Abstract: A method and a device for collecting a dialysate sample for a qualitative and quantitative analysis of all the dialysate collected during replacement therapy for renal failure. In a preferred embodiment, the device (10) comprises a buffer receptacle (20) consisting of a cylindrical container on a separator (30). The separator (30) has a collecting chamber (36) with a number of calibrated ducts (39 and 42) formed at its periphery. Calibrated ducts (39) open into a flow channel (38) and the dialysate conveyed by the ducts passes into a discharge duct (34), whereas calibrated ducts (42) lead to a collector (41) communicating with a duct (35). The dialysate collected at the outlet of duct (34) is analyzed. This device allows the dialysate generated during a dialysis process to be sampled continuously and the composition of this sample represents that of all the dialysate produced.

Abstract: A collapsible bedridden patient handling aid essentially consisting of a lifting device (10) comprising a frame (11), mounted on two pairs of wheels (12a, 12b) combined with retractable legs (17), and supporting a platform designed to be inserted between the patient (20) and the bed (21) to raise the patient and put him or her back down, said platform consisting of movable flat strips (14) mounted individually on a support (15) which is pivotable about a horizontal axis (16). A control unit is designed to control all the movements of said strips.

Abstract: An optical coupling device wherein at least two light conductors are coupled through the intermediary of a transparent block in the shape of a half-ellipsoid on whose foci converge the end sections of the two light conductors. A light beam emerging from one conductor is reflected and transforms itself into a beam converging on the end of the second conductor. A slot permits the introduction of a liquid-crystal attenuating device connected to an alternating voltage source.

Abstract: An optical-fibre connector comprises a support piece 1, a first locking piece 2 and a second locking piece 3. Locking pieces 2 and 3 are respectively fixed to the support piece 1by screws 4 and 5 which are engaged in cylindrical bores containing sleeve of elastomer material. The locking piece 2 comprises at its base two bearings 8 and 9. To connect two series of optical fibres, two identical connectors are disposed end to end and connected by two spindles 10 comprising a threading 11 which engages in a metallic sleeve 12 containing a sleeve 13, made of an elastomer material. This assembly permits absorption of vibrations and limitation of the clamping in order to avoid breaking of the optical fibre during use or connection of the two series of optical fibres.

Abstract: Method for connecting two groups of optical fibres provided with a sheath or protection coating and connector for effecting this method. The unstripped optical fibres of each group are located in longitudinal grooves in a support piece of a respective connector, with the ends of the fibres extending beyond the end of each support piece; the optical fibres are retained in the grooves in each support piece; the ends of the fibres extending beyond each support piece are stripped; the optical fibres are slided in said grooves into a position where parts of the stripped ends occupy respective parts of the grooves; the unstripped and stripped portions of the optical fibres are locked in this position; the end plane of each support-fibre assembly is polished and the two connectors are joined together.