Abstract: A method and device are described for applying a microprotrusion member (44) including a plurality of microprotrusions (90) to the stratum corneum with impact. The method and device are used to improve transport of an agent across the skin for agent delivery or sampling. The applicator (10, 60, 80) causes the microprotrusion member (44) to impact the stratum corneum with a certain amount of impact determined to effectively pierce the skin with the microprotrusions (90). The preferred applicator (10, 60, 80) impacts the stratum corneum with the microprotrusion member (44) with an impact of at least 0.05 joules per cm2 of the microprotrusion member (44) in 10 msec or less.

Abstract: A retainer (34) is provided for holding a microprotrusion member (44) for application of the microprotrusion member (44) to the stratum corneum with an impact applicator (10). The microprotrusion member (44) includes a plurality of microprotrusions (90) which penetrate the stratum corneum to improve transport of an agent across the stratum corneum.

Abstract: An applicator device (10) is provided for applying a patch (44) having an array of microprotrusions (90) to the stratum corneum. The applicator device (10) includes a device body (12) and a piston moveable within the device body (12). A cap (16) is provided on the device body (12) for activating the device (10) to impact the stratum corneum with a microprotrusion array (44,90). The device (10) is capable of being cocked by one handed operation of the user which allows the device (10) to be used by patients having neither the strength nor the manual dexterity to cock other types of applicator devices.

Abstract: The method comprises forming a dry preunit including a stack of cells. Each cell is formed by placing sequentially a conductive support sheet coated on one or both sides with a porous conductive material except at the perimeter edge surfaces, an ion permeable or semi-permeable space separator, a gasket, at least one hollow capillary tube having a melting point higher than the gasket material. Upon heating the gasket material flows, adheres to, and seals the edges of the stack creating a solid integral stack of layers of alternating electrically conductive sheet coated with a porous electrically conducting material and a separator. The gasket material creates a continuous integral external polymer enclosure having hollow capillary tubes. After an electrolyte is introduced into the preunit, the capillary tubes are sealed.