text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Oct 26, 2010
|Filing date
|Mar 19, 2007
|Priority date
|Jul 15, 2000
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Peter John Brand, James William Godfrey, Paul Kenneth Rand
|Original Assignee
|Glaxo Group Limited
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (120), Referenced by (16), Classifications (40), Legal Events (1)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10,311,562, filed 16 Dec. 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,777 which was filed pursuant to 35 USC 371 as a United States National Phase Application of International Patent Application Ser. No. PCT/EP01/07968 filed 11 Jul. 2001, which claims priority from GB0017301.3 filed on 15 Jul. 2000 in the United Kingdom, and GB0020538.5 filed on 22 Aug. 2000 in the United Kingdom.
The present invention relates to a medicament dispenser for use in the dispensing of medicament. The medicament dispenser has a medicament container (e.g. in the form of a reloadable cartridge).
Medical dispensers are well known for the dispensing of various kinds of medicament. Inhalation devices, such as metered dose inhalers (MDI) and dry powder inhalers are known for the delivery of medicament for the treatment of respiratory disorders. Syringes, including needleless syringes are also known for the delivery of injectable medicament to a patient.
The manufacture of medical dispensers requires careful control to ensure compliance with product specifications. Similarly, the packaging, distribution and sale of medical dispensers are carefully controlled to ensure consistent product quality and security for the patient. It is common practice to mark the dispenser and any packaging therefore with various codings and serial numbers for use in checking product integrity. Widely used marking techniques include the use of visual text, machine-readable text, bar codes and dot codes.
In the event of a patient complaint which results in return of the medical dispenser or indeed in the event of a product recall for any other reason, the manufacturer employs the codings and serial numbers to check the product details. Counterfeiting is known to be a problem with medical dispensers given the often-high resale value of the product. Product marking is further employed to reduce the opportunities for counterfeiting and in particular, to make counterfeit products more readily identifiable.
Reloadable medicament dispensers are known. These typically comprise a housing defining a cavity and a medicament container which is reversibly receivable thereby. The housing and the medicament container may be sold separately or as a kit of parts. There is current interest in the development of reloadable medicament dispensers in which the housing is reasonably sophisticated in nature and comprises some sort of electronic data management capability. The reload is desirably in the form of a medicament cartridge which for cost reasons has a relatively simple form. The patient retains the sophisticated actuator housing and reloads are inserted as required.
There are a number of potential challenges associated with reloadable medicament dispensers and these have hitherto prevented their widespread use. A primary challenge is to ensure that the reload is employed with the correct actuator housing. Secondary challenges include preventing the use of out-of-date or counterfeit cartridge reloads. Tailoring the actuator housing to be only operable (e.g. mechanically operable) with the correct reload is a feasible, but expensive and therefore commercially unattractive solution to the primary challenge. Existing product marking methods can in some ways be employed to address the secondary challenges. Overall, there is a need for further developments to address these and other challenges associated with reloadable medicament dispensers.
The Applicants have now devised a solution for addressing the potential challenges associated with reloadable medicament dispensers which is of greater sophistication than presently used techniques and has significant advantages thereover. The solution involves associating a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving a data signal with the reloadable actuator housing and associating a second transceiver with the medicament container reload. The first and second transceivers are arranged such that data is transferable in two-way fashion (e.g. read/write fashion) therebetween. In typical embodiments, the first transceiver is an actively powered transceiver which forms an integral part of an electronic data management system on the housing and the second transceiver is a passive (i.e. not directly powered) transceiver. Thus, the second transceiver may for example be a magnetic or radiofrequency identifier (RFID) label and the first transceiver a reader therefor having read/write capability.
The transceiver on the medicament reload is typically marked at the time of manufacture with various product information including type of medicament, initial number of doses, date and place of manufacture and an anti-counterfeiting code. If desired, further marking can be added at the time of dispensing such as date and time of dispensing, name of the prescriber and pharmacist and identification of the patient. When the reload is inserted into the actuator housing, the marking thereon will be read by the transceiver on the housing and the electronic data management system updated. At this point, various security, product integrity and product matching with actuator checks may be conducted (e.g. for out-of-date reloads or counterfeits) and any problems flagged. If product integrity problems are detected the dispenser may automatically shutdown.
An important aspect of the present development is that it allows for two-way transfer of data between the transceiver and electronic data management system on the housing and the transceiver on the medicament reload. This gives rise to significant advantages. For example, each time the medicament dispenser is used by the patient actuation or dispensing data may be recorded and transferred to the reload. The dose count and other compliance data are therefore recordable by both the electronic data management system of the housing and on the reload. When the reload is removed from the housing, any subsequent insertion thereof can be arranged to result in a re-recognition of the reload and associated update of the electronic data management system. This can be arranged to operate even when multiple, possibly dissimilar, reloads are used with the same actuator housing. The development described herein therefore enables a sophisticated actuator with electronic data management capability to be used securely and intelligently with multiple medicament reloads over a period of time. PCT patent application no. WO92/17231 describes a metered dose inhaler having a microelectronic assembly thereon. The medicament container includes a set of electrically conducting strips which represent information about the medicament container in digital form. The housing of the device includes electrical contact fingers which are contactable with the strips to enable reading of the information to a microelectronic memory on the housing. Read/write communication would not be possible between the fingers and the reader and the significant advantages of the present invention would therefore not be achievable with this inhaler. Furthermore, contact between the strips on the container and the electrical contact fingers is required which requires physical tailoring of the container to the housing, thereby limiting product design options. This document also describes an embodiment in which an active (i.e. powered) microelectronic element is attached to the container.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a medicament dispenser comprising a body, said body shaped for receipt of a medicament container; in association with the body, a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving data; a medicament container receivable by the body; and in association with the medicament container, a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving data, wherein data is transferable in two-way fashion from the first transceiver to the second transceiver.
The medicament dispenser herein is suitable for use in the storage and/or presentation and/or dispensing of medicament.
The body is typically shaped to define a cavity within which the medicament container is receivable. The body and/or medicament container may be further shaped with any manner of grooves, indentations or other shaping or surface details to define a 'lock and key' relationship between the body and the container. Colour guides, arrows and any other surface markings may also be employed.
The data is preferably in digital form and suitable for transfer by e.g. electronic or optical means. Data is transferable when the medicament container is received wholly or partly by the body. A defined data transfer position in which there is specific registration between the body and container received thereby may be established.
One advantage of the present invention is the ability to store many types of information in different parts of the memory structure of the transceivers. The information is furthermore stored in a form which is readily and accurately transferable.
The information could for example, include manufacturing and distribution compliance information written to the memory at various points in the manufacturing or distribution process, thereby providing a detailed and readily accessible product history of the dispenser. Such product history information may, for example, be referred to in the event of a product recall. The compliance information could, for example, include date and time stamps. The information could also include a unique serial number stored in encrypted form or in a password protectable part of the memory which uniquely identifies the product and therefore may assist in the detection and prevention of counterfeiting. The information could also include basic product information such as the nature of the medicament and dosing information, customer information such as the name of the intended customer, and distribution information such as the intended product destination.
The information written to the memory may be provided in a particular language (e.g. French, English) including a non-latin typescript language (e.g. Mandarin Chinese or Thai) or it may be provided in multilingual form. In one aspect, the dispenser is provided with the capability (e.g. by way of appropriate software) to display information read from the medicament container in any selected language. In one aspect, the information/language is defined by what is written to the medicament container (e.g. at the traditional point of labelling in the manufacturing process). The container then has the form of a geography and/or language-specific product.
In another aspect, the medicament container has multi-geographic and /or linguistic information written thereto (e.g. at the traditional point of labelling point in the manufacturing process). The container then has the form of an 'international' product. The medicament dispenser may then be configured (e.g. by the patient or by the pharmacist at the time of prescribing) to read/display to the patient only that information/language data set that is relevant to the particular market (or patient) of interest.
In a further aspect, the medicament container has information written thereto (e.g. at the traditional point of labelling in the manufacturing process) in a default (e.g. standard) language/character set. The container then has the form of a 'standard' product. The medicament dispenser is then provided with the capability translate that standard dataset into any local format such that it displays to the patient only the information/language data set that is relevant to the particular market (or patient) of interest.
On loading or reloading the dispenser with a medicament container (such as an aerosol canister or dry powder cassette) the second transceiver may, for example, read the unique serial number, batch code and expiry date of the medicament and any other information on the second transceiver. In this way the nature and concentration of the medicament, together with the number of doses used or remaining within the container, may be determined. This information can be displayed to the patient on a visual display unit. Other information, such as the number of times the dispenser has been reloaded with a medicament container, may also be displayed.
Similarly, should the container be removed from the housing before the supply of medicament is exhausted, the same data can be read from the second transceiver and the number of doses remaining or used determined. Other information, such as the date and time of administration of the drug, or environmental exposure data such as the minimum/maximum temperatures or levels of humidity the medicament container has been exposed to, may also be read and displayed to the user.
In the event that the supply of medicament within the container becomes exhausted, or that the shelf life of the medicament has expired, or that the first transceiver does not recognise the batch code on the second transceiver, activation of the dispenser may be prevented to safeguard the user. Activation may also be prevented if the medicament has been exposed to extreme environmental conditions for periods outwith the manufacturer's guidelines.
Data may be transferred to and from any transceiver during the period of use of the medicament dispenser by the patient. For example, the medicament dispenser may include an electronic data management system having various sensors associated therewith. Any data collected by the sensors or from any data collection system associated with the electronic data management system including a clock or other date/time recorder is transferable.
Data may be transferred each time the patient uses the device. Or alternatively, data may be stored in a database memory of the electronic data management system and periodically downloaded to any transceiver. In either case, a history of the usage of the device may be built up in the memory of a transceiver.
In one embodiment herein, a history of the usage of the medicament dispenser is transferred to the second transceiver on the aerosol container. When the medicament container is exhausted it is exchanged by the patient for a new refill container. At the point of exchange, which will typically occur at the pharmacy, data may be transferred from the exhausted container to the refill and vice-versa. Additionally, usage history data may be read from the refill and transferred to a healthcare data management system for example comprising a network computer system under the control of a healthcare data manager.
Methods are envisaged herein whereby the patient is given some sort of reward for returning the refill and making available the data comprised within the second transceiver. Methods are also envisaged herein whereby the healthcare data manager is charged for either receipt of the data from the second transceiver or for its use for commercial purposes. Any rewards or charging may be arranged electronically. The methods may be enabled by distributed or web-based computer network systems in which any collected data is accessible through a hub on the network. The hub may incorporate various security features to ensure patient confidentiality and to allow selective access to information collected dependent upon level of authorisation. The level of user authorisation may be allocated primarily to safeguard patient confidentiality. Beyond this the level of user authorisation may also be allocated on commercial terms with for example broader access to the database being authorised in return for larger commercial payments.
Suitably, the first and second transceiver each comprise an antenna or equivalent for transmitting or receiving data and connecting thereto a memory. The antenna can, in embodiments, also transfer energy to the passive receiver. The memory will typically comprise an integrated circuit chip. Either transceiver may be configured to have a memory structure which allows for large amounts of information to be stored thereon. The memory structure can be arranged such that parts of the memory are read-only, being programmed during/after manufacture, other parts are read/write and further parts are password protectable. Initial transfer of information (e.g. on manufacture or one dispensing) to or from any transceiver can be arranged to be readily achievable by the use of a reader which is remote from the medical dispenser, thereby minimising the need for direct product handling. In further aspects, the reader can be arranged to simultaneously read or write to the memory of multiple transceivers on multiple medicament dispensers.
A suitable power source such as a battery, clockwork energy store, solar cell, fuel cell, kinetics-driven cell or mains power supply (e.g. via a suitable transformer) will be provided as required to any electronic component herein. The power source may be arranged to be rechargeable or reloadable. Suitably, data is transferable in two-way fashion between the first and second transceiver without the need for direct physical contact therebetween. Preferably, data is transferable wirelessly between the first and second transceiver.
Suitably, the first transceiver is an active transceiver and the second transceiver is a passive transceiver. The term active is used to mean directly-powered and the term passive is used to mean indirectly-powered.
Suitably, the second transceiver comprises a label or tag comprising an antenna for transmitting or receiving energy; and an integrated circuit chip connecting with said antenna, and the first transceiver comprises a reader for said label or tag. In this case the label or tag is a passive transceiver and the reader is an active transceiver. Preferably, the reader will not need to be in direct contact with the tag or label to enable the tag or label to be read.
The tag may be used in combination and/or integrated with other traditional product labelling methods including visual text, machine-readable text, bar codes and dot codes.
Suitably, the integrated circuit chip has a read only memory area.
Suitably, the integrated circuit chip has a memory area with restricted read access.
Suitably, the integrated circuit chip has a read/write memory area.
Suitably, the integrated circuit chip has a one-time programmable memory area. More preferably, the one-time programmable memory area contains a unique serial number.
Suitably, the integrated circuit chip has a preset memory area containing a factory preset, non-changeable, unique data item. The preset memory item is most preferably in encrypted form.
Suitably, the integrated circuit chip has plural memory areas thereon.
Suitably, any memory area contains data in encrypted form. Electronic methods of checking identity, error detection and data transfer may also be employed.
Suitably, any memory area is password protected.
In one preferred aspect, the integrated circuit has plural memory areas thereon including a read only memory area containing a unique serial number, which may for example be embedded at the time of manufacture; a read/write memory area which can be made read only once information has been written thereto; and a password protected memory area containing data in encrypted form which data may be of anti-counterfeiting utility.
The tag may be associated with the medicament container in any suitable fashion. In one aspect, the tag is somehow attached or fixed to the medicament container by any suitable means including adhesive fixing, welding, snap-fit arrangements or through the use of various mounting means. The mounting means may for example, comprise an adhesive label, wrap-round tape or collar arrangement.
In another aspect, the tag is located within the medicament container, for example, as a loose component together with any medicament contents thereof or within a separate compartment or housing within the medicament container. An advantage of placing the tag within the medicament container is that is can be 'hidden from view' thereby improving its utility as a security feature. Additionally, the tag and container may be configured (e.g. shaped and sized) such that the tag may only be removed by rupture or other degradation of the medicament container or tag.
Suitably, the tag is on a carrier and the carrier is mountable on the housing or the medicament container.
In one aspect, the carrier is a flexible label. In another aspect, the carrier is a rigid disc. In a further aspect, the carrier is a rectangular block. In a further aspect, the carrier is a collar (e.g. in the form of a ring) suitable for receipt by (e.g. for mounting to) the medicament container. Other shapes of carrier including those defining chip housings or enclosures are also envisaged.
Suitably, the carrier is mouldable or weldable to the medicament container or housing.
Suitably, the carrier encases the tag. More preferably, the carrier forms a hermetic seal for the tag.
In one aspect, the carrier comprises an insulating material such as a glass material or, a paper material, a ceramic material or an organic polymeric material such as polypropylene.
Alternatively, the carrier includes a ferrite material.
The energy to power any transceiver may be in any suitable form including ultrasonic, infrared, radiofrequency, magnetic, optical and laser form. Any suitable channels may be used to channel the energy including wave guide and fibre optic channels.
In one aspect, the second transceiver comprises a radiofrequency identifier comprising an antenna for transmitting or receiving radiofrequency energy; and an integrated circuit chip connecting with said antenna, and the first transceiver comprises a reader for said radiofrequency identifier. In this case the radiofrequency identifier is a passive transceiver and the reader is an active transceiver. An advantage of radiofrequency identifier technology is that the reader need not be in direct contact with the radiofrequency identifier tag or label to be read.
The radiofrequency identifier can be any known radiofrequency identifier. Such identifiers are sometimes known as radiofrequency transponders or radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags or labels. Suitable radiofrequency identifiers include those sold by Phillips Semiconductors of the Netherlands under the trade marks Hitag and Icode, those sold by Amtech Systems Corporation of the United States of America under the trade mark Intellitag, and those sold by Texas Instruments of the United States of America under the trade mark Tagit.
Suitably, the antenna of the RFID tag is capable of transmitting or receiving radiofrequency energy having a frequency of from 100 KHz to 2.5 GHz. Preferred operating frequencies are selected from 125 KHz, 13.56 MHz and 2.4 GHz.
In one aspect, the second transceiver comprises a magnetic label or tag comprising an antenna for transmitting or receiving magnetic field energy; and an integrated circuit chip connecting with said antenna, and the first transceiver comprises a reader for said magnetic label or tag. In this case the magnetic label or tag is a passive transceiver and the reader is an active transceiver.
A suitable magnetic label or tag comprises plural magnetic elements in mutual association whereby the magnetic elements move relative to each other in response to an interrogating magnetic field. A magnetic label or tag of this type is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,966. Another suitable magnetic label or tag comprises a magnetorestrictive element which is readable by application of an interrogating alternating magnetic field in the presence of a magnetic bias field which results in resonance of the magnetorestrictive elements at different predetermined frequencies. A magnetic label of this type is described in PCT Patent Application No. WO92/12402. Another suitable magnetic label or tag comprising plural discrete magnetically active regions in a linear array is described in PCT Patent Application No. WO96/31790. Suitable magnetic labels and tags include those making use of Programmable Magnetic Resonance (PMR) (trade name) technology.
In another aspect, the second transceiver comprises a passive microelectronic memory chip and the first transceiver comprises an active reader for said microelectronic memory chip. The microelectronic memory chip may comprise an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) chip or a SIM card-type memory chip. In this case the microelectronic memory chip is a passive transceiver and the reader is an active transceiver.
Any transceiver herein, particularly a passive transceiver may be mounted on or encased within any suitable inert carrier. The carrier may comprise a flexible sheet which may in embodiments be capable of receiving printed text thereon.
In one aspect, the first transceiver is integral with the body such that a single unit is comprised. The first transceiver may for example be encased within or moulded to the body.
In another aspect, the first transceiver forms part of a base unit which is reversibly associable with the body. The base unit may for example, form a module receivable by the body such as a snap-in module.
