Abstract: A computer interface device for answering calls on a telephone line and transmitting a ring signal and caller identification information to the computer. The interface device is powered by the computer's serial port. The interface device operates in one of two modes of operation. In the call receive mode, the device answers calls and transmits caller identification and ring information to the computer. In the dial mode, the computer places calls on the telephone line. The computer controls activation of the interface device's operational modes.

Abstract: Semipermeable membranes are disclosed for purifying aqueous biological fluids. The membranes are particularly suitable for purifying extracorporeal blood via hemodialysis. The membranes, preferably configured as hollow fibers, are made from a hydrophilic polymeric material, preferably cellulose acetate. Features of the membranes include an ultrafiltration coefficient (K.sub.uF) of about 15 to about 55 mL/hr/mmHg/m.sup.2 (thus termed "high-flux" type membranes), a urea mass transfer coefficient (K.sub.oV (Urea)) of at least 38.times.10.sup.-3 cm/min, and a ratio of K.sub.oV (urea)/K.sub.uF of at least 2.5.times.10.sup.-3. Hollow fibers of such membranes suitable for hemodialysis have a lumen diameter of about 175 to about 210 .mu.m and a wall thickness of about 10 to about 35 .mu.m.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making semipermeable membranes from cellulose acetate and for making medical devices therefrom. In the process, a molten liquid comprising cellulose acetate (CA), a solvent for CA, and a non-solvent for CA is extruded to produce a membrane. The solvent and non-solvent are removed from the membrane to produce a semipermeable membrane having a water permeability. The semipermeable membrane is impregnated with a liquid consisting essentially of water to render the semipermeable membrane capable of being stored until time of use without undergoing a substantial loss in water permeability. The semipermeable membrane can be incorporated in a casing in order to produce a medical product, wherein the membrane is impregnated in the product.

Abstract: Semipermeable membranes are disclosed for purifying aqueous biological fluids. The membranes are particularly suitable for purifying extracorporeal blood via hemodialysis. The membranes, preferably configured as hollow fibers, are made from a hydrophilic polymeric material, preferably cellulose acetate. Features of the membranes include an ultrafiltration coefficient (K.sub.uF) of about 15 to about 55 mL/hr/mmHg/m.sup.2 (thus termed "high-flux" type membranes), a urea mass transfer coefficient (K.sub.oV (urea)) of at least 38.times.10.sup.-3 cm/min, and a ratio of K.sub.oV (urea)/K.sub.uF of at least 2.5.times.10.sup.-3. Hollow fibers of such membranes suitable for hemodialysis have a lumen diameter of about 175 to about 210 .mu.m and a wall thickness of about 10 to about 35 .mu.m.

Abstract: A portable golf ball teeing and golf ball retrieving apparatus for use with a golf ball, tee and golf club handle. The apparatus is comprised of a pair of golf ball and tee gripping members which have resiliently biased latching elements secured to the gripping members to hold the gripping members in either a golf ball and tee gripping position or in a release position. A gripping and position control unit mechanically is coupled to the gripping members so that initial downward pressure on the gripping and position control unit allows the ball and tee to be positioned with the tee in the ground and the ball positioned thereupon. The application of further downward pressure on the gripping and position control unit causes the gripping members to release the ball and tee. In the event that a ball is being retrieved, the gripping members are in a released position and the apparatus is placed with the gripping members adjacent the ball with a portion of the apparatus in contact with the ball.

Abstract: A pair of eccentrically pivotally mounted vise arms on a base plate element disposed concentrically on a rotatably driven drillhead are urged by centrifugal force during rotation into lockable gripping contact with a drill steel element held in the drillhead.