Abstract: A sonic aerosol generator is provided that provides a constant concentration of particulate aerosol over a long exposure time to an animal. The concentration of aerosols is maintainable for greater than 30 hours at concentrations of 15 mg/m3 or more. The aerosol generator is used to expose subject to high concentrations of aerosols that more accurately represents the levels that may be seen in a workplace environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inhaler, especially a powder inhaler, for administering a medicament in the form of inhalable substances, substance formulations, or substance mixtures. Said inhaler comprises a housing that is provided with a chamber (4) for accommodating the substances. The chamber (4) is replaceably disposed inside the housing.

Abstract: A device to be used with a medical administration device includes administration driver for administrating a prescribed dose of medicament; and a mechanical dose setter for setting a prescribed dose of medicament to be administered, including a mechanical indicating member fixedly connected to the administration driver for indicating the prescribed set dose. The device includes a mechanical dose information device for registering the prescribed dose of medicament to be administered including a mechanical information member adjustable to display that the prescribed dose to be administered is correct and inter-connected to said mechanical indicating member such that when the prescribed dose is set, this is indicated positively by indications on the mechanical information member.

Abstract: A powder inhaler includes: a housing having a port; a storage member located in the housing for storing a powder medicament; and a medicament-delivery member provided in the housing. The medicament-delivery member includes at least one concave portion for receiving medicament, and is capable of taking, relative to the storage member, a receiving position wherein the concave portion receives a predetermined amount of powder medicament from the storage member, and an inhalation position wherein the powder medicament can be inhaled through the admission port; and a stirring member for stirring the powder medicament stored in the storage member. An operation button is provided in the housing and is capable of moving between the initial position and a depressed position, while the operation button reciprocates between the initial position and the depressed position, the concave portion in the medicament-delivery member moves from the receiving position to the inhalation position and the stirring member operates.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus includes a mouthpiece portion having an internal conduit for delivering an aerosol including the drug to the patient. The internal conduit has an inlet end and a mouthpiece end that is structured to be received in the patient's mouth. The mouthpiece portion is structured to operate at a substantially fixed inhalation flow rate when the patient inhales through the mouthpiece end. The apparatus further includes an aerosol generator for generating the aerosol from a drug supply and injecting the aerosol into a first region within the mouthpiece portion located between an outlet of the aerosol generator and the inlet end of the conduit. The mouthpiece portion also includes a flow accelerating mechanism that causes a localized flow rate at the first region to be greater than the inhalation flow rate. A method is also provided that increases the local flow rate within the mouthpiece portion.

Abstract: A delivery device for and method of delivering a powdered substance, in particular a triptan, such as sumatriptan, to the posterior region of a nasal cavity of a subject, in particular for the treatment of headaches, for example, cluster headaches and migraine, and neuropathic pain, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece for insertion into a nasal cavity of a subject through which the powdered substance is delivered to the posterior region of the nasal cavity of the subject, in particular the upper posterior two thirds of the nasal cavity; and a substance supply unit which is operable to deliver the powdered substance through the nosepiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation device used for inhalation of the medicament in dry powder form from capsules.

Abstract: The subject technology relates generally to pulmonary delivery of NSAIDs, such as aspirin.

Abstract: A powder aerosolization apparatus comprises a housing comprising an outlet adapted to be inserted into a user's mouth and one or more bypass air openings. A receptacle support within the housing supports a receptacle containing a powder pharmaceutical formulation. A puncturing mechanism within the housing creates in the receptacle one or more inlet openings and one or more powder outflow openings, wherein the powder outflow openings have a total area of from 0.2 mm2 to 4.0 mm2. Upon a user's inhalation through the outlet, air flows through the one or more bypass air openings and through the receptacle to aerosolize the powder pharmaceutical formulation in the receptacle. In one version, the relative flow parameters between the flow through the one or more bypass openings and the one or more powder outflow openings are selected so that flow of aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation does not occur until a predetermined inhalation flow rate is achieved.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for vaporizing herbs and plants comprising a housing or mixing chamber, which incorporates a vaporizing/heating element and a rotatable mixing element that allows for an effective level of mixing of the heated plants and the herbs during the vaporization process.

