WO2018148807A1

WO2018148807A1 - A pacifier for nasal delivery of vaporised medicament

Info

Publication number: WO2018148807A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050132
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sammie Tanaskovic
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-17
Filing date: 2018-02-17
Publication date: 2018-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-17
Also published as: AU2018221901B2; AU2018221901A1

Abstract

There is provided herein a pacifier for nasal delivery of vaporised medicament. The pacifier comprises a mouth shield (101) and a teat (144) extending proximally therefrom. The pacifier further comprises a rear housing (102) attached to a rear of the mouth shield. Furthermore, the housing has a medicament container (103) therein and a vent (104) for exuding medicament vapour therefrom. Furthermore, the housing is configured such that the vent (104) locates beneath the nose of the infant whilst sucking on the teat. In accordance with various embodiments, the medicament may be provided in differing forms, such as in liquid form, impregnated in a media (such as a sponge or the like) or in pressurised form (such as, for example, comprising a pressurised asthma pump container). Furthermore, the pacifier comprises an electric vaporisation control device configured for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament vapour from the vent.

Description

A pacifier for nasal delivery of vaporised medicament

Field of the Invention

[1] This invention relates generally to a pacifier for nasal delivery of vaporised medicament. Background of the Invention

[2] Medicament, including herbal and pharmaceutical medicaments, is often taken nasally for soothing or for the alleviation of various ailments, including congestion, asthmatic bronchoconstriction and the like.

[3] Whereas it is particularly difficult to administer medicament nasally to infant's, there is provided herein pacifier for the nasal delivery of vaporised medicament.

[4] In embodiments, the pacifier comprises a mouth shield and a teat extending proximally therefrom. The pacifier further comprises a rear housing having a medicament container therein and a vent(s) for exuding the medicament vapour therefrom. The housing is configured such that the vents locate beneath the nose of the infant sucking on the teat.

[5] With reference to prior art vaporising pacifiers, GB 2508020 A (FA ZAD FARD) 21 May 2014 [hereinafter referred to as Dl] discloses an infant breathing aid pacifier for monitoring the respiration of an obligatory nose breather infant suffering from nasal congestion. The pacifier may also decongest nasal passages by administering medicated vapours, facilitate oral breathing during nasal congestion and delivering an alarm in the vent of respiratory failure. The pacifier houses a vapour emitting disc 6 and the tubular air duct assembly 5, which houses an electronic thermal sensitive micro-air-flow- sensor module 10, which produces an audible alarm in an event of infant respiratory failure.

[6] US 2007/0021783 Al (VIANA et al.) 25 January 2007 [hereinafter referred to as D2] discloses a vaporizer pacifier comprising a base member having an outwardly projecting stop member, a nipple having a proximal end coupled to the base member, and a substantially cylindrical compartment attached to a proximal end of the base member. The compartment comprises two substantially co- centric, cylindrical members. A first is attached to the base member and defines an opening adapted and sized to allow a medicinal disc to pass through into the compartment and also defines at least one aperture to allow the medicinal vapours to escape. The second is rotatably coupled to the first, has a closed end and defines a first opening sized similar to the opening of the first member. The two members can be rotated such windows on each substantially align in one position and causes the one or more apertures to be exposed through the first opening in a second position.

[7] US 6557548 Bl (DICKSON) 06 May 2003 [hereinafter referred to as D3] discloses an infant breathing aid assembly for administering a vapor of an aromatic substance to a child having trouble breathing. The infant breathing aid assembly includes an oral member for placing in the mouth of the infant. A first end of the oral member has a chamber extending therein toward the second end of the oral member. A face shield is provided for preventing the oral member from being swallowed by the infant. The face shield is preferably mounted on the oral member and positioned generally between the first end of the oral member and the face shield. A vapor emitter is provided that is removably insertable in the chamber of the oral member. The vapor emitter preferably comprises an absorbent member for absorbing an aromatic material. A cover is provided for covering the chamber and allowing passage of the vapours from the absorbent member out of the chamber. The cover is releasably attachable to the first end of the oral member.

