Abstract: Described is a lancet cartridge for drawing blood samples from the finger of a patient which includes a first housing for receiving a lancet disk having a plurality of radially extending lancets, each lancet having a tooth projecting from the end thereof, and a second housing engageable with the first housing, the housings being rotatable with respect to each other, the one housing includes a ramp for receiving the end of the lancets whereby the lancet is elevated when the cartridge housing is rotated. A platform is positioned in one of the housings to receive the lancet as it is elevated by the ramp to thereby place the lancet in a cocked position. The second housing member includes at least one opening through which the end of the lancets can project to pierce the patient's finger. A trigger is positioned to be activated when a finger is placed in the opening to release the cocked lancet from the platform and pierce the patient's finger.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a first connector from a second connector and reconnecting the first connector with the third connector by mechanical means so that the visually impaired can do it, without touching critical areas where sterility should be retained. The apparatus finds particular use in the field of peritoneal dialysis where the catheter or set connecting to the patient must be disconnected from one container of solution and reconnected to another under the most aseptic conditions possible. A platform is provided having track means for permitting controlled movement of a first retention means between a first position, permitting disconnection between the first and second connectors, and a second position permitting connection between the first and third connectors when the first, second, and third connectors are respectively carried in the first, second, and third retention means.

Abstract: A support member for use in a coil dialyzer to support an elongated, tubularly-shaped, semipermeable membrane is disclosed herein. The member is embossed and has generally angularly-extending parallel ribs on both sides of the web. The ribs are arranged so that on each side there are high ribs and low ribs positioned between said high ribs.

Abstract: A connector system for use in a dialyzer is disclosed herein for connecting an external fluid conduit to a tubularly-shaped, semipermeable membrane. The system protects the membrane from forces imposed on the conduit. The system includes a jack member, which is secured within the dialyzer and has a passageway, which at one end is connected to the conduit and which at the other end is connected to a button-type connector which provides communication between the passageway and the semipermeable membrane. The button connector includes a cap and a barrel and has a passageway extending through the cap and barrel. An O-ring is provided for engaging both the jack member and the connector for cooperation in assuring fluid flow from the conduit to the semipermeable membrane.

Abstract: A stacked membrane apparatus for dialyzing or oxygenating blood, in which the blood compartment is isolated from the fluid (e.g., dialysate or oxygen) compartment without compressive forces being imposed by the casing to the blood manifold regions of the unit. Spaced means are provided for closing membranes about membrane support plates in such a fashion as to provide blood flow paths in the space between the closing means.

Abstract: A support member for use in a coil dialyzer to support an elongated, tubularly-shaped, semipermeable membrane is disclosed herein. The member is embossed and has generally angularly extending parallel ribs on both sides of the web. The ribs are arranged so that on each side there are high ribs and low ribs positioned between said high ribs. The ribs on opposite sides overlap in such a manner to form an angle varying between 60.degree. and 140.degree.. Furthermore, the ribs are arranged in a pattern wherein there are four short ribs positioned between adjacent pairs of high ribs.

Abstract: A connector system for use in a dialyzer is disclosed herein for connecting an external fluid conduit to a tubularly-shaped, semipermeable membrane. The system protects the membrane from forces imposed on the conduit. The system includes a jack member, which is secured within the dialyzer and has a passageway, which at one end is connected to the conduit and which at the other end is connected to a button-type connector which provides communication between the passageway and the semipermeable membrane. The button connector includes a cap and a barrel and has a passageway extending through the cap and barrel.

Abstract: A coil dialyzer is disclosed herein which includes a hollow core assembly to which an inlet blood conduit is connected. A semipermeable membrane and a support member are connected to the core and wound about the core. An outlet jack assembly is connected to the other end of the membrane and a blood outlet conduit is connected to the outlet jack. This assembly is positioned within a housing having both a top cap and a bottom cap. Incoming blood flow is directed through the blood inlet conduit through the wound membrane and exits the dialyzer through the blood outlet conduit. Dialysis solution flows upwardly through the wound membrane and support member over the top thereof and back down through the hollow core so as to define a generally inverted U-shape dialysis flow path.

Abstract: A support member for use in a coil dialyzer to support an elongated, tubularly-shaped, semipermeable membrane is disclosed herein. The member is embossed and has generally angularly-extending parallel ribs on both sides of the web. The ribs are arranged so that on each side there are high ribs and low ribs positioned between said high ribs. The ribs are arranged in a pattern whereby the lower ribs are at least of two different heights so that on each side of the support membrane there are ribs of at least three different heights.

Abstract: A coil dialyzer for use in an artificial kidney system which employs an elongated, open-ended tubularly-shaped, semipermeable membrane is disclosed herein. The ends of the membrane are sealed by forming a flap at each end thereof which defines a fold line extending between the longitudinal edges of the membrane. A wedge-and-groove construction is provided for grasping each folded end of the membrane so as to maintain the fold line and thereby assure the seal.