An inhaler

Abstract

An inhaler, including: a main body; a chamber for receipt of a medicament; a delivery pathway into which medicament may be delivered to a user; a delivery pathway opening fluidly connected to the delivery pathway through which the user may inhale the medicament; a nozzle for dispensing the medicament into the delivery pathway, said nozzle including a nozzle opening through which the medicament is dispensed; a first medicament dispensing pathway fluidly connectable to the chamber for receiving the medicament therein; a second medicament dispensing pathway fluidly connectable to the nozzle opening; and a valve fluidly positioned between the first and second medicament dispensing pathways; wherein the valve includes: a valve housing; a valve body movable within the valve housing; a (first) opening positioned on an exterior surface of the valve body and fluidly connectable to the first medicament dispensing pathway; and a seal attached to the valve body for sealing the valve body against the valve housing; wherein the seal extends circumferentially around the valve body.

Description

[0001] AN INHALER

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to inhalers. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to inhalers which may be reusable after the supply of medicament is exhausted.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Inhalers for delivering a dose of medicament to a user to alleviate symptoms of a condition are known, e.g., for asthma. However, users can often find it difficult to use inhalers effectively. In particular, when using an inhaler it can often be difficult for a user to ensure that medicament is effectively administered.

[0006] Inhalers are also commonly designed such that they administer a predefined dosage of a medicament. During treatment of a disease it may become necessary to alter the dosage that a patient receives. For example, during an exacerbation of a condition I disease a user may need to administer more medicament than is normally required, e.g., if the condition / disease is under control. With currently available inhalers a user in an exacerbated state may not receive sufficient medicament to effectively control the exacerbation due to the limitations of the predefined dosage and I or due to user error, e.g., error counting the number of predefined dosages. Further, when the condition I disease is under control a user may require a “maintenance” dosage a user may require less medication than can be dispensed via the predefined dosage. Therefore, an issue that may occur is that a user may administer more or less medicament than they require for their condition based on the predefined dosage that can be administered.

[0007] The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the above problems.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention we provide an inhaler, including: a main body; a chamber for receipt of a medicament; a delivery pathway into which medicament may be delivered to a user; a delivery pathway opening fluidly connected to the delivery pathway through which the user may inhale the medicament; a nozzle for dispensing the medicament into the delivery pathway, said nozzle including a nozzle opening through which the medicament is dispensed; a first medicament dispensing pathway fluidly connectable to the chamber for receiving the medicament therein; a second medicament dispensing pathway fluidly connectable to the nozzle opening; and a valve fluidly positioned between the first and second medicament dispensing pathways; wherein the valve includes: a valve housing; a valve body movable within the valve housing; a (first) opening positioned on an exterior surface of the valve body and fluidly connectable to the first medicament dispensing pathway; and a seal attached to the valve body for sealing the valve body against the valve housing; wherein the seal extends circumferentially around the valve body.

[0010] The valve body may include a first end and a second end; and wherein the seal may include a first seal portion which extends between the first and second ends.

[0011] The first seal portion may extend in a generally orthogonal direction across the valve body between the first and second ends.

[0012] The first seal portion may extend generally linearly across the valve body between the first and second ends.

[0013] The first seal portion may extend helically around the valve body between the first and second ends.

[0014] The first seal portion may be generally elongate

[0015] The first seal portion may have a generally square or rectangular cross-section.

[0016] The valve body may include a first recess in which the first seal portion is received.

[0017] The first seal portion may be over-moulded into the first recess.

[0018] The inhaler may include a plurality of first seal portions.

[0019] The inhaler may include four first seal portions.

[0020] The seal may include a second seal portion which extends circumferentially around the first end. The first seal portion may abut / may be attached / may be connected to / may be integrally formed with the second seal portion.

[0021] The second seal portion may have a generally square or rectangular cross-section.

[0022] The valve body may include a second recess in which the second seal portion is received.

[0023] The second seal portion may be over-moulded into the second recess.

[0024] The seal may include a further second seal portion which extends circumferentially around the second end.

[0025] The further second seal portion may include one or more or all the features of the second seal portion as set forth in the previous statements.

[0026] The valve body may include a further second recess including one or more or all the features of the second recess as set forth in the previous statements.

[0027] The seal may be resiliency deformable.

[0028] The valve body may be generally cylindrical.

[0029] The valve may include a further seal positioned on the valve housing.

[0030] The further seal may extend across the valve body.

[0031] The further seal may include a first further seal portion and a second further seal portion; wherein the first further seal portion seals against the first seal portion; and wherein the second further seal portion seals against the first seal portion.

[0032] The valve may include an actuation member for moving the valve body.

[0033] The actuation member may be operably connected to a drive member, e.g., a motor, for driving the actuation member.

[0034] The inhaler may further include: a holding chamber for holding a volume of medicament to be dispensed; a second opening positioned on the exterior surface of the valve body and fluidly connectable to the holding chamber; and a third medicament dispensing pathway which fluidly connects the first and second openings; optionally wherein the third medicament dispensing pathway is generally curvilinear or arcuate.

[0035] The holding chamber may be configured to adopt a first condition which defines a first volume for receipt of medicament and a second condition which defines a second volume for receipt of medicament; wherein the second volume is larger than the first volume.

[0036] The first seal portion may be positioned between the first and second openings on the exterior surface of the valve body.

[0037] The first seal portion may be positioned substantially midway between the first and second openings on the exterior surface of the valve body.

[0038] The inhaler may include: a third opening positioned on the exterior surface of the valve body and fluidly connectable to the holding chamber; a fourth opening positioned on the exterior surface of the valve body and fluidly connectable to the second medicament dispensing pathway; and a fourth medicament dispensing pathway which fluidly connects the third and fourth openings; optionally wherein the fourth medicament dispensing pathway is generally curvilinear or arcuate.

[0039] The first seal portion, or one of the first seal portions, may be positioned between the third and fourth openings on the exterior surface of the valve body.

[0040] The first seal portion, or one of the first seal portions, may be positioned substantially midway between the third and fourth openings on the exterior surface of the valve body.

[0041] One of the first seal portions may be positioned between the second and third openings on the exterior surface of the valve body.

[0042] One of the first seal portions may be positioned substantially midway between the second and third openings on the exterior surface of the valve body. One of the first seal portions may be positioned between the first and fourth openings on the exterior surface of the valve body.

[0043] One of the first seal portions may be positioned substantially midway between the first and fourth openings on the exterior surface of the valve body.

[0044] The valve body may be movable between a first position and a second position.

[0045] The valve body may be rotatably movable between the first position and the second position.

[0046] In the first position the first opening may be fluidly connected to the first medicament dispensing pathway and the second opening may be fluidly connected to the holding chamber.

[0047] In the second position the third opening may be fluidly connected to the holding chamber and the fourth opening may be fluidly connected to the second medicament dispensing pathway.

[0048] According to a second aspect of the invention we provide an inhaler, including: a main body; a chamber for receipt of a canister containing medicament; a canister for providing medicament, receivable in the chamber; a delivery pathway into which medicament may be delivered to a user; a delivery pathway opening fluidly connected to the delivery pathway through which the user may inhale the medicament; a nozzle for dispensing the medicament into the delivery pathway, said nozzle including a nozzle opening through which the medicament is dispensed; a (first) medicament dispensing pathway fluidly connectable to the canister for receiving the medicament therein; a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned adjacent or close to the chamber; a stator mounted on the PCB; and a controller for controlling the stator; wherein the canister includes an agitator for agitating the medicament, said agitator including a magnetically susceptible material; and wherein the controller is configured to operate the stator to cause the agitator to agitate the medicament in the canister.

