Abstract: An ejection apparatus for ejecting droplets of liquid includes a loading portion, a reader, and a judging unit. The loading portion detachably loads therein a liquid cartridge container for containing liquid, and a liquid ejection cartridge having an ejecting portion for ejecting liquid separately, or as a combined kit. The reader reads information attached to at least one of the liquid cartridge container and the liquid ejection cartridge. The judging unit judges, based on the information read by the reader, whether each of the liquid cartridge container and the liquid ejection cartridge loaded in the loading portion is appropriate, or whether a combination of the liquid cartridge container and the liquid ejection cartridge is a predetermined combination. The ejection apparatus allows a user to relatively readily and accurately carry out ejection of appropriate liquid by an appropriate ejection unit.

Abstract: An inhalant dispenser has a cover 3 pivotally carried on a body 6. The cover has a cam arrangement for lifting a junction member 41 against the action of the spring in an inhalant can C. Lifting of the junction member cocks a breath actuated dose release mechanism. The latter includes a flap 61 in the breath path. The flap is carried on the junction member and is arranged to release a hinged member 48 by action of latches 70 on the flap and sears on the hinged member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for oral administration of a liquid containing an active substance to a subject for improved absorption into the subject's bloodstream includes the steps of providing a delivery device containing the liquid and having a mouthpiece for directing the liquid in a defined direction during delivery; directing the mouthpiece toward a localized area of the subject's mouth being especially suitable for increased uptake and faster onset of action of the active substance relative to other areas of and/or the whole mouth; and delivering a measured amount of the liquid directly to the localized area using the delivery device, and a spray device for administering an active substance to the oral cavity of a subject that includes a container capable of holding a liquid containing an active substance, and a mouthpiece being constructed to dispense the liquid containing the substance in a defined direction and directly to a localized area of a subject's mouth, the localized area being the

Abstract: An inhaler including a medicament-containing vessel; an actuator body for receiving the vessel and having a medicament delivery outlet, wherein the vessel is releasably attachable to the actuator body; a dose counter integrated into the actuator body; and a first indicium on the vessel and a second indicium on the actuator body, wherein the first indicium and the second indicium identify the vessel and the actuator body to be part of the same metered-dose inhaler. Also provided is a kit including the metered-dose inhaler and at least one pair of stickers and a method for manufacturing the metered-dose inhaler.

Abstract: An inhaler is provided that includes a controller, a driver, an atomizer and one or more sensors for detecting information about a velocity of inhalation of a user of the inhaler. The controller is configured to dispense an inhalant from the inhaler during an inhalation of the user based on information about the velocity of inhalation of the user. Such information can include a duration of maximum inhalation velocity or an increase or maximum in the acceleration in inhalation velocity. Embodiments of the inhaler can be used to enhance the delivery of drugs and therapeutic agents for those patients having a weakened respiratory system who are unable to take a deep or full breadth, e.g., patients having asthma or COPD. Embodiments of the inhaler can be used to deliver a variety of drugs and therapeutic agents including agents for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease.

Abstract: Methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and systems are provided which include a method for treating a pulmonary viral infectious disease in a subject. The method includes administering a pharmaceutical composition including at least one agent to a pulmonary tissue of the subject, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered as two or more distinct and non-overlapping particle size ranges configured to contact two or more levels of pulmonary tissue of the subject, wherein the at least one agent is configured to achieve a selected pH range in the two or more levels of pulmonary tissue of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an agglomerate of drug and solid binder. The process involves producing individual agglomerate particles and then converting the convertible amorphous content of same, following agglomeration, by the application of, for example, moisture. Agglomerates capable of conversion as well as the finished agglomerates and oral and nasal dosing systems including same are also contemplated. The process produces agglomerates which are rugged but which will produce an acceptable fine particle fraction during dosing.

Abstract: Methods for administering medical gases include providing the medical gas in compressed gas cartridges containing an amount of the medical gas preferably corresponding substantially to a unit dose of the medical gas and providing a patient with access to the medical gas from the gas cartridge upon need therefor. Apparatus for administering medical gases also includes a housing, a cassette associated with the housing containing at least one compressed gas cartridge preferably containing at least an amount of the medical gas substantially as required for a single dose and a patient supply interface to provide the medical gas to the patient.

