SI9200356A - Inhalation device for powdered medicaments - Google Patents

Abstract

Powder dispenser 10 (sketch 1 or 2) included powder container 28 (sketch 1 or 4) for holding supplies of powdered material required spray, the powder container including the first pipe conduit 32 (sketches 1,2 and 3A) extending through dislocated to powdered material; measuring plate 16 (sketch 2) having a single a receiving surface 24 (sketch 2 or 3A) for holding measured quantities of powder material above the retainer 26 (sketch 2) permeable to the gas that is mounted on the dipstick and placed under powdery material, the measuring plate being and the powder container rotates with each other so that receiving surface adapted for selective connection with the supply of powder material or with a first tube with a guide; base housing 48 (sketches 1 and 2) which is mounted below the dipstick and including the other pipe guide 52 (sketches 1 and 2) in alignment with the first pipe at least in the case of a harmonized receiving position surface and first conductor; spring 62 (sketch 1 or 2) for pushing the base case and powder container one against the other; mouthpiece 92 (sketch 1 oz.2) which allows inhalation of the metered amount of powder material from the receiving surface in the measuring pad through the first pipe conductor in the vessel, where mouthpiece in fluid connection with the first tube guide.

Description

SCHERING CORPORATION USA

PDO186X

INHALIRED.IE DEVICE FOR POWDER

INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION

The present invention mainly relates to powder dispensing devices and is more specifically directed to spray dispensers used for the inhalation of metered doses of powder drugs.

When delivering medicines, that is, pharmacological agents, to the respiratory tract and to the lungs in solid form, special care must be taken as to the accuracy of dosage, which may be as small as 0.1 milligrams. This is because these medicines are often quite potent and administration of excessive amounts can be detrimental to the patient. However, if the dosage is too low, it does not serve its purpose.

It is also necessary that the particles leaving the spraying device are actually within a certain order of magnitude, because the particles of the drug that are too large may not enter the respiratory tract and instead remain in the mouth or throat and from there enter the digestive tract. tract. As an example, preferred particles may have a diameter of 1 to 5 microns.

We use a variety of devices to spray a metered dose of powder into a powder, including pressurized aerosol dispensers, spray dispensers, pump inhalers, and the like. At the present time, concerns about environmental issues make aerosol dispensers, which make up a larger share of the devices and are now commercially available, less popular. Furthermore, in aerosol devices, the drug is dissolved or suspended in a liquid mixture under propellant, which results in the introduction of unnecessary chemical substances into the body and further contributes to the complexity of the devices.

In addition to the aforementioned types of dispensers, powder dispensers are also known. Studies show that there is actually no significant difference in the reaction of bronchodilates with the appropriate amounts of medicinal substances given either by powder dispensing devices or aerosol dispensers. So, so is the ever-increasing demand for powder dispensing devices that can disperse metered doses of powdered drugs. With such devices, when the powder is dispersed during inspiration after expiration, there is no such need to ensure a synchronized release of the drug with a precise onset of inspiration to ensure the quality of delivery of the product.

U.S. Patent 4,524,769 to Wetterlin, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a unit of dosage comprising an active substance storage chamber, a perforated rotating membrane placed below the storage chamber and a membrane holder. The introduction of the active substance into the perforations of the perforated membrane is possible with elastic scrapers fitted with a spring mounted in a holder in the storage chamber. In this way, the membrane is movable between the first position when inserting the active substance with a scraper into a part of the perforated membrane area and the second position where part of the area of the loaded membrane is introduced into the air inlet in the dosing inhaler. Thus, the active substance loaded in the perforations is incorporated into the air stream by inhalation and the respiratory tract and the lungs of the patient are passed through the nozzle.

This device uses a helical spring to push the scraper against the perforated membrane. The helical spring is placed in the storage chamber between the housing and the scraper. Alternatively, it is stated that the screw spring can be mounted so that the diaphragm is pushed against the scraper and mounted in the base or maneuver unit. In addition to the coil spring, Wetterlin uses a spring loaded pin under the diaphragm to engage the toothed bottom of the diaphragm to provide clear positions for the perforated diaphragm as it progresses through the base or the 'meverer unit'. This, of course, further complicates the construction and composition of the device. See U.S. Patents 4,907,583; 4,534,345; and 4,667,668, all of which are awarded to Wetterlin.

US Wetterlin Patent 4,805,811 discloses a metering device that is substantially the same in all respects as US Patent 4,524,769. With Wetterlin's patent '811, there is an additional hopper-shaped supply element mounted above the scraper unit. In addition, the dosing element is provided with five wells different from those described in patent '769. Further, there is a spring that pushes from below, unlike the '769 patent. In addition, the closing mechanism of the powder container is slightly different in relation to the base case or functional part.

Leaving these small differences aside, one finds the same shortcomings as with Wetterlin '769 and with Wetterlin' 811. Thus, all Wetterlin patent pending devices offer relatively complicated and expensive preparation. This is the result of providing many openings on the dipstick, which must be turned separately from the main housing. Furthermore, when providing many openings on the measuring board, it is necessary to provide a relatively complicated indexing mechanism that is easily breakable and difficult to assemble. Thus, Wetterlin patents require a gear mechanism to perform such indexing.

U.S. Patent No. 4,668,218 gives the dispenser substantially identical to Wetterlin's patents, while also providing an indication system that shows the number of drug dosages administered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the powder dispenser includes a container for storing the powder material to be dispensed, a container for storing the powder material including a first conductor extending there through and dislocated in relation to the supply of the powder material; a measuring pad for storing the metered amount of powder material, a measuring pad that includes only a single receiving surface for storing the metered amount of powder material, a measuring pad placed under the powder material storage, and a measuring pad and a powder container rotating with each other, so that the receiver is adapted for fluid connection, selectively with a stock of powdered material or with a first tube guide; a basic housing to prevent airflow through the receiver, except when the receiver is in alignment with the first tubing of the powder container, the basic housing being mounted below the dipstick, and the basic housing includes a second tubing conduit in alignment with the first tubing guide of the container for powder when the receiver is in alignment with the first conductor of the powder container; a spring for pointing the base housing and the powder container toward each other; and a mouthpiece allowing the inhalation of a metered amount of powdered material from the receiver in the measuring pad through the first tube conduit in the container, the mouthpiece in fluid communication with the first tube conduit.

According to another feature of the present invention, the powder dispenser further includes a rotary actuator for rotating the powder container relative to the measuring disk, such that the first tube conductor is in fluid connection with the receiver, in conjunction with the movement of the mouthpiece to an exposed position allowing inhalation therefrom .

The foregoing and other features of the invention will become more apparent by the precise description to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exhibited metered dose powder dispenser according to the first plan of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sprayer for the metered amount of powder material of Figure 1 in composite form;

3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the atomizer for the metered dose of the powder of Figure 2 made along line 3-3;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from the bottom perspective of a spray powder container for a metered dose of Figure 1 powder;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a disassembled spray for a metered dose of powder according to another plan of the present invention;

6A and 6B are the top plan views of the assembled stationary body and the sprayer carrier for the metered dose of the powder of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the assembled stationary body and sprayer carrier for the metered dose of powder of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a top plan view of a basic sprayer housing for a metered dose of powder according to Figure 5;

Figure 9 is a plan view of the scraper scraper plate for a metered dose of powder according to Figure 5;

Figure 10 is an upper plan view of the assembled stationary body of the lid carrier and the powder container;

Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sprayer for the metered dose of powder of Figure 10, with a planted lid made along line 11-11;

Figure 12 is an enlarged longitudinal section similar to Figure 11 of the upper stationary body, the lid carrier and the powder receptacles.

Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of the sprayer cover for the metered dose of powder of Figure 5;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of Figure 12 made along the line

13-13;

Figure 15 is a front view of a spray nozzle for a metered dose of powder according to Figure 5;

16 is a top plan view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 15;

17 is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 15 taken along the line

17-17;

18 is an upper plan view of a key disk of a sprayer drive mechanism for a metered dose of powder according to FIG. 5;

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the key disk of Figure 18 drawn in a line

19-19;

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the composite cover, cover carrier, mouthpiece and sprayer key disk for the metered dose of powder of Figure 10 made along line 20-20;

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 20 with a mouthpiece lying outside the lid window;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of a disassembled atomizer for a metered dose of powder according to the third plan of the present invention;

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the composite spray for the metered dose of powder of Figure 22 in the assembled position, with the lid removed;

Figure 24 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a metered dose powder dispenser of Figure 23;

Figure 25 is a top plan view of the base sprayer housing for the metered dose of powder Figure 22;

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the base housing of Figure 25 made along line 26-26;

27A and 27B are the top plan views of the dispenser measuring disk for the metered dose of the powder of Figure 22;

Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the measuring disc of Fig. 27 made along line 28-28;

Figure 29 is a bottom plan view of a spray powder container for a metered dose of powder Figure 22;

Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the powder container of Figure 29 made along line 30-30;

31 is a top plan view of a scraper disk scraper for a metered dose of powder 22;

Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the scraping disk of Fig. 33 made along line 32-32;

Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the assembled base housing and portion of the dispenser measuring disk for the metered dose of powder of Fig. 22;

34 is a perspective view of the assembled base housing and portion of the measuring disk of Figure 33, with the portion of the measuring disk rotated 180 ° with respect to the basic housing of the position shown in Figure 33;

35 is an outline view of the assembled base housing, part of the measuring disc, scraper plate, powder container and nozzles;

Figure 36 is a plan view of the assembled base housing, part of the measuring disc, scraper plate, powder container and nozzles when viewed from a 90 ° offset from Figure 35;

Figure 37 is a plan view of the composite housing, part of the measuring disk, scraped plate, powder container and nozzles when viewed from a 180 ° offset position relative to Figure 35;

Figure 38 is a top plan view of a spray nozzle for a metered dose of powder of Figure 22;

Fig. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of Fig. 38 made along line 3939;

Figure 40 is a perspective view of the sprayer guide sleeve for the metered dose of powder of Figure 22;

Fig. 41 is a plan view of the guide sleeve of Fig. 40 when viewed from a 90 ° offset position relative to the position of Fig. 40;

Figure 42 is a plan view of the guide sleeve of Figure 40 when viewed from a 180 ° offset position relative to Figure 40;

Fig. 43 is a top plan view of the guide sleeve of Fig. 40;

Figure 44 is a bottom plan view of the sprayer driver sleeve for the metered dose of powder of Figure 22;

Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the driving sleeve of Fig. 44 made along line 45-45;

Fig. 46 is a perspective view of the composite spray for the metered dose of powder of Fig. 22, with the lid removed and without the lower friction cover and upper friction sleeve, in the withdrawn position;

Fig. 47 is a perspective view of a composite spray for a detached powder dose of Fig. 46 in an exposed working position;

Figure 48 is a cross-sectional view of a metered dose powder dispenser according to the fourth structure of the present invention;

Fig. 49 is a perspective view of a disassembled powder dose dispenser according to the fifth structure of the present invention;

Figure 50 is a cross-sectional view of the compound sprayer of Figure 49; and Figure 51 is an upper plan view of a partially assembled powder sprayer of Figure 49.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In accordance with the detailed plans and the first figures 1-4, the sprayer for the metered dose of powder 10, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, is a stationary body 12 formed by a cylindrical wall 14, which is divided into the upper half of the cylindrical wall 14a and the lower half of the cylindrical wall 14b with the portion of the measuring disc 16 · integrally coupled to the cylindrical wall 14. Therefore, as shown in plan 2, the stationary body 12 has essentially a H configuration in its longitudinal section, forming an upper cup-shaped a recess 18 between a portion of the upper half of the cylindrical wall 14a and a portion of the disk 16, and a lower cup-shaped opening 20 between the lower portion of the cylindrical wall 14b and a portion of the disk 16.

A portion of disk 16 has a central opening 22 and a single powder receiver 24 (Figure 3A) located near its periphery. The receiver 24 is gas permeable above the powder holder 26. The receiver 24 and the retainer 26 may be formed by inserting a gas-permeable filter, mesh or perforated plate element having a height less than the thickness of the measuring disc 16 in the lower portion of the orifice of a suitable dimension and shape in said measuring disk; receiver 24 will thus be formed above the element in the opening. Alternatively, the powder receiver 24 is comprised of an opening in disk 16, wherein the powder retainer 26 may consist of a lid on the lower surface of said disk extending at least above said opening. As a further alternative, the measuring disk 16 is formed from a porous material and a powder receiver 24 with a bore into the disk. The filter, mesh or plate element constitutes a retainer 26, which should have a preferentially minimally restrictive effect on the gas flow through, preventing significant loss of the powder drug below the lower surface of the measuring disk 16. To maintain a constant volume of the powder receiver 24, the powder retainer 26 is preferentially mounted. in or below the opening, eg: by friction insertion, by welding or by using adhesive. The gas-permeable filter, mesh or plate may be made of any suitable material, including cellulose, polymers, metals, ceramics, glasses or their composites, with particularly useful materials including sintered porous plastics, porous polymer membranes, natural or synthetic knitted fibers , non-woven synthetic fibers and the like. More specifically useful materials include polyester and polyolefin woven webs, and porous membranes of polyolefins, polycarbonates, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene dichloride and mixed cellulose esters.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3B, the receiver 24 represents a portion of the surface of the disk 16 in which the powder is dosed into openings 25 that are dimensioned so that the powder will be retained therein until it is inhaled by the user. In this case, no retainer is typically used.

The powder container 28 of cylindrical shape is inserted into the upper cup-shaped opening 18. The powder housing 28 sits on the upper surface of part of the disk 16 and has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall 14, which allows a relative rotation between the powder container 28 and the stationary body. 12. The powder container 28 has a central threaded hole 30 in alignment with the central hole 22 of the disk portion 16. Further, the powder tank 28 includes a first conical conical venturi 32 extending completely through it, substantially parallel and eccentric with respect to its central axis so that it is positioned on the periphery of the powder container 28. The venturi tube 32 has its end of a larger diameter 32a at the upper end of the powder container 28, and the end of the smaller diameter 32b just near the portion of the disk 16. In this way, the end of the smaller diameter 32b is possible position the venturi tubes 32 in accordance with the receiver 24 to receive the powder medicaments 34 from there. The terms powdered drug and powder include: micronized powder, spheronized powder, microencapsulated powder, powdered agglomerates, and the like, and are used interchangeably with these terms.

