Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with example embodiments in order to provide methods, apparatuses, and/or systems that allow for the automatic request, definition, and provision of user-specific network services within a communication network environment. Some example implementations are directed to the use of new network entities, such as a service order portal, a self-operation entity, and/or other similar entities to accept potentially incomplete initial requirements requests from a network user and automatically develop and deploy network resources that are capable of fulfilling the device and/or user-specific needs of a given user.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with example embodiments in order to provide methods, apparatuses, and/or systems that allow for the automatic request, definition, and provision of user-specific network services within a communication network environment. Some example implementations are directed to the use of new network entities, such as a service order portal, a self-operation entity, and/or other similar entities to accept potentially incomplete initial requirements requests from a network user and automatically develop and deploy network resources that are capable of fulfilling the device and/or user-specific needs of a given user.

Abstract: An invalid hoist comprises a mast, a shaft angularly movable relative to the mast about a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis, a lifting member secured to the shaft so as to pivot relative to the mast in response to angular movement of the shaft, a torque arm secured to the shaft at a position which is spaced axially along the shaft from the lifting member and an electrically powered actuator pivotally connected at one end to the torque arm at a position remote from said shaft and pivotally connected at its opposite end with respect to the mast so that operation of the actuator will displace the torque arm to angularly displace the shaft and pivot the lifting member relative to the mast. A novel chassis is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a liquid, such as whole blood, into fractions having different densities includes a separation chamber and a transfer device, such as a continuous piece of flexible tubing, for supplying the liquid to the separation chamber and discharging the liquid fractions therefrom. The separation chamber and the transfer device are conjointly rotated about a first axis which passes through a stationary end of the transfer device, while being simultaneously and conjointly rotated about a second axis which is coincident with a medial longitudinal axis of the rotating end of the transfer device so as to prevent the transfer device from twisting as a result of its rotation about the first axis.

Abstract: A cooling unit especially adapted for cooling a living body organ comprises a readily formable coiled tubing for conducting a cooling medium, which tubing can be made to enclose the body object to be cooled, together with means for circulating a cooling medium through said tubing.