Abstract: The present invention relates to an extruded rod-shaped device which comprises at least one biological substance and a lipoid composition that comprises a high melting lipid or lipoid component and a low melting lipid or lipoid component. The extruded rod-shaped device according to the present invention is obtainable by extrusion of a preparation comprising the lipoid composition and the at least one biological substance, the preparation being extruded at a temperature which is at or above the melting point of the low melting lipid or lipoid component but below the melting point of the high melting lipid or lipoid component. Such an extruded rod-shaped device is capable of continuously and homogenously releasing the biological substance into the body of an animal or a human while maintaining the biological activity the biological substance and may for example be used as an implant.

Abstract: A trough-type watertight drag conveyor for particulate material to be processed commences initial stages of the processing while the material is still within the trough. More specifically, in one significant application of the invention, treating liquid is utilized during the processing, this liquid serving further to assist in the conveyance and thereby minimize potential damage to certain materials. Paddles dragged along the trough essentially dam the material in relatively discrete batches. Despite being isolated in batches, the product flow is continuous, the batches being separated only by the thickness of the paddles. Conveyor speed is controlled to allow sufficient residence time of the material within the treating liquid in those instances where required. The paddles are restrained against lifting from the trough bottom to maintain a fairly intimate seal between the trough and paddles.