Portable respiratory therapy and inhalation / exhalation measuring devices and related methods

Abstract

To provide a portable inhalation device.SOLUTION: A portable inhalation device includes: a medicine storage member; a flow control mechanism; an atomizer 760; a medicine delivery member 604; and a pressure sensor. The medicine storage member is configured to store medicine. The flow control mechanism is configured to cause a force to be applied the medicine stored by the medicine storage member to carry the medicine to the atomizer. The atomizer is configured to generate liquid particles from the medicine. The medicine delivery member includes a delivery channel that extends from the atomizer to an outlet opening. The medicine delivery part is configured to receive the medicine in the delivery channel, and dispense the medicine through the opening. The pressure sensor is configured to detect a pressure corresponding to a flow rate of air in the delivery channel, and output an indication of the detected pressure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 638,658, filed March 5, 2018, entitled "PORTABLE RESPIRATORY THERAPY AND INHALED-EXHALED BREATH MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure relates generally to the field of inhalers, and more particularly to devices, systems and methods relating to portable inhalation therapy, and inhalation and exhalation meters. [Background technology]

[0003] Nebulizers, such as inhalation devices, are used to deliver therapeutic drugs to patients by inhalation. In existing devices, dosing can be accomplished by manual manipulation of a drug source, which can limit the device's ability to deliver drug at a dosage that is tailored to the patient and their condition. Similarly, because patients are unaware of the severity of their condition, even if the device is able to control the dosage, the device may not be able to deliver the drug at the appropriate dosage effectively enough to indicate to the patient the severity of their condition. Some existing systems implement surface tension or gravity-based mechanisms for drug delivery, but these systems are often limited in functionality because they can only be used in a single orientation (e.g., upright orientation). Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a portable inhaler includes a medicament storage member, a flow control mechanism, an atomizer, a medicament delivery member, and a pressure sensor. The medicament storage member is configured to store a medicament. The flow control mechanism is configured to apply a force to the medicament stored by the medicament storage member to convey the medicament to the atomizer. The atomizer is configured to generate liquid particles from the medicament. The medicament delivery member includes a delivery channel extending from the atomizer to an outlet opening. The medicament delivery member is configured to receive the medicament within the delivery channel and dispense the medicament through the opening. The pressure sensor is configured to detect a pressure corresponding to a flow rate of air within the delivery channel and output an indication of the detected pressure.

[0005] In some embodiments, the portable inhaler is configured to collect and / or track airway measurement data before, during, and / or after a treatment. In some embodiments, the portable inhaler can include a communications module, such as Bluetooth, configured to receive airway measurement data before, during, and after a treatment.

[0006] In some embodiments, the portable inhaler can include a built-in pulse oximeter to collect blood oxygen levels. The built-in pulse oximeter is sized and configured on the portable inhaler so that the built-in pulse oximeter can determine blood oxygen levels while the user is holding the portable inhaler. The portable inhaler can be configured to collect the airway measurement data along with blood oxygen levels to determine correlations between airway conditions and blood oxygen levels. In some embodiments, the portable inhaler can be configured to receive or obtain measurements throughout the day, which are tied to other specific variables at the time, such as geographic location (urban vs. rural), allergy maps, air quality, pollen counts, and weather. In some embodiments, the portable inhaler can include a location sensor, such as a GPS, to determine the current location of the portable inhaler. The location obtained from the location sensor can be used to determine the value of a specific variable related to the location. Storing this data over time will provide valuable predictive insight into an individual's asthma status (e.g., asthma worsens when the pollen count is above a certain level or humidity is above a certain percentage). The data can be evaluated using certain proprietary algorithms and calculations. The information can provide actionable information that enables healthcare providers to make educated health care decisions.

[0007] In some embodiments, the portable inhaler can include a removable cartridge that stores medication. The portable inhaler can include a fluid pathway from a location proximal to where the removable cartridge is inserted into the portable inhaler and the piezoelectric device. The use of a cartridge can provide easier and less laborious initiation of the nebulization procedure, thus reducing barriers to use and allowing for more accurate administration of prescribed medication. A cartridge housing can provide touch haptic feedback upon installation and removal, further simplifying operation.

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a portable inhaler includes a nozzle, an atomizer, a drug cartridge, a flow control mechanism, and a processing circuit. The nozzle defines a delivery channel coupled to an outlet and at least one vent. The atomizer is adjacent to the delivery channel and configured to receive a drug, generate liquid particles from the drug, and output the generated liquid particles through the outlet of the nozzle. The drug cartridge is configured to store the drug and is coupled to the atomizer via the drug channel. The flow control mechanism is configured to apply a force to the drug in the drug cartridge to drive the drug from the drug cartridge to the atomizer. The processing circuit is configured to control operation of the flow control mechanism in response to a trigger condition being satisfied.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a portable inhaler includes detecting a pressure associated with a delivery channel by a pressure sensor, the delivery channel being formed by a nozzle and coupled to an outlet and at least one vent; determining by one or more processors that the pressure satisfies a trigger condition; causing a flow control mechanism by the one or more processors to apply a force to the medicament stored in the medicament cartridge to drive the medicament from a medicament cartridge through the medicament channel to an atomizer; and generating liquid particles from the medicament by the atomizer; and outputting the liquid particles from the medicament through the outlet.

[0010] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a portable inhaler includes a nozzle, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric atomizer, a drug cartridge, a flow control mechanism, and a processing circuit. The nozzle defines a delivery channel coupled to an outlet, a sensor opening, and at least one vent. The pressure sensor is coupled to the sensor opening and configured to detect a pressure in the delivery channel. The atomizer is adjacent to the delivery channel and configured to receive a drug, generate liquid particles from the drug, and output the generated liquid particles from the outlet of the nozzle. The drug cartridge is configured to store the drug and is coupled to the atomizer via the drug channel. The flow control mechanism is configured to apply a force to the drug in the drug cartridge to drive the drug from the drug cartridge to the atomizer. The processing circuit is configured to control operation of the atomizer and the flow control mechanism in response to a trigger condition being satisfied, the trigger condition being based on at least one of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor or a user input. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable inhaler according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B show perspective views of the body and inner assembly, respectively, of the portable inhaler of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the portable inhaler of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the drug delivery assembly of the portable inhaler of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a drug storage assembly of the portable inhaler of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5B shows a side view of the drug storage assembly of Figure 7 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the drug storage assembly of Figure 7 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable inhaler according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the portable inhaler of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the portable inhaler of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the portable inhaler of FIG. 6 illustrating a drug delivery mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the portable inhaler of FIG. 6 illustrating a measurement mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the drug delivery member of the portable inhaler of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a chart that can be generated using pressure data detected by the portable inhaler of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a subject monitoring system that can use the various portable inhalers described herein according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 14A and 14B illustrate a user interface that may be presented using the subject monitoring system of FIG. 13 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a method of delivering medication using a portable inhaler according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The following detailed description and accompanying drawings describe and illustrate various fluid control systems, methods, and components. The descriptions and drawings are provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use one or more fluid control systems and / or components and / or practice one or more methods, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way.

