Abstract: An inflator for an air-bag has two gas chambers mounted on a central block (1). The central block defines passages leading from the gas chambers to the air-bag, but the passages are initially sealed by closures . An ignitor mounted on the block can generate hot gas to move an actuating element in a predetermined direction, the actuating element having a conical face which acts on inclined faces of two opening elements which are thus moved apart to rupture the closures to permit gas to flow from the chambers into the air-bag. Finally gas from the ignitor can also flow through a passage into the air-bag to ignite the mixed gases from the two gas chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation device for administering a powdered medicament by inhalation. The inhalation device (1) comprises a suction tube (4) through which the medicament is drawn on inhalation by a user and a blister pack assembly (5). The suction tube (4) has a distal end (7) which interacts with the blister pack assembly (5) and a proximal end (8) through which the user inhales. The inhalation device (1) is also provided with biasing means (6) which raise the suction tube (4) away from the blister pack assembly (5).

Abstract: An inflator for an air-bag has two gas chambers mounted on a central block (1). The central block defines passages leading from the gas chambers to the air-bag, but the passages are initially sealed by closures . An ignitor mounted on the block can generate hot gas to move an actuating element in a predetermined direction, the actuating element having a conical face which acts on inclined faces of two opening elements which are thus moved apart to rupture the closures to permit gas to flow from the chambers into the air-bag. Finally gas from the ignitor can also flow through a passage into the air-bag to ignite the mixed gases from the two gas chambers.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and monitoring diode combination having reduced parasitic capacitance for use in high bandwidth communications systems. The VCSEL has both p-type and n-type contacts on the same face. This allows the VCSEL to be mounted on a monitor chip or diode without using a metal contact layer. In an embodiment wherein the VCSEL is soldered to the monitor chip for mechanical stability only a small metal pad no larger than the VCSEL is used.

Abstract: A top surface emitting vertical cavity laser with enhanced power handling capacity. The laser provides a patterned top electrode for uniformly injecting applied current to the active area. The diameter of the electrode relative to the vertical distance between it and the active layer is reduced by patterning. The result is an improved laser with significant power output.

Abstract: A cheese grating tool comprises a handle shaft (1) and a plate (2) connected thereto. The plate (2) comprises a generally single-curved portion (22) with a plurality of apertures (31) which are distributed over the width of the blade (2) generally in the region of said curved portion which is remote from the handle shaft. Each of said apertures is delimited by a scope (32), which projects from the convex side of the curved plate portion (22). The scopes are parallel as seen in the plate plane and the scope edges face generally toward the handle shaft. The scope axis extends obliquely to the adjacent plate surface.