US20150101599A1 - Inhaler counter - Google Patents

Inhaler counter Download PDF

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Publication number
US20150101599A1
US20150101599A1 US14/344,153 US201214344153A US2015101599A1 US 20150101599 A1 US20150101599 A1 US 20150101599A1 US 201214344153 A US201214344153 A US 201214344153A US 2015101599 A1 US2015101599 A1 US 2015101599A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
inhaler
count wheel
count
wheel
dose
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/344,153
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English (en)
Inventor
Christopher Simon Berry
Jonas Christiansen
Svend Erik Elgaard
Esben Johansen
Claus Schmidt Moller
Jorgen Rasmussen
William Richard Treneman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dansk Ingenior Service AS
Phillips Medisize AS
AstraZeneca UK Ltd
AstraZeneca AB
Original Assignee
Dansk Ingenior Service AS
AstraZeneca UK Ltd
AstraZeneca AB
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Publication date
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Publication of US20150101599A1 publication Critical patent/US20150101599A1/en
Assigned to ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED reassignment ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BERRY, SIMON CHRISTOPHER
Assigned to DANSK INGENIOR SERVICE A/S reassignment DANSK INGENIOR SERVICE A/S ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHRISTIANSEN, JONAS
Assigned to BANG & OLUFSEN MEDICOM A/S reassignment BANG & OLUFSEN MEDICOM A/S ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ELGAARD, SVEND ERIK, JOHANSEN, ESBEN W., VILSTRUP, HENRIK HOUGAARD
Assigned to BANG & OLUFSEN MEDICOM A/S reassignment BANG & OLUFSEN MEDICOM A/S ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MOLLER, CLAUS SCHMIDT
Assigned to BANG & OLUFSEN MEDICOM A/S reassignment BANG & OLUFSEN MEDICOM A/S ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: RASMUSSEN, JORGEN
Assigned to ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED reassignment ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: TRENEMAN, WILLIAM RICHARD
Assigned to BANG & OLUFSEN MEDICOM A/S reassignment BANG & OLUFSEN MEDICOM A/S ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: DANSK INGENIOR SERVICE A/S
Assigned to ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED reassignment ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BANG & OLUFSEN MEDICOM A/S
Assigned to ASTRAZENECA AB reassignment ASTRAZENECA AB ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
    • A61M15/0068—Indicating or counting the number of dispensed doses or of remaining doses
    • A61M15/007—Mechanical counters
    • A61M15/0071—Mechanical counters having a display or indicator
    • A61M15/0075—Mechanical counters having a display or indicator on a disc
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/0021—Mouthpieces therefor
    • A61M15/0025—Mouthpieces therefor with caps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
    • A61M15/0021—Mouthpieces therefor
    • A61M15/0025—Mouthpieces therefor with caps
    • A61M15/0026—Hinged caps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
    • A61M15/0068—Indicating or counting the number of dispensed doses or of remaining doses
    • A61M15/0081—Locking means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/009—Inhalators using medicine packages with incorporated spraying means, e.g. aerosol cans
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0091—Inhalators mechanically breath-triggered
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0065—Inhalators with dosage or measuring devices
    • A61M15/0068—Indicating or counting the number of dispensed doses or of remaining doses
    • A61M15/008—Electronic counters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M15/00—Inhalators
    • A61M15/0091—Inhalators mechanically breath-triggered
    • A61M15/0096—Hindering inhalation before activation of the dispenser
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/27—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/27—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use
    • A61M2205/276—General characteristics of the apparatus preventing use preventing unwanted use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/583—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by visual feedback
    • A61M2205/585—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by visual feedback having magnification means, e.g. magnifying glasses

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an inhaler for delivery of a medicament by inhalation and in particular to the mechanisms of the inhaler for dispensing of a dose of medicament and counting the dispensed dose.
  • Inhalers are commonly used for delivery of a wide range of medicaments.
  • DPI dry powder inhaler
  • pMDI pressurised metered dose inhaler
  • a canister containing medicament in the inhaler is actuated, e.g. by compression, to deliver a metered dose of the medicament through a mouthpiece to a user.
  • the inhaler may be configured to deliver a dose of medicament automatically.
  • the inhaler may comprise an actuation mechanism to actuate the canister or to deliver the powdered substance when triggered.
  • the actuation mechanism may be breath actuated, i.e.
  • a breath-actuated pMDI inhaler is described in WO2008/082359.
  • the inhaler actuation mechanism is operable to compress a canister of medicament to deliver a dose of medicament in response to inhalation by a user.
  • the actuation mechanism comprises a loading mechanism to bias compression of the canister.
  • a trigger mechanism holds the loading mechanism against compression of the canister.
  • the trigger mechanism releases the loading mechanism to allow compression of the canister to deliver a dose of medicament.
  • a resetting mechanism interacts with a mouthpiece cover such that movement of the cover into a closed position resets the actuation mechanism.
  • the inhaler of WO2008/082359 optionally has a registration module responsive to actuation of the inhaler, which can indicate, for example, the number of doses of medicament remaining in the canister.
  • a registration module responsive to actuation of the inhaler, which can indicate, for example, the number of doses of medicament remaining in the canister.
  • the inhaler must not dispense a dose of medicament without counting the dispensed dose, as this may lead to the patient erroneously believing that there are remaining doses in an empty inhaler.
  • the inhaler must also not decrement the count of the dose counter if a dose is not dispensed, since the patient may erroneously believe that no doses remain in the inhaler and a significant number of doses may be wasted when the inhaler is disposed of prematurely.
  • the dose counter display must be sufficiently clear for a patient to be able to reliably and accurately read the display. For example, if the dose counter displays the number of doses remaining in the inhaler, if there is any ambiguity or lack of clarity with the displayed digits, the patient may believe that there are more doses remaining than is actually the case, which is dangerous for the patient, or may believe that there are fewer doses than actually remain, and may dispose of the inhaler too soon, wasting medicament.
  • an inhaler for delivery of a medicament by inhalation which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art. This is achieved by the inhaler as defined in the independent claims.
  • an inhaler for delivery of a medicament by inhalation comprising:
  • a dose counting mechanism comprising a counter and a translating member, the translating member comprising a pawl and the counter comprising a first count wheel, a second count wheel and an intermediate wheel engaged with the second count wheel and in selective engagement with the first count wheel,
  • a dispensing mechanism configured, on actuation, to dispense a dose of medicament
  • the dispensing mechanism moves the translating member in a substantially linear direction, whereby the pawl rotates the first count wheel
  • the intermediate wheel is selectively engaged thereby selectively rotating the second count wheel.
  • an improved inhaler for dispensing a plurality of metered doses of medicament to a patient, the inhaler having a counting mechanism for reliably and accurately counting each time a dose is dispensed and for displaying the dose count to the patient.
  • a counting mechanism for reliably and accurately counting each time a dose is dispensed and for displaying the dose count to the patient.
  • the dispensing mechanism moves the translating member, for example by movement of a component of the dispensing mechanism, whether that movement is linear, rotational or a combination of both, this is translated into linear motion of a pawl of the translating member.
  • the translating member is moved linearly by the dispensing mechanism.
  • the translating member and the counter are substantially in constant engagement and it is not necessary to disengage the components during counting or resetting.
  • the pawl engages the first count wheel and rotates the wheel reliably and consistently each time the pawl moves linearly in a first (counting direction).
  • rotation of the first count wheel is selectively translated to the second count wheel by the intermediate wheel.
  • the first count wheel engages the intermediate wheel only once for each full rotation (i.e. through about 360°) of the first count wheel.
  • the pawl of this embodiment only rotates the first count wheel in incremental portions of a full rotation (e.g.
  • the first count wheel will rotate in incremental steps until a full rotation is achieved, at which time the first count wheel engages the intermediate count wheel, which in turn rotates the second count wheel, preferably by an amount considerably less than a full rotation.
  • the first count wheel is provided with members for receiving and engaging the pawl, such as teeth, preferably curved teeth, with notches therebetween.
  • members for receiving and engaging the pawl such as teeth, preferably curved teeth, with notches therebetween.
  • Such a ratchet arrangement ensures good engagement between the pawl and the first count wheel and thus consistent rotation of the wheel by movement of the pawl in the counting direction.
  • the first count wheel is incremented by 1/10 th of a full rotation upon each actuation by the pawl of the translating member (i.e. by about 36°).
  • the first count wheel only engages with the intermediate wheel after one full rotation of the first count wheel, thus the first count wheel engages with the intermediate wheel after 10 actuations by the pawl, and rotates the second count wheel by an increment of its full rotation.
  • the second count wheel is incremented by between no more than 1 ⁇ 2 a rotation (about 180°) and less than 1/40 th of a rotation (about 9°), more preferably by between no more than 1/10 th of a rotation (about) 36° and less than 1/20 th of a rotation (about 18°), more preferably by between no more than 1/12 th of a rotation (about 30°) and less than 1/15 th of a rotation (about 24°), more preferably by about 1/12 th of a rotation (about 30°).
  • the first count wheel comprises a set of first count numbers printed, embossed, or otherwise displayed annularly thereon
  • the second count wheel comprises a set of second count numbers printed, embossed or otherwise displayed annularly thereon.
  • the first count wheel comprises the numbers 0 to 9 arranged annularly and regularly spaced about a front face thereof and is incremented by 1/10 th of a full rotation (about 36°) upon each actuation by the pawl.
  • the second count wheel comprises the numbers 0 to 12 arranged annularly and regularly spaced about a front face thereof and is incremented by 1/12 th of a full rotation (about 30°) upon each actuation by the intermediate wheel.
  • the intermediate wheel selectively engages upon each full rotation of the first count wheel (i.e. after 10 incremental actuations) and thus rotates the second count wheel by a single 1/12 th increment (i.e. about 30°) every time the first count wheel has counted 10 dispensed doses.
  • a dose counting mechanism that can decrement a counter from any of 129 to 120 doses through each individual dose count down to zero is provided.
  • the second count wheel comprises the numbers 0 to 15 arranged annularly and regularly spaced about a front face thereof and is incremented by 1/15 th of a full rotation (about 24°) upon each actuation by the intermediate wheel
  • the second count wheel comprises the numbers 0 to 20 arranged annularly and regularly spaced about a front face thereof and is incremented by 1/20 th of a full rotation (about 18°) upon each actuation by the intermediate wheel, or any other number of doses from 10 to 400 is envisaged within the scope of the invention, although the number of doses that can be reliably displayed may be constrained by the size of the components of the counting mechanism or indeed by the size of the inhaler itself.
  • the increments by which the wheels are turned do not need to correspond with the numbers displayed on the front face of the count wheels and it is possible, for example, to increment the count wheels in steps smaller than the number of doses to be displayed, particularly if it is desired to have an end of life component, such as a zero dose indicator flag as part of one or both of the count wheels, as discussed below.
  • the front face (i.e. the displayed face) of the first count wheel and/or of the second count wheel preferably comprises not only numerical means to indicate the number of doses (remaining in or dispensed from the inhaler), but also other indicia.
  • the counter comprises a low dose indicator, preferably a suitably coloured component so as to be readily visible when displayed, to indicate that the number of doses remaining in the inhaler is fewer than a predetermined number. This enables the patient to receive a warning that a new inhaler should be obtained so as to be ready to replace the present inhaler when empty.
