U.S. patent application number 14/549381 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-18 for systems, methods, and devices to incentivize inhaler use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Elwha LLC. Invention is credited to Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Roderick A. Hyde, Robert C. Petroski, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood.
Application Number | 20160045157 14/549381 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55301219 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160045157 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheatham, III; Jesse R. ; et
al. |
February 18, 2016 |
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES TO INCENTIVIZE INHALER USE
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices
that may be used to incentivize inhaler use.
Inventors: |
Cheatham, III; Jesse R.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Hyde; Roderick A.; (Redmond,
WA) ; Petroski; Robert C.; (Seattle, WA) ;
Wood, JR.; Lowell L.; (Bellevue, WA) ; Wood; Victoria
Y.H.; (Livermore, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elwha LLC |
Bellevue |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55301219 |
Appl. No.: |
14/549381 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14459075 |
Aug 13, 2014 |
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14549381 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/130.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2205/3584 20130101;
A61M 15/0021 20140204; A61M 2016/0039 20130101; A61M 2205/502
20130101; A61K 9/0073 20130101; A61M 15/008 20140204; A61K 9/007
20130101; A61B 5/4839 20130101; A61M 2205/13 20130101; A61M
2205/3592 20130101; A61M 15/002 20140204; A61M 2205/581 20130101;
A61M 2205/3553 20130101; A61M 2205/3569 20130101; A61M 2205/505
20130101; A61M 15/0003 20140204; A61M 2016/0027 20130101; A61B
5/0816 20130101; A61M 2205/3334 20130101; A61M 15/0071 20140204;
A61M 2230/40 20130101; A61M 15/007 20140204; A61M 2205/582
20130101; A61M 2205/3306 20130101; A61M 2205/3375 20130101; A61M
2205/3303 20130101; A61M 2205/507 20130101; A61M 2205/583 20130101;
A61M 15/009 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00; A61B 5/08 20060101 A61B005/08; A61K 9/00 20060101
A61K009/00 |
Claims
1.-60. (canceled)
61. A method comprising: assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler by a subject; administering at
least one active agent to the subject in response to assessing the
one or more parameters associated with use of the inhaler; and
administering at least one incentive agent to the subject in
coordination with administering the at least one active agent.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein the assessing one or more
parameters associated with use of an inhaler by a subject
comprises: assessing one or more parameters associated with
respiration.
63. The method of claim 61, wherein the assessing one or more
parameters associated with use of an inhaler by a subject
comprises: assessing one or more parameters associated with
inhalation.
64.-69. (canceled)
70. The method of claim 61, wherein the assessing one or more
parameters associated with use of an inhaler by a subject
comprises: assessing a time period associated with any of an
inhalation cycle, a breath hold cycle, or an exhalation cycle
through the inhaler.
71. The method of claim 61, wherein the assessing one or more
parameters associated with use of an inhaler by a subject
comprises: assessing if at least one value associated with a
respiration parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value.
72. The method of claim 61, wherein the assessing one or more
parameters associated with use of an inhaler by a subject
comprises: assessing if at least one value associated with an
inhalation parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value.
73.-74. (canceled)
75. The method of claim 61, wherein the assessing one or more
parameters associated with use of an inhaler by a subject
comprises: assessing one or more values associated with one or more
inhalation parameters and estimating a quantity of the at least one
active agent that will be effectively delivered in response to the
one or more assessed values associated with the one or more
inhalation parameters.
76. (canceled)
77. The method of claim 61, wherein the assessing one or more
parameters associated with use of an inhaler by a subject
comprises: assessing one or more values associated with one or more
inhalation parameters and estimating a quantity of the at least one
incentive agent that will be effectively delivered in response to
the one or more assessed values associated with the one or more
inhalation parameters.
78.-80. (canceled)
81. The method of claim 61, wherein the administering at least one
active agent to the subject in response to assessing the one or
more parameters associated with use of the inhaler comprises:
administering the at least one active agent to the subject when at
least one value associated with a respiration parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value.
82. The method of claim 61, wherein the administering at least one
active agent to the subject in response to assessing the one or
more parameters associated with use of the inhaler comprises:
administering the at least one active agent to the subject when at
least one value associated with an inhalation parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value.
83.-85. (canceled)
86. The method of claim 61, wherein the administering at least one
incentive agent to the subject in coordination with administering
the at least one active agent comprises: administering the at least
one incentive agent after the at least one active agent is
administered.
87.-92. (canceled)
93. The method of claim 61, wherein the administering at least one
incentive agent to the subject in coordination with administering
the at least one active agent comprises: administering the at least
one incentive agent in a quantity that is based on a quantity of
the at least one active agent that was delivered to the
subject.
94. (canceled)
95. The method of claim 61, wherein the administering at least one
incentive agent to the subject in coordination with administering
the at least one active agent comprises: administering the at least
one incentive agent in response to assessing at least one value
associated with a respiration parameter associated with use of the
inhaler.
96.-99. (canceled)
100. The method of claim 61, wherein the administering at least one
incentive agent to the subject in coordination with administering
the at least one active agent comprises: administering the at least
one incentive agent to the subject when at least one value
associated with a respiration parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value.
101. The method of claim 61, wherein the administering at least one
incentive agent to the subject in coordination with administering
the at least one active agent comprises: administering the at least
one incentive agent to the subject when at least one value
associated with an inhalation parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value.
102.-104. (canceled)
105. The method of claim 61, further comprising: displaying a
comparison of an assessed value associated with one or more
respiration parameters with one or more levels associated with the
one or more respiration parameters.
106. The method of claim 105, wherein the displaying a comparison
of an assessed value associated with one or more respiration
parameters with one or more levels associated with the one or more
respiration parameters comprises: displaying a comparison of the
assessed value associated with one or more respiration parameters
to a range of levels associated with the one or more respiration
parameters and instructing the subject to achieve a value of the
one or more respiration parameters that is within a range of
threshold levels associated with the one or more respiration
parameters.
107.-110. (canceled)
111. The method of claim 61, further comprising: instructing the
subject to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
respiration parameters.
112. The method of claim 111, wherein the instructing the subject
to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
respiration parameters comprises: instructing the subject to
achieve one or more values associated with one or more respiration
parameters that meet or exceed one or more threshold levels
associated with the one or more respiration parameters.
113.-116. (canceled)
117. The method of claim 61, further comprising: accepting
information associated with one or more parameters associated with
the subject.
118. The method of claim 117, wherein the accepting information
associated with one or more parameters associated with the subject
comprises: accepting information associated with one or more
physical parameters associated with the subject.
119. (canceled)
120. The method of claim 117, wherein the accepting information
associated with one or more parameters associated with the subject
comprises: accepting information associated with one or more
parameters associated with the subject and using the information in
combination with one or more delivery parameters to estimate a
quantity of the active agent that will be effectively delivered to
the subject.
121. The method of claim 61, further comprising: administering at
least one additional active agent to the subject.
122.-123. (canceled)
124. The method of claim 61, further comprising: assessing one or
more parameters associated with administering the at least one
active agent to the subject.
125.-127. (canceled)
128. The method of claim 124, wherein the assessing one or more
parameters associated with administering the at least one active
agent to the subject comprises: assessing a quantity of the at
least one active agent that was administered to the subject.
129. The method of claim 124, wherein the assessing one or more
parameters associated with administering the at least one active
agent to the subject comprises: assessing a quantity of the at
least one active agent that was administered to the subject and
then repeating the administration of the at least one active agent
until a preselected quantity of the at least one active agent is
administered to the subject.
130. The method of claim 61, further comprising: assessing one or
more parameters associated with administering the at least one
incentive agent to the subject.
131.-133. (canceled)
134. The method of claim 130, wherein the assessing one or more
parameters associated with administering the at least one incentive
agent to the subject comprises: assessing a quantity of the at
least one active incentive that was administered to the
subject.
135. The method of claim 130, wherein the assessing one or more
parameters associated with administering the at least one incentive
agent to the subject comprises: assessing a quantity of the at
least one incentive agent that was administered to the subject and
then repeating the administration of the at least one incentive
agent until a preselected quantity of the at least one incentive
agent is administered to the subject.
136. The method of claim 124, further comprising: predicting one or
more locations in the pulmonary tract of the subject where the at
least one active agent was delivered in response to the one or more
parameters associated with administration of the at least one
active agent to the subject.
137. (canceled)
138. The method of claim 130, further comprising: predicting one or
more locations in the pulmonary tract of the subject where the at
least one incentive agent was delivered in response to the one or
more parameters associated with administration of the at least one
incentive agent to the subject.
139.-230. (canceled)
231. A method comprising: assessing if at least one value
associated with a respiration parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value associated with use of an inhaler by a subject;
administering at least one active agent to the subject if the at
least one value meets or exceeds the threshold value; and
administering at least one incentive agent to the subject in
coordination with administering the at least one active agent.
232. A method comprising: assessing one or more values associated
with at least one respiration parameter associated with use of an
inhaler by a subject; displaying a comparison of the one or more
values with one or more threshold levels associated with the at
least one respiration parameter; administering at least one active
agent to the subject in response to assessing the one or more
values; and administering at least one incentive agent to the
subject in coordination with administering the at least one active
agent.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the earliest
available effective filing date(s) from the following listed
application(s) (the "Priority Applications"), if any, listed below
(e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than
provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC
.sctn.119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the
Priority Application(s)). In addition, the present application is
related to the "Related Applications," if any, listed below.
[0002] Priority Applications:
[0003] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the
present application constitutes a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/459,075, entitled SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND
DEVICES TO INCENTIVIZE INHALER USE, naming Jesse R. Cheatham, III,
Roderick A. Hyde, Robert C. Petroski, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., and
Victoria Y. H. Wood as inventors, filed 13 Aug. 2014, which is
currently co-pending or is an application of which a currently
co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing
date.
[0004] Related Applications:
[0005] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the
present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
[To Be Assigned], entitled SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES TO
INCENTIVIZE INHALER USE, naming Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Roderick A.
Hyde, Robert C. Petroski, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., and Victoria Y. H.
Wood as inventors, filed Nov. 20, 2014, which is currently
co-pending [Attorney Docket No. HS2-1082C2-US].
[0006] If the listings of applications provided above are
inconsistent with the listings provided via an ADS, it is the
intent of the Applicant to claim priority to each application that
appears in the Priority Applications section of the ADS and to each
application that appears in the Priority Applications section of
this application.
[0007] All subject matter of the Priority Applications and the
Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent,
great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Priority Applications
and the Related Applications, including any priority claims, is
incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter
is not inconsistent herewith.
[0008] If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the
filing date of this application, it is incorporated by reference
herein. Any applications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn..sctn.119, 120, 121, or 365(c), and any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of such
applications, are also incorporated by reference, including any
priority claims made in those applications and any material
incorporated by reference, to the extent such subject matter is not
inconsistent herewith.
SUMMARY
[0009] In one aspect, an inhaler includes, but is not limited to, a
housing having at least one flow channel disposed therein; at least
one port disposed in the housing and operably coupled to the at
least one flow channel and configured to provide fluid
communication between at least two agent containing reservoirs and
the at least one flow channel; one or more sensors operably coupled
with the at least one flow channel; at least one actuator
configured to independently facilitate at least partial release of
at least one agent from each of at least two agent containing
reservoirs when the at least two agent containing reservoirs are
each operably coupled to the at least one port; and one or more
control units configured to receive information from the one or
more sensors, wherein the one or more control units control
operation of the at least one actuator in response to the
information received from the one or more sensors. In some
embodiments, an inhaler may optionally include at least one
reservoir. In some embodiments, an inhaler may optionally include
one or more dose counters. In some embodiments, an inhaler may
optionally include one or more performance indicators. In addition
to the foregoing, other inhaler aspects are described in the
claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present
disclosure.
[0010] In one aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to,
assessing one or more parameters associated with use of an inhaler
by a subject, administering at least one active agent to the
subject in response to assessing the one or more parameters
associated with use of the inhaler, and administering at least one
incentive agent to the subject in coordination with administering
the at least one active agent. In some embodiments, the method may
optionally include displaying a comparison of an assessed value
associated with one or more respiration parameters with one or more
levels associated with the one or more respiration parameters. In
some embodiments, the method may optionally include instructing the
subject to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
respiration parameters. In some embodiments, the method may
optionally include accepting information associated with one or
more parameters associated with the subject. In some embodiments,
the method may optionally include administering at least one
additional agent to the subject. In some embodiments, the method
may optionally include assessing one or more parameters associated
with administering the at least one active agent to the subject. In
some embodiments, the method may optionally include assessing one
or more parameters associated with administering the at least one
incentive agent to the subject. In some embodiments, the method may
optionally include predicting one or more locations in the
pulmonary tract of the subject where the at least one active agent
was delivered in response to the one or more parameters associated
with administration of the at least one active agent to the
subject. In some embodiments, the method may optionally include
predicting one or more locations in the pulmonary tract of the
subject where the at least one incentive agent was delivered in
response to the one or more parameters associated with
administration of the at least one incentive agent to the subject.
In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in
the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present
disclosure.
[0011] In one aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to,
circuitry configured to assess one or more parameters associated
with use of an inhaler by a subject, circuitry configured to
administer at least one active agent to the subject in response to
assessing the one or more parameters associated with use of the
inhaler, and circuitry configured to administer at least one
incentive agent to the subject in coordination with administering
the at least one active agent. In some embodiments, the system may
optionally include circuitry configured to display a comparison of
an assessed value associated with one or more respiration
parameters with one or more threshold levels associated with the
one or more respiration parameters. In some embodiments, the system
may optionally include circuitry configured to instruct the subject
to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
respiration parameters. In some embodiments, the system may
optionally include circuitry configured to accept information
associated with one or more parameters associated with the subject.
In some embodiments, the system may optionally include circuitry
configured to assess one or more parameters associated with
administering the at least one active agent to the subject. In some
embodiments, the system may optionally include circuitry configured
to assess one or more parameters associated with administering the
at least one incentive agent to the subject. In some embodiments,
the system may optionally include circuitry configured to predict
one or more locations in the pulmonary tract of the subject where
the at least one active agent was delivered in response to one or
more parameters associated with administration of the at least one
active agent to the subject. In some embodiments, the system may
optionally include circuitry configured to predict one or more
locations in the pulmonary tract of the subject where the at least
one incentive agent was delivered in response to one or more
parameters associated with administration of the at least one
incentive agent to the subject. In addition to the foregoing, other
system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text
forming a part of the present disclosure.
[0012] In one aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to,
means for assessing one or more parameters associated with use of
an inhaler by a subject, means for administering at least one
formulation to the subject in response to assessing the one or more
parameters associated with use of the inhaler, and means for
administering at least one incentive agent to the subject in
coordination with administering the at least one active agent. In
some embodiments, the system may optionally include means for
displaying a comparison of an assessed value associated with one or
more respiration parameters with one or more levels associated with
the one or more respiration parameters. In some embodiments, the
system may optionally include means for instructing the subject to
achieve one or more values associated with one or more respiration
parameters. In some embodiments, the system may optionally include
means for accepting information associated with one or more
parameters associated with the subject. In some embodiments, the
system may optionally include means for assessing one or more
parameters associated with administering the at least one active
agent to the subject. In some embodiments, the system may
optionally include means for assessing one or more parameters
associated with administering the at least one incentive agent to
the subject. In some embodiments, the system may optionally include
means for predicting one or more locations in the pulmonary tract
of the subject where the at least one active agent was delivered in
response to one or more parameters associated with administration
of the at least one active agent to the subject. In some
embodiments, the system may optionally include means for predicting
one or more locations in the pulmonary tract of the subject where
the at least one incentive agent was delivered in response to one
or more parameters associated with administration of the at least
one incentive agent to the subject. In addition to the foregoing,
other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and
text forming a part of the present disclosure.
[0013] In one aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to, a
non-transitory signal-bearing medium bearing one or more
instructions that, when executed by one or more processing
components, direct performance of operations that include at least:
assessing one or more parameters associated with use of an inhaler
by a subject; administering at least one active agent to the
subject in response to assessing the one or more parameters
associated with use of the inhaler; and administering at least one
incentive agent to the subject in coordination with administering
the at least one active agent. In some embodiments, a system may
optionally include one or more instructions that direct performance
of an operation that includes at least displaying a comparison of
an assessed value associated with one or more respiration
parameters with one or more levels associated with the one or more
respiration parameters. In some embodiments, a system may
optionally include one or more instructions that direct performance
of an operation that includes at least instructing the subject to
achieve one or more values associated with one or more respiration
parameters. In some embodiments, a system may optionally include
one or more instructions that direct performance of an operation
that includes at least accepting information associated with one or
more parameters associated with the subject. In some embodiments, a
system may optionally include one or more instructions that direct
performance of an operation that includes at least assessing one or
more parameters associated with administering the at least one
active agent to the subject. In some embodiments, a system may
optionally include one or more instructions that direct performance
of an operation that includes at least assessing one or more
parameters associated with administering the at least one incentive
agent to the subject. In some embodiments, a system may optionally
include one or more instructions that direct performance of an
operation that includes at least predicting one or more locations
in the pulmonary tract of the subject where the at least one active
agent was delivered in response to the one or more parameters
associated with administration of the at least one active agent to
the subject. In some embodiments, a system may optionally include
one or more instructions that direct performance of an operation
that includes at least predicting one or more locations in the
pulmonary tract of the subject where the at least one incentive
agent was delivered in response to the one or more parameters
associated with administration of the at least one incentive agent
to the subject. In some embodiments, a system may optionally
include a non-transitory signal-bearing medium that includes at
least a computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, a system may
optionally include a non-transitory signal-bearing medium that
includes at least a recordable medium. In some embodiments, a
system may optionally include a non-transitory signal-bearing
medium that includes at least a communications medium. In addition
to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims,
drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
[0014] In one or more various aspects, means include but are not
limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the herein
referenced functional aspects; the circuitry and/or programming can
be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware
configured to effect the herein referenced functional aspects
depending upon the design choices of the system designer. In
addition to the foregoing, other system aspects means are described
in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present
disclosure.
[0015] In one or more various aspects, related systems include but
are not limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the
herein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming
can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or
firmware configured to effect the herein referenced method aspects
depending upon the design choices of the system designer. In
addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in
the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present
application.
[0016] The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain
simplifications, generalizations, inclusions, and/or omissions of
detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
the summary is illustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any
way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the
devices and/or processes and/or other subject matter described
herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which
embodiments may be implemented.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates example components of system 100 in which
embodiments may be implemented.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates example components of system 100 in which
embodiments may be implemented.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of an
example inhaler 400 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0021] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of
an example inhaler 400 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0022] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of
an example inhaler 400 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of an
example inhaler 500 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of an
example inhaler 600 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0025] FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of
an example inhaler 600 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0026] FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of
an example inhaler 600 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of an
example inhaler 700 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0028] FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of
an example inhaler 700 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0029] FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of
an example inhaler 700 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of an
example inhaler 800 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0031] FIG. 8A illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of
an example inhaler 800 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of an
example inhaler 900 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0033] FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of
an example inhaler 900 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0034] FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of
an example inhaler 900 in which embodiments may be implemented.
[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates an example operational flow 1000 in
which embodiments may be implemented.
[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates an example operational flow 1100 in
which embodiments may be implemented.
[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates an example operational flow 1200 in
which embodiments may be implemented.
[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates an example operational flow 1300 in
which embodiments may be implemented.
[0039] FIG. 14 illustrates an example operational flow 1400 in
which embodiments may be implemented.
[0040] FIG. 15 illustrates an example operational flow 1500 in
which embodiments may be implemented.
[0041] FIG. 16 illustrates an example operational flow 1600 in
which embodiments may be implemented.
[0042] FIG. 17 illustrates an example operational flow 1700 in
which embodiments may be implemented.
[0043] FIG. 18 illustrates an example operational flow 1800 in
which embodiments may be implemented.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which numerous
embodiments may be implemented. In some embodiments, system 100 may
be implemented as an inhaler. In some embodiments, system 100 may
include a housing 102 having at least one flow channel 104 disposed
therein. In some embodiments, system 100 may include at least one
port 106 disposed in the housing 102 and operably coupled to at
least one flow channel 104 and configured to provide fluid
communication between at least two reservoirs 122 and at least one
flow channel 104. In some embodiments, system 100 may include one
or more actuators 120. In some embodiments, system 100 may include
one or more reservoirs 122. In some embodiments, system 100 may
include one or more dose counters 118. In some embodiments, system
100 may include one or more performance indicators 116. In some
embodiments, system 100 may include one or more control units 108.
In some embodiments, system 100 may include one or more sensors
114. In some embodiments, system 100 may include one or more user
interfaces 110. In some embodiments, system 100 may include one or
more signals 112.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates example embodiments of components that
may be included in system 100. The illustrated components include a
sensor 114, a performance indicator 116, a user interface 110, and
a housing 102.
[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates example embodiments of components that
may be included in system 100. The illustrated components include a
control unit 108, a signal 112, a dose counter 118, an actuator
120, and a reservoir 122.
Housing
[0048] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, system 100
may include one or more housings 102. A housing 102 may be
configured in numerous ways. In some embodiments, a housing may be
configured for inclusion within an inhaler. In some embodiments, a
housing 102 may include one or more flow channels 104 disposed
therein. In some embodiments, a housing 102 may include a single
flow channel 104 disposed therein. In some embodiments, a housing
102 may include a plurality of flow channels 104 disposed therein.
For example, in some embodiments, a housing 102 may include a first
flow channel 104 disposed therein that is configured to direct an
active agent 214 to a subject using the inhaler, and a second flow
channel 104 disposed therein that is configured to direct an
incentive agent 218 to the subject.
[0049] In some embodiments, a housing 102 may include one or more
ports 106 disposed therein. In some embodiments, a housing 102 may
include at least one port 106 disposed within the housing 102 and
operably coupled to at least one flow channel 104 and configured to
provide fluid communication between at least two reservoirs 122 and
at least one flow channel 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a
port 106 may be configured to operably couple with one or more
reservoirs 122 and direct contents released from the one or more
reservoirs 122 into one or more flow channels 104 disposed within a
housing 102. In some embodiments, a port 106 may be configured to
facilitate delivery of one or more powdered active agents 214 from
an active agent reservoir 212 into a flow channel 104. In some
embodiments, a port 106 may be configured to facilitate delivery of
one or more powdered incentive agents 218 from an incentive agent
reservoir 216 into a flow channel 104. In some embodiments, a port
106 may be aligned with an actuator 120 that is configured to
propel a powdered formulation into a flow channel 106. For example,
in some embodiments, a port 106 may be configured to allow a
pushrod actuator 256 to pass through the port 106 in order to
propel a powdered formulation from a reservoir 122 into a flow
channel 104. In some embodiments, a port 106 may be configured to
facilitate delivery of one or more aerosolized formulations from a
reservoir 122 into a flow channel 104. For example, in some
embodiments, a port 106 may be configured to operably couple with
an aerosol canister that includes a canister body and a valve stem
that extends from the canister body and into a port 106 that is
aligned with a flow channel 104. In some embodiments, a housing 102
may include at least one port 106 disposed in the housing 102 and
operably coupled to at least one flow channel 104 and configured to
receive one or more reservoirs 122. In some embodiments, a housing
102 may include two or more ports 106 disposed within the housing
102 that are each operably coupled to at least one flow channel 104
and are each configured to receive a reservoir 122. In some
embodiments, a housing 102 may include one port 106 disposed in the
housing 102 that is operably coupled to at least one flow channel
104 and configured to receive two or more reservoirs 122. A port
106 may include numerous types of connectors that allow one or more
reservoirs 122 to be operably coupled to the port 106. Examples of
such connectors include, but are not limited to, friction fit
connectors 186, screw connectors 188, Leur-lock connectors 190, and
the like. In some embodiments, a port 106 may include an actuator
120 that is operable to facilitate at least partial release of
contents from one or more operably coupled reservoirs 122. For
example, in some embodiments, a port 106 may include a controllable
valve 258 that may be opened and closed to facilitate at least
partial release of contents from an operably coupled reservoir 122.
In some embodiments, such a controllable valve 258 may be operably
coupled with a control unit 108 that is configured to control the
operation of the controllable valve 258. In some embodiments, such
a controllable valve 258 may be operably coupled with a sensor 114.
In some embodiments, such a controllable valve 258 may be operably
coupled with a sensor 114 that is configured to control the
operation of the controllable valve 258. In some embodiments, such
a controllable valve 258 may be operably coupled with a control
unit 108 and a sensor 114 that are configured to control operation
of the controllable valve 258. Accordingly, a port 106 may be
configured in numerous ways.
[0050] In some embodiments, a housing 102 may include at least one
reservoir support 192. For example, in some embodiments, a housing
102 may include at least one reservoir support 192 that is
configured to support at least one aerosol canister that includes a
canister body and a valve stem that extends from the canister body
with the valve stem being receivable by a port 106. In some
embodiments, a housing 102 may include at least one reservoir
support 192 that is configured to support at least one reservoir
122 that includes a conveyor with at least one conveying drive
configured to advance a blister strip that includes a plurality of
blister packs that are filled with an active agent 214 or an
incentive agent 218.