Abstract: Some embodiments and aspects presented herein provide methods and apparatus for vaporizing and/or mixing medication with air or other gases for oral delivery to a patient. Some methods and apparatus may include breaking liquid medications down to particle sizes no larger than about 1.0 to 3.0 micrometers in diameter. Such small particle diameters can be introduced directly to a patient's bloodstream via the lungs by crossing the alveoli membranes.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for aerosolizing medicament to be inhaled by a user. A housing is provided with an aerosol generator contained within the housing. A medicament feed system supplies medicament to the aerosol generator. A mouthpiece has separate medicament and air flow passages. The medicament flow passage provides aerosolized medicament from the aerosol generator to an outlet of the medicament flow passage, and the air flow passage has an inlet in fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere. The outlets of the medicament and air flow passages are provided at an end of the mouthpiece to provide simultaneous flows of medicament and air that mix in the user's mouth upon inhalation by the user at the end of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: Breathing apparatus for medicating an airstream, compring a breathing apparatus (139), a medication chamber (138) adapted to store and discharge a therapeutic agent, a delivery pathway (141) between the chamber (138) and an intake air pathway and releasing means (145) for selectively discharging the therapeutic agent from the chamber (138) into the intake air pathway. The apparatus is particularly suited for scuba diving, snorkels, gas masks and filters. The invention is suitable for asthma sufferers but also extends to other respiratory diseases. Also claimed are a medication chamber for use in medicating an airstream and a method of medicating an airstream.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler for administration a liquid phase medium using a rotating metering element that transports the metered dose from the pressurized canister to the mouthpiece. The metering is improved in that there is an efficient protection against penetration of outside air, and in that the counting of the doses is improved by preventing backwards rotation of the rotating metering element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved means of treating tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis and pneumonia in the nosocomial patient, preferably with aerosolized anti gram-positive and anti-gram negative antibiotics administered in combination or in seriatim in reliably sufficient amounts for therapeutic effect. In one aspect, the invention assures this result when aerosol is delivered into the ventilator circuit. In one embodiment the result is achieved mechanically. In another embodiment, the result is achieved by aerosol formulation. In another aspect, the invention assures the result when aerosol is delivered directly to the airways distal of the ventilator circuit. The treatment means eliminates the dosage variability that ventilator systems engender when aerosols are introduced via the ventilator circuit.

Abstract: A housing for a mechanical or electrical device for use with an aerosol canister for containing chemical comprising a sleeve for receipt of the aerosol canister; a collar affixable around the neck of the canister; and a joint between the sleeve and the collar to secure the housing to the canister.

Abstract: A metering device with an applicator housing having an application orifice for medium discharge. A metering pump conveys medium from a medium store to the applicator. An electronic counting module having a stroke detection means operatively engageable with a relatively movable pump portion of the metering pump. A data processing processor evaluates signals from the stroke detection means, and an indicator unit indicates data produced by the data processing processor. A current source supplies the data processing processor with current. A module housing houses an electronic counting module. The external dimensions of the module housing are conformed to the internal dimensions of a reception space. The reception space is open on one side of the applicator housing, so that the module housing can be inserted completely into the reception space through the opening and be fastened therein.

Abstract: A method of assessing the suitability of a metered dose inhaler actuator A test canister equipped with a valve and containing a pressurized propellant is provided. One or more actuators manufactured for use in a metered dose inhaler is provided and tested, wherein each actuator is tested by coupling the canister to the actuator, positioning the actuator with respect to an electrostatic measurement device and firing the canister such that electrostatic charge from an aerosol emitted by the canister is measured by the electrostatic measurement device. The measured electrostatic charge is compared to a predetermined specification range to make a determination whether the measured electrostatic charge is within or outside the predetermined specification range and accordingly whether the actuator is or is not acceptable.

Abstract: A subdivided fixed amount distributing apparatus for aerosol containers is provided in which aerosol contents exceeding a specified amount is prevented from being used in one cycle by keeping constant in total number of injection times at all times. A structure is simplified by making it possible to eject total amount to the outside every one time by means of a fixed amount injection valve, so that damage to the distributing apparatus due to outside air temperature is prevented and movement of the distributing apparatus is made smooth when it is pushed and released.

Abstract: A method for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient includes introducing an injector through a nasal passage of the patient into a region substantially medial and/or posterior and/or inferior to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient; and delivering a medicament from the injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the SPG. A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement.

