Title of Invention

"DISCHARGE DEVICE WITH A METERED DOSE VALVE"

Abstract ORIGINAL. 0 ABSTRACT "DISCHARGE DEVICE WITH A METERED DOSE VALVE'' Discharge device (1) with a metered dose valve (2) for metered discharge of a pressurized liquid (4), wherein the metered dose valve (2) comprises a valve element (5) and a metering chamber (6) with an associated inlet valve (7) and an associated outlet valve (8), wherein the outlet valve (8) is closed and the inlet valve (7) is open in a first position of the valve element (5) so that the liquid (4) can fill the metering chamber (6) with a metered dose, and wherein the outlet valve (8) is open and the inlet valve (7) is closed in a second position of the valve element (5) so that the liquid (4) is discharged from the metering chamber (6) to the atmosphere, wherein an intermediate position of the valve element (5) can be selected so that the inlet valve (7) and outlet valve (8) are closed, wherein the valve element (5) is biased by means of a spring (15) into the first and/or intermediate position, characterized in that the valve element (5) can be actuated and moved between the intermediate and the second position so that one metered dose the liquid (4) can be discharged discontinuately or in more than one actuation of the valve element (5), wherein the metered dose valve (2) can be switched or set into a discharge state in which the valve element (5) is moveable only between the second position and the intermediate position alternately. r Fig. 1 l [ f ii •
Full Text ORIG;.\!AL
The present invention relates to a discharge device with a metered dose valve.
In particular, the present invention deals with a discharge device with a metered dose valve for
use with pressurized aerosol packs, containers or the like where a liquid product is pressurized
by a liquefied or compressed gas or a solid product suspended in a liquefied gas but is not
limited to such packs.
Many pressurized aerosol packs contain a metered dose valve that accurately measures a single
dose of the product within the pressurized reservoir. GB 2 198 707 A discloses a metering
dispenser with a similar metered dose valve.
Such valves are used in many applications including for example for delivering accurate
amounts of a drug to a patient or animal. Generally the metered dose valve dispenses the total
dose when it is opened with the user having no control over how much of the metered dose is
delivered. In most cases this is an important aspect of the valve as for instance in the case of
medical inhalers it is important that the patient receives no less or no more of the metered dose.
Generally such metered dose valves are operated by depressing an actuator with finger pressure
with the movement stopping only when the open position is reached. The metered dose valve is
generally spring loaded so that it returns to the closed position when finger pressure is released.
The majority of such metered dose valves have within an inlet valve and an outlet valve,
usually containing cut gaskets. The inlet valve connects the canister liquid reservoir with the
liquid to a metering chamber while the outlet valve connects the metering chamber to the
atmosphere.
When such valves are actuated by the user the user is only aware of two positions; closed and
open or first and second. In the first position, the inlet valve is open and the outlet valve is
closed. In the second position, the inlet valve is closed and the out-let valve is open. When in
the first position the metering chamber is maintained full of liquid and sealed fi-om the
atmosphere, and when in the second position the content of the metering chamber is allowed to
flow into the atmosphere while the metering chamber is sealed fi-om the liquid pressurized
canister or reservoir.
On the way fi-om the first position to the second position and vice versa an intermediate
position is passed but the user has no knowledge of this. What the user is un-aware of is that
there is the intermediate position where both the inlet valve and the outlet valve are closed.
This is because to accurately meter the product, i.e. the liquid, the inlet valve must be closed
before the outlet valve is opened.
Object of the present invention is to provide a discharge device that allows to discharge one
metered dose of liquid in more than one step or action, in particular wherein the discharge can
be interrupted and continued.
The above object is achieved by a discharge device according to claim 1. Preferred
embodiments are subject of the subclaims.
-2-
W A basic idea of the present invention is that an intermediate position of the valve
element can be selected so that both the inlet valve and the outlet valve are closed.
By moving or actuating the valve element between the second position and interme-
* diate position, in particular by depressing and releasing an associated actuation
B member or the like, one metered dose of liquid contained in the metering chamber
\ can be discharged in more than one step. Thus, the user can discharge the total content