[0051] In some embodiments, a housing 102 may include at least one
mouthpiece 268 that is operably coupled with one or more flow
channels 104. In some embodiments, a mouthpiece 268 may be operably
coupled with one or more sensors 114. A mouthpiece 268 may be
operably coupled with numerous types of sensors 114. Examples of
such sensors 114 include, but are not limited to, optical sensors
126, volume sensors 128, pressure sensors 130, vacuum sensors 132,
timers 134, phase Doppler interferometers 136, velocimeters 138,
ultrasonic flow meters 140, and the like. In some embodiments, a
mouthpiece 268 may include a sensor 14 that is configured to assess
the quality of physical contact between the mouth of a subject and
the mouthpiece 268. For example, in some embodiments, a pressure
sensor (e.g., strain gauge, stress gauge, deformation sensor, and
the like) may be configured to assess the quality of physical
contact between the mouth of a subject and the mouthpiece 268.
Reservoir
[0052] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments,
system 100 may include one or more reservoirs 122. A reservoir 122
may be configured in numerous ways. In some embodiments, a
reservoir 122 may include one or more reservoir receivers 220. In
some embodiments, a reservoir 122 may include one or more reservoir
transmitters 222. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a reservoir 122
may transmit one or more signals 112. In some embodiments, a
reservoir 122 may receive one or more signals 112.
[0053] In some embodiments, a reservoir 122 may be operably coupled
with a control unit 108. In some embodiments, a reservoir 122 may
be operably coupled with a control unit 108 that controls operation
of the reservoir 122. For example, in some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may direct an active agent reservoir 212 that includes a
conveyor with at least one conveying drive to advance a blister
strip that includes a plurality of blister packs that are filled
with a powdered active agent 214. In some embodiments, a reservoir
122 may be operably coupled with a sensor 114. In some embodiments,
a reservoir 122 may be operably coupled with a sensor 114 that
controls operation of the reservoir 122. For example, in some
embodiments, a sensor 114 may detect a quantity of an active agent
214 released from an active agent reservoir 212 and then direct a
conveying drive in an active agent reservoir 212 to advance a
blister strip that includes a plurality of blister packs that are
filled with a powdered active agent 214. In some embodiments, an
active agent reservoir 122 may be operably coupled with a sensor
114 that detects a quantity of active agent 214 contained within
the active agent reservoir 212. In some embodiments, an incentive
agent reservoir 216 may be operably coupled with a sensor 114 that
detects a quantity of an incentive agent 218 contained within the
incentive agent reservoir 216. In some embodiments, an active agent
reservoir 212 may be operably coupled with a sensor 114 that
detects a quantity of an active agent 214 contained within the
active agent reservoir 212 and a dose counter 118 that displays the
amount of active agent 214 contained within the active agent
reservoir 212. In some embodiments, an incentive agent reservoir
216 may be operably coupled with a sensor 114 that detects a
quantity of an incentive agent 218 contained within the incentive
agent reservoir 216 and a dose counter 118 that displays the amount
of the incentive agent 218 contained within the incentive agent
reservoir 216.
[0054] An active agent reservoir 212 may contain numerous types of
active agents 214. Examples of such active agents 214 include, but
are not limited to, steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs,
bronchodilators, leukotriene modifiers, long-acting beta
antagonists, 1,3-dimethylxanthine, short-acting beta agonists,
[8-methyl-8-(1-methylethyl)-8-azoniabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]3-hydroxy-2-ph-
enyl-propanoate, antibodies, and the like (see e.g., Remingtion:
The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Lippincott, Williams &
Wilkins, 20th edition, Baltimore, Md., USA (2000), Physicians' Desk
Reference, Thomson PDR, 58th edition, Montvale, N.J. (2004); Merck
Index, Merck and Co., 13th edition, Whitehouse Station, N.J.
(2001); which are hereby incorporated by reference).
[0055] An incentive agent reservoir 216 may contain numerous types
of incentive agents 218. Examples of such incentive agents 218
include, but are not limited to, flavoring agents, nicotine,
ethanol, caffeine, and the like.
[0056] Active agents 214 and incentive agents 218 may be included
in numerous types of formulations. In some embodiments, a
formulation may be a liquid formulation. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, a formulation may include a carrier fluid. In some
embodiments, a formulation may be an aerosolized formulation. In
some embodiments, a formulation may be a powdered formulation. In
some embodiments, a formulation may be a powdered inhalation
formulation. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a formulation may
include a carrier powder. In some embodiments, a formulation may
include one active agent 214. In some embodiments, a formulation
may include more than one active agent 214. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, a formulation may include numerous combinations of
active agents 214. In some embodiments, a formulation may include
one incentive agent 218. In some embodiments, a formulation may
include more than one incentive agent 218. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, a formulation may include numerous combinations of
incentive agents 218.
[0057] In some embodiments, a reservoir 122 may be configured to
contain a liquid formulation. For example, in some embodiments, an
active agent reservoir 212 may be configured as an aerosol canister
that includes a canister body and a valve stem that extends from
the canister body. In some embodiments, contents may be at least
partially released from an aerosol canister by depressing the valve
stem relative to the canister body. In some embodiments, a
reservoir 122 may be configured to contain a powdered formulation.
For example, in some embodiments, an active agent reservoir 212 may
include a conveyor with at least one conveying drive configured to
advance a blister strip that includes a plurality of blister packs
that are filled with a powdered active agent 214. In some
embodiments, an incentive agent reservoir 216 may contain an
incentive agent 218. In some embodiments, an incentive agent
reservoir 216 may be configured to contain an incentive agent 218
that is in a liquid carrier. In some embodiments, an incentive
agent reservoir 216 may be configured to contain an incentive agent
218 that is in powdered form.
Actuator
[0058] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments,
system 100 may include one or more actuators 120. System 100 may
include numerous types of actuators 120 and combinations of
actuators 102. In some embodiments, an actuator 120 may be
configured to facilitate at least partial release of contents from
one or more reservoirs 122. For example, in some embodiments, an
actuator 120 may be configured to facilitate at least partial
release of one or more active agents 214 from one or more active
agent reservoirs 212. In some embodiments, an actuator 120 may be
configured to facilitate at least partial release of one or more
incentive agents 218 from one or more incentive agent reservoirs
216. Examples of actuators 120 include, but are not limited to,
controllable valves 258, pushrod actuators 258, regulators 260,
pneumatic actuators 262, and the like. In some embodiments, an
actuator 120 may be configured as an aerosol canister content
release mechanism 270 that includes a pushrod actuator 256 that can
depress an aerosol canister to open a controllable valve 258 and
release contents of the aerosol canister. In some embodiments, an
actuator 256 may be configured as a blister pack puncture mechanism
270 that includes a pushrod actuator 256 that can puncture a
blister pack. In some embodiments, an actuator 120 may be
configured as a blister pack puncture mechanism that includes a
pushrod actuator 256 that can puncture a blister pack and propel a
powdered inhalation formulation 214 from the blister pack into the
at least one flow channel 104.
[0059] In some embodiments, an actuator 120 may include one or more
actuator receivers 264. In some embodiments, an actuator 120 may
include one or more actuator transmitters 266. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, an actuator 120 may transmit one or more signals 112.
In some embodiments, an actuator 120 may receive one or more
signals 112. In some embodiments, an actuator 120 may be operably
coupled to one or more sensors 114. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, an actuator 120 may be controlled in response to one
or more parameters that are detected by one or more sensors 114.
For example, in some embodiments, a sensor 114 may detect a
quantity of an active agent 214 flowing through a flow channel 104
and control the operation of one or more operably coupled actuators
120 in response to the amount of active agent 214 detected. In some
embodiments, a sensor 114 may detect a quantity of an incentive
agent 218 flowing through a flow channel 104 and control the
operation of one or more operably coupled actuators 120 in response
to the amount of incentive agent 218 detected. In some embodiments,
a sensor 114 may detect when a subject using an inhaler is inhaling
and activate one or more operably coupled actuators 120 to
facilitate at least partial release from a reservoir 122 during the
inhalation cycle. In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may detect when
a subject using an inhaler is exhaling and deactivate one or more
operably coupled actuators 120 to halt release from a reservoir 122
during the exhalation cycle. In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may
detect when a subject using an inhaler is holding their breath and
deactivate one or more operably coupled actuators 120 to halt
release from a reservoir 122 during the breath holding cycle.
Dose Counter
[0060] As further shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, system
100 may include one or more dose counters 118. Dose counters 118
may be configured in numerous ways. In some embodiments, a dose
counter 118 may include one or more dose counter receivers 250. In
some embodiments, a dose counter 118 may include one or more dose
counter transmitters 252. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a dose
counter 118 may transmit one or more signals 112. In some
embodiments, a dose counter 118 may receive one or more signals
112.
[0061] In some embodiments, a dose counter 118 may be a mechanical
dose counter 244. For example, in some embodiments, a mechanical
dose 244 counter may include a ratchet mechanism that advances a
numerical indicator every time that an inhaler is activated to
dispense either or both of an active agent 214 and an incentive
agent 218 (e.g., Wright et al., Dispending apparatus, U.S. Pat. No.
8,689,785 and Kaar et al., Dose counter for a metered-dose inhaler,
U.S. Pat. No. 8,662,381; herein incorporated by reference). In some
embodiments, a dose counter 118 may be an electronic dose counter
246 that includes an electronic display that displays the number of
times that an inhaler is activated to dispense either or both of an
active agent 214 and an incentive agent 218 (e.g., Solomon et al.,
Dose counter and recording method, U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,945; herein
incorporated by reference). In some embodiments, a dose counter 118
may be an audio dose counter 248 that includes an audio display. In
some embodiments, an audio display may be configured to indicate
the number of times that an inhaler is activated to dispense either
one or both of an active agent 214 and an incentive agent 218. For
example, in some embodiments, an audio dose counter 248 may receive
information associated with the number of times that an inhaler has
been activated to release either one or both of an active agent 214
and an incentive agent 218 and provide an audio display in the form
of a human voice to report the information.
[0062] In some embodiments, a dose counter 118 may be operably
coupled with and receive information from one or more sensors 114.
In some embodiments, a dose counter 118 may be operably coupled
with and receive information from one or more control units 108. In
some embodiments, a dose counter 118 may receive information
associated with the quantity of an active agent 214 or an incentive
agent 218 that is contained within an active agent reservoir 212 or
an incentive agent reservoir 216 and then display the information.
In some embodiments, a dose counter 118 may receive information
associated with the quantity of an active agent 214 or an incentive
agent 218 that is released through one or more flow channels 104
and then display the information.
Performance Indicator
[0063] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments,
system 100 may include one or more performance indicators 116.
Performance indicators 116 may be configured in numerous ways. In
some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may include one or
more indicator receivers 156. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may include one or more indicator transmitters 158.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may
transmit one or more signals 112. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may receive one or more signals 112. In
some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may include one or
more indicator processors 160. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may process information.
[0064] In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may include
a display 148. A performance indicator 116 may include numerous
types of displays 148. Examples of such displays 148 include, but
are not limited to, visual displays 150, audio displays 152,
tactile displays 154, and the like. Examples of visual displays 150
include, but are not limited to, electronic visual displays 150
such as active displays and passive displays. In some embodiments,
a visual display 150 may be contained within a mobile device such
as a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, a notepad
computer, and the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may be configured to transmit performance information that
is received by and displayed on a mobile device. In some
embodiments, a sensor 114 may be configured to transmit performance
information that is received by and displayed on a mobile device.
In some embodiments, performance information may be displayed on a
head mounted display 148 such as an optical head-mounted display
148. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may include a
tactile display 154 that is configured to vibrate. For example, in
some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may vibrate with an
intensity that is related to respiration performance, such as
inhalation performance, breath hold performance, and/or exhalation
performance of a subject using an inhaler. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may include an audio display 152 that is
configured to emit one or more sounds. For example, in some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may have a tone that is
related to respiration performance, such as inhalation performance,
breath hold performance, and/or exhalation performance of a subject
using an inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116
may be configured to output a human voice that indicates a level of
respiration performance, such as inhalation performance, breath
hold performance, and/or exhalation performance of a subject using
an inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may be
configured to output a human voice that instructs a subject to
reach a level of respiration performance, such as inhalation
performance, breath hold performance, and/or exhalation performance
of a subject using an inhaler. A performance indicator 116 may
display information that is related to numerous types of
performance. For example, in some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may indicate one or more flow levels of an active
agent 214 through a flow channel 104. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may indicate one or more levels of a
vacuum that are applied to a flow channel 104 by a subject using
the inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may
indicate a volume of gas flowing through a flow channel 104 during
an inhalation cycle of a subject using an inhaler. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may indicate a volume of
gas flowing through a flow channel 104 during an exhalation cycle
of a subject using an inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may indicate a period of time related to how long a
subject using an inhaler holds their breath. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may indicate a velocity with which gas
flows through a flow channel 104. For example, in some embodiments,
a performance indicator 116 may indicate the velocity of gas
flowing through a flow channel 104 during an inhalation cycle by a
subject using the inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may indicate the velocity of gas flowing through a
flow channel 104 during an exhalation cycle by a subject using the
inhaler. Accordingly, a performance indicator 116 may be configured
to display information that is related to numerous parameters.
[0065] In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may be
operably coupled with one or more control units 108. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may be operably coupled
with one or more sensors 114. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may be operably coupled with one or more control
units 108 and one or more sensors 114. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may be configured to display processed
information that is received from a control unit 108. For example,
in some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may indicate a
quantity of an active agent 214 that flows through a flow channel
104. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may indicate
a quantity of an active agent 214 to be released to reach a
predetermined dosage level.
Sensor
[0066] As further shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, system
100 may include one or more sensors 114. System 100 may include
numerous types of sensors 114. Examples of sensors 114 include, but
are not limited to, flow sensors 124 such as gas flow sensors 124
and liquid flow sensors 124, volume sensors 128, optical sensors
126, pressure sensors 130, vacuum sensors 132, timers 134, phase
Doppler interferometers 136, velocimeters 138, ultrasonic flow
meters 140, and the like.
[0067] In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may include one or more
sensor receivers 144. In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may include
one or more sensor transmitters 142. In some embodiments, a sensor
114 may receive one or more signals 112. In some embodiments, a
sensor 114 may transmit one or more signals 112. In some
embodiments, a sensor 114 may include one or more sensor processors
146. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a sensor 114 may process
information.
[0068] In some embodiments, one or more sensors 114 may be operably
coupled with one or more flow channels 104 that are disposed within
a housing 102. In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may be configured
to measure the velocity with which gas flows through a flow channel
104. In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may be configured to measure
the velocity with which liquid flows through a flow channel 104. In
some embodiments, a volume sensor 128 may be used to measure a
volume of gas flowing through a flow channel 104. In some
embodiments, a volume sensor 128 may be used to measure a volume of
liquid flowing through a flow channel 104. In some embodiments, a
sensor 114 may be configured to measure a quantity of an active
agent 214 that flows through a flow channel 104. In some
embodiments, a vacuum sensor 132 may be used to measure an amount
of vacuum pressure applied to a flow channel 104. In some
embodiments, a pressure sensor 130 may be used to measure an amount
of gas pressure applied to a flow channel 104. In some embodiments,
a timer 134 may be configured to measure an amount of time related
to a respiration parameter. For example, in some embodiments, a
timer 134 may be used to determine a time period during one or more
of an inhalation cycle, an exhalation cycle, or a breath hold cycle
occurring during use of an inhaler. In some embodiments, a pressure
sensor 130 may be operably coupled to a mouthpiece 268 of an
inhaler and configured to assess the quality of physical contact
between the mouth of a subject and the mouthpiece. Accordingly, in
some embodiments, such a pressure sensor 130 may be configured to
measure stress and/or strain on the mouthpiece 268.
[0069] In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may be operably coupled
with one or more control units 108. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may be configured to control the
operation of one or more operably coupled sensors 114. In some
embodiments, a sensor 114 may be operably coupled with one or more
actuators 120 that are configured to facilitate at least partial
release of contents from one or more reservoirs 122. For example,
in some embodiments, a sensor 114 may be operably coupled to an
actuator 120 and configured to facilitate at least partial release
of one or more active agents 214 from an active agent reservoir 212
in a manner that is dependent on the quantity of an active agent
214 detected flowing through a flow channel 104. In some
embodiments, a sensor 114 may be coupled to a control unit 108 and
to an actuator 120. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may receive detected information from one or more sensors
114 and then control one or more actuators 120 in response to the
information.
User Interface
[0070] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments,
system 100 may include one or more user interfaces 110. System 100
may include numerous types of user interfaces 110. Examples of user
interfaces 110 include, but are not limited to, graphical
interfaces 162, monitors 166, touchscreens 172, touchpads 170,
keyboards 168, mobile device interfaces 164, and the like. In some
embodiments, a user interface may include one or more user
transmitters 176. In some embodiments, a user interface may include
one or more user receivers 178. In some embodiments, a user
interface may include one or more interface processors 182.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, a user interface 110 may transmit
one or more signals 112, receive one or more signals 112, and
process one or more signals 112.
[0071] In some embodiments, a user interface 110 may transmit one
or more signals 112 that are received by one or more control units
108. In some embodiments, a user interface 110 may transmit one or
more signals 112 that are received by one or more sensors 114. In
some embodiments, a user interface 110 may transmit one or more
signals 112 that are received by one or more performance indicators
116. In some embodiments, a user interface 110 may transmit one or
more signals 112 that are received by one or more dose counters
118. In some embodiments, a user interface 110 may transmit one or
more signals 112 that are received by one or more actuators
120.
[0072] In some embodiments, a user interface 110 may receive one or
more signals 112 that are transmitted by one or more control units
108. In some embodiments, a user interface 110 may receive one or
more signals 112 that are transmitted by one or more sensors 114.
In some embodiments, a user interface 110 may receive one or more
signals 112 that are transmitted by one or more performance
indicators 116. In some embodiments, a user interface 110 may
receive one or more signals 112 that are transmitted by one or more
dose counters 118.
[0073] In some embodiments, a subject may enter information into a
user interface 110 that transmits one or more signals 112 that
include the information that are received by one or more control
units 108. Examples of such information include, but are not
limited to, information related to a subject's height, weight, age,
allergies, respiration parameters, physical fitness level,
information related to one or more maladies associated with the
subject, information related to drugs used by the subject, and the
like.
Signal
[0074] Numerous types of signals 112 may be used within system 100.
Examples of such signals 112 include, but are not limited to,
wireless signals 224, optical signals 226, magnetic signals 228,
radiofrequency signals 232, hardwired signals 234, infrared signals
236, audible signals 238, analog signals 242, digital signals 240,
Bluetooth signals 230, and the like. Accordingly, system 100 may
include receivers, transmitters, and processors that are configured
to receive, transmit, and process numerous types of signals 112. A
signal 112 may include numerous types of information. For example,
in some embodiments, a signal 112 may include information
associated with one or more respiration parameters. In some
embodiments, a signal 112 may include information associated with
release of one or more active agents 214 from an active agent
reservoir 212. In some embodiments, a signal 112 may include
information associated with release of one or more incentive agents
218 from an incentive agent reservoir 216.
Control Unit
[0075] As further depicted in FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments,
system 100 may include one or more control units 108. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may include one or more control
computers 206. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may include
one or more control receivers 194. In some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may include one or more control transmitters 196. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may include one or more control
processors 198. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may include
control memory 204. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
include control logic 200. In some embodiments, a control unit 108
may include performance logic 202. In some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may include one or more power supplies 208. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may include one or more control
interfaces 210.
[0076] In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive one or
more signals 112 that are transmitted by one or more user
interfaces 110. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive
one or more signals 112 that are transmitted by one or more sensors
114. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive one or
more signals 112 that are transmitted by one or more performance
indicators 116. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive
one or more signals 112 that are transmitted by one or more dose
counters 118. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive
one or more signals 112 that are transmitted by one or more
actuators 120.
[0077] In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may transmit one or
more signals 112 that are received by one or more user interfaces
110. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may transmit one or
more signals 112 that are received by one or more sensors 114. In
some embodiments, a control unit 108 may transmit one or more
signals 112 that are received by one or more actuators 120. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may transmit one or more signals
112 that are received by one or more performance indicators 116. In
some embodiments, a control unit 108 may transmit one or more
signals 112 that are received by one or more dose counters 118.
[0078] In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may transmit one or
more signals 112 that direct the operation of one or more actuators
120. For example, in some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
transmit one or more signals 112 that direct an actuator 120 to at
least partially release contents from one or more reservoirs 122.
In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may transmit one or more
signals 112 that direct an actuator 120 not to release contents
from one or more reservoirs 122. For example, in some embodiments,
a control unit 108 may receive information from one or more sensors
114 that is related to inhalation and exhalation through a flow
channel 104 by a subject using an inhaler. The control unit 108 may
then direct one or more actuators 120 to at least partially release
contents from one or more reservoirs 122 during an inhalation cycle
through an inhaler and then direct the one or more actuators 120 to
not release contents from the one or more reservoirs 122 during an
exhalation cycle through an inhaler. In some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may direct the operation of more than one actuator 120.
For example, in some embodiments, a control unit 108 may direct a
first actuator 120 to at least partially release an active agent
214 from an active agent reservoir 212 and then direct a second
actuator 120 to at least partially release an incentive agent 218
from an incentive agent reservoir 216. In some embodiments, a
control unit 108 may direct a first actuator 120 to at least
partially release an incentive agent 218 from an incentive agent
reservoir 216 and then direct a second actuator 120 to at least
partially release an active agent 214 from an active agent
reservoir 212. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may direct a
first actuator 120 to at least partially release an incentive agent
218 from an incentive agent reservoir 216 and direct a second
actuator 120 to at least partially release an active agent 214 from
an active agent reservoir 212 at substantially the same time.
[0079] In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may transmit one or
more signals 112 that are received by one or more performance
indicators 116. For example, in some embodiments, a control unit
108 may receive one or more signals 112 from a sensor 114 that
include information related to respiration performance by a subject
using an inhaler. The control unit 108 may then transmit one or
more signals 112 that are received by a performance indicator 116
that direct the performance indicator 116 to indicate the level of
assessed respiration performance. In some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may receive one or more signals 112 from one or more
sensors 114 that include information related to a quantity of an
active agent 214 that flowed through a flow channel 104. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may then transmit one or more
signals 112 that are received by one or more performance indicators
116 that direct the one or more performance indicators 116 to
indicate the quantity of the active agent 214 that flowed through a
flow channel 104. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
transmit one or more signals 112 that are received by one or more
performance indicators 116 that direct the one or more performance
indicators 116 to indicate a quantity of an active agent 214 that
needs to be release from an active agent reservoir 212 to reach a
predetermined dosage.
[0080] In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive one or
more signals 112 that are transmitted by one or more dose counters
118. For example, in some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
receive one or more signals 112 that include information related to
the number of doses of an active agent 214 or an incentive agent
218 that have been released from an active agent reservoir 212 or
an incentive agent reservoir 216. In some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may receive one or more signals 112 that were transmitted
by a dose counter 118 that include information related to the
number of doses of an active agent 214 that are contained in an
active agent reservoir 212. In some embodiments, a control unit 108
may receive one or more signals 112 that were transmitted by a dose
counter 118 that include information related to the number of doses
of an incentive agent 218 that are contained in an incentive agent
reservoir 216.
[0081] In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may compare one or
more parameters to one or more threshold levels that are associated
with the one or more parameters. For example, in some embodiments,
a control unit 108 may receive one or more assessed values from one
or more sensors 114 that are associated with a volume of flow
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler.
The control unit 108 may compare the one or more assessed values to
one or more threshold values that are associated with a volume of
flow through a flow channel 104 to determine if the one or more
assessed values meet or exceed the one or more threshold values. In
some embodiments, a control unit 108 may compare one or more
assessed values that are related to one or more parameters to one
or more ranges of levels associated with the one or more
parameters. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may compare one
or more assessed values that are related to one or more parameters
to one or more ranges of levels associated with the one or more
parameters to determine in the one or more assessed values are
within the one or more ranges of levels associated with the one or
more parameters. For example, in some embodiments, a control unit
108 may receive one or more signals 112 transmitted by one or more
sensors 114 that include one or more assessed values associated
with a volume of flow through one or more flow channels 104
disposed within an inhaler. The control unit 108 may compare the
one or more assessed values to one or more ranges of values that
are associated with a volume of flow through a flow channel to
determine if the one or more assessed values are within the one or
more ranges of values. Exemplary ranges of flow through one or more
flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler include, but are not
limited to, about 5 liters per minute and about 200 liters per
minute, about 30 liters per minute and about 150 liters per minute,
about 50 liters per minute and about 100 liters per minute, about
20 liters per minute and about 60 liters per minute, about 30
liters per minute and about 50 liters per minute, about 50 liters
per minute and about 200 liters per minute, about 75 liters per
minute and about 200 liters per minute, about 100 liters per minute
and about 200 liters, about 125 liters per minute and about 200
liters per minute, about 150 liters per minute and about 200 liters
per minute, about 175 liters per minute and about 200 liters per
minute, about 50 liters per minute and about 150 liters per minute,
about 60 liters per minute and about 150 liters per minute, and
about 60 liters per minute and about 120 liters per minute.
[0082] Numerous threshold values may be assigned to a parameter. In
some embodiments, a threshold value may be determined based in the
age of a subject using an inhaler. For example, in some
embodiments, a threshold value associated with the velocity of flow
through a flow channel 104 during an inhalation cycle of a child
using an inhaler may be selected to provide for adequate delivery
of an active agent 214 to the child. In some embodiments, a
threshold value associated with the velocity of flow through a flow
channel 104 during an inhalation cycle of an adult using an inhaler
may be selected to provide for adequate delivery of a formulation
214 to the adult. Accordingly, threshold values may be selected
with regard to numerous parameters. Examples of such parameters
include, but are not limited to, age of a subject, identity of an
active agent 214 that is to be delivered, location within the
pulmonary tract where an active agent 214 is to be delivered,
quantity of an active agent 214 that is to be delivered, and the
like. Accordingly, a control unit may compare numerous types of
parameters to threshold levels that are associated with the one or
more parameters. In some embodiments, a threshold value may be
selected by a health care provider.