Abstract: An assembly for the inhalation of a powdery substance is described, wherein the assembly comprises a storage chamber configured to hold a plurality of doses of the substance and an organizing member rotatably arranged within the storage chamber for agitating the substance when the organizing member is rotated with respect to the storage chamber. The organizing member comprises a main body and a cut-out, wherein the main body comprises a solid section of the organizing member, and wherein the angular dimension of the cut-out is smaller than the angular dimension of the main body. Furthermore, the use of an organizing member for agitating a substance is provided. Furthermore, an inhalation device for the inhalation of a powdery substance is described.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an aerosolizer with (i) means sized for intranasal or paranasal insertion that produces an aerosol from a material for delivery in close proximity to the upper airways, and (ii) the material comprising one or more proinflammatory cytokine inhibitor(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making medicinal aerosol canisters (10), in particular metered dose canisters (10), comprising aerosol formulation comprising medicament particles suspended in liquid propellant, for example for delivery by pulmonary or nasal inhalation as well as medicinal dispensers (100) including such canisters (10), such as metered dose medicinal dispenser in particular pressurized metered dose inhalers, wherein the liquid propellant in some embodiments contains HFA 134a and/or HFA 227, and the propellant component is subjected to one or more ultrasonic probes.

Abstract: A device for dispensing individual doses of powder from respective pockets of a disc-shaped carrier by outwardly rupturing a lidding foil by means of pressure on an opposite side surface, the device providing individual respective deaggregation flow paths for each pocket, split airstreams allowing improved entrainment of powder, a cam mechanism for outwardly rupturing the pockets, an indexing mechanism linked to the cam mechanism and a dose counter.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises an airway (1) along which, in use, air is drawn from an upstream, inlet end (2) to a downstream, outlet end (3). The airway (1) includes a medicament presentation region (4) at which, in use, a dose of medicament is presented to the airway (1), a primary air inlet (10), and a barrel (5) extending from the medicament presentation region (4) to the outlet end (3) of the airway (1). The inlet end of the barrel (5) is of reduced internal dimension relative to the medicament presentation region (4) and relative to the outlet end of the barrel (5), such that the inlet end of the barrel (5) constitutes a constriction of the airway (1). At least one secondary air inlet (11) is disposed such that, in use, air enters the airway (1) from the secondary air inlet (11) in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of flow of air along said barrel (5).

Abstract: An inhaler is instantly activated upon its removal from a cover or cover unit, and by rotating a cartridge component of the inhaler with respect to a mouthpiece portion, so as to create a flow pathway for ambient air and particles. The cartridge component includes a chamber, whose contents typically include dry powders or the like. Upon creation of the flow pathway, the contents of the chamber are instantly accessible for immediate inhalation by a user through the mouthpiece portion.

Abstract: A powder inhaler having reservoirs containing a dose of powder and formed on a flexible blister strip having a base layer with cavities and a closure layer. The base layer containing empty blisters rolls up around a first rotary receiver element, and the closure layer peeled off the base layer rolls up around a second rotary receiver element that has a first portion forming a peeling wheel and a second portion forming a tensioner. The tensioner is capable of turning in a first direction of rotation and includes a fastener element for the leading end of the closure layer. The tensioner turns with the peeling wheel in the first direction to roll up the closure layer at each actuation of the device and turns relative to the peeling wheel in the first direction of rotation to tension the closure layer after the blister strip has been assembled in the body.

