The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 02, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 12, 2000
Rajesh S. Patel, Fremont, CA (US);
Sudarsan Srinivasan, Fremont, CA (US);
Aradigm Corporation, Hayward, CA (US);
Abstract
A method for producing a nozzle useful in generating a fine aerosol for delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent is provided. The method comprises treating a thin, preferably flexible material having partially formed nozzles with a plasma which alters the size and shape of the nozzles. The pores in the nozzles so formed preferably have an unflexed exit aperture diameter in the range of about 0.5 to about 25 microns, depending on the size of the aerosol particles desired for a given application. The pores in the nozzles can have a variety of shapes and can be distributed in a variety of patterns. An elevated area can be formed around the exit aperture of the nozzle in order to prevent intrusion of liquid back into the nozzle. A method of producing an aerosolization device incorporating such a nozzle is also provided.