U.S. patent application number 09/998418 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-21 for inhalant medicator.
Invention is credited to Ishizeki, Kazunori, Nakamura, Shigemi, Ohki, Hisatomo, Yanagawa, Akira, Yazama, Yoshiyuki.
Application Number | 20020033177 09/998418 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11991291 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020033177 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ohki, Hisatomo ; et
al. |
March 21, 2002 |
Inhalant medicator
Abstract
An inhalant medicator includes a medicator body 1 which is
formed therein with a cylindrical fit hole 2, an inhalant port 3,
an inflow air passageway 5, and an outflow air passageway 6, and a
medical powder storage cylindrical member 8 which is installed or
fitted into the cylindrical fit hole 2 in a manner so as to open or
close the air passageways 5 and 6 with respect to a medical powder
storage chamber 12. The inhalant medicator is constructed by two
component parts, namely the medicator body 1 and the medical powder
storage cylindrical member 8, thus ensuring simplified structure
and reduced production costs. Additionally, powder-and-granular
medicine or medical powder 16 is tightly encapsulated within the
medical powder storage chamber 12 by means of the medical powder
storage cylindrical member 8, thus preventing loss of flow of the
medical powder 16.
Inventors: |
Ohki, Hisatomo; (Gunma,
JP) ; Yazama, Yoshiyuki; (Gunma, JP) ;
Nakamura, Shigemi; (Gunma, JP) ; Ishizeki,
Kazunori; (Gunma, JP) ; Yanagawa, Akira;
(Yokohama, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard L. Schwaab
FOLEY & LARDNER
Washington Harbour
3000 K Street, N.W., Suite 500
Washington
DC
20007-5109
US
|
Family ID: |
11991291 |
Appl. No.: |
09/998418 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09998418 |
Dec 3, 2001 |
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09623478 |
Sep 13, 2000 |
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09623478 |
Sep 13, 2000 |
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PCT/JP99/07305 |
Dec 27, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/203.15 ;
128/203.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2202/064 20130101;
A61M 15/0028 20130101; A61M 15/003 20140204; A61M 2206/16
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/203.15 ;
128/203.21 |
International
Class: |
B05D 007/14; A61M
015/00; A61M 016/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 27, 1999 |
JP |
11-19145 |
Claims
1. An inhalant medicator comprising: a medicator body formed with a
cylindrical fit hole opening at one axial end and formed at the
other axial end with an inhalant port; an inflow air passageway
formed in the medicator body for supplying air into the cylindrical
fit hole; an outflow air passageway formed in the medicator body
for discharging air from the cylindrical fit hole into the inhalant
port; and a medical powder storage cylindrical member having a
cylindrical portion defining therein a medical powder storage hole
whose internal space stores a medical powder and capable of opening
and closing each of the inflow air passageway and the outflow air
passageway with respect to the medical powder storage hole by
external operation.
2. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least
one medical powder diffusion chamber is formed in the medicator
body and located between the cylindrical fit hole and the inhalant
port for diffusing the medical powder flowing out of the outflow
air passageway.
3. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the air
passageway communicating with the medical powder diffusion chamber
is formed to open to the medical powder diffusion chamber at an
eccentric position in which the air passageway extends in a
tangential direction of the medical powder diffusion chamber.
4. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
medical powder storage cylindrical member comprises a cylindrical
portion rotatably fitted into the inner peripheral wall of the
cylindrical fit hole and a knob portion provided at the cylindrical
portion and operated rotatably with respect to the medicator body,
and inflow and outflow outlet ports through which the inflow and
outflow air passageways are opened or closed by way of rotary
operation of the knob portion.
5. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
medical powder storage cylindrical member comprises a cylindrical
portion rotatably fitted into the inner peripheral wall of the
cylindrical fit hole and a knob portion provided at the cylindrical
portion and operated rotatably with respect to the medicator body,
and inflow and outflow outlet ports through which the inflow and
outflow air passageways are opened or closed by way of rotary
operation of the knob portion.
6. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
medical powder storage cylindrical member comprises a cylindrical
portion rotatably fitted into the inner peripheral wall of the
cylindrical fit hole and a knob portion provided at the cylindrical
portion and operated rotatably with respect to the medicator body,
and inflow and outflow outlet ports through which the inflow and
outflow air passageways are opened or closed by way of rotary
operation of the knob portion.
7. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
medical powder storage cylindrical member comprises a cylindrical
portion axially slidably fitted into the inner peripheral wall of
the cylindrical fit hole, a knob portion provided at the
cylindrical portion and capable of taking out or putting in with
respect to the medicator body, and inflow and outflow outlet ports
through which the inflow and outflow air passageways are opened or
closed by way of taking-out or putting-in operation of the knob
portion.
8. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
medical powder storage cylindrical member comprises a cylindrical
portion axially slidably fitted into the inner peripheral wall of
the cylindrical fit hole, a knob portion provided at the
cylindrical portion and capable of taking out or putting in with
respect to the medicator body, and inflow and outflow outlet ports
through which the inflow and outflow air passageways are opened or
closed by way of taking-out or putting-in operation of the knob
portion.
9. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
medical powder storage cylindrical member comprises a cylindrical
portion axially slidably fitted into the inner peripheral wall of
the cylindrical fit hole, a knob portion provided at the
cylindrical portion and capable of taking out or putting in with
respect to the medicator body, and inflow and outflow outlet ports
through which the inflow and outflow air passageways are opened or
closed by way of taking-out or putting-in operation of the knob
portion.
10. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 4, wherein a stopper
means is provided between the medicator body and the medical powder
storage cylindrical member for positioning the medical powder
storage cylindrical member at a position where the inflow outlet
port is communicated with the inflow air passageway and the outflow
outlet port is communicated with the outflow air passageway when
operating the medical powder storage cylindrical member.
