Abstract: An organ perfusion system comprises: a perfusion fluid circuit (16) arranged to circulate perfusion fluid through the organ; a surrogate organ (126) arranged to be connected into the circuit in place of the organ so that the circuit can circulate fluid through the surrogate organ; and organ sensing means arranged to distinguish between the presence of the organ in the circuit and the presence of the surrogate organ in the circuit. The sensing means may comprise one or more pressure sensors (136, 137, 138), or a flow meter (125). Further aspects relate to adjusting the content of at least one component, such as oxygen or a nutrient, in the perfusion fluid. Bubble detection means (113), and means (74) to measure the amount of fluid secreted by or leaked from the organ, may also be provided.

Abstract: A light assembly and method for generating a light pattern, the assembly comprising a first light module including a first LED array, the first LED array including at least a first line of LEDs where each LED in the first array generates an LED light pattern and where dark areas occur between adjacent LED light patterns, the first LED array forming a first light pattern including interleaved bright and dark areas and a second light module wherein the first and second light modules are arranged with the first light pattern misaligned with a second light pattern generated by the second light module so that at least a subset of the bright areas in the first light pattern are aligned with dark areas in the second light pattern to generate a combined light pattern.

Abstract: A breath-actuated delivery device includes a mouthpiece through which a subject in use exhales, an air channel which is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, and a flexible diaphragm which is disposed in the air channel. The diaphragm provides for at least a restricted air flow through the air channel until a predeterminable actuation pressure is developed in the mouthpiece, and, on generation of the predeterminable actuation pressure in the mouthpiece, provides for an air flow through the air channel.

Abstract: A method whereby vendors and purchasers settle invoices and account for sales taxes, integrated with the drawing, accepting, guaranteeing, endorsing, discounting, presenting, and cash settlement of electronic bills of exchange in all traded currencies (Ebill). Ebills are activated automatically as a direct consequence of the approval of one or more invoices for payment. Acceptance is against a guarantee with a managed credit risk limit or endorsed Ebills. Settlement is also activated by matching a purchase order to a goods received or delivery note or bill of lading. A single instance of each invoice and Ebill is held for all functions required by vendors, purchasers, risk managers, Ebill traders, discounters, guarantors and banks. Trading accounts are represented by a single ledger instance with automated updating of their back-office ledgers. Settlement reconciliation is supported by messages related to individual transactions and by quantified debit advice notes reconciled with credit notes.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly comprising a housing forming an internal chamber and forming an opening to one side, at least a first light source having a first illumination axis, the first light source mounted in a central portion of the internal chamber substantially at a first depth, at least a second light source having a second illumination axis, the second light source mounted in a circumferential portion of the chamber substantially at a second depth wherein the first depth is greater than the second depth, a first aspherical lens formed about a first optic axis, the first aspherical lens mounted within the opening with the first optic axis aligned with the first illumination axis and a second aspherical lens formed about a second optic axis, the second aspherical lens mounted within the opening with the second optic axis aligned with the second illumination axis.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising: at least one cover element (11, 12) that is movable between a closed position and an open position; individual reservoirs formed on a reservoir substrate; movable support means (50) that are displaceable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position; reservoir opening means (80) for opening a respective reservoir in the dispensing position; loading means (800) for urging said movable support means towards said dispensing position; blocking means (100) for retaining said movable support means in the non-dispensing position; and trigger means (60) for releasing said blocking means; said loading means including an elastically-deformable loading element (51) that co-operates with a cam surface (910) that is connected to said at least one movable cover element; and said cam surface comprising a first portion that is adapted to load said loading means, and a second portion that co-operates with said loaded loading means.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising: at least one cover element (11, 12); individual reservoirs formed on a substrate; support means (50) that are movable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position; reservoir-opening means (80); displacement means (30) for displacing said reservoir substrate in a first direction, said reservoir substrate also being displaceable between said non-dispensing position and said dispensing position in which said opening means open a respective reservoir; loading means (51) for urging said movable support means towards said dispensing position; blocking means (100) for retaining said movable support means in the non-dispensing position; trigger means (60) that are actuated by inhalation; and connection means (1000) for displacing said reservoir substrate in said first direction when said at least one cover element is displaced, said connection means being activated while said movable support means are being displaced towards said dispensing position while the user is inhaling, an