Suitably, the medicament dispenser additionally comprises an electronic data management system, wherein the electronic data management system is in association with the first transceiver and/or second transceiver. The electronic data management system has input/output capability and comprises a memory for storage of data; a microprocessor for performing operations on said data; and a transmitter for transmitting a signal relating to the data or the outcome of an operation on the data.
Suitably, the electronic data management system is arranged to be responsive to or activated by the voice of a user. Thus, for example the system may be switched on or off in response to a voice command. In one aspect, the electronic data management system is integral with the body.
In another aspect, the electronic data management system and first transceiver form part of a base unit which is reversibly associable with the body.
Suitably, the medicament dispenser and/or medicament container is provided with release means for releasing medicament from the medicament container.
In some embodiments, the release means needs to be primed to a release position. A prime detector may therefore be provided to detect movement of the release means to the actuation position.
An example of a release means having a priming step is where the medicament dispenser comprises a reservoir of medicament product (e.g. in dry powder form) and the priming step involves movement of a measured dose from the reservoir to the actuation position. Reservoir-based inhalation devices are for example, well known in the art.
Suitably, the medicament dispenser additionally comprises an actuation detector for detecting actuation of the release means wherein said actuation detector transmits actuation data to the electronic data management system.
Suitably, the medicament dispenser additionally comprises a safety mechanism to prevent unintended multiple actuations of the release means. The patient is thereby protected from inadvertently receiving multiple doses of medicament in a situation where they take a number of short rapid breaths. More preferably, the safety mechanism imposes a time delay between successive actuations of the release means. The time delay is typically of the order of from three to thirty seconds.
An example of a release means having a priming step is where the medicament dispenser comprises an energy store which is primed by the user and arranged to release that energy on operation of a trigger. The release of the stored energy results in actuation of the medicament release means. The energy store comprises in preferred aspects, a biasable resilient member such as a spring, a source of compressed fluid such as a canister of compressed gas or a battery. Chemical energy sources are also suitable and might include chemical propellant or ignition mixtures. Other sources might include physical explosives such as liquefied or solidified gas in a canister which burst when heated or exposed to the atmosphere.
Breath-operable inhalers (Bols) are well-known examples of medicament dispenser having a stored energy system and in which the trigger comprises a breath trigger which is triggered by the breath of the patient. Known Bols are of the metered dose inhaler (MDI) type where the medicament container comprises an aerosol canister.
Suitably, the medicament dispenser additionally comprises a release detector for detecting release of medicament from the medicament container, wherein said release detector transmits release data to the electronic data management system.
Suitably, any actuation detector, prime detector or release detector comprises a sensor for detecting any suitable parameter such as movement. Any suitable sensors are envisaged including the use of optical sensors. The release detector may sense any parameter affected by release of the medicament such as pressure, temperature, sound, moisture, and chemical factors such as carbon dioxide concentration or oxygen concentration, or the presence of released medicament or propellant (e.g. via an 'electronic nose' sensor).
Suitably, the medicament dispenser additionally comprises a communicator for wireless communication with a network computer system to enable transfer of data between the network computer system and the electronic data management system. Preferably, the communicator enables two-way transfer of data between the network computer system and the electronic data management system.
Suitably, the data is communicable between the network computer system and the electronic data management system in encrypted form. All suitable methods of encryption or partial encryption are envisaged. Password protection may also be employed. Suitably, the communicator employs radiofrequency or optical signals.
In one aspect, the communicator communicates via a gateway to the network computer system. In another aspect, the communicator includes a network server (e.g. a web server) such that it may directly communicate with the network.
In a further aspect, the communicator communicates with the gateway via a second communications device. Preferably, the second communications device is a telecommunications device, more preferably a cellular phone or pager. Preferably, the communicator communicates with the second communications device using spread spectrum radiofrequency signals. A suitable spread spectrum protocol is the Bluetooth (trade mark) standard which employs rapid (e.g. 1600 times a second) hopping between plural frequencies (e.g. 79 different frequencies). The protocol may further employ multiple sending of data bits (e.g. sending in triplicate) to reduce the effects of external interference.
In one aspect, the network computer system comprises a public access network computer system. The Internet is one suitable example of a public access network computer system, wherein the point of access thereto can be any suitable entrypoint including an entrypoint managed by an Internet service provider. The public access network computer system may also form part of a telecommunications system, which may itself be either a traditional copper wire system, a cellular system or an optical network.
In another aspect, the network computer system comprises a private access network computer system. The private access network system may for example, comprise an Intranet or Extranet which may for example, be maintained by a health service provider or medicament manufacturer. The network may for example include password protection; a firewall; and suitable encryption means.
Preferably, the communicator enables communication with a user-specific network address in the network computer system.
The user-specific network address may be selected from the group consisting of a web-site address, an e-mail address and a file transfer protocol address. Preferably, the user-specific network address is accessible to a remote information source such that information from said remote information source could be made available thereto. More preferably, information from the user-specific network address can be made available to the remote information source.
In one aspect, the remote information source is a medicament prescriber, for example a doctor's practice. Information transferred from the medicament prescriber may thus, comprise changes to prescription details, automatic prescription updates or training information. Information transferred to the medicament prescriber may comprise compliance information, that is to say information relating to the patient's compliance with a set prescribing programme. Patient performance information relating for example, to patient-collected diagnostic data may also be transferred to the medicament prescriber. Where the dispenser is an inhaler for dispensing medicament for the relief of respiratory disorders examples of such diagnostic data would include breath cycle data or peak flow data.
In another aspect, the remote information source is a pharmacy. Information transferred from the pharmacy may thus, comprise information relating to the medicament product. Information sent to the pharmacy may thus include prescription requests which have been remotely pre-authorized by the medicament prescriber.
In a further aspect, the remote information source is an emergency assistance provider, for example a hospital accident and emergency service or an emergency helpline or switchboard. The information may thus, comprise a distress or emergency assist signal which requests emergency assistance.
In a further aspect, the remote information source is a manufacturer of medicament or medicament delivery systems. Information transferred to the system may thus, comprise product update information. The system may also be configured to feed information back to the manufacturer relating to system performance.
In a further aspect, the remote information source is a research establishment. In a clinical trial situation, information may thus be transferred relating to the trial protocol and information relating to patient compliance fed back to the research establishment.
In a further aspect, the remote information source is an environmental monitoring station. Information relating to weather, pollen counts and pollution levels may thus be made accessible to the system.
Suitably, the medicament dispenser additionally comprises a data input system for user input of data to the electronic data management system. Preferably, the data input system comprises a man machine interface (MMI) preferably selected from a keypad, voice recognition interface, graphical user interface (GUI) or biometrics interface.
Suitably, the system additionally comprises a visual display unit for display of data from the electronic data management system to the user. The display may for example, comprise a screen such as an LED or LCD screen. More preferably the visual display unit is associable with the housing.
Suitably, the medicament dispenser additionally comprises a datalink for linking to a local data store to enable communication of data between the local data store and the electronic data management system. The datastore may also comprise data management, data analysis and data communication capability.
The datastore may itself form part of a portable device (e.g. a handheld device) or it may be sized and shaped to be accommodated within the patient's home. The datastore may also comprise a physical storage area for storage of replacement medicament containers. The datastore may further comprise a system for refilling medicament from a reservoir of medicament product stored therewithin. The datastore may further provide an electrical recharging system for recharging any electrical energy store on the medicament dispenser, particularly a battery recharging system.
The datalink may for example enable linking with a docking station, a personal computer, a network computer system or a set-top box (e.g. television set-top box) by any suitable method including a hard-wired link, an infra red link or any other suitable wireless communications link.
Suitably, the electronic data management system includes a predictive algorithm or look-up table for calculating the optimum amount of medicament to dispense.
Suitably, the memory on the electronic data management system includes a dose memory for storing dosage data and reference is made to the dose memory in calculating the optimum amount of medicament to dispense.
Suitably, the medicament dispenser additionally comprises a selector for selecting the amount of medicament to dispense from said dispensing mechanism. In one aspect, the selector is manually operable. In another aspect, the selector is operable in response to a signal from the transmitter on the electronic data management system.
Suitably, the medicament dispenser additionally comprises a geographic positioning system such as a global positioning system or a system which relies on the use of multiple communications signals and a triangulation algorithm.
In one aspect, the system is suitable for the delivery of respirable medicament and additionally comprises a sensor which senses the breath of a user, wherein the sensor communicates breath data to the electronic data management system.
In one aspect, the sensor comprises a breath-movable element which is movable in response to the breath of a patient. More preferably, the breath-movable element is selected from the group consisting of a vane, a sail, a piston and an impeller.
In another aspect, the sensor comprises a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure profile associated with the breath of a user.
In a further aspect, the sensor comprises an airflow sensor for sensing the airflow profile associated with the breath of a user.
In a further aspect, the sensor comprises a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature profile associated with the breath of a user. The temperature of the inhaled and exhaled part of the breath cycle varies and may, thus, be used as a measurement tool.
In a further aspect, the sensor comprises a moisture sensor for sensing the moisture profile associated with the breath of a user. The moisture content of the inhaled and exhaled part of the breath cycle varies and this also may be used as a measurement tool.
In a further aspect, the sensor comprises a gas sensor for sensing the oxygen or carbon dioxide profile associated with the breath of a user. The chemical profile of the inhaled and exhaled part of the breath cycle varies and this further may be used as a measurement tool.
Suitably, the breath data includes breath cycle data, FEV1 and/or peak flow data.
Suitably, the medicament dispenser additionally comprises release means for releasing medicament from said medicament container; a breath trigger for triggering the release means, said breath trigger being actuable in response to a trigger signal from the electronic data management system. Preferably, the electronic data management system includes a predictive algorithm or look-up table for deriving from the breath data when to transmit the trigger signal. For example, a real-time analysis of the patient breath waveform may be made and the trigger point derived by reference to that analysed waveform.
Suitably, the medicament container is an aerosol container. Suitably, the aerosol container comprises a suspension of a medicament in a propellant. Suitably, the propellant comprises liquefied HFA134a, HFA-227 or carbon dioxide. In one aspect, the aerosol container comprises a solution of a medicament in a solvent.
Suitably, the medicament container is for the containment of medicament in tablet or nebule form.
Suitably, the medicament container is a dry-powder container. In one aspect, the container comprises a reservoir for dry powder medicament which is accessible by a metering means for metering (e.g. a dose of) medicament therefrom. In another aspect, the medicament container comprises one or individual capsules or blisters for containing defined amounts of powdered medicament. Multi-unit dose blisters in elongate strip form are particularly envisaged.
Suitably, the dry-powder container comprises medicament and optionally excipient in dry-powder form.
Where the medicament container is an aerosol container the release means typically comprises a valve mechanism. Where the medicament container comprises a dry powder reservoir the release means typically co-operates with the aforementioned metering means for metering (e.g. a dose of) medicament therefrom. Where the medicament container comprises one or more individual capsules or blisters the release means typically comprises means for rupturing, peeling apart or otherwise accessing the contents thereof.
Suitably, the medicament is selected from the group consisting of albuterol, salmeterol, fluticasone propionate, ipratropium bromide beclomethasone dipropionate, salts or solvates thereof and any mixtures thereof. Suitable combination products comprise salmeterol xinafoate and fluticasone propionate; or salmeterol and ipratropium bromide.
The medicament dispenser herein may also be in the form of a syringe. Traditional syringes rely on puncturing of the patient's skin by a hollow needle through which the injectable medicament (in solution or suspension form) is delivered to the muscle or tissue of the patient from a medicament container (e.g. in the form of a syringe barrel). Recently developed needleless systems for the delivery of injectables employ high velocity injection of particle formulated drugs or vaccine through the skin and into any physically accessible tissue. Other needleless systems employ similar high velocity injection of drug or vaccine coated on to a suitable carrier particle. Such needleless systems may be configured to include a source of compressed air or gas, which on release provides energy to propel the medicament particles for injection into the skin.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a medicament dispenser comprising a body, said body shaped for receipt of a medicament container; in association with the body, a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving data; and a medicament container receivable by the body of the medicament dispenser; and in association with the medicament container, a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving data, wherein data is transferable in two-way fashion from the first transceiver to the second transceiver.
In one aspect, the data is transferable in two-way fashion from the first transceiver to the second transceiver only when the medicament container is received within the body of the medicament dispenser.
In one aspect, the kit of parts is arranged such that the medicament dispenser comprises parts which are reusable (i.e. typically expensive) and the medicament container comprises parts which are disposable (i.e. typically cheap) or recyclable.
In aspects, the medicament dispenser may therefore be arranged to comprise reusable elements selected from the group consisting of an outer casing; a first transceiver; an electronic data management system; an electronic display; a rechargeable battery; and optionally various sensors. The medicament container on the other hand is arranged to comprise disposable/recyclable elements selected from the group consisting of a disposable medicament pack; a disposable battery; a disposable second transceiver; and optionally a disposable mouthpiece/release means.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising a medicament dispenser as described herein before including an electronic data management system; and a remote data management system, wherein data is transferable between the electronic data management system of the medicament dispenser and the remote data management system. The term remote is used to mean that the remote data management system forms part of a system or device which is separate from the medicament dispenser.
In one aspect, the remote data management system comprises a local data store e.g. as described hereinbefore.
In another aspect, the remote data management system comprises a network computer system e.g. as described hereinbefore.
Embodiments according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
The metered dose inhaler of
A passive transceiver in the form of a tag 20 on an inert carrier 25 is mounted on the side of the aerosol container 2. An active transceiver in the form of a reader 30 for the tag 20 is moulded into the internal surface of the housing 1. The reader 30 is capable of data communication with the electronic data management system 10. The reader 30 is also capable of reading and writing information to the tag 20 mounted on the aerosol container 2 by transmission and receipt of energy to/from the tag 20 (shown as broken arrows).
In one embodiment the tag 20 comprises a radiofrequency identification tag and the active transceiver 30 is capable of reading data therefrom and writing data thereto by the use of interrogating radiofrequency energy. In another embodiment the tag 20 comprises a magnetic label and the active transceiver 30 is capable of reading data therefrom and writing data thereto by the use of interrogating magnetic field energy.
The blister strip 402 of
The medicament dispenser of the present invention is in one aspect suitable for dispensing medicament for the treatment of respiratory disorders such as disorders of the lungs and bronchial tracts including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
Appropriate medicaments may thus be selected from, for example, analgesics, e.g., codeine, dihydromorphine, ergotamine, fentanyl or morphine; anginal preparations, e.g., diltiazem; antiallergics, e.g., cromoglycate (e.g. s the sodium salt), ketotifen or nedocromil (e.g. as the sodium salt); antiinfectives e.g., cephalosporins, penicillins, streptomycin, sulphonamides, tetracyclines and pentamidine; antihistamines, e.g., methapyrilene; anti- inflammatories, e.g., beclomethasone (eg as the dipropionate ester), fluticasone (e.g. as the propionate ester), flunisolide, budesonide, rofleponide, mometasone e.g. as the furoate ester), ciclesonide, triamcinolone (e.g. as the acetonide) or 6α, 9α-difluoro-11β-hydroxy-16α-methyl-3-oxo-17α-propionyloxy-androsta-1,4-diene-17β-carbothioic acid S-(2-oxo-tetrahydro-furan-3-yl) ester; antitussives, e.g., noscapine; bronchodilators, e.g., albuterol (eg as free base or sulphate), salmeterol (eg as xinafoate), ephedrine, adrenaline, fenoterol (eg as hydrobromide), formoterol (eg as fumarate), isoprenaline, metaproterenol, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pirbuterol (eg as acetate), reproterol (eg as hydrochloride), rimiterol, terbutaline (eg as sulphate), isoetharine, tulobuterol or 4-hydroxy-7-[2-[[2-[[3-(2-phenylethoxy)propyl]sulfonyl]ethyl]amino]ethyl-2(3H)-benzothiazolone; adenosine 2a agonists, eg 2R,3R,4S,5R)-2-[6-Amino-2-(1S-hydroxymethyl-2-phenyl-ethylamino)-purin-9-yl]-5-(2-ethyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-tetrahydro-furan-3,4-diol (e.g. as maleate); α4 integrin inhibitors eg (2S)-3-[4-({[4-(aminocarbonyl)-1-piperidinyl]carbonyl}oxy)phenyl]-2-[((2S)-4-methyl-2-{[2-(2-methylphenoxy) acetyl]amino}pentanoyl)amino] propanoic acid (e.g as free acid or potassium salt), diuretics, e.g., amiloride; anticholinergics, e.g., ipratropium (eg as bromide), tiotropium, atropine or oxitropium; hormones, e.g., cortisone, hydrocortisone or prednisolone; xanthines, e.g., aminophylline, choline theophyllinate, lysine theophyllinate or theophylline; therapeutic proteins and peptides, e.g., insulin or glucagon; vaccines, diagnostics, and gene therapies. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that, where appropriate, the medicaments may be used in the form of salts, (e.g., as alkali metal or amine salts or as acid addition salts) or as esters (e.g., lower alkyl esters) or as solvates (e.g., hydrates) to optimise the activity and/or stability of the medicament.
Preferred medicaments are selected from albuterol, salmeterol, fluticasone propionate and beclomethasone dipropionate and salts or solvates thereof, e.g., the sulphate of albuterol and the xinafoate of salmeterol.
Medicaments can also be delivered in combinations. Preferred formulations containing combinations of active ingredients contain salbutamol (e.g., as the free base or the sulphate salt) or salmeterol (e.g., as the xinafoate salt) or formoterol (eg as the fumarate salt) in combination with an anti-inflammatory steroid such as a beclomethasone ester (e.g., the dipropionate) or a fluticasone ester (e.g., the propionate) or budesonide. A particularly preferred combination is a combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol, or a salt thereof (particularly the xinafoate salt). A further combination of particular interest is budesonide and formoterol (e.g. as the fumarate salt). A further combination of particular interest is salmeterol, or a salt thereof (particularly the xinafoate salt) and ipratropium bromide.
The medicament dispenser of the present invention is in another aspect a syringe for the delivery of injectable medicament to a patient. Traditional syringes rely on puncturing of the patient's skin by a hollow needle through which the injectable medicament (in solution or suspension form) is delivered to the muscle or tissue of the patient. Recently developed needleless systems for the delivery of injectables employ high velocity injection of particle formulated drugs or vaccine through the skin and into any physically accessible tissue. Other needleless systems employ similar high velocity injection of drug or vaccine coated on to a suitable carrier particle.
It will be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only and the invention extends to modifications, variations and improvements thereto.
The application of which this description and claims form part may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features described therein. They may take the form of product, method or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation, one or more of the following claims:
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|Title not available
|Title not available
|Title not available
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|U.S. Classification
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|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification


text:
kmcdphotog... Photographer
Hedy HarperModel Female Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
My Website: Hedy Harper Official WebsiteMy MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/hedyharper
Mayhem # 3184062
About MeI'm back! After an extended absence from the modeling world I'm back and ready to work!
I am a plus size model who is comfortable in her own skin. I specialize in pinup and burlesque style imagery, but I am willing to try anything with the right photographer. I am open to TFP shoots for the right concept, so just ask! I look forward to networking and building good work relationships through this site in order to forward my career!
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While I do shoot nudes, both full and implied, I only strip down for photographers I've established a relationship with or for verified photographers, and only for paid assignments.
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kmcdphotog... Photographer
Mark Angel Model
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Get out and volunteer for the Cigna Sunday Streets, March 26th, from 11:30am-4:30pm in Brays Oaks. A portion of a great Houston street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 12-4. With no cars on the road, our fellow Houstonians, will be able to enjoy these streets for walking, running, dancing or riding with friends and family as never before.
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text:
xplore how to build websites using HTML, CSS and jQuery. Step by step guide to how websites are built from scratch
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Get usable information about your destination before you go! Learn more with Auto Europe's interesting Destination guides. Prepare for your car hire and get inspired. Find driving information and pick up some really nice sightseeing tips for your chosen destination. You may also like to take a look at our Other Resources page.
Don't spend any more time trying to run numbers in your head, desperately trying to figure out the exchange rate of Pounds to Canadian Dollars. Xe.com is the perfect solution for all your currency exchange needs!
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Provides local UK weather reports, radar, and maps; along with world weather forecasts.
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1. Sign in to your account.
Visit the My Tickets page (https://www.showclix.com/my-tickets/login) and enter your information.
2. Locate your event in your list of orders.
The left section of My Tickets displays all of your current and past ShowClix orders. Your most recent order is listed first. At the bottom of the order details section you will see a button that reads Print / View Tickets. Click this button to open a PDF containing all of your tickets for the order you selected.
3. Print your tickets.
With the tickets displayed in your topmost window, click File and select Print. Specific instructions for printing your tickets may vary depending on your browser.
*If you happen to experience any issues with viewing and printing please feel free to let us know at 888.718.4253 or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Instead of asking for dowry or any other material wealth, all this father wanted was a million likes for his Facebook page.
The dad in question is Salem Ayash and he is a poet from the city of Taiz in Yemen. Anyone who meets his demand will win his daughter's hand in marriage.
There may be people out there criticizing Ayash's opportunism, but a man has to go through great lengths to gain popularity on the social media nowadays.
Ayash's daughter already has a suitor and the sole condition for him is to garner the 1 million likes demanded by the father. No-one in Yemen can afford dowries anymore."
"He can take a month, a year, or even two years to collect the requested number of likes. If I see that he's worked hard, I'm willing to be flexible to see them happily married," he said.
It makes one think of all the childhood tales where the valiant knight or a handsome shepherd had to cross the wicked witch's lands to slay three headed-fire spewing dragons to marry the princess of a Kingdom.
Well, nothing that valiant or life threatening here just a million likes.
There may be people out there criticizing the opportunistic dad but a man must do what a man must do to gain popularity on social media these days.
According to statistics, Yemen has roughly 3,691,000 internet users out of its 24,771,809 population and we really don't know how many out of those will be interested in his lady love's dad's poetry or even liking his page in the name of love.
We wish the prospective groom all the luck and guide him towards spending some money on Facebook to win his love as soon as possible.


