Abstract: A nebulizer and cartridge structure thereof for use in a nebulization apparatus comprises a first cartridge accommodation space and a second cartridge accommodation space. The first cartridge accommodation space includes at least one connection bottom, and the second cartridge accommodation space includes at least one connection side. Moreover, the second cartridge accommodation space is disposed under a lower connection position of the first cartridge accommodation space. The connection bottom is connected to the connection side to form an included angle that can be a lead angle. The lead angle further includes a fillet angle or a chamfering angle. Accordingly, the nebulizer and the cartridge structure can efficiently reduce the residues of liquid medicament.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers include: (a) a first generally planar spiral travel path in an inhaler body, wherein the first spiral travel path has a plurality of adjacent curvilinear channels forming lanes with upstanding sidewalls, including an inner lane and an outer lane; and (b) a plurality of discrete sealed microcartridges with substantially rigid bodies disposed in the first travel path, each comprising a pre-metered (typically dose) amount of dry powder, the microcartridges being configured to slidably advance along the first travel path toward an inhalation chamber that merges into an inhalation output port. In operation, at least one microcartridge is held in the inhalation chamber to release the dry powder therein during inhalation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance, in particular one of a liquid, as a suspension or solution, or a powder containing a medicament, especially systemic or topical pharmaceuticals, or a vaccine to the nasal airway of a subject.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus provides respiratory treatment with improved power management control to permit more efficient power consumption and power supply units, such as battery powered operation. In one embodiment, power management prioritizes the flow generator (104) over other accessories such as the heating elements (111, 135) of a humidifier (112) and/or a delivery tube. The flow generator may control operations of the heating elements as a function of a detected respiratory cycle. For example, the timing of operation of the heating elements may be interleaved with the portion of an inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle to permit the flow generator to operate during a peak power operation without a power drain or with a lower power drain from these components. Operations of distinct sets of components of the system (e.g., different heating elements) may also be interleaved to prevent simultaneous peak power operations.

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: An aerosolization device comprises a housing, a container comprising a reservoir storing a pharmaceutical formulation which comprises a propellant, and a metering valve. The metering valve is in communication with the reservoir and is moveable into the container to an actuated position where a predetermined amount of the pharmaceutical formulation is released. A contact member is provided in the housing. In one version, the contact member is moveable between a first position and a second position to allow for selective actuation of the metering valve. In another version, the contact member's configuration may be changed to allow for selective actuation of the metering valve.

Abstract: A smart inhaler system comprising an inhaler device for directed aerosol delivery facilitated by an adaptive nozzle and a mechanism for inhalation waveform modulation is provided. Methods of using the smart inhaler system for delivering an active agent to a target area of a lung of a subject are further provided.

Abstract: A nebulizer having an insertable container and a monitoring device for counting actuations of the nebulizer is proposed. The monitoring device is mounted in a detachable housing part and directly detects movements of container during a nebulizing process, an air supply current in the region of a mouthpiece, and/or the production of aerosol, in order to detect this as the actual dispensing of fluid and actuation of the nebulizer, while preferably the time of actuation of the nebulizer is additionally detected and stored. This allows better monitoring and guidance for the user.

Abstract: A medication inhaler having an inhaler body with a medication container chamber for receiving a medication container and at least one air passage connecting the medication container chamber with external air and a mouthpiece axially engageable with the inhaler body and having a mouthpiece chamber for communication with a patient's respiratory system and a hollow medication delivery needle communicating with the mouthpiece chamber. The medication delivery needle extends toward the medication container chamber and has at least one opening for passing exterior air and medication from an interior space of a medication container in the medication container chamber through the needle and to mouthpiece chamber.

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 drug transfer system is adapted to transfer a powdered drug into a patient via inhalation. The drug transfer system includes a drug container or packet that removably inserts into an inhaler device. As the patient inhales from the inhaler device, the drug flows from the container, through the inhaler device, and into the patient's respiratory system. The system is adapted for ease of use without requiring the user to perform any cumbersome manipulations of the drug packet during insertion into the inhaler or during inhalation of the drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal use assistive breathing device wherein a can adaptor or bottle mounting member is secured to a bottle canister containing a pressurized gas. A mouth piece member retains an action knob positioned for actuating a stem valve on the bottle canister upon a rotation. During use the action knob is spaced away from the mouthpiece and air passages entrain ambient atmospheric air with the escaping pressurized gas. The action knob may be retained in the in-use position without continual pressure allowing hands-free use. During storage, the action knob is spaced in contact with the mouthpiece prohibiting unintended gas release and enabling ready handling without risk of gas-loss.