11. The inhalant medicator as claimed in claim 7, wherein a stopper
means is provided between the medicator body and the medical powder
storage cylindrical member for positioning the medical powder
storage cylindrical member at a position where the inflow outlet
port is communicated with the inflow air passageway and the outflow
outlet port is communicated with the outflow air passageway when
operating the medical powder storage cylindrical member.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to an inhalant medicator suitable to
prescribe granular or powdered medicines (medical powder) toward
within lungs of a patient by way of breathing action of the
patient.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Generally, there are two medications of prescribing a
medicine toward within lungs of an asthmatic patient, that is, one
being a medication that a medicine is inhaled by way of a liquid
aerosol atomizer, and the other being an inhalation treatment that
granular or powdered medicines (which will be hereinafter referred
to as "medical powder") encapsulated in a capsule are inhaled.
[0003] Of these medications for an asthmatic patient, an inhalant
medicator used for an inhalation treatment where encapsulated
medical powder is inhaled, has been disclosed in Japanese Patent
Provisional Publication No. 7-313599.
[0004] The inhalant medicator as disclosed in the above Japanese
Patent Provisional Publication is generally comprised of a
medicator body equipped at one axial end with a capsule housing
hole and at the other axial end with an inhalant port, an inflow
air passageway formed in the medicator body for flowing air into
the capsule housing hole, an outflow air passageway formed in the
medicator body for flowing medical powder stored in the capsule of
the capsule housing hole together with airflown through the inflow
air passageway into the inhalant port, pin insertion holes located
at both sides of the capsule housing hole in the axial directions
of the capsule housing hole and bored in the medicator body in such
a manner as to extend in a radial direction of the medicator body
for communicating each of the inflow and outflow air passageways,
and a boring tool having pins insertable toward the capsule through
the respective pin insertion holes for breaking through the capsule
accommodated in the capsule housing hole.
[0005] In such inhalant medicators, the capsule is accommodated in
the capsule housing hole, and holes, communicating the internal
space of the capsule with each of the air passageways, are pricked
or punched by means of the boring tool. Under this condition, the
patient draws his or her breath while taking the inhalant port in
his or her mouse, and thus air is flown from the atmospheric side
through the inflow air passageway into the capsule. The air flow
carries and discharges the medical powder stored in the capsule
through the outflow air passageway into the inhalant port. In this
manner, the medical powder flowing out of the capsule can be
inhaled through the inhalant port into the lungs of the
patient.
[0006] The conventional inhalant medicator described above, is
constructed so that a capsule is inserted into a capsule housing
hole of a medicator body, and the medical powder stored in the
capsule is inhaled by pricking or punching holes in the capsules by
way of a boring tool. For the reasons set forth above, there is the
necessity for pin insertion holes and the boring tool. This
increases the number of component parts, and induces a complicated
structure. Thus, there are some problems, such as increased
production costs and increased economical burden of a patient.
[0007] Also, in recent years, there are another problems, such as
sanitary problems and a throwaway type of medicators. In
particular, in case of a pose of medicine to be taken only once, a
medicator is not used continuously. In this case, a new medicator
is used only once for each medication. A so-called throwaway type
of medicators exists. Therefore, people can think about the use of
the conventional medicator as a throwaway type. However, for the
reasons set out above, this medicator is not suitable to use as a
throwaway type.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is, therefore, in view of the previously-described
disadvantages of the prior art, an object of the present invention
to provide an inhalant medicator which is capable of reducing
production costs by reducing the number of component parts and by
simplifying its structure.
[0009] In order to accomplish the aforementioned and other objects,
according to the invention as claimed in claim 1, an inhalant
medicator comprises a medicator body formed with a cylindrical fit
hole opening at one axial end and formed at the other axial end
with an inhalant port, an inflow air passageway formed in the
medicator body for supplying air into the cylindrical fit hole, an
outflow air passageway formed in the medicator body for discharging
air from the cylindrical fit hole into the inhalant port, and a
medical powder storage cylindrical member having a cylindrical
portion defining therein a medical powder storage hole whose
internal space stores a medical powder and capable of opening and
closing each of the inflow air passageway and the outflow air
passageway with respect to the medical powder storage hole by
external operation.
[0010] In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, under a
condition where the inflow air passageway and the outflow air
passageway are closed with respect to the medical powder storage
hole by means of the medical powder storage cylindrical member, it
is possible to prevent the medical powder stored in the medical
powder storage hole from flowing to the outside via the air
passageways. On the other hand, when the medical powder has to be
inhaled, the inflow air passageway and the outflow air passageway
are communicated with the medical powder storage hole by operating
the medical powder storage cylindrical member. Under these
conditions, the patient draws his or her breath while taking the
inhalant port in his or her mouse, atmosphere flown into the inflow
air passageway flows into the medical powder storage hole, taking
the form of air flow. As a result of this, the medical powder in
the medical powder storage hole can be atomized. Thus, in a blended
condition of the medical powder with air flow, the mixture of the
incoming air and medical powder passes through the outflow air
passageway and then flows towards within the inhalant port, and
then the mixture is inhaled through the inhalant port into lungs of
the patient.
[0011] The inhalant medicator of the invention is constructed by
two component parts, namely the medicator body and the medical
powder storage cylindrical member, and also it is possible to open
and close each of the air passageways with respect to the medical
powder storage hole by means of the medical powder storage
cylindrical member, thus ensuring a simple structure of the
medicator. This reduces production costs. Additionally, even when
the medical powder storage hole is filled with granular or powdered
medicines in advance, it is possible to prevent the medical powder
stored in the medical powder storage hole from flowing to the
outside.
[0012] According to the invention as claimed in claim 2, at least
one medical powder diffusion chamber is formed in the medicator
body and located between the cylindrical fit hole and the inhalant
port for diffusing the medical powder flowing out of the outflow
air passageway.
[0013] In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, when the
patient draws his or her breath while taking the inhalant port in
his or her mouse, the medical powder flowing from the medical
powder storage hole via the outflow air passageway can be further
diffused through the medical powder diffusion chamber, and thus the
medical powder can flow into the inhalant port in a finely atomized
fashion.
[0014] According to the invention as claimed in claim 3, the air
passageway communicating with the medical powder diffusion chamber
is formed to open to the medical powder diffusion chamber at an
eccentric position in which the air passageway extends in a
tangential direction of the medical powder diffusion chamber.