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 fluid dispenser device comprising a body (10) provided with a dispenser orifice (15), said device further comprising: an elongate flexible strip (20) supporting a plurality of reservoirs (21) each containing a dose of fluid; reservoir-opening means (80) for opening a respective reservoir on each actuation; first displacement means (30) for causing said flexible strip (20) to advance before and/or during and/or after each actuation, so as to bring a full reservoir into register with said reservoir-opening means; and second displacement means (50) for displacing a full reservoir (21) against said opening means (80) each time the device is actuated, said device including positioning means (300) that are adapted to position the full reservoir accurately relative to the reservoir-opening means (80) when it is displaced thereagainst, so as to guarantee that opening is predetermined and reproducible on each actuation.

Abstract: The invention provides crystalline forms of biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(2-{[4-(4-carbamoylpiperidin-1-ylmethyl)benzoyl]methylamino}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl ester, and pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof. The crystalline form can be a freebase, or a salt such as a diphosphate, monosulfate or dioxalate salt. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these crystalline compounds or prepared using these compounds; processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline compounds; and methods of using these compounds to treat a pulmonary disorder.

Abstract: A drug and device combination system used in a method for treatment of patients suffering from severe and oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma and other respiratory diseases requiring a treatment with orally administered steroids. The method for administration of the inhalable corticosteroid by a flow rate and volume regulated inhalation. The combination system of the inhalable corticosteroid and the device for regulating flow rate and volume of the inhalable corticosteroid and thus achieving delivery of said inhalable corticosteroid into the small airways of the lungs. The individually programmable device that assures safe and reproducible corticosteroid delivery compliant with treatment protocol.

Abstract: A dosing device generating a gas flow with an active substance finely dispersed, with a first gas flow channel and with a dosing chamber that can be fitted in the area of the first gas flow channel, and a dosing chamber release mechanism with a separating element. The first gas flow channel and/or a connection between the first gas flow channel and the dosing chamber is blocked when the separating element is in a closed position. The first gas flow channel and/or the connection between the first gas flow channel and the dosing chamber is freed when the separating element is in an open position. A slide guide element can be driven by the under-pressure applied to the mouthpiece. The separating element and/or the slide guide element is provided with a slide element that influences the sliding friction properties.

Abstract: A delivery device for and method of delivering a powdered substance, in particular a triptan, such as sumatriptan, to the posterior region of a nasal cavity of a subject, in particular for the treatment of headaches, for example, cluster headaches and migraine, and neuropathic pain, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece for insertion into a nasal cavity of a subject through which the powdered substance is delivered to the posterior region of the nasal cavity of the subject, in particular the upper posterior two thirds of the nasal cavity; and a substance supply unit which is operable to deliver the powdered substance through the nosepiece.

Abstract: In order to improve the administration of powdered pharmaceuticals, the invention proposes a storage system for powdered pharmaceuticals, in particular for use or integration in a powder inhaler, for receiving a multiplicity of doses of at least one medically active substance, with at least two storage spaces (4) which are separate from each other and are each intended to hold a multiplicity of doses of a medically active substance, and the invention also proposes an inhaler for powdered pharmaceuticals, the inhaler comprising such a pharmaceutical powder cartridge system (1) as an integral part or as an exchangeable part.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises two parts (2, 4) connected by an integrally molded, e.g. living hinge (6), so as to be moveable from an open position to a closed position. At least one of the parts (2, 4) defines at least part of a circulating airflow chamber (12), wherein when said parts (2, 4) are in said closed position, the inhaler comprises an airflow path including the circulating airflow chamber (12).

Abstract: A powder inhaler device having a body provided with a dispenser orifice; a plurality of predosed reservoirs each containing a dose of powder for dispensing; and reservoir-opening device for opening a reservoir on each actuation. The inhaler device has a dispersion chamber including an inlet connected during inhalation to an open reservoir and receiving the flow of air and of powder from the open reservoir via a delivery channel, and an outlet connected to the dispenser orifice via a dispenser channel. The dispersion chamber including at least one ball that is movable along a ball path in the dispersion chamber, the dispersion chamber including at least one air inlet that is approximately tangential to said ball path, the delivery and dispenser channels extending in a same direction that is substantially perpendicular to the ball path and to the tangential air inlet.