The powder container 28 further includes a powder inlet tube 36 arranged diametrically opposite the venturi tube 32, wherein the lower part of the powder inlet tube 36 may be positioned in solego with the receiver 24, as shown in Figure 2. The powder inlet tube 36 is normally filled with inhalation powder 34 and the upper end of the powder inlet tube 36 is closed with a plug 40 or the like to prevent the escape of the powder from the upper part of the powder inlet tube 36.

The lower part of the powder inlet tube 36 extends into the dispenser 42 located in the lower surface of the powder container 28. The dispenser 42 extends around the separate path of the powder container 28 at its periphery and is divided into chambers 44 by scrapers 46. The upper end of at least one of the chambers 44 is connected to the lower end of the powder inlet tube 36, the lower ends of all chambers being adapted to connect to the receiver 24 after a relative rotation between the powder container 28 and a portion of the disk 16. In addition, the lower ends the ends of the scraper plates 36 are at the same level as the lower surface of the powder container 28 and thus are in contact with the upper surface of the disk portion 16. Thus, after relative rotation between the stationary body 12 and the powder container 28, the powder 34 falls into at least one of the manifold chambers 44 from the powder inlet tube 36, and then scraped the tiles 46 into the receiver 24, filling it accurately and completely.

The metered dose powder dispenser 10 further includes a base housing 48 of cylindrical configuration, which is mounted inside the lower cup-shaped recess 20. Also, the base housing 48 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall 14, thereby allowing a relative rotation between the base housing 48 and stationary bodies 12. In addition, the base housing 48 includes a central opening 50 which is in line with the central opening 22 of the disk portion

16. The second conical conical venturi tube 52 extends completely through the base housing 48, mostly parallel and eccentric with respect to the central axis, so that it is mounted on the periphery of the base housing 48. The venturi tube 52 has an end of its larger diameter 52a at the lower end of the base housing 48 and the end i

of its smaller diameter 52b just near the portion of the disk 16. In this way, the end of the smaller diameter 52b of the venturi tube 52 may be placed in solego with the receiver 24, that is, with the powder 34 contained therein. As will be described later, the base housing 48 is rotatably fixed with respect to the powder container 28 and the second venturi tube 52 is always in line with the first venturi tube 32.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base housing has a circular L shaped lip 54 at its lower end. The lip 54 defines a circular notch 56 that allows the lower cylindrical wall 14 to be inserted therein.

In addition, a central recess 57 is formed at the lower end of the base housing 48, the recess 57 being in fluid connection with the central opening 50.

To block the rotation of the base housing 48 relative to the powder container 28, a screw 58 is inserted through a central recess 57, a central opening 50 and a central opening 22 and screwed in to the central screw opening 30 of the powder container 28. A conventional key path lock 60 is provided for connection the central openings 50 of the base housing 48 and the screw 58 to prevent relative rotation between the base housing 48 and the screw 58. As a result, the relative rotation between the powder container 28 and the base housing 48 is prevented while allowing axial sliding movement between them. In other words, the rotation of the base housing 48 causes the powder container 28 to rotate. However, the base housing 48 and the powder container 28 can move toward and from themselves in their axial direction.

It is important for the present invention that the powder 34 does not escape prematurely from the receiver 24; for this purpose, a helical spring 62 is mounted in a central recess 57 between the base housing 48 and the head 58a of the screw 58 to push the powder container 28 and the base housing 48 together in the axial direction. As a result, contact between the lower surface of the powder container 28 with the upper surface of the disk portion 16 and the upper surface of the base housing 48 is in contact with the lower surface of the disk portion 16. This prevents the escape of powder 34 located in the receiver 24 .

In addition, the wider end of the tapered conical mouthpiece 92 is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the powder container 28. The opening 93 is provided at the opposite, narrower end of the mouthpiece 92.

In the start of operation, the venturi tubes 32 and 52 are in alignment with the receiver 24. Then the stationary body 12 and the base housing 48 are rotated 180 ° with respect to the mutual position shown in Figure 1. During such rotation, a connection is made between the manifold 42 and the receiver 24. As a result, the powder 34 from the chambers 44 is deposited into the receiver 24 and scraped with scrapers 46. Then, when the receiver 24 is filled, the base housing 48 and the stationary body 12 are rotated back 180 ° with respect to each other so that the venturi tubes 32 and 52 are again in accordance with the receiver 24. Then the user only needs to be inhaled through the opening 93 into the mouthpiece 92 so that the air is drawn up through the venturi tube 52 and the powder retainer 26, carrying the powder from the receiver 24 through venturi 32 and out through the opening 93.

It is to be appreciated that the scraper plates 46 of the present invention allow scraping activity, both in the mind direction and in the counter rotation, i.e. between 180 degrees loading and reverse 180 degrees inhalation rates.

In accordance with the present invention, a metered dose powder dispenser is provided that accurately measures the doses of powder drug to be dosed to the patient. In particular, the dispenser 10 is simplified in its construction and composition in comparison with previous embodiments. This is due to the incorporation of a part of the measuring disc into a stationary body which maintains in rotation a powder container and a base housing. In addition, there is only one receiver in the part of the measuring disc in the invention, which eliminates the need for more complex gear mechanisms.

Thus, the present invention differs from the aforementioned Wetterlin patents, which require a plurality of openings in the dipstick to be rotated separately from the main housing. By installing many openings in the dipstick, it is necessary to provide a relatively complicated, breakable and difficult to assemble indicating mechanism. Even Wetterlin's patents require a toothed mechanism that allows such indexing.

Referring to FIGS. 5-21, we will describe a dispenser for a metered dose of powder 110 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In this case, elements consistent with those of the sprayer 10 of the first embodiment will be marked with the same reference number plus 100, and a detailed description of the common elements will be omitted here for the sake of precision.

In particular, as shown here, the basic mechanism of the sprayer 10 is incorporated into the sprayer 110 with some variations; First, instead of a screw 58 extending directly into the thread directly with the main body of the powder container, the powder container 128 comprises a central axis 128 a integrally formed on its lower surface. The axis 128a extends through the central opening 150 of the base housing 148 into a central recess 157. The free end of the axis 128a includes an outer thread 128b and a nut 158 that is threaded thereto to allow connection between the powder container 128 and the base housing 148. as in the case of sprayer 10, a helical spring 162 is inserted between the base housing 148 and the nut 158 to allow a normal oblique fit of the powder container 128 and the base housing 148 in the axial direction. For this purpose, a washer 158a is inserted around the axis 128a between the nut 158 and the coil spring 162. As a result, the lower surface of the powder container 128 is in contact with the upper surface of the disk portion 116, while the upper surface of the base housing 148 is in contact with the lower surface of the portion disk 116.

In addition, a lock mechanism 160 is provided to prevent relative rotation between the powder container 128 and the base housing 148, allowing for their axial sliding movement. In particular, the lock mechanism 160 includes a breaker rod of small diameter 166 which is inserted into the opening 168 along the lower surface of the powder container 128 and extends downward from there in the axial direction of the powder container 128. A small diameter opening 170 is provided in the upper the surface of the base housing 148 and extending in an axial direction from the base housing 148. The opening 170 is aligned with the opening 168 so that it slides the break rod 166. As a result, the rotation of the powder container 128 causes a simultaneous rotation of the base housing 148. Of course, it is possible to move the base housing 148 and the powder container 128 in an axial direction, since the breaker rod 166 can slide axially in the opening 170.

