Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing having a mouthpiece, an aerosol generator, a flow sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to begin operation of the aerosol generator upon receipt of a signal from the flow sensor indicating that a threshold flow rate has been achieved by a user when inhaling a tidal breath through the mouthpiece, and to stop operation after the passage of an operation time period that is selected such that continuation of the tidal breath delivers substantially all of the aerosol to the lungs.

Abstract: Devices and methods for nebulizing a fluid are described. A replaceable fluid assembly may include a reservoir and a fluid cartridge. The reservoir may be detachable from the fluid cartridge and may be assembled by the prior prior to loading into the nebulizing device.

Abstract: A method for producing an aerosol generator utilizes a vibratable member having a plurality of apertures for producing liquid droplets upon vibration of the vibratable member. A support member is injection molded about the vibratable member, and a vibratable element is placed in vibrational communication with the vibratable member.

Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a liquid comprises providing an aerosol generator having a plate with a plurality of apertures and a piezoelectric element to vibrate the plate. Liquid is supplied to the plate, and the piezoelectric element is energized to vibrate the plate at an initial frequency. The energy level is adjusted to vibrate the plate at its instantaneous resonant frequency during aerosolization of the liquid.

Abstract: A nebulizing device having two or more nebulizing elements. The nebulizing device may be used to deliver two or more fluids to the patient or may be used for enhanced fluid flow of a single fluid. The nebulizing elements are preferably vibrating elements with holes therein through which the fluid is expelled when the vibrating elements are vibrated.

Abstract: A method for producing an aerosol generator utilizes a vibratable member having a plurality of apertures for producing liquid droplets upon vibration of the vibratable member. A support member is injection molded about the vibratable member, and a vibratable element is placed in vibrational communication with the vibratable member.

Abstract: A fluid filled ampoule comprises an ampoule body having a top end, a bottom end and a sealed interior containing a liquid. A top tab is coupled to the top end and is removable to create a drain vent in the top end. A bottom tab is coupled to the bottom end and is removable to create a drain opening in the bottom end. A movable shroud is coupled to the top end and is disposed about the top tab. The shroud is movable to permit access to the top tab.

Abstract: A fluid filled ampoule comprises an ampoule body having a top end, a bottom end and a sealed interior containing a liquid. A top tab is coupled to the top end and is removable to create a drain vent in the top end. A bottom tab is coupled to the bottom end and is removable to create a drain opening in the bottom end. A movable shroud is coupled to the top end and is disposed about the top tab. The shroud is movable to permit access to the top tab.

Abstract: A feed system for an aerosolizer utilizes an ampoule containing a liquid and includes a housing having an ampoule region into which the ampoule is held, and a liquid receiving region that is adapted to receive liquid dispensed from the ampoule. An interface is used to couple the liquid receiving region to an aerosol generator, whereby liquid from the liquid receiving region is permitted to flow to the aerosol generator for aerosolization.

Abstract: A fluid filled ampoule comprises an ampoule body having a top end, a bottom end and a sealed interior containing a liquid. A top tab is coupled to the top end and is removable to create a drain vent in the top end. A bottom tab is coupled to the bottom end and is removable to create a drain opening in the bottom end. A movable shroud is coupled to the top end and is disposed about the top tab. The shroud is movable to permit access to the top tab.

Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a liquid comprises providing an aerosol generator having a plate with a plurality of apertures and a piezoelectric element to vibrate the plate. Liquid is supplied to the plate, and the piezoelectric element is energized to vibrate the plate at an initial frequency. The energy level is adjusted to vibrate the plate at its instantaneous resonant frequency during aerosolization of the liquid.

Abstract: A three-way valve assembly having a reciprocable valve plunger movably controlled by a solenoid. The valve housing has an elastomeric orifice member seated thereon, which orifice member controls flow of pressure fluid from a source. The valve plunger has an enlarged nondeformable valve surface thereon which engages a projecting end portion of the orifice member for sealingly closing off the orifice.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for a hydrostatic transmission of the type including a prime mover driven variable displacement pump, the displacement of which is controlled by a pair of strokers (28, 30). Flow of pressurized control fluid from the charge pump to one of the strokers, and from the other stroker to tank, is controlled by a main control valve (34). The control system includes an auxiliary control valve (44) defining passages (98, 100, 102) communicating between the lines connecting the main control valve and the strokers. The auxiliary control valve includes an on-off, electro-hydraulic valve (46) which prevents flow through the auxiliary valve in response to an electrical signal in one condition, and permits flow in response to an electrical signal in another condition.

Abstract: A control valve assembly (10) is provided for controlling a hydrostatic transmission including a fluid pump having a variable swashplate, a source of control fluid under pressure, and a servo system responsive to the control fluid for varying the swashplate of the fluid pump. The control valve includes a valve body (12), first (26) and second (28) fluid chambers disposed in the valve body, a first fluid passageway (30) disposed in the valve body for directing pressurized control fluid to the first and second fluid chambers and a valve member (16) located in the valve body for controlling the flow of control fluid to the servo system. The pressurized fluid in the first fluid chamber acts on the valve member to bias the valve member in a first direction and the pressurized fluid in the second chamber acts on the valve member to bias the valve member in the second direction opposite the first direction.