Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane type artificial lung and a method for the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: In a hollow-fiber oxygenator consisting of a container containing a plurality of fibers joined into a bundle and open at their ends to allow the passage into them of a first fluid (blood) and over the outside of which flows a second fluid (oxygen-carrying gas) which diffuses between them, a diffuser for the second fluid is provided which consists of several arms disposed in an array and is introduced between the fibers in positions close to the terminal zone of the fibers themselves.

Abstract: A liquid-gas bubble separator comrising a container having an inlet for a fluid which includes liquid and gas bubbles, an outlet and upstream and downstream vents. A filter element is provided in the container between the inlet and the outlet. The filter element permits the passage of the liquid and inhibits the passage of the gas bubbles. The filter element is between the upstream and downstream vents so that gas bubbles which do not pass through the filter element can be vented through the upstream vent, and any gas bubbles downstream of the filter element can be vented through the downstream vent. A bypass passage is provided around the filter element. A portion of the filtered fluid is recirculated through the bypass passage to prevent forward flow through the bypass passage when the filter element is clean, and such recirculating flow is terminated when the filter is clogged to a predetermined degree to thereby open the bypass passage for forward flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reacting dilute concentrations of delicate bioorganics or other reactants without creating microconcentrations of reactant during the reaction process. The apparatus mixes reagents inside of Y-connector with flowing solution from a solution reservoir. The reagents are introduced through a stopcock controlled infusion port at the center of the Y-connector. Solution and pressurized gas are each supplied to one of the three legs of the Y-connector and the resulting mixed solution from the third leg of the Y-connector is lifted by bubbles of the pressurized gas to return to the solution reservoir. A gaseous separation unit is placed inside the solution reservoir wherein the bubble lifted and mixed solution is forced through a permeable membrane enclosed by a perforated bulb to return to the reservoir.

Abstract: An improved structure for directing the flow of blood and blood foam onto a heat exchanger in a bubble blood oxygenator is disclosed. An extended skirt extends from the plate where venous blood and oxygen are mixed to the top of the heat exchanger of the blood oxygenator. Blood and blood foam flow downwardly uniformly over the mixing plate and evenly onto the heat exchanger. Full utilization of the heat exchanger may thereby be more easily achieved.

Abstract: A perfusion device, such as an oxygenator including a parallel plate membrane consisting of an accordian-folded elongated sheet, is provided with a plurality of perfusion compartments, each with its own inlet and outlet, so that a greater or lesser perfusion membrane area may be used, as desired.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the oxygenation of the blood. The apparatus (14) includes a hollow membrane (16) having a central tubular portion (32) and a plurality of radially outwardly extending diffusion elements (34). The membrane is disposed within a sheath (18) and both are supported by a flexible wire (20), one end of the membrane and sheath being secured to the wire. The other end of the membrane and sheath are secured to a tube (22) through which oxygen may be supplied to the hollow membrane. The sheath and membrane may be twisted upon the wire (20) to facilitate insertion and, once inserted, they may be untwisted to resume their operable position.

Abstract: A blood oxygenating device having an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchanger chamber. The oxygenating chamber consists of a bubbler chamber and a mixing chamber. Oxygen is introduced into the bubbler chamber through a porous diffusion means situated near the inlet of the bubbler chamber. Bubbles pass from the bubbler chamber into a mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow of blood bubbles passing therethrough. The secondary flow results in a highly efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. The blood bubbles are then passed through a heat exchange chamber and a defoaming means prior to exiting the oxygenating device.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator providing a removeable and reuseable heat exchanger is constructed from a hollow, aluminum extrusion of circular cross section having integrally formed, external, spirally wound fins.A dual sparger system is used to supply a combination of O.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 plus O.sub.2 to the blood in different bubble sizes to enhance O.sub.2 absorption and CO.sub.2 removal.

Abstract: A method for extracting oxygen from a fluid environment, which comprises the steps of (1) contacting a first fluid environment containing oxygen with a first surface of a first oxygen permeable membrane having a first and a second surface, wherein the membrane separates the environment from an interior space of a closed container, (2) transporting a carrier fluid into contact with the second surface of the membrane, wherein the carrier fluid is confined in the closed container and the carrier fluid contains a binding-state oxygen carrier, whereby oxygen which diffuses through the membrane binds to the carrier to give a bound oxygen complex, (3) transporting the carrier fluid containing the bound oxygen complex to a first electrode compartment of an electrochemical cell which forms a second portion of the closed container, (4) electrochemically modifying the binding-state oxygen carrier to an oxidation state having less binding affinity for oxygen, thereby releasing free oxygen into the carrier fluid and produ

