Dosing device
AssigneePfizer Inc.
InventorsNigel Harrison, Daniel Godfrey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dosing device comprising a dispenser (26) for dispensing a dose material and a dose actuation mechanism (44) is provided. The dose actuation mechanism (44) comprises a number of integrally hinged links (52, 54, 55) which are connected to each other at hinging points. A deflectable tongue (157), moveable in response to air flow from inhalation by a patient is attached to a first link (52), to move the first link in response to air flow, movement of the first link being transferred to a second link (54) to cause actuation of the dispenser. The first link rests at an over center, or stable, position prior to operation, and moves under center during operation of the device to trigger movement of the second link. The dose actuation mechanism is a one-piece moulding from plastics material.
Claims25
A dosing device comprising a dispenser for dispensing a dose material and a dose actuation mechanism comprising a first link and a second link, wherein the second link comprises a first element and a second element hinged together at a hinging point, and the first link comprises third and fourth elements hinged together at a second hinging point, with the second hinging point arranged to abut a stop so as to ensure that the first link is held in an over-center position when in a rest position prior to operation of the device, and a first end of the first link attached to the second link near the hinging point, whereby the second link is held in an under-center position by the first link and is moveable to further under-center in response to movement of the first link.
A dose actuation mechanism for use in a dosing device, comprising a first link and a second link, wherein the second link comprises a first element and a second element hinged together at a hinging point, and the first link comprises third and fourth elements hinged together at a second hinging point, with the second hinging point arranged to abut a stop so as to ensure that the first link is held in an over-center position when in a rest position prior to operation of the device, and a first end of the first link is attached to the second link near the hinging point whereby the second link is held in an under-center position by the first link and is moveable to further under-center in response to movement of the first link.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.