[8] US 6482225 Bl (BINGHAM et al.) 19 November 2002 [hereinafter referred to as D4] discloses an osmophore-pacifier which contains an odorant. When the osmophore-pacifier is sucked by an infant, it releases an odour which stimulates sucking behaviour in the infant. The osmophore-pacifier includes a nipple, a shield portion, a matrix containing the odorant, and an air channel for releasing the odour. The odorant may be replaced with a different type of odorant in order to determine which odour stimulates continued sucking of the osmophore-pacifier, to promote sucking behaviour, and to calm or soothe an infant in a state of agitation or pain.

[9] In operation, the osmophore-pacifier 10 of D4 is inserted into the infant's mouth, with the opening covered by grid 30 on the housing 22 located so that the superior surface 50 of the osmophore 28 is exposed under the infant's nose. As the infant sucks, the elastic diaphragm 44 is drawn into the hollow of nipple 12, causing a suction within the housing 22 The suction partially saturates the wick 40 by overcoming the surface tension of the odorant solution 34 at the aperture 32, drawing the odorant solution 34 into the wick chamber 26 and onto the wick 40. Passive diffusion of the odorant solution 34 through the wick 40 distributes the odorant solution 34 to the osmophore 28.

[10] However, there is a need to more conveniently and/or accurately control the vaporisation of medicament from the vents and, as such, the present invention seeks to provide such a pacifier in accordance with an embodiment, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[11] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Disclosure

[12] There is provided herein a pacifier for nasal delivery of vaporised medicament. The pacifier comprises a mouth shield and a teat extending proximally therefrom. The pacifier further comprises a rear housing attached to a rear of the mouth shield. Furthermore, the housing has a medicament container therein and a vent for exuding medicament vapour therefrom. Furthermore, the housing is configured such that the vent locates beneath the nose of the infant whilst sucking on the teat.

[13] In accordance with various embodiments, the medicament may be provided in differing forms, such as in liquid form, impregnated in a media (such as a sponge or the like) or in pressurised form (such as, for example, comprising a pressurised asthma pump container).

[14] There is provided herein a mechanical type pacifier embodiment wherein the housing comprises proximal and distal portions which interlock together so as to enclose the medicament container therein. In accordance with this embodiment, the medicament container may comprise an impregnated sponge or the like.

[15] In an embodiment, the distal portion may be rotated with respect to the proximal portion so as to selectively collocate a cutout of the distal portion beneath vents of the proximal portion so as to selectively close and open the vents, including to various degrees, to allow or restrict or control the rate of vaporisation from the vent.

[16] In an embodiment, the mechanical type pacifier embodiment is configured such that vaporised medicament is able to escape from the vent when the proximal bulbous end of the teat is sucked. In accordance with this embodiment, the teat is hollow and shaped to define a bulbous proximal end for sucking and a distal concertina end. As such, when the proximal bulbous end of sucked, the distal concertina end contracts, allowing vapour to escape from the vent.

[17] In one embodiment, the distal concertina end locates beneath the vents for blocking but, when constricting, the distal concertina end moves away from underneath the vents to unblock the vents.

[18] In alternative embodiments, the distal face of the distal concertina end of may press over an aperture of an annular disc having the medicament container therebehind. As such, as the distal face moves away from the aperture, medicament vapour is able to escape therefrom.

[19] There is also provided herein an electrical type pacifier which comprises an electric vaporisation control device configured for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament vapour from the vent in a more convenient and/or accurate manner.

[20] In one embodiment, the pacifier comprises an active vaporiser for vaporising the medicament. The active vaporiser is operably coupled to the electronic vaporisation controller such that, in use, the control device is able to control the active vaporiser for controlling the vaporisation of medicament vapour from the vent.

[21] Different types of active vaporisers may be employed such as heating elements (both resistive and heat pump type heating elements), piezoelectric nebuliser-type devices and the like. In alternative embodiments, as opposed to using an active vaporiser to vaporise medicament, the electronic vaporisation control device may control an electronically controlled valve which selectively allows medicament vapour to escape from the vent.

[22] In one particular embodiment, the electronic vaporisation control device is an annular PCB board having an aperture therein. Furthermore, the medicament container may comprise a liquid reservoir having a wicking rod extending therefrom which extends through the aperture of the PCB.

The PCB may further comprise the active heating element in cylindrical form which locates about a distal end proximal end of the wicking rod for vaporising the medicament therefrom.