[0013] The use of "for example," "such as," "for example," "or," and grammatically related terms indicate non-exclusive options unless otherwise stated. The use of "optionally" and grammatically related terms means that the subsequently described element, event, feature, or circumstance may or may not be present / occur, and the description further provides examples of the presence and absence of said element, event, feature, or circumstance. The use of the terms "attached" and "coupled" and grammatically related terms refers to a fixed, releasable, or integral coupling of two or more elements and / or devices, with or without one or more other intervening elements therebetween. Thus, the terms "attached" and "coupled" and grammatically related terms include releasable or fixed attachment of two or more elements and / or devices with one or more other intervening elements therebetween. The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein to describe axially opposing ends of a particular element or feature described in relation to an anatomical location.

[0014] Existing solutions involving portable inhalers typically have difficulty both delivering a dose of medication tailored to the patient and the patient's current state and measuring the patient's inhalation and exhalation characteristics to determine the patient's quality of breathing (e.g., to determine how well the lungs are functioning). Existing solutions typically require the portable inhaler to be used in limited orientations, e.g., functioning properly only when held vertically to allow gravity feeding of medication to the mouthpiece. The present solution provides systems, methods, and devices that improve portable inhaler medication delivery and exhalation measurement by allowing the device to be used in any orientation, in addition to enabling accurate dosing and exhalation measurement. In some embodiments, the portable inhaler includes a medication storage member, a flow control mechanism, an atomizer, a medication delivery member, and a pressure sensor. The medication storage member is configured to store the medication. The flow control mechanism is configured to apply a force to the medication stored by the medication storage member to convey the medication to the atomizer. The atomizer is configured to generate liquid particles from the medication. The drug delivery member includes a delivery channel extending from the atomizer to an outlet opening. The drug delivery member is configured to receive a drug within the delivery channel and dispense the drug through the outlet opening. The pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure corresponding to a flow rate of air within the delivery channel and output an indication of the sensed pressure.

[0015] 1, a portable inhaler 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The portable inhaler 100 includes a drug delivery member 110 and a body 120. The drug delivery member 110 defines an outlet opening 304 through which the drug delivery member 110 can deliver a drug (e.g., deliver a drug stored in the body 120).

[0016] 2A-2B, there is shown a body 120 and an internal assembly 130 of a portable inhaler 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The body 120 includes a cover member 122 configured to cover the internal assembly 130. The cover member 122 can be configured to be grasped by a user's hand. In some embodiments, the cover member 122 is removably coupled to at least one of the internal assembly 130 or the drug delivery member 110. For example, the cover member 122 can be removed from the portable inhaler 100 to provide access to a drug storage member (e.g., drug storage member 150 shown in FIG. 3).

[0017] 3, an exploded view of a portable inhaler 100 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the adapter device 100 includes a plate 140. The plate 140 can be configured to be attached to a side of the drug delivery member 110 opposite the discharge opening 304.

[0018] In some embodiments, the portable inhaler 100 includes a drug storage member 150. The drug storage member 150 can include a container (e.g., a bottle) for storing a drug. The drug storage member 150 can be made of glass, plastic, metal (e.g., stainless steel), a composite material, or any other material compatible with the drug for automation or nebulization. The drug storage member 150 can have a cylindrical shape. The drug can be an asthma medication, such as albuterol, or any other medication that can be used with a nebulizer.

[0019] In some embodiments, the portable inhaler 100 includes a support structure 160. The support structure 160 can be configured to support (e.g., hold) the drug storage member 150 in a fixed position within the portable inhaler 100 (e.g., secure the drug storage member 150 relative to the drug delivery member 110 and the flow control mechanism 190). The drug storage member 150 can be removably coupled to the support structure 160. The drug storage member 160 can be removably coupled to the support structure 140 and / or the drug delivery member 110.

[0020] The portable inhaler 100 may include a processing circuit 170. The processing circuit 170 may include a processing circuit including a processor and a memory. The processor may be implemented as an application specific processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more customer programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a collection of processing elements, or other suitable electronic processing elements. The memory is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage) that store data and computer code for completing and facilitating the various user or client processes, layers, and modules described in this disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile or non-volatile memory and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure that supports the various operations and information structures of the inventive concepts described in this disclosure. The memory is communicatively connected to the processor and includes computer code or instruction modules for executing one or more processes described herein. The memory may include various circuits, software engines, and / or modules that cause the processor to execute the systems and methods described herein.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the processing circuit 170 is implemented using a circuit board. The circuit board may also include communication elements such as a Bluetooth antenna and / or a WiFi antenna. The portable inhaler 100 may be configured to transmit and receive signals to and from an electronic device, such as a portable communication device, such as a mobile phone. For example, the portable inhaler 100 may receive patient dosage information from the electronic device and transmit inhalation or exhalation data (e.g., spirometry data) to the electronic device. The portable inhaler 100 may include a power source 180. In some embodiments, the power source 180 includes a battery. The power source 180 may be a rechargeable battery. The power source 180 may be configured to output power (e.g., voltage, current, or other electrical waveform) sufficient to operate the mechanical and electrical components of the portable inhaler 100, including the processing circuit 170, the flow control mechanism 190, and / or the atomizer (e.g., atomizer 340 shown in FIG. 3). For example, the power supply 180 can include or be coupled to a drive element (e.g., a driver) capable of converting the voltage output by the power supply 180 to a voltage including -50V to 50V (which can be boosted to a higher peak-to-peak voltage such as 75V); DC voltage; or periodic voltage with a range of frequencies and duty cycles for use in operating the flow control mechanism 190 and the atomizer 340. In some embodiments, the power supply 180 is configured to output a voltage of 3V or more and 5V or less (e.g., 3.7V in a multi-cell configuration; multiples of 3V or more and 5V or less). The power supply 180 can have a capacity sufficient to operate the mechanical and electrical components of the portable inhaler 100 for a threshold number of use cycles (e.g., at least 10 use cycles; at least 50 use cycles). In some embodiments, the power supply 180 has a capacity of 200mAh or more and 1000mAh or less (e.g., 500mAh).

[0022] The portable inhaler 100 may include a flow control mechanism 190. The flow control mechanism 190 is configured to apply a force to a drug stored in the drug storage member 150, which drives the drug to an atomizer (e.g., atomizer 340) for delivery via the drug delivery member 110. In some embodiments, the flow control mechanism 190 includes a microblower, such as a piezoelectric diaphragm configured to drive an airflow that applies pressure to the drug. In some embodiments, the flow control mechanism 190 includes a check valve that prevents liquid from flowing (in the opposite direction) from the drug storage member 150 to the flow control mechanism 190.

