초록 ▼

A method for releasing a controlled amount of aerosol medication is disclosed. The method of the invention is preferably used in connection with a portable, battery-powered, hand-held system for releasing a controlled dose of aerosol medication for inhalation by a patient. The inhalation breath flow

A method for releasing a controlled amount of aerosol medication is disclosed. The method of the invention is preferably used in connection with a portable, battery-powered, hand-held system for releasing a controlled dose of aerosol medication for inhalation by a patient. The inhalation breath flow of the user of the apparatus is monitored and the inhalation flow rate is measured, and inhalation volume is determined as a function of the measured flow rate. The measured flow rate is compared to predetermined minimum and maximum flow rate thresholds, and the determined flow volume is compared to predetermined minimum and maximum flow volume thresholds. When both the measured flow rate and the measured flow volume are between their respective the minimum and maximum thresholds, a signal is provided to release a controlled amount of aerosol.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A device for delivering aerosol to a patient, comprising:a container holding formulation for delivery to a patient;a means for aerosolizing the formulation;a flow path;a transducer having an analog signal corresponding to sensed pressure flow in either direction through the flow pa

[ We claim:] [1.] A device for delivering aerosol to a patient, comprising:a container holding formulation for delivery to a patient;a means for aerosolizing the formulation;a flow path;a transducer having an analog signal corresponding to sensed pressure flow in either direction through the flow path wherein the drift offset of the transducer is corrected by:an analog to digital converter having a defined range of digital counts and a digital value in the digital range corresponding to the base zero flow in either direction;means for controlling the analog to digital converter to convert the transducer output signal to a digital value at a given sampling rate;means for identifying a zero-flow condition through the flow path when the digital values do not vary more than a selected number of digital counts over a first period of time;first means for determining an offset value based on the difference between the identified base digital count and the digital value output of the analog to digital converter during a zero-flow condition; andmeans for adjusting the output of the analog to digital converter by the determined offset value.