Abstract: A flexible multi-processor communications system supports variable message lengths and variable groups and application designations at respective processors. The receiving processors determine what action, if any, needs to be taken in response to the combination of group and application information in the messages. The receiving processors can include pluralities of pre-stored groups and applications along with associated priorities and the functions to perform.

Abstract: A multi-mode electrical device for a communications system exhibits at least two different modes manually selectable at the device. A mode setting switch carried by the device has at least two states. One state is associated with a normal operational mode. A second state is associated with a different operational mode. A movable member carried by the device's housing can be used to select the mode.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system has a container with an integrally attached sample cell. A selected fluid can be accumulated in the container. The sample cell can be filled with part of the fluid in the container and then isolated from the container by heat or dielectric sealing. The fluid in the sample cell can be brought into contact with selected test reagents. The test reagents can provide a visual indicia of the presence of selected characteristics in the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method of separation of therapeutic components from blood. The system includes a dual member centrifuge and a disposable single use fluid transfer set. The set includes an elongated flexible separation chamber having an input port, a separated component output port and a residual fluid output port. The input port and the separated component output ports are located at opposite ends of the elongated separation chamber. The centrifuge includes a receiving chamber with a selectively formed annular slot therein. The separation chamber is positioned in the annularly shaped slot and rotated at a predetermined rotational velocity. Fluids such as whole blood flows through the separation chamber and are separated into various therapeutic components such as platelet rich plasma and residual concentrated red blood cells. Platelet rich plasma can be drawn off as the separated therapeutic component. An alternate two part transfer set provides for highly efficient platelet pheresis.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system has a container with an integrally attached sample cell. A selected fluid can be accumulated in the container. The sample cell can be filled with part of the fluid in the container and then isolated from the container by heat or dielectric sealing. The fluid in the sample cell can be brought into contact with selected test reagents. The test reagents can provide a visual indicia of the presence of selected characteristics in the fluid.

Abstract: A workstation for use in processing units of blood into components includes hangers for supporting the primary and transfer containers usable to store and transport the blood components, an optical sensor for sensing the outflow of red blood cells from the primary container, electrically actuated solenoid clamps for selectively opening and closing flow lines from an additive container and flow lines to the transfer containers. Electrically controlled radiant energy sources can be used to provide sterile flow connections where sterile connectors are joined together to form the blood component transfer set.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of separating a component from a collected quantity of fluid. The apparatus includes a dual member centrifuge and an associated fluid flow transfer set. The transfer set has a collection container in which a quantity of fluid can be initially accumulated. The collection container is formed as a disk-shaped plastic member with an elongated generally radially extending barrier member formed therein. A component collection container is in fluid flow communication with the disk-shaped container. The method provides for centrifugation of the collection container in the dual member centrifuge thereby separating out the selected fluid component. The component can then be pumped out of the collection container into the component accumulation container. The residual fluid can be sealed in the collection container for later use. The component collection container can be separated and sealed also for later use.

Abstract: A fluid collection system includes an input unit having a hollow needle coupled through a section of flexible conduit to an anticoagulant reservoir which is in turn coupled via a second section of hollow conduit to a first sterile connector. A collection container, which can be a dry, flexible, plastic bag, is coupled by a plastic conduit to second and third sterile connectors. The first and second connectors can be joined together and sealed to form a sterile system. A transfer container includes a flexible plastic container coupled via a hollow plastic conduit to a fourth sterile connector. The fourth sterile connector is joinable with the third sterile connector to form a sterile two container system. Fluids collected in the primary container can then be transferred to the secondary container.

Abstract: A non-contact apparatus is provided for acquiring velocity information off of an internal rotating housing of an Adams-type centrifuge. The apparatus includes a bidirectional transmitter of radiant energy, such as a fiber-optic member, positioned at the axis of rotation of the exterior rotatable housing of the centrifuge. An inner end of the fiber-optic member is positioned adjacent a lower surface of the inner rotatable housing. A ring of reflective, spaced-apart, members is formed on the lower surface of the rotatable housing adjacent the end of the fiber-optic member. Radiant energy from an exterior, fixed, light source is transmitted through the fiber-optic member and is incident upon the rotating ring. Radiant energy reflected off of the reflecting members of the ring passes back through the fiber-optic member and can be sensed in an externally located, stationary optical sensor. The optical sensor generates a train of electrical pulses in response to the incident pulses of reflected radiant energy.

Abstract: An occluder valve for closing off the flow of fluid in a flexible plastic tube includes a linearly movable pinch member coupled to a rotatable shaft through a nut. The shaft is coupled to an electric motor through an electrically energizable clutch. The output shaft of the motor is mechanically constrained to rotate in only one direction. The motor, coupled through the clutch, rotates the shaft causing the pinch member to move linearly away from the tubing. A torsion spring opposes this rotation. Once opened the valve will stay opened as long as the clutch is energized as the shaft of the motor will not rotate in a closing direction. To close the valve, the clutch is deenergized and the torsion spring moves the pinch member linearly against the flexible tubing closing it off.