[0015] In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, when air
flow passes through the inflow air passageway and then flows into
the medical powder diffusion chamber, the inflow air passageway
eccentrically arranged in the tangential direction of the medical
powder diffusion chamber produces whirling flow within the medical
powder diffusion chamber. Thus, even when granulated medicines;
having a strong condensation property or a bad dispersion, are
adhered or stuck to each other, it is possible to atomize the
granulated medicines by virtue of the whirling flow.
[0016] According to the invention as claimed in claim 4, the
medical powder storage cylindrical member is constructed by a
cylindrical portion rotatably fitted into the inner peripheral wall
of the cylindrical fit hole and a knob portion provided at the
cylindrical portion and operated rotatably with respect to the
medicator body, and inflow and outflow outlet ports through which
the inflow and outflow air passageways are opened or closed by way
of rotary operation of the knob portion.
[0017] In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, the inflow
and outflow air passageways can be respectively opened or closed by
means of the inflow outlet port and the outflow outlet port by
rotating the medical powder storage cylindrical member relative to
the medicator body while grasping the knob portion.
[0018] According to the invention as claimed in claim 5, the
medical powder storage cylindrical member is constructed by a
cylindrical portion axially slidably fitted into the inner
peripheral wall of the cylindrical fit hole, a knob portion
provided at the cylindrical portion and capable of taking out or
putting in with respect to the medicator body, and inflow and
outflow outlet ports through which the inflow and outflow air
passageways are opened or closed by way of taking-out or putting-in
operation of the knob portion.
[0019] In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, the inflow
and outflow air passageways can be respectively opened or closed
through the inflow outlet port and the outflow outlet port by
taking out or putting in the medical powder storage cylindrical
member relative to the medicator body, while grasping the knob
portion.
[0020] According to the invention as claimed in claim 6,a stopper
means is provided between the medicator body and the medical powder
storage cylindrical member for positioning the medical powder
storage cylindrical member at a position where the inflow outlet
port is communicated with the inflow air passageway and the outflow
outlet port is communicated with the outflow air passageway when
operating the medical powder storage cylindrical member.
[0021] In the inhalant medicator as constructed above, when
operating the medical powder storage cylindrical member, the
stopper means can position the medical powder storage cylindrical
member at the position where the inflow outlet port and the inflow
air passageway are communicated with each other and the outflow
outlet port and the outflow air passageway are communicated with
each other. Thus, it is possible to easily and certainly open or
close the inflow and outflow air passageways.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a
first embodiment of an inhalant medicator made according to the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view
illustrating a medicator body, a cylindrical portion, an inflow air
passageway (an outflow air passageway), and others as viewed from
the arrow indicated by II-II shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 3 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view
illustrating a medicator body, an outflow air passageway, and
others as viewed from the arrow indicated by III-III shown in FIG.
1.
[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the
appearance of a medical powder storage cylindrical member.
[0026] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an
essential part of a stopper mechanism provided at the medicator
body and the knob portion of the medical powder storage cylindrical
member.
[0027] FIG. 6 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view
illustrating a state of the air passageway formed in the medicator
body and the outlet port formed in the cylindrical portion of the
medical powder storage cylindrical member, spaced to each other in
the circumferential direction, as viewed from the same position as
FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
the inhalant medicator under a particular condition in which
medical powders are inhaled, as viewed from the same position as
FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a
second embodiment of an inhalant medicator made according to the
invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a
third embodiment of an inhalant medicator made according to the
invention.
[0031] FIG. 10 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view
illustrating the medicator body, a first outflow air passageway and
others, as viewed from the arrow indicated by X-X shown in FIG.
9.
[0032] FIG. 11 is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view
illustrating the medicator body, a second outflow air passageway
and others, as viewed from the arrow indicated by XI-XI shown in
FIG. 9.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
the inhalant medicator under a particular condition in which a
medical powder is inhaled, as viewed from the same position as FIG.
9.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
a fourth embodiment of an inhalant medicator made according to the
invention.
[0035] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an
essential part of the inhalant medicator in an engaged state
between a C-shaped groove of the cylindrical fit hole and an
engaged protruded portion of the medical powder storage cylindrical
member, as viewed from the arrow indicated by XIV-XIV shown in FIG.
9.
[0036] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
the inhalant medicator in an inhalation state of medical powder
with the medical powder storage cylindrical member extracted from
the medicator body, as viewed from the same position as FIG.
13.
[0037] FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
an inhalant medicator corresponding to a first modification of the
invention.
[0038] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating
only a medical powder storage cylindrical member corresponding to a
second modification of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] The embodiments of the inhalant medicator of the present
invention will be hereinbelow described in detail in reference to
the drawings attached hereto.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 7, there is shown the first
embodiment of the invention. Reference sign 1 denotes a cylindrical
medicator body constructing an essential part of the inhalant
medicator. The medicator body 1 is formed with a cylindrical fit
hole 2 as described later, an inhalant port 3, an inflow air
passageway 5, an outflow air passageway 6, and others.
[0041] A portion denoted by reference sign 2 is the cylindrical fit
hole formed in the medicator body 1 at one axial end. The
cylindrical fit hole 2 has an axially extending bore opening at the
one axial end face 1A and having a circular shape in cross section
and having a bottom. The bottom portion 2A of the cylindrical fit
hole is formed as a spherical surface. Also, the bottom portion 2A
of the cylindrical fit hole 2 is formed with an annular recessed
groove 2B. The annular recessed groove 2B is configured so that an
annular protruded portion 9A formed at the tip end portion of a
cylindrical portion 9 of a medical powder storage cylindrical
member 8, which will be described later.
[0042] A portion denoted by reference sign 3 is the inhalant port
formed at the other axial end of the medicator body 1. The inhalant
port 3 is formed and configured in such a manner as to gradually
diametrically enlarged in the other axial direction. Additionally,
the inner part of the inhalant port 3 is formed with a medical
powder diffusion chamber 4, which will be described later.
[0043] A portion denoted by reference sign 4 is the medical powder
diffusion chamber located between the cylindrical fit hole 2 and
the inhalant port 3 and formed in the medicator body 1. The medical
powder diffusion chamber 4 is formed as a cylindrical space axially
extending toward the inhalant port 3, so that whirling flow is
produced by way of air flow of air flowing through the inflow air
passageway which will be described later.