It should be noted that the central opening 122 in the portion of the disk 116 is large enough to accommodate the break rod 166. This enables rotation of the powder container 128 and the base housing 148 relative to the disk portion 116 without the impact of the break rod 166.

In the following modification, the manifold 142 is formed as a separate open surface connected to the powder inlet tube 136. In other words, there are no scrapers in the manifold 142. Instead, a special scraper disk 172 of the same external diameter as the powder container 128 is placed below the lower surface of the powder container 128 in a suitable manner, for example: the central opening 174 of the scraper disk 172 may be slightly smaller in diameter than the axis 128a, so that the scraper disk 172 planted on him by force. Alternatively, glue or the like may be used to mount the scraper disk 172 to the lower surface of the powder container 128. Of course, the scraper disk 172 includes an opening of small diameter 176 that allows the breaker rod 166 to pass through it, so that the scraper disk 172 is in a fixed position relative to the container for powder 128.

The scraper disk 172 includes several circular openings 178 extending through and placed directly below the distributor 142. It is understood from further discussion that the openings 178 are not necessarily circular. With this event, the powder 134 drops from the powder inlet tube 136 into the manifold 142 and then into the openings 178. When the powder receiver 124 (Figure 6A) is in the position below the holes 178, the powder 134 falls into the receiver 124 above the retainer 126 and scrapes with the walls of the scraper disk 172a, which defines the holes 178 between the relative rotation of the powder container 128 and the scraper disk 172 with respect to a portion of the disk 116. In other words, these walls 172a act in the equivalent of the scraper plates 46 of the dispenser 10. Preferably, four holes are shown 178 in conjunction with manifold 142.

As shown in Fig. 6B, the powder receiver 124 may be a surface that includes perforations 125. In this modification, it is not necessary to hold a retainer 126 that should hold the powder in the receiver until inhalation begins.

In addition, in the scraper plate 172 there is an additional opening 180 which is in alignment with the venturi tubes 132 and 152. In this embodiment, it is to be appreciated that one opening 178a is in the diametrically opposite position of the opening 180. This is because the manifold 142 extends beyond the powder inlet tube 136, but it should be noted that the venturi tube 132 is not in a diametrically opposite position relative to the inlet tube 136, but is separately positioned from it by an arc of about 135 °.

In addition, the circular lip of the L 54 shape is eliminated from the nebulizer 110. Thus, the base housing 148 is completely adapted to the lower cup-shaped recess 120 of the stationary body 12. To rotate the powder container 128 and the base housing 148 relative to a portion of the disk 116, rotate the powder container 128 instead of the base housing 148 by means of a diametrically driven notch 182 in the upper surface of the powder container 128, which will be described in more detail below.

The cover carrier 184 is mounted in a circumferential relationship with respect to the upper half of a portion of the cylindrical wall 114a of the stationary body 112 to allow the cover 164 to be carried conventional. For example, the design of lid 164 and the lid carrier 184 may be of the type sold by Som's S.p.A. Milan, Italy.

In detail, the stationary body 112 has an outer sleeve 115 that surrounds the lower half of part of cylindrical wall 114b and about half of the upper half of cylindrical wall 114a and is secured thereto, glued or force-mounted, or the like. The outer surface of the upper half of the cylindrical wall 114a extending above the sleeve 115 is provided at its outer surface with a circumferential ring 117.

The lid carrier 184 includes a cylindrical gripping area 186 which acts on the upper half of a portion of the upper cylindrical wall 114a and sits at the upper edge of the sleeve 115. To this end, the cylindrical gripping section 186 has a circular notch

186a in an inner wall extending above the circumferential ring 117 and engaged therein to retain the cover carrier 184 on the stationary body 112. The lower edge of the cylindrical gripping section 186 sits at the upper edge of the sleeve 115 in order to position the ring 117 correctly with respect to circular notch 186a. In addition, the inner diameter of the gripping section 186 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the upper half of the part of the cylindrical wall 114, so that it retains the gripping section 186 with a friction fit. In this way, generally, the cover carrier 184 is not mounted rotatably on the stationary body 112. Alternatively, welding or gluing may be used.

The cylindrical gripping section 186 extends into the cylindrical shroud of reduced diameter and provides a section 118 that integrally forms and defines a circular arm 188a. The cover fastening section 188 is further formed by a circular grip 188b on its outer surface, defining a circular notch 188c between the circular grip 188b and the shoulder 188a, the purpose of which will be explained below.

Finally, the cover fastening portion 188 extends essentially to a semi-cylindrical section to guide the cover 190, which is integrally formed therewith and of the same diameter. One edge of the lid guidance section 190 is provided with a pivoting shaft 190a for planting the mouthpiece 192, as will be explained below. Two recesses 190b are formed at opposite ends at the upper edge of the lid guidance section.

The lid 164, which has an outer cylindrical wall 164a and a closed ceiling wall 164b, has its lower open part rotatably mounted on the carrier of the lid 184, which, as previously stated, is fixed on the upper part of the stationary body 112. The inner diameter of the cylindrical outer wall 164a is similar to the outer diameter of the cover mounting section 188 and the cover guide section 190. In addition, the inner surface of the cylindrical outer wall 164a at its lower end is provided with a circular notch 164c that receives a circular retainer 188b, allowing rotary attachment of the cover 164 to the cover carrier 184. In this position sits the open lower part of the cylindrical outer wall 164a on the circular arm 188a.

In addition, a cylindrical outer wall 164a has a cut-out window 164d through which the aforementioned mouthpiece 192 may extend, as will be described later.

Window 164d, for example: can extend in an arc of about 80 °.

In addition, a short stop needle 164e is formed on the peripheral portion of the inner surface of ceiling wall 164b, the purpose of which will be explained below.

Cover 164 also includes a circular peripheral notch 164h on the inner surface of ceiling wall 164b located directly at the junction of ceiling wall 164b with the cylindrical outer wall 164a. As can be seen from Figure 11, the notch 164h adopts the upper edge of the guide section 190 when the cover 164 is mounted on the cover carrier 184. Two near-positioned ridges 164i and 164j are formed in the notch 164h in order to receive the recesses 190b on the guide section of the lid 190 at the position of extreme rotation of the lid 164 so that the lid 164 is released in these positions.

The mouthpiece 192 is inserted inside the cover 164 and is hinged to the hinge needle 190a of the section to guide the cover 190. As shown, the mouthpiece 192 is formed by two substantially parallel upper and lower walls 192a and 192b and two lateral walls 192c and 192d , which together connect the upper and lower walls 192a and 192b and converge slightly towards each other at the far ends thereof. In addition, the rear portions of the upper and lower walls 192a and 192b are formed with separate recesses 192e and 192f. This is because cover wall 164b has a central axis 164f extending downwards, so that it is necessary to provide cutouts 192e and 192f so that the mouthpiece 192 on axis 164f extends between its withdrawn position completely in cover 164 (FIG. 20) and during its exposed position outside window 164d (Figure 21). The 164f axis has an internally screwed hole 164g in the lower end.

