Abstract: Vapor provision apparatus including a reservoir housing defining a reservoir for liquid, a liquid transport element for transporting liquid from the reservoir to a vaporizer for vaporization and a channel for the liquid transport element, wherein the channel has a sidewall at least partly defined by a section of the reservoir housing; wherein the liquid transport element comprises a first portion arranged to deliver liquid to the vaporizer and a second portion extending along the channel, wherein the channel has a cross-section that corresponds with the cross-section of the second portion of the liquid transport element in the channel, and wherein the section of the reservoir housing that defines the sidewall of the channel has one or more openings to provide fluid communication between the liquid transport element in the channel and liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: Surgical staplers and methods of their use are provided. In one embodiment, a surgical stapler includes a tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a handle extending from the proximal end of the tubular shaft, a head assembly extending from the distal end of the tubular shaft, and an insertion guide configured to extend through the head assembly. The insertion guide includes an expandable member configured to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration and a camera configured to be positioned at least partially within the expandable member.

Abstract: A vapor provision system including a vapor generation chamber, a reservoir containing liquid, a vaporizer located in the vapor generation chamber and a liquid transport element arranged to transport liquid from the reservoir through an opening in a wall of the vapor generation chamber to the vaporizer, wherein the liquid transport element in the vapor generation chamber has a cross-sectional area which is greater than that of the opening, and wherein the liquid transport element in the vapor generation chamber abuts the wall surrounding the opening to help prevent leakage.

Abstract: An aerosol source for a vapor provision system includes a vapor-generating element; a reservoir for holding source liquid, the reservoir being bounded by a wall having an opening therein; and a liquid transport element including a first portion arranged to receive liquid from the reservoir via the opening, a second portion peripheral to the first portion, and a third portion arranged to deliver liquid from the first portion to the vapor-generating element; wherein at least part of the second portion is compressed against a section of the wall around the opening, in use, to provide a sealing effect around at least part of the first portion to promote movement of liquid towards the vapor-generating element.

Abstract: Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film. The solutions include a solvent, a film forming matrix component, a hydrophobic barrier component, a plasticizing component, and a film enhancing component. The methods include spraying the solution on the plant. The methods also include evaporating at least a fraction of the solvent from the solution to form the exogenous flexible film. The plant includes fruit, and the spraying includes spraying at least 45 days prior to harvesting the fruit. The plants include an exogenous flexible film formed from the solutions and/or by the methods.

Abstract: Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film. The solutions include a solvent, a film forming matrix component, a hydrophobic barrier component, a plasticizing component, and a film enhancing component. The methods include spraying the solution on the plant. The methods also include evaporating at least a fraction of the solvent from the solution to form the exogenous flexible film. The plant includes fruit, and the spraying includes spraying at least 45 days prior to harvesting the fruit. The plants include an exogenous flexible film formed from the solutions and/or by the methods.

Abstract: Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film, which includes a supplemental component, on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film. The solutions include a solvent, a film forming matrix component, a hydrophobic barrier component, a plasticizing component, a film enhancing component, and a supplemental component. The supplemental component includes a pesticide component that includes at least one pesticide active ingredient. The methods include spraying the solution on a plant and evaporating at least a fraction of the solvent from the solution to form the exogenous flexible film. The plants include exogenous flexible films formed from the solutions and/or formed via the methods.