[0083] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 400 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler.
System 400 includes a housing 102 having a flow channel 104
disposed therein. Also illustrated are two ports 106 disposed in
the housing 102 in fluid communication with the flow channel 104.
An active agent reservoir 212 is illustrated as being operably
coupled to one of the ports 106. An incentive agent reservoir 216
is illustrated as being operably coupled to the other port 106. The
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
are illustrated as being held within a reservoir support 192. The
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
are both configured as aerosol canisters that include a canister
body and a valve stem that extends from the canister body into each
of the ports 106. The active agent reservoir 212 includes a
controllable valve 258. The incentive agent reservoir 216 also
includes a controllable valve 258. Both of the controllable valves
258 are illustrated as being closed as indicated by a closed
circle. Flow through the flow channel 104 is illustrated by the two
arrows indicating directional flow through the flow channel 104.
Flow from right to left toward the mouthpiece 268 is related to an
inhalation cycle of a subject using the inhaler. Flow from left to
right away from the mouthpiece 268 is related to an exhalation
cycle of a subject using the inhaler. A flow sensor 124 is operably
coupled to the flow channel 104 and configured to detect flow
through the flow channel 104. An aerosol canister content release
mechanism 270 is illustrated with a pushrod actuator 256 operably
coupled with each of the active agent reservoir 212 and the
incentive agent reservoir 216. The aerosol canister content release
mechanism 270 is operably coupled with a control unit 108. The
control unit 108 is configured to direct operation of the aerosol
canister content release mechanism 270 to control each of the
pushrod actuators 256 to facilitate at least partial release from
each of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent
reservoir 216. The control unit 108 is operably coupled with the
flow sensor 124. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the control unit
108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial release from
one or both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive
agent reservoir 216. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may
be configured to facilitate at least partial release from one or
both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent
reservoir 216 during an inhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to halt at least partial release
from one or both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the
incentive agent reservoir 216 during an exhalation cycle. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate
at least partial release from an active agent reservoir 212 and
then facilitate at least partial release from an incentive agent
reservoir 216. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to facilitate at least partial release from an incentive
agent reservoir 216 and then facilitate at least partial release
from an active agent reservoir 212. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial
release from both the incentive agent reservoir 216 and from the
active agent reservoir 212 at substantially the same time. In some
embodiments, the flow sensor 124 may be configured to detect a
quantity of an active agent 214 that is included in the exhalant of
a subject using the inhaler. Accordingly, in some embodiments, such
information may be transmitted to the control unit 108 that may use
the information to calculate a quantity of the active agent 214
that needs to be administered to the subject to reach a
predetermined dosage. The control unit 108 may then control
operation of the aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 to
administer an additional quantity of the active agent 214 to reach
the predetermined dosage.
[0084] FIG. 4A illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 400 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler that
is illustrated as being activated to at least partially release an
active agent 214 from an active agent reservoir 212. System 400 is
shown as an embodiment of an inhaler that includes a housing 102
having a flow channel 104 disposed therein. Also illustrated are
two ports 106 disposed in the housing 102 in fluid communication
with the flow channel 104. An active agent reservoir 212 is
illustrated as being operably coupled to one of the ports 106. An
incentive agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as being operably
coupled to the other port 106. The active agent reservoir 212 and
the incentive agent reservoir 216 are illustrated as being held
within a reservoir support 192. The active agent reservoir 212 and
the incentive agent reservoir 216 are both configured as aerosol
canisters that include a canister body and a valve stem that
extends from the canister body into each of the ports 106. The
active agent reservoir 212 includes a controllable valve 258. The
incentive agent reservoir 216 also includes a controllable valve
258. The controllable valve 258 that is operably coupled to the
active agent reservoir 212 is illustrated as being open as
indicated by an open circle. The controllable valve 258 that is
operably coupled to the incentive agent reservoir 216 is
illustrated as being closed as indicated by a closed circle. Flow
through the flow channel 104 is illustrated by an arrow indicating
right to left flow toward the mouthpiece 268 through the flow
channel 104. Flow from right to left toward the mouthpiece 268 is
related to an inhalation cycle of a subject using the inhaler. A
flow sensor 124 is operably coupled to the flow channel 104 and
configured to detect flow through the flow channel 104. An aerosol
canister content release mechanism 270 is illustrated with a
pushrod actuator 256 operably coupled with each of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. The aerosol
canister content release mechanism 270 is operably coupled with a
control unit 108. The control unit 108 is configured to direct
operation of the aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 to
control each of the pushrod actuators 256 to facilitate at least
partial release from each of the active agent reservoir 212 and the
incentive agent reservoir 216. The control unit 108 is operably
coupled with the flow sensor 124. The pushrod actuator 256 that is
operably associated with the active agent reservoir 212 is
illustrated as being in an activated state. In the activated state,
the pushrod actuator 256 compresses the canister body of the active
agent reservoir 212 that is configured as an aerosol canister
toward the valve stem that extends from the canister body to
facilitate at least partial release of active agent 214 from the
active agent reservoir 212 through the port 106 and into the flow
channel 104.
[0085] FIG. 4B illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 400 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler that
is illustrated as being activated to at least partially release
incentive agent 218 from an incentive agent reservoir 216. System
400 is illustrated as including a housing 102 having a flow channel
104 disposed therein. Also illustrated are two ports 106 disposed
in the housing 102 in fluid communication with the flow channel
104. An active agent reservoir 212 is illustrated as being operably
coupled to one of the ports 106. An incentive agent reservoir 216
is illustrated as being operably coupled to the other port 106. The
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
are illustrated as being held within a reservoir support 192. The
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
are both configured as aerosol canisters that include a canister
body and a valve stem that extends from the canister body into each
of the ports 106. The active agent reservoir 212 includes a
controllable valve 258. The incentive agent reservoir 216 also
includes a controllable valve 258. The controllable valve 258 that
is operably coupled to the incentive agent reservoir 216 is
illustrated as being open as indicated by an open circle. The
controllable valve 258 that is operably coupled to the active agent
reservoir 212 is illustrated as being closed as indicated by a
closed circle. Flow through the flow channel 104 is illustrated by
an arrow indicating right to left flow toward the mouthpiece 268
through the flow channel 104. Flow from right to left toward the
mouthpiece 268 is related to an inhalation cycle of a subject using
the inhaler. A flow sensor 124 is operably coupled to the flow
channel 104 and configured to detect flow through the flow channel
104. An aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 is
illustrated with a pushrod actuator 256 operably coupled with each
of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir
216. The aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 is operably
coupled with a control unit 108. The control unit 108 is configured
to direct operation of the aerosol canister content release
mechanism 270 to control each of the pushrod actuators 256 to
facilitate at least partial release from each of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. The control
unit 108 is operably coupled with the flow sensor 124. The pushrod
actuator 256 that is operably associated with the incentive agent
reservoir 216 is illustrated as being in an activated state. In the
activated state, the pushrod actuator 256 compresses the canister
body of the incentive agent reservoir 216 that is configured as an
aerosol canister toward the valve stem that extends from the
canister body to facilitate at least partial release of incentive
agent 218 from the incentive agent reservoir 216 through the port
106 and into the flow channel 104.
[0086] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 500 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler that
is illustrated as being activated to at least partially release
active agent 214 from an active agent reservoir 212. System 500 is
shown as an embodiment of an inhaler that includes a housing 102
having a flow channel 104 disposed therein. Also illustrated are
two ports 106 disposed in the housing 102 in fluid communication
with the flow channel 104. An active agent reservoir 212 is
illustrated as being operably coupled to one of the ports 106. An
incentive agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as being operably
coupled to the other port 106. The active agent reservoir 212 and
the incentive agent reservoir 216 are illustrated as being held
within a reservoir support 192. The active agent reservoir 212 and
the incentive agent reservoir 216 are both configured as aerosol
canisters that include a canister body and a valve stem that
extends from the canister body into each of the ports 106. The
active agent reservoir 212 includes a controllable valve 258. The
incentive agent reservoir 216 also includes a controllable valve
258. The controllable valve 258 that is operably coupled to the
active agent reservoir 212 is illustrated as being open as
indicated by an open circle. The controllable valve 258 that is
operably coupled to the incentive agent reservoir 216 is
illustrated as being closed as indicated by a closed circle. Flow
through the flow channel 104 is illustrated by an arrow indicating
right to left flow toward the mouthpiece 268 through the flow
channel 104. Flow from right to left toward the mouthpiece 268 is
related to an inhalation cycle of a subject using the inhaler. A
flow sensor 124 is operably coupled to the flow channel 104 and
configured to detect flow through the flow channel 104. An aerosol
canister content release mechanism 270 is illustrated with a
pushrod actuator 256 operably coupled with each of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. The aerosol
canister content release mechanism 270 is operably coupled with a
control unit 108. The control unit 108 is configured to direct
operation of the aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 to
control each of the pushrod actuators 256 to facilitate at least
partial release from each of the active agent reservoir 212 and the
incentive agent reservoir 216. The control unit 108 is operably
coupled with the flow sensor 124. The pushrod actuator 256 that is
operably associated with the formulation reservoir 212 is
illustrated as being in an activated state. In the activated state,
the pushrod actuator 256 compresses the canister body of the
formulation reservoir 212 that is configured as an aerosol canister
toward the valve stem that extends from the canister body to
facilitate at least partial release of formulation 214 from the
formulation reservoir 212 through the port 106 and into the flow
channel 104. A dose counter 118 is illustrated. In some
embodiments, a dose counter 118 may be operably coupled with a
control unit 108. In some embodiments, a dose counter 118 may be
operably coupled with a flow sensor 124. The dose counter 118 in
this example may be configured to indicate the number of doses
administered from the active agent reservoir 212.
[0087] FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 600. System 600 is shown as an embodiment of an inhaler that
includes a housing 102 having a flow channel 104 disposed therein.
Also illustrated are two ports 106 disposed in the housing 102 and
in fluid communication with the flow channel 104. An active agent
reservoir 212 is illustrated as being operably coupled to one of
the ports 106. An incentive agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as
being operably coupled to the other port 106. The active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 are illustrated
as being held within a reservoir support 192. The active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 are both
configured as aerosol canisters that include a canister body and a
valve stem that extends from the canister body into each of the
ports 106. The active agent reservoir 212 includes a controllable
valve 258. The incentive agent reservoir 216 also includes a
controllable valve 258. Both of the controllable valves 258 are
illustrated as being closed as indicated by the closed circles.
Flow through the flow channel 104 is illustrated by the two arrows
indicating directional flow through the flow channel 104. Flow from
right to left toward the mouthpiece 268 is related to an inhalation
cycle of a subject using the inhaler. Flow from left to right away
from the mouthpiece 268 is related to an exhalation cycle of a
subject using the inhaler.
[0088] A flow sensor 124 is operably coupled to the flow channel
104 and configured to detect flow through the flow channel 104. An
aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 is illustrated with
a pushrod actuator 256 operably coupled with each of the active
agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. The
aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 is operably coupled
with a control unit 108. The control unit 108 is configured to
direct operation of the aerosol canister content release mechanism
270 to control each of the pushrod actuators 256 to facilitate at
least partial release from each of the active agent reservoir 212
and the incentive agent reservoir 216. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate
at least partial release from one or both of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. The control
unit 108 is operably coupled with the flow sensor 124. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate
at least partial release from one or both of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 during an
inhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to halt at least partial release from one or both of the
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
during an exhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the control unit
108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial release from
the active agent reservoir 212 and then facilitate at least partial
release from the incentive agent reservoir 216. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate
at least partial release from the incentive agent reservoir 216 and
then facilitate at least partial release from the active agent
reservoir 212. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to facilitate at least partial release from the
incentive agent reservoir 216 and the active agent reservoir 212 at
substantially the same time. In some embodiments, the flow sensor
124 may be configured to detect a quantity of an active agent 214
that is included in the exhalant of a subject using the inhaler.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, such information may be
transmitted to the control unit 108 that may use the information to
calculate a quantity of the active agent 214 that needs to be
administered to a subject using the inhaler to reach a
predetermined dosage. The control unit 108 may then control the
operation of the aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 to
administer an additional amount of the active agent 214 to reach
the predetermined dosage.
[0089] As further shown in FIG. 6, system 600 is illustrated as
including a performance indicator 116. In some embodiments,
performance indicator 116 may be operably coupled to a flow sensor
124. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a performance indicator 116
may be configured to indicate one or more values related to one or
more respiration parameters associated with use of the inhaler by a
subject. Examples of such respiration parameters may include, but
are not limited to, those related to inhalation performance,
exhalation performance, breath hold performance, and the like. The
performance indicator 116 in FIG. 6 is illustrated as indicating a
low level of respiration performance as compared to the greater
level of respiration performance indicated in FIG. 6A. In some
embodiments, the flow sensor 124 may be operably coupled with an
aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 that is configured
to activate a pushrod actuator 256 to facilitate at least partial
release of contents from one or both of the active agent reservoir
212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 when one or more measured
respiration parameters meet or exceed one or more threshold values
associated with the one or more respiration parameters. An optical
sensor 126 is illustrated as being operably coupled with the flow
channel 104. In some embodiments, an optical sensor 126 may be
configured to assess a quantity of either both of an active agent
214 and an incentive agent 218 that flows through the flow channel
104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an optical sensor 126 may be
operably coupled with a control unit 108 that is configured to
assess a quantity of an active agent 214 that is delivered to a
subject using the inhaler and then determine an additional amount
of active agent 214 that should be delivered to the subject to
reach a predetermined dosage level. The control unit 108 may then
control the operation of an aerosol canister content release
mechanism 270 to facilitate at least partial release from an active
agent reservoir 212 to deliver a quantity of an active agent 214 to
the subject to reach the predetermined dosage level.
[0090] FIG. 6A illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 600. System 600 is shown as an embodiment of an inhaler that
is activated to at least partially release an active agent 214 from
an active agent reservoir 212. System 600 includes a housing 102
having a flow channel 104 disposed therein. Also illustrated are
two ports 106 disposed in the housing 102 and in fluid
communication with the flow channel 104. An active agent reservoir
212 is illustrated as being operably coupled to one of the ports
106. An incentive agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as being
operably coupled to the other port 106. The active agent reservoir
212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 are illustrated as being
held within a reservoir support 192. The active agent reservoir 212
and the incentive agent reservoir 216 are both configured as
aerosol canisters that include a canister body and a valve stem
that extends from the canister body into each of the ports 106. The
active agent reservoir 212 includes a controllable valve 258. The
incentive agent reservoir 216 also includes a controllable valve
258. The controllable valve 258 that is operably coupled to the
active agent reservoir 212 is illustrated as being open as
indicated by an open circle. The controllable valve 258 that is
operably coupled to the incentive agent reservoir 216 is
illustrated as being closed as indicated by a closed circle. Flow
through the flow channel 104 is illustrated by one arrow indicating
directional flow through the flow channel 104 from right to left
toward the mouthpiece 268 and indicates an inhalation cycle of a
subject using the inhaler. A flow sensor 124 is operably coupled to
the flow channel 104 and configured to detect flow through the flow
channel 104. An aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 is
illustrated with a pushrod actuator 256 operably coupled with each
of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir
216. The aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 is operably
coupled with a control unit 108. The control unit 108 is configured
to direct operation of the aerosol canister content release
mechanism 270 to control each of the pushrod actuators 256 to
facilitate at least partial release from each of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. Accordingly,
in some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to
facilitate at least partial release from one or both of the active
agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. The
control unit 108 is operably coupled with the flow sensor 124. In
some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to
facilitate at least partial release from one or both of the active
agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 during an
inhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to halt at least partial release from one or both of the
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
during an exhalation cycle.
[0091] As noted above, in some embodiments, an inhaler may include
an operably coupled performance indicator 116. The performance
indicator 116 in FIG. 6A is illustrated as indicating a high level
of respiration performance as compared to the respiration
performance indicated in FIG. 6. In some embodiments a control unit
108 may be configured to control the operation of an aerosol
canister content release mechanism 270 that is configured to
activate a pushrod actuator 256 to facilitate at least partial
release of contents from one or both of the active agent reservoir
212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 when one or more measured
respiration parameters meet or exceed one or more threshold values
associated with the one or more respiration parameters.
Accordingly, in FIG. 6A the pushrod actuator 256 that is operably
coupled to the active agent reservoir 212 is shown as being
activated to at least partially release active agent 214 from the
active agent reservoir 212 in response to the high level of
respiration performance. An optical sensor 126 is illustrated as
being operably coupled with the flow channel 104. In some
embodiments, an optical sensor 126 may be configured to determine a
quantity of either or both of an active agent 214 and an incentive
agent 118 that flows through the flow channel 104. Accordingly, in
some embodiments, an optical sensor 126 may be operably coupled
with a control unit 108 that is configured to determine a quantity
of an active agent 214 that is delivered to a subject using the
inhaler and then determine an additional amount of active agent 214
that should be delivered to the subject to reach a predetermined
dosage level. The control unit 108 may then control the operation
of an aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 to facilitate
at least partial release from an active agent reservoir 212 to
deliver an active agent 214 to the subject to reach the
predetermined dosage level.
[0092] FIG. 6B illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 600. System 600 is shown as an embodiment of an inhaler that
is activated to at least partially release an incentive agent 218
from an incentive agent reservoir 216. System 600 includes a
housing 102 having a flow channel 104 disposed therein. Also
illustrated are two ports 106 disposed in the housing 102 and in
fluid communication with the flow channel 104. An active agent
reservoir 212 is illustrated as being operably coupled to one of
the ports 106. An incentive agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as
being operably coupled to the other port 106. The active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 are illustrated
as being held within a reservoir support 192. The active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 are both
configured as aerosol canisters that include a canister body and a
valve stem that extends from the canister body into each of the
ports 106. The active agent reservoir 212 includes a controllable
valve 258. The incentive agent reservoir 216 also includes a
controllable valve 258. The controllable valve 258 that is operably
coupled to the active agent reservoir 212 is illustrated as being
closed as indicated by a closed circle. The controllable valve 258
that is operably coupled to the incentive agent reservoir 216 is
illustrated as being open as indicated by an open circle. Flow
through the flow channel 104 is illustrated by one arrow indicating
directional flow through the flow channel 104 from right to left
toward the mouthpiece 268 and indicates an inhalation cycle of a
subject using the inhaler.
[0093] A flow sensor 124 is operably coupled to the flow channel
104 and configured to detect flow through the flow channel 104. An
aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 is illustrated with
a pushrod actuator 256 operably coupled with each of the active
agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. The
aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 is operably coupled
with a control unit 108. The control unit 108 is configured to
direct operation of the aerosol canister content release mechanism
270 to control each of the pushrod actuators 256 to facilitate at
least partial release from each of the active agent reservoir 212
and the incentive agent reservoir 216. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate
at least partial release from one or both of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. The control
unit 108 is operably coupled with the flow sensor 124. Accordingly,
in some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to
facilitate at least partial release from one or both of the active
agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate
at least partial release from one or both of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 during an
inhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to halt at least partial release from one or both of the
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
during an exhalation cycle.
[0094] Again, as noted above, in some embodiments, an inhaler may
include an operably coupled performance indicator 116. The
performance indicator 116 in FIG. 6B is illustrated as indicating a
high level of respiration performance as compared to the
respiration performance indicated in FIG. 6. In some embodiments a
control unit 108 may be configured to control the operation of an
aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 to facilitate
release of an incentive agent 218 from an incentive agent reservoir
216 when one or more measured parameters related to respiration
performance meet or exceed a threshold value. Accordingly, in FIG.
6B the pushrod actuator 256 that is operably coupled to the
incentive agent reservoir 216 is shown as being activated to at
least partially release an incentive agent 218 from the incentive
agent reservoir 216 in response to the high level of respiration
performance. An optical sensor 126 is illustrated as being operably
coupled with the flow channel 104. In some embodiments, an optical
sensor 126 may be configured to determine a quantity of either or
both of an active agent 214 and an incentive agent 218 that flows
through the flow channel 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an
optical sensor 126 may be operably coupled with a control unit 108
that is configured to determine a quantity of an incentive agent
218 that is delivered to a subject using the inhaler and then
determine an additional amount of an incentive agent 218 that
should be delivered to the subject to reach a predetermined
administration level. The control unit 108 may then control the
operation of an aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 to
facilitate at least partial release from one or more incentive
agent reservoirs 216 to deliver one or more incentive agents 218 to
the subject to reach the predetermined dosage level.
[0095] FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 700 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler.
System 700 includes a housing 102 having a flow channel 104
disposed therein. Also illustrated are two ports 106 disposed in
the housing 102 and in fluid communication with the flow channel
104. An active agent reservoir 212 is illustrated as being aligned
with one of the ports 106. An incentive agent reservoir 216 is
illustrated as being operably coupled to the other port 106. The
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
are illustrated as being held within a reservoir support 192. The
active agent reservoir 212 includes a conveyor with a conveying
drive configured to advance a blister strip that includes a
plurality of blister packs that are filled with a powdered active
agent 214. The conveyor of the active agent reservoir 212 is
configured to advance the blister packs past a blister pack
puncture mechanism 272. The blister pack puncture mechanism 272 is
illustrated as including a pushrod actuator 256 that is configured
to puncture a blister pack and propel the powdered active agent 214
contained within the blister pack through port 106 and into the
flow channel 104. The incentive agent reservoir 216 is configured
as an aerosol canister that includes a canister body and a valve
stem that extends from the canister body into a port 106. The
incentive agent reservoir 216 includes a controllable valve 258.
The controllable valve 258 is illustrated as being closed as
indicated by a closed circle. An aerosol canister content release
mechanism 270 is operably coupled with the incentive agent
reservoir 216 and includes a pushrod actuator 256 that is
configured to facilitate at least partial release of incentive
agent 218 from the incentive agent reservoir 216. Flow through the
flow channel 104 is illustrated by the two arrows indicating
directional flow through the flow channel 104. Flow from right to
left toward the mouthpiece 268 is related to an inhalation cycle of
a subject using the inhaler. Flow from left to right away from the
mouthpiece 268 is related to an exhalation cycle of a subject using
the inhaler. A flow sensor 124 is operably coupled to the flow
channel 104 and configured to detect flow through the flow channel
104.
[0096] The aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 is
operably coupled with a control unit 108. The blister pack puncture
mechanism 272 is operably coupled with a control unit 108. The
control unit 108 is configured to direct operation of the aerosol
canister content release mechanism 270. The control unit 108 is
configured to direct operation of the blister pack puncture
mechanism 272. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the control unit
108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial release from
one or both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive
agent reservoir 216. The control unit 108 is operably coupled with
the flow sensor 124. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may
be configured to facilitate at least partial release from one or
both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent
reservoir 216 during an inhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to halt at least partial release
from one or both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the
incentive agent reservoir 216 during an exhalation cycle. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate
at least partial release from an active agent reservoir 212 and
then facilitate at least partial release from an incentive agent
reservoir 216. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to facilitate at least partial release from an incentive
agent reservoir 216 and then facilitate at least partial release
from an active agent reservoir 212. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial
release from both the incentive agent reservoir 216 and from the
active agent reservoir 212 at substantially the same time. In some
embodiments, the flow sensor 124 may be configured to detect a
quantity of active agent 214 that is included in the exhalant of a
subject using the inhaler. Accordingly, in some embodiments, such
information may be transmitted to the control unit 108 that may use
the information to calculate a quantity of the active agent 214
that needs to be administered to the subject to reach a
predetermined dosage. The control unit 108 may then control the
operation of the blister pack puncture mechanism 272 to administer
an additional amount of the active agent 214 to reach the
predetermined dosage.
[0097] FIG. 7A illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 700 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler that
is activated to at least partially release active agent 214 from an
active agent reservoir 212. System 700 includes a housing 102
having a flow channel 104 disposed therein. Also illustrated are
two ports 106 disposed in the housing 102 and in fluid
communication with the flow channel 104. An active agent reservoir
212 is illustrated as being aligned with one of the ports 106. An
incentive agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as being operably
coupled to the other port 106. The active agent reservoir 212 and
the incentive agent reservoir 216 are illustrated as being held
within a reservoir support 192. The active agent reservoir 212
includes a conveyor with a conveying drive configured to advance a
blister strip that includes a plurality of blister packs that are
filled with a powdered active agent 214. The conveyor of the active
agent reservoir 212 is configured to advance the blister packs past
a blister pack puncture mechanism 272. The blister pack puncture
mechanism 272 is illustrated as having a pushrod actuator 256 that
is configured to puncture a blister pack and propel the powdered
active agent 214 contained within the blister pack through port 106
and into the flow channel 104.
[0098] In some embodiments, the incentive agent reservoir 216 is
configured as an aerosol canister that includes a canister body and
a valve stem that extends from the canister body into a port 106.
