Drug dispenser for dispersing dry powder drug

Abstract

A medicament dispenser comprising: a body; a manifold located within the body, the manifold comprising a chamber having an inlet and an opening, the chamber directing air from the inlet to the outlet, a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the chamber outlet and the conduit inlet being arranged such that an airflow is directed from the chamber outlet to the conduit inlet via the drug powder, and the conduit outlet being arranged such that the airflow is directed from the chamber outlet to the conduit inlet via the drug powder; a powder entraining device includes a conduit to entrain powder and to provide a powder entrained airflow through the conduit, an exhaust inlet in a wall of the conduit outside the chamber, the exhaust inlet directing a second airflow into the conduit to impinge the airflow, the body having separate first and second inlets allowing air to flow from outside to inside of the body, the first body inlet is in fluid communication with the chamber inlet and the second body inlet is in fluid communication with the exhaust inlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medicament dispenser for dispensing dry powder medicaments. More particularly, the present invention relates to a medicament dispenser having a manifold that is specifically configured for delivering medicament powder from a medicament dispenser device. Background Art

[0002] The use of inhalation devices in the administration of drugs, for example in bronchodilatory therapy, is well known. Such devices typically comprise a body or housing within which a drug carrier supply is located. Known inhalation devices include inhalation devices in which the drug supply is a blister pack containing a plurality of blister pockets for containing a drug in dry powder form.

[0003] Such devices typically include a mechanism for accessing a dose of medication by opening one or more blister pockets. For example, the mechanism may include a piercing member or a peeling member for peeling a cover sheet from a base sheet of the blister pack. The powdered medication is then released from the opened blister pockets for delivery to a patient for inhalation.

[0004] Inhalation devices of the type described above typically include an element known as a manifold for directing an airflow towards one or more open blister pockets to release the powdered medicament contained therein, and subsequently directing the released powder to a mouthpiece for inhalation by the patient.

[0005] The form of the manifold is known to affect the particle size characteristics of the released drug powder. Such characteristics are known to be important pharmaceutically. In particular, the fine particle fraction may be affected by the manifold form. The "fine particle fraction" or FP fraction generally refers to the percentage of particles of a "respirable" size within a given dose of aerosolized drug.

[0006] There remains a need for improved manifolds that can increase the FP fraction of aerosolized medicament powder delivered to a patient.It is an object of the present invention to solve at least one of the above problems or another problem associated with the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] A first aspect of the invention provides a manifold for delivering medicament powder from a dispenser device.The manifold comprises a first chamber comprising a first chamber inlet and a first chamber outlet, the first chamber being arranged to direct a first airflow from the first chamber inlet to the first chamber outlet.

[0008] The manifold also includes a conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet, wherein the first chamber outlet and the conduit inlet are arranged such that when the medicament powder supply is positioned proximate to the first chamber outlet and the conduit inlet, a first airflow is directed from the first chamber outlet to the conduit inlet via the medicament powder supply to entrain the medicament powder and provide an airflow entraining the medicament powder through the conduit from the conduit inlet to the conduit outlet.

[0009] The manifold further comprises an evacuation inlet in the wall of the conduit outside the first chamber, the evacuation inlet being arranged to direct a second airflow into the conduit to severely impact the airflow through the conduit entrained with the medicament powder.

[0010] It has been found that such an arrangement can advantageously provide a finer level of control over the device resistance and FP share performance by separating the first airflow admitted into the medicament powder supply from the second airflow directed into the conduit through the extraction orifice. Specifically, it has been found that such an arrangement advantageously increases the FP share of the aerosolized medicament powder and reduces the effect of flow rate variations on the FP share. Furthermore, it has been found that in such an arrangement, it may be possible to independently modify the geometry of each of the first chamber and the extraction inlet without affecting the performance of the other.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first chamber outlet and the conduit inlet can be arranged so that when the drug powder supply is positioned adjacent to the first chamber outlet and the conduit inlet, the first airflow is directed from the first chamber outlet to the conduit inlet via the drug powder supply to entrain the drug powder and provide an airflow entraining the drug powder through the conduit from the conduit inlet to the conduit outlet.

[0012] Suitably, the first chamber inlet may be arranged to draw air external to (i.e. outside of) a dispenser device including the manifold into the first chamber. For example, the first chamber inlet may be fluidly connected to a first device inlet of a dispenser device including the manifold, the first device inlet being arranged to draw air external to the device into the device.

