Abstract: Methods and systems useful for obtaining a representative sample of solid particles from a pneumatically conveyed stream of solid particles. One preferred method and system includes establishing a pneumatic flow of solid particles in a gas stream through a sampling conduit and diverting the steam through a second conduit; isolating an inlet of the sampling conduit from the second conduit substantially simultaneously with the step of diverting the entire stream through the second conduit and emptying material from the isolated sampling conduit, wherein the representative sample comprises the material emptied from the sampling conduit. The outlet end of the sampling conduit may be vented into the second conduit or the atmosphere. The system for accomplishing the method may include a controller for controlling, inter alia, a position of the means for diverting the stream through a second conduit, the means for isolating an inlet sampling conduit, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Devices for the controlled release of an active agent to the skin or mucosa of a host are disclosed, which devices are laminates of a backing layer, a monolithic carrier layer of an active ingredient selected from active agent, active agent enhancers and mixtures thereof, melt-blended with a thermoplastic matrix polymer capable of controllably releasing the active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient is heat stable at the melt temperature of the matrix polymer, together with means for affixing the laminate to the skin or mucosa of the host so that the active ingredient is continuously released from the carrier layer thereto.

Abstract: Devices for the controlled release of an active agent to the skin or mucosa of a host are disclosed, which devices are laminates of a backing layer, a monolithic carrier layer of an active ingredient selected from active agent, active agent enhancers and mixtures thereof, melt-blended with a thermoplastic matrix polymer capable of controllably releasing the active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient is heat stable at the melt temperature of the matrix polymer, together with means for affixing the laminate to the skin or mucosa of the host so that the active ingredient is continuously released from the carrier layer thereto.

Abstract: Devices for the controlled release of an active agent to the skin or mucosa of a host are disclosed, which devices are laminates of a backing layer, a monolithic carrier layer of an active ingredient selected from active agent, active agent enhancers and mixtures thereof, melt-blended with a thermoplastic matrix polymer capable of controllably releasing the active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient is heat stable at the melt temperature of the matrix polymer, together with means for affixing the laminate to the skin or mucosa of the host so that the active ingredient is continuously released from the carrier layer thereto.

Abstract: A coin validating system typically used in a coin operated machine electrically couples a stationary coin to the tuning coils of an oscillator circuit. While the coin is in a stationary position and the oscillator is tuned to a first rest frequency, the output frequency and output amplitude of the oscillator is measured. The metal coin will increase the signal frequency from its rest frequency and will decrease the signal amplitude from its rest amplitude. While the coin is stationary, frequency and amplitude are measured and compared with expected parameters of a valid coin. If a match is made, the rest frequency of the oscillator circuit is changed. At the second test frequency, signal frequency and amplitude are measured and compared with expected frequency and amplitude parameters for a valid coin. Only if a match is made at both the high frequency and the low frequency is an accept gate actuated.