Abstract: The snuffer is constructed of three elements, i.e. a tubular member, a sleeve which fits within the tubular member and a cap which secures the sleeve in place. The sleeve has an inside diameter to slidably receive a lighted cigarette or the like. The cap has a bore through which a cigarette is to be inserted into the sleeve and from which an end of the cigarette is able to project for ease of removal for re-use. Multiple sleeves are provided to accommodate differently sized cigarettes or tobacco products.

Abstract: The hollow cannula is made with a smooth tip to avoid sharp corners on the inside diameter or outside diameter in order to avoid scraping or scoring of a slit or pre-pre-pierced septum during passage through the septum. The cannula may be employed in various types of embodiments including swabable valve connectors.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for compressing a binary code includes converting an initial flow of data through serial multiplication of values of bits of a signal to be coded, receiving an a coding function, and summing all products of the serial multiplication for a predetermined period of time. The method further provides that discrete values of the coding function are used as the coding function, the coding function is a piecewise continuous function in a form of a Gaussian pulse with a frequency fill, computations of a Duamel sequence are used during conversion of the code, and the initial data and discrete values of the coding function are used as arguments of the sequence.

Abstract: The suction tube employs a fluid absorber in the suction line in which a compressed cellulosic sponge mass is provided for absorbing an amount of fluid, for example 1.5 cc of fluid without any significant increase in resistance to air flow. The compressed sponge mass is secured in place within the tubular housing with a gap formed between each end of the sponge mass and an end cap of the housing to avoid blockage of air flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hull construction for a vessel, especially a drilling and/or production vessel for hydrocarbons. The invention also relates to the application of the hull construction according to the invention. The invention is especially related to designing hulls for single hull ships which are provided for carrying our operations at sea, and especially vessels which are used for drilling petroleum wells, and for intervention and maintenance of this type of well. With the invention, the aim is to provide a hull shape for a vessel which makes the vessel especially well suited for realising these types of well operations in deeper waters and at sea, and so that the vessel can be operative even under difficult weather conditions which are created by waves, ocean currents and winds.