Abstract: Apparatus for bonding heat bondable materials through the application of pressure and heat employs a diaphragm pressed by fluid pressure against the materials. The diaphragm comprises a web having a flexible heating element which is bonded to its non-material pressing side and has a configuration corresponding to the desired seam configuration. The web carries heat dissipating means to conduct heat away from the diaphragm and the materials in the seam configuration and heat directing means to conduct heat from the element to the seam area. Preferably the heating element, heat directing means and heat conducting means are formed from metallic foil bonded to both sides of the web and having portions etched away to provide electrically insulating channels separating one from another.

Abstract: A device for spotting samples at spaced locations on the adsorbent surface of a TLC (thin-layer chromatography) plate has a base with an elevated, flat TLC plate supporting area and an adjacent stepped down solvent trough containing area separated by a step. A wicking plate, having a number of wick-holding wells, is adapted to be positioned over the trough with the wicks dipping in the trough and the upper ends of the wicks adapted to engage the adsorbent surface of a TLC plate lowered against them. A novel wick of porous polyethylene may be pre-loaded with sample and dried before being loaded into the wicking plate. The base has spaced extensions defining a cut-out over which the wicking plate can be laid for loading, being appropriately positioned by pins extending from one of its long sides engaging the step on the base. When reversed, the non-pin-containing long side of the wicking plate engages the step and positions it over the trough.

Abstract: A tracheal cannula adapted to be inserted in a round incision in the patient's trachea in place of the usual tracheotomy tube, comprises a silicone tube about 6 cm. in length having a lumen of a diameter of the order of 8 mm. The cannula has preferably three circumferential barbs near its inner end to engage the patient's tissue and prevent outward displacement, a number of circumferential ridges located between the barbs and the outer end, and an inner open end whose periphery lies in a plane at an acute angle to its longitudinal axis. The inner end has a flange adapted to fit the inner anterior tracheal wall so that the cannula will project forward at a predetermined angle to the patient's neck. The circumferential ridges serve to retain an apertured plate or washer for engaging the patient's skin surrounding the cannula to secure the latter in place.

Abstract: Apparatus for bonding heat bondable materials through the application of pressure and heat employs a diaphragm pressed by fluid pressure against the materials. The diaphragm comprises a web having a flexible heating element bonded to its non-material pressing side and has a configuration corresponding to the desired seam configuration. An improved heating element configuration is disclosed to reduce the forces tending to separate the element from the web as a result of their different coefficients of expansion and provision is made fo facilitate electrical connection to the heating element while reducing unwanted effects on the heat pattern.