Abstract: The application describes a method of introducing into a container a suspension or solution of a material in a propellant held under pressure, in particular a pharmaceutical material. The method comprises the steps of bringing a filling head into communication with the container; introducing a quantity of such suspension or solution into the container through the filling head; introducing a quantity of high pressure propellant without any of the said material into the filling head, thereby to flush through any suspension or solution remaining in the filling head; and withdrawing the filling head from the container. An apparatus and a filling head for carrying out the method are also described.

Abstract: A valve is provided for dispensing metered doses from an aerosol container, which contains a substance to be dispensed suspended in a liquid propellant. The valve comprises a valve body (2, 3), first and second valve seals (6,7) at opposite ends of the valve body (2,3), and a valve stem (5) having an outlet (18) and a transfer port (19) extending from the exterior of the valve stem (5) to the outlet (18). A metering chamber (4) is defined by the internal wall of the valve body (2,3), the first and second valve seals (6,7) and the portion of the valve stem (5) within the cavity.