or metered dose of the metering chamber in more than one action. This is possible,
because the intermediate position can be selected by the user allowing the user
to switch to the second position more than once before the total content or dose of
10 the metering chamber is discharged. This is advantageous for some applications.
! In the present invention, the term "liquid" has to be understood in broad sense. In
i particular, it shall cover all kinds of liquids, fluids, mixtures, suspensions, liquefied
I gases, or the like that may be discharged by a metered dose valve.
15
I Further aspects, advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent
1 from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The drawings
show:
i
I
20 Fig. 1 a schematic partial section of a discharge device with a metered dose
valve according to the prior art in the first position;
Fig. 2 a schematic partial section of the discharge device with the metered
dose valve according to the prior art in the intermediate position;
25
i Fig. 3 a schematic partial section of the discharge device with the metered
j dose valve according to the prior art in the second position;
Fig. 4 a schematic partial section of the discharge device with the metered
2 3 dose valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention
in the first position;
1 Fig. 5 a schematic partial section of the discharge device with the metered
dose valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention
3 5 in the intermediate position;
Fig. 6 a schematic partial section of the discharge device with the metered
dose valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention
in the second position;
4) ;
Fig. 7 a schematic section of a locking means of the discharge device in the
intermediate position;
Fig. 8 a schematic partial section of the discharge device with the metered
4p dose valve according to the second embodiment of the present inven-
I tion in the first posifion;
W Fig. 9 a schematic partial section of the discharge device with the metered
dose valve according to the second embodiment of the present invention
in the intermediate position; and
6 Fig. 10 a schematic partial section ofthe discharge device with the metered
/ dose valve according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention
in the second position.
In the figures, the same reference signs are used for the same or similar components,
1D wherein same or similar characteristics or advantages are achieved even if a repeated
discussion is omitted.
Fig. 1 to 3 show in schematic partial sections a discharge device 1 with a metered
dose valve 2 according to the prior art.
15
The discharge device 1 comprises a canister, reservoir or container 3 for pressurized
liquid 4. If necessary or desired the pressurized liquid 4 may be stored in a bag (not
shown) in the container 3.
2 3 The liquid 4 may be pressurized by a liquefied gas or compressed gas or by any suitable
biasing means or any other means. If the liquid 4 is stored in a bag within the
container 4, gas may be used in the container 4 and/or in the bag for pressurizing the
liquid 4.
25 The metered dose valve 2 comprises a movable valve element 5 and a metering
chamber 6 with an associated inlet valve 7 and an associated outlet valve 8.
The valve element 5 allows actuation ofthe inlet valve 7 and the outlet valve 8 and
preferably forms a part of these valves 7, 8.
30
The valve element 5 comprises a first axial channel 9 connected with a first radial
aperture 10 and passes through a first gasket 11. The inlet valve 7 is formed by the
first gasket 11, the first channel 9 and the first aperture 10. In the first position
shown in fig. 1, the aperture 10 opens within the metering chamber 6, i.e. is not cov-
: 5 ered by the gasket 11 or does not open outside the metered dose valve 2. Thus, the
inlet valve 7 is open in this first position so that the liquid 4 can fill the metering
chamber 6 due to the pressure in the container 3.
The valve element 5 further comprises at its other end a second axial channel 12
^ 0 connected with a second radial aperture 13 and passes through a second gasket 14.
This second gasket 14, second channel 12 and second aperture 13 from the outlet
valve 8. In the first position ofthe valve element 5 shown in fig. 1, the aperture 13 is
either covered by the gasket 14 and/or opens outside the metering chamber 6, so that
the outlet valve 8 is closed. Thus, liquid 4 cannot be discharged from the metering '
^ 5 chamber 6 through outlet valve 8 in the first position.
^ In the present embodiment, the inlet valve 7 and the outlet valve 8 are of the cut gasket
type with cross orifices or apertures 10, 13. However, the valves 7, 8 may be
constructed in any other suitable manner.
5 The valve element 5 is biased into the first position. In the shown embodiment, the
metered dose valve 2 comprises a spring 15 for biasing the valve element 5 in the
first or upper position as shown in fig. 1. Preferably, the spring 15 is located within
the metering chamber 6.

