Abstract: A device for dispensing a unit dose of substance comprises a nozzle assembly (2) including a container (24) housing a unit dose of the substance, and an outer body (4) to which the nozzle assembly (2) is releasably attached. The body (4) includes a system actuable to effect discharge of the substance from the nozzle assembly (2) and actuating means operably by a user to effect discharge. Preferably the discharge system comprises a spring-loaded air piston (68) actuable to inject air into the container (24) to cause discharge of the substance. In one embodiment a driving spring for the air piston is loaded with spring energy by the action of installing the nozzle assembly on the body, the driving spring thereafter being held in a cocked state until operating of the actuating means by the user to effect release of the spring energy to cause discharge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for administering pharmaceutical substances by spraying the contents of a container formed of plastics material. The device comprises a pair of members between which is supported the container, the members being movable relative to each other between a first position in which the container is not compressed sufficiently to burst it and a second position in which the members are capable of exerting sufficient pressure on the container to burst it and expel the contents through a discharge outlet.