[0044] Portions denoted by reference signs 5, 5 are two inflow air
passageways formed in one axial end of the medicator body 1. As
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the inflow air passageways 5 is
constructed by axially-extending axial passages 5A, SA located on
the outer periphery of the cylindrical fit hole 2 and opening to
the atmosphere at the one axial end face 1A, and radial passages
5B, 5B communicating the respective axial passages 5A and extending
in the radial direction of the medicator body 1 and opening to the
cylindrical fit bore 2.
[0045] Portions denoted by reference signs 6, 6 are two outflow air
passageways formed in a substantially middle portion of the
medicator body 1 (as viewed from the axial direction of the
medicator body). Each of the outflow air passageways 6 is
constructed by radial air passageways 6A, 6A extending in the
radial direction of the medicator body 1 and opening to the
cylindrical fit hole 2, and axial passages 6B, 6B communicating the
respective tip end portions of the radial passages 6A and extending
in two opposite axial directions, and diffusion chamber inflow
passages 6C, 6C formed as radial passages extending radially from
the respective tip end portions of the axial passages 6B and
opening to the diffusion chamber 4.
[0046] The diffusion chamber inflow passage 6C of the inflow air
passageway 6, opening to the medical powder diffusion chamber 4, is
formed so that its tip end portion opens at an eccentric position
in which the inflow passage extends in the tangential direction of
the medical powder diffusion chamber 4. As a result of this, air
flow flowing through the diffusion chamber inflow passage 6C into
the medical powder diffusion chamber 4 becomes changed or converted
into whirling flow, thus finely atomizing a lump of granular or
powdered medicines 16 adhered to each other due to aggregation,
condensation or the like.
[0047] Portions denoted by reference signs 7, 7 are two auxiliary
air passageways located on the outer periphery of the cylindrical
fit hole 2 and formed in the medicator body 1. As shown in FIG. 3,
each of the auxiliary air passageways 7 is provided at a position
rotated 90 degrees with respect to the respective air passageways
5, 6. The auxiliary air passageway 7 is constructed by axial
passages 7A, 7A located on the outer periphery of the cylindrical
fit hole 2 and extending in the axial direction and opening to the
atmosphere at the one axial end face 1A, and diffusion chamber
inflow passages 7B, 7B formed as radial passages communicating the
respective axial passages 7A and extending in the radial direction
of the medicator body 1 and opening to the medical powder diffusion
chamber 4. Each of the auxiliary air passageways 7 functions to
avoid difficulty in breathing action by increasing a quantity of
air flowing through the medicator during breathing action, and to
strengthen the whirling flow within the medical powder diffusion
chamber 4.
[0048] Hereupon, in the same manner as the diffusion chamber inflow
passage 6C of the outflow air passageway 6 described previously,
the diffusion chamber inflow passage 7B of the auxiliary air
passageway 7 opening to the medical powder diffusion chamber 4 is
formed so that its tip end portion opens at an eccentric position
in which the inflow passage extends in the tangential direction of
the medical powder diffusion chamber 4, thus producing the whirling
flow within the medical powder diffusion chamber 4 by way of air
flow flowing into the medical powder diffusion chamber 4. The
whirling flow can finely atomize a lump of granular or powdered
medicines 16 adhered to each other due to aggregation, condensation
or the like.
[0049] Next, a portion denoted by reference sign 8 is a medical
powder storage cylindrical member rotatably installed at the
opening end of the cylindrical fit hole 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the
medical powder storage cylindrical member 8 is mainly constructed
by a cylindrical portion 9 inserted and fitted into the cylindrical
fit hole 2, and a disc-shaped knob portion 10 provided at the base
portion of the cylindrical portion 9. The interior of the
cylindrical portion 9 is formed as a medical powder storage hole 11
having a bottom and opening towards its tip end. Hereupon, the
above medical powder storage hole 11 defines a medical powder
storage chamber 12 capable of storing the medical powder 16 between
the storage hole and the bottom portion 2A of the cylindrical fit
hole 2 by way of fit of the cylindrical portion 9 into the
cylindrical fit hole 2 of the medicator body 1.
[0050] Additionally, the previously-noted cylindrical portion 9 is
formed at its tip end portion with an annular protruded portion 9A
which is fitted into the annular recessed groove 2B of the
cylindrical fit hole 2. Fitted engagement between the annular
recessed groove 2B and the annular protruded portion 9A prevents
from the medical powder storage cylindrical member 8 from being
fallen out. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 9 is formed at a
position corresponding to the radial passage 5B of the inflow air
passageway 5 in the axial direction with an inflow outlet port 9B
so that the inflow outlet port extends or penetrates in the radial
direction, and is also formed at a position corresponding to the
radial passage 6A of the outflow air passageway 6 in the axial
direction with an outflow outlet port 9C so that the outflow outlet
port extends or penetrates in the radial direction.
[0051] On the other hand, the knob portion 10 is abutted-engagement
with the one axial end face 1A of the medicator body 1 in a
powder-tight fashion. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the knob portion
is formed on its outer periphery with a knurling portion 10A
serving as a non-slip portion during rotary motion of the medical
powder storage cylindrical member 8. Also, the knob portion 10 is
formed with atmospheric outlet portions 10B, 10B, . . . at
positions corresponding to the outlet ports 9B and 9C of the
cylindrical portion 9 in the circumferential direction and also
corresponding to the axial passage 5A of the inflow air passageway
5 and the axial passage 7A of the auxiliary air passageway 7 in the
radial direction, so that the atmospheric outlet portions extend or
penetrate in the axial direction.
[0052] The medical powder storage cylindrical member 8 closes the
medical powder storage chamber 12 by rotating the cylindrical
portion 9 relative to the medicator body 1 while grasping the knob
portion 10 and therefore moving the air passageways 5 and 6 and the
outlet ports 9B and 9C in the circumferential direction, with the
result that the medical powder storage chamber 12 is fully closed.
On the other hand, by establishing fluid communication between the
air passageway 5 and the outlet port 9B and fluid communication
between the air passageway 6 and the outlet port 9C, the air
passageways 5 and 6 are opened to the medical powder storage
chamber, with the result that inhalation action of the medical
powders can be allowed.