[23] In embodiments, the electric vaporisation control device may be configured for controlling the vaporisation of medicament in accordance with a dosage regime, such as one configured in accordance with the type of medicament, age of the infant and other user parameters.

[24] In further embodiments, the electronic vaporisation control device may receive sensor data from one or more sensors so as to be able to control the operation thereof.

[25] For example, the at least one sensor may be configured for detecting suction on the teat such that the control device is able to vaporise medicament when the teat is sucked, or in accordance with the rate of sucking or the like.

[26] In embodiments, the pacifier is configured for classifying the sensor data from the various sensors according to one or more preconfigured diagnoses.

[27] In one embodiment, the pacifier may generate or transmit alarm signals according to the detected diagnoses. For example, in embodiments, the at least one sensor may comprise a suction sensor to detect suction of the teat, a thermometer and an audio sensor. In this way, the control device is able to detect when the infant has an elevated temperature and has stopped sucking or has started to cry.

[28] In embodiments, the control device may be configured for vaporising medicament according to a sensor data/and or diagnosis classifications thereon such as wherein, for example, the controller applies medicament vapour, or increases the application of the medicament vapour when detecting the elevated temperature, laboured breathing in or the like of the infant.

[29] In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a pacifier for nasal delivery of vaporised medicament, the pacifier comprising: a mouth shield and a teat extending proximally therefrom; a rear housing attached to a rear of the mouth shield, the housing having a medicament container therein and a vent for expelling medicament vapour therefrom, the housing configured such that the vent locates beneath a nose of an infant whilst sucking on the teat and wherein the pacifier comprises an electric vaporisation control device configured for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament vapour from the vent. [30] The pacifier may further comprise an active vaporiser for vaporising the medicament operably coupled to the electric vaporisation control device and, wherein, in use, the electric vaporisation control device may be configured for controlling the active vaporiser for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament vapour from the vent.

[31] The active vaporiser may be configured for heating the medicament.

[32] The medicament container may comprise a liquid reservoir having a wick drawing the medicament therefrom and wherein the active vaporiser may comprise a miniaturised heating element configured for heating the wick.

[33] The electric vaporisation control device may be of annular construction thereby defining an aperture therethrough and wherein the wick may be configured for extending through the aperture.

[34] The miniaturised heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[35] The miniaturised heating element may be an electric heat pump.

[36] The medicament may be a liquid medicament and wherein the active vaporiser may be in contact with the liquid medicament and wherein the active vaporiser may be configured for nebulising the medicament.

[37] The active vaporiser may comprise a piezoelectric nebuliser.

[38] The electric vaporisation control device may comprise a dosage controller and a memory device comprising dosage regime therein and wherein the electric vaporisation control device may be configured for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament according to the dosage regime.

[39] The pacifier may further comprise at least one sensor operably coupled to the electronic vaporisation control device and wherein, in use, the electronic vaporisation control device may be configured for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament in accordance with sensor signals received from the at least one sensor.

[40] The at least one sensor may be configured for detecting suction on the teat and wherein the electronic vaporisation control device may be configured for vaporising medicament when the at least one sensor detects suction.

[41] The control device may be configured for detecting a suction rate and controlling vaporisation of the medicament proportionately to the suction rate.

[42] The at least one sensor may comprise a strain gauge coupled to a member configured for measuring a suction force acting to the member.

[43] The control device may be configured for detecting breathing difficulty using the at least one sensor and wherein the control device may be configured for vaporising the medicament when detecting the breathing difficulty. [44] The at least one sensor may comprise an audio sensor and wherein the control device may be configured for analysing audio signals received from the audio sensor for detecting the breathing difficulty.

[45] The control device may be configured for calculating a frequency spectrum of the audio signals and classifying patterns of the frequency spectrum according to a breathing difficulty frequency spectrum template.

[46] The at least one sensor may comprise a temperature sensor and wherein, in use, the control device may be configured for vaporising the medicament according to temperature readings of the temperature sensor.

