Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module comprising (a) hollow fibers, (b) a fastening member for fixing the ends of the hollow fibers while leaving them open, and (c) a structural member for enclosing and supporting the fastening member, the hollow fiber membrane module being useful in the filtration of water by suction from the surface to the inside of the hollow fibers with intermittent or continuous cleaning of the membrane surfaces of the hollow fibers, characterized in that the hollow fibers comprise a textile fabric containing hollow fibers as the weft and the cross-section of the fastening member perpendicular to the hollow fibers is shaped like an elongated rectangle. In this module, the hollow fibers rarely cohere together into a mass, and the membrane surfaces of the hollow fibers can be efficiently cleaned concurrently with the filtration, so that the loss of the filtering function is minimized.

Abstract: A hydrophilic polymer alloy which has a permanent hydrophilic nature, a sufficient mechanical strength and a high safety and which is suitable for the formation of hydrophilic porous membranes manufacturable by an industrially advantageous process can be prepared by blending an amorphous hydrophilic copolymer (X) containing 10 mole % or more of an ethylene unit, 10 to 60 mole % of a vinyl alcohol unit and 1 mole % or more of a vinyl acetate unit with a polyolefin (Y). Furthermore, this polymer alloy is also suitable for the formation of hydrophilic (porous) fibers having a sufficient mechanical strength and antistatic function.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module comprising (a) hollow fibers, (b) a fastening member for fixing the ends of the hollow fibers while leaving them open, and (c) a structural member for enclosing and supporting the fastening member, the hollow fiber membrane module being useful in the filtration of water by suction from the surface to the inside of the hollow fibers with intermittent or continuous cleaning of the membrane surfaces of the hollow fibers, characterized in that the hollow fibers comprise a textile fabric containing hollow fibers as the weft and the cross-section of the fastening member perpendicular to the hollow fibers is shaped like an elongated rectangle. In this module, the hollow fibers rarely cohere together into a mass, and the membrane surfaces of the hollow fibers can be efficiently cleaned concurrently with the filtration, so that the loss of the filtering function is minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument for measuring living body components, which has (i) a fine tube having at one end thereof a connection portion to be connected to an indwelling needle or indwelling catheter and an infusion portion, from which at least a blood anticoagulant solution can be infused, (ii) a fine linear sensor for measuring living body components, extended from the inferior of the fine tube to the outside through the connection portion, and (iii) a mechanism for introducing blood at least into the interior of a fine tube portion of the indwelling needle or catheter intermittently or periodically when the indwelling needle or catheter is connected to the fine tube and kept in the blood vessel and then discharging blood into the blood vessel. A sensing portion of the sensor is located within the fine tube portion of the indwelling needle or catheter when the indwelling needle or catheter is connected to the connection portion of the fine tube.

Abstract: A hydrophilized membrane of a porous hydrophobic material having micropores each defined by a surface at least part of which is coated with a hydrophilizing agent which is solid at about 20.degree. C. and substantially insoluble in water. The hydrophilizing agent is preferably selected from monofatty acid esters of propylene glycol. Also disclosed are processes for hydrophilizing such porous hydrophobic membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal electrode for a living body, which comprises a noble metal wire an an insulating covering layer formed around the periphery of the noble metal wire. At least a part of the portion of the insulating covering layer falling in contact with the noble metal wire is composed of a crosslinked epoxy resin. The outermost layer of the insulating covering layer is composed of a polyurethane. Either or both of a part of the tip end and side face of the metal electrode is directly covered with a polyurethane porous membrane instead of the insulating covering layer.

Abstract: A hydrophilized membrane of a porous hydrophobic material having micropores each defined by a surface at least part of which is coated with a hydrophilizing agent which is solid at about 20.degree. C. and substantially insoluble in water. The hydrophilizing agent is preferably selected from monofatty acid esters of propylene glycol. Also disclosed are processes for hydrophilizing such porous hydrophobic membranes.

Abstract: Porous hollow fibers composed of a high density polyethylene the fibers having rectangular micropores that are oriented in the lengthwise direction of the fibers and having a porosity from 30 to 90% by volume are disclosed. Membranes composed of hollow fibers exhibit a water permeability of greater than 65 (ml/m.sup.2, hr, mmHg) as well as a human serum albumin permeability of greater than 30%. Such fibers are suited for use as filters, particularly as a membrane for simple fractionation of whole blood into it plasma and cellular components. The hollow fibers are obtained by spinning a high-density polyethylene under a high-draft condition followed by cold stretching and hot stretching, and without the use of any solvent or plasticizer.

Abstract: Porous hollow fibers composed of a high density polyethylene the fibers having rectangular micropores that are oriented in the lengthwise direction of the fibers and having a porosity from 30 to 90% by volume are disclosed. Membranes composed of hollow fibers exhibit a water permeability of greater than 65 (ml/m.sup.2, hr, mmHg) as well as a human serum albumin permeability of greater than 30%. Such fibers are suited for use as filters, particularly as a membrane for simple fractionation of whole blood into its plasma and cellular components. The hollow fibers are obtained by spinning a high-density polyethylene under a high-draft condition followed by cold stretching and hot stretching, and without the use of any solvent or plasticizer.