Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components. In one aspect, the invention relates to optical methods for measuring two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both from a separation chamber of a density centrifuge. The method may include performing first and second measurements of an operating condition; analyzing the first and second measurements using a predictive data analysis algorithm; comparing the predicted operating condition to a desired operating condition; and adjusting at least one setting.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components with a two-dimensional optical measurement and control device. The method may comprise the steps of providing a blood processing system comprising a density centrifuge blood processing system and an elutriation blood processing system; filling the elutriation blood processing system with a desired component; measuring a cellular flux of cells entering the elutriation blood processing system with a two-dimensional optical control system; and flushing the elutriation blood processing system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical cell for a separation chamber of a density centrifuge blood processing system for separating fluid components comprising an extraction chamber having a first external optical surface for transmitting at least a portion of an incident optical beam; and an extraction port having an axial bore for passing fluid components and a first external optical surface for transmitting at least a portion of the incident optical beam; wherein said first external optical surface of said extraction chamber and said first external optical surface of said extraction port are both positioned within the depth of field of a light collection element.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood separation apparatus having an optical camera control system with a focused, stationary light source. A diffusion plate mounted on a rotor, rather than on or near the light source, allows an intense light beam to be transmitted from the light source to the rotor and then diffused at the rotor across an observation region. Different characteristics of a diffusion surface allow different lighting regions within the observation region. The diffusion plate has upper and lower plates with a diffusion surface sealed between the plates. This prevents degradation or contamination of the diffusion surface by abrasion, dirt, blood components or other materials that might incidentally contact the diffusion surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical cell for a separation chamber of a density centrifuge blood processing system for separating fluid components comprising an extraction chamber having a first external optical surface for transmitting at least a portion of an incident optical beam; and an extraction port having an axial bore for passing fluid components and a first external optical surface for transmitting at least a portion of the incident optical beam; wherein said first external optical surface of said extraction chamber and said first external optical surface of said extraction port are both positioned within the depth of field of a light collection element.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components. In one aspect, the invention relates to optical methods, devices and device components for measuring two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both from a separation chamber of a density centrifuge. In embodiment, two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both measured by the methods of the present invention comprise images of a separation chamber or component thereof, such as an optical cell of a separation chamber. In another aspect, the present invention relates to multifunctional monitoring and control systems for blood processing, particularly blood processing via density centrifugation.

Abstract: An insulating switch base with a top, bottom and an edge has openings through the top and one edge for a conductor. A conductive switch lead frame has proximal ends with insulation displacement connectors bent in the openings. A resilient member on the frame has a moveable contact and is conductively associated with a connector. A contoured arm on the frame is distal of, but conductive with, another connector. The arm is spaced from the resilient member as an open contact capable of momentary engagement. A frangible area on each frame is between the resilient member and the arm. Recesses in the top support retain the frame. A slot and barbs on each connector receive one conductor securely in an opening after aligned installation in an opening, seating of the frame in its recess and severing the area over a passage in the base. A membrane attaches over the frame and a molding is applied about the membrane leaving the resilient member open.