Abstract: A process for continuous plasmapheresis, which process comprises conducting blood over a microporous membrane in reciprocatory pulsatile flow, and preferably further comprises reducing the transmembrane pressure difference to below zero during each forward and reverse flow. Apparatus for carrying out the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hollow fiber plasmapheresis module and process, said module comprising hollow fibers having cell-retaining pores and an effective length (L) to lumen diameter (D) ratio L/D not greater than 16,400 cm.sup.-1 D (L and D being in centimeters) within a housing having a blood inlet for conducting blood to the fibers, an outlet for conducting exit (plasma-depleted) blood from the fibers, and a plasma outlet for conducting plasma out of the module.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided which contain hollow fine tube drug delivery systems. The compositions comprise a pharmaceutically suitable carrier, preferably in the form of a capsule, tablet, suspension, or suppository, and at least one drug delivery system which consists essentially of (1) a polymeric tube having a membrane outer sheath and a hollow core, and (2) at least one drug compound contained within the core, said system contained in the composition in an amount sufficient to deliver a therapeutic amount of the drug contained therein at a predetermined rate over a predetermined period of time. By varying the polymer, the permeability of the outer sheath, the drug, the drug concentration in the hollow core of the tube, the tube diameter, the tube length, the tube core diameter, and the sealing of the tube ends, a wide variety of drug therapeutic amounts, rates and dosing times can be achieved.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions are provided which contain hollow fine tube drug delivery systems. The compositions comprise a pharmaceutically suitable carrier, preferably in the form of a capsule, tablet, suspension, or suppository, and at least one drug delivery system which consists essentially of (1) a polymeric tube having a membrane outer sheath and a hollow core, and (2) at least one drug compound contained within the core, said system contained in the composition in an amount sufficient to deliver a therapeutic amount of the drug contained therein at a predetermined rate over a predetermined period of time. By varying the polymer, the permeability of the outer sheath, the drug, the drug concentration in the hollow core of the tube, the tube diameter, the tube length, the tube core diameter, and the sealing of the tube ends, a wide variety of drug therapeutic amounts, rates and dosing times can be achieved.

Abstract: Hollow fiber plasmapheresis module and process, said module comprising hollow fibers having cell-retaining pores and an effective length (L) to lumen diameter (D) ratio L/D not greater than 16,400 cm.sup.-1 D (L and D being in centimeters) within a housing having a blood inlet for conducting blood to the fibers, an outlet for conducting exit (plasma-depleted) blood from the fibers, and a plasma outlet for conducting plasma out of the module.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and a method for laying flexible irrigation tubing underground, the apparatus comprising a plow attached to a frame, means located on the frame to support and unreel a spool of flexible tubing, a rigid tube affixed to the frame adapted to accept the flexible tubing at its upper end and bent so that its lower portion extends rearward of the plow generally parallel to the ground and in the trench dug by the plow, hillers affixed to the frame adapted to force the dirt plowed by the plow back into the formed trench immediately behind the rigid tube, and a compacting means attached to and trailing the hillers to compact the dirt into the trench, provided that the trailing end of the rigid tube extends rearward to a point behind the point of compaction of the compacting means such that, in operation, as the apparatus is pulled across the ground and the flexible tubing is drawn into the rigid tube, the flexible tubing exits the trailing end of the rigid tube and is laid into the und

Abstract: A decorative polymeric article and a composition for its preparation are provided. The pleasing aesthetics of the article are realized by the combination of fillers such as alumina trihydrate and from about 0.01-2 percent by weight of the article of colored, very short fibers such as nylon flock. The overall translucency of the article provided by the alumina trihydrate enables the flock to impart a dappled effect to the article.