Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump are provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir and engage a cap. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base is in a first detent position, and the needle pierces a reservoir septum when the base is in a second detent position. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. In some embodiments, an integral connector couples directly to the reservoir.

Abstract: A port catheter for introducing a fluid into a hollow organ of a human or animal body includes a port unit implantable into the human or animal body, which port unit includes an interior chamber, to which the fluid to be introduced into the hollow organ of the human or animal body can be supplied. The port catheter further includes a tube connected to the port unit, which tube includes an inner channel through which fluid can be conducted into the hollow organ. The port catheter further includes a grip piece connected to the port unit and removable from it, for the manipulation of the port unit during the implantation of the port catheter into the human or animal body.

Abstract: An implantable device (1) for injecting and/or drawing fluid or an inflatable and/or deflatable compartment of a surgical implant, the device (1) comprising a hollow body (2) and a puncture wall (3) added to the hollow body (2) so that the hollow body (2) and puncture wall (3) delimits a chamber (4). The puncture wall (3) is transfixed by a hollow needle for injection and/or drawing the fluid into the chamber (4), the device (1) comprises a means for fixing (8) the puncture wall to the hollow body (2) so that the hollow body (2), puncture wall (3) and fixing means (8) form a single subassembly (9) and an enclosure (10) essentially covering the puncture wall (3).

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to patches for medical devices. In various embodiments, an adhesive patch of a medical device may have selective areas with adhesive material of varying adhesion strengths. In other embodiments, an adhesive patch of a medical device may include adhesive material that may be activated by a catalyst to increase or decrease the adhesion strength of the adhesive material. In further embodiments, a medical device may include a pierceable membrane containing an agent, the pierceable membrane positioned to be pierced by a needle and to cause some of the agent to be carried to the user-patient.

Abstract: An implantable tissue-stimulating device, such as a cochlear implant, having a resiliently flexible elongate member (11) having a plurality of electrodes (12) positioned thereon. The elongate member (11) provides a means of delivering at least one bio-active substance to the implantee following implantation of the elongate member (11). The delivery means can comprise a lumen 21 containing the bio-active substance in a liquid form. The bio-active substance can comprise a steroid or can perform a function of reducing the resting neuron potential of neurons within the cochlea.

Abstract: An access port for enabling passage of a conduit through a partition wall, said port comprising three portions, a sleeve portion surrounding an aperture for receiving a conduit there through, a flange portion for attachment to the partition wall, said flange portion encircles the sleeve portion and has a greater diameter than the sleeve portion, and a membrane portion connecting the flange portion and the sleeve portion. The port may be suitable for, in a leak-proof manner, passing a catheter or drain tube through the wall of a medical device such as a wound care device or a drainage bag.

Abstract: A septum for a catheter port comprises a proximal port sealing surface sized to cover a port opening and a distal fluid chamber facing surface which, when the septum is mounted in a port, faces a fluid chamber of the port in combination with a peripheral portion extending radially beyond the port sealing surface for engaging a housing of the port and retaining the septum in place on the housing and a protrusion extending distally beyond the fluid chamber facing surface so that, when the septum is mounted in a port, the protrusion extends distally into a fluid chamber thereof, a radially outer surface of the protrusion frictionally engaging a wall of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A blunt cannula includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion has a non-circular, such as oval, cross-section. A slit septum of a medical site is oriented to receive the proximal portion of the blunt cannula.

Abstract: An adaptor comprises a plate having upper and lower surfaces. The plate has four corners. A luer mating structure is associated with the plate upper surface and a blunt cannula is associated with the lower surface. The blunt cannula has a proximal portion extending from the plate lower surface and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion to a tip end. Four ribs extend from the plate lower surface generally parallel to the blunt cannula and each rib is associated with a respective one of the four comers of the plate, with each rib aimed toward the blunt cannula.

Abstract: An adaptor comprises a plate having upper and lower surfaces, and oppositely disposed side edges therebetween. A luer mating structure is associated with the plate upper surface. A blunt cannula is associated with the lower surface. The blunt cannula has a proximal portion extending from the plate lower surface and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion to a tip end. A pair of generally flat guide walls extends from the plate side edges to either side of the blunt cannula.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member dimensioned for insertion within tissue and having a longitudinal opening to permit introduction of a surgical object through the access member to perform a procedure on underlying tissue. A seal member is mounted across the longitudinal opening of the access member and has an internal portion defining an aperture for forming a substantial seal about the surgical object introduced through the longitudinal opening of the access member. The seal member includes a first seal portion extending from the internal portion and being mounted in suspended relation to the access member, and a second seal portion extending from the internal portion and disposed radially outward of the first seal portion, and being attached to the access member.

