Abstract: A transponder implanter for implanting an encapsulated transponder in living tissue, including a lancet, the lancet having a sharpened end and an interrupted cross sectional perimeter dimensioned to receive therein the encapsulated transponder. The lancet is connected to a lancet puller supported by a lancet barrel. A biasing member is interposed between the lancet puller and the lancet barrel and controlled by a release operably engagable to the lancet puller and capable of holding the lancet puller in a first position and resisting a biasing force operably applied to the lancet by the biasing member that tends to withdraw the lancet into the barrel. The release is also capable of releasing the puller such that the lancet withdraws into the barrel and a pushrod holds the encapsulated transponder substantially stationary relative to the barrel as the lancet is withdrawn.

Abstract: Composite joints for gas-tight members that exhibit different coefficients of thermal expansion are disclosed. Broadly, apparatus of the invention provides composite joints which include a girdle of a resilient material disposed between mating surfaces of a high strength metallic member and a nonmetallic member in an arrangement wherein a difference in fluid pressures across the joint provides compressive force upon the girdle through tapered mating surfaces thereby improving resistance to fluid leakage. Composite joints of the invention are particularly useful for joining a high strength weldable metallic conduit and a gas-tight ceramic member having a tubular structure, closed at one end, with a tapered mating surface at a distal end thereof contiguous with a portion of the girdle. Processes beneficially using joints in accordance with the invention include converting methane gas into value-added-products, for example, production of synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen.