Abstract: A composite workpiece having at least one metallic cover layer and a non-metallic core layer is disclosed. The metallic cover layer and the non-metallic core layer are connected to one another, with one lying on top of the other. The metallic cover layer, in a marking region on a side facing toward the non-metallic core layer, includes a profile, in particular a surface profile, for marking the composite workpiece.

Abstract: A method for determining a sintering shrinkage of a pre-sintered body. The method includes providing a green preform with at least one design feature. The green-preform is pre-sintered to form a white body. At least one change in the at least one design feature with the pre-sintering is recorded. An expected sintering shrinkage to a dense-sintered component is determined using the recorded change.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous ceramic surface layer on a substrate includes providing a mixture including at least one polymer and at least one ceramic material and applying the mixture to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for determining a sintering shrinkage of a pre-sintered body. The method includes providing a green preform with at least one design feature. The green-preform is pre-sintered to form a white body. At least one change in the at least one design feature with the pre-sintering is recorded. An expected sintering shrinkage to a dense-sintered component is determined using the recorded change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hollow fiber membrane modules for use as “immersion modules” in filtration and/or dialysis methods, in particular whenever impairments due to fouling effects are expected from the use of liquids that are contaminated or lead to deposits. The hollow fiber membrane module comprises at least one housing and a plurality of tubular hollow fiber membranes which are arranged parallel to one another in and/or around the housing in a packing space, wherein the volumetric ratio of all the hollow fiber membranes arranged in the packing space to the packing space is less than 20%. Methods for producing such hollow fiber membrane modules are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hollow fiber membrane modules for use as “immersion modules” in filtration and/or dialysis methods, in particular whenever impairments due to fouling effects are expected from the use of liquids that are contaminated or lead to deposits. The hollow fiber membrane module comprises at least one housing and a plurality of tubular hollow fiber membranes which are arranged parallel to one another in and/or around the housing in a packing space, wherein the volumetric ratio of all the hollow fiber membranes arranged in the packing space to the packing space is less than 20%. Methods for producing such hollow fiber membrane modules are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-lumen tube arrangement for use in a centrifuge free of a sliding seal, the tube arrangement having at least two individual tubes which are rotated around one another around their longitudinal and/or their parallel axes. The rotation of the tubes takes place in this connection in opposite directions starting from a support position disposed approximately centrally in order to compensate the torques applied to the tube arrangement. A method for manufacturing such a tube arrangement is also decribed.

Abstract: A centrifuge having a rotating frame, which is rotatably mounted on a stationary frame, and a separation unit mounted on the rotating frame, rotating about a central axis of rotation in the same direction of rotation as the rotating frame but at twice the rotational speed. A line for supplying and/or removing a fluid is connected to the separation unit and is guided in a loop about the separation unit to a stationary tie-in point. To support the line, at least one guide element having a bearing surface for the line is provided. The bearing surface of the guide element is formed by a rotating planar curve, where the radius of the respective circle of curvature contacts the curve at a point and increases with increasing distance between the contact point and the central axis of rotation. With this contour, abrasion over the entire contact surface is largely uniform, which thereby lengthens the lifetime.

Abstract: A centrifuge having a rotating frame, which is rotatably mounted on a stationary frame, and a separation unit mounted on the rotating frame, rotating about a central axis of rotation in the same direction of rotation as the rotating frame but at twice the rotational speed. A line for supplying and/or removing a fluid is connected to the separation unit and is guided in a loop about the separation unit to a stationary tie-in point. To support the line, at least one guide element having a bearing surface for the line is provided. The bearing surface of the guide element is formed by a rotating planar curve, where the radius of the respective circle of curvature contacts the curve at a point and increases with increasing distance between the contact point and the central axis of rotation. With this contour, abrasion over the entire contact surface is largely uniform, which thereby lengthens the lifetime.

Abstract: The present invention describes a multi-lumen tube arrangement for use in a centrifuge free of a sliding seal having at least two individual tubes, which are rotated around one another around their longitudinal axes and/or their parallel axes. The rotation of the tubes takes place in this connection in opposite directions starting from a support position disposed approximately centrally in order to compensate the torques applied to the tube arrangement. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a tube arrangement in accordance with the invention is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hollow fiber membrane modules for use as “immersion modules” in filtration and/or dialysis methods, in particular whenever impairments due to fouling effects are expected from the use of liquids that are contaminated or lead to deposits. The hollow fiber membrane module comprises at least one housing and a plurality of tubular hollow fiber membranes which are arranged parallel to one another in and/or around the housing in a packing space, wherein the volumetric ratio of all the hollow fiber membranes arranged in the packing space to the packing space is less than 20%. Methods for producing such hollow fiber membrane modules are also provided.

