermoplastics using various levels of additives,
including without limitation, stainless steel fibers, carbon fibers
and carbon powder. It should be understood that an antistatic
coating also can be applied to the chamber housing and components,
such as the adapter, mouthpiece and backpiece to achieve the
desired resistivities.
[0046] In operation, the user actuates the dispenser 2, 156 or
other device, so as to discharge a medication, preferably in
aerosol form, through the input end 6, 52, 74 and introduce the
medication into the interior space 19, 56, 82 of the holding
chamber 4, 20, 70, 90, or chamber housing. The medication is
thereafter delivered to the user, for example by inhalation through
the output end 14, 58, 84 of the holding chamber, by way of one or
more of a mouthpiece, mask or endotracheal tube. The antistatic
properties of the holding chamber and backpiece reduce the
likelihood that the medication particles will be attracted
thereto.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 10-15, exemplary powder medication
delivery systems, or dry powder inhalers 400 are shown. Each
inhaler 400 includes a holding chamber 402 and a mouthpiece 408.
The inhaler shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, further includes a visual
flow indicator 412 mounted within a viewing port area 410. The flow
indicator moves within the port area to provide a visual cue to the
patient or caretaker that the inhalation flow is adequate to
properly administer the medication to the patient. Various aspects
of the inhaler are further disclosed and shown in U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/382,227, filed May 21, 2002, the
entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0048] Referring to the inhaler in FIGS. 11-13, the inhaler 400
includes a holding chamber 402 and a mouthpiece 408, which can be
separate from (FIG. 11) or integral with (FIGS. 12-13) the holding
chamber. The inhaler further includes a medicament holding cassette
414, which has a plurality of holding portions 416 that hold a
plurality of dose of medication, each of which can be subsequently
exposed to the interior of the holding chamber. One or more air
entry passageways 418 are directed at the holding portions 416 and
fluidize the medication within the holding chamber, wherein it can
be subsequently inhaled through the mouthpiece. Various aspects of
the inhaler are further disclosed and shown in U.S. Pat. No.
6,116,239, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
[0049] It should be understood that any or all of the various
components of the inhalers 400, including the holding chambers 402,
mouthpieces 408, air intake passageways 418, cassettes 414, and/or
holding portions 416, can be made of one or more of the various
antistatic materials described herein.
[0050] Various nasal inhalers 500, an example of which is shown in
FIG. 16, may also include one or more of a holding chamber 502
having an input end 510 and an output end formed as an outlet 506,
an actuator (not shown) and an adapter 504, one or more of which
may be made of the various antistatic materials described herein.
One or more inlet valves 508 may be provided in the holding chamber
502. Various exemplary nasal inhalers and applicators are disclosed
for example in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/834,037, filed
Apr. 11, 2001, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/121,931,
filed Apr. 12, 2002, the entire disclosures of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
[0051] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it
is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as
illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended
claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to
define the scope of the invention.
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