AEROSOL EXTRUSION MECHANISM

Devices for the generation of inhalable aerosols by extrusion through a porous membrane by a motor-driven cam assembly are disclosed. The device holds a drug formulation container (1) in a drug release position. The package is comprised of a collapsible wall (2) with an opening and a cover for the opening that includes a porous membrane (302) having a plurality of pores therein with a diameter in the range of 0.5 to 6.0 microns. An electric motor (28) in the device is powered by a battery to rotate a cam (22) assembly having three cams. The first cam (44) forces a clamping member (configured to correspond to the outer periphery of the container) against the periphery of the collapsible wall (2) of the container (1), sealing the jointure of the collapsible wall to the cover of the container along the entire periphery, except for a small unsealed portion thereof. The second cam (22) crushes the collapsible wall (2), forcing the contents of the container through the unsealed portion of the jointure. The third cam (53) operates to move the empty container out of the drug release position, while moving a new container (2) into position.