Abstract: A medical tattooing device is disclosed. A needle and attached needle cap have a drive spring seated against them in a pre-loaded position so that the needle and needle cap need only be released to send the needle forward and create the tattoo. Anchoring tabs temporarily anchor the needle and needle cap. A push button is used to break the tabs and release the needle. One end of the device has a seal ink reservoir. Before applying the tattoo, a tab on the reservoir is broken off to open the reservoir to passage of the needle and flow of ink. The device is placed on the skin, the button pushed to break the tabs, and the needle passes through the reservoir to apply the tattoo. A rebound spring opposing the drive spring retracts the needle the desired amount.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to patches for medical devices. In various embodiments, an adhesive patch of a medical device may have selective areas with adhesive material of varying adhesion strengths. In other embodiments, an adhesive patch of a medical device may include adhesive material that may be activated by a catalyst to increase or decrease the adhesion strength of the adhesive material. In further embodiments, a medical device may include a pierceable membrane containing an agent, the pierceable membrane positioned to be pierced by a needle and to cause some of the agent to be carried to the user-patient.

Abstract: Liquid drug delivery system including an actuating connector with a two-part housing reciprocal between an expanded operative state and a compressed operative state. The actuating connector is coupled on an actuated connector with a Normally Closed (NC) valve having an exteriorly accessible end surface with a Normally Closed (NC) port which is opened on manipulation of the actuating connector from its initial expanded operative state to its compressed operative state to enable an initially occluded flow path. The NC valve's exteriorly accessible end surface is dry subsequent to reverse manipulation of the actuating connector and de-coupling the actuating connector from the actuated connector. A range of actuated connectors are available for handling hazardous liquid drugs supplied in pre-filled syringes or requiring reconstitution, and different modes of administration to a subject. Intended modes of administration include inter alia injection, drip feed, intravenous injection, and the like.

Abstract: A blunt cannula (10) includes a distal portion (12) and a proximal portion (14). The distal portion (14) has a non-uniform taper defined by a plurality, such as four, differently tapered segments (22, 24, 26, 28). The proximal portion (12) may additionally or alternatively have a non-circular, such as oval, cross-section. At least the major diameter (DMAJ) of the proximal portion (12) my taper toward the distal portion (14).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes puncturing, with a piercing element of a hollow connector, an opening of a membrane that encloses the hollow connector in a gas that is essentially sterile. The puncturing of the opening of the membrane generates a laminar flow of the gas along sides of the opening. The method also includes transferring the fluids, through the opening with the piercing element of the hollow connector.

Abstract: A medical valve having an open mode to permit fluid flow and a closed mode to prevent fluid flow has a body and a valving element within the interior of the body. The body also has a valving element within its interior, and a proximal port and a distal port. The valving element controls fluid flow between the proximal and distal ports. Moreover, the valving element includes a resilient member and a plug. The resilient member forms a variable sized fluid chamber within the interior of the body, while the plug cooperates with the gland to provide an internal seal (within the interior of the body) that is spaced from the proximal port. The plug is capable of radially expanding the resilient member when the valve transitions from the closed mode to the open mode. The fluid chamber has a larger volume when in the open mode than when in the closed mode.

Abstract: The disclosures made herein relate to an infusion device specifically adapted for syringe injections. In one embodiment of the disclosures made herein, an infusion device comprises a body including an accessible surface having a single inlet port therein, an engagement surface having a single outlet port therein, a medication delivery channel extending between the single inlet port and the single outlet port, and an identification feature on the accessible surface of the body adjacent to the single inlet port. The single inlet port of the medication delivery channel is tapered thereby forming a funnel-shaped entry into the medication delivery channel. A cannula is coupled to the body at the single outlet port and is adapted for receiving medication from the single outlet port and transmitting the medication therethrough. The cannula has an essentially straight longitudinal axis that extends generally perpendicular to the engagement surface of the body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide top and bottom clamping of a surgical cassette. One embodiment of the present invention includes a surgical cassette adapted for use in a surgical system having a first side (e.g., an inner side) and second side (e.g., an outer side). The surgical cassette, according to one embodiment, comprises a body portion configured to interface on its first side with a surgical console during use, a first clamping portion projecting from the top of the body portion configured to contact a first clamp rail on the cassette's second side during use and a second clamping portion projecting from the bottom of the body portion configured to contact a second clamp rail on the cassette's second side during use.