[47] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[48] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[49] Figure 1 shows a top perspective exploded representation of a pacifier in accordance with a first embodiment;

[50] Figures 2 and 3 show the rotation of a distal portion of the pacifier of Figure 1 to control the rate of medicament vapour therefrom;

[51] Figure 4 illustrates the collocation of a cutout of the distal portion with at least one vent of a proximal portion of the housing of the pacifier of Figure 1;

[52] Figure 5 illustrates the manner of utilisation of the pacifier of Figure 1, including the vents are located beneath the nose of an infant in accordance with an embodiment;

[53] Figure 6 illustrates a covering for the teat and the vents of the pacifier in accordance with an embodiment;

[54] Figure 7 illustrates an undersurface of a superior portion of the covering comprising channel engagement protrusions for blocking the vents;

[55] Figures 8 - 10 illustrates an embodiment comprising a mechanical arrangement wherein suction on the teat allows vapour to escape from the vents in accordance with an embodiment;

[56] Figure 11 shows an electrical version of the pacifier which comprises an electric vaporisation control device configured for controlling the vaporisation of medicament vapour from the vent in accordance with an embodiment; and

[57] Figure 12 shows a block level functional schematic representation of the pacifier of Figure 11 in accordance with various embodiments. Description of Embodiments

[58] Figures 1 - 5 show a pacifier 100 in accordance with an embodiment. With reference to Figure 1, the pacifier 100 comprises a mouth shield 101 and a teat 144 extending proximally therefrom for sucking. The mouth shield 101 abuts against the lips of the infant, preventing the teat 144 from being swallowed.

[59] The pacifier 100 further comprises a rear housing attached to a rear of the mouth shield 101. The rear housing has a medicament container therein which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is shown as an impregnable cylinder 103, such as a sponge. However, in other embodiments, the medicament container may be a liquid reservoir having a wick for drawing liquid medicament therefrom, pressurised gas cylinder and the like as will be described in further detail below.

[60] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the rear housing comprises a proximal portion 102 and a distal portion 106 which interlock together to enclose the medicament container 103 therebetween.

[61] In embodiments, the distal portion 106 may support a handle 107 pivotally coupled thereto.

[62] The housing comprises a vent 104 which locates beneath a nose of an infant sucking on the teat 114 as is substantially shown in Figure 5.

[63] Differing embodiments for vaporising the medicament will now be described including mechanical and electrical version embodiments.

[64] In the embodiments shown in Figure 1 - 5, the pacifier 100 takes the mechanical/nonelectrical embodiment. In the embodiments shown, the distal portion 106 defines a cylindrical male portion 145 comprising peripheral interference fit members 145. The proximal portion 102 similarly defines a cylindrical female portion 146 having interior peripheral channels therein for engagement of the interference fit members 145 of the cylindrical male portion 145. In this way, the distal and proximal portions 106, 102 may be pulled apart for accessing the medicament container 103 therein. For example, for replenishment, the distal portion 106 may be pulled from the proximal portion 102 for re-soaking the sponge 103.

[65] In accordance with this embodiment, the interference fit members 145 and the interior peripheral channels allow the rotation of the distal portion 106 with respect to the proximal portion 102 as is substantially shown in Figures 2 - 3. Furthermore, the cylindrical male portion 145 may comprise a channel cutout 105 in an edge thereof.

[66] In this way, the distal portion 106 may be selectively rotated with respect to the proximal portion 102 to selectively locate the cutout 105 beneath a vent 104 as is substantially shown in Figure 4. [67] As such, when not in use, the cutout 105 may be rotated fully away from the vent 104. Furthermore, to control the vaporisation rate of the medicament from the vent 104, the distal portion 106 may be rotated to overlap the cutout 105 and the vent to differing degrees.

[68] Figures 6 and 7 show an embodiment wherein the pacifier 100 comprises a covering 108 which covers both the teat 144 and the vent 104.

[69] As can be seen, the covering 108 comprises a female section 109 which receives the teat 144 therein. Furthermore, the covering 108 may comprises a superior portion 110 which engages over the shield 101 and an inferior portion 111 which correspondingly engages under the shield 102.

[70] In the magnified view of Figure 7, there is shown an inferior surface of the superior portion 110 comprising channel engagements 112 which orientate and conform with the vents 100 for collocating there underneath so as to be insertable therein for blocking the vapour. In this way, the covering 108 covers both the teat 114 and the vents 104 simultaneously.

[71] Figures 8 - 10 show an embodiment wherein the pacifier 100 is configured such that such that the teat 144 selectively exposes the medicament container 103 to the vent 104 for vaporising.

