Metering valve for dispensing aerosols

Abstract

A metering valve assembly for dispensing measured quantities of an aerosol from a pressurized container comprises a housing constructed for sealed attachment to a pressurized container and having therein a partition wall of resilient material enclosing a metering chamber. An operating member is supported in the housing for movement between charging and dispensing petitions. In the charging position of the operating member, a charging connection is established between the interior of the pressurized container and the interior of the metering chamber to fill the chamber with a pressurized charge. In the dispensing position of the operating member, the metering chamber is shut off from the interior of the container and connected to a dispensing outlet, whereupon the pressure within the container will collapse the resilient partition wall and thereby force the contents of the metering chamber to the dispensing outlet. This valve assembly is also effective, in the dispensing position of the operating member, to charge the container with pressurized aerosol by connecting its dispensing outlet to a supply source from which pressurized aerosol enters the container by expanding the inner end of the resilient partition wall to create an opening through which it flows into the interior of the container.