Abstract: An osmotic delivery system flow modulator assembly, an osmotic delivery system with a flow modulator assembly, and a method of assembling an osmotic delivery system. The osmotic delivery system flow modular assembly includes a body having a hole located through the body and communicating two opposing ends of the body. The use of the osmotic delivery system flow modulator assembly lessens the chance that air or gas pockets will form in the enclosure of the osmotic delivery system during assembly of the system. Because less air is within the osmotic delivery system, performance of the system is enhanced. Use of the flow modulator assembly also lessens the chance that beneficial agent will be wasted during assembly of the osmotic delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention includes an osmotic pump that includes a means for venting an osmotic composition included in the pump before the internal pressure of the pump has the opportunity to build to such an extent that the pump is structurally compromised, such as when one or more components of the pump are physically separated. The means for venting osmotic material included in an osmotic pump according to the present invention includes a vent that allows the material included in the osmotic composition of the pump to dissipate into an environment of operation at a rate that results in dissipation of the pressure created within the osmotic pump and a reduced potential for subject discomfort or irritation.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system flow modulator assembly, an osmotic delivery system with a flow modulator assembly, and a method of assembling an osmotic delivery system. The osmotic delivery system flow modular assembly includes a body having a hole located through the body and communicating two opposing ends of the body. The use of the osmotic delivery system flow modulator assembly lessens the chance that air or gas pockets will form in the enclosure of the osmotic delivery system during assembly of the system. Because less air is within the osmotic delivery system, performance of the system is enhanced. Use of the flow modulator assembly also lessens the chance that beneficial agent will be wasted during assembly of the osmotic delivery system.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system flow modulator assembly, an osmotic delivery system with a flow modulator assembly, and a method of assembling an osmotic delivery system. The osmotic delivery system flow modular assembly includes a body having a hole located through the body and communicating two opposing ends of the body. The use of the osmotic delivery system flow modulator assembly lessens the chance that air or gas pockets will form in the enclosure of the osmotic delivery system during assembly of the system. Because less air is within the osmotic delivery system, performance of the system is enhanced. Use of the flow modulator assembly also lessens the chance that beneficial agent will be wasted during assembly of the osmotic delivery system.

Abstract: An osmotic beneficial agent delivery system includes an implantable osmotic delivery device and a catheter for delivery of the beneficial agent from the delivery device to a delivery location. The beneficial agent delivery system includes a catheter and a docking station which are implanted in the patient with a distal end of the catheter positioned at a delivery site. The catheter and docking station are left in place while an implant containing the beneficial agent is removably connected to the catheter at the docking station and can be replaced as needed. The docking station provides a connection between a catheter and the implant allowing the implant to be replaced periodically while the catheter and the docking station remain in place.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system flow modulator assembly, an osmotic delivery system with a flow modulator assembly, and a method of assembling an osmotic delivery system. The osmotic delivery system flow modular assembly includes a body having a hole located through the body and communicating two opposing ends of the body. The use of the osmotic delivery system flow modulator assembly lessens the chance that air or gas pockets will form in the enclosure of the osmotic delivery system during assembly of the system. Because less air is within the osmotic delivery system, performance of the system is enhanced. Use of the flow modulator assembly also lessens the chance that beneficial agent will be wasted during assembly of the osmotic delivery system.

Abstract: An osmotic beneficial agent delivery system includes an implantable osmotic delivery device and a catheter for delivery of the beneficial agent from the delivery device to a delivery location. The beneficial agent delivery system includes a catheter and a docking station which are implanted in the patient with a distal end of the catheter positioned at a delivery site. The catheter and docking station are left in place while an implant containing the beneficial agent is removably connected to the catheter at the docking station and can be replaced as needed. The docking station provides a connection between a catheter and the implant allowing the implant to be replaced periodically while the catheter and the docking station remain in place.

Abstract: An implanter for inserting subcutaneous implants includes a handle for grasping the implanter during implantation, a hollow cannula receiving the implant, and a rod for releasing the implant from the cannula. The rod is longitudinally fixed within the handle while the cannula slides over the rod to release the implant. The cannula is moved over the rod by a sliding actuator mounted in a track of the handle. The actuator is locked in an extended position to prevent unintended release of the implant. Preferably, the implanter is a single-use device having a actuator locking feature preventing reuse.

Abstract: A sustained release delivery system for delivering a beneficial agent is provided. The system includes a reservoir comprising the beneficial agent and a capillary channel in communication with the reservoir and the exterior of the system for delivering the beneficial agent from the system. The capillary channel has a cross-sectional area and a length selected to deliver the beneficial agent at a predetermined rate. The system may further include an outer surface that is impermeable and non-porous during delivery of the beneficial agent. The beneficial agent may be formulated in a glassy sugar matrix.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for controlling the movement of the cover panel of a portable computer includes a pivot arm and a slide mechanism. The ends of the pivot arm are pivotally attached to the cover panel and to the housing of the computer, respectively. The cover panel is also pivotally attached to the slide mechanism, which slides along a track mounted in the housing of the computer. The pivot points provide a predetermined frictional resistance to rotational movement whereby the cover panel, which typically includes a display, may be stabilized in an upright position while the computer is in use.

Abstract: Wedge spacers for forming slab gels of increasing cross section are manufactured from strips of thermoplastic material by impressing corrugations into the strips which run lengthwise from one end of each strip to a point along the strip between the two ends. The corrugations decrease in depth from a maximum at the strip end down to flatness at their terminus on the strip face. The forming technique imparts a high degree of reproducibility to the spacers, while still insuring a tight seal.