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WO2010031130A1 - Dispositif distributeur de médicament amélioré - Google Patents

Dispositif distributeur de médicament amélioré Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2010031130A1
WO2010031130A1 PCT/AU2009/001237 AU2009001237W WO2010031130A1 WO 2010031130 A1 WO2010031130 A1 WO 2010031130A1 AU 2009001237 W AU2009001237 W AU 2009001237W WO 2010031130 A1 WO2010031130 A1 WO 2010031130A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chute
medication dispenser
aperture
housing
medication
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/AU2009/001237
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Peter Wharton
Ben Huber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Medi Stream Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Medi Stream Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2008904854A external-priority patent/AU2008904854A0/en
Application filed by Medi Stream Pty Ltd filed Critical Medi Stream Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2010031130A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010031130A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/009—Inhalators using medicine packages with incorporated spraying means, e.g. aerosol cans
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/0021—Mouthpieces therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/0021—Mouthpieces therefor
    • A61M15/0023—Mouthpieces therefor retractable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
    • A61M15/0068—Indicating or counting the number of dispensed doses or of remaining doses
    • A61M15/008—Electronic counters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3379—Masses, volumes, levels of fluids in reservoirs, flow rates
    • A61M2205/3389—Continuous level detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/35—Communication
    • A61M2205/3576—Communication with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver
    • A61M2205/3592—Communication with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver using telemetric means, e.g. radio or optical transmission
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/50—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
    • A61M2205/52—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/581—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by audible feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/582—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by tactile feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/583—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by visual feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/60—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
    • A61M2205/6045—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means having complementary physical shapes for indexing or registration purposes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/60—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
    • A61M2205/6054—Magnetic identification systems
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/60—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
    • A61M2205/6063—Optical identification systems
    • A61M2205/6072—Bar codes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for housing a pressurized medication canister and facilitating its use.
  • the medication dispenser is particularly suitable for use with inhaled medication.
  • a metered dose inhaler is a medication delivery device that provides a specific amount of medication for each use in the form of a spray.
  • the device is particularly beneficial for use in inhaling medications as it tends to deliver a highly concentrated amount of drug directly to the airways.
  • An MDI is often also referred to as a "puffer” and typically delivers a fine mist of medication.
  • Conventional discharge apparatus for use with a pressurized canister is a simple plastic housing with a seat for receiving a discharge stem of the canister.
  • a cap is fitted to the discharge chute and is removed for use and preferably repositioned after use to avoid foreign matter accumulating in the discharge chute and being injected into an inhaled air stream. Even with the cap on, the housing remains open and not sealed.
  • the invention may reside in a medication dispenser adapted for receiving a pressurized canister of medication, the medication dispenser comprising: a housing defining an interior space dimensioned to receive the pressurized canister; a rotatable sleeve on a first end of the housing, the rotatable sleeve having a chute aperture and an inlet aperture; a discharge chute moveable between an extended discharge position and a retracted storage position; a discharge arrangement, preferably a nozzle, configured to receive a discharge stem of the pressurized canister, the discharge arrangement in communication with the discharge chute; a housing chute aperture formed in the first end; an air inlet formed in the first end; wherein: rotation of the rotatable sleeve in a first direction moves the discharge chute into the extended discharge position through the housing chute aperture and chute aperture, the chute aperture aligned by said rotation, and also aligns the inlet aperture and air inlet to provide
  • the housing is preferably cylindrical.
  • the medication dispenser preferably also comprises an end cap closing a second end of the housing and adapted to permit activation of the pressurized canister.
  • the end cap may be formed as a flexible closure.
  • the flexible closure may be a concertina arrangement formed from a resilient polymeric material.
  • the discharge chute preferably includes a wall defining a flow pathway for the discharge medication.
  • the flow pathway may be formed by a continuous wall with one or more chute air inlets the continuous wall forming a hollow cylinder.
  • Paired opposed lateral chute air inlets may be supplied. They may be any shape suitable for the purpose, including slotted.
  • the lateral chute air inlets are two paired circular apertures positioned opposite each other in the wall of the discharge chute.
  • the discharge chute may include one or more rear walls.