The incentive agent reservoir 216 includes a controllable valve
258. The controllable valve 258 is illustrated as being closed as
indicated by a closed circle. An aerosol canister content release
mechanism 270 is operably coupled with the incentive agent
reservoir 216 and includes a pushrod actuator 256 that is
configured to facilitate at least partial release of incentive
agent 218 from the incentive agent reservoir 216. Flow through the
flow channel 104 is illustrated by an arrow indicating flow from
right to left toward the mouthpiece 268. This flow is related to an
inhalation cycle of a subject using the inhaler. A flow sensor 124
is operably coupled to the flow channel 104 and configured to
detect flow through the flow channel 104. The blister pack puncture
mechanism 272 and the aerosol canister content release mechanism
270 are each operably coupled to a control unit 108. Accordingly,
in some embodiments, the control unit 108 may direct operation of
the blister pack puncture mechanism 272 to facilitate at least
partial release of active agent 214 from an active agent reservoir
212. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may direct operation
of the aerosol canister release mechanism 270 to facilitate at
least partial release of incentive agent 218 from an incentive
agent reservoir 216.
[0099] The control unit 108 is operably coupled with the flow
sensor 124. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to facilitate at least partial release from one or both
of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir
216 during an inhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the control
unit 108 may be configured to halt at least partial release from
one or both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive
agent reservoir 216 during an exhalation cycle. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate
at least partial release from an active agent reservoir 212 and
then facilitate at least partial release from an incentive agent
reservoir 216. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to facilitate at least partial release from an incentive
agent reservoir 216 and then facilitate at least partial release
from an active agent reservoir 212. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial
release from both the incentive agent reservoir 216 and from the
active agent reservoir 212 at substantially the same time. In some
embodiments, the flow sensor 124 may be configured to detect a
quantity of an active agent 214 that is included in the exhalant of
a subject using the inhaler. Accordingly, in some embodiments, such
information may be transmitted to the control unit 108 that may use
the information to calculate a quantity of the active agent 214
that needs to be administered to the subject to reach a
predetermined dosage. The control unit 108 may then control
operation of the blister pack puncture mechanism 272 to administer
an additional amount of the active agent 214 to reach the
predetermined dosage.
[0100] FIG. 7B illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 700 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler that
is activated to at least partially release an incentive agent 218
from an incentive agent reservoir 216. System 700 includes a
housing 102 having a flow channel 104 disposed therein. Also
illustrated are two ports 106 disposed in the housing 102 and in
fluid communication with the flow channel 104. An active agent
reservoir 212 is illustrated as being aligned with one of the ports
106. An incentive agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as being
operably coupled to the other port 106. The active agent reservoir
212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 are illustrated as being
held within a reservoir support 192. The active agent reservoir 212
includes a conveyor with a conveying drive configured to advance a
blister strip that includes a plurality of blister packs that are
filled with a powdered active agent 214. The conveyor of the active
agent reservoir 212 is configured to advance the blister packs past
a blister pack puncture mechanism 272. The blister pack puncture
mechanism 272 is illustrated as including a pushrod actuator 256
that is configured to puncture a blister pack and propel the
powdered active agent 214 contained within the blister pack through
port 106 and into the flow channel 104.
[0101] In some embodiments, the incentive agent reservoir 216 is
configured as an aerosol canister that includes a canister body and
a valve stem that extends from the canister body into a port 106.
The incentive agent reservoir 216 includes a controllable valve
258. An aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 is operably
coupled with the incentive agent reservoir 216 and includes a
pushrod actuator 256 that is configured to facilitate at least
partial release of incentive agent 218 from the incentive agent
reservoir 216. The controllable valve 258 is illustrated as being
open as indicated by an open circle that facilitates at least
partial release of an incentive agent 218 through the port 106 and
into the flow channel 104. Flow through the flow channel 104 is
illustrated by an arrow indicating flow from right to left toward
the mouthpiece 268. This flow is related to an inhalation cycle of
a subject using the inhaler. A flow sensor 124 is operably coupled
to the flow channel 104 and configured to detect flow through the
flow channel 104. The blister pack puncture mechanism 272 and the
aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 are each operably
coupled to a control unit 108. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
the control unit 108 may direct operation of the blister pack
puncture mechanism 272 to facilitate at least partial release of
active agent 214 from an active agent reservoir 212. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may direct operation of the
aerosol canister release mechanism 270 to facilitate at least
partial release of incentive agent 218 from an incentive agent
reservoir 216. The control unit 108 is operably coupled with the
flow sensor 124. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the control unit
108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial release from
one or both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive
agent reservoir 216. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may
be configured to facilitate at least partial release from one or
both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent
reservoir 216 during an inhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to halt at least partial release
from one or both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the
incentive agent reservoir 216 during an exhalation cycle. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate
at least partial release from an active agent reservoir 212 and
then facilitate at least partial release from an incentive agent
reservoir 216. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to facilitate at least partial release from an incentive
agent reservoir 216 and then facilitate at least partial release
from an active agent reservoir 212. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial
release from both the incentive agent reservoir 216 and from the
active agent reservoir 212 at substantially the same time. In some
embodiments, the flow sensor 124 may be configured to detect a
quantity of an incentive agent 218 that is included in the exhalant
of a subject using the inhaler. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
such information may be transmitted to the control unit 108 that
may use the information to calculate a quantity of the incentive
agent 218 that needs to be administered to the subject to reach a
predetermined dosage. The control unit 108 may then control the
operation of an aerosol canister release mechanism 270 to
administer an additional amount of the incentive agent 218 to reach
the predetermined dosage.
[0102] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 800 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler that
is activated to at least partially release active agent 214 from an
active agent reservoir 212. System 800 includes a housing 102
having a flow channel 104 disposed therein. Also illustrated are
two ports 106 disposed in the housing 102 and in fluid
communication with the flow channel 104. An active agent reservoir
212 is illustrated as being aligned with one of the ports 106. An
incentive agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as being operably
coupled to the other port 106. The active agent reservoir 212 and
the incentive agent reservoir 216 are illustrated as being held
within a reservoir support 192. The active agent reservoir 212
includes a conveyor with a conveying drive configured to advance a
blister strip that includes a plurality of blister packs that are
filled with a powdered active agent 214. The conveyor of the active
agent reservoir 212 is configured to advance the blister packs past
a blister pack puncture mechanism 272. The blister pack puncture
mechanism 272 is illustrated as having an activated pushrod
actuator 256 that punctured a blister pack and propelled the
powdered active agent 214 contained within the blister pack through
port 106 and into the flow channel 104. The incentive agent
reservoir 216 is configured as an aerosol canister that includes a
canister body and a valve stem that extends from the canister body
into a port 106. The incentive agent reservoir 216 includes a
controllable valve 258. The controllable valve 258 is illustrated
as being closed as indicated by a closed circle. An aerosol
canister content release mechanism 270 is operably coupled with the
incentive agent reservoir 216 and includes a pushrod actuator 256
that is configured to facilitate at least partial release of
incentive agent 218 from the incentive agent reservoir 216. Flow
through the flow channel 104 is illustrated by an arrow indicating
flow from right to left toward the mouthpiece 268. This flow is
related to an inhalation cycle of a subject using the inhaler. A
flow sensor 124 is operably coupled to the flow channel 104 and
configured to detect flow through the flow channel 104. The blister
pack puncture mechanism 272 and the aerosol canister content
release mechanism 270 are each operably coupled to a control unit
108. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the control unit 108 may
direct operation of the blister pack puncture mechanism 272 to
facilitate at least partial release of active agent 214 from an
active agent reservoir 212. In some embodiments, the control unit
108 may direct operation of the aerosol canister release mechanism
270 to facilitate at least partial release of incentive agent 218
from an incentive agent reservoir 216. The control unit 108 is
operably coupled with the flow sensor 124. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial
release from one or both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the
incentive agent reservoir 216 during an inhalation cycle. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to halt at
least partial release from one or both of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 during an
exhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to facilitate at least partial release from an active
agent reservoir 212 and then facilitate at least partial release
from an incentive agent reservoir 216. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial
release from an incentive agent reservoir 216 and then facilitate
at least partial release from an active agent reservoir 212. In
some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to
facilitate at least partial release from both the incentive agent
reservoir 216 and from the active agent reservoir 212 at
substantially the same time. In some embodiments, the flow sensor
124 may be configured to detect a quantity of an active agent 214
that is included in the exhalant of a subject using the inhaler.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, such information may be
transmitted to the control unit 108 that may use the information to
calculate a quantity of the active agent 214 that needs to be
administered to the subject to reach a predetermined dosage. The
control unit 108 may then control the operation of the blister pack
puncture mechanism 272 to administer an additional amount of the
active agent 214 to reach the predetermined dosage.
[0103] In some embodiments, an inhaler may include an operably
coupled performance indicator 116. The performance indicator 116 in
FIG. 8 is illustrated as indicating a high level of respiration
performance. In some embodiments a control unit 108 may be
configured to control the operation of a blister pack puncture
mechanism 272 to facilitate release of an active agent 214 from an
active agent reservoir 212 when one or more assessed parameters
related to respiration performance meet or exceed a threshold
value. Accordingly, in FIG. 8 the blister pack puncture mechanism
272 is shown as being activated to puncture a blister pack and
propel a powdered active agent 214 through a port 106 and into a
flow channel 104 in response to the high level of respiration
performance. An optical sensor 126 is illustrated as being operably
coupled with the flow channel 104. In some embodiments, an optical
sensor 126 may be configured to determine a quantity of either or
both of an active agent 214 and an incentive agent 218 that flows
through the flow channel 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an
optical sensor 126 may be operably coupled with a control unit 108
that is configured to determine a quantity of an active agent 214
that is delivered to a subject using the inhaler and then determine
an additional amount of active agent 214 that should be delivered
to the subject to reach a predetermined administration level. The
control unit 108 may then control the blister pack puncture
mechanism 272 to facilitate at least partial release from one or
more active agent reservoirs 212 to deliver active agent 214 to the
subject to reach the predetermined dosage level.
[0104] FIG. 8A illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 800 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler that
is activated to at least partially release an incentive agent 218
from an incentive agent reservoir 216. System 800 includes a
housing 102 having a flow channel 104 disposed therein. Also
illustrated are two ports 106 disposed in the housing 102 and in
fluid communication with the flow channel 104. An active agent
reservoir 212 is illustrated as being aligned with one of the ports
106. An incentive agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as being
operably coupled to the other port 106. The active agent reservoir
212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 are illustrated as being
held within a reservoir support 192. The active agent reservoir 212
includes a conveyor with a conveying drive configured to advance a
blister strip that includes a plurality of blister packs that are
filled with a powdered active agent 214. The conveyor of the active
agent reservoir 212 is configured to advance the blister packs past
a blister pack puncture mechanism 272. The blister pack puncture
mechanism 272 is illustrated as having a pushrod actuator 256. The
incentive agent reservoir 216 is configured as an aerosol canister
that includes a canister body and a valve stem that extends from
the canister body into a port 106. The incentive agent reservoir
216 includes a controllable valve 258. The controllable valve 258
is illustrated as being open as indicated by an open circle
facilitating release of an incentive agent 218 through a port 106
and into the flow channel 104. Flow through the flow channel 104 is
illustrated by an arrow indicating flow from right to left toward
the mouthpiece 268. This flow is related to an inhalation cycle of
a subject using the inhaler. A flow sensor 124 is operably coupled
to the flow channel 104 and configured to detect flow through the
flow channel 104. An aerosol canister content release mechanism 270
is illustrated as being operably coupled with the incentive agent
reservoir 216. The blister pack puncture mechanism 272 and the
aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 are each operably
coupled to a control unit 108.
[0105] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the control unit 108 may
direct operation of the blister pack puncture mechanism 272 to
facilitate at least partial release of active agent 214 from an
active agent reservoir 212. In some embodiments, the control unit
108 may direct operation of the aerosol canister release mechanism
270 to facilitate at least partial release of incentive agent 218
from an incentive agent reservoir 216. The control unit 108 is
operably coupled with the flow sensor 124. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial
release from one or both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the
incentive agent reservoir 216 during an inhalation cycle. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to halt at
least partial release from one or both of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 during an
exhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to facilitate at least partial release from an active
agent reservoir 212 and then facilitate at least partial release
from an incentive agent reservoir 216. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial
release from an incentive agent reservoir 216 and then facilitate
at least partial release from an active agent reservoir 212. In
some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to
facilitate at least partial release from both the incentive agent
reservoir 216 and from the active agent reservoir 212 at
substantially the same time.
[0106] In some embodiments, the flow sensor 124 may be configured
to detect a quantity of an active agent 214 that is included in the
exhalant of a subject using the inhaler. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, such information may be transmitted to the control
unit 108 that may use the information to calculate a quantity of
the active agent 214 that needs to be administered to the subject
to reach a predetermined dosage. The control unit 108 may then
control the operation of a blister pack puncture mechanism 272 to
administer an additional amount of the active agent 214 to reach
the predetermined dosage.
[0107] In some embodiments, an inhaler may include an operably
coupled performance indicator 116. The performance indicator 116 in
FIG. 8A is illustrated as indicating a high level of respiration
performance. In some embodiments a control unit 108 may be
configured to control the operation of an aerosol canister content
release mechanism 270 to facilitate release of an incentive agent
218 from an incentive agent reservoir 216 when one or more measured
parameters related to respiration performance meet or exceed a
threshold value. Accordingly, in FIG. 8A the pushrod actuator 256
that is operably coupled to the incentive agent reservoir 216 is
shown as being activated to compress the canister body of the
incentive agent reservoir 216 against the valve stem to facilitate
at least partial release of the incentive agent 218 through a port
106 and into a flow channel 104 in response to the high level of
respiration performance. An optical sensor 126 is illustrated as
being operably coupled with the flow channel 104. In some
embodiments, an optical sensor 126 may be configured to determine a
quantity of either or both of an active agent 214 and an incentive
agent 218 that flows through the flow channel 104. Accordingly, in
some embodiments, an optical sensor 126 may be operably coupled
with a control unit 108 that is configured to determine a quantity
of an incentive agent 218 that is delivered to a subject using the
inhaler and then determine an additional amount of an incentive
agent 218 that should be delivered to the subject to reach a
predetermined administration level. The control unit 108 may then
control the operation of an aerosol canister content release
mechanism 270 to facilitate at least partial release from one or
more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to deliver an incentive agent
218 to the subject to reach the predetermined dosage level.
[0108] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 900 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler.
System 900 includes a housing 102 having a flow channel 104
disposed therein. Also illustrated is one port 106 disposed in the
housing 102 and in fluid communication with the flow channel 104.
An active agent reservoir 212 is illustrated as being operably
coupled to the port 106. An incentive agent reservoir 216 is
illustrated as being operably coupled to the port 106. The active
agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 are
illustrated as being held within a reservoir support 192. The
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
are both configured as aerosol canisters that include a canister
body and a valve stem that extends from the canister body into the
port 106. The active agent reservoir 212 includes a controllable
valve 258. The incentive agent reservoir 216 also includes a
controllable valve 258. Both of the controllable valves 258 are
illustrated as being closed as indicated by a closed circle. The
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
are both operably coupled with an aerosol canister content release
mechanism 270. The aerosol canister content release mechanism 270
includes two pushrod actuators 256. One of the pushrod actuators
256 is operably coupled with the active agent reservoir 212 and the
other pushrod actuator 256 is operably coupled to the incentive
agent reservoir 216.
[0109] Flow through the flow channel 104 is illustrated by the two
arrows indicating directional flow through the flow channel 104.
Flow from right to left toward the mouthpiece 268 is related to an
inhalation cycle of a subject using the inhaler. Flow from left to
right away from the mouthpiece 268 is related to an exhalation
cycle of a subject using the inhaler. A flow sensor 124 is operably
coupled to the flow channel 104 and configured to detect flow
through the flow channel 104. The aerosol canister content release
mechanism 270 is operably coupled with a control unit 108 that is
configured to direct the operation of each of the pushrod actuators
256 to facilitate at least partial release from each of the active
agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. The
control unit 108 is operably coupled with the flow sensor 124. In
some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to
facilitate at least partial release from one or both of the active
agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 during an
inhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to halt at least partial release from one or both of the
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
during an exhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the control unit
108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial release from
an active agent reservoir 212 and then facilitate at least partial
release from an incentive agent reservoir 216. In some embodiments,
the control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate at least
partial release from an incentive agent reservoir 216 and then
facilitate at least partial release from an active agent reservoir
212. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to
facilitate at least partial release from both the incentive agent
reservoir 216 and from the active agent reservoir 212 at
substantially the same time.
[0110] FIG. 9A illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 900 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler that
is activated to at least partially release an active agent 214 from
an active agent reservoir 212. System 900 includes a housing 102
having a flow channel 104 disposed therein. Also illustrated is one
port 106 disposed in the housing 102 and in fluid communication
with the flow channel 104. An active agent reservoir 212 is
illustrated as being operably coupled to the port 106. An incentive
agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as being operably coupled to the
port 106. The active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent
reservoir 216 are illustrated as being held within a reservoir
support 192. The active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent
reservoir 216 are both configured as aerosol canisters that include
a canister body and a valve stem that extends from the canister
body into the port 106. The active agent reservoir 212 includes a
controllable valve 258. The incentive agent reservoir 216 also
includes a controllable valve 258. The controllable valve 258 that
is operably coupled to the active agent reservoir 212 is
illustrated as being open to facilitate release of active agent 214
from the active agent reservoir 212 into the flow channel 104 as
indicated by an open circle. The controllable valve 258 that is
operably coupled to the incentive agent reservoir 216 is
illustrated as being closed as indicated by a closed circle.
[0111] The active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent
reservoir 216 are both operably coupled with an aerosol canister
content release mechanism 270. The aerosol canister content release
mechanism 270 includes two pushrod actuators 256. One of the
pushrod actuators 256 is operably coupled with the active agent
reservoir 212 and the other pushrod actuator 256 is operably
coupled to the incentive agent reservoir 216. Flow through the flow
channel 104 is illustrated by the arrow indicating right to left
flow through the flow channel 104. Flow from right to left toward
the mouthpiece 268 is related to an inhalation cycle of a subject
using the inhaler. A flow sensor 124 is operably coupled to the
flow channel 104 and configured to detect flow through the flow
channel 104. The aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 is
operably coupled with a control unit 108 that is configured to
direct the operation of each of the pushrod actuators 256 to
facilitate at least partial release from each of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. The control
unit 108 is operably coupled with the flow sensor 124. Accordingly,
in some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to
facilitate at least partial release from one or both of the active
agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216. In some
embodiments, the control unit 108 may be configured to facilitate
at least partial release from one or both of the active agent
reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216 during an
inhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may be
configured to halt at least partial release from one or both of the
active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent reservoir 216
during an exhalation cycle.
[0112] FIG. 9B illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of
system 900 that is configured as an embodiment of an inhaler that
is activated to at least partially release an incentive agent 218
from an incentive agent reservoir 216. System 900 includes a
housing 102 having a flow channel 104 disposed therein. Also
illustrated is one port 106 disposed in the housing 102 and in
fluid communication with the flow channel 104. An active agent
reservoir 212 is illustrated as being operably coupled to the port
106. An incentive agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as being
operably coupled to the port 106. The active agent reservoir 212
and the incentive agent reservoir 216 are illustrated as being held
within a reservoir support 192. The active agent reservoir 212 and
the incentive agent reservoir 216 are both configured as aerosol
canisters that include a canister body and a valve stem that
extends from the canister body into the port 106. The active agent
reservoir 212 includes a controllable valve 258. The incentive
agent reservoir 216 also includes a controllable valve 258. The
controllable valve 258 that is operably coupled to the incentive
agent reservoir 216 is illustrated as being open to facilitate
release of an incentive agent 218 from the incentive agent
reservoir 216 into the flow channel 104 as indicated by an open
circle. The controllable valve 258 that is operably coupled to the
active agent reservoir 212 is illustrated as being closed as
indicated by a closed circle. The active agent reservoir 212 and
the incentive agent reservoir 216 are both operably coupled with an
aerosol canister content release mechanism 270. The aerosol
canister content release mechanism 270 includes two pushrod
actuators 256. One of the pushrod actuators 256 is operably coupled
with the active agent reservoir 212 and the other pushrod actuator
256 is operably coupled to the incentive agent reservoir 216.
[0113] Flow through the flow channel 104 is illustrated by the
arrow indicating right to left flow through the flow channel 104.
Flow from right to left toward the mouthpiece 268 is related to an
inhalation cycle of a subject using the inhaler. A flow sensor 124
is operably coupled to the flow channel 104 and configured to
detect flow through the flow channel 104. The aerosol canister
content release mechanism 270 is operably coupled with a control
unit 108 that is configured to direct the operation of each of the
pushrod actuators 256 to facilitate at least partial release from
each of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent
reservoir 216. The control unit 108 is operably coupled with the
flow sensor 124. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the control unit
108 may be configured to facilitate at least partial release from
one or both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive
agent reservoir 216. In some embodiments, the control unit 108 may
be configured to facilitate at least partial release from one or
both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the incentive agent
reservoir 216 during an inhalation cycle. In some embodiments, the
control unit 108 may be configured to halt at least partial release
from one or both of the active agent reservoir 212 and the
incentive agent reservoir 216 during an exhalation cycle.
[0114] FIG. 10 illustrates operational flow 1000 that includes
operation 1010 that includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler by a subject, operation 1020 that
includes administering at least one active agent 214 to the subject
in response to assessing the one or more parameters associated with
use of the inhaler, and operation 1030 that includes administering
at least one incentive agent 218 to the subject in coordination
with administering the at least one active agent 214.
[0115] In FIG. 10 and in the following description that includes
various examples of operations used during performance of the
method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to
any one or combination of the above-described examples, and/or with
respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be
understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other
environments and contexts, and/or modified versions of the figures.
Also, although the various operations are presented in the
sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various
operations may be performed in other orders than those which are
illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.
[0116] Operation 1010 includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler by a subject. In some
embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess one or more
parameters associated with use of an inhaler by a subject. In some
embodiments, components of system 100 may be used to assess one or
more parameters associated with use of an inhaler by a subject. For
example, in some embodiments, a sensor 114 may be used to assess
one or more parameters associated with use of an inhaler by a
subject. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may be used to
assess one or more parameters associated with use of an inhaler by
a subject. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may be
used to assess one or more parameters associated with use of an
inhaler by a subject. In some embodiments, a dose counter 118 may
be used to assess one or more parameters associated with use of an
inhaler by a subject. In some embodiments, a user interface 110 may
be used to assess one or more parameters associated with use of an
inhaler by a subject. Numerous parameters associated with use of an
inhaler may be assessed. Examples of such parameters include, but
are not limited to, parameters related to inhalation, exhalation,
breath holding, administration of an active agent 214 to a subject,
quantity of an active agent 214 administered to a subject, time
when an active agent 214 was administered to a subject,
administration of an incentive agent 218 to a subject, quantity of
an incentive agent 218 administered to a subject, time when an
incentive agent 218 was administered to a subject, and the
like.
[0117] Operation 1020 includes administering at least one active
agent 214 to the subject in response to assessing the one or more
parameters associated with use of the inhaler. In some embodiments,
system 100 may be used to administer at least one active agent 214
to a subject in response to assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler. In some embodiments, components
of system 100 may be used to administer at least one active agent
214 to a subject in response to assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler. For example, in some
embodiments, an actuator 120 may be activated to facilitate at
least partial release of an active agent 214 from an active agent
reservoir 212. In some embodiments, a blister pack puncture
mechanism 272 may be activated to facilitate at least partial
release of an active agent 214 from an active agent reservoir 212.
In some embodiments, an aerosol canister content release mechanism
270 may be activated to facilitate at least partial release of an
active agent 214 from an active agent reservoir 212. In some
embodiments, an actuator 120 that is operably coupled with a
control unit 108 may be activated to facilitate at least partial
release of an active agent 214 from an active agent reservoir 212.
In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive information
that is related to one or more respiration parameters from an
operably coupled sensor 114 and then activate one or more operably
coupled actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial release of an
active agent 214 from an active agent reservoir 212. In some
embodiments, a user interface 110 may be used to direct an operably
coupled actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release of an
active agent 214 from an active agent reservoir 212. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may be used to direct an
operably coupled actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial
release of an active agent 214 from an active agent reservoir 212.
Accordingly, numerous combinations of components included within
system 100 may be used to administer at least one active agent 214
to a subject.
[0118] Operation 1030 includes administering at least one incentive
agent 218 to the subject in coordination with administering the at
least one active agent 214. In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to administer at least one incentive agent 218 to the subject
in coordination with administering at least one active agent 214.
In some embodiments, components of system 100 may be used to
administer at least one incentive agent 218 to the subject in
coordination with administering at least one active agent 214. For
example, in some embodiments, an actuator 120 may be activated to
administer at least one incentive agent 218 to a subject. In some
embodiments, a blister pack puncture mechanism 272 may be activated
to facilitate at least partial release of an incentive agent 218
from an incentive agent reservoir 216. In some embodiments, an
aerosol canister content release mechanism 270 may be activated to
facilitate at least partial release of an incentive agent 218 from
an incentive agent reservoir 216. In some embodiments, an actuator
120 that is operably coupled with a control unit 108 may be
activated to administer at least one incentive agent 218 to a
subject. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive
information that is related to one or more respiration parameters
from an operably coupled sensor 114 and then activate one or more
operably coupled actuators 120 to administer at least one incentive
agent 218 to a subject. In some embodiments, a user interface 110
may be used to direct an operably coupled actuator 120 to
administer at least one incentive agent 218 to a subject. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may be used to direct an
operably coupled actuator 120 to administer at least one incentive
agent 218 to a subject. Accordingly, numerous combinations of
components included within system 100 may be used to administer at
least one incentive agent 218 to a subject.