[0013] Suitably, the extraction inlet may be arranged to draw air external to the distributor device comprising the manifold into the conduit. For example, the extraction inlet may be fluidly connected to a second device inlet of the distributor device comprising the manifold, the second device inlet being arranged to draw air external to the device into the device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the manifold may include a second chamber. Suitably, the second chamber may include a second chamber inlet arranged to direct the second gas flow from the second chamber inlet to the extraction inlet. Advantageously, in such an arrangement, it may be possible to independently modify the geometry of each of the first chamber and the second chamber without affecting the performance of the other.

[0015] Suitably, the second chamber inlet may be arranged to draw air external to (i.e. outside of) the distributor device comprising the manifold into the second chamber. For example, the second chamber inlet may be fluidly connected to a second device inlet of the distributor device comprising the manifold, the second device inlet being arranged to draw air external to the device into the device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first chamber and the second chamber can be located on substantially opposite sides of the conduit.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first chamber and the second chamber can be located substantially on the same side of the conduit. For example, the first chamber and the second chamber can be arranged substantially side by side.

[0018] In some embodiments, the suction inlet can be located on a first side of the conduit, and the first chamber can be located at a second side of the conduit that is substantially orthogonal to the first side of the conduit. For example, the suction inlet can be located on a first side of the conduit, and the first chamber can be located at a second side of the conduit that is substantially at a right angle (i.e., approximately 90°) to the first side of the conduit.

[0019] Suitably, the direction of the evacuation inlet leading to the conduit may be substantially orthogonal to the direction of the first chamber inlet leading to the first chamber. For example, the direction of the evacuation inlet leading to the conduit may be substantially at right angles (ie, about 90°) to the direction of the first chamber inlet leading to the first chamber.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the direction of the evacuation inlet leading to the conduit may be substantially orthogonal to the direction of the second chamber inlet leading to the second chamber. For example, the direction of the evacuation inlet leading to the conduit may be substantially at right angles (i.e., about 90°) to the direction of the second chamber inlet leading to the second chamber.

[0021] In some embodiments, the extraction inlet may be located on a first side of the conduit and the first chamber may be located at a second side of the conduit substantially opposite the first side.

[0022] In some embodiments, the direction of the suction inlet leading to the conduit may be substantially consistent with the direction of the first chamber inlet leading to the first chamber. Suitably, the direction of the suction inlet leading to the conduit may be substantially in the same plane as the direction of the first chamber inlet leading to the first chamber.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, the direction of the suction inlet leading to the conduit may be substantially consistent with the direction of the second chamber inlet leading to the second chamber. Suitably, the direction of the suction inlet leading to the conduit may be substantially in the same plane as the direction of the second chamber inlet leading to the second chamber.

[0024] In some embodiments, the extraction inlet and the first chamber may be located substantially on the same side of the conduit.

[0025] In some embodiments, the direction of the extraction inlet leading to the conduit may be substantially parallel to the direction of the first chamber inlet leading to the first chamber.

[0026] In some embodiments, the manifold may include a pair of suction inlets. Suitably, the pair of suction inlets may be substantially located on the same side of the conduit. For example, the pair of suction inlets may be substantially arranged side by side.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first chamber outlet and / or the conduit inlet may include a baffle. Suitably, the baffle may include a grid and / or a cross-shaped piece across the outlet / inlet. The presence of the baffle may be advantageously used to control the airflow through the first chamber outlet and / or the conduit inlet. In addition, the presence of the baffle may be used to prevent large dry powder particles (i.e., particle diameters falling outside the upper limit of the size range defined) from entering the conduit inlet.

[0028] In some embodiments, the catheter can have an elongated length between the catheter inlet and the catheter outlet.

[0029] In some embodiments, the suction inlet may be located midway along the length of the conduit between the conduit inlet and the conduit outlet. Suitably, the suction inlet may be located between one third and two thirds of the length of the conduit or between one third and two thirds. For example, the conduit may be located approximately midway along the length of the conduit, i.e., in the middle of the length of the conduit or positioned towards the middle of the length of the conduit.

[0030] In some embodiments, the suction inlet may comprise a circular or oval opening in the wall of the conduit. In some embodiments, the suction inlet may comprise an elongated or oval opening in the wall of the conduit. Suitably, the suction inlet may be generally elongated having a curved first end and a second end.

[0031] The suction inlet may define an opening in the wall of the conduit having a width across the opening and a depth through the wall of the conduit. In some embodiments, the width of the suction inlet across the opening may be greater than the depth of the suction inlet through the wall of the conduit. For example, the width of the suction inlet across the widest point of the opening may be greater than the depth of the suction inlet through the wall of the conduit. Where the suction inlet comprises a circular opening, the diameter of the suction inlet may be greater than the depth of the suction inlet through the wall of the conduit.

