Abstract
The invention of the present disclosure relates to a medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers, the dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser, wherein the dispensing mechanism is capable of independently advancing each medicament carrier held within the dispenser, the dispensing mechanism comprising a driver, a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, an advancer for each carrier engagement, a flow director capable of dispensing a medicament dose from a plurality of medicament carriers, and a cover for the medicament access body operating as a component of the dispenser actuation mechanism.
Claims
1. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising: a. A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser comprising: i) a driver, ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement, wherein one or more advancers is located coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof, iv) a flow director; and b. a medicament access body; and c. a cover for the medicament access body, wherein the medicament access body cover is engaged with the driver and wherein sufficient movement of the medicament access body cover results in movement of the driver, the driver being movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with the advancers such that sufficient movement of the driver results in movement of the advancers, at least one advancer being indirectly engaged with a carrier engagement via an interim driver such that sufficient movement of the advancers results in movement of the carrier engagements either directly via an advancer or indirectly via an interim driver, and further wherein movement of each carrier engagement results in advancement of a medicament carrier to a position wherein a medicament dose portion of the medicament carrier, when present, is in sufficient alignment with the flow director such that separate airflows directed by the flow director entrain at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a present dose storage area.
2. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising: a. A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser comprising: i) a driver, ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement, wherein at least one advancer is located co-axially with a carrier engagement for rotating thereof and wherein at least one advancer is located non-coaxially with a carrier engagement for rotating thereof, iv) a flow director; and b. a medicament access body; and c. a cover for the medicament access body, wherein the medicament access body cover is engaged with the driver and wherein sufficient movement of the medicament access body cover results in movement of the driver, the driver being movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with the advancers such that sufficient movement of the driver results in movement of the advancers, at least one advancer being directly engaged with a carrier engagement and at least one advancer being indirectly engaged with a carrier engagement via an interim driver such that sufficient movement of the advancers results in movement of the carrier engagements either directly via an advancer or indirectly via an interim driver, and further wherein movement of each carrier engagement results in advancement of a medicament carrier to a position wherein a medicament dose portion of the medicament carrier, when present, is in sufficient alignment with the flow director such that an airflow is directed by the flow director to entrain at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a present dose storage area.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein each advancer is movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with a first waste collector, and further either directly or indirectly engaged with a second waste collector, such that sufficient movement of each advancer results in rotational movement of the first waste collector and the second waste collector, and wherein the first and second waste collectors collect different medicament carrier waste material after at least one dose of medicament held within the medicament carrier has been removed.
4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein each advancer is movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with a first waste collector, and further wherein each advancer is indirectly engaged with a second waste collector via a carrier engagement, such that sufficient movement of each advancer results in rotational movement of the first waste collector and the second waste collector, and wherein the first and second waste collectors collect different medicament carrier waste material after at least one dose of medicament held within the medicament carrier has been removed.
5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the driver is movingly engaged with only one advancer such that sufficient movement of the driver causes direct rotational movement of advancer yielding indirect movement of the first carrier engagement via the first advancer.
6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the driver is movingly engaged with only one advancer such that sufficient movement of the driver causes direct rotational movement of first advancer yielding indirect movement of the first carrier engagement via the first advancer and wherein after completion of all the doses form the blisters of the first carrier, driver engages with the second advancer such that sufficient movement of the driver causes direct rotational movement of second advancer yielding indirect movement of the second carrier engagement.
7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plural elongate form medicament carriers is a blister strip comprising multiple individual dose portions of medicament stored within individual dose storage areas of the carriers.
8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein at least two of the plural elongate form medicament carriers are blister strips comprising separate, individual doses of medicament stored within individual dose storage areas of each blister strip.
9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the medicament is in the form selected from the group consisting of powder, tablet, capsule, pellet or puck, or mixtures thereof.
10. The dispenser according to claim 9, wherein the medicament is in the form of a powder, and the dispenser is a dry powder inhaler (DPI).
11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dose portions of medicament within any single medicament carrier are all the same.
12. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein at least one of the individual doses of medicament within any one medicament carrier is different from at least one of the individual doses of medicament within any second or more medicament carriers.
13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the medicament comprises one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients and optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
14. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient is selected from the group consisting of anti-cholinergics, anti-inflammatories, analgesics, anti-allergenics, antihistamines, antitussives, bronchodilators, anti-infectives, anti-fungals, leukotriene inhibitors, PDE IV inhibitors, anginal preparations, diuretics, or any combination thereof.
15. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is used for dispensing medicament for the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, lung infections, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), cystic fibrosis, Non-CF Bronchiectasis, lung transplant, or any combination thereof.
16. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the cover for the medicament access body is mechanically engaged with the driver, the driver being the actuation mechanism of the dispenser.
17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the cover of the medicament access body pivots about, and the driver rotates about, a shared axis.
18. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the cover of the medicament access body is coupled to the driver such that sufficient movement of the cover can result in rotation of the driver.
19. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the driver is a mutilated driver gear such that not every movement of the driver must result in movement of the component with which it is engaged.
20. The dispenser of claim 19, wherein the cover of the medicament access body is a mouthpiece cover and the mouthpiece cover is capable of being rotated to an extent without resulting in rotation of an advancer such that insufficient movement of the mouthpiece cover does not result in rotation of an advancer.
21. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the driver gear comprises primary driver wheel, a spring loaded ratcheting disc, a secondary driver gear and a torsion spring.
22. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the advancer is arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation different from that of the driver.
23. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plural carrier engagements do not begin their rotation at substantially the same time.
24. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plural carrier engagements do not rotate in a substantially synchronous fashion in at least some rotations.
25. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plural carrier engagements experience substantially no overlap in rotation, such that one carrier engagement substantially completes its rotation prior to a second carrier engagement beginning its rotation.
26. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the plural carrier engagements are decoupled from each other.
27. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the waste of each emptied medicament carrier present within the dispenser is collected separately from the waste of each other medicament carrier present within the dispenser.
28. The dispenser of claim 27, wherein each medicament carrier is a blister strip, and the emptied blister strip produces two waste streams: a) a lid sheet and b) an empty base sheet, and further wherein each type of waste stream is collected using a separate type of waste collector, each empty base sheet being collected using a first waste collector and each lid sheet being collected using a second waste collector.
29. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising: a. A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser comprising: i) a driver, ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement, iv) a flow director; and b. a medicament access body; c. a cover for the medicament access body, and d. lever wherein the lever is engaged with the driver and wherein sufficient movement of the lever results in movement of the driver, the driver being movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with the advancers such that sufficient movement of the driver results in movement of the advancers, each advancer being directly engaged with a carrier engagement such that sufficient movement of the advancers results in movement of the carrier engagements, and further wherein movement of each carrier engagement results in advancement of a medicament carrier to a position wherein a medicament dose portion of the medicament carrier, when present, is in sufficient alignment with the flow director such that separate airflows directed by the flow director entrain at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a present dose storage area, and further wherein the separate airflows containing the entrained medicament are maintained until the medicament exits the dispenser.
30. The dispenser of claim 30, wherein an advancer for each carrier engagement is located non-coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof.
31. The dispenser of claim 30, wherein an advancer for each carrier engagement is located coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof.
32. The dispenser of claim 30, wherein the lever and the driver gear are arranged to rotate about a first axis of rotation.
33. The dispenser of claim 30, wherein the lever is coupled to the driver gear such that movement of the lever results in rotation of the driver gear
34. The dispenser of claim 30, wherein movement of the lever rotates the driver gear, the ratchet assembly, and the blister cuvette, and thereby advances the medicament carrier to align with the flow channel for dispensing the medicament.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0336] The following figures and related description thereof are incorporated to explain better and exemplify the invention described herein, without limiting its scope.
[0337] Some elements of the embodiments of the dispenser or its components are exemplified in a particular form and, accordingly, are sometimes described in such exemplary embodiments with a descriptive name in connection with the description of the embodiments shown in the figures that follow below. To aid the reader in understanding the various exemplary embodiments of the invention described in connection with figures, the following description of several such terms is provided here: [0338] a. The use of the term “meshed” is commonly used within the description of figures to describe a movable engagement between two components, e.g., which is present when two gear-like mechanisms interface with each other. [0339] b. The driver is exemplified as a driver gear (the driver may be described herein as a “driver gear” or “drive gear”). [0340] c. The carrier engagement is exemplified as a “blister cuvette,” blister cuvette being a term to describe the carrier engagement being capable of engaging the blister of a blister strip-form elongated medicament carrier by means of pockets, or carved out areas of the carrier engagement capable of engaging with the dose storage area of a medicament carrier described as “cuvettes.” [0341] d. The advancer is exemplified as a “ratchet assembly,” ratchet assembly being a term to describe an advancer comprising multiple elements as described herein, one such component being a ratcheting component. [0342] e. The dose storage area of one or more medicament carriers is exemplified as a blister compartment, blister pocket, or blister cavity, each term being synonymous and representing the dose storage area of a blister strip medicament carrier wherein the dose storage area is an area of the base sheet of the carrier describable as a pocket, compartment, or cavity, wherein the lid sheet of the carrier is not sealed but is capable of holding the dose of medicament therein. [0343] f. As described elsewhere herein but included here for clarity, the first waste collector is exemplified herein as a wrapping wheel or wrapping assembly. [0344] g. The second waste collector is exemplified as a winding assembly, and further wherein the waste capture component of the winding assembly is exemplified as a winding wheel, comprising the waste collection surface exemplified as a winding surface, a waste access point exemplified as an entry slit, a locking engagement exemplified as a locking ridge, inner movably engageable engaging elements exemplified as inner teeth, and movably engageable driving element with engagement elements, such elements being gear teeth. The component of the second waste collector responsible for tensioning the waste stream being collected is exemplified as a tensioning mechanism; the tensioning mechanism is exemplified as comprising a lid connection element embodied as a blister post and the lid gripping element embodied as a blister guide, a central connection element in the form of a base, and an engagement unit of the tensioning mechanism in the form of ratchet arms. [0345] h. The medicament access body is exemplified as a mouthpiece and the medicament access body cover is exemplified as a mouthpiece cover. [0346] i. The element capable of providing a connection between the driver and the medicament access body (mouthpiece) cover is a flange on the driver, the mouthpiece cover exemplified as having a suitably configured flange key such that the two elements facilitate cooperation between the two components. [0347] j. The flow director for directing airflow within the dispenser is exemplified as a “flow channel,” and the airflow guides being a part of the flow director/flow channel are exemplified as grids. [0348] k. While not described in detail, references are made to the event-related status indicator, exemplified as a dose counter (“dose counter” being a term which can in some cases, be limited, but which, however, is intended to describe the multiple functionalities of an event-related status indicator described previously herein). The status identifier window, wherein an event status is viewable, is referred to as a dose indicator window.
[0349] As noted above, this description of terms used in connection with the embodiments described below in connection with the figures is intended to aid the reader in understanding such exemplary aspects of the invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Additional aspects of the invention described in connection with the figures will also be discussed below, but generally using terminology already introduced in this disclosure, such as the first waste capture component.
[0350] FIGS. 1A-1B show front and rear views of an embodiment of the medicament dispenser.
[0351] FIGS. 2A-2D show a demonstration of the “Open, Inhale, Close” mechanism of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0352] FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded view of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0353] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the dispensing mechanism of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0354] FIG. 5 shows the front view of the first embodiment of the dispensing mechanism where the dispenser is shown absent its housing.
[0355] FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the first embodiment of the dispensing mechanism where the dispenser is shown absent its housing.
[0356] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a view of the gear mechanism of the first embodiment of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0357] FIGS. 8A to 8E show details of the dispensing mechanism when prepared for use in sequential steps corresponding to those of FIGS. 2A-2D.
[0358] FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the dispensing mechanism of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0359] FIGS. 10A-10B show a view of gear mechanisms where the dispenser is shown absent its housing.
[0360] FIG. 11 shows an interaction of the first ratchet assembly and first blister cuvette of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0361] FIG. 12 shows an interaction of the second ratchet assembly and second blister cuvette of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0362] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of a third embodiment of the dispensing mechanism of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0363] FIG. 14 shows a front view of the third embodiment of the dispensing mechanism where the dispenser is shown absent its housing.
[0364] FIG. 15 shows a rear view of the third embodiment of the dispensing mechanism where the dispenser is shown absent its housing.
[0365] FIG. 16 shows an interaction of the first ratchet assembly and first blister cuvette of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0366] FIG. 17 shows an interaction of the second ratchet assembly and second blister cuvette of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0367] FIGS. 18A to 18E show details of the third embodiment of the dispensing mechanism when prepared for use in sequential steps corresponding to those of FIGS. 2A-2D.
[0368] FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the dispensing mechanism of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0369] FIG. 20 shows a front view of the fourth embodiment of the dispensing mechanism where the dispenser is shown absent its housing.
[0370] FIG. 21 shows a rear view of a fourth embodiment of the dispensing mechanism where the dispenser is shown absent its housing.
[0371] FIGS. 22A to 22G show details of the fourth embodiment of the dispensing mechanism when prepared for use in sequential steps corresponding to those of FIGS. 2A-2D.
[0372] FIG. 23 shows a mouthpiece cover of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0373] FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of the outer view of the top cover that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0374] FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of the inner view of the top cover that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein
[0375] FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of the outer view of the base cover that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0376] FIG. 27 shows an embodiment of the inner view of the base cover that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0377] FIG. 28 shows a view of the inner housing assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0378] FIG. 29 shows an underside view of an embodiment of the inner housing assembly shown in FIG. 28.
[0379] FIG. 30 shows an underside view of another embodiment of the inner housing assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0380] FIG. 31 shows a view of the driver gear that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0381] FIG. 32 shows an underside view of the driver gear shown in FIG. 31.
[0382] FIG. 33 shows a view of the driver gear that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0383] FIG. 34 shows an underside view of the driver gear shown in FIG. 33.
[0384] FIG. 35 shows a view of the interim driver gear that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0385] FIG. 36 shows a view of the ratchet gear that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0386] FIG. 37 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the blister cuvette and the ratchet assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0387] FIG. 38 shows a view of the blister cuvette shown in FIG. 37.
[0388] FIG. 39 shows an embodiment of the inside view of the blister cuvette shown in FIG. 38.
[0389] FIG. 40 shows another embodiment of the inside view of the blister cuvette shown in FIG. 38.
[0390] FIG. 41 shows a view of the driven member of the ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 37.
[0391] FIG. 42 shows an underside view of the driven member of the ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 37 (and FIG. 41).
[0392] FIG. 43 shows a view of the driving member of the ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 37.
[0393] FIG. 44 shows a view of the ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 37.
[0394] FIG. 45 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the blister cuvette and ratchet assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0395] FIG. 46 shows an inside view of the blister cuvette shown in FIG. 45.
[0396] FIG. 47 shows a view of the ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 45.
[0397] FIG. 48 shows an inside view of the ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 45 (and FIG. 47).
[0398] FIG. 49 shows an exploded view of a third embodiment of the blister cuvette and ratchet assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0399] FIG. 50 shows an inside view of the blister cuvette shown in FIG. 49
[0400] FIG. 51 shows a view of the driven member of the ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 49.
[0401] FIG. 52 shows a view of the driving member of the ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 49.
[0402] FIG. 53 shows an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the first blister cuvette and the first ratchet assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0403] FIG. 54 shows an inside view of the first blister cuvette shown in FIG. 53.
[0404] FIG. 55 shows a view of the first ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 53.
[0405] FIG. 56 shows an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the second blister cuvette and the second ratchet assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0406] FIG. 57 shows an inside view of the second blister cuvette shown in FIG. 56.
[0407] FIG. 58 shows an embodiment of the second ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 56.
[0408] FIG. 59 shows an exploded view of a fifth embodiment of the first blister cuvette and first the ratchet assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0409] FIG. 60 shows an inside view of the first blister cuvette shown in FIG. 59.
[0410] FIG. 61 shows an embodiment of the first ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 59.
[0411] FIG. 62 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the first blister cuvette and the first ratchet assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0412] FIG. 63 shows a view of the first ratchet assembly shown in FIG. 62.
[0413] FIGS. 64 and 65 show different views of the second ratchet assembly and interim driver gear.
[0414] FIG. 66 shows a first embodiment of the winding assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0415] FIG. 67 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 66.
[0416] FIG. 68 shows a view of the tensioning mechanism of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 66 (and FIG. 67).
[0417] FIG. 69 shows an underside view of the tensioning mechanism of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 66 (and FIGS. 67 and 68).
[0418] FIG. 70 shows a view of the winding wheel of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 66 (and FIG. 67).
[0419] FIGS. 71A-71C show a demonstration of the sheet tensioning mechanism.
[0420] FIG. 72 shows a second embodiment of the winding assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0421] FIG. 73 shows an exploded view of the second embodiment of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 72.
[0422] FIG. 74 shows a view of the tensioning mechanism of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 72 (and FIG. 73).
[0423] FIG. 75 shows a view of the winding wheel of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 72 (and FIG. 73).
[0424] FIGS. 76A-76B show a demonstration of the sheet tensioning mechanism.
[0425] FIG. 77 shows a third embodiment of the winding assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0426] FIG. 78 shows an exploded view of the third embodiment of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 77.
[0427] FIG. 79 shows a view of the tensioning mechanism of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 77 (and FIG. 78).
[0428] FIG. 80 shows a view of the winding wheel of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 77 (and FIG. 78).
[0429] FIGS. 81A-81B show a demonstration of the sheet tensioning mechanism.