Abstract: A system includes one or more compacting wall retraction mechanisms for retracting one or more compacting walls of a compactable lightweight concrete block mold having at least two compacting walls. The compacting wall retraction mechanism(s) facilitate release of a compacted lightweight concrete block from the compactable lightweight concrete block mold. The system can include a mold feed conveyor, and a table for receiving the compactable lightweight concrete block mold from the mold feed conveyor. The system can include one or more tube extraction and re-insertion mechanisms for extracting or inserting tubes of a compactable mold. The system can include one or more end wall lock release mechanisms for releasing end walls to remove a molded block from the mold. Mold assembly and disassembly can be controlled by an electronic or computerized controller.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising: a body; at least one cover element that is movable between a closed position and an open position; individual reservoirs formed on a reservoir substrate; movable support means that receive said reservoir substrate and that are displaceable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position; and an indicator device for indicating doses that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed, said indicator device comprising: a rotary indicator element that supports indicator means, such as numbers, colors, and/or symbols; and an actuator that co-operates with said movable support means so as to cause said rotary indicator element to turn when said movable support means return from the dispensing position to the non-dispensing position.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete mixture (e.g., comprising cement and polystyrene foam) is introduced into a compactable mold having a mold cavity defined by plural wall structures including at least two compacting wall structures. After introducing the lightweight concrete mixture into the compactable mold, the compacting wall structures are moved such that the lightweight concrete mixture is compacted in the mold cavity. The respective positions of the plural compacting wall structures can be maintained during curing of the lightweight concrete mixture such that the lightweight concrete mixture is held under compression during curing. A compactable mold may also include one or more tubes for forming tube-shaped cavities within a building block formed in the mold. Tubes can form intersecting cavities within the building block. Tubes can remain stationary while the compacting walls are moved, even when the tubes are attached to a compacting wall.

Abstract: Apparatus, e.g. a syringe, for dispensing foam includes means for ensuring that only foam of adequate quality is dispensed. In use, the syringe may be filled from a pressurised canister which generates foam e.g. for therapeutic use in treating varicose veins. An initial quantity of foam dispensed from the canister may be of inadequate quality in which case it should not be used: the syringe includes means to ensure that this initial quantity of foam is diverted to a waste port or to an internal waste chamber e.g. located in the syringe plunger. Foam dispensed after the initial quantity of poor quality foam is stored in the main barrel of the syringe ready for administration to a patient in need of treatment.

Abstract: A foam transfer device is described, for use with aerosol canister apparatus for producing a sclerosant foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins. The device enables diversion of an initial quantity of below-specification foam from the canister to waste, e.g. to an integral waste chamber, before dispensing a further quantity of foam for use in treatment. The switching of the flow from the waste chamber to a different outlet for use is accomplished without interrupting the flow from the aerosol canister since this would cause the foam to drop below specification again. The waste chamber may be transparent so that the foam entering it can be observed and a decision made by a user when to stop diverting foam to waste. Alternatively, the foam may be diverted automatically e.g. when a set time has elapsed or a set volume of foam dispensed. The foam for use is normally dispensed into a syringe for subsequent injection into a varicose vein of a patient.

Abstract: A unit dose dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber, optionally including one or more beads. A blister is supported adjacent to the dispersion chamber. A mouthpiece cover is removable from a mouthpiece, with movement of the mouthpiece cover causing the blister to open. An air flow path extends past or under the blister and into the dispersion chamber. As a result, the blister remains sealed until the inhaler is ready for use. The blister is then automatically opened when the mouthpiece cover is removed from the mouthpiece. Pharmaceutical dry powder is released from the blister and entrained in air flow through the inhaler, when the user inhales on the mouthpiece. The powder is dispersed in air within the dispersion chamber.

Abstract: A breath-actuated delivery device includes a mouthpiece through which a subject in use exhales, an air channel which is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, and a flexible diaphragm which is disposed in the air channel. The diaphragm provides for at least a restricted air flow through the air channel until a predeterminable actuation pressure is developed in the mouthpiece, and, on generation of the predeterminable actuation pressure in the mouthpiece, provides for an air flow through the air channel.