[0032] In some embodiments, the manifold may be formed from a single moulding. Suitably, the single moulding may be injection moulded.

[0033] In some embodiments, the manifold may be formed from two or more mouldings adjoining one another. Suitably, one or more of the mouldings may be injection moulded.

[0034] A second aspect of the invention provides a dispenser device comprising: a manifold according to the first aspect of the invention; and a medicament chamber in fluid connection with the first chamber outlet and the conduit inlet, wherein the medicament chamber comprises a supply of medicament powder.

[0035] In some embodiments, the distributor device may include a first device inlet and a second device inlet fluidly connected to the first chamber inlet and the extraction inlet, respectively.

[0036] In some embodiments, the distributor device may include a first device inlet and a second device inlet fluidly connected to the first chamber inlet and the second chamber second inlet, respectively.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first device inlet may be located on a first side of the device and the second device inlet may be located on a second side of the device substantially opposite the first side of the device.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first device inlet and the second device inlet may be located substantially on the same side of the device. For example, the first device inlet and the second device inlet may be arranged substantially side by side.

[0039] In some embodiments, the distributor device may include a device inlet that is fluidly connected to the first chamber and the extraction inlet.

[0040] In some embodiments, a wall of the first chamber of the manifold may abut the device inlet to separate external air entering the distributor device through the device inlet into the first airflow and the second airflow within the device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the supply of medicament powder may comprise a blister pack. Suitably, the supply of medicament powder may comprise an open blister pocket of a blister pack.

[0042] In some embodiments, the medicament powder supply may comprise a plurality of blister packs. Suitably, the medicament powder supply may comprise a plurality of open blister pockets of one or more blister packs.

[0043] In some embodiments, the medicament powder supply may comprise a capsule, such as, for example, a gelatin capsule. Suitably, the medicament powder supply may comprise a perforated capsule.

[0044] In some embodiments, the medicament powder supply may comprise a plurality of capsules. Suitably, the medicament powder supply may comprise a plurality of perforated capsules.

[0045] In some embodiments, the dispenser device may include a mouthpiece in fluid connection with the conduit outlet.

[0046] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations of the words (for example, "include" and "have") mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. In addition, unless the context requires otherwise, the singular encompasses the plural: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0047] Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in conjunction with any other aspect. Within the scope of the present application, it is expressly stated that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, claims and / or the following description and drawings and in particular in their individual features may be adopted independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or all features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination, unless such features are mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a manifold, wherein the manifold forms part of a medicament dispenser;

[0050] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a manifold;

[0051] Figure 1C Shows the inside of the dispenser device Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a manifold;

[0052] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a manifold according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A A side view of a manifold;

[0054] Figure 2C Shows Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a manifold;

[0055] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a manifold according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 3B Shows Figure 3A A side view of a manifold;

[0057] Figure 3C Shows the inside of the dispenser device Figure 3AA cross-sectional view of a manifold;

[0058] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of a manifold according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A A side view of a manifold;

[0060] Figure 4C Shows the inside of the dispenser device Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a manifold;

[0061] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a manifold according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A a side view of a manifold; and

[0063] Figure 5C Shows the inside of the dispenser device Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the manifold. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Embodiments of a medicament dispenser for dispensing a dry powder medicament will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Dispenser Device - First Embodiment

[0066] exist Figure 1C 1 shows a distributor device 10 of a first embodiment. The distributor device 10 has a body 150 having a first inlet grille 12 and a second inlet grille 18 and a mouthpiece 19. The distributor device 10 includes a manifold 100 located inside the body, which will be described in detail below. The first inlet grille 12 is fluidly connected to a first chamber inlet 102A forming part of the manifold 100. The second inlet grille 18 is fluidly connected to a second chamber inlet 108A forming part of the manifold 100. The mouthpiece 19 is fluidly connected to a conduit outlet 104B forming part of the manifold 100.

[0067] Manifold - First Embodiment

[0068] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B A first embodiment of a manifold 100 is shown in FIG, which forms part of the distributor device 10. The manifold 100 comprises a first chamber 102 including a first chamber inlet 102A and a first chamber outlet 102B.