[0430] FIG. 82 shows a fourth embodiment of the winding assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0431] FIG. 83 shows an exploded view of the fourth embodiment of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 82.
[0432] FIG. 84 shows a view of the tensioning mechanism of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 82 (and FIG. 83).
[0433] FIG. 85 shows a view of the winding wheel of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 82 (and FIG. 83).
[0434] FIGS. 86A-86B show a demonstration of the sheet tensioning mechanism.
[0435] FIG. 87 shows a fifth embodiment of the winding assembly that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0436] FIG. 88 shows an exploded view of the fifth embodiment of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 87.
[0437] FIG. 89 shows a view of the tensioning mechanism of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 87 (and FIG. 88).
[0438] FIG. 90 shows a view of the winding wheel of the winding assembly shown in FIG. 87 (and FIG. 88).
[0439] FIGS. 91A-91B show a demonstration of the sheet tensioning mechanism.
[0440] FIG. 92 shows a view of an embodiment of the wrapping wheel that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0441] FIG. 93 shows a view of another embodiment of the wrapping wheel that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0442] FIG. 94 shows a view of the base plate that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0443] FIG. 95 shows a view of the medicament dispenser, illustrating the inward airflow and outward airflow.
[0444] FIG. 96 shows a view of the medicament dispenser, illustrating the inward airflow in the flow channel.
[0445] FIG. 97 shows a view of the flow channel illustrating the inward airflow and outward airflow.
[0446] FIG. 98A shows a cut-away view of the flow channel illustrating the inward airflow and outward airflow.
[0447] FIG. 98B shows a cut-away view of the flow channel illustrating the inward and outward airflow.
[0448] FIG. 99 shows a top view of the flow channel.
[0449] FIGS. 100A-100B show views of the medicament carrier that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0450] FIG. 101 shows the front view of the fifth embodiment of the dispensing mechanism where the dispenser is shown absent its housing.
[0451] FIG. 102 shows a rear view of the fifth embodiment of the dispensing mechanism where the dispenser is shown absent its housing.
[0452] FIG. 103 shows driver gear or central gear assembly that is compatible with fifth embodiment of the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0453] FIG. 104 shows an exploded view of driver gear assembly that is compatible with fifth embodiment of the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0454] FIG. 105 shows view of primary driver gear that is compatible with fifth embodiment of the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0455] FIG. 106 shows view of spring loaded ratcheting disc that is compatible with fifth embodiment of the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0456] FIG. 107 shows view of secondary gear that is compatible with fifth embodiment of the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0457] FIG. 108 shows position of the driver gear or central gear when it is at initial position.
[0458] FIG. 109 shows position of the driver gear or central gear after first actuation.
[0459] FIG. 110 shows position of the driver gear or central gear after second actuation.
[0460] FIG. 111 shows position of the driver gear or central gear after fifteen actuation.
[0461] FIG. 112 shows position of the driver gear or central gear after thirty one actuation.
[0462] FIG. 113 shows the front view of the sixth embodiment of the dispensing mechanism where the dispenser is shown absent its housing.
[0463] FIG. 114 shows a rear view of the sixth embodiment of the dispensing mechanism where the dispenser is shown absent its housing.
[0464] FIG. 115 show front closed view of an embodiment of the medicament dispenser.
[0465] FIG. 116 show front open view of an embodiment of the medicament dispenser.
[0466] FIG. 117 show rear open view of an embodiment of the medicament dispenser.
[0467] FIG. 118 show rear closed view of an embodiment of the medicament dispenser.
[0468] FIGS. 119-FIG. show a demonstration of the “Open, Click, Inhale, Close” mechanism of the medicament dispenser shown in FIG. 130-FIG. 133.
[0469] FIG. 123 shows outer cover that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0470] FIG. 124 shows lever compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0471] FIG. 125 shows front view of housing that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
[0472] FIG. 126 shows central gear that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0473] To better illustrate aspects of the invention, particular embodiments and their operation will be described in this section, often with reference to the devices and components shown in the Figures. It is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by any particular embodiment described herein. While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be noted that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Further, any single embodiment or aspect described within this disclosure can be combined with any one or more other herein described aspects or embodiments, the description of such combinations considered to be incorporated herein as if such a combination had been described in detail.
[0474] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a medicament dispenser (DPI) according to one aspect of the disclosure. The medicament dispenser can include a housing (1) and a mouthpiece cover (3). FIG. 1A also shows a dose indicator window (48) through which dose indicia ‘30’ is visible. The window (48) provides a unified view of the dose indicator for user feedback on the number of remaining doses.
[0475] FIGS. 2A and 2D illustrate the demonstration of the “Open, Inhale, Close” mechanism of the medicament dispenser shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In FIG. 2A, the mouthpiece cover is in a first/closed position in which mouthpiece (29) and inlet vent openings (74) are not visible. In FIG. 2B, the mouthpiece cover (3) has been moved to a second position in which mouthpiece (29) and inlet vent openings (74) are not yet visible. The movement of the mouthpiece cover (3) from the first position to the second position does not actuate the dispensing mechanism (not shown) in the dispenser nor actuation of the dose counter (the mechanism is not shown). In FIG. 2C, the mouthpiece cover (3) has been moved further to a third position in which mouthpiece (29) and inlet vent openings (74) are visible. As a result of the further movement from the second position to the third position, the dispensing mechanism (not visible) is actuated in the dispenser to make a medicament dose available for inhalation. The movement has also resulted in the actuation of the dose counter of the dispenser such as to decrease the dose count indicia shown in the dose indicator window (48) by one unit, here to a new reading of ‘29’. The patient can inhale the medicament through the mouthpiece opening (25) (see FIGS. 3 and 95). In FIG. 2D, after inhalation, the mouthpiece cover (3) has been returned to the first/closed position (as in FIG. 2A). As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the inlet vent openings (74) of the top cover (13) may be covered by the mouthpiece cover (3) when its first and second positions (FIGS. 2A and 2B) and fully revealed when the mouthpiece cover (3) is in its third or open position (FIG. 2C).
[0476] FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded view of the medicament dispenser according to one aspect of the disclosure. As shown, the medicament dispenser can comprise a top cover (13), a base plate (129) which in some aspects can incorporate other elements aiding in the construction of or operation of the medicament dispenser such as but not limited to one or more pins (e.g., (23) of FIG. 3), a base cover (14) which in this embodiment is shown as comprising a mouthpiece opening (25), and a mouthpiece cover (3), each of which is further described elsewhere herein.
[0477] FIG. 4 illustrate a fully exploded view of a first dispensing mechanism that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein. FIG. 4 illustrates in more detail components of the medicament dispenser, which can reside, when fully assembled, between the base cover (14) and the base plate (129) shown previously in FIG. 3. The components shown in the embodiment of the dispenser illustrated in FIG. 4 are described elsewhere herein but include a top cover (13), a base plate (129), two medicament carriers shown as a first medicament carrier (5a) and a second medicament carrier (5b), an inner housing assembly (4), a flow channel (12), a first blister cuvette (8a) and a first wrapping wheel (11a) which associate with the first medicament carrier (5a), a second blister cuvette (8b) and a second wrapping wheel (11b) which associates with the second medicament carrier (5b), a first winding assembly (7a) which associates with the first medicament carrier (5a), a second winding assembly (7b) which associates with the second medicament carrier (5b), an interim gear (10), a driver gear (2), a secondary interim gear (130), a tertiary interim gear (131), a ratchet gear (128), an interim driver gear (108), a base cover (14), a mouthpiece (29), and a mouthpiece cover (3).
[0478] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the dispensing mechanism and first and second medicament carriers (5a) and (5b). The first and second medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) are positioned within respective left and right compartments of the inner housing assembly (4). Each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b) engages with respective blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b). One carrier may contain one or more different medicament(s) than the other carrier. At an opening location (an opening location is a position within the medicament dispenser wherein the medicament carrier is opened or where an individual dose of medicament is otherwise held within the medicament carrier and positioned for access), the base sheet and the lid sheet parts (72) and (73) (best exemplified in FIGS. 100a and 100b) of each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b)) are peelably separable. The resulting empty base sheet (72a) and (72b) (shown in FIG. 5) coils up in respective compartments. The wrapping wheels (11a) and (11b), for wrapping the base sheets of the two medicament carriers, each anchor the end of each respective base sheet (72a) and (72b) in the compartments. Progressive rotation of each respective wrapping wheel results in the base sheets (72a) and (72b) being wound up therearound into a tight coil. The rotation of each winding assembly (7a) and (7b) is coupled to that of the respective blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) such the rotation of the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) rotates new blister packs of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) into the appropriate position within the opening location, the winding assemblies (7a) and (7b) correspondingly winding the lid sheets peeled away from each respective medicament carrier base sheet. The resulting separated lid sheets (73a) and (73b) are wound onto/into the respective winding assemblies (7a) and (7b) respectively.
[0479] The mechanism of operation of the first dispensing mechanism and the medicament dispenser, according to one embodiment, is presented in FIGS. 6, 7A-7B and 8A-8E, each figure providing a rear view of the dispenser (as in from the opposing side of the dispenser than that shown in FIG. 5).
[0480] In use, the mouthpiece cover (3) is movable along the housing (1). In FIG. 6, the movable mouthpiece cover (3) is shown in its first position as previously described. As a means of introducing other figures to be later described, as in FIG. 5, the mouthpiece cover (3) and housing (1) are transparent to provide a view into the medicament dispenser. A similar approach to illustration has been taken in many figures incorporated herein. From this perspective, many elements of the dispenser of this embodiment, and when used in describing further embodiments elsewhere herein many elements of the dispenser of that particular embodiment, are visible. From this perspective, the following minimum elements of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 are visible (more elements can be visible; however a select number are illustrated and labeled, as is the case similarly with other figures disclosed herein): a mouthpiece cover (3); a mouthpiece (29); a first winding assembly (7a) and a second winding assembly (7b); a first blister cuvette (8a) and a second blister cuvette (8b); a first ratchet assembly (9a) and a second ratchet assembly (9b); a driver gear (2); an interim gear (10); an interim driver gear (108); a secondary interim gear (130); a first wrapping wheel (11a) and a second wrapping wheel (11b); and a tertiary interim gear (131).
[0481] FIGS. 7A-7B are a similar illustration to FIG. 6; however, FIGS. 7A-7B provide views of the gear mechanism of the dispenser with other non-labeled components in light shadowing as they relate to the positions of select components illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 7A illustrates the gear mechanism of the dispenser having the following components specifically labeled for orientation: mouthpiece cover (3); interim driver gear (108); secondary interim gear (130); driver gear (2); tertiary interim gear (131); and first and second wrapping wheels (11a) and (11b). FIG. 7B illustrates a closeup view of one section of the gear mechanism of the medicament dispenser having the following components labeled: interim driver gear (108); ratchet gear (128); ratchet (125); inner gears (of ratchet gear) (126); secondary interim gear (130); second wrapping wheel (11b); and tertiary interim gear (131).
[0482] FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate the dispensing mechanism when prepared for use, the figures corresponding to the mouthpiece positioning illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D. In FIG. 8A, the mouthpiece cover (3) is in a first/closed position in which the mouthpiece cover (3) covers the mouthpiece (29) (not labeled). In FIG. 8C, the mouthpiece cover has been moved about 12 degrees to a second position, in which the mouthpiece cover (3) still covers the mouthpiece (29) (not labeled). The movement of the mouthpiece cover from the first position to the second position does not result in the actuation of the blister cuvettes. In FIGS. 8D and 8E, the mouthpiece cover has been moved further to a third position, in which the mouthpiece cover (3) uncovers the mouthpiece (29). The further movement of the mouthpiece cover (3) from the second position to the third position results in movement of the blister cuvettes. The mouthpiece cover (3) rotates the driver gear (2) which in turn rotates the first ratchet assembly (9a) (see FIG. 8A). The interim driver gear (108) is located between the driver gear (2) and the second ratchet assembly (9b) for allowing the rotation of ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) in the opposite direction. The first ratchet assembly (9a) is displaced at about 15 degrees from the ratchet tooth (45a) of the first blister cuvette (8a) (see FIG. 8B). The first ratchet assembly (9a) does not rotate the first blister cuvette (8a) for the initial about 15 degrees rotation of the first ratchet assembly (9a). This idle movement of about 15 degrees of the first ratchet assembly (9a) corresponds to about 12 degrees of the idle movement of the mouthpiece cover (3) thus allowing for some “play” within the movement of the mouthpiece cover, such that if the mouthpiece cover is only slightly moved, or for example is bumped or wiggled such that it is rotated less than about 12 degrees, no rotation or actuation of the blister cuvette occurs. The first ratchet assembly (9a) rotates 1.25× faster than the driver gear (2). The first ratchet assembly (9a) rotates about 15 degrees and comes in contact with the ratchet tooth (45a) of the first blister cuvette (8a), and thereby the first blister cuvette (8a) rotates synchronously with the first ratchet assembly (9a). Upon rotation, the first blister cuvette (8a) advances a blister pocket, also referred to herein as a blister cavity (41a), the two terms being equivalent and both referring to the same element (not shown in FIGS. 8A-8E), from the first medicament carrier (5a) (also not shown in FIGS. 8A-8E). The driver gear (2) rotates the second ratchet assembly (9b) via interim driver gear (108). The driver gear (2) does not come in contact with the interim driver gear (108) while it is in contact with the first ratchet assembly (9a) (see FIGS. 8A and 8C-8E). To provide context, additional components beyond those described in FIGS. 8A-8E are described briefly here. These elements are described further elsewhere herein. The driver gear (2) does not rotate the second ratchet assembly (9b) until the blister cavity (41a) from the first medicament carrier (5a) is completely peeled open at the first pair of grids (62a) of the flow channel (12). Once the first medicament carrier (5a) is completely peeled open, the driver gear teeth (21) come into contact with the interim driver gear (108) and begins to rotate the second ratchet assembly (9b) and thereby the second blister cuvette (8b). The second medicament carrier (5b) continues to peel open until the mouthpiece cover (3) cannot be rotated any further. During this time, the second medicament carrier (5b) is completely peeled open at the second pair of grids (62b) of the flow channel (12). Both the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) are peeled open successively (one after the other) during actuation. Advancement of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) cause the respective leading blister cavity (41a) and (41b) to be peeled open and successively brought into communication with the pair of grids (62a) and (62b) of the flow channel (12), which itself communicates with mouthpiece opening (25). It is at this time that the medicaments of the blister cavities are available for inhalation. The first blister cuvette gear teeth (34a) directly drive the first winding assembly (7a) and drive the first wrapping wheel (11a) via interim gear (10). The second blister cuvette gear teeth (34b) directly drive the second winding assembly (7b). The ratchet gear (128) located concentrically with the interim driver gear (108) drives the second wrapping wheel (11b) via secondary interim gear (130) and tertiary interim gear (131). The lid sheet of each of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) is successively peeled during each blister movement via a constant tension applied by the winding assemblies (7a) and (7b). The lid sheet of each of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) winds around the winding assemblies (7a) and (7b) during the operation of the dispenser. The base sheet of each of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) is advanced via the wrapping wheels (11a) and (11b). The first wrapping wheel (11a) is driven by the first blister cuvette (8a) via the interim gear (10). The second wrapping wheel (11b) is driven by the ratchet gear (128) via secondary interim gear (130) and tertiary interim gear (131). The ratchet gear (128) located under the interim driver gear (108) (e.g., is positioned at a lower plane than the interim driver gear (108) when viewed from a perspective of looking down on the interim driver gear (108) rotates the second wrapping wheel (11b) in one direction. The open end (71) of each of the base sheets is located within the respective wrapping wheel slits (69a) and (69b), and wraps around the wheel as it rotates during actuation. To access the medicament of the opened cavities of medicament carriers (5a) and (5b), the user places their mouth on the mouthpiece opening (25) and inhales. This state results in air (22) entering the device through the inlet vent openings (74) and passing through the opened blister cavities (41a) and (41b) at the pair of grids (62a) and (62b) and exiting the device through the mouthpiece opening (25). In doing so, the powder contained within the opened cavities (41a) and (41b) at the pair of grids (62a) and (62b) of the flow channel (12) is aerosolized and guided through the flow channel (12) and the mouthpiece opening (25) and delivered to the user as an orally inhaled medicament dose. Thus, in use, the user can simultaneously inhale one dose portion from each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b). In FIG. 8D, the mouthpiece cover (3) after inhalation has been moved in the opposite direction (from the third position to the first position) to cover the mouthpiece (29). At this stage, the motion of the mouthpiece cover (3) rotates the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) without moving the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b). The ratcheting mechanism of the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) and blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) prevents the rotation of the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) in the opposite direction.
