Abstract: A centrifuge layering insert configured for insertion into a centrifuge tube includes a tube having a first open end and a second open end. The centrifuge layering insert also includes a casing having an outer wall, an inner wall, a first open end, and a second substantially closed end. The casing forms an annular space around the tube between the tube first end and the tube second end. The tube has at least a portion of the length extending beyond the first open end of the casing in a direction opposite the second open end of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of isolating and culturing autologous pluripotent stem (aPS) cells. The present invention also provides isolated aPS cells, populations of aPS cells and cultures of aPS cells. Further provided are culture media for expanding aPS cells and methods of culturing aPS cells. The invention also provides for the use of aPS cells, e.g., for diagnostics, drug evaluation and screening, and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.

Abstract: A separator system operable to use centrifugation to fractionate a multiple component material, such as a suspension including blood, comprises a buoy. The buoy can be carried in a separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in the multiple component material. A guide surface is carried on a buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: A separation system for separating a multiple component material into at least two fractions. The separation system includes a separation device having a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a sidewall that extends between the first end and the second end to define a separation chamber having an interior volume. The system also includes a valve moveable between an open position and a closed position, the valve is mounted at a fixed location within the separation chamber at a position that is closer to the second end than to the first end and is spaced apart from the second end, the valve is operable to isolate a first fraction of the multiple component material having a first density on a first side of the valve from a second fraction having a second density on a second side of the valve that is opposite to the first side.

Abstract: A system for separating and concentrating a component of a whole material is disclosed. The whole material can include a material that has more than one component, such as whole blood that can include at least red blood cells, monocytes, and plasma. The system can include a substantially single container including a separation section and a concentration section wherein a component can be moved from the separation section, after a separation, to the concentration section to be concentrated. The concentrated component can then be withdrawn from the separation and concentration container for a selected procedure.

Abstract: A floating separating element for use in centrifugal separation of components of a physiological fluid comprises a positioning part and a separating part, where the positioning part is designed to automatically assume a position in a supernatant and a separating part is positioned at a desired location with respect to the interface between the supernatant and heavier components. In preferred embodiments the physiological fluids are blood or bone marrow aspirate, and the heavier components comprise red blood cells. The positioning part comprises the majority of the mass of the separating element and is thin so that differences in the position of the separating element with respect to the interface are small compared to differences in the densities of the separated compoments, particularly the component comprising red blood cells. A method allows red blood cells to move the separating element during decanting to ensure complete decant of the supernatant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a centrifugal separation-use device capable of maintaining a centrifugal separation-use container in a clean state easily at low cost even when centrifugal separation treatment is carried out using a centrifugal separator in an unclean field. A centrifugal separation-use device 1 for collecting a target component by subjecting a solution containing multiple components to centrifugal separation treatment comprises an inner container 10 having a cylindrical section 12 for accommodating the solution and a plug 14 for hermetically sealing the cylindrical section and configured so as to accommodate the solution in a hermetically sealed state, and an outer container 20 having a support section 22 for removably accommodating the cylindrical section and a delivery section 24 for exposing part of the inner container so that the inner container can be removed, and configured so as to accommodate the inner container in a hermetically sealed state.

Abstract: A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: A floating separating element for use in centrifugal separation of components of a physiological fluid comprises a positioning part and a separating part, where the positioning part is designed to automatically assume a position in a supernatant and a separating part is positioned at a desired location with respect to the interface between the supernatant and heavier components. In preferred embodiments the physiological fluids are blood or bone marrow aspirate, and the heavier components comprise red blood cells. The positioning part comprises the majority of the mass of the separating element and is thin so that differences in the position of the separating element with respect to the interface are small compared to differences in the densities of the separated components, particularly the component comprising red blood cells. A method allows red blood cells to move the separating element during decanting to ensure complete decant of the supernatant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.

Abstract: A sediment collection device is used on individual beverage containers for fermented beverages such as beer. A three piece arrangement is fit together before installation on the beverage container, and contains a rotating valve arrangement on complementary, funnel-like structures. This arrangement facilitates a moisture-tight connection between the bottle and the collection device. This arrangement ensures that sediment will not re-enter the beverage bottle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating and concentrating a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.

Abstract: A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: A floating element for separating components of a physiological fluid comprises two parts that are relatively movable. The two parts define a prescribed volume between them when at their maximum separation, and one of the parts may be moved toward the other to express the fluid contained in the volume between the parts. The parts are made of materials having densities so that they assume a desired position in the fluid to allow selected components to be easily obtained and expressed.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating and concentrating a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.

Abstract: The application discloses an apparatus and method for processing biological material, including a suspension of cells.

