Abstract: A marking module for an appliance intended for applying a colorant for permanent makeup or tattooing has a channel and at least one needle that is able to move longitudinally in said channel between a retracted position in which a distal end of the needle is located inside said channel and an extended position in which the distal end of the needle protrudes from said channel. The marking module has a reservoir of colorant and said reservoir communicates with said channel only in a region situated downstream of the needle when this needle is located in said retracted position. An appliance for applying a colorant for permanent makeup or tattooing has a marking module as defined above and a module for actuating the needle of the marking module.

Abstract: A textile includes first and second conductive layers and at least one porous layer positioned between the conductive layers. The first and second conductive layers are arranged to generate an electric field whereby a current passes between the conductive layers inducing liquid transport and causing ions to be received at the second conductive layer. A measurement device is arranged to measure the amount of charge transferred between the first and second conductive layers during a liquid transport operation, the device taking account of any variation in current or voltage during the liquid transport operation. A control device is arranged to control a regenerating operation to regenerate the second electrode by transferring via it an amount of charge substantially equal to the measured amount so as to cause ions to be removed from the second conductive layer and thereby regenerate the conductive layer.

Abstract: A textile (10) comprising first and second conductive layers (12a, 12b); at least one porous layer (14) positioned between first and second conductive layers (12a, 12b), the pores of said porous layer (14) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said conductive layers (12a, 12b); the conductive layers (12a, 12b) being connected to an electric signal generator (15) such that, in use, a voltage can be applied across said porous layer (14) to effect directional flow of liquid across said textile (10), and a voltage can also be applied along at least one of the conductive layers (12a, 12b) to effect heating of said textile (10).

Abstract: Apparatus for inducing motion of charged particles in a liquid or gel using an electric field includes a region in which the motion is to be induced, first and second electrodes for generating the electric field in the region whereby a current passes between the electrodes so as to induce the charged particle motion and so as to cause ions to be received at the second electrode. A measurement apparatus is arranged to measure the amount of charge transferred between the first and second electrodes during an induced charged particle motion operation, the measurement apparatus being able to take account of any variation in current or voltage during the induced charged particle motion operation. A control system is provided for controlling a regenerating operation for regenerating the second electrode by transferring via it an amount of charge substantially equal to the measured amount so as to cause ions to be removed from the second electrode and thereby regenerate the electrode.

Abstract: A pump for inducing liquid movement by means of polarisation electro-osmosis, comprising a passageway forming a flow path for fluid transport, at least one polarisable means located within said passageway so as to form at least one pore through said passageway, the at least one polarisable means being shaped such that at least a section of the pore walls are curved or inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the passageway, the pump further comprising a non-conductive porous membrane positioned across the flow path and in close proximity to the at least one polarisable means, the membrane comprising pores extending in a direction at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the passageway and having a pore size smaller than the at least one pore formed by the polarisable means.

Abstract: A textile (10) comprising first and second conductive layers (12a, 12b); at least one porous layer (14) positioned between first and second conductive layers (12a, 12b), the pores of said porous layer (14) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said conductive layers (12a, 12b); the conductive layers (12a, 12b) being connected to an electric signal generator (15) such that, in use, a voltage can be applied across said porous layer (14) to effect directional flow of liquid across said textile (10), and a voltage can also be applied along at least one of the conductive layers (12a, 12b) to effect heating of said textile (10).