Abstract: A posture improvement device, system, and method. The system for improving posture may comprise: a sensor device; posture improvement software program, comprising a posture improvement system interface; and one or more user devices. The sensor device may be physically associated with a user and may communicate with the posture improvement software program. The sensor device may comprise: one or more sensors for monitoring positions and movements of the user. The system may calculate one or more optimum postural positions for the user, based on data communicated by the sensor device and collected information about the user. The system may monitor a conformance of the user with the optimum postural positions and may display the conformance on the posture improvement system interface. The system may detect and notify the user of one or more non-conformances, such that a user is reminded to maintain at least one optimum postural position.

Abstract: An adapter for fitting to a drug delivery device, the adapter including: an outlet for communication with the mouth of a patient; an air flow path through the adapter along which air is drawn to the outlet by inhalation by the patient; an inlet adapted for connection to a mouthpiece of the drug delivery device; and an air flow rate indicator operable to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level suitable for delivery of the drug to the patient. A drug delivery device having, in its body, an air flow rate indicator operable to indicate when the air flow rate along the air flow path is at or above a predetermined minimum level suitable for delivery of the drug to the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices that may be used to incentivize inhaler use.

Abstract: A compliance monitoring module for a breath-actuated inhaler comprising: a miniature pressure sensor, a sensor port of said sensor being pneumatically coupled to a flow channel through which a user can inhale; a processor configured to: receive a signal originating from a dosing mechanism of the inhaler indicating that medication has been released; receive data from a sensing element of the sensor; and based on said signal from said dosing mechanism and said data from said sensing element, make a determination that inhalation of a breath containing medication through said flow channel complies with one or more predetermined requirements for successful dosing; and a transmitter configured to, responsive to said determination, issue a dosing report.

Abstract: A method, an electronic device, a system and an information storage medium for practicing and/or controlling an inhalation process of a patient. The method involves quantifying an airflow in a mouthpiece of an inhaler during an inhalation process of the patient using an inhalation training device, evaluating an airflow signal received from the inhalation training device via an electronic device and providing visual feedback to the patient with the electronic device, the visual feedback varying with one or more time-variant characteristics of the evaluated airflow signal. The electronic device is configured for evaluation of an airflow signal received from an inhalation training device and for provision of visual feedback to the patient, the visual feedback varying with one or more time-variant characteristics of the evaluated signal. The inhalation training system comprises an inhalation training device, an inhaler and the electronic device.

Abstract: A metered droplet medicament delivery device for delivering metered doses of medicament includes a proximal part and a distal part having opposite distal and proximal ends; a medicament container with a movable stopper; and a dose delivery mechanism that includes a plunger rod, operably arranged to act on the stopper. The proximal and distal parts are releasably connectable to each other. The proximal part includes a medicament container holder accommodating the medicament container, and the distal part includes the dose delivery mechanism. A plunger rod positioning member is engageable with a proximal end of the plunger rod and with a proximal area of the distal part for positioning the plunger rod in a longitudinal direction in relation to the proximal area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing a realistic training environment for health care and patient care providers using a simulated medical device. The method can include actuating a first actuator of the simulated medical device that turns on the device and then actuating a second actuator of the device, where, in response to the actuation of the second actuator, the user is prompted to simulate scanning a bar code. In response to actuating a third actuator, a light can illuminate. The method can further include inserting a test strip into a slot of the device and, in response to the insertion of the test strip, the device can initiate a pre-set timer countdown where, at the completion of the countdown, the visual display can display a simulated medical value.

Abstract: A posture and breathing improvement device, system, and method. The system for improving posture and deep breathing may comprise: a sensor device; posture/breathing improvement software program, comprising one, both, or a combination of a posture improvement system interface and a breathing improvement system interface; and one or more user devices. The sensor device may be physically associated with a user and may communicate with the posture improvement software program. The sensor device may comprise: one or more sensors for monitoring positions and movements of the user. The system may calculate one or more optimum postural positions and breathing exercises for the user, based on data communicated by the sensor device and collected information about the user. The system may monitor a conformance of the user with the optimum postural positions and may display the conformance on the posture improvement system interface.