Abstract: Contemplated whole blood separators tubes include a curable composition with a density intermediate to the density of serum and the cell-containing fraction. After centrifugation, the curable composition is located between the serum and the cell-containing fraction and preferably irradiated with UV light to initiate a curing reaction in which the curable composition solidifies to a barrier that is immobilized and resistant to breakdown at freezing temperatures and extended storage.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly an elastic portion and a plug member. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the elastic portion of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The elastic portion of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the elastic portion sealingly engages the container and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: A floating element for separating components of a physiological fluid comprises two parts that are relatively movable. The two parts define a prescribed volume between them when at their maximum separation, and one of the parts may be moved toward the other to express the fluid contained in the volume between the parts. The parts are made of materials having densities so that they assume a desired position in the fluid to allow selected components to be easily obtained are expressed.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: A separating mechanism for inserting in a receptacle chamber of a container receptacle having a longitudinal axis comprises two adjacently disposed components and a sealing device which is directed towards an internal wall of the container receptacle. The components have two ends spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and a flow passage extends therebetween. The components can be applied against the internal wall by at least one pressing element and, in an initial position, the flow passage is established between the adjacently disposed components spaced apart from one another by the pressing element.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly an elastic portion and a plug member. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the elastic portion of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The elastic portion of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the elastic portion sealingly engages the container and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for preparing an autologous solid-fibrin web suitable for regenerating tissue in a living organism. The system includes a sealed primary container containing a separation medium and a low-density high-viscosity liquid. The separation medium separates red blood cells from plasma when the container contains blood and is centrifuged, and the primary container has a first pressure. The system further includes a sealed secondary container containing a calcium-coagulation activator. The secondary container has a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The system also comprises a transfer device including a cannula having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends puncture the sealed primary and secondary containers in order to provide fluid communication between the first and second containers. The low-density high-viscosity liquid of the primary container blocks flow through the cannula upon entering therein.

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising a deformable bellows, a ballast mounted to the lower end of the bellows, and a float is engageable with an upper end of the bellows. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the ballast to move toward the bottom of the tube and causes an elongation and narrowing of the bellows. The separator then moves down the tube and stabilizes in a position between the separated phases of the fluid sample. Termination of the centrifugal load enables the bellows to return to its original condition in sealing engagement with the walls of the tube.

Abstract: A specimen collection and separation assembly is provided. The assembly includes a tube having closure secured to the open top of the tube. The closure includes a section that is pierceable by a needle cannula for depositing a liquid specimen in the tube. A separator is disposed in the tube below the closure. The separator includes top and bottom ends. Portions of the separator adjacent the top define a resiliently deformable low density sealing plug dimensioned to sealingly engage the interior of the tube. A high density ring is integrally engaged with the seal and extends to the bottom of the separator. The relative densities and dimensions of the seal and the ring are selected to achieve an overall density between densities of the phases of liquid to be separated. The ring causes the seal to elongate in response to forces imposed by a centrifuge. The separator then will move to a position in the tube between the respective phases of the specimen being separated.

Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating components of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container, a liner in the container, a closure for the container and a composite element. The composite element is a seal plug with a density between the densities of the components of the fluid sample is releasably engaged with the container closure and with the liner. A needle cannula is used to deposit a fluid sample in the liner and the entire device is placed in a centrifuge. The centrifugal load causes the seal plug to separate from the closure and causes the liner to expand outwardly against the container. The seal plug migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the densities of the components of the fluid sample. The liner will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of centrifugal load such that the liner sealingly engages the seal plug and separates the components of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents. The constituents include a container, a liner in the container and a composite element in the liner for separating the fractions of a fluid sample. The separator comprises a specific density at a target density range as defined by separable fluid components densities. A fluid sample is delivered to the liner and then the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the liner to deform and the composite element migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The liner will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the liner sealingly engages the composite element and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a flexible collapsible inner container disposed within a substantially rigid outer container. A closure seals the open top end of the outer container. A filter assembly is sealingly mounted to the open top end of the inner container. The filter assembly includes a filter that permits lighter fractions to pass therethrough, while substantially blocking the heavier fractions. The filter assembly further includes a filter support having a slit valve registered with the filter. The slit valve opens in response to fluid pressure created by the lighter fractions for permitting the lighter fractions to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly an elastic portion and a plug member. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the elastic portion of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The elastic portion of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the elastic portion sealingly engages the container and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly an elastic portion and a plug member. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the elastic portion of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates into the fluid sample and stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The elastic portion of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the elastic portion sealingly engages the container and separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A filtration device, apparatus, and method of filtration useful for filtering liquid samples are disclosed wherein filtration occurs opposite the direction of centrifugal force. The filtration device is placed within a container that contains the liquid sample to be filtered. Together, the filtration device and the container comprise the filtration apparatus. Centrifugation forces the liquid sample present in the container to enter the filtration device, thereby effecting filtration. The vertical position of the filtration device is fixed within this container during filtration.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for separating particles having different sedimentation velocities. The system includes a container containing a binding substance including first particles and ligands attached to the first particles. When the binding substance is mixed with a liquid carrying at least second and third particles, the ligands bind the first and second particles together to form groups of bound particles. The groups of bound particles are separated from the third particles in a fluid chamber configured to be mounted on a centrifuge rotor. One of the disclosed methods includes forming a saturated fluidized bed of particles to retain the particles groups in the fluid chamber. Another of the disclosed methods includes removing at least some of the first particles after the binding substance is mixed with the liquid carrying second and third particles.