Abstract: An atomizer for the delivery, and in particular, the atomization of a formulation, particularly, a powder. A simple construction and simple intuitive operation are made possible, in particular, by the fact that the atomizer has a mouthpiece with an associated cover, so that opening and/or closing of the cover causes a delivery medium, in particular air, to be taken in and/or put under pressure by a delivery device, a spring store is put under tension and/or a preferably annular reservoir containing a plurality of doses of the formulation is further rotated.

Abstract: A medical inhalation device or a component thereof having a diamond-like glass coating comprising hydrogen and on a hydrogen free basis about 20 to about 40 atomic percent of silicon, greater than 39 atomic percent of carbon, and less than 33 down to and including zero atomic percent of oxygen.

Abstract: Taught herein is a disposable breath actuated dry powder drug inhalation device having a powderized drug storage chamber with integral toroidal geometry and air flow pathways for entraining and breaking up powder aggregates prior to delivery to the patient. The toroidal chamber is fluidly connected by one or more air inlets directed in a non-tangent manner toward the powder to loft and set up an irregular-rotational flow pattern. Also, in fluid connection with the toroidal chamber is a centrally or near centrally located air and powder outlet consisting of one or more holes forming a grid in fluid connection with a channel providing a passageway for powder flow to the patient.

Abstract: Medicinal inhalation devices and components having a non-metal coating and a fluorine-containing coating bonded to the non-metal coating wherein the fluorine-containing coating comprises an at least partially fluorinated compound comprising at least one functional group which shares at least one covalent bond with the non-metal coating are provided. In some embodiments, the partially fluorinated compound comprises a polyfluoropolyether silane of Formula Ia: Rf[Q-[C(R)2—Si(Y)3-x(R1a)x]y]z??Ia wherein: Rf is a monovalent or multivalent polyfluoropolyether segment; Q is an organic divalent or trivalent linking group; each R is independently hydrogen or a C1-4 alkyl group; each Y is independently a hydrolysable group; R1a is a C1-8 alkyl or phenyl group; x is 0 or 1 or 2; y is 1 or 2; and z is 1, 2, 3, or 4. Methods of making the devices and components are also provided.

Abstract: A dispersing unit for a powder inhaler comprises a mouthpiece with an annular channel for the delivery of a stream of particles. The annular channel has an axial inlet, and an axial outlet adjoined by an annular deflection chamber in which the axially incoming stream of particles is deflected to a predominantly radial direction of flow. The deflection chamber is adjoined in the axial direction by a rotation chamber with a circular peripheral wall and an axial outlet.

Abstract: Aerosolized particles in a determined particle size range are suspended in the air and deposited in the mouth without easily entering into the respiratory tract. An apparatus incorporating an aerosol generating device and particles can allow for the aerosolization of the particles and the delivery thereof in a manner suitable for inhalation or deposition and subsequent ingestion. The particle delivery apparatus represents a novel means for delivering food to the mouths of humans and animals. Indeed, the apparatus of the invention is designed to produce, transport, and direct aerosolized particles (e.g., food particles) in a determined size range, suspended in air, to be deposited in the mouth without substantial exposure or entry into the respiratory tract.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises at least one medicament reservoir and a closure member engaged with the reservoir so as to close an opening therein. A surface of the reservoir adjacent the opening and a surface of the closure member are in abutment, either directly or via a seal member interposed between the reservoir and the closure member. At least one abutting surface is formed with a projection that increases the contact pressure between said surfaces, thereby improving the seal between them and reducing the potential for ingress of moisture between said surfaces into the reservoir.

Abstract: A monodose inhaler for powdered medicaments consists of a hollow substantially pipe-shaped body that has a first portion (H), for housing a capsule or cartridge of powdered medicament, defined by a wall (W) in which there are formed slots (S) as air intakes to an inner region where the powder drops, and a second portion (M) connected to the first portion (H) for delivering the medicament by means of a primary stream (F) that carries the powder from the drop region along a delivery duct (D) whose end is suitable to be placed in the patient's mouth, and it further includes a secondary duct (D?) located under the delivery duct (D) and provided with its own air intake (S?) for delivering a powderless secondary stream (F?).