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What is JotForm?
JotForm is a free online form builder which helps you create online forms without writing a single line of code. No sign-up required.
At JotForm, we want to make sure that you're getting the online form builder help that you need. Our friendly customer support team is available 24/7.
We believe that if one user has a question, there could be more users who may have the same question. This is why many of our support forum threads are public and available to be searched and viewed. If you'd like help immediately, feel free to search for a similar question, or submit your question or concern.
Payment Method spanishAsked by papasimon on February 12, 2015 at 02:08 PM
I'm sorry, but I don't understand your question.
Could you please clarify it a bit more?
Currently, we work with the following payment processors:
If you're referring to something else, please let us know.
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We propose a highly efficient approach to generating multihelix beams that contain more than one helical mode, and the power distribution over helical modes is adjustable. A multihelix beam embedded with three collinear helical modes is demonstrated by use of a spatial light modulator.
© 2005 Optical Society of AmericaFull Article | PDF Article
OSA Recommended Articles
Jiao Lin, Xiaocong Yuan, Shaohua H. Tao, and Ronald E. Burge
J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 23(5) 1214-1218 (2006)
Long Zhu and Jian Wang
Opt. Express 23(20) 26221-26233 (2015)
Thomas W. Clark, Rachel F. Offer, Sonja Franke-Arnold, Aidan S. Arnold, and Neal Radwell
Opt. Express 24(6) 6249-6264 (2016)


