Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the automated filling of a cartridge with liquid for a vapor provision system. The method includes inserting a compressible matrix into a filling tube; injecting liquid into the matrix within the filling tube using a liquid filling pump to produce a wetted matrix; and pushing the wetted matrix out of the filling tube into the cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are personal care compositions having at least one oligopeptide self-assembled into nanofibers or macrostructures, wherein the oligopeptide is 2-20 amino acids in length, and wherein the oligopeptide has at least one 0- to 10-amino-acid block of hydrophobic amino acids alternating with at least one 1- to 10-amino-acid block of hydrophilic amino acid residues. The composition may further include a dermatologically acceptable carrier and at least one cosmetic skin care agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is data collection apparatus for hand use. The apparatus comprises a body and a bar code scanner. The body has: a central portion adapted to be and gripped in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for finger actuation; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which the central portion extends. The scanner is: adapted for actuation by said switch; has a configuration in which the bar code scanner defines a protuberance extending from the first data entry portion; and is detachable from the body for use in tight spaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data collection apparatus for hand use. The apparatus comprises a body having: a central portion adapted to be and gripped in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for finger actuation; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which the central portion extends. The apparatus also comprises circuitry contained within the body that is adapted to couple the apparatus to the Internet and that is adapted to permit the apparatus to be used to communicate by text messaging when connected to the Internet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are personal care compositions having at least one oligopeptide self-assembled into nanofibers or macrostructures, wherein the oligopeptide is 2-20 amino acids in length, and wherein the oligopeptide has at least one 0- to 10-amino-acid block of hydrophobic amino acids alternating with at least one 1- to 10-amino-acid block of hydrophilic amino acid residues. The composition may further include a dermatologically acceptable carrier and at least one cosmetic skin care agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is data collection apparatus for hand use. The apparatus comprises a body and a bar code scanner. The body has: a central portion adapted to be and gripped in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for finger actuation; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which the central portion extends. The scanner is: adapted for actuation by said switch; has a configuration in which the bar code scanner defines a protuberance extending from the first data entry portion; and is detachable from the body for use in tight spaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is data collection apparatus for hand use. The apparatus comprises a body and a bar code scanner. The body has: a central portion adapted to be and gripped in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for finger actuation; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which the central portion extends. The scanner is: adapted for actuation by said switch; has a configuration in which the bar code scanner defines a protuberance extending from the first data entry portion; and is detachable from the body for use in tight spaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is data collection apparatus for hand use. The apparatus comprises a body and a bar code scanner. The body has: a central portion adapted to be and gripped in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for finger actuation; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which the central portion extends. The scanner is: adapted for actuation by said switch; has a configuration in which the bar code scanner defines a protuberance extending from the first data entry portion; and is detachable from the body for use in tight spaces.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting and validating inventory data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a processor-based inventory data collection system, with an internal integrated scanner, for efficiently collecting and validating inventory data includes a central processor coupled to a memory bus. The internal integrated scanner allows an operator to use one hand to scan and count merchandise, leaving the other hand free to adjust and move merchandise as needed. Since the operator can use the system to scan and count merchandise with only one hand, the operator is able to efficiently take the inventory without frequently pausing to adjust or move the merchandise. The central processor is adapted to receive the inventory data and is operable to validate the inventory data using a plurality of program codes. At least one flash memory device is coupled to the memory bus. The flash memory is adapted to store inventory data as the data is entered into the device and also adapted to store the program codes.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism for a pick and place robot includes two rotatable drives mounted on a base and connected to a platform by parallelogram linkages, one assigned to each drive. Each parallelogram linkage may include a series of parallelogram linkages connected to one another by a bell crank that couples drive linkages with location linkages to assure proper positioning of the mechanism. This arrangements permits movement of the platform in two dimensions by selective rotation of the drives.