Abstract: A driver alertness maintaining device that includes timer/output mechanism circuitry that is programmable by the user to select and repeatedly output an audible alerting message through a speaker at a user selected interval; the driver alertness maintaining device further including a device housing including a circuitry compartment for containing the timer/output mechanism circuitry; a time display unit responsive to a display output signal from the timer/output mechanism circuitry; a visual alarm LED responsive to a visual output signal from the timer/output mechanism circuitry; a speaker responsive to an analog audio signal generated by a digital-to-analog converter circuit forming a portion of the timer/output mechanism circuitry, a speaker cover provided on the exterior of the device housing, an on/off switch in controlling connection with the timer/output mechanism circuitry, an interval set switch in controlling connection with the timer/output mechanism circuitry, a time set switch in controlling conne

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus and method for preparing a continuous, hollow, and semipermeable filament for use in a dialyzer which includes a plurality of substantially-equal-length open-ended fibers.The apparatus includes a body having a supply spool of filament and a take-up reel having at least two radially-spaced support means about which the filament is wound. Drive means rotate the take-up reel and a filament guide is provided for laterally positioning the filament on the support member so as to prevent close packing of the filament windings. The take-up reel includes a winding plate for carrying the filament support means and hub-and-locking means for releasably mounting the winding plate on the machine.The method includes winding the filament from the spool onto the take-up reel; grasping each of the sections of filament between the support means; and cutting the filament adjacent the support means so as to form a plurality of bundles of open-ended fibers for use in a hollow fiber dialyzer.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus and method for preparing a continuous, hollow, and semipermeable filament for use in a dialyzer which includes a plurality of substantially-equal-length open-ended fibers.The apparatus includes a body having a supply spool of filament and a take-up reel having at least two radially-spaced support means about which the filament is wound. Drive means rotate the take-up reel and a filament guide is provided for laterally positioning the filament on the support member so as to prevent close packing of the filament windings. The take-up reel includes a winding plate for carrying the filament support means and a hub-and-locking means for releasably mounting the winding plate on the machine.