Abstract: An inhaler is proposed which comprises a chamber containing powder. The powder can be discharged by an airflow. The airflow through the chamber is regulated by means of a valve at a desired or required minimum flow rate. The flow rate through the chamber is kept essentially constant.

Abstract: A dispensing device with a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation in which the storage device has multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert. Furthermore, a mechanism is provided for aligning the connecting element relative to a respective receptacle and/or insert which has guiding portions formed at or by the respective receptacle and/or insert.

Abstract: A dispensing device has a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device comprises multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert and a mechanism is provided for reinserting the inserts back into the respective receptacles after use.

Abstract: A dispensing device has a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device has multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert by a pressurizing gas via a connecting element that is moveable relative to the inserts for individually supplying pressurized gas to a respective one of the receptacles. A mechanism is provided for preventing a back stroke of the connecting element during supplying of the pressurizing gas and dispensing of the formulation.

Abstract: A dispensing device having a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device comprises multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert.

Abstract: A dispensing device has a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device has multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert by a connecting element that is moveable relative to the inserts for individually supplying air from a air pump to a respective one of the receptacles. A manually operated actuator is radially moveable to operate the air pump and to rotate the storage device to the next receptacle, and/or radially move the connecting element to individually open the respective receptacle, and to connect the pump to the respective receptacle and/or to push an insert out of the respective receptacle.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in atomizing and generating sprays from a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes two members, each with generally planar surfaces, that are joined together. A first set of channels is formed in the generally planar surface of a first one of the members to form, in cooperation with the generally planar surface of the second of the members, a plurality of filter passageways. A plenum chamber is formed in the first member. The plenum chamber is in fluid communication with and downstream of the plurality of filter passageways. A second set of channels is formed in the generally planar surface of the first member to form, in cooperation with the generally planar surface of the second member, a plurality of nozzle outlet passageways. These nozzle outlet passageways are in fluid communication with the plenum chamber.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in atomizing and generating sprays from a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes two members joined together. In one of the two members are formed one or more nozzle outlets, one or more fluid inlets, and a plurality of channels that form filter passageways. The nozzle outlets discharge fluid jets that impinge on one another to thereby atomize the fluid. Alternatively, an impact element or a vortex-generating structure can be used in the nozzle outlet to atomize the fluid. Methods are also provided for producing the nozzle assembly by forming the inlets, outlets, and/or channels through electrical or chemical etching or other processes that selectively remove material from at least one face of a nozzle assembly member.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler for dispensing a fluid medicament as droplets of small mean particle size without the use of pressurized gas or liquefied propellants. A liquid drug is contained in a fluid reservoir, and metered quantities of the drug are successively presented into a reduced cross-section pressure chamber, with non-return valves controlling the flow of liquid through the device. The metered quantity of the drug is then subjected to a sudden and great increase in pressure by releasing a piston into the pressure chamber. The liquid drug is thereby ejected through an atomizing head, to reduce it to a fine atomized spray of small mean particle size, preferably less than approximately 12 micrometers.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in atomizing and generating sprays from a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes two members joined together. In one of the two members are formed one or more nozzle outlets, one or more fluid inlets, and a plurality of channels that form filter passageways. The nozzle outlets discharge fluid jets that impinge on one another to thereby atomize the fluid. Alternatively, an impact element or a vortex-generating structure can be used in the nozzle outlet to atomize the fluid.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly which comprises a nozzle aperture for discharge of a fluid as a spray of droplets, and a conduit in fluid flow communication with the nozzle aperture. The flow of fluid through the conduit is restricted by the minimum effective cross-sectional area of the conduit transverse to the line of flow of fluid through the conduit so that back flow of fluid from the nozzle aperture through the conduit at ambient and operational pressure differentials is substantially prevented. The invention further provides for a method of discharging a fluid as a spray of droplets, and a spray generating device which includes the nozzle assembly of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for discharging a fluid, notably an aqueous medicament solution, as a spray of droplets by causing a fluid to flow through a nozzle aperture so that a secondary flow is induced in at least part of the flow of fluid through the nozzle aperture by a flap or orifice lip located within the bore of the nozzle passage, and/or adjacent an end of the nozzle passage, and/or adjacent the nozzle aperture. Preferably a secondary flow at the nozzle orifice is induced such that at least 10% of the fluid flows at an exit angle of 90.degree. to the overall line of travel of the remainder of the fluid.

Abstract: A process and a discharge valve assembly are provided for regulating the flow of a liquid product from an aerosol container which is pressurized with a permanent gas propellant. The liquid product is conveyed under pressure to a mixing region and the propellant gas is separately conveyed to the mixing region. The mixture is passed through at least one choke restrictor that is located between the mixing region and the discharge nozzle. The mixture expanding downstream of the restrictor forms a foam-like mixture internally of the valve assembly and prior to discharge of the mixture from the exit nozzle.