[0049] The stator may include two or more stator portions mounted on the PCB.

[0050] The controller may be configured to permit power to be supplied to the two or more stator portions sequentially for causing the agitator to agitator the medicament in the canister. The number of stator portions may be an even number.

[0051] There may be six stator portions.

[0052] The stator portions may be positioned generally concentrically.

[0053] The stator portions may be mounted in a ring I hexagon on the PCB.

[0054] The stator portions may be positioned generally below, or directly below, the agitator.

[0055] One or more or all the stator portions may be generally circular I disc shaped I ring shaped.

[0056] One or more or all the stator portions may be formed as a coil on the PCB.

[0057] The coil may be a coil of wire, e.g., copper or nickel wire or an alloy thereof.

[0058] The controller may supply power to the coils sequentially.

[0059] The agitator may be rotatably mounted within the canister.

[0060] The agitator may include a shaft about which the agitator rotates.

[0061] The canister may include first and second recesses.

[0062] The shaft may be rotatably mounted in the first and second recesses.

[0063] The shaft may be positioned radially away from a centre of the canister.

[0064] The agitator may include a plurality of agitator portions for agitating the medicament in the canister.

[0065] The agitator portions may extend generally away from the shaft.

[0066] The agitator portions may extend in generally away from the shaft in a direction generally orthogonal to the shaft.

[0067] The agitator portions may be generally square or rectangular.

[0068] The agitator portions may include one or more fillets at a first end thereof, distal from the shaft. There may be four agitator portions.

[0069] The four agitator portions may be positioned generally orthogonal to each other in plan view.

[0070] The canister may have a top and a bottom positioned generally opposite each other.

[0071] The bottom may be positioned closer to the delivery pathway than the top.

[0072] The agitator portions may be positioned adjacent, near or close to the bottom.

[0073] The agitator portions may be substantially the same.

[0074] The agitator portions may be paddles or blades of a propellor.

[0075] One or more or all the agitator portions may include one or more magnets, or one or more magnetically susceptible members, which interact with the magnetic field produced by the stator to cause the agitator to move.

[0076] The magnets may be over-moulded into the agitator portions.

[0077] The one or more magnets may be generally circular and I or disc shaped.

[0078] The one or more magnets may be positioned generally centrally with respect to their respective agitator portions.

[0079] The one or more magnets may be positioned adjacent or near to a bottom of the canister.

[0080] The inhaler according to the second aspect of the invention may include one or more or all the features of the inhaler according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0081] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0082] In orderthatthe present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0083] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an inhaler, embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the inhaler of figure 1 along a generally vertical plane;

[0084] FIGURE 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the inhaler of figure 1 along a generally vertical plane;

[0085] FIGURE 4 is a top view of the valve mechanism of the inhaler of figure 1 ;

[0086] FIGURE 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism of figure 4 in a first position and the holding chamber in an empty condition;

[0087] FIGURE 5(b) is a further cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism of figure 4 in a first position and the holding chamber in a first or second condition;

[0088] FIGURE 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism of figure 4 in a second position and the holding chamber in a first or second condition;

[0089] FIGURE 6(b) is a further cross-sectional view of the valve mechanism of figure 4 in a second position and the holding chamber in an empty condition;

[0090] FIGURE 7(a) is a perspective view of the valve body of the valve mechanism of figure 4;

[0091] FIGURE 7(b) is a further perspective view of the valve body of the valve mechanism of figure 4;

[0092] FIGURE 7(c) is a cross-sectional view of the valve body of figure 7(a);

[0093] FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of an alternate valve body in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0094] FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the chamber and valve mechanism of the inhaler of figure 1 ;

[0095] FIGURE 10 is a cutaway perspective view of the chamber and valve mechanism of figure 9;

[0096] FIGURE 1 1 is a perspective view of the PCB and valve mechanism of figure 9 with the chamber removed;

[0097] FIGURE 12(a) is a perspective view of the agitator of the chamber; and

[0098] FIGURE 12(b) is a side view of the agitator of figure 12(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0099] Referring to the figures, there is shown an inhaler 10. The inhaler 10 includes a main body 12. The main body 12 may include a front 120, a rear 122, first and second respective sides, 124, 126 and a top and a bottom 128, 130. The rear 122 and the top 128 may be connected by a generally curved surface 132 which extends therebetween. The rear 122 and the bottom 130 may be connected by a further generally curved surface 134 which extends therebetween. These may be advantageous in improving the ergonomics of the inhaler 10 and its ease of manufacture.

[0100] The inhaler includes a chamber 14 for receipt of a medicament (see figure 2). The chamber may be defined at least partially by the main body 12. The chamber 14 may be configured to receive a canister 16 containing medicament. The canister 16 may be receivable in the chamber 14. The canister 16 may be replaceable, e.g., if the medicament has been used or if a different medicament or product is required. The chamber may include a device (not shown) to eject the canister 16 once it is empty or no longer required. A new canister may then be inserted into the chamber 14. In embodiments the chamber 14 may be configured to be directly filled with a medicament, e.g., without a canister.

[0101] The inhaler 10 may include electronics to assist a user in effectively administering a dose of medicament. The inhaler 10 may therefore be switched off and on as required. A button 30 on the inhaler may be pressed for a predetermined period of time, e.g., 3 seconds, to switch on the inhaler and I or switch off the inhaler 10. The inhaler 10 may include a screen 60 to display information about the inhaler 10 to a user. For example, the screen 60 may show how many doses are remaining in a canister, the number of doses administered, time since last use, the percentage of battery charge remaining, time until the inhaler needs to be cleaned, etc. The screen 60 may be positioned on the front 120 of the main body 12. The screen 60 may be generally rectangular. The button 30 may be an icon presented on the screen 60. In embodiments, the button 30 may be positioned below the screen 60. The button 30 may be positioned on the front 120 of the main body 12. The inhaler 10 may include a battery 70 which may be rechargeable. The battery 70 may be positioned rearwardly of the screen 60. In embodiments, the battery 70 may be positioned adjacent the bottom 130 of the main body 12.

