Abstract: A technique is provided for determining an orientation of a defect present within a mechanical component using at least one ultrasonic head that applies ultrasonic signals to the mechanical component starting from various measurement points. Echo ultrasonic signals reflected by a point to be analyzed present within the component back to the measurement points are received by the same or a different ultrasonic head. A data processing unit analyzes the received echo ultrasonic signals as a function of a sound emission direction between each measurement ping and the point to be analyzed for determining the orientation of the defect. A distance between the measurement point and the point to be analyzed is calculated for every measurement point as a function of a signal propagation time between the point in time of emitting the ultrasonic signal and the point in time of receiving the echo ultrasonic signal reflected by a defect.

Abstract: A procedure for the identification of a functional disorder of the pancreas by the use of parts of all iso-enzymes of the pancreas elastase and of synthetic amino-acid sequences as antigens for obtaining specific antibodies, as well as their use in immuno-chemical test procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable device, in which the target substances are bound to solid carriers, preferably microparticles. A mechanism according to the invention enables the solid carriers to be easily concentrated to a volume of appropriate size. A further device according to the invention makes it possible for the solid carriers in the device to be subjected to known isolating, amplifying and/or detection reactions. The device is especially suitable for the enrichment and isolation and/or detection of substances in, or extracted from, biological liquids.

Abstract: The invention describes an easy method for the gentle separation of cells and/or particles from liquids, preferably blood. For that purpose known steps of magnetic separation procedures are combined with capture particle-assisted separating methods.

Abstract: A method for determining parameters of a component using thermography, where at least one component is heated by a hot gas, is provided. Also provided is a device for determining component parameters using thermography, including a device for heating at least one component and a temperature sensor for detecting at least one temperature value of the component, wherein the device for heating the component is a hot gas emission device for the emission of a modulated, mostly pulsed, hot gas.

Abstract: A method for the non-destructive material testing of a test object at least solid in some regions by subjecting the test object to ultrasonic waves and capturing the ultrasonic waves reflected within the test object. The method includes the steps, computer-supported dividing of the test object into a prescribed number of volume elements, subjecting the test object to ultrasound on a plurality of surface elements while probing the surface or at least one surface segment of the test object, capturing the sound waves reflected at the volume element while probing the plurality of surface elements on the surface or at least the surface segment of the test object, and in-phase addition of the sound waves reflected at the same volume elements and captured at various surface elements of the surface of the test object. Angle-dependent amplitude distribution is used in the sound field of the test head.

Abstract: Embodiments provide one of a method, a device, and their use to isolate or analyze cells, including pathogens from body fluids by means of different separation methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter system for removing activated PMNs and mediators which are responsible for the activation thereof, and optionally mediators which are simultaneously, but independently of activated PMNs, responsible for a state of illness from body fluids, process for production thereof and use thereof. The inventive filter system for continuous removal of activated PMNs from blood consists of molecules which recognize and bind activated PMNs, molecules which recognize and bind PMN-activating mediators, molecules which recognize and bind C3a and/or C5a, biocompatible surfaces (carriers) on which the molecules a., b. and c. are bound covalently or adsorptively, a casing for accommodating the active carriers, valves and tubes. The field of use of the invention is medicine.

Abstract: The separation of particles in or from liquids is a necessary method in many procedures in biotechnology, biological research, diagnostic, and treatment of diseases. Commonly, methods are used which are based on differences in density (sedimentation) or size (filtration) of the particles. The invention discloses a device which can be used to concentrate particles within a cylinder by means of a free movable positioning of at least one separating membrane and one plunger within the cylinder. The device is suitable for the time unlimited use in a closed circuit. The invention further discloses a method for the preferable continuous separation of particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regeneratable filtering and adsorbing system, combining the properties of membrane filtration with those of particle-based adsorption in a closed housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probe for electrical measurements and use of a flexible probe to produce an inflexible probe. Conventional probes comprise a substrate which is mechanically rigid. As a result only planar surfaces may be examined with the probe. According to the invention, a probe is flexibly embodied by means of a flexible substrate such that the probe may be adjusted to match various curvature radii of test bodies.

