Abstract: A consumable cartridge is provided in connection with an inhaler device 10. The consumable cartridge includes a casing defining a cavity, the casing having a first region and a second region. An elastic bladder is located within the cavity of the casing and encloses a vaporizing liquid. The first region of the casing includes a pierceable portion, and the second region includes a pre-perforated portion. The bladder is disconnected from the casing in the first region, and is configured to rupture or to be cut when it is pierced by a piercing member of the inhaler device such that the ruptured or cut area of the bladder creates an opening which is significantly larger than the cross sectional area of the piercing.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for detecting losses in a branched optical fibre network comprising a first optical fibre and a plurality of second optical fibres each of which is coupled to the first optical fibre. The first optical fibre constitutes a main line, and the second optical fibres constitute branch lines. The apparatus comprises launch means for launching a carrier wave into the main line, respective modulators in each of the branch lines for modulating the carrier wave in that branch line, returns for returning the modulated signals along the branch lines to the main line, and monitors for monitoring the main line for changes in the modulation of the returned signals. The modulators are such that each modulates the carrier wave differently.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating fused optical fibre devices comprises a furnace provided with an electric heating element (5). A heat-distributing insert (7) is provided within the heating element (5), the heating element and the insert being sized and shaped to define a heating chamber for an optical fibre arrangement. The apparatus includes means for passing electric current through the heating element (5), and means (8) for supplying and maintaining an inert atmosphere within the heating chamber.

Abstract: An optical test apparatus includes an optical time domain reflectometer for launching light pulses into a test fibre. An optical amplifier is provided in the light path between the optical time domain reflectometer and the test fibre or amplifying the light pulses. An optical switch is positioned in the light path between the amplifier and the test fibre for preventing light reaching the test fibre between the light pulses launched by the OTDR. Timing structure is provided for synchronising the operation of the optical switch so as to open the switch as a light pulse reaches the switch and close the switch as a light pulse leaves the switch.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fabricating fused optical fibre devices includes a furnace provided with an electric heating element. A heat-distributing insert is provided within the heating element, the heating element and the insert being sized and shaped to define a heating chamber for an optical fibre arrangement. The method includes passing electric current through the heating element, and supplying and maintaining an inert atmosphere within the heating chamber.

Abstract: An optical device comprising a length of optical fibre of predetermined convex configuration supported by fibre mounting and/or attachment means, the convex outer part of the optical fibre having a portion thereof removed therefrom closely adjacent to or even just entering the core of the optical fibre to produce a substantially flat surface therealong on which a reflective diffraction grating of predetermined form is provided according to the function requirements of the device.