Dry powder dispersing apparatus and methods for their use

US8161969B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Novartis AG · CH

Inventors

• John D. Burr · Redwood City, US
• Adrian Edward Smith · Belmont, US
• Randy K. Hall · Penn Valley, US
• Herm Snyder · Pacifica, US
• Carlos Schuler · Cupertino, US
• George S. Axford · Menlo Park, US
• Charles Ray · Foster City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 21, 2008
• Grant date: Apr 24, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 26, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2205/073
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

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. The second interlock remains engaged if the receptacle is only partially inserted into the carriage assembly.