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 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: A method, and apparatus for transferring a fluid to a sterile field includes the use of a sterile enclosure (58, 68) housing a syringe (40). The enclosure (58, 68) is made in two parts, and allows the syringe (40) to be operated while it is in the enclosure. When it is desired to pass the fluids to the sterile field, the enclosure is separated into at least two parts to allow the syringe to be removed. This removal of the syringe is done such that the user in the non-sterile field does not touch the syringe. Thus, the syringe, and fluid therein are easily transferred to the sterile field.

Abstract: A centrifuge has a rotor for receiving a disposable processing unit. The centrifuge is configured such that the motor is attached to an enclosure and the enclosure is supported on a base. The connection between the base and the enclosure is a vibration isolator, and the isolator is positioned such that its effective line of action aligns with the effective plane of rotation of the rotor. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the processing units are held in a decanting position by a decant ring that moves vertically but does not rotate. The ring engages the top of the processing unit during decant and the abrasion is minimal.

Abstract: A separator disk for use in centrifugal separation of components is designed to automatically position itself during separation at the interface between the supernatant and the remaining components. Preferably the interface is between plasma and red blood cells.

Abstract: A container designed for use as a disposable processing unit in a centrifuge includes first and second chambers connected by a bridge that allows transfer of fluid between the chambers. One of the chambers has a sloped floor that directs fluids to a smaller bottom portion for providing greater depth in the collected fluids. The container also includes cam surfaces that facilitate insertion of the container in a centrifuge in the desired orientation. As well, a key may be provided to ensure that the container is used in the correct centrifuge.

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 separator disk (4) for use in centrifugal separation of components is designed to automatically position itself during separation at the interface between the supernatant and the remaining components. Preferably the interface is between plasma and red blood cells.

Abstract: A container designed for use as a disposable processing unit in a centrifuge includes first and second chambers connected by a bridge that allows transfer of fluid between the chambers. One of the chambers has a sloped floor that directs fluids to a smaller bottom portion for providing greater depth in the collected fluids. The container also includes cam surfaces that facilitate insertion of the container in a centrifuge in the desired orientation. As well, a key may be provided to ensure that the container is used in the correct centrifuge.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a syringe (6, 10) includes a handle portion (2) and a cradle (4). A clip (14) is provided for connecting the plungers (8) of two or more syringes (6, 10), and two or more syringes (6, 10) are operated by placing one (6) in the cradle (4) and attaching the clip (14) to the plungers (8) for simultaneous operation of the plungers (8). The handle portion (2) also forms a cavity for storing the clips (14). The apparatus is preferably used in combination with an applicator tip (12) that combines the outputs from the two or more syringes (6, 10).

Abstract: A system for the collection of physiological fluids includes a vacuum source (14) that is controlled to provide low vacuum as a function of whether fluids are entering the system. The suction wand and associated tubing are made of thin flexible materials, and the pressures employed do little damage to the collected fluids.

Abstract: The invention comprises a disposable tubing set (4) for connection to a rigid canister (2) that is maintained at a controlled reduced (vacuum) pressure.

Abstract: Platelet rich plasma and/or platelet concentrate is prepared by placing whole blood in a first chamber of a sterile processing disposable having two chambers. The processing disposable is subjected to a first centrifugation to separate red blood cells, and the resulting platelet rich plasma supernatant is decanted to the second chamber. The processing disposable is subjected to a second centrifugation to concentrate platelets. A volume of the platelet poor plasma supernatant in the second chamber is removed, and the platelets are re-suspended in the remaining plasma. The second chamber may contain anticoagulant to preclude aggregation of the platelets.

Abstract: A system for the collection of physiological fluids includes a vacuum source (14) that is controlled to provide low vacuum as a function of whether fluids are entering the system. The suction wand and associated tubing are made of thin flexible materials, and the pressures employed do little damage to the collected fluids.

Abstract: A system for collection of blood during surgery includes an interlock that requires conduits supplying collected blood to a bag to be properly connected before the system is operated. The interlock includes a source of electromagnetic energy that illuminates connectors to determine whether they are connected. In a preferred embodiment, the connector is a Luer connector with a cylindrical portion that redirects the electromagnetic energy when the connector is in place.

Abstract: A container (400) for the collection of fluids in a vacuum system includes upper and lower chambers (402, 404). Fluids are admitted to the upper chamber (402) to form a vortex and separate fluid and debris from air. The fluids then pass to the lower chamber (404) through a filter (412). A discharge tube (428) is connected to the lower chamber (404) to allow the accumulated fluids to be pumped from the container (400). The bottom of the lower chamber (404) includes a recess (430) that forms a platen for a roller pump, and a discharge tube (428) is located adjacent the platen whereby rollers (426) engage the tube (428) and platen upon installation of the chamber (400) on a base. A second port (418) is provided to the upper chamber (402) for admission of a second fluid such as an anticoagulant.

Abstract: A method is described herein to disinfest, decontaminate and extend the shelf life of shellfish by using an open-end system where trawled shellfish are placed on a computer controlled conveyor belt after being washed with seawater. Shellfish are then transported into pressurized treatment tanks that contain either gas or gas molecules (i.e., 1-ascorbic acid). After exiting the tank the shellfish are automatically placed in rows on a conveyor belt for their controlled, sequential irradiation. The shellfish then enter the irradiation chamber in the presence of carbon dioxide and it is then irradiated with machine generated electron beams. Upon completion, the shellfish exit the irradiation chamber via a conveyor belt and are then transported to an agitated continuous flow depuration tank that is equipped with ultra-sonification devices. The shellfish remain in these tanks until arrival at the port.

Abstract: A centrifuge is capable of holding a sample container in selected orientations, either during or after centrifugation, to drain supernatants between two or more chambers of the container. The draining may be gravity or centrifugal draining. This allows an automated process to subject a sample to a first physical or chemical treatment to produce a first supernatant, the first supernatant to be subjected to a second physical or chemical treatment, and a second supernatant to be separated from a desired component.

Abstract: A centrifuge is capable of holding a sample container in selected orientations, either during or after centrifugation, to drain supernatants between two or more chambers of the container. The draining may be gravity or centrifugal draining. This allows an automated process to subject a sample to a first physical or chemical treatment to produce a first supernatant, the first supernatant to be subjected to a second physical or chemical treatment, and a second supernatant to be separated from a desired component.