Patent ID: 6286507
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An inhaler for administering powder by inhalation, the inhaler comprising:structure defining a channel through which a stream of air may be drawn by inhalation of a user;a powder dispenser for providing said powder in said stream of air for inhalation by the user;said channel including a gradually converging, in a downstream direction, unobstructed acceleration section disposed within said channel, said acceleration section having an inlet portion, an elongated central portion, and an outlet portion forming a flow stream so as to constrict and accelerate the stream of air; andsaid channel including a deagglomeration section disposed within said channel downstream of said acceleration section, said deagglomeration section having a section inlet, a section outlet downstream of said section inlet, and a divider between said section inlet and said section outlet for dividing said stream of air to either side of said divider, wherein said divider has a surface opposite said section inlet and said surface is oriented at an angle substantially perpendicular to the flow of said stream of air passing through said section inlet.