Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for lyophilization of protein and/or pharmaceutical products, wherein said apparatus utilizes a dry vacuum pump for the direct removal of water vapor, rather than a cold trap condenser. A freeze dryer has a vacuum pump which is connected directly to a drying chamber without the use of a cold trap condenser. The exhaust of the vacuum pump is vented directly to atmosphere. Water vapor generated in the process is directly removed from the chamber by the vacuum pump. The apparatus permits lyophilization of pharmaceuticals e.g. antibiotics, vitamins products, vaccines, and biological protein solutions. The dryer operates on a batch basis or may be designed to perform continuous production.

Abstract: A spark plug is provided for internal combustion engines in which a tapered chamber or thrust nozzle is provided that terminates at the spark gap. The thrust nozzle is provided with a plurality of openings whereby fuel/air mixture is drawn from the main combustion chamber into the thrust nozzle in contolled flow.