Abstract: A child-sized adaptor for a DPI or MDI is provided. Also provided is a patient feedback mechanism for signaling and/or teaching proper inhaler use.

Abstract: Controlled quantities of powdered medication are formed in controlled release packages using electrostating metering. Also provided are combination medication therapy delivery packages comprising two or more active pharmaceuticals segregated from one another in a single delivery package.

Abstract: A child-sized adaptor for a DPI or MDI is provided. Also provided is a patient feedback mechanism for signaling and/or teaching proper inhaler use.

Abstract: Controlled quantities of powdered medication are formed in controlled release packages using electrostating metering. Also provided are combination medication therapy delivery packages comprising two or more active pharmaceuticals segregated from one another in a single delivery package.

Abstract: Controlled quantities of powdered medication are formed in controlled release packages using electrostating metering. Also provided are combination medication therapy delivery packages comprising two or more active pharmaceuticals segregated from one another in a single delivery package.

Abstract: Controlled quantities of powdered medication are formed in controlled release packages using electrostating metering. Also provided are combination medication therapy delivery packages comprising two or more active pharmaceuticals segregated from one another in a single delivery package.

Abstract: A child-sized adaptor for a DPI or MDI is provided. Also provided is a patient feedback mechanism for signaling and/or teaching proper inhaler use.

Abstract: Controlled quantities of powdered medication are formed in controlled release packages using electrostating metering. Also provided are combination medication therapy delivery packages comprising two or more active pharmaceuticals segregated from one another in a single delivery package.

Abstract: Controlled quantities of powdered medication are formed in controlled release packages using electrostating metering. Also provided are combination medication therapy delivery packages comprising two or more active pharmaceuticals segregated from one another in a single delivery package.

Abstract: An fluid sensor to activate and control various components of an inhalation device. The fluid sensor includes an acoustic element, such as a microphone, positioned within said inhalation device to detect fluid within the device and output signals representative of the frequency and/or amplitude of the fluid. These signals control and activate an electrostatic plate and/or a high frequency vibrator.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises a first chamber in which a dry powder may be deaggregated by a vibrator and separated by size, and a second chamber in which the size-separated deaggregated powder may be picked up by an air stream and carried for introduction into a patient. Electronic circuitry is included for controlling dosing.

Abstract: An inhaler that utilizes vibration to facilitate suspension of powder into a gas is provided. One embodiment of the inhaler includes a piezoelectric vibrator for vibrating the powder. A controller is provided for controlling supply of actuating electricity to the vibrator so as to cause the powder to vibrate in such a way as to optimally suspend at least a portion of the powder into the gas. The controller may include a user-actuable control for permitting the user to select the vibration frequencies and/or amplitudes for optimally suspending in the gas the type of powder currently being used in the inhaler.

Abstract: Electrostatic phototechnology is used to package microgram quantities of fine powders such as drugs in discrete capsule and tablet form. An electrostatic "image" having a given size and charge density is exposed to ionized drug powder to attract a known amount of drug to the image. The resultant drug "image", is then transferred to a an open ended capsule, a partially formed tablet or edible wafer or belt. The capsule is then sealed, i.e. by capping, or the tablet finished.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that utilize piezoelectric materials as part of a delivery system capable of the rapidly repetitive dispensing of a fluid to an intended target site. In a particular embodiment, the appartus contemplates a solid state needleless injection system which comprises a first housing structure having a dispensing chamber of variable volume capacity and at least one nozzle element for fluid discharge, and a fluid reservoir operatively connected to the first housing structure, and a second housing structure containing at least one piezoelectric actuator. A valve means is disposed between the fluid reservoir and the dispensing chamber to control the flow of said fluid therebetween. The fluid which may be a medication, is forced out of the dispensing chamber through an injection port upon actuation of the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: Electrostatic phototechnology is used to package microgram quantities of fine powders such as drugs. An electrostatic "image" having a given size and charge density is exposed to ionized drug powder to attract a known amount of drug to the image. The resultant drug "image", is then transferred to a package.

Abstract: An inhaler includes a vibrator to deaggregated medication in powder form. One embodiment of the inhaler includes a piezoelectric vibrator 54 for vibrating a diaphragm for imparting vibration to a powder, and a controller 70 for controlling vibration so as to optimally suspend at least a portion of said powder in a fluidized state. An electrostatic charge plate 32 draws powder of selected particle size into the inhalation stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that utilize piezoelectric materials as part of a delivery system capable of the rapidly repetitive dispensing of a fluid to an intended target site. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus contemplates a needleless injection system which comprises a second housing structure, a plurality of piezoelectric elements which are stacked in a layered fashion within the second housing structure, electronic circuitry disposed proximate the second housing structure and hence the layered stack of piezoelectric elements, and a first housing structure containing a fluid reservoir operatively connected to the second housing structure so as to allow fluid contained with the fluid reservoir to communicate with the layered stack of piezoelectric elements. The layered stack of piezoelectric elements has at least one common aperture formed therein which extends therethrough.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump for shear sensitive fluids includes a pump housing defining an interior volume. An impeller comprising at least two vanes is rotatably mounted in the housing. The impeller vanes, which preferably are airfoil-shaped, are spaced from the interior housing of the pump whereby to leave a gap between the vanes and the pump housing so as to permit a portion of the fluid in the spacing to flow smoothly over the top contour of the impeller vanes.

Abstract: A power-assisted obturator system for penetrating a body cavity wall is provided. The system comprises an obturator having main shank with a tip on its distal end. The tip has relatively blunt dull cutting edges which are incapable of readily cutting through bodily tissue except when the tip is vibrated at ultrasonic or near-ultrasonic frequencies. The proximal end of the main shank is connectable to an ultrasonic power source, which provides power to vibrate the obturator tip at ultrasonic or near-ultrasonic frequencies thereby transforming the relatively blunt edges into cutting edges which simultaneously cut and coagulate tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the obturator system includes vibration feedback and control which terminates delivery of energy to the tip when penetration is sensed.