Importance

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Abstract

An oral inhalation apparatus having a flow responsive valve associated therewith for controlling the flow of medication from an aerosol canister into one's lungs. An aerosol canister is received within a housing and the outlet thereof is received within a tubular passageway so that when the canister is pressed down respective to the housing, the valve means associated with the canister is moved to the open position. A second valve means is positioned downstream of the canister valve means and is spring loaded into the normally closed position. When the patient places a mouthpiece of the apparatus within his mouth and inhales, a sail device is moved downstream in reaction to the flow of inhaled air, thereby moving the second valve to the open position which releases medication into the mouthpiece. Consequently, when the patient initially depresses the canister, thereby opening the canister valve, there is no flow from the canister. However, when the patient inhales, the sail actuated valve is moved to the open position and medication is released into the mouthpiece and flows into the mouth, throat, and lungs. At the end of the inhalation, the sail returns the valve to the closed position. Therefore, medication can flow from the canister only during the time when one is properly inhaling. Another embodiment of the invention is provided for the ease of use by severely ill asthmatics, wherein a movable rubber ring is used to adjust the tension in the spring loading mechanism. When the rubber band is moved down sufficiently, upon depressing the canister, a slow, controlled flow of the medication aerosol issues without need for deep inhalation by the patient. Where such a device is deemed adequate, one can eliminate the sail altogether.

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First Claim