Abstract: A metering device, for use in transferring a desired volumetric dose of a flowable substance from a storage chamber containing the flowable substance to a location outside the storage chamber, is disclosed. An outlet conduit is arranged between the storage chamber and the location to which the dose is to be transferred. The metering device is of such size and shape as to be able to pass through the outlet conduit and includes first and second end element which, when the metering device is located inside the outlet conduit, are in a sealing engagement with the inner walls of the outlet conduit. The shape of the metering device between the first and second end elements is such that a space of the desired dose volume is defined between the first and second end elements and the intervening section of the inner walls of the outlet conduit, in which space the flowable substance from the storage chamber may be enclosed. The metering device is of particular use in a dry powder inhaler.

Abstract: A metering device, for use in transferring a desired volumetric dose of a flowable substance from a storage chamber containing the flowable substance to a location outside the storage chamber, is disclosed. An outlet conduit is arranged between the storage chamber and the location to which the dose is to be transferred. The metering device is of such size and shape as to be able to pass through the outlet conduit and includes first and second end element which, when the metering device is located inside the outlet conduit, are in a sealing engagement with the inner walls of the outlet conduit. The shape of the metering device between the first and second end elements is such that a space of the desired dose volume is defined between the first and second end elements and the intervening section of the inner walls of the outlet conduit, in which space the flowable substance from the storage chamber may be enclosed. The metering device is of particular use in a dry powder inhaler.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting together two or more medical instruments so as to allow, or control, the flow of fluid between the various medical instruments. The connecting device includes an intermediate conduit element having two inlets, to which the medical instruments may be connected, along with fluid directing members located inside the intermediate conduit element and able to move linearly therein. The fluid directing members are able to restrict, or allow, the flow of fluid, by way of the intermediate conduit element, between two or more medical instruments when they are connected to the conduit element, depending on the linear position of the fluid directing member inside the intermediate conduit element.

Abstract: The inhaler includes a storage chamber for the powder to be delivered and an inhalation passage through which air is drawn via a mouth piece. A metering member having a frusto-conical side wall presents each dose to the inhalation passage in an upwardly open metering cup to be drawn therefrom by the air flow through the passage. A wiping element removed any particles of powder from the dispensing cup as it travels from the inhalation passage to the storage chamber to be refilled, and a chamber containing a moisture-absorbent material dries the empty cup and also dries the powder in the cup prior to inhalation to aid its removal from the cup. A mechanical counter is indexed each time the metering member is indexed to display the number of doses used or remaining.

Abstract: A syringe has a barrel 1 housing a plunger 8 linked to a piston incorporating a seal 7 by a coupling member 9. A flange 12 on the coupling member 9 limits the extent of movement of the plunger and piston assembly, in association with latches 16. As the plunger 8 is operated through a sequence of expelling air from the syringe, to draw in liquid into the syringe and then to eject the liquid out again through a needle connected to an outlet 5, camways 11 at the ends of the coupling member 9 operate with projecting keys in such a way that the coupling member 9 is caused to rotate in stages. Then after the plunger is withdrawn again (after ejection of the liquid) the projecting keys 10 on the part associated with the piston seal 7 will become detached from the relevant keyways 11 so that the syringe cannot be used a second time.