  • the one or more rear walls may have at least one wall airflow aperture and preferably a plurality of wall airflow apertures.
  • the discharge chute may have two spaced rear walls each with an upper and lower air flow aperture. Any combination and positioning of air flow apertures may be suitable for use in the present invention.
  • the rear walls may be formed separately from the discharge chute or may be formed integrally.
  • the first end of the housing may be releasably mated to the remainder of the housing. !t may be coupled by any suitable mechanism such as a screw threaded engagement, bayonet fit, interference fit or similar.
  • a longitudinal axis of the housing may deviate away from a position of the extended mouthpiece in the discharge position, the deviation occurring outside the first end.
  • the nozzle may be formed as a removable module permitting removal for cleaning, replacement or other maintenance procedures.
  • a separate nozzle component also offers the ability for easy insertion of different styled delivery nozzle and drug combinations into the same housing.
  • the modular nature of the nozzle may enable matching to different pressurised containers and their specific physically dimensioned apertures while still using the majority of components in the dispenser.
  • the mechanical arrangement may include at least two keyway and key arrangements adapted to receive alternative canisters, the canisters each having a component to cooperate with one specific keyway and each canister preferably containing a canister specific medication.
  • the medication dispenser preferably includes a counter.
  • the counter may be mechanical as is known in the art.
  • the medication dispenser may include an electronic counter.
  • the electronic counter may comprise a battery, a remote controller, a reader, a switch and an indicator.
  • the electronic counter preferably also includes one or more of a charging circuit, wireless module and a USB port.
  • the electronic counter may be part of the modular nozzle component mentioned earlier.
  • the electronic counter may be adapted to monitor or perform one or more of: a. doses used b. doses remaining c. medication type d. usage rate e. usage rate versus prescribed rate (compliance) f. provide a warning of low level g. provide a warning of over use
  • the electronic counter may include a read/write component which may be located on the canister.
  • the electronic counter may include a physical keyway to ensure alignment of components on the housing and components on the canister.
  • the electronic counter may be mounted to the removable nozzle module.
  • FIG 1 is a perspective view of a medication dispenser of the present invention in a storage position.
  • FIGS 2 and 3 are views of the medication dispenser of FIG 1 in an extended discharge position.
  • FIGS 4 and 5 show an airflow pathway through the medication dispensers of FIGS 1 to 3.
  • FIGS 6, 7, 8 and 9 are various views of one embodiment of a discharge chute of the present invention.
  • FIG 10 shows a medication dispenser incorporating the discharge chute of FIGS 6 to 9.
  • FIGS 11 , 12, 13 and 14 are various views of a further alternative embodiment of a discharge chute.
  • FIG 15 shows a discharge chute of FIGS 11 to 14 in operation.
  • FIG 16 shows an embodiment of a medication dispenser with a removable nozzle.
  • FIG 17 shows the removable nozzle module arranged for insertion.
  • FIG 18 is a schematic representation of an electronic counter for use in a medication dispenser.
  • FIG 19 is a perspective view of a removable first end.
  • FIG 20 shows exploded components of a further embodiment of a medication dispenser.
  • FIG 21 is a cross sectional view of the assembled medication dispenser of FIG 20 including an outer housing.
  • FIGS 22 and 23 are perspective views of a medication dispenser with electronic counter screen apparent in storage and operating configurations.
  • FIG 24 shows a counter mounted in the second end.
  • the medication dispenser of the present invention when stored, is resistant to the intrusion of contaminants be they liquid or solid.
  • the medication dispenser is water resistant and the housing may be formed from an insulating material that is resistant to thermal variations.
  • a medication dispenser 10 comprising a housing 11 having a first end 12 and second end 13.
  • the second end 13 is closed by a flexibly deformable rubber cap 14 which permits activation of a canister stored internally in the medication dispenser through digital activation.
  • the first end 12 is closed via a rotatable sleeve 16 which includes a chute aperture 17 and an inlet aperture 18.
  • the inlet aperture 18 is formed as a notch in an upper edge 19 of the sleeve. It may however be formed in any suitable fashion and may comprise an aperture with a continuous side wall.