Abstract: A powder inhaler for administering powder by inhalation, comprising: a flow path defined by a plurality of surfaces through which a stream of air is in use drawn on inhalation by a user; and dosing means (18) for providing a dose of powder to the flow path for entrainment in the stream of air; characterized in that the inhaler further comprises dislodging means for dislodging powder accumulated on a surface of the flow path downstream of the dosing means (18).

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser for use with a medicament carrier having a plurality of pockets for containing medicament wherein said pockets are spaced along the length of and defined between two peelable sheets secured to each other, said dispenser having an internal mechanism for accessing said medicament contained within said medicament carrier. The internal mechanism comprises a carrier drive means; indexing means and clutch means, in communication therebetween. The clutch means comprises a gearing surface defining plural gear engagement positions; and plural gear teeth for engaging said plural gear engagement positions. The plural gear teeth are arranged such that at any one time only a single gear tooth engages a single gear engagement position.

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: An inhalation device for transpulmonary administration comprises: a chamber (16) for containing a pharmaceutical composition which is pulverized into fine particles by an air-generated impact for dispersal in air; an air inlet flow path (2) for introducing to the chamber (16) outside air to apply the air-generated impact to the pharmaceutical composition and for injecting the outside air toward the pharmaceutical composition; an inhalation flow path (1) for inhaling the pulverized pharmaceutical composition; a housing (9) for accommodating the chamber (16), the air inlet flow path (2), and the inhalation flow path (1); a mouthpiece (10) provided at one end of the housing (9), the mouthpiece (9) being provided with a mouth-side flow path (11) which communicates with the inhalation flow path (1), and an auxiliary flow path (12).

Abstract: An inhaler comprising a tubular body (1) defining a tubular air flow passage with a bendable section, preferably a U-shaped section comprising peripherally extending corrugations and means for supplying a dose of at least one active inhalable, particulate substance into the flow passage and a cap (2). According to the invention the dose of the at least one active, inhalable particulate substance is placed in the cap (2) to be released from said cap substantially at the beginning of the corrugations in the intake direction.

Abstract: A gases transportation pathway for use in supplying a humidified gases stream to a patient includes regulated conduit heating. The regulated conduit heating may include a section of positive temperature coefficient material wherein the localized electrical resistance of the material is positively related to the localized temperature. The regulated conduit heating may be a layer of positive temperature coefficient material within the wall of the gases transportation pathway with at least a pair of conductors running the length of the pathway and in electrically conductive contact with the positive temperature coefficient material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a medicament from a pressurised canister comprising a mouthpiece, a seat for engagement with the top of the canister and a housing provided with means for guiding and/or holding the canister.

Abstract: A unit dose dry powder inhaler includes a chamber housing containing a powder dispersion chamber. A chamber tube extends from the dispersion chamber into the mouthpiece. A cover or cup is rotatably attached to the chamber housing. A dose of a dry powder is contained at a powder location in the chamber housing. An air passageway leading from the powder location to the dispersion chamber is closed off by the cover. When the cover is rotated to an open position, the air passageway is opened. The user inhales on the mouthpiece drawing air through the powder location, the air passageway, the dispersion chamber and the chamber tube, through the mouthpiece and into the users lungs. The unit dose of dry powder is stored directly in, or is part of, the inhaler.

Abstract: An inhalation aid to be used in connection with an aerosol dispenser. The inhalation aid includes a chamber designed with an opening for connection to an aerosol dispenser and an opening including a mouthpiece for drawing the aerosol. The chamber is designed with a variable volume. The chamber is delimited by a conically tapering expansion bellows made of a continuous, elastic material, whereby a simple and tight construction of the inhalation aid is obtainable.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering at least one substance to a nasal cavity of a subject. The nasal delivery device and method includes a delivery unit comprising: a nosepiece for fitting to a nostril of a subject; a mouthpiece through which the subject in use exhales; a breath analyzer for analyzing the concentration of at least one component in exhaled air from an exhalation breath; and a substance supply unit for supply at least one substance, the substance supply unit including a control unit for controlling the same to control supply of at least one substance in response to the detected concentration.