Abstract: A device for delivering an incision sealant includes a housing, a seal, and a cannula. The housing at least partially encloses a chamber that holds a quantity of a sealant. The seal is located on one end of the housing and contains the sealant in the chamber. Likewise, a similar seal may be located at the tip end of the fan-shaped cannula. The cannula is fluidly coupled to the chamber, is disposed along an axis, and has a generally fan-shaped end. The generally fan-shaped end has a top surface and an opening for dispensing the sealant. The shape of the generally fan-shaped end is configured to apply sealant to an incision geometry or to conform to the geometry of an eye.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a delivery unit for delivering a flow entraining a substance to one nostril of a subject, the delivery unit including a nosepiece for fitting to a nostril of the subject; and a flow resistor unit for fitting to the other nostril of the subject, the flow resistor unit including a progressive resistor for progressively providing an increasing flow resistance to the delivered flow.

Abstract: An inhaler is instantly activated upon its removal from a cover or cover unit, and by rotating a cartridge component of the inhaler with respect to a mouthpiece portion, so as to create a flow pathway for ambient air and particles. The cartridge component includes a chamber, whose contents typically include dry powders or the like. Upon creation of the flow pathway, the contents of the chamber are instantly accessible for immediate inhalation by a user through the mouthpiece portion.

Abstract: A sheet driver for use in a drug dispenser where the sheet driver includes a shaft with a shaft cavity co-axial with a rotational axis of the shaft and a hub that defines a hub aperture, where within the shaft cavity there is an indicator pin having a side member and an indicator pin head that may project through the hub aperture, where within the shaft cavity there is a spring for biasing said indicator pin out of the shaft cavity, and where an engagement member may selectively engage said side member of the indicator pin to prevent movement of the engagement member upon the occurrence of an fault condition of the sheet driver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler for administering a defined dose of an active ingredient into the respiratory tracts of a user. The inhaler has an elongate shape defining a longitudinal axis and a cross-sectional profile, wherein the maximum cross-sectional area is at most 4 cm2 and the maximum extension of the cross-section is at most 2.85 cm.

Abstract: An aerosol dispensing device comprises a tubular body that provides a plenum, a mouthpiece having an outlet, a valve for dispensing fluid from a canister as an aerosol with relatively large and small droplet sizes into the plenum for supply to a user through the mouthpiece, and a baffle arrangement that provides first and second passageways each coupled at one end to the plenum and so configured to receive relatively small and large size droplets in the aerosol respectively, the other end of the first passageway extending to the outlet in the mouthpiece to supply the small size droplets to the user, and the other end of the second passageway being closed to inhibit passage of the large size droplets to the mouthpiece outlet, and containing a absorbent pad to prevent leakage of liquid from the canister. The pad may be pre-loaded with a flavourant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for receiving a preferably powdered pharmaceutical preparation and an inhaler in which, for inhalation, the preparation is expelled from the capsule through at least one hole. A capsule according to the invention comprises as capsule elements a capsule cap and a capsule body, at least one of which comprises at least one prefabricated hole. Systems according to the invention comprising inhalers and capsules are described, in which the prefabricated hole in the capsule is sealed off in the transporting state of the system and is open in the usage state. The hole is exposed by actuation of a pushing or pulling mechanism. Prior to this the hole is closed off by part of the capsule itself or by a capsule receptacle belonging to the inhaler. In one embodiment the capsule may be present in two different states, for example in different insertion positions of the capsule elements. In the first state the prefabricated hole is closed off and in the second it is exposed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compliance monitor for monitoring patient usage of a medicament delivery device, where the medicament delivery device includes a store of medicament and a medicament dispensing means. The compliance monitor includes a housing adapted to enclose the medicament delivery device, and a dose counter, associated with the housing, for recording the delivery of a dose of medicament to the patient from the medicament delivery device. The arrangement and construction is such that the housing is loosely coupled to the medicament delivery device, whereby the housing is able to move relative to the medicament delivery device during the delivery of the dose of medicament, and it is this movement which actuates the dose counter, either directly or indirectly, in order to record the delivery of the dose of medicament.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inhaler having a vibration element for aerosolizing medicament contained in a blister pack, wherein a plurality of individual blister packs are arranged in a rotary cassette that fits within a housing, and wherein the individual blister packs are dragged up into a clamping position between the vibration element and a piercing element. The motion of the blister pack is controlled by a rotary disk within the housing which further coordinates the movement of the piercing and vibrating elements for the piercing and deaggregation, respectively, of the individual blister packs.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the integration of drug dispersion methods into a drug or medicine delivery system. The drug dispersion methods used include shear (e.g., air across a drug, with or without a gas assist), capillary flow or a venturi effect, mechanical means such as spinning, vibration, or impaction, and turbulence (e.g., using mesh screens, or restrictions in the air path). These methods of drug dispersion allow for all of the drug in the system to be released, allowing control of the dosage size. These methods also provide for drug metering, fluidization, entrainment, deaggragation and deagglomeration. The present invention also provides for the integration of a drug sealing system into the device. The drug sealing system provides a way of blocking the migration of drug from one area of the package to another.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip with a plurality of blister pockets containing the inhalation formulation in doses. The inhaler comprises a metallic piercing member with two piercing elements extending parallel to each other and inclined to the lid of a blister pocket to be punctured. To operate the inhaler, an air stream of ambient air can be sucked or delivered in order to discharge the respective dose from an opened blister pocket and to deliver the dose with the ambient air as an aerosol cloud.