[72] Specifically, as is shown in Figure 8, the teat 144 may be hollow and define a bulbous proximal end 114 and a distal concertina end 115. As such, suction on the bulbous proximal end 114 causes the distal concertina end 115 to contract along the longitudinal axis of the teat 144.

[73] Figure 9 illustrates the embodiments wherein the distal concertina end 115 locates within the housing of the pacifier 100 and is extended. Furthermore, Figure 10 illustrates the contraction of the distal concertina end 115 towards the bulbous end 114 when the bulbous end 114 is sucked.

[74] In one embodiment, the distal concertina end 140 may locate beneath the vents 104 so as to selectively block the vents 104. Specifically, as is shown in Figure 9, the distal concertina end 115 may locate within a cylindrical channel within the proximal portion 102. As such, and, as can be appreciated, the distal concertina end 115 blocks vapour from reaching the vent 104 from the medicament container 103 within the distal portion 106. However, when contracted in the manner shown in Figure 10, the distal concertina end 115 moves out from under beneath the vents 104 allowing vapour to escape therefrom. In other embodiments, as opposed to blocking the vents 104 from underneath, the distal circular face of the distal concertina end 114 may block a central aperture of an annular disc having the medicament container 103 therebehind. As such, when contracted, the distal face of the distal concertina end 115 moves away from the central aperture of annular disc allowing the vapour to escape therefrom.

[75] Figures 11 - 12 show an electrical version embodiment of the pacifier 100.

[76] With reference to Figure 12, the pacifier 100 comprises an electric vaporisation control device

127 configured for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament vapour from the vent 104. In embodiments, the electric vaporisation control device 127 may be entirely of analog circuitry but however, the embodiments shown in Figure 12 shows a digital version thereof. In accordance with this latter embodiment, the control device 127 comprises a microprocessor 113 for processing digital data.

[77] The control device 127 may further comprise a memory device 127 for storing digital data including computer program code controller instructions. The memory device 127 is in operable communication with the processor 133 across a system bus 126 such that, in use, the microprocessor 133 is able to fetch computer program code instructions and associated data from the memory device

127 for interpretation and execution.

[78] In the embodiments shown, the computer program code instructions of the memory device

128 have been shown as having been divided into various controllers for controlling various functionality of the pacifier 100 in accordance with embodiments as will be described in further detail below.

[79] The control device 127 may comprise an I/O interface 135 for interfacing with various outputs 143, 137, 138 and for receiving data from various inputs 139 - 142, including via an analogue to digital converter 136.

[80] In embodiments, the controller 127 may comprise a wireless transceiver 134 for communicating with a peripheral computing device 124. As such, and in one embodiment, the control device 127 is able to communicate via short-range Bluetooth wireless communication with a mobile communication device 124 for the sending of data to the mobile communication device 124 and receiving configuration and control settings therefrom.

[81] In use, the electrical vaporisation control device is configured for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament vapour from the medicament container 103 via the vent 104.

[82] In an embodiment, the controller 127 controls and electromagnetically actuated valve (not shown) which selectively opens or closes a conduit between the medicament container 103 and the vent 104. The electromagnetically actuated valve may allow release of pressurised gas from a pressurised asthmatic pump cylinder. In embodiments, the integral valve of the cylinder may be actuated by an electromagnetic actuator which depresses the spout of the cylinder.

[83] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the controller 127 controls and active vaporiser 143 configured for vaporising the medicament.

[84] In an embodiment, the vaporiser 143 is configured for heating the medicament. In this regard, reference is made to figure 11 shown an exemplary construction of the pacifier 100 wherein, as can be seen, the medicament container 103 comprises a liquid reservoir 118 having liquid medicament 119 therein. A wicking rod 120 wicks the liquid 118 therefrom. [85] Furthermore, there is shown the electric vaporisation control device circuitry 116 which, in an embodiment, comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 117 of annular construction thereby defining an aperture 121 therethrough for engaging the proximal end of the wicking rod 120 therethrough.

[86] In accordance with this embodiment, the PCB 117 may comprise a miniaturised heating element 123 configured for heating a proximal end of the wicking rod 120. In the embodiment shown, there is shown the miniaturised heating element surrounding a collar which engages about the proximal end of the wicking rod 120.

