Abstract: The invention pertains to implantable medical devices for controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. Some devices according to the invention have a titanium reservoir, and a porous titanium oxide based membrane to control the rate of release of the therapeutic agent. The reservoir contains a formulation of the active agent, including a stabilizer for the active agent, wherein the stabilizer is provided in an extended release configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device including a titania nanotube membrane having a plurality of titania nanotubes on a titanium substrate where the titania nanotubes are open at both ends and capable of allowing diffusion of liquids or solids from one side of the membrane to the other through the titania nanotubes. Methods of making the titania nanotube membrane are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling the internal diameter of nanopores to afford nanopore membranes with a zero-order rate of release of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatuses, means and methods to promote uptake of fluids into a reservoir of an implantable drug delivery system though a porous membrane. Embodiments of the invention promote fluid uptake by creating a pressure differential between the reservoir of the drug delivery device and the environment of the device after implantation, for instance a subcutaneous pocket.

Abstract: The invention pertains to implantable medical devices for controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. Some devices according to the invention have a titanium reservoir, and a porous titanium oxide based membrane to control the rate of release of the therapeutic agent. The reservoir contains a formulation of the active agent, and means to promote water uptake into the reservoir upon implantation. In some embodiments the means include a gas with a higher solubility in than air water.

Abstract: The invention pertains to implantable medical devices for controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. Some devices according to the invention have a titanium reservoir, and a porous titanium oxide based membrane to control the rate of release of the therapeutic agent. The reservoir contains a formulation of the active agent, and means to promote water uptake into the reservoir upon implantation. In some embodiments the means include a gas with a higher solubility in than air water.

Abstract: The invention pertains to implantable medical devices for controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. Some devices according to the invention have a titanium reservoir, and a porous titanium oxide based membrane to control the rate of release of the therapeutic agent. The reservoir contains a formulation of the active agent, including a stabilizer for the active agent, wherein the stabilizer is provided in an extended release configuration.

Abstract: The vacuum regulator includes certain components so that the vacuum regulator is able to be pre-set to a desired vacuum. The vacuum regulator has been calibrated so that a desired vacuum can be selected from a range of vacuums, whether the regulator is in the “off” position or the “on” position, and, the desired vacuum results in delivery of a corresponding level of regulated vacuum when the unit is on.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator apparatus for continuous subglottic aspiration is provided. In one version, the regulator apparatus attaches to a standard vacuum regulator and shares the same vacuum supply outlet as the standard vacuum regulator. Sufficient airflow is provided through the regulator apparatus and calibrated bleed orifice to provide proper continuous subglottic aspiration. Vacuum levels to maintain the airflow are in a range suitable to provide patient comfort. A ball flow indicator provides visual indication of flow through a subglottic tube interface port of the regulator apparatus. A direct flow channel can be momentarily opened causing flow to bypass the regulator module in for clearing blockages affecting the subglottic tube interface port.

Abstract: The vacuum regulator includes certain components so that the vacuum regulator is able to be pre-set to a desired vacuum. The vacuum regulator has been calibrated so that a desired vacuum can be selected from a range of vacuums, whether the regulator is in the “off” position or the “on” position, and, the desired vacuum results in delivery of a corresponding level of regulated vacuum when the unit is on.