[0119] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing one
or more parameters associated with respiration (not shown). In some
embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess one or more
parameters associated with respiration. For example, in some
embodiments, one or more sensors 114 may be configured to assess
one or more parameters associated with respiration. In some
embodiments, one or more control units 108 may be configured to
assess one or more parameters associated with respiration. Numerous
parameters associated with respiration by a subject using an
inhaler may be assessed. Examples of such parameters include, but
are not limited to, time associated with an inhalation cycle, time
associated with an exhalation cycle, time associated with a breath
hold cycle, volume of flow inhaled through a flow channel 104,
volume of flow exhaled through a flow channel 104, velocity of flow
through a flow channel 104, and the like.
[0120] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing one
or more parameters associated with inhalation (not shown). In some
embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess one or more
parameters associated with inhalation. For example, in some
embodiments, one or more sensors 114 may be configured to assess
one or more parameters associated with inhalation. In some
embodiments, one or more control units 108 may be configured to
assess one or more parameters associated with inhalation. Numerous
parameters associated with inhalation by a subject using an inhaler
may be assessed. Examples of such parameters include, but are not
limited to, time associated with an inhalation cycle, volume of
flow inhaled through a flow channel 104, velocity of flow through a
flow channel 104 during an inhalation cycle, and the like.
[0121] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing one
or more parameters associated with exhalation (not shown). In some
embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess one or more
parameters associated with exhalation. For example, in some
embodiments, one or more sensors 114 may be configured to assess
one or more parameters associated with exhalation. In some
embodiments, one or more control units 108 may be configured to
assess one or more parameters associated with exhalation. Numerous
parameters associated with exhalation by a subject using an inhaler
may be assessed. Examples of such parameters include, but are not
limited to, time associated with an exhalation cycle, volume of
flow exhaled through a flow channel 104, velocity of flow through a
flow channel 104 during an exhalation cycle, and the like.
[0122] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing one
or more parameters associated with breath holding (not shown). In
some embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess one or more
parameters associated with breath holding. For example, in some
embodiments, one or more sensors 114 may be configured to assess
one or more parameters associated with breath holding. In some
embodiments, one or more control units 108 may be configured to
assess one or more parameters associated with breath holding.
Numerous parameters associated with breath holding by a subject
using an inhaler may be assessed. Examples of such parameters
include, but are not limited to, time associated with a breath
holding cycle, volume of flow inhaled through a flow channel 104
and held during a breath holding cycle, velocity of flow through a
flow channel 104 during an inhalation cycle prior to a breath
holding cycle, and the like.
[0123] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing one
or more volumes of gas flowing through the inhaler (not shown). In
some embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess one or more
volumes of gas flowing through the inhaler. For example, in some
embodiments, one or more sensors 114 may be configured as a volume
sensor 128 to assess one or more volumes of gas flowing through one
or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler.
[0124] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing a
velocity with which gas flows through the inhaler (not shown). In
some embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess a velocity with
which gas flows through an inhaler. In some embodiments, one or
more sensors 114 may be configured to assess a velocity with which
gas flows through one or more flow channels disposed within the
inhaler. For example, in some embodiments, a velocimeter 138 may be
used to assess a velocity with which gas flows through one or more
flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler.
[0125] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing an
amount of negative pressure (e.g. vacuum or suction with respect to
a surrounding atmospheric pressure) applied to the inhaler by the
subject (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to
assess an amount of negative pressure applied to an inhaler by a
subject using the inhaler. In some embodiments, one or more sensors
114 may be configured to determine an amount of negative pressure
applied to an inhaler by a subject using the inhaler. For example,
in some embodiments, a vacuum sensor 132 may be used to assess an
amount of negative pressure applied to an inhaler by a subject
using the inhaler.
[0126] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing a
quality of physical contact between the subject and the inhaler
(not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess
a quality of physical contact between a subject and an inhaler used
by the subject. In some embodiments, one or more sensors 114 may be
configured to assess a quality of physical contact between a
subject and an inhaler used by the subject. For example, in some
embodiments, a pressure sensor 130 (e.g., strain sensor and/or a
stress sensor) may be configured to measure an amount of force
applied to a mouthpiece of an inhaler used by a subject.
[0127] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing a
time period associated with any of an inhalation cycle, a breath
hold cycle, or an exhalation cycle through the inhaler (not shown).
In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess a time period
associated with any of an inhalation cycle, a breath hold cycle, or
an exhalation cycle through one or more flow channels 104 disposed
within an inhaler. In some embodiments, one or more sensors 114 may
be configured to assess a time period associated with any of an
inhalation cycle, a breath hold cycle, or an exhalation cycle
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler.
For example, in some embodiments, a timer 134 may be used to assess
a time period associated with any of an inhalation cycle, a breath
hold cycle, or an exhalation cycle through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler.
[0128] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing if at
least one value associated with a respiration parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to assess if at least one value associated with a
respiration parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value. In some
embodiments, one or more sensors 114 and one or more control units
108 may be configured to assess if at least one value associated
with a respiration parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value.
For example, in some embodiments, a sensor 114 may be configured as
a flow sensor 124 to assess at least one value associated with at
least one respiration parameter and then transmit one or more
signals that include the value to a control unit 108 that
determines if the value meets or exceeds a threshold value.
Numerous respiration parameters may be assessed to determine if the
respiration parameters meet or exceed an associated threshold
value. Examples of such respiration parameters include, but are not
limited to, volume of flow through one or more flow channels
disposed within an inhaler, velocity of flow through one or more
flow channels disposed within an inhaler, and the like.
[0129] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing if at
least one value associated with an inhalation parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to assess if at least one value associated with an
inhalation parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value. In some
embodiments, one or more sensors 114 and one or more control units
108 may be configured to assess if at least one value associated
with an inhalation parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value.
For example, in some embodiments, a sensor 114 may be configured as
a flow sensor 124 to assess at least one value associated with at
least one inhalation parameter and then transmit one or more
signals that include the value to a control unit 108 that assesses
if the value meets or exceeds a threshold value. Numerous
inhalation parameters may be assessed to determine if the
respiration parameter meets or exceeds an associated threshold
value. Examples of such inhalation parameters include, but are not
limited to, volume of flow through one or more flow channels
disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle, velocity of
flow through one or more flow channels disposed within an inhaler
during an inhalation cycle, and the like.
[0130] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing if at
least one value associated with an exhalation parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to assess if at least one value associated with an
exhalation parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value. In some
embodiments, one or more sensors 114 and one or more control units
108 may be configured to determine if at least one value associated
with an exhalation parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value.
For example, in some embodiments, a sensor 114 may be configured as
a flow sensor 124 to assess at least one value associated with at
least one exhalation parameter and then transmit one or more
signals that include the value to a control unit 108 that assess if
the value meets or exceeds a threshold value. Numerous exhalation
parameters may be assessed to determine if the exhalation parameter
meets or exceeds an associated threshold value. Examples of such
exhalation parameters include, but are not limited to, volume of
flow through one or more flow channels disposed within an inhaler
during an exhalation cycle, velocity of flow through one or more
flow channels disposed within an inhaler during an exhalation
cycle, and the like.
[0131] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing if at
least one value associated with a breath hold parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to assess if at least one value associated with a
breath hold parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value. In some
embodiments, one or more sensors 114 and one or more control units
108 may be configured to assess if at least one value associated
with a breath hold parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value.
For example, in some embodiments, a timer 134 may be used to
measure the length of time associated with a breath hold cycle of a
subject using an inhaler and then transmit one or more signals that
include the information to a control unit 108 that assesses if the
breath hold value meets or exceeds a threshold value. In some
embodiments, a sensor 114 may be configured as a flow sensor 124 to
assess a volume of flow through one or more flow channels disposed
within an inhaler and held during a breath hold cycle of a subject
using an inhaler and then transmit one or more signals that include
the information to a control unit 108 that assesses if the breath
hold value meets or exceeds a threshold value.
[0132] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing one
or more values associated with one or more inhalation parameters
and estimating a quantity of the at least one active agent 214 that
will be effectively delivered in response to the one or more
assessed values associated with the one or more inhalation
parameters (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used
to assess one or more values associated with one or more inhalation
parameters and estimate a quantity of at least one active agent 214
that will be effectively delivered in response to the one or more
assessed values associated with the one or more inhalation
parameters. Parameters associated with numerous inhalation
parameters may be assessed. Examples of such parameters include,
but are not limited to, volume of flow through one or more flow
channels 104 during an inhalation cycle by a subject using an
inhaler, velocity of flow through one or more flow channels 104
during an inhalation cycle by a subject using an inhaler, frequency
of inhalation by a subject using an inhaler, time of inhalation by
a subject using an inhaler, quantity of active agent 214 flowing
through one or more flow channels 104, and the like. In some
embodiments, a sensor 114 may be used to determine one or more
values associated with an inhalation parameter. The sensor 114 may
then transmit one or more signals that include the one or more
values to a control unit 108 that uses the one or more values to
estimate a quantity of at least one active agent 214 that will be
delivered. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may utilize
information that is related to a subject in combination with one or
more assessed values associated with an inhalation parameter. For
example, in some embodiments, a control unit 108 may use the total
volume of flow that was inhaled by a subject with an assessed
inhalation value and a quantity of active agent 214 that flowed
through a flow channel 104 during an inhalation cycle to estimate a
quantity of active agent 214 that was effectively delivered to the
subject.
[0133] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing one
or more values associated with one or more breath hold parameters
and estimating a quantity of the at least one active agent 214 that
will be effectively delivered in response to the one or more
assessed values associated with the one or more breath hold
parameters (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used
to assess one or more values associated with one or more breath
hold parameters and estimate a quantity of at least one active
agent 214 that will be effectively delivered in response to the one
or more assessed values associated with the one or more breath hold
parameters. Parameters associated with numerous breath hold
parameters may be assessed. Examples of such parameters include,
but are not limited to, volume of flow held during a breath hold
cycle, time period of a breath hold cycle, quantity of active agent
214 flowing through one or more flow channels 104 during inhalation
prior to the breath hold cycle, and the like. In some embodiments,
a sensor 114 may be used to assess one or more values associated
with a breath hold cycle. The sensor 114 may then transmit one or
more signals that include the one or more values to a control unit
108 that uses the one or more values to estimate a quantity of at
least one active agent 214 that will be delivered. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may utilize information that is
related to a subject in combination with one or more assessed
values associated with a breath hold cycle. For example, in some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may use a physical parameter, such
as total lung capacity, that is associated with a subject with a
determined breath hold value and a quantity of active agent 214
that flowed through a flow channel 104 during an inhalation cycle
to estimate a quantity of active agent 214 that was effectively
delivered to the subject.
[0134] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing one
or more values associated with one or more inhalation parameters
and estimating a quantity of the at least one incentive agent 218
that will be effectively delivered in response to the one or more
assessed values associated with the one or more inhalation
parameters (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used
to assess one or more values associated with one or more inhalation
parameters and estimating a quantity of the at least one incentive
agent 218 that will be effectively delivered in response to the one
or more assessed values associated with the one or more inhalation
parameters. Numerous inhalation parameters may be assessed.
Examples of such parameters include, but are not limited to, volume
of flow through one or more flow channels 104 during an inhalation
cycle, velocity of flow through one or more flow channels 104
during an inhalation cycle, quantity of incentive agent 218 flowing
through one or more flow channels 104 during an inhalation cycle,
and the like. In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may be used to
assess one or more values associated with an inhalation parameter.
The sensor 114 may then transmit one or more signals that include
the one or more values to a control unit 108 that uses the one or
more values to estimate a quantity of at least one incentive agent
218 that will be delivered. In some embodiments, a control unit 108
may utilize information that is related to a subject in combination
with one or more assessed values associated with an inhalation
parameter. For example, in some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
use a physical parameter, such as total lung capacity, that is
associated with a subject with an assessed value related to an
inhalation parameter and a quantity of incentive agent 218 that
flowed through a flow channel 104 during an inhalation cycle to
estimate a quantity of incentive agent 218 that was effectively
delivered to the subject.
[0135] In some embodiments, operation 1010 includes assessing one
or more values associated with one or more breath hold parameters
and estimating a quantity of the at least one incentive agent 218
that will be effectively delivered in response to the one or more
assessed values associated with the one or more breath hold
parameters (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used
to assess one or more values associated with one or more breath
hold parameters and estimate a quantity of the at least one
incentive agent 218 that will be effectively delivered in response
to the one or more assessed values associated with the one or more
breath hold parameters. Numerous breath hold parameters may be
assessed. Examples of such parameters include, but are not limited
to, volume of flow through one or more flow channels 104 that is
held during a breath hold cycle, a time period associated with a
breath hold cycle, a quantity of incentive agent 218 flowing
through one or more flow channels 104 during an inhalation cycle
prior to the breath hold cycle, and the like. In some embodiments,
a sensor 114 may be used to assess one or more values associated
with a breath hold parameter. The sensor 114 may then transmit one
or more signals that include the one or more values to a control
unit 108 that uses the one or more values to estimate a quantity of
at least one incentive agent 218 that will be delivered. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may utilize information that is
related to a subject in combination with one or more assessed
values associated with a breath hold parameter. For example, in
some embodiments, a control unit 108 may use a physical parameter,
such as total lung capacity, that is associated with a subject with
an assessed value related to a breath hold parameter and a quantity
of incentive agent 218 that flowed through a flow channel 104
during an inhalation cycle to estimate a quantity of incentive
agent 218 that will be effectively delivered to the subject. In
some embodiments, a control unit 108 may utilize an absorption rate
that is associated with an incentive agent 218 to estimate a
quantity of the incentive agent 218 that will be delivered to a
subject.
[0136] In some embodiments, operation 1020 includes administering
the at least one active agent 214 to the subject when at least one
value associated with the one or more parameters associated with
use of the inhaler meets or exceeds a threshold value (not shown).
In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to administer at least
one active agent 214 to a subject when at least one value
associated with one or more parameters associated with use of an
inhaler meets or exceeds a threshold value. For example, in some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive one or more signals
that include one or more assessed values associated with velocity
of flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an
inhaler during an inhalation cycle by a subject from a sensor 114.
The control unit 108 may compare the one or more assessed values to
one or more threshold values associated with velocity of flow
during an inhalation cycle and activate one or more actuators 120
to facilitate at least partial release of one or more active agents
214 from one or more active agent reservoirs 212 to deliver the one
or more active agents 214 to the subject using the inhaler if the
one or more assessed values meet or exceed the one or more
threshold values.
[0137] In some embodiments, operation 1020 includes administering
the at least one active agent 214 to the subject in response to
assessing at least one value associated with a respiration
parameter (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used
to administer at least one active agent 214 to the subject in
response to assessing at least one value associated with a
respiration parameter. For example, in some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may receive one or more signals that include one or more
assessed values associated with a volume of flow through one or
more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler used by a subject
from a sensor 114. The control unit 108 may then utilize the
assessed value to determine a quantity of active agent 214 to be
released from an active agent reservoir 212 based on the assessed
volume of flow. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive
information associated with a time period associated with an
inhalation cycle of a subject using an inhaler. The control unit
108 may then direct an actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial
release from an active agent reservoir 212 during an early stage of
an inhalation cycle.
[0138] In some embodiments, operation 1020 includes administering
the at least one active agent 214 to the subject when at least one
value associated with a respiration parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to administer at least one active agent 214 to a subject when
at least one value associated with a respiration parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value. For example, in some embodiments, a
control unit 108 may receive one or more signals that include one
or more assessed values associated with velocity of flow through
one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler used by a
subject during an inhalation cycle from one or more sensors 114.
The control unit 108 may compare the one or more assessed values to
one or more threshold values associated with the velocity of flow
and activate one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at least
partial release of one or more active agents 214 from one or more
active agent reservoirs 212 to administer the one or more active
agents 214 to the subject using the inhaler if the one or more
assessed values associated with velocity of flow meet or exceed the
one or more threshold values. In some embodiments, a control unit
108 may receive one or more signals that include one or more
assessed values associated with a volume of flow through one or
more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler used by a subject
during an exhalation cycle from a sensor 114. The control unit 108
may compare the one or more assessed values to one or more
threshold values associated with volume of flow during an
exhalation cycle. The control unit 108 may then receive one or more
signals that include one or more assessed values associated with
velocity of flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed
within the inhaler used by a subject during an inhalation cycle
from a sensor 114. The control unit 108 may then compare the one or
more assessed values to one or more threshold values associated
with velocity of flow during an inhalation cycle. The control unit
108 may then activate one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at
least partial release of one or more active agents 214 from one or
more active agent reservoirs 212 to administer the one or more
formulations 214 to the subject using the inhaler if the one or
more measured values associated with volume of flow and velocity of
flow each meet or exceed threshold values associated with the
volume of flow and velocity of flow.
[0139] In some embodiments, operation 1020 includes administering
the at least one active agent 214 to the subject when at least one
value associated with an inhalation parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to administer at least one active agent 214 to a subject when
at least one value associated with an inhalation parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value. For example, in some embodiments, a
control unit 108 may receive one or more signals that include one
or more assessed values associated with velocity of flow through
one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler used by a
subject during an inhalation cycle from a sensor 114. The control
unit 108 may compare the one or more assessed values to one or more
threshold values associated with the velocity of flow and activate
one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial release of
one or more active agents 214 from one or more active agent
reservoirs 212 to administer the one or more active agents 214 to
the subject using the inhaler if the one or more assessed values
associated with the velocity of flow during the inhalation cycle
meet or exceed the one or more threshold values.
[0140] In some embodiments, operation 1020 includes administering
the at least one active agent 214 to the subject when at least one
value associated with a breath hold parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to administer at least one active agent 214 to a subject when
at least one value associated with a breath hold parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value. For example, in some embodiments, a
control unit 108 may receive one or more signals that include one
or more assessed time values associated with a breath hold period
by a subject using an inhaler. The control unit 108 may compare the
one or more assessed time values to one or more threshold time
values associated with a breath hold period and activate one or
more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial release of one or
more active agents 214 from one or more active agent reservoirs 212
to administer the one or more active agents 214 to the subject
using the inhaler if the one or more assessed time values
associated with the breath hold period meets or exceeds the one or
more threshold values. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
receive one or more signals that include one or more assessed
values associated with a volume of flow held by a subject using an
inhaler during a breath hold period from a sensor 114. The control
unit 108 may compare the one or more assessed values associated
with the volume of flow held to one or more threshold values
associated with a volume of flow. The control unit 108 may activate
one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial release of
one or more active agents 214 from one or more active agent
reservoirs 212 to deliver the one or more active agents 214 to the
subject using the inhaler if the one or more assessed values
associated with the volume of flow held by the subject during a
breath hold cycle meet or exceed the one or more threshold
values.
[0141] In some embodiments, operation 1020 includes administering
the at least one active agent 214 to the subject when at least one
value associated with an exhalation parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to administer at least one active agent 214 to a subject when
at least one value associated with an exhalation parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value. For example, in some embodiments, a
control unit 108 may receive one or more signals that include one
or more assessed values associated with a volume of flow through
one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler used by a
subject during an exhalation cycle from a sensor 114. The control
unit 108 may compare the one or more assessed values to one or more
threshold values associated with the volume of flow and activate
one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial release of
one or more active agents 214 from one or more active agent
reservoirs 212 to administer the one or more active agents 214 to
the subject using the inhaler if the one or more assessed values
associated with the volume of flow meet or exceed the one or more
threshold values. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
activate an actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release
from one or more active agent reservoirs 212 at the beginning of an
inhalation cycle that follows an exhalation cycle where the volume
of flow that was exhaled meets or exceeds a threshold value.
[0142] In some embodiments, operation 1020 includes administering
the at least one active agent 214 to the subject when at least one
value associated with an exhalation parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value and when at least one value associated with an
inhalation parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value (not
shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to administer
at least one active agent 214 to a subject when at least one value
associated with an exhalation parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value and when at least one value associated with an
inhalation parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value. For
example, in some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive one or
more signals that include one or more assessed values associated
with volume of flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed
within an inhaler used by a subject during an exhalation cycle from
a sensor 114. The control unit 108 may compare the one or more
assessed values to one or more threshold values associated with the
volume of flow. The control unit 108 may then receive one or more
signals that include one or more assessed values associated with
velocity of flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed
within the inhaler used by the subject during an inhalation cycle
and compare the one or more assessed values to one or more
threshold values associated with the velocity of flow. The control
unit 108 may then activate an actuator 120 to facilitate at least
partial release from one or more active agent reservoirs 212 during
the inhalation cycle if the velocity of flow during the inhalation
cycle meets or exceeds a threshold value and the volume of flow
that was exhaled meets or exceeds a threshold value.
[0143] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent 218 after the at least one active
agent 214 is administered (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to administer at least one incentive agent 218
after at least one active agent 214 is administered. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may direct one or more actuators
120 to facilitate at least partial release from one or more active
agent reservoirs 212 to administer one or more active agents 214 to
a subject using an inhaler and then direct one or more actuators
120 to facilitate at least partial release from one or more
incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or more incentive
agents 218 to the subject.
[0144] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent 218 substantially concurrently
with the at least one active agent 214 (not shown). In some
embodiments, system 100 may be used to administer the at least one
incentive agent 218 substantially concurrently with the at least
one active agent 214. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial
release from one or more active agent reservoirs 212 to administer
one or more active agents 214 to a subject using an inhaler and
direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial
release from one or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to
administer one or more incentive agents 218 to the subject at
substantially the same time.
[0145] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent 218 before the at least one active
agent 214 is administered (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to administer at least one incentive agent 218
before at least one active agent 214 is administered. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may direct one or more actuators
120 to facilitate at least partial release from one or more
incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or more incentive
agents 218 to a subject using an inhaler and then direct one or
more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial release from one
or more active agent reservoirs 212 to administer one or more
active agents 214 to the subject at a later time.
[0146] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
caffeine (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used
to administer caffeine. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial
release from one or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to
administer caffeine to a subject using an inhaler.
[0147] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
nicotine (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used
to administer nicotine. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial
release from one or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to
administer nicotine to a subject using an inhaler.
[0148] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering a
flavoring agent (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to administer a flavoring agent. In some embodiments, a
control unit 108 may direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate
at least partial release from one or more incentive agent
reservoirs 216 to administer a flavoring agent to a subject using
an inhaler. Numerous types of flavoring agents may be administered.
Examples of flavoring agents include, but are not limited to,
orange flavoring agents, lemon flavoring agents, cherry flavoring
agents, and the like.
[0149] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
menthol (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to
administer menthol. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial
release from one or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to
administer menthol to a subject using an inhaler.
[0150] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent 218 in a quantity that is based on
a quantity of the at least one active agent 214 that was delivered
to the subject (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to administer at least one incentive agent 218 in a quantity
that is based on a quantity of at least one active agent 214 that
was delivered to a subject. In some embodiments, an optical sensor
126 may be used to assess a quantity of one or more active agents
214 that flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within
an inhaler that is used by a subject. In some embodiments, a phase
Doppler interferometer 136 may be used to assess a quantity of one
or more active agents 214 that flow through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler that is used by a subject.
In some embodiments, an ultrasonic flow meter 140 may be used to
assess a quantity of one or more active agents 214 that flow
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler
that is used by a subject. In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may
transmit one or more signals that include one or more assessed
values associated with a quantity of one or more active agents 214
to a control unit 108 that uses one or more assessed values to
determine a quantity of one or more active agents 214 that were
delivered to a subject using the inhaler. The control unit 108 may
then direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at least
partial release from one or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to
administer one or more incentive agents 218 to a subject using the
inhaler in a quantity that is related to the quantity of one or
more active agents 214 that were administered to the subject. In
some embodiments, the quantity of an incentive agent 218 may be
proportional to the quantity of one or more active agents 214 that
were administered to the subject.
[0151] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent 218 in response to assessing the
one or more parameters associated with use of the inhaler (not
shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to administer
at least one incentive agent 218 in response to assessing one or
more parameters associated with use of the inhaler. An incentive
agent 218 may be administered in response to assessing numerous
types of parameters. Examples of such parameters include, but are
not limited to, parameters associated with inhalation through an
inhaler, parameters associated with exhalation through an inhaler,
parameters associated with breath holding while using an inhaler,
parameters associated with administration of one or more active
agents 214 to a subject using an inhaler, parameters associated
with administration of one or more incentive agents 218 to a
subject using an inhaler, and the like. In some embodiments, a
sensor 114 may be configured to assess a quantity of one or more
active agents 214 that are administered to a subject through use of
an inhaler. The sensor 114 may transmit one or more signals that
include the one or more assessed values associated with the
quantity of one or more active agents 214 that are administered to
a subject to a control unit 108. The control unit 108 may determine
if the one or more assessed values meet or exceed a preselected
dosage of the one or more active agents 214 that are to be
administered to the subject using the inhaler. If the one or more
values meet or exceed a preselected dosage the control unit 108 may
direct an actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release from
one or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or
more incentive agents 218 to the subject using the inhaler. In some
embodiments, a sensor 114 may be configured to assess one or more
values associated with a quality of physical contact between the
mouth of the subject and the inhaler. The sensor 114 may transmit
one or more signals that include the one or more assessed values
associated with the quality of physical contact to a control unit
108. The control unit 108 may determine if the one or more assessed
values meet or exceed a preselected value. If the one or more
values meet or exceed a preselected value the control unit 108 may
direct an actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release from
one or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or
more incentive agents 218 to the subject using the inhaler.
