Abstract: A method for crystallizing a substance, especially an inhalable medicament, comprising the following steps: (a) dissolving said substance in a solvent, to produce a solution of said substance, (b) producing a segmented stream which consists of alternating segments of said solution of the substance and of a transport medium, (c) introducing said segmented stream into the first end of a retention stretch, which retention stretch has a first end and a second end, so that said segmented stream passes from said first end to said second end of said retention stretch, and exists from the second end of the retention stretch, (d) cooling the retention stretch, to thereby bring about crystallization of the substance in the segments of solution, in the segmented stream, as said segmented stream passes through the retention stretch, and (e) separating the crystals of material from the segmented stream as it exits from the second end of the retention stretch. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Needle-less injectors for liquids are known in many different forms which are adapted to different conditions of use. The needle-less injector according to the invention is in the form of a hand-held unit. It includes a locking stressing mechanism, an energy-storing spring (36), a hollow plunger (37) displaceable in a cylinder (38) and a nozzle (39). At its one end, the hollow plunger is provided with a valve body (42). The supply container (44) for the liquid is arranged within the housing. When the locking stressing mechanism is stressed by rotation of the two housing portions (31, 32) relative to each other the hollow plunger (37) is drawn out of the cylinder (38); at the same time the amount of liquid required for an injection is conveyed out of the supply container (44) through the plunger into the pump chamber (43). After the locking stressing mechanism is triggered the amount of liquid is expelled from the pump chamber through the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a closure-cap and a container in the form of a two-chamber cartridge in which an active ingredient and a solvent can be stored separately until the apparatus is used in a nebuliser, as well as an active substance concentrate in which the active-substance is present as a solution or suspension for storage purposes.

Abstract: A miniaturized device for producing high pressure in a fluid imposes stringent requirements on the manufacturing process. The device according to the invention consists of a hollow piston displaceably mounted in a cylinder and a valve member which is guided by the hollow piston and mounted so as to be axially movable relative to the hollow piston. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston inside or immediately in front of the end of the hollow piston. The device is used in a mechanically operated high pressure atomizer. This consists of a two part housing which comprises a pump housing with nozzle, a blocking mechanism, a spring housing with spring, a non-pressurized storage container for the fluid and a medical counter integrated in the spring housing. The valve operates without any auxiliary force, closes very rapidly and is sealed tight against high pressure. The atomizer is safe and simple to operate and environmentally friendly. The fluid is metered extremely accurately.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for the production of powders of an inhalable medicament by crystallization from a supersaturated fluid containing said medicament, the method comprising passing along a tubular reactor

Abstract: The invention pertains to a dry powder inhaler (1) with a mouthpiece (2) for dispersing pharmaceutical drug formulations, which has available an auxiliary energy source in the form of a pressure medium system (3), with a device for provisioning (6) of a powder formulation (7), whereby upon activation of the pressure medium system a gaseous pressure medium (8) released by the pressure medium system (3) forms with the powder formulation (7) an aerosol (9) in such a way that the powder particles are present in dispersed form within the gaseous pressure medium (8).

Abstract: For medical fluids, two-part containers are used which consist of an inner container and an outer container which is impenetrable to diffusion. The inner container collapses when the fluid is removed.

Abstract: A miniaturised device for producing high pressure in a fluid imposes stringent requirements on the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to atomizers for administering preservative-free liquids to the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye, with special eye adapters for atomizers and the use of atomizers for ophthalmological administration. The atomizers according to the invention are free from propellant gas.

Abstract: Foil bags are used as a primary packaging for liquids, the bags permitting the liquid to be taken therefrom without the application of a considerable amount of force. A container is provided for a medicinal liquid, the container being gas-tight and liquid-tight so that it is storable over many months. The container includes a collapsible foil bag on which a flange, which is stable in respect of shape, is disposed. The flange is designed for fitting onto a discharge connection member. The container can be disposed in a casing which is stable in respect of shape. The medicinal liquid does not come into contact with air and is protected from the effect of light. The medicinal liquid may be dispensed from the foil bag in many partial quantities over a prolonged period of time, with a respective partial amount thereof being converted into an aerosol by means of an atomizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propellant-gas-free apparatus for the dispensing of liquids, a container cartridge suitable for this for storing the liquid and the ensemble comprising both. The invention comprises a device for the exertion of pressure and for accommodating a container cartridge and a container cartridge in which the dispensing facility is integrated.