  • the low dose indicator comprises a portion of the front face of the second count wheel, which is preferably coloured yellow or amber.
  • the coloured portion is a background to the final numbers of the second count wheel, for example as a background to the numbers 2 and 1 (and zero if a 0 is displayed) to indicate when the remaining doses count is down to 20 or fewer doses.
  • the counter further or alternatively comprises a zero dose indicator, preferably a suitably coloured component so as to be readily visible when displayed, to indicate that there are no doses remaining in the inhaler.
  • the zero dose indicator comprises a red background to the numbers on the front face of one or both of the first and second count wheels.
  • the zero dose indicator comprises a flag portion of the second count wheel, the flag protruding from the second count wheel and overlapping the first count wheel.
  • the flag is a distinctive colour, such as red and/or is distinctively marked or patterned, such that it is very clear when it is displayed on the inhaler.
  • the counting mechanism is configured such that, once the zero dose indicator has rotated into the display, it is not possible to rotate the second count wheel any further and thus the flag will remain in the display. This is preferably achieved by a suitable toothed arrangement, for example a missing tooth or set of teeth from the second count wheel to prevent further rotation of the flag, or the like.
  • the second count wheel should be incremented by less than 1/12 th of a full rotation (about 30°) upon actuation by the intermediate wheel, for example by 1/13 th , 1/14 th , 1/15 th (about 28°, 26° or 24° respectively) or even less of full rotation, thus providing a region of the front face of the second count wheel on which a flag or other zero dose indication member can be provided separately from the number of doses.
  • the intermediate wheel is selectively engaged with the first count wheel and thus is selectively rotated by the first count wheel.
  • This may be achieved by any suitable mechanism.
  • at least one of the first count wheel and/or the intermediate wheel could be selectively moved, linearly or otherwise, into and out of engagement with the other wheel.
  • at least one of the first count wheel and/or the intermediate wheel is configured such that the wheels engage only at one or more predetermined positions during rotation of the first count wheel.
  • the first count wheel comprises a notch or other recess on an outer periphery thereof, for receiving a tooth or other protrusion of the intermediate wheel.
  • the first count wheel comprises a single notch such that only once every full rotation is the intermediate wheel tooth engaged in the notch, as it passes the intermediate wheel.
  • the first count wheel may comprise a plurality of notches, evenly or otherwise spaced apart to engage the intermediate wheel more than once per full rotation.
  • the intermediate wheel may be of any suitable configuration.
  • the intermediate wheel comprises a plurality of evenly spaced teeth about an outer periphery thereof.
  • the notch engages with the tooth and rotates the intermediate wheel by a predetermined increment which is preferably substantially less than a full rotation of the intermediate wheel.
  • the intermediate wheel comprises a suitable number of teeth for engagement with the notch of the first count wheel, for example it is particularly preferred for the intermediate wheel to comprise four evenly spaced teeth.
  • the arrangement of the intermediate wheel and first count wheel could be the opposite of the above, i.e. the teeth may be present on the first count wheel and the notch form part of the intermediate wheel or the like.
  • the intermediate wheel further comprises a second set of evenly spaced teeth, preferably four thereof, interspersed with the teeth for engagement with the first count wheel.
  • the second set of evenly spaced teeth are configured for engagement with notches between teeth of the second count wheel, which is fully engaged with the intermediate wheel and is rotated thereby every time the intermediate wheel is rotated.
  • the second count wheel engages with each and every tooth of the intermediate wheel.
  • the first count wheel rotates the intermediate wheel only when the wheels engage, which is preferably every 10 th increment of the first count wheel, but the intermediate wheel rotates the second count wheel on every incremental rotation of the intermediate wheel.
  • the first count wheel (which could therefore be referred to as a ‘units’ wheel) and a count every tenth increment of the first count wheel can be effected by the second count wheel (which could therefore be referred to as the ‘tens’ wheel).
  • the interactions and engagement between the wheels of the dose counting mechanism can be achieved in any suitable manner.
  • the wheels are aligned relative to each other on suitably configured rotation axes.
  • the dose counting mechanism comprises a counter chassis, having a first and a second axis protruding therefrom, the first axis spaced from the second axis.
  • the first axis is configured to receive the first and second count wheels co-axially thereon such that the digits annularly displayed on the front face of the first count wheel are displayed within and concentrically with the digits annularly displayed on the front face of the second count wheel.
  • the units are displayed inside the tens thus providing a display showing numbers that can be incremented or decremented as single digits upwards from zero to hundreds or downwards from hundreds to zero.
  • the intermediate wheel is received on the second axis of the counter chassis.
  • the axes of the counter chassis are spaced apart by a distance slightly less than the combination of the tens and/or units wheel radius and the intermediate wheel radius.
  • the first and second count wheels are aligned for engagement with the intermediate wheel, providing a compact but accurately aligned and reliable counter display mechanism.
  • the counter chassis is configured to receive, and preferably guide motion of, the translating member.
  • protruding tabs on at least one or more preferably two opposed edges of the translating member are received in suitably configured channels of the counter chassis, thus enabling linear movement of the translating member as the tabs run in the channels, but preventing the translating member being pulled away from the counter chassis.
  • the translating member further comprises a guiding slot, which runs substantially parallel to the direction of linear motion of the translating member when moving in the counting/resetting direction.
  • the counter chassis further comprises a guiding protrusion that fits into the guiding slot and allows the translating member to move linearly but prevents movement laterally.
  • the guiding protrusion is integrally formed with a protruding component of the counter chassis, for example the guiding protrusion is preferably an extension of one of the first or second axes of the counter chassis.
  • the guiding protrusion is preferably an extension of one of the first or second axes of the counter chassis.
  • the counter chassis further comprises a chassis pawl that is preferably integrally formed with the chassis.
  • the chassis pawl is configured to enable the count wheels to rotate freely in the desired direction but to prevent backwards rotation of at least the first count wheel. This ensures that as the count of the counter is decremented (in embodiments where the number of remaining doses is displayed by the dose counting mechanism) it is not possible for the wheel to be rotated in the other direction, i.e. for the count to be incremented. This might otherwise occur during resetting of the counting mechanism for the next count, for example as the translating member and integrally formed pawl move back into the initial position (i.e.
  • the first count wheel comprises a plurality of counter-rotation teeth, each tooth preferably having a convex back surface.
  • the pawl is deflected along the convex back surface of a counter-rotation tooth and the wheel is able to rotate in a first, forward direction.
  • the counter-rotation teeth further comprise an angular portion into which the chassis pawl head is received (e.g. snaps into after the pawl elastically returns to its undeflected position) after a unit count has been achieved.
  • the angular portion and pawl head are configured such that bias to rotate the first count wheel in the backward direction increases the engagement between the pawl head and the angular portion.
  • the pawl head and angular portion are preferably configured such that when abutting and pushed together, the pawl flexes inwardly towards the angular portion.
  • the second count wheel is arranged to rotate when the intermediate wheel, with which it engages, rotates.
  • the second count wheel comprises a plurality of annularly spaced teeth about an outer periphery thereof, with notches between the teeth for receiving a tooth of the intermediate wheel, thus effecting relative rotation.
  • the second count wheel has evenly and regularly spaced teeth around the entire outer periphery. However in particularly preferred embodiments there is provided a portion of the outer periphery of the second count wheel in which there are no teeth and corresponding notches or recesses present.
  • the translating member further comprises at least one protrusion, which protrudes from a face of the translating member toward the first count wheel and is configured to engage at least a portion of the first count wheel in certain configurations and to prevent over-rotation of the first count wheel (and thus prevent overcounting, i.e. the first count wheel turning by more than the desired increment).
  • This is particularly advantageous because the forces required to dispense a dose of medicament from the inhaler are relatively large and by associating counting with dispensing it is possible that such force may affect the counting mechanism.
  • movement of the dispensing mechanism on actuation is affected by a force of approximately 50 N, from a compressed spring or the like.
  • a component of the dispensing mechanism that moves as the dose is dispensed pushes, pulls or otherwise actuates the translating member in its linear dispensing direction.
  • the large spring force may cause the tranlating member to be pushed rapidly in the dispensing direction, typically at a velocity of about 4 ms ⁇ 1 .
  • the first count wheel, being rotated by the translating pawl moving at such a high velocity, could freely spin or at least would likely rotate beyond the desired increment, thus overcounting the dispensed dose.
  • the overcount preventing protrusion of the translating member comprises a linear protrusion for engagement with a plurality of spaced ribs protruding from an outer face of the first count wheel.
  • the first overcount preventing protrusion also moves linearly (at the same speed as the pawl) and becomes located between a first (leading) rib and a second (following) rib of the first count wheel.
  • the ribs and protrusion are configured such that the protrusion abuts the second (following) rib as the first count wheel reaches the end of its desired increment.
  • the first overcount preventing protrusion thus blocks the first count wheel from rotating any further and thus prevents the first count wheel counting beyond one dose.
  • the first overcount preventing protrusion also moves linearly back to its initial position and is withdrawn from abutment with the rib of the first count wheel, thus freeing the count wheel to turn again on the next actuation.
  • the translating member further or alternatively comprises a further protrusion which protrudes from the same face of the translating member (toward the first count wheel) as the overcount preventing protrusion.
  • the further protrusion prevents counting when the counter is in the rest position and this rest count preventing protrusion is configured to engage at least a portion of the first count wheel when the counting mechanism is at rest.
  • the rest count preventing protrusion is preferably configured to engage the same ribs of the first count wheel as the overcount preventing protrusion, but only when the translating member is in its initial, rest position (i.e.
  • the rest count preventing protrusion is preferably also a linear protrusion like the overcount preventing protrusion.
  • the dose counting mechanism comprises a counter and is preferably configured to display, inter alia, the number of doses of medicament remaining in the inhaler, or the number of doses of medicament that have been dispensed from the inhaler, etc.
  • the dose counting mechanism is substantially contained within the inhaler such that it is not accessible to the patient and cannot be removed from the inhaler. This prevents the dose counting mechanism being removed or otherwise tampered with and ensures that the count or other display of the dose counting mechanism is reliable and is directly associated with the amount of medicament in the inhaler.
  • the dose counting mechanism is contained within the inhaler, preferably behind a front fascia thereof, but the fascia comprises an aperture or window through which the display of the dose counting mechanism is visible.
  • the aperture is preferably suitably sized and shaped that the display of the dose counting mechanism is clearly visible, but is not so large that the dose counting mechanism can be accessed or removed through the aperture.
  • the display of the dose counting mechanism is visible to the patient through the aperture in the above embodiments, it is particularly preferred that the patient cannot directly access or touch the display. Furthermore it is also preferable for the display to be covered to prevent ingress of foreign matter such as dirt or the like, which might interfere with operation of the dose counting mechanism and for safety ingress of foreign particles through the aperture and to other inhaler components should also be minimised.
  • a cover or window comprising a substantially transparent material, between the dose counting mechanism and the aperture.
  • the window may comprise means for forming an air and/or moisture tight seal with the aperture, however this is not essential and it is only necessary for the window to provide a barrier to ingress of foreign particles into the dose counting mechanism.