Abstract: An inhalation training device and inhalation training system for practicing of an inhalation process of a patient. The inhalation training device has a that is housing attachable to and detachable from a mouthpiece of an inhaler designed to provide a drug to the patient and a microphone adapted to measure the airflow occurring in the mouthpiece of the inhaler during an inhalation process of the patient. The inhalation training system includes the inhalation training device, an inhaler and an electronic device configured for evaluation of a signal received from the inhalation training device and for visual and/or audio feedback to the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for dermal spraying includes a portable, hand-held skin care device with disposable formulation capsules that spray a formulation unto the skin. The device is set to maximize absorption and provide professional and uniform quality of application. The device receives, clamps and identifies the formulation capsules and its contents. Control circuitry regulates the formulation delivery. This assures the quantity, proportion, speed and timing of the application of the cosmetic formulation, including self-cleaning cycle operation and single button control logic. The capsule enables convenience and sterility from use of disposable capsules at home. Preferably the capsules contain a cosmetic or cosmeceutical formulation. The capsule has a sealed body having any of a variety of suitable shapes such as the general shape of a cylinder with two ends having hemispherical caps.

Abstract: A collapsible inhalation device for use with a metered dose inhaler (MDI) dispenser includes an outlet end member, an inlet end member and a tubular, pliable, collapsible sleeve member attached at either end to the inlet and outlet members. The outlet end member includes a mouthpiece. The inlet end member includes an inlet port and an MDI dispenser mount structure configured to receive and engage the MDI dispenser. The inhalation device is positionable in each of an open position, wherein the sleeve member defines a chamber, and a closed position, wherein the sleeve member is collapsed and enveloped by the outlet end member and the inlet end member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods that may be used to supplement inhaler use.

Abstract: An inhalation training device and inhalation training system for practicing of an inhalation process of a patient. The inhalation training device has a that is housing attachable to and detachable from a mouthpiece of an inhaler designed to provide a drug to the patient and a microphone adapted to measure the airflow occurring in the mouthpiece of the inhaler during an inhalation process of the patient. The inhalation training system includes the inhalation training device, an inhaler and an electronic device configured for evaluation of a signal received from the inhalation training device and for visual and/or audio feedback to the patient.

Abstract: A personal exercise apparatus that allows simultaneous simulation of mild to high altitude environments with algorithmically driven environmental stressors that may be pre-programmed or personally developed via physiological feedback during training. Additional stressors include an ability to transiently alter pressure in a chamber of the personal exercise apparatus at variable frequencies and amplitudes with a range of changes with an option of random pressure oscillations designed to personalize training programs. The additional stressors further include small variations in inspired CO2 levels and temperature allowing individuals to simulate breathing and temperature conditions in preparation for desired environmental conditions.

Abstract: A portable hyperbaric chamber with a vertical mounting system includes an inflatable enclosure which is vertically positioned by a rigid base. An internal frame also functions as an additional mounting system so that the inflatable enclosure can be vertically positioned during pressurized and not pressurized instances. A plurality of fill valves allows the inflatable enclosure to be pressurized from externally positioned compressors, and the inside pressure of the inflatable enclosure is measured and displayed through a pressure gauge. The inside pressure can be controlled from a dump valve, a low pressure relief valve, and a high pressure relief valve so that the proper operating pressure can be maintained with the hyperbaric chamber.

Abstract: A vapor inhalation device includes a first body portion defining a first chamber and a second body portion defining a second chamber provided at least partially within the first chamber, where the second body portion has at least one aperture placing the second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. An intake conduit defines a first air passageway from an exterior of the first body portion to within the second chamber. An output conduit has a proximal end located within the first chamber, a distal end opposite the proximal end and located at the exterior of the first body portion, is physically coupled to the first body portion at a location different from the proximal end of the output conduit, and defines a second air passageway extending from within the first chamber to the exterior of the body portion.

Abstract: An inhaler, such as a breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler, for delivering medicament to a patient. The inhaler includes a housing for holding the medicament and having an air inlet and a medicament delivery port which together define an air flow path into which the medicament is dispensed. The air inlet includes an array of elongate apertures formed in the housing, the long sides of adjacent apertures facing each other. Each aperture is provided with a respective different opening in an outer surface of the housing. The opening of each aperture extends in two different planes such that, if at least a part of the opening is covered in one of the two different planes during inhalation by the patient, a void space is created between the cover and the aperture so as to provide an air flow path through the void space to the at least one aperture.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medicament delivery assembly that has a mouthpiece provided with an air amplifier and a primer source, where the mouthpiece and the air amplifier are each connected to the primer source via an actuatable valve. The air amplifier is also provided with a medicament extraction tube such that when the actuatable valve is opened, the primer source is activated and causes air to flow to the air amplifier. There is also described a method of administering a medicament using such a medicament delivery assembly.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: An actuator for an inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, comprising: a housing for receiving a canister which comprises a body which includes a base and a head and defines a chamber containing medicament, and a valve stem which extends from the body and from which medicament is in use delivered on actuation of the canister; an outlet through which a user in use inhales; and a nozzle assembly which provides for delivery of medicament through the outlet, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle block which receives the valve stem of the canister and, as a separately-formed component, a nozzle outlet which is fluidly connected to the nozzle block and includes an outlet orifice from which medicament is in use delivered.