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: A non-powder-form freeze-dried composition for transpulmonary administration has a disintegration index greater than or equal to 0.015 and contains at least one active ingredient. The composition becomes fine particles upon receiving air impact at an air speed greater than or equal to 1 meter/second and an air flow rate greater than or equal to 17 milliliters/second. The fine particles have a mean particle diameter less than or equal to 1×10?5 meters and/or a fine particle fraction greater than or equal to 10%. A method of making the composition, a vessel containing the composition, a method of administering the composition, a dry powder inhalation system for transpulmonary administration, and a method of transpulmonary administration are also disclosed.

Abstract: A powder inhalator comprising: a housing; a supply member for holding a powdered drug for a large number of doses and having a drug discharge aperture at its bottom surface; a drug carrier, to which the powdered drug is supplied from the drug discharge aperture of the supply member, and having on its upper surface a measuring recess that has a volume equivalent to one dose of the drug; and an operation member disposed so as to move freely back and forth, and operate the drug carrier; the drug carrier moving in contact with the bottom surface of the supply member to carry the powdered drug loaded into the measuring recess from the position of the drug discharge aperture to an air inhalation channel, wherein the drug carrier is disposed slidably so that the measuring recess moves in a circular manner by sliding the drug carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal use assistive breathing device wherein a can adaptor or bottle mounting member is secured to a bottle canister containing a pressurized gas. A mouth piece member retains an action knob positioned for actuating a stem valve on the bottle canister upon a rotation. During use the action knob is spaced away from the mouthpiece and air passages entrain ambient atmospheric air with the escaping pressurized gas. The action knob may be retained in the in-use position without continual pressure allowing hands-free use. During storage, the action knob is spaced in contact with the mouthpiece prohibiting unintended gas release and enabling ready handling without risk of gas-loss.

Abstract: A liquid ejection device of the present invention includes an inhaling port portion, an ejection head for ejecting a liquid to be inhaled by a user through the inhaling port portion, a first sensor for detecting an action of the user relating to inhalation, a second sensor for detecting another action of the user relating to inhalation, the second sensor being different from the first sensor, and a determining portion for determining an operation of ejecting the liquid of the ejection head in response to both a first signal output from the first sensor and a second signal output from the second sensor, wherein the determining portion enables ejection of the liquid from the ejection head when both the first signal and the second signal are signals indicating inhalation intention of the user.

Abstract: A medicament package comprises a medicament container (10) and a holder (20) within which the medicament container (10) is closely received. The holder (20) comprises a support (25) of a rigid material. The support (25) has an opening, to the periphery of which an enclosure (21) is bonded. The medicament container (10) is closely received within the enclosure (21) such that the material of the enclosure (21) seals openings formed in the container (10). The container (10) can be dispensed from the package into a delivery device by pressure applied to the enclosure (21).

Abstract: An inhaler for multiple dosed administration of a pharmacological dry powder has a housing with a mouthpiece fitted thereon and a removable protective cap that covers the mouthpiece prior to removal. The mouthpiece may be fitted with or without lip grooves, which aid a user in the positioning and manipulation of the inhaler. The inhaler includes a dosing slide, a carriage, a dosing cavity and a valve shield, all of which are arranged within the housing. Removal of the protective cap initiates dosing, which consists of a dose of a pharmacological dry powder being received in the dosing cavity and then transported to the mouthpiece by means of the dosing slide. Only upon application of a defined minimum intensity of inhalation is the shutter moved by the suctioned valve shield, resulting in the release of the dose for inhalation.

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 system and method for the automatic diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in a centralized hospital critical care monitoring system for the monitoring of a plurality of patients in at least one of a critical care, step down, and cardiac ward by telemetry. The system includes a central processor having a display, and a plurality of telemetry units for mounting with patients, each of the telemetry units has a plurality of sensors for connection with each patient, the telemetry unit is capable of the transmission of multiple signals derived from the sensors to the central processor, in one preferred embodiment the method comprising steps of programming the system to analyze the signals and to automatically identify the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea and to provide an indication of the identification.