; 0 In the present embodiment, the valve element 5 or the metered dose valve 2 is
mounted by a metal cup 16 to the container 3. In particular, the cup 16 is crimped on
the container 16.
Fig. 2 shows the valve element 8 in a partially depressed position, namely in the in-
15 termediate position. In this intermediate position, the inlet valve 7 and the outlet
valve 8 are closed simultaneously. In particular, the first and second apertures 10, 13
are respecUvely covered by first gasket 11 and second gasket 14, respectively. In the
intermediate position, the content or metered dose in the metering chamber 6 is isolated
from both the container 3 and the atmosphere.
20
However, the user of this state of the art metered dose valve 2 is not aware of this intermediate
position during the actuation of the discharge device 1 or metered discharge
valve 2, i. e. during the movement of the valve element 5 towards the second
position.
25
Fig. 3 shows the valve element 5 in the second position that is finally reached due to
the pressure applied by a user (net shown). In this second position, the inlet valve 7
is closed and the outlet valve 8 is open, so that the content or metered dose of liquid
4 in the metering chamber 6 is discharged to the atmosphere via the second aperture
33 13, the second channel 12, and preferably a discharge head, tube or the like (not
shown). The discharge from the discharge device 1 or its metered dose valve 2 may
be in the form of a liquid stream, jet, spray, foam or solid particles or any other form.
When the user releases the pressure on the valve element 5, in particular by releasing
3 5 an associated actuation member (not shown), the biasing force returns the valve element
5 directly via the intermediate position to the first position resulting in refilling
of the metering chamber 6 with liquid 4. Consequently, the prior art metered dose
valve 2 is not suitable to discharge one metered dose of liquid 4 discontinuately or in
more than one step or actuation.
4) I
In the following, two embodiments according to the present invention will be described
with reference to fig. 4 to 10, wherein basically only important differences
between the proposed embodiment 5 according to the present invention and the dis- ^
charge device 1 with its metered dose valve 2 of the prior art according to fig. 1 to 3 f
4 i will be emphasized. •
-
w According to the present invention, one metered dose of liquid 4 can be discharged
discontinuately or in muUiple steps from the metering chamber 6. In particular, it is
possible to depress and release the valve element 5 alternately in a "discharge state"
I to discharge the metered dose of liquid 4 as desired, but without refilling the meter-
5 ing chamber 6 with liquid 4 from the container 3 during this alternate actuation. In
particular, this kind of actuation is possible because the discharge device 1 or metered
dose valve 2 can be switched or set into the so-called discharged state permitting
this kind of actuation. In this discharge state, the valve element is moveable only
between the second position and the intermediate position alternately, wherein this
10 second position and this intermediate position correspond to the second position and
intermediate position, respectively, as described in the introductory part of the description
and with regard to the prior art metered dose valve 2.
The discharge device 1 / metered dose valve 2 can be switched or set also in a "non-
15 discharge state". In this non-discharge state, refilling of the metering chamber 6 with
liquid 4 is permitted. In particular, the valve element 5 can return from the intermediate
position to the first position allowing refill of the metering chamber 6 with liquid
4. This first position corresponds to the first position mentioned in the introductory
part of the description and the one explained with regard to the prior art metered
20 dose valve 2 according to figures 1 to 3. In particular, the valve element 5 returns to
I the first posifion upon release due to the biasing force of spring 15.
Preferably, the switching between the discharge state and the non-discharge state
and/or vice versa is only possible in the intermediate position.
Preferably, the switching between the discharge state and the non-discharge state
and/or vice versa is performed by rotating the valve element 5, an associated actuation
member 17, a discharge head, a locking or housing element 18 or the like.
3) However, the switching or locking mechanism could include additionally or alternatively
a catch or ratchet mechanism or the like. For example, a release button or the
like could be depressed or actuated in order to switch from the discharge state into
the non-discharge state without the necessity to rotate or twist any element.
3 ) Fig. 4 to 6 show schematic partial sections of the discharge device 1 with the metered
dose valve 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
The actuation member 17, in particular a discharge head or the like, is associated to
and preferably mounted on the valve element 5. The discharge device 1 or the me-
4) tered dose valve 2 further comprises the housing or locking element 18 cooperating
with the actuation member 17 such that the following desired function can be
achieved.
Starting with the first position shown in fig. 4, the actuation member 17 / valve ele-
4 i ment 5 can be manually depressed by a user (not shown) from the first position only
until the intermediate position is reached due to a first stop 19. In particular, a pref- ^
#
w erably protruding portion 20 of the actuation member 17 abuts at first stop 19. This
forms a first locking means.
j By relative rotation between the actuation member 17 and the locking element 18 in
5 the intermediate position, i. e. in the partly depressed position, the first stop 19 can
be overcome and the first locking means unlocked, respectively, as shown in fig. 5
and thus the discharge device is switched from the non-discharge state to the discharge
state. It has to be noted that fig. 5 is a perpendicular section of fig. 4. The rotating
axis is preferably parallel to the axis or direction of actuation of the valve ele-
10 ment5.
Then, the user can depress the actuation member 17/ valve element 5 further from
the intermediate position shown in fig. 5 to the second position shown in fig. 6.
Then, discharge of liquid 4 starts. The liquid 4 is discharged form the metering
15 chamber 6 through the open outlet valve 8 and an outlet channel 21 in the actuation
member 17 / discharge head to the atmosphere.
When the user releases the pressure on actuation member 17, the valve element 5 returns
to the intermediate position due to the biasing force of spring 15, but is limited
20 in its movement fi-om the intermediate posifion to the first position by a second stop
21 or second locking means. Thus, reaching of the first position and refilling of metering
chamber 6 are prevented in the discharge state, i.e. in the present embodiment
in this rotational state of the actuation member 17 relative to the locking element 18.
