Abstract: One aspect of the invention features a method of analyzing dose metered devices by: spraying an aerosol from a metered dose device directly into a spray chamber of a mass spectrometer detector by firing a dose from a metered dose device, for example a pMDI, by depressing the pMDI in its actuator, which spraying step is optionally preceded by a step of priming the drug container of the metered dose device; ionizing the aerosol; and identifying and quantifying the content of the dose using the detector.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention features a method of analyzing dose metered devices by spraying an aerosol from a metered dose device directly into a spray chamber of a mass spectrometer detector by firing a dose from a metered dose device, for example a pMDI, by depressing the pMDI in its actuator, which spraying step is optionally preceded by a step of priming the drug container of the metered dose device; ionizing the aerosol; and identifying and quantifying the content of the dose using the detector.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention features a method of analyzing dose metered devices by spraying an aerosol from a metered dose device directly into a spray chamber of a mass spectrometer detector by firing a dose from a metered dose device, for example a pMDI, by depressing the pMDI in its actuator, which spraying step is optionally preceded by a step of priming the drug container of the metered dose device; ionizing the aerosol; and identifying and quantifying the content of the dose using the detector.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment discloses a hand-held multi-purpose flashlight that may include a real-time video display incorporated into a flashlight. The real-time video capabilities, housed within the flashlight casing, allow a user to view in low light environments as well as around corners and over and around obstructions. The multi-purpose flashlight may be equipped with an adjustable display screen on a back end that is adjustable in multiple directions and angles independent of the main body of the flashlight.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for migrating configuration data from an existing program to a replacement program, in response, for example, to a command by an external agent. In preferred embodiments, an existing program is modified according to the invention to add functionality to obtain pertinent configuration data from such sources available to the existing program as its internal tables, configuration files, and run-time commands, and then to write a configuration file containing configuration data formatted for use by the replacement program. The program's internal tables may often contain configuration data which is not always available to the replacement program e.g. command line parameters, data provided through receipt of messages from other programs, etc. The invention advantageously makes voluminous formatted configuration data available to the replacement program in order to expeditiously provide a basis for its initial operation after installation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of analysing the contents of a pressurised container, such as a pressurised metered dose inhaler canister. This method comprises the steps of: enclosing said container in a pressure vessel and then pressurising the pressure vessel with a non-reactive fluid. The pressurised container within the pressure vessel is then pierced and the contents removed and analysed. The invention also consists of a device to carry out such a method.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for migrating configuration data from an existing program to a replacement program, in response, for example, to a command by an external agent. In preferred embodiments, an existing program is modified according to the invention to add functionality to obtain pertinent configuration data from such sources available to the existing program as its internal tables, configuration files, and run-time commands, and then to write a configuration file containing configuration data formatted for use by the replacement program. The program's internal tables may often contain configuration data which is not always available to the replacement program e.g. command line parameters, data provided through receipt of messages from other programs, etc. The invention advantageously makes voluminous formatted configuration data available to the replacement program in order to expeditiously provide a basis for its initial operation after installation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for isolating a modulation region of an external modulator that has a semiconductor waveguide structure that comprises at least one integral isolation region.

Abstract: Apparatus (OTDR) for accurately locating and measuring the optical parameters and characteristics of fiberoptic cables which reduces the adverse effects of coherence noise without effecting the stability and repeatability of the acquired locating and measuring information.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: Apparatus (OTDR) for accurately locating and measuring the optical parameters and characteristics of fiberoptic cables which reduces the adverse effects of coherence noise without effecting the stability and repeatability of the acquired locating and measuring information.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: A waveguide type electro-absorptive optical modulator that resists damage to its input facet and methods for minimizing or eliminating optical and electrical damage to the input facet of waveguide type electro-absorptive modulator by fabrication of an electrically isolated region in the modulator's waveguide proximate the input facet by forming an ion implantation region in at least one waveguide confinement rib proximate the input facet, a signal contact end on the at least one rib that is recessed from the plane of the input facet, or both.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: An electro-optical signal translator, signal translator design features, methods of fabrication, alignment techniques and alignment apparatus that utilize, with the exception of output optical fiber to transmitter module coupling, passive assembly techniques that are compatible with assembly line operations to produce high performance electro-optical signal translators.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating materials with photoelectric radiant energy include directing photoelectric radiant energy onto a reflective conical member positioned at one focal line of an ellipsoidal reflective surface. The radiant energy is dispersed by the conical member and directed to the reflective wall. Radiant energy is further reflected by the ellipsoidal surface to an opposite focal line creating an area of intense radiant energy. Materials to be heated are introduced into the area of intense photoelectric radiant energy. Embodiments of the present invention are applicable to reacting silane and ammonia to form silicon nitride by laser pyrolysis.