[0069] The manifold 100 also has a conduit 104 having a conduit inlet 104A and a conduit outlet 104B. The conduit 104 has an elongated length between the conduit inlet 104A and the conduit outlet 104B. A pair of suction inlets 106 are arranged side by side in the wall of the conduit 104 outside the first chamber 102. In this example, the pair of suction inlets 106 are located midway (approximately halfway) along the length of the conduit 104 between the conduit inlet and the conduit outlet. Each of the suction inlets 106 defines an elongated opening in the wall of the conduit 104. In this embodiment, the width of the suction inlet across the opening is greater than the depth of the suction inlet through the wall of the conduit.

[0070] The manifold 100 also includes a second chamber 108 having a second chamber inlet 108A. The second chamber 108 is fluidly connected to the pair of suction and exhaust inlets 106. In the manifold 100, the first chamber 102 and the second chamber 108 are located on opposite sides of the conduit 104. The direction of each of the suction and exhaust inlets 106 leading to the conduit 104 is generally orthogonal to the direction of the first chamber inlet 102A leading to the first chamber 102 and the direction of the second chamber inlet 108A leading to the second chamber 108.

[0071] Reference Figure 1B , the first chamber 102 is arranged to direct a first airflow 110 from a first chamber inlet 102A to a first chamber outlet 102B, wherein the first airflow passes through a drug powder supply (not shown) located proximate to both the first chamber outlet 102B and the conduit inlet 104A. As the first airflow 110 passes through the drug supply, the first airflow entrains the drug powder. The first airflow 110 entrained with the drug powder then flows into the conduit inlet 104A and flows along the conduit 104 to the conduit outlet 104B, where the first airflow leaves the manifold 100.

[0072] The second chamber 108 is arranged to guide the second airflow 112 from the second chamber inlet 108A to the extraction inlet 106. The extraction inlet 106 is configured to guide the second airflow 112 into the conduit 104 to strongly impact the first airflow 110 entrained with the drug powder when the second airflow flows through the conduit 104. This advantageously increases the FP share of the drug powder entrained in the first airflow 110 when the first airflow 110 passes through the conduit 104.

[0073] It should be noted that the manifold 100 of the first embodiment has been described above for use with the distributor device 10. Other forms of manifolds, such as those described below, may also be used with the distributor device 10.

[0074] In use, the first chamber 102 is arranged so that air external to the device is drawn into the first chamber 102 of the manifold through the first inlet grille 12 on the body of the dispenser device and the first chamber inlet 102A on the manifold. The air enters and passes through the device in a path such as Figure 1B 104B, the first airflow entering the device is shown by arrow 110. The first airflow 110 passes through the drug powder supply located adjacent to both the first chamber outlet 102B and the conduit inlet 104A, and then flows into the conduit inlet, which also has a drug powder supply. When the airflow passes through the outlet 102B and the inlet 104A, the airflow will entrain the drug powder. The airflow 110 entrained with the drug powder then follows the conduit 104 to the conduit outlet 104B, where the airflow leaves the manifold 100 and leaves the device 10 substantially simultaneously through the mouthpiece 19.

[0075] While outside air is drawn into the device through the first inlet grille 12, outside air is also drawn into the body 150 through the second inlet grille 18 on the body 150. The air is drawn into the body 150 and then drawn into the second chamber 108 of the manifold 100 through the second chamber inlet 108A on the manifold 100. The path of this air is determined by Figure 1B 104. As indicated above, the air entering the second chamber 108 and traveling along the path indicated by the arrow 112 passes through the manifold 100 to the extraction inlet 106 on the conduit 104. The extraction inlet 106 is positioned and configured to direct the second airflow 112 into the conduit 104 so that the airflow violently impacts the first airflow 110 (i.e., the air entrained with the drug powder that enters the conduit 104 via the conduit inlet 104A) as it flows through the conduit 104. This violent impact and mixing advantageously increases the FP fraction of the drug powder entrained in the first airflow 110 as it passes through the conduit 104.

[0076] like Figure 1BAs best shown, it can be seen that the first inlet grille 12 and the first chamber inlet 102A are located on one side or first side of the body 150, and the separate second inlet grille 18 and the second chamber inlet 108A are located on a second side of the body 150 that is spaced apart or separated from the first side. In this embodiment, the second inlet grille 18 and the second chamber inlet 108A are substantially located on the side of the body 150 that is opposite (i.e., spaced apart by substantially 180 degrees or a semicircle or half a turn) from the first inlet grille 12 and the first chamber inlet 102A. However, it should be noted that the body can be arranged so that the first side and the second side are spaced apart by, for example, a quarter turn or the like (orthogonal to each other). When separate first and second sides are used in this specification, this should be understood to mean that the two sides are not aligned and are spaced apart around the perimeter of the body 150. However, this should not necessarily be understood to mean that they are spaced apart to be substantially on directly opposite sides.