[0023] The portable inhaler 100 may include a removable end cap 200. The removable end cap 200 may be removed to provide access to the cover member 122, for example, to access or remove the power source 180 for recharging or replacement.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the portable inhaler 100 is shown illustrating therapeutic drug delivery and metering operations performed by the portable inhaler 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The drug delivery member 100 can be configured as a nozzle for dispensing a drug. The drug delivery member 110 can be configured as a mouthpiece, for example, for a user to exhale into or inhale from the drug delivery member 110. In some embodiments, the drug delivery member 110 defines a delivery channel 300. The delivery channel 300 includes a first flow path 303 (e.g., bounded by a dashed line as shown in FIG. 4) that extends perpendicularly to the discharge opening 304 toward the atomizer opening 309. A drug can be dispensed from the drug delivery member 110 via the discharge opening 304.

[0025] The drug delivery member 110 includes a nozzle wall 305 that defines at least a portion of a delivery channel 300. In some embodiments, the diameter of the delivery channel 300 defined by the nozzle wall 305 increases from the discharge opening 304 toward the end of the drug delivery member 110 opposite the discharge opening 304 (e.g., toward the atomizer opening 309). Thus, the cross-sectional area of ​​the delivery channel 300 increases in a direction away from the discharge opening 304, resulting in a decrease in pressure from the discharge opening 304 toward the atomizer opening 309. In some embodiments, the decrease in pressure from the discharge opening 304 toward the atomizer opening 309 improves the accuracy of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 354.

[0026] In some embodiments, the delivery channel 300 includes a side channel 306 that extends to one or more side openings 308 (e.g., vents). The side openings 308 allow air to enter the delivery channel 300 while air is dispensed from the exhaust openings 304, or vice versa (e.g., during inhalation). As shown by the solid arrows in FIG. 4, as air enters the delivery channel 300 through the exhaust openings 304, the air passes through the delivery channel 300 and exits the side channel 306. In some embodiments, the side openings 308 improve the maneuverability of the portable inhaler 100 by allowing air to pass through the delivery channel 300, rather than simply being forced into and drawn out of the delivery channel 300 (e.g., if the delivery channel 300 only had a single opening at the exhaust opening 304). This passage of air can also improve the operation of pressure sensor 354 (which can be configured to provide a more accurate pressure reading based on air passing through sensor opening 352 compared to air being pushed or pulled through sensor opening 352 due to the pressure range resulting from the passage of air that corresponds to the pressure for which pressure sensor 354 is calibrated).

[0027] In some embodiments, the portable inhaler 100 is configured to induce laminar flow within the side channel 306. For example, the distance d1 between the nozzle wall 305 and the end wall 310 that form the atomizer opening 309 can be configured to generate laminar flow within the side channel 306 at expected operating conditions (e.g., temperatures between approximately -50°F and 120°F; flow rates corresponding to typical human inhalation or exhalation flows). The shape of the nozzle wall 305 (e.g., angle of bend or change in shape) can be configured to generate laminar flow.

[0028] The drug storage member 150 is configured to store the drug 326. The drug 326 can be in a liquid state. The drug storage member 150 can be configured to receive a force from the flow control mechanism 190. For example, the flow control mechanism 190 can apply pressure to the air in the flow channel 322 (indicated by the dashed arrows) to drive the air to apply pressure to the drug 326. In some embodiments, the flow control mechanism 190 is configured to apply an output pressure to the air above a threshold pressure sufficient to drive the drug 326 into the atomizer 340 in any orientation (e.g., regardless of the direction of gravity).

[0029] The drug 326 can flow through the drug channel 330 to the atomizer 340 (as indicated by the dashed arrow). The drug 326 can remain liquid (e.g., continuous; the drug does not form droplets in the drug channel 330; the drug forms large droplets with a size similar to the dimensions of the drug channel 330) while flowing through the drug channel 330, or the drug has a particle size (e.g., average particle size) greater than a first size threshold. In some embodiments, the first size threshold is greater than 1 millimeter. The drug channel 330 can have a diameter above a threshold diameter that is too narrow for the flow of drug 326 driven by the flow control mechanism 190 to provide a dosage of drug 326 within a predetermined period of time.

[0030] The atomizer 340 is configured to generate liquid particles (e.g., a dispersed mist of liquid particles) from the medicament 326 (as indicated by the small dashed arrow in the delivery channel 300). For example, the atomizer 340 can generate liquid particles from the medicament 326 having a liquid particle size below a second size threshold, where the second size threshold is equal to or less than the first size threshold. In some embodiments, the second size threshold is greater than 10 nanometers and less than 100 micrometers. The atomizer 340 can include a nebulizer. The atomizer 340 can be configured to increase the velocity of the medicament 326 in a direction toward the discharge opening 304. In some embodiments, the atomizer 340 includes a piezoelectric element configured to generate liquid particles from the medicament 326. The piezoelectric element can vibrate a vibrating mesh to generate the liquid particles. The vibrating mesh can include micro-holes on the order of approximately 1 micrometer to 10 micrometers, and the vibration of the vibrating mesh generates the liquid particles from the medicament 326.

[0031] The processing circuitry 170 can control the operation of the flow control mechanism 190. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 170 can control the operation of the flow control mechanism 190 to control the dosage of medication 326 delivered by the portable inhaler 100. For example, the processing circuitry 170 can include a dosage database that maps durations of operation of the flow control mechanism 190 to dosage values. The flow control mechanism 190 can be configured to apply a predetermined pressure based on a control signal received from the processing circuitry 170. The processing circuitry 170 can receive or determine a dosage value, retrieve a corresponding duration of operation from the dosage database, generate a flow signal indicative of the duration of operation, and transmit the flow signal to the flow control mechanism 190 to operate the flow control mechanism 190 for a selected period of time. It should be appreciated that the dosage dispensed from the portable inhaler 100 can be a function of the pressure applied by the flow control mechanism 190 and the duration of the pressure applied by the flow control mechanism 190. Processing circuit 170 may additionally or alternatively be configured to control the pressure output by flow control mechanism 190 so that a desired dosage is dispensed from portable inhaler 100 .