[0053] At this time, the atmospheric outlet ports l0B formed in the
knob portion 10 act to open or close the air passageways 5 and 7.
Therefore, under a condition where the air passageways 5 and 7 are
closed by means of the knob portion 10, it is possible to prevent
dusts from flowing from the outside into the air passageways 5 and
7.
[0054] A portion denoted by 13 is a stopper mechanism serving as a
stopper means provided between the medicator body 1 and the medical
powder storage cylindrical member 8. The stopper mechanism 13 is
constructed by a positioning groove 14 formed in the outer
periphery of the medicator body 1 and a protruded portion 15
located on the outer periphery of the knob portion 10 of the
medical powder cylindrical member 8 and projected toward the
positioning groove 14. Also, the positioning groove 14 is formed
with a closed-position recessed portion 14A which is brought into
engagement with the protruded portion 15 at the closed position
(see FIG. 6) at which the inflow air passageway 5 and the inflow
outlet port 9B are offset to each other, the outflow air passageway
6 and the outflow outlet port 9C are offset to each other, and the
auxiliary air passageway 7 and the atmospheric outlet port 10B are
offset to each other, and an open-position recessed portion 14B
which is brought into engagement with the protruded portion 15 at
the open position (see FIG. 2) where the air passageways 5, 6 and 7
are communicated with the respective outlet ports 9B, 9C. and 10B.
As a result of this, the stopper mechanism 13 permits the air
passageways 5, 6 and 7 to be easily rapidly communicated with the
respective outlet ports 9B, 9C and 10B with the rotary action of
the medical powder storage cylindrical member 8 relative to the
medicator body 1.
[0055] Reference sign 16 denotes medical powder stored in the
cylindrical fit hole 2. The medical powder 16 is formed as powdered
or granulated medicines. The medical powder 16 is charged into the
medical powder storage chamber 12 at a stage where the medical
powder storage cylindrical member 8 is installed on the medicator
body 1.
[0056] The inhalant medicator of the embodiment is constructed as
previously discussed. Hereinbelow described in detail are the
operation of the inhalant medication through which the patient
inhales the medical powder, and the flow of air and medical powder
during inhalation.
[0057] First, rotary operation of the medical powder storage
cylindrical member 8 relative to the medicator body 1 is made, so
as to establish fluid communication between the inflow air
passageway 5 and the inflow outlet port 9B, fluid communication
between the outflow air passageway 6 and the outflow outlet port
9C, and fluid communication between the auxiliary air passageway 7
and the atmospheric outlet port 10B, and thus to ensure the open
position.
[0058] Next, under this condition, the patient draws his or her
breath while taking the inhalant port 3 in his or her mouse. As a
result of this, as can be seen from the arrow shown in FIG. 7, air
(atmosphere) passes through the atmospheric outlet port 10B of the
knob portion 10, the inflow air passageway 5, and the inflow outlet
port 9B of the cylindrical portion 9, and then flows into the
medical powder storage chamber 12. At this time, air flow flowing
into the medical powder storage chamber 12 disperses and atomizes
the medical powder 16 stored in the medical powder storage chamber
12.
[0059] However, there is a lump of medical powder 16 existing in
the internal space. The medical powder 16 passes through the
outflow outlet port 9C of the cylindrical portion 9 and the outflow
air passageway 6, and then flows into the medical powder diffusion
chamber 4. A lump of medical powder 16 can be diffused within the
medical powder diffusion chamber 4 by way of whirling flow produced
by the diffusion chamber inflow passages 6C and 7B, thus certainly
atomizing the medical powder.
[0060] In this manner, the medical powder 16, finely atomized
within the medical powder diffusion chamber 4, is discharged into
the inhalant port 3. Thus, it is possible to prescribe the medical
powder via the oral cavity and trachea of a patient into lungs of
the patient by inhaling the medical powder discharged via the
inhalant port 3 by way of breathing action of the patient.
[0061] As discussed above, according to the embodiment, the
inhalant medicator can be constructed by two component parts,
namely the medicator body 1 and the medical powder storage
cylindrical member 8, thus reducing the number of component parts,
and ensuring more simplified inhalator structure and reduced
production costs, in comparison with the conventional inhalant
medicator.
[0062] Furthermore, it is possible to open or close the inflow air
passageway 5 and the outflow air passageway 6 with respect to the
medical powder storage chamber 12 by means of the medical powder
storage cylindrical member 8. Thus, it is possible to tightly
encapsulate the medical powder 16 within the medical powder storage
chamber 12, thus preventing undesirable loss of flow of medical
powder 16.
[0063] As appreciated from the above, even when the inhalant
medicator of the embodiment is thrown away after the inhalant
medicator has been used only once, it is possible to reduce an
economical burden of the patient. Additionally, even when the
medical powder storage chamber 12 is filled with medical powder 16
during assembling process, it is possible to prevent undesirable
loss of flow of medical powders 16. Thus, the inhalant medicator of
the embodiment can be used as a throwaway type.
[0064] On the one hand, the medical powder diffusion chamber 4 is
provided between the cylindrical fit hole 2 and the inhalant port
3. Therefore, it is possible to certainly finely atomize the
medical powder 16. This ensures an enhanced inhalation efficiency
of medical powder 16 and an enhanced reliability of the inhalant
medicator. Additionally, it is possible to produce whirling flow
within the medical powder diffusion chamber 4, thus more finely
atomizing medical powder 16.
[0065] Moreover, the stopper mechanism 13 is provided between the
medicator body 1 and the medical powder storage cylindrical member
8, for positioning the medical powder storage cylindrical member at
either a closed position for prevention of loss of flow of medical
powder 16 and an open position for medication, with rotary
operation of the medical powder storage cylindrical member 8.
Therefore, a series of operations for medication can be easily
certainly achieved. Everyone can easily handle the inhalant
medicator of the embodiment.
