DOSING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dosing device and a drinking bottle with such a dosing device.

[0002] Drinking bottles come in various designs. Since it has been shown that regular fluid intake is beneficial to human health, drinking bottles have become widespread. Drinking bottles can therefore serve as a means of daily fluid intake.

[0003] Drinking a specific amount of fluids daily is not always easy. People often find it difficult to drink enough, especially the elderly and those who are ill. German patent DE 20 2017 003 569 U1 discloses a method for controlled, timely fluid intake, which allows for reminders to drink. The person is then instructed to take a drink. After drinking, the amount consumed is determined, along with the amount of fluid still needed. For this purpose, the drinking vessel must be placed on a scale each time. There is no technical limit to fluid intake; the individual is free to decide how much fluid they consume.

[0004] Furthermore, it has proven useful to equip drinking bottles with a closure that allows the liquid flow to be adjusted. This allows, for example, the flow rate to be influenced or the flow rate to be adapted to the viscosity of the liquid. A corresponding drinking bottle closure is described in DE 10 2010 049 727 B4. However, even with this closure, the absolute amount of liquid a person can consume is not limited.

[0005] An electronic device for monitoring the dispensing from a drinking vessel is known from DE 10 2010 041 112 A1.

[0006] However, consuming a defined amount of fluid is particularly important when the fluid is an active ingredient or contains such an active ingredient, such as a medication. This applies especially to levodopa.

[0007] Levodopa (C₉H₁₁NO₄), also known as L-Dopa, is the abbreviation for L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, a non-proteinogenic α-amino acid that is produced in the body from tyrosine with the help of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase. It occurs as a white, crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water. Levodopa can be converted to the active neurotransmitter dopamine in the central nervous system through decarboxylation. Levodopa is used to treat Parkinson's disease. This is intended to increase the dopamine concentration in the basal cells of the brain.

[0008] Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders, and after a few years, fluctuations in drug efficacy (so-called motor and non-motor fluctuations) typically occur. These fluctuations can be caused by impaired transport and absorption of the medication in the gastrointestinal tract. Various pharmacological developments in the past have aimed to positively influence these transport and absorption problems in the gastrointestinal tract (delayed or sustained, ideally continuous, dosage forms such as extended-release preparations (ER), patch formulations, subcutaneous pen injections, or pump systems). However, the standard therapy (gold standard) for idiopathic Parkinson's disease remains levodopa in a fixed combination with a decarboxylase inhibitor (carbidopa or benserazide).

[0009] Escalation therapies are also suitable for treating MP in advanced stages. These therapies are all invasive and include enteral levodopa / carbidopa therapy via an invasively placed endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube with Jet-PEG, through which L-dopa gel (LCIG therapy = Duodopa®) is continuously administered, as well as subcutaneously administered soluble dopamine agonist therapy (apomorphine, e.g., APO-Go®) and deep brain stimulation (TIIS = brain pacemaker). However, the problems with these therapies lie not only in the considerable effort and sometimes very high treatment costs, but above all in the aforementioned invasiveness of the methods. Particularly with enteral Duodopa® therapy, periprocedural complications such as injury to abdominal organs, peritonitis, etc., can occur.In chronic use, patients are at risk from probe misplacement, repeated endoscopic procedures, and enteral absorption disorders with deficiency symptoms (including vitamin deficiency neuropathies).

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a dosing device with which precisely defined quantities of liquid can be dispensed from a drinking vessel at specific times. Furthermore, the dosing device, together with the drinking vessel, should form an easily manageable unit that, in the case of frequent intake, e.g., hourly, allows for this simple procedure outside the home (on the go).

[0011] According to the invention, the problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] The dispensing device generally serves to regulate the flow of liquid from the drinking vessel. Various types of dispensing devices are possible. Ultimately, the choice depends on the type of liquid being dispensed. Some dispensing device designs are described below.

[0013] The dosing device according to the invention is particularly suitable for dosing liquid medications, especially for the metered and time-controlled administration of a drug suspension, such as a levodopa suspension for the high-frequency treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. For the purposes of this application, "liquid" therefore also includes a suspension, i.e., a heterogeneous mixture of substances consisting of a liquid and finely dispersed solids. In particular, the liquid medium may be a heterogeneous mixture of substances used medicinally.

[0014] The present invention can prevent problems in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. For this purpose, the drinking vessel is filled, for example, with a commercially available and approved levodopa / carbidopa suspension in a fixed mixing ratio of 4:1 (for example, 5 mg levodopa / 1.25 mg carbidopa in SyrSpend®, stable for 72 hours without refrigeration). This suspension can then be taken anywhere, as prescribed by a physician. It has been shown that the most continuous possible enteral drug absorption leads to optimal treatment results (concept of continuous dopaminergic stimulation (CDS)).

[0015] A proven approach is to administer an "early dose" to start the day, a "repetitive dose" taken, for example, hourly ("hourly dose"), and an "additional dose" that can be taken as needed up to a defined maximum dose (e.g., 1000 mg / day). A maximum daily dose in mg can thus be selected as an additional control mechanism. Once this maximum dose is reached, no further fluid can be administered to prevent an overdose. In such cases, alternative treatment methods may be necessary.

