Abstract: A supplemental oxygen delivery system is described in which Aerosol is delivered into a housing 10, 20, which sits in the circuit from the supplemental oxygen supply and optional humidifier. The supplemental oxygen passes through this chamber 10, 20 in which the aerosol is located, and collects the aerosol transporting it to a patient via a nasal cannula 3 or a face mask 4. An aerosol generator 9 is mounted to the housing 10, 20 and delivers aerosol into an oxygen stream 13 flowing between an inlet 14 and an outlet 15 of the housing 10. The housing 10 also has a removable plug 16 in the base 17 thereof for draining any liquid that accumulates in the housing 10. There is no disruption of oxygen delivery to patients using nasal cannulas who currently have to use a separate face-mask when receiving nebulized medication.

Abstract: The dispenser has a body (1), with a mouthpiece cover (2). Opening of the cover urges a junction member (3) towards a source (4) of a medicament to be released as a dose by pressing a spout (5) of the source inwards of the source. The source is supported by a cap (11) clipped to the end of a source-enclosing barrel (12) with intern al splines (10). The barrel is welded (15) to the main to part (16) of the body at a position determined by the extension of the source towards the distal end (17) of the barrel when the cover is open, the welding position being determined by a plug (18) simulating the cap and its bush.

Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fluid channel air inlet and fluid channel air inlet valve responsive to either a manual force external of the nebulizer, or a patient's breathing, to begin the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid channel air inlet valve against a fluid channel air inlet so that a negative pressure may build up over the fluid in the fluid channel to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and begin nebulization during inhalation.

Abstract: A liquid tank (14) for an aerosol inhalator has a reservoir channel (68) opening into air at one end thereof and containing flavor solution (L) inside; a supply pipe (48) connecting the other end of the reservoir channel (68) to an inhalation passage (4) of the aerosol inhalator and guiding the flavor solution (L) to the inhalation passage (4) through either one of inhalation pressure in the inhalation passage (4) and capillary action; and an outflow valve (26) located between the other end of the reservoir channel (68) and the supply pipe (48), for allowing only the flow of the flavor solution (L) running from the reservoir channel (68) towards the supply pipe (4) (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a piezoelectric transducer for aerosolizing a drug solution in a disposable cup module disposed above the transducer. Acoustic waves generated by the transducer propagate sequentially through transmitting medium, a first barrier, coupling medium, and a second barrier that forms part of the cup module, and into the interior of the cup module. The transducer at least partially comprises silver. The silver fluidly contacts the transmitting medium to discourage bacteria growth in the transmitting medium. The device includes electronics components that drive the transducer and measure an electrical characteristic associated with the transducer during operation. The electronics components measure changes in the electrical characteristic to determine when the drug solution level falls below a predetermined threshold, and deactivates the device accordingly.

Abstract: A device for administration of an aerosol includes a generator of particles of size between 10 nm and 200 um, a mouthpiece or mouth mask for oral administration of the aerosol during the nasal exhalation phase or during the respiratory pause phase preceding nasal exhalation, and a source of gas or pressure for conveying the particles. The mouthpiece is airtight, extends beyond the teeth of the patient by a maximum length of 4 cm, and administers the aerosol for the nasal cavities, the rhinopharynx or the paranasal sinuses during aerosol administration phases, such that the is successively applied to the mouth, the rhinopharynx and then the nasal fossae and the sinuses, and then the aerosol escapes via one or both of the patient's nostril. The device does not allow exhalation via the mouth during aerosol administration phases, and the aerosol particles not being directed to the lungs.

