Abstract: A contaminant detector including a light source for emitting light of a wavelength with peak emission corresponding to that of "blue" light or to that of light of even lower wavelength. Light is emitted through an arrangement containing a liquid sample having a given contaminant, and a sensing arrangement on the other side of the liquid sample detects the amount of light passing through the liquid sample. The measured light is converted into a value indicative of the relative presence of the given contaminant in the liquid sample. It is contemplated that other types of light can be used, particularly if the color of the light is matched, or even approximately matched, with that portion of the liquid sample that is not to be measured (i.e. the "background" or "non-contaminant" portion of the liquid.

Abstract: A method of treating infections of mononuclear blood cells, other than retroviral infections, is disclosed. A method of modulating the function of monocytes is also disclosed. The method involves the treatment of a patient's blood with a photoactivatable compound followed by ultra violet light-activation of the photoactivatable compound. The blood treated as such is returned to the patient in a process known as extracorporeal photopheresis. Monocyte function is modulated by this treatment.

Abstract: A method of treating inflammatory disorders of the bowel and inflammatory disorders of the urinary bladder are disclosed. A method of modulating the function of monocytes is also disclosed. The method involves the treatment of a patient's blood with a photoactivatable compound followed by ultraviolet light-activation of the photoactivatable compound. The blood treated as such is returned to the patient in a process known as extracorporeal photopheresis.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating human blood by irradiation. Exposure of a human blood product sample can be optimized by displacing a contiguous, self-contained arrangement, such as a bag member, while radiation is being emitted towards the contiguous, self-contained arrangement, and by maintaining a substantially constant distance between the radiation source and the at least one blood product held in the contiguous, self-contained arrangement. Also proposed is an arrangement in which at least a portion of the radiation source is displaced while radiation is being emitted towards the contiguous, self-contained arrangements holding the blood products in question. Further, an arrangement for cooling the radiation source is contemplated.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping fluid at a steady rate. A first drive chamber having a movable outer surface, and a second drive chamber having a movable outer surface are provided. The apparatus further includes a block having a plurality of internal passages including a first passage for receiving the fluid into the block and a second passage for discharging the fluid from the block at the steady rate. The block has first and second internal chambers which are in fluid connection with the first and second passages. The first internal chamber has a first flexible surface for mating with the movable outer surface of the first drive chamber, and the second internal chamber has a second flexible surface for mating with the movable outer surface of the second drive chamber.

Abstract: Light arrays for use in systems for separating and irradiating blood are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the light array has one or more bulbs with electrical connecting leads and first and second support members connected to the bulbs. The second support member preferably includes a connector for receiving the electrical leads. The support members preferably define an end surface and an interior surface, wherein the support members are disposed adjacent the bulbs so the end surfaces are opposed to define a channel, providing a space where tubing carrying blood or other fluids can be disposed without interfering with the array. The bulbs are most preferably attached to the support members using flexible self-locking straps, and in embodiments using two or more bulbs, the bulbs are also preferably held together by one or more straps. Improved mounting systems for connecting the array to the instrument by one or more spring mounts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for exposing a sample to ultraviolet radiation are disclosed. The present invention permits a sample contained within a shielded housing to be exposed to a source of ultraviolet radiation and simultaneously observed. The sample rests on a stage that can be moved relative to the source of the ultraviolet radiation while the irradiation is taking place, thus the effects of ultraviolet radiation upon biological materials such as blood can be determined. In a preferred embodiment, upper and lower banks of ultraviolet bulbs are disposed on either side of the stage. The movement of the banks of bulbs and the stage relative to one another is preferably controlled by a set of lead screws. In certain embodiments, the intensity of the emissions of the bulbs themselves can also be altered while continuously observing and irradiating the sample.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for non-specifically enhancing the immune system response of a mammal to an antigen which comprises the steps of (a) withdrawing leukocyte containing material from the mammal, (b) treating the withdrawn leukocytes in a manner to alter the cells, and (c) returning the treated leukocytes to the mammal. In one embodiment, the method for non-specifically enhancing the immune system response of a mammal is carried out in conjunction with artificially contacting the mammal's immune system with an antigen for a suitable period of time to stimulate the immune system. In another embodiment, the mammal's immune system is naturally exposed to the antigen prior to the non-specific enhancement of the immune system. In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed at a method for preparing an autologous non-specific leukocyte adjuvant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for continuous, on-line monitoring of extracorporeal blood in a blood path. A shell has a blood inlet port, a blood outlet port and two compartments: a blood compartment and a plasma compartment separated by a semi-permeable membrane that allows plasma to pass, but not red blood cells. Blood flows through the blood compartment and transmembrane pressure is applied between the blood and the plasma compartments causing the plasma inside the plasma compartment to be replaced by fresh plasma that is flowing through the blood compartment. Any color change of the plasma in the plasma compartment can be detected.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for automatically retaining a removable chamber during operation, in a system for separating and irradiating multi-component fluids. A clamp arm that having two ends is provided: the first acts as a securing means, the second contains the clamp arm center of mass. The clamp arm is pivoted on the rotating chuck near the interface of the rotating chuck interior and the removable chamber exterior. The pivot allows for rotation of the clamp arm about the pivot, the pivot being located between the first end with the securing means and the second end containing the center of mass. When the chuck is rotating, the end of the clamp arm containing the center of mass rotates outward, causing the clamp arm securing means to pivot above the removable chamber thereby securing it in place.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for non-specifically enhancing the immune system response of a mammal to an antigen which comprises the steps of (a) withdrawing leukocyte containing material from the mammal, (b) treating the withdrawn leukocytes in a manner to alter the cella, and (c) returning the treated leukocytes to the mammal. The one embodiment, the method for non-specifically enhancing the immune system response of a mammal is carried out in conjunction with artificially contacting the mammal's immune system with an antigen for a suitable period of time to stimulate the immune system. In another embodiment, the mannal's immune system is naturally exposed to the antigen prior to the non-specific enhancement of the immune system. In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed at a method for preparing an autologous non-specific leukocyte adjuvant.

Abstract: A multicomponent fluid separation and irradiation system is described containing a centrifuge drum and a source of radiant energy located within the drum. In a first embodiment a disposable rigid separation/irradiation chamber is provided with a cylindrical outer compartment located within the drum and opposing the radiant energy source. Whole blood is supplied to the chamber through a dynamic seal located at the center of the chamber. As the chamber is rotated, blood is separated so that energy from the source passes through the inner wall of the chamber and the separated plasma layer to irradiate the buffy coat layer. In a second embodiment, one or both of the walls of the outer compartment of the chamber are flexible so that the chamber will expand as blood is pumped in and will collapse as blood is pumped out.

Abstract: A method is provided for specifically altering the immune system response of a mammal to a specific antigen. The method comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the mammal's immune system with the specific antigen for a suitable time period so as to artificially stimulate said immune system; (b) withdrawing blood cell containing material, including antigen stimulated blood cells, from the mammal; (c) treating the withdrawn material or cells so as to alter the stimulated cells; and (d) returning the material and treated cells to the mammal.