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Quick Details
- Type: Sun Sheets & PC Embossed Sheets
- Place of Origin: Zhejiang, China (Mainland)
- Brand Name: BEIER SOLA
- Model Number: JSD-S-C
- Program type: Anti scratch Polycarbonate Sheets
- raw material: GE/LEXAN/BAYER/SABIC
- certification: ISO9001,SGS,ROHS,UPF
- Features: Anti scratch ,UV protection,
- warranty: 10 years
- color: opal,brown,blue,lake-blue,light-green,etc
- Thickness: 1.2mm-20mm
- Standard Size: 1.22*2.44m
- Package: Kraft Paper
Packaging & Delivery
|Packaging Details
|PE film on both sides
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|Within 7-15 days after receive the downpayment.
Lexan Material Anti scratch Polycarbonate Sheets,Solid Panel
100% virgin Bayer material
10-year quality warranty,very competetive price
Daylighting Polycarbonate Solid Sheet
Thickness: 1.5mm to 16mm
Maximum width: 2,100mm
Length: any dimension
Specific gravity: 1200kg/cbm
Colors: clear, blue, green, opal, brown,bronze,etc.
Technical features:
Impact strength: 850J/m ,the impact strength of solid PC sheets is 250 times
that of glass, 20-30 times of PMMA sheet
Light transmission: 80%-90% for different thickness of clear color
UV resistance:with our 50μm thickness UV layer ,the sheet can filter 99% ultraviolet radiation in sunlight
Specific gravity: 1.2 g/cm
Coefficient of thermal expansion: 0.065 mm/moC
Service temperature: -40oC to 120oC
Heat conductivity: 2.3-3.9 W/m2 oC
Tensile strength: >60N/mm2
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Modulus of elasticity: 2,400mPa
Tensile street at break: >65mPa
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text:
Obviously, you didn't buy your Silverado 1500 HD unless you wanted to buy performance and good looks both rolled up into one car, truck, or SUV. It's not a regular occurrence that you discover you need a replacement Drive & Serpentine Belt to repair your automobile. Your Chevrolet dealership isn't the only place to find the highest quality parts to repair your Silverado 1500 HD. The vehicle in your driveway is head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to all the cars, trucks, and SUVs in today's marketplace.
Your engine's accessories would not function properly without the use of your serpentine or drive belts. Your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD drive or serpentine belts use the momentum from the crankshaft to turn the pulleys on your accessories. Due to the pressure these belts are operating under, they run the risk of suddenly breaking or wearing down over time; potentially leaving your engine without the use of its A/C compressor, water pump, or more. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD engines with more than one belt joining all of the accessories to the crank pulley have a drive belt system, while a serpentine belt system does the job with just one.
When your Chevrolet requires the best replacement Drive & Serpentine Belt, there's no need to trust any store other than the authority, Car Parts Discount. Given all the hassles associated with installing a part to fix your car or truck, let www.carpartsdiscount.com be the number one store you go to make purchasing it easy. Make all your future car parts purchases at carpartsdiscount.com and realize incredible savings on all your upcoming repairs. All the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD Drive & Serpentine Belt parts on this page will fit vehicles made in 2006, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001. Choose your year below to refine your search.