[0102] The inhaler 10 may include first, second and third respective modes. In a first mode, the inhaler 10 may be in a “dispensing” mode to dispense medicament to a user. In a second mode, the inhaler 10 may be in a “spirometry” mode to permit a user to measure the volume and I or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled or exhaled by the user. The inhaler 10 may include a spirometry sensor 1000 to permit spirometry readings to be taken in the “spirometry” mode. In a third mode, the inhaler 10 may be in a “sensing” mode to permit a user to measure properties of air exhaled by the user. The inhaler 10 may include a sensor module 11 provided on the bottom 130 of the main body 12 for use with the third mode. In embodiments, the sensor module 11 may be releasably connectable to the main body 12. In embodiments, the sensor module 11 may be integrally formed with the main body 12. The sensor module 11 may be fluidly connectable to the main body 12 to permit exhaled air to pass over sensors and I or components within the sensor module 11 . The sensor module 11 may be configured to sense and / or analyse one or more biomarkers in exhalation of the user. The sensor module 11 may be configured to detect and I or analyse Nitric Oxide in the exhaled breath of a user. Such an arrangement may be referred to as a “FeNo” test. Nitric Oxide may be indicative of inflammation in the lungs, and therefore indicative of the severity of respiratory inflammation. The sensor module 11 may be similar to the sensor module disclosed in WO2022 / 229664 and WO2022 / 229665, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0103] In embodiments, the chamber 14 may be covered by a chamber cover / lid 18. In embodiments, the chamber may not be covered by a chamber cover I lid 18. The lid 18 may be movably connected to the main body 12 to permit the lid 18 to move between open and closed conditions. The lid 18 may be biased to adopt the open condition. The lid 18 may be pivotally connected to the main body 12. In embodiments, the lid 18 may be slidably or rotatably connected to the main body 12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The lid may be provided with a latch (not shown) which latches to a portion of the main body 12 to hold the lid 18 in a closed condition. The latch may be user operable so a user may replace a canister when desired. For example, the button 30 or a further button (not shown) may operate the latch to cause the lid 18 to adopt the open condition. The inhaler 10 may include a controller 20 which may control the lid 18. In particular, the controller 20 may control the latch to cause the lid 18 to adopt the open condition if a predetermined criterion is met, e.g., the canister is empty, a predetermined number of doses or volume of medicament has been administered from the canister, a predetermined time period has elapsed. The lid 18 may be substantially circular in plan view. In embodiments, the lid 18 may be square or rectangular or any other polygonal shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0104] The inhaler 10 may include a mouthpiece 40 which in use may be received in a user’s mouth. The mouthpiece 40 may be positioned at a bottom of the main body 12, e.g., opposite the lid 18. In embodiments, the mouthpiece 40 may be positioned at a top or generally centrally of the main body 12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The mouthpiece 40 may extend generally away from the main body 12. The mouthpiece 30 may extend generally away from the front 120 of the main body 12. The mouthpiece 40 may extend generally linearly away from the main body 12, or the front 120 of the main body 12. The mouthpiece 40 may extend away from the main body 12 at an angle generally inclined to the main body 12, e.g., the front 120 of the main body 12. In embodiments, the mouthpiece may extend generally orthogonally away from the main body 12, or the front 120 of the main body 12.

[0105] The mouthpiece may be generally oval, elliptical or stadium shaped in cross-section. This has been found to be advantageous for a user to effectively seal their mouth against the mouthpiece 40 and therefore effectively administer a dispensed dose of medicament to the user. In embodiments, the mouthpiece may be triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, circular or another polygonal shape in cross-section without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0106] The inhaler may include a pathway opening cover, or mouthpiece cover 400. The mouthpiece cover 400 may extend over at least a portion, and preferably all, the mouthpiece 40 to cover the mouthpiece 40. The mouthpiece cover 400 may be a complementary shape to the mouthpiece 40 to cover the mouthpiece 40. The mouthpiece cover 400 may taper as it extends away from the main body 12 over the mouthpiece 40. The mouthpiece cover 400 may be pivotably attached to the main body 12 at a pivot point 402. The pivot point 402 may be positioned adjacent the top 128 of the main body 12. In embodiments, the mouthpiece cover 400 may be movably attached in other or additional ways to the main body 12, e.g., slidably attached, rotatably attached. In embodiments the mouthpiece cover 400 may be removable from the main body 12. The mouthpiece cover 400 may be movable between an open condition in which a user may use the mouthpiece 40 and a closed condition in which a user is prevented from using the mouthpiece 40. The mouthpiece cover 400 may be used instead of the button 30 to switch on the inhaler 10.

[0107] The inhaler 10 includes a delivery pathway 50 into which medicament may be dispensed (shown in figure 2). The delivery pathway 50 may extend along the main body 12 adjacent the bottom 130 of the inhaler 10. In embodiments, this may not be the case. The delivery pathway 50 may be positioned below the chamber 14 and I or above the battery 70. The delivery pathway 50 may extend generally linearly within the main body 12. In embodiments this may not be the case. The delivery pathway 50 includes a (first) delivery pathway opening 502, or pathway opening, fluidly connected to the delivery pathway 50 through which a user may inhale a medicament or exhale. The delivery pathway 50 may extend into the mouthpiece 40. The mouthpiece 40 may define at least a portion of the delivery pathway 50. The pathway opening 502 may be defined by the mouthpiece 40. The delivery pathway 50 may have a second pathway opening 504 which may act as an exhaust during exhalation or an inlet during inhalation. The second pathway opening 504 may be covered by a grill or vent 506. The grill or vent 506 may be positioned in, or be defined by, the rear 122 of the main body 12.

[0108] The delivery pathway 50 and / or the pathway opening 502 and / or the second pathway opening 504 may be complementary in shape to the mouthpiece 40. The delivery pathway 50 and I or the pathway opening 502 and / or the second pathway opening 504 may be generally oval, elliptical or stadium shaped in cross-section and / or rectangular and / or square and / or circular without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The delivery pathway 50 and I or the pathway opening 502 and I or the second pathway opening 504 may be different shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The delivery pathway 50 may taper as it extends away from the first pathway opening 502. In embodiments, the delivery pathway 50 may taper as it extends toward the first pathway opening 502. In embodiments, the delivery pathway 50 may stay the same size and I or shape as it extends towards I away from the first pathway opening 502.

[0109] The delivery pathway 50 may have, or define, a generally elongate axis B (shown in figure 3). The axis B may extend between the first and second pathway openings 502, 504. The axis B may extend in a direction generally parallel to the bottom and I or top 128, 130 of the main body 12 and I or orthogonal to a nozzle 80 of the inhaler 10.

[0110] The inhaler includes a nozzle 80 for dispensing the medicament into the delivery pathway 50. The nozzle 80 includes a nozzle opening 802 through which the medicament is dispensed.

[0111] The nozzle 80 may extend between a top and bottom of the delivery pathway 50. The nozzle 80 may extend generally vertically between the top and bottom of the pathway 50, e.g., in a direction substantially orthogonal to the top and bottom of the pathway 50. In embodiments, the nozzle 80 may extend between the top and bottom of the delivery pathway 50 in a direction which is not orthogonal without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, e.g., the nozzle 80 may extend forwardly and I or rearwardly and I or to the first and I or second side as it extends downwardly. In embodiments, the nozzle 80 may extend downwardly from the top of the delivery pathway 50 and a space may be defined between the nozzle 80 and the bottom of the delivery pathway 50. The nozzle 80 may be at least partially oval, elliptical or stadium shaped in plan view. In embodiments, the nozzle 80 may be other shapes in plan view without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0112] The nozzle 80 and I or the nozzle opening 802 may be positioned generally centrally within the delivery pathway 50. In particular, the nozzle 80 and I or the nozzle opening 802 may be positioned partway, or substantially midway, between first and second respective sides of the delivery pathway 50 and I or first and second sides 124, 126 of the main body 12. In embodiments, the nozzle 80 and I or the nozzle opening 802 may be positioned closer to the first or second side and / or the first or second sides 124, 126 of the main body 12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0113] The nozzle 80 and / or the nozzle opening 802 may be positioned partway, or substantially midway, between the first and second pathway openings 502, 504 of the delivery pathway 50 and I or the front and rear 120, 122 of the main body 12. In embodiments, the nozzle 80 and / or the nozzle opening 802 may be positioned closer to the first or second pathway opening 502, 504 and / or the front or rear 120, 122 of the main body 12 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0114] The inhaler 10 includes a cover 90 for covering the nozzle opening 802. The cover 90 is movable from a first position for covering the nozzle opening 802, to a second position for permitting the medicament to be dispensed. The cover 90 may be similar to, or substantially the same as the shield described in WO2022 / 229664, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0115] The inhaler 10 includes a first medicament dispensing pathway 100 fluidly connectable to the chamber 14 and I or the canister 16 received in the chamber 14 (see figure 3). The first medicament dispensing pathway 100 may be fluidly connected to the chamber 14. An opening 1002 of the first medicament dispensing pathway 100 may be positioned in a base of the chamber 14. The base of the chamber 14 may include a recessed portion 142 for receipt of a portion of the canister 16. The opening 1002 of the first medicament dispensing pathway 100 may be positioned in the recessed portion 142. The recessed portion 142 may be generally circular in plan view. The first medicament dispensing pathway 100 may be generally linear. The first medicament dispensing pathway 100 may extend generally vertically between the top and bottom 128, 130 of the inhaler 10 in use. In embodiments, the first medicament dispensing pathway 100 may extend curvilinearly or in other ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0116] The inhaler 10 includes a second medicament dispensing pathway 200. The second medicament dispensing pathway 200 is fluidly connectable to the nozzle opening 802. The second medicament dispensing pathway 200 may be generally linear. The second medicament dispensing pathway 200 may extend generally vertically between the top and bottom 128, 130 of the inhaler 10 in use. In embodiments, the second medicament dispensing pathway 200 may extend curvilinearly or in other ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0117] The inhaler 10 includes a valve 300 fluidly positioned between the first and second medicament dispensing pathways 100, 200. The valve 300 may selectively permit a predetermined dose of medicament to be dispensed to a user.

