Abstract: A feed means for feeding elongate articles of the type described in succession and in a predetermined orientation to a receiving station, the feed means including an inclined track comprising a pair of parallel shoulders affording a slot therebetween so that, in use, a head of an article of the type described can be supported on the shoulders with its shank depending downwardly through the slot and, at the lower end of the slot, there being a rotatable feed member having a helical groove of such configuration as to permit a lowermost article in the track to enter the groove and be transported transversely away from the track between the feed member and the lower end of the track, wherein a drive means is provided to rotate the feed member unidirectionally at a speed of at least 300 r.p.m.

Abstract: In a knitting row counter, a settable member has a projection which can engage in a selected one of a number of recesses in a further member but is expelled from the recess on rotation of the settable member. A finger on the settable member engages in a groove in the further member to retain the members in assembled relation. The settable member flexes resiliently to permit the projection to be withdrawn from the recess.

Abstract: A latched needle having a hook portion and associated pivoted latch, the hook portion being connected to a shank portion leading to a butt portion for engagement by an operating cam. Proceeding along the shank portion from the latch pivot towards the butt portion, the shank portion has an increase in depth over part of its length and in respect of this part the transverse cross-section is modified to present asymmetry about a median plane parallel to the side faces of the shank portion as by cutting part of the thickness of the shank portion away over part of the depth to produce a stepped shape in transverse cross-section.

Abstract: A case for an implantation in a human or animal body. The case comprises a rigid plastics substrate which defines a chamber and a platinum skin arranged to overlie the substrate, the skin being formed in two or more pieces welded together--for instance by electron beam welding--to form a hermetically sealed case. The platinum skin should be from 0.1875 mm to 0.5 mm thick and is biocompatible, rendering the case suitable for implanting and containing a power pack and electronic package for a cardiac pacemaker.

Abstract: A plug and socket connector intended primarily for implantation in a human or animal body, for instance to connect an electrode catheter to a cardiac pacemaker casing. The plug member has an insulating body portion mounting a conducting spigot for connection to a conductor. The socket connector defines a bore in which the insulating body portion is received in a sealing manner. A block of conducting rubber material is positioned in the bore and has a recess in which the spigot is received, the cross-section of the recess being smaller than that of the spigot, so that the block is deformed as the spigot enters the recess, to make an electrical connection therewith. A contact extends through the wall defining the bore, to connect with the block. The conducting rubber may be a silicone rubber loaded with carbon particles.

Abstract: A holder for needles comprises a card base having a cover in the form of a transparent plastics shell secured thereto along one edge. Needles may be held either in a corrugation formed in the material of the base, or on a mounting member which has an edge secured between the base and the edge of the cover.