Abstract: Single dose drug dosage form dispensing devices, and methods for operating such devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing defining an actuation pathway and a pusher. At least a portion of the pusher is disposed within the actuation pathway such that a distal end portion of the pusher and a distal end portion of the housing define a volume configured to contain a drug-containing tablet. The pusher is configured to move relative to the housing in a distal direction from a first position to a second position to expel the drug-containing tablet from the volume. The distal end portion of the pusher is extended from an opening in the housing when the pusher is in its second position. The housing is configured to limit movement of the pusher relative to the housing in a proximal direction from the second position of the pusher towards the first position of the pusher after the drug-containing tablet is expelled from the volume.

Abstract: Single dose drug dosage form dispensing devices, and methods for operating such devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing defining an actuation pathway and a pusher. At least a portion of the pusher is disposed within the actuation pathway such that distal end portions of the pusher and the housing define a volume configured to contain a drug-containing tablet. The pusher is configured to move relative to the housing in a distal direction from a first position to a second position to expel the tablet from the volume. The distal end portion of the pusher is extended from an opening in the housing when the pusher is in its second position. The housing is configured to limit movement of the pusher relative to the housing in a proximal direction towards the first position of the pusher after the tablet is expelled.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing and a pushrod. The housing defines a delivery passage and an exit port in fluid communication with the delivery passage. At least a portion of the pushrod is movably disposed in the delivery passage. A distal end portion of the pushrod is configured to move a drug dosage form through at least a portion of the delivery passage to convey the drug dosage form through the exit port when the distal end portion of the pushrod is moved from a first position to a second position. A surface of at least one of the pushrod or the housing defining the delivery passage is nonplanar, curved and/or contoured.

Abstract: Single dose drug dosage form dispensing devices, and methods for operating such devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing defining an actuation pathway and a pusher. At least a portion of the pusher is disposed within the actuation pathway such that a distal end portion of the pusher and a distal end portion of the housing define a volume configured to contain a drug-containing tablet. The pusher is configured to move relative to the housing in a distal direction from a first position to a second position to expel the drug-containing tablet from the volume. The distal end portion of the pusher is extended from an opening in the housing when the pusher is in its second position. The housing is configured to limit movement of the pusher relative to the housing in a proximal direction from the second position of the pusher towards the first position of the pusher after the drug-containing tablet is expelled from the volume.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing and a pushrod. The housing defines a delivery passage and an exit port in fluid communication with the delivery passage. At least a portion of the pushrod is movably disposed in the delivery passage. A distal end portion of the pushrod is configured to move a drug dosage form through at least a portion of the delivery passage to convey the drug dosage form through the exit port when the distal end portion of the pushrod is moved from a first position to a second position. A surface of at least one of the pushrod or the housing defining the delivery passage is nonplanar, curved and/or contoured.

Abstract: Techniques for operating a subcutaneous implant device are disclosed. The implant device can be formed of a non-magnetic material that is compatible with diagnostics such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and can include a rotor element that rotates under the influence of an external magnetic field. The implant device includes a tension relief mechanism for relieving excessive force applied between the implant device and a portion of a patient's tongue. A non-implanted device can include a stator and drive circuitry for generating the external magnetic field. The non-implanted device can receive a user command and can vary the external magnetic field based on the command. When activated by the magnetic field, the implant device can change its operating state to interact with the patient's body.

Abstract: An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods and devices for removing, the device are also disclosed. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Techniques for operating a subcutaneous implant device are disclosed. The implant device can be formed of a non-magnetic material that is compatible with diagnostics such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and can include a rotor element that rotates under the influence of an external magnetic field. The implant device includes a tension relief mechanism for relieving excessive force applied between the implant device and a portion of a patient's tongue. A non-implanted device can include a stator and drive circuitry for generating the external magnetic field. The non-implanted device can receive a user command and can vary the external magnetic field based on the command. When activated by the magnetic field, the implant device can change its operating state to interact with the patient's body.

Abstract: A tongue implant control system and methods for stabilizing the tongue are disclosed. The tongue implant control system includes an implant device and a non-implanted control device in wireless communication. The control device provides an inductive power transfer for operating the implant device. The control device also sends commands for changing a state of the implant device. The implant device includes a flexible portion for attachment to the tongue and to one or more actuators. The one or more actuators may include shape memory material. The implant device detects a command from the control device and powers an actuator based on the command. Optionally, the implant device communicates its operating state to the control device and the control device displays information about the implant device at a user interface.

Abstract: An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods and devices for removing, the device are also disclosed. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An implant testing device and a method of detecting an airway implant are disclosed. The testing device detects the presence of the implant within a patient's body and can be used to determine its location. The testing device also provides an indication of proper function of the implant electronics. A detector circuit of the testing device generates an output signal representative of proximity of the airway implant. A processing circuit receives the output signal and determines proximity of the implant based on one or more detection thresholds. The processing circuit also provides a visual and/or audible alert. In some embodiments, the processing circuit varies the flash rate of one or more light emitting diodes and/or the pitch of an alert tone based on proximity of the implant. Various embodiments of the testing device are adapted for handheld use and can include a handle, elongated portion, and detector element.

Abstract: An inductive power transfer system associated with an airway implant device is disclosed. A non-implanted portion of the system comprises a mouthpiece or retainer. The mouthpiece includes a power transfer circuit and a power source. The power transfer circuit includes a receive circuit configured to receive a first inductive power transfer from a charging device and to deliver a charging current to the power source. The power transfer circuit also includes a transmit circuit coupled to the power source. The transmit circuit is configured to provide a second inductive power transfer from the mouthpiece to the airway implant. Some embodiments of the non-implanted portion include a charge controller and a lithium polymer battery. Some embodiments of the charging device include a microcontroller for controlling operation of the charging device based on a proximity of the mouthpiece.