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Question: A simple random sample of size n 1460 is
A simple random sample of size n = 1460 is obtained from a population whose size is N = 1,500,000 and whose population proportion with a specified characteristic is p = 0.42.
(c) What is the probability of obtaining x = 584 or fewer individuals with the characteristic?
View Solution:
(b) What is the probability of obtaining x = 657 or more individuals with the characteristic?
(c) What is the probability of obtaining x = 584 or fewer individuals with the characteristic?
View Solution:
Answer to relevant QuestionsAccording to a study done by Wakefield Research, the proportion of Americans who can order a meal in a foreign language is 0.47. (b) In the sample obtained in part (a), what is the probability the proportion of Americans ...Exit polling is a popular technique used to determine the outcome of an election prior to results being tallied. Suppose a referendum to increase funding for education is on the ballot in a large town (voting population over ...Which is larger, the area under the t-distribution with 10 degrees of freedom to the right of t = 2.32 or the area under the standard normal distribution to the right of z = 2.32? Why? The diameter of the Douglas fir tree is measured at a height of 1.37 meters.The following data represent the diameter in centimeters of a random sample of 12 Douglas firs in the western Washington Cascades. (a) Obtain a ...Lower bound: 0.201, upper bound: 0.249, n = 1200 Determine the point estimate of the population proportion, the margin of error for each confidence interval, and the number of individuals in the sample with the specified ...
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California's Proposition 65 Warning: May This item contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Reference by California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) at: www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65/prop65_list/Newlist.html.
Please Read Item Label and Packaging for Recent Product Information.
Apply to wet skin. Gently massage with circular motions, apply more as needed. Pay particular attention to elbows and heels. Avoid sensitive body areas. Rinse clean.
Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula, For Dry And Ashy Skin - 13.5 Oz
Our Price:$6.23
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Passion Fruit Body Wash - 24 Oz
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I not long brought some makeup for my birthday and it goes on nice and looks good. After a hour or so it goes very dark and looks like I caked it on.
I brought the CHI CHI makeup and some Natio I got it matched to my skin colour.
My makeup
Natio pure mineral face primer
Natio moisturise
CHI CHI Fabulous and flawless foundation ( it's a cream and it's 2 fair)
CHI CHI real minerals light foundation
and i use my thin lizzy as a bronzer
What can i do to stop this and I got a tutorial and it did the same thing after the lady did it with all the same make up after a two hours
Most Helpful Girl
hey girl,
firstly, great choose of products. nice and 'healthy'.
i have a few suggestions:
1. dont wear all of these at once, especially the base products. honestly, u dont need them all and all they do is add an extra layer to ur makeup.
2. dont apply too much. while it may look good at first, it will begin to clog up ur pores as u head out into different conditions.
3. it could be your skin's reaction to the makeup. maybe the oils secreted are what give that slightly darkened appearance, or maybe its just some humidity in the air? if so, plan a good skin care regime to keep ur skin cleansed.
hope that helps a bit=]00|00|0


