Abstract: A liquid flowed detection system is disclosed for monitoring continuous and discontinuous liquid flow in a fluid circuit. The system includes a holding device for maintaining a drip chamber so that its elongated axis generally lies in a vertical plane. A light emitter is oriented to transmit light along an optical path through the drip chamber and intersecting its elongated axis. A light detector located in the optical path opposite the light emitter, generates a signal representative of light received from the light emitter. A processor receives information from the detector and generates a control signal representative of a variability over time of the light detector signal. When the control signal drops below a predetermined level, a flow absence signal is generated which is then correlated to the system's pump velocity corresponding to a time interval (T). If the flow absence signal occurs continuously in a comparison time interval (T), a warning signal is generated.

Abstract: A dialysis machine (1) includes dialysis equipment (4), a control unit (2) controlling normal operation of the machine and a safety unit (3) for monitoring the machine with a view to the problem of patient safety. The control unit controls actuators (6) and receives information from its own sensors (13). The safety unit is connected to the control unit and receives from it parameters relevant to safety which have been measured by the sensors (13) of the control unit and its own sensors (15) to receive values of the parameters and other parameters. If any abnormality is found in the parameters measured, the safety unit sends commands (SSR) relating to safe states which have to be established to the control unit (2) which controls the actuators (6) in a corresponding way. The condition of the actuators is monitored by the safety unit (3) which uses suitable sensors (17) to determine whether the actuators have carried out the required actions, and if not, Switches off the machine with its own actuators (8).

Abstract: The monitoring method comprises the stages of acquiring and storing the values (Q.sub.inf, Q.sub.b and Q.sub.UF) of a plurality of parameters set by the operator for the individual dialysis treatment to be carried out and for determining the doctor's clinical prescription [[HCO.sub.3.sup.- ].sub.b ] on the basis of the stored values of the parameters prior to the commencement of treatment. During the dialysis treatment, the current values (Q.sub.inf1, Q.sub.b1 and Q.sub.UF1) of the parameters set are continuously acquired (block 29) and if these current values differ significantly from the stored values or in such a way as to entail a change to the predetermined prescription, an alarm signal (36) is generated and a new value (Q.sub.infs) for some parameters calculated in advance (block 31) is suggested so as to maintain the previous prescription unchanged.

Abstract: A connector includes a body having a tubular cavity connected to two ducts and includes an infusion aperture for infusing a liquid into the line and a sampling aperture for sampling blood. A constriction having a diameter progressively decreasing towards the inlet aperture is disposed in the cavity between the two apertures and produces a Venturi tube effect, preventing the sampled blood from being affected by the infused liquid.

Abstract: A needle type probe having a displacement surface acting as a bridge which extends across the aperture into the lumen of the needle. The displacement surface defines two approximately equal lateral openings on either side of the bridge and acts to displace and stretch the skin about the needle shank. A holder for the needle type probe is provided which comprises a sleeve which is pushed over the shank of the needle with a force fit, the sleeve having a stopper portion at the end towards the needle point and a holder plate rotatably mounted on the sleeve by means of a collar which is fit over the sleeve. The stopper portion and the front edge of the holder plate collar each have a serrated surface for selectively restricting rotational movement of the collar relative to the sleeve and needle shank.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hollow fibre separatory device. The opened ends of the hollow fibres are situated in a plane which is at an acute angle relative to the axes of end sections of the fibres. A reservoir is provided which defines a fluid flow passage leading across the open ends of the fibres from a region adjacent the acute angle at the periphery of the plane to the opposing peripheral region. Fibre end openings are signficantly larger than the normal open cross-sectional area.Also disclosed are processes for producing the hollow fibre separatory devices. Including in particular a novel procedure for introducing solidifiable sealing material at an acute angle relative to the ends of hollow fibres.

Abstract: The invention concerns a haemodialyzer of the type comprising a semipermeable flattened tubular membrane wound in spiral configuration from one end with an interposed insert around a mandrel member, means for connecting the interior of said membrane at its ends to conduits for the admission and discharge of blood, the assembly being housed in a casing in which said mandrel member comprises at least two similar elongated elements which are connected together.

Abstract: A semi-permeable membrane .[.which comprises.]. .Iadd.having high permeability characteristics is disclosed. This may comprise .Iaddend.either(i) a copolymer of acrylonitrile and at least one ionic or ionizable monomer, or(ii) a copolymer of acrylonitrile, at least one ionic or ionizable monomer, and at least one non-ionic and non-ionizable monomer, or(iii) a mixture of at least two copolymers as defined under (i) and/or (ii), or(iv) a mixture of at least one copolymer as defined under (i) and/or (ii), and at least one copolymer of acrylonitrile and at least one non-ionic and non-ionizable monomer, the ionic or ionizable monomer units representing from 1 to 80 mole % of the monomer units in one of said copolymers, and representing from 1 to 50 mole % of the monomer units in the membrane, said membrane having a degree of salt rejection of less than 1% and a permeability to water of more than 100 liters/day.m.sup.