Abstract: A blister pack for use with inhalation therapy inhalers comprises an elongate bottom element having an overlying top element defining a plurality of spaced top crowned areas containing powder or liquid medications or drugs.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser for use with plural elongate form medicament carriers, each having multiple distinct medicament dose portions carried thereby, the dispenser having a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the distinct medicament dose portions carried by each of the plural medicament carriers. The mechanism comprises a receiving station for receiving each of the plural medicament carriers; a release for releasing a distinct medicament dose portion from each of the plural medicament carriers on receipt thereof by the receiving station; an outlet, positioned to be in communication with the distinct medicament dose portions releasable by said a release; and an indexer for individually indexing the distinct medicament dose portions of each of the plural medicament carriers.

Abstract: A hyperbaric exercise facility is provided allowing a persons to perform exercises and other activities at increased pressures along with controlled levels of oxygen. Additionally, a catastrophe shelter is provided to protect its occupants from peril.

Abstract: A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO2 sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO2 level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: An inhaler includes an accurate and consistent mechanical dose metering system that dispenses dry powdered medicament in discrete amounts or doses for patient inhalation, a pressure relief system that manages pressure within a medicament reservoir of the inhaler to ensure consistently dispensed doses, and a dose counting system indicating the number of doses dispensed by or remaining in the inhaler.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber containing beads. A dose of dry powder is released into the chamber, or into an inlet tangentially joining into the chamber. As the patient inhales on a nosepiece or mouthpiece, air moves circularly through the dispersion chamber to drive the beads. The beads roll, bounce, and collide repeatedly with the drug particles on the chamber surfaces or on the beads. The smaller active drug particles are separated from larger carrier particles and from each other, and a powder aerosol is created and inhaled by the patient. The beads are preferably lightweight, so that they can be rapidly accelerated and moved, even with nominal inspiration. The flow resistance of the inhaler is also reduced via the beads, allowing greater airflow and powder dispersion, without any increased effort by the patient.

Abstract: A blister pack for use with inhalation therapy inhalers comprises an elongate bottom element having an overlying top element defining a plurality of spaced top crowned areas containing powder or liquid medications or drugs.

Abstract: Self Contained Aerosol Dual Delivery System (SCADDS) is a pocket-sized inhaler for delivering inhaled therapeutic or recreational aerosols simultaneously and separately via oral and nasal routes. A handle assembly has a removable mouthpiece, cartridge penetration needles, puncture needle protective cover, a shuttle, a cam, valves and conduits from the penetration needles to the individual nozzles for oral and nasal inhalation. A cartridge contains separate reservoirs of solutions for oral and nasal inhalation. The reservoirs, impermeable bags with fluid and dissolved gas in solution, are punctured when the cartridge is attached to the handle assembly. Inhalation slides the shuttle toward the mouthpiece and opens the valves to release solution. The oral aerosol is inhaled into the lungs while the nasal aerosol provides a pleasant aroma.

Abstract: A metered dosage inhaler device having a first member for receiving and dispensing inhalation medication which is hollow, and has an aerosol medication container insertion end and having a nozzle end for spraying medication into a mouth of a user, wherein the nozzle end has a defined length and has an orifice with a defined cross-sectional area outlet surfaces, inner surfaces and a defined outer perimeter at its termination. There is a second member, the second member which is a spacer fitted on the nozzle and adapted to move outwardly and inwardly relatively to the nozzle, the spacer being hollow and being located about either outer surfaces or within the inner surfaces of the nozzle, the spacer having a total length about equal to or less than the nozzle so as to preserve significant compactness when the spacer is moved inwardly relative to the nozzle. The spacer includes a plurality of movable segments such as telescopic ring segments.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) comprises a can (2) and body (3). The can is an aluminum extrusion with a valve crimped into its mouth, the valve having an outlet spout (4). The crimped region (5) of the can surrounding the valve has a lesser diameter than the can has through the main part (6) of its length. The body has a mouthpiece (11) with a pivotal cover (12) drivingly connected to a cam (13). This bears on the underside of junction member (14), into a socket (15) of which the spout 4 fits. A breath actuated dose release mechanism (16) is provided. The body has a tubular section (7) for receiving the necked down region (5) of the can. A printed paper label (21) is wrapped around the joint between the body and the can to unite the can to the body in position such that when the cover is opened, a dose is dispensed by the cam (13) lifting the junction member and depressing the spout.

