Abstract: An apparatus for the formation of machine-made tobacco rods for use in the production of smoking articles, such as cigars, from tobacco comprising a tacky material. The apparatus includes a pair of transfer and compression belts for receiving and compressing the stream of tobacco, the transfer and compression; a pair of squeeze bars for compressing the tobacco in a direction perpendicular to the pair of transfer and compression belts, the pair of squeeze bars produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone); a tongue for receiving the compressed tobacco, the tongue produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone); and a folder for folding a wrapper material around the compressed tobacco so as to form a continuous rod of tobacco, the wrapper material provided from a source of wrapper material, the folder produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone).

Abstract: A compressor stage or a turbocharger having a compressor stage having an inducer shroud with two or more vents. A first vent is provided with a second vent upstream thereof, allowing for outflow during surge conditions and inflow during choking conditions. Surge line characteristics may be varied by selectively locating the position of the first and of the second vents, and by selectively determining the effective width of the vents. The vents may be circumferential slots, and may be slanted. An outer shroud is provided forming a venting chamber for recirculation of gas into the gas intake. A third vent may be provided to vent the diffuser.

Abstract: A tray having a plurality of wells bored or formed therein of predetermined volume for use in a freeze drying process is disclosed. The wells contain a solution of biologicals of predetermined concentration. The tray is thermally configured to maximize freezing efficiency during the lypholization or freeze-drying process. A pledget product is formed by the freeze drying process, the pledget adapted to be used in a single dosage of a predetermined unit value. The pledget can be stored for extended periods of time in a syringe and then be readily utilized in heparinizing an aspirated blood sample.

Abstract: A syringe for drawing gas-free blood samples is disclosed having a sliding assembly operatively connected to an elongated hollow plunger rod, both the sliding assembly and the plunger rod slideably received within the interior of the tubular body, which is connected to an hypodermic needle. The sliding assembly has longitudinal grooves formed along a portion of the length therein which are in fluid communication with inwardly directed smaller cross section radial channels formed in the sliding assembly. The channels are in further fluid communication with a passageway along the longitudinal axis of the sliding assembly and the hollow elongated plunger. Means for preventing the passage of air back into the syringe once the blood level has reached that position are provided. Means for sealing the blood into the syringe are also provided.

Abstract: A filter device having a first housing and a second housing clasping therebetween a filter membrane. The housings are domed or convexly-shaped and have cylindrical hubs. A peripheral flange extends radially away from each of said dome-shaped housings and one of the pheripheral flanges has integrally formed thereon a plurality of ribs of predetermined length laying on a circumference of said one peripheral flange at arcuate locations therearound. The filter membrane is of circular configuration having radial projections extending around the circumference thereof. The ribs fit between the projections so that ultrasonic welding melts the ribs and fuses the two housings together, holding the filter membrane therebetween.