Abstract: A user friendly apparatus and method provides effective pain control resulting from headaches and facial aches, which can be safely used by patients and medical personal alike. The economical apparatus can provide a controller equipped with an injector having a tubular section and nozzle, as well as a nostril-engaging introducer and an optional handle. In the user friendly method, the tubular section of the injector can be inserted through a nostril. The nozzle can then be positioned at an upward angle of inclination in proximity and downwardly and rearwardly of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG nerve). Thereafter, an anesthetic can be injected through the nozzle and sprayed upwardly, towards and about the SPG nerve to minimize pain and control a headache or facial ache.

Abstract: A pressurized metered dose dispenser (100) for dispensing an aerosol formulation comprising particles of a medicament suspended in liquefied propellant, optionally in combination with one or more excipients, the dispenser comprising an aerosol container (1) equipped with a metered dose valve (10), where a formulation chamber is defined in part by the internal walls of the container, and wherein the dispenser further comprises a porous, fluid permeable, particulate semi-permeable body (40) located within the formulation chamber adjacent to the metered dose valve.

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container. The indicating device includes an indicator member having an outwardly facing first surface with indicia visible to a user and an opposite inwardly facing surface having a plurality of teeth. The first surface further includes a groove. A cover is disposed over at least a portion of the first surface of the indicator member such that only a portion of the indicia are visible at any one time. The cover includes an inwardly extending projection disposed in the groove. The indicator member is rotatable relative to the cover with the projection being moveable in the groove as the indicator member is rotated relative to the cover. In another aspect, a rotatable member is rotatable relative to an outer cover.

Abstract: A medicated inhalant dispenser has a plastics material body having a mouthpiece. A pressurized, inhalant source has a canister and a sprout which his moved towards the canister for release of a dose from the canister. The sprout is accommodated in a junction member, which is movable by a cam connected to a pivotal cover for the mouthpiece. Opening of the cover sets a breath actuable kink valve, having a nozzle through which the inhalant is released and a breath flap actuation. Opening also causes the junction member to be lifted for dose dispensing into the kink valve. Breathing in releases the dose for inhalation. A closed sleeve is provided for abutment of the end of the canister as the junction member is moved towards the canister. Between the canister end and an end of the closed sleeve, an adjustable abutment is provided.

Abstract: A seal for a valve for use in a pharmaceutical dispensing device, which seal is formed from a blend comprising: a thermoplastic elastomer including a propylene component with isotactic crystallinity; and a polymer selected from one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene and copolymers thereof.

Abstract: A delivery device for and method of delivering a dose of substance for systemic uptake to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece unit for insertion into a nasal cavity of a subject and comprising an outlet unit which includes at least one nozzle for delivering substance for systemic uptake substantially only to surfaces in one or both of the anterior region and an anterior section of the posterior region of the nasal cavity of the subject; and a substance supply unit which is operable to deliver a dose of substance to the at least one nozzle.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler for use with a pressurized aerosol container which is preferably breath-actuated. A preload is applied to the internal aerosol valve by an amount sufficient to result in a dose release, but this is prevented by the application of a pneumatic resisting force. The inhaler comprises a release device which, upon actuation, releases the resisting force and allows the preload to actuate the aerosol valve. A metered dose of medicament is then released for inhalation by the patient. The pneumatic resisting force is established by a negative pressure region defined in part by a diaphragm. The diaphragm includes a central disk of a first, relatively high stiffness material and a peripheral ring, coupled by a flexure of a second, relatively low stiffness material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a temperature change member for providing a cooling effect. The temperature change member includes a matrix of fibers and temperature change material intermixed within the matrix of fibers. The temperature change material includes erythritol.

Abstract: To increase the efficacy of atomizer nozzles operating with compressed gas, an atomizer device for inhalation therapy appliances includes means for delivering a compressed gas, in particular compressed air; means for supplying a fluid that is to be atomized, in particular a therapeutic liquid; several compressed gas outlet openings from which a delivered compressed gas emerges; and several fluid outlet openings from which the fluid to be atomized emerges on account of the emerging compressed gas. The atomizer device includes at least three compressed gas outlet openings arranged in a row, and one of the compressed gas outlet openings is in each case assigned at least two fluid outlet openings which, together with the associated compressed gas outlet opening, form an atomizer nozzle.

