Abstract: Novel or improved microporous single or multilayer battery separator membranes, separators, batteries including such membranes or separators, methods of making such membranes, separators, and/or batteries, and/or methods of using such membranes, separators and/or batteries are provided. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, a multilayer dry process polyethylene/polypropylene/polyethylene microporous separator which is manufactured using the inventive process which includes machine direction stretching followed by transverse direction stretching and a subsequent calendering step as a means to reduce the thickness of the multilayer microporous membrane, to reduce the percent porosity of the multilayer microporous membrane in a controlled manner and/or to improve transverse direction tensile strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of powder into a receptacle, the apparatus comprising a hopper (1), the hopper in use containing powder to be dispensed therefrom, a support for the hopper whereby the hopper can in use be held above a receptacle (8) into which the dispensed powder is to be received, at least one actuator for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed therefrom and powder compaction means for enhancing the compaction of at least some of the powder in the receptacle.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for the delivery of a fluid carrying or including a therapeutic agent. The device including a reservoir for storing the fluid, and in fluid connection therewith a regulatable pump for dispensing the fluid via an outlet. A control device is further provided, for selectively controlling the pumping mode of the pump such that in a first mode the pump acts to dispense the fluid and in a second mode the pump acts such that substantially no fluid is dispensed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is described for removing oxygen from a can and frothy head inducing capsule of a lightweight two piece can beverage pack storing alcoholic beverage under gaseous pressure. The method involves evacuating the can and the capsule combination and purging with an inert gas such as Nitrogen and retaining the purged condition of the capsule and of the can by filling the can with water. Just before the can is to be filled the can is inverted to pour the water away and is washed in a conventional manner and re-inverted ready for filling. The method may be automated by marshalling cans on a conveyor and purging a large number of cans simultaneously in a batch first of all to the evacuation, then the purging step and then the water filling step. Two batch purging units may be provided and operated out of synchronism to provide a continuous supply of purged cans partly filled with water ready for feeding to the can washing and filling facility.

Abstract: Devices are described for fitting into pressurized individually packaged beverages (typically canned beers, ales and stouts), by which gas at high pressure is stored within the package for jetting into the beverage as the package is opened to atmosphere. One embodiment comprises a length of tube (10) having a gas jetting orifice (14) which in use is submerged below the beverage in a pressurized can having a gaseous headspace, which can be used to charge the tube with gas during the passage of the filled can (16) along a conventional canning line, on which the can is inverted after filling which brings the orifice into the gaseous headspace.

Abstract: Cigarette rod or cigarette filter rod comprising an outer, longitudinally seamed wrapper is monitored, to detect defects in the longitudinal seam, by directing, from a nozzle, a stream of air tangentially of the rod, whereby the air flows in Coanda effect contact with the rod, and audio detecting the presence or absence of air, at a location spaced from the nozzle, in accordance with the presence or absence of a seam defect.

Abstract: Independent control by a single motor of two members mounted on a shaft, e.g. print wheels in a printing machine such as a postal franking machine, is enabled by having the first member either fixed in rotation to the shaft or connected to the shaft by a one-way clutch, and having the second member connected to the shaft by a one-way clutch, the arrangement being such that rotation of the shaft in one direction causes movement of the first member only (by direct drive or by the action of the associated clutch) and rotation of the shaft in the other direction causes movement of the second member only, by the action of the associated clutch.

Abstract: A franking machine adapted to print variable data as well as constant data onto mail as it is presented to the variable data including a plurality of endless bands of self-inking material containing printing indicia around their external surfaces; a separate drive for each band for advancing same to present different ones of said printing indicia to the printing station; microprocessor adapted to control the operation of the separate drive; transducers adapted to produce an electrical signal indicative of the position to which a band has moved at any instant relative to a reference position; and, a device for feeding to the microprocesser the electrical signal or signals derived therefrom whereby the microprocessor is continually made aware of the position occupied by each movable band.