  • FIGS 2 and 3 it can be seen that the medication dispenser has been rearranged to extend a discharge chute 20. This is effected by rotation of the rotatable sleeve 16 in a first direction. Rotation of the sleeve activates a drive mechanism to extend the discharge chute 20 from a nested position within the housing 11 to the extended position as shown. In so doing, the chute aperture 17 aligns with a housing chute aperture 22 to provide a passage for the chute.
  • inlet aperture 18 rotates into register with air inlet 23.
  • the air inlet 23 and housing chute aperture 22 are roughly diametrically opposed. This is not essential.
  • the air inlet can be positioned in any convenient location around the housing first end provided it results in an effective and efficient outflow as will be described further below.
  • FIGS 4 and 5 show the same views as FIGS 2 and 3 respectively but including arrow 24 which is an inlet arrow through the air inlet and inlet aperture.
  • Outlet arrow 25 shows the other end of the airflow pathway through the first end 12.
  • the rotatable sleeve 16 is rotated in a first direction to align the inlets and outlets and extend the discharge chute.
  • the cap 14 is depressed to thereby also urge a pressurized canister in the housing into contact with a seat in the nozzle (see FIG 16).
  • This action depresses a valve stem outlet of the pressurized canister to deliver a predetermined dosage of medication through the nozzle and into the airflow pathway. Movement of air in the airflow pathway is generated by inhalation of the user and also possibly with a venturi effect from release of the pressurized flume of medication.
  • FIGS 6 to 9 show various views of a discharge chute 30 having one or more air inlets formed in a rear wall.
  • the discharge chute 30 has two spaced rear walls 31 , 32. Each rear wall has airflow apertures 33.
  • a pivot pin 39 is also apparent and is adapted to locate in a driving guide of the drive mechanism activated by rotation of the sleeve.
  • FIG 10 shows the discharge chute 30 in an extended position 30 in a medication dispenser 35.
  • This view also shows top and bottom chute air inlets 36, 37 respectively.
  • These chutes allow further intake of air into the inhaled airstream thereby also lowering resistance and diluting the medication flume.
  • These chute air inlets are formed as notches in the discharge chute 30 as is apparent in FIGS 6 to 9. Rotation of the sleeve 38 in a second direction reverse to the first extending direction, causes the chute to be retracted. Rotation of the sleeve closes off the housing chute aperture and air inlet.
  • FIGS 11 to 14 show a further modified discharge chute 40 which is very similar in operation to that already described with reference to FIGS 6 to 9. However in this case, the chute further incorporates lateral chute air inlets 41 , 42 which are formed as opposed circular apertures.
  • FIG 15 shows the chute of FIGS 11 to 14 in a deployed position in a medication dispenser 45. The addition of the extra chute air inlets allows a modification of the concentration of medication entrained and inhaled in therapeutic agent and air.
  • FIGS 16 and 17 show a further modified dispenser (in this case represented only by housing shown in sectional view) with a removable nozzle module 51 having a seat 52 and outlet 53.
  • the seat 52 is adapted to receive the valve stem of a pressurized canister (not shown) wherein downward pressure on the canister leads to clearance of the valve and an accurate dose of medication through outlet 53 and then through a cooperating discharge chute (not shown).
  • the discharge chute extends through housing chute aperture 54.
  • the removable nozzle 51 couples with a base 55 affixed to the housing 50.
  • the base has a keyway 56 which is complementary to key 57 on the nozzle. This ensures accurate alignment of the nozzle module 51 with the base 55. It also permits the specific association of a particular nozzle module (with predetermined performance characteristics) with a particular housing. This may allow different sized housings to be used with specifically selected pressurized canisters with particular contents inside.
  • the removable nozzle module allows variation if required of the nozzle characteristics by substitution or alternatively replacement of worn modules. It also permits the creation of a nozzle module from high performance and more expensive materials to be housed in an otherwise relatively cheap housing material such as an inert, biocompatible plastic, which is formed as a generic component adapted to receive one, two or more alternative nozzles.
  • the nozzle module may also contain the electronic or mechanical counter mechanism.
  • the housing shown has an angular deviation in its longitudinal axis between its first end and the remainder of the housing.
