Importance

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Abstract

A breath actuated device for the oral inhalation of medicaments in finely divided powder form, comprising a chamber (72) having one or more inlet ports for the entry of air and an outlet in direct communication with a mouthpiece (66) and positioned within the chamber, means for separating the lid and base components (62A, 62B) of a capsule (as defined herein) containing the medicament while holding the capsule substantially vertically to expose an aperture in the base component facilitating access to the powdered medicament and means for supporting the base component of the capsule containing the powdered medicament in a substantially vertical position, the inlet ports, outlet port and means for supporting the base component of the capsule being arranged such that when the device is operated by suction at the mouthpiece an air flow is established from the entry ports to the outlet port directly across the aperture in the base component of the capsule causing the particles of powdered medicament in the base component of the capsule to become entrained in the air flow. In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a carousel (54) which retains a plurality of capsules (62) and may be rotated to introduce the capsules sequentially into the chamber (72). The means for separating the two components of the capsule may comprise a piston assembly (58) movable between an engaging position in which the piston grips the lid of the capsule (62A) and a dispensing position, said movement causing the lid of the capsule to be removed from the base (62B).

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First Claim