Abstract: Apparatus for portable gas-assisted dispensing of medication not using a fluorocarbon propellant. The apparatus comprises a pressurized supply of gas containing therapeutic gas or mixture of therapeutic gases, and one or more drugs mixed therein, connected to a pressure regulator, wherein the pressure regulator is connected to a gas release switch which is connected to a breath activator. The breath activator is connected to an aspiration chamber, whereby in use when a patient inhales from the aspiration chamber, the inhalation causes the breath activator to engage with the gas release switch to release the therapeutic gas/drug mixture into the aspiration chamber, wherein the therapeutic gas and drug in the aspiration chamber are simultaneously delivered to a patient during inhalation. Alternatively, medication can be stored in a separate drug reservoir adjacent the pressurized supply of therapeutic gas, which medication is drawn into the aspiration chamber by a venturi assembly.

Abstract: An X-ray detection device for providing an output signal the value of which can be used to determine the radiation received at a selected region of an object, such as a patient, comprising a transmitter for being energized by X-rays, said transmitter producing radiation of a wavelength different from that of said X-rays, said transmitter aligned with X-ray film to be exposed, and wherein said transmitter is of substantially the same cross-sectional area of said X-ray film, a detector for detecting said radiation wherein said detector is substantially transparent to incident X-ray radiation, and a sensor connected to said detector, said sensor generating an output signal related to said radiation, the value of said output signal which can be used to determine the x-ray radiation received at said transmitter to provide X-ray exposure output readings at one or more selected locations of a patient's body.