[87] In embodiments, the miniaturised heating element has a resistive heating element configured for drawing current from electrochemical batteries (not shown) located within the housing. In embodiments, the batteries may be rechargeable by way of a USB port or the like.

[88] In alternative embodiments, the miniaturised heating element is an electric heat pump such as a Peltier device configured for transferring heat from one side of the heating element to the other.

[89] In alternative embodiments, as opposed to comprising a miniaturised heating element, the vaporiser 143 may be a miniaturised nebuliser device such as one comprising a piezoelectric device in contact with the liquid 119 to nebulise the liquid 119.

[90] As is also shown in figure 11, the circuitry 116 may comprise a sensor 124 configured for sensing various parameters as will be described hereunder.

[91] Now, having described the electronic vaporisation device 127 controlling the vaporiser 143 for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament vapour from the vent 104, there will now be described differing ways in which the controller 127 controls the vaporiser 143.

[92] In accordance with a first embodiment, the electronic control device 127 comprises a dosage controller 127 configured for controlling the rate and/or duration of the medicament vapour emanating from the vent 104.

[93] For example, for different types of medicament, and including for ages of infant and the like, the controller 127 may control the vaporiser 143 according to the configured dosage regime.

[94] For example, and as alluded to above wherein the controller 127 is able to interface with a mobile communication device 124, using the mobile communication device 124, the user may specify the type of medicament and the age of the infant. Other parameters may also be configured including according to user preference.

[95] These configuration parameters are stored within the memory device 128 such that the dosage controller 129 is able to control the vaporiser 143 accordingly.

[96] In embodiments, the controller 127 may comprise a sensor controller 130 configured for sensing various parameters using the sensor 124 and controlling the vaporiser 143 accordingly. [97] In one embodiment, the sensor 124 is configured for detecting the insertion of the teat 144 within the mouth of the infant and, in this regard, may comprise a thermometer 140 to detect the elevation and temperature and/or an electrical contact sensor for detecting saliva.

[98] However, in one embodiment, the sensor 124 may comprise a force/pressure sensor 139 configured for detecting suction on the teat 144. In embodiments, the force sensor 104 sensor may comprise a strain gauge which detects strain applied to a member (such as the distal end of the teat 144) which deforms under suction pressure.

[99] As such, the controller 127 is configured for controlling the vaporiser 143 in accordance with the suction on the teat 144 by the infant.

[100] For example, when first detecting suction on the teat 144, the controller 127 may detect such utilising the sensor controller 130 so as to control the vaporiser 143, such as by heating the resistive heating element to vaporise medicament via the vent 104. The controller 127 may be configured for deactivating the vaporiser 143 when suction terminates.

[101] In embodiments, the sensor controller 130 is configured for detecting suction frequency so as to be able to control the vaporisation of medicament proportionately. As such, the greater the suction urge on the teat 144, more vapour released.

[102] In embodiments, where the pacifier 100 comprises a liquid reservoir 118, the sensor 124 may comprise a level sensor 142 configured for monitoring the remaining liquid 119 therein. When depleted, the control device 127 may notify the paired mobile communication device 124 accordingly.

[103] In embodiments, the sensor 124 may comprise an audio sensor 141 to detect sounds, such as sounds indicative of crying. As such, when detecting the crying of the infant (such as by way of all your input signal threshold level test), the controller 127 may provide soothing vaporised medicament.

[104] In embodiments, the controller 127 may comprise a diagnosing controller 131 configured for detecting one or more preconfigured diagnoses in accordance with the sensor data received from the sensor 124. For example, the diagnosing controller 131 may be configured for monitoring suction rate of via the force sensor 139, body temperature by the thermometer 140 and the like so as to be able to categorise predetermined diagnoses therefrom.

[105] In embodiments, the diagnosing controller 131 may analyse audio signals from the audio sensor 141 to infer laboured breathing therefrom. For example, audio signals received from the audio sensor 141 may be processed by an automated sound classifier (AC ) controller of the controller 127 (not shown). For example, the audio signals received via the audio controller 141 may be converted to the frequency spectrum utilising a Fast Fourier Transform wherein the various parameters of the frequency spectrum are classified in accordance with indicative laboured breathing sound frequencies, such as laboured breathing sounds comprising rasping which may be indicative of bronchoconstriction. For example, for asthmatic infants, the controller 127 may detect bronchoconstriction and discharge asthmatic inhalant medicament via the vent from a pressurised cylinder.