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of one or more substances between a gas and a liquid, for example between an oxygen-containing gas and blood, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of concentric vessels which define a flow path for the liquid, and which includes along a portion of the path an annular heat exchange chamber having a first end at which the liquid is introduced into the chamber and a second end at which the liquid is conducted from the chamber. A heat exchanger is supported in the heat exchange chamber for conducting a heat exchange fluid in heat exchange relationship with the liquid as the liquid flows through the chamber. Gas in the form of bubbles is introduced into the liquid as the liquid is conducted along the flow path to thereby effect transfer of substances between the gas and the liquid, the gas being introduced upstream of the first end of the heat exchange chamber.

Abstract: The device comprises plural oxygenation modules, each of which has at least one member for diffusing oxygen through the blood, and one shutter for shutting off such fluids. The modules communicate with a chamber wherethrough the pipes of a heat exchanger extend, and with a collecting chamber through a layer of an antifoaming material.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator for one time use and discard in medical procedures. The blood oxygenator has a unitary transparent sealed vessel with first and second blood treating stages arranged for series flow. The first stage receives an inflow of blood and oxygen and it has integrated oxygenating and heat exchanging elements that include a plurality of vertical ribs and flutes internested to provide upright thin-film blood and oxygen flow channels. These ribs and flutes surround, by a common wall, a heat exchanger with upright channels for counter-directional coolant flow relative to the blood and oxygen flow. The second stage has integrated blood degassing and defoaming elements including a vertical perforated wall surrounded by a porous foam member with a surrounding reservoir of outflowing degassed and defoamed blood and a vent for free oxygen gas.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator is equipped with a sparger having a passageway formed by two vertically aligned fluid impervious cones, one upright and one inverted, between the bases of which a porous disc is positioned. An oxygen inlet communicates with the porous disc to radially inject oxygen into the passageway from the periphery of the porous disc. The blood is transformed from a liquid to a foam as it rises in the passageway. At the outlet of the sparger an oxygenation chamber includes a serpentine cascade which prolongs contact between the blood and bubbles of gas containing oxygen. The outlet of the cascade empties into a reservoir which has a concave foam filter therein defining a defoaming chamber and a screen having uniform interstices surrounding the foam filter to form a bubble point barrier. The screen prevents undissolved gaseous emboli in the blood from passing from the defoaming chamber toward the arterial outlet of the reservoir.

Abstract: A hollow fiber-type artificial lung having an enclosed heat exchanger comprises a first housing and a second housing connected together coaxially. A gas exchange chamber is defined in the first housing by a pair of spaced walls and a bundle of hollow fibers designed for gas exchange arranged in the first housing and between the pair of walls. The hollow fiber bundle is preferably constricted at the central portion to increase the packing ratio of the hollow fibers. The second housing is connected to the first housing by way of a blood chamber and has a pair of spaced apart walls, and multiple tubes which extend lengthwise between the pair of walls to effect heat exchange between a circulating heat exchange medium and the blood flowing through the multiple tubes.

Abstract: A device for the transfer of one or more substances between a gas and a liquid, the gas being introduced into the liquid in the form of bubbles from which the said substances are transferred to the liquid whereupon the excess gas is removed together with any substances transferred from the liquid to the gas. Characteristic for the device is a narrow annular gap (10), arranged vertically, for the liquid, a gas inlet (20), arranged in close connection to this gap (10), this gas inlet being adapted so that it introduces the gas uniformly distributed along the whole periphery of the gap (10), and means (34,36) for the removal of the excess gas.The device is intended in particular to be used as a so-called oxygenator when the said liquid is blood and the said gas is oxygen or an oxygen mixture. Carbon dioxide from the blood will then be removed together with the excess gas.

Abstract: A blood oxygenating device having an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchange chamber. The oxygenating chamber consists of a bubbler chamber and a mixing chamber. Oxygen is introduced into the bubbler chamber through a porous diffusion means situated near the inlet of the bubbler chamber. Bubbles pass from the bubbler chamber into a mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow of blood bubbles passing therethrough. The secondary flow results in a highly efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. The blood bubbles are then passed through a heat exchange chamber and a defoaming means prior to exiting the oxygenating device.

Abstract: An atomizer is arranged for support on the mounting post interiorly of the air filter of fuel feed systems of internal combustion engines. A fuel container is provided and a conduit leads from the container to the atomizer. The conduit terminates in a hollow housing arranged to be clamped on top of the cover of the air filter. The atomizer has a Venturi shape to provide agitation of the fuel to assist in atomization and furthermore it has inner and outer walls with the Venturi shape to provide improved atomization of the fuel.