[0077] It should also be noted that the word "grid" used in this specification is intended to cover a single simple opening, or one or more openings comprising a framework of parallel or crossed rods, or a series of smaller openings grouped together to create a similar effect to a single larger opening.

[0078] Manifold - Second Embodiment

[0079] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B A second embodiment of a manifold 200 is shown in FIG. The manifold 200 includes a first chamber 202 including a first chamber inlet 202A and a first chamber outlet 202B.

[0080] The manifold 200 also has a conduit 204 having a conduit inlet 204A and a conduit outlet 204B. The conduit 204 has an elongated length between the conduit inlet 204A and the conduit outlet 204B. A pair of suction inlets 206 are arranged side by side in the wall of the conduit 204 outside the first chamber 202. In this example, the pair of suction inlets 206 are located midway (approximately halfway) along the length of the conduit 204 between the conduit inlet and the conduit outlet. Each of the suction inlets 206 defines an elongated opening in the wall of the conduit 204. In this embodiment, the width of the suction inlet across the opening is greater than the depth of the suction inlet through the wall of the conduit.

[0081] The manifold 200 also includes a second chamber 208 having a second chamber inlet 208A. The second chamber 208 is fluidly connected to the pair of exhaust inlets 206. In the manifold 200, the first chamber 202 and the second chamber 208 are located on opposite sides of the conduit 204. The direction of each of the exhaust inlets 206 leading to the conduit 204 is generally consistent with the direction of the first chamber inlet 202A leading to the first chamber 202 and the direction of the second chamber inlet 208A leading to the second chamber 208. It can be seen that the exhaust inlet 206 is located on a first side of the conduit 204, and the first chamber 202 is located at a second side of the conduit 204 opposite to the first side. In addition, the direction of the exhaust inlet 206 leading to the conduit 204 is consistent with the direction of the first chamber inlet 202A leading to the first chamber 202, as shown in FIG. Figure 2C shown.

[0082] In use, the first chamber 202 is arranged to direct a first airflow (not shown) from the first chamber inlet 202A to the first chamber outlet 202B, wherein the first airflow passes through a medicament powder supply (not shown) located proximate to both the first chamber outlet 202B and the conduit inlet 204A. As the first airflow passes through the medicament supply, the first airflow entrains the medicament powder. The first airflow entrained with the medicament powder then flows into the conduit inlet 204A and flows along the conduit 204 to the conduit outlet 204B, where the first airflow leaves the manifold 200.

[0083] The second chamber 208 is arranged to guide the second airflow (not shown) from the second chamber inlet 208A to the extraction inlet 206. The extraction inlet 206 is configured to guide the second airflow into the conduit 204 to strongly impact the first airflow entrained with the drug powder when the second airflow flows through the conduit 204. This advantageously increases the FP share of the drug powder entrained in the first airflow when the first airflow passes through the conduit 204.

[0084] It can be seen that the first chamber 202 and the second chamber 208 are located on opposite sides of the conduit 204, and the openings that receive air are substantially consistent with each other and open opposite to each other.

[0085] Dispenser device - second embodiment

[0086] exist Figure 3C A second embodiment of a distributor device 30 is shown in FIG. The distributor device 30 comprises a manifold 300 which will be described in detail below.

[0087] Figure 3CA cross-sectional view of the manifold 300 inside the distributor device 30 is provided. The body 350 of the distributor device 30 has an inlet grille 32 and a mouthpiece 39. The inlet grille 32 is fluidly connected to both the first chamber inlet 302A and the second chamber inlet 308A of the manifold 300. The dividing wall 320 of the manifold abuts the inlet grille 32. The mouthpiece 39 is fluidly connected to the conduit outlet 304B.

[0088] Manifold - Third Embodiment

[0089] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B A third embodiment of a manifold is shown in FIG. The manifold 300 includes a first chamber 302 including a first chamber inlet 302A and a first chamber outlet 302B.

[0090] The manifold 300 also has a conduit 304 having a conduit inlet 304A and a conduit outlet 304B. The conduit 304 has an elongated length between the conduit inlet 304A and the conduit outlet 304B. A pair of suction inlets 306 are arranged side by side in the wall of the conduit 304 outside the first chamber 302. In this example, the pair of suction inlets 306 are located midway (approximately halfway) along the length of the conduit 304 between the conduit inlet and the conduit outlet. Each of the suction inlets 306 defines an elongated opening in the wall of the conduit 304. In this embodiment, the width of the suction inlet across the opening is greater than the depth of the suction inlet through the wall of the conduit.