In order to hinge the mouthpiece 192 inside the lid 164, the mouthpiece 192 is provided with a cylindrical hinge needle carrier 192g connected via the back edge of the side wall 192c near its upper end. In this way, it accepts the hinge carrier holder 192g hinge needle 190a in order to mount the hinge 192 hingedly to the hinge needle 192a in the lid 164.

As will be seen later in the discussion that follows, the mouthpiece 192 is in a recessed position inside the lid 164 when the manifold 142 is connected to the powder receiver 124, when the thorium tubes 132 and 152 are in connection with the powder receiver 124, the mouthpiece 192 is placed in outside position outside window 164d. In the exposed position, the user can inhale through the mouthpiece 192, thereby obtaining a healing powder 134 located in the receiver 124.

In many cases, however, the user will feel the need to exhale into the mouthpiece 192 immediately after inhalation of powder 134. In other words, the user would exhale before removing the mouthpiece 192 from his mouth. In this way, moisture from the user's mouth would reach receiver 124. In order to prevent this event, a hatch 192h at its upper end with a hinge bar 192i inside the mouthpiece 192 is extruded. In detail, the hinge bar 192i extends beyond the upper ends of the side walls 192c and 192d approximately to the midpoint of their lengths, which enables the hinge assembly to be 192h. The shutter 192j is fixed to the lower wall 192b of the flap 192h to prevent the flap 192h from moving inwards and backwards while allowing flap 192h to move outwards. In this way, when the user inhales, the flap 192h rotates outward and upward, thereby allowing the passage of micromyzed powder 134, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 17. When the user ceases inhalation, the flap 192h falls back into its intermittent gravity. position relative to the mouthpiece opening 192. If the user exhales while his mouth is still at the mouthpiece 192, the flap 192h is prevented from rotating inward with the barrier 192j. As a result, no moisture from such an exhalation reaches the receiver 124.

Unlike sprayer 10, in which the base housing 128 rotates relative to a portion of the disk 16, the powder container 128 and the base housing 148 of the sprayer 110 rotate relative to the disk portion 116 by rotating the powder container 128. This can be achieved by rotating of the lid 164 relative to the stationary body 112.

As a special feature, the rotation device 194 is mounted on the lid 164 to rotate the powder container 128. The rotation device 194 includes a key disc 194a having a central opening 194b and a diametrically inserted drive key 194c at its lower end. The central cylindrical command 194f may be provided on the opposite side of key disk 194a. The bolt 194d extends through bore 194b and the sole control 194f and is screwed into the inner screw hole 164g of the axis 164f to allow the attachment of the key disk 194a to the cover 164. Of course, it is possible to secure the key disk 194a to the cover axis 164f in other ways, e.g. : by violent fit, welding or the like. It is understood that the key disk 194a, when attached to the cover 164, is in a position below the lower surface of the lower wall 192b of the mouthpiece 192. To accurately position the key disk 194a, it is possible to insert a spacer 194e between the key disk 194a and the lower end axis 164f. In this position, the key disk 194a is fixed relative to the position of the cover 164. In this way, the drive key 194c grips inside the diametrical drive notches 182 in the upper surface of the powder container 128 when the key disk 194a is mounted with the cover 164. Consequently, when the cover 164 in rotation on the carrier bracket 184, causes the drive key 194c of the drive disc 194a inserted inside the drive slot 182 to rotate the powder container 128.

Because the user holds the stationary body 112 in a stationary position, the result is a relative rotation of the powder container 128 and the base housing 148 relative to the stationary body 112. In addition, the key disc 194a is provided with a peripheral cutout 194g that matches the upper end of the venturi 132 when the drive key 194c is located in the drive slot 182. In this way, the key disc 194a will not prevent the passage of the powder from the venturi tube 132 to the mouthpiece 192 when the venturi tube 132 is in alignment with the powder openings 126.

Further, it is to be appreciated that a central opening 183 is formed in the upper surface of the powder container 128, which can receive the bolt head 194d when the drive key 194c of the key disc 194a is inserted into the drive notch 182.

In the general operation of the mouthpiece 192, the mouthpiece 192 is positioned completely inside the lid 164 when the openings 178a and the manifold 142 are in alignment with the powder receiver 124. In this position, the rear edge of the ceiling wall 192a is in conjunction with the hinge needle carrier 192g, in contact with a stop. This prevents the further rotation of cover 164 on the cover carrier 184. In this position, it is understood that the semi-cylindrical section for guiding the cover 190 overlaps window 164d to prevent access to the mouthpiece 192 during inactivity.

As the lid 164 rotates, the powder container 128 rotates simultaneously with it. As a result, the walls 172a powder 134 into the receiver 124. After 180 ° travel, the powder container 128 and the base housing 148 relative to disk 116 have venturi tubes 132 and 152. and an aperture 180 in a consistent position relative to the receiver 124. During this rotation, a side wall 192c is struck by a handpiece defining window 164d. In the continuous rotation of the lid 164 to a position in which the venturi tubes 132 and 152 are in alignment with the receiver 124, this stationary window wipe 164d pushes the mouthpiece 192 out of the window 164d, i.e. to the only space where the mouthpiece 192 moves. allowing continuous rotation of the cover 164. The mouthpiece 192 therefore rotates outward about the pivot axis 190a. Because the rear edges of the side walls 192c and 192d are spaced apart for a greater distance than the width of the window 164d, the mouthpiece 192 extends only from the window 164d to a predetermined amount that limits the rotation of the cover 164 to a fixed position. This fixed position corresponds to the aligned position of the venturi 132 and 152 and the opening 180 with the receiver 124. The user then merely inhales through the mouthpiece 192 to receive the powder 134 located in the receiver 124.

In addition to the aforementioned advantages achieved by dispenser 10, it is understood that dispenser 110 provides further advantages. Among other things, the mechanism for rotating the powder container relative to the measuring disc is associated with the movement of the mouthpiece between the withdrawn and exposed positions, thus enabling dual function in an easy way. Furthermore, the hatch 19h prevents moisture from exhaling through the mouthpiece 192.

Referring to FIGS. 22-47, we will now describe the powder dispenser for the metered dose of powder 210 in the third embodiment of the present invention, with elements corresponding to those of the sprayer 110 of the second embodiment denoted by the same reference number increased by 100 and a detailed description of the common elements abandoned for conciseness.

As shown, the basic mechanism of the sprayer 110 is integrated into the sprayer 210 with some variants. In detail, the manufacturing of the powder container 228 of the base housing 248, of the disk portion 216, of the scraper plate 272 is practically unchanged with respect to the respective parts of the sprayer 110 with the following exceptions.

In the first place, there is only one upper half of the cylindrical wall 214a of the stationary body 212, so that the upper half of the cylindrical wall 214a and part of the disk 216 effectively form a cup configuration defining the upper cup-shaped recess 218 which receives your powder container 228. Instead of the lower The half height part of the cylindrical wall has a low height semi-cylindrical flanges 214b, the flange 214b being formed as an extension of the upper half part of the cylindrical wall 214a on the opposite side of the disk 216. Since the flanges 214b have a semi-cylindrical configuration, it thus includes two opposite brake edges 214c and 214d that act to limit the rotation of the powder container 228 and the base housing 248 relative to the disk 216, as will be described in more detail below.