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By: Dahlia Leung
Peaches are a delicious fruit to munch on. They originated from china between the Tarim Basin and the north slopes of the Kulen Shan Mountains, where it was first domesticated and cultivated.
In Europe, peaches are very rare. They are rare because Europe has dry soil and not much rain or sun so, they are rare.
The peach is one of the best foods that you can eat. They have only natural sugar and only have 68 calories!!
Another reason why the peach is healthy for you is it has a lot of vitamins! To be persistent, peaches are 11% vitamins!! :D


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Older, wiser, funnier and far closer to a full breakdown, Cruttenden certainly has an edge to him. Perhaps it's from existing on the edges of things - the edges of London, the edge of middle age, the edge of middle class and the edge of greater fame.
He has all the likeability of an arena comic but with something of the night about him.
©2015 Universal Pictures UK (P)2015 Universal Pictures UK
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Question: Find Io in the network shown using mesh analysis 2412
Find Io in the network shown using mesh analysis.
View Solution:
View Solution:
Answer to relevant QuestionsFind Vo in the circuit shown using mesh analysis. Use loop analysis to find Vo in the circuit shown. Use loop analysis to find Vo in the network shown. Repeat Prob. 5–3 by first plotting the failure loci in the σA , σB plane to scale; then, for each stress state, plot the load line and by graphical measurement estimate the factors of safety.A 4142 steel Q&T at 80◦F exhibits Syt = 235 kpsi, Syc = 275 kpsi, and εf = 0.06. Choose and plot the failure locus and, for the static stresses at the critical locations, which are 10 times those in Prob. 5–9, ...
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The Small Intestine
What does it do?
The small intestine is about twenty feet long. It connects your stomach to your large intestine (or colon) and folds many times to fit inside your abdomen. Your small intestine does most of the digesting of the foods you eat. The small intestine absorbs the nutrients form your food.
Where is it located?
The small intestine is located between the stomach and large intestine.
What size?
In humans the small intestine is about 6 meters or 20 feet long and about 2.5 cm or an inch wide.
What does it do?
The small intestine is made up of three sections, which form a passage from your stomach to your large intestine:
The duodenum is the short section part of the small intestine that takes in semi-digested food from your stomach through the pylorus (the opening between your stomach and small intestine) and continues the digestion process. The duodenum also uses bile from your gallbladder, liver, and pancreas to help digest food.
Jejunum is the middle section part of the small intestine that carries food through rapidly, with muscle contractions, towards the ileum.
Ileum is the last section and longest part of your small intestine. The ileum is where most of the nutrients from your food are absorbed before going into the large intestine.


text: Since 2009, Hanes has conducted an annual year-end sock drive to help the homeless in America, supplying an accumulated 1.9 million pairs of socks to those in need. (Photo: Business Wire)Hanes today announced that it will donate 200,000 pairs of socks to The Salvation Army and is expanding this year's effort by coordinating the collection of new socks at 160 HanesBrands Outlet stores across the country. "Walking a mile in someone's shoes takes on a much different meaning when that person is homeless," said Sidney Falken, chief branding officer for HanesBrands. "Socks are the most requested - and least donated - item in homeless shelters. And access to something as basic as a clean, dry pair of socks can literally save lives within our country's homeless population." An estimated 2.5 million to 3.5 million Americans experienced homelessness last year, according to the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty. Homelessness takes a physical toll. The homeless walk an average of 10 miles per day, putting more wear on their socks in one week than the average American does in one year. Hanes has donated more than 1.9 million pairs of socks to The Salvation Army since launching the program in 2009. The program is part of Hanes for Good, the company's corporate social responsibility program focused on environmental stewardship, workplace quality and community building. Lt. Col. Ron Busroe, The Salvation Army's national community relations and development secretary, said: "We are grateful to the company for spearheading the sock drive for almost a decade. The impact that a donation of this size has on our centers is immeasurable. The donation is about more than just the physical socks. For some of the people we serve, receiving something as simple as a clean pair of socks can have a positive effect on their overall well-being."


text: I was under the impression that Jacob is "the good guy". But after watching more closely the end of season 5 and these two episodes in season 6, I think this could be wrong. Maybe the MIB is not so bad after all. He says to Ben when he's in the form of Locke that he wants to go home. Does this imply that he is being held hostage there somehow? maybe the MIB is just a protector of the island and Jacob is the evil-doer. After all, Jacob is the one bringing people to the island.


