Abstract: There is described a process for the preparation of 3-disubstituted cepham-4-carboxylic acid derivatives of formula I wherein R? is 4-methoxybenzyl, X is the residue of a thioether and Z is a residue of a nucleophilic compound, such as 2-furoylthio, acetoxy or 1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-5,6-dioxo-1,2,4-triazin-3-ylthio, by reaction of a functional derivative of ?-(2-chloroacetamido)thiazol-4-yl-?-methoxyiminoacetic acid with 7?-amino-3-methylenecepham-4-carboxylic acid 4-methoxybenzyl ester, subsequent treatment of the obtained 4-methoxybenzyl 7?-[?-(2-chloroacetamido)thiazol-4-yl-?-methoxyimino]acetamido-3-methylenecepham-4-carboxylate with a S-chloromercaptan of formula X—S—Cl, such as methanesulfenyl chloride, and final treatment of the corresponding 4-methoxybenzyl 7?-[?-(2-chloroacetamido)thiazol-4-yl-?-methoxyimino]acetamido-3-thio-3-chloromethylcepham-4-carboxylate thus obtained of formula V wherein R? and X are as defined above, with a compound of formula M-Z, in which M is an alkaline metal

Abstract: The dispenser enables a multiplicity of doses of a substance in powder or granular form contained in a reservoir to be dispensed in succession. To form a dose a shaft must be rotated relative to a part of the dispenser, the shaft having to be substantially vertical while the dose is being formed. Between the shaft and said part of the dispenser there is provided a joint which prevents relative rotation if the shaft is not substantially vertical, or which although allowing relative rotation enables a signal to be emitted which can be sensed by the user. In particular the dispenser can be a multi-dose inhaler for medicaments.

Abstract: An ultrasonic aerosol apparatus having a piezoelectric element which generates ultrasonic signals in response to signals received from an oscillating circuit, where the temperature of the piezoelectric element is controlled by an electronic device such as an N.T.C. thermistor. The temperature control device senses the temperature of the piezoelectric element and controls the power fed to the oscillator circuit in accordance with the temperature of the piezoelectric element. Rather than cut power completely to the oscillator circuit (thereby interrupting the atomization process of the apparatus), the temperature control device reduces power fed to the oscillator circuit when the piezoelectric element temperature rises above a predetermined value, and increases power fed to the oscillator circuit when the piezoelectric element temperature falls below a predetermined value. Leakage of liquids (e.g.

Abstract: A multi-dose insufflator for the nasal administration of medicaments in fine or micronized powder form comprises a reservoir unit (34), a unit (60, 64) for withdrawing and metering the medicament contained in the reservoir unit, and an insufflation unit (42, 26) comprising a manually operated pump (42) for generating an air stream within a channel (26) for conveying an individual dose of medicament into the nasal cavity of the patient. The withdrawal and metering unit comprises a conveyor device (60) provided with at least one cup (64) for withdrawing a dose of medicament from the reservoir (34) and conveying it into an insufflation position. The cup (64) has a coaxial base hole (66) through which the air stream generated by the pump passes when the cup is in the insufflation position. The hole (66) has a size substantially smaller than the mouth of the cup (64) and such as to prevent the powder medicament falling through the hole, by virtue of the "arching" effect.

Abstract: A multi-dose inhaler (1; 2) for medicaments in powder form comprises a container unit (24; 124) for the medicament in powder form, a withdrawal and dose preparation unit (22, 26; 122, 126) for the medicament, and a unit (16, 50; 152, 176) for mixing the dose of medicament with an air stream. The withdrawal and dose preparation unit comprises: a cup-type conveyor device (22; 122) provided with at least one cup (20; 120) for withdrawing from the container unit a certain quantity of powder and conveying it into a dispensing position, the cup (20; 120) having two coaxial identical holes (56; 156); and a plunger-type dispensing device (36; 106) disposed above the mixing unit, the plunger (36; 106) being insertable as an exact fit into and withdrawable from the holes (56; 156) in the cup (20; 120) when the latter is in the dispensing position, to cause a dose of medicament in powder form to fall into the mixing unit.

Abstract: An insufflator for administering pre-dosed powder drugs contained into opercola, which comprises a body having an air-inlet opening and a substantially vertical outlet channel for the air carrying the powder drug, and a device with opposite pins of a known kind for puncturing the operculum, said operculum being placed in a suitable seat. The latter is provided in a member that is turnable relative to said body. Said turnable member can take at least two different positions: a first position, where the operculum can be axially punctured by the above-mentioned opposite, substantially horizontal pins; and a second position, turned 90.degree. relative to said first position, where the opposite holes that have been pierced in the operculum are coaxial with said air-outlet channel.