[0066] Hereunder described in reference to FIG. 8 is the second
embodiment of the invention. In the second embodiment, the
auxiliary air passageways used in the first embodiment are
eliminated, and in lieu thereof the inflow and outflow air
passageways are increased. In the second embodiment, the same
reference signs used to designate elements in the first embodiment
will be applied to the corresponding elements used in the second
embodiment, and detailed description of the same elements will be
omitted because the above description thereon seems to be
self-explanatory.
[0067] A portion denoted by reference sign 21 is a medicator body
of the second embodiment. Portions denoted by reference signs 22,
22 . . . are inflow air passageways formed in the medicator body
21. In the same manner as the inflow air passageway 5 of the first
embodiment, each of the inflow air passageways 22 is constructed by
an axial passage 22A and a radial passage 22B. However, the inflow
air passageway 22 of the second embodiment is different from the
inflow air passageway 5 of the first embodiment, in that four
passageways (only three passageways are shown in the drawing)
spaced from each other in the circumferential direction are
provided.
[0068] Portions denoted by reference signs 23, 23 . . . are outflow
air passageways formed in the medicator body 21. In the same manner
as the outflow air passageway 6 of the first embodiment, each of
the outflow air passageways 23 is constructed by a radial passage
23A, an axial passage 23B, and a diffusion chamber inflow passage
23C. However, the outflow air passageway 23 of the second
embodiment is different from the outflow air passageway 6 of the
first embodiment, in that four passageways (only three passageways
are shown in the drawing) spaced from each other in the
circumferential direction are provided.
[0069] The second embodiment as constructed above, can provide the
same effects and operation as the first embodiment. In particular,
in the second embodiment, the auxiliary air passageways 7 used in
the first embodiment are eliminated, and in lieu thereof the four
inflow air passageways 22 are provided, thus ensuring increased air
flow of air flowing into the medical powder storage chamber 12. The
increased air flow can effectively atomize the medical powder
16.
[0070] Hereinafter described in reference to FIGS. 9 and 12 is the
third embodiment of the invention. The third embodiment is
characterized in that a second medical powder diffusion chamber is
provided between the cylindrical fit hole and the medical powder
diffusion chamber. In the third embodiment, the same reference
signs used to designate elements in the first embodiment will be
applied to the corresponding elements used in the third embodiment,
and detailed description of the same elements will be omitted
because the above description thereon seems to be
self-explanatory.
[0071] A portion denoted by reference sign 31 is a medicator body
of the third embodiment. Substantially in the same manner as the
medicator body 1 of the first embodiment, the medicator body 31 is
formed therein with a cylindrical fit hole 32, an inhalant port 33,
and others. However, the medicator body 31 of the third embodiment
has a first medical powder diffusion chamber 34 and a second
medical powder diffusion chamber 35, both provided between the
cylindrical fit hole 32 and the inhalant port 33. The medicator
body of the third embodiment is different from the medicator body 1
of the first embodiment, in that as a whole the medicator body of
the third embodiment is formed as a longer body.
[0072] Portions denoted by reference signs 36, 36 . . . are inflow
air passageways of the third embodiment. In the same manner as the
inflow air passageway 5 of the first embodiment, each of the inflow
air passageways 36 is constructed by an axial passage 36A and a
radial passage 36B.
[0073] Portions denoted by reference signs 37, 37 . . . are two
first outflow air passageways. Each of the first outflow air
passageways 37 is constructed by radial passages 37A, 37A extending
in the radial direction and opening to the cylindrical fit hole 32,
axial passages 37B, 37B, communicating the respective tip end
portions of the radial passages 37A and extending in the axial
direction, and diffusion chamber inflow passages 37C, 37C formed as
radial passages extending in the radial direction from the
respective tip end portions of the axial passages 37B and opening
to the first medical powder diffusion chamber 34.
[0074] Portions denoted by reference signs 38, 38 . . . are four
second outflow air passageways of the third embodiment. Each of the
second outflow air passageways 38 is constructed by diffusion
chamber outflow passages 38A, 38A formed as radial passages
extending in the radial direction and opening to the first medical
powder diffusion chamber 34, axial passages 38B, 38B communicating
the respective tip end portions of the diffusion chamber outflow
passages 38A and extending in the axial direction, and diffusion
chamber inflow passages 38C, 38C formed as radial passages
extending in the radial direction from the tip end portions of the
axial passages 38B and opening to the second medical powder
diffusion chamber 35.
[0075] Portions denoted by reference signs 39, 39 are two auxiliary
air passageways of the third embodiment. Each of the auxiliary air
passageways 39 is constructed by axial passages 39A, 39A, and
diffusion chamber inflow passages 39B, 39B formed as radial
passages communicating the respective axial passages 39A and
extending in the radial direction and opening to the first medical
powder diffusion chamber 34.
[0076] Hereupon, as shown in FIG. 10, the diffusion chamber inflow
passage 37C of the first inflow air passageway 37 opening to the
first medical powder diffusion chamber 34 and the diffusion chamber
inflow passage 39B of the auxiliary air passageway 39 are
configured so that their tip end portions open at an eccentric
position in which the inflow passage extends in the tangential
direction of the first medical powder diffusion chamber 34.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 11, the diffusion chamber outflow passage
38A of the second inflow air passageway 38 opening to the first
medical powder diffusion chamber 34 is configured, so that its tip
end portion opens at an eccentric position in which the outflow
passage extends in the tangential direction opposite to the
diffusion chamber inflow passage 39B of the auxiliary air
passageway 39, in order to facilitate the whirling flow produced
within the first medical powder diffusion chamber 34 and passing
through the diffusion chamber outflow passage 38A.
[0078] Furthermore, the diffusion chamber inflow passage 38C of the
second outflow air passageway 38 opening to the second medical
powder diffusion chamber 35 opens at an eccentric position in which
the inflow passage extends in the same tangential direction as the
diffusion chamber inflow passage 37C of the first outflow air
passageway 37 and the diffusion chamber inflow passage 39B of the
auxiliary air passageway 39.