Abstract: A dosing device with an electromechanical interface is provided. The dosing device includes delivery means, a medium reservoir and an applicator, on the one hand, and a control unit and electrical energy store, on the other hand, in separate structural units. Guide means are provided for fitting one of the structural units into the other structural unit. The guide means has an electromechanical interface for coupling and/or uncoupling relative to the control unit and/or energy store without using tools.

Abstract: A device for the controlled inhalation of therapeutic aerosols comprises means providing individual patient parameters and/or aerosol parameters for the inhalation. The aerosol doses, such as the tidal volume and the respiratory flow, are individually adjusted on the basis of these individual parameters. Thus, the inhalation device may be individually adjusted to the patient to be treated.

Abstract: A liquid medication cartridge includes an accommodating portion for accommodating a liquid medication; a liquid discharge portion having a discharge port for discharging the liquid medication by using an ink jet technique, a communicating member for establishing communication between the accommodating portion and the liquid discharge portion and a filling member for filling the liquid discharge portion with the liquid medication.

Abstract: A flashlight for dispensing a substance from an aerosol canister, the flashlight including an elongated housing having a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis, the aerosol canister being slidably received within the housing. At least one light emitting diode disposed approximate the front end of the housing and an elongated spray tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the aerosol canister and the spray tube extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis such that the distal end extends beyond the front end of the housing.

Abstract: There is described a medicament delivery assembly which comprises mouthpiece provided with an air amplifier and a primer source, wherein the mouthpiece and the air amplifier are each is connected to the primer source via an actuatable valve; the air amplifier is also provided with a medicament extraction tube such that when the actuatable valve is opened then the primer source is activated and causes air to flow to the air amplifier. There is also described a method of administering a medicament which comprises the use of such a medicament delivery assembly.

Abstract: A method of controlling unpleasant human breath odor. The method includes the steps of: providing a breath treatment unit that is configured to be hand-holdable by a user; through the hand-holdable breath treatment unit, directing into the user's mouth a quantity of a breath treating substance; and discharging the breath treating substance through the hand-holdable breath treatment unit.

Abstract: An atomization device comprises a conduit containing liquid to be atomized, a spray electrode (1) and a discharge electrode (3). Each electrode is adjacent to a dielectric (5) and they are connected in an electrical circuit (10) to enable a potential difference to be applied between them to atomize the liquid and to generate charge carriers of a first polarity in the proximity of the spray electrode (1) and ions of a second polarity in the proximity of the discharge electrode (3). Some of the first polarity charge carriers deposit on the dielectric adjacent to the spray electrode (1) and some of the second polarity ions deposit on the dielectric (5) adjacent to the discharge electrode (3) so that the atomized liquid is repelled from the dielectric (5) adjacent to the spray electrode (1) and electrically discharged by second polarity ions that are repelled by the dielectric (5) adjacent to the discharge electrode (3).

Abstract: A method and a device for making a metered dry powder medication dose, enclosed in a dose container, accessible for inhalation with a minimum of exposure to ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body (1), a reservoir unit (3) having a reservoir containing one dose or two half-doses of fluid, a dispensing member mounted to move axially inside the reservoir (3) between a rest position and a dispensing position, and an actuating element (5) that is mounted to move between a rest position and an actuating position. The actuating element (5) is disposed laterally, and has an end portion provided with a cam surface (6) which co-operates with the dispensing member (8) or the reservoir unit (3), the actuating element (5) being moved in a direction that is different from, and in particular substantially perpendicular to, the axial direction in which the dispensing member (8) moves relative to the reservoir.