[0091] The manifold 300 also includes a second chamber 308 having a second chamber inlet 308A. The second chamber 308 is fluidly connected to the pair of exhaust inlets 306. In the manifold 300, the first chamber 302 and the second chamber 308 are located side by side (i.e., adjacent to each other) on the same side of the conduit 304. The first chamber 302 and the second chamber 308 are separated from each other by a partition wall 320. The direction of each of the exhaust inlets 306 leading to the conduit 304 is generally orthogonal to the direction of the first chamber inlet 302A leading to the first chamber 302 and the direction of the second chamber inlet 308A leading to the second chamber 308.

[0092] In use, the first chamber 302 is arranged to direct a first airflow (not shown) from the first chamber inlet 302A to the first chamber outlet 302B, wherein the first airflow passes through a medicament powder supply (not shown) located proximate to both the first chamber outlet 302B and the conduit inlet 304A. As the first airflow passes through the medicament supply, the first airflow entrains the medicament powder. The first airflow entrained with the medicament powder then flows into the conduit inlet 304A and flows along the conduit 304 to the conduit outlet 304B, where the first airflow leaves the manifold 300.

[0093] The second chamber 308 is arranged to guide the second airflow (not shown) from the second chamber inlet 308A to the extraction inlet 306. The extraction inlet 306 is configured to guide the second airflow into the conduit 304 to strongly impact the first airflow entrained with the drug powder when the second airflow flows through the conduit 304. This advantageously increases the FP share of the drug powder entrained in the first airflow when the first airflow passes through the conduit 304.

[0094] In use, the first chamber 302 of the manifold is arranged to draw air external to the device 30 through the inlet grille 32 and the first chamber inlet 302A into the first chamber 302. The second chamber 308 is arranged to draw air external to the device 30 through the inlet grille 32 and the second chamber inlet 308A into the second chamber 308. The dividing wall 320 is used to separate the air drawn through the inlet grille 32 into separate first and second air streams (not shown) in the first and second chambers 302, 308, respectively. The first air stream entrained with medicament powder leaves the device 30 through the mouthpiece 39.

[0095] Dispenser device - third embodiment

[0096] exist Figure 4C A third embodiment of the distributor device 30 is shown in FIG. The body 450 of the distributor device 30 comprises a manifold 400 which will be described in detail below.

[0097] Figure 4C A cross-sectional view of a manifold 400 is provided inside a distributor device 40. The distributor device 40 has a first inlet grid 42 and a second inlet grid 48 and a mouthpiece 49. The first inlet grid 42 is fluidly connected to a first chamber inlet 402A on the manifold 400. The second inlet grid 48 is fluidly connected to a second chamber inlet 408A on the manifold 400. The mouthpiece 49 is fluidly connected to a conduit outlet 404B.

[0098] Manifold - Fourth Embodiment

[0099] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B The manifold 400 is shown in detail in FIG. The manifold 400 includes a first chamber 402 including a first chamber inlet 402A and a first chamber outlet 402B.

[0100] The manifold 400 also has a conduit 404 having a conduit inlet 404A and a conduit outlet 404B. The conduit 404 has an elongated length between the conduit inlet 404A and the conduit outlet 404B. A pair of suction inlets 406 are arranged side by side in the wall of the conduit 404 outside the first chamber 402. In this example, the pair of suction inlets 406 are located midway (approximately halfway) along the length of the conduit 404 between the conduit inlet and the conduit outlet. Each of the suction inlets 406 defines an elongated opening in the wall of the conduit 404. In this embodiment, the width of the suction inlet across the opening is greater than the depth of the suction inlet through the wall of the conduit.

[0101] The manifold 400 also includes a second chamber 408 having a second chamber inlet 408A. The second chamber 408 is fluidly connected to the pair of suction and exhaust inlets 406. In the manifold 400, the first chamber 402 and the second chamber 408 are located on opposite sides of the conduit 404. The direction of each of the suction and exhaust inlets 406 leading to the conduit 404 is orthogonal to the direction of the first chamber inlet 402A leading to the first chamber 402 and the direction of the second chamber inlet 408A leading to the second chamber 408.

[0102] In use, the first chamber 402 is arranged to direct a first airflow (not shown) from the first chamber inlet 402A to the first chamber outlet 402B, wherein the first airflow passes through a medicament powder supply (not shown) located proximate to both the first chamber outlet 402B and the conduit inlet 404A. As the first airflow passes through the medicament supply, the first airflow entrains the medicament powder. The first airflow entrained with the medicament powder then flows into the conduit inlet 404A and flows along the conduit 404 to the conduit outlet 404B, where the first airflow leaves the manifold 400.