  • the first end may be formed as a module that is removable as shown in the first end module 60 in FIG 19.
  • FIG 18 shows a block diagram of an electronic counter that may be used by a patient to monitor the level of medicine in a canister, such as Ventolin®.
  • the electronic counter 110 includes a battery 120, a charging module 130, a microcontroller 140, a reader 150, a switch 160, an indicator 170, a wireless module 180 and a USB port 190.
  • the battery 120 is a rechargeable battery such as a NiCad, Li ion, NiMH or any other suitable type of battery.
  • the battery 120 provides power to the microcontroller 140, the reader 150 and the wireless module 180.
  • the battery life may be selected to enforce a limited period of use. This could ensure the operability, currency and reliability of the device to avoid any potential risk to a user.
  • the counter may be programmed to lock off after a pre-selected number of canisters have been discharged thereby ensuring the currency of the dispenser. This may be, for example, 10 to 20 canisters or other number as preferred.
  • Charging circuit 130 is used to charge the battery 120 of the electronic counter 110 using any suitable charging circuit as would be known to a person skilled in the art.
  • the charging circuit may be connected to an external power source (not shown) or to a personal computer via a USB port 180 to provide power to the charging circuit 130.
  • the microcontroller 140 may be an 8051 8-bit microcontroller however any suitable microcontroller or micro-processor may be used.
  • the microcontroller 140 includes RAM, ROM, EPROM, programmable counter/timer and a configurable input/output interface (I/O). It should be appreciated that the RAM, ROM, EPROM, counter/timer and configurable input/output interface may be separate components.
  • the I/O can be configured as an input or as an output or both.
  • the ROM contains program instructions used to control the operation of the electronic counter 110.
  • the reader 150 is a smartcard reader that reads a smartcard attached to the pressurized canister and is connected to the I/O of microcontroller
  • the reader 150 may be a barcode reader that reads a barcode on the medicine canister or a radio frequency identification (RFID) device to read a tag or transponder. Data contained on the smartcard is sent to the microcontroller 140 where the information is read and enables the microcontroller 140 to determine information about the pressurized canister, including but not limited to the amount total volume of medicine, the volume of medicine given per dose and the amount of medicine remaining in the canister.
  • the reader 150 may also write information back to the smartcard to keep a record of the number of doses administered.
  • time and date information to allow tracking of usage rates, expiry dates, prescription compliance and other time depending parameters.
  • the canister may be used in any similar dispenser.
  • the information will transfer with the canister to eliminate the prospect of exhaustion, failure to medicate or similar.
  • the switch 160 is a micro-switch however the switch 160 may be any suitable proximity switch to determine when the canister is deployed or used.
  • the switch 160 is connected to a suitable I/O connection on the microcontroller 140.
  • the indicator 170 is a tri-colour LED used to indicate a status of the canister indicating the approximate volume of medicine left and is connected to other I/O of the microcontroller 140. However it should be appreciated that any suitable indicator such as a buzzer or a vibrating alert may be used.
  • the indicator may comprise a number display to indicate the number of doses used ("count up") or the number of doses remaining ("count down").
  • the wireless module 180 is an infra-red connection and is connected to the microcontroller.
  • the wireless module 180 allows communication to take place between the electronic counter 110 to and external device such as a personal computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant or any other suitable device with an infra-red port.
  • the wireless module 180 may be a Bluetooth ® , wireless LAN, ZigBee® or any other suitable wireless module.
  • the USB port 190 may be used to connect the electronic counter 110 with a personal computer. This connection may be used to download new firmware to the microcontroller 140 or to download usage data from the smartcard on the canister. It should be noted that the electronic counter 110 may communicate to a personal computer (or any other computing device) via the bluetooth or infra-red link previously described. The computing device may be programmed with relevant information such as therapeutic regime; limits of sufficient and safe use and similar.
  • microcontroller 140 and wireless module 180 are shown as separate devices, it should be noted that the wireless module 180 may be integrated into the microcontroller 140.
  • the battery 120, charging module 130, microcontroller 140, reader 150, switch 160, indicator 170, wireless module 180 and USB port 190 of the electronic counter 110 are mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) as would be known to a person skilled in the art.
