Inhalation Device For Powdered Medicaments

What is this patent about?

'724 is related to the field of inhalation devices, specifically those used to deliver powdered medicaments from capsules. These devices typically involve piercing a capsule containing the powder and then using an airstream to entrain and deliver the medication to the patient. A common problem is that the pierced capsule can remain stuck in the piercing cavity, preventing effective drug delivery.

The underlying idea behind '724 is to ensure that once a capsule is pierced within the device, it is reliably ejected from the piercing cavity into a swirl chamber. This is achieved through a mechanical obstruction that prevents the capsule from re-entering the cavity after being pierced, ensuring it is available for entrainment in the airflow.

The claims of '724 focus on an inhalation device comprising a swirl chamber with air inlets and a mouthpiece, a capsule-receiving cavity in communication with the swirl chamber, and piercing means operable to pierce the capsule and withdraw. Critically, the cavity includes obstructive means to prevent the capsule from re-entering after being pierced.

In practice, the device uses a mechanism, such as a moveable member, to physically block the cavity after piercing. This member can also serve to eject the capsule from the cavity into the swirl chamber. A cam-actuated system can drive both the piercing pins and the ejector mechanism, ensuring a coordinated sequence of piercing, ejection, and obstruction. This ensures the capsule is reliably transferred to the swirl chamber for inhalation.

This design differs from prior approaches that often rely on gravity or airflow alone to dislodge the capsule, which can be unreliable. By introducing a positive mechanical obstruction, the invention ensures that the capsule is actively prevented from returning to the cavity, leading to more consistent and effective drug delivery. The cam-driven ejection provides a reliable method for moving the capsule into the swirl chamber.