Abstract: An ultrasonic nebulizer for producing high-volume sub-micron droplets is disclosed. The ultrasonic nebulizer utilizes a 3 or 5 MHz frequency as an oscillation frequency for producing sub-micron droplets. The nebulizer can also use at least one piezoelectric ceramic oscillator for increasing the volume of the droplets. The ultrasonic nebulizer comprises an ac/dc converter, an oscillator circuit, an amplifying device, a nebulization chamber, and at least one piezoelectric ceramic oscillator. The ac/dc converter rectifies an ac current to a dc current. The oscillator circuit produces an oscillation signal with a frequency larger than or equal to 3 MHz. The amplifying device amplifies the oscillation signal. The nebulization chamber has a lower face for holding a liquid to be nebulized.

Abstract: A flashlight for dispensing a substance from an aerosol canister includes an elongated housing having a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis, the aerosol canister being slidably received within the housing. The flashlight also includes at least one light emitting diode disposed approximate the front end of the housing and an elongated spray tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the aerosol canister and the spray tube extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis such that the distal end extends beyond the front end of the housing.

Abstract: A blister pack for use with inhalation therapy inhalers comprises an elongate bottom element having an overlying top element defining a plurality of spaced top crowned areas containing powder or liquid medications or drugs.

Abstract: A flashlight for dispensing a substance from an aerosol canister, the flashlight including an elongated housing having a front end, a rear end, and a central longitudinal axis, the aerosol canister being slidably received and fixedly positionable within the housing. At least one light emitting diode disposed approximate the front end of the housing and an elongated spray tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the aerosol canister and the spray tube extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis such that the distal end extends beyond the front end of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a fluid product distributor comprising a reservoir of fluid product (1), a distribution outlet, a distribution system (2) for distributing fluid product through the distribution outlet, and an activating button (3) to activate the means of distribution. The distribution further comprises a visible reservoir the distribution outlet and the activating button (3) being located on either side of the reservoir (1), such that the reservoir visibly extends between the distribution outlet and the activating button.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which makes it possible for a patient to be delivered gradually reduced amounts of nicotine over time thereby allowing the patient to be gradually weaned off of dependence on nicotine and quit smoking. The system is comprised of a means for aerosolizing a formulation and containers of formulation. The formulation is comprised of nicotine in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably, a plurality of containers are produced wherein the concentration of nicotine in the different containers or different groups of containers is reduced. The patient uses containers with the highest concentration initially and gradually moves towards using containers with lower and lower concentrations of nicotine until the patient's dependence on nicotine is eliminated.

Abstract: Device for use with an inhaler, the inhaler having a body, an aerosol canister arranged in the body containing medicament, including a metered dose chamber and able to dispense a metered dose of the medicament, a nozzle in fluid communication with the canister, an opening for dispensing of the medicament in fluid communication with the nozzle. The device includes elements for activating the canister to open and dispense the medicament in response to an airflow in the inhaler caused by inhalation of a user through the opening, return elements for deactivating the canister to close it, characterized in that the return elements deactivate the canister when the airflow drops below a certain threshold value.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which makes it possible for a patient to be delivered gradually reduced amounts of nicotine over time thereby allowing the patient to be gradually weaned off of dependence on nicotine and quit smoking. The system is comprised of a means for aerosolizing a formulation and containers of formulation. The formulation is comprised of nicotine in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably, a plurality of containers are produced wherein the concentration of nicotine in the different containers or different groups of containers is reduced. The patient uses containers with the highest concentration initially and gradually moves towards using containers with lower and lower concentrations of nicotine until the patient's dependence on nicotine is eliminated.

Abstract: An improved device and method for measuring the amount of liquid to be discharged that is present in an apparatus, such as a nebulizer. A first member has holes through which the liquid passes to be nebulized. A second member is spaced from the first member so that a volume is defined in the nebulizer by the area of mutual overlap of the first and second members and the amount of spacing between them. The first and second members are formed to establish a mutual capacitance that reflects the amount of liquid in the volume. A measuring circuit measures the capacitance existing between the first and second members and hence the amount of liquid in the nebulizer. The capacitance measurement can be used to control the supply of liquid into the volume in the nebulizer.

Abstract: A storage and delivery system for directly applying nitric oxide to a user includes a portable and disposable capsule and a source of nitric oxide gas disposed within the cavity. Gas flow control apparatus controls the flow of nitric oxide gas from the cavity. Gas flow initiation apparatus allows the user to initiate the flow of nitric oxide gas. The encapsulated nitric oxide gas is applied by positioning the capsule proximate to the objective site of the user and initiating flow of the nitric oxide gas.