  • the PCB may either by mounted to the housing of the inhaler or to a separate housing that is then attached to the inhaler.
  • a patient inserts a pressurized canister into the inhaler.
  • the canister is keyed so that the canister may only be inserted in a particular orientation so that the smartcard located on the canister is aligned with the reader 150.
  • the smartcard or indeed a read only identifier may include a circumferential band or similar to facilitate reading at any position of the canister relative to the housing. This feature may prevent use in another actuator without suitable complementary technology. This would avoid the risk of mis-count.
  • the canister may have a collar or secondary component containing a smartcard that is placed securely, and preferably non-removably, over or on the canister.
  • the canister may be formed with a unique shape with the counter therein or as a component for fixing to the canister
  • the microcontroller 140 senses the presence of a smartcard on the canister and reads data from the smartcard. The microcontroller 140 may then determine from the data the type of medicine in the canister, a total volume of medicine in the canister, a dose volume and a remaining volume. Each time the patient uses the inhaler, the microcontroller 140 deducts the dose volume from the total volume and calculates the remaining volume and writes these values back to the smartcard.
  • the status of the canister is determined by the indicator 170.
  • the controller sets an output to illuminate the green LED of the indicator 170.
  • the microcontroller 140 sets an output to illuminate the amber LED.
  • the microcontroller sets an output to illuminate the red LED.
  • a push button may be used to operate the LED.
  • the microcontroller may send a signal to a buzzer or a vibrating alert (not shown) to notify the patient that the volume of medicine left in the canister is less than 5%. It should be noted that the status values may be changed by programming the microcontroller 140.
  • the electronic counter 110 may communicate to a mobile phone using a Bluetooth® module.
  • the mobile phone may have an application that allows the patient to view the volume of medicine left in the canister. Additionally, the electronic counter 110 may send a message to the mobile phone to alert the patient that the level of medicine in the canister is running low.
  • FIG 20 shows exploded portions of a medication dispenser 70 having an end cap 71, canister 72 and identifier ring 73.
  • the identifier ring 73 is fitted over the canister 72 to match the grooved section 74 in a specific way as to make it resistant to removal.
  • the identifier ring also provides a specific orientation for the canister in the housing (not shown). It may also contain an imbedded smartcard/reader system for electronic identification and monitoring of the specific canister, interacting wirelessly with the electronic counter 75.
  • the electronic counter 75 is formed as a unit with the modular nozzle 76. Information form the counter is displayed on screen 77.
  • the discharge chute 78 in this case is mounted slidingly to support rails 79 to have a linear back and forth path. It is also limited in travel.
  • the chute 78 is controlled by insert 80 which sits in outer sleeve 81. Rotation of outer sleeve 81 also rotates insert 80 which is connected to a flexible arm. The flexible arm transfers rotational movement of the insert into linear movement of the chute 78.
  • FIG 21 is sectional view of the medication dispenser 70 of FIG 20 assembled with an outer housing 82.
  • the chute 78 is extended.
  • the canister 72 is locked into specific orientation by the indentifier ring 73.
  • Valve stem 83 sits into receiving seat 84 of modular nozzle 76.
  • the modular nozzle 76 is combined with electronic counter 75. When the mouthpiece is in a retracted position it fills the void between the identifier ring 73 and the modular nozzle 76 thus preventing actuation of the device when it is closed.
  • FIGS 22 and 23 show views of the medication dispenser 70 with screen 77 apparent in both storage and use positions, thereby allowing easy visualisation.
  • FIGS 24A & B show an electronic counter 91 in this end cap 92 of medication dispenser 90.
  • the operation of the device causes the electronic counter to display an indicator around 93.
  • the information is again easily visulaised through the use of a numeric counter combined with a graphic indicator.
  • the present invention is not restricted to any one feature and may be formed from any combination of the features.
  • the invention may reside in a removable nozzle module, an air inlet in the first end and operable by rotation of the sleeve, air flow apertures in a rear wall of the discharge chute and one or more apertures formed in the chute itself.
