Abstract: A device for use with metered dose inhalers includes a housing configured with a void to receive a metered dose inhaler, an actuator assembly which is configured to selectively apply force to the metered dose inhaler to cause the metered dose inhaler to release medicament, and a cocking mechanism for placing the actuator assembly in an armed configuration. The device is configured to actuate the metered dose inhaler as the user inhales, thereby ensuring improved medicament delivery. Additionally, the device is configured to prevent the metered dose inhaler from remaining in a vented position.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing having a chamber including coaxially aligned inlet and outlet, a medicament cartridge located within the chamber having a passage therethrough and membranes sealing the passage having a burst pressure of less than 10 atmospheres, a manually actuatable fluid delivery device having an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a manually actuated valve located between the outlet of the fluid delivery device and the chamber inlet for delivery of fluid under pressure to the valve. The medicament respiratory delivery device of this invention may be utilized to deliver a controlled unit dose of an aerosolizable medicament on demand by first pressurizing a pressure chamber in the pressure delivery device upstream of the valve, then opening the valve to open the membranes and express the medicament through the chamber outlet.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has airflow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow in the secondary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: A device for use with metered dose inhalers includes a housing configured with a void to receive a metered dose inhaler, an actuator assembly which is configured to selectively apply force to the metered dose inhaler to cause the metered dose inhaler to release medicament, and a cocking mechanism for placing the actuator assembly in an armed configuration. The device is configured to actuate the metered dose inhaler as the user inhales, thereby ensuring improved medicament delivery. Additionally, the device is configured to prevent the metered dose inhaler from remaining in a vented position.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has airflow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow in the secondary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: An infrared thermal sensor assembly for sensing the temperature of a target, the sensor assembly including a heat sink having a bore therethrough; a thermopile housed in the bore; and a heater operative to heat the heat sink.

Abstract: An infrared thermal sensor assembly for sensing the temperature of a target, the sensor assembly including a heat sink having a bore therethrough; a thermopile housed in the bore; and a heater operative to heat the heat sink.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has a flow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow between the secondary and primary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: An infrared thermal sensor assembly for sensing the temperature of a target, the sensor assembly including a heat sink having a bore therethrough; a thermopile housed in the bore; and a heater operative to heat the heat sink.

Abstract: An inhalation device is provided for use with pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs). The device includes a mechanical mechanism for applying the force required to discharge the MDI, a breath-activated trigger for activating this mechanical mechanism, an auto-return mechanism for insuring recovery of the aerosol canister from the fired position and a dose counter for counting the doses dispensed or available. Arming of the device is achieved by removing the protective mouthpiece cover/dust cap. Activation of the MDI is set to occur at a point subsequent to the beginning of inhalation.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has a flow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow between the secondary and primary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a flow diverting means wherein the primary air flow channel is blocked for a brief period during inspiration with air flow during that period passing through a dosing chamber arrangement and connecting passage to inject medicament into the inspired air stream is provided. By diverting the inspired air stream in this fashion, powdered medicament may be provided for inhalation at a particular point in the patient's inspiration cycle, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: A breath-actuated dry powder medicament inhalator device having a housing and a conduit mounted within the housing defining an air passageway therethrough having an aperture in the sidewall thereof. A blister-type strip of sealed containers arranged in a matrix of rows and columns wherein the columns extend generally diagonally to the longitudinal axis of the strip is secured in a two-piece cage adapted for being rotatably mounted around the conduit of the inhalator device. Advancement means are provided for rotatably moving the two-piece cage and blister strip contained thereby in a generally helical pathway relative to the conduit so as to successively advance each of the sealed containers of the blister strip into registration with the conduit aperture.

Abstract: A medical capsule device for releasing a substance at a defined location in the gastrointestinal tract. The device has a capsule body defining one or more apertures in the circumferential wall thereof and a sleeve valve rotatably positioned therein having one or more corresponding apertures in the circumferential wall thereof. The sleeve valve comprises a coil and electrically connected heatable resistor which are operatively associated with an actuator member formed of a shape memory alloy responsive to heat and which will move from a non-heated first shape to a heated second shape. Actuator stop means are provided in the capsule body for being engaged by the actuator member during movement from the non-heated first shape to the heated second shape so that the actuator member movement will serve to rotate the sleeve valve to an open position.

Abstract: A medical capsule device for releasing a substance at a defined location in the gastrointestinal tract. The device has a capsule body defining one or more apertures in the circumferential wall thereof and a sleeve valve rotatably positioned therein having one or more corresponding apertures in the circumferential wall thereof. The sleeve valve comprises a coil and electrically connected heatable resistor which are operatively associated with an actuator member formed of a shape memory alloy responsive to heat and which will move from a non-heated first shape to a heated second shape. Actuator stop means are provided in the capsule body for being engaged by the actuator member during movement from the non-heated first shape to the heated second shape so that the actuator member movement will serve to rotate the sleeve valve to an open position.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for decontaminating military nerve agents and blister agents. The process involves contacting the nerve agent and blister agent, particularly clothing and other items contaminated therewith, with gaseous ozone or chlorine dioxide, whereby the agents are oxidized to non-toxic products and thereby decontaminated rapidly, e.g. within a few minutes. The treatment with ozone or chlorine dioxide does not seriously affect the mechanical properties of the contaminated materials, such as fabrics.

Abstract: Method of prevention or treatment of endometriosis wherein effective amounts of one or both of (i) gamma-linolenic acid and/or dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and (ii) 18:4 n-3 and/or one or more of the metabolites of 18:4 n-3 (20:4 n-3, 20:5 n-3, 22:5 n-3 or 22:6 n-3) are administered against endometriosis as such or in the form of an ester, salt, amide or other derivative convertible in the body thereto, alone or in an acceptable pharmaceutical carrier or diluent.

Abstract: Method of producing biodegradable prostheses comprising a composite of resorbable fibers reinforcing a biodegradable polymer matrix and the use thereof in medical applications such as bone plates and other orthopedic devices. The fibers include ceramic powders, .beta.-TCP and CaAl and a biodegradable glass, CMP.

Abstract: A disposable, spermicide-releasing intravaginal contraceptive barrier formed from a homogeneous blend mixture of a thermoplastic polymer, a water-soluble polymer and a spermicide which is released at a controlled rate sufficient to provide contraceptive action for a period of up to 48 hours and methods of making the same.