[0032] The processing circuit 170 can control the operation of the atomizer 340. For example, the processing circuit 170 can send a control signal to the atomizer 340 to operate (e.g., generate droplets from the medicament 326 and / or increase the velocity of the medicament in a direction toward the discharge opening 304). In some embodiments, the processing circuit 170 is configured to operate the atomizer 340 for a predetermined time period corresponding to the operation of the flow control mechanism 190. For example, the processing circuit 170 can initiate operation of the flow control mechanism 190 at a first time point and initiate operation of the atomizer 340 at a second time point that is no later than a first time delay following the first time point. Thus, the processing circuit 170 can ensure that the atomizer 340 operates while the flow control mechanism 190 drives the medicament 326 from the medicament storage member 150 through the medicament channel 330 to the atomizer 340. In some embodiments, the first time delay corresponds to the time required for the medicament 326 to flow from the medicament storage member 150 to the atomizer 340. The processing circuit 170 can terminate operation of the atomizer 340 at a third time point that is a second time delay after the first time point. The second time delay corresponds to the duration required for the atomizer 340 to generate liquid particles from the desired dosage of the medicament 326. In various embodiments, by controlling the timing of operation of the flow control mechanism 190 and the atomizer 340, the processing circuit 170 can cause the portable inhaler 100 to dispense a precise dosage of the medicament. At least one of the first time delay or the second time delay can correspond to at least one of the following functions: (1) the output pressure of the flow control mechanism 190; (2) the distance in the medicament channel 330 from the medicament storage member 150 to the atomizer 340; and (3) the atomization rate of the atomizer 340 (e.g., the rate at which the medicament is dispensed by the atomizer 340).

[0033] The portable inhaler 100 includes a pressure sensor 354. The pressure sensor 354 is fluidly coupled to the side channel 306 through a sensor opening 352 in the sensor channel 350. As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor opening 352 can be located outside the first flow path 303 of the delivery channel 300. In some embodiments, the location of the sensor opening 352 improves the accuracy of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 354, for example, by reducing cross-flow or turbulence effects from the airflow in the first flow path 303 (e.g., due to inhalation or exhalation). The sensor opening 352 can be located flush with the end wall 310, which can further reduce turbulence at the sensor opening 352. The pressure sensor 354 can be a differential pressure sensor. The pressure sensor 354 can be a MEMS (microelectromechanical system) device. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 354 is configured to output a pressure signal indicative of the pressure at the sensor opening 352 (e.g., a voltage corresponding to the pressure at the sensor opening 352). The pressure sensed by the pressure sensor 354 can indicate the air flow rate within the delivery channel 300, which can be calculated based on the pressure.

[0034] The portable inhaler 100 can include an overspill channel 360. The overspill channel 360 can fluidly couple the atomizer 340 to the medicament storage member 150. In some embodiments, the overspill channel 360 can include an overspill chamber 362 disposed adjacent to the atomizer 340, which can receive medicament 326 that is not dispensed into the delivery channel 300 via the atomizer 340. The overspill channel 360 can be separate from the medicament channel 330, such that unused medicament flows near the atomizer 340 before flowing into the overspill channel 360 via the overspill chamber 362. In some embodiments, by fluidly coupling the atomizer 340 to the medicament storage member 150 (e.g., along a path separate from the medicament channel 330), the overspill channel 360 can reduce the force that the flow control mechanism 190 must apply to drive the medicament 326 to the atomizer 340. For example, as the drug 326 flows from the drug storage member 150 through the drug channel 330 to the atomizer 340, air in the drug channel 330 adjacent to the atomizer 340 can be displaced through the overspill channel 360 back to the drug storage member 150. In some embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to the overspill chamber 362, the portable inhaler 100 can include a check valve configured to open a flow path from the atomizer 340 through the overspill channel 360 to the drug storage member 150 when the pressure adjacent to the atomizer 340 is greater than a threshold pressure.

[0035] In some embodiments, the flow control mechanism 190 includes a plunger attached to the drug storage member 150. The processing circuitry 170 can control the operation of a plunger actuator (e.g., a linear actuator) configured to drive the plunger within the drug storage member 150 to expel the drug 326 out of the drug storage member 150. The processing circuitry 170 can be configured to control the dosage of the drug 326 based on the distance the plunger is driven.

[0036] In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 can calculate a pressure based on the pressure signal. For example, processing circuitry 170 can include a lookup table that maps voltage values ​​to pressure values ​​(e.g., based on a predetermined calibration of pressure sensor 354) and perform a lookup search to retrieve a pressure value that corresponds to the voltage of the pressure signal. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 is configured to perform a calibration function (e.g., a function that converts voltage to pressure) to convert the voltage to a pressure value.

[0037] The processing circuitry 170 can calculate the flow rate of the airflow in the delivery channel 300 (e.g., volume of air per unit time, such as liters per minute) based on the calculated pressure. For example, the processing circuitry 170 can store a look-up table or algorithm relating pressure to flow rate (e.g., based on a calibration of the portable inhaler 100) and can be configured to determine the flow rate by at least one of retrieving the flow rate from the look-up table based on the calculated pressure and / or executing the algorithm with a given pressure. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 170 can calculate the flow rate based on the pressure signal (e.g., using a look-up table or algorithm relating a pressure signal parameter, such as voltage, to flow rate). For example, determining the flow rate directly based on the pressure signal can reduce the computational resources required to operate the processing circuitry 170, thereby reducing at least one of the size of the processing circuitry 170 or the power used thereby. It should be understood that the calibration function used to convert the detected pressure to a flow rate may relate the pressure to one or more intermediate variables (e.g., velocity) related to the flow rate, and the processing circuit 170 may be configured to extract the intermediate variables and calculate the flow rate based on known parameters of the portable inhaler 100, such as the dimensions of the delivery channel 300.

[0038] In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 can calculate the duration of an inhale (or exhale) based on the pressure signal. For example, processing circuitry 170 can receive a plurality of time-series pressure signals (or voltage or flow values), compare each of the plurality of pressure signals to a pressure threshold, and determine the duration based on the period during which one or more pressure signals are greater than the pressure threshold.

[0039] In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 is configured to execute a spirometry algorithm, such as to characterize the breathing of a user of the portable inhaler. For example, processing circuitry 170 can use the multiple pressure signals to calculate an amount of airflow corresponding to at least one of inhalation and exhalation by the user. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 is configured to detect multiple airflow cycles (e.g., a combination of exhalation and inspiration cycles) based on the pressure signals and calculate a spirometry parameter, such as an amount of airflow through the lungs of the user and / or a rate (e.g., flow rate) of the user's inhalation and / or exhalation. Processing circuitry 170 can calculate a spirometry parameter, such as an average value over one or more airflow cycles. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 is configured to execute an auto-calibration algorithm to determine the spirometry parameter, such as by comparing historical and / or predefined spirometry parameters to instantaneous parameter values.

