Abstract: An apparatus for cutting barbs into a suture having a filament supply. The apparatus also has an in-feed collet for holding one end of a filament threaded therethrough. Further the apparatus has an out-feed collet for holding a second end of a filament threaded therethrough. Additionally, the apparatus has a holder positioned between said in-feed and out-feed collets for holding a filament suspended between the in-feed and out-feed collets. The apparatus also has a cutting assembly for cutting barbs in the filament tensioned between the in-feed and out-feed collets.

Abstract: An improved atomization system for aerosolizing liquids including a vortexing nozzle and a flat or protruding face on the nozzle exit orifice. The system can also include a diverging mouthpiece insert. The present invention can produce a high fine particle fraction and modest throat deposition in conjunction with reduced aerosol plume velocity and impact force.

Abstract: A dose selective breath actuated inhaler including a meterless canister storing a pressurized medicament, and a vacuum actuated release, where application of a vacuum to the inhaler initiates a release of the medicament in the canister. The inhaler includes a mechanism for dialing a proper dose of pressurized medicament, a computer for generating a plurality of signals including a solenoid trigger signal, and a solenoid which upon receipt of a solenoid trigger signal actuates a solenoid arm to end the release of the medicament from the canister.

Abstract: A nasal drug delivery device includes a pump that supplies drug containing fluid to a spray port. The pump is actuated by the user pressing on an externally accessible actuator. The actuation force from the user can be transmitted to the pump in a controlled fashion such that the pump sees a more consistent actuation force. Additionally or alternatively, the forward direction of the device's housing and/or the direction of actuator motion can be oriented with respect to the device's direction of spray so that the device can be conveniently held by a user for optimum results.

Abstract: A variable volume medicament valve, inhaler; and method of treatment including a housing, and a plug insertable into the housing wherein a volume of medicament to be released by the valve is defined by a distance between a lower surface of the plug and a top surface of the housing and wherein the volume is variable.

Abstract: A breath actuated metered dose inhaler including a housing, a mouthpiece positioned at one end of the housing, and a mechanical release mechanism positioned at another end of the housing. The release mechanism is triggered by a diaphragm and the inhaler is configured such that the air inhalation pathway is unimpeded by the release mechanism.

Abstract: A method of making a barbed suture by varying the blade geometry and/or the movement of the blade when cutting a suture is disclosed. The method can also be accomplished with a cutting device to create a plurality of barbs on the exterior of surgical suture. The barbs produced using the method with the cutting device can be the same or random configurations.

Abstract: A method of making a barbed suture by varying the blade geometry and/or the movement of the blade when cutting a suture is disclosed. The method can also be accomplished with a cutting device to create a plurality of barbs on the exterior of surgical suture. The barbs produced using the method with the cutting device can be the same or random configurations.

Abstract: A breath actuated metered dose inhaler including a housing, a mouthpiece positioned at one end of the housing, and a mechanical release mechanism positioned at another end of the housing. The release mechanism is triggered by a diaphragm and the inhaler is configured such that the air inhalation pathway is unimpeded by the release mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting barbs into a suture having a filament supply. The apparatus also has an in-feed collet for holding one end of a filament threaded therethrough. Further the apparatus has an out-feed collet for holding a second end of a filament threaded therethrough. Additionally, the apparatus has a holder positioned between said in-feed and out-feed collets for holding a filament suspended between the in-feed and out-feed collets. The apparatus also has a cutting assembly for cutting barbs in the filament tensioned between the in-feed and out-feed collets.

Abstract: A counter for indicating the number of doses left in a canister that is suitable for use in a metered dose inhaler. The counter is affixed to the canister and includes a module for providing an indication of the number of doses left in the canister and a triggering mechanism for updating the indication in response to activation of the inhaler.

Abstract: A breath actuated metered dose inhaler including a housing, a mouthpiece positioned at one end of the housing, and a mechanical release mechanism positioned at another end of the housing. The release mechanism is triggered by a diaphragm and the inhaler is configured such that the air inhalation pathway is unimpeded by the release mechanism.

Abstract: A method and dispenser for treating a systemic disease in a patient in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprising maintaining the inspiratory flow rate and volume of the patient to a certain value and then administering a medicament aerosol formulation to the patient using a breath activated inhalation device.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing medication having a canister containing medication to be dispensed to a user. The canister is movable in both a first and a second direction. The apparatus also includes a mouthpiece that provides a point of egress for the medication. The medication is dispensed to the user when the canister is moved in the first direction. Also included in the apparatus is a switch for completing an electrical circuit. The switch is activated when the canister is moved in the first direction closing the electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is opened when the canister moves in the second direction. A counter module is disclosed for performing a count upon the closure of the electrical circuit. The counter module also and displays a dispensation history of the medication in the canister. The apparatus also includes a seal for isolating the counter module from the mouthpiece and the canister.

Abstract: A method of making a barbed suture by varying the blade geometry and/or the movement of the blade when cutting a suture. The method can also be accomplished with a cutting device to create a plurality of barbs on the exterior of surgical suture. The barbs produced using the method with the cutting device can be the same or random configurations.

Abstract: A method of making a barbed suture by varying the blade geometry and/or the movement of the blade when cutting a suture is disclosed. The method can also be accomplished with a cutting device to create a plurality of barbs on the exterior of surgical suture. The barbs produced using the method with the cutting device can be the same or random configurations.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting barbs into a suture having a filament supply. The apparatus also has an in-feed collet for holding one end of a filament threaded therethrough. Further the apparatus has an out-feed collet for holding a second end of a filament threaded therethrough. Additionally, the apparatus has a holder positioned between said in-feed and out-feed collets for holding a filament suspended between the in-feed and out-feed collets. The apparatus also has a cutting assembly for cutting barbs in the filament tensioned between the in-feed and out-feed collets.

Abstract: A breath acutated dry powder inhaler having a housing, a source of pressurized air, transfer valve which allows the release of pressurized air so as to act upon at least one dose of medicament whereupon when a user inhales through a mouthpiece it causes the transfer valve to release the pressurized air which causes the dose to be discharged through the mouthpiece to the user.

Abstract: A method and dispenser for treating a systemic disease in a patient in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprising maintaining the inspiratory flow rate and volume of the patient to a certain value and then administering a medicament aerosol formulation to the patient using a breath activated inhalation device.

Abstract: A method of treating a systemic disease in a patient in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprising maintaining the inspiratory flow rate and volume of the patient to a certain value and then administering a medicament aerosol formulation to the patient using a breath activated inhalation device.