Abstract: Methods, systems and/or devices for generating and aerosol from one or more composition are provided herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle system for a delivery device for liquids, which comprises a nozzle and a device which fixes the nozzle in the delivery device. The device has a liquid reservoir from which a liquid is forced through a nozzle under pressure to deliver the liquid. The nozzle is secured by a holder on the delivery device. This holder may itself be secured by a second holder, e.g. in the form of a check nut, or the check nut itself may be the holder. According to the invention at least part of the outer surface of the holding device is micro- or nanostructured.

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes at least one first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the at least one first indicator member. The at least one first indicator member includes primary dosage indicia adapted to indicate the number of dosages of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in the container. The second indicator member includes secondary dosage indicia adapted to indicate that less than a minimum predetermined number of dosages of substance remain in the container. In one preferred embodiment, the primary dosage indicia are configured as numerical indicia and the secondary dosage indicia are configured as color indicia.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved means of treating tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis and pneumonia in the nosocomial patient, preferably with aerosolized anti gram-positive and anti-gram negative antibiotics administered in combination or in seriatim in reliably sufficient amounts for therapeutic effect. In one aspect, the invention assures this result when aerosol is delivered into the ventilator circuit. In one embodiment the result is achieved mechanically. In another embodiment, the result is achieved by aerosol formulation. In another aspect, the invention assures the result when aerosol is delivered directly to the airways distal of the ventilator circuit. The treatment means eliminates the dosage variability that ventilator systems engender when aerosols are introduced via the ventilator circuit.

Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having a plurality of air inlets. The chamber contains an aersolizable pharmaceutical formulation or is sized to receive a receptacle which contains an aerosolizable pharmaceutical formulation. A shield covers at least one of the air inlets or a portion of at least one of the air inlets. The shield prevents blockage of the air inlet by a user grasping the apparatus and inadvertently covering the air inlet. An end section is associated with the housing. The end section is sized and shaped to be received in a user's mouth or nose so that the user may inhale through the end section to inhale aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation that has exited the receptacle.

Abstract: A valve mechanism is provided for use in an inhaler comprising a pressurized container, and a metering chamber, and a valve mechanism wherein the inlet and outlet valves are separate and can be operated independently. The pressure of the fluid in the canister is used to aid the opening of the outer valve so reducing the force to fire a dose. A variant of the valve mechanism allows the user to select from a range of dose volumes by appropriate orientation of the stem.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser comprising: (i) a housing having an outlet; (ii) a medicament container locatable within said housing; (iii) an electronic dose counter associated with said outlet, wherein said dose counter comprises a first sensor for directly detecting a medicament release dispensible from said medicament container through said outlet is disclosed.

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of metered dosages that have been dispensed from or remain in a container including a base member, a cap member moveably connected to the base member, an indicator member rotatably mounted to one of the cap member and base member and a drive member. The indicator member comprises a first stop member, and the drive member comprises a second stop member. The first stop member engages the second stop member as the indicator is moved to the final position. The engagement between the first and second stop members prevents the drive member from being rotated about the second axis. In another preferred embodiment, an inhalation device for dispensing metered dosages of medicaments from a container includes a container having a predetermined number of metered doses and the indicating device. A method for indicating the number of metered dosages of medicaments dispensed from or remaining in the container is also provided.

Abstract: A thermal-type drop generator having a geometry that is configured so that the ejection of liquid from the chamber has the effect of separating the ejected volume into a number of small droplets. The relationship between the thickness of the liquid chamber and the area of the heat transducer used to eject the liquid is controlled to provide the separating aspect so that the resultant droplets have very small volumes, in the range of tens of femtoliters. Such small droplets are readily entrained in an aerosol and especially useful for pulmonary delivery of medicinal fluid.

Abstract: A fluid-dispenser valve (10) comprising a valve body (11), and a valve member (12) slidable in said valve body (11) between a rest position and a dispensing position, said valve (10) including temperature regulator means (12, 20) for limiting cooling of the valve member (12) while the fluid is being dispensed.