In this state, the actuation member 17 and valve element 5 can be depressed and re-
2 5 leased alternately multiple times in order to alternate between the intermediate position
and the second position to discharge only one metered dose o f liquid 4 in muUiple
steps or discontinuately, as desired.
After complete or partial release of the liquid 4 from the metering chamber 6, the
: 0 discharge device 1 / metered dose valve 2 can be switched or twisted back into its
non-discharge state by relative rotation - preferably in the backwords direction - between
the actuation member 17 and the housing / locking element 18 to overcome
the second stop 22, i.e. to unlock the second locking means.
2 5 Then, the valve element 5 will return to its first position after release of the actuafion
member 17, and the metering chamber 4 will refill with liquid 4 due to the pressure I
in the container 3 acting on the liquid 4.
According to the present invention, the intermediate position of the valve element 5
^ 0 can be selected. While in the first position, the second position cannot be selected directly
and vice versa.
In the first embodiment according to the present invention, the actuation member 17
is rotated relative to the housing or locking element 18 b y an angle of about 90° for
^ 5 switching between the discharge state and the non-discharge state and vice versa.
However, any other suitable angle is possible. Depending on the structure, it might
be necessary to twist in opposite directions for switching to the discharge state and
w non-discharge state, respectively. However, it might also be possible to twist in the
same direction in both cases.
Fig. 7 shows a schematic curved section of a part of the circumferential wall pro-
) vided by the housing or locking element 18 and illustrates the function of the first /
second locking means. The housing or locking element 18 comprises a recess 23.
The recess 23 is radially open and preferably stepped in circumferential direction
forming the first stop 19 and second stop 22. The protruding portion 20 can engage
into the recess 23. Fig. 7 represents the intermediate position in the discharge state as
]lb shown in fig. 5. Arrow 24 represents the movement between the intermediate posi-
I tion and the second position in the discharge state. Arrow 25 represents the movement
for switching between the discharge state and non-discharge state, i.e. the relative
rotation between actuation member 17 and the housing / locking element 18. Arrow
26 represents the movement between the intermediate position and the first posi-
: 5 tion in the non-discharge state.
It is apparent from fig. 7, that the first stop 19 and the second stop 22 can be overcome
alternately by the rotation, i.e. if the first locking means is locked the second
locking means is unlocked and vice versa.
20
In the present invention, the metered dose valve 2 allows the user to select three positions:
(a) the first position where the inlet valve 7 is open and the outlet valve 8 is
25 closed;
(b) the intermediate position (ready to use position) where both inlet and outlet
valves 7, 8 are closed;
30 (c) the second position where the inlet valve 7 is closed and the outlet valve 8
is open.
The rotating locking mechanism according to the present invention for allowing the
proposed function - in particular the first and/or second stop 19, 22; the first and/or
35 second locking means - may be located within the valve body of the metered dose
valve 2 or outside of the valve body.
As already mentioned, the intermediate position and the discharge state may be
reached from the first position by depressing and, then, by rotating or twisfing the
4 D actuation member 17. The second position may be reached from the intermediate position
by fiirther depressing the actuation member 17. To refill the metering chamber
6, the user preferably counter rotates the actuation member 17 in the intermediate
position into the non-discharge state allowing the spring 15 to return the valve element
5 to the first position shown in fig. 4. In the first position, the inlet valve 7 is '
45 open allowing liquid 4 from the container 3 to enter the metering chamber 6.
In the discharge state, the user has full control over discharging the content of the
metering chamber 6 by depressing the actuation member 17 fi^om the intermediate
- ^
I
9 position to the second position as many times as it takes to empty the metering
chamber 6.
In order to allow easy handling without any stress, the volume of the metering
5 chamber 6 is adapted to the discharge rate preferably such that the time for completely
discharging one metered dose of liquid 4 from the chamber 6 exceeds at least
2 s, in particular 5 s. Preferably, the volume of the metering chamber is about 5 )il to
15 ml, in particular about 10 to 20 ml.
0 In order to allow easy handling, the stroke of the actuation member 17 / valve element
5 from the first position to the second position in actuation direction should exceed
2 mm, in particular 5 mm.
It has to be noted that also other suitable valve designs can be used in particular with
5 regard to the inlet valve 7 and the outlet valve 8.
The discharge device 1 according to the first embodiment is adapted, in particular,
for use upside down, i.e. with the discharge outlet or head / actuation member 17 at
the lower end. Fig. 1 to 6 show the discharge device 1 in the upright orientation, but
; 0 with the liquid 4 already filling the upper part of the container 3 completely as it is
the case in the upside down orientation.
In the following, the discharge device 1 according to a second embodiment of the
present invention will be described with reference to figures 8 to 10, wherein merely
25 main differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be
emphasized.
The discharge device 1 / metered dose valve 2 according to the present invention
comprises a dip hose 27 connected to the inlet valve 7 of the metered dose valve 2
30 and a dip tube 28 within the metering chamber 6 and connected to the outlet valve 8.
This allows in particular vertical use, i.e. without inversion of the discharge device 1.
Fig. 8 shows the discharge device 1 in the first position. Fig. 9 shows the discharge
device 1 in the discharge state in the intermediate position. Fig. 10 shows the dis-
3 5 charge device 1 in the second position, i.e. during discharge of fluid 4.
The operation and function of the discharge device 1 and its metered dose valve 2
according to the second embodiment are basically the same as the ones of the first
embodiment. However, the rotating locking mechanism is constructed in a slightly
' 4) different manner.
The housing / locking element 18 has a ring-like form and is held by the cup 16. In
particular, the element 18 comprises an upper ring section 29 and a spaced lower
ring section 30 as shown in fig. 8 to 10. The first ring section 29 comprises vertical
4 i recesses 23 aligned with protruding portions or lugs 20 of the actuation member 17
so that these lugs 20 can pass trough the ring section 29 when depressing the actuation
member 17 from the first posifion into the intermediate position.
- ? -

