Abstract: A disposable biomedical rotating filtration system for processing fluids in a closed environment includes a rotor mounted for rotation on a pivot pin, a seal between the rotor and pivot pin, an external permanent magnet drive mechanism, and a star shaped drive element mounted on the rotor for rotating the rotor in response to a magnetic field induced by the permanent magnet of the drive mechanism. The drive element on the rotor is stamped from an inexpensive non-permanent ferromagnetic sheet metal and has a configuration and position in relation to the center of said magnetic field such that said drive element receives sufficient torque for driving said rotor and sufficient seal force is applied on the rotor to provide fluid tight seal between the rotating rotor and the seal. The pivot pin is molded from a hard plastic material such as a polyamide base resin having a low coefficient of friction and good lubriciousness.

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 reliable flow rate plasmapheresis system includes a rotating enhanced vortex type of membrane filter coupled to receive a flow of anticoagulated whole blood and separate concentrate and filtrate in responses thereto. An anticoagulant pump is coupled to mix controlled amounts of anticoagulant with the input blood flow. Degradation of plasma flow rate during multiple extraction-reinfusion cycles is inhibited by selecting the starging anticoagulant pH value and controlling the anticoagulant flow rate relative to the whole blood to establish a final whole blood/plasma pH value in the range of 6.8 to 7.2, with an anticoagulant to blood ratio in the range of 1:6 to 1:25.

Abstract: A cartridge 444, 644, 744 having a drug or other beneficial agent 608 therein and including an adapter 477 is positioned on a receptacle 442, 642 within a parenteral fluid administration set 420. Also disclosed is an adapter 477' for connecting the receptacle 442, 642 to a chamber 606 having a beneficial agent therein. The cartridge and adapter permit a single opening through the injection site at the receptacle and at the chamber at opposite ends of the flow path means while still permitting simultaneous flow both into and out of the chamber and the receptacle.

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 hemapheresis system and method in accordance with the invention comprises a stationary closed housing concentric about a central axis and a feed system that moves blood upwardly from the housing lower end toward an outlet port adjacent a substantially closed upper end. Within the stationary housing is a double walled rotor concentric with the housing and rotatable by magnetic means within the housing on sealed end bearings. The space between the rotor walls defines a centrifugation gap into which whole blood is passed and within which centrifugal separation takes place as the rotor is spun at a relatively low rate. Whole blood also seeks to flow upwardly in the space between the rotor and housing, but this path is arranged to have a substantially higher flow impedance, so that the preferential path is within the centrifugation gap.

Abstract: A blood constituent processing system uses a disposable plastic fluid flow path into which an anticoagulant must be accurately metered with respect to pumped blood flow. In a preliminary calibration phase, a closed fluid flow path is provided between the anticoagulant pump and the blood pump. One of the pumps is then controlled to inject fluid into such closed path while the other pump is controlled to withdraw fluid from that path at what is nominally an equal fluid flow rate. Changes in fluid pressure within the closed fluid flow path are then monitored and the flow rate of at least one of the pumps is changed as necessary to achieve an approximately constant fluid pressure within the closed fluid flow path. The relative pump flow control required to achieve constant pressure may then be taken as a relative flow rate calibration between the two pumps so as to permit subsequent accurate pumped metering of anticoagulant into the pumped blood flow.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an improved reconstitution device 30, 168, 170, 186, 242, 256, 274 are disclosed, directed to the proper mixing of two substances, and are particularly directed to the medical field for the reconstitution of a drug 36 which may be stored in a drug vial 32 with a diluent 60 stored in a flexible medical solution container 34 and used for the intravenous delivery of a medicament. In one embodiment the reconstitution device 30 includes an improved vial adapter 76 and bag adapter 78 which permit the permanent coupling of the vial 32 and liquid container 34. The bag adapter 78 may be rotatable relative to the vial adapter 76 to operate a valve including a stem channel 108 and a base post 148 on the vial adapter 76, a base segment channel 136 and a cut out portion 146 of a rim 140 on the bag adapter 78, and a sealing segment 80 disposed between the vial and bag adapter 76, 78.

Abstract: A disposable biomedical rotating filtration system for processing fluids in a closed environment includes a rotor mounted for rotation on a pivot pin, a seal between the rotor and pivot pin, an external permanent magnet drive mechanism, and a star shaped drive element mounted on the rotor for rotating the rotor in response to a magnetic field induced by the permanent magnet of the drive mechanism. The drive element on the rotor is stamped from an inexpensive non-permanent ferromagnetic sheet metal and has a configuration and position in relation to the center of said magnetic field such that said drive element receives sufficient torque for driving said rotor and sufficient seal force is applied on the rotor to provide fluid tight seal between the rotating rotor and the seal. The pivot pin is molded from a hard plastic material such as a polyamide base resin having a low coefficient of friction and good lubriciousness.

