Abstract: An inhalation system including a metered dose inhaler and a separate computing device. The inhaler includes a flow rate sensor for detecting an inhalation flow through the actuator housing upon patient inhalation and a transmitting unit for transmitting a signal of the at least first switch as well as of the flow rate sensor to the computing device. The computing device generates visual and/or acoustic messages independently of the signals of the at least one switch and the flow rate sensor in order to guide the patient through multiple steps. The computing device further evaluates the use of the inhaler by comparing the transmitted signals of the at least first switch and of the flow rate sensor with the visual and/or acoustic messages. The transmitting unit transmits the signals of the at least first switch and the flow rate sensor to the computing device after the use of the inhaler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metered dose inhaler (1) for dispensing aerosol doses with an actuation housing (2) and a canister (5) with an aerosol. A triggering unit (8) comprises one single trigger member (21) on a flexible member (22) for activating a switch (19) of a circuit assembly. The flexible member (22) is configured to interact with the canister (5) in such a way that the trigger member (21) is moved in a lateral direction by the canister (5) so that the trigger member (21) engages the switch (19).

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler (1) for dispensing aerosol doses comprises an actuation housing (2) adapted to receive a canister (4). The canister (4) is configured to move from a rest position to an activation position in which a valve (7) of the canister (4), positioned at a valve end (8) of the canister (4), is depressed against a bottom portion of the actuation housing such that an aerosol dose is released. The inhaler (1) further comprises a mechanical dose (10) counter comprising an indicator member which is constructed and arrangement to undergo a predetermined count-indicating motion when an aerosol dose is released. Moreover, the inhaler (1) comprises a triggering unit (11) for triggering at least one electrical switch (12) when the canister (4) is moved from the rest position to the activation position whereby an electrical signal is generated. Also part of the inhaler (1) is a processing unit for processing the signal generated by the switch (12) upon being triggered.

Abstract: A dose counter includes a triggering unit having at least a first and a second trigger member thereon. The triggering unit is configured interact with the canister of a metered-dose inhaler when the canister moves in a longitudinal direction from a rest position to an activation position. A circuit assembly includes a substrate with at least a first and a second switch thereon. The first and second switches are configured to interact with the first and second trigger members when the canister moves from the rest position to the activation position. The circuit assembly includes a counting circuit that is configured to receive a signal from the first and second switches and to determine when the metered dose inhaler is activated.

Abstract: A dose counter for a metered dose inhaler has an activation valve at a valve end of the metered dose inhaler. The dose counter includes a housing having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end receives a metered dose inhaler valve end, and the second end defines a cavity. An actuation detection assembly in the cavity includes an actuation detection element on the second end of the housing, and an activator element in the cavity of the housing. The activator element is configured to move between a first position in the cavity in which the activator element is spaced apart from the actuation detection element on the housing by a gap and a second position in which the activator element cooperates with the actuation detection element so that the actuation detection element generates an actuation signal.

Abstract: A dose counter includes a triggering unit having at least a first and a second trigger member thereon. The triggering unit is configured interact with the canister of a metered-dose inhaler when the canister moves in a longitudinal direction from a rest position to an activation position. A circuit assembly includes a substrate with at least a first and a second switch thereon. The first and second switches are configured to interact with the first and second trigger members when the canister moves from the rest position to the activation position. The circuit assembly includes a counting circuit that is configured to receive a signal from the first and second switches and to determine when the metered dose inhaler is activated.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and coating at least one surface of a container for storing a medicament or other ingestible non-pharmaceutical product, the method comprising the steps of using a water-based cleaning composition in conjunction with a water-based crosslinked acrylic resin containing coating material. The process makes the cleaning and coating technology consistent with present environmental regulations and workplace safety requirements, including control of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Further, the concentration of extractible organic compounds has been reduced to the lowest practical level. The process is also applicable to other substrates where it is desired to have low-extractable organics and high adhesion of the subsequently applied coating.

Abstract: A dose counter for a metered dose inhaler has an activation valve at a valve end of the metered dose inhaler. The dose counter includes a housing having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end receives a metered dose inhaler valve end, and the second end defines a cavity. An actuation detection assembly in the cavity includes an actuation detection element on the second end of the housing, and an activator element in the cavity of the housing. The activator element is configured to move between a first position in the cavity in which the activator element is spaced apart from the actuation detection element on the housing by a gap and a second position in which the activator element cooperates with the actuation detection element so that the actuation detection element generates an actuation signal.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and coating at least one surface of a container for storing a medicament or other ingestible non-pharmaceutical product, the method comprising the steps of using a water-based cleaning composition in conjunction with a water-based crosslinked acrylic resin containing coating material. The process makes the cleaning and coating technology consistent with present environmental regulations and workplace safety requirements, including control of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Further, the concentration of extractible organic compounds has been reduced to the lowest practical level. The process is also applicable to other substrates where it is desired to have low-extractable organics and high adhesion of the subsequently applied coating.