Abstract: An improved pacifier and method of use thereof. The pacifier includes an artificial nipple to stimulate sucking when inserted in a mouth of a patient. The nipple is hollow and includes an interior volume serves as a channel of fluid communication between a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture is open to the interior volume of the nipple and the mouth. The second aperture is open to the interior volume of the nipple and an outside environment. The pacifier further includes an air flow valve with a first operational state in which the channel of fluid communication is closed and a second operational state in which the channel of fluid communication is open. The pacifier is constructed so that sucking causes the air flow valve to assume the first operational state while cessation of sucking allows the air flow valve to assume the second operational state.

Abstract: A system and method for aerosol delivery of a drug. The system includes: a disposable cassette containing a dose of the drug. The dose of the drug is supplied within a breakable container. The system further includes a drug release mechanism to break the breakable container and release dose of the drug. Air from the airflow generator flows into the cassette via a first opening and outward via a second opening insuring aerosol delivery of the drug. The method includes supplying a disposable cassette as in the system and operating a drug release mechanism to break the breakable container and release the dose of the drug . The method further includes generating a flow of air top cause aerosol delivery of the drug.. An additional method including supplying at least two breakable packets each containing a portion of a pre-measured dose of the drug within a disposable cassette, opening the packets within the cassette and aerosol delivery of the single pre-measured dose of the drug.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for preventing collapse of the upper airway are disclosed. The device includes a mouthpiece and a breathing tube. The method includes the steps of inserting a mouthpiece and allowing inhaled air to flow through a breathing tube. A first disclosed system includes a CPAP device which maintains sufficient pressure in an upper airway while functioning independently of an external pressure source. The system includes, a mouthpiece, a breathing tube containing a bi-directional pressure sensitive valve and a mechanism for transforming kinetic energy of air flowing in a first direction to potential energy and transforming the potential energy to kinetic energy of air flowing in a second direction. Further disclosed is a method employing the system. An additional system includes a self contained CPAP for maintaining sufficient pressure in an airway while functioning independently of an external pressure source.

Abstract: A system for continuously processing successive workpieces along a production line having a loader for loading workpieces onto main conveyor for conveying through a workstation and an unloader for unloading a processed workpiece. The loading and unloading are achieved without disturbing the main conveyor during operation of the workstation so as not to vibrate the workpiece during operation of the workstation. According to one embodiment, the workpiece is a printed circuit board and the workstation is an optical inspecting system.