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of metered dosages that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes a base member adapted to be mounted to the container and a cap member moveably connected to the base member. The cap member is moveable relative to the base member along an axial path. A shaft is non-rotatably mounted to one of the cap member and the base member and defines an axis. An indicator member is rotatably mounted on the shaft and is rotatable in at least a first direction. One of the shaft and the indicator member has a helical groove while the other of the shaft and the indicator member has a follower disposed in the groove. The indicator member is moveable relative to the shaft along the axis as the indicator member is rotated in the first direction. In another embodiment, the indicating device includes first, second and third indicator members.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing metered dosages of a substance from a container includes a dispenser housing having a top, a bottom, and a wall defining an elongated cavity open at the top and extending along a longitudinal axis. An indicating device includes a face member defining a viewing window. The face member is snap-fitted to the dispenser housing wall. The indicating device further includes an indicator member having a surface visible through the viewing window. The surface includes dosage indicia. The indicator member is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. An indicator actuator has at least a portion disposed in the cavity. The actuator is adapted to be moved by an actuation of the container, with the actuator adapted to rotate the indicator member upon a predetermined number of actuations of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a medicament from a pressurised canister comprising a mouthpiece, a seat for engagement with the top of the canister and a housing provided with means for guiding and/or holding the canister.

Abstract: An indicating device for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes a first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member operably connected to the first indicator member. The second indicator member is moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the first indicator member. One of the first and second indicator members includes numerical indicia and the other thereof includes color indicia.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of an antagonist of Interleukin 1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) for the manufacture of a medicament treating, preventing or suppressing lung inflammation or a respiratory disease. In some embodiments of the described invention, the medicament is for local administration to pulmonary tissue. Also disclosed are methods for treating lung inflammation or a respiratory disease.

Abstract: A canister for use in metered dose inhalers and fitted with a metering valve has walls that are formed of a laminate that includes a first layer which is composed of a metal and a second layer which is composed of a strengthening material.

Abstract: This invention relates to aerosol formulations of use for the administration of medicaments by inhalation, in particular a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation which comprises particulate salbutamol and physiologically acceptable salts and solvates thereof and a fluorocarbon or hydrogen-containing chlorofluorocarbon propellant, which formulation is substantially free of surfactant. A method of treating respiratory disorders which comprises administration by inhalation of an effective amount of a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation as defined is also described.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations suitable to be administered by pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) comprising a salt of 3-[[[(3-fluorophenyl)[(3,4,5-trifluoro phenyl)methyl]amino]carbonyl]oxy]-1-[2-oxo-2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane are effective for the prevention and/or treatment of an obstructive airways disease.

Abstract: An actuation indicator which includes a drums sub-assembly including a rotatable actuation indicator wheel, a rocking ratchet pawl for rotating the indicator wheel in a set direction and a rocking mechanism for the pawl driven by a slipping clutch arrangement, wherein the slipping clutch arrangement includes a slipping clutch spring engaged at one end to a pinion of a rack and pinion assembly and at a second end to the ratchet pawl is described.

Abstract: A device for the pulmonary delivery of a compound comprising a reservoir for storing a compound, a system for generating particles of a desired size, and a housing comprising an inlet and an outlet between which is formed a substantially unobstructed airflow path.

Abstract: This invention relates to tiotropium containing stable pharmaceutical solution formulations suitable for aerosol administration. More particularly, this invention relates to tiotropium containing stable pharmaceutical solution formulations suitable for aerosol administration wherein either an inorganic acid or an organic acid is added to the aerosol solution formulation which contains a tiotropium salt, preferably tiotropium bromide in solution with an environmentally safe hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) as a propellant, together with an organic compound as a cosolvent. The acid provides stability against degradation or decomposition of the medicament resulting largely from interaction of the medicament with the cosolvent and/or water present in the solution formulation.

Abstract: An inhalation aid to be used in connection with an aerosol dispenser. The inhalation aid includes a chamber designed with an opening for connection to an aerosol dispenser and an opening including a mouthpiece for drawing the aerosol. The chamber is designed with a variable volume. The chamber is delimited by a conically tapering expansion bellows made of a continuous, elastic material, whereby a simple and tight construction of the inhalation aid is obtainable.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering to a patient a drug composition from a container which contains the drug composition where the container is adapted to be placed in a dispensing mode thereof on application of an actuating condition thereto is disclosed. The device includes a dispensing unit adapted to receive the container, the dispensing unit having an actuating mechanism operable to apply the actuating condition to the container and an outlet through which the drug composition is dispensable from the device, and a removable casing unit for the dispensing unit. The dispensing and casing units have securing features for releasably, fixedly securing the units together, and the dispensing unit is operable to apply the actuating condition to the container when fixedly secured to the casing unit and when independent from the casing unit.