Abstract: A method and device are described which are particularly useful for continuous on-line monitoring of hematocrit and other blood parameters. The effect of change in blood electrolyte composition, for example, in blood sodium concentration, is taken into consideration. This effect has been found to change light beam geometry, and is taken advantage of to provide for blood sodium concentration measurement. The devices may be applied to extracorporeal circuits or to body parts capable of being transilluminated. The devices may be used to optimize dialysis, and also for monitoring optically detectable, exogenous macromolecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for preparing coated microbial pesticides comprising antagonistic microorganisms and natural biopolymer originated from natural sources; and pesticides prepared therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a neurodiagnostic method for chronic fatigue syndrome. Brain waves of a patient are evaluated for slow wave activity. Phase reversal in the delta wave band may be a diagnostic marker. The present invention also provides a biofeedback-based, treatment method for chronic fatigue syndrome. The patient is trained to decrease slow wave wave activity.

Abstract: A cross-linkable polyethylene-based composition useful for rotational molding and, when cured, characterized by exceptional percent elongation after long term exposure to degradation conditions, is provided. The cured composition has a high degree of crosslinking which may be a more random type of crosslinking.

Abstract: An improved apparatus providing for uniformity of web thickness. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a plurality of gap-controlling, thermal energy sources, and in heat-exchange communication with the thermal energy sources, an assembly for compensating for temperature variation proximate to the thermal energy sources and across the apparatus width. The thermal compensating assembly includes a heat exchange jacket, and in combination therewith, a heat-exchanging, working fluid that undergoes a phase change in performing its heat exchange function.In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes an element disposed along an exit slot-forming lip, that reduces localized thermal gradients along the lip. This element functions as a heat sink and a heat source proximate to the lip gap, and likewise includes a heat-exchanging, working fluid that undergoes a phase change.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based, control unit for analysis of a fluid sample, and for especially biomedical analysis of a body fluid, is provided. Also provided is the combination of a roller assembly and a compartmentalized pouch containing certain chemicals, with the rollers functioning to break rupturable seals of compartments and to push fluids from one compartment to another. Apparatus in accordance with the present invention, is useful, for example, in monitoring urea concentration during dialysis.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbon is absorbed from a liquid hydrocarbon-contaminated substrate by a chemical absorbent composition of the formula A.sub.m B.sub.n C.sub.p, wherein A.sub.m is an acid leached bentonite, B.sub.n is a modified aminoplast resin, and C.sub.p is a solid hydrophobic material, and wherein at least one of m and n is a positive numerical value. Oil, crude oil, fuel oil, diesel fuel, bunker oil, gasoline, liquid hydrocarbons and synthetic oils may be cleaned up.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel extrusion apparatus and process that avoid flow stream divergence. More particularly, an improved end feed, extrusion apparatus and process are provided. Compensation by gap adjustment is beneficially reduced.

Abstract: A dialysis method based upon urea kinetic analysis is provided. An objective of the method is to provide guaranteed dose hemodialysis by optimization of each dialysis treatment. The method does not rely upon dialysis treatments equal in time. The method includes determining a preferred post-dialysis urea concentration for a patient and predicting a time endpoint for the dialysis. Computer automation makes the method advantageous in a large, busy dialysis center.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for enhancing biomaterial biocompatibility. A biocompatibility-enhancing coating is covalently attached to a biomaterial surface through spacer arm-providing molecules previously covalently bonded to the functionalized surface. Also provided are biomaterials of enhanced biocompatibility for applications including blood oxygenator and dialyzer applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extrusion apparatus having an improved mechanism for thermally-controlled, lip gap adjustment. The apparatus includes a flow path for a gaseous cooling medium, in which flow path a plurality of temperature-responsive, lip gap adjustment members are disposed. In contact with each such adjustment member is a heating element.

Abstract: An improved filtration apparatus useful in particular for sampling a bulk, fluid, is provided. Advantageously, the filtration apparatus provides an air gap between a filtrate and the filtration medium. As a result, a bulk fluid is protected against potential contamination from the filtrate side of the filtration medium. Also provided is a technique for reducing filtration medium fouling, and for filtrate collection upon demand. Apparatus in accordance with the present invention, is useful, for example, in conjunction with monitoring urea concentration during dialysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel microorganism, Bacillus subtilis subspecies Krictiensis, and its mutant, Bacillus subtilis subspecies Krictiensis M 18-91; and a novel antifungal complex, KRF-001, produced from said microorganisms. The present invention also provides a process for producing said complex by culturing or fermenting said microorganisms and a process for purifying said complex to a desired degree of high purity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel extrusion apparatus that is advantageous for converging rheologically dissimilar streams. Flow transition of a converging stream can be beneficially effected. For instance, a converging stream may be specially contoured by mere mechanical adjustment of a flow-restricting member of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel extrusion apparatus and process that are advantageous for converging rheologically dissimilar streams. Advantageously, stream convergence is effected proximate to the exit orifice to obviate or reduce the time migration effect. In an edge-laminating extrusion die in accordance with the invention, the width of an edge of an edge-laminated product may be mechanically defined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vascular biomaterial that includes expanded PTFE and a haemocompatible membrane covalently bonded thereto. Also provided is a process for making the vascular biomaterial that involves chemically modifying the surface of expanded PTFE to provide a surface partially covered with for instance, a hydroxyl moiety, and covalently bonding a haemocompatible membrane to the chemically modified surface of expanded PTFE.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for the coextrusion of a laminate containing more than a single barrier layer. The process overcomes the interfacial instability associated with thinning and spreading a composite stream containing a barrier layer of EVOH. Furthermore, the process prevents migration of EVOH particles from regrind.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel blood oxygenation apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger, and a gas exchanger which functions by internal flow of an oxygen-enriched gas. The heat exchanger is disposed with the gas-exchanger in a common compartment through which blood requiring oxygenation is passed.

Abstract: A non-asbestos friction material has a core group of fibers that is universally used in a plurality of friction material formulations to provide appropriate friction materials for different end uses. The universal core group is resistant to temperatures above 1000.degree. F. Friction materials made with the core group have the additional advantage of long wear. Polybenzimidazole (PBI) is an essential element of the core group of fibers because its friction level increases as the temperature increase. The other elements of the core group are aramid fibers, carbon fibers, and a high strength ceramic fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extrusion apparatus having an improved mechanism for thermally-controlled, lip gap adjustment. The apparatus includes a flow path for a gaseous cooling medium, in which flow path a plurality of temperature-responsive, lip gap adjustment members are disposed. Structurally associated with each such adjustment member is a heating wire.