The present invention relates to a novel design for a metering valve that
provides improved consistency of formulation delivery. Generally, the
metering valve includes (a) a valve stem that generally defines a
longitudinal axis and includes a body portion having a metering surface,
wherein the longitudinal axis and a plane tangential to at least a
portion of the metering surface define an angle from about 2.degree. to
about 90.degree.; and (b) a valve body having an internal chamber defined
at least in part by the body wall and includes a metering portion
configured to substantially conform to the metering surface of the valve
stem.