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: A portable gas delivery system is provided to provide oxygen or other gaseous mixture for use in emergencies, athletic events, and similar activities. The portable gas delivery system includes a regulator with an accumulator chamber disposed within the regulator and adjacent a mixing chamber. The accumulator chamber receives oxygen or other gas from a replaceable gas source such as a cylinder. The mixing chamber mixes ambient air and gas from the cylinder to form a gaseous mixture which is inhaled by a user. Each use of the portable gas delivery system may be in metered burst of predetermined duration and/or frequency or may be substantially continuous as provided for in the accompanying method.

Abstract: Formulations, methods and devices for producing formulations and methods for nebulizer delivery of formulations of water-insoluble drugs are provided. Also provided are methods for minimizing wastage of drugs administered by nebulizer, and for the achievement of quantitative dosing with diluent from a mass marketed formulations, which because of the mass market is much less costly per dose than formulations manufactured specifically for much lower volume medical use.

Abstract: A medicament container configured to improve entrainment of the medicament in the air and to improve deposition of the medicament in the lungs includes an upper layer and a bottom layer with medicament disposed therebetween. The upper layer is punctured to provide first and second openings to allow airflow to enter and exit through the upper layer of the medicament container. In a preferred embodiment, the medicament container has a projection which forms an elbow-shaped medicament containment/flow channel between the upper layer and the lower layer. The medicament container is preferably used in a housing which selectively controls airflow through the medicament container and the housing to improve deep lung deposition of the medicament.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation device for use with an inhaler (5) comprising a dispersion chamber (18) for fluid communication with the inhaler (5) and a suction chamber (19) in fluid communication with the dispersion chamber (18). The suction chamber (19) is constructed to enable the internal volume of the suction chamber (19) to be increased during use thereby producing a negative pressure in the dispersion chamber (18). In this way, the substance to be inhaled can be drawn from the inhaler into the dispersion chamber (18) for subsequent inhalation.

Abstract: A powder inhaler comprising a powder container, an air channel, a metering member equipped with a dosing recess, an actuating means for the displacement of the metering member between the filling and the inhalation position, and a closure element for plugging the air channel in a substantially water-proof manner when the metering member is in the filling position and opening the air channel when the metering member is in the inhalation position. When the inhaler is not in use, the closure element prevents moisture and dirt from entering the sensitive parts of the device.

Abstract: A therapeutic dry powder preparation and a method of administering such a preparation are disclosed for effectively de-aggregating and dispersing into air a dose of medication powder in an administration the dose to a user. The present dry powder preparation and method do not require other sources of energy besides the power of an inhalation effort by a user to produce a very high degree of de-aggregation and efficient dispersal into air of the dry powder medication dose. Utilizing an effort of sucking air through a nozzle, the particles of the therapeutic powder dose, made available to the nozzle, are gradually de-aggregated and dispersed into a stream of air entering the nozzle.

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: An apparatus for the inhalation of a vaporized essential oil includes a container where the essential oil is adapted to be disposed. A conduit is exposed to ambient air at one end and is disposed in the container above the essential oil at a remaining end. A path is provided through which air can be drawn into the conduit, exit from the conduit and mix with a vaporized essential oil in the container, and then be inhaled. According to a first modification a detachable canister is attached to a base block. According to a second modification, a modified base block is adapted for use with existing types of pipes.

Abstract: There is described a delivery device which comprises a reservoir, a delivery passage for the delivery of material and a metering member characterised in that the delivery device is provided with a plurality of reservoirs and that the metering member is provided with a plurality of measuring cups adapted to transfer one or more measured doses of material from one or more of the reservoirs to the delivery passage. A method of administering a dry powder and a method and especially a method of treatment of a patient with a bronchial disorder are also described.