Abstract: The method and system ventilates a patient's airway during the inspiratory phase and expiratory phase from a source of pressurized gas, typically from a compressor. The system and method supplies, to the patient airway during the inspiratory phase, a plurality of pulses of small volumes of gas from the gas source, and adds, in succession, pulses of small volumes of gas to provide successively greater volumes of gas successively increasing in pulsatile form the pressure of the gas in the patient's airway. This addition of successively greater volumes of gas serves to provide diffusive ventilation to the patient during the inspiratory phase, and, permits the patient to exhale during the expiratory phase.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device is disclosed having a housing and a fluid discharge device. The fluid discharge device is arranged to be actuated by one or more levers so as to apply a force transversely to the fluid discharge device which is used to move a container forming part of the fluid discharge device along a longitudinal axis of the fluid discharge device to cause actuation of a pump forming part of the fluid discharge device. A pre-load means is used to prevent actuation of the pump until a pre-determined force is applied to each lever of sufficient magnitude to guarantee the production of a well developed efficient spray from the fluid dispensing device.

Abstract: A fluid product dispensing device has a reservoir containing fluid and dispenser head with a dispensing orifice. The reservoir moves relative to the dispenser head to cause dispensation. The reservoir is moved by a lateral actuator that pivots in relation to the dispenser head which in turn pivots an actuator link that is located in the middle of the lateral actuator which in turn is in contact with the reservoir itself. As the lateral actuator moves, the actuator link pivots and moves the reservoir closer to the dispensing head, which causes dispensation as desired by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and processes for preparing a vial for an intranasal administration of a medicament where the vial comprises reduced oxygen content.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid ejection method and a liquid ejection apparatus which enables small droplets each of diameter at most 10 ?m to be stably ejected and which allows a sufficient number of droplets to be ejected per unit time. A heater is allowed to generate heat to eject a main droplet and a liquid column from an ejection port; the liquid column is to be separated into a plurality of sub-droplets. A relationship (L2/L1)?0.9 is set for the length L1 of the liquid column observed immediately after the liquid column has been separated from the main droplet and from a liquid in the ejection port and the length L2 of the liquid column observed immediately before the liquid column is separated into the plurality of droplets.

Abstract: A breath-controlled inhalation therapy device includes an obturation mechanism, obturating a nozzle opening through which a pressurised gas, preferably pressurised air, is issued when the device is in operation. An actuation mechanism actuates the obturation mechanism only in the exhalation phases of the respiration cycle of a patient. The fluid to be atomised is therefore substantially atomised only in the inhalation phases.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, where the method includes delivering a dose of aerosolized medicament intermittently to a ventilator circuit coupled to the respiratory system of the patient. Also, a method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, where the method includes taking the patient off a ventilator, and administering to the patient, a nebulized aerosol comprising from about 100 ?g to about 500 mg of a medicament. Also a method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, the method comprising administering an aerosolized first medicament comprising amikacin to the patient and administering, systemically a second medicament comprising an antibiotic to the patient that also treats the pulmonary disease, wherein a resulting amikacin concentration in the lung and/or pulmonary system is therapeutically-effective, and an amount of the systemically administered antibiotics is reduced.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a receptacle for containing a liquid, a liquid-drawing tube, and a hollow cover including a partition plate dividing an interior of the cover into first and second chambers, first and second conduits each having an inlet end adapted to be connected to a compressed gas supply tube, and an outlet end communicated with the first chamber, and a mist output tube communicating fluidly with the second chamber. A nebulizing unit is connected to the outlet end of the first conduit and the liquid-drawing tube for directing a first compressed gas from the first conduit to the liquid exiting from the tube to convert the liquid into a mist. The second conduit introduces into the first chamber a second compressed gas which entrains the mist when flowing to the second chamber and exiting through the mist output tube.

Abstract: The present invention is to offer a gas mist inhaler which is simple and has excellent effects by using physiological actions of carbon dioxide or oxygen.

Abstract: The present nebulizer kit has a case body having a wall surface with a linear portion. The wall surface can serve as a barrier to change positively toward an aerosol discharge port a stream of aerosol flowing out from an external air introduction path in a direction away from the aerosol discharge port.