[0040] In some embodiments, the processing circuit 170 is configured to output a breathing guidance index. The breathing guidance index can be configured to instruct the user on a breathing exercise (e.g., inhale and / or exhale) that can be used to detect breathing / spirometry characteristics. The portable inhaler 100 or the remote portable electronic device may include an output device (e.g., a display device, an audio output device, a haptic feedback device, a tactile feedback device), and the processing circuit 170 can send a control signal to the output device to cause the output device to output the breathing guidance index. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 170 can initiate storage and / or analysis of pressure data from the pressure sensor 354 in response to outputting the breathing guidance index. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 170 can output a modified breathing guidance index in real time based on detecting the pressure data and determining whether the breathing exercise is being performed properly based on the pressure data. The processing circuit 170 can output multiple breathing guidance indexes indicating instructions to perform multiple steps in the breathing exercise. In a representative example, the processing circuit 170 can send a first control signal to cause a display device (e.g., an LED light or indicator) to output a first color instructing the user to inhale from the portable inhaler 100; after a first predetermined period of time (e.g., based on the expiration of a timer started in response to the output of the first control signal), send a second control signal to cause the display device to output a second color instructing the user to exhale into the portable inhaler 100, and after a second predetermined period of time, send a third control signal to cause the display device to output a color instructing the user to stop exhaling.

[0041] The processing circuit 170 can control operation of at least one of the flow control mechanism 190 or the atomizer 340 based on the trigger input. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 170 receives the trigger input by detecting an inhalation via the drug delivery member 110. For example, the processing circuit 170 can periodically monitor the pressure signal received from the pressure sensor 354 and compare the pressure value of the pressure signal to a trigger threshold. The trigger threshold can be calibrated to a pressure value that corresponds to a minimum pressure associated with a typical or expected user inhalation. In response to determining that the pressure value is greater than the trigger threshold, the processing circuit 170 can initiate operation of the flow control mechanism 190 and / or the atomizer 340 to deliver a given dosage of drug 326 (which may be tailored to the user).

[0042] In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 receives the trigger signal from a user input device. For example, portable inhaler 100 may include a button, switch, or other user input configured to be actuated and transmit a user input signal in response to being actuated. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 receives the trigger signal from a remote device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, processing circuitry 170 may receive the trigger signal as a wireless communication from the portable electronic device (which may execute an application that provides a user interface for receiving a user input corresponding to the trigger signal).

[0043] The processing circuitry 170 can calculate a dosage of medication 326 to be delivered by the portable inhaler 100 based on user data stored in a user database. The user interface can map one or more users to a dosage. The processing circuitry 170 can retrieve a dosage from the user database based on a predetermined or identified user. For example, the portable inhaler 100 can be associated with a particular user.

[0044] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 170 can calculate a dosage of medication 326 to be delivered by the portable inhaler 100 based on pressure data detected by the pressure sensor 354. For example, the processing circuitry 170 can use the pressure data to calculate a characteristic of the user's breathing (inhalation and / or exhalation characteristics, such as flow volume or flow rate) and determine the user's state based on the calculated characteristic. The processing circuitry 170 can include a state database that maps breathing characteristics to one or more states and retrieve a state from the state database based on the calculated characteristic. Additionally or alternatively, the processing circuitry 170 can be configured to perform a state function to determine the user's state based on the calculated characteristic of the breathing. In some embodiments, the retrieved or calculated state can indicate a dosage, or the processing circuitry 170 can perform a dosage function to determine a dosage based on the calculated state (or retrieve a dosage from a dosage database that maps states to dosages). The processing circuit 170 updates the user data in the user database based on the pressure data (or other parameters calculated using the pressure data, such as respiratory / spirometric characteristics) to provide the portable inhaler 100 with use Dosage delivery in cycles can be updated.

[0045] Although the computer processing operations are described herein as being performed by the processing circuitry 170 of the portable inhaler 100, it will be appreciated that various operations may be performed by a remote processing device, such as the processing circuitry of a portable electronic device. For example, the portable inhaler 100 may store a look-up table of dosage values, which may be updated in response to receiving an update data signal from the portable electronic device. The portable inhaler 100 may be configured to transmit raw data (e.g., output from the pressure sensor 354) to the portable electronic device, while the portable electronic device calculates dosage levels, respiratory / spirometric characteristics, or other values ​​requiring calculations. Thus, the size of the processing circuitry 170 and / or the computational resources required for its operation may be reduced, thereby reducing the size, weight, and / or complexity of the portable inhaler 100.

[0046] 5A-5C, a support structure 400 for a drug storage member 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The support structure 400 includes a plate 140 and an exhaust plate 405. The plate 140 is configured to support an atomizer 340. The exhaust plate 405 can define a drug channel opening 410 configured to receive a drug 326 from the drug storage member 150 flowing through the drug channel 330 (see FIG. 3). The drug storage member 150 can define an air flow input opening 415 configured to receive air pressure from the flow control mechanism 190. The plate 140 and the exhaust plate 405 can extend beyond a plane p1 defined by the drug storage member 150 (e.g., abutting a side of the drug storage member 150 opposite the air flow input opening 415), thereby allowing the drug channel 330 to extend through a space adjacent to the drug storage member 150 to the atomizer 340. In some embodiments, the support structure 400 is configured to be removably coupled to the support structure 160 , thereby allowing for easy addition of new agents to the agent storage member 150 .

[0047] 6, a portable inhaler 600 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The portable inhaler 600 may incorporate features of the portable inhaler 100, and various functions described with reference to the portable inhaler 600 may be performed by the portable inhaler 100, and vice versa. The portable inhaler 600 includes a drug delivery member 604 and a body 608 to which the drug delivery member 604 is coupled. The drug delivery member 604 defines an outlet opening 612 through which the drug delivery member 604 may deliver a drug (e.g., deliver a drug stored in the body 608). The drug delivery member 604 may be a mouthpiece.

[0048] The portable inhaler 600 can have a relatively small form factor, facilitating portability and maneuverability. For example, the portable inhaler 600 can define a height h1 of approximately 127 mm (e.g., 127 mm; 90 mm to 150 mm; 110 mm to 140 mm; 120 mm to 135 mm), a length l1 of approximately 45 mm (e.g., 20 mm to 70 mm; 30 mm to 60 mm; 40 mm to 50 mm), and a width w1 of approximately 30 mm (e.g., 10 mm to 50 mm; 20 mm to 40 mm; 25 mm to 35 mm).

[0049] Referring to FIG. 7, an exploded view of a portable inhaler 600 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The portable inhaler 600 includes a cover 704 for a body 608 to which an end cap 708 can be coupled. The portable inhaler 600 includes a processing circuit 712. The processing circuit 712 may be similar to the processing circuit 170. The processing circuit 712 may include or be coupled to a driver 716. The driver 716 controls the operation of the atomizer 760 (e.g., by controlling the operation of the flow control mechanism 812, which will be further described with reference to FIG. 8). The portable inhaler 600 includes a power supply 720, which the processing circuit 712 may use to control the operation of the atomizer 760. For example, the driver 716 may receive a DC 3V voltage from the power supply 720 and step it up to a range suitable for use by the flow control mechanism 812 or the atomizer 760 (e.g., −50V to 50V).