[0118] The valve 300, best seen in figures 4 to 6, includes a valve housing 310 and a valve body 320 movable within the valve housing 310. The valve body 320 may be movable, e.g., rotatably movable, between the first position (shown in figures 5(a) and 5(b)) and the second position (shown in figures 6(a) and 6(b)). In particular, the valve body 320 may be rotatably movable within the valve housing 310. The valve body 320 may be rotatably movable about a generally elongate axis A. The axis A may extend through a centre of the valve body 320. In embodiments the valve body 320 may be movable in other ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the valve body may be slidably movable or pivotally movable. The valve body 320 may include a seal 324 to assist in sealing whilst permitting the valve body 320 to move relative to the valve housing 310. The seal 324 is described in more detail below.

[0119] The valve housing 310 may include a further seal 3100 which may seal against the valve body 320. In the present embodiment the further seal 3100 may include first and second seal portions 3100a, b. The seal portions 3100a, b may be positioned adjacent or near to sides of the first medicament dispensing pathway 100. The valve housing seal portions 3100 may be generally linear. The valve housing seal 3100 may extend across the valve body 320, in use. In particular, the valve housing seal portions 3100 may extend across an entirety of the valve body 320. In embodiments, the valve housing seal portions 3100 may extend generally curvilinearly or in other ways across the valve body 320, or a portion of the valve body 320, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0120] An actuation member 340 may be provided for moving the valve body 320. The actuation member 340 may move the valve body 320 between first and second positions. The first position may be a priming position and the second position may be a dispensing position. The actuation member 340 may be operably connected to a drive member, e.g., a motor, 350, for driving the actuation member 340. A syringe 360 may be provided for holding a volume of medicament to be dispensed. The syringe may include a movable wall or plunger 370. The movable wall or plunger 370 may be operably connected to a further actuation member 380 for moving the plunger between first and second positions. The further actuation member 380 may be operably connected to a further drive member, or further motor, 390 for driving the plunger between first and second positions.

[0121] The valve body 320 may include a valve shaft 322 which extends along the main axis A of the valve body 320. A portion of the actuation member 340 may be provided on the valve shaft 322. In particular, a first gear 342 of the actuation member 340 may be provided on the valve shaft 322. The gear 342 may be a bevel or mitre gear or a crown gear.

[0122] The motor 350 may have an elongate axis M1 . A motor shaft 352 may extend along the axis M1 . The axis M1 may be generally orthogonal to the axis A. In embodiments, the motor 350 may be inclined at an angle to the valve body 320 or may be parallel or coaxial to the valve body 320. A further portion of the actuation member 340 may be provided on the motor shaft 352. In particular, a second gear 344 of the actuation member 340 may be provided on the motor shaft 352. The gear 344 may be a bevel or mitre gear or a crown gear. The second gear 344 may mesh with the first gear 342 to transmit drive from the motor 350 to the valve body 320. The motor 350 may rotate clockwise or anti-clockwise to cause the valve body 320 to move between first and second respective positions. In the first position the valve body 320 may permit medicament to be dispensed from the canister 18 into the syringe 360. In the second position the valve body 320 may permit medicament to be dispensed from the syringe 360 through the nozzle 80 into the pathway 50.

[0123] The syringe 360 may include a holding chamber 362. The holding chamber 362 may be defined between a wall of the syringe 360 and the plunger 370. The holding chamber 362 may be configured to adopt a first condition which defines a first volume for receipt of medicament and a second condition which defines a second volume for receipt of medicament. The holding chamber 362 may be movable between the first and second conditions. The first and second conditions may correspond to the first and second conditions I positions of the plunger 370. The second volume may be larger than the first volume. The plunger 370 may be slidably movable within the syringe 360. The plunger 370 may include a lead screw 372 to cause the plunger to move between the first and second positions of the plunger 370. This may be advantageous in permitting a user to select different dosages of a medicament to be administered through the inhaler 10 as required for their condition. In embodiments, the plunger 370 may alternatively include a worm gear and / or a wheel arrangement without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0124] The worm gear 372 may be operably connected to, or fixed to or integrally formed with, a portion of the further actuation member 380. In particular, the worm gear 372 may be operably connected to, or fixed to or integrally formed with, a third gear 382 which in turn may be connected to, or meshed with, a fourth gear 384. The third gear 382 may be a spur gear or helical gear, or combined lead nut and spur gear. In embodiments, the third gear 382 may be a bevel or mitre gear or a crown gear.

[0125] The further motor 390 may have an elongate axis M2. A further motor shaft 392 may extend along the axis M2. The axis M2 may be generally orthogonal to the axis A. The axis M2 may be generally parallel to the axis M1 . The axis M2 may be generally parallel to the syringe 360 and I or the plunger 370. In embodiments, the motor 390 may be inclined at an angle to the valve body 320 and I or the motor 350 and I or the syringe 360 and I or the plunger 370 or may be parallel or coaxial to the valve body 320. In embodiments, the further motor 390 may be generally orthogonal to the motor 350. The fourth gear 384 may be provided on the motor shaft 392. The gear 384 may be a spur gear or helical gear. In embodiments, the fourth gear 384 may be a bevel or mitre gear or a crown gear. The third and fourth gears 382, 384 may mesh to transmit drive from the further motor 390 to the plunger 370. The further motor 390 may rotate clockwise or anti-clockwise to cause the plunger 370 to move between the first and second respective positions.

[0126] Figures 7(a) to (c) show the valve body 320 in more detail. The valve body 320 may be generally cylindrical. The axis A may extend through a centre of the valve body 320. In embodiments, the valve body 320 may be other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the valve body 320 may be an elliptical prism or a generally ovoidal prism without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The valve body 320 may have a first end 3200. The valve body 320 may have a second end 3210. The first end 3200 may be generally opposite the second end 3210. The valve shaft 322 may extend from the first end 3200 away from a remainder of the valve body 320 and I or the second end 3210. The valve shaft 322 may extend in a direction generally orthogonal to the first and I or second ends 3200, 3210. The valve shaft 322 may be, in cross-sectional view, a circular segment. In embodiments, the valve shaft 322 may be other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the valve shaft may be, in cross-sectional view, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or another polygonal shape.