Abstract: A conventional respiratory nebulizer has an emergency medication dose storage system delivering the stored medication dose directly to the nebulizing chamber with a single impulse of force to a simple mechanical delivery system, thereby making the nebulizer useable in two steps: (a) opening the medication capsule with a simple opening action; and (b) inhaling the nebulized medication. The delivery system includes a plunger assembly having a pair of converging blades coming to a point for piercing a medication capsule held within a docking chamber adjacent to a nebulizing mixing chamber and a hollow needle connected to an air power source directing air through said needle, to force liquid medication from said pierced medication capsule into said nebulizing mixing chamber of said nebulizer.

Abstract: A nebulizer is proposed which comprises an insertable container and a securing means for holding the container in the nebulizer such that the container can move back and forth but can not be separated. The securing means is formed by a metal unitary part. The securing means forms a transportation lock for holding the container unmovable in the housing in a delivery state of the nebulizer. The securing means forms a ring with flexible holding fingers.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a nebulizer body a relay pipe. The nebulizer body includes a connection portion that has an aerosol lead-out port to lead out aerosol, and the relay pipe includes a connection portion that has an aerosol introduction port to introduce the aerosol. The nebulizer body the relay pipe can take a first connection state in which the relay pipe detachably connected to the nebulizer body and a second connection state in which the relay pipe is connected to the nebulizer body so as to be not able to be detached from the nebulizer body. In the first connection state, the aerosol introduction port and the aerosol lead-out port are communicated with each other. In the second connection state, the aerosol lead-out port is blocked by a blocking portion provided in the relay pipe. Therefore, the nebulizer in which reuse of the nebulizer body or relay pipe is simply prohibited after the usage can be provided by the configuration.

Abstract: A high-frequency induction atomization device for delivers an atomized physiological active substance for absorption through the respiratory tract. The device includes a housing and an atomizing core (1), a high-frequency generator (6), a sensor (7) and a power supply unit (10) provided in the housing. The power supply unit (10), the sensor (7) and the high-frequency generator (6) are installed in the housing sequentially. The atomizing core (1) is inserted into the high frequency coil (3). A gap functioning as a gas flow channel is left between the atomizing core (1) and the high frequency coil (3). The electric current of the atomizing core (1) is produced by high-frequency induction. The atomizing core (1) is removable, low in cost, and easy in batch process.

Abstract: A cartridge having an ejection head for ejecting medicine and a reservoir as integral parts thereof is provided with an electric connection section on a lower surface of a junction forming section thereof to be brought into contact with an inhaler body. As the cartridge is put into the inhaler body and secured to the latter by means of a cartridge fixing member, the electric connection section of the cartridge is brought into contact with an electric connection section arranged on a top surface of a cartridge mounting section of the inhaler body to establish electric connection between the cartridge and the inhaler body.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols have little or no pyrolysis degradation products and are characterized by having an MMAD of between 1-3 microns. These aerosols are made by rapidly heating a substrate coated with a thin film of drug having a thickness of between 0.05 and 20 ?m, while passing a gas over the film, to form particles of a desirable particle size for inhalation. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided. The device contained in the kit typically, has an element for heating the drug which is coated as a film on the substrate and contains a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form, and an element allowing the vapor to cool to form an aerosol. Also disclosed, are methods for using these aerosols and kits.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are formulations of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compounds for aerosolization and use of such formulations for aerosol administration of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compounds for the prevention or treatment of various fibrotic and inflammatory diseases, including disease associated with the lung, heart, kidney, liver, eye and central nervous system. In some embodiments, pirfenidone or pyridone analog compound formulations and delivery options described herein allow for efficacious local delivery of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compound. Compositions include all formulations, kits, and device combinations described herein. Methods include inhalation procedures, indications and manufacturing processes for production and use of the compositions described.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a body having an air channel section, medication reservoir and nebulizer outlet configured to be received within an oral cavity of a patient. A nebulizer suction member encloses the body and is configured as an infant pacifier. An air line extends through the air channel section and has a venturi nozzle and at its end configured to form a low pressure mixing chamber. A primary suction line extends from the medication reservoir to the low pressure mixing chamber through which medication is drawn upward and mixed with air passing through the venturi nozzle and nebulized for discharge through the nebulizer outlet.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a body, an air channel section and medication reservoir. An air line extends through the air channel section. A venturi nozzle is configured to form at its end a low pressure mixing chamber. A primary suction line extends from the medication reservoir to the low pressure mixing chamber through which medication is drawn upward into the low pressure mixing chamber and mixed with air from the venturi nozzle and nebulized for discharge through a nebulizer outlet. The venturi nozzle, low pressure mixing chamber and air channel section are configured such that at standard temperature and pressure (STP) a differential pressure results in no medication that is drawn upward through the primary suction line for nebulization and discharged the through the nebulizer outlet until a negative inspiratory pressure is created from inhalation by a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbo-inhaler, comprising an active-liquid container (1) holding a liquid having an active ingredient dissolved therein, a nebulizer (2), by means of which liquid can be converted into an aerosol and introduced into a blade housing (3), in which a bounding dome (4) is suspended, the concave side (41) of which is directed at the nebulizer, an exhaust air duct (5), which is connected to the blade housing in the area of the convex side (42) of the bounding dome, and a supply-air guide (6), by means of which supply air can be introduced between the blade housing and the active ingredient, wherein at least one guide blade (7) is placed on the convex side of the bounding dome and spirally extends thereon.