Abstract: A diffusion membrane unit comprising: in a first embodiment, a planar arrangement of parallel separate capillary membrane tubes and junction lines of adhesive material extending continuously across said parallel membrane tubes and continuously along the entire length of said arrangement; and in a second embodiment a plurality of planar single-layered arrays of parallel capillaries defining out of phase sinuous paths.

Abstract: A dialyser has a membrane assembly (12) comprising two superposed conduits partially defined, and separated, by a transfer membrane wall. The walls of the conduit are provided with furrowing (38 or 39) extending with a component along the conduits. Blood is pumped through one conduit by a roller pump (21) and dialysate is pumped in counter current through the other conduit by a roller pump (24). The conduits communicate with separate chambers in flexible bladders (16) along each side edge of the conduits and the bladders are alternately compressed by rollers (27) to provide a superimposed reciprocatory flow component on the blood and dialysate in a direction transverse to the length of the conduits. This reciprocatory flow component, in conjunction with the furrows, produces vortexes in, and good mixing of, the blood and dialysate in their respective conduits and hence enhanced contact of each of these liquids with the transfer membrane wall.

Abstract: A membrane plasmapheresis module (10) comprises semipermeable membrane means (11) capable of permitting blood plasma to pass therethrough while preventing the passage of blood cells, and sealed housing means (18, 19) defining a blood inlet port (43) and blood outlet port (44) positioned adjacent opposite ends of a first flow path (60) extending along one side of the membrane (11). The housing (18, 19) also defines a plasma outlet port (38) adjacent one end of separate, second flow paths (62) extending along the other side of the membrane (11). The membrane (11) may be folded together about a fold line (12) to define a pair of membrane portions (14, 16) lying against each other. The first flow path (60) extends between the membrane portions (14, 16) and the second flow path (62) may optionally extend between each membrane portion (14, 16) and a wall of the sealed housing means (18, 19), or alternatively an adjacent fold (12) of the membrane portion.

Abstract: To supply oxygen to blood and control its carbon dioxide content, the blood is pumped through a silicone rubber tube wound as a helix around an aluminum cylinder. In a typical use, water at 37.degree. C. is pumped through the cylinder to maintain the temperature constant and a gas containing 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide is passed over the silicone rubber tube so that: (1) oxygen passes through the rubber silicone tube to enrich the blood in oxygen; and (2) carbon dioxide is exchanged through the silicone rubber tube between the blood and the outside gas.

Abstract: A blood oxygenating device comprising an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchange chamber, the oxygenating chamber comprising a bubbler chamber and a mixing chamber. Oxygen is introduced into the bubbler chamber through a porous diffusion means situated near the inlet of the bubbler chamber. Bubbles pass from the bubbler chamber into the mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow and rotation of blood bubbles passing therethrough. The secondary flow results in a highly efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. The blood bubbles are then passed through a heat exchange chamber and a defoaming means prior to exiting the oxygenating device.In a preferred version, blood and oxygen-rich gas are admitted at the top of the device and caused to flow substantially downwardly through a tortuous path which causes at least a portion of the blood bubbles to rotate.

Abstract: A rigid blood oxygenator in which blood and oxygen-rich gas are admitted at the top of the device and caused to flow substantially concurrently downwardly through a tortuous path. During the course of this downward flow, oxygen-rich gas bubbles are formed in the blood and a gas transfer is accomplished according to which the oxygen content of the blood is enriched and carbon dioxide is removed from the blood, which gas transfer is enhanced by the secondary flow induced by the tortuous path. During the course of downward flow, the blood-gas-bubble mixture is also passed around a heat exchange device, which preferably is convoluted so as to form a tortuous path, to bring the blood to a desired temperature. The device is equipped with a defoaming means such that the blood bubbles are converted back into liquid blood, which is then returned to the patient. Vent means are provided for removal of carbon dioxide and other vent gases.

Abstract: Apparatus for the transfer of substances between two fluids with the simultaneous tempering of at least one of the fluids. The apparatus includes at least one heat permeable membrane having first and second opposing surfaces for the transfer of heat therethrough. First and second fluid conducting means are provided for conducting a first and second fluid, respectively. Transfer means are provided for transferring substances between the first and second fluids. The second fluid conducting means conducts the second fluid along the first surface of the heat permeable membrane and third fluid conducting means are providing for conducting a third fluid along the second surface of the heat permeable membrane for tempering the second fluid. According to the preferred embodiment, the transfer means may comprise either means for directly mixing the first fluid into the second fluid or may comprise a semipermeable membrane for diffusing substances therethrough between the first and second fluids.

