Edward G Doherty

US Patent:

50026615, Mar 26, 1991

Filed:

Aug 25, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/398739

Inventors:

William L. Chick - Wellesley MA
Susan J. Sullivan - Newton MA
Kermit M. Borland - Worcester MA
John M. Harvey - Worcester MA
Thomas E. Muller - Concord MA
Karen E. Dunleavy - Billerica MA
Donald P. King - Haverhill MA
Edward J. Doherty - Waltham MA
Barry A. Solomon - Bedford MA
Amy L. Foley - Framingham MA

Assignee:

W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. - Lexington MA

International Classification:

B01D 6306

US Classification:

210192

Abstract:

A device which serves as an artificial pancreas comprises a hollow fiber having an inner diameter of about 5 mm which is surrounded by islets of Langerhans enclosed in a housing. The islets are suspended in a semi-solid matrix which ensures desired distribution of the cells about the hollow fiber. The hollow fiber and suspended islets are enclosed in a housing which further aids the desired distribution of islets about the hollow fiber. The hollow fiber has a porosity which selectively allows passage of substances having a molecular weight of less than about 100,000 Daltons. The semi-solid matrix in which the islets are embedded and suspended is formed of an appropriate supporting material such as alginate or agar.

US Patent:

52982068, Mar 29, 1994

Filed:

Dec 3, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/984829

Inventors:

Robert D. Milliken - Columbia MD
David R. Barnes - Columbia MD
Amy L. Foley - Natick MA
Karen E. Dunleavy - Billerica MA
Edward J. Doherty - Mansfield MA

Assignee:

W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. - New York NY

International Classification:

B29C 4792
D01D 524

US Classification:

264 407

Abstract:

An automated system for casting hollow fiber membranes into a variety of prescribed shapes, including spiral, linear, circular and rectangular. The system also has the capability to change the configuration during casting, which increases productivity. A co-extrusion die is rotated over a stationary coagulation bath A computer is used to control the motion of the die to make a membrane with the desired shape The nozzle is oriented in a manner that will compensate for distortions that occur in wall thickness in the area of a bend. In addition, the nozzle's annulus is offset to make the leading portion of the annulus slightly thicker and the trailing portion thinner at the point where the fluids exit the nozzle, which results in a uniformly symmetric wall thickness. A system embodying the invention includes X, Y and. theta. -directional servomotors 1A-1C (FIG.