Abstract: A paint mask for shielding a surface to be masked from paint being applied to an adjacent or nearby surface is described. The paint mask is formed of an elastic, substantially gas-impermeable material and has a suction cup surrounded by a flange. Together, the suction cup and flange are sized and shaped to cover the surface to be masked. In the side of the flange which contacts the surface to be masked, there are channels which communicate with the interior of the suction cup, such that when the paint mask is placed on the surface to be masked, an enclosed space is defined by the suction cup, the channels and the surface to be masked. Pressing down on the outside of the suction cup causes a portion of the air inside the enclosed space to escape. When the suction cup is released, a partial vacuum forms in the enclosed space which fixes the paint mask to the surface to be masked.

Abstract: An automatic syringe destruction system for sterilizing and destroying a carrier storing plastic syringes. A transfer wheel stores a plurality of carriers requiring sterilization and destruction. A first piston mechanism contacts one of the carriers stored on the transfer wheel and places the carrier into one end of a compression chamber. An induction coil surrounds the compression chamber and supplies heat to the compression chamber. A second piston mechanism enters another end of the compression chamber and compresses the carrier against the first piston mechanism.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a tubular syringe had a separate terminal plunger portion positioned to be pushed into a position of blocking flow to and from the needle passage as the plunger proximal portion is moved inwardly to expel syringe contents, and at the blocking position a male member being locked into a female member positioned to permit movement to the blocking position but preventing withdrawal of the terminal portion from the blocking position, preventing subsequent intake or outflow through the syringe needle passage.

Abstract: The disclosure is of an improved vacuum tube having one or more vents around the mouth to allow evacuation, prior to closure assembly, which tube eliminates the necessity of using a vented stopper and avoids the problems inherent in such vented stopper.