Abstract: There is provided an electronically controlled, motor-driven, breath actuated metered dose inhaler for delivering aerosolized medicament or other matter to a user. The inhaler may comprise a base housing including a motor-driven actuator and other system components and a removable aerosol cartridge insertably receivable in the base housing. The inhaler may be paired with a smart phone or other client computing device to provide additional functionality, such as to provide instructional information and feedback regarding usage of the inhaler, to generate and display dosage tracking information, and to provide alerts and reminders to a user of the inhaler or others.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes establishing a communications link, via a short-range wireless protocol, between a mobile computing device and a medicament delivery device. A user input selecting a motion profile of the medicament delivery device is then received in response to an input prompt. A wireless signal is received from the medicament delivery device, the wireless signal associated with an actual motion profile of the medicament delivery device. A notification is produced to indicate a motion difference between the actual motion profile and the target motion profile. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes modifying the target motion profile based on the motion profile over a time period of at least one week, the notification indicating a motion difference between the motion profile and the modified target motion profile.

Abstract: There is provided an electronically controlled, motor-driven, breath actuated metered dose inhaler for delivering aerosolized medicament or other matter to a user. The inhaler may comprise a base housing including a motor-driven actuator and other system components and a removable aerosol cartridge insertably receivable in the base housing. The inhaler may be paired with a smart phone or other client computing device to provide additional functionality, such as to provide instructional information and feedback regarding usage of the inhaler, to generate and display dosage tracking information, and to provide alerts and reminders to a user of the inhaler or others.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes establishing a communications link, via a short-range wireless protocol, between a mobile computing device and a medicament delivery device. A user input selecting a motion profile of the medicament delivery device is then received in response to an input prompt. A wireless signal is received from the medicament delivery device, the wireless signal associated with an actual motion profile of the medicament delivery device. A notification is produced to indicate a motion difference between the actual motion profile and the target motion profile. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes modifying the target motion profile based on the motion profile over a time period of at least one week, the notification indicating a motion difference between the motion profile and the modified target motion profile.

Abstract: There is provided an electronically controlled, motor-driven, breath actuated metered dose inhaler for delivering aerosolized medicament or other matter to a user. The inhaler may comprise a base housing including a motor-driven actuator and other system components and a removable aerosol cartridge insertably receivable in the base housing. The inhaler may be paired with a smart phone or other client computing device to provide additional functionality, such as to provide instructional information and feedback regarding usage of the inhaler, to generate and display dosage tracking information, and to provide alerts and reminders to a user of the inhaler or others.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes establishing a communications link, via a short-range wireless protocol, between a mobile computing device and a medicament delivery device. A user input selecting a motion profile of the medicament delivery device is then received in response to an input prompt. A wireless signal is received from the medicament delivery device, the wireless signal associated with an actual motion profile of the medicament delivery device. A notification is produced to indicate a motion difference between the actual motion profile and the target motion profile. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes modifying the target motion profile based on the motion profile over a time period of at least one week, the notification indicating a motion difference between the motion profile and the modified target motion profile.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes establishing a communications link, via a short-range wireless protocol, between a mobile computing device and a medicament delivery device. A user input selecting a motion profile of the medicament delivery device is then received in response to an input prompt. A wireless signal is received from the medicament delivery device, the wireless signal associated with an actual motion profile of the medicament delivery device. A notification is produced to indicate a motion difference between the actual motion profile and the target motion profile. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes modifying the target motion profile based on the motion profile over a time period of at least one week, the notification indicating a motion difference between the motion profile and the modified target motion profile.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes establishing a communications link, via a short-range wireless protocol, between a mobile computing device and a medicament delivery device. A user input selecting a motion profile of the medicament delivery device is then received in response to an input prompt. A wireless signal is received from the medicament delivery device, the wireless signal associated with an actual motion profile of the medicament delivery device. A notification is produced to indicate a motion difference between the actual motion profile and the target motion profile. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes modifying the target motion profile based on the motion profile over a time period of at least one week, the notification indicating a motion difference between the motion profile and the modified target motion profile.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers and methods are provided that facilitate deagglomeration of powdered medicament during inspiration. A dry powder inhaler includes a dry powder medicament container assembly, and an elongated dry powder delivery tube having an inlet at one end that communicates with a dose container, and an outlet or inhalation port that extends from the inhaler housing at an opposite end. The delivery tube includes one or more apertures adjacent the inlet that cause cyclonic or turbulent airflow through the delivery tube. The inner surface of the delivery tube has a polygonal configuration and the cyclonic air stream bounces off the polygonal inner surface numerous times as the air stream flows through the delivery tube. Another dry powder inhaler includes a deagglomeration chamber with a polygonal inner surface. An air stream containing dry powder medicament is directed into the deagglomeration chamber and impacts the polygonal inner surface numerous times.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers are described with an inhaler body defining an enclosed cavity space and at least one of (a) an endless strip having opposing primary surfaces, the strip comprising a plurality of spaced apart blisters or dose containers holding dry powder medicament. The inhaler also has an inhalation exit flow path in the inhaler body in communication with at least one blister or at least one dose container held by the strip in a dispensing position and a piercer configured to release dry powder medicament from the blister or dose container in the dispensing position.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having at least one axially-aligned annular flange defining a central opening and a support having a rim and a support surface. The support may be disposed in a nested position wherein the support surface is disposed within the central opening and an inverted position wherein the support surface is disposed away from the central opening. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its inverted and nested positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having at least one axially-aligned annular flange defining a central opening and a support having a rim and a support surface. The support may be disposed in a nested position wherein the support surface is disposed within the central opening and an inverted position wherein the support surface is disposed away from the central opening. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its inverted and nested positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a plurality of disc-shaped flanges connected in series. The blocking portion may be disposed in a contracted position wherein the plurality of disc-shaped flanges is disposed in a stacked configuration and a resting position wherein the plurality of disc-shaped flanges is disposed in a linear configuration. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its resting and contracted positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having at least one axially-aligned annular flange defining a central opening and a support having a rim and a support surface. The support may be disposed in a nested position wherein the support surface is disposed within the central opening and an inverted position wherein the support surface is disposed away from the central opening. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its inverted and nested positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers are described with an inhaler body defining an enclosed cavity space and at least one of (a) an endless strip having opposing primary surfaces, the strip comprising a plurality of spaced apart blisters or dose containers holding dry powder medicament. The inhaler also has an inhalation exit flow path in the inhaler body in communication with at least one blister or at least one dose container held by the strip in a dispensing position and a piercer configured to release dry powder medicament from the blister or dose container in the dispensing position.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers and methods are provided that facilitate deagglomeration of powdered medicament during inspiration. A dry powder inhaler includes a dry powder medicament container assembly, and an elongated dry powder delivery tube having an inlet at one end that communicates with a dose container, and an outlet or inhalation port that extends from the inhaler housing at an opposite end. The delivery tube includes one or more apertures adjacent the inlet that cause cyclonic or turbulent airflow through the delivery tube. The inner surface of the delivery tube has a polygonal configuration and the cyclonic air stream bounces off the polygonal inner surface numerous times as the air stream flows through the delivery tube. Another dry powder inhaler includes a deagglomeration chamber with a polygonal inner surface. An air stream containing dry powder medicament is directed into the deagglomeration chamber and impacts the polygonal inner surface numerous times.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a plurality of disc-shaped flanges connected in series. The blocking portion may be disposed in a contracted position wherein the plurality of disc-shaped flanges is disposed in a stacked configuration and a resting position wherein the plurality of disc-shaped flanges is disposed in a linear configuration. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its resting and contracted positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.