Claims for Patent: 7,143,764

Summary for Patent: 7,143,764

Title:	Inhalation device
Abstract:	A powder inhaler for administering powder by inhalation which includes: an inhaler body having an opening therein; an inhalation unit disposed in the inhaler body, the inhalation unit including an inhalation channel through which powder is in use inhaled; a dosing unit for providing a dose of powder to the inhalation channel disposed in the inhaler body so as to be rotatable about the central axis thereof, wherein the dosing unit includes a central shaft which is co-axial with the central axis of the inhaler body and has a spiral groove or protrusion on the end face thereof; and an indicating wheel for providing an indication as to the usage of the inhaler disposed in the inhaler body, the indicating wheel having a toothed periphery for engaging the spiral groove or protrusion on the shaft and being disposed such that at least a part thereof is visible through the opening and so as to be rotatable within a diametrical plane containing the central axis of the inhaler body. One side surface of the indicating wheel includes at least one indication which is representative of the usage of the inhaler. In addition, the inhaler body includes a recess in which the opening is provided. The opening allows at least a part of the one side surface of the indicating wheel to be viewed.
Inventor(s):	Dagsland; Allan (Karlshamn, SE), Virtanen; Risto (Nurmijarvi, FI)
Assignee:	AstraZeneca AB (Sodertalje, SE)
Application Number:	09/068,374
Patent Claims:	1. A powder inhaler for administering powder by inhalation, comprising: a substantially cylindrical inhaler body having an opening therein; an inhalation unit disposed in the inhaler body, the inhalation unit comprising an inhalation channel through which powder is in use inhaled; a dosing unit for providing a dose of powder to the inhalation channel disposed in the inhaler body so as to be rotatable about a central axis thereof, wherein the dosing unit comprises a central shaft which is co-axial with the central axis of the inhaler body and has a spiral groove or protrusion on the end face thereof; and an indicating wheel for providing an indication as to the usage of the inhaler disposed in the inhaler body, the indicating wheel having a toothed periphery for engaging the spiral groove or protrusion on the shaft and being disposed such that at least a part thereof is visible through the opening and so as to be rotatable within a diametrical plane containing the central axis of the inhaler body, said indicating wheel having first and second side surfaces and being rotatable about an axis that extends through said first and second side surfaces; wherein one side surface of the indicating wheel includes at least one indication which is representative of the usage of the inhaler, the inhaler body includes a recess in which the opening is provided, and the opening has a radial component which allows at least a part of the one side surface of the indicating wheel to be viewed. 2. The inhaler according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit disposed in the inhaler body, the storage unit comprising a storage chamber for storing powder. 3. The inhaler according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit is formed of a transparent material and further comprises a portion which substantially fills the opening. 4. The inhaler according to claim 2, wherein the inhalation unit and the storage unit are formed as a single integral unit. 5. The inhaler according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit further comprises supporting means for rotatably supporting the indicating wheel. 6. The inhaler according to claim 1, further comprising a divider substantially closing one end of the inhaler body. 7. The inhaler according to claim 6, wherein said divider has a major surface, and the recess comprises first and second opposing surfaces which are substantially parallel to the major surface of the divider and at least first and second side surfaces joining the first and second opposing surfaces, the opening being formed in one of the side surfaces. 8. The inhaler according to claim 6, wherein the inhaler body and the divider are formed as a single integral unit. 9. The inhaler according to claim 6, wherein the divider comprises supporting means for rotatably supporting the indicating wheel. 10. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the inhaler body further comprises an air inlet in a side wall thereof, the air inlet allowing air to be drawn to the dosing unit and through the inhalation channel. 11. The inhaler according to claim 10, wherein the air inlet is provided in the recess. 12. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein said first side surface of the indicating wheel includes numerals indicating the number of doses administered or remaining. 13. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein said first side surface of the indicating wheel includes an at least part circular band of varying width indicating the number of doses administered or remaining.