Abstract: Various embodiments of a metered dose inhaler that includes a metering valve are disclosed. The inhaler includes a reservoir containing a pressurized formulation of medicament and carbon dioxide. The metering valve includes a metering chamber, a metering valve stem, and a metering valve stem seal having an opening through which the metering valve stem passes to form a dynamic seal between the metering valve stem and outside atmosphere. The metering valve stem seal has a Shore D hardness of 45 to 80 and its opening is adapted to be stretched wider by the metering valve stem passing through it than it would be absent the valve stem.

Abstract: A pressurized medicinal composition comprising at least 40%, by weight, of liquid carbon dioxide, a fluid that forms a homogeneous solution with liquid carbon dioxide, and at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient dissolved or suspended in the composition. The composition may have a liquid to supercritical transition temperature greater than 40° C. Also, metered dose inhalers comprising an actuator, and a canister equipped with a metering valve, wherein the canister houses a reservoir comprising a pressurized carrier fluid mixture for dissolving or suspending at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient, the carrier fluid mixture comprising liquid carbon dioxide and a second component that is a liquid at room temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A flow governor for use in a medicinal inhaler. The flow governor can include (i) a tubular element that defines at least a portion of an air flow path, the tubular element comprising at least one flexible wall configured to flex inwardly in response to an air flow in the air flow path; and (ii) an internal support structure, located within the tubular element and configured to preserve at least a predetermined cross-sectional area of the air flow path within the tubular element when the at least one flexible wall of the tubular element flexes inwardly.

Abstract: An auto-reset dose release firing system (101) and a method of using same. The system can include an a stored energy device (109); a first plunger (103) movable between first, second, and third positions, the first plunger configured to be operatively coupled to a medicament canister (51); and a second plunger (104) movable between first and second positions; the first and second plunger being movable with respect to one another and shaped to define an evacuable chamber (185) therebetween. The first plunger and the second plunger can move together from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, due to a reduced pressure in the chamber, to cause a dose release valve (54) to fire. After firing, air can be allowed to move into the chamber to allow the first plunger to move with respect to the second plunger to its third position to allow the dose release valve to reset.

Abstract: A dose release firing system (101) for use in a medicinal inhaler (100). The firing system can include a plunger (103), and a stored energy device (109) configured to drive the plunger from a first position to a second position. The firing system can further include a guideway (121) and a projection (114) dimensioned to be received in the guideway, the guideway or the projection being fixedly coupled to the plunger. At least a portion of the guideway can have a helical shape, including a first portion with a first helix angle, and a second portion with a second helix angle, the second helix angle being less than the first helix angle. The projection and the guideway can be movable with respect to one another to cause the projection to be cammed along the guideway when the stored energy device drives the plunger to move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A dose release firing system (101) for use in a medicinal inhaler (100). The firing system can include a plunger (103), and a stored energy device (109) configured to drive the plunger from a first position to a second position. The firing system can further include a guideway (121) and a projection (114) dimensioned to be received in the guideway, the guideway or the projection being fixedly coupled to the plunger. At least a portion of the guideway can have a helical shape, including a first portion with a first helix angle, and a second portion with a second helix angle, the second helix angle being less than the first helix angle. The projection and the guideway can be movable with respect to one another to cause the projection to be cammed along the guideway when the stored energy device drives the plunger to move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An auto-reset dose release firing system (101) and a method of using same. The system can include an a stored energy device (109); a first plunger (103) movable between first, second, and third positions, the first plunger configured to be operatively coupled to a medicament canister (51); and a second plunger (104) movable between first and second positions; the first and second plunger being movable with respect to one another and shaped to define an evacuable chamber (185) therebetween. The first plunger and the second plunger can move together from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, due to a reduced pressure in the chamber, to cause a dose release valve (54) to fire. After firing, air can be allowed to move into the chamber to allow the first plunger to move with respect to the second plunger to its third position to allow the dose release valve to reset.

Abstract: A flow governor for use in a medicinal inhaler. The flow governor can include (i) a tubular element that defines at least a portion of an air flow path, the tubular element comprising at least one flexible wall configured to flex inwardly in response to an air flow in the air flow path; and (ii) an internal support structure, located within the tubular element and configured to preserve at least a predetermined cross-sectional area of the air flow path within the tubular element when the at least one flexible wall of the tubular element flexes inwardly.