Abstract: A polyester composition for use in facilitating separation of blood serum or plasma from a cellular portion of blood, the composition containing: (a) a multifunctional acid component comprising: (i) a benzene polycarboxylic acid, and derivatives thereof; and (ii) an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid having from about 16 to about 40 carbon atoms; and (b) a diol component, and wherein the multifunctional acid component and diol component are employed in an equivalent ratio ranging from about 0.8:1.1 to about 1.0:1.3.

Abstract: A device for adapting a liquid container to enable separation and selective dispensation of two or more immiscible liquids of different densities from the container.

Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus for sampling blood serum according to the invention comprises a disklike flattening member having a flat surface and capable of flattening a separation surface of a blood serum separating medium contained in a sample container by urging the flat surface against the separation surface, a mounting member having a cylindrical shaft for lowering the flattening member through the blood serum contained in the sample container to thereby mount the flattening member in the sample container such that the flat surface of the flattening member horizontally urges the separation surface of the blood serum separating medium, and means for securing a space which permits a sampling/dispensing tip capable of sampling and dispensing the blood serum, to be inserted into the sample container, by detaching the cylindrical shaft from the flattening member and taking the cylindrical shaft out of the sample container, after the flattening member is mounted in the sample container by the mounting member.

Abstract: A collection device for plasma preparation for diagnostic assays. The device comprises a spray-dried anticoagulant formulation on the interior surface of the device and a thixotropic polymeric gel. The device is an improvement over commercially available devices which contain liquid anticoagulant formulations, for use in nucleic acid testing that employ amplifications technologies including, but not limited to, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), branched DNA (bDNA) and nucleic acid sequenced based amplification (NASBA).

Abstract: Water and solid debris are separated from gasoline during its storage within a container. The separation is effected automatically, at low cost and in a highly reliable manner. It is continuous throughout storage and is not reversed by portage of the container or removal of gasoline therefrom. Engines fueled with gasoline from the container are far less subject to contamination from water or impurities than those fueled from gas cans of the conventional type.

Abstract: Test tube particularly suitable for carrying out immunological and immunohaematological analysis having at one end thereof an opening for charging reagents and biological liquids to be analyzed and, at the other end thereof, at least one venting opening and a respective controlled-stop filter.

Abstract: A method for rapid separation of serum or plasma from cells in a whole blood sample uses a cylindrical sample tube having longitudinally-extending internal ribs. A separation gel and the sample are introduced into the tube, and the tube is axially centrifuged so as to form concentric shells of cells, gel, and serum or plasma. After centrifugation is stopped, the serum or plasma collects in the tube by gravity flow and the cells and gel remain affixed to the walls and ribs of the tube.

Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus for sampling blood serum according to the invention comprises a disklike flattening member having a flat surface and capable of flattening a separation surface of a blood serum separating medium contained in a sample container by urging the flat surface against the separation surface, a mounting member having a cylindrical shaft for lowering the flattening member through the blood serum contained in the sample container to thereby mount the flattening member in the sample container such that the flat surface of the flattening member horizontally urges the separation surface of the blood serum separating medium, and means for securing a space which permits a sampling/dispensing tip capable of sampling and dispensing the blood serum, to be inserted into the sample container, by detaching the cylindrical shaft from the flattening member and taking the cylindrical shaft out of the sample container, after the flattening member is mounted in the sample container by the mounting member.

Abstract: A process for the production of a blood separating agent is disclosed which comprises supplying a mixture solution containing (a) a separation layer forming high molecular weight compound as the main component and (b) a thixotropy-providing agent selected from the group consisting of inorganic fine particles and organic gelling agents into a cylinder block of a homogenizer having the cylinder block equipped with a plunger capable of performing reciprocating movement and a valve body which is connected thereto and equipped with a valve member, a valve sheet and an impact ring, and applying a compressive shearing stress to the mixture in said homogenizer at such a temperature that viscosity of the solution becomes 1.times.10.sup.4 centipoises or less, thereby obtaining a blood separating agent in the form of a dispersion or a uniform gel. A blood separating agent having excellent storage stability can be obtained with improved productivity per unit time.

Abstract: Described are novel containers adapted to separate and dispense two or more fluids of different densities, and novel methods of selectively separating and dispensing two or more fluids of different densities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting the presence of binding ligands, especially blood group antigens or antibodies thereto, which utilize a matrix of substantially noncompressable microparticles, which matrix provides superior performance in allowing movement of nonagglutinated reactants, especially red blood cells, while constraining, preferably in a so-called "band formation" agglutinated reactants, especially red blood cells. The device of the invention further comprises a chamber the transverse cross-sectional shape thereof being an ellipse, or preferably a flattened ellipse with two sides parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a serum separating device and an apparatus for use in serum separation which is capable of completely separating serum and clot during the separation of a blood sample into serum and clot by means of a centrifugal separation operation.