Abstract: An adaptor 20 temporarily transforms a valved urinary catheter 2 into one that permits continuous fluid flow by deforming the valve 3. The adaptor 20 includes a tube 22 that sealingly engages into the catheter outlet tube 4 and is provided with an actuator member 24 extending therefrom that engages the catheter valve 3. The actuator member 24 is sized to allow urine to flow therearound and into the tube 22, when the member 24 extends into engagement with the valve to deformably open same. However, the actuator member 24 is of a smaller diameter than the tube 22, and therefore does not greatly deform the valve 3 thereby avoiding damage to the valve 3. The adaptor 20 additionally includes a releasable clip 30, 32 that augments the frictional fit between the outlet tube 4 of the catheter 2 and the adaptor 20. The clip 30, 32 can also be sized to interact with a portion of the catheter 2 or the valve housing 5 to ensure the adaptor 20 is inserted an appropriate distance into the catheter 2.

Abstract: A septum (1) is held in the cavity of a cover (6) and mounted on a pedestal (7) forming part of a flow channel, and comprises a main body having a through passageway and compression ribs formed in the sides thereof. In the main body, the vertical diameter of the cross section orthogonal to the through passageway is longer than the transverse diameter, and the through passageway includes a vertical diameter direction slit (4) formed in the vicinity of the outer end surface of the main body, and a hole (5) that is formed in a region extending from the slit to the inner end surface of the main body and whose cross section is spindle-shaped having a longer axis extending in the vertical diameter direction. The compression ribs are formed in the opposite sides of the main body in the transverse diameter direction, and the cavity of the cover is of circular cross section whose diameter is shorter than the outer surface spacing between the compression ribs.

Abstract: An ampoule opener comprises a receiving body sized to accommodate a cap portion of an ampoule and a shield extending from the receiving body and being configured to lie adjacent a medicament storing portion of the ampoule when the cap portion of the ampoule is accommodated within the receiving body. The shield is rigidly related to the receiving body so as to be more resistive to bending relative to the receiving body in a direction away from a longitudinal axis of the receiving body than toward the longitudinal axis of the receiving body.

Abstract: A valve system is provided that includes a valve connector that has a portion of a first passageway. The valve connector includes a suction port and an introduction port that are spaced apart and in substantially parallel alignment. The suction port and the introduction port are manipulable to establish fluid communication between the portion of the first passageway and the suction port or the introduction port. The valve connector may have a rotatable outer cap that includes the suction port and the introduction port. The cap being configured to facilitate manipulation of the suction port and the introduction port for establishing fluid communication with the portion of the first passageway. The introduction port may include a normally closed valve. The valve connector may be attached to a dual lumen nasogastric tube. In an alternate embodiment, the valve connector further includes a portion of a second passageway that includes a relief port. The relief port can include a one-way valve.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing having a chamber including coaxially aligned inlet and outlet, a medicament cartridge located within the chamber having a passage therethrough and membranes sealing the passage having a burst pressure of less than 10 atmospheres, a manually actuatable fluid delivery device having an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a manually actuated valve located between the outlet of the fluid delivery device and the chamber inlet for delivery of fluid under pressure to the valve. The medicament respiratory delivery device of this invention may be utilized to deliver a controlled unit dose of an aerosolizable medicament on demand by first pressurizing a pressure chamber in the pressure delivery device upstream of the valve, then opening the valve to open the membranes and express the medicament through the chamber outlet.

