Patent ID: 6401712
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: A61J,A61M,B65D

Abstract:
An inhaler for administering dry powder, the inhaler comprising:an inhaler body (S) extending between two ends; an outlet (17) at one of said two ends; a suction tube (19,20) at the other of said two ends; and an inhalation channel (31) within said body (S) providing fluid connection between said suction tube (19,20) and said outlet (17); wherein the suction tube (19,20) is shaped and dimensioned for insertion into a blister pack containing powder such that inhalation through the inhaler body (S) will draw powder from the blister through the suction tube (19,20) and inhalation channel (31) and out of the outlet (17); the inhaler further comprises a support unit (V, G) for supporting a blister pack (2), the support unit (V,G) including respective guide portions (L) for each blister of a supported blister pack (2), each guide portion (L) being for guiding said suction tube (19,20) into a respective blister and supporting the inhaler body (S) with said suction tube (19,20) so guided; a substantially planar surface having a series of depressions (10) forming respective blisters, the support (V,G) including a guide wall (6) to be positioned adjacent said substantially planar surface opposite said depressions and having a series of apertures (15,16) for alignment with the series of depressions, the guide wall (6,36) extending away from said substantially planar surface so as to form said guide portions (L,36); and wherein the suction tube has an inlet section configured for successive removal from and insertion into the blister pack, the blister pack having a plurality of blisters, each aperture serving to guide the inlet section of the suction tube into a respective blister of the blister pack and supporting the suction tube when so guided from blister to blister by a user of the inhaler.