In this rotational state (non-discharge state), the lower ring section 30 forms the first
stop 19 at which the lugs 20 abutt. Fig. 9 shows the discharge device 1 in the intermediate
position after twisting the actuation member 17 into the discharge state.
' >
In the discharge state, the upper ring section 29 forms the second stop 22 for the lugs
20 to prevent refilling of the metering chamber 6 that would happen otherwise if the
spring 15 could return the valve element 5 into the first position.
10 In the discharge state, the lugs 20 are aligned with vertical slits or recesses 23 in the
lower ring section 30, so that the lugs 20 can pass through the lower ring section 30
when depressing the actuation member 17 from the intermediate position into the
second position shown in fig. 10 for discharging liquid 4 from the metering chamber
6 through the outlet valve 8 and the outlet channel 21 to the atmosphere. In the sec-
)5 ond embodiment, the outlet channel 21 is preferably formed by a hose-like protrusion
of the actuation member 17 or the like.
After release of the actuation member 17, the biasing force of spring 15 returns the
valve element 5 and actuation member 17 to the intermediate position shown in fig.
10 9 and, thus, stops discharge of fluid 4 from the metering chamber 6. In this discharge
state, the user can depress and release the actuation member 17 as many times as desired
to discharge the liquid 4 from the metering chamber 6 discontinuately or in respective
steps.
'!5 Finally, the actuation member 17 can be twisted back into the non-discharge state.
This is possible due to a respective circumferential space for the lugs 20 between the
upper ring section 29 and the lower ring section 30. Then, the spring 15 returns the
valve element 5 and the actuation member 17 to the first position, and the metering
chamber 6 is refilled with liquid 4 from the container 3.
0
A discharge device with a metered dose valve is proposed. The metered dose valve
comprises an inlet valve, a metering chamber and an outlet valve. In order to allow
discharge of fluid from the metering chamber in multiple steps, a user can depress
and release an actuation member multiple times in a selected discharge state wherein
;5 refill ofthe metering chamber with new liquid is prevented.
Ho-
) -—:.
^ ^ 1 _ — ^ ^