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Paintball combines the philosophies from Sun Tzu's The Art of War with anecdotes from Jackson Pollock's autobiography, I Will Fight Your Painting. Hone combat aesthetics with this Groupon.
Choose from Three Options
- $44.95 for an all-day paintball outing for two (a $104.20 total value)
- $94.95 for an all-day paintball outing for four (a $208.40 total value)
- $139.95 for an all-day paintball outing for six (a $312.60 total value)

Each outing includes, per person:
- Park entry fee (a $14.95 value)
- Paintball marker rental (a $10 value)
- Mask rental (a $5 value)
- Vest rental (a $5 value)
- Barrel sleeve rental (a $5 value)
- 500 rounds (a $12.15 value)
- Field paint (free)

Upon arrival, guests can purchase another 500 rounds, if needed, and rent a neck protector for additional fees.

Family Paintball Center
At Family Paintball Center, players armed with rented markers storm the fields during classic games: capture the flag, elimination, and elimination's cousin, resurrection, in which tagged players can be reborn. Separated by sky-high screens, the sprawling fields are scattered with wooden fences and spools as well as inflatable shapes that players can use to dodge incoming pellets. To make a day of it, groups can bring along food and drink, and even set up their own barbecue grill. There is also a concessions stand on-site, and local pizzerias deliver to the field, rather than just throwing their pies there Frisbee-style.


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Blog Directory
Browse the Blog Directory
Browse blogs from wide range of categorized blogs on our blog directory. Whether you are looking for niche blogs, personal blogs, Canada blogs, Home blogs, Family blogs you can find them all in our blog directory.
Submit your Blog
Or, Submit your blog and be included on our search engine friendly blog directory.
Canada FamilyBrowsing Canada Blogs » Home Blogs » Family Blogs
Explore the most popular blog sites about family and home at BlogsDB. Add Family blogs and advertise on our hottest blog directory on cyberspace.
Search within these results:
A blog site that shares everything about home decorating, home design and family.


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Swine Flu Vaccine Poses Challenges To FDA
As manufacturers start to roll out vaccines against the new H1N1 swine flu, the Food and Drug Administration will only have weeks to decide whether they're safe. It's a high-pressure situation, complicated by the memory of a flu-vaccine scare in 1976, and by a new ingredient that some manufacturers are experimenting with.
LINDA WERTHEIMER, host:
There is another health care issue awaiting government action: the swine flu virus. As manufacturers begin to roll out vaccines against the new H1N1 swine flu virus, the Food and Drug Administration has to decide whether they're safe. Today, the agency will discuss what information it needs before giving the nod to a new vaccine. NPR's Joanne Silberner reports on the challenge facing the FDA.
JOANNE SILBERNER: New flu viruses show up every year, and the FDA routinely approves vaccines against them. The new H1N1 virus, though, is a little different. It showed up unexpectedly, late in the flu season. It's continued to circulate in the summer in places where kids gather, like summer camps. That will give it a jump start once school starts, which is why vaccine experts want to be ready early.
Dr. WILLIAM SCHAFFNER (Vanderbilt University): This is a little like the space program.
SILBERNER: That's William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University.
Dr. SCHAFFNER: There's something a little bit unknown and a little bit risky every time you shoot up a rocket and go to the moon, even though we have a vast amount of engineering information that's reassuring.
SILBERNER: Given that the future path of the new virus is uncertain, he says a small risk will be worth it. An Australian company has just begun testing its vaccine. Other manufacturers are geared up to go in the next couple of weeks. But it takes time for people in those trials to develop immunity and to measure that, says Jesse Goodman, the FDA's chief scientist.
Dr. JESSE GOODMAN (Chief Scientist, Food and Drug Administration): If all goes well, we expect to have substantive data within a couple of months of when the studies start. But, you know, there's a lot of uncertainties in conducting studies, getting the results.
SILBERNER: That's to be expected, says William Schaffner.
Dr. SCHAFFNER: The lights in the laboratories are on at night. People working day and night on this. Some of these things just take time. And remember, we don't want to cut a corner. We want to do it right so that when we deliver this vaccine to the American public, we can say it meets our standards.
SILBERNER: Part of the concern is something that happened back in 1976. Another swine flu hit a military base in New Jersey. The government launched a vaccination campaign. For reasons still not understood, several hundred people developed a serious neurological condition called Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or GBS. Still, says the FDA's Goodman, H1N1 viruses similar to the new one have been routine components of seasonal vaccines for decades.
Dr. GOODMAN: There has not been another year despite the use of hundreds and hundreds of millions of doses of these flu vaccines where there has been a significant increase in GBS.
SILBERNER: But he says the agency will be looking for that and other problems. Meanwhile, vaccine objectors are calling for the government to provide evidence that the vaccine is really needed.
At some point, though, you've got to go with what you've got, says Andrew Pavia of the University of Utah. The FDA is going to have to make a decision on licensing without all the information it might like to have.
Dr. ANDREW PAVIA (University of Utah): You can't study it in several million people in time to start using it where it will do some good. So you have to make your decisions based on preliminary studies.
SILBERNER: The FDA will eventually decide whether the vaccines can be marketed, but another group of government and university experts will recommend how the vaccine should be used. That group meets next week to decide who should get the vaccine first.
Joanne Silberner, NPR News.
Copyright © 2009 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by Verb8tm, Inc., an NPR contractor, and produced using a proprietary transcription process developed with NPR. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio record.


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JAPAN: Toyota looks to luxury to offset strong yen
Toyota could offset the effect on profits from a strong yen by making a higher-priced mix of vehicles in Japan, including luxury Lexus models.
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Fur Fashion Dress Up
It looks like you have an ad blocker on. Please disable your ad blocker and refresh to fully enjoy our games.
Thank you.
She loves fur even though she knows it's bad for her! That's why we only wears fur that she knows is very fake! Don't let her wear anything that's real or she'll probably start to cry!
Use your mouse to click on and through the floating hair, clothing, and accessory options for this furry fashionista!


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Author | Priyanka Nair | Wednesday, Sep 04,2013 7:48 AM
With close to 900 million subscribers, India is one of the fastest growing mobile markets. Though the mobile marketing space is yet to see significant innovations, given the huge scale of the medium, it cannot be ignored today.
Mobile marketing plays an important role in the marketing plans of leading brands in various forms.
Tushar Vyas, Managing Partner, GroupM South Asia believes India should be leading and not learning from other markets. "Markets like Indian and China are behaving differently when compared to their global counterparts. There is a great opportunity here," he added.
According to Vyas, measurability is one area where India can look at other markets and learn.
Vyas shared his thoughts at the MMA Jury Meet, which took place in Mumbai recently. The Smarties India 2013 winners will be recognised at an awards ceremony at Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon on Thursday, September 5, 2013.
To know more, watch the video...
Programming HeadRadio Mango