Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation apparatus for dispensing substances for inhalation and, in particular, but not exclusively, for dispensing medicinal products in aerosol form from a pressurised dispensing container. An inhalation apparatus (1) is provided for dispensing a product comprising housing (20) adapted to receive a pressurised dispensing container (10) and a mouthpiece (22). The apparatus also comprises a duct for conveying, in use, product from the container to the mouthpiece, a sliding seal member (44, 45) movable under action of triggering means (60) between a first position in which the duct is closed and a second position in which the duct is open, wherein a spring means (50) is provided to bias the sliding seal member towards the second position.

Abstract: This invention relates to dispensing apparatus for use with pressurised dispensing containers and in particular, but not exclusively, for apparatus for dispensing orally inhaled medicinal products in aerosol forms. The apparatus comprises a housing (4) adapted to receive a pressurized dispensing container (2) and a mouth piece (11). Valve means (28) is provided, moveable between a first position in which a duct is closed and a second position in which a duct is open, and a flow sensor being activatable, by means of an air flow created when a user applies suction to the mouth piece, to move the valve means (28) into its second position. Wherein the flow sensor comprises a diaphragm (60) and the diaphragm and/or housing is provided with at least one aperture (64), wherein the diaphragm comprises a first element (66) connected to the housing and a second element (62) axially slidably moveable relative thereto. The first and second diaphragm elements being connected by a flexible member (61).

Abstract: An inhalation apparatus for dispensing a product that includes a housing and an end cap axially slidable relative to the housing. The housing has a portion adapted to receive a pressurized dispensing container and connected to a mouthpiece, and duct means communicating with the container-receiving portion for conveyance of product toward the mouthpiece. The end cap has a socket for engaging the pressurized dispensing container. The end cap has a collar with an inwardly directed rim. The housing includes an outwardly directed flange which fits within the rim. The end cap is movable between a first position in which the rim and flange have an axial overlap and there is no or a minimal flow of air through the housing, and a second position in which there is a maximum flow of air, the air flow being created by a user applying suction to the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation apparatus for dispensing substances for inhalation and, in particular, but not exclusively for dispensing medicinal products. An inhalation apparatus is provided having a housing defining a socket for receiving a pressurized dispensing container, an actuator for receiving a valve stem of the pressurized dispensing container and a cylindrical chamber having an inlet located at a periphery of the chamber and an outlet at or near a center of the chamber.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing impurities from an elastomer intended for medical or pharmaceutical use, which includes a step of performing a first solvent extraction process on the elastomer by contacting the elastomer with a first extracting solvent in a non-supercritical state to substantially remove impurities from the elastomer, thereby leaving a residue of said first extracting solvent in the elastomer. The elastomer is there after subjected to a second solvent extraction process, by contacting the elastomer with a second extracting solvent, which is a supercritical fluid or a mixture of super critical fluids, in order to remove substantially reduce the concentration of the residue of the first extracting solvent remaining in the elastomer after the first solvent extraction process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus for use in dispensing fluid products in an aerosol form. The invention provides a pump (2) mounted on a container for storage of the product. The pump comprises a pump body (3) defining a metering chamber (7), an inlet (25) within the container and a stem (4) for discharging product from the metering chamber and recharging it. Ventilating structures are provided communicating between an exterior of the apparatus and an interior of the container. The ventilating structures comprising a filter (40) through which ambient air passes, wherein the filter is annular and comprises an axially extending sleeve portion (41) conformal with an internal surface of the pump body.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus for dispensing pressurised fluid comprising a valve body defining a chamber and a valve member extending movably through the chamber and through at least one annular seal co-operating with the valve member and the body to regulate the discharge of fluid. The seal is formed from a material comprising A a copolymer of ethylene and propylene or B a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene, or C a material selected from isobutylene isoprene, polychloroprene or fluorinated rubber. The seal may contain a mineral filler.

Abstract: An inhalation device (10) for use with an aerosol container comprises a housing (11) for receiving an aerosol container (12) and a spacer member (13) having a mouthpiece (14) defining an outlet (15) through which a user can inhale. The housing and the spacer member are attached together so as to be movable with respect to each other between an inoperative position in which the housing is received within the spacer member and an operative position in which the housing is withdrawn from the spacer member and oriented at a substantial angle thereto. The device further comprises a dispensing member (16) for receiving material to be dispensed from the container and delivering it into the spacer member. The dispensing member (16) is located in the housing and supported spaced from the walls thereof by a plurality of spaced ribs (19).

Abstract: This invention relates to an inhalation apparatus for dispensing substances for inhalation and, in particular, but not exclusively, for dispensing medicinal products in aerosol form from a pressurized dispensing container. The inhalation apparatus comprises an inhaler apparatus for dispensing a product comprising a housing having a portion adapted to receive a pressurized dispensing container of a product and a mouthpiece. The apparatus further comprises duct means communicating with the container, said duct means having an outlet defining the direction of flow of the product towards the mouthpiece section. Air inlet valve means are provided comprising at least one air inlet for allowing air into the housing and an airflow controller is biased to seal said air inlet. The airflow controller is manually movable to unseal the air inlet to allow air to flow into the housing when a user applies suction to the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to pressurised dispensing apparatus which includes a container for product to be dispensed, and a valve for controlling outflow of product from the container. The valve includes a valve body located within the container. The container has an open ended container body, and a closure fixedly attached to said container body for closing the open end thereof. The closure has an annular sidewall extending around at least an upper end of the container body. First and second seals are provided, wherein the first seal provides a barrier against the ingress of moisture into the container and the second seal provides a barrier against leakage of the product from the container.

