Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of fluids are disclosed including a cylindrical housing closed at both ends by end caps, one of which includes an inlet for a fluid and the other includes an outlet for the fluid, a plurality of hollow fibers are arranged longitudinally within the housing between a pair of end walls, and one of the end caps includes an outlet for a second fluid which can thus be withdrawn from the outer surface of the hollow fibers between the end walls, and the apparatus includes a ring mounted between the hollow fibers at one of the end caps in order to create a fluid channel for the second fluid between the ring and the inner wall surface of the housing. This apparatus can be used, for example, for hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration or hemodialysis, but it may also be generally used for dialysis or filtration and purification of sewage, and for heat transfer, or as an oxygenator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a diffusion and/or filtration apparatus, including a housing which consists of a cylindrical open-ended main part closed by two end caps and provided with an inlet and an outlet for a fluid. This fluid is adapted to flow through the fibers of a bundle of semipermeable hollow fibers which are arranged between two end walls within the housing. Additionally, the housing includes at least a second outlet for another fluid, with this fluid being adapted to be removed from the space outside the fibers through this second outlet, the ends of the hollow fibers being moulded into the end walls of the housing and opened by cutting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diffusion and/or filtration apparatus, including a housing which consists of a cylindrical open-ended main part closed by two end caps and provided with an inlet and an outlet for a fluid. This fluid is adapted to flow through the fibers of a bundle of semipermeable hollow fibers which are arranged between two end walls within the housing. Additionally, the housing includes at least a second outlet for another fluid, with this fluid being adapted to be removed from the space outside the fibers through this second outlet, the ends of the hollow fibers being moulded into the end walls of the housing and opened by a cutting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a diffusion and/or filtration apparatus, including a housing consisting of a cylindrical open-ended main part closed by two end caps and being provided with an inlet and outlet for a first fluid and at least one outlet for a second fluid, said first fluid being adapted to flow through the fibers of a bundle of semipermeable hollow fibers arranged between two end walls within the housing and said second fluid being adapted to be removed from the space outside the fibers through said at least one outlet for the second fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diffusion and/or filtration apparatus, including a housing consisting of a cylindrical open-ended main part closed by two end caps and being provided with an inlet and outlet for a first fluid and at least one outlet for a second fluid having a penetrable membrane, said first fluid being adapted to flow through the fibers of a bundle of semipermeable hollow fibers arranged between two end walls within the housing and said second fluid being adapted to be removed from the space outside the fibers through said at least one outlet for the second fluid.

Abstract: Resilient sealing rings are disclosed including an annular ring of resilient material having a cross-sectional configuration so that when not compressed the cross section of the sealing ring extends substantially longitudinally and when compressed between two parallel sealing surfaces the sealing ring bends so that the longitudinal ends approach each other. This provides acceptable compression force between the parallel sealing surfaces over an extended range of deformation particularly as compared to conventional O-rings.

Abstract: A method for setting the ends of bundles of hollow fibers in an end wall contained within a housing are disclosed, including providing a bundle of hollow fibers having adjacent open end faces, supplying a hardenable liquid material to those end faces so that this material can penetrate between the hollow fibers and into the interiors thereof, and exerting a positive pressure within the housing containing the hollow fibers to control the degree of penetration of the hardenable liquid material both between and within the interior of the hollow fibers.

Abstract: Method of treating a cellulosic hollow fiber which is being particularly adapted for use in hemodialysis or a similar extracorporeal treatment of blood.According to the described method the hollow fiber, possibly after rinsing with an alcoholic solution or fluorinated hydrocarbons, is exposed to swelling with use of an aqueous solution prior to drying and/sterilization of the hollow fiber.Examples of aqueous solutions can be water, water/glycerol, and water/glycerol/alcohol. Preferably said aqueous solution contains glycerol in an amount of 4-35%, such as 12-35%, preferably 16-35%.The aqueous solution can be applied to the inside and/or the outside of the hollow fiber so as to bring about a diffusive and/or a convective transport of water and/or glycerol into the hollow fiber wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for selective separation of matter between a first fluid and a second fluid through semi-permeable membranes. The apparatus comprises a plurality of separate frame assemblies each of which defines a separate contact chamber for the second fluid. A plurality of tubular semi-permeable membranes for the first fluid are supported in each of the contact chambers of the separate frame assemblies so that the second fluid will substantially surround the tubular membranes as it passes through such contact chambers. The plurality of frame assemblies are clamped together in stacked relationship so that the contact chambers are arranged in side by side relationship. Sealing means are provided for sealing the tubular membranes from the contact chambers so that there is no contact between the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively separating matter between a first fluid and a second fluid through semi-permeable membranes. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elongated frame assemblies, each of which define an elongated contact chamber for the second fluid. A plurality of tubular semi-permeable membrane for the first fluid are disposed in each of the contact chambers of the frame assemblies. The plurality of elongated frame assemblies are stacked together with the elongated contact chambers thereof being in side by side relationship. Fluid communication means are provided for the stacked frame assemblies for providing fluid communication between the contact chambers of the frame assemblies through which the second fluid is adapted to be conducted. Sealing means are provided for sealing the tubular semi-permeable membranes from the contact chambers so that there is no contact between the first and second fluids.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively separating matter between a first fluid and a second fluid through semi-permeable membranes. The apparatus comprises frame means defining first and second contact zones, each of which is in turn comprised of first and second contact chambers. A plurality of tubular semi-permeable membranes are disposed in each of the contact chambers. Each of the tubular membranes has an inlet end and an outlet end, and is adapted to conduct a least a portion of a first fluid from the inlet end to the outlet end. Barrier means are provided between the first contact zone and the second contact zone for preventing fluid communication therebetween. Fluid communication means are provided in each of the contact zones for providing fluid communication between the first contact chamber and the second contact chamber of each of the contact zones so that fluid in each of the contact zones flows substantially throughout both the first and second contact chambers thereof around a plurality of tubular membranes.