[0483] Returning to FIGS. 8A to 8E, FIGS. 8A-8E show the interaction and the movements of the components of the first dispensing mechanism. In the first/closed position of FIG. 8A, the teeth (21) of the driver gear (2) are in a meshed relationship with the first ratchet assembly gear teeth (39a). The teeth (21) of the driver gear (2) do not mesh with the interim driver gear (108). In FIG. 8B, the drive pin (40a) of the first ratchet assembly (9a) is not in engagement with the first blister cuvette ratchet tooth (45a). The about 12 degrees movement of the mouthpiece cover (3) from the first position to the second position results in about 15 degrees movement of the first ratchet assembly (9a) via driver gear (2), which further results in movement of the drive pin (40a) which then engages with the ratchet tooth of the first blister cuvette (45a) through the contacting surface (46a). When the mouthpiece cover (3) is moved to the second position, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the first blister cuvette (8a) is ready for movement but has not yet been moved, and hence the first medicament carrier (5a) has not been advanced. The further movement of the mouthpiece cover (3) from the second position to the third position, as shown in FIG. 8D, results in simultaneous movement of the first ratchet assembly (9a) and the first blister cuvette (8a) through the engagement of the drive pin (40a) (refer to FIG. 8B) and the ratchet tooth (45a) to peel open the blister pocket (41a) of the first medicament carrier (5a) (not shown) at the first pair of grids (62a) (not shown) of the flow channel (12) (refer to FIG. 5). Until this position, the teeth (21) of the driver gear (2) do not mesh with the interim driver gear (108). The further movement of the mouthpiece cover (3), illustrated in FIG. 8E, causes the teeth (21) of the driver gear (2) to mesh with the interim driver gear (108) which meshes with the second ratchet assembly (9b). The drive pin (40b) (refer to FIG. 8B) of the second ratchet assembly (9b) engages with the ratchet tooth (45b) of the second blister cuvette (8b) through the contacting surface (46b). The further movement of the mouthpiece cover (3) to the third position results in simultaneous movement of the second ratchet assembly (9b) and the second blister cuvette (8b) to peel open the blister pocket (41b) (not shown) of the second medicament carrier (5b) at the second grids (62b) (not shown) of the flow channel (12) (refer to FIG. 5). At the third position, the opened blister pocket of each of medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) are available at the flow channel (12) (refer to FIG. 5) for simultaneous inhalation by the patient through the mouthpiece opening (25) (within mouthpiece (29)). When the mouthpiece cover (3) is returned to its first/closed position, the reverse rotation of the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) is not transmitted to the respective blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b). Thus, on each occasion, the mouthpiece cover (3) is fully opened and closed, the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) are incremented in one rotational direction only.
[0484] FIG. 9 illustrates a fully exploded view of a second dispensing mechanism of the medicament dispenser described herein, e.g., a second embodiment of a dispensing mechanism of the medicament dispenser described herein. FIG. 9 illustrates some components of the mechanism of this embodiment in relation to one another, the components comprising: a mouthpiece cover (3); a mouthpiece (29); a base cover (14); an interim gear (10); a secondary interim gear (130); a driver gear (2); an interim driver gear (108); a first winding assembly (7a) and a second winding assembly (7b); a first blister cuvette (8a) and a second blister cuvette (8b); a first wrapping wheel (11a) and a second wrapping wheel (11b); an inner housing assembly (4); a flow channel (12); a first medicament carrier (5a) and a second medicament carrier (5b); a base plate (129) and a top cover (13).
[0485] In use, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the mouthpiece cover (3) is movable along the housing. The mouthpiece cover (3), when sufficiently moved, rotates the driver gear (2) which in turn rotates the first ratchet assembly (9a) and second ratchet assembly (9b). The interim driver gear (108) is located between the driver gear (2) and the second ratchet assembly (9b) for allowing the rotation of ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) in opposite directions. The driver gear (2) simultaneously rotates ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b). The first ratchet assembly (9a) is displaced at about 15 degrees from the first blister cuvette ratchet tooth (45a) (see FIG. 11). The first ratchet assembly (9a) does not rotate the first blister cuvette (8a) for the initial about 15 degrees rotation of the first ratchet assembly (9a). The first ratchet assembly (9a) rotates 1.25× slower than the driver gear (2). The second ratchet assembly (9b) is displaced at about 30 degrees from the second blister cuvette ratchet tooth (45b) (see FIG. 12). The second ratchet assembly (9b) does not rotate the second blister cuvette (8b) for the initial about 30 degrees rotation of the second ratchet assembly (9b). The idle movement of about 15 degrees of the first ratchet assembly (9a) corresponds to about 18.75 degrees of the idle movement of the mouthpiece cover (3). Once the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) rotate about 15 degrees and about 30 degrees and come in contact with the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) respectively, the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) rotate synchronously with ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b), thereby advancing the medicament carrier (5a) and (5b). The following further description, though not illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B, FIG. 11, or FIG. 12, is included here to aid in understanding and are further described elsewhere herein. The driver gear (2) rotates the second ratchet assembly (9b) via interim driver gear (108). Advancement of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) cause the respective leading blister cavity (41a) and (41b) to be peeled open and brought into communication with the pair of grids (62a) and (62b) of the flow channel (12), which itself communicates with mouthpiece opening (25), and the medicaments of the blister cavities (41a) and (41b) are made available for inhalation. The first blister cuvette gear teeth (34a) drive the first winding assembly (7a), and the first wrapping wheel (11a) via interim gear (10). The second blister cuvette gear teeth (34b) drives the second winding assembly (7b). The interim driver gear (108) drives the second wrapping gear (11b) via secondary interim gear (130). The lid sheet of each of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) is peeled during each blister movement via a constant tension applied by the winding assemblies (7a) and (7b). The lid sheet of each of the carriers (5a) and (5b) winds around the winding assemblies (7a) and (7b) during the operation of the dispenser. The base sheet of each of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) is advanced via the wrapping wheels (11a) and (11b). The open end (71) of both the base sheets is located with the respective wrapping wheel slits (69a) and (69b) and wraps around the wheel as it rotates during actuation. To access the medicament of the opened cavities of medicament carriers (5a) and (5b), the user places their mouth on the mouthpiece opening (25) and inhales. This action by the user results in air (22) entering the device through the inlet vent openings (74) and passing through the opened blister cavities (41a) and (41b) at the pair of grids (62a) and (62b). The air then exits the device through the mouthpiece opening (25). This exiting of air results in the powder contained within the opened cavities (41a) and (41b) at the pair of grids (62a) and (62b) of the flow channel (12) being aerosolized and the powder being guided through the flow channel and the mouthpiece opening (25), ultimately reaching the user as an inhaled medicament dose. Thus, in use, the user can simultaneously inhale one dose portion from each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b). The mouthpiece cover (3) after inhalation is moved in the opposite direction (from the third position to the first position) to cover the mouthpiece (29). At this stage, the motion of the mouthpiece cover (3) rotates the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) without moving the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b). The ratcheting mechanism of the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) and blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) prevents the rotation of the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) in the opposite direction.
[0486] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11, and 12 show the interaction and the movements of the components of the second dispensing mechanism. At a first/closed position, the teeth (21) of the driver gear (2) are in the meshed relationship with the first ratchet assembly gear teeth (39a) and the interim driver gear (108). The interim driver gear (108) meshes with the second ratchet assembly gear teeth (39b). The drive pins (40a) and (40b) of the respective first and second ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) are not in engagement with the respective ratchet tooth (45a) and (45b) of the first and second blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The sufficient movement of the mouthpiece cover (3) results in the simultaneous movement of the first and second ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) via driver gear (2). The about 15-degree movement of the first ratchet assembly (9a) results in movement of the drive pin (40a) of the first ratchet assembly (9a) and thereby engagement with the ratchet tooth (45a) through the contacting surface (46a). The further movement of the mouthpiece cover (3) results in simultaneous movement of the first ratchet assembly (9a) and the first blister cuvette (8a) to peel open the blister pocket (41a) of the first medicament carrier (5a) at the first pair of grids (62a) of the flow channel (12) (not shown). The about 30-degree movement of the second ratchet assembly (9b) via interim driver gear (108) results in movement of the drive pin (40b) of the second ratchet assembly (9b) and thereby engagement with the ratchet tooth (45b) through the contacting surface (46b). The further movement of the mouthpiece cover (3) results in simultaneous movement of the second ratchet assembly (9b) and the second blister cuvette (8b) to peel open the blister pocket (41b) of the second medicament carrier (5b) at the second pair of grids (62b) of the flow channel (12) (not shown). The first and second blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) begin to rotate at different times and differing speeds and thereby advance the respective medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) at different rates but completely open the respective blister pockets (41a) and (41b) at the same time at the opening location. The opened blister pocket (41a) and (41b) of each medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) are available at the flow channel (12) for simultaneous inhalation by the patient through the opened mouthpiece opening (25). When the mouthpiece cover (3) is closed, the reverse rotation of the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) is not transmitted to the respective blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b). Therefore, on each occasion that the mouthpiece cover (3) is fully opened and closed in the second embodiment of the medicament dispenser mechanism, blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) are incremented in one rotational direction only.
[0487] FIG. 13 illustrates a fully exploded view of a third dispensing mechanism of the medicament dispenser described herein. In use, the mouthpiece cover (3) (not shown) is movable along the housing. The mouthpiece cover (3) rotates the driver gear (2) which in turn rotates the first ratchet assembly (9a) and the second ratchet assembly (9b) (see FIG. 15). The interim driver gear (108) is located between the driver gear (2) and the second ratchet assembly (9b) for allowing the rotation of ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) in opposite directions. The driver gear (2) simultaneously rotates the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b). The first ratchet assembly (9a) is displaced at about 20 degrees from the first blister cuvette ratchet tooth (45a) (see FIG. 16). The first ratchet assembly (9a) does not rotate the first blister cuvette (8a) for the initial about 20 degrees rotation of the first ratchet assembly (9a). The first ratchet assembly (9a) rotates slower than the driver gear (2). The second ratchet assembly (9b) is displaced at about 40 degrees from the ratchet tooth (45b) of the second blister cuvette (8b) (see FIG. 17). The second ratchet assembly (9b) does not rotate the second blister cuvette (8b) for the initial about 40 degrees rotation of the second ratchet assembly (9b). The idle movement of about 20 degrees of the first ratchet assembly (9a) corresponds to about 18.75 degrees of the idle movement of the mouthpiece cover (3). Once the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) rotate about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees and come in contact with the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) respectively, the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) rotate synchronously with the ratchets assemblies (9a) and (9b), thereby advancing the medicament carrier (5a) and (5b). The driver gear (2) rotates the second ratchet assembly (9b) via interim driver gear (108). As a result of the phase lag between the first and second ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) and the respective gear ratios, both the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) are out of phase during the entire duration of the rotation. Both the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) advance the respective carrier (5a) and (5b) at a different rate but completely open the respective blister pockets (41a) and (41b) at the same time once they reach the opening location. Advancement of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) cause the respective leading blister cavity (41a) and (41b) to be peeled open and brought into communication with the pair of grids (62a) and (62b) of the flow channel (12), which itself communicates with mouthpiece opening (25), and the medicaments of the blister cavities (41a) and (41b) are available for inhalation. The first blister cuvette gear teeth (34a) drives the first winding assembly (7a) and the first wrapping wheel (11a) via interim gear (10). The second blister cuvette gear teeth (34b) drive the second winding assembly (7b). The second blister cuvette gear teeth (34b) drives the second winding assembly (7b). The interim driver gear (108) drives the second wrapping wheel (11b) via secondary interim gear (130). The lid sheet of each of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) is peeled during each blister movement via a constant tension applied by the winding assemblies (7a) and (7b). The lid sheet of each of the carriers (5a) and (5b) winds around the winding assemblies (7a) and (7b) during the operation of the dispenser. The base sheet of each of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) is advanced via the wrapping wheels (11a) and (11b). The open end (71) of both the base sheets is located with the respective wrapping wheel slits (69a) and (69b) and wraps around the wheel as it rotates during actuation. To access the medicament of the opened cavities of medicament carriers (5a) and (5b), the user places the mouth on the mouthpiece opening (25) of the mouthpiece (29) and inhales. This action by the user results in air (22) entering the device through the inlet vent openings (74) and passing through the opened blister cavities (41a) and (41b) at the pair of grids (62a) and (62b) and exiting the device through the mouthpiece opening (25). This exit of air results in the powder contained within the opened cavities (41a) and (41b) at the pair of grids (62a) and (62b) of the flow channel (12) being aerosolized and guided through the flow channel and the mouthpiece opening (25) and hence to the user as an inhaled medicament dose. Thus, in use, the user can simultaneously inhale one dose portion from each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b). The mouthpiece cover (3) after inhalation has been moved in the opposite direction (from the third position to the first position) to cover the mouthpiece (29). At this stage, the motion of the mouthpiece cover (3) rotates the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) without moving the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b). The ratcheting mechanism of the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) and blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) prevents the rotation of the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) in the opposite direction.
[0488] FIGS. 18A to 18E show the interaction and the movements of the components of the third dispensing mechanism. Referring to FIG. 18A, at first/closed position, the teeth (21) of the driver gear (2) are in the meshed relationship with the first ratchet assembly (9a) gear teeth (39a) and the interim driver gear (108). The interim driver gear (108) meshes with the second ratchet assembly (9b) gear teeth (39b). The drive pin (40a) and (40b) of the respective first and second assemblies (9a) and (9b) are not in engagement with the respective ratchet tooth (45a) and (45b) of the first and second blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) (see FIGS. 16 and 17). The movement of the mouthpiece cover (3) results in simultaneous movement of the first and second ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) via driver gear (2). Referring FIG. 18B, the driver gear (2) rotates 18.75 degrees and hence rotates the first ratchet assembly (9a) by 20 degrees and second ratchet assembly (9b) by 25 degrees. The first ratchet assembly (9a) completes its idle motion and the second ratchet assembly (9b) needs to rotate another 15 degrees to complete its idle motion. No medicament carrier advancement occurs during this time. Referring to FIG. 18C, the driver gear (2) rotates a total of 30 degrees. The first ratchet assembly (9a) rotates 12 degrees and hence begins to peel open the first medicament carrier (5a). The second ratchet assembly (9b) rotates an additional 15 degrees to complete its idle motion and begins to peel open the second medicament carrier (5b) thereafter. Referring FIG. 18D, the driver gear (2) rotates a total of 75 degrees and hence rotates the first ratchet assembly (9a) by 80 degrees and second ratchet assembly (9b) by 100 degrees. Accounting for the idle motion of 20 degrees and 40 degrees in each ratchet assembly (9a) and (9b) respectively, the total advancement of each blister cuvette (8a) and (8b) is 60 degrees. The first and second blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) begin to rotate at different times and differing speeds and thereby advance the respective carriers (5a) and (5b) at different rate but completely open the respective pockets (41a) and (41b) at the same time at the opening location (not shown). The opened blister pocket (41a) and (41b) of each of medicament carriers (5a) and (5a) is available at the flow channel (12) for simultaneous inhalation by the patient through the opened mouthpiece opening (25) (not shown). Referring to FIG. 18E, the driver gear (2) returns back to the first/closed position as the mouthpiece cover (3) is closed after device use. When the mouthpiece cover (3) is closed, the reverse rotation of the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) is not transmitted to the respective blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b). Therefore, on each occasion, the mouthpiece cover (3) is fully opened and closed, blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) are incremented in one rotational direction only.
[0489] FIG. 19 illustrates a fully exploded view of a fourth dispensing mechanism of the medicament dispenser described herein. The mechanism of operation of the medicament dispenser according to an aspect of the disclosure is presented in FIGS. 20, 21 to 22A-22G. In use, the mouthpiece cover is movable along the housing. The mouthpiece cover (3) rotates the driver gear (2), which in turn rotates the first ratchet assembly (9a). The driver gear (2) is displaced at about 12 degrees from the first ratchet assembly (9a). In other words, the driver gear rotates about 12 degrees before coming in contact with the first ratchet assembly gear teeth (39a) and thus provides an idle movement of about 12 degrees during the opening of the mouthpiece cover (3). The driver gear (2) does not rotate the first ratchet assembly (9a) for the initial about 12 degrees rotation of the driver gear (2). Once the driver gear (2) comes in contact with the first ratchet assembly (9a), the first ratchet assembly (9a) rotates the first blister cuvette (8a). The first blister cuvette (8a) rotates synchronously with the first ratchet assembly (9a) and advances a blister pocket (41a) from the first medicament carrier (5a). The driver gear (2) does not rotate the second blister cuvette (8b) until the blister pocket (41) from the first medicament carrier (5a) is completely peeled open at the first pair of grids (62a) of the flow channel (12). Further movement of the driver gear (2) rotates the second blister cuvette (8b) via the second ratchet assembly (9b) and interim driver gear (108). The driver gear (2) does not come in contact with gear teeth (39b) of the second ratchet assembly (9b) while it is in contact with the first ratchet assembly (9a). Once the first medicament carrier (5a) is completely peeled open at the first pair of grids (62a) of the flow channel (12), the driver gear (2) meshes with the second ratchet assembly gear teeth (39b) and starts rotating the second ratchet assembly (9b). The driver gear (2) rotates the second ratchet assembly (9b) which in turn synchronously rotates the second blister cuvette (8a) via the interim gear (108) and advancing a blister pocket (41b) from the second medicament carrier (5a) to peel open at the second pair of grids (62b) of the flow channel (12). Both the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) are peeled open successively (one after the other) during the actuation of the device. Advancement of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) cause the respective leading blister cavity (41a) and (41b) to be peeled open and successively brought into communication with the pair of grids (62a) and (62b) of the flow channel (12), which itself communicates with mouthpiece opening (25) and the medicaments of the blister cavities are available for inhalation. The gear teeth (34a) of the first blister cuvette (8a) drive the first winding assembly (7a), and the first wrapping gear (11a) via interim gear (10). The gear teeth (34b) of the second blister cuvette (8b) drive the second winding assembly (7b). The interim driver gear (108) located concentrically with the second ratchet assembly (9b) drives the second wrapping wheel (11b) via gear teeth (68b). The lid sheet of each of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) is successively peeled during each blister movement via a constant tension applied by the winding assemblies (7a) and (7b). The lid sheet of each of the medicament carrier (5a) and (5b) winds around the winding assemblies (7a) and (7b) during the operation of the dispenser. The base sheet of each of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) is advanced via the wrapping wheels (11a) and (11b). The open end (71) of both of the base sheets is located with the respective wrapping wheel slits (69a) and (69b) and wraps around the wheel as it rotates during actuation. To access the medicament of the opened cavities of medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) the user places the mouth on the mouthpiece opening (25) and inhales. This action by the user results in air (22) enters the device through the inlet vent openings (74) and pass through the opened blister cavities (41a) and (41b) at the pair of grids (62a) and (62b) and exits the device through the mouthpiece opening (25). This flow of air results in the powder contained within the opened cavities (41a) and (41b) at the pair of grids (62a) and (62b) of the flow channel (12) being aerosolized and guided through the flow channel (12) and the mouthpiece opening (25) and hence to the user as an inhaled medicament dose. Thus, in use, the user can simultaneously inhale one dose portion from each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b). The mouthpiece cover after inhalation has been moved in the opposite direction (from the third position to the first position) to cover the mouthpiece (29). At this stage, the motion of the mouthpiece cover (3) rotates the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) without moving the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b). The ratcheting mechanism of the first ratchet assembly (9a) and the first blister cuvettes (8a) prevents the rotation of the first blister cuvettes (8a) in the opposite direction. The ratcheting mechanism of the second ratchet assembly (9b) and the interim driver gear (108) prevents the rotation of the interim driver gear (108) and thereby the second blister cuvettes (8b) in the opposite direction. The second ratchet assembly (9b) does not rotate the interim driver gear (108) during the reverse motion or the closing of the mouthpiece cover (3).
