Patent ID: 6196218
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: A24F,A61M,B05B

Abstract:
An inhaler for dispensing a flowable substance, said inhaler comprising:an inhaler housing;a mouthpiece coupled to the inhaler housing; anda piezoelectric dispenser-head coupled to the inhaler housing and configured to be coupled to a dispensing chamber, the piezoelectric dispenser-head including an array of dispensing channels and an array of dispensing nozzles, wherein each said dispensing channel comprises first and second side walls which are disposed in spaced relation, wherein said first side wall of each said channel comprises a piezoelectric material, wherein application of an electric field to said piezoelectric material of said first side wall of any of said channels reduces a volume of its corresponding said channel, wherein when a flowable substance is disposed within any of said channels, such a flowable material directly interfaces with said piezoelectric material of its corresponding said first side wall and said application of said electric field to said piezoelectric material of its corresponding said first side wall creates a pressure pulse within such a flowable substance so as to direct such a flowable substance through at least one of said dispensing nozzles.