A system for conducting inhalation studies includes an inhalation exposure chamber and an aerosol delivery line connected to the inhalation exposure chamber. The aerosol delivery line is configured to produce a bi-directional and symmetrical presentation of aerosol to the inhalation exposure chamber. A laminar flow element is configured to create an ante-chamber where complete and turbulent mixing of the aerosol occurs. A radial exhaust and the laminar flow element enable laminar flow of the aerosol through the inhalation exposure chamber.

The invention relates to a nebulizer (1) comprising an aerosol generator (6), a nebulizing chamber (5) and an outlet (16), the aerosol generator (6) being designed to release an aerosol into the nebulizing chamber (5) and the outlet (16) being designed to allow the removal of the aerosol from the nebulizing chamber (5). To achieve a high output rate, a wetting surface (2) is provided in the nebulizing chamber (5).

The invention relates to a nebulizer (1) comprising an aerosol generator (6), a nebulizing chamber (5) and an outlet (16), the aerosol generator (6) being designed to release an aerosol into the nebulizing chamber (5) and the outlet (16) being designed to allow the removal of the aerosol from the nebulizing chamber (5). To achieve a high output rate, a wetting surface (2) is provided in the nebulizing chamber (5).

The present invention is directed to a spray applicator for spraying a tissue treatment medicant onto a tissue that has a container containing the medicant and is positioned at a proximal end of the spray applicator; a spray tip positioned at a distal end of the spray applicator; a cannula connecting the container with the spray tip; an actuatable dispensing mechanism at a proximal end of the applicator to express the medicant from the container through the cannula and through the spray tip toward the tissue; an optional pressurized gas source discharging a gas through the cannula in the vicinity of the spray tip or inside the spray tip; and a distance indicator that provides indicia of the distance between the spray tip and the tissue but does not prevent positioning the spray tip closer to the tissue than a defined distance for the distance indicator.

The present invention is directed to a spray applicator for spraying a tissue treatment medicant onto a tissue that has a container containing the medicant and is positioned at a proximal end of the spray applicator; a spray tip positioned at a distal end of the spray applicator; a cannula connecting the container with the spray tip; an actuatable dispensing mechanism at a proximal end of the applicator to express the medicant from the container through the cannula and through the spray tip toward the tissue; an optional pressurized gas source discharging a gas through the cannula in the vicinity of the spray tip or inside the spray tip; and a distance indicator that provides indicia of the distance between the spray tip and the tissue but does not prevent positioning the spray tip closer to the tissue than a defined distance for the distance indicator.

An inhalation device (1) comprising a compressor (2), an aerosol generator (3) and a pressure relief valve (4), wherein the compressor (2) is configured to provide a compressed gas for the aerosol generator (3) and the pressure relief valve (4) is configured to limit a pressure in the inhalation device (1).

An atomizing nozzle structured particularly for nasal therapy. Preferred embodiments include a 2-piece atomizing nozzle structured to couple with luer-locking structure carried by a syringe. Such an atomizing nozzle includes a nasal stopper and a stem. A preferred nasal stopper includes a distal tip sized for insertion into a nostril of a human child, with a proximal shield portion being structured to resist over-insertion of a discharge orifice into the nostril. A nasal stopper desirably provides a centering function to urge the discharge orifice away from a nasal wall. One operable stem is structured to couple with the stopper and desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. A second operable stem is structured as a unitary part of the nasal stopper and also desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. Certain embodiments may also include spacer structure configured to reduce a dead volume inside the atomizing nozzle. Other embodiments may also include spacer structure configured to reduce dead volume inside a syringe that is coupled to the atomizing nozzle.

An atomizing nozzle structured particularly for nasal therapy. Preferred embodiments include a 2-piece atomizing nozzle structured to couple with luer-locking structure carried by a syringe. Such an atomizing nozzle includes a nasal stopper and a stem. A preferred nasal stopper includes a distal tip sized for insertion into a nostril of a human child, with a proximal shield portion being structured to resist over-insertion of a discharge orifice into the nostril. A nasal stopper desirably provides a centering function to urge the discharge orifice away from a nasal wall. One operable stem is structured to couple with the stopper and desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. A second operable stem is structured as a unitary part of the nasal stopper and also desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. Certain embodiments may also include spacer structure configured to reduce a dead volume inside the atomizing nozzle. Other embodiments may also include spacer structure configured to reduce dead volume inside a syringe that is coupled to the atomizing nozzle.

Features for assessing patient compliance with therapeutic usage of an inhaler, such as a nebulizer, are disclosed. Nebulizer therapy accessories include mouthpiece, mask and adaptor (i.e. an attachment to a mouthpiece or mask) that may be coupled with the nebulizer. The nebulizer therapy accessory includes at least one sensor that detects a physical parameter generated by a user's body and generates a signal. The signal is used to determine therapy compliance, which may be communicated to the patient and/or the patient's physician.

Features for assessing patient compliance with therapeutic usage of an inhaler, such as a nebulizer, are disclosed. Nebulizer therapy accessories include mouthpiece, mask and adaptor (i.e. an attachment to a mouthpiece or mask) that may be coupled with the nebulizer. The nebulizer therapy accessory includes at least one sensor that detects a physical parameter generated by a user's body and generates a signal. The signal is used to determine therapy compliance, which may be communicated to the patient and/or the patient's physician.