Abstract: The sprayer device utilizes a friction held piston that fires automatically upon full depression of the firing cap. A user may procure a monodose of medicine by (i) unlocking a child resistant mechanism; (ii) applying compressive force against the firing cap to first compress the spring and then to push the piston out of a friction area such that the spring causes the distal end of the piston to break the medicine container to drive medicine through the spray nozzle. The device includes a tear-away child resistant outer locking mechanism. Different length stops meter the amount of medicine dispensed. A two cap plug cap on the proximal and distal ends of the medicine package act as pistons. A piercer attached to a proximal end of the monodose medicine package moves upwardly when the piston is fired to pierce the medicine package and to drive medicine through the spray nozzle.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for pressurized medical liquids has a reservoir for medical liquid and a pressurizing means configured for pressurizing medical liquid to a driving pressure; with a diffusion barrier arranged to float on medical liquid in the reservoir and disposed to cover substantially the entire surface of the medical liquid in the reservoir for the purpose of preventing diffusion of gas present in the reservoir into the medical liquid.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for delivering medications deeper into the lungs and to the medications' pulmonary targets, which include bronchioles and alveoli. A first particularly preferred embodiment of the invention describes the use of two steps for delivery of a medication. In a first step, an aerosolized therapeutic composition or medication is administered into a patient's respiratory tract, wherein the patient may be any animal or human subject. Following the first step, an aerosolized surfactant is administered into the patient's respiratory tract that facilitates delivery of the aerosolized medication of the first step to the medication's pulmonary target. Another embodiment of the present invention contemplates an apparatus for the delivery of an aerosolized surfactant used that facilitates delivery of previously inhaled aerosolized medication.

Abstract: A nebulizer and a method of breathing using the nebulizer is described. The nebulizer and breathing techniques are capable of delivering medicament into the sinus cavity of a user.

Abstract: A nasal nebulizer contains a main canister with at least one air exit port and an insert with at least one fluid channel. The fluid channel ends in a common bell housing above a base of the insert, which rests within the canister. The insert and the canister may form one integral unit for single usage, where a cap plugs the air exit port and the fluid channel, allowing for the transport or long-term storage of fluids within the nebulizer device. The insert may include an extension extending out to the canister and a vertical groove may extend down the fluid channel to a hole in the extension, which upon use helps create a vacuum that pulls in deflected fluid for re-use. The nebulizer may also contain a filter surrounding the tube portion near the top of the canister to catch any extraneous matter expelled from the nose during usage.

Abstract: A system for intermittent delivery of an aerosolized medicament is disclosed. The system may include an aerosol generator, a controller and a conduit. The aerosol generator may be configured to aerosolize a medicament. The controller may be configured to receive physiological characteristic information about a patient, and control the aerosol generator based at least in part on the physiological characteristic information. The conduit may be configured to supply the aerosolized medicament to the patient's airway.