[0490] FIGS. 22A to 22G show the interaction and the movements of the components of the fourth dispensing mechanism. In FIG. 22A at first/closed position, the driver gear (2) is not in a meshed relationship with the first and second ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b). In FIGS. 22B, the driver gear (2) rotates about 12 degrees before contacting the first ratchet assembly (9a). About 12 degrees movement of the driver gear (2) results in the engagement of the driver gear (2) with the first ratchet assembly (9a). In FIGS. 22C, the driver gear (2) rotates the first ratchet assembly (9a) for 60 degrees to advance the first blister cuvette (8a) to peel open the blister pocket of the first medicament carrier (5a) at the first pair of grids (62a) of the flow channel (12). Until this position, the driver gear (2) does not mesh with the second ratchet assembly (9b). In FIGS. 22D, the driver gear (2) rotates the second ratchet assembly (9b) for 60 degrees to advance the second blister cuvette (8b) via the interim driver gear (108). In FIGS. 22E and 22F, the driver gear (2) completes the advancement of the second blister cuvette (8b) to peel open the blister pocket of the second medicament carrier (5b) at the second pair of grids (62b) of the flow channel (12). In the third position, the opened blister pocket of each of medicament carriers (5a) and (5a) is available at the flow channel (12) for simultaneous inhalation by the patient through the mouthpiece opening (25). In FIGS. 22G, the driver gear (2) returns to its original position as the mouthpiece cover (3) is closed after device use (i.e., first/closed position). When the driver gear (2)/mouthpiece cover (3) is returned to its original position, the reverse rotation of the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b) is not transmitted to the respective blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b). Thus, on each occasion, the mouthpiece cover is fully opened and closed, the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) are incremented in one rotary direction only.
[0491] FIG. 23 shows a mouthpiece cover (3) according to one aspect of the disclosure. The mouthpiece cover (3) can be provided for actuating the dispensing mechanism. The mouthpiece cover (3) can be mechanically mounted to the housing (1) via a pin (23) of the base plate (129) and the flange (49) of the driver gear (2). The mouthpiece cover (3) is provided with a mounting key for (15) for interaction with a flange (49) of a driver gear (2). In use, the mouthpiece cover (3) is rotationally movable about an axis defined by the rotational axis of the driver gear (2). The mouthpiece cover (3) can rotate about the axis passing through the mounting key (15) and the pivot hole (16). The pivot hole (16) rotates about the pin (23) of a base plate (129). The mounting key (15) engages with the flange (49) on the driver gear (2) and rotates it in the same direction as the direction of rotation of the mouthpiece cover (3). The edge (30) on the mouthpiece cover (3) rests over the housing (1) after complete actuation.
[0492] FIGS. 24 and 25 show outer and inner views of the top cover (13) according to one aspect of the disclosure. The top cover (13) covers and encloses the dispensing mechanism. Inlet vent openings (74) are located on the top cover (13) allows the air (22) to enter into the flow channel (12). In use, the inlet vent openings (74) allows the air (22) to pass from outside the dispenser into the flow channel (12) via the pair of inlet compartments (17a) and (17b) in response to inhalation by the patient at the mouthpiece opening (25). Notably, the inlet vent openings (74) provide the sole point of entry of inhalation air from outside the medicament dispenser into the flow channel (12). The central groove of the top cover (118) allows the mouthpiece cover (3) to enter and rotate about the pin (23) of the base plate (129).
[0493] FIGS. 26 and 27 show outer and inner views of the base cover (14) according to one aspect of the disclosure. The base cover can hold and encase components of the dispensing mechanism. The central groove of the base cover (117) allows the mouthpiece cover (3) to enter and rotate the flange (49) of the driver gear (2).
[0494] FIGS. 28 and 29 show an inner housing assembly (4) according to one aspect of the disclosure. The inner housing assembly may locate the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) and components of the dispensing mechanism such as the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b), the winding assemblies (7a) and (7b) and the wrapping wheels (11a) and (11b) pass through openings (54a) and (54b), (56a) and (56b) and (55a) and (55b) respectively. The wall (60) separates the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b). The underside part of the inner housing assembly (4) may locate the driver gear (2), an interim driver gear (108), an interim gear (10), a secondary interim gear (130) and a tertiary interim gear (131) on studs (53), (109), (57), (58) and (132) respectively. FIG. 30 show an inner housing assembly according to another aspect of the disclosure. The inner housing assembly (4) locates the gears responsible for driving the dispensing mechanism. The underside part of the inner housing assembly (4) locates the driver gear (2), interim driver gear (108), interim gear (10) and secondary interim gear (130) on the studs (53), (109), (57) and (58) respectively.
[0495] FIGS. 31 and 32 show an embodiment of a driver gear (2). The driver gear (2) is having inner and outer faces and a circumferential surface. The outer surface can include a driving flange (49), which fits in the mounting key (15) of the mouthpiece cover (3) for establishing a direct drive connection between the mouthpiece cover (3) and the driver gear (2). The inner surface can include a shaft (50) and a bearing (20). Bearing (20) enables the driver gear (2) to freely rotate about stud (53) on the inner housing (4). The circumferential surface can include a set of driver gear teeth (21) particularly on the opposite side. The teeth may not be arranged annularly. The driver gear (2) can be located on a stud (53) of the inner housing assembly (4) and rotates within the bearing (20) about a shaft (50). The driver gear (2) can be driven by the mouthpiece cover (3). The rotary movement of the mouthpiece cover (3) causes the rotary movement of the driver gear (2). The driver gear (2) rotates the ratchet assembly (9). The driver gear (2) may also rotate the ratchet assembly (9) via the interim driver gear (108). The teeth (21) of the driver gear (2) can be provided for driving the gear teeth (39) of the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b). FIGS. 33 and 34 show another embodiment of a driver gear (2). The driver gear teeth (21) arranged annularly on the circumferential surface. The teeth of the driver gear (21) are provided for drive interaction (meshing) with the ratchet assembly gear teeth (39) via the interim driver gear (108).
[0496] FIGS. 35 and 36 show other possible components of the dispensing mechanism. The ratchet gear (128) is located concentrically with the interim driver gear (108). The ratchets (125) on the interim driver gear (108) drive the ratchet gear (128) via the inner gears (126) of the ratchet gear (128). The interim driver gear (108) rotates in both directions when the mouthpiece cover (3) is opened and closed. Due to the ratcheting mechanism, the ratchets (125) allow the ratchet gear (128) to move in one direction only. The ratchet gear (128) drives the wrapping wheel (11b) via interim gears (130) and (131). The interim driver gear (108) may also mesh with the ratchet gear (128), which in turn meshes with the wrapping wheel gear teeth (68b) via interim gears (130) and (131).
[0497] FIGS. 37 to 44 show a first embodiment of a blister cuvette (8) and a ratchet assembly (9). The blister cuvette (8) locates each blister pocket (41) during the operation of the dispenser. The blister cuvette (8) also helps to locate and align the blister pocket (41) along with the pair of grids (62) of the flow channel (12) when the dispensing mechanism is actuated. The gear teeth (34) of the blister cuvette (8) are provided for drive interaction with the winding wheel (28) of the winding assembly (7). The rotation of the blister cuvette (8) may result in the rotation of the winding wheel (28). The blister cuvette (8) rotates about a central boss (32) of the ratchet assembly (9). The first embodiment of the blister cuvette (8) may be used for both the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) with only difference in the orientation of the ratchet teeth (45) and the contacting surface (46). FIGS. 39 and 40 show blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) for advancing the respective medicament carriers (5a) and (5b). The ratchet teeth (45a) and (45b) may be provided to the inner part of the first and second blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) respectively. Each ratchet tooth (45a) and (45b) may include the contacting surface (46a) and (46b) respectively. The gear teeth of the blister cuvettes (34a) and (34b) mesh with the respective winding assembly outer teeth (27a) and (27b). The gear teeth of the first blister cuvette (34a) also mesh with the interim gear (10), which in turn meshes with the first wrapping wheel gear teeth (68a). FIGS. 41 to 44 show the components of the ratchet assembly (9). The ratchet assembly (9) can be provided for rotating the blister cuvette (8). The blister cuvette (8) can be driven by the ratcheting mechanism of the ratchet assembly (9). The ratchet assembly (9) may be made of a driving member (78) and a driven member (79). The locking pin (75) can lock the driving member (78) and the driven member (79) together. The driving member (78) can drive the driven member (79) via the circumferential pins (77) and the locating pockets (76). The circumferential pins (77) extend axially along the driven member (79). The surfaces on the axial plane of the circumferential pins (77) are in contact with the respective axial surfaces on the locating pockets (76) of the driving member (78). The surfaces in contact in the axial plane enable torque transfer from the driving member (78) to the driven member (79). The spring (42) allows axial displacement of the driven member (79) during ratcheting motion thereby preventing any axial motion of the driving member (78). The central boss (32) of the driven member (79) passes through and locates the central hole (33) of the blister cuvette (8). The drive pin (40) can drive the blister cuvette (8) via the ratchet teeth (45) of the blister cuvette (8). The ratchet teeth (45) drives the blister cuvette (8) in one direction only through the contacting surface (46). The first embodiment of the ratchet assembly (9) may be used for both the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b). The gear teeth (39) of the first ratchet assembly (9a) may be in the meshed relationship with the driver gear (2), and the gear teeth (39) of the second ratchet assembly (9b) may be meshed with the interim gear (108).
[0498] FIGS. 45 to 48 show a second embodiment of a blister cuvette (8) and a ratchet assembly (9). The blister cuvette (8) rotates about the central boss (32) of the ratchet assembly (9) while the ratchet assembly (9) rotates about the boss (89). The driver gear (2) rotates the ratchet assembly gear teeth (39). The gear teeth (34) of the blister cuvette (8) drive the winding assembly (7). The driving drive pin (40) in this embodiment is spiraled and concentric to the central boss (32). The ratchet teeth (45) are located at the distal end from the gear teeth (34) on the blister cuvette (8). The ratchet teeth (45) are placed in continuity and concentric to the center of the blister cuvette (8). The driving drive pin (40) drives the blister cuvette (8) via the ratchet teeth (45) on the blister cuvette (8). The ratchet teeth (45) drive the blister cuvette (8) in one direction. The second embodiment of the blister cuvette (8) may be used for both the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) with only difference in the orientation of the ratchet teeth (45) and the driving drive pins (40). The gear teeth (34) of the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) mesh with the respective winding assembly outer teeth (27a) and (27b). The gear teeth of the first blister cuvette (34a) also mesh with the interim gear (10), which in turn meshes with the first wrapping wheel gear teeth (68a). The gear teeth (39) of the first ratchet assembly (9a) mesh with the driver gear (2), and the gear teeth (39) of the second ratchet assembly (9b) mesh with the interim driver gear (108).
[0499] FIGS. 49 to 52 show a third embodiment of a blister cuvette (8) and a ratchet assembly (9). The blister cuvette (8) rotates about the central boss (32) of the ratchet assembly (9). The driver gear (2) rotates the ratchet assembly (9) via gear teeth (39) of the ratchet assembly (9). The ratchet assembly (9) is made of a driving member (78) and a driven member (79). The driving member (78) drives the driven member (79) via the rectangular shaft (90) of driving member (78) and receiving key (91) of the driven member (79). The spring (42) allows axial displacement of the driven member (79) during ratcheting motion thereby preventing any axial motion of the driving member (78). The drive pins (40) are concentric to the central boss (32). The ratchet teeth (45) are located at the distal end from the gear teeth (34) on the blister cuvette (8). The ratchet teeth (45) are placed discreetly and concentric to the center of the blister cuvette (8). The central boss (32) of the ratchet assembly (9) passes through and locates the central hole (33) on the blister cuvette (8). The gear teeth (34) of the blister cuvette (8) drive the winding assembly (7). The driving ratchets (40) drives the blister cuvette (8) via the ratchet teeth (45) of the blister cuvette (8b). The ratchet teeth (45) drive the blister cuvette (8) in one direction only. The third embodiment of the blister cuvette (8) may be used for both the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) with only difference in the orientation of the ratchet teeth (45) and the driving ratchets (40).
[0500] FIGS. 53 to 58 show a fourth embodiment of a blister cuvette (8) and a ratchet assembly (9). The first blister cuvette (8a) may be used for advancing the first medicament carrier (5a). The first blister cuvette (8a) contains six such equally spaced cuvettes (31a) around the circumference. The blister cuvette (8a) rotates about the central boss (32a) of the ratchet assembly (9a) while the first ratchet assembly (9a) rotates about the boss (89a). The driver gear (2) rotates the ratchet assembly (9a) via gear teeth (39a) of the ratchet assembly (9a). The drive pin (40a) drives the first blister cuvette (8a) via the ratchet teeth (45a) on the blister cuvette (8a). The ratchet teeth (45a) drive the first blister cuvette (8a) in one direction. The second blister cuvette (8b) may be used for advancing the second medicament carrier (5b). The second blister cuvette (8b) contains six such equally spaced cuvettes (31b) around the circumference. The second blister cuvette (8b) rotates about the central boss (32b) on the second ratchet assembly (9b) while the second ratchet assembly (9b) rotates about the boss (89b). The driver gear (2) rotates the second ratchet assembly (9b) via gear teeth (39b) of the ratchet assembly (9b) and interim driver gear (108). The drive pin (40b) drives the second blister cuvette (8b) via the ratchet teeth (45b) on the blister cuvette (8b). The ratchet teeth (45b) drive the second blister cuvette (8b) in one direction.
[0501] FIGS. 59 to 63 show a fifth embodiment of a blister cuvette (8) and a ratchet assembly (9). The blister cuvette (8) contains six such equally spaced cuvettes (31) around the circumference. The driver gear (2) rotates the ratchet assembly (9) via gears (39) of the ratchet assembly (9). The drive pin (40) drives the blister cuvette (8) via the ratchet teeth (45) on the blister cuvette (8a). The ratchet assembly (9) may have more than one drive pins to drive the blister cuvettes (8). The ratchet assembly (9) may have two to three drive pins (40) to drive the blister cuvette (8). The ratchet teeth (45) drive the blister cuvette (8) in one direction. The fifth embodiment of the blister cuvette (8) may be used for both the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) with only difference in the orientation of the ratchet teeth (45) and the drive pin (40).
[0502] FIGS. 64 and 65 show different views of the second ratchet assembly (9b) and interim driver gear (108). The second ratchet assembly (9b) is located concentrically with the interim driver gear (108). The ratcheting mechanism of the second ratchet assembly (9b) and the interim driver gear (108) prevents the rotation of the interim driver gear (108) and thereby the second blister cuvettes (8b) in the opposite direction. The second ratchet assembly (9b) does not rotate the interim driver gear (108) during the reverse motion or the closing of the mouthpiece cover (3).