  • the present invention provides an improved operation in which airflow characteristics may be better suited to delivery to the patient. It may also supply a counter.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif distributeur de médicament comportant un manchon rotatif sur une première extrémité d'un boîtier. Ce manchon comporte une ouverture pour goulotte d'évacuation et une ouverture d'admission. Grâce à la rotation du manchon, la goulotte d'évacuation passe d'une position déployée à une position repliée. La rotation du manchon entraîne également l'alignement de l'ouverture de la goulotte d'évacuation et de l'ouverture d'admission avec l'ouverture correspondante de la goulotte d'évacuation du boîtier et avec une entrée d'air afin d'assurer le passage d'un flux d'air par la première extrémité. Cela permet de disposer d'un système dans lequel l'écoulement se fait facilement. Le dispositif distributeur de médicament peut également comporter une ou plusieurs parois à l'arrière de la goulotte d'évacuation, lesdites parois comprenant des ouvertures permettant le passage du flux d'air. La goulotte peut également comporter d'autres points d'entrée de l'air se présentant sous la forme d'entrées d'air pour goulotte dans la goulotte elle-même. Le dispositif peut également comprendre un embout amovible conçu pour accueillir la tige de manœuvre du récipient sous pression. Les dimensions de l'embout amovible peuvent être déterminées de façon à permettre le logement d'un récipient sous pression particulier adapté. Ce dispositif peut également comporter un compteur mécanique ou électronique.
PCT/AU2009/001237 2008-09-18 2009-09-18 Dispositif distributeur de médicament amélioré Ceased WO2010031130A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2008904854 2008-09-18
AU2008904854A AU2008904854A0 (en) 2008-09-18 Improved medication dispenser

Publications (1)

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WO2010031130A1 true WO2010031130A1 (fr) 2010-03-25

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014123858A1 (fr) * 2013-02-06 2014-08-14 Flextronics Ap, Llc Aérosol doseur muni d'un compteur de doses électronique
EP3242701A1 (fr) * 2015-01-08 2017-11-15 Convexity Scientific LLC Dispositif nébuliseur et réservoir

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US3927806A (en) * 1972-09-07 1975-12-23 Philip Meshberg Applicator for attachment to a spray mist dispenser
GB2074454A (en) * 1980-04-24 1981-11-04 Somova Spa Inhalation device with retractible mouthpiece
US4969455A (en) * 1988-11-29 1990-11-13 Somova S.P.A. Inhalator for aerosol containers
US20040139967A1 (en) * 1997-11-14 2004-07-22 Astra Ab Inhalation device
GB2398254B (en) * 2003-02-11 2005-12-07 Bespak Plc Dispensing Apparatus
WO2007022573A1 (fr) * 2005-08-22 2007-03-01 Medi-Stream Pty Ltd Distributeur de médicaments et son support
WO2008023015A1 (fr) * 2006-08-22 2008-02-28 Glaxo Group Limited Actionneur pour inhalateur

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3927806A (en) * 1972-09-07 1975-12-23 Philip Meshberg Applicator for attachment to a spray mist dispenser
GB2074454A (en) * 1980-04-24 1981-11-04 Somova Spa Inhalation device with retractible mouthpiece
US4969455A (en) * 1988-11-29 1990-11-13 Somova S.P.A. Inhalator for aerosol containers
US20040139967A1 (en) * 1997-11-14 2004-07-22 Astra Ab Inhalation device
GB2398254B (en) * 2003-02-11 2005-12-07 Bespak Plc Dispensing Apparatus
WO2007022573A1 (fr) * 2005-08-22 2007-03-01 Medi-Stream Pty Ltd Distributeur de médicaments et son support
WO2008023015A1 (fr) * 2006-08-22 2008-02-28 Glaxo Group Limited Actionneur pour inhalateur

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014123858A1 (fr) * 2013-02-06 2014-08-14 Flextronics Ap, Llc Aérosol doseur muni d'un compteur de doses électronique
EP3242701A1 (fr) * 2015-01-08 2017-11-15 Convexity Scientific LLC Dispositif nébuliseur et réservoir
US10799652B2 (en) 2015-01-08 2020-10-13 Convexity Scientific Inc. Nebulizer device

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