HYDRATION ASSEMBLY FOR HYDRATING A BIOELECTRODE ELEMENT

摘要

The present invention provides methods and apparatus permitting rapid and thorough hydration of an initially dry hydrating matrix element (34) contained within a bio-electrode element (20) for use in an iontophoretic delivery device. The apparatus of the invention comprises a bio-electrode element (20) having at least one hydratable matrix element (34) and associated removable hydration assembly (40). The removable hydration assembly (40) includes an initially sealed liquid storage component (46-49). The removable hydration assembly (40) can be activated through application of force to a pocket (48) in a side of the sealed liquid storage component thereby causing the pocket to become inverted and substantially aligned within an opposing pocket (46) in the other side such that the sealed liquid storage component unseals at a predetermined release location.