  • the window may be a separately provided component, or it may be integrally formed with the fascia.
  • the window comprises a component of the dose counting mechanism and more preferably, the window is integrally formed with a component of the dose counting mechanism, preferably with the counter chassis.
  • the counter chassis is thus preferably entirely formed of a suitable transparent plastic, such as an amorphous copolymer like Eastman Tritan TX2001.
  • the window may therefore comprise the portion of the counter chassis that lines up with the fascia aperture and may not be a distinct part of the counter chassis.
  • the window though integrally formed with the counter chassis, is also a specifically configured part of the counter chassis.
  • the window is curved and protrudes from the counter chassis and preferably is suitably configured to magnify the display of the dose counting mechanism.
  • the window is further configured such that, although the display is magnified by the window, the display is not significantly distorted.
  • a window having a level of magnification that is greater in one dimension than in a second, substantially perpendicular dimension.
  • the magnification across the width of the window i.e. in the x direction
  • the magnification across the height of the window i.e. in the y direction
  • the magnification in the x direction magnifies the size of the display by between about 0 and 30%, preferably between about 5 and 20%, more preferably is about 10%
  • the magnification in the y direction magnifies the size of the display by between about 0 and 50%, preferably between about 10 and 30%, more preferably is about 20% and in any event is greater than the magnification in the x direction.
  • the magnification in the x direction magnifies the size of the display by about 10% and in the y direction by about 20%.
  • Such arrangements provide a window that very effectively allows sufficient light into the display to enable any digits or indicia, etc., to be clearly visible, and also magnifies the digits effectively but without significant distortion thereof, particularly sideways distortion (i.e. in the x direction which has a lower magnification).
  • Such a window enhances the readability of the display considerably compared with either a flat window or a window with the same level of magnification along both axes.
  • an inhaler for delivery of a medicament by inhalation comprising:
  • a dispensing mechanism configured, on actuation, to dispense a dose of medicament
  • a dose counting mechanism comprising a counter for displaying indicia relating to the number of doses of medicament of the inhaler, and
  • the window comprises a magnifying outer surface for magnifying the indicia of the counter, the magnification in a first dimension being greater than the magnification in a second dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the first dimension.
  • the window comprises a curved surface to provide the magnification, the curvature of the surface in the first dimension being greater than the curvature of the surface in the second direction.
  • the window is rectangular and is wider (when the inhaler is held upright and in a position in which the display is intended to be read) than it is tall, preferably the magnification across the width of the window (i.e. in the x direction) is lower than the magnification across the height of the window (i.e. in the y direction).
  • the magnification in the x direction magnifies the size of the display by between about 0 and 30%, preferably between about 5 and 20%, more preferably is about 10%
  • the magnification in the y direction magnifies the size of the display by between about 0 and 50%, preferably between about 10 and 30%, more preferably is about 20% and in any event is greater than the magnification in the x direction. This is preferably the case even for non rectangular (e.g. substantially square) windows.
  • the magnification in the x direction magnifies the size of the display by about 10% and in the y direction by about 20%.
  • the window of this aspect of the present invention can be combined with any inhaler of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention. Namely a combination of any one or more of the essential and/or preferred features of the first broad aspect is envisaged as an embodiment of the present broad aspect. Some such combinations are specifically defined by the claims but others are entirely within the scope of the invention. Further preferred features of the inhalers in accordance with embodiments of either aspects of the present invention are described below.
  • the inhaler further comprises a resetting member configured for movement between a first position and a second position on application of a resetting force, and the dispensing mechanism comprising a loading member.
  • the inhaler preferably further comprises a prevention mechanism comprising at least a first engaging member and a second engaging member, the first engaging member configured to engage in a mating configuration with the second engaging member, wherein when movement of the resetting member in the first direction is reversed before the resetting member reaches the second position, the first and second engaging members engage and hold the load of the loading member, thereby preventing actuation of the dispensing mechanism, until the resetting member is moved again in the first direction.
  • At least one of the first and second engaging members is configured to resiliently flex, under load, into abutment with a substantially rigid component of the inhaler.
  • an improved inhaler for dispensing one or more doses of medicament to a patient, that will not dispense a subsequent dose until the dispensing mechanism of the inhaler is fully reset.
  • Such an arrangement provides an inhaler capable of dispensing a more reliable and consistent dose of medicament, as the dispensing mechanism will not fire until fully reset, which is the optimum initial state for dose dispensing.
  • activation of the dose counting mechanism is optimised as the dispensing mechanism is configured to adjust the counter of the dose counting mechanism on actuation from a fully reset state.
  • the inhaler further comprises a canister containing a medicament, the medicament preferably comprising at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and preferably also a propellant.
  • the medicament comprises at least a first active pharmaceutical ingredient and a second active pharmaceutical ingredient and a propellant.
  • the medicament comprises a combination of a first active pharmaceutical ingredient and a second active pharmaceutical ingredient of the specific active ingredients listed in (i) to (xxi) herein below.
  • the medicament comprises two or more of the specific active ingredients listed in (i) to (xxi) herein below.
  • the medicament also comprises a propellant, preferably HFA 227 (1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane) or HFA 134a (1,1,1,2,-tetrafluoroethane) or any other suitable propellant.
  • a propellant preferably HFA 227 (1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane) or HFA 134a (1,1,1,2,-tetrafluoroethane) or any other suitable propellant.
  • the loading member comprises a mechanism for applying compressive force to another component of the inhaler.
  • the inhaler comprises a canister containing a medicament
  • the loading member preferably applies a compressive force to the canister.
  • the compressive force compresses the canister against a retaining member that holds a nozzle of a metering valve of the canister in place (e.g. a nozzle block or a component of a mouthpiece of the inhaler). Compression of the canister opens the metering valve and causes a dose of medicament to be dispensed through the nozzle into the mouthpiece for inhalation by a patient.
  • the loading member comprises a spring.
  • the spring In a compressed state, the spring stores a force that is at least sufficient to compress a canister against its valve nozzle and thus to dispense a metered dose of the medicament stored in the canister and preferably is also sufficient to actuate the dose counting mechanism.
  • the force applied to the canister by the loading member is in the order of about 50 N.
  • the loading member comprises any suitable means for compressing a canister, such as a compressed air mechanism or the like.
  • the dispensing mechanism comprises a releasable locking arrangement for locking the dispensing mechanism, for example by restraining the load of the loading member, until it is desired to actuate the dispensing mechanism, e.g., by releasing the loading member to compress a canister of the inhaler to dispense a dose of medicament.
  • the releasable locking arrangement may have any suitable configuration for locking the dispensing mechanism that is releasable to enable a dose of medicament to be dispensed.
  • the releasable locking arrangement comprises a latch mechanism, preferably comprising a drop link for holding a lock member in position, the lock member in turn locking a lever arm in place.
  • the lever arm is biased for rotation by the loading member (e.g. a compressed spring in the loaded configuration) but is held against rotation by the lock member. Movement of the drop link releases the lock member which in turn releases the lever arm to rotate, thereby allowing the loading member to unload (e.g. the spring to expand) and to compress a canister to dispense a dose of medicament.
  • the dispensing mechanism on actuation of the inhaler, moves the translating member in a substantially linear direction, whereby the pawl rotates the first count wheel.
  • the dispensing mechanism preferably comprises a component that engages with the translating member, at least in certain configurations, and movement of the component of the dispensing mechanism during actuation subsequently moves the translating member.
  • the component of the dispensing mechanism that moves the translating member is preferably an integral part of the lever.
  • the lever comprises an engaging protrusion, or more preferably a pair of engaging protrusions that engage with one or more notches on a back face of the translating member.
  • the engaging protrusion(s) push downwards on the inner surface(s) of the notch(es) and thereby push the translating member linearly downwards to effect actuation of the counting mechanism.
  • the drop link preferably moves in response to actuation by a user of the inhaler.
  • Actuation of the inhaler may be by manual means, for example by means of an actuation member such as a button or lever, or the inhaler may be breath actuated.
  • Particularly preferred inhalers in accordance with the present invention comprise both breath actuation means and manual actuation means so that a patient can choose how to actuate the inhaler (or can, for example, test the inhaler by dispensing a dose to ensure it is properly functioning, or can manually prime the inhaler for example after periods where the inhaler has not been used, or after it has been dropped, etc.).
  • the manual actuation means acts directly on a the component of the breath actuation means that moves in response to patient inhalation (e.g. the manual actuation means acts directly on a vane of the breath actuation means, preferably the manual actuation means pushes the vane and simulates patient inhalation).
  • the inhaler comprises a drop link for holding a lock member in position, the lock member in turn locking a lever arm in place as discussed above.
  • the drop link is preferably retained in the locking position by a breath-triggered member, preferably a vane that pivots in response to a pressure drop within the inhaler airflow passage, such pressure drop occurring as a patient inhales through a mouthpiece of the inhaler.
  • a breath-triggered member preferably a vane that pivots in response to a pressure drop within the inhaler airflow passage, such pressure drop occurring as a patient inhales through a mouthpiece of the inhaler.
  • the inhaler preferably comprises a resetting member.
  • the resetting member resets the inhaler after it has been used, by reloading the loading member of the dispensing mechanism, thus enabling the dispensing mechanism to be actuated again and a further dose to be dispensed.
  • the resetting member comprises a manually actuatable component of the inhaler.
  • the resetting member comprises a rotatable member of the inhaler, preferably a cap of the inhaler which also servers to cover and protect a mouthpiece of the inhaler when in a closed position.
  • a rotatable member of the inhaler preferably a cap of the inhaler which also servers to cover and protect a mouthpiece of the inhaler when in a closed position.
  • Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous because it encourages a patient to close the inhaler cap immediately after use, thus priming the device and resetting it to its preferred rest configuration, as well as protecting the mouthpiece from ingress of dirt or dust, etc.
  • the cap also prevents actuation of the inhaler when in the closed position, thus preventing accidental actuation of the inhaler.
  • the cap holds or otherwise prevents movement of certain components of the inhaler and prevents breath and/or manual actuation of the inhaler until it is opened, preferably by abutment with the components.
  • the resetting member comprises a cap that pivots about an axis between a first position and a second position. Pivoting of the cap about its axis is effected by a patient applying a resetting force to rotate the cap. In the first position, the cap is rotated away from the mouthpiece leaving it free for a patient to insert into their mouth for inhalation.
  • the cap is locked into the first, open position, for example by a snap fit or friction fit between a portion of the cap and a portion of the inhaler when in the open position.
  • the snap fit or friction fit is configured to be sufficient to hold the cap in the desired open position, but is also sufficiently weak so that it can be readily overcome, and the cap displaced, by a typical user of the inhaler.
  • Applying a resetting force to the resetting member moves the resetting member from a first position to a second position.
  • the resetting member comprises a cap
  • the cap covers, and preferably in co-operation with the inhaler body and other components, fully encloses a mouthpiece of the inhaler, thereby protecting the mouthpiece when the inhaler is not in use.
  • the resetting member is configured to move in a first direction from a first position to a second position and to load the loading member as it moves in the first direction.
  • rotation of the cap causes translational movement of a component of the dispensing mechanism, preferably a yoke substantially aligned along a main axis of the inhaler body.
