Importance

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Abstract

A T connection mouthpiece comprised of a first tubular member with open ends and internal, a tubular member with a smaller diameter having closed ends to define an air chamber. Proximate to the closed end of the air chamber and distal to the mouthpiece is an aperture. A second tubular conduit opens into the first tubular member to be attached to a nebulizer. On the external surface of the T connection mouthpiece and contiguous with the air chamber, is adhered a thin film of polyvinylidene flouride. When the patient inhales through the T connection, airflow is directed to the aperture to generate a fundamental tone, the acoustical energy is converted to electrical energy by the polyvinylidene flouride film. The electrical signal is received and processed by the electronic circuitry which energizes a solenoid valve normally closed to open and to allow for pressurized gas flow to activate the nebulizer. The aerosol is delivered synchronously during the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle. At the end of inspiration, the flow through the T connection has ceased and thus no electrical signal. The solenoid valve returns to the normally closed condition to stop the pressurized gas flow and automatically deactivating the nebulizer.

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First Claim