Abstract: A device for dispensing medication in an aerosol form from an MDI which is activated by a source of compressed air which is pressurized by a compression piston in associate with a cocking lever which also acts as a mouthpiece cover wherein the device automatically discharges the medication upon inhalation on the mouthpiece. The device also has a detachable component for alternative use as a press and breathe type inhaler.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler having a housing, at least one single dose storage chamber able to contain a single unit dose, a discharge path adjacent the storage chamber, and a flexible and bendable seal plate closing the discharge path. When an air flow under pressure is applied to the top of the dose, the top seal is broken and the dose is driven against the seal plate which deflects away, allowing the powder of the dose to be driven into and along the discharge path. The air flow causes the seal plate (in the discharge path) to vibrate, which acts to break up the dose into particles of preferred size, as the dose is carried along with the air flow and delivered to a patient.

Abstract: The metering valve which includes a material reservoir formed generally above a load bearing bottom hollow, with a toroidal gas chamber formed thereabout. Both the gas chamber and the material reservoir include metering spindles which allow the material to be dispensed and gas to be mixed precisely in a mixing chamber, and dispensed through an orifice.

Abstract: A spacer used with aerosol inhalers designed to lower plume force to comfortable levels and to be compact in size in order to conveniently fit in a pocket or purse as part of a drug delivery/actuator system with the geometry and material of the spacer have been selected to provide easy attachment to inhalers, to minimize drug retention, and to provide efficient dose delivery.

Abstract: An inhalation activated device or dispenser is disclosed. In particular, the dispenser comprises a housing for containing an aerosol canister containing a medication wherein the canister is moveably contained in the housing upon inhalation by the patient whereby a metered dose of a spray is initiated and a controlled period of time is established by a dwell means.

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 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 spacer used with aerosol inhalers designed to lower plume force to comfortable levels and to be compact in size in order to conveniently fit in a pocket or purse as part of a drug delivery/actuator system with the geometry and material of the spacer have been selected to provide easy attachment to inhalers, to minimize drug retention, and to provide efficient dose delivery.

Abstract: A pressure swirl atomizer for providing a low-plume aerosolized spray of liquids, solutions or other suspension which includes a swirl chamber which create shear forces which causes the spray to aerosolize.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler having a housing, at least one single dose storage chamber able to contain a single unit dose, a discharge path adjacent the storage chamber, and a flexible and bendable seal plate closing the discharge path. When an air flow under pressure is applied to the top of the dose, the top seal is broken and the dose is driven against the seal plate which deflects away, allowing the powder of the dose to be driven into and along the discharge path. The air flow causes the seal plate (in the discharge path) to vibrate, which acts to break up the dose into particles of preferred size, as the dose is carried along with the air flow and delivered to a patient.

Abstract: A device for dispensing medication in an aerosol form from an MDI which is activated by a source of compressed air which is pressurized by a compression piston in associate with a cocking lever which also acts as a mouthpiece cover wherein the device automatically discharges the medication upon inhalation on the mouthpiece. The device also has a detachable component for alternative use as a press and breathe type inhaler.

Abstract: A device for dispensing medication in an aerosol form from an MDI. The device is pre-loaded so as to automatically discharge the medication upon inhalation on the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The metering valve which includes a material reservoir formed generally above a load bearing bottom hollow, with a toroidal gas chamber formed thereabout. Both the gas chamber and the material reservoir include metering spindles which allow the material to be dispensed and gas to be mixed precisely in a mixing chamber, and dispensed through an orifice.

Abstract: A water flow-sensing device includes an assembly with a stationary metering rod with a cylindrical portion and a conical portion and a relatively moveable element in the shape of a hollow cylindrical toroid. The relatively moveable element is biased by a spring to a rest position wherein the cylindrical portion of the stationary metering rod blocks flow through the relatively moveable element. During fluid flow, fluid pressure moves the relatively moveable element so that the conical portion of the stationary metering rod is within the hollow portion of the relatively moveable element thereby creating a flow area and allowing flow therethrough. A toroidal ferrite is biased against the relatively moveable element and moves in unison therewith. The position of the toroidal ferrite is electromagnetically determined thereby allowing for a calculation of the fluid flow therethrough. Low flowrates indicative of a trickle leak and large flowrates indicative of a large leak can be detected.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler including a mechanism for agitating the medicament formulation prior to its separation in a measured dose, for administration to a mammal, including a human. The separated dose is a homogeneous mixture of prescribed medicine in a fluid carrier.

Abstract: A solid state microanemometer is micromachined from a bonded silicon wafer comprising two silicon layers. The microanemometer comprises a first semiconductor wafer doped with an impurity having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface with a peripheral edge; and a second semiconductor wafer bonded to the first semiconductor wafer having an upper planar surface; a lower surface; and a cavity having a peripheral edge and a peripheral margin defined on the upper planar surface and bounded by the peripheral edge of the cavity wherein the lower planar surface of the first semiconductor is bonded to the peripheral margin of the cavity so as to at least partially close the cavity wherein 0.025 to 99% of the peripheral edge of the lower planar surface of the first semiconductor overlaps with the peripheral edge of the cavity.

Abstract: A domestic water valve assembly protects against water leaks by closing a valve if a leak is detected. A leak is detected when a water flow rate falls below a predetermined low flow rate for a length of time longer than a predetermined time-out period or when the water flow rate exceeds a predetermined high flow rate. The predetermined high flow rate, low flow rate, and time-out period may be changed by an operator. When a leak is detected, a control system activates an electric motor to close a valve, the valve remaining closed until reset by the operator.