[0103] The second chamber 408 is arranged to guide a second airflow (not shown) from the second chamber inlet 408A to the extraction inlet 406. The extraction inlet 406 is configured to guide the second airflow into the conduit 404 to strongly impact the first airflow entrained with the drug powder when the second airflow flows through the conduit 404. This advantageously increases the FP share of the drug powder entrained in the first airflow when the first airflow passes through the conduit 404.

[0104] In use, the first chamber 402 is arranged to draw air external to the device 40 through the first inlet grille 42 and the first chamber inlet 402A into the first chamber 402. The second chamber 408 is arranged to draw air external to the device 40 through the second inlet grille 48 and the second chamber inlet 408A into the second chamber 408. The first airflow entrained with the medicament powder exits the device 40 through the mouthpiece 49.

[0105] like Figure 4CAs best shown, it can be seen that the first inlet grille 42 and the first chamber inlet 402A are located on one side or first side of the body 450, and the separate second inlet grille 48 and the second chamber inlet 408A are located on a second side of the body 450 that is separated or disconnected from the first side. In this embodiment, the second inlet grille 48 and the second chamber inlet 408A are substantially located on the side of the body 450 that is opposite (i.e., separated by substantially 180 degrees or a semicircle or half a circle) from the first inlet grille 42 and the first chamber inlet 402A. However, it should be noted that the body can be arranged so that the first side and the second side are separated by, for example, a quarter circle or similar distance (orthogonal to each other). When separate first and second sides are used in this specification, this should be understood to mean that the two sides are not aligned and are separated around the perimeter of the body. However, this should not necessarily be understood to mean that they are separated to be substantially on directly opposite sides.

[0106] It should also be noted that the word "grid" used in this specification is intended to cover a single simple opening, or one or more openings comprising a framework of parallel or crossed rods, or a series of smaller openings grouped together to create a similar effect to a single larger opening.

[0107] Dispenser Device - Fourth Embodiment

[0108] exist Figure 5C A distributor device 50 of a fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. The distributor device 50 comprises a manifold 500. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The manifold is shown separately in FIG.

[0109] The body 550 of the distributor device 50 has an inlet grille 52 and a mouthpiece 59. The inlet grille 52 is fluidly connected to both the first chamber inlet 502A and the second chamber inlet 508A on the manifold 500. The dividing wall 520 adjoins the inlet grille 52. The mouthpiece 59 is fluidly connected to the conduit outlet 504B.

[0110] Manifold - Fifth Embodiment

[0111] The manifold 500 includes a first chamber 502 including a first chamber inlet 502A and a first chamber outlet 502B.

[0112] The manifold 500 also has a conduit 504 having a conduit inlet 504A and a conduit outlet 504B. The conduit 504 has an elongated length between the conduit inlet 504A and the conduit outlet 504B. A pair of suction inlets 506 are arranged side by side in the wall of the conduit 504 outside the first chamber 502. In this example, the pair of suction inlets 506 are located midway (approximately halfway) along the length of the conduit 504 between the conduit inlet and the conduit outlet. Each of the suction inlets 506 defines an elongated opening in the wall of the conduit 504. In this embodiment, the width of the suction inlet across the opening is greater than the depth of the suction inlet through the wall of the conduit.

[0113] The manifold 500 also includes a second chamber 508 having a second chamber inlet 508A. The second chamber 508 is fluidly connected to the pair of exhaust inlets 506. In the manifold 500, the first chamber 502 and the second chamber 508 are located side by side (i.e., adjacent to each other) on the same side of the conduit 504. The first chamber 502 and the second chamber 508 are separated from each other by a partition wall 520. The direction of each of the exhaust inlets 506 leading to the conduit 504 is generally consistent with the direction of the first chamber inlet 508A leading to the first chamber 502 and the direction of the second chamber inlet 508A leading to the second chamber 508.

[0114] In use, the first chamber 502 is arranged to direct a first airflow (not shown) from the first chamber inlet 502A to the first chamber outlet 502B, wherein the first airflow passes through a medicament powder supply (not shown) located proximate to both the first chamber outlet 502B and the conduit inlet 504A. As the first airflow passes through the medicament supply, the first airflow entrains the medicament powder. The first airflow entrained with the medicament powder then flows into the conduit inlet 504A and flows along the conduit 504 to the conduit outlet 504B, where the first airflow leaves the manifold 500.

