초록 ▼

The present invention relates to metering valves and methods for repeatedly delivering a precise amount of a pressurized fluid such as an aerosol. Each metering valve is configured such that the metering chamber exists only upon actuation of the valve stem to dispense a dosage. Thus, the metering ch

The present invention relates to metering valves and methods for repeatedly delivering a precise amount of a pressurized fluid such as an aerosol. Each metering valve is configured such that the metering chamber exists only upon actuation of the valve stem to dispense a dosage. Thus, the metering chamber is created, filled with aerosol formulation, and emptied during the brief moment that the valve stem is depressed and subsequently released by the user to dispense a dosage. Alternative embodiments of the present invention also include mechanisms for pressure filling an aerosol container through such a metering valve.

대표청구항 ▼

A valve for delivering a predetermined amount of a fluid, comprising: a valve housing; a valve stem movably mounted within said valve housing between a first position and a second position, said valve stem in said second position defining with said valve housing a metering chamber dimensioned to rec

A valve for delivering a predetermined amount of a fluid, comprising: a valve housing; a valve stem movably mounted within said valve housing between a first position and a second position, said valve stem in said second position defining with said valve housing a metering chamber dimensioned to receive said predetermined amount of fluid, said valve stem in said first position occupying substantially the entire volume of said metering chamber, said valve stem having a first portion which is generally external to said valve housing and a second portion which is generally internal to said valve housing when said valve stem is in the first position, said second position being configured so as to occupy substantially the entire volume of said metering chamber when said valve stem is in the first position, said first portion being configured such that, when said valve stem is in the second position, at least a part of said first portion is positioned within said valve housing so as to form said metering chamber between said valve stem and said valve housing; means for supplying fluid to said metering chamber as said metering chamber is formed; and means for releasing the fluid from said metering chamber. A method for delivering a predetermined amount of a fluid, comprising the steps of: providing a valve having a valve housing and a valve stem movably mounted within said valve housing between a first position and a second position, said valve stem having a first portion which is generally external to said valve housing and a second portion which is generalaly internal to said valve housing when said valve stem is in the first position, said valve stem in said second position defining with said valve housing a metering chamber dimensioned to receive said predetermined amount of fluid, said valve stem in said first position occupying substantially the entire volume of said metering chamber; positioning the valve stem in the first position such that the valve stem occupies substantially the entire volume of the metering chamber; moving the valve stem from the first position to the second position so as create said metering chamber; filling the metering chamber with fluid as it is created; and expelling the fluid from the metering chamber. A valve for delivering a predetermined amount of a fluid, comprising: a valve housing; a valve stem movably mounted within said valve housing between a first position and a second position, said valve stem in said second position defining with said valve housing a metering chamber dimensioned to receive said predetermined amount of fluid, said valve stem in said first position occupying substantially the entire volume of said metering chamber; means for supplying fluid to said metering chamber as said metering chamber is formed; means for releasing the fluid from said metering chamber; and a discharge piece positioned around said releasing means so as to receive fluid discharged from said releasing means, said discharge piece being configured for insertion into a body cavity of a patient to whom the fluid is to be administered.