[0050] The portable inhaler 600 includes a support structure 724 that supports a drug cartridge 752. The support structure 724 can include a first base 728 coupled to a pressure sensor 732. A first tube 736 (e.g., a channel) can connect the flow control mechanism 812 to the drug cartridge 752. A second tube 740 (e.g., a channel) can connect the pressure sensor 732 to the drug delivery member 604. A third tube 744 (e.g., a channel) connects the drug cartridge 752 to an atomizer 760. The tubes 736, 740, and 744 can be configured to couple to corresponding components while allowing for a small form factor for the portable inhaler 600.

[0051] The support structure 724 can include a second base 748 that can abut the drug cartridge 752 between the drug cartridge 752 and the first base 728. A cartridge cover 756 can abut the drug cartridge 752 on an opposite side of the drug cartridge 752 from the second base 748, for example to function as a lid for the drug cartridge 752. In some embodiments, the portable inhaler 600 includes a cap 780 that can mate with the cartridge cover 756 to seal the drug cartridge 752.

[0052] The portable inhaler 600 includes an atomizer 760. The atomizer 760 can control the flow of medicament from the medicament cartridge 752 into the medicament delivery member 604. In some embodiments, the atomizer 760 includes a piezoelectric element 764, such as a piezoelectric disc, and a mesh 768. The atomizer 760 can include a magnet 772.

[0053] The portable inhaler 600 may include a third base 776. The third base 776 may connect the atomizer 760 to the drug delivery member 604 so that the drug output from the atomizer 760 may flow into the drug delivery member 604. The third base 776 may connect the drug delivery member 604 to the pressure sensor 732 via the second tube 740.

[0054] In some embodiments, the portable inhaler 600 includes a user interface element 784. The user interface element 784 can include at least one of a user input device (e.g., a button, a switch) or a light (e.g., an LED light). The user interface element 784 can receive user input, such as a button press, and transmit the user input to the processing circuit 712, for example, to receive commands and activate the portable inhaler 600.

[0055] Referring to Figure 8, a cross-sectional view of a portable inhaler 600 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the drug delivery member 604 forms a vent 804. The vent 804 allows air to pass through the drug delivery member 604 and exit through the vent 804, such as when a user blows into the drug delivery member 604.

[0056] The third base 776 can form a sensor opening 808. The sensor opening 808 can fluidly couple the drug delivery member 604 to the second tube 740 and the pressure sensor 732. A change in air pressure within the drug delivery member 604, such as when a user blows into the drug delivery member 604, can be detected by the pressure sensor 732 based on a corresponding change in air pressure within the second tube 740.

[0057] The portable inhaler 600 can include a flow control mechanism 812, such as a microblower. The flow control mechanism 812 can be controlled by a driver 716. The flow control mechanism 812 applies pressure to the air in the first tube 736, which drives the air to apply pressure to the drug in the drug cartridge 752, forcing the drug out of the drug cartridge 752 and into the third tube 74 and then into the atomizer 760. The driver 716 can cause the atomizer 760 to transform the drug into a mist 912 for output through the drug delivery member 604.

[0058] 9, a cross-sectional view of the portable inhaler 600 is shown in which the portable inhaler 600 is operating in drug delivery mode 900 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In drug delivery mode 900, the processing circuit 712 drives the flow control mechanism 812 to flow air into the drug cartridge 752. The resulting pressure applied by the air 804 against the drug 908 in the drug cartridge 752 causes the drug 908 to flow through the third tube 744 to the atomizer 760.

[0059] 10, a cross-sectional view of the portable inhaler 600 is shown in which the portable inhaler 600 is operating in a measurement mode 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, air 1004 received from a user (e.g., blown by a user into the exhaust opening 612) passes through the drug delivery member 604 and flows through the sensor opening 808 into the second tube 740 to the pressure sensor 732, allowing the pressure sensor 732 to detect pressure data related to the air 804 received from the user. A portion of the air 1004 can exit the drug delivery member 604 through the vent 804.

[0060] 11, a detailed view of the drug delivery member 604 is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The drug delivery member 604 includes a diffuser 1104 extending between the discharge opening 612 and the third base 776. The diffuser 1104 can provide fluid communication between the discharge opening 612, the vent 804, the sensor opening 808, and the atomizer 760. The diffuser 1104 can include a diffuser surface 1104 extending from the discharge opening 612 to the vent 804. The diffuser surface 1104 can increase in diameter and / or cross-sectional area from the discharge opening 612 to the vent 804. For example, the diffuser surface 1104 may be a conical surface that increases in diameter from the exhaust opening 612 to the vent 804 (and further to the sensor opening 808 and atomizer 760), thereby allowing the pressure within the diffuser 1104 to decrease from the exhaust opening 612 to the vent 804.

[0061] With further reference to FIG. 7, the pulse dose spray may be implemented by using the processing circuit 712 to control the operation of the components of the portable inhaler 600. For example, the processing circuit 712 may deliver a fixed dose of medication while the user is inhaling, thereby reducing the dosage required per treatment. For example, a typical nebulized albuterol ampoule is 2.5 mg / mL. However, the present solution may provide a pulse dose spray that delivers approximately 0.2 mg of medication per treatment, thereby extending the life of the medication cartridge 604 and the medication therein. By delivering medication in response to detection of inhalation, such as by delivering medication only upon inhalation, the processing circuit 712 may be used to provide a pulse dose spray, allowing the medication cartridge 604 to hold multiple doses (e.g., 5 doses), thereby mitigating the need to replace the medication cartridge 604 after each treatment. In some embodiments, the medication cartridge 604 stores medications for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as medications for treating albuterol and ipratropium bromide (e.g., DUONEB). COPD exacerbations often lead to hospitalization, and by using pulse dose nebulization, the processing circuit 712 reduces the amount of medication that needs to be delivered to the user, reducing the likelihood that the user will not have enough medication available during a COPD exacerbation.

[0062] 12, the processing circuit 712 can perform spirometry using the pressure data received from the pressure sensor 732. For example, the processing circuit 712 can convert the received pressure data to volume data (e.g., flow rate) based on, for example, a calibration function as described above. The processing circuit 712 can calculate a measurement 1204, such as volume, as a function of time. Based on the measurement 1204, the processing circuit 712 can calculate a parameter, such as the maximum forced expiratory volume (FEV) at 1 second (FEV1) 1208. FEV1 represents the volume blown into the portable inhaler 600 from a first time point when the processing circuit 712 detects air being blown into the portable inhaler 600 based on the pressure data, to 1 second after the first time point. The processing circuit 712 can calculate a forced vital capacity (FVC) 1212 as the total volume of air blown into the portable inhaler 600 (e.g., starting from the first time point). The processing circuitry 712 can calculate the ratio of FEV1 to FVC. For example, the processing circuitry 712 can use the FEV1 data to more accurately monitor the user's respiration (e.g., as compared to peak flow rates, which may be dependent on the user's effort) and can correlate the FEV1 data with other parameters related to the subject's health to provide correlations that allow the FEV1 to be used as a predictor of the subject's health.

