Abstract: A system to generate a vapor from a liquid includes an electric heater and an elongate wick. The electric heater defines an interior void having an inner surface and a plurality of apertures, and it is formed of an electrically resistive material contained within a heat diffusing material. The elongate wick is formed of a durable elongate structure having a plurality of liquid-conducting features on the outer surface. At least a portion of the liquid-conducting features of the elongate wick proximate the first end engage at least a portion of the one inner surface of the electric heater and are capable of conducting a the liquid from a source proximate the second end of the wick along the outer surface of the elongate wick to the electric heater.

Abstract: A system for delivering energy to an isolated part of a mammalian body includes an electrically powered patch and a self-supporting adhesive film. The patch has a major surface and comprises a matrix of at least one flexible, biocompatible material which is capable of conforming to the isolated body part. The self-supporting adhesive film has a first non-tacky surface arranged and configured for releasable attachment to the patch and a second tacky surface, opposite the first surface, for adhesive attachment to the isolated body part. The releasable attachment between the self-supporting adhesive film and the electrically powered patch has a lower strength than the adhesive attachment between the film and the isolated body part. Thus, during use the electrically powered patch is removable from the self-supporting adhesive film while leaving the self-supporting adhesive film adhered to the isolated body part.

Abstract: A novel disposable cartridge for use in an electronic nicotine delivery system having an electric heater includes a reservoir containing a nicotine-containing liquid, a port in liquid communication with the reservoir, a liquid barrier disposed proximate the port to prevent undesired leakage of the nicotine-containing liquid from the reservoir, and a durable, elongate wick arranged and configured to be slideable in the port and to contact the nicotine-containing liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A system to generate a vapor from a liquid includes an electric heater and an elongate wick. The electric heater defines an interior void having an inner surface and a plurality of apertures, and it is formed of an electrically resistive material contained within a heat diffusing material. The elongate wick is formed of a durable elongate structure having a plurality of liquid-conducting features on the outer surface. At least a portion of the liquid-conducting features of the elongate wick proximate the first end engage at least a portion of the one inner surface of the electric heater and are capable of conducting a the liquid from a source proximate the second end of the wick along the outer surface of the elongate wick to the electric heater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that pre-warm topical preparation intended for application to skin. Specifically, the present invention relates to devices that pre-warm a premeasured amount of a topical preparation from a larger source without warming the full source.

Abstract: A handheld misting device includes a sonic generator, a power source coupled to the sonic generator, at least one reservoir containing a first liquid, and a conduit from the at least one reservoir. The sonic generator includes a converter and an elongate horn comprising a first horn section coupled to the converter and a second horn section physically connected to and removable from the first horn section. Sonic energy delivered to the first horn section is conducted to the second horn section. The conduit transports liquid from the at least one reservoir to the second horn section to a delivery opening distal the first horn section.

Abstract: A handheld misting device has a housing having a dispensing window is arranged and configured to contain a sonic generator, a power source coupled to the sonic generator, at least one reservoir containing a liquid, and a conduit extending from the at least one reservoir to a nozzle removably coupled to the sonic generator. The sonic generator includes a converter and an elongate horn having a proximal end coupled to the converter and a distal end, and the nozzle is removably coupled to the distal end of the horn. Thus, the device delivers the liquid through a delivery opening formed in the nozzle, and activating the sonic generator energizes the liquid in the nozzle to generate an aerosol plume that is delivered through the dispensing window.

Abstract: A unit dose capsule for use with a sonic generator includes a deformable membrane adapted to releasably engage the distal end of the elongate horn, a nozzle including at least one delivery opening; a nozzle including at least one delivery opening; and a reservoir containing a liquid composition disposed therebetween. When the unit dose capsule is engaged to the distal end of the elongate horn, the nozzle is disposed in an outwardly facing orientation, and the reservoir is in liquid communication with the at least one nozzle. The unit dose capsule can be included in a kit with a handheld misting device comprising a housing having a dispensing window arranged and configured to contain a sonic generator and a power source.

