Abstract: Dry powder drug containment packages with tab members and meted dose sealed drug compartments can be used in an inhaler having a flow chamber with a hook member that opens the drug compartments and/or a portion that flexes to vibrate the dry powder to facilitate fluidic active dispersion for inhalation.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers include: (a) a first generally planar spiral travel path in an inhaler body, wherein the first spiral travel path has a plurality of adjacent curvilinear channels forming lanes with upstanding sidewalls, including an inner lane and an outer lane; and (b) a plurality of discrete sealed microcartridges with substantially rigid bodies disposed in the first travel path, each comprising a pre-metered (typically dose) amount of dry powder, the microcartridges being configured to slidably advance along the first travel path toward an inhalation chamber that merges into an inhalation output port. In operation, at least one microcartridge is held in the inhalation chamber to release the dry powder therein during inhalation.

Abstract: The present invention includes dry powder inhalers for dispensing and/or holding inhalant formulated dry powder substances and associated fabrication and dispensing methods that can employ an amplitude modulated non-linear signal comprising a plurality of superimposed frequencies, the frequencies corresponding to a priori flow characteristic frequencies of the dry powder being dispensed. The present invention also includes pocket-sized inhalers with an elastomeric flexible pivoting cover.

Abstract: Dry powder blister packages include sealed blisters with a piezoelectric active layer that flexes to vibrate the dry powder in a blister to facilitate active dispersion.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers with a multi-dose dry powder package for dispensing pharmaceutical grade formulations of inhalable dry powder, include: (a) a blister package comprising a plurality of spaced apart sealed blisters thereon, each blister having a projecting ceiling and a floor defining a blister channel therebetween, the blister channel comprising a dry powder therein; (b) a movable blade cartridge holding a blade at a forward portion thereof; and (c) an extendable mouthpiece attached to the movable blade cartridge. In operation, a user pulls the mouthpiece outward and then pushes the mouthpiece inward to cause the blister package to advance to position a blister in a selected dispensing position in the inhaler and to cause the blade cartridge to move the blade across a blister ceiling held in the dispensing position in the inhaler to thereby open the blister held in the dispensing position.

Abstract: The present invention includes dry powder inhalers and associated multi-dose dry powder packages for holding inhalant formulated dry powder substances and associated fabrication and dispensing methods. The multi-dose package can include a platform body comprising at least one thin piezoelectric polymer material layer defining at least a portion of a plurality of spatially separated discrete elongate dry powder channels having an associated length, width and height; and a metallic material attached to selected portions of the piezoelectric polymer material including each of the regions corresponding to the elongate dry powder channels to, in operation, define active energy releasing vibratory channels. In operation, the elongate channels can be selectively individually activated to vibrate upon exposure to an electrical input.

Abstract: The present invention includes dry powder inhalers and associated multi-dose dry powder packages for holding inhalant formulated dry powder substances and associated fabrication and dispensing methods. The multi-dose package can include a platform body comprising at least one thin piezoelectric polymer material layer defining at least a portion of a plurality of spatially separated discrete elongate dry powder channels having an associated length, width and height; and a metallic material attached to selected portions of the piezoelectric polymer material including each of the regions corresponding to the elongate dry powder channels to, in operation, define active energy releasing vibratory channels. In operation, the elongate channels can be selectively individually activated to vibrate upon exposure to an electrical input.

Abstract: A molded plastic lid of the drink-through type for use in connection with a conventional beverage cup. The lid exhibits a cup engaging rim and, radially inwardly thereof, a raised crown portion having a side wall and a top. The top is generally flat but has formed therein a centrally located recess, the floor of which extends laterally to the side walls and which is at all times above the maximum fill line of the cup during normal operation. The recess exhibits a structure which may be depressed into a stable inverted condition which provides an enlarged drink-through aperture immediately adjacent the side wall.

Abstract: A divisible container apparatus comprising a molded plastic tapered cylindrical open head container, a divider having a centrally located upstanding hollow handle and a tapered peripheral skirt, the divider being locatable within the container in parallel, spaced relationship to the bottom and supported by a plurality of interior support ledges with the peripheral skirt in sealing engagement with the interior wall of the container. A snap-on lid is provided for the container along with a bail for carrying the container apparatus and its contents.

Abstract: A molded plastic lid of the drink-through type for use in connection with a conventional beverage cup. The lid exhibits a cup-engaging rim and, radially inwardly thereof, a raised crown portion having a side wall and a top. The top is generally flat but has formed therein a centrally located recess, the floor of which extends laterally to the side walls and which is at all times above the maximum fill line of the cup during normal operation. The recess exhibits a structure which may be depressed into a stable inverted condition which provides an enlarged drink-through aperture immediately adjacent the side wall.