Abstract: A dry powder inhaler (1) for pulmonary or nasal use, employing capsules (6) containing a dose of powder for inhalation, comprising four components: a capsule tray (2), a cover (4) and a mouthpiece (8) and an inhaler body (3). Air is drawn by the patient via the mouthpiece (8) which is in communication with the capsule (6) and travels via air paths through the device (1) and through the capsule (6) thereby dispersing and entraining the dose of powder. The capsule (6) is cut by cutting means (18, 19) located on the body (3). The inhaler body (3), the mouthpiece (8) and the cover (4) are provided with hinge segments (20, 35, 42) which when assembled together and the mouthpiece (8) is locked into the body (3), form a single hinge (5) and which allows the cover (4) to freely pivot around the body (3) and the mouthpiece (8).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to improve the precision and reproducibility of particle size analysis by laser diffraction is presented. Powder particles are typically prepared for laser diffraction testing using an ultra-sound bath which will disperse particle agglomerates and allow a precise measurement. However, the precision and reproducibility of agglomerate dispersion is affected by ultra-sound probe wear, corrosion and age. Differences in sonication performance can be compensated by voltage adjustments to the ultra-sound probe, leading to substantial improvements in the precision and reproducibility of particle size determination.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler for pulmonary or nasal use, comprising at least an inhaler body 801 and a cartridge 803 with at least one powder compartment 805 including one dose of a drug. The body has an opening 804 shaped for receiving the cartridge 803 and the means to allow a controlled sliding movement of the cartridge 803 relative to the body 801 after mounting. The cartridge powder compartment 805 comprises at least two inlets or slits 806, 809, at least one of which is a side inlet 809, for the admission of air, and a compartment outlet 807 to allow filling and fluid communication with an inhalation channel 808 provided in the body 801.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler (1) for pulmonary or nasal use, employing capsules (6) containing a dose of powder for inhalation, comprising four components: a capsule tray (2), a cover (4) and a mouthpiece (8) and an inhaler body (3). Air is drawn by the patient via the mouthpiece (8) which is in communication with the capsule (6) and travels via air paths through the device (1) and through the capsule (6) thereby dispersing and entraining the dose of powder. The capsule (6) is cut by cutting means (18, 19) located on the body (3). The inhaler body (3), the mouthpiece (8) and the cover (4) are provided with hinge segments (20, 35, 42) which when assembled together and the mouthpiece (8) is locked into the body (3), form a single hinge (5) and which allows the cover (4) to freely pivot around the body (3) and the mouthpiece (8).