Abstract: A handheld misting device has a housing having a dispensing window is arranged and configured to contain a sonic generator, a power source coupled to the sonic generator, a plurality of reservoirs, each containing a liquid, and a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle arranged and configured for removable coupling to the sonic generator. Each nozzle is associated with and in liquid communication with a single reservoir. The sonic generator includes a converter and an elongate horn having a proximal end coupled to the converter and a distal end, and the nozzle is removably coupled to the distal end of the horn. Thus, the device delivers the liquid through a delivery opening formed in the nozzle, and activating the sonic generator energizes the liquid in the nozzle to generate an aerosol plume that is delivered through the dispensing window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating, reducing and preventing follicular related adverse skin/scalp conditions. The devices are ultrasonic with transducers positioned at an angle other than 90° relative to the surface at which the ultrasound is to be applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating, reducing and preventing adverse skin/scalp conditions and enhancing the topical application of a benefit agent. The devices are ultrasonic with transducers positioned at an angle other than 90° relative to the surface at which the ultrasound is to be applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating, reducing and preventing adverse skin/scalp conditions and enhancing the topical application of a benefit agent. The devices are ultrasonic with transducers positioned at an angle other than 90° relative to the surface at which the ultrasound is to be applied.

Abstract: Connectors and linking components for a guidewire probe having multiple optical emitting fibers and methods of making connectors and linking components for guidewire probes having multiple optical emitting fibers are described herein.

Abstract: Connectors and linking components for a guidewire probe having multiple optical emitting fibers and methods of making connectors and linking components for guidewire probes having multiple optical emitting fibers are described herein.

Abstract: An optical wire board which utilizes a silicon substrate as the base for both the optical subassembly and the electrical RF transmitting circuit. An optical fiber is preferably passively aligned to the active optical device mounted on the optical subassembly using a V-groove etched into the silicon (and may include a lens or other optical element positioned between the fiber and the active device). An integrated circuit for coupling the active optical device to external contacts is preferably flip-chip mounted to the silicon substrate upon pads disposed on precisely defined edges around a cavity etched beneath the circuit, the inclusion of the cavity beneath the electrical circuit functioning to minimize the dielectric loading effect of the silicon substrate on the integrated circuit.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the optical power level in an optical waveguide is monitored by enclosing a length of the waveguide within an insulated cavity of comparable length and cross section, measuring a first temperature T1 within the cavity, measuring a second temperature T2 outside the cavity and deriving from the difference, T1−T2, a measure of the optical power level. Exemplary apparatus for monitoring the optical power level in an optical waveguide comprises a substrate with an insulated groove for receiving an optical fiber, an insulated lid for sealing the fiber within the groove, and internal and external temperature sensors.

Abstract: An optical wire board which utilizes a silicon substrate as the base for both the optical subassembly and the electrical RF transmitting circuit. An optical fiber is preferably passively aligned to the active optical device mounted on the optical subassembly using a V-groove etched into the silicon (and may include a lens or other optical element positioned between the fiber and the active device). An integrated circuit for coupling the active optical device to external contacts is preferably flip-chip mounted to the silicon substrate upon pads disposed on precisely defined edges around a cavity etched beneath the circuit, the inclusion of the cavity beneath the electrical circuit functioning to minimize the dielectric loading effect of the silicon substrate on the integrated circuit.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the optical power level in an optical waveguide is monitored by enclosing a length of the waveguide within an insulated cavity of comparable length and cross section, measuring a first temperature T1 within the cavity, measuring a second temperature T2 outside the cavity and deriving from the difference, T1−T2, a measure of the optical power level. Exemplary apparatus for monitoring the optical power level in an optical waveguide comprises a substrate with an insulated groove for receiving an optical fiber, an insulated lid for sealing the fiber within the groove, and internal and external temperature sensors.

Abstract: An article and method including an optical fiber coupled to a microstructure which is easily manufactured. The microstructure is comprised of a plurality of layers including a receptacle layer and a movable layer. The optical fiber has a high reflectivity terminal end forming the non-movable layer. The receptacle layer has an opening aligned with the movable layer for receiving the terminal end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is inserted into the opening and the receptacle layer and fixed in relation to the microstructure, so as to form cavity between the terminal end of the fiber and the movable layer of the microstructure. The movable layer is physically adapted for moving relative to the non-movable layer under the influence of an actuating force.