Abstract: This invention relates to single dose dry powder inhalers in which medicament is stored in a capsule and is released by piercing the capsule wall with polymer-coated steel pins. Methods of preparation of polymer-coated piercing means and their use in releasing the medicament from the capsule are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the immunological quantitative determination of the T.sub.3 and/or T.sub.4 thyroid hormones.In a process for the immunological quantitative determination of T.sub.4 thyroxine and/or T.sub.3 triiodothyronine present in free form in a sample, T.sub.3 and/or T.sub.4 to be determined are put into competition with thyroglobulin for the sites of anti-T.sub.3 and/or anti-T.sub.4 antibodies present in a limited quantity, whereafter a determination is made of either the quantity of thyroglobulin fixed to the anti-T.sub.3 and/or anti-T.sub.4 antibodies, or the quantity of thyroglobulin not fixed to the anti-T.sub.3 and/or anti-T.sub.4 antibodies.Application to the determination of the total T.sub.3 and/or T.sub.4 of a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the immunological quantitative determination of the T.sub.3 and/or T.sub.4 thyroid hormones.In a process for the immunological quantitative determination of T.sub.4 thyroxine and/or T.sub.3 triiodothyronine present in free form in a sample, T.sub.3 and/or T.sub.4 to be determined are put into completion with thyroglobulin for the sites of anti-T.sub.3 and/or anti-T.sub.4 antibodies present in a limited quantity, whereafter a determination is made of either the quantity of thyroglobulin fixed to the anti-T.sub.3 and/or anti-T.sub.4 antibodies, or the quantity of thyroglobulin not fixed to the anti-T.sub.3 and/or anbti-T.sub.4 antibodies.

Abstract: Improved anodes for solid electrolytic capacitors are produced by introducing in the anode body made of a film forming sintered metal powder one of the following additives : tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium and hafnium, at the most suitable step of the manufacturing process previous to sintering under one of the following forms : pure metal, oxide, sulphide. In a preferred embodiment the additive is introduced in the binder used for pelletizing. In another embodiment the additive is introduced by dipping the presintered anodes in a solution containing said additive.

Abstract: Improved sintered anodes for solid electrolytic capacitors are produced from a mixture of at least two powders the first being of pure film forming metal and the second of a film forming metal with addition of at least one of the elements : nitrogen, tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium and hafnium. The relative concentration of the added element is between 100 and 20,000 ppm. by weight.