The upper end of the base housing 248 is cut to a smaller diameter cylindrical upper end 248a defining the circular arm 248b on which the lower end of the flange 214b sits. The axially oriented brake needle 248c is fixed to the periphery of the base housing 248 and thus does not increase its outer diameter. The brake needle 248c extends upward in the axial direction of the base housing 248 and is mounted directly above the annular arm 248b. As a result, under composite conditions, the brake needle 248c extends between the brake edges 214c and 214d of flanges 214b. During operation, when the powder container 228 and the base housing 248 are rotated relative to the stationary body 212, the brake needle 240c will hit one of the brake edges 214c or 214d, limiting the rotation of the powder container 228 to 180 '. These extreme rotation positions correspond to the first position in which the venturi 232 and 252 and the opening 280 are in a consistent position with the powder receiver 224 above the retainer 226, and the second position where the supply tube 236, manifold

242, holes 278 in alignment with receiver 224.

As in the case of other dispensers, the configurations of which are shown here, the powder receiver 224 may represent an opening (Figure 27A) having a powder holder 226 under it, or it may be a surface containing perforations 225 (Figure 27B).

Unlike the sprayer 110, the powder container 228 and the base housing 248 of the sprayer 210 are connected together in a similar manner to that of the sprayer 10 of the first embodiment. In detail, in order to allow rotary connection of the base housing 248 to the powder container 228, a bolt 258 is inserted through a central recess 257 and a central opening 250 of the base housing 248 through a central opening 222 of a portion of the measuring disc 216 and a central opening 274 of the scraper disk 272 and threaded into the central threaded hole 230 of the powder container 228. In addition, a screw spring 262 is inserted into the central recess 257 between the base housing 248 and the bolt head 258a 258 to provide a normal oblique connection between the housing for t

powder 228 and the base housing 248 in the axial direction. For this reason, the lower surface of the scraper disk 272, which is mounted below the powder container 228, is in contact with the upper surface of the disk portion 216, while the upper surface of the base housing 248 is in contact with the lower surface of the disk portion 216.

The sprayer 210 incorporates a similar key mechanism 260 as the sprayer 110 with a stick rod 266, an opening 268 in the powder container 228, and an opening of small diameter 270 in the base housing 248.

In addition, the nozzle 292 is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the powder container 228. In detail, the nozzle 292 has a cylindrical mounting section 292k that is secured above the upper end of the powder container 228 by friction fitting, welding, gluing or similar. The cylindrical mounting section 292k forms a chamber 292m which is in fluid connection with the upper part of the venturi tube 232. The tapered conical section 292n is integrally coupled to the upper end of the cylindrical section 292k. The tapered conical inhalation section 292n has a central axial surface 292p that extends completely through it and is in fluid connection with the 292m chamber. In this way, the user can inhale the powder 234 through the venturi tube 232, the chamber 292m and the surface 292p when the venturi tubes 232 and 252 are in alignment with the receiver 224. The entire mouthpiece 292 is preferentially molded in a plastic structure as a single part.

The guide portion 292q of the mouthpiece 292 has several, for example: 2 screw wings 292r located within the surface 292p of the inhalation portion 292n in the manner shown in U.S. Patent 4,907,583 granted to Wetterlin. The helical wings 292r deflect the powder particles by pointing them toward the inner wall of the inhalation section 292p by centrifugal force, whereby larger particles or aggregates of particles are dispersed into smaller particles, causing the particles to interact with each other, resulting in an intergranular grinding or dispersing effect between parts.

A greater difference between the dispenser 110 and 210 is in the mode of rotation of part of the disk 216 relative to the powder container 228 and the base housing 248, which will now be described.

The first pendulum projection 296 is formed at the periphery of a portion of disk 216 and extends radially outwards. Preferably, this pendulum projection 296 is formed directly above the stop edge 214c of flanges 214b. The second pendulum 298 is formed on the periphery of the base housing 248 at its lower end and extends outward to about twice the radial length of the first pendulum 296. either the stop edge movement 214c or 214d. In particular, when the stop needle 248c stops the stop edge 214d, the second pendulum projection 298 is in line with the center of the flange 214b.

To allow the dowels 296 and 298 to rotate the disk 216 relative to the position of the powder container 228 and the base housing 248, a cylindrical guide sleeve 300 extends over the entire system described so far, i.e. the sleeve 300 extends above the base housing 248, the stationary body 212 and the mouthpiece 292. The guide sleeve 300 includes an axially oriented notch 302 which is open at the lower edge of the guide sleeve 300 and extends approximately 76% by the height of the guide sleeve 300. The notch 302 is adapted for receiving the first pendulum 296. For this purpose, the radial length of the first pendulum 296 is such that the outer portion 296 does not extend beyond the outer diameter of the guide sleeve 300. In this way, the guide sleeve 300 is actually locked to a portion of disk 216, such that the portion of the disk 216 cannot rotate relative to the guide sleeve 300, but is allowed to move in the axial direction relative to the same, which is enabled by the first pendulum projection 296 in the notch 302.

In addition, the guide sleeve 300 has a screw notch 304. In particular, the screw notch 304 has an axially oriented introductory portion 304a which is open at the lower edge of the guide sleeve 300 and extends up to about 10% of the height of the guide sleeve 300. The introductory portion 304a is helically displaced from notches 302 by about 90 °. The introductory portion 304a extends into the screw portion 304b extending helically upwards away from the notch 302 to a position approximately diametrically opposite to the introducing portion 304a and axially spaced from the introducing portion 304a. The contact 304d between the introductory portion 304a and the screw portion 304b corresponds to the position of the second pendulum 298 when the guide sleeve 300 is assembled together with the base housing 248, the stationary body 212 and the mouthpiece 292. The height of the screw portion 304b from the introductory end to its own end is about 29%. guide sleeve height 300. Finally, the screw portion 304b terminates in the end portion 304c, which is oriented transversely with respect to the introductory portion 304a and extends in a direction away from the screw portion 304b.

As an example of the dimensions that can be used, the guide sleeve 300 may have a height of 2,625 inches, an axially oriented notch 302 2 inches, and a guide portion 304a 0.25 inches and a screw portion 304b a height of 0.75 inches.

Screw notch 304 receives a second pendulum projection 298 into itself when the guide sleeve 300 is positioned above the base housing 248, the stationary body 212 and the mouthpiece 292. In this way, when the guide sleeve 300 is stationary, the rotation of the second pendulum projection 298 will only cause movement th in screw part 304b. As a result, the base housing 248 will rotate relative to a portion of the disk 216 that is fixed with the first pendulum protuberance 296 in the notch 302 of the guide sleeve 300. In this way, the receiver 224 will move from a distributor-compatible position 242 to a position consistent with position of venturi tubes 232 and 252, allowing the user to inhale powder 234.

At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the movement of the second pendulum projection 296 causes the base housing 248 to move axially upstream of the guide sleeve 300. Consequently, the entire composition of the base housing 248, the stationary body 212 and the mouthpiece 292 will move upwards. Because the notch 302 is axially oriented, part of the disk 216 will be fixed in rotation, but will move upwards because the first pendulum projection 296 is inserted in the notch 302. In this upward movement, the mouthpiece 292 will rotate simultaneously with the base housing 248 and the container. for powder 228 and will also move upwards beyond guide sleeve 300. In this way, the mouthpiece 292 will be available to the user when receiver 224 is in accordance with venturi tubes 232 and 252. It should be noted that the second pendulum projection 298 lies within the end portion 304c in this position and thus maintains the mouthpiece 292 in this exposed position until the user provides a reverse rotation of the second pendulum 298.

