Abstract: A smoking article in which a flavored aerosol is generated by heat transfer to a flavor bed from the combustion of a carbon heat source is provided wherein the carbon heat source and the flavor bed are contained within a non-combustible substantially cylindrical hollow ceramic sleeve. The article generates substantially no sidestream smoke. The transfer of heat from the heat source is accomplished by convective and radiative heat transfer.

Abstract: An ammunition cartridge comprises a tubular case having a head end and an open mount end, at least two propellant charges contained within said case, and a hermetic barrier means installed between the charges for separating the charges from one another and preventing premature crossflow of gases. One embodiment of the barrier means comprises a formed-in-place solid layer of polymeric resin material. This layer is formed in place on top of a first propellant charge, conforms to the surface contour of the first charge and extends radially across the charge to the tubular case.Another preferred barrier means comprises a collapsible flexible polymeric disk extending radially across the case between the charges. This disk has a diameter at least equal to that of the inside of said case and a tubular outer rim operably engaged with said tubular case to provide a circumferential seal between the charges.

Abstract: Double-sided adhesive tabs are removed from a carrier tape by passing the carrier tape around a convex nose to peel the carrier tape away from each tab. A tab inserter arm contacts the tab prior to peeling away of the carrier tape. The tab inserter arm then moves with and supports the tab during and after peeling away of the carrier tape.