DRY POWDER DISPERSING APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE

摘要

The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder , and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupl ed to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A fir st and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of th e receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position. The second interlock remain s engaged if the receptacle is only partially inserted into the carriage assembly.