Abstract: There is disclosed a blood oxygenating device having an oxygenating chamber and a heat exchange chamber. The oxygenating chamber consists of a bubbler chamber and a mixing chamber. Oxygen is introduced into the bubbler chamber through a porous diffusion means situated near the inlet of the bubbler chamber. Bubbles pass from the bubbler chamber into a mixing chamber which is provided with a plurality of secondary flow-producing deflectors to promote secondary flow of blood bubbles passing therethrough. The secondary flow results in a highly efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. The blood bubbles are then passed through a heat exchange chamber and a defoaming means prior to exiting the oxygenating device.

Abstract: Multiple, independent path bubble tonometer apparatus for preparing a plurality of predetermined like or different gas/blood samples under identical though dynamic conditions. The tonometer comprises in a controlled environment common locus, multiple tonometer paths each of which is defined by a gas/blood equilibration chamber, means to add a blood sample to the chamber, means to diffuse a gas into the blood sample to an equilibrium condition therein, the gas diffusion means including a porous diffuser body communicating the sample with a pressurized gas supply, and side arm means to selectively withdraw an aliquot portion of the equilibrium condition sample; and an enclosure defining the controlled environment locus identically about each and every tonometer path for instantly cross-referenceable multiple sample preparations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the diffusion of substances between two fluids. The apparatus comprises at least one semipermeable membrane having first and second opposing surfaces, first conducting means for conducting a first fluid along the first surface of the membrane, and second conducting means for conducting a second fluid along a second surface of the membrane. The membrane is permeable to a portion of the first fluid so that at least a part of the portion of the first fluid is diffused through the membrane into the second fluid during conduction of the first and second fluids along the opposing surfaces of the membrane. Mixing means are provided for directly mixing the first fluid into the second fluid after conduction of the first fluid along the first surface of the membrane. In the preferred embodiment, this mixing means comprises apertures at the downstream end of the membrane for introducing the first fluid directly into the second fluid flowing on the opposite side of the membrane.

Abstract: An artificial lung having first and second oxygen blowing stages formed therein. The device comprises an outermost blood reservoir tube having top and bottom walls formed thereon, a plurality of oxygenation tubes disposed coaxially with the blood reservoir tube defining passages for blood therebetween, a first oxygen blowing stage formed under the oxygenation tubes for blowing oxygen gas into the blood introduced through an inlet for blood and a second or auxiliary oxygen blowing stage formed around the first oxygen blowing stage.

Abstract: Diffusing gas into and out of a liquid at a uniform rate by distributing a foam consisting of bubbles with liquid walls surrounding the gas through elongated passages defined by a corrugated surface adjacent to a smooth surface, while simultaneously providing for indirect heat - exchange of the blood foam while the foam is within the elongated passages.

Abstract: A bubble oxygenator having a generally cubic exterior housing with a gas dispersion system having a one-way valve that prevents the backflow of blood into the oxygen supply. At one end of the oxygenator housing is a generally vertically extending bubble chamber having a movable wall to vary the flow capacity of the oxygenator. Formed separately from the bubble or oxygenating chamber is a generally horizontally extending bubble collection chamber in the top of the cubic housing. The bubble collection chamber is formed by a rectangular envelope shaped, defoaming mesh and filter assembly. A planar temperature controlled ramp receives debubbled blood from the bubble collection chamber and directs it in planar fashion downwardly toward the reservoir.

Abstract: A bubble oxygenator having a generally cubic exterior housing with a gas dispersion system having a one-way valve that prevents the backflow of blood into the oxygen supply. At one end of the oxygenator housing is a generally vertically extending bubble chamber having a movable wall to vary the flow capacity of the oxygenator. Formed separately from the bubble or oxygenating chamber is a generally horizontally extending bubble collection chamber in the top of the cubic housing. The bubble collection chamber is formed by a rectangular envelope shaped, defoaming mesh and filter assembly. A planar temperature controlled ramp receives debubbled blood from the bubble collection chamber and directs it in planar fashion downwardly toward the reservoir.

Abstract: An artificial lung provided with a built-in heat exchanger comprising an outer cylindrical member, an inner cylindrical member and an intermediate cylindrical member disposed between said outer and inner cylindrical members.A plurality of tubes are disposed within said inner cylindrical member through which a heat exchange medium is adapted to pass. The supply of oxygen to the blood is carried out within the inner cylindrical member while heat exchange is performed between the blood and the heat exchange medium.

