Automatic dispenser for respiratory delivery device
Inventors
O'Flaherty, Brendan • Lipman, Johann • Lynch, Patrick Joseph • Fredatovich, John
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11717621-B2
Publication Date
2023-08-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention provides a particulate delivery device with an automatic activation mechanism that pierces or cuts a composition capsule when a cap is removed. The cap cannot be replaced once the device is activated for use. The device allows for gas flow through the device from a gas inlet to a gas outlet through a composition receptacle and dispersion chamber to deliver particulate to the airway of a subject.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an automatic respiratory particulate delivery device for delivery of a composition to an airway of a subject. The device includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet in fluid communication, a composition receptacle with a composition capsule containing the composition, and a dispersion chamber.
The device is configured so that removal of a cap initiates an automatic action that pierces or cuts the composition capsule to enable delivery of particulate composition into the airway. A mechanical piercing mechanism is provided with one or more primers, each comprising a cam follower and an associated pin or blade, and a cap comprising one or more cams.
The cams are located to engage with and displace the respective primer to pierce the composition capsule upon removal of the cap. The cam follower of each primer prevents the cap from being replaced once removed, so the piercing action is automatically triggered and made single-use.
The dispersion chamber is arranged to disperse the composition into a gas flow between the gas inlet and the gas outlet for delivery. The disclosure describes a dispersion chamber configured as a vortex chamber, with optional deagglomeration using a deagglomerator positioned substantially adjacent to the dispersion chamber, and additional structural features such as protrusions, bumps, or protuberances to enhance dispersion.
Claims Coverage
The document provides three independent claims covering an automatic cap-removal triggered piercing mechanism and a dispersion chamber. Across the independent claims, the main inventive features number at least eight.
Airway delivery device with fluidic gas inlet and gas outlet
A device for delivery of a composition to an airway of a subject, the device comprising a gas inlet and a gas outlet in fluid communication.
Composition receptacle with composition capsule
A device comprising a composition receptacle comprising a composition capsule containing the composition.
Dispersion chamber for airway delivery
A device comprising a dispersion chamber in the flow path of the gas inlet and the gas outlet, configured for delivery of the composition to an airway of a subject.
Cam-driven primers with cam follower and pin or blade
one or more primers each comprising a cam follower and an associated pin or blade.
Cap cams engage and displace primers to pierce capsule upon cap removal
a cap comprising one or more cams which are located so as to engage with and displace the respective primer to pierce the composition capsule upon removal of the cap.
Cam follower prevents cap replacement once removed
wherein the cam follower of each of the one or more primers prevents the cap from being replaced once removed.
Capsule held between capsule seat and elongate members extending from cap top
wherein the composition capsule is held in place for piercing by the one or more primers between a capsule seat formed in a base comprising the gas inlet and one or more elongate members extending from a cap top of the cap.
Cap top with elongate members extending immediately adjacent capsule
a cap top comprising one or more elongate members extending from the cap top to end immediately adjacent the composition capsule, the cam follower of each of the one or more primers located so as to prevent the cap from being replaced once removed.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage is for an airway delivery device that combines a gas inlet/gas outlet flow path, a composition capsule in a composition receptacle, and a dispersion chamber, with an automatic cap-removal piercing mechanism using cam-driven primers and cap cams. The claims further specify that the cam follower prevents cap replacement after removal, and they constrain capsule holding and cap-top geometry using a capsule seat and elongate members.
Stated Advantages
Automatic activation of piercing action upon removal of the cap.
Prevention of cap replacement once removed.
Documented Applications
Delivery of a composition to an airway of a subject.
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