  • the translation movement of the component acts to compress the loading member and thus to load the loading member and reset the dispensing mechanism.
  • the cap rotates and pushes upwards on a yoke that compresses a spring against a top portion of the inhaler, thus loading the dispensing mechanism.
  • a releasable locking arrangement is armed when the cap has substantially fully rotated (and the yoke has translated the desired amount and thus compressed the spring to the desired load) to lock the dispensing mechanism until the patient next actuates the inhaler to dispense a dose of medicament.
  • the cap when in the closed position prevents downward movement of the yoke and thereby helps to prevent the inhaler from being actuated when the cap is closed.
  • the resetting member of the inhaler is configured for movement between a first position and a second position on application of a resetting force, the movement from the first position to the second position loading the loading member and resetting the dispensing mechanism.
  • the dispensing mechanism may only be partially reset, which may adversely affect the next dispensed dose and/or cause inaccuracies in the dose count of the counter, if the inhaler is actuated from the intermediate position.
  • the valve of the canister may not refill sufficiently or at all and any subsequent dose may be of a lower dose weight than desired.
  • in the intermediate position the releasable locking arrangement may not be fully engaged and thus unable to hold the load of the loading member. If the patient releases the resetting member when in the intermediate position (i.e. before the dispensing mechanism is fully reset), the releasable locking arrangement may be ineffective and any load applied to the loading member may be released to compress the canister again. This may cause a full or a low dose of medicament to be released, but the dose may not be registered by the dose counting mechanism if the inhaler was not reset beyond a position at which the counting mechanism is reset for further counting. In other words, if the inhaler is only partially reset, it may not be far enough to enable resetting of the dose counting mechanism, thereby allowing a dose (albeit possibly not a full weight dose) to be dispensed but not counted.
  • the inhaler comprises a prevention mechanism for preventing actuation of the dispensing mechanism in certain configurations.
  • the prevention mechanism prevents actuation of the dispensing mechanism when the resetting member has been moved from the first position but has not fully reached the second position, i.e. is in an intermediate position therebetween.
  • the prevention mechanism comprises at least a first engaging member and a second engaging member, the first engaging member configured to engage in a mating configuration with the second engaging member.
  • the engaging members are configured to mutually engage if, during movement of the resetting member from the first position to the second position, movement is ceased and possibly reversed before the resetting member reaches the second position (i.e. if the user stops moving the resetting member in the first direction before it is fully reset, and possibly the resetting member begins to move in the opposite, second direction).
  • the engaging members may engage indirectly with each other, i.e. via an intermediate component, but preferably the first engaging member directly engages with the second engaging member. After engagement, the engaging members hold the load of the loading member and at least one of the engaging members is configured to flex under this load and move into abutment with another, more rigid component of the inhaler. Thus the load that would otherwise be entirely absorbed by the engaging members is at least partially absorbed by the more rigid component of the inhaler against which at least one of the engaging members abuts. This is advantageous because the engaging members must be sufficiently flexible to permit engagement and disengagement and are relatively small components in order to ensure the inhaler weight and size is minimised.
  • the engaging members are configured to engage with each other readily when movement in the first direction of the resetting member is reversed.
  • the engaging members are further configured to disengage with each other readily when movement in the first direction of the resetting member is initiated again (for example by the user moving the resetting member further onward to the second position to reset the dispensing mechanism and to fully load the loading member).
  • the releasable locking arrangement is configured to engage and hold the load of the loading member when the inhaler is fully reset, i.e. when the resetting member has reached the second position.
  • the prevention mechanism Prior to the resetting member reaching the second position, the prevention mechanism is configured to re-engage and hold the load of the loading member every time the direction of motion of the resetting member is reversed from the first direction, and to again disengage as motion in the first direction is resumed.
  • the first and second engaging members may be of any suitable configuration for mutually engaging and holding a load.
  • one of the first engaging member and the second engaging member comprises a female engaging portion and the respective other of the first engaging member and the second engaging member comprises a male engaging portion.
  • the female engaging portion comprises a slot, notch or other recess for receiving a male engaging portion comprising a protrusion, hammer head, tooth or the like.
  • first engaging member and the second engaging member each comprise a hook portion configured to engage with the hook portion of the respective other of the first engaging member and the second engaging member.
  • the hook portions mutually co-operate to hold at least a proportion of the load of the loading member when under tension (i.e. when loaded).
  • Other configurations of the engaging members are possible, for example a hook and eye configuration, a ball and socket arrangement or the like.
  • Such male/female or hook arrangements are also readily disengagable as required when the load is relieved from the engaging members such that they are no longer pulled against each other, i.e. are no longer held under tension.
  • the first engaging member and the second engaging member are configured to engage in at least one mating configuration.
  • the mating configuration comprises engagement of the first hook portion with the second hook portion.
  • the first engaging member and the second engaging member are configured to engage in a plurality of mating configurations.
  • the first engaging member preferably comprises at least two hook portions, preferably spaced apart along a length of the first engaging member.
  • the first hook portion of the first engaging member can engage with the second hook portion of the second engaging member at a first intermediate position of the resetting member, or the second hook portion of the first engaging member can engage with the second hook portion of the second engaging member if the resetting member is at a second intermediate position (e.g. is further advanced towards the second position but still has not reached this end position).
  • a ratchet arrangement provides multiple positions of engagement of the engaging members enabling a greater number of intermediate positions of the resetting member to be accounted for if necessary.
  • first and second engaging members engage in any suitable manner and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second engaging members flex or snap into engagement.
  • At least one of the first and second engaging members is configured to resiliently flex, under load, into abutment with a substantially rigid component of the inhaler.
  • one of the engaging members comprises a hook or hammer head
  • at least this head portion of the engaging member is deflected as the member flexes and abuts another component of the inhaler.
  • the head portion is partially under a tensile force across a narrower dimension, it is through compression of the head portion against the rigid component of the inhaler that much of the force is relieved, and this occurs through a wider dimensioned (and stronger) part of the head.
  • the at least one of the first and second engaging members that is configured to resiliently flex, under load, into abutment with a substantially rigid component of the inhaler is also configured such that, when the load is removed from the engaging member, it flexes back into substantially its original configuration.
  • the engaging member is elastic in this regard and does not plastically or permanently deform to any significant extent.
  • the first and second engaging members engage in a mating configuration and at least one deflects into abutment with another component of the inhaler, to hold the load of the loading member, when motion of the resetting member is reversed from the first direction.
  • the first engaging member is disengaged from the second engaging member in all other configurations of the inhaler.
  • the resetting member when the resetting member is in the first position (for example in embodiments where the resetting member comprises a mouthpiece cap, when the cap is open to expose the mouthpiece) and the inhaler has not yet been fired (i.e. the inhaler is in the prefire or armed configuration) the first engaging member is spaced apart from the second engaging member such that they cannot engage.
  • the first engaging member is spaced apart from the second engaging member such that they cannot engage.
  • the first engaging member does not engage with the second engaging member because they are spaced apart, relatively deflected or are otherwise incapable of engagement. This ensures that the engaging members do not engage (and therefore do not hold the load) in any configuration where this would be undesirable, for example when dispensing a dose or when properly resetting the dispensing mechanism.
  • the prevention mechanism does not interrupt proper and desired operation of the inhaler but only engages when undesired operation occurs, such as reverse movement of the resetting member before the inhaler is completely reset.
  • the engaging members of the prevention mechanism may be brought into mutual engagement and/or separated from mutual engagement by any suitable means.
  • the engaging members may be moved in a linear direction towards each other for engagement and away from each other for disengagement, or by translation in any other direction, or by rotation of one or more of the engaging members, etc.
  • at least one of the engaging members is configured to be deflectable relative to the other, as discussed below.
  • At least one of the engaging members of the prevention mechanism is formed integrally with, or is a component of, another component of the inhaler.
  • the first engaging member is formed integrally with, or is a component of a first component of the inhaler
  • the second engaging member is formed integrally with, or is a component of a second component of the inhaler.
  • the first and second components of the inhaler are separately formed components which move relative to each other as part of at least one function of the inhaler.
  • the substantially rigid component of the inhaler into abutment with which at least one of the engaging members moves under load is also formed integrally with, or is a component of another component of the inhaler.
  • the substantially rigid component and the engaging member which is configured to abut the substantially rigid component are integrally formed with, or component parts of, the same component, and preferably are both integral components of a chassis of the inhaler as discussed further below.
  • the first engaging member is preferably formed as an integral part of a lever of the releasable locking arrangement.
  • the lever moves, preferably in a pivoting motion, as the load of the loading member is released to dispense a dose and the integrally formed first engaging member also moves as a component part of the lever.
  • the inhaler further comprises a chassis, the chassis housing many of the components and mechanisms of the inhaler and preferably at least partially defining an airflow passage through the inhaler from a mouthpiece.
  • the second engaging member is formed as an integral part of the chassis, preferably as an upstanding member that is in the proximity of the lever and the first engaging member when the inhaler components are assembled in the chassis.
  • only one or the other of the engagement members may be integrally formed as a part of another component of the inhaler, with the other of the engagement members being formed as a separate component.
  • the dose counting mechanism is configured as a separately provided unit which snap fits into the inhaler chassis in an appropriate position for actuation by the dispensing mechanism. Whilst the inhaler may be configured to receive only a single type of counter, in alternative embodiments, the inhaler is configured to receive a plurality of different types of counters.
  • a single inhaler may be capable of receiving a mechanical counter or an electronic counter or even a dummy counter (e.g. a face plate or the like if no counter is required).
  • a dummy counter e.g. a face plate or the like if no counter is required.
  • An inhaler having interchangeable counter mechanisms may be advantageous for users having different requirements of the device.
  • the prevention mechanism comprises at least one first engaging member and at least one second engaging member, the engaging members configured to engage with each other in a mating configuration.
  • a plurality of pairs of engaging members is provided, thus providing a robust prevention mechanism with multiple members for mutual engagement.
  • the first engaging member is a component or an integral part of a lever
  • the first engaging member of the lever and the second engaging member of the chassis in embodiments of the present invention have the following relative positions depending on the configuration of the inhaler.
  • the resetting member When the resetting member is in the second position (e.g. the cap is closed in embodiments having a mouthpiece cap), the first engaging member overlaps with, but is preferably displaced away from the second engaging member so that they are not in a mating configuration.
  • a patient moves the resetting member towards the first position (e.g. opens the cap).
  • the dispensing mechanism comprises a yoke
  • the cap is configured to release the yoke when opened.
  • the yoke moves downwards slightly under the load of the loading member (a compressed spring in preferred embodiments), until the releasable locking mechanism is fully engaged.
  • the downward yoke movement pivots the lever.
  • the first engaging member moves towards the second engaging member but preferably still does not engage the second engaging member.
  • the releasable locking mechanism releases the dispensing mechanism and the load in the loading member is freed and compresses a canister of the inhaler, preferably via the yoke which is pushed downwards onto the canister base.
  • the yoke rotates the lever and at least the engaging portion of the first engaging member must pass beyond the engaging portion of the second engaging member without the two engaging portions mating.