Abstract: A blood treatment apparatus having within a sealed housing a chamber for mixing oxygen and blood, a column of packed beads through which the mixture of oxygen and blood passes to cause oxygenation of the blood, a blood defoamer through which the oxygenated blood must pass, a reservoir into which the defoamed blood passes and a heat-exchanger which occupies a substantial portion of the lower region of the reservoir. The heat-exchanger comprises a stacked array of spirally wound coils being connected at each of its ends to a manifold which is external of the sealed housing. The configuration of the various components and of the walls of the sealed housing are such that the coils provide high heat-exchange effectiveness by optimizing the size and uniformity of the spacing between coils through which the blood must pass.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator having two separable components one of which is disposable and the other of which is reusable and sterilizable. The disposable portion of the oxygenator is multichambered and provides an oxygenating chamber, a defoaming chamber and an arterial reservoir constructed so that blood will flow sequentially therethrough. The reusable member is constructed in the form of a cover for the oxygenator and has depending therefrom a heat exchanger for maintaining the temperature of the blood, the heat exchanger projecting telescopically into the oxygenating chamber. Defoaming is assisted by a cellular foam material rolled into a generally cylindrical configuration and having abutting faces which are bias cut so that the line formed by the abutting faces is not coaxial with the blood flow path.

Abstract: A purification device for utilizing a gas to purify a liquid, principally useable as an artificial lung, and employs a simple mixing tube so as to assure the mixing of a purification gas with the liquid, with the liquid and gas mixture exiting from the mixing tube into a housing carrying gas separation means in the form of a filter with the purified liquid flowing through the housing in reverse direction to liquid flow in the mixing tube and being collected at one end of the housing while the separated gas is vented from the opposite end of the housing. The housing carries a heat exchange device for maintaining the purified liquid at a predetermined temperature as it exits from the purification device. A pump is provided for pumping the purified liquid from the housing. In order that the housing will not be pumped dry, there is provided a float valve arrangement for controlling flow of the purified liquid out of the housing.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator with heat exchanger comprising an annular oxygenation chamber provided with a blood entry, an oxygen diffuser and a duct for the passage of the blood from the oxygenator chamber to a defoaming element. A heat exchanger is provided extending from an upper container housing the defoaming element to a second container located below the oxygenation chamber. In the oxygenation chamber the blood follows a labyrinth passage defined by radially disposed, longitudinally extending baffles uniformly distributed in the annular chamber.

Abstract: A blood oxygenator wherein blood and oxygen are admixed by flowing blood, into which has been introduced bubbles of oxygen, through a three dimensional, open cellular mixing material having a substantial void volume. In one embodiment, the admixing chamber is provided by an upright cylinder having an open interior. In a second embodiment, the chamber has an annular interior configuration. In both embodiments, the open cellular mixing material completely fills the cross-sectional interior of the chamber. The resulting arterialized blood and blood foam rise to the top of the admixing chamber and are contained in a channel located at the top of the chamber and directed through this channel to the input of a defoamer chamber. A defoamer filter of annular configuration is retained within the defoamer chamber such that the defoamer inlet is located at the top of the defoamer filter within the interior annular space thereof.

Abstract: An oxygenator (artificial lung) comprising a blood storage tube of an elongated cylindrical configuration; an oxygenating tube of an elongated cylindrical shape longitudinally inserted through said blood storage tube and having a central portion of its lower end provided with an oxygen injection means with a built-in perforated plate and having said lower end provided with blood inlet ports; a blood capacity control means provided at an upper portion of said oxygenation tube and including a rotatable cylinder and side openings; a debubbling chamber formed in an upper portion of said blood storage tube; and a blood storage chamber (reservoir) defined by a lower portion of said blood storage tube and incorporating a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A bubble oxygenator having a generally cubic exterior housing with a gas dispersion system having a one-way valve that prevents the backflow of blood into the oxygen supply. At one end of the oxygenator housing is a generally vertically extending bubble chamber having a movable wall to vary the flow capacity of the oxygenator. Formed separately from the bubble or oxygenating chamber is a generally horizontally extending bubble collection chamber in the top of the cubic housing. The bubble collection chamber is formed by a rectangular envelope shaped, defoaming mesh and filter assembly. A planar temperature controlled ramp receives debubbled blood from the bubble collection chamber and directs it in planar fashion downwardly toward a reservoir.

Abstract: A sparger useful for producing bubbles of uniform size in liquids is formed from a body comprised of a cured, thermosetting resin matrix enclosing spherical particles of substantially uniform size and containing numerous interconnecting passageways formed by the interstices between said enclosed particles.