Abstract: Method for sterilizing a body fluid drainage system for handling a body fluid ex vivo. The body fluid drainage system comprises a chamber. The method comprises the steps providing a container containing a surface protective fluid to be released into the chamber of the body fluid drainage system, subjecting the container to radiation sterilization, inserting the container into the chamber of the body fluid drainage system, and subjecting the chamber containing the container to gas sterilization. A body fluid drainage system for handling a body fluid ex vivo. The body fluid drainage system comprises a chamber. The body fluid drainage system further comprises a container containing a surface protective fluid. The container is arranged to release the surface protective fluid into the chamber. The surface protective fluid is sterilized by radiation sterilization. An outer surface of the container and at least the chamber of the body fluid drainage system is sterilized by gas sterilization.

Abstract: A device, a kit of devices, and a method for providing an individual with a means of self-testing for urinary tract obstructions and bladder condition in a simple and inexpensive manner.

Abstract: The invention provides a measuring apparatus for measuring small liquid flows, particularly in the medical sector. The measuring apparatus comprises a siphon unit as a liquid flow sensor, a measuring chamber being located in its retention area. As soon as the liquid supplied to the measuring chamber reaches a given liquid level, the measuring chamber is automatically emptied by the siphon effect. The emptied liquid volume is fixed and constant. The emptying is determined by an optical detector means in the vicinity of the measuring chamber and/or upstream of the outflow area of the siphon unit.

Abstract: A liquidometer composed of a siphon for emitting a sample liquid stored in a reservoir and a liquid level sensor for sensing the level of the sample remained in the reservoir. The siphon further includes a pair of sensors for counting the number of emission thereof, while the liquid level sensor includes two rows of resistive film with a plurality of sensing elements embedded therein. Outside the liquidometer, there are provided a counter connected to the emission sensor, a level calculator connected to the liquid level sensor, and a calculator coupled to both. A gross amount of the sample liquid having been measured for a period of hours is obtained by adding together a count signal from the counter which represents the quantity of the sample liquid fully stored in the reservoir and a signal from the level counter which represents the liquid level of the remaining sample liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line monitoring of a characteristic of a process liquid stream includes a cell for isolating a precise volume of the liquid. There are provided means for over-filling a sample chamber and means for removing the excess from the chamber comprising a downwardly extending drain line which terminates at a precisely positioned, downwardly facing inlet and means for applying negative pressure to the drain line to draw the excess liquid upwardly from the captured volume until the liquid level reaches the inlet and entry of air disrupts the liquid draining effect. The embodiment shown employs a closed volume, a vent, a conduit for delivery of process liquid into the cell under pressure and a syphon/drain line for removing excess liquid from the cell volume until there remains only a sample of accurately repeatable volume.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line monitoring of a characteristic of a process liquid stream includes a cell for isolating a precise volume of the liquid. A sample chamber is over filled and the excess removed from the chamber by using a downwardly extending drain line which terminates at a precisely positioned, downwardly facing inlet negative pressure is applied to the drain line to draw the excess liquid upwardly from the captured volume until the liquid level reaches the inlet and entry of air disrupts the liquid draining effect. The embodiment shown employs a closed volume, a vent, a conduit for delivery of process liquid into the cell under pressure and a syphon/drain line for removing excess liquid from the cell volume until there remains only a sample of accurately repeatable volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a dynamic flow rate of a bodily fluid in which the rate of flow is constantly changing includes an inlet to a chamber where flow accumulates. The accumulating fluid is in communication with the base of a sealed vertical column of air. An air pressure transducer in the upper portion of the column of air measures the pressure exerted upon the air by the accumulated fluid. The air pressure corresponds to the volume of accumulated fluid and is manipulated to yield a running indication of the flow rate. The chamber is automatically drained by a drainage conduit when the fluid reaches an upper operating level to reset the apparatus to a lower operating level to be ready to resume taking meaurements.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow meter for measuring a liquid flow rate is disclosed. It comprises a container having an interior cavity, an inlet opening, a vent opening, a first passageway and a second passageway. The first passageway has an upper opening which is sealed by a pressure transducer and has a lower opening which opens into the interior cavity below the inlet and vent openings. A pressure signal produced in the first passageway by liquid in the cavity is converted into a flow rate by a processor which is connected to the pressure transducer. The second passageway has a lower opening in communication with the interior cavity above the lower opening of the first passageway and an upper opening below the upper opening of the first passageway which is connected to a downwardly depending drain tube to drain the level of liquid in the cavity down by siphon action.

Abstract: A method for producing a powder forged material comprising 1.4.about.3.5% Si, 0.2.about.0.9% Mn and 1.0.about.2.0% C by weight, the remainder substantially consisting of iron is provided herein. This method consists in (a) pulverizing the swarf of an FCD cast iron mother material and separating and removing graphite microparticles from the mother material to produce a powder body of said mother material having a carbon content of 1.0.about.2.5%; (b) preforming the powder body having the reduced carbon content to a density lower than that of the mother material and applying a lubricant to the preformed body; (c) heating the preformed body at a temperature above the melting point of the mother material but below 1300.degree. C. in a non-carburizing atmosphere and then cooling the preformed body until the temperature of the body is lowered to 1000.degree..about.1100.degree. C.