We Claim:
1. Discharge device (1) with a metered dose valve (2) for metered discharge of a
pressurized Hquid (4), wherein the metered dose valve (2) comprises a valve
element (5) and a metering chamber (6) with an associated inlet valve (7) and
an associated outlet valve (8), wherein the outlet valve (8) is closed and the
inlet valve (7) is open in a first position of the valve element (5) so that the
liquid (4) can fill the metering chamber (6) with a metered dose, and wherein
the outlet valve (8) is open and the inlet valve (7) is closed in a second position
of the valve element (5) so that the liquid (4) is discharged fi^om the metering
chamber (6) to the atmosphere, wherein an intermediate position of the valve
element (5) can be selected so that the inlet valve (7) and outlet valve (8) are
closed, wherein the valve element (5) is biased by means of a spring (15) into
the first and/or intermediate position, characterized in that the valve element
(5) can be actuated and moved between the intermediate and the second
position so that one metered dose the liquid (4) can be discharged
discontinuately or in more than one actuation of the valve element (5), wherein
the metered dose valve (2) can be switched or set into a discharge state in
which the valve element (5) is moveable only between the second position and
the intermediate position alternately.
2. Discharge device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring (15) is located
within the metering chamber (6).
3. Discharge device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
valve element (5) is depressible, preferably by means of an actuation member
(17), like a discharge head, against the biasing force from the intermediate
position into the second position.
-11-
4. Discharge device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
valve element (5) is depressible, preferably by means of an actuation member
(17), like a discharge head, against a biasing force from the first position into
the intermediate position, preferably until a first stop (19) is reached defining
the intermediate position.
5. Discharge device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherem the
discharge device (1) comprises a first locking means for preventing movement
from the intermediate position into the second position.
6. Discharge device as claimed in claims 4 and 5, wherein the first locking means
comprises the first stop (19).
7. Discharge device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the first locking means is
locked and unlocked by rotating the valve element (5), an associated actuation
member (17), like a discharge head, and/or a housing or locking element (18)
of the discharge device (1).
8. Discharge device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
discharge device (1) comprises a second locking means for preventing
movement from the intermediate position into the first position, preferably
wherein the second locking means forms a second stop (22) preventing
movement of the valve element (5) from the intermediate position into the first
position due by a biasing force, when the second locking means is locked.
9. Discharge device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second locking means is
locked and unlocked by rotating the valve element (5), an associated actuation
member (17), like a discharge head, and/or a housing or locking element (18)
of the discharge device (1).
-12-
10. Discharge device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 and according to
claim 8 or 9, wherein the first locking means is unlocked when the second
locking means is locked and vice versa.
11. Discharge device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the
discharge device (1) comprises an actuation member (17), like a discharge
head, associated to the valve element (5), wherein the actuation member (17)
comprises a preferably protruding portion (20) engageable into a recess (23) of
a housing or locking member (18) of the discharge device (1) or metered dose
valve (2) for forming the first and/or second locking means.
12. Discharge device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
discharge device (1) or its metered dose valve (2) is designed such that the time
for completely discharging one metered dose of liquid (4) from the metering
chamber (6) in the second position exceeds at least 2 s, preferably at least 5 s,
and/or the discharge device (1) or its metered dose valve (2) can be switched
between a discharge state and a non-discharge state, in particular by twisting an
actuation member (17), like a discharge head, or a housing or locking element
(18).
Dated this 01 ^"^ day of June, 2006. ,1 1^ C)' \ Ll
[VINEETROHILLA]
OFREMFRY&SAGAR
ATTORNEY FOR THE APPLICANTS
-13-

