Patent ID: 6994083
Filing Date: 2006-02-07
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A nebulizer for generating an aerosol, the nebulizer comprising: a housing having an air inlet and a chamber for holding the aerosol; an air outlet communicating with the chamber for permitting the aerosol to be withdrawn from the chamber; a pressurized gas inlet located in the chamber; a fluid orifice positioned at a fixed location in the chamber relative to the pressurized gas inlet, the fluid orifice in communication with a fluid channel; a diverter positioned in the chamber in a fixed position relative to the pressurized gas inlet and the fluid orifice, wherein pressurized gas from the pressurized gas inlet is diverted over the fluid orifice; a fluid channel air inlet in communication with the fluid channel; and a fluid channel air inlet valve movably positioned adjacent the fluid channel air inlet, wherein the fluid channel air inlet valve is moveable in response to a patient's breathing between a nebulizing position, where the fluid channel air inlet valve seals against the fluid channel air inlet to permit a negative pressure to draw a fluid through the fluid channel, and a non-nebulizing position, wherein the fluid channel air inlet valve permits air to enter the fluid channel air inlet so as to prevent formation of a negative pressure sufficient to draw the fluid through the fluid channel.