[0016] Alternatively, dopaminergic solutions can also be used (e.g. soluble dopamine agonists).

[0017] The dosing device according to the invention has a control unit that uses sensors (e.g., flow or weight sensors) to detect the dispensing of the liquid and can transmit corresponding signals to a display and / or evaluation unit. The dispensed quantity of liquid can thus be recorded and, for example, form the basis for dispensing the next dose.

[0018] The control unit can regulate the dispensing of the liquid. It converts input signals into drive movements in the dosing device. For example, a pump or a valve can be controlled, thereby releasing a defined quantity of liquid or interrupting the liquid flow.

[0019] The control unit is in particular a programmable logic controller, i.e. a microcontroller with memory for the control program and the control parameters.

[0020] Finally, the control unit can also establish a wireless connection to devices such as smartphones or tablets, enabling system programming or access to therapy protocols via smartphone apps (for example, by the doctor, possibly also using telemedicine methods). Conversely, such modules can also be used to remind patients to take their medication on time and to record correct dosage.

[0021] The drinking vessel can be made of glass, plastic, or other materials. Depending on the sensitivity of the liquid, the vessel may also be equipped with a light-protective coating. A lightweight plastic bottle is inexpensive to produce and easy to handle. The size of the drinking vessel depends on the intended use. 200 ml and 500 ml bottles are preferred.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing of the liquid is time-dependent and controlled by the control unit. At specific, preset times, the control unit can send signals, for example, to a pump, enabling the pump to deliver a defined volume of liquid and make it available for dispensing to a patient. Alternatively, a liquid flow can also be generated manually at specific times, for example, by pressing on a flexible drinking vessel or by drawing in the liquid, because at these times a valve opens and allows the liquid to flow until a defined volume is reached.

[0023] However, time-dependent control can also mean that predetermined time intervals are set between two medication withdrawals, thus preventing medication withdrawal at shorter time intervals.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control device is configured to generate a signal that is visually and / or audibly perceptible to the user of the drinking vessel. Such a signal can originate from the dosing device or the drinking vessel. For example, LEDs can light up in different colors and signal tones can be emitted to indicate to the user that fluid intake is required or has been sufficient.

[0025] The control unit can also be configured to generate an electronic signal for further processing of the dispensed data in an external display device. As mentioned above, this allows for a wireless connection to smartphones or tablet devices, enabling data analysis or patient information.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the invention, the dosing device has a storage chamber for portioning the liquid, which can be filled by means of a pumping process. Such a storage chamber can, for example, be located in the closing device of the drinking vessel. The storage chamber is filled with a defined quantity of the liquid medium according to a pre-programmed sequence, for example, via an electrically operated pump. The medium can then be dispensed from the storage chamber.

[0027] If the liquid is dispensed directly from the drinking vessel to a person, it must be ensured that the set dispensing quantity is adhered to and, in particular, not exceeded. For this purpose, sensors (e.g., flow or weight sensors) can be integrated into the dispensing device to detect the dispensed quantity of liquid. The sensors send their signals to the control unit, which detects the dispensing and can forward corresponding signals to a display and / or evaluation unit. Once the dispensed quantity of liquid has been registered, further program steps can be initiated. For example, the person can be prompted to drink more liquid, or the dispensing of the liquid can be interrupted by a valve, and a new time cycle begins for the next dose.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit is assigned a control panel via which volume and time parameters for the dispensed medium can be set. This control panel can be integrated into the closing device, making the dosing device easy to handle and operate overall. Alternatively, it can be mounted on the outside of the drinking vessel. All setting parameters, including the drug concentration, can be set and / or recalled via the control panel.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a drinking bottle with a dosing device.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dosing device is located in the closure of the drinking bottle. This has the advantage that the closure, together with the dosing device, can be removed from the drinking bottle as a separate unit and combined with other drinking vessels, for example. Preferably, the closure is screwed onto the drinking vessel in a sealing manner. However, other connections are also possible, such as a bayonet fitting.

[0031] The drinking bottle can be equipped with an agitator to prevent particle settling, particularly before dispensing, when using drug suspensions such as levodopa suspensions, and to produce a homogeneous suspension if possible. The agitator can be electrically driven and, if necessary, activated by the control unit immediately before dispensing. The agitator's motor is preferably integrated into the capping device, so that the agitator shaft with the stirring elements protrudes into the drinking vessel. This design allows the drinking bottle to be used in any location.

[0032] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment. It shows Fig. 1 a water bottle in a side view Fig. 2 a locking device in a side view Fig. 3 a sealing device with agitator as well as Fig. 4A locking device with control panel in a top view.