Abstract: A vacuum pressure swing absorption system provides portable oxygen to medical patients. A pair of sieve beds are alternately pressurized with air and evacuated by vacuum by coordinated operation of a selector valve and a vent valve. Product gas flows from both sieve beds through respective check valves to a product tank. An equalization valve is operated in coordination with the selector valve and the vent valve to open a flow path between the sieve beds and allow pressure to equalize therebetween. Operation of the vent valve is time to occur after pressure in the sieve beds has equalized. Components of the concentrator are tuned so that the equalization pressure occurs at about zero pounds per square inch (psi). This reduces energy loss due to free expansion of gasses and reduces noise created by the venting of gasses to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator includes two gauges, such as an electronic gauge and a mechanical gauge, each adapted to take a measurement associated with a vacuum. A digital display is associated with the electronic gauge, and an analog display is associated with the mechanical gauge. The displays are secured in relative proximity to each other and oriented to enable a user of the regulator to obtain a reading corresponding to the vacuum from either of the displays.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator includes two gauges, such as an electronic gauge and a mechanical gauge, each adapted to take a measurement associated with a vacuum. A digital display is associated with the electronic gauge, and an analog display is associated with the mechanical gauge. The displays are secured in relative proximity to each other and oriented to enable a user of the regulator to obtain a reading corresponding to the vacuum from either of the displays.

Abstract: A pneumatic oxygen conserving device uses a portion of gas exiting its main valve to interrupt delivery of the gas. Gas is dispensed upon inhalation and is interrupted by means of suitable pneumatic connections between the device's delivery system and its sensing system.

Abstract: A portable, cryogenic gas delivery apparatus includes a chamber which contains cryogenic material, such as oxygen, in both liquid and gas phases. A probe is mounted to move relative to the chamber in response to variations in pressure in the gas phase within the chamber. The probe has one part positioned within the chamber so that it is exposed to the pressure and temperature of the gas within the chamber and a second part located outside the chamber. The probe thus introduces heat from the ambient into the chamber. The probe preferably moves relative to the chamber in response to variations in pressure, moving away from the chamber to reduce the amount of thermal energy introduced into the chamber and toward the chamber to increase the amount of thermal energy introduced into the chamber. The apparatus includes a conserver which receives gas evaporating from the chamber and delivers it in efficient pulses to the end user in response to the user's inhalation.

Abstract: A pneumatic oxygen conserving device includes a reservoir of pressurized gas delivered upon inhalation through a single-lumen cannula. Gas flow is interrupted by a series of interconnected passages and chambers, including a check valve which is acted upon by the flow of gas being delivered through the delivery outlet of the device. The device is self regulating to the extent that oxygen pulses of appropriate volume are delivered irrespective of the breathing rate of the user. The device includes a plate with various passages and chambers defined therein in such a way as to reduce the overall length of the device.

Abstract: A compact, gas pressure regulator makes use of a substantially disc-shaped member which is biased within the regulator by one or more spring members exerting forces on the disc-shaped member at multiple, discrete locations which are angularly separated from each other about the area of the first surface. Movement of the disc-shaped member toward or away from a high-pressure orifice maintains a regulated, lower pressure for delivery through an outlet in the regulator. A member for mounting a pressure gauge is secured to the housing of the pressure regulator without substantially increasing the overall length of the regulator.

Abstract: A compact, gas pressure regulator makes use of a substantially disc-shaped member which is biased within the regulator by one or more spring members exerting forces on the disc-shaped member at multiple, discrete locations which are angularly separated from each other about the area of the first surface. Movement of the disc-shaped member toward or away from a high pressure orifice maintains a regulated, lower pressure for delivery through an outlet in the regulator. A member for mounting a pressure gauge is secured to the housing of the pressure regulator without substantially increasing the overall length of the regulator.

Abstract: A gas pressure regulator includes a pressure regulator for connection to a source of high pressure gas, and flow meter or flow regulator that selectively varies the flow rate of delivered gas. The flow meter includes a ring with orifices of varying sizes radially spaced about a ring, with each orifice corresponding to a predetermined flow rate. A manually rotatable cap has a central axial bore and a spool extends through the aperture in both the ring and the central bore of the cap to secure them to the base of the flow meter. The spool has a shoulder which engages the ring to limit longitudinal displacement thereof. The spool also includes at least one bore extending through the shoulder. The bore communicates on one side with the delivered gas of the flow meter and on the other side with a nozzle extending along the axis from the end of the flow meter. Gas is delivered at the selected flow rate directly from the end of the flow meter, rather than from a transverse side.