[0127] The valve body 320 may include a retaining recess 3212 for receipt of a retaining shaft operably connected to the valve housing 310. The recess 3212 may be positioned generally centrally in the valve body 320, optionally along the axis A. The recess 3212 may extend into the valve body 320 along the axis A. The recess 3212 may be positioned in the second end 3210 of the valve body 320 and may extend towards the first end 3200. The second end 3210 may include a protrusion 3211 which extends generally away from the first end 3200. The recess 3212 may be positioned in the protrusion 3211 . The recess 3212 may be generally circular in cross-sectional view with first and second generally opposite segments removed therefrom. In embodiments, the recess 3212 may be other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the recess 3212 may be, in cross-sectional view, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or another polygonal shape. The recess 3212 may permit the valve body 320 to be held in position relative to the valve housing 310 so the valve body 320 may rotate relative to the valve housing 310.

[0128] The valve body 320 includes an exterior surface 323. The exterior surface 323 may be generally cylindrical. A first opening 330 is positioned on the exterior surface 323 of the valve body 320. The first opening 330 is fluidly connectable to the first medicament dispensing pathway 100. The first opening 300 may be fluidly connected to the first medicament dispensing pathway 100 in the first position of the valve body 320. The inhaler 10 may include a second opening 332 positioned on the exterior surface 323 of the valve body 320 and fluidly connectable to the holding chamber 362. The second opening 332 may be fluidly connected to the holding chamber 362 in the first position of the valve body 320. A third medicament dispensing pathway 600 may fluidly connect the first and second openings 330, 332. The third medicament dispensing pathway 600 may be positioned within the valve body 320. The third medicament dispensing pathway 600 may be generally curvilinear or arcuate, as shown in figure 7(c). The inhaler 10 may include a third opening 334 positioned on the exterior surface 323 of the valve body 320 and may be fluidly connectable to the holding chamber 362. The third opening 334 may be fluidly connected to the holding chamber 362 in the second position of the valve body 320. The inhaler 10 may include a fourth opening 336 positioned on the exterior surface 323 of the valve body 320 and may be fluidly connectable to the second medicament dispensing pathway 200. The fourth opening 336 may be fluidly connected to the second medicament dispensing pathway 200 in the second position of the valve body 320. A fourth medicament dispensing pathway 700 may fluidly connect the third and fourth openings 334, 336. The fourth medicament dispensing pathway 700 may be positioned within the valve body 320. The fourth medicament dispensing pathway 700 may be generally curvilinear or arcuate, as shown in figure 7(c).

[0129] The first, second, third and fourth openings 330, 332, 334, 336 may be generally circular. In embodiments, the openings 330, 332, 334, 336 may be other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the openings 330, 332, 334, 336 may be square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or ovoidal or obround without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The valve body 320 may be rotatable so as to bring the first opening 330 into alignment with the first medicament dispensing pathway 100, e.g., in the first position of the valve body 320. The valve body 320 may be rotatable so as to bring the second opening 332 into alignment with the holding chamber 362, e.g., in the first position of the valve body 320. The valve body 320 may be rotatable so as to bring the third opening 334 into alignment with the holding chamber 362, e.g., in the second position of the valve body 320. The valve body 320 may be rotatable so as to bring the fourth opening 336 into alignment with the second medicament dispensing pathway 200, e.g., in the second position of the valve body 320.

[0130] The first, second, third and fourth medicament dispensing pathways 100, 200, 600, 700 may be generally circular in cross-section. In embodiments, the pathways 100, 200, 600, 700 may be other shapes in cross-section without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the pathways 100, 200, 600, 700 may be square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or ovoidal or obround in cross-section without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0131] A seal 324 is attached to the valve body 320 for sealing the valve body 320 against the valve housing 310. The seal 324 extends circumferentially around the valve body 320. This is advantageous as it permits an effective seal to be made along the medicament dispensing pathways to prevent or inhibit medicament being lost on the path from the canister to the pathway opening 502. The seal 324 may be resiliently deformable. In embodiments, the valve body 320 may include one or more recesses which extend across the exterior surface 323 of the valve body 320. In particular, the valve body 320 may include a first recess 3220. The first recess 3220 may extend between the first and second ends 3200, 3210 of the valve body 320. The first recess 3220 may be generally linear. The first recess 3220 may be generally square shaped in cross-section. In embodiments this may not be the case. A plurality of first recesses may be provided. In embodiments, this may not be the case. The valve body 320 may include a second recess 3222. The second recess 3222 may be formed at or near the first end 3200 of the valve body 320 and may extend circumferentially around the valve body 320. The first recess 3220 may be generally square shaped in cross-section. In embodiments this may not be the case.

[0132] The valve body 320 may include a further second recess 3224. The further second recess 3224 may be substantially the same as the second recess 3222 except for being formed at or near the second end 3210 of the valve body 320. In embodiments, the further second recess may differ to the second recess.

[0133] The first recess, second recess and further second recess may be connected to each other. In embodiments, this may not be the case. The first recess, second recess and further second recess may be formed to the same depth. In embodiments this may not be the case. For example, the first recess may be deeper than the second and further second recesses. The seal 324 may be received in the one or more recesses or first, second and further second recesses, as explained below.

[0134] Such recesses are advantageous in providing a space in which the seal may lie so as to enable easy and quick movement of the valve body 320 whilst providing an effective sealing along the medicament dispensing path.

[0135] The seal 324 may include a first seal portion 3240 which extends between the first and second ends 3200, 3210. The first seal portion 3240 may extend in a generally orthogonal direction across the valve body between the first and second ends. In embodiments, the first seal portion 3240 may be inclined at an angle to the first and I or second ends 3200, 3210. The first seal portion 3240 may be generally elongate. In particular, the first seal portion 3240 may extend generally linearly across the valve body 320 between the first and second ends 3200, 3210. In embodiments this may not be the case. The first seal portion 3240 may change direction as it extends from the first to the second end 3200, 3210. For example, the first seal portion 3240 may form a chevron shape or a curvilinear shape or a zig-zag or sawtooth shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0136] The first seal portion 3240 may have a generally square or rectangular cross-section (best shown in figure 7(c)). In embodiments, the first seal portion 3240 may have other cross-sections without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the first seal portion 3240 may be triangular or circular or ovoidal in cross-section. The first seal portion 3240 may be received in the first recess 3220. The first seal portion 3240 may be over-moulded into the first recess 3220. In embodiments, this may not be the case. The inhaler 10 may include a plurality of first seal portions 3240. The inhaler 10 may include four first seal portions 3240a, b, c, d, as shown in figure 7(c), e.g., first, second, third and fourth first seal portions 3240. In embodiments, more or fewer first seal portions 3240 may be provided without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0137] The seal 324 may include a second seal portion 3242 which extends circumferentially around the first end 3200. In embodiments the second seal portion 3242 may be positioned adjacent or near to the first end 3200. The second seal portion 3242 may have a generally square or rectangular cross-section. In embodiments, the second seal portion 3242 may have other cross-sections without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the second seal portion 3242 may be triangular or circular or ovoidal in cross-section. The second seal portion 3242 may be received in the second recess 3222. The second seal portion 3242 may be over-moulded into the second recess 3222. In embodiments, this may not be the case. The inhaler 10 may include a plurality of second seal portions 3242. For example, the inhaler may include two second seal portions 3242. The two seal portions may be positioned at or near the first end 3200.

