Abstract: An inhaler for delivering metered doses of powdered medicament, the inhaler having a plurality of compartments spaced in an array and each arranged to contain a metered dose of the medicament, a lever to displace the compartments one by one into line with an inhalation aperture that constitutes a mouthpiece, each compartment including inner and outer edges, the plurality of compartments being closed by a sealing layer, the inhaler further having a mechanism adapted to lift the sealing layer off the inner and outer edges of the compartment to open an air passageway defined by the compartment and the sealing layer so that, in use, on inhalation through the mouthpiece, air flow in the air flow passageway picks up and entrains the powder in the compartment to be drawn with the air out of the inhaler through the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A de-agglomerator is provided for use with a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler for breaking up aggregates and micronizing particles of dry powder prior to inhalation of the powder by a patient using the inhaler. The de-agglomerator includes an inner wall defining a swirl chamber extending along an axis from a first end to a second end, a dry powder supply port, an inlet port, and an outlet port. The supply port is in the first end of the swirl chamber for providing fluid communication between a dry powder delivery passageway of an inhaler and the first end of the swirl chamber. The inlet port is in the inner wall of the swirl chamber adjacent to the first end of the swirl chamber and provides fluid communication between a region exterior to the de-agglomerator and the swirl chamber.

Abstract: An inhaler capable of administering powdered medicaments contained in a capsule. It is formed by a compartment housing the capsule, inside the cover or the body of the inhaler, and a cutting element, inside the same cover or the body. Said element cuts or perforates the capsule, releasing the substance it contained. The powder falls into a grid reservoir below that holds the pieces of the case end lets only the powder pass through. Once the capsule is inserted into the compartment, it will be sufficient to activate the cutting device, then place the mouthpiece into the mouth and breathe in, so that the powdered substance dispersed into the chamber can reach the lungs. Said inhaler may be equipped with disposable accessories to be placed into the mouth, otherwise may be used with specific accessories for inhaling the substances also by the nose.

Abstract: Inhalation device and associated method for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device has a chamber for receiving the receptacle. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of the chamber to achieve a higher reproducible emitted dose of medicament from the receptacle. The inhalation device also includes an improved implement for puncturing the receptacle, requiring less force and experiencing fewer failures. The inhalation device also includes a means for indicating readiness.

Abstract: A blister pack for a inhalant medicator has a plurality of medical powder storage chambers spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction. The inhalant medicator includes a pricking tool with a pair of parallel pins that prick inflow and outflow holes in one of the medical powder storage chambers during a preliminary operation of inhalant medication. The inflow and outflow holes are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to a lid panel of the blister pack to produce turbulent airflow within the medical powder storage chamber during inhalation during which the medical powder is inhaled by a patient's breathing. The medical powder storage chambers are dimensioned and designed to properly regulate or control properties of the airflow passing through the medical storage chamber, to ensure the airflow is suitable for the medical powder storage chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and a concomitant method for electrostatically depositing select doses of medicament powder at select locations on a substrate. Specifically, the apparatus contains a charged particle emitter for generating charged particles that charge a predefined region of a substrate and a charge accumulation control circuit for computing the amount of charge accumulated upon the substrate and deactivating the emitter when a selected quantity of charge has accumulated. Additionally, a triboelectric charging apparatus charges the medicament powder and forms a charged medicament cloud proximate the charged region of the substrate. The medicament particles within the medicament cloud electrostatically adhere to the charged region. The quantity of charge accumulated on the substrate at the predefined region and the charge-to-mass ratio of the medicament powder in the cloud control the amount (dose) of medicament deposited and retained by the substrate.

Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device which includes a heater adapted to volatilize fluid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and method of using the inhaler. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an outlet, the chamber being located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds a predetermined volume of a fluid which is expelled through the outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the fluid, the outlet can be formed by severing the first and/or second layer with a piercing element and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.

Abstract: An inhalation device is described for use with a medicament pack in which at least one container for medicament in powder form is defined between two sheets peelably secured to one another. The device comprises means for peeling the sheets apart at an opening station to open the container; and an outlet, communicating with the opened container, through which a user can inhale medicament in powder form from the opened container.

Abstract: The invention relates to powder inhalers in which at least part of the inner surface coming into contact with the powder aerosol is microstructured. Preferably, it is a powder inhaler operating on the Bernoulli principle (a Bernoulli inhaler).