Abstract: Alkaloid aminoester derivatives according to formula (I) and (VI) act as muscarinic receptor antagonists.

Abstract: A breath-controlled inhalation therapy device includes an obturation mechanism, obturating a nozzle opening through which a pressurised gas, preferably pressurised air, is issued when the device is in operation. An actuation mechanism actuates the obturation mechanism only in the exhalation phases of the respiration cycle of a patient. The fluid to be atomised is therefore substantially atomised only in the inhalation phases.

Abstract: An aerosol inhalation system includes a first conduit member for delivering medication in the form of aerosol particles to a patient. The system also includes a first device in fluid communication with the first holding chamber for producing the aerosol particles and being sealingly yet releasably received within an adapter that forms an entrance into a first holding chamber. The adapter has a compressible material disposed thereon which is at least partially compressed by insertion of the first device to form the seal between the first device and the adapter, thereby creating a closed system that is therefore capable of delivering a fixed concentration of the medication to the patient due to a valve of the valve mechanism being closed when the patient inhales and the medication is delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A method for repairing pulmonary air leaks in a lung residing in a chest cavity and having an intake air stream and an outer surface is disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: introducing a first component of a biphasic sealant component as a liquid into the intake air stream of the damaged lung; ensuring that there is a pressure differential between the intake air stream and the outer surface of the lung; and introducing a second component of a biphasic sealant component into the chest cavity. The first sealant component collects at the air leak site and forms a sealant in combination with the second sealant component.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for creating a negative bias pressure within a liquid reservoir. Embodiments may include providing a liquid reservoir coupled with an aerosol generator. The liquid reservoir may be sealed to create the sealed reservoir. An ambient pressure may be maintained while the liquid reservoir is being sealed and the ambient pressure may be maintained in the sealed liquid reservoir until a portion of the liquid is dispensed. Further, embodiments may include vibrating the aperture plate to dispense the portion of the liquid. The portion of the liquid dispensed may decreases the amount of the liquid in the sealed reservoir. By decreasing the amount of liquid in the sealed reservoir, a negative bias pressure between an air side and a liquid side of the aperture plate may be created.

Abstract: An inhaler for the propellant-free nebulization of a medicament preparation produces a low speed aerosol. The inhaler is combined with an add-on device for intermediate storage of the aerosol produced. The inhaler has a tensioning device for the one-handed tensioning of a drive spring and release thereof. The inhaler is provided with a dispensing device for large animals.

Abstract: A method and device for nasal irrigation and drug delivery wherein fluid held in a canister is atomized via a compressed air supply to create particles sized for penetration and retention in the nasal cavity under pressure that is able to stent open the soft tissues of the nose to deliver the resultant mist into the whole of the nasal passages without the need for the patient to create an airstream through inhalation. The device consists of a main canister with a reservoir to hold the fluid, two air outlets and an insert that is placed over the air outlets, the insert having at least one outlet that is larger than the holes in the air outlet and allows the fluid to be atomized and injected directly into the nasal cavity.

Abstract: A device, cartridge and method for dispensing a liquid (103), preferably a drug, are proposed. The liquid is pressurized in a cartridge to a first lower pressure and, then, pressurized in doses by a pump (117) to a second higher pressure. A valve (106) arranged between the cartridge (100) and the pump (117) is normally closed and/or opened only temporarily. Thus, evaporation and dripping of liquid can be avoided or minimized.

Abstract: A method of treating neoplasms of the nasal cavity. Fluid containing corticosteroids held in a canister is atomized via a compressed air supply to create particles sized for penetration and retention in the nasal cavity under pressure that is able to stent open the soft tissues of the nose to deliver the resultant mist into the whole of the nasal passages without the need for the patient to create an airstream through inhalation. The device consists of a main canister with a reservoir to hold the fluid, two air outlets and an insert that is placed over the air outlets, the insert having at least one outlet that is larger than the holes in the air outlet and allows the fluid to be atomized and injected directly into the nasal cavity.