[0138] The seal 324 may include a further second seal portion 3244 which extends circumferentially around the second end 3210. In embodiments the further second seal portion 3244 may be positioned adjacent or near to the second end 3210. The further second seal portion 3244 may have a generally square or rectangular cross-section. In embodiments, the further second seal portion 3244 may have other cross-sections without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the further second seal portion 3244 may be triangular or circular or ovoidal in cross-section. The further second seal portion 3244 may be received in the further second recess 3224. The further second seal portion 3244 may be over-moulded into the further second recess 3224. In embodiments, this may not be the case. The inhaler 10 may include a plurality of further second seal portions 3244. For example, the inhaler may include two further second seal portions 3244. The two seal portions may be positioned at or near the second end 3210. The further second seal portion 3244 may include one or more or all the features of the second seal portion 3242 set forth above. The further second seal portion 3244 may be substantially the same as the second seal portion 3242.

[0139] The first seal portion 3240 may abut or may be attached to or may be connected to the second seal portion 3242. The first seal portion 3240 may abut or may be attached to or may be connected to the further second seal portion 3244. The second seal portion 3242 may abut or may be attached to or may be connected to the further second seal portion 3244. The first seal portion 3240 may be integrally formed with the second seal portion 3242. The first seal portion 3240 may be integrally formed with the further second seal portion 3244. The second seal portion 3242 may be integrally formed with the further second seal portion 3244. The seal 324 may be integrally formed as part of an overmolding process. In use, the first further seal portion 3100 may seal against one of the first seal portions 3240, e.g., in the first position of the valve body 320. The second further seal portion 3100 may seal against one of the first seal portions 3240, e.g., in the first position of the valve body 320. The first seal portion 3240 may be complementary to the further seal 3100 of the valve housing 310. The first seal portion 3240 may align or substantially align with the further seal 3100 in the first and I or second position of the valve body 320 to ensure an effective seal therebetween.

[0140] The first seal portion 3240, or one of the first seal portions 3240, or the first of the first seal portions 3240a, may be positioned between, e.g., substantially midway, the first and second openings 330, 332 on the exterior surface 323 of the valve body 320. The first seal portion 3240, or one of the first seal portions 3240, or the second of the first seal portions 3240b, may be positioned between, e.g., substantially midway, the second and third openings 332, 334 on the exterior surface 323 of the valve body 320. The first seal portion 3240, or one of the first seal portions 3240, or the third of the first seal portions 3240c, may be positioned between, e.g., substantially midway, the third and fourth openings 334, 336 on the exterior surface 323 of the valve body 320. The first seal portion 3240, or one of the first seal portions 3240, or the fourth of the first seal portions 3240d, may be positioned between, e.g., substantially midway, the fourth and first openings 336, 330 on the exterior surface 323 of the valve body 320.

[0141] When the inhaler 10 is in the first “dispensing” mode, the controller 20 may operate the further motor 390 to operate the plunger 370 to cause the holding chamber 362 to adopt the first or second condition. The plunger 370 may move from an empty condition in which the holding chamber 362 has been reduced in volume so as to have dispensed all medicament therein. In other words, the plunger may move from the position shown in figure 5(a) to figure 5(b). The holding chamber 362 may not have a volume in the empty condition. The controller 20 may operate the motor 350 to cause the valve body to adopt the first position (shown in figures 5(a) and 5(b)) so the first opening 330 may be aligned with the first medicament dispensing pathway 100 and the second opening 332 may be aligned with the holding chamber 362. The motors 350, 390 may be operated simultaneously or the motor 350 may be operated subsequent to the motor 390 or the motor 390 may be operated subsequent to the motor 350. In the present embodiment the motor 350 may be operated first and the motor 390 operated subsequently. In embodiments, the controller 20 may recognise, e.g., by use of an encoder wheel, that the valve body is already in the correct position and so only operate motor 390.

[0142] Medicament may then be dispensed from the canister 18 into the holding chamber 362. The medicament may be dispensed as the plunger 370 moves from the first the empty condition to the first or second condition. The controller 20 may then further operate the motor 350 to cause the valve body 320 to adopt the second position (shown in figure 6(a)) so the third opening 334 may be aligned with the holding chamber 362 and the fourth opening 336 may be aligned with the second medicament dispensing pathway 200. The controller 20 may operate the further motor 390 to operate the plunger 370 to cause the holding chamber 362 to adopt the empty condition (shown in figure 6(b)) thereby ensuring substantially all the medicament in the holding chamber 362 has been dispensed through the second medicament dispensing pathway 200 through the nozzle 80 into the pathway 50. The motors 350, 390 may be operated simultaneously or the motor 350 may be operated subsequent to the motor 390 or the motor 390 may be operated subsequent to the motor 350. In the present embodiment the motor 350 may be operated first and the motor 390 operated subsequently.

[0143] The controller 20 may then operate the motor 350 to cause the valve body 310 to adopt the first position again.

[0144] In embodiments, the controller 20 may, prior to dispensing the medicament, operate the motor 350 to cause the valve body 320 to adopt a position in between the first and second positions so that none of the openings of the valve body 320 align with the first or second medicament dispensing pathways 100, 200. This may be advantageous in permitting a dose to prepared for dispensing but reducing the time needed to dispense the dose when required.

[0145] Referring to figures 9 to 12, the canister 16 may include a top 160 and a bottom 162. The top and the bottom 160, 162 may be generally opposite each other. In use, the top 160 may be positioned adjacent the lid 18. The bottom 162 may be positioned adjacent or near to the first medicament dispensing pathway 100. The bottom 162 may be positioned closer to the delivery pathway 50 than the top 160. The top 160 and I or the bottom 162 may be generally planar and I or may be generally circular in plan view. The top and the bottom 160, 162 may be substantially the same size. In embodiments, the size of the top and the bottom 160, 162 may differ. The canister 16 may include a sidewall 164 which extends between the top and bottom 160, 162. The canister 16 may be generally cylindrical. In embodiments, the canister may be other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the canister may be cube, cuboidal, prismatic or other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0146] The canister 16 may define an interior 161 for receipt of medicament. The canister 16 may include first and second recesses 1600, 1610. The first recess 1600 may be positioned in the top 160 of the canister 16. The second recess 1610 may be positioned in the bottom 162 of the canister 16. The first and second recesses 1600, 1610 may be positioned within the interior 161 . The first and second recesses 1600, 1610 may be generally opposite each other. The canister 16 may have a main axis R which may pass through the centre of the canister 16. The first and second recesses 1600, 1610 may be radially spaced from the centre of the canister 16. A lock 166 may be provided on the canister 16 to lock the canister 16 in the chamber 14 during use. The lock 166 may be rotatably attached to the top 160 of the canister 16. The lock 166 may include one or more user graspable formations 168 which a user may grasp to rotate the lock 166 between locked and unlocked positions. The canister may include a valve 170 through which medicament may be dispensed from the canister 16.

[0147] The canister 16 may include an agitator 180 for agitating the medicament (best shown in figures 12(a) and 12(b)). The agitator 180 may be rotatably mounted within the canister 16.

[0148] The agitator 180 may include a shaft 182 about which the agitator 180 may rotate in use.

[0149] The shaft 182 may be generally elongate and extend between the top and bottom 160, 162 of the canister 16. The shaft 182 may be oriented generally parallel to the axis R of the canister 16. In embodiments, the shaft 182 may be inclined at an angle to the axis R or may be coaxial with the axis R. The shaft 182 may have a first end 1820 and a second end 1822. The first end 1820 may be received in the first recess 1600 of the canister 16 and the second end 1822 may be received in the second recess 1610 of the canister 16. In other words, the shaft 182 may be rotatably mounted in the first and second recesses 1600, 1610. The shaft 182 may be positioned radially away from the centre of the canister 16, or the axis R of the canister 16.

