Abstract: A device for insertion into a cavity, such as the vagina of a mammal, the device comprising a body for insertion into the cavity comprising a variable geometry retention mechanism, one or more active-impregnated matrices supported by the body, the matrix or matrices having (i) a ratio of exposed surface area to volume of 11.5:1 to 18.5:1, or (ii) a ratio of exposed surface area to weight of 11:1 to 17:1, or (iii) both (i) and (ii).

Abstract: A control release device for the delivery of active components, the device including; a rigid housing containing at least one discrete aperture therein, and a driving substance containing the active component(s) placed within the housing, characterized in that the driving substance swells in the presence of fluid, driving the substance and active components out of the housing through the apertures.

Abstract: A device suitable for use as an intra vaginal device or as a bolus where, after initiation, a member (usually a plunger) moves with a known movement characteristic and is involved in the stagger release of multiple materials. That moving member is used to time the discharge of one or more material from its reservoir in the device (there being separate powering of the timed discharge) or is used to both time and indirectly power the discharge of one or more material from its reservoir, such discharges preferably being in a staggered manner. Optionally the moving member as a plunger may itself also directly discharge a material from a reservoir.

Abstract: A biodegradable intra vaginal device for insertion into the vagina of an animal (eg; cattle) useful for herd oestrus synchrony purposes, the device is intra vaginally insertable, intra vaginally retainable and withdrawable by virtue of its ability to change its geometry yet is formed at least almost exclusively from a cyclodextrin and progesterone impregnated moulded matrix of a polyester polymer (eg; poly (&egr;-caprolactone)) or a starch-like polysaccharide polymer. There is preferably a loading of progesterone of from 0.1 to 3 gms. The surface area of the impregnated matrix is preferably from 15 to 200 cm2. Related methods and uses also form part of the invention.

Abstract: A passive or active release device for a medicament or other substance for a target species mammal. The device is of a kind capable of being inserted into a body cavity of a target species mammal and deploying resiliently to one or more retention condition(s). The device is wholly or in part moulded from poly (-caprolactone) (optionally impregnated with at least a physiologically effective agent to be released therefrom or optionally to carry some device or material to be body cavity retained at least for a period). The device is preferably of substantially a “T” or “Y” shape.

Abstract: An intra vaginal device which is of a variable geometry and which includes a silicone matrix impregnated with progesterone, the confirmation and content of the progesterone impregnated matrix being such as to optimise effectiveness with a lower initial loading of progesterone.

Abstract: Intra-vaginal delivery procedures including compositions and units therefor whereby an effective releasable amount of oestradiol 17&bgr; is released to achieve an efficacious effect insofar as oestrus expression is concerned. Preferably a cyclodextrin is utilized to enhance absorption.

Abstract: A device for actively releasing material(s) (e.g. intra ruminally) having a plurality of dispensing reservoirs. Each electrolytic cell is capable upon energization under the control of a microprocessor after initiation of generating a gas which will cause (e.g. through action on a piston) by displacement of the material(s) of its respective reservoir sufficient displacement of or change to closure means of that reservoir thereby to allow release of the material(s).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a porcine intra-vaginal device of a shape and size adapted to be positionable in the vaginal tract across the hymenal ring of a target animal (e.g., a gilt) to extend to both sides of the hymenal ring of the animal. The device once inserted delivers progesterone from a progesterone impreganated matrix on either side of the hymenal ring, the progesterone releasing surface being at least 150 cm2 in total area. Variable geometry means (preferably for vestibular engagement) ensure retention of the devices (e.g., for at least 7 to 14 days) where, in the preferred device, the progesterone load of from 1.9 to 2.5 g within 1.2 mm of the release surface can, by maintaining a progesterone blood plasma level (equating to a progestrone blood plasma level in excess of 4 ng/mL measured in an ovariectomised animal), ensure or prompt the onset of oestrus within 3 to 5 days after device removal.

Abstract: An intra vaginal device which is of a variable geometry and which includes a silicone matrix impregnated with progesterone, the confirmation and content of the progesterone impregnated matrix being such as to optimize effectiveness with a lower initial loading of progesterone.

Abstract: An intra vaginal device which is of a variable geometry and which includes a silicone matrix impregnated with progesterone, the confirmation and content of the progesterone impregnated matrix being such as to optimize effectiveness with a lower initial loading of progesterone.

Abstract: Intra-vaginal delivery procedures including compositions and units therefor whereby an effective releasable amount of oestradiol 17&bgr; is released to achieve an efficacious effect insofar as oestrus expression is concerned. Preferably a cyclodextrin is utilized to enhance absorption.

Abstract: A delivery device having a reservoir of variable volume having an outlet through which an included vehicle can be expressed in a liquid form as the volume of the reservoir is actively reduced. There is a tube providing a conduit to the outlet from the reservoir of such length and cross-section as to favor active release over passive release which has the effect of enabling a more positive control of the dispensing of the vehicle. Such a device has diverse applications.

Abstract: An intra vaginal device which is of a variable geometry kind and which includes a silicone matrix impregnated with progesterone, the confirmation and content of the progesterone impregnated matrix being such as to optimize effectiveness with a lower initial loading of progesterone.

Abstract: A biodegradable intra vaginal device for insertion into the vagina of an animal (eg; cattle) useful for herd oestrus synchrony purposes,