  • at least one of the first engaging member and the second engaging member is configured to be sufficiently flexible such that at least the engaging portion of the flexible engaging member can deflect or otherwise flex away from the other engaging member to allow the engaging members to pass without mating.
  • both engaging members are flexible and may mutually deflect each other.
  • the shape of the engaging portion of one or both of the first and second engaging members may be configured to aid deflection.
  • at least one of the engaging portions comprises a sloped deflecting edge to aid deflection of the other of the engaging portions.
  • At least one of the engaging portions preferably additionally or alternatively comprises a flat portion to aid deflection and relative travel past of the other of the engaging portions.
  • the flexible member is biased to pass down one side of the other engaging portion (during firing) and is deflected to run up the other side of the other engaging portion upon return.
  • the prevention mechanism allows (i.e. does not interfere with) operation of the inhaler in the desired manner.
  • the first and second engaging members do not engage in the mating configuration during opening of the inhaler cap or during dispensing of a dose of medicament. Rather the first and second engaging members are configured to deflect to allow translational movement in a first direct, hereinafter referred to as the dispensing direction, during dispensing of a dose of medicament.
  • the dispensing mechanism of the inhaler After a dose is dispensed, the dispensing mechanism of the inhaler must be fully reset in order to ensure the next dispensed dose is of the correct volume and dose weight and is accurately and reliably counted by the dose counting mechanism.
  • resetting of the dispensing mechanism is achieved by applying a resetting force to rotate the mouthpiece cap, thus pushing upwards on the yoke and reloading the spring.
  • the spring is fully loaded, which is when the cap is fully closed (i.e. moved to the second position) the dispensing mechanism is prevented from being actuated, either by the lever of the releasable locking arrangement being locked or by the closed cap preventing downward movement of the yoke, or a combination of these.
  • the prevention mechanism is configured to engage as required in such intermediate positions. Namely, as the cap is initially moved away from the first (open) position and the yoke begins to move in the opposite direction to the dispensing direction, hereinafter referred to as the resetting direction, the lever rotates and the first engaging member moves towards the second engaging member to a position where it is capable of engagement in a mating configuration therewith.
  • the engaging portions of the first or second engaging members is configured to be deflected during relative positioning of the engaging members.
  • the cap is not fully closed whilst the engaging members are in this configuration and instead begins to move in the opening direction, then the yoke moves back in the dispensing direction thus rotating the lever and engaging the engaging members in the mating configuration.
  • the mutually engaged engaging members are pulled under the spring load which attempts to pull the engaging members apart and causes the at least one of the first and second engaging members that is configured to resiliently flex under load, to flex and move into the position where it abuts a substantially rigid component of the inhaler.
  • This rigid and strong arrangement is easily capable of holding the load of the loading member without significantly deforming or otherwise damaging the engaging members or causing plastic creep of the components even through repeated engagements.
  • the engaging members are configured not to allow movement in the dispensing direction until movement of the resetting member is continued and completed, and the first engaging member is fully displaced back to the reset position of the lever.
  • the first engaging member is moved to a non-engaging position relative to the second engaging member by deflecting one relative to the other and thus out of the possible mating configuration.
  • the first and second engaging members will be at rest and cannot engage
  • a reliable and improved mechanism for ensuring that the dispensing mechanism, which controls dispensing of doses of medicament and counting thereof, is fully reset after each dose is dispensed, thus ensuring reliable dosing and counting of the doses.
  • the prevention mechanism engages to prevent the dispensing force of the loading member from dispensing a further, low weight and potentially uncounted dose, until the mechanism is fully reset.
  • the prevention mechanism allows motion of the component parts of the inhaler during dispensing in the dispensing direction but prevents motion in the dispensing direction once engaged until the engagement is overridden by fully completing the resetting operation.
  • the first and second engaging members of the prevention mechanism mutually engage and remain under tension and compression against a rigid component of the inhaler to hold the dispensing mechanism and to prevent further movement in the dispensing direction. Once the tension is released, the first and second engaging members may be displaced upon fully resetting the dispensing mechanism or may re-engage if the dispensing mechanism is still not fully reset.
  • This is in contrast to the prior art system disclosed in WO2004/041334 for example, which discloses a blocking mechanism in a manually actuatable inhaler where the components that block movement are held under a direct compressive force, as shown in FIG. 20 .
  • the compressive force arrangement may be less reliable and resilient as the components may be difficult to configure such that they are strong enough to resist material creep and deformation over time and use, but flexible enough to reliably engage and disengage with repeated uses and over a long period of time.
  • references to interactions between components of the inhaler in this application are intended to cover direct and indirect interactions (indirect interactions being those with one or more other components between the interacting components and direct interactions being those where the interacting components are in direct contact with no intervening components).
  • the medicament in the inhaler may contain various active ingredients.
  • the active ingredient may be selected from any therapeutic or diagnostic agent.
  • the active ingredient may be an antiallergic, a bronchodilator (e.g. a beta2-adrenoceptor agonist or a muscarinic antagonist), a bronchoconstrictor, a pulmonary lung surfactant, an analgesic, an antibiotic, a mast cell inhibitor, an antihistamine, an anti-inflammatory, an antineoplastic, an anaesthetic, an anti-tubercular, an imaging agent, a cardiovascular agent, an enzyme, a steroid, genetic material, a viral vector, an antisense agent, a protein, a peptide, a non-steroidal glucocorticoid Receptor (GR Receptor) agonist, an antioxidant, a chemokine antagonist (e.g.
  • a CCR1 antagonist a corticosteroid
  • a CRTh2 antagonist a DP1 antagonist
  • an Histone Deacetylase Inducer an IKK2 inhibitor, a COX inhibitor, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, an MPO inhibitor, a p38 inhibitor, a PDE inhibitor, a PPAR ⁇ agonist, a protease inhibitor, a statin, a thromboxane antagonist, a vasodilator, an ENAC blocker (Epithelial Sodium-channel blocker) and combinations thereof.
  • Examples of specific active ingredients that can be incorporated in the inhaler include:
  • the inhaler may contain a combination of two or more active ingredients, for example a combination of two or more of the specific active ingredients listed in (i) to (xxi) herein above.
  • the inhaler contains an active ingredient selected from mometasone, ipratropium bromide, tiotropium and salts thereof, salemeterol, fluticasone propionate, beclomethasone dipropionate, reproterol, clenbuterol, rofleponide and salts, nedocromil, sodium cromoglycate, flunisolide, budesonide, formoterol fumarate dihydrate, terbutaline, terbutaline sulphate, salbutamol base and sulphate, fenoterol, 3-[2-(4-Hydroxy-2-oxo-3H-1,3-benzothiazol-7-yl)ethylamino]-N-[2-[2-(4-methylphenyl)ethoxy]ethyl]propane-sulphonamide, hydrochloride, indacaterol, aclidinium bromide, N-[2-(Diethyla
  • FIG. 1 is a front side perspective view of an inhaler in accordance with the present invention with the cap closed;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of some internal components of an inhaler in accordance with the present invention with the cap closed;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the inhaler components of FIG. 2 with the cap open and the dispensing mechanism loaded and ready to dispense a dose;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the inhaler components of FIG. 2 with the cap open and the dispensing mechanism unloaded having dispensed a dose;
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded schematic view of the components of the inhaler of FIG. 1 , which has the components shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the inhaler of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the inhaler of FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the inhaler of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective front side view of a chassis of an inhaler in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a close up view of the top portion of the chassis of FIG. 9 , showing a component of the prevention mechanism
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective side view of a lever of a releasable locking arrangement of an inhaler in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective front side view of the lever of FIG. 11 and a lever lock of the releasable locking arrangement
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective front side view of the lever of FIG. 11 in its operating position in the chassis of FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective rear side view of the inhaler of FIG. 1 with the back housing or cover and certain other components removed to show the internal components and the cap in the closed position;
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective rear side view of the inhaler of FIG. 1 with the cap in the open position and the dispensing mechanism loaded and ready to dispense a dose;
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective rear side view of the inhaler of FIG. 1 with the cap in the open position and the dispensing mechanism unloaded having dispensed a dose;
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective rear side view of the inhaler of FIG. 1 with the cap in the open position and the dispensing mechanism partially reset, with the reset load being held by the prevention mechanism,
  • FIG. 18 schematically shows the various stages of operation and potential misuse of a typical breath actuated inhaler
  • FIG. 19 schematically shows the various stages of operation of a breath actuated inhaler having a prevention mechanism in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a prevention mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 21 shows in perspective the wheels of a dose counting mechanism in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 22 shows the wheels of FIG. 21 located in a counter chassis and having a translating member enclosing them therein, in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the translating member of FIG. 23 .
  • FIG. 24 schematically illustrates the interaction between a dispensing mechanism and a dose counting mechanism via a translating member, in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a front fascia for an inhaler in accordance with the present invention.
  • the inhaler 100 comprises a housing or back cover 10 , a mouthpiece cover or cap 2 and a front fascia 30 (shown in detail in FIG. 25 ) having an aperture 32 through which is visible a counter 201 of a counting mechanism 200 .
  • a magnifying protective cover (not shown) fills the aperture 32 and shields the counting mechanism 200 from ingress of dirt and other undesirable particulates, whilst enhancing the visibility and brightness of the counter digits.
  • the fascia 30 preferably has a line of weakness (not shown) such that, if it is attempted to forcibly remove the fascia 30 and access the internal components, the line of weakness shows as a deformation or change in the plastic (e.g. colour change or other visible weakness) in the outer surface of the fascia 30 , indicating that the inhaler 100 has been tampered with and should not be used.
  • a line of weakness (not shown) such that, if it is attempted to forcibly remove the fascia 30 and access the internal components, the line of weakness shows as a deformation or change in the plastic (e.g. colour change or other visible weakness) in the outer surface of the fascia 30 , indicating that the inhaler 100 has been tampered with and should not be used.
  • FIG. 2 shows some of the internal components of the inhaler 100 , as the back cover 10 and front fascia 30 has been removed.
  • FIG. 6 also illustrates the components of FIG. 2 but in perspective view.
  • the inhaler 100 is in the neutral or rest position with the cap 2 closed and covering the mouthpiece 60 , which is the preferred state of the inhaler 100 when it is not in use.
  • a canister of medicament 20 (which typically holds a suspension or solution of one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients in a propellant under pressure) is housed in the inhaler 100 .
  • canisters 20 are well known in the art.
  • a yoke 4 is shown in its uppermost position and a coiled spring 6 is shown in a loaded state, thus storing an actuation or dispensing force. Most of the mechanical components of the inhaler, except the yoke 4 , are unloaded and there is no compression of the canister 20 .
  • the yoke 4 is supported by the cap 2 , specifically by a cam surface 3 of a cam 110 of the cap 2 .
  • the loaded spring force typically of about 50 N
  • the yoke 4 which is typically formed of a material that is resistant to flexing and buckling (such as polyoxymethylene, e.g. Ultraform® N 2720 (M60)).
  • a lever 50 and a lever lock 53 both parts of a releasable locking arrangement, are each in their locked positions, although may not be under tension.
  • a further component of the releasable locking arrangement is a drop link 55 , which is shown in its latched position whereby it rests upon a pivot shaft 58 of a breath-actuated element, vane 57 , thus able to hold the lever lock 53 in its locked position.