[0150] The agitator may include a plurality of agitator portions 184 for agitating the medicament in the canister 16. In embodiments four agitator portions 184 may be provided, 184a, b, c, d. In embodiments more or fewer than four agitator portions 184 may be provided without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The agitator portions 184 are substantially the same so only one will be described. In embodiments, the agitator portions 184 may differ.

[0151] The agitator portion 184 may extend generally away from the shaft, e.g., in a direction generally orthogonal to the shaft 182. The agitator portions 184 may be evenly spaced around the shaft 182, e.g., they may be generally orthogonal to each other in plan view. In embodiments, this may not be the case. The agitator portions 184 may be positioned adjacent, near or close to the bottom 162 of the canister 16. In embodiments, the agitator portions 184 may be positioned midway between the top and bottom 160, 162 of the canister or adjacent, near or close to the top of the canister 16. The agitator portions 184 may be provided adjacent, near or close to the bottom 162 of the canister 16 and I or midway between the top and bottom 160, 162 of the canister and I or adjacent, near or close to the top 160 of the canister 16.

[0152] The agitator portion 184, or an agitator portion main body 188, may be generally square or rectangular. The agitator portion 184 may be generally planar. The agitator portion 184, or agitator portion main body 188, may include one or more fillets at a first end thereof, distal from the shaft. The one or more fillets may be positioned at a top of the agitator portion 184 or agitator portion main body 188. In embodiments, the agitator portion 184 may be other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the agitator portion may be triangular, ovoidal, paddle, aerofoil or propellor blade shaped without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0153] The agitator 180 may include a magnetically susceptible material 186. In particular, the agitator portion 184 may include a magnet 186, e.g., one or more or all the agitator portions 184 may include one or more magnets, or one or more magnetically susceptible members. The magnet 186 may be over-moulded into the agitator portion 184. In embodiments, the magnet 186 may be encapsulated in a material from which the agitator portion main body 188 is formed. The magnet 186 may be generally circular and I or disc shaped. The magnet 186 may be generally planar. The magnet 186 may extend away from the agitator portion main body 188, e.g., in a direction generally orthogonal to the agitator portion main body 188. The magnet 186, or one or more magnets 186, may be positioned generally centrally with respect to the agitator portion 184, or their respective agitator portions 184. The one or more magnets 186 may be positioned adjacent or near to the bottom 162 of the canister 16. The magnet 186 may be positioned adjacent or near to a bottom of the agitator portion main body 188. In embodiments, the magnet 186 may be positioned adjacent or near to a top or in a middle of the agitator portion main body 188. The magnet 186 may interact with the magnetic field produced by a stator (described in more detail below) to cause the agitator 180 to move.

[0154] Referring to figures 10 and 11 , a printed circuit board (PCB) 190 may be positioned adjacent or close to the chamber 14. In embodiments, as shown in figure 10, the PCB 190 may be positioned directly below the chamber 14. In embodiments, the PCB 190 may be positioned in other places, or additional places, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The PCB 190 may be generally circular in plan view. The PCB 190 may be generally planar. In embodiments, this may not be the case. For example, the PCB 190 may be square, rectangular or another shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. A stator 800 may be mounted on the PCB 190. The controller 20 may control the stator 800. In particular, the controller 20 may be configured to operate the stator 800 to cause the agitator 180 to agitate the medicament in the canister 16. The controller 20 may be mounted on the PCB 190.

[0155] The stator 800 may include two or more stator portions mounted on the PCB 190. In embodiments, the number of stator portions may be an even number. In embodiments, the stator 800 may include six stator portions 800a, b, c, d, e, f. The stator portions may be positioned generally concentrically. The stator portions 800a, b, c, d, e, f may be mounted in a ring I hexagon on the PCB 190. Two of the apexes of the hexagon, e.g., stator portions 800a and 800d, may be positioned in line with the syringe 360. In embodiments, the number of stator portions may be an odd number. In embodiments, fewer than six stator portions may be provided. For example, two, three or more stator portions may be provided without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The stator portions 800a, b, c, d, e, f may be positioned generally below, or directly below, the agitator 180. The stator portions may be substantially the same. In embodiments the stator portions may differ.

[0156] One or more or all the stator portions 800 may be generally circular I disc shaped I ring shaped. In embodiments, the stator portions may be other shapes. For example, the stator portions may be square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal or other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. One or more or all the stator portions 800 may be formed as a coil on the PCB 190. The coil may be a coil of wire, e.g., copper or nickel wire or an alloy thereof. In embodiments, the stator portions may be formed in other ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0157] The controller 20 may be configured to permit power to be supplied to the two or more stator portions, e.g., the six stator portions, sequentially for causing the agitator 180 to agitate the medicament in the canister 16, e.g., the controller 20 may supply power to the coils sequentially. In particular, the passing of electricity through the stator 800 produces a magnetic field which may interact with the magnets 186 to cause the magnets, and thereby the agitator 180, to move under the influence of the magnetic field. In embodiments, the controller may be configured to permit power to be supplied to opposite pairs of stator portions sequentially for causing the agitator 180 to agitate the medicament in the canister 16. This is advantageous in causing effective agitation of medicament and so homogenising the medicament prior to delivery to a patient.

[0158] The controller 20 may be configured to activate the agitator 180 for a specific period prior to the medicament being dispensed and I or whilst the medicament is dispensed. For example, the agitator may operate for 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds or more prior to medicament being dispensed for inhalation by a user and I or during inhalation by a user. The controller 20 may activate the agitator 180 as part of the first mode of the inhaler 10. The controller may activate the agitator 180 prior to activating the valve 300 as described above.

[0159] Referring to figure 8 there is shown an alternative embodiment of a valve body in accordance with the present disclosure. Similar features are given the same reference numeral with the addition of a prime (‘) symbol. Only the differences between the valve body 320 previously described and valve body 320’ will be described.

[0160] The valve body 320’ includes a shaft 322’ which may be generally hexagonal in cross-section. The valve body 320’ may be generally cylindrical. The second end 3210’ may be larger in diameter than the first end 3200’. The first seal portions 3240’ may extend helically around the valve body 320’ between the first and second ends 3200’, 3210’. Four first seal portions 3240’ may be provided with the openings 330’, 332’, 334’, 336’ positioned between them, optionally substantially midway.

[0161] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0162] The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

[0163] Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0164] Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An inhaler, including: a main body; a chamber for receipt of a medicament; a delivery pathway into which medicament may be delivered to a user; a delivery pathway opening fluidly connected to the delivery pathway through which the user may inhale the medicament; a nozzle for dispensing the medicament into the delivery pathway, said nozzle including a nozzle opening through which the medicament is dispensed; a first medicament dispensing pathway fluidly connectable to the chamber for receiving the medicament therein; a second medicament dispensing pathway fluidly connectable to the nozzle opening; and a valve fluidly positioned between the first and second medicament dispensing pathways; wherein the valve includes: a valve housing; a valve body movable within the valve housing; a (first) opening positioned on an exterior surface of the valve body and fluidly connectable to the first medicament dispensing pathway; and a seal attached to the valve body for sealing the valve body against the valve housing; wherein the seal extends circumferentially around the valve body.

2. An inhaler according to claim 1 , wherein the valve body includes a first end and a second end; and wherein the seal includes a first seal portion which extends between the first and second ends.

3. An inhaler according to claim 2, wherein the first seal portion extends in a generally orthogonal direction across the valve body between the first and second ends; and optionally wherein the first seal portion either: a) extends generally linearly across the valve body between the first and second ends; or b) extends helically around the valve body between the first and second ends.