The guide sleeve 300 further includes a lower circular lip 306 extending outward, the notch 302 and the introductory portion 304a extending through the lip 306.

To ensure the aforementioned rotation of the second pendulum projection 298, a cylindrical drive sleeve 308 is rotatably moved around the lower part of the guide sleeve 300 and sits on the lower circular lip 306. The drive sleeve 308 includes an axially oriented notch 310 which opens at the lower part of the drive sleeve 308 and extends approximately the entire height of the caulk sleeve 300. For example: the caulk sleeve 308 may have a height of 1.5 inches, with a notch 310 of height 1.25 inches. In this case, the drive sleeve 308 is slightly larger than half the height of the guide sleeve 300. The notch 310 receives a second pendulum projection 298 when the drive sleeve 308 is mounted on the guide sleeve 300. Since the radial length of the first pendulum projection 296 is such that the first radial projection 296 does not extend beyond the outer diameter of the guide sleeve 300, it will not prevent the rotation of the drive sleeve 308 relative to the guide sleeve 300. Of course, in this construction, the drive sleeve 308 is connected to another pendulum projection 298, so that the rotation of the drive sleeve 308 causes rotation of the second pacemaker 298 in. screw notches 306, thereby allowing the aforementioned axial movement of the second pendulum projection 298.

The lower friction cover 312 of the same height as the drive sleeve 308 is frictionally mounted on the drive sleeve 308. The lower friction cover 312 performs a dual function. First, the lower friction cover 312 covers the notch 310 of the drive sleeve 308 and the second dowel protuberance 298. Second, the lower friction cover 312 provides a positive holding of the second dowel protrusion 298 in the notch 310 t. j. the lower friction cover 312 prevents the side walls defining the notch 310 from being further separated due to the force exerted by the second pendulum 298 during rotation thereon. In this way, when the user grabs and rotates the lower friction cover 312, due to friction, the drive sleeve 308 is also rotated, which at the same time causes the rotation of the second pillar bulb 298.

The upper friction sleeve 314 is positioned above the remaining upper end of the guide sleeve 300 and is the same diameter as the drive sleeve 308. The upper friction sleeve 314 frictionlessly grips the upper end of the guide sleeve 300. This occurs when the user grabs and rotates the upper fractional sleeve 314 relative to the fractional cover 312 to the rotation of the powder container 228 and the base housing 248 relative to the portion of the disk 216 in the manner previously described.

Finally, the lid 264 is positioned movably above the upper fractional sleeve 314 in order to cover the upper open end of the mouthpiece 292 when not in use. In order to use the powder dispenser 210, the user only has to remove the lid 264, rotate the lower friction cover 312 relative to the upper fractional sleeve 314, to place the reciprocally-filled receiver 224 with venturi tubes 232 and 252.

Sprayer 210 has the same advantages as sprayer 10 as mentioned previously. In addition, as in the case of sprayer 110, the mechanism for rotating the powder container 228 relative to the measuring disc 216 is related to the movement of the mouthpiece 292 between its hidden and exposed position; and thus provides dual function in an easy way.

Another second embodiment of a powder sprayer of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figure 48, in which the elements corresponding to those of the third design sprayer 210 are denoted by the same reference number increased by 100; a detailed description of the common elements will be omitted here for the sake of precision.

The sprayer 310 comprises, starting with the clear lower portion of the image, a hollow cylindrical lower housing 500 equipped with a flat upper termination that functions as a measuring plate 316, the upper termination having a central opening 502 and an opening for the powder receiver 324 near the periphery of the plate . Below the dipstick, the powder stopper 326 is gas permeable; for reasons that will become apparent, only that portion of the retainer 326 which lies directly below the opening 324 must be gas-permeable, but for ease of manufacture, the entire retainer may be made of gas-permeable material. The support 504 is mounted below the powder retainer 326 and is provided with a central opening 506 and an opening 352, near the periphery, which is an air conductor. The support 504 is fixed to the housing 500 so that the central openings of these components are in a consistent position and the opening 324 is in a consistent position with the opening 352.

The powder container 328 is cylindrical and generally closed, provided with a twisted opening at the lower portion 507 that receives a dowel 558 and an opening 332 near the periphery forming an air conductor. A powder inlet 336 is mounted in the powder housing, which is filled with the desired amount of powder 334, and a dispenser 342, which is designed and operates essentially as previously described for dispensers 42 and 142. The powder receptacle may be provided with a lip 508, with the lower surface of the container pressed against the measuring plate 316 of the lower housing 500 with a spring 362 when the screw 558 is tightened.

The mouthpiece 392, which is constructed and operates similarly to the mouthpiece 292 described above, is mounted on a powder container 328. The planting can be frictionally or closed with the lip 508 of the powder container, alternatively by screwing it to the powder container or in an equivalent manner in a case where there is a need for periodic removal of the mouthpiece for cleaning purposes.

It should be borne in mind that the part of the sprayer 310 which lies above the line ΛΑ can be rotated independently of the part below that line. For convenience of operation, jamming devices (not shown) may be inserted to limit the angle of rotation in question. During operation, rotation is used to align the powder container 324 with the dispenser 342, wherein the powder receiver is filled with powder 334; further rotation causes the powder receiver 324 to align with the conductor 332 such that inhalation through the mouthpiece 392 causes the metered dose of the powder to be incorporated into the inhaled air.

The design shown in Figure 48 has the advantage of a minimal number of components, which makes it easy to manufacture and reduces the possibility of poor performance before the powder stock has been utilized. Further escalation can be ensured without unnecessarily complicating the production process, for example by providing a chamber in a powder container for holding the substance to be dried, in a volatile connection with the powder inlet hose; this may be an extension of the powder inlet 336, the extension being filled with a drying agent 510 (e.g. silica gel) and provided with a stopper permeable to the vapor or membrane 512 which prevents contamination of the drug in powder form with the drying agent. As with the designs described above, it may be desirable to provide covers over the mouthpiece and / or lower housing for hygienic reasons during periods when the device is not in use.

A further design is shown in Figures 49 to 51 as an example of a device that can be manufactured easily using a minimum number of components and which is easily assembled.

Figure 49 is a view of a disassembled powder inhaler 600 showing a base unit 610 having a plurality of optional projections 612 around its lower circumference and threads 618 around the upper circumference. The key opening 616 is preferentially centered around the central axis of the base unit and the retaining edge

614, which is adapted to receive the lower surface of helix 620 (shown as a wave helix) and located on the upper surface of the base unit.

The dipstick 622 is positioned inside the base unit above the helical mechanism with the lower projection 626, locked to the opening 616 of the base unit, which ensures simultaneous rotation of the base unit and the measuring pad. The powder receiver 624 is mounted in a measuring pad and is constructed in the ways described in other embodiments of the invention. The upper projection 628, which is located about the centreline axis of the measuring pad, may represent a solid columnar or circular ah any other shape.

