Abstract: The invention provides a injection device for administering an injectable product, including a base section adapted to receive a container from which a product dose is dispensed through a needle by displacement of a piston in the container, and a drive unit including a driven member, a drive element and a damping arrangement, the drive unit for applying a force to advance the piston in the container to dispense a dose, wherein the damping arrangement generally counteracts the drive force and counter forces. The invention also encompasses a needle safety sleeve and a blocking structure for use with injection devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a protective coating onto a substrate comprises a power supply for generating an amplitude-modulated alternating electromagnetic field in a vacuum chamber. A silicon-organic compound is supplied in a gaseous state into the vacuum chamber and is plasma polymerized onto the substrate in the chamber without powdery portions. Another process parameter for controlling coating rate is adjusted to be at a high level so that when the amplitude modulation is stopped, powdery portions do appear in the coating. Thus at high coating rates amplitude-modulation according to the invention avoids such powdery portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a protective coating onto a substrate comprises a power supply for generating an amplitude-modulated alternating electromagnetic field in a vacuum chamber. A silicon-organic compound is supplied in a gaseous state into the vacuum chamber and is plasma polymerized onto the substrate in the chamber without powdery portions. Another process parameter for controlling coating rate is adjusted to be at a high level so that when the amplitude modulation is stopped, powdery portions do appear in the coating. Thus at high coating rates amplitude-modulation according to the invention avoids such powdery portions.