Abstract: A dose setting device for a delivery system has a piston rod (6, 9) which successively presses a piston (2) into a cylinder ampoule (1). Doses are set by rotating a second part (9) of the piston rod (6, 9) in relation to a first part (6). The two parts are connected by mating threads so that the total length of the piston rod (6, 9) is increased proportional to the angle of rotation, and a point (18) on the second part is moved away from a stop position fixed in relation to a housing (5) The set dose is delivered when the point (18) is moved back to the stop position. The first part (6) can be axially displaced but not rotated in the housing (5), and the second part (9) can both rotate and be axially displaced. The first part (6) is maintained in abutment with the piston (2) and the second part (9) is coupled to be rotated by a dose setting wheel (20).

Abstract: A needle assembly for use with an injection device including a pair of housing members slidably coupled with one another. A needle is structurally attached to one of the housing members such that it is positioned within the two housing members. A first membrane is disposed on an opening of one housing member and a second membrane is disposed on an opening of the other housing member such that the needle is concealed from the view and access of a user thereof. The needle assembly may be contracted by sliding one housing member relative to the other causing the needle to penetrate one of the membranes and administer an injection into or below the skin of the user. Additionally, one or more locking mechanisms may be incorporated to prevent inadvertent needle sticks.

Abstract: The specification relates to an apparatus for storage and dispensing of a topically applied medicament to an animal by a dosing regimen that helps to facilitate administration of uneven doses of a biologically active substance. The apparatus includes a blister pack 1, 4, 9 with a plurality of predetermined medicament-containing wells 2, 5, 10 where the wells 2, 5, 10 contain medicaments 3, 6, 11 incorporated within a solution suitable for topical administration and, wherein the medicament 3, 6, 11 contains at least one biologically-active compound. Indicia 13 are described to help facilitate administration including use of color indicia.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a substance intradermally into the skin of a patient including a housing for contacting the surface of the skin and a disposable cartridge to be received in the housing. The cartridge includes an internal reservoir containing a substance to be delivered to the patient, a plurality of micro skin penetrating members and a fluid channel extending between the micro skin penetrating members and the reservoir. The housing includes a bottom wall with a central opening and a cover member. The cartridge is positioned in the housing with the micro skin penetrating members extending through the central opening of the bottom wall and positioned on the surface of the skin of a patient. The cover is closed onto the cartridge to dispense the substance from the cartridge through the micro skin penetrating members and into or through the skin of the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a safety syringe for extracting blood, with retractable or removable needle that can be retracted into the syringe body or removed after use and safety locks that lock the retractable needle in an extended position during use and in a retracted position after use to ensure that the syringe is not reused or that the needle is not inadvertently extended. When retracted, the needle assembly is cocked at an angle identifying the syringe as used and adding further protection to prevent the needle from being inadvertently extended and exposed from the tube. These safety features work in conjunction to enhance the usability and increase the safety of the syringe. Thereby protecting medical workers from being injured by an exposed needle or contaminated by disease or infection from contact with the patient's blood present on a used needle.

Abstract: A frangible hose connector that has a knit line at the intended point of fracture, as opposed to a circumferential groove or notch. The knit line provides a break zone which has a lower tensile strength than that of the parent material, thereby providing that the connector is relatively easy to fracture. The connector also includes finger grips which makes breaking the connector easier. The finger grips provide that the connector is configured to be fractured via a twisting or torsion force, as opposed to a bending force. As such, the connector tends to break in a manner wherein fluid does not fling or spray. The connector is formed of plastic, and the knit line is created during the plastic injection molded process, wherein two mold fronts are “squared-up” and meet in the mold cavity to form the knit line.

Abstract: A new and improved anesthetic delivery tool and method of using the tool in transmucosal absorption applications of a gel topical anesthetic agent and in subdermal injections of a liquid anesthetic agent is disclosed. The anesthetic delivery tool comprises a housing unit having a hollow central cavity with a slip plate containing a plurality of needles directed towards the front end of the housing unit. The slip plate and the front portion of the hollow central cavity defining a front-end cavity for affixing a therapeutically effective aliquot of gel topical anesthetic agent. The anesthetic delivery tool also comprises a thin membrane positioned directly behind the slip plane and a push plate positioned at the rear end of the housing unit. The push plate, the thin membrane and the rear portion of the hollow central cavity defining a rear-end cavity for affixing a therapeutically effective amount of liquid anesthetic agent.