Abstract: A centrifuge, especially a flow-through centrifuge free of rotating seals, for centrifuging biological fluids has a stand on which a frame (1) is rotatably mounted. A centrifuge chamber (3) is rotatably mounted on the rotating frame (1) to rotate about the axis of the latter. The centrifuge chamber (3) is driven in the same direction of rotation as the frame (1) but at twice the rotational speed. Coupling elements which are engaged by magnetic forces and are designed in the manner of a clutch disk or a gearwheel are used to transmit the torque to the centrifuge chamber or the rotating frame. Force is transmitted in a non-contact and wear-free manner. No lubrication is necessary, which also reduces the buildup of dust and dirt. In addition, there is little generation of noise.

Abstract: A method for the continuous conditioning of a cell suspension, more particularly whole blood, in order to obtain an erythrocyte concentrate which is returned to the patient by autotransfusion. In accordance with the invention there are three treatment stages, that is to say sedimentation of the cell suspension, the addition of washing solution to the cell concentrate and renewed sedimentation and separation of the washing solution.

Abstract: A latching apparatus is provided for a bearing assembly in which at least three bearing rollers, each of which is supported in a rotating fashion on a bearing journal, are arranged rotationally symmetrical and lying in one plane and guide and support a bearing race between them. The bearing journals are arranged on a carrier device that is in turn supported in a rotating fashion on a central axle aligned with the axis of rotation of the bearing race, so that the bearing race and the carrier device can rotate at different RPMs. Such a bearing assembly on a rotating carrier is especially well-suited for a centrifuge, in which a separation chamber with a centrally secured line is to be driven in such a way that the tube does not become twisted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous conditioning of a cell suspension, more particularly whole blood, in order to obtain an erythrocyte concentrate which is returned to the patient by autotransfusion. In accordance with the invention there are three treatment stages, that is to say sedimentation of the cell suspension, the addition of washing solution to the cell concentrate and renewed sedimentation and separation of the washing solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge comprising a separation chamber, with which a duct is permanently connected, a main rotor, on which the separation chamber is able to be bearinged in a relatively rotatable manner with respect to it, by means of a bearing arrangement, and a guide means on the main rotor for guiding the duct from the middle lower part of the separation chamber into a part at a higher level than the centrifuge. In order to be able to introduce the separation chamber into the main rotor in a simple and controlled manner the bearing arrangement has, within the main rotor, a part which is open or is able to be opened in a radial direction for the introduction of the duct into the main rotor.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for draining flexible fluid containers, in particular blood bags which form part of an extracorporeal system in a single needle-type arrangement, having a movable plate (4b) and a fixed plate (4a) in which both plates are configured to confront a flexible fluid container. A force member (14), and a force transfer means (8, 18), are arranged in such a way that the force acting upon the movable plate (4b) increases as the container is drained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sterilizing a medical unit having at least two connections for a fluid flow pathway where a sterilizing medium flows through the medical unit.Medical units of this type are e.g. medical filters, in particular dialyzers. A high degree of sterility is here required. This is accomplished through the steps of:(a) inserting the medical unit into a system under pressure-tight coupling of the at least two connections to a feed conduit and discharge conduit of the system under atmospheric conditions;(b) passing the sterilizing medium from the system through the medical unit for a given period of time;(c) closing the at least two connections in the coupled state and in a germproof manner, without the same being opened, on completion of the sterilization operation; and(d) removing said medical unit from said system as a sterile medical unit with closed connections.

Abstract: An improved apparatus (10) is made available for separating at least two biological substances in solution by adsorption and comprises in the upper interior section (28) of its housing (10) a means effecting a partial constriction of the cross-section of said interior section (28), said section thereby being divided into an upper and lower subspace (34; 36), and which is further distinguished in that the upper subspace (34) and the lower subspace (36) are in flow connection with each other both as regards the solution to be separated and the adsorption agent particles, the feed tube (40) for the solution to be separated being arranged in such a manner that the discharge of the solution to be separated takes place in the lower subspace (36), and the apparatus is a self-contained in unit in sterile form.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out a method for sterilizing a medical unit comprising at least two connections for a fluid flow pathway where a sterilizing medium flows through the unit.Medical units of this type are e.g. medical filters, in particular dialyzers. A high degree of sterility is here required. This is accomplished through the steps of:(a) inserting the unit into a system under pressure-tight coupling of the two connections to a feed conduit and discharge conduit of the system under atmospheric conditions;(b) passing the sterilizing medium from the system through the unit for a give period;(c) closing the two connections in the coupled state and in a germproof manner, without the same being opened, on completion of the sterilization operation; and(d) removing said unit from said system as a sterile unit with closed connections.All steps, including the removal of the unit, are therefore carried out in a system where the sterility obtained is constantly maintained.