Abstract: A grommet disposed in a panel hole to prevent a fire from spreading from one panel side to the other has a pair of flaps defining a socket for nesting in the panel hole in a closely fit relationship. Preferably one flap is longer than the other and is disposed against the panel surface. The grommet has an inner peripheral surface, preferably annular, defining a hollow central opening with a radius less than that of the cable so as to receive and retain the cable even with changes in cable positioning. The grommet has a fire resistant chemical composition which becomes resiliently flattened upon the cable disposition in the grommet opening. One flap is bent toward the other with the panel withdrawn from the socket and is resiliently pressed against the panel with the panel in the socket. The grommet includes, in the section with the larger flap, a fire resistant fabric (e.g. ceramic) impregnated and coated with the fire resistant chemical composition (e.g. silicone with an approximately 55 Rockwell hardness).

Abstract: Apparatus seals holes in an airplane bulkhead and provides for the passage through such holes of members (e.g. electrical wires) furnishing utilities to the airplane. The apparatus includes: 1. A hollow sleeve made from a light, strong and stable material (e.g. titanium) to provide a conduit for the utility members; 2. A relatively hard (e.g. 90 durometer "A") grommet having an internal opening and with an axially extending recess for disposition on the bulkhead with the bulkhead hole in the recess; and 3. A compliant (e.g. 55 durometer "A") gasket with internal opening to receive the sleeve in tight fit relationship. The gasket is provided with first and second portions each having an external periphery with a diameter greater than the diameter of the internal opening in the grommet. The gasket has an external recess axially defined between the first and second portions to receive the grommet at the internal opening in the grommet.

Abstract: Membranes for hemodialysis prepared from polycarbonate materials have superior transport properties for middle molecular weight molecules than do cellulosic membranes while maintaining approximately the same ultrafiltration rate as cellulosic membranes. A percentage of patients treated using dialysers containing polycarbonate membranes show improved hematocrit and neurobehavioral functions.

Abstract: Polycarbonate membranes useful for hemodialysis are fabricated from polyether-polycarbonate block copolymers by a water gelation process. The process comprises casting onto a substrate surface a layer of a multicomponent casting solution comprising the copolymer dissolved in a water-miscible organic solvent together with a cosolvent which acts as a swelling agent for the copolymer, drying the layer to partially evaporate the solvents therefrom, immersing the partially dried layer in water to form a gelled membrane, and stripping the gelled membrane from the substrate surface. The membrane has improved strength and improved permeability to solutes in the "middle molecule" range while maintaing clinically acceptable ultrafiltration rates and clearance of low molecular weight solutes.

Abstract: Polycarbonate membranes useful for hemodialysis are fabricated from polyether-polycarbonate block copolymers by a water gelation process. The process comprises casting onto a substrate surface a layer of a multicomponent casting solution comprising the copolymer dissolved in a water-miscible organic solvent together with a cosolvent which acts as a swelling agent for the copolymer, drying the layer to partially evaporate the solvents therefrom, immersing the partially dried layer in water to form a gelled membrane, and stripping the gelled membrane from the substrate surface. The membrane has improved strength and improved permeability to solutes in the "middle molecule" range while maintaining clinically acceptable ultrafiltration rates and clearance of low molecular weight solutes.

Abstract: Thin membranes for hemodialysis prepared from polycarbonate materials have superior transport properties for middle molecular weight molecules than do cellulosic membranes or previously available thicker polycarbonate membranes while having an ultrafiltration rate less than that obtainable with thicker polycarbonate membranes. Thin polycarbonate membranes with a thickness of about 0.8 mil, an ultrafiltration rate of about 3.5 ml/hr/M.sup.2 /mmHg, a sodium chloride diffusive permeability of about 830 cm/min(.times.10.sup.-4) at 37.degree. C and a vitamin B.sub.12 diffusive permeability of about 114 cm/min .times. 10.sup.-4 at 37.degree. C have been produced.

Abstract: Polycarbonate membranes useful for hemodialysis are fabricated from polyether-polycarbonate block copolymers by a water gelation process. The process comprises casting onto a substrate surface a layer of a multicomponent casting solution comprising the copolymer dissolved in a water-miscible organic solvent together with a cosolvent which acts as a swelling agent for the copolymer, drying the layer to partially evaporate the solvents therefrom, immersing the partially dried layer in water to form a gelled membrane, and stripping the gelled membrane from the substrate surface. The membrane has improved strength and improved permeability to solutes in the "middle molecule" range while maintaining clinically acceptable ultrafiltration rates and clearance of low molecular weight solutes.