Surgery – Respiratory method or device – Means for mixing treating agent with respiratory gas
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-12
2001-05-01
Weiss, John G. (Department: 3761)
Surgery
Respiratory method or device
Means for mixing treating agent with respiratory gas
C128S200140, C128S200220, C222S082000, C222S450000, C222S534000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223746
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to metered dose inhalers, and, more particularly, to a pump for a metered dose inhaler which does not require the use of a pressurized container of medicine.
2. Brief Description of Related Art
Metered dose inhalers have been commercially available for use in the treatment of a variety of respiratory ailments, such as asthma. Such metered dose inhalers typically require a pressurized cylinder or canister of medicine to deliver a metered dose of such medicine to a person's respiratory tract. These pressurized cylinders or canisters have employed a halogenated hydrocarbon as a propellant, with the active compound dissolved in the propellant or suspended in the propellant in solid, micronized form.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,371 describes a disposable inhalation device wherein an aerosol measured dose canister provides a short spray for releasing a fixed dose of medicine. However, environmental concerns have disfavored the use of halogenated hydrocarbons in aerosol containers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,345 describes a dosage inhaler employing a dosing unit for dosing a pharmacologically active compound separate from a pressurized propellant container. The pressurized container contains liquified, pressurized carbon dioxide. In either case, the propellant is delivered into a person's respiratory tract with the medicine dose.
Thus, there is a need for a metered dose inhaler capable of delivering a metered dose of an active compound without the use of a pressurized propellant. Therefore, in order to alleviate these and other problems, an objective of the present invention is to provide a metered dose inhaler pump for pressurizing and delivering a metered dose of an active compound to a person's respiratory tract.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other beneficial objects are obtained in accordance with the present invention by providing a metered dose inhaler pump having an active compound inlet for drawing a metered dose of a pharmacologically active compound from an unpressurized container into a metered dose chamber and a spray outlet for delivering the active compound from the metered dose chamber into a person's respiratory tract. A first valve is provided at the inlet, and a second valve is provided at the outlet. The metered dose chamber is provided between and in fluid communication with the first valve and the second valve. A spring-loaded trigger urges a plunger into the metered dose chamber, closing the first valve, opening the second valve and filling and evacuating the metered dose chamber, thereby delivering the metered does of the active compound from the metered dose chamber to a person's respiratory tract through the outlet.
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Jewett Warren R.
Williams, III Robert C.
IEP Pharmaceutical Devices Inc.
Pitney Hardin Kipp & Szuch LLP
Weiss John G.
Weiss, Jr. Joseph F.
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