Patent ID: 6142339
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: A61M,G06M

Abstract:
An aerosol dispenser for dispensing metered dosages of medicaments from a container having a valve stem extending longitudinally therefrom and moveable between a closed position and an open position, said container dispensing said metered dosage when said valve stem is moved to the open position, said aerosol dispenser comprising:a housing adapted to support said container reciprocally moveable within said housing along a longitudinal axis, said housing having a well adapted to receive said valve stem and an exhaust port, said well communicating with said exhaust port such that said metered dosage of medicament is dispensed through said exhaust port when said valve stem is moved to the open position;a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted in said housing and adapted to be responsive to the reciprocal movement of said container in said housing along said longitudinal axis such that said longitudinal movement of said container causes said ratchet wheel to rotate;a worm rotatably mounted in said housing along a first rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the movement of the container within the housing, said worm connected to said ratchet wheel such that rotation of said ratchet wheel causes said worm gear to rotate about said first rotation axis; andan indicator member comprising a circular gear engaging said worm, said circular gear mounted in said housing about a second axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the movement of the container within said housing and to the first rotation axis of the worm, said indicator member comprising dosage indicia visible to the user.