Abstract: An inhaler for the inhalation of powdered pharmaceutical compositions from capsules. The inhaler comprises a chamber for receiving the capsules, which chamber has a greater internal width and a greater length than the diameter and length, respectively, of the capsule and which chamber comprises at one narrow end an air inlet and at the other end an air outlet, so that during inhalation through the inhaler the capsule is set in vibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the atmospheric contamination in an operating room as a result of anesthetic gas that escapes from an anesthetic gas mask. The mask has a double wall structure and includes a deflector positioned within the mask body to cause turbulent flow of anesthetic gas therewithin so that the gas is substantially confined within the inner mask cavity and does not escape directly outwardly from the mask opening when the mask is removed from the face of the patient. The double wall construction provides an extraction slot around the inner mask body that is in communication with a source of reduced pressure to extract any anesthetic gas that escapes from within the inner mask body. A connector is provided for supplying anesthetic gas, for withdrawing exhaled gas.