The powder container 630 is generally a hollow, tubular shell having air openings 632 at the lower edge and an edge 634 that is adapted to fit into a suitable notch (not shown in this figure) in the lower portion of the base unit 610. powder 636 extends above the upper inner part of the powder container and is provided with distributor openings 638 at its lower part, the preferentially flat surface being in contact with the upper surface of the dipstick 622 when the device is assembled. The inhalation guide 640 is in close proximity and the same length as the powder tank 636. The design is such that the relative rotation of the base unit 610 and the base housing 630 can selectively provide the solego of the receiver. for powder 624, either with the apertures of the dispenser 638 for filling the powder or with an inhalation conductor 640 for dispersing a previously metered dose of powder. The central opening 642 can be provided to receive the drying material and is located above the recess 644 and can accommodate the upper cavity 628 of the dipstick 622 for proper alignment of the components. A stopper 646 is provided to lock the reservoir 636 and a stopper 648 to close the opening 642; permeable substances are preferably used to allow the passage of vapor between the reservoir and the central opening. The powder container 630 is preferentially equipped with an additional air intake 650, reducing the effort required to inhale through the device.

The mouthpiece 652, which has an inhalation opening 654 in fluid communication with the inhalation line 640, is mounted on the powder container 630 by any suitable means. Preferably, the mouthpiece is removable for cleaning.

The cover 656, of which only the lower portion is shown, has an internal threaded lower surface (threads not shown) that connects to the threads 618 of the base unit 610, thereby closing the device during the time it is not in use.

50 is a cross-sectional view of the components described above, except that the mouthpiece 652 is shown in partial lateral view.

Figure 51 is a plan view of the downward view of line 51/51, with lid 656, mouthpiece 652, stopper 646, and plug 648 removed. This view more closely shows the distribution openings 638 located at the lower end of the powder tank 636.

For the convenience and safety of users, it is also possible to incorporate a component in this device to limit the relative rotation of the base unit 610 and the powder container 630 to a predetermined angle. In addition, it may be desirable to incorporate an auditory forming work, for example: clicking a signal along the rotational boundaries, so that the user will know when the rotation is performed correctly. Another commonly desired safety device is a counter or other indicating mechanism that alerts the user to the intended use of the powder.

If a dehumidifier is required to protect the product from moisture contamination, the device must have a lid that prevents moisture from entering between uses. Otherwise, the capacity of the desiccant may be utilized before all the doses contained in the device have been used.

All of the aforementioned powder dispensers may be made of readily available materials, eg plastics, metals and the like. Typically, various components that do not require porosity or other special properties will be molded from one or more thermoplastics that have the desired rigidity and strength. In some embodiments, the part containing the powder receiver is relatively thin and must be made of more deformable materials, such as reinforced plastics, ceramics or metal, to provide a surface flatness. In any case, the materials selected must be chemically compatible with the product to be sprayed. Due to cost, plastic has the maximum advantage when the device is intended for single use or limited refill after the initial dose has been used.

Having described the preferred embodiments of the invention in accordance with the accompanying drawings, it must be borne in mind that the present invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that a person versed in the art can make various changes and 'modifications thereof without sacrificing scope or the spirit of the invention as defined by said claims.

SCHERING CORPORATION, USA

For her:

O O V E T N ALEXANDER. LJUBLJANA. Reslin «24 Tet 311-236

Claims (22)

REQUIREMENTS 1. The powder dispenser shall include: - a powder container for storing a powder material stock to be dispersed, the container including a first tube guide extending through it in a dislocated relationship with respect to said powder material stock; - a measuring plate for holding the metered amount of said powder material; said measuring plate comprising a single receiving surface for holding said amount of powder material, said measuring plate being placed in the storage of the powder material, and said measuring plate and said powder housing being rotatable so that said sole receiving surface is adapted for fluid connection with either said powder material stock or said first pipe conduit; a base housing which is mounted under said measuring plate and comprising a second pipe conductor in alignment with said first pipe conductor when said receiving surface is in alignment with said first conductor; - a spring for pointing said base housing and said powder container against each other; and - 'a mouthpiece for inhalation of said metered amount of powder material from said sole receiving surface in said measuring pad through a first conductor in said powder container, wherein the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with said first conductor. The powder dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said powder container has a generally cylindrical configuration with a central axis, and said first guide extends substantially axially through it in a position radially spaced relative to said central axis and in essentially parallel to it. The powder dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said powder container further comprises a third conductor for holding said stock of powder material. 4. The powder dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said powder container has a generally cylindrical configuration with a central axis, and said third tube guide extends substantially axially through it at a position radially spaced from said central axis. and basically parallel to it. The powder dispenser according to claim 3, wherein said powder container further includes a dispenser for supplying the powder material from said third conductor to said sole receiving surface. A powder sprayer according to claim 5, further comprising a scraper for scraping said material into said sole receiving surface during the relative rotation of said measuring pad and said powder container, the scraper being placed in said manifold. 7. The powder dispenser according to claim 6, wherein said scraper includes at least one scraper placed in said dispenser, the lower edge of each scraper extending to the lower surface of said powder container. A powder dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a scraper for scraping the powder into said sole receiving surface during the relative rotation of said measuring plate and said powder container, said scraper being positioned between said stock of powder material and said measuring plate. The powder dispenser according to claim 8, wherein said scraper includes a multi-hole scraper and said scraper is placed between said stock of powder material and said sole receiving surface. A powder dispenser according to claim 9, further comprising a part for rotary fixing of said scraper with said powder container 2a. A powder dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said sole receiving surface of said measuring plate is formed by a gas-permeable filter, mesh or perforated plate element placed in the lower portion of the opening provided in said measuring plate, wherein element height less than the thickness of said measuring pad. The powder dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said sole receiving surface of the measuring plate is formed by contacting the lower surface of said measuring plate with a gas-permeable filter, mesh or perforated plate element that covers an opening defining said receiving surface. The powder dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said sole receiving surface of said measuring pad is formed by a plurality of perforations that retain said powder within it until it is dispersed. The powder dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned measuring pad represents the upper end of said base housing. The powder dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said measuring pad is a gas-permeable material and said sole receiving surface is a recess in said measuring plate. » The powder dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a cylindrical wall for holding said measuring pad in a rotational relationship with respect to said powder container. The powder dispenser according to claim 16, further comprising a part for rotary fixing of said powder container with said base housing, allowing axial movement between them. 18. A powder dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation limiting portion for limiting the rotation of the powder container relative to said measuring disk to an increased rotation angle. 19. The powder sprayer according to claim 1, further comprising a moisture barrier to prevent access of moisture from the exhalation to the powder sprayer through the mouthpiece. 20. The powder dispenser according to claim 19, wherein said moisture barrier includes a flap that is hinged to said mouthpiece for opening movement during inhalation only. 21. The powder dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a rotary actuator for rotating said powder container with respect to said measuring disk, such that said first conductor is in fluid connection with said receiving surface and in connection with the movement of said mouthpiece in an exposed position , which allows inhalation from it. 22. The powder dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said powder container is bidirectionally rotatably movable with respect to said measuring disk between the first position in which said sole receiving surface is in fluid connection with said powder material inlet and the second position in which it is mentioned the only receiving surface in fluid connection with said first conductor.