Abstract: Container assembly comprising a container and a chime fixed to each other, the container having an end part and a peripheral side wall, characterized in that the fixation between the chime and the container is situated at the end part of the container and at a distance from said peripheral side wall.

Abstract: A method for fixing a valve assembly to a container, the container comprising a neck portion in a first thermoplastic material and the valve assembly comprising a ring of a second thermoplastic material, the method comprising positioning the valve assembly on or in the container's neck portion to form an interface between the thermoplastic ring and the container's neck portion, characterized in that the method further comprises laser welding the thermoplastic ring to the container's neck portion.

Abstract: Container assembly comprising a container and a top chime fixed to each other, the container having a top part and a peripheral side wall, characterized in that the fixation between the chime and the container is situated at the top part of the container and at a distance from said peripheral side wall.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler for pulmonary or nasal use, comprising at least an inhaler body and a cartridge with one or more compartments each containing one dose of a drug. The compartment has holes to admit air and holes to deliver powder, which, in use, communicate with an inhalation channel in the inhaler body. To prevent the powder from leaking through the compartment holes before use, the air admission holes are of reduced dimension, thereby blocking or hindering powder exit under the force of gravity. When the cartridge is inserted inside the inhaler body, all its holes can be blocked. By sliding the cartridge in relation to the body until the inhalation position is reached, the holes come into in fluid communication with one another and with the inhalation channel, thereby allowing a flow of air to disperse and entrain the dose through the mouthpiece. Five embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A valve mechanism is provided for use in an inhaler comprising a pressurised container, and a metering chamber, and a valve mechanism wherein the inlet and outlet valves are separate and can be operated independently. The pressure of the fluid in the canister is used to aid the opening of the outer valve so reducing the force to fire a dose. A variant of the valve mechanism allows the user to select from a range of dose volumes bv appropriate orientation of the stem.

Abstract: The dispenser enables a multiplicity of doses of a substance in powder or granular form contained in a reservoir to be dispensed in succession. To form a dose a shaft must be rotated relative to a part of the dispenser, the shaft having to be substantially vertical while the dose is being formed. Between the shaft and said part of the dispenser there is provided a joint which prevents relative rotation if the shaft is not substantially vertical, or which although allowing relative rotation enables a signal to be emitted which can be sensed by the user. In particular the dispenser can be a multi-dose inhaler for medicaments.