4. An inhaler according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the first seal portion is generally elongate; optionally wherein the first seal portion has a generally square or rectangular cross-section; and / orwherein the valve body includes a first recess in which the first seal portion is received; optionally wherein the first seal portion is over-moulded into the first recess.

5. An inhaler according to any one of claims 2 to 4, including a plurality of first seal portions; optionally including four first seal portions.

6. An inhaler according to any preceding claim when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 2, wherein the seal includes a second seal portion which extends circumferentially around the first end.

7. An inhaler according to claim 6 wherein the first seal portion abuts I is attached I connected to I integrally formed with the second seal portion; and I or wherein the second seal portion has a generally square or rectangular cross-section; and I or wherein the valve body includes a second recess in which the second seal portion is received; optionally wherein the second seal portion is over-moulded into the second recess.

8. An inhaler according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the seal includes a further second seal portion which extends circumferentially around the second end; optionally wherein the further second seal portion includes one or more or all the features of the second seal portion as set forth in claims 6 and 7; optionally wherein the valve body includes a further second recess including one or more or all the features of the second recess as set forth in claim 7.

9. An inhaler according to any preceding claim wherein the seal is resiliently deformable; andI or the valve body is generally cylindrical.

10. An inhaler according to any preceding claim wherein the valve includes a further seal positioned on the valve housing; wherein the further seal extends across the valve body.

11. An inhaler according to claim 10 when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 2, wherein the further seal includes a first further seal portion and a second further seal portion; wherein the first further seal portion seals against the first seal portion; and wherein the second further seal portion seals against the first seal portion.

12. An inhaler according to any preceding claim wherein the valve includes an actuation member for moving the valve body; optionally wherein the actuation member is operably connected to a drive member, e.g., a motor, for driving the actuation member.

13. An inhaler according to any preceding claim further including: a holding chamber for holding a volume of medicament to be dispensed; a second opening positioned on the exterior surface of the valve body and fluidly connectable to the holding chamber; and a third medicament dispensing pathway which fluidly connects the first and second openings; optionally wherein the third medicament dispensing pathway is generally curvilinear or arcuate.

14. An inhaler according to claim 13, wherein the holding chamber is configured to adopt a first condition which defines a first volume for receipt of medicament and a second condition which defines a second volume for receipt of medicament; wherein the second volume is larger than the first volume.

15. An inhaler according to claim 13 or claim 14 when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 2, wherein the first seal portion is positioned between the first and second openings on the exterior surface of the valve body; optionally wherein the first seal portion is positioned substantially midway between the first and second openings on the exterior surface of the valve body.

16. An inhaler according to any one of claims 13 to 15 including: a third opening positioned on the exterior surface of the valve body and fluidly connectable to the holding chamber; a fourth opening positioned on the exterior surface of the valve body and fluidly connectable to the second medicament dispensing pathway; and a fourth medicament dispensing pathway which fluidly connects the third and fourth openings; optionally wherein the fourth medicament dispensing pathway is generally curvilinear or arcuate.

17. An inhaler according to claim 16, when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 2, wherein the first seal portion, or one of the first seal portions, is positioned between the third and fourth openings on the exterior surface of the valve body; optionally wherein the first seal portion, or one of the first seal portions, is positioned substantially midway between the third and fourth openings on the exterior surface of the valve body.

18. An inhaler according to claim 16 or claim 17, when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 5, including one or both of the following features:a) wherein one of the first seal portions is positioned between the second and third openings on the exterior surface of the valve body; optionally wherein one of the first seal portions is positioned substantially midway between the second and third openings on the exterior surface of the valve body; b) wherein one of the first seal portions is positioned between the first and fourth openings on the exterior surface of the valve body; optionally wherein one of the first seal portions is positioned substantially midway between the first and fourth openings on the exterior surface of the valve body.

19. An inhaler according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the valve body is movable, optionally rotatably movable, between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position the first opening is fluidly connected to the first medicament dispensing pathway and the second opening is fluidly connected to the holding chamber; and optionally wherein in the second position the third opening is fluidly connected to the holding chamber and the fourth opening is fluidly connected to the second medicament dispensing pathway.

20. An inhaler, including: a main body; a chamber for receipt of a canister containing medicament; a canister for providing medicament, receivable in the chamber; a delivery pathway into which medicament may be delivered to a user; a delivery pathway opening fluidly connected to the delivery pathway through which the user may inhale the medicament; a nozzle for dispensing the medicament into the delivery pathway, said nozzle including a nozzle opening through which the medicament is dispensed; a (first) medicament dispensing pathway fluidly connectable to the canister for receiving the medicament therein; a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned adjacent or close to the chamber; a stator mounted on the PCB; and a controller for controlling the stator; wherein the canister includes an agitator for agitating the medicament, said agitator including a magnetically susceptible material; and wherein the controller is configured to operate the stator to cause the agitator to agitate the medicament in the canister.21 . An inhaler according to claim 20, wherein the stator includes two or more stator portions mounted on the PCB;wherein the controller is configured to permit power to be supplied to the two or more stator portions sequentially for causing the agitator to agitator the medicament in the chamber; optionally wherein the number of stator portions is an even number; optionally wherein there are six stator portions.

22. An inhaler according to claim 20 or claim 21 , including one or more or all the following features: a) wherein the stator portions are positioned generally concentrically; b) wherein the stator portions are mounted in a ring I hexagon on the PCB; c) wherein the stator portions are positioned generally below, or directly below, the agitator; d) wherein one or more or all the stator portions are generally circular I disc shaped I ring shaped; e) wherein one or more or all the stator portions are formed as a coil on the PCB; optionally wherein the coil is a coil of wire, e.g., copper or nickel wire or an alloy thereof; optionally wherein the controller supplies power to the coils sequentially; f) wherein the agitator is rotatably mounted within the chamber.

23. An inhaler according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the agitator includes a shaft about which the agitator rotates; optionally wherein the canister includes first and second recesses; optionally wherein the shaft is rotatably mounted in the first and second recesses; optionally wherein the shaft is positioned radially away from a centre of the canister.

24. An inhaler according to claim 23, wherein the agitator includes a plurality of agitator portions for agitating the medicament in the canister, the agitator portions optionally having one or more or all the following features: a) wherein the agitator portions extend generally away from the shaft, optionally in a direction generally orthogonal to the shaft; b) wherein the agitator portions are generally square or rectangular; c) wherein the agitator portions include one or more fillets at a first end thereof, distal from the shaft; d) wherein there are four agitator portions; optionally wherein the four agitator portions are positioned generally orthogonal to each other in plan view; e) wherein the canister has a top and a bottom positioned generally opposite each other; wherein the bottom is positioned closer to the delivery pathway than the top; wherein the agitator portions are positioned adjacent, near or close to the bottom;f) wherein the agitator portions are substantially the same g) wherein the agitator portions are paddles or blades of a propellor.

25. An inhaler according to claim 24, wherein one or more or all the agitator portions include one or more magnets, or one or more magnetically susceptible members, which interact with the magnetic field produced by the stator to cause the agitator to move; optionally including one or more or all the following features: a) wherein the magnets are over-moulded into the agitator portions; b) wherein the one or more magnets are generally circular and I or disc shaped; c) wherein the one or more magnets are positioned generally centrally with respect to their respective agitator portions; d) wherein the one or more magnets are positioned adjacent or near to a bottom of the chamber.

26. An inhaler according to any one of claims 20 to 25 including one or more or all the features of any one of claims 1 to 19.

Images