[0152] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent 218 in response to assessing at
least one value associated with a respiration parameter associated
with use of the inhaler (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to administer at least one incentive agent 218 in
response to assessing at least one value associated with a
respiration parameter associated with use of the inhaler. An
incentive agent 218 may be administered in response to assessing
numerous parameters related to respiration performance by a
subject. Examples of such parameters include, but are not limited
to, velocity of flow through one or more flow channels disposed
within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle, velocity of flow
through one or more flow channels disposed within an inhaler during
an exhalation cycle, volume of flow through one or more flow
channels disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle,
volume of flow through one or more flow channels disposed within an
inhaler during an exhalation cycle, and the like. In some
embodiments, an incentive agent 218 may be administered to a
subject using an inhaler in response to the performance of the
subject using the inhaler. For example, in some embodiments, a flow
sensor 124 may measure the volume of flow through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler and transmit one or more
signals that include the one or more assessed values associated
with the volume of flow to a control unit 108. The control unit 108
may determine if the one or more assessed values associated with
the volume of flow meet or exceed a threshold value associated with
a volume of flow through the inhaler. If the one or more assessed
values meet or exceed a threshold value, the control unit 108 may
direct an actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release from
one or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or
more incentive agents 218 to the subject using the inhaler.
[0153] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent 218 in response to assessing at
least one value associated with an inhalation parameter associated
with use of the inhaler (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to administer at least one incentive agent 218 in
response to assessing at least one value associated with an
inhalation parameter associated with use of the inhaler. An
incentive agent 218 may be administered in response to assessing
numerous parameters related to inhalation performance by a subject.
Examples of such parameters include, but are not limited to,
velocity of flow through one or more flow channels disposed within
an inhaler during an inhalation cycle, volume of flow through one
or more flow channels disposed within an inhaler during an
inhalation cycle, and the like. In some embodiments, a flow sensor
124 may assess the volume of flow through one or more flow channels
104 disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle by a
subject using the inhaler and transmit one or more signals that
include the one or more values associated with the assessed volume
of flow to a control unit 108. The control unit 108 may determine
if the one or more assessed values associated with the measured
volume of flow meet or exceed a threshold value associated with a
volume of flow through the inhaler. If the assessed flow meets or
exceeds a threshold value, the control unit 108 may direct an
actuator to facilitate at least partial release from one or more
incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or more incentive
agents 218 to the subject using the inhaler.
[0154] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent 218 in response to assessing at
least one value associated with a breath hold parameter associated
with use of the inhaler (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to administer at least one incentive agent 218 in
response to assessing at least one value associated with a breath
hold parameter associated with use of the inhaler. An incentive
agent 218 may be administered in response to assessing numerous
parameters related to breath hold performance by a subject using an
inhaler. Examples of such parameters include, but are not limited
to, volume of flow held during a breath hold cycle, length of a
breath hold cycle, and the like. In some embodiments, a flow sensor
124 may assess the volume of flow that is held during a breath hold
cycle by a subject using the inhaler and transmit one or more
signals that include the one or more values associated with the
assessed volume of flow to a control unit 108. The control unit 108
may determine if the one or more values associated with the
assessed volume of flow meet or exceed a threshold value associated
with a volume of flow through the inhaler. If the one or more
assessed values meet or exceed a threshold value, the control unit
108 may direct an actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial
release from one or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to
administer one or more incentive agents 218 to the subject using
the inhaler. In some embodiments, a timer 134 may assess the time
of a breath hold cycle by a subject using the inhaler and transmit
one or more signals that include the one or more values associated
with the assessed time to a control unit 108. The control unit 108
may determine if the one or more assessed values associated with
the time of the breath hold cycle meet or exceed a threshold value
associated with the time. If the one or more assessed time values
meet or exceed a threshold value, the control unit 108 may direct
an actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release from one or
more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or more
incentive agents 218 to the subject using the inhaler.
[0155] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent 218 in response to assessing at
least one value associated with an exhalation parameter associated
with use of the inhaler (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to administer at least one incentive agent 218 in
response to assessing at least one value associated with an
exhalation parameter associated with use of the inhaler. An
incentive agent 218 may be administered in response to assessing
numerous parameters related to exhalation performance by a subject.
Examples of such parameters include, but are not limited to,
velocity of flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed
within an inhaler during an exhalation cycle, volume of flow
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler
during an exhalation cycle, and the like. In some embodiments, a
flow sensor 124 may assess the volume of flow through one or more
flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an exhalation
cycle by a subject using the inhaler and transmit one or more
signals that include one or more values associated with the
assessed volume of flow to a control unit 108. The control unit 108
may determine if the one or more assessed values associated with
the volume of flow meet or exceed a threshold value associated with
a volume of flow through the inhaler. If the assessed flow meets or
exceeds a threshold value, the control unit 108 may direct an
actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release from one or
more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or more
incentive agents 218 to the subject using the inhaler.
[0156] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent 218 to the subject when at least
one value associated with the one or more parameters associated
with use of the inhaler meets or exceeds a threshold value (not
shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to administer
at least one incentive agent 218 to the subject when at least one
value associated with one or more parameters associated with use of
the inhaler meets or exceeds a threshold value. Numerous parameters
associated with use of an inhaler may be assessed. In some
embodiments, such parameters may include, but are not limited to,
velocity of flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed
within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle, a breath hold cycle,
or an exhalation cycle. In some embodiments, such parameters may
include, but are not limited to, volume of flow through one or more
flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation
cycle, a breath hold cycle, or an exhalation cycle. In some
embodiments, such parameters may be associated with the quality of
physical contact between the mouth of the subject and the inhaler.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, a sensor 114 may assess one or
more values associated with one or more parameters associated with
use of an inhaler. The sensor 114 may transmit one or more signals
that include the one or more assessed values to a control unit 108
that determines if the one or more assessed values meet or exceed
one or more threshold values associated with the one or more
parameters. If the one or more assessed values meet or exceed one
or more threshold values, the control unit 108 may direct an
actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release from one or
more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or more
incentive agents 218 to the subject using the inhaler.
[0157] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent to the subject when at least one
value associated with a respiration parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to administer at least one incentive agent to a subject when
at least one value associated with a respiration parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value. Numerous respiration parameters may be
assessed. In some embodiments, such parameters may include, but are
not limited to, velocity of flow through one or more flow channels
104 disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle, a breath
hold cycle, or an exhalation cycle. In some embodiments, such
parameters may include, but are not limited to, volume of flow
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler
during an inhalation cycle, a breath hold cycle, or an exhalation
cycle. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a sensor 114 may assess
one or more values associated with one or more respiration
parameters and transmit one or more signals that include the one or
more assessed values to a control unit 108. The control unit 108
may determine if the one or more assessed values meet or exceed one
or more threshold values associated with the one or more
respiration parameters. If the one or more assessed values meet or
exceed one or more threshold values, the control unit 108 may
direct an actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release from
one or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or
more incentive agents 218 to the subject using the inhaler.
[0158] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent to the subject when at least one
value associated with an inhalation parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to administer at least one incentive agent to a subject when
at least one value associated with an inhalation parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value. Numerous inhalation parameters may be
assessed. In some embodiments, such inhalation parameters may
include, but are not limited to, velocity of flow through one or
more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an
inhalation cycle, volume of flow through one or more flow channels
104 disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle, a period
of time associated with an inhalation cycle, a quantity of active
agent 214 released from an active agent reservoir 212 during an
inhalation cycle, and the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a
sensor 114 may assess one or more values associated with one or
more inhalation parameters and transmit one or more signals that
include the one or more assessed values to a control unit 108. The
control unit 108 may determine if the one or more assessed values
meet or exceed one or more threshold values associated with the one
or more inhalation parameters. If the one or more assessed values
meet or exceed one or more threshold values, the control unit 108
may direct an actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release
from one or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one
or more incentive agents 218 to the subject using the inhaler.
[0159] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent to the subject when at least one
value associated with a breath hold parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to administer at least one incentive agent to a subject when
at least one value associated with a breath hold parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value. Numerous breath hold parameters may be
assessed. In some embodiments, such breath hold parameters may
include, but are not limited to, a volume of flow held during a
breath hold cycle, a time period associated with a breath hold
cycle, a quantity of active agent 214 administered to a subject
during an inhalation cycle preceding a breath hold cycle, and the
like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a sensor 114 may assess one
or more values associated with one or more breath hold parameters
and transmit one or more signals that include the one or more
assessed values to a control unit 108. The control unit 108 may
determine if the one or more assessed values meet or exceed one or
more threshold values associated with the one or more breath hold
parameters. If the one or more assessed values meet or exceed one
or more threshold values, the control unit 108 may direct an
actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release from one or
more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or more
incentive agents 218 to the subject using the inhaler.
[0160] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent to the subject when at least one
value associated with an exhalation parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to administer at least one incentive agent to a subject when
at least one value associated with an exhalation parameter meets or
exceeds a threshold value. Numerous exhalation parameters may be
assessed. In some embodiments, such exhalation parameters may
include, but are not limited to, a volume of flow through one or
more flow channels disposed within an inhaler during an exhalation
cycle, a time period associated with an exhalation cycle, and the
like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a sensor 114 may assess one
or more values associated with one or more exhalation parameters
and transmit one or more signals that include the one or more
assessed values to a control unit 108. The control unit 108 may
determine if the one or more assessed values meet or exceed one or
more threshold values associated with the one or more exhalation
parameters. If the one or more assessed values meet or exceed one
or more threshold values, the control unit 108 may direct an
actuator 120 to facilitate at least partial release from one or
more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or more
incentive agents 218 to the subject using the inhaler.
[0161] In some embodiments, operation 1030 includes administering
the at least one incentive agent to the subject when at least one
value associated with an exhalation parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value and when at least one value associated with an
inhalation parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value (not
shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to administer
at least one incentive agent to a subject when at least one value
associated with an exhalation parameter meets or exceeds a
threshold value and when at least one value associated with an
inhalation parameter meets or exceeds a threshold value. Numerous
exhalation parameters may be assessed. Examples of such exhalation
parameters include, but are not limited to, velocity of flow
through one or more flow channels disposed within an inhaler during
an exhalation cycle by a subject using the inhaler, volume of flow
through one or more flow channels disposed within an inhaler during
an exhalation cycle by a subject using the inhaler, a period of
time associated with an exhalation cycle by a subject using the
inhaler, and the like. Numerous inhalation parameters may be
assessed. Examples of such inhalation parameters include, but are
not limited to, velocity of flow through one or more flow channels
disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle by a subject
using the inhaler, volume of flow through one or more flow channels
disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle by a subject
using the inhaler, a period of time associated with an inhalation
cycle by a subject using the inhaler, and the like. Accordingly, in
some embodiments, a sensor 114 may assess one or more values
associated with one or more exhalation parameters and transmit one
or more signals that include the one or more assessed values to a
control unit 108. The control unit 108 may determine if the one or
more assessed values meet or exceed one or more threshold values
associated with the one or more exhalation parameters. A sensor 114
may assess one or more values associated with one or more
inhalation parameters and transmit one or more signals that include
the one or more assessed values to a control unit 108. The control
unit 108 may determine if the one or more assessed values meet or
exceed one or more threshold values associated with the one or more
inhalation parameters. If the one or more assessed values
associated with the one or more exhalation parameters and the one
or more inhalation parameters meet or exceed one or more threshold
values, the control unit 108 may direct an actuator 120 to
facilitate at least partial release from one or more incentive
agent reservoirs 216 to administer one or more incentive agents 218
to the subject using the inhaler.
[0162] FIG. 11 illustrates operational flow 1100 that includes
operation 1110 that includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler by a subject, operation 1120 that
includes administering at least one active agent 214 to the subject
in response to assessing the one or more parameters associated with
use of the inhaler, operation 1130 that includes administering at
least one incentive agent 218 to the subject in coordination with
administering the at least one active agent 214, and operation 1140
that includes displaying a comparison of an assessed value
associated with one or more respiration parameters with one or more
levels associated with the one or more respiration parameters.
Operations 1110, 1120, and 1130 correspond to operations 1010,
1020, and 1030 as previously described with reference to FIG.
10.
[0163] In FIG. 11 and in the following description that includes
various examples of operations used during performance of the
method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to
any one or combination of the above-described examples, and/or with
respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be
understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other
environments and contexts, and/or modified versions of the figures.
Also, although the various operations are presented in the
sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various
operations may be performed in other orders than those which are
illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.
[0164] Operation 1140 includes displaying a comparison of an
assessed value associated with one or more respiration parameters
with one or more levels associated with the one or more respiration
parameters. In some embodiments, system 100 may display a
comparison of an assessed value associated with one or more
respiration parameters with one or more levels associated with the
one or more respiration parameters. In some embodiments, one or
more performance indicators 116 may display a comparison of an
assessed value associated with one or more respiration parameters
with one or more levels associated with the one or more respiration
parameters. A performance indicator 116 may display a comparison of
numerous assessed values to numerous levels associated with one or
more respiration parameters. A performance indicator 116 may
display a comparison in numerous formats. For example, in some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may display a comparison
in a numeric format. In some embodiments, a performance indicator
116 may display a comparison in a colorimetric format. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may display a comparison
in an audio format. Examples of respiration parameters include, but
are not limited to, volume of flow through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler, velocity of flow through
one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler, a time
period associated with flow through one or more flow channels 104
disposed within an inhaler, and the like. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may display the quality of physical
contact between the mouth of a subject and a mouthpiece 268
associated with an inhaler. In some embodiments, a flow sensor 124
may be used to assess a value associated with flow through one or
more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler used by a subject
during an inhalation cycle. The flow sensor 124 may transmit one or
more signals 112 that include the assessed value to a performance
indicator 116 that displays a comparison of the assessed value with
one or more levels associated with flow through the one or more
flow channels 104 during an inhalation cycle. In some embodiments,
the flow sensor 124 may transmit one or more signals 112 that
include an assessed value associated with flow through one or more
flow channels 104 to a control unit 108 that processes the
information and then transmits one or more signals 112 to a
performance indicator 116 that displays a comparison of the
assessed value with one or more levels associated with flow through
the one or more flow channels 104. In some embodiments, such levels
associated with one or more respiration parameters may be threshold
levels. For example, in some embodiments, such levels may represent
either or both of an upper and lower flow level that are associated
with a desired level of flow though one or more flow channels 104
disposed within an inhaler.
[0165] In some embodiments, operation 1140 includes displaying a
comparison of the assessed value associated with one or more
respiration parameters to a range of levels associated with the one
or more respiration parameters and instructing the subject to
achieve a value of the one or more respiration parameters that is
within a range of threshold levels associated with the one or more
respiration parameters (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100
may be used to display a comparison of an assessed value associated
with one or more respiration parameters to a range of levels
associated with the one or more respiration parameters and instruct
a subject to achieve a value of the one or more respiration
parameters that is within a range of threshold levels associated
with the one or more respiration parameters. Values related to
numerous respiration parameters may be assessed and compared to
ranges associated with the respiration parameters. Examples of such
respiration parameters include, but are not limited to, velocity of
flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an
inhaler, volume of flow through one or more flow channels 104
disposed within an inhaler, time of flow through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler, amount of active agent 214
flowing through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an
inhaler, amount of incentive agent 218 flowing through one or more
flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler, and the like. For
example, in some embodiments, a flow sensor 124 may be used to
assess one or more values associated with volume of flow through
one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler when the
inhaler is used by a subject. The flow sensor 124 may transmit one
or more signals 112 that include the one or more assessed values to
a performance indicator 116 which displays the one or more assessed
values in comparison to a range of levels associated with one or
more parameters associated with a volume of flow. In some
embodiments, a velocimeter 138 may be configured to determine one
or more values associated with the velocity of flow during an
inhalation cycle and an exhalation cycle through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler used by a subject. The
velocimeter 138 may transmit one or more signals 112 that include
the one or more assessed values to a performance indicator 116 that
displays the one or more assessed values in comparison to one or
more ranges of levels associated with the velocity of flow. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to
achieve one or more values associated with one or more respiration
parameters that is within the range of levels associated with the
one or more respiration parameters. For example, in some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to
increase volume of flow through one or more flow channels 104
disposed within an inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may instruct a subject to decrease volume of flow
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler.
In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may instruct a
subject to maintain their current level of flow through one or more
flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler. In some embodiments,
a performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to increase
volume of flow during an exhalation cycle through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to decrease volume
of flow during an exhalation cycle through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to maintain their
current level of flow during an exhalation cycle through one or
more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to
increase the length of a breath hold cycle while using an inhaler.
In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may instruct a
subject to decrease the length of a breath hold cycle while using
an inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may
instruct a subject to maintain their current length of a breath
hold cycle while using an inhaler. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may be used to instruct a
subject with regard to numerous respiration parameters. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may be operably coupled with one or
more sensors 114 that are configured to assess one or more values
associated with one or more respiration parameters. The control
unit 108 may receive one or more signals 112 that include the one
or more assessed values related to one or more respiration
parameters from the one or more sensors 114 and then direct one or
more performance indicators 116 to display a comparison of the one
or more assessed values to one or more ranges of levels associated
with the one or more respiration parameters. In some embodiments, a
control unit 108 may receive one or more signals 112 that include
one or more assessed values related to one or more respiration
parameters from one or more sensors 114 and then direct one or more
performance indicators 116 to instruct a subject to achieve a value
of the one or more respiration parameters that is within the range
of levels associated with the one or more respiration
parameters.
[0166] In some embodiments, operation 1140 includes displaying a
comparison of the assessed value associated with one or more
inhalation parameters to a range of levels associated with the one
or more inhalation parameters and instructing the subject to
achieve a value of the one or more inhalation parameters that is
within a range of threshold levels associated with the one or more
inhalation parameters (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100
may be used to display a comparison of an assessed value associated
with one or more inhalation parameters to a range of levels
associated with the one or more inhalation parameters and instruct
a subject to achieve a value of the one or more inhalation
parameters that is within a range of threshold levels associated
with the one or more inhalation parameters. Values related to
numerous inhalation parameters may be assessed and compared to
ranges of levels associated with the inhalation parameters.
Examples of such inhalation parameters include, but are not limited
to, velocity of flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed
within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle, volume of flow
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler
during an inhalation cycle, time of flow through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle,
amount of active agent 214 flowing through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle,
amount of incentive agent 218 flowing through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle,
and the like. For example, in some embodiments, a flow sensor 124
may be used to assess one or more values associated with volume of
flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an
inhaler during an inhalation cycle. The flow sensor 124 may
transmit one or more signals 112 that include the one or more
assessed values to a performance indicator 116 which displays a
comparison of the one or more assessed values to a range of levels
associated with one or more inhalation parameters. In some
embodiments, a velocimeter 138 may be used to assess one or more
values associated with the velocity of flow through one or more
flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation
cycle. The velocimeter 138 may transmit one or more signals 112
that include the one or more assessed values to a performance
indicator 116 that displays the one or more assessed values in
comparison to one or more ranges of levels associated with the one
or more inhalation parameters. The performance indicator 116 may
display the comparison in numerous formats. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to achieve one or
more values associated with one or more inhalation parameters that
is within the range of levels associated with the one or more
inhalation parameters. For example, in some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to increase the
velocity of flow through an inhaler. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to decrease the
velocity of flow through an inhaler. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to maintain a
velocity of flow through an inhaler. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject using an inhaler
to increase the time period of an inhalation cycle through an
inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may
instruct a subject to decrease the time period of an inhalation
cycle through an inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may instruct a subject to maintain the time period of
an inhalation cycle through an inhaler. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may be used to instruct a
subject with regard to numerous inhalation parameters. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may be operably coupled with one or
more sensors 114 that are configured to assess on or more values
associated with one or more inhalation parameters. The control unit
108 may receive one or more signals 112 that include assessed
values related to one or more inhalation parameters from the one or
more sensors 114 and then direct one or more performance indicators
116 to display a comparison of the one or more assessed values to
one or more ranges of levels associated with the one or more
inhalation parameters. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
receive one or more signals that include assessed values related to
one or more inhalation parameters from the one or more sensors 114
and then direct one or more performance indicators 116 to instruct
the subject to achieve a value of the one or more inhalation
parameters that is within the range of levels associated with the
one or more inhalation parameters.
[0167] In some embodiments, operation 1140 includes displaying a
comparison of the assessed value associated with one or more breath
hold parameters to a range of levels associated with the one or
more breath hold parameters and instructing the subject to achieve
a value of the one or more breath hold parameters that is within
the range of threshold levels associated with the one or more
breath hold parameters (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100
may be used to display a comparison of an assessed value associated
with one or more breath hold parameters to a range of levels
associated with the one or more breath hold parameters and instruct
a subject to achieve a value of the one or more breath hold
parameters that is within the range of threshold levels associated
with the one or more breath hold parameters. Values related to
numerous breath hold parameters may be assessed and compared to
ranges of levels associated with the breath hold parameters.
Examples of such breath hold parameters include, but are not
limited to, a time period associated with a breath hold cycle, an
inhaled volume associated with a breath hold cycle, a quantity of
active agent 214 that is inhaled and held during a breath hold
cycle, a quantity of an incentive agent 218 that is inhaled and
held during a breath hold cycle, and the like. For example, in some
embodiments, a flow sensor 124 may be used to assess one or more
values associated with a volume of flow that is held during a
breath hold cycle. In some embodiments, a timer 134 may be used to
assess one or more values associated with a time period associated
with a breath hold cycle. In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may
transmit one or more signals 112 that include one or more assessed
values to a performance indicator 116 which displays the one or
more assessed values in comparison to a range of levels associated
with one or more breath hold parameters. The performance indicator
116 may display the comparison in numerous formats. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to
achieve one or more values associated with one or more breath hold
parameters that are within a range of levels associated with the
one or more breath hold parameters. For example, in some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to
increase the volume of flow that is held during a breath hold
cycle. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may
instruct a subject to decrease the volume of flow that is held
during a breath hold cycle. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may instruct a subject to increase the time period of
a breath hold cycle. In some embodiments, a performance indicator
116 may instruct a subject to decrease the time period of a breath
hold cycle. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may be used to instruct a subject with regard to
numerous breath hold parameters. In some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may be operably coupled with one or more sensors 114 that
are configured to assess on or more values associated with one or
more breath hold parameters. The control unit 108 may receive one
or more signals 112 that include assessed values related to one or
more breath hold parameters from the one or more sensors 114 and
then direct one or more performance indicators 116 to display a
comparison of the one or more assessed values to one or more ranges
of levels associated with the one or more breath hold parameters.
In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive one or more
signals 112 that include one or more assessed values related to one
or more breath hold parameters from one or more sensors 114 and
then direct one or more performance indicators 116 to instruct a
subject to achieve a value of the one or more breath hold
parameters that is within the range of levels associated with the
one or more breath hold parameters.
[0168] In some embodiments, operation 1140 includes displaying a
comparison of an assessed value associated with one or more
exhalation parameters to a range of levels associated with the one
or more exhalation parameters and instructing the subject to
achieve a value of the one or more exhalation parameters that is
within the range of threshold levels associated with the one or
more exhalation parameters (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to display a comparison of an assessed value
associated with one or more exhalation parameters to a range of
levels associated with the one or more exhalation parameters and
instruct a subject to achieve a value of the one or more exhalation
parameters that is within the range of threshold levels associated
with the one or more exhalation parameters. Values related to
numerous exhalation parameters may be assessed and compared to
ranges of levels associated with the exhalation parameters.
Examples of such exhalation parameters include, but are not limited
to, velocity of flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed
within an inhaler during an exhalation cycle, volume of flow
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler
during an exhalation cycle, time of flow through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an exhalation cycle,
amount of active agent 214 flowing through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an exhalation cycle,
amount of incentive agent 218 flowing through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an exhalation cycle,
and the like. For example, in some embodiments, a flow sensor 124
may be used to assess one or more values associated with volume of
flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an
inhaler during an exhalation cycle. The flow sensor 124 may
transmit one or more signals 112 that include the one or more
assessed values to a performance indicator 116 which displays a
comparison of the one or more assessed values to a range of levels
associated with one or more exhalation parameters. In some
embodiments, a velocimeter 138 may be used to assess one or more
values associated with the velocity of flow through one or more
flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an exhalation
cycle. The velocimeter 138 may transmit one or more signals 112
that include the one or more assessed values to a performance
indicator 116 that displays the one or more assessed values in
comparison to one or more ranges of levels associated with the one
or more exhalation parameters. The performance indicator 116 may
display the comparison in numerous formats. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to achieve one or
more values associated with one or more exhalation parameters that
is within the range of levels associated with the one or more
exhalation parameters. For example, in some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to increase the
velocity of flow through an inhaler. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to decrease the
velocity of flow through an inhaler. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to maintain a
velocity of flow through an inhaler. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject using an inhaler
to increase the time period of an exhalation cycle through an
inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may
instruct a subject to decrease the time period of an exhalation
cycle through an inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may instruct a subject to maintain the time period of
an exhalation cycle through an inhaler. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may be used to instruct a
subject with regard to numerous exhalation parameters. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may be operably coupled with one or
more sensors 114 that are configured to assess on or more values
associated with one or more exhalation parameters. The control unit
108 may receive one or more signals 112 that include an assessed
value related to one or more exhalation parameters from the one or
more sensors 114 and then direct one or more performance indicators
116 to display a comparison of the one or more assessed values to
one or more ranges of levels associated with the one or more
exhalation parameters. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
receive one or more signals that include an assessed value related
to one or more exhalation parameters from the one or more sensors
114 and then direct one or more performance indicators 116 to
instruct the subject to achieve a value of the one or more
exhalation parameters that is within the range of levels associated
with the one or more exhalation parameters.
