The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to the delivery of drug containing aerosols having particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter less than 1.mu. for inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention the drug containing aerosol comprises particles having a mass median aerodynamic diameter between 10 nm and 1.mu.. Preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter between 10 nm and 900 nm. More preferably, the particles have a mass median aerodynamic diameter between 10 nm and 800 nm, 10 nm and 700 nm, 10 nm and 600 nm, 10 nm and 500 nm, 10 nm and 400 nm, 10 nm and 300 nm, 10 nm and 200 nm, or 10 nm and 100 nm.

The present invention relates to the delivery of caffeine through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing caffeine that are used in inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of caffeine. In a method aspect of the present invention, caffeine is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of caffeine, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering caffeine through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a composition comprising at least 5 percent by weight of caffeine; and, b) a device that forms a caffeine containing aerosol from the composition, for inhalation by the mammal.

An improved heating element connector assembly includes an insulative, rectangular frame with a central opening, and a plurality of conductive terminals which are press fit into openings in the frame. The terminals are spaced apart from each other lengthwise of two opposing sidewalls of the frame, and pairs of terminals are aligned with each other between the two sidewalls. A plurality of conductive strips are held together in an assembly and the ends of the strips are interconnected along two spaced apart lines by carrier members that may be molded over the ends of the conductive strips. The carrier members extend down into cavities on the frame and terminals are pushed into the cavities to bear against the ends of the strips and effect an electrical connection between the terminals and the strips.

An improved heating element connector assembly includes an insulative, rectangular frame with a central opening and a plurality of conductive terminals which are press fit into openings in the frame. The terminals are spaced apart from each other lengthwise of two opposing sidewalls of the frame, and pairs of terminals are aligned with each other between the two sidewalls. A plurality of conductive strips extend across the frame opening to interconnect the pairs of terminals together. The terminals include compliant pin tail portions for receipt by corresponding holes formed in a circuit board of the assembly and deformable head portions for crimping onto the conductive strips.

The present invention relates to the delivery of stimulants through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing stimulants that are used in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a stimulant is delivered to a patient through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a thin coating of a stimulant, on a solid support, to form a vapor; and, b) passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles having less than 5% stimulant degradation products. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering a stimulant through an inhalation route is provided which comprises: a) a thin coating of a stimulant drug and b) a device for dispensing said thin coating a stimulant as a condensation aerosol.