[0033] The drinking bottle 8 according to Fig. 1The drinking vessel 2 forms the bottle body. The drinking vessel 2 has a cylindrical shape with a neck 14, to which an eyelet 15 is attached for attaching a carrying strap (not shown). The drinking vessel 2 is made of plastic, e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET). As described above, other materials are also suitable, depending on whether the drinking vessel 2 is intended for single or multiple use, or whether it should be compressible. The drinking vessel 2 is single-walled. However, it can also be double-walled to maintain a more constant liquid temperature. The wall 16 of the drinking vessel 2 is coated with a light-protective coating 17. It features a viewing window 11 extending along the length of the drinking vessel 2, with a scale 12 for monitoring the fill level.

[0034] The sealing device 9 is screw-type and seals the drinking vessel 2. It is provided with a drinking spout 13 through which the liquid 3 can be dispensed. The drinking spout 13 may also be equipped with a mouthpiece.

[0035] Inside the sealing device 9 are the control unit 4 and the storage chamber 5. In addition, the sealing device 9 houses all the sensors, lines for the liquid 3, valves and power supply equipment.

[0036] In Fig. 2 A closing device 9 is shown in a side view. A valve 18, controllable by control unit 4, shuts off the line 19 for the liquid 3. In addition, a sensor 6 in the form of a flow sensor is provided, which is also connected to the control unit 4.

[0037] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a closing device 9 with an agitator 10. The agitator 10 is driven by an electric motor 20 and is designed with an agitator shaft 21 on which agitator elements 22 are arranged. The agitator 10 can also be connected to the control unit 4.

[0038] The locking device 9 according to Fig. 4 The control panel 7 shows a display 23 for showing relevant setting parameters such as dosing volume, dosing times, etc. In addition, operating elements such as pushbuttons 24, 25 and optical indicators in the form of LEDs 26, 27 are provided. Example of how to use the water bottle

[0039] The use of the drinking bottle 8 according to the invention is explained below for the administration of a levodopa suspension for the high-frequency treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

[0040] A 500 ml drinking vessel 2 is filled with 500 ml of a levodopa / carbidopa suspension (e.g., 1000 mg levodopa / 250 mg carbidopa in 500 ml SyrSpend® ≤ 2 mg levodopa / ml). Using a smartphone app or the control panel 7, the volume and time parameters for the administered fluid 3 are then set according to the doctor's prescription. To prevent the user from altering the prescribed dosing schedule without the doctor's approval, a lock code can be set up, which unlocks the programming system for changes after correct entry. For example, the following parameters are entered: 1st dose at 8:00 AM: 20-30 ml = 40-60 mg L-Dopa as a starting dose. 2nd-14th doses from 9:00 AM hourly: 10-15 ml = 20-30 mg per hour as a repetitive dose. 15th-16th doses as needed: 10-15 ml up to a maximum of 3 times per day.

[0041] The patient is reminded to take their medication via the control panel 7 of the dosing device 1 and / or a smartphone app. Simultaneously, a notification can be sent to the attending physician or nursing staff, for example, in a care facility. The control unit 4 of the dosing device 1 then releases the preset volume of liquid 3, the levodopa suspension, at the scheduled time. This means the preset volume is dispensed via the dosing device 1 and is available to the patient. If the dispensed medication is not taken, a further notification is sent to the physician or nursing staff. Conversely, the patient can enter and retrieve an additional dose as needed. Since all medication administrations can be recorded in this way, a therapy protocol can be created and analyses performed with minimal effort. Reference symbol list

[0042] 1 Dosing device 2 Drinking vessel 3 Liquid 4 Control unit 5 Storage chamber 6 Sensor 7 Control panel 8 Drinking bottle 9 Closing device 10 Stirrer 11 Viewing window 12 Scale 13 Drinking spout 14 Bottle neck 15 Eyelet 16 Wall 17 Light-protective coating 18 Valve 19 Cable 20 Electric motor 21 Stirring shaft 22 Stirring element 23 Display 24 Button 25 Button 26 LED 27 LED

Claims

1. Dosing device (1) for a drinking vessel (2) for dispensing a liquid (3) from the drinking vessel (2), characterized by a control device (4) which detects and controls the dispensing of the liquid (3), thereby releasing a defined amount of liquid or interrupting the flow of liquid.

2. Dosing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid (3) is dispensed as a function of time via the control device (4).

3. Dosing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device (4) is designed to generate a signal which the user of the drinking vessel (2) can detect visually and / or acoustically.

4. Dosing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device (4) is designed to generate an electronic signal for further processing of the dispensing data in an external display device.

5. Dosing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the dosing device (1) has a storage chamber (5) which is provided for portioning the liquid (3) and which can be filled by means of a pumping process.

6. Dosing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the dosing device (1) has a sensor (6) via which the amount of the dispensed liquid (3) can be detected and which sends signals to the control device (4).

7. Dosing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control device (4) is associated with a control panel (7) via which the volume and time parameters for the medium (3) to be dispensed can be set.

8. Drinking vessel (8) with a dosing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Drinking vessel (8) according to claim 8, characterized in that the dosing device (1) is located in the closing device (9) of the drinking vessel (8).

10. Drinking vessel (8) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the drinking vessel (8) has an agitator (10).