Detection System and Method for Aerosol Delivery

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a detector, a pressure sensor and a processor. The detector is operable to detect light that is scattered by an aerosol that is associated with a pressure. The pressure sensor is operable to measure the pressure. The processor is coupled to the detector and to the pressure sensor, and is configured to receive at least a signal from the detector and the pressure sensor. The processor is further configured to use the received signals to calculate a volume of the first aerosol, and to output an output signal associated with the calculated volume. The various measurements can be repeated and compared, and the output signal can be a feedback signal for metering subsequent amounts of the aerosol, based on the comparison.

1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a detector operable to detect light originating at a light source and scattered by an aerosol;   a sensor operable to determine a pressure of the aerosol; and   a processor coupled to the detector, the processor configured to
 receive a signal associated with light scattering from a first aerosol that is associated with a first airflow; 
 receive a signal representing the first airflow; and 
 calculate a volume of the first aerosol, the calculation being based on the signal associated with light scattering from the first aerosol and the signal representing the first airflow. 
   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to
 receive a signal associated with light scattering from a second aerosol that is associated with a second airflow;   receive a signal representing the second airflow; calculate a volume of the second aerosol, the calculation being based on the signal associated with light scattering from the second aerosol and the signal representing the second airflow; and   output a signal associated with a comparison of the volume of the first aerosol and the volume of the second aerosol.   
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising dose-selection means coupled to the processor, and wherein the output signal can be received by the dose-selection means, and wherein the output signal includes information useful for metering a third aerosol. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the output signal comprising information for metering a third aerosol. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a light source. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the first airflow is associated with inhalation and the second airflow is associated with exhalation. 
   
   
       7 . An aerosol delivery device comprising:
 a housing having an orifice for delivery of the aerosol to the mouth of a user;   an aerosol producing device in fluid communication with the housing;   a detector within the housing operable to detect light originating at a light source and scattered by the aerosol producing device;   a sensor operable to determine a pressure of the aerosol; and   a processor coupled to the detector, the processor configured to
 receive a signal associated with light scattering from a first aerosol that is associated with a first airflow; 
 receive a signal representing the first airflow; and 
 calculate a volume of the first aerosol, the calculation being based on the signal associated with light scattering from the first aerosol and the signal representing the first airflow. 
   
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the aerosol producing device is an atomizer. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 7  wherein the aerosol aerosolizes a therapeutic agent. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the processor is further configured to
 receive a signal associated with light scattering from a second aerosol that is associated with a second airflow;   receive a signal representing the second airflow; calculate a volume of the second aerosol, the calculation being based on the signal associated with light scattering from the second aerosol and the signal representing the second airflow; and   output a signal associated with a comparison of the volume of the first aerosol and the volume of the second aerosol.   
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising dose-selection means coupled to the processor, and wherein the output signal can be received by the dose-selection means, and wherein the output signal includes information useful for metering a third aerosol. 
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the first airflow is associated with inhalation and the second airflow is associated with exhalation. 
   
   
       13 . The device of  claims 11  wherein said device is configured to deliver a predetermined volume of the therapeutic agent.