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing having a chamber, an inlet and an outlet generally coaxially aligned with the chamber, wherein the chamber includes a medicament cartridge having a body including a generally cylindrical passage extending through the opposed ends of the cartridge generally coaxially aligned with the inlet and outlet of the housing, such that fluid delivered to the inlet ruptures the membranes, entrains medicament contained within the cartridge passage which is delivered to the patient's respiratory system through the outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel capsule for receiving an active substance to be administered by inhalation, which is preferably intended for use in a powder inhaler operating on the Bernoulli principle.

Abstract: Inhalation device and associated method for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device has a chamber for receiving the receptacle. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of the chamber to achieve a higher reproducible emitted dose of medicament from the receptacle. The inhalation device also includes an improved implement for puncturing the receptacle, requiring less force and experiencing fewer failures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder inhaler operating on the Bernoulli principle with replaceable cylindrical disposable capsules as the active substance reservoir. The powder inhaler consists essentially of a preferably cylindrical capsule chamber provided with means for laterally opening the capsule, an air inlet opening in the capsule chamber and an air outlet opening and a mouthpiece mounted downstream of the air outlet opening. The capsule chamber is constructed so that after insertion the reservoir capsule can essentially only move in the longitudinal direction when a sufficiently powerful air stream passes through the capsule chamber, guided substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the capsule. According to the invention, the inner wall of the capsule chamber is uneven in order to achieve a better emptying of the capsule than is obtained with a smooth inner surface.

Abstract: A unit dose dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber, optionally including one or more beads. A blister is supported adjacent to the dispersion chamber. A mouthpiece cover is removable from a mouthpiece, with movement of the mouthpiece cover causing the blister to open. An air flow path extends past or under the blister and into the dispersion chamber. As a result, the blister remains sealed until the inhaler is ready for use. The blister is then automatically opened when the mouthpiece cover is removed from the mouthpiece. Pharmaceutical dry powder is released from the blister and entrained in air flow through the inhaler, when the user inhales on the mouthpiece. The powder is dispersed in air within the dispersion chamber.

Abstract: A de-agglomerator is provided for use with a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler for breaking up aggregates and micronizing particles of dry powder prior to inhalation of the powder by a patient using the inhaler. The de-agglomerator includes an inner wall defining a swirl chamber extending along an axis from a first end to a second end, a dry powder supply port, an inlet port, and an outlet port. The supply port is in the first end of the swirl chamber for providing fluid communication between a dry powder delivery passageway of an inhaler and the first end of the swirl chamber. The inlet port is in the inner wall of the swirl chamber adjacent to the first end of the swirl chamber and provides fluid communication between a region exterior to the de-agglomerator and the swirl chamber.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a medicament dispenser for use with a medicament carrier having a plurality of pockets for containing medicament wherein said pockets are spaced along the length of and defined between two peelable sheets secured to each other, said dispenser having an internal mechanism for accessing said medicament contained within said medicament carrier. The internal mechanism is operated by an electronic drive system.

Abstract: Inhalation device and associated method for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device has a chamber for receiving the receptacle. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of the chamber to achieve a higher reproducible emitted dose of medicament from the receptacle. The inhalation device also includes an improved implement for puncturing the receptacle, requiring less force and experiencing fewer failures. The inhalation device also includes a means for indicating readiness.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device for administering a medicament to a user includes a medicament reservoir and an entrance port and an exit port each disposed adjacent the reservoir. A gas chamber disposed adjacent the entrance port. The device includes a pressurizing mechanism operable to pressurize said gas chamber to at least a prescribed pressure. A first frangible membrane extends across the entrance port and separates the reservoir from the gas chamber. A second frangible membrane extends across the exit port. When the pressurizing mechanism is attached, at least one of the first and second membranes is responsive to the prescribed pressure in the gas chamber to burst to allow gas to flow through the entrance port and the reservoir and to carry the medicament through the exit port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (V) for emptying powder-containing cavities (1) sealed by means of a covering foil (9) by means of a suction tube (11) which can be set by hand and whose leading end is positioned relatively to the cavity (1) and pierces in a guided manner the covering foil (9), leaving a free cross section for air to flow into the cavity (1), and, to achieve a solution which is beneficial for production and reliable in manipulation, proposes that the leading end of the suction tube (11) has, adjacent and axially projecting with respect to cutting edges (12) provided at that point, extensions (22/82) which are guided in slots (19 and/or 83, 55 or 25, respectively) of a carrier (T) adjacent to the cavities (1) in a shape-locked/rotationally fixed manner, in which carrier (T) the cavities (1) can be inserted as blister packs (2).