[0169] In some embodiments, operation 1140 includes displaying a
comparison of an assessed value associated with one or more
exhalation parameters to a range of levels associated with the one
or more exhalation parameters and instructing the subject to
achieve a value of the one or more exhalation parameters that is
within the range of threshold levels associated with the one or
more exhalation parameters and then displaying a comparison of an
assessed value associated with one or more inhalation parameters to
a range of levels associated with the one or more inhalation
parameters and instructing the subject to achieve a value of the
one or more inhalation parameters that is within the range of
threshold levels associated with the one or more inhalation
parameters (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used
to display a comparison of an assessed value associated with one or
more exhalation parameters to a range of levels associated with the
one or more exhalation parameters and instruct a subject to achieve
a value of the one or more exhalation parameters that is within the
range of threshold levels associated with the one or more
exhalation parameters and then display a comparison of an assessed
value associated with one or more inhalation parameters to a range
of levels associated with the one or more inhalation parameters and
instruct the subject to achieve a value of the one or more
inhalation parameters that is within the range of threshold levels
associated with the one or more inhalation parameters. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may display a comparison
of one or more assessed exhalation parameters to a range of levels
associated with the one or more exhalation parameters. For example,
in some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may receive one or
more signals 112 that include one or more assessed values
associated with one or more exhalation parameters from one or more
sensors 114 and display the one or more values in comparison to a
range of levels associated with the one or more exhalation
parameters. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may receive one
or more signals 112 that include one or more assessed values that
are associated with one or more exhalation parameters from one or
more sensors 114 and then direct a performance indicator 116 to
display the one or more values associated with one or more
exhalation parameters in comparison to one or more levels
associated with the one or more exhalation parameters. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to
achieve a value of one or more exhalation parameters that are
within a range of levels associated with the one or more exhalation
parameters. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may direct a
performance indicator 116 to instruct a subject to achieve a value
of one or more exhalation parameters that are within a range of
levels associated with the one or more exhalation parameters. In
some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may display a
comparison of one or more assessed inhalation parameters to a range
of levels associated with the one or more inhalation parameters.
For example, in some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may
receive one or more signals 112 that include one or more assessed
values that are associated with one or more inhalation parameters
from one or more sensors 114 and display the one or more values in
comparison to a range of levels associated with the one or more
inhalation parameters. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may
receive one or more signals 112 that include one or more assessed
values associated with one or more inhalation parameters from one
or more sensors 114 and then direct a performance indicator 116 to
display the one or more values associated with one or more
inhalation parameters in comparison to one or more levels
associated with the one or more inhalation parameters. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to
achieve a value of one or more inhalation parameters that are
within a range of levels associated with the one or more inhalation
parameters. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may direct a
performance indicator 116 to instruct a subject to achieve a value
of one or more inhalation parameters that are within a range of
levels associated with the one or more inhalation parameters.
[0170] FIG. 12 illustrates operational flow 1200 that includes
operation 1210 that includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler by a subject, operation 1220 that
includes administering at least one active agent 214 to the subject
in response to assessing the one or more parameters associated with
use of the inhaler, operation 1230 that includes administering at
least one incentive agent 218 to the subject in coordination with
administering the at least one active agent 214, and operation 1240
that includes instructing the subject to achieve one or more values
associated with one or more respiration parameters. Operations
1210, 1220, and 1230 correspond to operations 1010, 1020, and 1030
as previously described with reference to FIG. 10.
[0171] In FIG. 12 and in the following description that includes
various examples of operations used during performance of the
method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to
any one or combination of the above-described examples, and/or with
respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be
understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other
environments and contexts, and/or modified versions of the figures.
Also, although the various operations are presented in the
sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various
operations may be performed in other orders than those which are
illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.
[0172] Operation 1240 includes instructing the subject to achieve
one or more values associated with one or more respiration
parameters. In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to instruct
a subject to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
respiration parameters. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may instruct a subject to achieve one or more values
associated with one or more respiration parameters. A performance
indicator may instruct a subject to achieve one or more values
associated with numerous types of respiration parameters. Examples
of such respiration parameters include, but are not limited to,
parameters associated with flow through one or more flow channels
104 disposed within an inhaler, release of one or more active
agents 214 from one or more active agent reservoirs 212, release of
one or more incentive agents 218 from one or more incentive agent
reservoirs 216, and the like. For example, in some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to increase volume
of flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an
inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may
instruct a subject to decrease volume of flow through one or more
flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler. In some embodiments,
a performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to maintain
their current level of flow through one or more flow channels 104
disposed within an inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may instruct a subject to increase volume of flow
during an exhalation cycle through one or more flow channels 104
disposed within an inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may instruct a subject to decrease volume of flow
during an exhalation cycle through one or more flow channels 104
disposed within an inhaler. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may instruct a subject to maintain their current
level of flow during an exhalation cycle through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to increase the
length of a breath hold cycle while using an inhaler. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may instruct a subject to
decrease the length of a breath hold cycle while using an inhaler.
In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may instruct a
subject to maintain their current length of a breath hold cycle
while using an inhaler. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may be used to instruct a subject with
regard to numerous respiration parameters. In some embodiments, a
control unit 108 may be operably coupled with one or more sensors
114 that are configured to assess one or more values associated
with one or more respiration parameters. In some embodiments, a
control unit 108 may receive one or more signals 112 that include
one or more assessed values related to one or more respiration
parameters from one or more sensors 114 and then direct one or more
performance indicators 116 to instruct a subject to achieve a value
assigned to the one or more respiration parameters.
[0173] In some embodiments, operation 1240 includes instructing the
subject to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
respiration parameters that meet or exceed one or more threshold
levels associated with the one or more respiration parameters (not
shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to instruct a
subject to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
respiration parameters that meet or exceed one or more threshold
levels associated with the one or more respiration parameters. In
some embodiments, one or more performance indicators 116 may be
configured to instruct a subject to achieve one or more values
associated with one or more respiration parameters that meet or
exceed one or more threshold levels associated with the one or more
respiration parameters. For example, in some embodiments, a flow
sensor 124 may assess a value associated with flow through one or
more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an
inhalation cycle by a subject using the inhaler. The flow sensor
124 may transmit one or more signals 112 that include the assessed
value to a performance indicator 116. If the assessed value does
not meet a minimum threshold value for flow, the performance
indicator 116 may instruct the subject to increase flow through the
one or more flow channels 104 during the inhalation cycle. In
another example, a timer 134 may assess a breath holding period
following an inhalation cycle and transmit one or more signals 112
that include the assessed value to a performance indicator 116. If
the assessed breath holding value is below a breath holding
threshold value the performance indicator 116 may instruct a
subject to increase their breath holding period after an inhalation
cycle. A performance indicator 116 may provide instructions to a
subject in numerous formats. For example, in some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may provide audible instructions. In some
embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may provide visual
instructions. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may
provide tactile instructions.
[0174] In some embodiments, operation 1240 includes instructing the
subject to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
respiration parameters that are within one or more ranges of levels
associated with the one or more respiration parameters (not shown).
In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to instruct a subject
to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
respiration parameters that are within one or more ranges of levels
associated with the one or more respiration parameters. For
example, in some embodiments, a flow sensor 124 may assess a value
associated with flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed
within an inhaler during use of the inhaler by a subject. The flow
sensor 124 may transmit one or more signals 112 that include the
assessed value to a performance indicator 116. If the assessed
value is not within one or more ranges of values associated with
one or more respiration parameters the performance indicator 116
may instruct the subject to achieve one or more respiration
parameters that are within one or more ranges of levels. In another
example, a timer 134 may assess a period of time that a subject
inhales through an inhaler. The timer 134 may transmit one or more
signals 112 that include the assessed value to a performance
indicator 116. If the assessed time period value is outside the one
or more ranges the performance indicator 116 may instruct the
subject to inhale through the inhaler for a time period that is
within the one or more ranges. In some embodiments, a sensor 114
may assess one or more respiration parameters associated with use
of an inhaler by a subject and then transmit one or more signals
112 that include the information to a control unit 108. The control
unit 108 may then direct a performance indicator 116 to instruct
the subject to achieve one or more levels that are within one or
more ranges of levels.
[0175] In some embodiments, operation 1240 includes instructing the
subject to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
inhalation parameters that are within one or more ranges of levels
associated with the one or more inhalation parameters (not shown).
In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to instruct a subject
to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
inhalation parameters that are within one or more ranges of levels
associated with the one or more inhalation parameters. For example,
in some embodiments, one or more velocimeters 138 may assess one or
more values associated with the velocity of flow through one or
more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an
inhalation cycle of a subject using the inhaler. The one or more
velocimeters 138 may transmit one or more signals 112 that include
the one or more values to a performance indicator 116. The
performance indicator 116 may then instruct the subject to achieve
one or more values that are within one or more ranges of levels
associated with the one or more inhalation parameters. Examples of
such instructions may include, but are not limited to, instructing
the subject to increase flow though the inhaler, instructing the
subject to decrease flow though the inhaler, instructing the
subject to maintain the current level of flow though the inhaler,
and the like.
[0176] In some embodiments, operation 1240 includes instructing the
subject to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
breath hold parameters that are within one or more ranges of levels
associated with the one or more breath hold parameters (not shown).
In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to instruct a subject
to achieve one or more values associated with one or more breath
hold parameters that are within one or more ranges of levels
associated with the one or more breath hold parameters. Values
related to numerous breath hold parameters may be assessed and used
to instruct a subject to achieve one or more values associated with
one or more breath hold parameters that are within one or more
ranges of levels associated with the one or more breath hold
parameters. Examples of such breath hold parameters include, but
are not limited to, a time period associated with a breath hold
cycle, inhalation volume associated with a breath hold cycle, a
quantity of formulation 214 that is inhaled and held during a
breath hold cycle, a quantity of an incentive agent 218 that is
inhaled and held during a breath hold cycle, and the like. In some
embodiments, a timer 134 may assess one or more time periods
associated with a breath hold cycle. The timer 134 may transmit one
or more signals 112 that include the one or more assessed values to
a performance indicator 116 that instructs the subject to achieve
one or more values associated with one or more breath hold periods
that are within a range of levels associated with the one or more
breath hold periods. In some embodiments, a performance indicator
116 may instruct the subject to increase the volume of flow that is
inhaled and held during a breath hold cycle. In some embodiments, a
performance indicator 116 may instruct the subject to decrease the
volume of flow that is inhaled and held during a breath hold cycle.
In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may transmit one or more signals
112 that include an assessed value to a control unit 108 that
directs a performance indicator 116 to instruct the subject to
achieve one or more values associated with one or more breath hold
parameters that are within a range of levels associated with the
one or more breath hold parameters.
[0177] In some embodiments, operation 1240 includes instructing the
subject to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
exhalation parameters that are within one or more ranges of levels
associated with the one or more exhalation parameters (not shown).
In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to instruct a subject
to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
exhalation parameters that are within one or more ranges of levels
associated with the one or more exhalation parameters. For example,
in some embodiments, one or more velocimeters 138 may assess one or
more values associated with the velocity of flow through one or
more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an
exhalation cycle of a subject using the inhaler. The one or more
velocimeters 138 may transmit one or more signals 112 that include
the one or more values to a performance indicator 116 that
instructs the subject to achieve one or more values associated with
one or more exhalation parameters that are within one or more
ranges of levels associated with the one or more exhalation
parameters. Examples of such instructions may include, but are not
limited to, instructing the subject to increase flow though the
inhaler, instructing the subject to decrease flow though the
inhaler, instructing the subject to maintain the current level of
flow though the inhaler, and the like.
[0178] FIG. 13 illustrates operational flow 1300 that includes
operation 1310 that includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler by a subject, operation 1320 that
includes administering at least one active agent 214 to the subject
in response to assessing the one or more parameters associated with
use of the inhaler, operation 1330 that includes administering at
least one incentive agent 218 to the subject in coordination with
administering the at least one active agent 214, and operation 1340
that includes accepting information associated with one or more
parameters associated with the subject. Operations 1310, 1320, and
1330 correspond to operations 1010, 1020, and 1030 as previously
described with reference to FIG. 10.
[0179] In FIG. 13 and in the following description that includes
various examples of operations used during performance of the
method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to
any one or combination of the above-described examples, and/or with
respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be
understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other
environments and contexts, and/or modified versions of the figures.
Also, although the various operations are presented in the
sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various
operations may be performed in other orders than those which are
illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.
[0180] Operation 1340 includes accepting information associated
with one or more parameters associated with the subject. In some
embodiments, system 100 may be used to accept information
associated with one or more parameters associated with a subject.
For example, in some embodiments, a user interface 110 may accept
information associated with one or more parameters associated with
a subject. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may accept
information associated with one or more parameters associated with
a subject. In some embodiments, a performance indicator 116 may
accept information associated with one or more parameters
associated with a subject. Accordingly, numerous components of
system 100 may accept information associated with one or more
parameters associated with a subject. Numerous types of information
associated with one or more parameters associated with a subject
may be accepted. Examples of such information include, but are not
limited to, height, weight, age, activity level, drug use,
nutraceutical use, heart rate, tidal volume, dosage of a drug used
by the subject, and the like.
[0181] In some embodiments, operation 1340 includes accepting
information associated with one or more physical parameters
associated with the subject (not shown). In some embodiments,
system 100 may be used to accept information associated with one or
more physical parameters associated with a subject. For example, in
some embodiments, a user interface 110 may accept information
associated with one or more physical parameters associated with a
subject. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may accept
information associated with one or more physical parameters
associated with a subject. In some embodiments, a performance
indicator 116 may accept information associated with one or more
physical parameters associated with a subject. Accordingly,
numerous components of system 100 may accept information associated
with one or more physical parameters associated with a subject.
Numerous types of information associated with one or more physical
parameters associated with a subject may be accepted. Examples of
such information include, but are not limited to, height, weight,
age, activity level, heart rate, tidal volume, and the like.
[0182] In some embodiments, operation 1340 includes accepting
information associated with one or more parameters associated with
the subject and using the information in combination with one or
more respiration parameters to determine one or more subject
specific respiration characteristics (not shown). In some
embodiments, system 100 may be used to accept information
associated with one or more parameters associated with a subject
and use the information in combination with one or more respiration
parameters to determine one or more subject specific respiration
characteristics. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may accept
information associated with one or more parameters associated with
a subject and use the information in combination with one or more
respiration parameters to determine one or more subject specific
respiration characteristics associated with the subject. For
example, in some embodiments, a control unit 108 may accept
information associated with the total lung capacity associated with
a subject. The control unit 108 may also receive one or more
signals 112 that include one or more assessed values associated
with the tidal volume of the subject from one or more sensors 114
associated with an inhaler used by the subject. The control unit
108 may then use the total lung capacity and the tidal volume to
calculate the residual volume that is specific to the subject.
Accordingly, numerous subject specific respiration characteristics
may be determined. Examples of such subject specific respiration
characteristics include, but are not limited to, total lung
capacity, tidal volume, residual volume, expiratory reserve volume,
inspiratory reserve volume, inspiratory capacity, inspiratory vital
capacity, vital capacity, function residual volume, alveolar gas
volume, actual volume of the lung, forced vital capacity, forced
expiratory volume, forced expiratory flow, forced inspiratory flow,
peak expiratory flow, maximal voluntary ventilation, and the
like.
[0183] In some embodiments, operation 1340 includes accepting
information associated with one or more parameters associated with
the subject and using the information in combination with one or
more delivery parameters to estimate a quantity of the active agent
214 that will be effectively delivered to the subject (not shown).
In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to accept information
associated with one or more parameters associated with a subject
and use the information in combination with one or more delivery
parameters to estimate a quantity of an active agent 214 that will
be effectively delivered to the subject. For example, in some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may accept information associated
with the total lung capacity of a subject. The control unit 108 may
also receive one or more signals that include information
associated with a total volume of flow and quantity of active agent
214 that flowed through one or more flow channels 104 in an inhaler
used by the subject during an inhalation cycle from one or more
sensors 114. The control unit 108 may then estimate a quantity of
active agent 214 that was effectively delivered to the subject
based on the inhaled volume and the quantity of the active agent
214 that was delivered.
[0184] FIG. 14 illustrates operational flow 1400 that includes
operation 1410 that includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler by a subject, operation 1420 that
includes administering at least one active agent 214 to the subject
in response to assessing the one or more parameters associated with
use of the inhaler, operation 1430 that includes administering at
least one incentive agent 218 to the subject in coordination with
administering the at least one active agent 214, and operation 1440
that includes administering at least one additional active agent
214 to the subject. Operations 1410, 1420, and 1430 correspond to
operations 1010, 1020, and 1030 as previously described with
reference to FIG. 10.
[0185] In FIG. 14 and in the following description that includes
various examples of operations used during performance of the
method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to
any one or combination of the above-described examples, and/or with
respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be
understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other
environments and contexts, and/or modified versions of the figures.
Also, although the various operations are presented in the
sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various
operations may be performed in other orders than those which are
illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.
[0186] Operation 1440 includes administering at least one
additional active agent 214 to the subject. In some embodiments,
system 100 may be used to administer at least one additional active
agent 214 to a subject. For example, in some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at
least partial release of at least one additional active agent 214
from one or more active agent reservoirs 212. Numerous types of
active agents 214 may be administered. Examples of such active
agents 214 include, but are not limited to, steroids,
anti-inflammatory drugs, bronchodilators, leukotriene modifiers,
long-acting beta antagonists, 1,3-dimethylxanthine, short-acting
beta agonists,
[8-methyl-8-(1-methylethyl)-8-azoniabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]3-hy-
droxy-2-phenyl-propanoate, antibodies, and the like (see e.g.,
Remingtion: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Lippincott,
Williams & Wilkins, 20th edition, Baltimore, Md., USA (2000),
Physicians' Desk Reference, Thomson PDR, 58th edition, Montvale,
N.J. (2004); Merck Index, Merck and Co., 13th edition, Whitehouse
Station, N.J. (2001); which are hereby incorporated by reference).
Accordingly, numerous combinations of active agents 214 may be
administered to a subject.
[0187] In some embodiments, operation 1440 includes administering
at least one pulmonary vasodilator (not shown). In some
embodiments, system 100 may be used to administer at least one
pulmonary vasodilator. For example, in some embodiments, a control
unit 108 may direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at
least partial release of one or more pulmonary vasodilators from
one or more active agent reservoirs 212. Examples of pulmonary
vasodilators include, but are not limited to, endothelin receptor
antagonists, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors,
prostacyclin derivatives, and
5-{(E)-(1S,5S,6R,7R)-7-hydroxy-6[(E)-(3S,4RS)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-1-octen--
6-inyl]-bicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-ylidene}pentanoic acid.
[0188] In some embodiments, operation 1440 includes administering
at least one anti-inflammatory agent (not shown). In some
embodiments, system 100 may be used to administer at least one
anti-inflammatory agent. For example, in some embodiments, a
control unit 108 may direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate
at least partial release of one or more anti-inflammatory agents
from one or more active agent reservoirs 212. Examples of
anti-inflammatory agents include, but are not limited to,
beclomethasone dipropionate, fluticasione propionate, flunisolide,
budesonide, mometasone, ciclesonide, cromolyn sodium, and
nedocromil sodium.
[0189] FIG. 15 illustrates operational flow 1500 that includes
operation 1510 that includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler by a subject, operation 1520 that
includes administering at least one active agent 214 to the subject
in response to assessing the one or more parameters associated with
use of the inhaler, operation 1530 that includes administering at
least one incentive agent 218 to the subject in coordination with
administering the at least one active agent 214, and operation 1540
that includes assessing one or more parameters associated with
administering the at least one active agent 214 to the subject.
Operations 1510, 1520, and 1530 correspond to operations 1010,
1020, and 1030 as previously described with reference to FIG.
10.
[0190] In FIG. 15 and in the following description that includes
various examples of operations used during performance of the
method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to
any one or combination of the above-described examples, and/or with
respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be
understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other
environments and contexts, and/or modified versions of the figures.
Also, although the various operations are presented in the
sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various
operations may be performed in other orders than those which are
illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.
[0191] Operation 1540 includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with administering the at least one active agent 214 to
the subject. In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess
one or more parameters associated with administering at least one
active agent 214 to the subject. For example, in some embodiments,
an optical sensor 126 may be used to assess a quantity of one or
more active agents 214 that flow through one or more flow channels
104 that are disposed within an inhaler during use of the inhaler
by a subject. In some embodiments, a velocimeter 138 may be used to
assess the velocity with which one or more active agents 214 flow
through one or more flow channels 104 that are disposed within an
inhaler during use of the inhaler by a subject. Accordingly,
numerous parameters may be determined that are associated with
administration of one or more active agents 214 to a subject.
[0192] In some embodiments, operation 1540 includes assessing one
or more parameters associated with a velocity with which the at
least one active agent 214 was administered to the subject (not
shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess one
or more parameters associated with a velocity with which at least
one active agent 214 was administered to a subject. For example, in
some embodiments, a velocimeter 138 may be used to assess the
velocity with which one or more active agents 214 flow through one
or more flow channels 104 that are disposed within an inhaler
during use of the inhaler by a subject.
[0193] In some embodiments, operation 1540 includes assessing one
or more parameters associated with a volume of gas in which the at
least one active agent 214 was administered to the subject (not
shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess one
or more parameters associated with a volume of gas in which at
least one active agent 214 was administered to a subject. For
example, in some embodiments, a volume sensor 128 may be used to
assess a volume of gas in which one or more active agents 214 flow
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler
when the inhaler is used by a subject.
[0194] In some embodiments, operation 1540 includes assessing a
time period associated with administering the at least one active
agent 214 to the subject (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to assess a time period associated with
administering at least one active agent 214 to a subject. For
example, in some embodiments, a timer 134 may be used to assess a
time period in which one or more active agents 214 are administered
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler
when the inhaler is used by a subject.
[0195] In some embodiments, operation 1540 includes assessing a
quantity of the at least one active agent 214 that was administered
to the subject (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to assess a quantity of at least one active agent 214 that was
administered to a subject. In some embodiments, an optical sensor
126 may be used to assess a quantity of one or more active agents
214 that flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within
an inhaler that is used by a subject. In some embodiments, a phase
Doppler interferometer 136 may be used to assess a quantity of one
or more active agents 214 that flow through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler that is used by a subject.
In some embodiments, an ultrasonic flow meter 140 may be used to
assess a quantity of one or more active agents 214 that flow
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler
that is used by a subject. In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may
transmit one or more signals 112 that include one or more assessed
values associated with a quantity of one or more active agents 214
to a control unit 108 that receives the one or more assessed values
and then determines a quantity of one or more active agents 214
that were delivered to a subject using an inhaler.
[0196] In some embodiments, operation 1540 includes assessing a
quantity of the at least one active agent 214 that was administered
to the subject and then repeating the administration of the at
least one active agent 214 until a preselected quantity of the at
least one active agent 214 is administered to the subject (not
shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess a
quantity of at least one active agent 214 that was administered to
a subject and then repeat administration of the at least one active
agent 214 until a preselected quantity of the at least one active
agent 214 is administered to the subject. In some embodiments, an
optical sensor 126 may be used to assess a quantity of one or more
active agents 214 that flow through one or more flow channels 104
disposed within an inhaler that is used by a subject. In some
embodiments, a phase Doppler interferometer 136 may be used to
assess a quantity of one or more active agents 214 that flow
through one or more flow channels 106 disposed within an inhaler
that is used by a subject. In some embodiments, an ultrasonic flow
meter 140 may be used to assess a quantity of one or more active
agents 214 that flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed
within an inhaler that is used by a subject. In some embodiments, a
sensor 114 may transmit one or more signals 112 that include one or
more assessed values associated with a quantity of one or more
active agents 214 to a control unit 108 that receives the one or
more assessed values and then determines a quantity of one or more
active agents 214 that were delivered to a subject using the
inhaler. The control unit 108 may then assess the quantity of one
or more active agents 214 that were delivered to a subject using
the inhaler and determine an additional quantity of the one or more
active agents 214 that are to be delivered to the subject to reach
a preselected quantity of the one or more active agents 214 for
delivery. The control unit 108 may then direct one or more
actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial release of one or more
active agents 214 from one or more active agent reservoirs 212
until the preselected quantity of the one or more active agents 214
are administered to the subject.
[0197] FIG. 16 illustrates operational flow 1600 that includes
operation 1610 that includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler by a subject, operation 1620 that
includes administering at least one active agent 214 to the subject
in response to assessing the one or more parameters associated with
use of the inhaler, operation 1630 that includes administering at
least one incentive agent 218 to the subject in coordination with
administering the at least one active agent 214, and operation 1640
that includes assessing one or more parameters associated with
administering the at least one incentive agent 218 to the subject.
Operations 1610, 1620, and 1630 correspond to operations 1010,
1020, and 1030 as previously described with reference to FIG.
10.
[0198] In FIG. 16 and in the following description that includes
various examples of operations used during performance of the
method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to
any one or combination of the above-described examples, and/or with
respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be
understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other
environments and contexts, and/or modified versions of the figures.
Also, although the various operations are presented in the
sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various
operations may be performed in other orders than those which are
illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.
