Abstract: A hardware state machine connected to a processor, the hardware state machine configured to receive operational codes from the processor; a multiplexer connected to the processor, the hardware state machine and a checksum circuit, the multiplexer configured to receive data from the processor; and a transmit circuit connected to the multiplexer, the transmit circuit configured to receive data from the multiplexer for transmission to a far end device, wherein the hardware state machine is further configured to, responsive receiving one or more operational codes from the processor: cause the checksum circuit to alter a checksum value of a first data packet being transmitted by the transmit circuit; and cause the transmit circuit to preempt transmission of the first data packet and begin transmitting a second data packet once the checksum value so altered has been transmitted from the transmit circuit.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler dispenses a partial dosage of a powder from a dry powder chamber during a single user inhalation. In certain embodiments, the dry powder chamber is a dry powder capsule that spins in a chamber with a protrusion for limiting the spin of the capsule. In certain embodiments, a capsule slides in a proximal and distal direction for dispensing partial dosages of powder medicament. Air inlets in communication whit the external environment can be included in the inhaler housing for generating a smooth inhalation experience for the user and facilitating operation of partial dosage mechanisms. In other embodiments, a hinged member, sliding member, rotating member, spring tensioned member, pressure actuated valve, dry powder chamber with patterned holes or combinations of these are used as a mechanism for dispensing a partial dosage of powder medicament during a single inhalation.

Abstract: A device for accessing dry powder within a sealed chamber is described. The device includes a hollow housing having a proximal end opening, a primary distal end opening and a secondary distal end opening, at least one wing structure extending from the outer surface of the housing that is positioned distally from the primary distal opening. Also described is a dry powder inhaler having a housing, a penetrating component for accessing dry powder within a sealed chamber, and a mouthpiece, where the mouthpiece is connected to the proximal end opening of the penetrating component, and wherein the at least a portion of the distal end of the penetrating component is positioned within the inhaler housing.

Abstract: Described is a dry powder inhaler for inhalation of a dry powder composition. The inhaler includes an external housing that defines an internal passage. The inhaler also includes a mouthpiece, a compartment for holding a dry powder capsule or powder reservoir, and a powder fluidization and deagglomeration apparatus for directing airflow to the dry powder to generate airborne powder particles within the internal passage. When a user inhales through the mouthpiece, a first airflow pattern is generated that has a first airflow resistance, during which the fluidization and deagglomeration apparatus generates airborne dry powder particles within the internal passage. Upon reaching a threshold negative pressure value within the internal passage of the inhaler, a second airflow pattern is generated having a second airflow resistance that is lower than the first airflow resistance, which pulls the airborne dry powder into the user's lungs during the inhalation. Embodiments of elastomeric valves are also described.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler dispenses a partial dosage of a powder from a dry powder chamber during a single user inhalation. In certain embodiments, the dry powder chamber is a dry powder capsule that spins in a chamber with a protrusion for limiting the spin of the capsule. In certain embodiments, a capsule slides in a proximal and distal direction for dispensing partial dosages of powder medicament. Air inlets in communication whit the external environment can be included in the inhaler housing for generating a smooth inhalation experience for the user and facilitating operation of partial dosage mechanisms. In other embodiments, a hinged member, sliding member, rotating member, spring tensioned member, pressure actuated valve, dry powder chamber with patterned holes or combinations of these are used as a mechanism for dispensing a partial dosage of powder medicament during a single inhalation.

Abstract: Described is a dry powder inhaler for inhalation of a dry powder composition. The inhaler includes an external housing that defines an internal passage. The inhaler also includes a mouthpiece, a compartment for holding a dry powder capsule or powder reservoir, and a powder fluidization and deagglomeration apparatus for directing airflow to the dry powder to generate airborne powder particles within the internal passage. When a user inhales through the mouthpiece, a first airflow pattern is generated that has a first airflow resistance, during which the fluidization and deagglomeration apparatus generates airborne dry powder particles within the internal passage. Upon reaching a threshold negative pressure value within the internal passage of the inhaler, a second airflow pattern is generated having a second airflow resistance that is lower than the first airflow resistance, which pulls the airborne dry powder into the user's lungs during the inhalation. Embodiments of elastomeric valves are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.

Abstract: An aerosolization device comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet and an airway extending from the inlet to the outlet. A valve in the airway comprises a piezoelectric element which controls the valve, and a reservoir in communication with the airway is adapted to contain a pharmaceutical formulation so that the pharmaceutical formulation may be introduced into the airway and passed through the outlet in an aerosolized form. The piezoelectric element may alternatively or additionally be used to sense a condition in the aerosolization device.

Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a container containing a pharmaceutical formulation, the pharmaceutical formulation comprising an active agent and a propellant. The aerosolization apparatus further comprises a metering chamber in communication with the container, the metering chamber adapted to hold a metered amount of the pharmaceutical formulation, a valve to allow the metered amount of the pharmaceutical formulation to be released from the metering chamber when the valve is actuated, and a pressurizer that applies pressure to the pharmaceutical formulation in the metering chamber while the pharmaceutical formulation is being released from the metering chamber. In one version, the metering chamber is sized so that at least 2 mg, and preferably at least 5 mg, of the active agent is be aerosolized for delivery to a user during inhalation.