Abstract: A miniaturized device for pressurizing fluid. The device includes a hollow piston that provides a fluid path and a valve member. The valve member is configured for axial movement so that the valve axis remains parallel to the piston axis. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston. The valve member may be partially or completely disposed within the hollow piston. The device is particularly adapted for use in a mechanically operated atomizer to produce an inhalable aerosol of a liquid medicament without the use of propellant gas.

Abstract: Needle-less injectors for liquids are known in many different forms which are adapted to different conditions of use. The needle-less injector according to the invention is in the form of a hand-held unit. It includes a locking stressing mechanism, an energy-storing spring (36), a hollow plunger (37) displaceable in a cylinder (38) and a nozzle (39). At its one end, the hollow plunger is provided with a valve body (42). The supply container (44) for the liquid is arranged within the housing. When the locking stressing mechanism is stressed by rotation of the two housing portions (31, 32) relative to each other the hollow plunger (37) is drawn out of the cylinder (38); at the same time the amount of liquid required for an injection is conveyed out of the supply container (44) through the plunger into the pump chamber (43). After the locking stressing mechanism is triggered the amount of liquid is expelled from the pump chamber through the nozzle.

Abstract: Foil bags are used as a primary packaging for liquids, the bags permitting the liquid to be taken therefrom without the application of a considerable amount of force. A container is provided for a medicinal liquid, the container being gas-tight and liquid-tight so that it is storable over many months. The container includes a collapsible foil bag on which a flange, which is stable in respect of shape, is disposed. The flange is designed for fitting onto a discharge connection member. The container can be disposed in a casing which is stable in respect of shape. The medicinal liquid does not come into contact with air and is protected from the effect of light. The medicinal liquid may be dispensed from the foil bag in many partial quantities over a prolonged period of time, with a respective partial amount thereof being converted into an aerosol by means of an atomizer.

Abstract: Needle-less injectors for liquids are known in many different forms which are adapted to different conditions of use. The needle-less injector according to the invention is in the form of a hand-held unit. It includes a locking stressing mechanism, an energy-storing spring (36), a hollow plunger (37) displaceable in a cylinder (38) and a nozzle (39). At its one end, the hollow plunger is provided with a valve body (42). The supply container (44) for the liquid is arranged within the housing. When the locking stressing mechanism is stressed by rotation of the two housing portions (31, 32) relative to each other the hollow plunger (37) is drawn out of the cylinder (38); at the same time the amount of liquid required for an injection is conveyed out of the supply container (44) through the plunger into the pump chamber (43). After the locking stressing mechanism is triggered the amount of liquid is expelled from the pump chamber through the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to atomizers for administering liquids to the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye, special eye adapters for atomizers and the use of atomizers for ophthalmological administration. The atomizers according to the invention are free from propellant gas and have an energy reservoir for supplying the energy needed for the atomization process.

Abstract: An inhalation kit comprising: (a) an inhaler displaying a flow resistance of about 0.01 to 0.1 {square root}{square root over (kPa)} min/L; and (b) an inhalable powder comprising tiotropium in admixture with a physiologically acceptable excipient with an average particle size of between 10 to 500 &mgr;m, and a method of administering an inhalable powder containing tiotropium in admixture with a physiologically acceptable excipient with an average particle size of between 10 &mgr;m to 500 &mgr;m, the method comprising actuating an inhaler a flow resistance of about 0.01 to 0.1 {square root}{square root over (kPa)} min/L containing the inhalable powder.

Abstract: A method for crystallizing a substance, especially an inhalable medicament, comprising the following steps: (a) dissolving said substance in a solvent, to produce a solution of said substance, (b) producing a segmented stream which consists of alternating segments of said solution of the substance and of a transport medium, (c) introducing said segmented stream into the first end of a retention stretch, which retention stretch has a first end and a second end, so that said segmented stream passes from said first end to said second end of said retention stretch, and exits from the second end of the retention stretch, (d) cooling the retention stretch, to thereby bring about crystallization of the substance in the segments of solution, in the segmented stream, as said segmented stream passes through the retention stretch, and (e) separating the crystals of material from the segmented stream as it exits from the second end of the retention stretch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical preparations in the form of aqueous solutions for the production of propellant-free aerosols.

Abstract: A method for crystallizing a substance, especially an inhalable medicament, comprising the following steps: