Abstract: An array of membranes comprising amphipathic molecules is formed using an apparatus comprising a support defining an array of compartments. Volumes comprising polar medium are provided within respective compartments and a layer comprising apolar medium is provided extending across the openings with the volumes. Polar medium is flowed across the support to displace apolar medium and form a layer in contact with the volumes, forming membranes comprising amphipathic molecules at the interfaces. In one construction of the apparatus, the support that comprises partitions which comprise inner portions and outer portions. The inner portions define inner recesses without gaps therebetween that are capable of constraining the volumes comprising polar medium contained in neighbouring inner recesses from contacting each other. The outer portions extend outwardly from the inner portions and have gaps allowing the flow of an apolar medium across the substrate.

Abstract: A powder-driven connecting tool for connecting power lines is disclosed, as are assemblies and replacement parts for such a tool. The tool includes a tool head with an anvil, and a power unit with a ram. A breech cap assembly connects to the power unit and includes a sleeve threaded on both ends and a cap threadedly mounted on one end of the sleeve. The sleeve and cap define a breech for a powder charge. An adapter is mounted on an outer end surface of the cap. The adapter is narrower than the cap itself and is adapted to be driven by a power tool in order to tighten and loosen the cap and the sleeve. The adapter may, for example, have the form of a hex nut.