Abstract: A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes.

Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifuge for separating whole blood into its blood components and a method for extracting a highly enriched thrombocyte concentrate out of whole blood. For this purpose, the centrifuge comprises a closed loop and/or open-loop control unit as well as a drive unit coupled to the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit, a rotor (12) having at least two container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16) for removably holding containers (18, 20, 22, 24) being in fluid communication with each other, at least one sensor arranged between the container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16b) and coupled with the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit for detecting a separation layer. Herein, a motor/gear unit (30a, 30b, 32a, 32b) coupled to the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit is associated with each of the container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16b).

Abstract: An umbilicus is provided for use in an umbilicus-driven fluid processing system. The umbilicus is free of a drive shaft and includes an umbilicus body having enlarged first and second ends, with an intermediate section located therebetween. At least one fluid-transmitting lumen extends between the first and second ends. The umbilicus further includes first and second end fittings, each associated with one of the ends of the umbilicus body. Each end fitting defines an interior cavity having a flared portion, with at least a portion of one of the enlarged ends of the umbilicus body being seated within the flared portion. The enlarged ends of the umbilicus body may be formed using a heated die at least partially inserted into the fluid-transmitting lumen.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cassette (2) comprising a product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) and a positioning means (3a, 3b) engageable with a counter-piece on a centrifuge having a rotor for separating blood components or on a system component (4) arranged in a centrifuge. The positioning is effected such that a section of the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) is aligned with a section of the centrifuge or the system component arranged in the centrifuge. Furthermore, a tube connected with bags is accommodated in the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b).

Abstract: The present description provides, in some embodiments, an apparatus for mixing a fluid in a circuit having an inlet channel defining a flow path for a fluid including particulate matter, a first reagent channel in fluid communication with the inlet channel and defining a first reagent flow path for a first reagent, the inlet channel and first reagent channel configured to shear the fluid entering the first reagent channel from the inlet channel at a first junction, a shearing channel in fluid communication with the inlet channel and first reagent channel at the first junction, and a diffusion channel in fluid communication with the shearing channel at a second junction, the sheared fluid collectable into the diffusion channel such that the fluid is compressed at least in part by the first reagent to have a thickness close to a diameter of the particulate matter in the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a characteristic of a sample includes a sample measurement apparatus (1404), which includes a light source (1406) configured to illuminate the sample; and a detector (1412) configured to receive light from the sample. The sample measurement apparatus is sized and dimensioned to fit within a centrifuge receptacle, the centrifuge receptacle (1416) coupled to a spindle configured to rotate the centrifuge receptacle to apply a force to the sample.

Abstract: A centrifugal separation kit is used for centrifugally separating whole blood and body fluid, and a method for centrifugal separation using the kit. The centrifugal separation kit is capable of easily extracting a target substance by installing an injector to a centrifugal separation tube and collecting the centrifugally separated target substance with the injector.

Abstract: Fluid separation chambers are provided for rotation about an axis in a fluid processing system. The fluid separation chamber may be provided with first and second stages, with the first and second stages being positioned at different axial locations. In another embodiment, at least one of the stages may be provided with a non-uniform outer diameter about the rotational axis, which may define a generally spiral-shaped profile or a different profile for fractionating a fluid or fluid component. One or more of the stages may also have a varying outer diameter along the axis. The profile of the chamber may be provided by the chamber itself (in the case of rigid chambers) or by an associated fixture or centrifuge apparatus (in the case of flexible chambers).

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods are provided for controlling the interface between separated blood components. The system includes a blood separation chamber configured to separate blood into first and second blood components and an outlet line for removing at least a portion of the first blood component from the blood separation chamber. A primary optical sensor assembly is associated with the blood separation chamber to directly monitor the interior of the blood separation chamber. A secondary optical sensor assembly is associated with the outlet line to monitor the first blood component in the outlet line. The system also includes a controller programmed to select between the primary optical sensor assembly and the secondary optical sensor assembly for monitoring contamination of the first blood component. The system is particularly advantageous for preventing contamination of separated plasma which is lipemic or hemolytic.

Abstract: A food mixing machine (20) has an agitator (25) to mix food in a cup (C). A cup holder (31) is provided with a flexible boot (32) which receives the cup (C). The cup holder (31) is moveable through an opening (90) in the machine (20) and carries a gripping assembly (33) and an actuator assembly (34). The actuator assembly (34) is moveable relative to the gripping assembly (33) and is biased by springs (35) to maintain fingers (56) of the gripping assembly (33) in engagement with the cup (C). When it is desired to release the cup (C), a release assembly (80) overcomes the bias of the springs (35). As the cup holder (31) moves through the opening (90), the area between the cup holder (31) and the opening (90) is sealed by a seal assembly (91) so that food materials cannot go through the opening (90).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid composite, a device for producing the fluid composite, and a system for producing an aerated fluid composite therewith, and more specifically a fluid composite made of a fuel and its oxidant for burning as part of different systems such as fuel burners or combustion chambers and the like. The invention also relates to an emulsion, an apparatus for producing an emulsion, a system for producing an emulsion with the apparatus for producing the emulsion, a method for producing a dynamic preparation with the emulsion, and more specifically to a new type of a stable liquid/liquid emulsion in the field of colloidal chemistry, such as a water/fuel or fuel/fuel emulsion for all spheres of industry.

