Abstract: A connector system for use in a dialyzer is disclosed herein for connecting an external fluid conduit to a tubularly-shaped, semipermeable membrane. The system protects the membrane from forces imposed on the conduit. The system includes a jack member, which is secured within the dialyzer and has a passageway, which at one end is connected to the conduit and which at the other end is connected to a button-type connector which provides communication between the passageway and the semipermeable membrane. The button connector includes a cap and a barrel and has a passageway extending through the cap and barrel.

Abstract: A variable capacity reservoir assembly for use in a blood oxygenation system which includes a collapsible reservoir and an elongated unitary clamp. The reservoir is of fluid-impermeable flexible material and includes an expandable portion capable of holding a predetermined maximum volume of blood. The reservoir also includes one main blood inlet and one main blood outlet. The clamp is bifurcated and slidably engages the reservoir, preferably between the inlet and the outlet and grasps the expandable portion so as to control the expansion thereof and thereby control its blood holding capacity.

Abstract: A support member for use in a coil dialyzer to support an elongated, tubularly-shaped, semipermeable membrane is disclosed herein. The member is embossed and has generally angularly-extending parallel ribs on both sides of the web. The ribs are arranged so that on each side there are high ribs and low ribs positioned between said high ribs. The ribs are arranged in a pattern whereby the lower ribs are at least of two different heights so that on each side of the support membrane there are ribs of at least three different heights.

Abstract: A coil dialyzer is disclosed herein which includes a hollow core assembly to which an inlet blood conduit is connected. A semipermeable membrane and a support member are connected to the core and wound about the core. An outlet jack assembly is connected to the other end of the membrane and a blood outlet conduit is connected to the outlet jack. This assembly is positioned within a housing having both a top cap and a bottom cap. Incoming blood flow is directed through the blood inlet conduit through the wound membrane and exits the dialyzer through the blood outlet conduit. Dialysis solution flows upwardly through the wound membrane and support member over the top thereof and back down through the hollow core so as to define a generally inverted U-shape dialysis flow path.

Abstract: A coil dialyzer for use in an artificial kidney system which employs an elongated, open-ended tubularly-shaped, semipermeable membrane is disclosed herein. The ends of the membrane are sealed by forming a flap at each end thereof which defines a fold line extending between the longitudinal edges of the membrane. A wedge-and-groove construction is provided for grasping each folded end of the membrane so as to maintain the fold line and thereby assure the seal.

Abstract: A button-type fluid connector is disclosed herein for use in a coil dialyzer. The connector provides fluid communication between a fluid conduit and a tubularly shaped, semipermeable membrane. The connector includes a cap and an integral barrel extending from the cap. The barrel has at least one snap-lock recess in its surface and the connector is provided with a passageway which extends through the barrel and cap.