Abstract: A membrane plasmapheresis system introduces a flow of whole blood subject to a predetermined inlet pressure into a fluid path across a membrane which is suited for filtering the plasma from the whole blood and across which a predetermined pressure drop occurs. The plasma-poor blood is conducted from the membrane subject to a determinable plasma-poor blood pressure. Likewise, plasma filtrate is conducted from the membrane subject to a determinable plasma-filtrate pressure. The conduction of plasma filtrate is metered in response to the existent plasma-poor blood pressure to achieve and thereafter maintain substantial equilibrium between the plasma-poor blood pressure and the plasma filtrate pressure. A substantially constant transmembrane pressure can thereby be maintained at a level below which hemolysis occurs.

Abstract: An infusor (10) is disclosed for dispensing a liquid under pressure at a predetermined flow rate. The influsor (10) includes a housing (12) containing an elastomeric bladder (16) for receiving the liquid under pressure. The liquid is delivered from the bladder to a patient through tubing (36). A non-adjustable, preselected flow regulator (38) includes a capillary bore (48). The flow regulator (38) is disposed at the distal end of the tubing (36), such that the tubing may be primed quickly, in a time period virtually unaffected by the flow regulator (38). Distal placement of the flow regulator (38) results in a more constant temperature, and thus a more constant flow rate, of fluid flowing through the flow regulator.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic plasma filter dispenser includes a low cost disposable container and a rotor drive for rotationally energizing a rotor within the container. The disposable container is particularly suitable for drawing and dispensing blood samples for clinical analysis and includes a tube shaped outer wall having a frangible dispenser outlet cover, a close fitting inner tube supporting a filter membrane and a unitary rotor disposed for axel free rotation and axial translation within the inner tube in response to energization from the rotor driver. The rotor produces vortex enhanced filtration while maintaining a flow of filter fluid through the filtration gap and creating a transmembrane pressure.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood processing system is disclosed having a rotor drive assembly that is rotatably mounted to a stationary base for rotation along a predetermined axis. A rotor assembly, which includes a blood processing chamber, is rotatably mounted with respect to the base for rotation about the axis. A flexible umbilical cable segment is provided for establishing fluid communication with the blood processing chamber. One end of the cable segment is fixed with respect to the base along the axis at one side of the rotor assembly while the other end of the cable segment is attached on the axis in rotationally locked engagement to the rotor assembly. Guide means are provided for causing the umbilical cable to rotate about the axis with the motor drive assembly. Means are provided for rotating the rotor assembly and the rotor drive assembly in the same direction with a speed ratio of 2:1 to prevent the umbilical cable from becoming completely twisted during rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A thin film of white blood cells is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation predominately of a wavelength of 280 to 320 nanometers, and preferably at an intensity of 4 to 15 milliwatts per square cm. At such a radiation intensity it is not necessary to agitate the thin film of white blood cells to accomplish the purposes of this invention. The white blood cells so processed substantially lose their capability to set off an immune reaction in an alloimmunized patient. The white blood cells may preferably be placed into such film in a flat, flexible bag made of poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) plastic, with the flat, flexible bag being stretched in a direction normal to the path of ultraviolet radiation.

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: A plastic roller bottle is provided for suspension cultures for bacteriology or other cell growth or maintenance. The roller bottle comprises a closed bottle defining a longitudinal axis and having flexible plastic walls. Aseptically sealable means for access into the closed body are provided as well. A plurality of spaced reinforcement rings are defined in the flexible plastic walls about the longitudinal axis, to cause the body to normally retain a predetermined, generally cylindrical shape. The flexible plastic walls, apart from the rings, are made of a plastic formulation, and are of a thickness such that the oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion which takes place through said walls is sufficient to support desired biochemical culturing processes taking place within the roller bottle without venting.

Abstract: A mixer, primarily for thawing frozen biological materials, is adapted to use the turntable mechanism of a microwave oven (33), a container (4, 30) being carried round by the turntable mechanism (34) and being simultaneously rotated about a transverse axis. In one version the container is a cylindrical drum (4) carried by a cradle (3) which replaces the turntable. A transmission (5) such as friction wheels (13, 14) or gears (17, 18; 20) between the drum and fixed structure (17; 19; 22) within the oven causes the drum to rotate about its axis as the cradle is turned. Alternatively, the container (30) is spherical and the turntable (34) tilts so that the container is biassed to one wall (35) of the oven. But rotation of the turntable causes it to co-operate with other walls (37, 38) and thereby generates a tumbling action.

Abstract: A storage system (10) includes an interior envelope (12) and an exterior envelope (14). Tissue or other material to be stored may be placed in interior envelope (12), sealed and placed in exterior envelope (14). Exterior envelope (14) is sealable in a first sealed position that allows gas sterilization of the interior of exterior envelope (14) and the contents contained therein. After sterilization, exterior envelope (14) is sealed in a gas impermeable position. Each of interior and exterior envelopes (12, 14) have one side which is transparent. A grid (22) may be provided on the transparent side of interior envelope (12) for sizing tissue contained therein.