Optical dry powder inhaler dose sensor

Abstract

A dry powder inhaler includes a first chamber having an orifice for holding a dry powder and a gas, and a second chamber connected to the first chamber by at least one passageway for receiving an aerosolized form of the dry powder from the first chamber and delivering the aerosolized dry powder to a user. At least one optical sensor monitors aerosolized powder particles passing in the second chamber. A vibrator coupled to the first chamber aerosolizes the dry powder and causes the aerosolized powder to move through the at least one passageway thereby delivering the powder from the first chamber to the second chamber as an aerosolized dry powder. A vibrator control unit controls operation of the vibrator based on the amount of aerosolized powder particles passing in the second chamber and delivered to a user.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Existing Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 475,095, filed March 22, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] Embodiments described herein relate generally to the field of delivery of pharmaceuticals and drugs. Particular use may be found in monitoring and regulating the delivery of pharmaceuticals or drugs to patients, and will be described in connection with this use, although other uses are contemplated. Background technique [0004] Certain diseases of the respiratory tract are known to respond to treatment by direct application of therapeutic agents. Since these agents are most readily available in dry powder form, their application is most conveniently accomplished by nasal or oral inhalation of the powdered material. This powder form allows for better utilization of the drug because the drug is deposited exactly...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] While the inhaler dose counter may indicate that the inhaler was properly actuated, the dose counter mechanism cannot confirm that the formulation was properly delivered to the user via inhalation

In some cases, patients may detect tastes associated with drug formulations, but this method is unreliable because it depends on the specific formulation delivered or the patient's sense of taste, which can be affected by many factors, including Food or drink consumed prior to the inhaler or symptoms of medical conditions such as nasal congestion or inflammation of the tissues of the mouth, teeth or tongue, which may adversely affect the taste

Additionally, in highly efficient active DPI devices, smaller amounts of formulation can be delivered more directly to the airway without sticking to the inside of the mouth or tongue, where insufficient amounts of material may be present in the mouth to pass through taste test

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