Atomizer

US8240304B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Ralf Thoemmes · Willich, DE
• Timo Von Brunn · Berlin, DE
• Marc Rohrschneider · Ingelheim am Rhein, DE
• Stephen Terence Dunne · Stowmarket, GB
• Anke Klaer · Menden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 16, 2007
• Grant date: Aug 14, 2012
• Expiry date: Sep 12, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2202/064
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An atomizer, a reservoir and a method are proposed for the delivery and in particular, the atomization of a formulation, particularly a powder. A pump and a spring are arranged inside the annular reservoir, the pump and the spring being moveable radially and in a sliding manner. The pump is actuated by the spring to put air under pressure for discharging powder from the reservoir. The reservoir comprises receptacles or cavities, each of which has an insert with a respective dose of the formulation. The receptacles are constructed as separate parts and/or arranged on a common or annular carrier and/or are sealed separately and/or on its outer circumferential periphery. The spring is tensioned and the air is sucked into the pump. Then, the next receptacle and a connecting element are aligned relative to each other. Finally, the aligned receptacle is pierced by the connecting element for supplying the air.