Abstract: A new and improved inhaler includes an accurate and consistent mechanical dose metering system that dispenses dry powdered medicament in discrete amounts or doses for patient inhalation, a pressure relief system that manages pressure within a medicament reservoir of the inhaler to ensure consistently dispensed doses, and a dose counting system indicating the number of doses remaining in the inhaler.

Abstract: A device is provided for retaining a respiratory disease management device and for displaying respiratory disease management information. The device comprises a rear wall, first and second opposing side walls adjoining the rear wall, and a front wall extending from the first side wall. An attachment component secures the rear wall to an upright structural surface. The walls of the device define a partially enclosed retention space for holding a respiratory disease management device such as a respiratory disease medicine delivery device or a peak flow meter. A substrate such as a card is secured to the holding device, and displays printed matter comprising information relating to respiratory disease management.

Abstract: An inhaler for dispensing medicament in the form of a dry powder is powder is provided with an airway (50) through which a dose travels from an ejection zone to an outlet of the airway. The airway (50) has an inlet means which is so arranged as to create a jacket of air, flowing through a part of the airway extending from the ejection zone to the outlet. The jacket of air surrounds said dose and thereby prevents it form impinging on the airway walls. This reduces accumulation of material on the airway wails, and thus improves the consistency of performance of the inhaler. Preferable, the inlet means includes a throat for producing a stream of fast flowing air which creates a zone of low pressure in front of the ejection zone, thereby to facilitate ejection of a dose.

Abstract: A device defining a chamber for housing a capsule containing a product in fine powder form, comprising a manually movable part provided with needles which perforate the capsule when the movable part is operated and leave the capsule when the movable part is released, the entire product in powder form escaping from the capsule, to be inhaled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-chamber cartridge for drug formulations for propellant-free inhalers.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler for use with a blister pack is disclosed. The inhaler has a dosing mechanism that releases powder from a variable number of blisters in the blister pack into an inhalation channel, such that the actual dose administered by the inhaler can be varied with each use of the inhaler.

Abstract: A system and method for aerosol delivery of a drug. The system includes: a disposable cassette containing a dose of the drug. The dose of the drug is supplied within a breakable container. The system further includes a drug release mechanism to break the breakable container and release dose of the drug. Air from the airflow generator flows into the cassette via a first opening and outward via a second opening insuring aerosol delivery of the drug. The method includes supplying a disposable cassette as in the system and operating a drug release mechanism to break the breakable container and release the dose of the drug. The method further includes generating a flow of air top cause aerosol delivery of the drug. An additional method including supplying at least two breakable packets each containing a portion of a pre-measured dose of the drug within a disposable cassette, opening the packets within the cassette and aerosol delivery of the single pre-measured dose of the drug.

Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a powder utilizes a receptacle having a cavity containing a powder. An access end of an extraction tube is inserted into the cavity, and an inlet opening is formed in the receptacle. A pressurized gas is flowed through the inlet opening, through the cavity and through the extraction tube to move the powder in the cavity into the extraction tube where the powder is entrained in the gas to form an aerosol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge apparatus for media. In the case of such discharge apparatuses the medium to be discharged is stored in a container, which has chambers separated from one another. Into each of the chambers is introduced at least one media component and the media components together form the medium to be discharged. The container is placed in a casing having a discharge opening for discharging the medium. An actuating means movable relative to the casing is provided. Through the actuation of the actuating means firstly a connection between the chambers of the container is produced.

Abstract: A method for forming at least one opening in a receptacle comprises the steps of providing a receptacle having a cover with an exterior surface and an interior surface covering a cavity. A cutting mechanism is also provided having at least one blade. The cover is pierced with the blade, and the blade is moved through the cover to cut a portion of the cover and create an opening in the cover to provide access into the cavity. Further, the cut portion curls on top of the exterior surface as the opening is created.

Abstract: A pre-metered dose assembly for consistently supplying precise doses of medicament is provided for a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler. The assembly includes a cap defining a dry powder delivery passageway for providing air to a dry powder supply port of a swirl chamber of a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler, and a magazine including a plurality of reservoirs for holding pre-metered doses of dry powder. One of the magazine and the cap is movable with respect to the other of the magazine and the cap for sequentially positioning the reservoirs within the delivery passageway of the cap. A breath-induced low pressure at an outlet port of the swirl chamber of the inhaler causes an air flow through the dry powder delivery passageway of the assembly and into the dry powder supply port of the swirl chamber that entrains dry powder from the reservoir positioned in the passageway for inhalation by a patient using the inhaler.

Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing having a chamber including coaxially aligned inlet and outlet, a medicament cartridge located within the chamber having a passage therethrough and membranes sealing the passage having a burst pressure of less than 10 atmospheres, a manually actuatable fluid delivery device having an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a manually actuated valve located between the outlet of the fluid delivery device and the chamber inlet for delivery of fluid under pressure to the valve. The medicament respiratory delivery device of this invention may be utilized to deliver a controlled unit dose of an aerosolizable medicament on demand by first pressurizing a pressure chamber in the pressure delivery device upstream of the valve, then opening the valve to open the membranes and express the medicament through the chamber outlet.

Abstract: A respiratory delivery system is disclosed which preferably includes both medicament and plower recharge capabilities. The system includes a portable inhaler with a rechargeable medicament cartridge and a rechargeable power supply. This power supply may be electrically interconnected with one or more components of the portable inhaler, including a droplet ejection device, a controller for the droplet ejection device, an actuation switch, an inhalation sensor, and/or an electronic memory. The system further includes a recharging unit which includes an inhaler docking station, a medicament recharging system, and a power recharging system. When the portable inhaler is docked to the recharging unit, the recharging unit recharges the power supply of the portable inhaler and recharges the medicament cartridge of the portable inhaler by providing additional medicament thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blister pack (12) having a plurality of blisters (13) each holding a dose of a powdered medicament comprising a lower base (18) containing a plurality of cavities (19) for the powdered medicament and an upper sealing foil layer (20) which covers the lower base (18) to form the blisters (13). Each cavity (19) is provided with at least one adjacent slit (21) formed by scoring the foil layer (20) and a lower base (18). The slit (21) ensuring accurate penetration of a cavity (19) by a suction tube through which a user can inhale the contents of the cavity (19).

Abstract: A process for producing uniform small doses of finely divided substances that consists of metering precise quantities a material onto the surface of a containment vessel, pressurizing the containment vessel with a liquefied gas, and sealing the containment vessel while pressurized. A major application involves the packaging of fine pharmaceutical powders into small unit doses for inhalation therapy. Liquid nitrogen is a preferred liquefied pressurizing agent. A liquefied noble gas may be employed as a dispersing medium for sensitive or highly reactive substances, and simple hydrocarbon gasses may be used where flammability and reactivity are not problems. If the liquefied gas is used as a dispersing medium, the containment vessel may be sealed prior to the total evaporation of the liquid. Alternatively, the liquefied gas may be metered into the containment vessel after the substance has been deposited onto the surface of the containment vessel, but prior to its sealing.

Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a powdered medicament comprises coupling a powder inlet end of a feed tube with a penetration in a receptacle containing the powder. Powder is drawn upward through the tube and dispersed in a high pressure gas stream flowing past a portion of the feed tube. Apparatus comprise the feed tube mounted within a base enclosure proximate a holder for one or more receptacles, which may be in the form of a cartridge containing a plurality of receptacles formed in a continuous web. The cartridge may be reciprocated relative to the feed tube and a separate piercing mechanism in order to sequentially piercing the receptacle and thereafter couple the feed tube through the resulting penetration for extracting the powder. Alternatively, penetration(s) through the receptacle may be formed as the feed tube is coupled, or some penetrations formed prior to coupling with other penetrations formed at the time of coupling.

Abstract: An inhaler for producing an inhalable aerosol of a powdered medicament comprises a cyclone (1) with a tangential air inlet (3) and an axial air outlet (4). The cyclone (1) aerosolises and retains an aerosol of powdered medicament in an airflow circulating between the inlet (3) and the outlet (4). The cyclone (1) has an exit port (2) which is open to atmosphere. When the aerosol is to be inhaled, the pressure in the cyclone (1) is increased by increasing the airflow to the inlet (3) which causes the aerosol to discharge through the exit port (2). The inhaler has the advantage that the rate of discharge of the aerosol can be controlled independently of the rate of airflow required to aerosolise the medicament.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aerosolizing a pharmaceutical formulation. According to one method, respiratory gases are prevented from flowing to the lungs when attempting to inhale. Then, respiratory gases are abruptly permitted to flow to the lungs. The flow of respiratory gases may then be used to extract a pharmaceutical formulation from a receptacle and to place the pharmaceutical formulation within the flow of respiratory gases to form an aerosol.

Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a body having an inlet, an endpiece having an outlet, the endpiece being connectable to the body to define a chamber, wherein the chamber is sized to receive a capsule containing a pharmaceutical formulation in a manner which allows the capsule to move within the chamber. The apparatus further includes a connection mechanism to provide selective connection of the endpiece to the body, wherein a rotational force between the endpiece and the body is needed to connect or disconnect the endpiece from the body, the rotational force being applied about an axis passing through the chamber. When a user inhales, air enters into the chamber through the inlet so that the pharmaceutical formulation is aerosolized within the chamber and the aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation is delivered to the user through the outlet. The connection mechanism prevents inadvertent disconnection of the endpiece from the body.

Abstract: Inhalation device and associated method for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device has a chamber for receiving the receptacle. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of the chamber to achieve a higher reproducible emitted dose of medicament from the receptacle. The inhalation device also includes an improved implement for puncturing the receptacle, requiring less force and experiencing fewer failures. The inhalation device also includes a means for indicating readiness.

Abstract: An inhalation device for administering a powdered medicament by inhalation including a suction tube through which the medicament is drawn on inhalation by a user, a blister pack, a housing which carries the blister pack and has housing surfaces, the suction tube being removably connected to the housing and having a distal end which can interact with the blister pack and a proximal end through which the user inhales, and a resilient member that resiliently biases the suction tube into a position where it is spaced from the housing surfaces to facilitate grasping of the suction tube by the user when the inhalation device is ready for use.

Abstract: An inhalator including an inhalator body including a powder receiving chamber for receiving a powder, an air-powder mixture reservoir for temporarily storing an air-powder mixture flowing from the powder receiving chamber, and a diluent air passage for introducing a diluent air into the air-powder mixture reservoir. The air-powder mixture is formed within the powder receiving chamber when an air is introduced into the powder receiving chamber. The air-powder mixture within the air-powder mixture reservoir is admixed with a diluent air introduced thereinto through the diluent air passage. The diluted air-powder mixture is discharged from an air-powder mixture outlet into a user's oral or nasal cavity. A powder composition for inhalators includes at least two kinds of fine particles different in particle diameter.

Abstract: A device defining a chamber for housing a capsule containing a product in fine powder form, comprising a manually movable part provided with needles which perforate the capsule when the movable part is operated and leave the capsule when the movable part is released, the entire product in powder form escaping from the capsule, to be inhaled.

Abstract: A dry powder dispenser has a base member which supports a blister pack of rupturable pillows each containing measured quantities of dry powder to be dispensed. A pillow aligning with the discharge opening and the base member which likewise has a discharge passage in communication therewith for the discharge of the dry powder as the pillow is ruptured by a hinged lever which displaces the entire contents of the dry powder from its pillow chamber into the discharge passage, the lever sequentially activating an air piston for flow feeding a quantity of pressurized air along the discharge passage to expel the dry powder under air pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dry powder inhalation system suitable for transpulmonary administration.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has airflow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow in the secondary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: An inhalation device which contains powdered medicament in the form of a medicament compact is provided with a seal comprising a partial ring between the outer wall and inner mandrel of the medicament compact chamber. The medicament is dispensed by abrading the medicament compact by turning the compact relative to the inner mandrel against a blade. Despite only extending around part of the circumference of the mandrel the seal prevents leakage of loose powder from the compact chamber to the rest of the device. The sealing means also provides a frictional braking force on the medicament reservoir sufficient to prevent movement of the medicament reservoir when the drive mechanism for the reservoir is returning to its starting position without making the device difficult to operate by a child or infirm adult.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has airflow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow in the secondary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.

Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a powdered medicament comprises coupling a powder inlet end of a feed tube with a penetration in a receptacle containing the powder. Powder is drawn upward through the tube and dispersed in a high pressure gas stream flowing past a portion of the feed tube. Apparatus comprise the feed tube mounted within a base enclosure proximate a holder for one or more receptacles, which may be in the form of a cartridge containing a plurality of receptacles formed in a continuous web. The cartridge may be reciprocated relative to the feed tube and a separate piercing mechanism in order to sequentially piercing the receptacle and thereafter couple the feed tube through the resulting penetration for extracting the powder. Alternatively, penetration(s) through the receptacle may be formed as the feed tube is coupled, or some penetrations formed prior to coupling with other penetrations formed at the time of coupling.