Abstract: A fluid droplet production apparatus, for example, for use an atomizer spraying device, has a membrane which is vibrated by an actuator, which has a composite thin-walled structure and is arranged to operate in a bending mode. Fluid is supplied directly to a surface of the membrane, as fluid is sprayed therefrom on vibration of the membrane.

Abstract: This invention relates to a piezoelectric valve for controlling fluid flow and, more particularly to such a valve which is neither solenoid or servo assisted. In this specification and claims, reference to fluid(s) includes both liquid(s) and gas(es). One particular form of piezoelectric valve for controlling fluid flow comprises a housing, a cavity within the housing, piezoelectric valve disc element and a valve seat, inlet and outlet ducts for leading fluid into and out from the cavity and disposed on opposite sides of the valve disc element and means for supporting the valve disc element at a central region of the element with the peripheral region of the disc disposed for cooperation with the valve seat so that upon actuation of the element by a voltage applied thereto, the periphery of the disc is displaceable and at least a portion of a peripheral region of the disc serves to control fluid flow between the inlet and outlet ducts.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber receiving liquid to be dispensed and comprising a perforate membrane which defines a front wall of the chamber. A vibrating means is connected to the housing and is operable to vibrate the perforate membrane to dispense droplets of liquid through holes in the perforate membrane. The membrane defines an array of holes each of which is flared such that the cross-section narrows in a direction from the rear surface of the membrane in contact with the liquid towards the front surface of the membrane. The apparatus is suitable for dispensing pharmaceutical products as an atomized mist and provides a hand-held inhaler for oral inhalation.

Abstract: An infusion pump includes a piezoelectric actuator located in a housing and operable to deflect a flexible wall of a detachable pump body. The pump body defines a chamber of variable volume with non-return inlet and outlet valves. The pump body is disposable and connected to the housing by a releasable connector which biases the wall into operative engagement with the transducer. The transducer is provided with sense electrodes to measure the amplitude of deflection which is used to trigger alarms indicating the presence of bubbles in the chamber or of occlusion.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus (1) comprises a housing (2) defining a chamber (3) receiving liquid (4) to be dispensed and comprising a perforate membrane which defines a front wall of the chamber. A vibrating device (8) is connected to the housing and is operable to vibrate the perforate membrane to dispense droplets of liquid through holes (25) in the perforate membrane. The housing comprises an annular member (11) having a relatively thin inner annular portion (68) connected to the perforate membrane and a relatively thick outer annular portion (66) connected to the vibrating device. The apparatus is suitable for dispensing pharmaceutical products as an atomized mist and provides a hand-held inhaler for oral inhalation.

Abstract: A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The data storage medium comprises an optically sensitive layer at or adjacent to one surface of the medium, said one surface of the medium comprising a plurality of topographical features or structures disposed in a regularly repeating pattern, said pattern being free from undercutting so that the medium can be produced and/or replicated by molding, casting, embossing or similar process against a tool. The optically sensitive layer is preferably overcoated with a thin film of a metallic material which conforms to the topography of said surface.

Abstract: An optical data storage medium is disclosed for use in an optical read/write system using an optical read wavelength of W, the medium including a textured region having raised areas and depressed areas disposed in a regular array with a period (pitch) not greater than W and a depth (peak-to-trough) in the range 10 to 1,000 nanometers. The medium comprises a substrate and a regular array of zones of magneto-optic material disposed at least over the peaks and troughs of the surface texture and conforming to the surface texture. In many embodiments, there is also a layer or a regular array of zones of an optically reflective material. In one embodiment, the texture is shallow, being generally in the range 10 to 120 nanometers. In a second embodiment, the depth of the texture is at least one tenth of the value of W. In any of the embodiments, there may be a dielectric layer over the top of the structure.

Abstract: A method of forming an image and a radiation-sensitive medium suitable for carrying an image is disclosed. The medium comprises a substrate having a surface structure comprising grooves with a depth of 20 to 100 nanometers. At or close to the surface structure there is a layer of radiation-responsive material which is such that irradiation of selected parts of the structure with radiation of a predetermined polarization causes radiation to be absorbed at the irradiated parts of the surface so that corresponding areas of the radiation-responsive layer are affected in a way which makes such areas distinguishable from the remaining, non-irradiated areas of the radiation-responsive layer. An image and/or data may be stored in such a medium in analogue, digital or pictorial form, or in a combination of any two or all three of these forms. The invention also provides primary and secondary pre-formed data carrying media, the secondary media being replicated from the primary media.