Abstract: Aminoguanidine and alkoxyguanidine compounds are described, including compounds of the Formula VII: wherein X is O or NR9 and Het, R1, R7, R8, R12-R15, Ra, Rb, Rc, Z, and n are set forth in the specification, as well as hydrates, solvates or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that inhibit proteolytic enzymes such as thrombin. Also described are methods for preparing such compounds. The compounds of the invention are potent inhibitors of proteases, especially trypsin-like serine proteases, such as chymotrypsin, trypsin, thrombin, plasmin and factor Xa. Certain of the compounds exhibit antithrombotic activity via direct, selective inhibition of thrombin. The invention includes a composition for inhibiting loss of blood platelets, inhibiting formation of blood platelet aggregates, inhibiting formation of fibrin, inhibiting thrombus formation, and inhibiting embolus formation in a mammal, comprising a compound of the invention in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge has an adaptor for introducing fluid from a filling device into an orifice of the cartridge. The adaptor has a frangible connection which is broken to allow removal of the filling device after the cartridge is filled with the fluid.

Abstract: The disclosures made herein relate to an infusion device specifically adapted for syringe injections. In one embodiment of the disclosures made herein, an infusion device comprises a body including an accessible surface having a single inlet port therein, an engagement surface having a single outlet port therein, a medication delivery channel extending between the single inlet port and the single outlet port, and an identification feature on the accessible surface of the body adjacent to the single inlet port. The single inlet port of the medication delivery channel is tapered thereby forming a funnel-shaped entry into the medication delivery channel. A cannula is coupled to the body at the single outlet port and is adapted for receiving medication from the single outlet port and transmitted the medication there through. The cannula has an essentially straight longitudinal axis that extends generally perpendicular to the engagement surface of the body.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing having a chamber including coaxially aligned inlet and outlet, a medicament cartridge located within the chamber having a passage therethrough and membranes sealing the passage having a burst pressure of less than 10 atmospheres, a manually actuatable fluid delivery device having an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a manually actuated valve located between the outlet of the fluid delivery device and the chamber inlet for delivery of fluid under pressure to the valve. The medicament respiratory delivery device of this invention may be utilized to deliver a controlled unit dose of an aerosolizable medicament on demand by first pressurizing a pressure chamber in the pressure delivery device upstream of the valve, then opening the valve to open the membranes and express the medicament through the chamber outlet.

Abstract: A micro-bore catheter for use with an infusion pump wherein the micro-bore lumen of the catheter acts as an adjustable flow restricting element. The flow rate through the catheter can be increased proportionally by trimming the length of the catheter. One end of the catheter is attached to a needle for insertion of the catheter into the elastomeric septum of a drug infusion pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening.

Abstract: An infusion catheter with an adjustable flow contains a flow restrictor tube located in the lumen of the catheter. The flow rate through the infusion catheter can be adjusted by reducing the length of the flow restrictor tube and infusion catheter assembly.

Abstract: An improved medication infusion set is provided of the type having a soft cannula for subcutaneous delivery of a selected medication to a patient. The infusion set comprises a cannula housing having a soft cannula protruding therefrom and a self-sealing septum mounted at an upstream end of the cannula. The cannula housing is initially assembled with an insertion hub having an elongated insertion needle extending through the septum and cannula for transcutaneously placing the cannula followed by separation of the insertion hub from the cannula housing. An infusion hub is then assembled with the cannula housing and includes a short infusion needle for coupling the cannula with the selected medication supplied from a source via a length of infusion tubing.

Abstract: A medical valve comprises a housing having an inlet end and a fluid outlet end, and a flexible elastomeric plug defining an upper face. At least a portion of the plug is moveable along said housing in response to the application of a male luer against said upper face. The plug defines an elastomeric flow path within said plug. The flow path defines a distal aperture. The luer displaces at least a portion of the elastomeric plug in a first direction along said housing and the displacing force distorts the plug increasing the volume of the flow path within the plug and enlarge at least a portion of the fluid flow path between said upper face of the plug and outlet end.