Abstract: A delivery device is provided which has a container containing a dose of a powder, a chamber adapted to receive the container, at least one gas inlet by which gas may enter the chamber, and at least one gas outlet by which gas and entrained powder may exit the chamber for inhalation. The delivery device has a pre-use configuration in which the container is accommodated, at least partially, within a storage enclosure in a wall of the chamber. The delivery device has a deployment member adapted to put the delivery device in an operative configuration by displacing the container from the storage enclosure into the chamber, such that the container is movable within the chamber, in use, the deployment member being adapted to at least partially occupy the storage enclosure in the operative configuration.

Abstract: 8?-Hydroxy-Dihydroergotamine (8?-OH DHE) medicinal compounds, compositions, and dosage forms containing such compositions are provided. Also provided herein are methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of diseases, conditions or disorders selected from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, stress/anxiety, nausea, emesis, aggression, pain, neuropathic pain, sleeplessness, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and depression using the compounds, compositions, dosage forms and administration techniques disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the risk of a thromboembolic event, and a related drug delivery system are provided. In some embodiments, a dose of acetylsalicylic acid can be provided in powder form to a patient using a dry powder inhaler. The dose can be effective to reduce a risk of a thromboembolic event in a patient. A dry powder inhaler used for the method can have a mouthpiece, a reservoir for receiving the dose of acetylsalicylic acid, and an actuation member for making available the dose of acetylsalicylic acid for inhalation by a patient through the mouthpiece.

Abstract: Provided herein are 8?-Hydroxy-2-CF3-dihydroergotamine (8?OH-2-CF3-DHE) compounds, compositions, and dosage forms containing such compositions. Also provided herein are methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a variety of medical disorders such as, for example, migraine using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of agonizing receptors such as, for example, the 5-HT1D and/or the 5-HT1B receptor, without agonizing the 5-HT2B receptor using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of antagonizing or inhibiting activity at receptors such as, for example, the adrenergic alpha2A and/or the alpha2B receptors using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing positive pressure (PP) therapy alone or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus. The positive pressure apparatus includes a positive pressure valve having a continuously variable respiratory window. The PP valve may be associated with a patient respiratory system interface alone, such as, but not limited to, a mask or mouthpiece, or in combination with an aerosol delivery apparatus.