The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a
powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a
pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the
cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is
movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize
the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to
aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with
pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to
receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing
mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with
the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the
aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow
movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended
position. The second interlock remains engaged if the receptacle is only
partially inserted into the carriage assembly.