  • a return spring 210 abuts the inner surface of the back cover 10 when the inhaler 100 is assembled, to bias the releasable locking arrangement into the locked position so that it will lock when under tension or load.
  • a manual firing button 48 is provided and enables the user to deliver a dose of medicament as an emergency function if, for any reason, the usual dispensing mechanism fails, or if the user otherwise cannot breath actuate the dispensing mechanism to deliver a dose of medicament, for example, during a chronic asthma attack.
  • the button 48 can be used to test and/or prime the inhaler 100 , or simply as an alternative firing mechanism if desired.
  • chassis 40 which is not shown in FIG. 2 but is shown in later figures (such as FIG. 9 ). Most of the components of the dispensing mechanism are pivoted on, engaged with, or supported by the chassis 40 .
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the inhaler 100 when it is ready to be used/fired.
  • FIG. 7 also illustrates the components of FIG. 3 but in perspective view.
  • the cap 2 is opened to uncover a mouthpiece 60 .
  • the yoke 4 moves downwardly under the force of the spring 6 to engage the base of the canister 20 .
  • compression of the canister 20 to deliver a dose of medicament is substantially prevented by the releasable locking arrangement which becomes engaged as the yoke moves and holds the load of the spring 6 , the lever lock 53 holding the lever 50 .
  • the inhaler 100 is loaded, ready to fire and deliver a dose of medicament.
  • Inhalation by the user at the mouthpiece 60 causes air to flow through the air flow path defined inside inhaler 100 . Due to the pressure drop created by the air flow (or use of the firing button 48 if manual actuation occurs), the vane 57 pivots and releases the drop link 55 .
  • the vane 57 is configured to be of a suitable size and shape such that it is able to move under a relatively low pressure drop
  • the inhalation channel is configured to be curved at least where it corresponds with the a bottom edge of the vane 57 , such that the gap between the edge of the vane 57 and the channel remains substantially the same as the vane 57 rotates under inhalation.
  • Movement of the drop link 55 allows the lever lock 53 to release the lever 50 , which is biased into its released position by the load of the spring 6 acting on the yoke 4 which pushes on the yoke protrusions 82 of the lever 50 .
  • the lever 50 in its unlocked state allows the coiled spring 6 to unload and to compress the canister 20 to deliver a dose of medicament.
  • the dispensing mechanism also triggers an adjustment of the counter 201 of the counting mechanism 200 via a translating member 250 as discussed below and shown in FIG. 24 .
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the components of the inhaler 100 after a dose of medicament has been dispensed.
  • FIG. 8 also illustrates the components of FIG. 4 but in perspective view.
  • the inhaler 100 In order to be able to dispense a further dose of medicament, the inhaler 100 must be fully reset from the FIG. 4 configuration to the dispensing state shown in FIG. 3 . Fully resetting the inhaler 100 allows the metering valve 21 (see FIG. 5 ) of the canister 20 to refill with medicament. It also causes the lever 50 to return to a position where it can be locked by the lever lock 53 , which is pushed back into its locking position by the spring 210 . The drop link 55 is also pushed back into place by the spring, thus readying the releasable locking arrangement to again lock the dispensing mechanism and prevent actuation until the inhaler is fired.
  • Resetting of the inhaler 100 is achieved by closing the cap 2 so that the cam surface 3 pushes the yoke 4 upwards, which in turn pivots the lever 50 , etc., and returns the inhaler 100 to the state shown in FIG. 3 . Further details of the resetting mechanism are discussed below, in particular in relation to the prevention mechanism to prevent the inhaler 100 being only partially reset.
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a typical inhaler 100 , such as one in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
  • the component parts are shown in the unassembled state.
  • the counting mechanism 200 is shown separately but is insertable into the chassis 40 such that at least the display of the counter 201 of the counting mechanism 200 is visible through an aperture 32 in the fascia 30 .
  • a magnifying window formed integrally with the chassis of the counting mechanism 200 aligns with the aperture 32 as discussed in more detail below.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 show a chassis 40 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
  • the chassis 40 comprises an injection moulded polyoxymethylene copolymer, such as Hostaform MT12U03, although other suitable materials and/or manufacturing techniques can be used to form a chassis 40 suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention.
  • the chassis 40 is a primary structural component of the exemplified inhalers 100 and defines many of the pivot points of the inhaler mechanisms and also defines the position of many the other components of the inhaler 100 .
  • the chassis 40 also defines one of the components of a prevention mechanism 70 .
  • the chassis comprises an integrally formed second engaging member 74 .
  • the second engaging member 74 projects generally upwards when the chassis 40 is located in the inhaler 100 and the inhaler 100 is held in an upright position.
  • the second engaging member 74 is sufficiently flexible such that it can be deflected out of the plane of the chassis side (i.e. in direction A as shown in FIG. 20 and also in a direction substantially directly opposite to A).
  • an engaging portion 75 which is a hooked-shaped portion having a protruding tooth or hammer head.
  • the tooth is configured for engagement in a mating configuration with an engaging portion 73 of a first engaging member 72 , which is shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 .
  • the tooth 75 is angled to aid in locating and retaining the tooth 75 in the engaging portion 73 of the first engaging member 72 .
  • the second engaging member 74 is also sufficiently flexible such that it can be deflected generally towards the chassis (i.e. in direction B as shown in FIG. 20 ) such that the tooth 75 is brought into abutment with the chassis 40 .
  • the second engaging member 74 is also sufficiently resilient such that it will reliably return to its initial position once the deflecting force(s) is removed.
  • FIG. 11 shows a lever 50 for the inhalers 100 shown in the figures.
  • the lever 50 is a generally symmetrical component that is held in a pivotable configuration by the chassis 40 .
  • Chassis protrusions 80 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 11 ) are provided for engagement with the chassis 40 when the inhaler 100 is assembled (as shown in FIG. 13 ). In use, e.g., when dispensing a dose of medicament, the lever 50 pivots about these chassis protrusions 80 .
  • the lever 50 also comprises two yoke protrusions 82 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 11 ) which engage with the yoke 4 when the inhaler 100 is assembled such that movement of the yoke 4 (e.g. under the force of the spring 6 or when resetting the inhaler 100 using the cap 2 ) is translated to the lever 50 and pivots the lever 50 about the chassis protrusions 80 .
  • Lever 50 further comprises a pair of counter protrusions 92 for engaging and actuating the counting mechanism 200 via a translating member 250 as discussed below.
  • the counter protrusions 92 are curved such that, if the lever 50 rotates too far, the counter protrusions can disengage from the translating member 250 of the counting mechanism 200 to avoid overcounting or damage that may be caused to the translating member 250 by over rotation of the lever 50 .
  • Lever 50 also comprises an abutting protrusion 52 that is configured to rest against a portion of a lever lock 53 when the inhaler 100 is in its rest state (as shown in FIGS. 2 , 6 and 12 ).
  • Lever 50 further comprises a pair of first engaging members 72 that protrude from the lever 50 , each having a respective engaging portion 73 (only one shown in FIG. 11 ) generally at an end thereof.
  • the engaging portions 73 are shaped to receive a tooth of the respective engaging portions 75 of the second engaging members 74 of the chassis 40 .
  • any tensile force pulls the engaging members 72 , 74 further into a mating configuration and prevents the engaging members 72 , 74 being pulled apart.
  • This arrangement locks the lever 50 against rotation about the chassis protrusions 80 even if the yoke 4 acts on the lever 50 via the yoke protrusions 82 and attempts to move it.
  • FIGS. 14 to 17 show the inhaler 100 at different stages of operation.
  • the inhaler 100 is in the neutral or rest state, which is the preferred state for storing the inhaler 100 between uses.
  • the prevention mechanism 70 comprises a pair of first engaging members 72 integrally formed with the lever 50 (of which only one is shown in FIG. 14 ) and a pair of first engaging members 74 integrally formed with the chassis 40 (of which only one is shown in FIG. 14 and for clarity, the rest of the chassis 40 has been removed, including the portions against which the engaging portions 75 of the second engaging members 74 abut when the engaging portions are engaged in the mating configuration and are under load).
  • the engaging portion 75 of the second engaging member 74 sits above and separate from the engaging portion 73 of the first engaging member 72 . Furthermore the engaging portion 75 is not in contact with the substantially rigid component of the inhaler 100 , which in the shown inhaler is another part of the chassis 40 .
  • the first operation step is to open the mouthpiece cap 2 to expose the mouthpiece 60 , as shown in FIG. 15 .
  • the cap 2 is pivotally mounted on the chassis 40 and has a cam 110 at the pivot point. Pivotal movement of the cap 2 from the second or closed position to the first or open position allows the yoke 4 to move downwards, under the force applied by the coiled spring 6 . As the yoke 4 moves downwards the load of the compressed spring 6 transfers from the yoke 4 (which rests on the cam surface 3 , when the cap 2 is fully closed), to being held by the releasable locking arrangement, as the cap 2 is opened.
  • the patient After opening the cap 2 of the inhaler 100 , thus priming it such that a dose is ready to be dispensed (known as the prefire point or condition), the patient inhales through the mouthpiece 60 .
  • the pressure drop in the airflow passage through the inhaler 100 releases the releasable locking mechanism.
  • the pressure drop causes the vane 57 to pivot about its axis 58 generally towards the mouthpiece 60 , which allows the drop link 55 to disengage from the top surface of the vane, thus allowing the lever lock 53 to be pushed away by the lever abutting protrusion 52 , which frees the lever 50 to pivot on the chassis protrusions 80 under the force of the expanding spring 6 (which acts on the yoke 4 which in turn acts on the lever 50 via the yoke protrusions 82 ).
  • valve stem 24 of the canister 20 compresses the valve stem 24 of the canister 20 against a nozzle block 62 of the inhaler 100 (in this embodiment, the nozzle block 62 is an integral part of the mouthpiece 60 but it could be a separately provided component or formed with another component of the inhaler 100 ). Compression of the valve stem 24 activates the metering valve and dispenses a dose of medicament under pressure into the inhalation airflow and through the mouthpiece 60 to be inhaled by the patient.
  • FIG. 16 shows the inhaler 100 after this sequence has occurred, i.e. in the fired or dispensed state, where a dose of medicament has been dispensed and the inhaler 100 has not been reset.
  • the yoke 4 has been deployed under the load of the spring 6 and has moved downward back toward contact with the cam surface 3 of the cap.
  • the lever 50 has pivoted relative to the chassis 40 such that the counter engaging portion 92 has moved downwards and actuated the counting mechanism 200 and the first engaging member 72 has moved upwards.
  • the vane 57 has returned to its rest position because the patient has stopped inhaling.
  • the other components of the releasable locking arrangement cannot return to the rest or neutral position as the abutting protrusion 52 of the lever 50 is still pushing upwards on the lever lock 53 due to the position of the lever 50 .
  • the engaging portions 73 , 75 are configured such that if the first engaging member portion 73 moves upwards from a position below the second engaging member portion 75 , then as the engaging portions 73 , 75 come into contact, one or both of the engaging portions 73 , 75 is deflected by the other of the engaging portions 73 , 75 such that they pass each other without engaging in the mating configuration.
  • the engaging portions 75 of the second engaging members 74 i.e. those formed on the chassis 40
  • the patient is encouraged to reset the inhaler 100 by the configuration of the device, since it is not possible to dispense further doses until it has been fully reset.
  • This not only ensures that the inhaler 100 is returned to its preferred rest state (in which it is configured to hold the load of the spring 6 through the yoke 4 , which is a relatively strong component of the inhaler 100 and is designed to hold such a load reliably and without damage thereto) but also that the mouthpiece 60 is covered straight after use, thus preventing or minimising ingress of dirt and other undesired particles or contaminants into the inhaler 100 .
  • the patient only needs to pivot the cap 2 back from the first (open) position to the second (closed) position.
  • the cam 110 of the cap 2 is engaged with the yoke 4 and as the cap 2 rotates, the cam surface 3 , which is helically shaped, helps push the yoke 4 upwards, thus reloading the spring 6 and moving the other components, particularly those of the releasable locking arrangement, back into the rest state.
  • the patient might not fully reset the inhaler 100 , i.e. may not move the cap 2 all the way from the first, open position to the second, closed position. This may be because, for example, the patient is distracted during the resetting motion and releases the cap 2 , or the patient may lose their grip on the cap 2 , or it may be that the patient plays with the cap 2 and repeatedly move it partially in and out of the open position, without ever fully closing the cap 2 .
  • This is undesirable as it might lead to the inhaler 100 not fully functioning when the next dose is dispensed, for example because the metering valve does not fully refill, or insufficient load is stored in the spring 6 to fully activate the valve.
  • the inhaler 100 may not be reset to the point at which the counting mechanism 200 is reset, which means that any dose dispensed subsequently, even if not a full dose, will not be counted and the counter 201 may therefore inaccurately reflect the number of doses of the inhaler 100 .
  • the prevention mechanism 70 is configured to solve all the above problems. If the cap 2 is not fully moved from the open position to the closed position, i.e. if the patient stops rotating the cap 2 when it is in some intermediate position and the spring force would therefore bias the yoke 4 to rotate the cap 2 back into the open position, the prevention mechanism 70 engages to hold the load of the spring 6 until the cap 2 completes its movement to the fully closed position, in which the inhaler 100 is fully reset. Thus the yoke 4 is not biased by the spring 6 as the prevention mechanism prevents such biasing. As can be seen in FIG.
  • the engaging portions 73 , 75 are configured such that if the second engaging member portion 75 moves upwards from a position below the first engaging member portion 73 , then as the engaging portions 73 , 75 come into contact they are capable of engaging in the mating configuration, should rotation of the cap 2 to the closing position cease.
  • engaging portions 73 , 75 are configured such that as they initially come into contact, one or both of the engaging portions 73 , 75 is deflected by the other of the engaging portions 73 , 75 such that the deflected engaging portion(s) snap into the mating configuration.
  • the engaging portions 75 of the second engaging members 74 i.e.
  • the load of the spring 6 is held (via the lever 50 ) by the first engaging members 72 which are pulled in their engaged state against the second engaging members 74 .
  • the engaging portions 75 thereof are deflected under this tension generally in direction B (as shown in FIG. 20 ) and abut a more rigid part of the chassis 40 .
  • the tensile load placed on the engaging members 72 , 74 in this manner does not disengage the mated engaging portions 73 , 75 , but rather they are driven together in the mating configuration and by virtue of the abutment with the chassis 40 , the force of the spring 6 is readily withstood by a mixture of tension between the first and second engaging members 72 , 74 and compression of the engaging portions 75 of the second engaging members 74 against the more rigid portion of the chassis 40 .
  • the first and second engaging members 72 , 74 are strong and reliable and will not suffer significant material creep nor permanent damage or deflection.
  • the force through the second engaging members 74 is relieved and they return to their rest position (i.e. no longer abut the chassis 40 ) and the engaging members 72 , 74 are effectively pushed together or compressed by the resumed movement of the lever 50 .
  • the engaging members 72 , 74 are configured such that a compressive force or motion readily disengages the mated engaging portions 73 , 75 (in this embodiment, by the more rigid engaging portions 73 of the lever 50 again deflecting the chassis engaging portions 75 outwardly).
  • the cap 2 can then progress to the fully closed state and the inhaler 100 will be fully reset thus providing an inhaler 100 that will reliably dispense and count any further doses of medicament.
  • first and second engaging members 72 , 74 integrally formed with the lever 50 and the chassis 40 respectively
  • one or both of the engaging members 72 , 74 may be separately formed components and/or one or both of the engaging members 72 , 74 may be integrally formed with one or more other components of the inhaler 100 .
  • the more rigid component of the inhaler 100 against which the first and/or second engaging members 72 , 74 abuts may be a component of the chassis 40 as discussed above, but may alternatively or additionally be any other suitable component.
  • FIGS. 18 and 19 schematically illustrate the above operation of an inhaler 100 in accordance with the present invention, with reference to the various trigger points in the operating cycle.
  • the cap 2 Under normal use, starting from the inhaler 100 rest or neutral position (cap closed), the cap 2 must be opened which, as shown under normal operation (closest to the left axis in both figures) moves the inhaler 100 in the dispensing direction through the following steps, in order: (i) the yoke 4 contacts the canister 20 (assuming it does not rest in a contacted state); (ii) the mechanism reaches the prefire point, where the inhaler 100 is primed and ready to fire (but is prevented from doing so by the releasable locking arrangement.
  • the inhaler 100 operates in a dispensing direction through the second part of the cycle in which: (iii) the mechanism compresses the canister past the valve firing point (fire point), at which a dose of medicament is dispensed; (iv) the mechanism passes the counting point at which the counting mechanism 200 is actuated and a dose is counted by the counter 201 ; and finally (v) the mechanism reaches the end of stroke (final rest/dispensed) position. Steps (iii) and (iv) typically occur in the above order although step (iv) can occur before step (iii).
  • Resetting occurs when the inhaler 100 moves in the resetting direction through the following steps, in order: (i) the mechanism passes the valve 21 reset point (i.e. the refill point, which is the position that, when the inhaler 100 is reset by rotation of the cap 2 in the resetting direction, the mechanism must reach for the valve 21 of the canister 20 to begin to refill; (ii) the mechanism passes the counter 201 reset point (i.e. the position that, when the inhaler 100 is reset by rotation of the cap 2 in the resetting direction, the mechanism must reach to be ready to subsequently count another dispensed dose); (iii) the mechanism passes the inhaler 100 reset point (i.e. the BAI reset which is the position that, when the inhaler 100 is being reset by rotation of the cap 2 in the resetting direction, the mechanism must reach to be fully reset and ready to subsequently actuate/refire).
  • the valve 21 reset point i.e. the refill point, which is the position that, when the inhaler 100 is reset by rotation
  • the inhaler dispenses at least a partial further dose that may be counted as a whole dose.
  • the cap 2 ceases movement when the inhaler 100 has passed the refill point, so the valve 21 begins to fill with medicament, but before the counter reset point is reached. Therefore if the inhaler 100 refires, whatever dose has filled the valve 21 is released (at the fire point), but is not counted (although the inhaler 100 passes back through the count point, the counter has not been reset so no count occurs).
  • the inhaler 100 undercounts.
  • the inhaler 100 passes beyond the counter reset point, but does not reach the BAI reset.
  • cap 2 movement is reversed after the fire point but before the counting point (even though they are close together), so a dose is dispensed but not counted as the count point is not reached.
  • the inhalers of FIG. 18 are not in accordance with the present invention as there is no mechanism to prevent actuation (or at least prevention of the inhaler 100 reaching the fire/count point) when the inhaler has not been fully reset.
  • FIG. 19 shows operation of an inhaler 100 in accordance with the present invention, having a prevention mechanism as previously described.
  • the prevention mechanism engages and prevents movement in the dispensing mechanism beyond a blocked point (shown as the horizontal red line).
  • the blocked point is before the inhaler 100 can reach the fire or counting point.
  • the dispensing mechanism does not dispense nor the counter count as the inhaler 100 cannot reach the fire point or counting point, until the cap 2 is closed and the inhaler 100 reset at least to the BAI reset point.
  • FIGS. 21 to 23 show the main components of the dose counting mechanism 200 .
  • the first count wheel 220 , the second count wheel 230 and the intermediate wheel 240 are shown.
  • Both a front face 222 and a back surface 224 of the first count wheel 220 are shown in FIGS. 21( c ) and 21 ( d ) respectively.
  • Front face 222 of the first count wheel 220 has numbers printed annularly thereon (not shown) from 0 to 9 which, when the first count wheel 220 is aligned on the first axis 260 of a counter chassis 202 (see FIG. 22) are concentric with, and aligned inside of, annularly printed numbers 1 to 12 (not shown) on a front face 232 of the second count wheel 230 .
  • the first (or units) count wheel 220 has annularly spaced teeth 226 arranged on the back surface 224 , which are configured such that the notches therebetween receive a pawl 252 of the translating member 250 . Movement of the translating member 250 in the counting direction C ( FIG. 22 ) thus engages between the teeth 226 and rotates the unit count wheel 220 such that the number shown in the display window 280 of the dose counting mechanism 200 is decremented (for example from 9 to 8). However further rotation of the units count wheel 220 (e.g. such that digit 8 passes the window 280 ) is prevented by an overcount preventing protrusion 253 of the translating member 250 .
  • This overcount preventing protrusion 253 is a linear protrusion which protrudes from the face of the translating member 250 towards the back surface 224 of the units count wheel 220 .
  • the overcount preventing protrusion 253 is shaped and positioned on the translating member 250 such that it is capable of abutting one of a plurality of spaced apart ribs 228 arranged annularly around the outer part of the units count wheel 220 back surface 224 .
  • the overcount preventing protrusion 253 slides into a position where it becomes located between a first (leading) rib 228 and a second (following) rib 228 of the units count wheel 220 as the translating member 250 moves linearly in the counting direction C (at the same speed as the pawl 252 of the translating member 250 ).
  • the ribs 228 and the overcount preventing protrusion 253 are configured such that the protrusion 253 abuts the second (following) rib 228 as the units count wheel 220 reaches the end of its desired increment.
  • the overcount preventing protrusion 253 thus blocks the units count wheel 220 from rotating any further.
  • the translating member 250 returns to its initial position (i.e.
  • the overcount preventing protrusion 253 also moves linearly back to its initial position and is withdrawn from abutment with the rib 228 of the units count wheel 220 , thus freeing the wheel 220 to turn again on the next actuation.
  • the translating member 250 further comprises a rest count preventing protrusion (not shown) which also protrudes from the same face of the translating member 250 as the overcount preventing protrusion 253 .
  • the rest count preventing protrusion prevents rotation of the units count wheel 220 when the counting mechanism 200 is in the rest position by engaging one of the plurality of ribs 228 of the units count wheel 220 .
  • the rest count preventing protrusion and the overcount preventing protrusion 253 are somewhat complementary.
  • the rest count preventing protrusion is also a linear protrusion and is similar in configuration to the overcount preventing protrusion 253 .
  • the units count wheel 220 further comprises a pincer 221 which is configured to engage with the intermediate wheel 240 once per full rotation of the units count wheel 220 (i.e. after the units count wheel 220 has displayed digits 9 through to 0 in the display window 280 ).
