Indicating device

摘要

A dispensing device for dispensing metered dosages of a medicament from a container includes an indicator housing having an interior and an opening communicating with the interior. A first actuator is disposed within the interior and includes a resilient arm member defining a pawl portion. The first actuator is reciprocally moveable between an actuated position and an at-rest position. A spring is disposed in the indicator housing and biases the first actuator towards the at-rest position. A ratchet gear is rotatably disposed in the indicator housing, and is rotatable in response to the movement of the first actuator between the actuated and at-rest positions. An indicator is rotatably disposed in the indicator housing and is rotatable in response to the rotation of the ratchet gear. A second actuator is shaped to be received through the opening in the indicator housing. The second actuator and indicator housing are moveable relative to each other between first and second positions. The second actuator is inserted through the opening, contacts the first actuator and moves the first actuator to the actuated position when the second actuator and indicator housing are moved to the second position. The first actuator is biased to the at-rest position by the spring when the second actuator and the indicator housing are moved to the first position. A method of dispensing metered dosages of medicament is also provided.

主权项

1. A dispensing device for dispensing metered dosages of a medicament from a container:
an indicator housing comprising an interior and an opening communicating with said interior; a first actuator disposed within said interior and comprising a resilient arm member defining a pawl portion, wherein said first actuator is reciprocally moveable between an actuated position and an at-rest position; a spring disposed in said indicator housing, said spring biasing said first actuator towards said at-rest position; a ratchet gear rotatably disposed in said indicator housing, wherein said ratchet gear is rotatable in response to said movement of said first actuator between said actuated and said at-rest position; an indicator rotatably disposed in said indicator housing, wherein said indicator is rotatable in response to said rotation of said ratchet gear; and a second actuator shaped to be received through said opening in said indicator housing, said second actuator and said indicator housing moveable relative to each other between first and second positions, wherein said second actuator is inserted through said opening, contacts said first actuator and moves said first actuator to said actuated position when said second actuator and said indicator housing are moved to said second position, and wherein said first actuator is biased to said at-rest position by said spring when said second actuator and said indicator housing are moved to said first position.