Abstract: A process for measuring transmittance of a fluid with first and second radiation wavelengths includes (i) positioning a polychromatic radiation source and a polychromatic radiation sensor in a spaced relationship to define a first thickness of fluid; (ii) detecting a first radiation intensity corresponding to the first wavelength at the first thickness; (iii) detecting a second radiation intensity corresponding to the second wavelength at the first thickness; (iv) altering the first thickness to define a second thickness; (v) detecting a third radiation intensity corresponding to the first wavelength at the second thickness; (vi) detecting a fourth radiation intensity corresponding to the second wavelength at the second thickness; and (vii) calculating radiation transmittance of the fluid in the radiation field from the first radiation intensity, the second radiation intensity, the third radiation intensity and the fourth radiation intensity.

Abstract: There is described an optical radiation sensor device for detecting radiation in a radiation field. The device comprises a sensor element capable of detecting and responding to incident radiation from the radiation field and a radiation window interposed between the sensor element and the radiation field. The radiation window comprises a non-circular (preferably square) shaped radiation transparent opening. The optical radiation sensor device can be used in a so-called dynamic manner while mitigating or obviating the detection errors resulting from the use of a circular-shaped attenuating aperture and/or angular (even minor) misalignment of the sensor device with respect to the array of radiation sources when multiple such circular-shaped attenuating apertures are used.

Abstract: A radiation sensor device comprising a body portion having an entrance through which radiation may enter the body portion, a radiation detector and an optical filter interposed between the entrance and the radiation detector. The radiation detector is capable of detecting radiation having at least one wavelength in the range of from about 125 nm to about 1100 nm, and comprises: (i) a silicon-containing material comprising an n-doped layer disposed on a pair of p-doped layers, and (ii) a passivation layer disposed on a radiation impingement surface of the silicon-containing material, the passivation layer comprising nitrided silicon dioxide, a metal silicide and mixtures thereof. The optical filter has: (i) an optical transmittance of at least about 40% at a wavelength in the range of from about 175 nm to about 300 nm, and (ii) an optical transmittance of no greater than about 5% at a wavelength greater than about 350 nm.

Abstract: A breath actuated nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized liquid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a valve assembly having an actuator piston for quickly responding to an inhalation and beginning the nebulization process, and a relief piston to lower the inhalation effort required of the inhaling patient. Also provided is a method of providing breath actuated nebulization including the steps of moving an actuator piston connected to a diverter so that the diverter reaches a nebulizing position during an initial period of inhalation, and moving a relief valve to allow a greater flow of air, and thereby reduce inhalation effort, after the initial period of inhalation.

Abstract: An aerosol dispensing inhaler training device for determining whether a user is properly operating an aerosol dispensing device. The training device includes an aerosol dispensing device having a container with a valve stem extending longitudinally therefrom and movable between a closed position and an open position. The container dispenses a portion of the contents within the container when the valve stem is moved to the open position.

Abstract: An aerosol dispensing inhaler training device for determining whether a user is properly operating an aerosol dispensing device. The training device includes an aerosol dispensing device having a container with a valve stem extending longitudinally therefrom and movable between a closed position and an open position. The container dispenses a portion of the contents within the container when the valve stem is moved to the open position.

Abstract: A breath actuated nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized liquid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a valve assembly having an actuator piston for quickly responding to an inhalation and beginning the nebulization process, and a relief piston to lower the inhalation effort required of the inhaling patient. Also provided is a method of providing breath actuated nebulization including the steps of moving an actuator piston connected to a diverter so that the diverter reaches a nebulizing position during an initial period of inhalation, and moving a relief valve to allow a greater flow of air, and thereby reduce inhalation effort, after the initial period of inhalation.