[0503] FIGS. 66 to 70 show a first embodiment of the winding assembly (7) that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein. The winding assembly (7), comprising a tensioning mechanism (26) and a winding wheel (28), each with their associated components as described herein can be capable of operating within the devices described herein and also or alternatively can operate an independent embodiment of the present invention. That is, the winding assembly (7), comprising a tensioning mechanism (26) and a winding wheel (28), each with their associated components, can operate as an elongate media collection mechanism within other devices, such as, for example, other non-medicament dispensers or other medicament dispensers. The tensioning mechanism (26) can include a circular form base (35) having two ratchet arms (44) in its underside surface and integral, upwardly extending axle (82) and lid sheet guide (127). The ratchet arms (44) are symmetrically located about the central plane passing through the central axis of rotation of the tensioning mechanism (26) facing away from each other and the central axis. The ratchet arms (44) flex at the distal end while ratcheting over the inner teeth (52) of the winding wheel. The ratchet arms (44) of the tensioning mechanism (26) can ride over the inner teeth (52) of the winding wheel (28). The uni-directional movement of the tensioning mechanism (26) provides the required tension on the lid sheet (73). The lid sheet guide (127) may have a serrated surface to guide and grip the lid sheet (73) as it moves within the winding wheel (28) during the tensioning process. The base of the tensioning mechanism (35) may also include an upwardly standing post (38) arranged for receipt of the looped end of the sheet. The post (38) provides an anchor to hold the lid sheet (73) at the sealed loop (70) of the medicament carrier (5). The ratchet arm (44) of the base (35) may be in ratcheted engagement with the inner teeth (52) of the winding wheel (28) such that the winding wheel (28) may only be rotated in one direction relative to the base (35). In FIG. 66, the tensioning mechanism (26) is located in the winding wheel. The tensioning mechanism (26) is concentric with the winding wheel (28). The winding wheel (28) can include the winding surface (47), the slit (43) and the locking ridges (51). The vertical motion of the tensioning mechanism (26) is prevented by the locking ridges (51) of the winding wheel (28). The winding wheel (28) allows the lid sheet (73) to enter via the vertical slit (43). The lid sheet (73) tensioning takes place due to the unidirectional rotation of the tensioning mechanism (26). Once the lid sheet (73) tension is achieved, the lid sheet (73) winds over the winding surface (47) of the winding wheel (28) during medicament carrier advancement. The winding wheel (28) can also include inner teeth (52) provided to its inner part and outer teeth (27) provided to its outer part. The winding wheel (28) is driven by the blister cuvette (8) during blister advancement via outer teeth (27).
[0504] FIGS. 71A to 71C show the sheet tensioning mechanism. The tensioning mechanism (26) is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction (in alternative embodiments, anti-clockwise rotation is envisaged) by a defined rotation relative to the winding wheel (28) clockwise to begin the tensioning of the lid sheet (73). During sheet tensioning, the winding wheel (28) remains stationary. It will be appreciated that because the ratchet arm (44) of the base of the tensioning mechanism (35) mesh with the inner teeth (52) of the winding wheel (28), such rotation results in tensioning of the lid sheet (73). The lid sheet (73) continues to move along with the tensioning mechanism (26) as it ratchets over the inner teeth (52) of the winding wheel (28). At the same time, the eccentric surface of the lid sheet guide (127) on the tensioning mechanism (26) grips and guides the lid sheet (73) thereby facilitating the sheet tensioning. The winding wheel (28) does not rotationally unwind in the opposite direction from its tensed state as a result of the ratcheted interaction between the ratchet arm (44) of the base (35) and the inner teeth (52) of the winding wheel (28). The sealed loop (70) on the end of the lid sheet (73) of a medicament carrier is looped over the post (38) of the tensioning mechanism (26). The winding assembly (7) is rotated thereby causing the lid sheet (73) to wrap around the winding wheel surface (47). As soon the preset tension is achieved on the lid sheet (73) during the rotation of the tensioning mechanism (26), it stays locked in place due to the ratchet arms (44). The winding wheel (28) and the tensioning mechanism (26) now rotate as a single assembly during the carrier advancement. The winding assembly (7) is now ready for use in a suitable medicament dispenser.
[0505] FIGS. 72 to 75 show a second embodiment of the winding assembly (7) that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein. The tensioning mechanism (26) can include a circular form base (35) having two ratchet arms (44) and integral, upwardly extending axle (82). The ratchet arms (44) of the tensioning mechanism (26) can ride over the inner teeth (52) of the winding wheel (28). The tensioning mechanism (26) is bi-directional and can be rotated both clockwise and counter-clockwise to facilitate the tensioning of the lid sheet (73). The base (35) may also include an upwardly standing post (38) arranged for receipt of the looped end of the sheet. The post (38) provides an anchor to hold the lid sheet (73) at the sealed loop (70) of the medicament carrier (5). The tensioning mechanism (26) rotates about the axle (82). The ratchet arms (44) are symmetrically located about the central plane passing through the central axis of rotation of the tensioning mechanism (26). The ratchet arms (44) flex at the distal end while ratcheting over the inner teeth (52). The ratchet arms (44) lock the ratchet position and hence the lid sheet (73) once tensioned. Groove (81) allows rotation of the tensioning mechanism (26) in either direction through manual or automated means. The bi-directional feature allows the use of the same tensioning mechanism (26) on either side of the advancing mechanism.
[0506] FIGS. 76A to 76B show the sheet tensioning mechanism. The winding wheel (28) is stationary during the initial tensioning of the lid sheet (73). The tensioning mechanism (26) rotates either clockwise or counterclockwise concentric to the winding wheel (28). Once the lid sheet (73) is adequately tensioned, the winding wheel (28) rotates to wind the lid sheet (73) as it peels during the actuation of the dispenser. The ratchet arms (44) ride over the inner teeth (52). Only one ratchet arm (44) out of the two ratchets is in contact with the inner teeth (52). This manner of operation of these components allows for the tensioning mechanism (26) to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The locking ridges (51) prevent the axial motion of the tensioning mechanism (26). Slits (43) located diametrically opposite to each other on the winding wheel (28) allow the lid sheet (73) to enter the winding wheel (28) and secure over the post (38) of the tensioning mechanism (26). Outer teeth (27) on the winding wheel (28) engage with the blister cuvette (8).
[0507] The lid sheet (73) enters the winding wheel (28) and is secured with a sealed loop (70) around the post (38). In this case, the tensioning mechanism (26) is rotated clockwise, thereby tensioning the lid sheet (73). Only one ratchet arm (44) is in contact with the inner teeth (52). Once tensioned, the tensioning mechanism (26) is locked in place and rotates in synchronous motion with the winding wheel (28) as the medicament carrier advances during dispenser actuation.
[0508] FIGS. 77 and 80 show a third embodiment of the winding assembly (7) that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein. The tensioning mechanism (26) can include a circular form base (35) having two ratchet arms (44) and integral, upwardly extending lid sheet guide (127). The ratchet arms (44) of the tensioning mechanism (26) can ride over the inner teeth (52) of the winding wheel (28). The tensioning mechanism (26) is rotated counter-clockwise to facilitate the tensioning of the lid sheet (73). The lid sheet (73) is attached to the post (38) of the winding wheel (28) via the sealed loop (70). The ratchet arms (44) are symmetrically located about the central plane passing through the central axis of rotation of the tensioning mechanism (26) facing away from each other and the central axis. The ratchet arms (44) flex at the distal end while ratcheting over the inner teeth (52). The ratchet arms (44) lock the ratchet position and hence the lid sheet (73) once tensioned. The lid sheet (73) forms around the filleted edge (83) of the lid sheet guide (127) before securing over the post (38) of the winding wheel (28). The lid sheet guide (127) is part of the tensioning mechanism (26) and tensions the lid sheet (73) as it rotates about the center during ratcheting.
[0509] FIGS. 81A to 81B show the sheet tensioning mechanism. The winding wheel (28) is stationary during the initial tensioning of the lid sheet (73). The tensioning mechanism (26) rotates counterclockwise concentric to the winding wheel (28). Once the lid sheet (73) is adequately tensioned, the winding wheel (28) rotates to wind the lid sheet (73) as it peels during the actuation of the dispenser. The ratchet arms (44) ride over the inner teeth (52). The post (38) of the winding wheel (28) facilitates securing one end of the lid sheet (73). Slits (43) on the winding wheel (28) allow the lid sheet (73) to enter the winding wheel (28) and secure over the post (38). Outer teeth (27) of the winding wheel (28) engage with the blister cuvette (8).
[0510] The lid sheet (73) enters the winding wheel (28) and is secured with a sealed loop (70) around the post (38). The tensioning mechanism (26) is rotated counterclockwise thereby tensioning the lid sheet (73). The ratchet arms (44) along with the inner teeth (52) on the winding wheel (28) prevent the clockwise motion of the tensioning mechanism (26). Once tensioned, the tensioning mechanism (26) is locked in place and rotates in synchronous motion with the winding wheel (28) as the medicament carrier advances during dispenser actuation.
[0511] FIGS. 82 and 85 show a fourth embodiment of the winding assembly (7) that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein. The tensioning mechanism (26) can include a base (35) having two ratchet arms (44), integral, upwardly extending post (38) and a slider (84). The tensioning mechanism (26) moves along the long axis of the winding wheel (28) to facilitate the tensioning of the lid sheet (73). The lid sheet (73) is attached to the post (38) of the tensioning mechanism (26) via the sealed loop (70). The ratchet arms (44) are symmetrically located about the central plane passing through the central axis of rotation of the tensioning mechanism (26). The ratchet arms (44) flex at the distal end while ratcheting over the inner teeth (52) of the winding wheel (28). The ratchet arms (44) lock the ratchet position and hence the lid sheet (73) once tensioned. Slider (84) locks the tensioning mechanism (26) inside the groove (85) and thereby prevents the axial motion of the tensioning mechanism (26), Slider (84) facilitates the sliding motion of the tensioning mechanism (26) during tensioning of the lid sheet (73).
[0512] FIGS. 86A to 86B show the sheet tensioning mechanism. The winding wheel (28) is stationary during the initial tensioning of the lid sheet (73). The tensioning mechanism (26) moves along with the long axis of the winding wheel (28) to facilitate the tensioning of the lid sheet (73). Once the lid sheet (73) is adequately tensioned, the winding wheel (28) rotates to wind the lid sheet (73) as it peels during the actuation of the dispenser. The ratchet arms (44) ride over the inner teeth (52) while the slider (84) slides within the groove (85). Slit (43) on the winding wheel (28) allows the lid sheet (73) to enter the winding wheel (28) and secure over the post (38) of the tensioning mechanism (26). Outer teeth (27) on the winding wheel (28) engage with the blister cuvette (8).
[0513] The lid sheet (73) enters the winding wheel (28) and is secured with the sealed loop (70) around the post (38). The tensioning mechanism (26) is pushed along the long axis of the winding wheel (28), thereby tensioning the lid sheet (73). The ratchet arms (44), along with the inner teeth (52) of the winding wheel (28), prevent the reverse motion of the tensioning mechanism (26). Once tensioned, the tensioning mechanism (26) is locked in place and rotates in synchronous motion with the winding wheel (28) as the medicament carrier advances during dispenser actuation.
[0514] FIGS. 87 and 90 shows a fifth embodiment of the winding assembly (7) that is compatible with the medicament dispenser described herein. The tensioning mechanism (26) can include a base (35) having two ratchet arms (44) and integral, upwardly extending split axle (88) and slot (86). In this aspect, the split axel (88) provides for a means of guiding the lid sheet (73) as it is tensioned. The tensioning mechanism (26) can be rotated counter-clockwise to facilitate the tensioning of the lid sheet (73). The lid sheet (73) is attached to the post (38) of the winding wheel (28) via the sealed loop. The lid sheet (73) passes through the slot (86) on the tensioning mechanism (26) while it loops around the post (38) of the winding wheel (28). Ribs (87) are provided along the length of the split axle (88) to provide stability to the split axle (88). The lid sheet (73) passes through the slot (86) of the split axle (88) and secures over the post (38) of the winding wheel (28). The split axle (88) is split and divided along the central plane passing through the axis of rotation of the tensioning mechanism (26). The ratchet arms (44) lock the ratchet position and hence the lid sheet (73) once tensioned.
[0515] FIGS. 91A to 91B show the sheet tensioning mechanism. The winding wheel (28) is stationary during the initial tensioning of the lid sheet (73). The tensioning mechanism (26) rotates counterclockwise concentric to the winding wheel (28). Once the lid sheet (73) is adequately tensioned, the winding wheel (28) rotates to wind the lid sheet (73) as it peels during the actuation of the dispenser. The ratchet arms (44) ride over the inner teeth (52). The post (38) on the winding wheel (28) facilitates securing one end of the lid sheet (73). Slits (43) on the winding wheel (28) allow the lid sheet (73) to enter the winding wheel (28) and secure over the post (38). Outer teeth (27) on the winding wheel (28) engage with the blister cuvette (8).
[0516] The lid sheet (73) enters the winding wheel (28) and is secured with the sealed loop (70) around the post (38). The ratchet arm (44) is rotated counterclockwise thereby tensioning the lid sheet (73). The ratchet arms (44) along with the inner teeth (52) of the winding wheel (28), prevent the clockwise motion of the tensioning mechanism (26). Once tensioned, the tensioning mechanism (26) is locked in place and rotates in synchronous motion with the winding wheel (28) as the medicament carrier advances during dispenser actuation.
[0517] FIGS. 92 and 93 show the first and second wrapping wheels 11a and 11b according to one aspect of the disclosure. The first wrapping wheel (11a) is driven by the first blister cuvette (8a) via the interim gear (10). The second wrapping wheel (11b) is driven by the interim driver gear (108) and secondary interim gear (130). The open end (71) of each of the base sheets (72a) and (72b) is located with the respective slits (69a) and (69b) and wraps around each of the respective wrapping wheels (11a) and (11b) as they rotate during actuation.
[0518] FIG. 94 shows a base plate (129) according to one aspect of the disclosure. The base plate (129) may be mechanically or permanently bonded to the inner housing assembly (4). The pin (23) can locate the mouthpiece cover (3) via the pivot hole (16). The openings (67a) and (67b) are provided to allow passage of the pins (66a) and (66b) of the wrapping wheels (11a) and (11b). The openings (80a) and (80b) are provided to allow passage of the ratchet assemblies (9a) and (9b).
[0519] FIGS. 95 to 99 provide a more detailed description of the flow of the air (22) into the dispenser, the inlet vent openings (74) and the flow channel (12). As described above, and as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, the inlet vent openings (74) of the top cover (13) is covered by the mouthpiece cover (3) when in its first and second position (FIGS. 2A and 2B) and fully revealed when the mouthpiece cover (3) is in its third or open position (FIG. 2C). In use, the inlet vent openings (74) allow air (22) to pass from outside the medicament dispenser into the inlet compartments (17a) and (17b) in response to inhalation by the patient through the mouthpiece opening (25), as indicated schematically by the arrow in FIGS. 95 and 96. Notably, the inlet vent openings (74) provide the sole intended point of entry of air from the outside into the medicament dispenser upon patient inhalation at the mouthpiece opening (25). More particularly, the inlet vent openings (74) provide the sole entry point for air outside the dispenser device to pass into the flow channel (12) upon patient inhalation on the mouthpiece opening (25). Air enters the dispenser through the inlet vent openings (74) once the user inhales the drug through the mouthpiece opening (25).
[0520] The flow channel (12) can be permanently attached to the inner housing assembly (4) on the notch (59) during the assembly process. The flow channel (12) provides a path for the inlet air to evacuate the powder from the blister pockets (41) during inhalation. The flow channel (12) also helps the powder to de-agglomerate before inhalation. Referring to FIGS. 97 and 98 (98A and 98B), the flow channel (12) has inlet compartments (17a) and (17b) and outlet compartments (18a) and (18b) and plural pairings of grids (62a) and (62b). The first pair of grids (62a) may be seen in FIGS. 98A and 98B. As may also be seen by reference to FIGS. 97 and 98 (98A and 98B), the inlet inner compartments (17a) and (17b) locate adjacent to the outlet compartments (18a) and (18b) and shares a common wall therewith.
[0521] Each inlet compartment (17a) and (17b) has an inlet and an exit in the form of a grid opening. In use, each inner compartment directs inward airflow (as exclusively received through the inlet vent openings on patient inhalation) from the inlet to the grid opening.
[0522] Each outlet compartment has an inlet in the form of a grid opening and exit in the form of a flow channel opening. The mouthpiece is provided to the flow channel opening (61) and snap-mounts thereto via a snap-mounting feature. In use, the inlet compartment directs inward airflow received through the inlet vent openings (74) to the outlet compartments via the plural pairing of grids (62a) and (62b).
[0523] The flow channel (12) is received by the inner housing assembly (4) such that inlet compartments (17a) and (17b) to the flow channel are located adjacent to the top cover (13), which defines the inlet vent openings (74).
[0524] In use, the inlet vent openings (74) directs inward airflow (as exclusively received through the inlet vent openings on patient inhalation) from the inlet compartments (17a) and (17b) to the outlet compartments (18a) and (18b) via respective plural pairings grids (62a) and (62b). The plural pairings grids (62a) and (62b) are defined by a pair of circular openings. Each circular opening is provided with a respective cruciform. The mouthpiece (29) is provided to the flow channel opening (61) and snap-mounts thereto via a snap-mounting feature. Each pair of grids is positioned adjacent to one another.
[0525] As detailed hereinabove, when the mouthpiece cover (3) is fully opened to its third position, the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) are advanced to cause each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b) to be advanced and a single pocket (41) of each carrier to be peeled open. The peeled open blister pocket (41) of each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b) lies adjacent to a respective one of the pairs of grids (62a) and (62b). Specifically, the open blister pocket (41a) of the first medicament carrier (5a) locates adjacent to the first pair of grids (62a) and the open blister pocket (41b) of the second medicament carrier (5b) likewise locates adjacent the other pair of grids (62b).
[0526] FIGS. 100A and 100B show different views of an embodiment of the medicament carrier. When the open pockets (41a) and (41b) are presented to the flow channel (12) at the opening location, the pockets (41a) and (41b) are oriented so that the sideways orientation thereof is aligned to the direction between the respective pairing of grids (62a) and (62b).
[0527] As shown in FIGS. 95 to 98A and 98B, when a patient inhales at the mouthpiece openings (25), an airstream (air) (22) flows from outside of the dispenser device into the flow channel (12) solely through the inlet vent openings (74) into the inlet compartments (17a) and (17b), which is in juxtaposed relation with the inlet vent openings (74).