Abstract: A system includes one or more compacting wall retraction mechanisms for retracting one or more compacting walls of a compactable lightweight concrete block mold having at least two compacting walls. The compacting wall retraction mechanism(s) facilitate release of a compacted lightweight concrete block from the compactable lightweight concrete block mold. The system can include a mold feed conveyor, and a table for receiving the compactable lightweight concrete block mold from the mold feed conveyor. The system can include one or more tube extraction and re-insertion mechanisms for extracting or inserting tubes of a compactable mold. The system can include one or more end wall lock release mechanisms for releasing end walls to remove a molded block from the mold. Mold assembly and disassembly can be controlled by an electronic or computerized controller.

Abstract: A system includes one or more compacting wall retraction mechanisms for retracting one or more compacting walls of a compactable lightweight concrete block mold having at least two compacting walls. The compacting wall retraction mechanism(s) facilitate release of a compacted lightweight concrete block from the compactable lightweight concrete block mold. The system can include a mold feed conveyor, and a table for receiving the compactable lightweight concrete block mold from the mold feed conveyor. The system can include one or more tube extraction and re-insertion mechanisms for extracting or inserting tubes of a compactable mold. The system can include one or more end wall lock release mechanisms for releasing end walls to remove a molded block from the mold. Mold assembly and disassembly can be controlled by an electronic or computerized controller.

Abstract: A compactable mold comprises a main mold frame structure and plural wall structures including two end wall structures and two side wall structures. The plural wall structures define a mold cavity for forming a block from a mixture introduced into the mold cavity. At least two of the plural wall structures are movable wall structures for compacting the mixture. A described compactable mold has end walls and side walls that are shaped for forming tongue and groove features on a compacted block, and the end walls and side walls are movable such that a formed block can be released easily from the mold. A described compactable mold comprises at least one tube attached to at least one of the compacting wall structures. The compacting wall structures are operable to compact the mixture by moving toward the center of the mold cavity while the at least one tube remains stationary.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC)/amplifier testing system for use in an electron-beam (e-beam) mask writer, the e-beam mask writer including a plurality of DAC/amplifier circuits to output analog voltage signals, each DAC/amplifier circuit having a first output terminal and a second output terminal, the first output terminals of the plurality of DAC/amplifier circuits being respectively coupled to deflection plates of the e-beam mask writer to provide the output analog voltages as deflection voltages, is provided. The testing system including a summation circuit to sum voltage signals and to output a summation signal indicating the sum of the received analog voltage signals and an analyzer circuit to digitize the summation signal and to detect to compare the digitized summation signal with an error tolerance range to detect whether at least one of the DAC/amplifier circuits is experiencing an operating error.

Abstract: A foam transfer device is described, for use with aerosol canister apparatus for producing a sclerosant foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins. The device enables diversion of an initial quantity of below-specification foam from the canister to waste, e.g. to an integral waste chamber, before dispensing a further quantity of foam for use in treatment. The switching of the flow from the waste chamber to a different outlet for use is accomplished without interrupting the flow from the aerosol canister since this would cause the foam to drop below specification again. The waste chamber may be transparent so that the foam entering it can be observed and a decision made by a user when to stop diverting foam to waste. Alternatively, the foam may be diverted automatically e.g. when a set time has elapsed or a set volume of foam dispensed. The foam for use is normally dispensed into a syringe for subsequent injection into a varicose vein of a patient.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC)/amplifier testing system for use in an electron-beam (e-beam) mask writer, the e-beam mask writer including a plurality of DAC/amplifier circuits to output analog voltage signals, each DAC/amplifier circuit having a first output terminal and a second output terminal, the first output terminals of the plurality of DAC/amplifier circuits being respectively coupled to deflection plates of the e-beam mask writer to provide the output analog voltages as deflection voltages, is provided. The testing system including a summation circuit to sum voltage signals and to output a summation signal indicating the sum of the received analog voltage signals and an analyzer circuit to digitize the summation signal and to detect to compare the digitized summation signal with an error tolerance range to detect whether at least one of the DAC/amplifier circuits is experiencing an operating error.