Abstract: A method for determining parameters of a component using thermography, where at least one component is heated by a hot gas, is provided. Also provided is a device for determining component parameters using thermography, including a device for heating at least one component and a temperature sensor for detecting at least one temperature value of the component, wherein the device for heating the component is a hot gas emission device for the emission of a modulated, mostly pulsed, hot gas.

Abstract: When using a rigid substrate eddy current probe to measure a non-planer test piece, the probe must be adapted to the test piece shape in order to avoid incorrect measurement values. Disclosed is a probe which is configured in a flexible manner via a flexible substrate so as to be adjustable to different radii of curvature of a test piece. Furthermore the probe lining is also embodied in an elastic manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunological adsorber for treating inflammations, in particular for eliminating complement factors, and, optionally, additional sepsis-mediators, such as, TNF and interleukins from body fluids. The invention also relates to a method for the production and use of said immunological adsorber. The aim of the invention is to develop a modular immunoadsorption system, in particular for extracorporal detoxification, which enables plasma and tissue levels, which are specific to the patient, to be reduced. The inventive immunological adsorber consists of organic or synthetic polymer support materials whereon polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are connected which are oriented counter to the complement factor C3a and/or C5a. In a preferred embodiment, other antibodies which are oriented counter to the additional inflammation mediators, are connected to the support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a probe which is configured in a flexible manner by means of a flexible substrate so as to be adjustable to different radii of curvature of a test piece. The lining is also embodied in an elastic manner.

Abstract: A method for time synchronisation of at least two clocks contained in a multiprocessor system, wherein a first clock having a predetermined clock rate generates consecutive respective time-stamps indicating the time and at least one second clock which has an adjustable clock rate is synchronised with the first clock at certain time intervals. At predetermined time intervals the relative temporal position of flanks of the first clock and of the second clock representing the transition between two consecutive time-stamps is recorded. From the change in the relative temporal position of the transition flanks of the first clock and of the second clock a correction factor representing the time deviation between the first clock and the second clock is determined. Using the correction factor representing the time deviation between the first clock and the second clock the clock rate of the second clock is readjusted in the sense of a diminution of the time deviation between the first clock and the second clock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probe for electrical measurements and use of a flexible probe to produce an inflexible probe. Conventional probes comprise a substrate which is mechanically rigid. As a result only planar surfaces may be examined with the probe. According to the invention, a probe is flexibly embodied by means of a flexible substrate such that the probe may be adjusted to match various curvature radii of test bodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to immunoadsorbers for use in sepsis therapy, in particular for removal of complement factors and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and, if need be, further sepsis mediators such as TNF and interleukins from body fluids, methods for their production and their use.

Abstract: A method for time synchronisation of at least two clocks contained in a multiprocessor system, wherein a first clock having a predetermined clock rate generates consecutive respective time-stamps indicating the time and at least one second clock which has an adjustable clock rate is synchronised with the first clock at certain time intervals. At predetermined time intervals the relative temporal position of flanks of the first clock and of the second clock representing the transition between two consecutive time-stamps is recorded. From the change in the relative temporal position of the transition flanks of the first clock and of the second clock a correction factor representing the time deviation between the first clock and the second clock is determined. Using the correction factor representing the time deviation between the first clock and the second clock the clock rate of the second clock is readjusted in the sense of a diminution of the time deviation between the first clock and the second clock.

Abstract: A process for preparing a patient-specific immunoadsorber, which comprises (i) extracting a body fluid from a patient having an immunopathological condition, the fluid containing immune complexes that are relevant to that immunopathological condition, (ii) contacting the extracted fluid with an adsorbent for the immune complexes to form adsorbed immune complexes, (iii) eluting the adsorbed complexes to form an eluate, (iv) fractionating the eluate into a plurality of immune complex component fractions, and (v) immobilizing the immune complex components on one or more biologically compatible carriers activated to bond to its surface one or more desired immune complex components.