Inhalation device

Abstract

An actuator for a pressurized metered dose inhaler, including: a tubular section ( 38 ) providing an outlet through which medicament is in use inhaled; and a nozzle block ( 42 ) including a tubular element ( 44 ) having a free end over which the valve stem ( 14 ) of a canister ( 2 ) is in use located and a spray orifice ( 50 ) in fluid communication with the tubular element ( 44 ) for directing a spray into the tubular section ( 38 ).

1 . An actuator for a pressurised metered dose inhaler, including: 
 a tubular section ( 38 ) providing an outlet through which medicament is in use inhaled; and    a nozzle block ( 42 ) including a tubular element ( 44 ) having a free end over which the valve stem ( 14 ) of a canister ( 2 ) is in use located and a spray orifice ( 50 ) in fluid communication with the tubular element ( 44 ) for directing a spray into the tubular section ( 38 ).    
     
     
         2 . The actuator of    claim 1   , wherein the tubular element ( 44 ) is configured such that an outer radial surface thereof is a close fit with an inner radial surface of the valve stem ( 14 ) of the canister ( 2 ).  
     
     
         3 . The actuator of    claim 2   , wherein the tubular element ( 44 ) is configured such that an outer radial surface thereof is a tight fit with an inner radial surface of the valve stem ( 14 ) of the canister ( 2 ).  
     
     
         4 . The actuator of any of    claims 1    to    3   , wherein the tubular element ( 44 ) is of circular section.  
     
     
         5 . The actuator of any of    claims 1    to    4   , wherein the nozzle block ( 42 ) includes an abutment against which in use bears the distal end of the valve stem ( 14 ) of the canister ( 2 ).  
     
     
         6 . The actuator of    claim 5   , wherein the abutment comprises a surface ( 49 ) which extends radially outwardly of the tubular element ( 44 ).  
     
     
         7 . The actuator of any of    claims 1    to    6   , wherein the nozzle block ( 42 ) includes a further tubular element ( 46 ) co-axial with the first-mentioned tubular element ( 44 ) such that the tubular elements ( 44 ,  46 ) define an annular channel ( 48 ) in which the valve stem ( 14 ) of the canister ( 2 ) is in use located.  
     
     
         8 . The actuator of    claim 7   , wherein the further tubular element ( 46 ) is configured such that an inner radial surface thereof is a close fit with an outer radial surface of the valve stem ( 14 ) of the canister ( 2 ).  
     
     
         9 . The actuator of    claim 8   , wherein the further tubular element ( 46 ) is configured such that an inner radial surface thereof is a tight fit with an outer radial surface of the valve stem ( 14 ) of the canister ( 2 ).  
     
     
         10 . The actuator of any of    claims 7    to    9   , wherein the further tubular element ( 46 ) is of circular section.  
     
     
         11 . A pressurised metered dose inhaler comprising the actuator of any of    claims 1    to    10    and a canister ( 2 ) including a valve stem ( 14 ) extending therefrom.