Abstract: A multiprotocol blood-processing machine and disposable units for use therewith. The disposable units generally comprise a centrifuge bowl for separating whole blood into blood constituents, an inlet tube for conveying blood into the bowl, an outlet tube for conveying the blood constituents away from the bowl, and a manifold for placing the inlet tube and the outlet tube in fluid communication with a tube from a donor. The manifold has a machine-readable bar-code label for identifying to the blood processing machine which type of disposable unit is being coupled to it. The machine itself comprises a central processing unit that controls overall operation, a first computer memory containing safety-monitoring instructions that cause the central processing unit to monitor various state parameters in order to ensure donor safety, and a second computer memory containing instructions that define at least one apheresis or blood-processing protocol.

Abstract: A personal hygiene article having an increased capacity for absorbing fluids is disclosed. The article contains a surface layer containing at least one fluid permeable material and a sublayer containing at least about 10 wt. % of a fluffed wood pulp for retaining fluids. Articles of the invention have improved absorbance properties under re-wet conditions even in the absence of organic cross-linking agents or fiber modifiers.

Abstract: A sea current generator aquarium including an air fight water chamber located at one end of the aquarium with a first opening into the aquarium extending across the bottom of the chamber. At the opposite end of the aquarium between the end wall and a horizontal divider wall is a second opening into an upper chamber which is open to atmosphere. A constant flow air pump is connected to the water chamber for pumping air in and expelling water out of the first opening into the aquarium and then into the upper chamber. An air valve which cycles open or closed, connects the water chamber to atmosphere and in its vented position, the valve dumps the capacity of the pump and allows the elevated water column in the aquarium and upper chamber to move back into the water chamber through both openings until the valve cycles closed thereby creating a back and forth current of water within the bottom regions of the aquarium.