Abstract: A metered-dose inhaler includes at least one vessel and an actuator for receiving the at least one vessel. The at least one vessel includes a first reservoir containing a first formulation and a second reservoir containing a second formulation. The metered-dose inhaler is actuable when the at least one vessel is received by the actuator. The metered-dose inhaler is configured to simultaneously deliver a first metered dose of the first formulation and a second metered dose of the second formulation upon actuation.

Abstract: A breath-controlled inhalation therapy device includes an obturation mechanism, obturating a nozzle opening through which a pressurized gas, preferably pressurized air, is issued when the device is in operation. An actuation mechanism actuates the obturation mechanism only in the exhalation phases of the respiration cycle of a patient. The fluid to be atomized is therefore substantially atomized only in the inhalation phases.

Abstract: A microdosing device with a dosing chamber for the at least temporary reception of a liquid quantity, and with which is associated at least one discharge opening is provided. A vibrating unit in operative connection with at least one boundary surface of the dosing chamber is provided in order to vibrate the same for a discharge process, and with a delivery function unit connected to the vibrating unit for activating the latter during a delivery time period. A drying function unit is additionally provided and can be activated in time-separated manner with respect to the delivery function unit in order to free the dosing chamber from liquid residues.

Abstract: A delivery device (10) for the delivery of at least one dose of a composition into a nasal cavity, the device has a discharge member (12) formed for insertion into a nasal cavity, a discharge aperture (20) being formed therethrough and a body (14) containing a reservoir (24) of at least one dose, the body is elongated and generally extending along a longitudinal axis (16), wherein the discharge member (12) extends along a secondary axis (18), the secondary axis (18) intersecting with, and being disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis (16).

Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer, in one embodiment, includes a fluid channel air inlet and fluid channel air inlet valve responsive to either a manual force external of the nebulizer, or a patient's breathing, to begin the nebulization process. The nebulizer also includes a fluid return channel to a fluid source, such as a removable vial, containing fluid to be aerosolized.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates a liquid reservoir incorporated within a main canister that also has an air inlet and at least one air outlet. An insert mates with the air outlet, forming a nozzle that can be inserted into the nasal cavity above the nasal valve. There is a space between the air outlet and the insert. As pressurized air is forced through the air outlet, fluid in the reservoir is drawn up into the space between the insert and air outlet and is atomized in an aerosol mist that is released above the nasal valve independent of the user's breathing. The airstream is sufficient to penetrate the nasal cavity above the inferior turbinate so as to deposit the fluid and provide a washing or irrigation to the upper reaches the nasal cavity.

Abstract: There is provided an inhaler that allows inhalation of droplets having a fixed diameter, regardless of the use condition of the inhaler. The inhaler allows a user to inhale medicine from a suction port thereof. The inhaler includes an air passage through which the medicine passes, the air passage being connected to the suction port, an opening attached to a medicine ejection portion for ejecting the medicine, and provided in a part of the air passage so that the ejected medicine is released into the air passage therethrough, a passage-length determining portion configured to determine the proper distance from the opening to the suction port in accordance with a size of droplets of the medicine ejected from the medicine ejection portion and/or an ejection frequency, and a passage-length changing mechanism configured to change the distance from the opening to the suction port.

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 aerosol generator device has an elongate body with an interior passageway extending longitudinally to its mouth end. The device receives an interchangeable, pressurised canister charged with a nicotine containing liquid that is discharged in a metered dose on manual actuation of a button member that causes a valve in the canister to open and discharge through a discharge tube. A sleeve releaseably couples the canister to the body. The button member is slidably mounted on the body for reciprocal movement along a trigger axis Y-Y? extending transversely of the longitudinal axis X-X? of the device, and has a manually depressible surface portion and a camming surface portion that drives a slidable nozzle member to press the discharge tube inwardly of the canister to open its valve and release liquid into the nozzle member. Nozzle forms an aerosol from the liquid, which is delivered to the consumer through outlets in the mouth end of the device.