| abstract |
A medication holder is disclosed comprising a housing ( 10 ) having an outer wall ( 12 ) and an inner wall ( 11 ) preferably in sleeved relationship to each other. The outer wall may be moved between a closed position in which the housing ( 10 ) is sealed for ingress of moisture or other contaminants and an open position providing access to the medication container discharge outlet. The second wall may ( 12 ) be slid longitudinally or rotated circumferentially to access the cavity and may, in the process, open an air pathway through the cavity. The medication container is preferably a pressurized canister ( 22 ). Alternatively, it may comprise a frangible vial ( 603 ) with a volatile liquid. In the latter case, an evaporation grid ( 563 ) may also be supplied to enhance absorption of the liquid which is preferably methoxyfluorane. Opening means ( 561 ) may be provided to open the frangible vial and discharge the contents onto the evaporation means ( 563 ) which is in fluid contact with the air pathway ( 806 ). A medication chute ( 26 ) may be rotatable between stowed and deployed positions. The chute ( 26 ) may include an auxiliary air inlet ( 556 ). The medication holder may also include one-way valves ( 605 ) to channel inspiratory air through the chamber and direct expiratory air elsewhere. The expiratory air may pass through unidirectional valve ( 810 ) and also through an absorbent filter ( 805 ) to minimize environmental contamination. |