Abstract: The invention relates to a drug delivery device, comprising: a case for retaining drug container, the drug container defining a cavity for containing a drug, wherein a stopper is slidably disposed within the container so as to displace the drug through a discharge nozzle on translation in a distal direction, an inner magnet disposable within the drug container for abutting the stopper, at least one outer magnet disposed within the case coaxially with the container and slidable in an axial direction, a trigger arrangement for advancing the outer magnet in a distal direction on actuation, wherein the outer magnet and inner magnet are arranged for magnetically interacting through the drug container wall such the outer magnet advances the inner magnet on trigger actuation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for determining a position (x) of a stopper relative to a container in a drug delivery device, comprising an acoustic source configured to emit an acoustic signal and an acoustic sensor configured to detect an acoustic signal, a processing unit for controlling the acoustic source and processing the detected acoustic signal for determining characteristics of the acoustic signal correlated with the position (x) of the stopper. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining a position (x) of a stopper relative to a container in a drug delivery device, the method comprising the steps of emitting an acoustic signal from an acoustic source, detecting an acoustic signal caused by the emitted acoustic signal by means of an acoustic sensor, and processing the detected acoustic signal for determining characteristics of the acoustic signal correlated with the position (x) of the stopper by means of a processing unit.

Abstract: This invention is a process for the manufacture of a plant viral capsid to be used for the targeted delivery of therapeutics to diseased cells. The process uses a plant virus as the starting material. The choice of the plant virus overcomes a problem in the manufacture of a uniform starting material. The final product has an advantage over other plant virus-based delivery systems in that the plant virus selected has a natural structure that is resistant to breakdown during the delivery process. This system takes advantage of the reversible divalent cation switch that this capsid employs to assemble and disassemble.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linear actor arrangement, comprising a linear actor with two ends whose distance is variable depending on an energizing of the linear actor, wherein each end is attached to a respective first or second coupling element which engage a coupling surface, wherein the coupling surface and the coupling elements exhibit mating surface structures in such a manner that the coupling elements are prevented from moving in a direction while being allowed to move in an opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stopper arrangement for a drug delivery device, comprising a stopper, a linear actor coupled with one end to the stopper and with an opposite end to a coupling arrangement, wherein the stopper arrangement is configured to be disposed within a container of a drug delivery device, wherein a shape and/or material of the stopper and the coupling arrangement are configured such that a first frictional force between the coupling arrangement and the container is lower than a frictional force between the stopper and the container when the linear actor is contracting and that second frictional force between the coupling arrangement and the container is greater than the frictional force between the stopper and the container when the linear actor is expanding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug delivery device, comprising a control unit, a drive unit, a pressurizing medium container arranged to contain a pressurizing liquid, a drug container arranged to contain a drug and a discharge nozzle, wherein the drive unit when controlled and energized by the control unit is arranged to generate a pressure gradient in the pressurizing liquid thereby propagating the pressure to the drug container and at least partially displacing the drug from the drug container through the discharge nozzle, wherein the drive unit is arranged as an electro-osmotic actor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug delivery device, comprising: a case for retaining drug container, the drug container defining a cavity for containing a drug, wherein a stopper is slidably disposed within the container so as to displace the drug through a discharge nozzle on translation in a distal direction, an inner magnet disposable within the drug container for abutting the stopper, at least one outer magnet disposed within the case coaxially with the container and slidable in an axial direction, a trigger arrangement for advancing the outer magnet in a distal direction on actuation, wherein the outer magnet and inner magnet are arranged for magnetically interacting through the drug container wall such the outer magnet advances the inner magnet on trigger actuation.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention is an agricultural composition comprising nanoparticles, an agrochemical active ingredient in the nanoparticles, and optionally (but in some embodiments preferably) a carrier for the nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles are viral particles or capsids, particularly plant viral particles or capsids. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises an inert or biodegradable carrier (e.g., a solid carrier) to which the nanoparticles are bound or in which the nanoparticles are suspended. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises inert or biodegradable polymer fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a medical liquid includes a treatment machine having a coupling surface and a flexible mat arranged on the coupling surface, with a cassette made of a hard part having liquid-conducting passages therein which are covered by a flexible film that is couplable to the coupling surface of the treatment machine via the flexible mat. The apparatus includes an element for monitoring a fault-free coupling to the cassette at the coupling surface by determining a difference of the pressure between the cassette and the flexible mat and the pressure between the flexible mat and the coupling surface. A method for checking the leak tightness of the fault-free coupling employs the apparatus.

Abstract: A fluid drug delivery system comprises a rigid shell having an inner sidewall, an opening and a passage as well as a collapsible cartridge with a distal end and a proximal end. The collapsible cartridge is arranged within the shell with its distal end being closer to the opening than the proximal end. It further comprises a first portion including the proximal end and a second portion including the distal end. The second portion is recoilable from the inner sidewall to urge a fluid, which comprises a drug and is contained in the collapsible cartridge, to the passage of the rigid shell. Further, the rigid shell and the collapsible cartridge are co-extruded.

Abstract: This invention is a process for the manufacture of a plant viral capsid to be used for the targeted delivery of therapeutics to diseased cells. The process uses a plant virus as the starting material. The choice of the plant virus overcomes a problem in the manufacture of a uniform starting material. The final product has an advantage over other plant virus-based delivery systems in that the plant virus selected has a natural structure that is resistant to breakdown during the delivery process. This system takes advantage of the reversible divalent cation switch that this capsid employs to assemble and disassemble.

Abstract: The disclosure details the implementation of apparatuses, methods and systems for an on Demand Test Facility Provider System (DTFPS). The DTFPS enables the deployment of testing facilities on demand. Generally, the invention enables interactions between four actors: a testing authority, a testing provider, a testing facility, and a test candidate. The testing authority is a body having the credentials and authority to conduct testing over a pool of candidates. The test provider is a service provider arranging for the administration of testing. The test provider offloads the logistics of test administration from the testing authority and coordinates with test facilities, candidates, and the testing authority to provide the administration of various tests. Various components of the DTFPS take on the role of a test provider enabling the administration of a wide spectrum of tests for different groups of people.