Abstract:
A hollow fiber membrane module and its method of manufacture are disclosed wherein the module is fabricated utilizing superior hollow fiber materials, namely high molecular weight (i.e. molecular weight > 500,000 Daltons) polymers. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow fibers are fabricated from ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UPE). An array of UPE hollow fiber membranes is contacted with an extrusion of molten thermoplastic polymer at a contact temperature which is higher than the UPE membrane polymer. This high temperature application of sealing polymer does not collapse or otherwise deform the lumen of the hollow fiber, while assuring that the polymer can thus be applied with sufficiently low viscosity to provide adequate penetration around the individual fibers of the array to form an integral seal thereabout.
Abstract:
A getter-filter composite membrane element, comprising a sinterable getter material and a sinterable metal filter material, the composite element defining a matrix of substantially interconnected pores. Membrane elements may be comprised of at least three alternating layers of a first sinterable getter material layer and a second sinterable metal filter material layer, the first getter layer being located between the second filter layers, the second layers acting to hold the getter layer, and to retain the getter particles. Also disclosed is a method of making the getter-filter element.
Abstract:
An apparatus and a system are provided for preparing and delivering a peritoneal dialysis solution to a patient under filtered conditions. Means are provided for filtering potable water and mixing it with concentrate solutions under sanitary conditions for delivery through a final sterilizing filter to a patient. An interface apparatus between the patient and the means for making the filtered peritoneal dialysis solution is provided to permit delivery of concentrate solutions for admixture with the filtered water delivery of the dialysis solution to the patient and drainage of the dialysis solution from the patient. Means are also provided for testing the sterility integrity of the system. The interface apparatus permits delivery of a plurality of fluid streams without cross contamination of the fluid streams.
Abstract:
An apparatus (10) for proportioning solutions from at least first and second constituent solutions connected to separate inlet ports (26) of the apparatus (10) first detects which constituent solution is being supplied to which port and then properly proportions the finished solution from the constituent solutions irrespective of which constituent solution is connected to which inlet port.
Abstract:
A filtration apparatus is provided which is formed from multilayer presealed elements and monolayer elements that are insert molded together. The device is provided with a feed port, a filtrate port and, optionally, a retentate port. The sealing configuration of the presealed elements and the seal provided by the insert molding step effect a seal configuration that causes a feel liquid to be filtered to form a filtrate such that the filtrate is not mixed with either the feed or a retentate.
Abstract:
A device for conducting biological analysis, such as cell culture, is disclosed having improved contamination prevention features. In a preferred embodiment, a microwell membrane plate for cell analysis is adapted to be inserted into a shallow rectangular tray with elevated side walls which form a single large reservoir for holding an appropriate liquid used in cell growth and analysis. The side surfaces of the tray include a raised ridge extending about the entire periphery of the tray. A series of uniform-height steps formed on the ridge serve as support for the microwell membrane plate when inserted into the tray and also create a narrow capillary gap between the plate and the tray. A ledge extending laterally from the base of the ridge forms a second, wider gap when the microwell membrane plate is inserted into the tray. The height of the first capillary gap is less than the height of the second gap formed within the zone of space extending to the exterior of the device, thus when the tray and plate are tilted, as when jostled during handling, liquid from the reservoir will preferentially remain in the space formed by the first capillary gap. Liquid which does spill into the second gap will run back into the reservoir when the device is leveled.
Abstract:
A composite porous membrane is provided which comprises a porous membrane substrate having an average pore size between 0.01 and 10 microns formed of a first polymer which is coated over its entire surface with a crosslinked second polymer. The second polymer is dissolved in a solvent with a free radical polymerization initiator in the absence of a crosslinking agent. The second polymer is crosslinked in situ and rendered insoluble by mild heating and/or exposure to ultraviolet light.
Abstract:
A self-priming filter holder for filtration of intravenous liquids is provided and is formed of one or two housing portions sealed to a core portion. The core portion has one or two ribbed surfaces forming a plurality of flow paths sealed at one end and open at a second end and at least one channel preferably larger than the flow paths. The channel(s) is in fluid communication with the flow paths and an outlet. An inlet is provided to the interior of the housing portion(s) which are sealed from the ribbed surfaces by hydrophilic membranes. The housing portion(s) can be provided with gas vents sealed with hydrophobic membranes. Fluids pass through the flow paths in one direction and through the channel(s) in an opposite direction to remove gas from the flow paths and channels prior to use.
Abstract:
A composite membrane and process utilizing the membrane which is capable of selectively removing particles such as viral particles from a solution such as a protein solution is provided. The membrane comprises a porous membrane substrate, a surface skin having ultrafiltration separation properties and an intermediate porous zone between the substrate and the skin which intermediate zone has an average pore size smaller than that of the substrate. The intermediate zone is free of voids which break the skin and which directly fluid communicate with the substrate. The composite is capable of a log reduction value of at least 3 (99.9 % removal) of particles selectively from solution.
Abstract:
This invention pertains to methods of detecting nucleic acids by chemiluminescence and to methods of sequencing nucleic acids using chemiluminescence detection. Nucleic acids are covalently or non-covalently linked to a compound that can generate chemiluminescence. Preferably the nucleic acid is linked to an enzyme and the substrate for the enzyme is a stable but enzymatically triggerable substituted 1,2-dioxetane.