Abstract: Mouthpieces for particulate inhalers typically have either stationary particle deflectors or rotatable devices for changing the flow of particulate material through the mouthpiece. However, these mouthpieces do not prevent the build up of particulate drug on the walls of the mouthpiece. Thus, there is provided a mouthpiece (10) for use in an inhaler for particulate medicament, the mouthpiece having an inlet (12) and an outlet (13) for particulate medicament, a helical member (15) disposed between the inlet and the outlet for, in use, imparting a rotational movement to an air flow which is drawn through the mouthpiece and in which medicament is entrained, wherein the helical member (15) is, in use, axially movable between a first position and a second position such that it restricts the build up of medicament on the inside of the mouthpiece (10).

Abstract: An actuator for an inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, comprising: a housing (14) for receiving a canister (8) comprising a body (10) which defines a chamber containing medicament and a valve stem (12) which extends from the body (10); a nozzle block (18) for receiving the valve stem (12) of the canister (8); a mouthpiece for providing medicament from the nozzle block (18) to the mouth of a user; and at least one actuating member (54, 56) for manual engagement by a user in applying a force to actuate the canister (8), wherein the at least one actuating member (54, 56) is disposed such that the actuating force is applied substantially laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the canister (8) and configured when being acted upon to cause relative movement of the body (10) and the valve stem (12) of the canister (8).

Abstract: An inhalation device for delivery of a powdered medicament comprising a suction tube (21) and one or more doses of powdered medicament. The suction tube (21) has a distal end (28) and a proximal end (29) with an air passage (30) therethrough, the distal end (28) having an air inlet and the proximal end (29) having an air outlet which forms the mouthpiece of the device. The inhalation device further comprises a means for drying air (23) drawn by a user into the inhalation device prior to contact with the aggregated powdered medicament such that a dose of powdered medicament will be dispersed in dried air for delivery at the proximal end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (V) for emptying powder-containing cavities (1) sealed by means of a covering foil (9) by means of a suction tube (11) which can be set by hand and whose leading end is positioned relatively to the cavity (1) and pierces in a guided manner the covering foil (9), leaving a free cross section for air to flow into the cavity (1), and, to achieve a solution which is beneficial for production and reliable in manipulation, proposes that the leading end of the suction tube (11) has, adjacent and axially projecting with respect to cutting edges (12) provided at that point, extensions (22/82) which are guided in slots (19 and/or 83, 55 or 25, respectively) of a carrier (T) adjacent to the cavities (1) in a shape-locked/rotationally fixed manner, in which carrier (T) the cavities (1) can be inserted as blister packs (2).

Abstract: A new and improved 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 remaining in the inhaler.

Abstract: A metered dosage inhaler system with variable positive pressure settings has a hollow housing with a front portion with a cylindrical protruding user adaptor portion, a top face having apertures, a user controlled air resistance dial, a bottom face having a handle/input, and a cylindrical downwardly extending hollow handle portion. The first end of the handle portion is adapted to form an airtight removable coupling with the handle/input adaptor. An end piece with holes is adapted to couple to the second end of the handle portion. A spherical ball has a diameter less than that of the handle portion and removably rests in the handle portion. The ball rises in response to a vacuum caused by a,patient. A mouth piece portion has a cylindrical first portion removably coupled to the adapter portion and a tapered second portion adapted to fit comfortably within the mouth of a patient.

Abstract: There is described an actuator comprising an inlet port and an out-let port and a valve member situated between the inlet and outlet ports, the valve member comprising a moveable apertured membrane such that in the open position an aperture in the membrane is coincident with the inlet and outlet ports and in the closed position the aperture is non-coincident with one or both of the inlet and outlet ports. There is also described an inhaler system using the actuator and a method of administering a medicament to a patient using such an inhaler system.

Abstract: A device for dispensing medication in an aerosol form from an MDI which is activated by a source of compressed air which is pressurized by a compression piston in associate with a cocking lever which also acts as a mouthpiece cover wherein the device automatically discharges the medication upon inhalation on the mouthpiece. The device also has a detachable component for alternative use as a press and breathe type inhaler.

Abstract: A feeding valve having a hose coupling in the form of an expansion bellows which unfolds automatically into the wearer's field of vision when the sealing cap of the feeding valve is opened, thereby enables a wearer to easily insert the straw of a food or beverage bottle even when wearing protective gloves.