[0063] The processing circuitry 712 can use the volume data to generate a flow loop 1216 that shows flow (e.g., L / s) as a function of volume (e.g., L). For example, the processing circuitry 712 can distinguish between the user's exhalation 1220 and inhalation 1224. The processing circuitry 712 can calculate parameters such as peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximum mid-expiratory flow (MEF), and forced expiratory flow (FEF) at various milestone points (e.g., FEF representing 25% of the total expiratory volume). 25% FEF represents 50% of the total expiratory volume 50% FEF represents 75% of total expiratory volume 75% ), and the forced inspiratory flow can be calculated at key control points (e.g., FEF, which represents 25% of the total inspiratory volume). 25% ;FEF represents 50% of the total intake volume 50% ;FEF represents 75% of the total inhaled volume 75%). The processing circuitry 712 can maintain this information for the user in a database, for example to enable longitudinal analysis of spirometry data.

[0064] The processing circuit 712 can generate a chart 1228 that compares the spirometry data to various other variables. For example, the processing circuit 712 can generate a chart 1228 that compares peak flow rate 1232 to an air quality index (AQI) parameter 1236. The processing circuit 712 can receive the AQI parameter 1236 data from a remote source (e.g., via communication electronics as described with reference to the processing circuit 710). The processing circuit 712 can receive parameter data for parameters such as pollution, temperature, humidity, pollen index, and location, and perform correlations to calculate relationships between such parameters and the spirometry data.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 13, a subject monitoring system 1300 is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The subject monitoring system 1300 may include a portable inhaler 1304 (e.g., portable inhaler 100, portable inhaler 600) and a remote electronic device 1308. The remote electronic device 1308 may be a portable electronic device or a server in communication with the portable inhaler 1304 (which may include the use of the portable electronic device as an intermediate between the portable inhaler 1304 and the remote electronic device 1308). The remote electronic device 1308 may include a processing circuit 1312, a user interface 1316, and a communication circuit 1320. The processing circuit 1312 may be similar to the processing circuits 170 and 712 and may perform functions such as, for example, calculating volumetric data based on pressure data and comparing the volumetric data to parameters such as pollution, temperature, humidity, pollen index, and location (e.g., received by the communication circuit 1320 via a remote data source 1324 such as the Internet) described with reference thereto. The user interface 1316 can receive user input and present information regarding the operation of the subject monitoring system 1300. The user interface 1300 can include one or more user input devices, such as buttons, dials, sliders, keys, etc., to receive input from a user. The user interface 1300 can include one or more display devices (e.g., OLED, LED, LCD, CRT display devices), speakers, tactile feedback devices, or other output devices to provide information to a user. The communication circuitry 1320 can include wired or wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for data communication with various systems, devices, or networks. For example, the communication circuitry 1320 can include an Ethernet card and port for transmitting and receiving data over an Ethernet-based communication network. The communication circuitry 1320 can include a WiFi transceiver for communicating over a wireless communication network.The communication circuitry 1320 can communicate over a corporate network (e.g., a building LAN), a wide area network (e.g., the Internet, a cellular network), and / or directly (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth). In some embodiments, the communication circuitry 1320 can communicate wired and / or wirelessly. For example, the communication circuitry 1320 can include one or more wireless transceivers (e.g., a Wi-Fi transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, an NFC transceiver, a cellular transceiver). In some embodiments, the remote electronic device 1308 includes a location sensor 1332 (e.g., a GPS sensor, an accelerometer) that can transmit location data to the processing circuitry 1312, which can correlate the location data with data received from the portable inhaler 1304.

[0066] The processing circuit 1312 can maintain a user database 1328. The user database 1328 can include data captured by the portable inhaler 1304, such as inhalation and exhalation data, as described with reference to the calculations performed by the processing circuit 712. The user database 1328 can store user dosage information. The user database 1328 can store location data received from the location sensor 1332, and the processing circuit 1312 can map the location data to other data (e.g., based on the time the other data was detected).

[0067] The remote electronic device 1308 can generate various outputs for presentation via a user interface 1316. For example, with reference to Figures 14A and 14B, the remote electronic device 1308 can present a first interface 1404 that can include user data, such as name, age, and gender, and remote source data, including environmental data, such as weather data and air quality data. The remote electronic device 1308 can present a second interface 1408 that can include spirometry data, such as a peak flow chart 1412. The remote electronic device 1308 can generate the peak flow chart 1412 based on information received from the portable inhaler 1304 and / or information maintained in a user database 1328. The remote electronic device 1308 can present a third interface 1416 that can include spirometry data, such as the chart 1228 described with reference to Figure 12. The remote electronic device 1308 can present a fourth interface 1420 that can include location-based data, such as an indication of air quality 1428 at a particular location. 14, the processing circuit 1312 can calculate a recommended dosage based on air quality and generate the fourth interface 1420 to include a recommendation 1432 regarding the recommended dosage. The processing circuit 1312 can identify a relationship between the spirometry data and the environmental data to generate the third interface 1416, for example.

[0068] Referring to Figure 15, a method 1500 of operating a portable inhaler according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Method 1500 may be performed by portable inhaler 100 as described with reference to Figures 1-5C and / or portable inhaler 600 as described with reference to Figures 6-14. Computational processes performed as part of method 1500 may be performed by a remote device (e.g., a portable electronic device, a remote server).

[0069] At 1505, a trigger signal is received (or generated). The trigger signal can be received based on a pressure signal indicative of an inhalation occurring on a drug delivery member of a portable electronic device. For example, a pressure value indicated by the pressure signal can be compared to a trigger threshold associated with an inhalation, and if the pressure value is greater than the trigger threshold, a trigger signal can be received (or generated). In some embodiments, the trigger signal is received based on a user input. In some embodiments, the trigger signal is received as a control signal from a remote device.

[0070] At 1510, a dosage of the medication is determined. The dosage may be determined by retrieving the dosage from a lookup table in a user database. The dosage may be determined based on the respiratory / spirometric characteristics of the user determined based on the pressure data. In some embodiments, the user database includes a maximum dosage unless the pressure data maps to a dosage above the maximum dosage.

[0071] At 1515, a flow control mechanism of the portable inhaler is activated based on the determined dosage. The flow control mechanism may be activated for a first duration corresponding to the dosage. The duration may correspond to a pressure applied to the medication by the flow control mechanism or to a rate of airflow from the flow control mechanism into a medication storage member of the portable inhaler.