[106] By way of further example, using plurality of sensors, the diagnosing controller 131 may, for example, detect that the infant has a temperature and has either stop sucking or is crying.

[107] elatedly, the controller 127 may comprise an alerting controller 132 configured for sending of alerts according to any detected diagnoses.

[108] As alluded to above, in embodiments, the alerting controller 132 may send an electronic alert to the paired mobile can indication device 124.

[109] However, in alternative embodiments, the pacifier 100 may comprise output devices, such as an audio output device 137 (such as advisor or the like) and, in embodiments, a visual display 138, such as one comprising a plurality of coloured LEDs. As such, sound emanating from the audio output 137 and or light emanating from the display 138 may be indicative of a detected diagnoses classification.

[110] In embodiments, additionally, or as opposed to providing medicament via the vent 104, the pacifier 100 may provide liquid or gel medicament directly via a conduit through the teat 144.

[Ill] Furthermore, in embodiments, raised conduits may be used over the vent 104 to locate closer or in the nostrils of the infant.

[112] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A pacifier for nasal delivery of vaporised medicament, the pacifier comprising:

a mouth shield and a teat extending proximally therefrom;

a rear housing attached to a rear of the mouth shield, the housing having a medicament container therein and a vent for expelling medicament vapour therefrom, the housing configured such that the vent locates beneath a nose of an infant whilst sucking on the teat and wherein the pacifier comprises an electric vaporisation control device configured for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament vapour from the vent.

2. A pacifier as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an active vaporiser for vaporising the medicament operably coupled to the electric vaporisation control device and, wherein, in use, the electric vaporisation control device is configured for controlling the active vaporiser for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament vapour from the vent.

3. A pacifier as claimed in claim 2, wherein the active vaporiser is configured for heating the medicament.

4. A pacifier as claimed in claim 3, wherein the medicament container comprises a liquid reservoir having a wick drawing the medicament therefrom and wherein the active vaporiser comprises a miniaturised heating element configured for heating the wick.

5. A pacifier as claimed in claim 4, wherein the electric vaporisation control device is of annular construction thereby defining an aperture therethrough and wherein the wick is configured for extending through the aperture.

6. A pacifier as claimed in claim 3, wherein the miniaturised heating element is a resistive heating element.

7. A pacifier as claimed in claim 3, wherein the miniaturised heating element is an electric heat pump.

8. A pacifier as claimed in claim 2, wherein the medicament is a liquid medicament and wherein the active vaporiser is in contact with the liquid medicament and wherein the active vaporiser is configured for nebulising the medicament.

9. A pacifier as claimed in claim 8, wherein the active vaporiser comprises a piezoelectric nebuliser.

10. A pacifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electric vaporisation control device comprises a dosage controller and a memory device comprising dosage regime therein and wherein the electric vaporisation control device is configured for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament according to the dosage regime.

11. A pacifier as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor operably coupled to the electronic vaporisation control device and wherein, in use, the electronic vaporisation control device is configured for controlling the vaporisation of the medicament in accordance with sensor signals received from the at least one sensor.

12. A pacifier as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor is configured for detecting suction on the teat and wherein the electronic vaporisation control device is configured for vaporising medicament when the at least one sensor detects suction.

13. A pacifier as claimed in claim 12, wherein the control device is configured for detecting a suction rate and controlling vaporisation of the medicament proportionately to the suction rate.

14. A pacifier as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a strain gauge coupled to a member configured for measuring a suction force acting to the member.

15. A pacifier as claimed in claim 11, wherein the control device is configured for detecting breathing difficulty using the at least one sensor and wherein the control device is configured for vaporising the medicament when detecting the breathing difficulty.

16. A pacifier as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an audio sensor and wherein the control device is configured for analysing audio signals received from the audio sensor for detecting the breathing difficulty.

17. A pacifier as claimed in claim 16, Wherein the control device is configured for calculating a frequency spectrum of the audio signals and classifying patterns of the frequency spectrum according to a breathing difficulty frequency spectrum template.

18. A pacifier as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor and wherein, in use, the control device is configured for vaporising the medicament according to temperature readings of the temperature sensor.