Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for managing a hierarchy of modules. A user can select a first hierarchy or a second hierarchy, where the first hierarchy includes a module and a first sub-module. The module is associated with a component and the first sub-module is associated with a first sub-component of the component. The module is associated with the first sub-module using a first hierarchical reference of a first type. The second hierarchy includes the module and a second sub-module, where the second sub-module is associated with the first sub-component. The module is associated with the second sub-module using a second hierarchical reference of a second type that is different from the first type.

Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a constriction in the flow passage at the outlet end. A heater is operable to heat liquid in the flow passage to produce a vapor, which is expelled from the outlet end of the flow passage.

Abstract: An aerosol generating device includes a housing, a heater and an optional mouthpiece. The heater volatilizes liquid within a flow passage and forms an aerosol in the mouthpiece. An aerosol confinement sleeve is disposed to control the size distribution of the aerosol.

Abstract: A programmable aerosol generator forms a volatilized liquid by supplying a material in liquid form to a flow passage and heating the flow passage, such that the material volatilizes and expands out of an outlet of the channel. The volatilized material, if desired, mixes with ambient air such that volatilized material condenses to form the aerosol. An apparatus and method for generating such a volatilized liquid, as well as the control and methods of heating, are disclosed as an analytical tool useful for experimental use, a tool useful for production of commercial products or an inhaler device.

Abstract: A piston pump delivers precise and repeatable volumes of a fluid from a reservoir to a downstream component, and includes a piston that is rotatably and reciprocally mounted within a cylinder. The outer periphery of the piston forms an interference fit with the inner periphery of the cylinder. At least one groove is formed in the outer periphery of the piston, with the groove defining a precise volume between the piston and the cylinder, and extending in an axial direction of the piston. The cylinder includes an inlet port for providing fluid communication between a reservoir and the at least one groove when the piston is in a first position, and an exit port circumferentially spaced from the inlet port for providing fluid communication between the at least one groove and a downstream component when the first piston is rotated to a second position where the at least one groove is aligned with the exit port.

Abstract: A demountable hanger assembly, for mounting at various locations in a display panel, has a cylindrical socket of predetermined diameter, a magnet mounted within the socket; a hanger locating device mounted within the socket adjacent to the magnet; a hanger member having a cylindrical portion to make a snug sliding fit in the socket, the cylindrical portion at least being formed of a magnetically sensitive material, attracted to the magnet, a locating recess formed in the cylindrical member to interfit with the locating member in the socket; and a hanger extending outwardly from the cylindrical portion, the hanger member being demountable from and mountable in the socket by manually separating the cylindrical member from the magnet.

Abstract: A hydroxycarboxylic acid copolyester of R-stereospecific configuration contains a majority of first repeating units capable of forming a highly crystalline high-melting homopolyester and a minority of second repeating units capable when randomly copolycondensed with said first repeating units of lowering the melting point of said homopolyester and is characterised by one or more of: higher crystalline melting point, shorter crystallising time, higher notched impact strength at age 1 month, as compared with corresponding random polyester, and said majority repeating units in the polyester chain being present in blocks longer than correspond to their over-all molar proportionality. The copolyester may be made by fermentation, controlling the distribution of repeating units by reference to the pattern of feeding substrates corresponding to the respective repeating units.