Patent ID: 7703454

Claim:
An apparatus for dispensing a first fluid supplied from an external fluid source, the apparatus comprising: a transducer adapted for receiving the first fluid from a fluid source, wherein translation of a portion of the fluid source along a first axis releases the first fluid into the transducer; a loading member coupled to the fluid source, the loading member imposing a biasing force to the fluid source along the first axis; a linkage coupling the transducer and the fluid source, the linkage having a collapsible joint inhibiting translation of the fluid source in the first axis when the collapsible joint is oriented in a first position, and allowing translation of the fluid source in the first axis when the collapsible joint is oriented in a second position; wherein the linkage comprises an upper link and a lower link; the upper link having a first end coupled to the fluid source; the lower link having a first end coupled to the transducer; wherein the upper link and the lower link are rotatably attached at second ends to form the collapsible joint; wherein the collapsible joint is over-center the first axis in the first position and translates away from the first axis in the second position; and a movable member coupled to the linkage, the moveable member responsive to an inhalation force, the inhalation force causing the movable member to shift the collapsible joint from the first position to the second position, thereby allowing translation of a portion of the fluid source in the first axis from a stowed position to a discharge position to discharge the first fluid into the transducer.