Patent ID: 7131439
Filing Date: 2006-11-07
Classification: A61M,B05B

Abstract:
1. A nebulizer for generating an aerosol for delivery to a patient, the nebulizer comprising: a housing having an air inlet, a chamber for holding the aerosol and a fluid reservoir; an air outlet communicating with the chamber for permitting the aerosol to be withdrawn from the chamber; a nozzle located in the chamber; a fluid orifice defined by an outer diameter of the nozzle and an inner diameter of an end of a nozzle cover, wherein at least a portion of the nozzle cover is moveable with respect to the nozzle; a diverter positioned in the chamber adjacent to the nozzle and the fluid orifice; and an operational mode switch operatively connected with the nozzle cover, the operational mode switch having a breath actuation position, wherein the nozzle cover moves in response to a patient's breathing, and a continuous nebulization position, wherein the nozzle cover is immobilized and the fluid reservoir is in continuous communication with the fluid orifice.