Abstract: A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The method for manufacturing a data storage medium has a surface or a surface region which is strongly absorbent of at least a predetermined band of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The surface or surface region includes a layer of a heat sensitive material which has a textured surface pattern the pitch of which is smaller than the shortest wavelength of the predetermined band of wavelengths, and the depth (peak-to-trough) of which is at least 100 nm. The surface pattern is free from undercutting, and can comprise an array of protuberances or one or more sets of grooves (which may be intersecting). The textured surface pattern is further coated with a thin film of a high-opacity material, e.g. gold, the thickness of the overcoating preferably being such as to give no more than 10% transmission of incident radiation.

Abstract: A positive displacement liquid flow meter uses two variable volume chambers 16,18 arranged in parallel, each with a reciprocable piston 24,26. While liquid from one chamber is being fed to the outlet 11, the other chamber is being charged with the liquid from the inlet 10. A sensing piston 32 in the outlet line 11 indicates when flow variation occurs and allows a feed back signal to be produced to produce the necessary alteration in movement of the piston from the chamber which is feeding the outlet line. Valves A, B, C, D are provided on either side of each chamber, so that when a chamber is feeding it is isolated from the liquid supply.

Abstract: A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The data storage medium has a surface or a surface region which is strongly absorbent of at least a predetermined band of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The surface or surface region includes a layer of a material which undergoes a large volume change or degradation and has a regular, sinuous textured surface pattern which is free from undercutting. The textured surface pattern is coated with a thin film of platinum or a platinum alloy, the thickness of the overcoating preferably being such as to give no more than 10% transmission of incident radiation.A method of storing information on such a data storage medium is also disclosed. The data storage medium may be prepared in blank form for use as the consumer desires, or it may be pre-recorded in part or in entirety.

Abstract: The invention provides a master for use in image transfer by contact printing onto a transparent electrophotographic (TEP) film, which comprises an electrically insulating substrate having a planar surface which carries image elements deposited thereon; and a thin transparent insulating layer covering said planar surface and said image elements. The surface of the thin transparent insulating material is preferably profiled so that it comprises a base level and raised portions extending above said base level, the area of the raised portions being small compared to the total surface area of the transparent insulating layer. A thin transparent electrode may be incorporated between the substrate and the thin transparent insulating layer.Methods of forming such a master and of contact printing with it are also disclosed.

Abstract: A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The data storage medium has a surface or a surface region which is strongly absorbent of at least a predetermined band of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The surface or surface region includes a layer of a heat sensitive material which has a textured surface pattern the pitch of which is smaller than the shortest wavelength of the predetermined band of wavelengths, and the depth (peak-to-trough) of which is at least 100 nm. The surface pattern is free from undercutting, and can comprise an array of protuberances or one or more sets of grooves (which may be intersecting). The textured surface pattern is further coated with a thin film of a high-opacity material, e.g. gold, the thickness of the overcoating preferably being such as to give no more than 10% transmission of incident radiation.

Abstract: A method of forming an image on an electrophotographic film material is described. This involves a contact printing technique and comprises the following steps:(a) placing an image-bearing master in contact with the film;(b) exposing the film to light through the image-bearing master, the exposure being substantially greater than the minimum necessary to render conductive the photo-conductive layer of the electrophotographic film;(c) applying a substantially uniform charge to the surface of the film in the dark immediately after exposure;(d) leaving the film in the dark for a short time so as to allow the charge to migrate selectively; and(e) then developing the image.

Abstract: The invention provides a master for use in image transfer by contact printing onto a transparent electrophotographic (TEP) film, which comprises an electrically insulating substrate having a planar surface which carries image elements deposited thereon; and a thin transparent insulating layer covering said planar surface and said image elements. The surface of the thin transparent insulating material is preferably profiled so that it comprises a base level and raised portions extending above said base level, the area of the raised portions being small compared to the total surface area of the transparent insulating layer. A thin transparent electrode may be incorporated between the substrate and the thin transparent insulating layer.Methods of forming such a master and of contact printing with it are also disclosed.