[0079] The third embodiment as constructed above, can provide the
same effects and operation as the first embodiment. In particular,
in the third embodiment, as a granular medicine diffusing chamber,
two medical powder diffusion chambers, namely the first and second
medical powder diffusion chambers 34 and 35 are provided. Thus,
even when the patient draws his or her breath while taking the
inhalant port 33 in his or her mouse, under a particular condition
where the medical powder 16 includes granulated medicines having a
strong condensation property and the granulated medicines are
adhered to each other to form a lump of granulated medicines, as
can be seen from FIG. 12, it is possible to break and atomize the
lump of medical powder by means of the two medical powder diffusion
chambers 34 and 35. As a consequence, it is possible to inhale a
specified amount of medical powder into lungs of the patient.
[0080] Hereinafter described in reference to FIGS. 13 and 15 is the
fourth embodiment of the invention. The fourth embodiment is
characterized in that a medical powder storage cylindrical member
is constructed by a cylindrical portion axially slidably fitted
into the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical fit hole, a
knob portion provided at the cylindrical portion and capable of
taking out or putting in with respect to the medicator body, and
inflow and outflow outlet ports through which the inflow and
outflow air passageways are opened or closed by way of taking-out
or putting-in operation of the knob portion. In the fourth
embodiment, the same reference signs used to designate elements in
the first embodiment will be applied to the corresponding elements
used in the fourth embodiment, and detailed description of the same
elements will be omitted because the above description thereon
seems to be self-explanatory.
[0081] A portion denoted by reference sign 41 is a medicator body
of the fourth embodiment. A portion denoted by reference sign 42 is
a cylindrical fit hole formed in the medicator body 41. The
cylindrical fit hole 42 has an axially extending bore opening at
one axial end 41A and having a circular shape in cross section and
having a bottom. The bottom portion 42A of the cylindrical fit hole
is formed as a spherical surface. Also, the bottom portion 42A of
the cylindrical fit hole 42 is formed with a C-shaped groove 42B.
As shown in FIG. 14, the C-shaped groove 42B is configured in such
a manner as to guide movably an engaged protruded portion 44A of a
cylindrical portion 44 described later.
[0082] A portion denoted by reference sign 43 is a medical powder
storage cylindrical member of the fourth embodiment, installed on
the cylindrical fit hole 42 so that the medical powder storage
cylindrical member is capable of taking out or putting in with
respect to the opening end of the cylindrical fit hole 42.
Substantially in the same manner as the medical powder storage
cylindrical member 8 of the first embodiment, the medical powder
storage cylindrical member 43 is mainly constructed by a
cylindrical portion 44 inserted and fitted into the cylindrical fit
hole 42, and a disc-shaped knob portion 45 provided at the base
portion of the cylindrical portion 44. The interior of the
cylindrical portion 44 is formed as a medical powder storage hole
46. A medical powder storage chamber 47 is defined between the
medical powder storage hole 46 and the bottom portion 42A of the
cylindrical fit hole 42.
[0083] However, the medical powder storage cylindrical member 43 of
the fourth embodiment is different from the medical powder storage
cylindrical member 43 of the first embodiment, in that the engaged
protruded portion 4A, fitted to the C-shaped groove 42B of the
cylindrical fit hole 42, is provided at the tip end portion of the
cylindrical portion 44, inflow outlet port 44B and outflow outlet
port 44C are formed in the cylindrical portion 44 at positions at
which the inflow and outflow outlet ports respectively communicate
the radial passage 5B of the inflow air passageway 5 and the radial
passage 6A of the outflow air passageway 6 under a condition where
the cylindrical portion 44 is extracted, and the atmospheric outlet
ports used in the first embodiment are removed from the knob
portion 45.
[0084] Hereupon, the C-shaped groove 42B formed in the cylindrical
fit hole 42 of the medicator body 41 and the engaged protruded
portion 44A formed in the cylindrical portion 44 of the medical
powder storage cylindrical member 43 cooperate to each other to
construct a stopper mechanism 48 serving as a stopper means for
positioning the medical powder storage cylindrical member 43 during
taking-out/putting-in operation of the medical powder storage
cylindrical member 43 with respect to the medicator body 41.
[0085] The inhalant medicator of the fourth embodiment is
constructed as previously discussed. Hereinbelow described in
detail is the operation of the inhalant medication through which
the patient inhales the medical powder.
[0086] In a state of the medicator prior to inhalant medication, as
shown in FIG. 13, the air passageways 5 and 6 are closed by means
of the cylindrical portion 44, while the atmospheric side of each
of the air passageways 5 and 7 is closed by means of the knob
portion 45.
[0087] Under this condition, when the inhalant medication has to be
made, the medical powder storage cylindrical member 43 is rotated
relative to the medicator body 41 in the direction indicated by the
arrow A shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Next, the cylindrical portion 44
of the medical powder storage cylindrical member 43 is extracted in
the direction indicated by the arrow B. Thereafter, with rotary
motion of the medical powder storage cylindrical member 43,
returning the medical powder storage cylindrical member 43 to the
direction indicated by the arrow C, as shown in FIG. 15, it is
possible to position in such a manner as to establish fluid
communication between the air passageway 5 and the inflow outlet
port 44B and fluid communication between the air passageway 6 and
the outflow outlet port 44C. Under this condition, when the patient
draws his or her breath while taking the inhalant port 3 in his or
her mouse, the medical powder 16 can be inhaled.
[0088] The fourth embodiment as constructed above, can provide the
same effects and operation as the first embodiment.
[0089] As described above, in the third embodiment, the auxiliary
air passageways 39, 39 through which the first medical powder
diffusion chamber is communicated with the atmospheric side, is
formed in the medicator body 31. However, the present invention is
not limited to the particular embodiments shown and described
herein. For instance, as can be seen from the first modification
shown in FIG. 16, another auxiliary air passageways 39, 39 (only
one passageway is shown in the drawing) intercommunicating the
atmospheric side and the second medical powder diffusion chamber
35, may be formed in the medicator body 31, independently of the
auxiliary air passageways 39, 39 intercommunicating the atmospheric
side and the first medical powder diffusion chamber 34.
[0090] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the inflow air
passageway 5 is constructed by the axial passage 5A and the radial
passage 5B. In lieu thereof, as indicated by the two-dotted line
shown in FIG. 1, an inflow air passageway 5' is formed so that the
inflow air passageway extends in the radial direction and opens to
a curved surface of the medicator body 1. In the same manner, such
a construction can be applied to the other embodiments.
[0091] Additionally, in the first, second, and fourth embodiments
one medical powder diffusion chamber 4 is provided, whereas in the
second embodiment and the modification two medical powder diffusion
chambers 34, 35 are provided. However, the invention is not limited
to the particular embodiments shown and described herein.
Alternatively, three or more medical powder diffusion chambers may
be provided. It is preferable that the number of the medical powder
diffusion chambers is determined or set depending on
characteristics or properties of medical powder (such as a
condensation property).
[0092] On the other hand, as discussed above, in the first
embodiment, the medical powder 16 is encapsulated within the
cylindrical fit hole 2 at a time when the medicator body 1 and the
medical powder storage cylindrical member 8 are assembled to each
other. In lieu thereof, the medical powder 16 may be charged into
the cylindrical fit hole 2 just before the operation of inhalant
medication. In the same manner, such a construction can be applied
to the other embodiments.
[0093] Additionally, in each of the embodiments, the opening and
closing of the inflow air passageways 5, 22, 36 with respect to the
atmospheric side are made by the respective knob portions 10, 45 of
the medical powder storage cylindrical members 8, 43. The invention
is not limited to the particular embodiments shown and described
herein. For instance, the knob portion is configured to have the
same diameter dimension as the cylindrical portion. That is, it is
unnecessary to always close the atmospheric outlet port of the
inflow air passageway.
[0094] Additionally, in each of the embodiments, the inflow air
passageways 5, 22, 36 and the outflow air passageways 6, 23, 37 are
formed so that these passageways extend in the radial direction
towards the central portion of the cylindrical fit holes 2, 32, 42.
In lieu thereof, these air passageways may be constructed so that
the air passageways open to the respective cylindrical fit holes at
eccentric positions in which the air passageways extend in the
respective tangential directions of the cylindrical fit holes.
[0095] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the medical powder
storage chamber 12 is defined between the bottom portion 2A of the
cylindrical fit hole 2 and the medical powder storage hole 11 by
fitting the cylindrical portion 9 of the medical powder storage
member 8 into the cylindrical fit hole 2 of the medicator body 1.
The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments shown
and described herein. For instance, as can be seen from the second
modification shown in FIG. 17, a medical powder storage hole 54 may
be provided by defining the medical powder storage chamber by way
of only a cylindrical portion 52 of a medical powder storage
cylindrical member 51. In this case, it is preferable that the
bottom face of the cylindrical fit hole of the medicator body is
designed to be flat. In the same manner, such a construction can be
applied to the other embodiments.
[0096] As explained above, according to the invention as claimed in
claim 1, under a condition where the inflow air passageway and the
outflow air passageway are closed with respect to the medical
powder storage hole by means of the medical powder storage
cylindrical member, it is possible to prevent the medical powder
stored in the medical powder storage hole from flowing to the
outside via the air passageways. Also, when the medical powder has
to be inhaled, the inflow air passageway and the outflow air
passageway are opened to the medical powder storage hole by
operating the medical powder storage cylindrical member. Under
these conditions, the patient draws his or her breath while taking
the inhalant port in his or her mouse, atmosphere flown into the
inflow air passageway flows into the cylindrical fit hole, taking
the form of air flow. As a result of this, the medical powder in
the cylindrical fit hole can be atomized. Thus, in a blended
condition of the medical powder with air flow, the mixture of the
incoming air and medical powder passes through the outflow air
passageway and then flows towards within the inhalant port, and
thus the patient can inhale the medical powder through the inhalant
port into lungs of the patient.
[0097] Additionally, the inhalant medicator of the invention is
constructed by two component parts, namely the medicator body and
the medical powder storage cylindrical member, and also it is
possible to open and close each of the air passageways with respect
to the medical powder storage hole by means of the medical powder
storage cylindrical member, thereby reducing production costs, and
consequently ensuring reduced economical burden of the patient. In
addition, even when the medical powder storage hole is filled with
medical powder in advance, it is possible to prevent the medical
powder stored in the medical powder storage hole from flowing to
the outside. Thus, the inhalant medicator of the invention can be
suitably used as a throwaway type.
[0098] According to the invention as claimed in claim 2, the
patient can inhale a specified amount of medical powder into lungs.
This enhances medical benefits of the powdered or granular
medicines, and also enhances the reliability of the inhalant
medicator.
[0099] According to the invention as claimed in claim 3, it is
possible to produce or create whirling flow within the medical
powder diffusion chamber by virtue of air flow passing through the
air passageway and then flowing into the medical powder diffusion
chamber. Even when the medical powder includes granulated medicines
having a strong condensation property, it is possible to
effectively diffuse and atomize the medical powder by way of the
whirling flow, thus more remarkably enhancing an inhalation
efficiency of the medical powder.
[0100] According to the invention as claimed in claim 4, the inflow
and outflow air passageways can be respectively opened or closed by
means of the inflow outlet port and the outflow outlet port by
rotating the medical powder storage cylindrical member relative to
the medicator body while grasping the knob portion. Thus, under a
condition where the inflow air passageway and the outflow air
passageway are respectively closed by the inflow outlet port and
the outflow outlet port, it is possible to prevent the medical
powder to flow out.
[0101] According to the invention as claimed in claim 5, the inflow
and outflow air passageways can be respectively opened or closed
through the inflow outlet port and the outflow outlet port by
taking out or putting in the medical powder storage cylindrical
member relative to the medicator body, while grasping the knob
portion. Thus, under a condition where the inflow air passageway
and the outflow air passageway are respectively closed by the
inflow outlet port and the outflow outlet port, it is possible to
prevent the medical powder to flow out.
[0102] According to the invention as claimed in claim 6, when
operating the medical powder storage cylindrical member, the
stopper means can position the medical powder storage cylindrical
member at the position where the inflow outlet port and the inflow
air passageway are communicated with each other and the outflow
outlet port and the outflow air passageway are communicated with
each other. Thus, it is possible to easily and certainly open or
close the inflow and outflow air passageways, thus ensuring
enhanced operability or easy manipulation.
* * * * *