A volume and resistance compensator device; an inhaler testing apparatus containing the device; and methods for testing inhalers utilizing the device and apparatus for improving the consistency and reliability of the testing process are disclosed.

Training device for training tracheal suctioning. The training device includes a tracheal core adapted to be arranged within a tracheal, nasal or oral cavity of a medical training simulator, and coupled to the airways of the simulator and an insert adapted to be inserted into the core, the insert forming a reservoir for simulated mucus.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for evaluating dialyzers used in different medical applications (e.g., hemodialysis). Red blood cell volume lost in a dialyzer is monitored by obtaining blood flowrate measurements and hematocrit measurements at input ports and output ports of the dialyzer. The flowrate and hematocrit measurements are used to determine an accumulation of red cell blood volume in the dialyzer. The measurements may be obtained in a lab environment with an in-vitro blood source or may be obtained in a clinical setting with an in-vivo blood source from a patient.

A centrifugation approach used to accelerate current empirical methods used to investigate silicone drainage in syringes is disclosed. A siliconized syringe is placed into a holder of a centrifuge in a predefined orientation. Centrifugation of the syringe is activated at a predetermined G rate and for a period of intended simulation time and is ended as that time elapses. The time can be a function of intended simulation time, acceleration due to gravity, square of centrifuge revolution rate, and distance from center of rotor hub to matching point on the syringe barrel. One or more injection functionality parameters of the syringe is assessed after the elapsed period of time. A bucket fixture for retaining one or more syringes in the predefined orientation is also disclosed.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining status of a canister of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of monitoring pressure provided by a pump element of the TNP system, determining at least one characteristic associated with the monitored pressure and determining status of at least one parameter associated with a canister of the TNP system responsive to the determined characteristics.

An apparatus (100) that simulates breathing, which is suitable for use when testing inhalers (14), comprises an inlet (22) to which, in use, an inhaler (14) can be connected, and a vacuum pumping system, which has a vacuum pump (106), a high-speed valve (102) and a flow sensing means (137, 112, 104, 114) interposed between the inlet (22) and the vacuum pump (106), and a controller (126). A user interface (134) enables a user to input a target flow profile (148, 150), which may correspond to human inspiration, such that, in operation, the controller (126) can control the operation of the vacuum pump (106) and the high-speed valve (102) so that the pressure and/or flow rate within the apparatus (100) matches the pressure (150) and/or flow rate (148) of the target flow profile in real-time or near-time.

In an embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus, configured to collect emitted sample dose from a drug delivery device, wherein the sample dose is an aerosol, wherein the apparatus comprises a collection assembly and a removable plunger.

At least one embodiment of the invention provides a system comprising an inhalation exposure chamber and an aerosol delivery line connected to the inhalation exposure chamber. The aerosol delivery line is configured to produce a bi-directional and symmetrical presentation of aerosol to the inhalation exposure chamber. A laminar flow element is configured to create an ante-chamber where complete and turbulent mixing of the aerosol occurs. A radial exhaust and the laminar flow element enable laminar flow of the aerosol through the inhalation exposure chamber.

A centrifugation approach used to accelerate current empirical methods used to investigate silicone drainage in syringes is disclosed. A siliconized syringe is placed into a holder of a centrifuge in a predefined orientation. Centrifugation of the syringe is activated at a predetermined G rate and for a period of intended simulation time and is ended as that time elapses. The time can be a function of intended simulation time, acceleration due to gravity, square of centrifuge revolution rate, and distance from center of rotor hub to matching point on the syringe barrel. One or more injection functionality parameters of the syringe is assessed after the elapsed period of time. A bucket fixture for retaining one or more syringes in the predefined orientation is also disclosed.

A medical fluid delivery system comprises: (i) a medical fluid delivery machine including a pneumatic manifold having pump and valve actuation areas and a pumping gasket overlaying the pump and valve actuation areas, sources of positive and negative pneumatic pressure, plural pneumatic valves located between the pneumatic sources and the pump and valve actuation areas, and a control unit in operable communication with the plural pneumatic valves; and (ii) a disposable cassette including a fluid pump chamber that aligns with the pump actuation area when the disposable cassette is mated with the pneumatic manifold, the disposable cassette including sheeting overlaying the fluid pump chamber, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the pneumatic valves to perform a conditioning routine that moves the pumping gasket and the cassette sheeting while mated in an attempt to remove small air pockets from between the pumping gasket and the cassette sheeting.