Abstract: A pressurized dispensing apparatus includes a container for product to be dispensed and a valve for controlling outflow of product from the container. The valve includes a valve body (12) located within the container. The container includes an open ended container body (16) and a closure (15) fixedly attached to the container body for closing the open end thereof. The closure has an annular sidewall extending around at least the upper end of the container body. A first seal (20) is located in sealing engagement between the container body and the closure, and a second seal (25) is located in sealing engagement between the valve body and the container.

Abstract: A device for dispensing liquid medicaments in a spray form includes a container for liquid to be dispensed, an outlet nozzle which breaks up a flow of liquid under pressure into a spray, a piston for forcing liquid out of the container under pressure and through the nozzle, and a drive for moving the piston a predetermined distance to dispense a predetermined quantity of liquid from the container. A cap fits over the outlet nozzle when the device is not in use, and interengaging elements are provided on the cap and the drive to allow rotation of the drive by the cap during use of the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to metering valves for pressurised dispensing containers.The present invention provides a metering valve for use with a pressurised dispensing container. The valve comprises a valve stem (1) co-axially slidable within a valve member (2) defining an annular metering chamber (13). Outer and inner annular seals (4, 5) are operative between the respective outer and inner ends of the valve member (2) and the valve stem (1) to seal the annular metering chamber (13) therebetween. Wherein the valve member (2) comprises a main component part (17) and a liner (16) lining at least a portion of an inner surface of the main component part (17). The liner (16) is made of a material selected from, a ceramic, a metal or a glass and the main component part (17) is made of another material.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus for dispensing pressurized fluid comprising a valve body defining a chamber and a valve member extending movably through the chamber, and through at least one annular seal co-operating with the valve member and the body to regulate the discharge of fluid. The seal is formed from a material comprising (a) a copolymer of ethylene and propylene or (b) a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene, or (c) a material selected from isobutylene isoprene, polychloroprene or fluorinated rubber. The seal may contain a mineral filler.

Abstract: This invention relates to metering valves for pressurised dispensing containers.The present invention provides a metering valve for use with a pressurised dispensing container. The valve comprises a valve stem (1) co-axially slidable within a valve member (2) defining an annular metering chamber (13). Outer and inner annular seals (4, 5) are operative between the respective outer and inner ends of the valve member (2) and the valve stem (1) to seal the annular metering chamber (13) therebetween. Wherein the valve member (2) comprises a main component part (17) and a liner (16) lining at least a portion of an inner surface of the main component part (17). The liner (16) is a fluoropolymer, and the main component part (17) is made of another material.

Abstract: Inhalation apparatus for dispensing a product comprises a housing (2) having a cylindrical portion (6) adapted to receive a pressurized dispensing container (3) and a mouthpiece (7). The apparatus includes a duct (18) communicating with the container receiving portion for conveyance of product towards the mouthpiece. An air inlet valve provided by a vent hole (14) and an actuator (19) is provided and is biased with a first position sealing the air inlet. The actuator is manually movable to a second position in which the air inlet is unsealed and allows air to flow into the housing and through the mouthpiece for any user applied suction to the mouthpiece and to a third position for the dispensing of a product into the resulting air flow. The movement between the second and third positions delays the discharge of the product until air flow through the device has been established.

Abstract: A method of cleaning or purifying elastomers and elastomeric articles which are intended for medical or pharmaceutical use is disclosed. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention has applicability to elastomers which are used in metering valves for pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs).

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus which defines an outlet through which a metered dose of liquid from a reservoir is dispersed as an atomized spray. A droplet of liquid is metered onto a perforate membrane which is vibrated by way of a piezoelectric transducer such that atomized droplets are dispensed through the holes formed in the membrane. At each actuation of a delivery device, which provides the metered quantity of liquid, the transducer is actuated so as to vibrate the membrane for a period greater than the dispensing period required for the droplet to be dispensed. The apparatus is particularly suitable for dispensing pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: The invention relates to inhaler products, such as medicaments, and particularly to an inhaler for transferring to a patient a metered dose of medicament contained in a pressurized dispensing container. The inhaler includes a housing for receiving a pressurized dispensing container of medicament and a mouthpiece for insertion into the mouth or a user of the inhaler. An outlet in the housing communicates with the mouth piece via a duct ending in an outlet. At least one air inlet is provided for allowing air into the inhaler. The air inlet(s) being positioned downstream relative to the duct outlet. A restricted airflow passage is provided between the air inlet(s) and a location adjacent to the outlet of the duct. The inhaler also includes a vortex generating arrangement positioned in the restricted airflow passage, such that, in use, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece, a swirling airflow is created from the inlet(s) to the mouthpiece along the passage towards the duct outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for separately storing and subsequently mixing two components of a substance to be dispensed.