[0072] At 1520, an atomizer of the portable inhaler is activated based on the dosage. Activation of the atomizer may include generating liquid particles from the medicament and / or increasing the velocity of the medicament towards the outlet opening of the portable inhaler. The atomizer may be activated for a second duration corresponding to the dosage. The second duration may correspond to a time sufficient to generate and / or dispense the medicament dosage of liquid particles through the atomizer to the outlet opening. The atomizer may be activated until the second duration has elapsed after a first time delay following activation of the flow control mechanism. The first time delay may correspond to a time required for the medicament dosage to flow from the medicament storage member to the atomizer. Activation of the atomizer may deliver the medicament to the patient through the outlet opening.

[0073] In some embodiments, the portable inhaler is configured to collect and / or track airway measurement data before, during, and / or after a treatment. In some embodiments, the portable inhaler can include a short-range communications module, such as Bluetooth, configured to receive airway measurement data before, during, and after a treatment.

[0074] In some embodiments, the portable inhaler can include a built-in pulse oximeter to collect blood oxygen levels. The built-in pulse oximeter is sized and configured in the portable inhaler so that the built-in pulse oximeter can determine blood oxygen levels while the user is holding the portable inhaler. The portable inhaler can be configured to collect airway measurement data along with blood oxygen levels to determine correlations between airway conditions and blood oxygen levels. In some embodiments, the portable inhaler can be configured to receive or obtain measurements throughout the day, which are linked to other specific variables at the time, such as geographic location (urban vs. rural), allergy maps, air quality, pollen counts, and weather. In some embodiments, the portable inhaler can include a location sensor, such as a GPS, to determine the current location of the portable inhaler. The location obtained from the location sensor can be used to determine the value of the specific variable for that location. Storing this data over time will provide valuable predictive insight into an individual's asthma status (e.g., asthma worsens when pollen counts are above a certain level or humidity is above a certain percentage). This data can be evaluated using proprietary algorithms and calculations. This information can provide actionable information that enables healthcare providers to make educated health care decisions.

[0075] In some embodiments, the portable inhaler can include a removable cartridge that stores the medication. The portable inhaler can include a fluid pathway from a location proximal to where the removable cartridge is inserted into the portable inhaler and the piezoelectric device. The use of a cartridge allows for easier and less effortful initiation of the nebulization procedure, thus reducing barriers to use and allowing for more accurate administration of prescribed medication. The cartridge housing can provide touch haptic feedback upon installation and removal, further simplifying its operation.

Claims

1. a portable inhaler, the portable inhaler including a pressure sensor for detecting pressure data associated with at least one of an inhalation by a user of the portable inhaler or an exhalation by the user for a first time point and a second time point, the pressure sensor being coupled to a tube extending through the portable inhaler from an opening in the portable inhaler to the pressure sensor; and one or more processors, the processors comprising: calculating volume data for the first time point and the second time point based on the pressure data; identifying one or more parameters for the first time point and the second time point, the parameters including at least one of pollution, temperature, humidity, pollen index, or location; calculating a dosage of drug to be delivered to the user based on the breathing characteristics of the user represented by the volumetric data for the first time point; updating the dosage of the medication based on breathing characteristics of the user represented by the volumetric data for the second time point to enable dynamic updating of the dosage of the medication; and causing a user interface to be presented that includes the volumetric data and the one or more parameters to represent a relationship between the volumetric data and the one or more parameters for the first time point and the second time point.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the volumetric data includes a flow rate.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the flow rate comprises at least one of a maximum forced expiratory volume or a maximum expiratory flow rate.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to associate the volumetric data with the one or more parameters by comparing the volumetric data to an air quality index parameter.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the portable inhaler includes an atomizer that provides medication to the user.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to maintain the volumetric data and longitudinal data corresponding to the one or more parameters.

7. A non-transitory processor-readable medium containing processor-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving pressure data associated with at least one of an inhalation by a user of the portable inhaler or an exhalation by the user from a pressure sensor of the portable inhaler, the pressure sensor being coupled to a tube extending through the portable inhaler from an opening of the portable inhaler to the pressure sensor; calculating flow data associated with a flow rate of the at least one of the inhalation or exhalation based on the pressure data, the flow data corresponding to a breathing characteristic of the user with respect to a first point in time of a first cycle of use of the portable inhaler and a second point in time of a second cycle of use of the portable inhaler; calculating volume data for the first time point and the second time point based on the pressure data; identifying one or more parameters for the first time point and the second time point, the parameters including at least one of pollution, temperature, humidity, pollen index, or location; determining a respiratory state of the user with respect to the first time point and the second time point based on the respiratory characteristic of the user; calculating a dosage of medication to be delivered to the user for the first time point based on the respiratory state determined for the first time point; updating the dosage based on the respiratory state determined for the second time point; causing the user to deliver an updated dosage during the second cycle of use; and a non-transitory processor-readable medium configured to output, by the one or more processors, a user interface element including the volumetric data and including the one or more parameters to represent a relationship between the volumetric data and the one or more parameters, for the first time point and the second time point.

8. 8. The non-transitory processor-readable medium of claim 7, wherein the flow data includes at least one of a maximum forced expiratory volume or a maximum expiratory flow rate.

9. 8. The non-transitory processor-readable medium of claim 7, further comprising instructions that cause the one or more processors to maintain the flow data and longitudinal data corresponding to the one or more parameters.

10. 1. A method for performing spirometry, comprising: receiving pressure data by one or more processors from a pressure sensor of a portable inhaler for a first time point and a second time point, the pressure data being associated with at least one of an inhalation by a user of the portable inhaler or an exhalation by the user, the pressure sensor being coupled to a tube extending through the portable inhaler from an opening in the portable inhaler to the pressure sensor; calculating, by the one or more processors, volumetric data corresponding to a breathing characteristic of the user based on the pressure data and for the first and second time points; identifying, by the one or more processors, one or more parameters for the first time point and the second time point, the one or more parameters including at least one of pollution, temperature, humidity, pollen index, or location; determining, by the one or more processors, a respiratory state of the user for the first time point and the second time point based on the respiratory characteristics of the user; calculating, by the one or more processors, for the first time point, a dosage of medication to be delivered to the user in response to identifying the respiratory state of the user for the first time point; updating an updated value of the dosage of the medication for the second time point based on the respiratory state for the second time point to dynamically update the dosage; and outputting, by the one or more processors, a user interface element including the volumetric data and including the one or more parameters for the first and second time points to represent a relationship between the volumetric data and the one or more parameters.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising calculating, by the one or more processors, a dosage of the medication based on user data stored in a user database, the user database mapping one or more users to predetermined dosages.

12. calculating the volume data for each of the first time point and the second time point; 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the volumetric data comprises maximum forced expiratory volume (FEV1).

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