Abstract: A sterile connector is provided including a coupler, a protective cap, and a puncturable membrane film. The coupler has a tubular top with an upper edge defining an inwardly facing continuous shoulder, a mounting piece connected to the inwardly facing continuous shoulder adapted to sealably receive a plunge pin, a bottom insertable into a container having wall and sealable to the container wall, and a channel-like passage extending between the top and the bottom. The protective cap is attached to the tubular top of the coupler to seal the top, and has a lower edge connected to the inwardly facing continuous shoulder to define an annular rupture zone. The puncturable membrane film is sealed to the bottom of the coupler to close the channel-like passage. The sterile connector may be combined with a container, attached to the bottom of the coupler, to define an assembly.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a valve device, a pump system operable to pressurize a fluid and a patient interface. The valve device includes a sealing element and defines at least a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet includes a first member of a connector. The pump system is operably associated with the second outlet of the valve device. The patient interface includes a second member of the connector and a tube in fluid connection with the second member. The second member of the connector is adapted to be removably connected to the first member of the connector. The first member preferably includes a resilient septum, and the second member preferably includes a penetrating member.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a cartridge of medication (or any other substance) to a catheter and for securely housing the cartridge within a base or housing, comprising: a body having a bore dimensioned to receive a head of a cartridge therein; a retaining mechanism disposed within the bore in the body, the retaining mechanism dimensioned to hold onto the head of the cartridge; and a double ended hollow needle passing through the first body, the needle having a first end projecting into the bore in the first body; or alternatively; a bottom portion having a bore dimensioned to receive a head of a cartridge therein; a top portion coupled to the bottom portion; a needle hub coupled to the top portion; and a double ended hollow needle passing through the needle hub; wherein an outer surface of the cap is dimensioned to be received into a base.

Abstract: Urine collection bags are provided that include features that facilitate easy insertion of a urinary catheter into a patient's bladder. In some implementations, the urine collection bag is formed of a soft, flexible material that is comfortable when it contacts the user's skin, easy to manipulate, and relatively noiseless during use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for storing and/or delivering an effective amount of biological or pharmaceutical material to an animal comprising a tube disposed to contain said biological or pharmaceutical material and sealed at its ends and adapted to provide an opening through which the biological or pharmaceutical material exits and is administered to an intended site of the animal.

Abstract: The withdrawal spike comprises a piercing thorn (10) and a housing (12) having filter chambers for air and fluid. In a connecting piece (23) for connection of an external device a self-closing valve (31) is arranged. Said valve (31) is adapted to prevent fluid from unintentionally flowing out of the withdrawal spike.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule opening arrangement for a powder inhaler device. The arrangement has a first part and a second part which are relatively movable with respect to one another. The first part has a capsule support including an aperture for supporting at least one severable capsule. The second part contains a capsule severing device fixedly located therein so as to pass across the supporting aperture during relative movement of the first and second parts. The opening arrangement provides particular advantages in that the capsule, after severing, has a large open area from which powder can be extracted without any part of the capsule interfering with the powder flow.

Abstract: There is provided a method of supplying a fluid to a placement site. For instance, a sensor set is first mounted onto a skin of a user, and a placement site is contacted with the sensor set. The sensor set includes a base to secure the sensor set to the skin of the user; a cannula coupled to and extending from the base; an insertion device operatively coupled to the sensor set and the cannula to facilitate insertion of the cannula to contact the placement site; an externally extending conduit; and a sensor. The cannula has at least one lumen with an end for fluid communication with the placement site, and also has at least one port formed near another end of the lumen opposite the end for fluid communication. The conduit is in fluid communication with the at least one port of the cannula. The sensor has a sensor portion exposed by the at least one port in the at least one lumen of the cannula to determine a body characteristic of the user at the placement site.

Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge has an adaptor for introducing fluid from a filling device into an orifice of the cartridge. The adaptor has a frangible connection which is broken to allow removal of the filling device after the cartridge is filled with the fluid.

Abstract: An injection device has a two part barrel. The forward part (10) telescopes into the rear part (3) and within the barrel a capsule (1) with a needle (2) at its forward end is initially held by a trigger (11) formed integrally with the forward part (10) so that the needle (2) does not project. The trigger (11) is inoperable at this stage, being inaccessible because of the telescopic overlap. A spring (20) acts on a plunger at the rear of the capsule. When the overlap is increased, the trigger (11) becomes accessible through a slot (7), and when it is operated the capsule (1) is released for the spring (20) to shoot it forwards and eject the dose through the now projecting needle (2). The capsule (1) may have a two part dose and its mixing may then be effected by the spring (20), fully compressed after the overlap increase, urging the plunger forwards.