Inhaler device for inhalable liquids
Inventors
Rowland, Greg • Linacre, Edward • Gilbert, Glenn • Legin, Viktor
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11672925-B2
Publication Date
2023-06-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention provides a new inhaler device for the storage and/or administration of inhalable liquids to a patient offering one or more advantages or improvements over known inhalers, particularly inhalers for the delivery of halogenated volatile liquids such as methoxyflurane for use as an analgesic.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an inhaler device for the delivery of an inhalable liquid to a patient. The device includes an elongated body having a base end and a mouthpiece end comprising a mouthpiece chamber. An air intake chamber receives the inhalable liquid from an external liquid storage container via at least one air inlet hole and a liquid inlet hole, and delivers the inhalable liquid onto a passive evaporation support material.
The elongated body further includes an air exit chamber comprising an air filter and at least one air outlet hole. An internal shelf partially divides the elongated body along its longitudinal axis from the base end and terminating at the mouthpiece chamber, forming a floor of the air intake chamber and a roof of the air exit chamber. This arrangement defines longitudinally separated air intake and air exit regions leading to the mouthpiece chamber.
The invention also includes configurations in which the liquid storage container is located within the air intake chamber and released when opened to direct inhalable liquid onto the passive evaporation support material. Other configurations provide a storage chamber at the base end adapted to deliver the inhalable liquid onto the passive evaporation support material, with the air exit chamber removably inserted within the mouthpiece chamber. Valves and inlet-cover arrangements can be used to route air and vapor during inhalation and exhalation and to adjust the air intake openings relative to the air intake chamber.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three main inventive features, with additional independent variations concerning liquid-container positioning and chamber arrangement.
Passive evaporation air intake chamber with liquid inlet
An air intake chamber comprising a passive evaporation support material for receiving the inhalable liquid from a liquid storage container and at least one air inlet hole, and a liquid inlet hole for delivering the inhalable liquid into the air intake chamber and onto the passive evaporation support material.
Air exit chamber with internal air filter
An air exit chamber comprising an air filter within the elongated body and comprising at least one air outlet hole.
Longitudinal internal shelf partitioning air intake and air exit
An internal shelf to partially divide the elongated body along its longitudinal axis from the base end and terminating at the mouthpiece chamber to form a floor of the air intake chamber and a roof of the air exit chamber.
Internal liquid storage container within air intake chamber opened for release
The liquid storage container is located within the air intake chamber and positioned to release the inhalable liquid onto the passive evaporation support material when opened.
Base-end storage chamber and intermediate air intake chamber; removably inserted air exit chamber
A storage chamber for holding an inhalable liquid storage container, wherein the storage chamber is located at the base end and the air intake chamber is located intermediate the storage chamber and the mouthpiece chamber, and wherein the air exit chamber is removably inserted within the mouthpiece chamber.
The claims cover an inhaler with an elongated body in which a passive evaporation support material receives inhalable liquid in an air intake chamber, the air exit chamber includes an air filter, and an internal shelf partitions intake and exit volumes into regions leading to the mouthpiece chamber. The independent variations further cover a liquid storage container located within the air intake chamber and opened to release liquid onto the evaporation support, and a base-end storage chamber with an intermediate air intake chamber and a removably inserted air exit chamber within the mouthpiece chamber.
Stated Advantages
Maintains steadier methoxyflurane delivery longer than the Green Whistle device.
Documented Applications
Delivery of an inhalable liquid, including methoxyflurane for analgesic treatment, to a patient using the described inhaler device.
Interested in licensing this patent?