Abstract: The present invention relates to an apheresis device (1) for the extracorporeal removal of C-reactive protein from blood of a patient, wherein the apheresis device is connectable to the blood circulation of the patient. The blood is pumped via a part of the extracorporeal circulation system (2) of the apheresis device (1) according to the invention to a cell separator (7) for separation of the blood into blood plasma and cellular components. Via a first outlet of the cell separator (7), the separated blood plasma is directed by means of a plasma line (8A) to an apheresis column (4) for affinity chromatographic removal of C-reactive protein from the blood plasma. After removal of the C-reactive protein from the blood plasma of the patient, said now treated blood plasma is combined with the cellular components of the blood via a plasma line (8B).

Abstract: An adjustable carrier for a sterilisation system having a platform configured to provide support for products to be sterilised. The adjustable carrier includes an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a length of the platform in an intended direction of travel of the carrier.

Abstract: An inflatable aircraft evacuation slide system includes a primary valve, a bust disk and a valve leakage trap operatively disposed between the primary valve and the burst disk. The valve leakage trap comprises a small exhaust vent opening into a flow restriction orifice in the gas path between the primary valve and the burst disk. In operation, when the aircraft emergency exit is opened in the armed condition, the primary valve opens and pressurizes the chamber until the burst disk ruptures allowing inflation gases to pass through the flow restriction orifice to inflate the inflatable evacuation slide. Because there is a substantial pressure drop across the flow restriction orifice, the presence of the valve leakage safety vent in the orifice does not result in significant loss of inflation gas needed for inflating the inflatable evacuation slide. In the event of leakage past the primary valve, however, the valve leakage trap safely vents the leakage pressure to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Data defining electrical waveforms for physical therapy is created on a computer and stored in a removable machine-readable medium such as a CD-ROM or semiconductor memory module. The data is played back, for example on a portable CD-ROM player, to produce the physical therapy waveforms at any time and location convenient or desired by the patient. An interface circuit amplifies and conditions the resulting waveforms for applying them to the skin of the patient via leads and electrodes. Since most therapies use waveforms within the audio frequency range, ubiquitous low-cost audio playback equipment can be used. Advantages of the invention are providing physical therapy at any location and at low cost, without requiring presence of a clinician or other health care professional on location.