[0115] The second chamber 508 is arranged to guide a second airflow (not shown) from the second chamber inlet 508A to the extraction inlet 506. The extraction inlet 506 is configured to guide the second airflow into the conduit 504 to strongly impact the first airflow entrained with the drug powder when the second airflow flows through the conduit 504. This advantageously increases the FP share of the drug powder entrained in the first airflow when the first airflow passes through the conduit 504.

[0116] In use, the first chamber 502 is arranged to draw air external to the device 50 into the first chamber 502 through the inlet grille 52 and the first chamber inlet 502A. The second chamber 508 is arranged to draw air external to the device 50 into the second chamber 508 through the inlet grille 52 and the second chamber inlet 508A. The partition wall 520 is used to separate the air drawn through the inlet grille 52 into separate first and second air streams (not shown) in the first chamber 502 and the second chamber 508, respectively. The first air stream entrained with the medicament powder leaves the device 50 through the mouthpiece 59.

[0117] For all of the embodiments listed above, it can be seen that the first chamber outlet (102B, 202B, 302B, 402B, 502B) and the conduit inlet (104A, 204A, 304A, 404A, 504A) comprise an aperture with a baffle (numbered 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, respectively, for each embodiment) spanning the aperture forming the inlet and outlet. The baffle is formed integrally with the material through which the aperture passes. The baffle is formed as a narrow strip or extension that substantially quarters the substantially oval shape of the aperture.

[0118] It should be noted that the different embodiments of manifolds described above may be used with the different embodiments of distributor devices described above, where appropriate.

Claims

1. A dispenser device for dispensing dry powder medicine, comprising: main body; a manifold located within the body, the manifold comprising: a first chamber having a first chamber inlet and a first chamber outlet, the first chamber being arranged to direct a first airflow from the first chamber inlet to the first chamber outlet in use; a conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet, the first chamber outlet and the conduit inlet being arranged such that, with a medicament powder supply positioned proximate to the first chamber outlet and the conduit inlet, the first airflow is directed from the first chamber outlet to the conduit inlet via the medicament powder supply to entrain medicament powder and provide an airflow entrained with medicament powder through the conduit from the conduit inlet to the conduit outlet; and at least one evacuation inlet located in a wall of the conduit outside the first chamber, the evacuation inlet being arranged to direct a second airflow into the conduit to violently impact the airflow entrained with medicament powder passing through the conduit; The body has separate first and second inlets configured to allow free flow of air from an exterior of the body to an interior of the body, the first body inlet being in fluid communication with the first chamber inlet and the second body inlet being in fluid communication with at least one of the extraction inlets.

2. The dispenser device according to claim 1, wherein The first body inlet is located on a first side of the device and the second body inlet is located on a second side of the device.

3. A dispenser device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first body inlet and the second body inlet are located on substantially opposite sides of the device.

4. A dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The manifold includes a second chamber in fluid communication with the second body inlet and arranged to direct a second gas flow from the second body inlet to the extraction inlet.

5. A dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The one or more extraction inlets are located on a first side of the conduit, and the first chamber is located at a second side of the conduit that is substantially orthogonal to the first side.

6. The dispenser device according to claim 5, wherein The direction of the extraction inlet leading to the conduit is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the first chamber inlet leading to the first chamber.

7. A dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The one or more extraction inlets are located on a first side of the conduit, and the first chamber is located at a second side of the conduit substantially opposite the first side.

8. The dispenser device according to claim 7, wherein The direction of one or more of the extraction inlets leading to the conduit is substantially consistent with or parallel to the direction of the first chamber inlet leading to the first chamber.

9. A dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: At least one of the suction inlets comprises a pair of suction inlets, the pair of suction inlets are substantially located on the same side of the conduit, and the pair of suction inlets are substantially arranged side by side.

10. A dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The first chamber outlet and / or the conduit inlet comprises a baffle comprising a grid and / or a cross-shaped piece spanning the outlet / inlet.

11. A dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The conduit includes an elongated length between the conduit inlet and the conduit outlet.

12. The dispenser device according to claim 11, wherein One or more of the extraction inlets are located midway along the length of the conduit.

13. A dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein Each of the one or more extraction inlets comprises an elongate or oval opening in the wall of the conduit.

14. The dispenser device according to claim 13, wherein Each of the one or more suction inlets has a width across its widest point that is greater than the depth of the suction inlet through the wall of the conduit.

15. A dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The medicament powder supply comprises an open blister pocket of a blister pack.

16. A dispenser device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a mouthpiece in fluid connection with the conduit outlet.

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