Abstract: Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film. The solutions include a solvent, a film forming matrix component, a hydrophobic barrier component, a plasticizing component, and a film enhancing component. The methods include spraying the solution on the plant. The methods also include evaporating at least a fraction of the solvent from the solution to form the exogenous flexible film. The plant includes fruit, and the spraying includes spraying at least 45 days prior to harvesting the fruit. The plants include an exogenous flexible film formed from the solutions and/or by the methods.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for apparatus and methods for increasing the reliability of the flash discharge response in pulsed gas discharge lamps. One embodiment includes a system comprising two gas discharge lamps having cathodes and anodes connected in parallel to a common power source. The lamps are alternatingly triggered such that the discharge from a first lamp reduces residual partial ionization of the gas in a second lamp and vice-versa.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp has a gas and has a cathode, an anode, and an ignition electrode. Individual discharges of a series of lamp discharges are spaced at least one millisecond from each other, and the individual discharges are generated by providing an electrical charge between the cathode and the anode and providing two or more electrical pulses to the ignition electrode. The second and following electrical pulses occur within a predetermined time of the first pulse. The electrical charge between the cathode and anode is of sufficient voltage and current to create an electrical arc between the cathode and the anode with the gas is ionized.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for interrupting the flow of current upon the detection of excess current or temperature is provided which comprises a housing, a trip armature plate, a trip armature frame, and a bias spring. The trip armature plate has at least two pivot tabs extending laterally on opposite edges that are inserted into a pivot elongated slot, which is located at an open end of the trip armature frame, and a pivot aperture, which is located at the opposite end of the trip armature frame, respectively. A bias spring is used for securing the pivot tabs into the pivot elongated slot and the pivot aperture, and for urging the trip armature plate pivotably outwardly about the pivot tabs away from the trip armature frame. The circuit breaker also comprises a trip cross bar having at least two fingers that are used to engage optional circuit breaker accessories and that are located asymmetrically to allow the interchangeability of the accessories.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for interrupting the flow of current upon the detection of excess current or temperature is provided which comprises a housing, a trip armature plate, a trip armature frame, and a bias spring. The trip armature plate has at least two pivot tabs extending laterally on opposite edges that are inserted into a pivot elongated slot, which is located at an open end of the trip armature frame, and a pivot aperture, which is located at the opposite end of the trip armature frame, respectively. A bias spring is used for securing the pivot tabs into the pivot elongated slot and the pivot aperture, and for urging the trip armature plate pivotably outwardly about the pivot tabs away from the trip armature frame. The circuit breaker also comprises a trip cross bar having at least two fingers that are used to engage optional circuit breaker accessories and that are located asymmetrically to allow the interchangeability of the accessories.

Abstract: A multi-lane controller providing redundancy comprises two lanes. Each lane comprises an input/output interface, a data flow controller and a control data processor. Each data flow controller receives input data from and supplies output data to both input/output interfaces. The information exchange between each lane does not rely on the proper operation of either the control data processor or data flow controller of any of the lanes.

Abstract: A toilet lid apparatus for flushing the toilet by closing the toilet lid is provided. The apparatus includes a hinge that provides a pair of standoffs adapted for attachment to the toilet for supporting a horizontal hinge bar. The toilet lid is adapted for pivotal mounting to the hinge bar and rotates between a horizontal position for covering the toilet and a near vertical position for uncovering the toilet. The lid further includes a toothed sprocket adapted for engagement with a first sleeve that is rotatably mounted on the hinge bar and has teeth arranged annularly at one end for engaging the toothed sprocket. Rotation of the lid, and hence the toothed sprocket, drives the first sleeve in rotation therewith in one rotational direction, but not in the alternate rotational direction.

Abstract: A system controlled by digital computers includes first and second dissimilar digital computers which are distinctly programmed to generate respective nominally identical control signals alternately. The computer alternately generates limiting values for the control signals, each limiting value being generated in a different computer from that in which the control signal was generated. An unacceptable difference between the control signals and their limiting values causes control of the system to be switched to a third computer, which may be an analog computer. The comparisons are also made between the control signals themselves and between the limiting values themselves, and unacceptable differences may cause control to revert to the third computer or alternatively to be transfered to an arrangement generally similar to that set forth above.

Abstract: A cage for carrying workmen for dispensing and installing insulation wound in a roll onto a vertical portion of a building includes a platform on the underside of which a pair of spaced channels are disposed for receiving the fork tines of a forklift for elevating the cage. The top of the cage includes a first pair of support members for carrying the end portions of a horizontally disposed mandrel about which a first roll of insulation is wound and a second pair of support members for carrying the ends of a second insulation roll carrying mandrel, the second support members and roll being movable from a lower operative position to a stand-by position. A horizontally disposed guide member is spaced from the mandrel and includes a guide surface and a hold-down member between which the insulation may be dispensed.

Abstract: A trolley for aiding in the installation of sidewall panels to the eave struts and purlins of prefabricated metal buildings. The trolley has a seat support member with foot stirrups for carrying a workman and a pair of wheel carrying brackets secured to opposite sides of the support member. The wheels are carried on and roll over the horizontal portions of an eave strut and adjacent purlin. The support member and one of the brackets are adjustable for variations in the design dimensions of prefabricated buildings.