[0528] As graphically represented in FIGS. 97 and 98A and 98B, the airstream is divided into first portion (24a) and second portion (24b) and flow into the opened blister pocket (41a) and (41b) of each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b) at the opening locations via the respective grid openings, thereby entraining the medicament powder contained in the pockets in the airstream, and thence out of the pocket (41a) and (41b) into the respective outlet compartments (18a) and (18b) via the grid openings. The respective airstream (24a) and (24b) with entrained medicament powder then flows out of the mouthpiece opening (25) into the patient's respiratory tract. The first and second airstream portions (24a) and (24b) are created concurrently in the flow channel (12) upon patient inhalation at the mouthpiece opening (25).
[0529] As detailed hereinabove, when the mouthpiece cover (3) is fully opened to its third position, the gear and dispensing mechanisms are actuated to cause each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b) to be advanced and a single pocket (41) of each carrier to be peeled open. The peeled open blister pocket of each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b) lies adjacent to a respective one of the pairs of grids (62a) and (62b). When a patient inhales at the mouthpiece, an airstream (air) (22) flows from outside of the dispenser into the flow channel solely through the inlet vent openings (74) into the inlet compartments (17a) and (17b). First portion of the air (22) flows into the opened blister pocket of the first medicament carrier (5a) via the opening of the first pair of grids (62a), thereby entraining the medicament powder contained in the pockets in the airstream, and then out of the pockets into the outlet compartments (18a) via another opening of grids (62a). Likewise, second portion of this airstream (24b) flow into the opened blister pocket of the second medicament carrier (5b) via the opening of the grids (62b), thereby entraining the medicament powder contained in the pockets in the airstream, and then out of the pockets into the outer compartments (18b) via another opening of grids (62b). The separate portions of the airstream with entrained medicament powder then flows out of the mouthpiece opening (25) into the patient's respiratory tract. The portions of the airstream are distinct in the dispenser.
[0530] FIG. 95 shows the mouthpiece and its opening according to one aspect of the disclosure. The mouthpiece (29) allows the user to receive the contents of the medicament carrier (5) by placing the mouthpiece opening (25) inside the oral cavity. The mouthpiece (29) can be covered by the mouthpiece cover (3) when the dispenser is not in use.
[0531] FIGS. 100A and 100B show different views of the medicament carrier according to one aspect of the disclosure. The medicament carrier (5) can include a plurality of blister pockets (41), each of which contains a portion of a dose of medicament in the form of powder. The medicament carrier (5) can include a base sheet (72) in which blisters are formed to define the pockets (41) and a lid sheet (73) which is sealed to the base sheet such a manner that the base sheet (72) and the lid sheet (73) can be peeled apart. The sheets (72) and (73) are sealed to one another over their whole width except for the end portions (70) and (71). One end of the lid sheet has a sealed loop (70) that can be placed in the blister post (38) of the winding assembly (7). Open end (71) of the base sheet (72) of a medicament carrier (5) can be placed in the slit (69) of the wrapping wheel (11). In an embodiment, the medicament dispenser may contain two identical medicament carriers. The pockets (41) of each medicament carrier contain the same medicament powder. However, one medicament carrier may have different medicaments in the powder than the other medicament carrier.
[0532] FIG. 116 shows the front view of the fifth embodiment of the dispensing mechanism. FIG. 116 shows modification in 30 dose dispensing device to dispense 60 doses of medicament wherein first 31 doses being indexed by first indexer and after completion of all the doses of first indexer, second indexer is moved to dispense remaining 30 doses of medicament. FIG. 116 shows first and second medicament carriers (5a) and (5b). Each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b) engages with respective blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b). One carrier may contain one or more different medicament(s) than the other carrier. At an opening location (an opening location is a position within the medicament dispenser wherein the medicament carrier is opened or where an individual dose of medicament is otherwise held within the medicament carrier and positioned for access), the base sheet and the lid sheet parts (72) and (73) (best exemplified in FIGS. 100a and 100b) of each medicament carrier (5a) and (5b)) are peelably separable. The resulting empty base sheet (72a) and (72b) coils up in respective compartments. The wrapping wheels (11a) and (11b), for wrapping the base sheets of the two medicament carriers, each anchor the end of each respective base sheet (72a) and (72b) in the compartments. Progressive rotation of each respective wrapping wheel results in the base sheets (72a) and (72b) being wound up therearound into a tight coil. The rotation of each winding assembly (7a) and (7b) is coupled to that of the respective blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) such the rotation of the blister cuvettes (8a) and (8b) rotates new blister packs of the medicament carriers (5a) and (5b) into the appropriate position within the opening location, the winding assemblies (7a) and (7b) correspondingly winding the lid sheets peeled away from each respective medicament carrier base sheet. The resulting separated lid sheets (73a) and (73b) are wound onto/into the respective winding assemblies (7a) and (7b) respectively.
[0533] As illustrated in FIG. 117, the mouthpiece cover (3) (not shown in FIG. 117) is movable along the housing. The mouthpiece cover (3), when sufficiently moved, rotates the driver gear assembly (129) which in turn rotates the first ratchet assembly (9a) only thereby indexing only one blister. During the first 31 actuations, the driver gear assembly (129) does not come in contact with and does not ratchet (128). Hence the blister on the indexer (8b) is not indexed for the first 31 actuations. After the first 31 actuations, the driver gear tooth (137) on the driver gear assembly (129) comes in contact with the ratchet (128) during every actuation. At this time, the driver gear assembly (129) rotates both the ratchets (9a) and (128) during every actuation. As a result, the driver gear assembly (129) allows the first 31 blisters to be indexed using indexer (8a) during each actuation followed by the indexing of remaining 30 blisters indexed using indexer (8b) during every actuation. This design results in converting the 30 dose blisters that are indexed during every actuation to a 61 dose blisters that are indexed sequentially by indexers 8a and 8b respectively.
[0534] FIG. 118 shows driver gear or central gear assembly that is compatible with fifth embodiment of the medicament dispenser described herein. As illustrated in FIG. 119, the driver gear assembly (129) consists of a primary driver wheel (132), a spring loaded ratcheting disc (131), a secondary driver gear (130) and a torsion spring (133). The primary driver gear (132) is driven by the outer cover (3) via the central ratchet (49). The outer cover (3) rotates for a total angle of 90 deg. during each actuation. When the outer cover (3) and hence the primary driver wheel (132) rotate first 82 deg., it comes in contact with the spring loaded ratcheting disc (131). The primary driver wheel (132) hence drives the ratcheting disc (131) for the remaining 8 deg. before completing its actuation. The ratchet (136) on the ratcheting wheel (131) is in contact with the inner gears (139) on the secondary gear (130). The (136) ratchets and rotates the secondary wheel (130) by 8 deg. When the outer cover (3) is closed thereby rotating the primary driver wheel (132) in the opposite direction, the spring loaded ratchet disc (131) returns to its original position ratcheting over the inner gear teeth (139) of the secondary wheel (130) without rotating the secondary wheel (130) in the opposite direction. Each rotation of the primary wheel (132) results in an incremental rotation of the secondary wheel (130) by 8 deg. via the ratcheting disc (131). Once the secondary wheel (130) has ratcheted 31 times and reached its final position, the locking arm (135) on the primary driver wheel (132) locks within the groove (138) of the secondary wheel (130). After locking, the primary driver wheel (132) and the secondary wheel (130) rotate as a single unit. At this time, the ratcheting disc (131) is not able to ratchet and drive the secondary wheel (130) as it does not contact any inner gears (139) on the secondary wheel (130). The secondary wheel (130) is now able to ratchet (128) and drive the indexer (8b) during each actuation.
[0535] FIGS. 120, 121 and 122 shows different components of central gear assembly. FIG. 120 illustrates primary driver gear (132) having central ratchet (49), Gear tooth (134) and locking arm (135). FIG. 121 shows a view of spring load ratcheting disc (131) having a ratchet (136). FIG. 122 illustrates secondary gear (130) on which groove (138) and driver gear tooth (137) are situated at the outer circumference and inner gears (139) at inner circumference. The primary driver gear (132) is driven by the outer cover (3) via the central ratchet (49). Gear tooth (134) drives the ratchet (128) during each actuation. When the outer cover (3) and hence the primary driver wheel (132) rotate first 82 deg., it comes in contact with the spring loaded ratcheting disc (131). The ratchet (136) on the ratcheting wheel (131) is in contact with the inner gears (139) on the secondary gear (130). The ratchet (136) ratchets and rotates the secondary wheel (130) by 8 deg. When the outer cover (3) is closed thereby rotating the primary driver wheel (132) in the opposite direction, the spring loaded ratchet disc (131) returns to its original position ratcheting over the inner gear teeth (139) of the secondary wheel (130) without rotating the secondary wheel (130) in the opposite direction. Once the secondary wheel (130) has ratcheted 31 times and reached its final position, the locking arm (135) on the primary driver wheel (132) locks within the groove (138) of the secondary wheel (130). After locking, the primary driver wheel (132) and the secondary wheel (130) rotate as a single unit. The secondary wheel (130) is now able to ratchet (128) and drive the indexer (8b) during each actuation.
[0536] FIG. 123 shows position of the driver gear or central gear when it is at initial position wherein the ratchet (136) on the spring loaded ratchet disc (131) is engaged with the first groove of inner gears (139) on the secondary gear (130). FIG. 124 shows position of the driver gear or central gear after first actuation wherein the ratchet (136) on the spring loaded ratchet disc (131) is moved and engaged to with the second groove of inner gears (139) on the secondary gear (130). FIG. 125 shows position of the driver gear or central gear after second actuation wherein the ratchet (136) on the spring loaded ratchet disc (131) is moved and engaged to with the subsequent third groove of inner gears (139) on the secondary gear (130). FIG. 126 shows position of the driver gear or central gear after fifteen actuation and FIG. 127 shows position of the driver gear or central gear after thirty one actuation wherein the ratchet (136) on the spring loaded ratchet disc (131) is moved to the last groove of inner gears (139) on the secondary gear (130) and the locking arm (135) on the primary driver wheel (132) locks within the groove (138) of the secondary wheel (130).
[0537] FIG. 128 shows front view of the sixth embodiment of the dispensing mechanism. FIG. 128 shows modification in 30 dose dispensing device to dispense 60 doses of API wherein dual 30 dose blister is modified to meet the requirements of blister advancement of single 60 dose blister. FIG. 129 shows the driver gear (2) which is driven by the lever (140). The driver gear (2) rotates the blister advancing ratchets (9a and 128). Interim driver gear (108) is located between the driver gear (2) and the indexer (8b) to allow the rotation of indexers (8a & 8b) in opposite direction. The blister (5) contains the active drug in the blister pockets and are laminated at other end. The blister (5) aligns with the flow channel opening (12) during inhalation. The lidding foil (73) on the blisters (5) winds around the winder assembly (7b) during the operation of the inhaler. Similarly, the base foil (72) of the blister (5) is also advanced via the wrapping wheel (11a). The wrapping wheel (11a) rotates in the same direction of the respective blister cuvette or indexer (8a) via the interim gear (10). The blister (5) is separated from the blister advancing assembly via an inner housing (4). The inner housing (4) is fixed and supported inside the inhaler assembly.
[0538] FIG. 130 show front closed view of an embodiment of the medicament dispenser. FIG. 131 show front open view of an embodiment of the medicament dispenser wherein the medicament dispenser is actuated by the sufficient movement of lever (140). FIG. 132 show rear open view of an embodiment of the medicament dispenser. FIG. 133 show rear closed view of an embodiment of the medicament dispenser. FIG. 134-FIG. 137 show a demonstration of the “Open, Click, Inhale, Close” mechanism of the medicament dispenser shown in FIG. 130-FIG. 133.
[0539] FIG. 138 shows mouthpiece cover (3) which pivots around the boss (144) of the housing (1). Pivoting holes (141) accepts the boss (144) on the housing (1). FIG. 140 shows the housing. FIG. 139 shows lever (140) which directly drives the central gear (2) via flange (49). Flange (49) fits within the accepting grooves (142) on the lever (140). The lever (140) has slot feature (143) to facilitate user to rotate the lever (140). FIG. 141 shows position of flange (49) on the central gear (2).
[0540] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that some embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include certain features, elements, and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, blocks, and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
[0541] The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Numbers preceded by a term such as “about” or “approximately” include the recited numbers and values that are ±10%.
[0542] Although certain embodiments and examples have been described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many aspects of the medicament dispensers shown and described in the present disclosure may be differently combined and/or modified to form still further embodiments or acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. A wide variety of designs and approaches are possible. No feature, structure, or step disclosed herein is essential or indispensable.
EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0543] The following example embodiments identify some possible permutations of combinations of features disclosed herein, although other permutations of combinations of features are also possible.
[0544] A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from plural elongate form medicament carriers, each carrier having multiple distinct dose portions, said dispenser comprising: a) a dispensing mechanism comprising: i) a driver gear, ii) a blister cuvette for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the distinct medicament dose portions thereof, iii) a ratchet assembly for each blister cuvette for rotating thereof, iv) a flow channel, v) a winding assembly, vi) a wrapping wheel; b) a mouthpiece; and c) a cover for the mouthpiece.
[0545] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 1, wherein the cover and the driver gear are arranged to rotate about a first axis of rotation.
[0546] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 1, wherein the lever and the driver gear are arranged to rotate about a first axis of rotation.
[0547] A medicament dispenser according to any one of Embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the cover is coupled to the driver gear such that movement of the cover results in rotation of the driver gear.
[0548] A medicament dispenser according to any one of Embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the lever is coupled to the driver gear such that movement of the lever results in rotation of the driver gear.
[0549] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 1, wherein the ratchet assembly is arranged to rotate about a second axis of rotation.
[0550] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 4, wherein one ratchet assembly is in meshed relationship with the driver gear.
[0551] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 4, wherein the other ratchet assembly is in meshed relationship with the driver gear via an interim driver gear.
[0552] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 5 to 6, wherein the ratchet assembly is constantly in meshed relationship with the driver gear.
[0553] A medicament dispenser according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the driver gear is a mutilated gear.
[0554] A medicament dispenser according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the driver gear may comprises primary driver wheel, a spring loaded ratcheting disc, a secondary driver gear and a torsion spring.
[0555] A medicament dispenser according to any one of Embodiments 5 and 7, wherein the ratchet assembly is intermittently in meshed relationship with the mutilated gear.
[0556] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 1, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprised plural distinct ratchet assemblies.
[0557] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 1, wherein the ratchet assembly and the blister cuvette are coaxial.
[0558] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 1, wherein the ratchet assembly and the blister cuvette are non-adjacent to one another.
[0559] The medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 1, wherein the ratchet assembly interacts with the blister cuvette such that movement of the ratchet assembly results in rotation of the blister cuvette.
[0560] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 1, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprised plural blister cuvettes.
[0561] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 13, wherein the plural blister cuvettes rotate in a successive fashion.
[0562] A medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 13, wherein the plural blister cuvettes are decoupled to each other.
[0563] The medicament dispenser according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein movement of the cover rotates the driver gear, the ratchet assembly, and the blister cuvette, and thereby advances the medicament carrier to align with the flow channel for dispensing the medicament.
[0564] The medicament dispenser according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein movement of the lever rotates the driver gear, the ratchet assembly, and the blister cuvette, and thereby advances the medicament carrier to align with the flow channel for dispensing the medicament.
[0565] The medicament dispenser according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the medicament comprises one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients and optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
[0566] The medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 16, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient is selected from group consisting of anticholinergics, anti-inflammatories, analgesics, anginal preparations, anti-allergic, antihistamines, antitussives, bronchodilators, anti-infectives, anti-fungals, leukotriene inhibitors, PDE IV inhibitors, diuretics, hormones, cromolyns, xanthines, therapeutic proteins and peptides, vaccines, diagnostics and gene therapies or combinations thereof.
[0567] The medicament dispenser according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the medicament is in the form selected from a group consisting of powder, tablet, capsule, pellet or puck, or mixtures thereof.
[0568] The medicament dispenser according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the dispenser is used for dispensing medicament for the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, lung infections, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), cystic fibrosis, Non-CF Bronchiectasis or lung transplant.
[0569] The medicament dispenser according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the dispenser further comprises a dose counting mechanism for counting the number of doses released from the dispenser.
[0570] The medicament dispenser according to Embodiment 20, wherein the dose counter is in the form of mechanical or non-mechanical.
[0571] The medicament dispenser according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the dispenser further comprises a resting surface.
[0572] The medicament dispenser according to any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the dispenser further comprises a power source, an electronic circuit, and an electronic measurement instrument.
ADDITIONAL EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0573] The following further exemplary embodiments identify further possible permutations of combinations of features disclosed herein, although other permutations of combinations of features are also possible.
1. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising: [0574] a. A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser comprising: [0575] i) a driver, [0576] ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, [0577] iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement located coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof, [0578] iv) a flow director; and [0579] b. a medicament access body; and [0580] c. a cover for the medicament access body,
wherein the medicament access body cover is engaged with the driver and wherein sufficient movement of the medicament access body cover results in movement of the driver, the driver being movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with the advancers such that sufficient movement of the driver results in movement of the advancers, each advancer being directly engaged with a carrier engagement such that sufficient movement of the advancers results in movement of the carrier engagements, and further wherein movement of each carrier engagement results in advancement of a medicament carrier to a position wherein a medicament dose portion of the medicament carrier, when present, is in sufficient alignment with the flow director such that separate airflows directed by the flow director entrain at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a present dose storage area, and further wherein the separate airflows containing the entrained medicament are maintained until the medicament exits the dispenser.
2. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising: [0581] a. A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser comprising: [0582] i) a driver, [0583] ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, [0584] iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement, wherein one or more advancers is located non-coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof, [0585] iv) a flow director; and [0586] b. a medicament access body; and [0587] c. a cover for the medicament access body,
wherein the medicament access body cover is engaged with the driver and wherein sufficient movement of the medicament access body cover results in movement of the driver, the driver being movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with the advancers such that sufficient movement of the driver results in movement of the advancers, each advancer being directly engaged with a carrier engagement such that sufficient movement of the advancers results in movement of the carrier engagements, and further wherein movement of each carrier engagement results in advancement of a medicament carrier to a position wherein a medicament dose portion of the medicament carrier, when present, is in sufficient alignment with the flow director such that separate airflows directed by the flow director entrain at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a present dose storage area, and further wherein the separate airflows containing the entrained medicament are maintained until the medicament exits the dispenser.
3. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising: [0588] a. A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser comprising: [0589] i) a driver, [0590] ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, [0591] iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement, wherein one or more advancers is located coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof, [0592] iv) a flow director; and [0593] b. a medicament access body; and [0594] c. a cover for the medicament access body,
wherein the medicament access body cover is engaged with the driver and wherein sufficient movement of the medicament access body cover results in movement of the driver, the driver being movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with the advancers such that sufficient movement of the driver results in movement of the advancers, at least one advancer being indirectly engaged with a carrier engagement via an interim driver such that sufficient movement of the advancers results in movement of the carrier engagements either directly via an advancer or indirectly via an interim driver, and further wherein movement of each carrier engagement results in advancement of a medicament carrier to a position wherein a medicament dose portion of the medicament carrier, when present, is in sufficient alignment with the flow director such that separate airflows directed by the flow director entrain at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a present dose storage area.
4. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising: [0595] a. A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser comprising: [0596] i) a driver, [0597] ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, [0598] iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement, wherein at least one advancer is located co-axially with a carrier engagement for rotating thereof and wherein at least one advancer is located non-coaxially with a carrier engagement for rotating thereof, [0599] iv) a flow director; and [0600] b. a medicament access body; and [0601] c. a cover for the medicament access body,
wherein the medicament access body cover is engaged with the driver and wherein sufficient movement of the medicament access body cover results in movement of the driver, the driver being movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with the advancers such that sufficient movement of the driver results in movement of the advancers, at least one advancer being directly engaged with a carrier engagement and at least one advancer being indirectly engaged with a carrier engagement via an interim driver such that sufficient movement of the advancers results in movement of the carrier engagements either directly via an advancer or indirectly via an interim driver, and further wherein movement of each carrier engagement results in advancement of a medicament carrier to a position wherein a medicament dose portion of the medicament carrier, when present, is in sufficient alignment with the flow director such that an airflow is directed by the flow director to entrain at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a present dose storage area.
5. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the driver is movingly engaged with at least a first advancer and at least one interim driver, the interim driver being movingly engaged with at least a second advancer, such that sufficient movement of the driver directly causes rotational movement of the first advancer and indirectly causes rotational movement of the second advancer via the interim driver such that the first advancer and the second advancer rotate in opposite directions.
6. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the driver is movingly engaged with at least a first and a second advancer, and wherein at least one advancer is movingly engaged directly with a first carrier engagement and at least one advancer is movingly engaged indirectly with a second carrier engagement via an interim driver, such that sufficient movement of the driver causes direct rotational movement of the first and second advancers, yielding indirect movement of the first carrier engagement via the first advancer in one direction, and indirect movement of the second carrier engagement via the interim driver, driven by the second advancer, in the opposite direction.
7. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the driver is movingly engaged with only one advancer such that sufficient movement of the driver causes direct rotational movement of advancer yielding indirect movement of the first carrier engagement via the first advancer.
8. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the driver is movingly engaged with only one advancer such that sufficient movement of the driver causes direct rotational movement of first advancer yielding indirect movement of the first carrier engagement via the first advancer and wherein after completion of all the doses form the blisters of the first carrier, driver engages with the second advancer such that sufficient movement of the driver causes direct rotational movement of second advancer yielding indirect movement of the second carrier engagement.
9. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-6, wherein each advancer is movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with a first waste collector, and further either directly or indirectly engaged with a second waste collector, such that sufficient movement of each advancer results in rotational movement of the first waste collector and the second waste collector, and wherein the first and second waste collectors collect different medicament carrier waste material after at least one dose of medicament held within the medicament carrier has been removed.
10. The dispenser of aspect 7, wherein each advancer is movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with a first waste collector, and further wherein each advancer is indirectly engaged with a second waste collector via a carrier engagement, such that sufficient movement of each advancer results in rotational movement of the first waste collector and the second waste collector, and wherein the first and second waste collectors collect different medicament carrier waste material after at least one dose of medicament held within the medicament carrier has been removed.
11. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising: [0602] a. A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser comprising: [0603] i) a driver, [0604] ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, [0605] iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement located either coaxially or non-coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof, [0606] iv) a flow director for directing airflow within the dispenser, [0607] v) at least one first waste collector, and [0608] vi) at least one second waste collector; and [0609] b. a medicament access body; and [0610] c. a cover for the medicament access body,
wherein the medicament access body cover is engaged with the driver and wherein sufficient movement of the medicament access body cover results in movement of the driver, the driver being movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with the advancers such that sufficient movement of the driver results in movement of the advancers, at least one advancer being movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with a first waste collector and each advancer being either directly or indirectly engaged with a carrier engagement such that sufficient movement of the advancers results in movement of at least one first waste collector and in movement of the carrier engagements, movement of at least one carrier engagement resulting in movement of at least one second waste collector, the movement of each carrier engagement resulting in advancement of a medicament carrier to a position wherein a medicament dose portion of the medicament carrier, when present, is in sufficient alignment with the flow director such that separate airflows directed by the flow director entrain at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a present dose storage area.
12. The dispenser of aspect 9, wherein the separate airflows directed by the flow director entraining at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a present dose storage area are maintained as separate airflows until the medicament exits the dispenser.
13. The dispenser of any one of aspects 9-10, wherein the driver is movingly engaged with at least a first advancer and at least one interim driver, the interim driver being movingly engaged with at least a second advancer, such that sufficient movement of the driver directly causes rotational movement of the first advancer and indirectly causes rotational movement of the second advancer via the interim driver such that the first advancer and the second advancer rotate in opposite directions.
14. The dispenser of any one of aspects 9-10, wherein the driver is movingly engaged with at least a first advancer movingly engaged with a first carrier engagement, and a second advancer movingly engaged with an interim driver which is movingly engaged with a second carrier engagement, such that sufficient movement of the driver causes direct rotational movement of the first and second advancers and indirectly causes rotational movement of the carrier engagements, either via an advancer or an interim driver.
15. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising: [0611] a. a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser comprising: [0612] i) a driver that movingly engages, either directly or indirectly, with a plurality of advancers, [0613] ii) an advancer for each carrier engagement for advancing the carrier engagement wherein at least one advancer is directly movingly engaged with the driver and wherein at least a second advancer is acted upon indirectly by movement of the driver via an interim component; [0614] iii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, wherein the carrier is movingly engaged with an advancer and further wherein the advancer is positioned coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof, wherein sufficient movement of the driver results in direct movement of at least a first advancer and indirect movement of at least a second advancer, movement of each advancer resulting in movement of each respective carrier engagement with which it is coaxially positioned, the movement of each carrier engagement resulting in the advancement of a medicament carrier; [0615] iv) a flow director for receiving and directing airflow, wherein, upon dispenser use, separate airflows entrain at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a dose storage area when present of at least one medicament carrier brought into position by the carrier engagement; [0616] v) at least one waste collector for collecting medicament carrier material after at least one dose of medicament contained therein has been removed; and [0617] b. a medicament access body for generating an airflow via user inhalation and for receipt of the medicament by the user as it exits the dispenser; and [0618] c. a cover for the medicament access body engaged with the driver such that sufficient movement of the medicament access body cover results in movement of the driver.
16. The dispenser of aspect 13, wherein the separate airflows entraining at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a dose storage area when present of at least one medicament carrier brought into position by the carrier engagement are maintained as separate airflows until the medicament exits the dispenser.
17. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising: [0619] a. a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser comprising: [0620] i) a driver that movingly engages, either directly or indirectly, with a plurality of advancers, [0621] ii) an advancer for each carrier engagement for advancing the carrier engagement wherein at least one advancer is directly movingly engaged with the driver; [0622] iii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, wherein at least one carrier engagement is movingly engaged with an advancer and further wherein at least one advancer is positioned non-coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof, [0623] wherein sufficient movement of the driver results in movement of at least one advancer, movement of each advancer resulting in movement of each respective carrier engagement with which it is either coaxially or non-coaxially positioned, the movement of each carrier engagement resulting in the advancement of a medicament carrier; [0624] iv) a flow director for receiving and directing airflow, wherein, upon dispenser use, separate airflows entrain at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a dose storage area when present of at least one medicament carrier brought into position by the carrier engagement; [0625] v) at least one waste collector for collecting medicament carrier material after at least one dose of medicament contained therein has been removed; and [0626] b. a medicament access body for generating an airflow via user inhalation and for receipt of the medicament by the user as it exits the dispenser; and [0627] c. a cover for the medicament access body engaged with the driver such that sufficient movement of the medicament access body cover results in movement of the driver.
18. The dispenser of aspect 15, wherein the separate airflows entraining at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a dose storage area when present of at least one medicament carrier brought into position by the carrier engagement are maintained as separate airflows until the medicament exits the dispenser.
19. The dispenser of any one of aspects 13-16, wherein the indirect movement of the at least second advancer is via an interim driver movably engaged with at least the driver and the at least second advancer.
20. The dispenser of any one of aspects 13-16, wherein at least one carrier engagement is movingly engaged with an advancer indirectly via an interim driver.
21. The dispenser of aspect 17, wherein the interim driver is movably engaged with at least the driver, the at least second advancer, and is further movably engaged, either directly or indirectly, with at least one waste collector.
22. The dispenser of aspect 18, wherein the interim driver is movably engaged with at least one advancer, at least one carrier engagement, and is further movably engaged, either directly or indirectly, to at least one waste collector.
23. The dispenser of any one of aspects 13-20, wherein the advancer for each carrier engagement is capable of engaging with the carrier engagement and at least one other movable component.
24. The dispenser of aspect 21, wherein the at least one other movable component is a waste collector.
25. A medicament dispenser for dispensing one or more medicaments from plural elongate form medicament carriers, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions, said dispenser comprising: [0628] a. a dispensing mechanism comprising: [0629] i) a driver, [0630] ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, [0631] iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement located coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof, [0632] iv) a flow director wherein separate airflows entrain medicament dose portions extracted from a dose storage area when present for administration, of a medicament carrier and further wherein the separate airflows containing the entrained medicament are maintained until the medicament exits the dispenser, [0633] v) a first waste collector; and [0634] vi) a second waste collector, and [0635] b. a medicament access body; and [0636] c. a cover for medicament access body.
26. A medicament dispenser for dispensing one or more medicaments from plural elongate form medicament carriers, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions, said dispenser comprising: [0637] a. a dispensing mechanism comprising: [0638] i) a driver, [0639] ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, [0640] iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement, at least one of such advancer(s) located non-coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof, [0641] iv) a flow director wherein separate airflows entrain medicament dose portions extracted from a dose storage area when present for administration, [0642] v) a first waste collector; and [0643] vi) a second waste collector, and [0644] b. a medicament access body; and [0645] c. a cover for medicament access body.
27. The dispenser of any one of aspects 23 or 24, wherein the dispenser further comprises an interim driver, such that the driver advances each advancer either directly or indirectly, and each carrier engagement, driven either directly or indirectly by an advancer, is driven by the single driver to rotate in opposite directions.
28. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser, further an advancer for each medicament carrier held therein, each advancer: [0646] a. being engaged, either directly or indirectly with an actuator, for actuating the dispensation of medicament from the dispenser; [0647] b. being engaged directly or indirectly with a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof; and [0648] c. being positioned coaxially or non-coaxially with a carrier engagement.
29. The dispenser of aspect 26, wherein each advancer is comprised of a driving member and a driven member driven by the driving member, the driving member in movable engagement with, either directly or indirectly, the driver, such that sufficient movement of the driver causes movement of the driving member of the advancer.
30. The dispenser of aspect 27, wherein the driven member is in movable engagement with a carrier engagement such that sufficient movement of the driven member causes movement of the carrier engagement resulting in the advancement of medicament carrier.
31. The dispenser of aspect 28, wherein advancement of the medicament carrier results in at least one medicament dose portion of a medicament carrier being delivered to a position where it can be extracted from a dose storage area of the medicament carrier and be made available to a user.
32. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser, further comprising at least one waste collector for collecting a portion of a medicament carrier having had a dose of medicament held therein dispensed, each waste collector: [0649] a. comprising a component capable of creating tension on the waste element being collected by the waste collector; [0650] b. comprising a component capable of maintaining tension on the waste element being collected by the waste collector; [0651] c. comprising a component capable of collecting the waste element being collected by the waste collector; [0652] d. wherein the component (a) and component (b) are positioned within the component (c) and wherein the component (a), component (b), and component (c) share a common axis of rotation.
33. The dispenser of aspect 30, wherein the at least one waste collector is different in function from at least one other waste collector present within the dispenser.
34. The dispenser of aspect 30, wherein the at least one waste collector collects at least one lid sheet of a medicament carrier.
35. The dispenser of any one of aspects 30-32, wherein the at least one waste collector is movingly engaged with a carrier engagement, the carrier engagement being movingly engaged with an advancer, either directly or indirectly, the advancer capable of receiving an actuation energy from an actuation component and transferring said actuation energy from the actuation component to the carrier engagement.
36. The dispenser of aspect 33, wherein the advancer receives the actuation energy from the actuation component directly.
37. The dispenser of aspect 33, wherein the advancer receives the actuation energy from the actuation component indirectly.
38. The dispenser of any one of aspects 33-35, wherein the carrier engagement is movingly engaged directly with an advancer.
39. The dispenser of any one of aspects 33-35, wherein the carrier engagement is movingly engaged indirectly with an advancer via an interim driver.
40. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser, further comprising a flow director, said flow director: [0653] a. receiving an airflow; [0654] b. separating the received airflow of (a) into two or more separate airflows each within a separate inlet compartment; [0655] c. directing each of the separated airflows of (b) such that each separate airflow entrains the medicament held within the dose storage areas, when present, of separate medicament carriers; and [0656] d. maintaining the separation of each airflow comprising entrained medicament from separate dose storage areas until each airflow exits the dispenser.
41. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser, further comprising a flow director, said flow director: [0657] a. receiving an airflow; [0658] b. optionally separating the received airflow into two or more separate airflows each within a separate inlet compartment; [0659] c. directing each of airflow of (a) such that each airflow entrains the medicament held within separate dose storage areas, when present, of separate medicament carriers; and [0660] d. directing each airflow comprising entrained medicament to the medicament access body where it exits the dispenser.
42. The dispenser of aspect 39, wherein the separation of each of a plurality of airflows comprising entrained medicament from separate dose storage areas is maintained by maintaining each airflow within separate outlet compartments.
43. The dispenser of any one of aspects 38-40, wherein the flow director further comprises a set of airflow guides for each airflow generated to guide each airflow from each inlet compartment to an outlet compartment, wherein the airflow received in an inlet compartment is directed out of the inlet compartment via one airflow guide of the airflow guide set, the airflow then passing to a dose storage area of a medicament carrier such that the airflow entrains the dose of medicament held therein, the airflow comprising entrained medicament then passing through the second airflow guide of the set of airflow guides, and into the outlet compartment where it is optionally maintained separately from other airflows within the flow director until each airflow exits the dispenser.
44. The dispenser of aspect 41, wherein at least one airflow guide of each airflow guide set is capable of breaking apart aggregated medicament, if present, entrained within the airflow passing through the airflow guide.
45. The dispenser of any one of aspects—38-42, wherein the airflow is generated by the inhalation of the user.
46. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser, further comprising an advancer according to any one of aspects 27-29, and a waste collector according to any one of aspects 31-37.
47. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser, further comprising an advancer according to any one of aspects 27-29 and a flow director according to any one of aspects 40-43.
48. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser, further comprising a waste collector according to any one of aspects—31-37 and a flow director according to any one of aspects 40-43.
49. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-46, wherein at least one of the plural elongate form medicament carriers is a blister strip comprising multiple individual dose portions of medicament stored within individual dose storage areas of the carriers.
50. The dispenser of aspect 47, wherein at least two of the plural elongate form medicament carriers are blister strips comprising separate, individual doses of medicament stored within individual dose storage areas of each blister strip.
51. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-48, wherein the medicament is in the form selected from the group consisting of powder, tablet, capsule, pellet or puck, or mixtures thereof.
52. The dispenser according to aspect 49, wherein the medicament is in the form of a powder, and the dispenser is a dry powder inhaler (DPI).
53. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-50, wherein the dose portions of medicament within any single medicament carrier are all the same.
54. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-50, wherein at least one of the individual doses of medicament within any single medicament carrier is different from at least one other separated, individual dose of medicament within the same single medicament carrier.
55. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-52, wherein at least one of the individual doses of medicament within any one medicament carrier is different from at least one of the individual doses of medicament within any second or more medicament carriers.
56. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-53, wherein the spacing between each dose storage area of any single medicament carrier is essentially the same.
57. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-53, wherein the spacing between at least two dose storage areas is different than the spacing between at least two other dose storage areas within a single medicament carrier.
58. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-55, wherein the spacing between any at least two dose storage areas of a first medicament carrier is different from the spacing between any at least two dose storage areas of a second medicament carrier.
59. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-56, wherein the medicament within each of the medicament storage areas of any single medicament carrier are the same.
60. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-56, wherein the medicament within at least one of the medicament storage areas differs from the medicament held within at least one other medicament storage area within the same carrier.
61. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-58, wherein the medicament within at least one of the medicament storage areas of any first carrier varies from the medicament held within at least one of the medicament storage areas of any second carrier.
62. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-59, wherein the medicament comprises one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients and optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
63. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-60, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient is selected from the group consisting of anti-cholinergics, anti-inflammatories, analgesics, anti-allergenics, antihistamines, antitussives, bronchodilators, anti-infectives, anti-fungal s, leukotriene inhibitors, PDE IV inhibitors, anginal preparations, diuretics, or any combination thereof.
64. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-61, wherein the active pharmaceutical ingredient is selected from the group consisting of hormones, cromolyns, xanthines, therapeutic proteins, therapeutic peptides, vaccines, polynucleotides, small molecule organic compounds, diagnostics, or any combinations thereof.
65. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-62, wherein the dispenser is used for dispensing medicament for the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, lung infections, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), cystic fibrosis, Non-CF Bronchiectasis, lung transplant, or any combination thereof.
66. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-63, wherein at least one of the plurality of medicament carriers comprises medicament to be administered on a different dosing schedule than that of at least one other of the plurality of medicament carriers.
67. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-64, wherein the medicament access body is a mouthpiece.
68. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-65, wherein the cover for the medicament access body is a mouthpiece cover.
69. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-66, wherein the cover for the medicament access body is mechanically engaged with the driver, the driver being the actuation mechanism of the dispenser.
70. The dispenser of aspect 67, wherein the cover of the medicament access body pivots about, and the driver rotates about, a shared axis.
71. The dispenser of any one of aspects 67 or 68, wherein the cover of the medicament access body is coupled to the driver such that sufficient movement of the cover can result in rotation of the driver.
72. The dispenser according to any one of aspects 1-68, wherein the driver is a mutilated driver gear such that not every movement of the driver must result in movement of the the component with which it is engaged.
73. The dispenser of aspect 70, wherein the cover of the medicament access body is a mouthpiece cover and the mouthpiece cover is capable of being rotated to an extent without resulting in rotation of an advancer such that insufficient movement of the mouthpiece cover does not result in rotation of an advancer.
74. The dispenser of any one of aspects—1-71, wherein the advancer is arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation different from that of the driver.
75. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-72, wherein at least one advancer is arranged such that it is capable of being movably engaged with the driver.
76. The dispenser according to aspect 73, wherein at least the second advancer is arranged such that it is movably engaged with the driver via an interim driver.
77. The dispenser according to any one of aspects 73 or 74, wherein at least one advancer is constantly in movable engagement with the driver.
78. A medicament dispenser according to any one of aspects 1-75, wherein the driver is a mutilated driver gear such that not every movable engagement between the driver and a separate component of the dispenser must result in movement of both the driver and the component with which it is engaged and wherein the advancer is intermittently in a movable engagement with the mutilated driver gear.
79. The medicament dispenser according to any one of aspects 1-76, wherein each advancer movably engages with a separate carrier engagement such that movement of each advancer results in rotation of a separate carrier engagement.
80. The medicament dispenser according to any one of aspects 1-77, wherein the advancer comprises a plurality of parts contributing to the functionality of the advancer such that the advancer is an assembly of such parts.
81. The medicament dispenser according to aspect 78, wherein the advancer comprises a driving member receiving an actuation energy from the driver, and a driven member receiving energy from the driving component.
82. The medicament dispenser according to aspect 79, wherein the driving member of the advancer is movably engaged with the driven member of the advancer, and the driven member is movably engaged with the carrier engagement such that sufficient movement of the driving member results in movement of the driven member and sufficient movement of the driven member results in movement of the carrier engagement such that the carrier engagement advances a medicament carrier.
83. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-80, wherein the plural carrier engagements begin their rotation at substantially the same time.
84. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-80, wherein the plural carrier engagements do not begin their rotation at substantially the same time.
85. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the plural carrier engagements rotate in a substantially synchronous fashion in at least some rotations.
86. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the plural carrier engagements do not rotate in a substantially synchronous fashion in at least some rotations.
87. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein the plural carrier engagements experience substantially no overlap in rotation, such that one carrier engagement substantially completes its rotation prior to a second carrier engagement beginning its rotation.
88. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-85, wherein the plural carrier engagements are decoupled from each other.
89. The dispenser of any one of aspects 81-84 or 86, wherein regardless of when the plural carrier engagements begin rotation and/or if the plural carrier engagements are decoupled from each other, the dispensing mechanism makes the medicament within a dose storage area of each medicament carrier available for administration at substantially the same time.
90. The dispenser of aspect 85, wherein the dispensing mechanism makes the medicament within a dose storage area of each medicament carrier available in sequence, one becoming available prior to another being made available.
91. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-88, wherein movement of the cover of the medicament access body results in movement of the driver, movement of a plurality of advancers, and movement of a plurality of carrier engagements, and thereby advances a plurality of medicament carriers to align with the flow director for dispensing the medicament held within a dose storage area if present of each medicament carrier.
92. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-89, wherein the waste of each emptied medicament carrier present within the dispenser is collected separately from the waste of each other medicament carrier present within the dispenser.
93. The dispenser of aspect 90, wherein each medicament carrier is a blister strip, and the emptied blister strip produces two waste streams: a) a lid sheet and b) an empty base sheet, and further wherein each type of waste stream is collected using a separate type of waste collector, each empty base sheet being collected using a first waste collector and each lid sheet being collected using a second waste collector.
94. The dispenser of aspect 91, wherein each second waste collector is movably engaged with a carrier engagement, and each second waste collector comprising multiple components to create an assembly, the assembly comprising: [0661] a. a component capable of creating tension on the lid sheet; [0662] b. a lid sheet collector;
wherein component (a) is positioned within the component (b) and wherein component (a) and component (b) share a common axis of rotation, and further wherein sufficient movement of the carrier engagement results in the movement of the second waste collector.
95. The dispenser of aspect 92, wherein the component capable of creating tension on the lid sheet comprises a lid connection element to hold an end of a lid sheet and optionally a lid gripping element to support tensioning and positioning of the lid sheet, together forming a tensioning assembly.
96. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-93, wherein the medicament carrier is a blister strip comprising a lid sheet and a base sheet, the lid sheet being removably sealed to the base sheet to maintain distinct doses of medicament within medicament storage spaces defined within the base sheet, and wherein an open end of a blister strip comprises a length of lid sheet which extends beyond the length of the base sheet such that the lid sheet is free of attachment to a base sheet and further wherein the lid sheet ends in a sealed loop.
97. The dispenser of aspect 94, wherein the sealed loop of the lid sheet is capable of engaging with the lid connection element to hold the lid sheet in a stable position such that upon rotation of the tensioning assembly, the lid sheet remains engaged with the lid connection element and the tensioning assembly pulls on the lid sheet to create tension on the lid sheet.
98. The dispenser of aspect 95, wherein the tensioning assembly is positioned within the lid sheet collector, the lid sheet collector and the tensioning assembly being movably engaged with one another, the lid sheet collector comprising an opening to allow passage of the lid sheet from the lid sheet connector and over the lid gripping element of the tensioning assembly, if present, and through the opening of the lid collector to the exterior surface of the lid sheet collector.
99. The dispenser of aspect 96, wherein the tensioning assembly first rotates independently of the lid sheet collector, establishing tension in the lid sheet sufficient to cause the engagement between the tensioning assembly and the lid sheet collector to become immovable such that the tensioning assembly and the lid sheet collector subsequently rotate in unison, the lid sheet being removed from the medicament carrier upon each actuation of the dispenser being wound around the lid sheet collector as the lid sheet collector and tensioning assembly rotate.
100. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-97, wherein in use, the flow director splits a single airflow entering the device generated by inhalation of the patient into separate airflows for each medicament carrier within the dispenser, and wherein the airflows remain separate once separated until each deliver an entrained dose of medicament captured by each airflow in its path through the flow director to the user.
101. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-97, wherein in use, the flow director splits a single airflow entering the device generated by inhalation of the patient into separate airflows for each medicament carrier within the dispenser, and wherein the airflows are rejoined after each entrains a dose of medicament such that a single airflow delivers the entrained medicament to the user.
102. The dispenser of aspect 98, wherein the flow director comprises separate inlet compartments for each separate airflow, and wherein the flow director comprises distinct sets of airflow guides for each airflow allowing the airflow to pass from each inlet compartment to a separate outlet channel for each airflow.
103. The dispenser of aspect 99, wherein the flow director comprises separate inlet compartments for each separate airflow, and wherein the flow director comprises airflow guides for each airflow allowing the airflow to pass from each inlet compartment to a single outlet compartment.
104. The dispenser of aspect 100, wherein the airflow guides are designed to allow airflow to pass from the inlet compartment, out of the inlet compartment via the first airflow guide in the set, into the outlet channel via the second airflow guide in the set, the airflow entraining medicament available from a dose storage area of a medicament carrier if present after exiting the inlet compartment via the first airflow guide and entering the outlet channel via the second airflow guide.
105. The dispenser of aspect 102, wherein the airflow guides comprise a design which is capable of disrupting the airflow pattern when passing through the airflow guide to promote de-aggregation of the medicament entrained within the airflow.
106. The dispenser of any one of aspects 1-103, wherein the dispenser further comprises an event-related status indicator for providing information about the dose status of medicament or medicaments within the dispenser.
107. The dispenser of aspect 104, wherein the event-related status indicator is in the form of a mechanical device.
108. The dispenser of aspect 104, wherein the event-related status indicator is a non-mechanical (electronic) device.
109. The dispenser of any one of aspects—104-106, wherein a status of medicament doses held within the dispenser is visible external to the device via a status identifier window within the housing of the dispenser.
110. The dispenser according to any one of aspects 1-107, wherein the advancer and the carrier engagement are non-adjacent to one another.
111. The dispenser according to any one of aspects 1-108, wherein the dispenser further comprises a resting surface capable of maintaining the dispenser in a stable position when placed upon a relatively flat surface.
112. The dispenser according to any one of aspects 1-109, wherein the dispenser can be operated using a single hand of the user.
113. The dispenser according to any one of aspects 1-110, wherein the dispenser further comprises a power source, an electronic circuit, and an electronic measurement instrument.
114. A medicament dispenser capable of independently advancing a plurality of medicament carriers at varying rates and at varying times comprising i) a driver for actuating the dispensing mechanism, ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the distinct medicament dose portions thereof, iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement located coaxially or non-coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof, iv) a flow director wherein separate airflows entrain medicament extracted from separate medicament carriers and, optionally, separate airflows containing the entrained medicament are maintained until the medicament reaches the user, v) at least one first waste collector for collecting a first waste stream, vi) at least one second waste collector for collecting at least one second waste stream; b) a medicament access body for user access to the medicaments held within the dispenser; and c) a cover for the medicament access body to protect the medicament access body and which is engaged with the driver such that movement of the medicament access body cover results in movement of the driver, and sufficient movement of the medicament access body cover results in movement of at least one advancer.
115. The method of treating a condition treatable by a medicament administered via inhalation, the method comprising administering one or more medicaments via a medicament dispenser, the administration comprising: [0663] a. loading a dispenser with a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers comprising a plurality of discrete medicament doses in powder form; [0664] b. actuating the dispenser such that prior to any advancement of any medicament carrier upon actuation, tension is applied to at least one waste stream of multiple waste streams generated by the emptied medicament carrier; [0665] c. advancing the plurality of medicament carriers within the dispenser independently from one another to a common opening location in the dispenser such that a medicament dose within a dose storage location, if present, of each medicament carrier becomes available for administration; [0666] d. the user inhaling the one or more medicament doses available for administration via a medicament access body, the airstream generated by the inhalation separately entraining the medicament of each available medicament dose and optionally being maintained separately from one another until the airstream exits the dispenser and reaches the user via the medicament access body.
116. The method of aspect 113, wherein the medicament access body is a mouthpiece.
117. The method of any one of aspects 113-114, wherein the condition is selected from the group comprising asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, lung infections, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), cystic fibrosis, Non-CF Bronchiectasis or lung transplant.
118. A method of administering a plurality of medicaments by inhalation to an individual, the plurality of medicaments being maintained in separate airstreams prior to reaching the orifice of the individual into which the plurality of medicaments is being inhaled, the method comprising administering the plurality of medicaments to the individual via the dispenser according to any one of aspects 1-112.
119. A collection system for capturing and storing an elongate media comprising: [0667] a. a component capable of applying an initial, engaging tension on an end of the media; and [0668] b. a component capable of collecting the media, the component capable of collecting the media comprising a plurality of movably engageable engagement mechanisms such that one engagement mechanism engages with component (a) and one component engages with a separate component of a larger device or environment in which the collection system is housed,
wherein the component (a) is positioned within the component (b) and wherein the component (a) and component (b) share a common axis of rotation.
120. The collection system of aspect 117, wherein the elongate media is a media that has been subjected to processing.
121. The collection system of aspect 118, wherein the elongate media is a waste stream of a spent medicament carrier within a medicament dispenser.
122. The collection system of aspect 119, wherein the waste stream is one or more lid sheets of one or more blister sheet medicament carrier(s).
123. The collection system of aspect 117, wherein the component capable of collecting the media is movingly engaged with a component of a larger system of which the collection system is one component, such that actuation of the larger system causes actuation of the collection system.
124. The collection system of any one of aspects 117-121, wherein the component capable of applying an initial, engaging tension on the end of the media is a tensioning mechanism comprising an element for attaching to a media and a static element about which the media component can rotate.
125. The collection system of aspect 122, wherein the element for attaching to the media is a post capable of receiving one end of the media.
126. The collection system of any one of aspects 122-123, wherein the static element is an axle.
127. The collection system of any one of aspects 117-124, wherein the system further comprises a component capable of maintaining tension on the media, applying additional tension to the media, aiding in guiding the media toward the collection component, or any or all thereof.
128. The collection system of aspect 125, wherein the component capable of maintaining tension on the media, applying additional tension to the media, aiding in guiding the media toward the collection component, or any or all thereof is an element of the tensioning mechanism capable of guiding the media from the media attachment component of the tensioning mechanism away from the tensioning mechanism and to a component capable of collecting the media.
129. The collection system of aspect 126, wherein the component capable of maintaining tension on the media is a curved panel having a gripping surface.
130. The collection system of aspect 127, wherein the gripping surface is a serrated surface.
131. The collection system of any one of aspects 117-128, wherein the component capable of collecting the media is a collection component comprising a media collection surface for collecting an elongate media, the collection component having at least one media access point which allows the media to pass from an internally positioned tensioning mechanism to the media collection surface.
132. The collection system of aspect 129, wherein the collection component has at least two media access points.
133. The collection system of any one of aspects 117-130, wherein the collection component further comprises a locking engagement for preventing the vertical motion of the tensioning mechanism.
134. The collection system of any one of aspects 117-131, wherein a first movably engageable engagement mechanism is an inner movably engageable engagement element for engaging with an engagement element of the tensioning mechanism, such an engagement between the two components being such that the tensioning mechanism is rotatable in a single direction relative to the collection component in order to maintain tension on the media.
135. The collection system of any one of aspects 117-132, wherein a second movably engageable engagement mechanism is an outer movably engageable engagement element for engaging with one or more other component(s) of a larger system within which the collection system resides.
136. The collection system of aspect 133, wherein the movably engageable driving element for engaging with one or more components of a larger system within which the collection system resides is the driving component of the collection system, such that movement of the component of the larger system with which the collection system is movably engaged causes movement of the collection system.
137. The collection system of aspect 133, wherein the component of a larger system is a carrier engagement of a medicament dispenser.
138. A medicament dispenser for dispensing medicament from a plurality of elongate form medicament carriers held therein, each carrier comprising multiple dose portions of one or more medicaments, said dispenser comprising: [0669] a. A dispensing mechanism for dispensing the medicament held within the dispenser comprising: [0670] i) a driver, [0671] ii) a carrier engagement for each medicament carrier for individually advancing the medicament dose portions thereof, [0672] iii) an advancer for each carrier engagement, [0673] iv) a flow director; and [0674] b. a medicament access body; [0675] c. a cover for the medicament access body, and [0676] d. lever
wherein the lever is engaged with the driver and wherein sufficient movement of the lever results in movement of the driver, the driver being movingly engaged, either directly or indirectly, with the advancers such that sufficient movement of the driver results in movement of the advancers, each advancer being directly engaged with a carrier engagement such that sufficient movement of the advancers results in movement of the carrier engagements, and further wherein movement of each carrier engagement results in advancement of a medicament carrier to a position wherein a medicament dose portion of the medicament carrier, when present, is in sufficient alignment with the flow director such that separate airflows directed by the flow director entrain at least one medicament dose portion extracted from a present dose storage area, and further wherein the separate airflows containing the entrained medicament are maintained until the medicament exits the dispenser.
139. The dispenser according to aspect 138 wherein an advancer for each carrier engagement is located non-coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof.
140. The according to aspect 138 wherein an advancer for each carrier engagement is located coaxially with the carrier engagement for rotating thereof.
