Abstract: A bioreactor containing living animal cells at a density approaching that of normal animal tissue is described. High cell loading is achieved by providing a flow restrictor which controls fluid flow through the bioreactor during cell loading. Methods for making and using the bioreactor are also described.

Abstract: A compact, easily assembled cell culturing device comprising at least one cell culturing envelope, the interior of which defines a cell culturing space. The cell culturing envelope is retained within a pair of rigid plates having various reliefs which, in turn, form cavities when the plates are placed together. The cell culturing envelope includes a plurality of hollow fibers disposed in the culturing space formed between upper and lower membrane sheets which are sealed together. Tubes communicate with the culturing space. Accordingly, greater amounts of oxygen are provided to the cells at a faster rate to produce cells and/or cell products more economically and in higher yield.

Abstract: A process for improving mass transfer in a bioreactor having at least one semi-permeable membrane defining first and second chambers on opposite sides of the membrane provides for circulating a first media including nutrients and the like through the first chamber and for circulating a second media for cell culture through the second chamber of the bioreactor. The first and second media may be circulated through a plurality of bioreactors connected in parallel while balancing the flow in each reactor. The flow in the second circuit can be periodically reversed to provide increased cell culture.

Abstract: A compact, easily assembled cell culturing device comprising at least one envelope, the interior of which defines a cell culturing space wherein the envelope is spirally wrapped about an elongated core and which provides for optimal gas delivery and removal to and from the cell culturing space which is also separate from nutrient media delivery and removal whereby greater amounts of oxygen are provided to the cells at a faster rate to produce cells and/or cell products more economically and in higher yields.

Abstract: Improvements and accessories for a septum closed T-shaped blood access device adapted for implantation into a patient. The implantable device has a stem portion extending above the skin of the patient and defining a septum closed opening into the device. The improvements include an improved septum having a groove in the side thereof encircling the septum and an elastomeric ring carried within the side groove, an improved needle assembly which provides access to the circulatory system through the septum, and a flexible cap for sealing the stem of the implantable device from the outside atmosphere which may be fitted in place or removed without the necessity of specialized tools.

Abstract: A dialyzer reuse machine comprising means for passing a series of liquid and gaseous fluids through the dialysate and blood compartments of the dialyzer at different flow rates according to a predetermined sequence for cleaning and disinfecting the dialyzer and means for accurately measuring the volume of the blood compartment upon completion of the dialyzer cleaning steps. Capacitive probe and load cell embodiments of the volume measuring means are disclosed. A specially designed jet pump permits a pressure leak test and dilution of stock chemicals to be performed using only tap water pressure as a source of motive force.