  • the pincer 221 rotates into position and engages with a long tooth 242 of the intermediate wheel 240 .
  • the intermediate wheel 240 rotates as well, about axis 270 of the counter chassis 202 on which it is rotatably located.
  • the pincer 221 rotates still further, it disengages with the long tooth 242 of the intermediate wheel 240 and the intermediate wheel stops rotating until the pincer has rotated another full rotation and reengages therewith.
  • Rotation of the intermediate wheel 240 effects rotation of the second (or tens) count wheel 230 , as the intermediate wheel 240 is engaged with the tens count wheel 230 via the interaction of tens count wheel teeth 234 and intermediate count wheel long teeth 242 and also short teeth 244 .
  • the interaction and relative positions of the wheels 220 , 230 and 240 can be seen in FIG. 22 .
  • tens count wheel 230 is selectively rotated one increment for every ten increments of the units count wheel 220 , via intermediate wheel 240 , and the counter display counts down the digits from 120, which can be seen by a patient through the display window 280 which is located in the aperture 32 of the front fascia 30 (see FIG. 25 ).
  • a flag 236 which protrudes inwardly from the tens count wheel 230 , is brought into registration and occludes the display window 280 .
  • the flag is coloured red 236 and indicates to the patient that the inhaler has no doses of medicament remaining.
  • the units wheel 220 may continue to rotate, the digits displayed thereon cannot be seen through the flag 236 and there is no confusion for the patient since it remains clear that no doses are remaining.
  • the tens count wheel 230 is configured such that a set of the teeth 234 are missing from the wheel 230 at a position 233 that coincides with the flag 236 occluding the window 280 . Therefore, even if the intermediate wheel 240 rotates, there are no teeth 234 of the tens count wheel 230 to engage with the teeth 242 , 244 of the intermediate wheel 240 and the flag 236 will remain in the window 280 .
  • FIG. 23 shows the translating member 250 of the dose counting mechanism 200 .
  • a slot 254 is provided for receiving a protrusion (not shown) from the first axis 260 on which the tens and units count wheels 220 , 230 are located.
  • the slot 254 guides the translating member 250 as it moves in the counting direction C and back in the opposite direction and ensures reliable linear motion thereof.
  • the linear movement of the translating member 250 is also aided by pairs of tabs 258 on either lateral edge thereof, which are received in channels 204 of the counter chassis 202 .
  • the tabs 258 hold the translating member 250 securely in place in the counter chassis 202 and abutting the relevant parts of the dose counting mechanism 200 , whilst allowing the translating member 250 to move in the counting direction (and the opposite direction to reset the counter) by sliding in the channels 204 .
  • the translating member 250 further comprises notches 256 for receiving a component of the inhaler dispensing mechanism, in this embodiment the protrusions 92 of the lever 50 as shown in FIG. 24 .
  • the protrusions 92 engage and push the translating member 250 downwards via notches 256 , thus actuating the dose counting mechanism 200 and counting a dose.
  • the protrusions 92 and notches 256 are suitably configured such that they will engage and disengage at appropriate points in the dispensing/counting cycle and will not force the dose counting mechanism 200 to overcount.
  • the notches 256 and protrusions 92 are curved to enable disengagement if needed as the dose counting mechanism 200 is reset.
  • FIG. 25 shows a front fascia 30 of the inhaler 100 of the present embodiment.
  • An aperture 32 is located where the fascia 30 covers the dose counting mechanism 200 so that the display window 280 is visible.
  • the window 280 comprises a transparent plastic (amorphous copolymer like Eastman Tritan TX2001) component of the counter chassis 202 and is curved on its outer face in both the x direction and the y direction and protrudes from the counter chassis 202 into the aperture 32 .
  • the window 280 has a level of magnification that is greater in the y dimension (i.e. across the height of the window 280 ) than it is in the x direction (i.e. across the width of the window 280 ).
  • the window 280 of the present embodiment has a magnification in the x direction that magnifies the size of the display by about 10%, and a magnification in the y direction that magnifies the size of the display by about 20%.

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  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
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  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
  • Acyclic And Carbocyclic Compounds In Medicinal Compositions (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
US14/344,153 2011-09-14 2012-09-12 Inhaler counter Abandoned US20150101599A1 (en)

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GB201115874A GB201115874D0 (en) 2011-09-14 2011-09-14 Inhaler
GB1115874.8 2011-09-14
PCT/GB2012/052240 WO2013038170A2 (fr) 2011-09-14 2012-09-12 Inhalateur

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EP (2) EP2755708B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP6050818B2 (fr)
KR (1) KR102018927B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN103930147B (fr)
AR (1) AR087883A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2012307104B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR112014006042B1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2847926C (fr)
ES (1) ES2679288T3 (fr)
GB (1) GB201115874D0 (fr)
HK (1) HK1198435A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX346977B (fr)
RU (1) RU2606595C2 (fr)
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US20180140788A1 (en) * 2016-11-18 2018-05-24 Norton (Waterford) Limited Inhaler
US10013721B1 (en) * 2014-10-31 2018-07-03 Intuit Inc. Identification of electronic tax return errors based on declarative constraints
US10740854B1 (en) 2015-10-28 2020-08-11 Intuit Inc. Web browsing and machine learning systems for acquiring tax data during electronic tax return preparation
US10740853B1 (en) 2015-04-28 2020-08-11 Intuit Inc. Systems for allocating resources based on electronic tax return preparation program user characteristics
US10915972B1 (en) 2014-10-31 2021-02-09 Intuit Inc. Predictive model based identification of potential errors in electronic tax return
US20210196908A1 (en) * 2019-10-17 2021-07-01 Astrazeneca Ab Inhaler
CN114558210A (zh) * 2022-03-04 2022-05-31 上海华瑞气雾剂有限公司 一种带有喷雾次数指示的驱动器及方法
US11354755B2 (en) 2014-09-11 2022-06-07 Intuit Inc. Methods systems and articles of manufacture for using a predictive model to determine tax topics which are relevant to a taxpayer in preparing an electronic tax return
US11395888B2 (en) * 2017-02-14 2022-07-26 Norton (Waterford) Limited Inhalers and related methods
USD960350S1 (en) * 2019-11-18 2022-08-09 Vectura Delivery Devices Limited Combined inhaler and monitor
US11869095B1 (en) 2016-05-25 2024-01-09 Intuit Inc. Methods, systems and computer program products for obtaining tax data

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AR106018A1 (es) 2015-08-26 2017-12-06 Achillion Pharmaceuticals Inc Compuestos de arilo, heteroarilo y heterocíclicos para el tratamiento de trastornos médicos
JP7057290B2 (ja) 2016-06-27 2022-04-19 アキリオン ファーマシューティカルズ，インコーポレーテッド 医学的障害を治療するためのキナゾリン及びインドール化合物
WO2018033482A1 (fr) 2016-08-17 2018-02-22 Boehringer Ingelheim International Gmbh Procédé de préparation de formulations liquides hautement concentrées contenant des biomolécules
CN111818957B (zh) 2018-03-07 2023-07-07 阿斯利康(瑞典)有限公司 吸入器
EP3841086A4 (fr) 2018-08-20 2022-07-27 Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Composés pharmaceutiques pour le traitement de troubles médicaux du facteur d du complément
JP2022517466A (ja) 2018-10-16 2022-03-09 ジョージア ステイト ユニバーシティー リサーチ ファウンデーション インコーポレイテッド 医学的障害の治療のための一酸化炭素プロドラッグ
CN109621110A (zh) * 2019-01-28 2019-04-16 宁波睿爱产品设计有限公司 一种吸入器用的剂量计数组件

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US20150217066A1 (en) * 2012-06-06 2015-08-06 Consort Medical Plc Dose indicator device
US9517314B2 (en) * 2012-06-06 2016-12-13 Consort Medical Plc Dose indicator device
US11354755B2 (en) 2014-09-11 2022-06-07 Intuit Inc. Methods systems and articles of manufacture for using a predictive model to determine tax topics which are relevant to a taxpayer in preparing an electronic tax return
US10915972B1 (en) 2014-10-31 2021-02-09 Intuit Inc. Predictive model based identification of potential errors in electronic tax return
US10013721B1 (en) * 2014-10-31 2018-07-03 Intuit Inc. Identification of electronic tax return errors based on declarative constraints
US10740853B1 (en) 2015-04-28 2020-08-11 Intuit Inc. Systems for allocating resources based on electronic tax return preparation program user characteristics
US10740854B1 (en) 2015-10-28 2020-08-11 Intuit Inc. Web browsing and machine learning systems for acquiring tax data during electronic tax return preparation
US11869095B1 (en) 2016-05-25 2024-01-09 Intuit Inc. Methods, systems and computer program products for obtaining tax data
US11000653B2 (en) * 2016-11-18 2021-05-11 Norton (Waterford) Limited Inhaler
US20180140788A1 (en) * 2016-11-18 2018-05-24 Norton (Waterford) Limited Inhaler
US20220313927A1 (en) * 2017-02-14 2022-10-06 Norton (Waterford) Limited Inhalers and Related Methods
US11865247B2 (en) * 2017-02-14 2024-01-09 Norton (Waterford) Limited Inhalers and related methods
US11395888B2 (en) * 2017-02-14 2022-07-26 Norton (Waterford) Limited Inhalers and related methods
US20210196908A1 (en) * 2019-10-17 2021-07-01 Astrazeneca Ab Inhaler
US11883582B2 (en) * 2019-10-17 2024-01-30 Astrazeneca Ab Inhaler
USD960350S1 (en) * 2019-11-18 2022-08-09 Vectura Delivery Devices Limited Combined inhaler and monitor
CN114558210A (zh) * 2022-03-04 2022-05-31 上海华瑞气雾剂有限公司 一种带有喷雾次数指示的驱动器及方法

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WO2013038170A3 (fr) 2013-06-27
WO2013038170A2 (fr) 2013-03-21
KR20140063784A (ko) 2014-05-27
US10994082B2 (en) 2021-05-04
CA2847926A1 (fr) 2013-03-21
AR087883A1 (es) 2014-04-23
JP6050818B2 (ja) 2016-12-21
AU2012307104B2 (en) 2017-03-02
CA2847926C (fr) 2019-10-01
NZ622662A (en) 2015-10-30
KR102018927B1 (ko) 2019-09-05
EP3345644A1 (fr) 2018-07-11
BR112014006042B1 (pt) 2021-08-31
US20190175849A1 (en) 2019-06-13
JP2014526944A (ja) 2014-10-09
ES2679288T3 (es) 2018-08-23
EP2755708A2 (fr) 2014-07-23
RU2014111252A (ru) 2015-10-20
CN103930147A (zh) 2014-07-16
RU2606595C2 (ru) 2017-01-10
CN103930147B (zh) 2017-07-28
GB201115874D0 (en) 2011-10-26
EP2755708B1 (fr) 2018-05-09
MX346977B (es) 2017-04-07
BR112014006042A2 (pt) 2017-04-04
HK1198435A1 (en) 2015-04-24
AU2012307104A1 (en) 2014-04-03
MX2014003024A (es) 2014-05-27

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