Abstract: There is provided a carrier comprising a sheet (10) having a first portion and a second portion; a retainer (20) in said first portion for containment of product; a fold in said second portion such that the second portion is foldable towards said retainer to form a cover therefor; and a join between said cover and the retainer. The carrier is suitable for the containment of a range of different products, particularly medicaments.

Abstract: There is provided a method for automatically tracking compliance in a manufacturing process involving successive manufacturing operations comprising selecting an object; associating an identifier with said object, said identifier comprising a memory; performing a first manufacturing operation relating to the object; following the successful completion of said first manufacturing operation, writing an associated compliance data item to the memory; performing one or more further manufacturing operations relating to the object; and following the successful completion of each said further manufacturing operation or any package thereof, writing an associated compliance data item to the memory.

Abstract: A method of controlling the functioning of a portable medicament dispenser, said method comprising: (a) providing a memory for storing one or more parameters relating to the functioning of said dispenser; (b) storing authentication data for authenticating data for controlling a function of said dispenser, (c) receiving control data for said dispenser; (d) performing authentication of the control data using said stored authentication data; (e) in dependence on a result of the authentication, activating one or more parameters in said memory to control functioning of said dispenser in accordance with said control data.

Abstract: There is provided a method for metering a quantity of a particulate material onto the surface of a porous retainer comprising the steps of: exposing a first surface of a porous retainer to a pool of particulate material; applying a vacuum to a second surface of the porous retainer to meter material on the first surface; and adjusting the level of the vacuum to regulate the quantity of material metered on the retainer.

Abstract: A method of patient treatment management using a data processing system comprising storage means for holding patient records which hold treatment data and electronic depensing devices for use in dispensing medicaments to patients;-said method comprising: (a) inputing medical prescription data for said patient; (b) selecting an electronic dispensing device to be used in a course of treatment specified by said prescription; (c) retrieving a unique identity for said device; (d) retrieving a patient record for the patient; and (e) recording said unique identity to link the device with the patient record.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing medicament comprising a housing; locatable within said housing, a container having a dispensing aperture, wherein said container is movable relative to the housing to enable dispensing therefrom; and an actuation-indicator for detecting movement of the container relative to the housing, said actuation-indicator comprising a first part defining a pocket having an outlet therefrom and a second part movable relative to said first part to create a pressure change at said outlet. The dispenser is suitable for dispensing medicament for the treatment of respiratory disorders.

Abstract: A method of operating a medicament dispenser for use with a container for holding medicament to be used in the treatment of a patient, said dispenser comprising means for reading first data from said medicament container. A data communication link is used for remotely transmitting second data, derived from said first data, to a node in a communications network via said data communications link.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivery of a dry powder medicament is disclosed that includes a breath sensor for sensing the breath of a patient, a reservoir for the dry powder, a meter for metering an amount of dry powder from the reservoir, and electro-mechanical coupling means for actuating said meter, wherein said coupling means is directly or indirectly responsive to said breath sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides an inhaler for delivery of a dry powder medicament, the inhaler comprising a breath sensor for sensing the breath of a patient; means for transporting the medicament to a delivery position; and electro-mechanical coupling means for actuating said transport means, wherein said coupling means is directly or indirectly responsive to the breath sensor.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing medicament comprising a housing having a support; a container, locatable within said housing, having an outlet member, wherein said container is movable relative to the housing to enable dispensing therefrom and said outlet member is connectable with said support to prevent relative movement therebetween; and a detector for tracking the relative proximity of the container to the housing, said detector comprising an inductive displacement transducer including one or more inductive elements, wherein said container is comprised of, or has attached thereto a component comprised of, a material capable of disturbing the magnetic field creatable by the flow of electric current in said one or more inductive elements, and related uses and methods.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser comprising a body (44), a medicament container and transport means to transport a metered amount of medicament from a rest position to a delivery position wherein the transport means comprises a transport coupling (72). The coupling (72) is reversibly deformable in response to the application of non-mechanical energy thereto. The non-mechanical energy may comprise heat energy, electrical current energy, electrical field energy or magnetic field energy.

Abstract: There is provided a method for automatically tracking compliance in a manufacturing process involving successive manufacturing operations comprising selecting an object; associating an identifier with said object, said identifier comprising a memory; performing a first manufacturing operation relating to the object; following the successful completion of said first manufacturing operation, writing an associated compliance data item to the memory; performing one or more further manufacturing operations relating to the object; and following the successful completion of each said further manufacturing operation or any package thereof, writing an associated compliance data item to the memory.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser comprising a medicament container having a dispensing mechanism, a container seat for receipt of the container; an anchor station; and a coupling between said container seat and said anchor station capable on deformation of moving the container seat relative to the anchor station to actuate the dispensing mechanism. The coupling is reversibly deformable in response to the application of non-mechanical energy thereto, The non-mechanical energy may comprise heat energy, electrical cur-rent energy, electrical field energy or magnetic field energy.

Abstract: There is provided a dispenser suitable for dispensing medicament, particularly medicament for use in the treatment of respiratory disorders. The dispenser comprises a housing (1) having a support (5); a container (2), locatable within said housing (1), having an outlet member, wherein said container (2) is movable relative to the housing (1) to enable dispensing therefrom and said outlet member is connectable with said support (5) to prevent relative movement there-between; and a dose indicator (13, 43), locatable within said housing (1). The container (2) and dose indicator (13, 43) are reversably removable from the housing (1) as a single unit.

Abstract: A blind cavity is filled with a predetermined quantity of fine powder from a hopper by bringing the cavity into a position beneath the hopper and causing the predetermined quantity of powder to flow from the hopper into the cavity. The powder is in free flowing agglomerated form and is made to flow from the hopper by subjecting the hopper to vibration, the powder flow being stopped by cessation of vibration when the cavity is filled with the predetermined quantity of powder. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.