[0199] Operation 1640 includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with administering the at least one incentive agent 218
to the subject. In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to
assess one or more parameters associated with administering at
least one incentive agent 218 to the subject. For example, in some
embodiments, an optical sensor 126 may be used to assess a quantity
of one or more incentive agents 218 that flow through one or more
flow channels 104 that are disposed within an inhaler during use of
the inhaler by a subject. In some embodiments, a velocimeter 138
may be used to assess the velocity with which one or more incentive
agents 218 flow through one or more flow channels 104 that are
disposed within an inhaler during use of the inhaler by a subject.
Accordingly, numerous parameters may be determined that are
associated with administration of one or more incentive agents 218
to a subject.
[0200] In some embodiments, operation 1640 includes assessing one
or more parameters associated with a velocity with which the at
least one incentive agent 218 was administered to the subject (not
shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess one
or more parameters associated with a velocity with which at least
one incentive agent 218 was administered to a subject. For example,
in some embodiments, a velocimeter 138 may be used to assess the
velocity with which one or more incentive agents 218 flow through
one or more flow channels 104 that are disposed within an inhaler
during use of the inhaler by a subject.
[0201] In some embodiments, operation 1640 includes assessing one
or more parameters associated with a volume of gas in which the at
least one incentive agent 218 was administered to the subject (not
shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to assess one
or more parameters associated with a volume of gas in which at
least one incentive agent 218 was administered to a subject. For
example, in some embodiments, a volume sensor 128 may be used to
assess a volume of gas in which one or more incentive agents 218
flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an
inhaler when the inhaler is used by a subject.
[0202] In some embodiments, operation 1640 includes assessing a
time period associated with administering the at least incentive
agent 218 to the subject (not shown). In some embodiments, system
100 may be used to assess a time period associated with
administering at least one incentive agent 218 to a subject. For
example, in some embodiments, a timer 134 may be used to assess a
time period in which one or more incentive agents 218 are
administered through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within
an inhaler when the inhaler is used by a subject.
[0203] In some embodiments, operation 1640 includes assessing a
quantity of the at least one incentive agent 218 that was
administered to the subject (not shown). In some embodiments,
system 100 may be used to assess a quantity of at least one
incentive agent 218 that was administered to a subject. In some
embodiments, an optical sensor 126 may be used to assess a quantity
of one or more incentive agents 218 that flow through one or more
flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler that is used by a
subject. In some embodiments, a phase Doppler interferometer 136
may be used to assess a quantity of one or more incentive agents
218 that flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within
an inhaler that is used by a subject. In some embodiments, an
ultrasonic flow meter 140 may be used to assess a quantity of one
or more incentive agents 218 that flow through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler that is used by a subject.
In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may transmit one or more signals
112 that include one or more assessed values associated with a
quantity of one or more incentive agents 218 to a control unit 108
that receives the one or more assessed values and then determines a
quantity of one or more incentive agents 218 that were delivered to
a subject using an inhaler.
[0204] In some embodiments, operation 1640 includes assessing a
quantity of the at least one incentive agent 218 that was
administered to the subject and then repeating the administration
of the at least one incentive agent 218 until a preselected
quantity of the at least one active agent 214 is administered to
the subject (not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be
used to assess a quantity of at least one incentive agent 218 that
was administered to a subject and then repeat administration of the
at least one incentive agent 218 until a preselected quantity of
the at least one incentive agent 218 is administered to the
subject. In some embodiments, an optical sensor 126 may be used to
assess a quantity of one or more incentive agents 218 that flow
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler
that is used by a subject. In some embodiments, a phase Doppler
interferometer 136 may be used to assess a quantity of one or more
incentive agents 218 that flow through one or more flow channels
106 disposed within an inhaler that is used by a subject. In some
embodiments, an ultrasonic flow meter 140 may be used to assess a
quantity of one or more incentive agents 218 that flow through one
or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler that is used
by a subject. In some embodiments, a sensor 114 may transmit one or
more signals 112 that include one or more assessed values
associated with a quantity of one or more incentive agents 218 to a
control unit 108 that receives the one or more assessed values and
then determines a quantity of one or more incentive agents 218 that
were delivered to a subject using the inhaler. The control unit 108
may then assess the quantity of one or more incentive agents 218
that were delivered to a subject using the inhaler and determine an
additional quantity of the one or more incentive agents 218 that
are to be delivered to the subject to reach a preselected quantity
of the one or more incentive agents 218 for delivery. The control
unit 108 may then direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at
least partial release of one or more incentive agents 218 from one
or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 until the preselected
quantity of the one or more incentive agents 218 are administered
to the subject.
[0205] FIG. 17 illustrates operational flow 1700 that includes
operation 1710 that includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler by a subject, operation 1720 that
includes administering at least one active agent 214 to the subject
in response to assessing the one or more parameters associated with
use of the inhaler, operation 1730 that includes administering at
least one incentive agent 218 to the subject in coordination with
administering the at least one active agent 214, operation 1740
that includes assessing one or more parameters associated with
administering the at least one active agent 214 to the subject, and
operation 1750 that includes predicting one or more locations in
the pulmonary tract of the subject where the at least one active
agent 214 was delivered in response to the one or more parameters
associated with administration of the at least one active agent 214
to the subject. Operations 1710, 1720, and 1730 correspond to
operations 1010, 1020, and 1030 as previously described with
reference to FIG. 10 and operation 1740 corresponds to operation
1540 as previously described with reference to FIG. 15.
[0206] In FIG. 17 and in the following description that includes
various examples of operations used during performance of the
method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to
any one or combination of the above-described examples, and/or with
respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be
understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other
environments and contexts, and/or modified versions of the figures.
Also, although the various operations are presented in the
sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various
operations may be performed in other orders than those which are
illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.
[0207] Operation 1750 includes predicting one or more locations in
the pulmonary tract of the subject where the at least one active
agent 214 was delivered in response to the one or more parameters
associated with administration of the at least one active agent 214
to the subject. In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to
predict one or more locations in the pulmonary tract of a subject
where at least one active agent 214 was delivered in response to
one or more parameters associated with administration of the at
least one active agent 214 to the subject. For example, in some
embodiments, a flow sensor 124 may be used to measure a volume of
flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an
inhaler during an inhalation cycle by a subject using the inhaler
to administer one or more active agents 214. The flow sensor 124
may transmit one or more signals that include an assessed value for
the volume of flow through the inhaler to a control unit 108. The
control unit 108 may then compare the assessed volume of flow to
the total lung capacity of the subject using the inhaler. The
control unit 108 may then predict one or more locations in the
pulmonary tract of the subject where the at least one active agent
214 was delivered based on the comparison of assessed volume of
flow to total lung capacity of the subject. For example, if the
assessed volume of flow is nearly equal to the total lung capacity
of the subject, the control unit 108 may predict that the active
agent 214 was administered to deep lung tissue. In contrast, if the
assessed volume of flow is a small fraction of the total lung
capacity of the subject, the control unit 108 may predict that the
active agent 214 was administered to shallow lung tissue.
[0208] In some embodiments, operation 1750 includes predicting a
quantity of the at least one active agent 214 delivered to one or
more locations in the pulmonary tract of the subject and then
repeating the administration of the at least one active agent 214
until a preselected quantity of the at least one active agent 214
is predicted to have been administered to the subject (not shown).
In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to predict a quantity
of at least one active agent 214 delivered to one or more locations
in the pulmonary tract of a subject and then repeat administration
of the at least one active agent 214 until a preselected quantity
of the at least one active agent 214 is predicted to have been
administered to the subject. For example, in some embodiments,
sensors 114 may be used to assess a volume of flow and a quantity
of one or more active agents 214 flowing through one or more flow
channels 104 disposed within an inhaler during an inhalation cycle
by a subject using the inhaler to administer the one or more active
agents 214. The sensors 114 may transmit one or more signals 112
that include one or more assessed values corresponding to the
volume of flow and the quantity of active agent 214 flowing through
the inhaler to a control unit 108. The control unit 108 may then
compare the assessed volume of flow to the total lung capacity of
the subject using the inhaler. The control unit 108 may then
predict one or more locations in the pulmonary tract of the subject
where the one or more active agents 214 were delivered based on the
comparison of assessed volume of flow to total lung capacity of the
subject. The control unit 108 may also predict the quantity of the
one or more active agents 214 that were delivered to the location
in the pulmonary tract based on the assessed quantity of the one or
more active agents 214. For example, if the assessed volume of flow
is a small fraction of the total lung capacity of the subject, the
control unit 108 may predict that the assessed quantity of the one
or more active agents 214 were administered to shallow lung tissue.
In contrast, if the assessed volume of flow is nearly equal to the
total lung capacity of the subject, the control unit 108 may
predict that the assessed quantity of the one or more active agents
214 were administered throughout the pulmonary tract. The control
unit 108 may then compare the quantity of the one or more active
agents 214 that were administered to the subject to a preselected
quantity of the one or more active agents 214 that are to be
administered to the subject to determine an additional quantity of
one or more active agents 214 for administration to the subject.
The control unit 108 may then direct one or more actuators 120 to
facilitate at least partial release from one or more active agent
reservoirs 212 to administer the one or more active agents 214 to
the subject until a preselected quantity of the one or more active
agents 214 have been administered to the subject. In some
embodiments, a control unit 108 may direct one or more actuators
120 to facilitate at least partial release from one or more active
agent reservoirs 122 at selected stages of an inhalation cycle
through an inhaler by a subject. For example, in some embodiments,
a control unit 108 may direct one or more actuators 120 to
facilitate at least partial release from one or more active agent
reservoirs 212 during an early stage of an inhalation cycle to
administer one or more active agents 214 to deep lung tissue in the
pulmonary tract. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may direct
one or more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial release
from one or more active agent reservoirs 212 during a late stage of
an inhalation cycle to administer one or more active agents 214 to
shallow lung tissue in the pulmonary tract. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, the quantity of one or more active agents 214 and the
location in the pulmonary tract to which the one or more active
agents 214 are administered may be controlled.
[0209] FIG. 18 illustrates operational flow 1800 that includes
operation 1810 that includes assessing one or more parameters
associated with use of an inhaler by a subject, operation 1820 that
includes administering at least one active agent 214 to the subject
in response to assessing the one or more parameters associated with
use of the inhaler, operation 1830 that includes administering at
least one incentive agent 218 to the subject in coordination with
administering the at least one active agent 214, operation 1840
that includes assessing one or more parameters associated with
administering the at least one active agent 214 to the subject, and
operation 1850 that includes predicting one or more locations in
the pulmonary tract of the subject where the at least one active
agent 214 was delivered in response to the one or more parameters
associated with administration of the at least one active agent 214
to the subject. Operations 1810, 1820, and 1830 correspond to
operations 1010, 1020, and 1030 as previously described with
reference to FIG. 10 and operation 1840 corresponds to operation
1640 as previously described with reference to FIG. 16.
[0210] In FIG. 18 and in the following description that includes
various examples of operations used during performance of the
method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to
any one or combination of the above-described examples, and/or with
respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be
understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other
environments and contexts, and/or modified versions of the figures.
Also, although the various operations are presented in the
sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various
operations may be performed in other orders than those which are
illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.
[0211] Operation 1850 includes predicting one or more locations in
the pulmonary tract of the subject where the at least one incentive
agent 218 was delivered in response to the one or more parameters
associated with administration of the at least one incentive agent
218 to the subject. In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to
predict one or more locations in the pulmonary tract of a subject
where at least one incentive agent 218 was delivered in response to
one or more parameters associated with administration of the at
least one incentive agent 218 to the subject. For example, in some
embodiments, a flow sensor 124 may be used to measure a volume of
flow through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an
inhaler during an inhalation cycle by a subject using the inhaler
to administer one or more incentive agents 218. The flow sensor 124
may transmit one or more signals that include an assessed value for
the volume of flow through the inhaler to a control unit 108. The
control unit 108 may then compare the assessed volume of flow to
the total lung capacity of the subject using the inhaler. The
control unit 108 may then predict one or more locations in the
pulmonary tract of the subject where the at least one incentive
agent 218 was delivered based on the comparison of assessed volume
of flow to total lung capacity of the subject. For example, if the
assessed volume of flow is nearly equal to the total lung capacity
of the subject, the control unit 108 may predict that the incentive
agent 218 was administered to deep lung tissue. In contrast, if the
assessed volume of flow is a small fraction of the total lung
capacity of the subject, the control unit 108 may predict that the
incentive agent 218 was administered to shallow lung tissue.
[0212] In some embodiments, operation 1850 includes predicting a
quantity of the at least one incentive agent 218 delivered to one
or more locations in the pulmonary tract of the subject and then
repeating the administration of the at least one incentive agent
218 until a preselected quantity of the at least one incentive
agent 218 is predicted to have been administered to the subject
(not shown). In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to predict
a quantity of at least one incentive agent 218 delivered to one or
more locations in the pulmonary tract of a subject and then repeat
administration of the at least one incentive agent 218 until a
preselected quantity of the at least incentive agent 218 is
predicted to have been administered to the subject. For example, in
some embodiments, sensors 114 may be used to assess a volume of
flow and a quantity of one or more incentive agents 218 flowing
through one or more flow channels 104 disposed within an inhaler
during an inhalation cycle by a subject using the inhaler to
administer the one or more incentive agents 218. The sensors 114
may transmit one or more signals 112 that include one or more
assessed values corresponding to the volume of flow and the
quantity of incentive agent 218 flowing through the inhaler to a
control unit 108. The control unit 108 may then compare the
assessed volume of flow to the total lung capacity of the subject
using the inhaler. The control unit 108 may then predict one or
more locations in the pulmonary tract of the subject where the one
or more incentive agents 218 were delivered based on the comparison
of assessed volume of flow to total lung capacity of the subject.
The control unit 108 may also predict the quantity of the one or
more incentive agents 218 that were delivered to the location in
the pulmonary tract based on the assessed quantity of the one or
more incentive agents 218. For example, if the assessed volume of
flow is a small fraction of the total lung capacity of the subject,
the control unit 108 may predict that the assessed quantity of the
one or more incentive agents 218 were administered to shallow lung
tissue. In contrast, if the assessed volume of flow is nearly equal
to the total lung capacity of the subject, the control unit 108 may
predict that the assessed quantity of the one or more incentive
agents 218 were administered throughout the pulmonary tract. The
control unit 108 may then compare the quantity of the one or more
incentive agents 218 that were administered to the subject to a
preselected quantity of the one or more incentive agents 218 that
are to be administered to the subject to determine an additional
quantity of one or more incentive agents 218 for administration to
the subject. The control unit 108 may then direct one or more
actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial release from one or
more incentive agent reservoirs 216 to administer the one or more
incentive agents 218 to the subject until a preselected quantity of
the one or more incentive agents 218 have been administered to the
subject. In some embodiments, a control unit 108 may direct one or
more actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial release from one
or more incentive agent reservoirs 216 at selected stages of an
inhalation cycle through an inhaler by a subject. For example, in
some embodiments, a control unit 108 may direct one or more
actuators 120 to facilitate at least partial release from one or
more incentive agent reservoirs 216 during an early stage of an
inhalation cycle to administer one or more incentive agents 218 to
deep lung tissue in the pulmonary tract. In some embodiments, a
control unit 108 may direct one or more actuators 120 to facilitate
at least partial release from one or more incentive agent
reservoirs 216 during a late stage of an inhalation cycle to
administer one or more incentive agents 218 to shallow lung tissue
in the pulmonary tract. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the
quantity of one or more incentive agents 218 and the location in
the pulmonary tract to which the one or more incentive agents 218
are administered may be controlled.
[0213] In some embodiments, a system that includes a computer
program for executing a computer process on a computing device may
be used to control an inhaler. In some embodiments, such a system
is provided that includes a non-transitory signal-bearing medium
bearing one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more
processing components, direct performance of operations that
include at least: assessing one or more parameters associated with
use of an inhaler by a subject, administering at least one active
agent to the subject in response to assessing the one or more
parameters associated with use of the inhaler, and administering at
least one incentive agent to the subject in coordination with
administering the at least one active agent.
[0214] In some embodiments, the non-transitory signal-bearing
medium may further include one or more instructions that direct
performance of an operation that includes at least displaying a
comparison of an assessed value associated with one or more
respiration parameters with one or more levels associated with the
one or more respiration parameters.
[0215] In some embodiments, the non-transitory signal-bearing
medium may further include one or more instructions that direct
performance of an operation that includes at least instructing the
subject to achieve one or more values associated with one or more
respiration parameters.
[0216] In some embodiments, the non-transitory signal-bearing
medium may further include one or more instructions that direct
performance of an operation that includes at least accepting
information associated with one or more parameters associated with
the subject.
[0217] In some embodiments, the non-transitory signal-bearing
medium may further include one or more instructions that direct
performance of an operation that includes at least assessing one or
more parameters associated with administering the at least one
active agent to the subject.
[0218] In some embodiments, the non-transitory signal-bearing
medium may further include one or more instructions that direct
performance of an operation that includes at least assessing one or
more parameters associated with administering the at least one
incentive agent to the subject.
[0219] In some embodiments, the non-transitory signal-bearing
medium may further include one or more instructions that direct
performance of an operation that includes at least predicting one
or more locations in the pulmonary tract of the subject where the
at least one active agent was delivered in response to the one or
more parameters associated with administration of the at least one
active agent to the subject.
[0220] In some embodiments, the non-transitory signal-bearing
medium may further include one or more instructions that direct
performance of an operation that includes at least predicting one
or more locations in the pulmonary tract of the subject where the
at least one incentive agent was delivered in response to the one
or more parameters associated with administration of the at least
one incentive agent to the subject.
[0221] The one or more instructions may be, for example, computer
executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In some
embodiments, the a non-transitory signal-bearing medium may include
a computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the a
non-transitory signal-bearing medium may include a recordable
medium. In some embodiments, the a non-transitory signal-bearing
medium may include a communications medium.
[0222] One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein
described components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the
discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of
conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are
contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars
set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be
representative of their more general classes. In general, use of
any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its
class, and the non-inclusion of specific components (e.g.,
operations), devices, and objects should not be taken limiting.
[0223] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0224] In some instances, one or more components may be referred to
herein as "configured to," "configured by," "configurable to,"
"operable/operative to," "adapted/adaptable," "able to,"
"conformable/conformed to," etc. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that such terms (e.g. "configured to") generally
encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components
and/or standby-state components, unless context requires
otherwise.
[0225] While particular aspects of the present subject matter
described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein,
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and,
therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope
all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit
and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be
understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used
herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the
appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the
term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not
limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at
least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but
is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those
within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim
recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited
in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent
is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following
appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at
least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations.
However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply
that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite
articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such
introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such
recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory
phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles
such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be
interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same
holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim
recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an
introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in
the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be
interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically
means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).
Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at
least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least
one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems
that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C
together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended
in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further
understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive
word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms,
whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates
otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be typically
understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and
B."
[0226] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally
be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows
are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the
various operations may be performed in other orders than those
which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples
of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved,
interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental,
simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context
dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like "responsive to,"
"related to," or other past-tense adjectives are generally not
intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates
otherwise.
[0227] Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state
of the art has progressed to the point where there is little
distinction left between hardware, software, and/or firmware
implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware,
software, and/or firmware is generally (but not always, in that in
certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can
become significant) a design choice representing cost vs.
efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate
that there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems
and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g.,
hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred
vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or
systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if an
implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the
implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle;
alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt
for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again alternatively,
the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software,
and/or firmware in one or more machines, compositions of matter,
and articles of manufacture, limited to patentable subject matter
under 35 USC 101. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by
which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies
described herein may be effected, none of which is inherently
superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a
choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will be
deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or
predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of
implementations will typically employ optically-oriented hardware,
software, and or firmware.
[0228] In some implementations described herein, logic and similar
implementations may include computer programs or other control
structures. Electronic circuitry, for example, may have one or more
paths of electrical current constructed and arranged to implement
various functions as described herein. In some implementations, one
or more media may be configured to bear a device-detectable
implementation when such media hold or transmit device detectable
instructions operable to perform as described herein. In some
variants, for example, implementations may include an update or
modification of existing software or firmware, or of gate arrays or
programmable hardware, such as by performing a reception of or a
transmission of one or more instructions in relation to one or more
operations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some
variants, an implementation may include special-purpose hardware,
software, firmware components, and/or general-purpose components
executing or otherwise invoking special-purpose components.
Specifications or other implementations may be transmitted by one
or more instances of tangible transmission media as described
herein, optionally by packet transmission or otherwise by passing
through distributed media at various times.
[0229] Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include
executing a special-purpose instruction sequence or invoking
circuitry for enabling, triggering, coordinating, requesting, or
otherwise causing one or more occurrences of virtually any
functional operation described herein. In some variants,
operational or other logical descriptions herein may be expressed
as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as an executable
instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example,
implementations may be provided, in whole or in part, by source
code, such as C++, or other code sequences. In other
implementations, source or other code implementation, using
commercially available and/or techniques in the art, may be
compiled//implemented/translated/converted into a high-level
descriptor language (e.g., initially implementing described
technologies in C or C++ programming language and thereafter
converting the programming language implementation into a
logic-synthesizable language implementation, a hardware description
language implementation, a hardware design simulation
implementation, and/or other such similar mode(s) of expression).
For example, some or all of a logical expression (e.g., computer
programming language implementation) may be manifested as a
Verilog-type hardware description (e.g., via Hardware Description
Language (HDL) and/or Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware
Descriptor Language (VHDL)) or other circuitry model which may then
be used to create a physical implementation having hardware (e.g.,
an Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Those skilled in the
art will recognize how to obtain, configure, and optimize suitable
transmission or computational elements, material supplies,
actuators, or other structures in light of these teachings.
[0230] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various
embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block
diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block
diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions
and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art
that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams,
flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or
collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or
virtually any combination thereof, limited to patentable subject
matter under 35 U.S.C. 101. In an embodiment, several portions of
the subject matter described herein may be implemented via
Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field
Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs),
or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in
whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated
circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more
computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more
computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more
processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more
microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination
thereof, limited to patentable subject matter under 35 U.S.C. 101,
and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the
software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of
skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the
subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as
a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative
embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies
regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to
actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing
medium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable
type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact
Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer
memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital
and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a
waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication
link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, reception
logic, etc.), etc.).
[0231] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the various embodiments described herein can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by various types of
electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of electrical
components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually
any combination thereof, limited to patentable subject matter under
35 U.S.C. 101; and a wide range of components that may impart
mechanical force or motion such as rigid bodies, spring or
torsional bodies, hydraulics, electro-magnetically actuated
devices, and/or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, as
used herein "electro-mechanical system" includes, but is not
limited to, electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer
(e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a Micro
Electro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.), electrical circuitry
having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical
circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical
circuitry having at least one application specific integrated
circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing
device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose
computer configured by a computer program which at least partially
carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a
microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least
partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),
electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory
(e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical
circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem,
communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or
any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical or other analogs
(e.g., graphene based circuitry). Those skilled in the art will
also appreciate that examples of electro-mechanical systems include
but are not limited to a variety of consumer electronics systems,
medical devices, as well as other systems such as motorized
transport systems, factory automation systems, security systems,
and/or communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that electro-mechanical as used herein is not
necessarily limited to a system that has both electrical and
mechanical actuation except as context may dictate otherwise.
[0232] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the various aspects described herein which can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware,
software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof can be viewed as
being composed of various types of "electrical circuitry."
Consequently, as used herein "electrical circuitry" includes, but
is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one
discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least
one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one
application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry
forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer
program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer
program which at least partially carries out processes and/or
devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a
computer program which at least partially carries out processes
and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a
memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash,
read only, etc.)), and/or electrical circuitry forming a
communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch,
optical-electrical equipment, etc.). Those having skill in the art
will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be
implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination
thereof.
[0233] Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a
portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can be
integrated into an image processing system. Those having skill in
the art will recognize that a typical image processing system
generally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video
display device, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory,
processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors,
computational entities such as operating systems, drivers,
applications programs, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a
touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), control systems
including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for
sensing lens position and/or velocity; control motors for
moving/distorting lenses to give desired focuses). An image
processing system may be implemented utilizing suitable
commercially available components, such as those typically found in
digital still systems and/or digital motion systems.
[0234] Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a
portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can be
integrated into a data processing system. Those having skill in the
art will recognize that a data processing system generally includes
one or more of a system unit housing, a video display device,
memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors such as
microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational
entities such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user
interfaces, and applications programs, one or more interaction
devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.),
and/or control systems including feedback loops and control motors
(e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; control
motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A
data processing system may be implemented utilizing suitable
commercially available components, such as those typically found in
data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication
systems.
[0235] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates
different components contained within, or connected with, different
other components. It is to be understood that such depicted
architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other
architectures may be implemented which achieve the same
functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components
to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such
that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two
components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality
can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired
functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or
intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated
can also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably
coupled," to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and
any two components capable of being so associated can also be
viewed as being "operably couplable," to each other to achieve the
desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable
include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or
physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable,
and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically
interacting, and/or logically interactable components.
[0236] All publications, patents and patent applications cited
herein are incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing
specification has been described in relation to certain embodiments
thereof, and many details have been set forth for purposes of
illustration, however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and
that certain of the details described herein may be varied
considerably without departing from the basic principles of the
invention.
[0237] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *