CA2520265C — Aerosolization apparatus with capsule puncture alignment guide

USPTO Abstract

An aerosolization apparatus (100) comprises a housing (105) defining a chamber (110) having one or more air inlets (115) . The chamber is sized to receive a capsule (125) which contains an aerosolizable pharmaceutical formulation. The aerosolization apparatus further comprises a puncturing mechanism (130) within the housing. The puncturing mechanism comprises an alignment guide (132) and a puncture member (135), wherein the alignment guide comprises a surface (133) adapted to contact the capsule while the puncture member is advanced into the capsule to create an opening in the capsule. At least a portion of the surface is sloped relative to the longitudinal axis of the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, the surface may comprise one or more protrusions (300). An end section (140) is associated with the housing. The end section is sized and shaped to be received in a user~s mouth or nose so that the user may inhale through the end section to inhale aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation that has exited the capsule through the opening created in the capsule. The alignment guide allows for more consistent puncturing of the capsule and a longer lifetime of the apparatus.