Documents:

3138-DELNP-2006-Abstract-(14-08-2013).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-abstract.pdf

3138-DELNP-2006-Claims-(01-01-2009).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-claims.pdf

3138-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(05-07-2012).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(18-12-2013).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-Correspondence Others-(20-06-2013).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-correspondence-others 1.pdf

3138-DELNP-2006-Correspondence-Others-(01-01-2009).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-Correspondence-Others-(06-02-2013).pdf

3138-DELNP-2006-Correspondence-Others-(14-08-2013).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-correspondence-others.pdf

3138-DELNP-2006-Description (Complete)-(14-08-2013).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-description (complete).pdf

3138-DELNP-2006-Drawigns-(14-08-2013).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-drawings.pdf

3138-delnp-2006-form-1.pdf

3138-delnp-2006-form-13-(01-01-2009).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-form-18.pdf

3138-DELNP-2006-Form-2-(14-08-2013).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-form-2.pdf

3138-delnp-2006-Form-3-(05-07-2012).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-Form-3-(06-02-2013).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-Form-3-(18-12-2013).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-Form-3-(20-06-2013).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-form-3.pdf

3138-delnp-2006-form-5.pdf

3138-delnp-2006-gpa.pdf

3138-DELNP-2006-Others-Document-(01-01-2009).pdf

3138-delnp-2006-pct-210.pdf

3138-delnp-2006-pct-304.pdf

3138-delnp-2006-Petition-137-(20-06-2013).pdf

abstract.jpg


Patent Number 264677
Indian Patent Application Number 3138/DELNP/2006
PG Journal Number 03/2015
Publication Date 16-Jan-2015
Grant Date 14-Jan-2015
Date of Filing 01-Jun-2006
Name of Patentee BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
Applicant Address HAUERT 7, 44227 DORTMUND, GERMANY.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 STEPHEN TERENCE DUNNE THE COTTAGE, GT. FINBOROUGH, STOWMARKET, SUFFOLK IP14 3AE, ENGLAND.
PCT International Classification Number G01F 11/28
PCT International Application Number PCT/EP2004/013761
PCT International Filing date 2004-12-03
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 0328564.0 2003-12-10 U.K.