Abstract: A miniature camera lens actuation apparatus provides an auto-macro function in which a camera lens element has two focus positions. In one type of apparatus, a shape memory alloy actuator arranged to drive movement of the camera lens element relative to a support structure against an end-stop arranged to limit the movement. The shape memory alloy actuator is connected to one of the movable element and the support structure by a compliant connector. This limits the stresses on the shape memory alloy actuator and therefore increases its lifetime. In another type of apparatus, the suspension system supporting the movable element on the support structure provides the movable element with two stable positions along the movement direction.

Abstract: A miniature camera lens actuation apparatus comprises a support structure, a camera lens element supported on the support structure by a suspension system; and an SMA actuator connected between the support structure and the movable element to drive movement of the camera lens element. The control circuit may include a drive circuit and a sensor circuit which have separate electrical connections to the SMA actuator to reduce the impact of the resistance of the electrical connections on the sensing. The control circuit may vary the drive signal in response to a temperature signal indicative of the ambient temperature. An endstop limits movement to prevent extension of the SMA actuator in its unheated state beyond a maximum length which is at or below the length corresponding the local maximum resistance of the resistance-length curve. Control of position is effected using resistance of the SMA actuator as a measure of position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication delivery device, to dosing mechanisms suitable for use in medication delivery devices, in particular in pen-type injectors, preferably having dose setting means and a drive device enabling the administration of a medicinal product from a single- or multi-dose medication cartridge, to a use of such device, and to a method of manufacturing or assembling such device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication delivery device, to dosing mechanisms suitable for use in medication delivery devices, in particular in pen-type injectors, preferably having dose setting means and a drive device enabling the administration of a medicinal product from a multi-dose medication cartridge, to a use of such device, and to a method of manufacturing or assembling such device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant 100 which comprises a plurality of electrically-conductive closed loops (300A, 300B, 300C, 300D; 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D each constituted from a plurality of loop portions such as struts (400, 500). The loops together form apertured walls of a cage with an interior volume, and the portions in any one said loop providing electrically-conductive pathways within which eddy currents are liable to be induced when the implant is subjected to an time-dependent external magnetic field, with each said loop comprising at least first and second said pathways. The implant is characterized in that the first and second pathways are arranged such that, in any particular magnetic field, the direction of the eddy current that would be induced in the second pathway is the reverse of the direction of the eddy current that would be induced in the first pathway, so as to mitigate the tendency of the implant to function in said magnetic field as a Faraday cage.

Abstract: An etching system (1) comprises a host PC (20) which stores a bitmap etching pattern (210) and transmits this via its own interface (200) and a data link (30) to an etching apparatus (10). The etching apparatus (10) includes its own interface (170) which receives the bitmap etching pattern (210) and passes it onto a control unit (110). The control unit (110) generates control signals for an etching head driver (120) which in turn drives an etching head (130) to eject etchant from an etching reservoir onto an item to be etched. The etching head (130) is moved relative to the item to he etched by means of motors (151, 152) which are driven by motor drivers (141, 142) which are also controlled by the control unit (110). The etching head (130) selectively deposits droplets of etchant onto the item to be etched in such a way that unwanted portions are removed by the droplets of etchant whilst wanted portions are maintained intact.

Abstract: A method of creating a locating or load bearing surface having a desired flatness or profile. The method comprises: a) providing a base on which the surface is to be created; b) locating a moulding member having a master surface with the desired flatness or profile facing and spaced from the base; c) supplying a curable material to a region between the base and the master surface whereby the curable material contacts both the base and the master surface; d) curing the curable material; and, e) removing the moulding member so as to leave the surface having the desired flatness or profile provided on the exposed surface of the cured material.