Abstract: The microwave sterilization chamber (10) is made in the shape of a downwardly open bell which can be sealed by a base structure (6, 19, 20) which carries means (5) for gripping and rotating the canister (1) filled with waste, which can be moved by suitable means from a low position for the filling and discharge of the canister (1) to a raised position for the closure of said chamber and for the insertion of the full canister (1) into the chamber, each canister being provided with means by which it can be removably supported by said means of gripping and rotating the sterilization chamber (10), and can be gripped by the manipulating means (SM) which transfer said canister between the different operating stations of the machine.

Abstract: A system for separating components defining a cavity for receiving the fluid. The system further includes a rigid insert sSidably disposed in the cavity, the insert including a funnel-shaped upper portion and a hole therethrough. The insert has a density such that upon centrifugation a selected component of the fluid resides within the upper portion of the insert. A bone marrow aspiration device includes an introducer needle assembly and an aspiration needle assembly. The introducer needle assembly includes an introducer cannula and a removable trocar. The aspiration needle assembly includes a flexible aspiration cannula and a flexible stylet. The length of the aspiration cannula is substantially greater than the length of the introducer cannula. The aspiration needle assembly is receivable in the introducer cannula when the trocar is removed from the introducer needle assembly. The aspiration cannula forms a channel for aspirating bone marrow when the stylet is removed.

Abstract: A cartridge is configured for insertion and centrifugation in a centrifuge. The cartridge includes a first drum which has a first chamber, and a displacement device which is designed to rotate the first drum about a center axis thereof to selectively and conductively connect the first chamber to a second or a third chamber. In another embodiment, the cartridge includes a first drum which has a first chamber and a second chamber, and a displacement device which is designed to rotate the first drum about the center axis thereof to selectively and conductively connect the first chamber to a third chamber or the second chamber to the third chamber. The displacement device has an actuator which directly or indirectly moves the first drum about the center axis.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a nanoparticle preparation at a high temperature is provided. A plurality of nanoparticles are purified to form the preparation, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least a core and a shell and the shell comprises one or more ligand species attached to the core. The nanoparticle preparation is made by a purified nanoparticle composition, a carrier fluid and an excess of the one or more ligand species not attached to the core. The ligand species attached to the core and the excess ligand species added after purification are structurally identical. The nanoparticle preparation provided by the present invention may be used as contrast agents in medical imaging techniques such as X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cassette (2) comprising a product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) and a shut-off device (19a, 19b) integrated into the cassette for interrupting a product flow. The shut-off device is arranged at a rim of the cassette such that the shut-off device (19a, 19b) can be directly operated manually and/or mechanically. The product-conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) leads through the shut-off device (19a, 19b). The cassette consists of a lower part (5) and an upper part (7) which are connectable to each other by connecting means (9, 11, 13, 15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for separating blood using a centrifuge in order to obtain different blood fractions. The aim of the invention is to eliminate the risk of contamination during the supply of blood and the removal of blood fractions. To achieve this, the separation container is filled with blood via a feed connection that can be aseptically connected to the container, the relevant blood fraction is removed from the separation container via a removal connection that can be aseptically connected to the container and both the feed device and the removal device form a respective closed system during the sterile connection to the separation container. The separation container (4) has at least one feed connection (5, 6) that can be aseptically connected to the container and at least one removal connection (7) that can be aseptically connected to the container, to which hermetically sealed feed and removal devices (8, 9, 10) can be aseptically attached in a sterile manner.

Abstract: Endoscope connection portions, a fluid feeding duct, a liquid supply duct, a pump, a first atmospheric exposure duct including one end connected to the fluid feeding duct and the other end exposed to atmosphere, a relief valve disposed at an intermediate position of the first atmospheric exposure duct, a first stop section disposed at an intermediate position of the first atmospheric exposure duct, and a control section that performs control to supply a liquid to ducts of endoscopes and controls at least opening/closing operation of the first stop section are included.

Abstract: The invention provides a sequential centrifuge for centrifuging discrete samples. Methods of more efficiently centrifuging discrete samples sequentially are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially centrifuging discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional batch centrifuges. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample processing system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved in centrifuging discrete samples in a sequential manner.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating a biological safety cabinet with a falling film evaporator. The method includes the steps of: providing a falling-film evaporator within a cavity of a biological safety cabinet, the evaporator having a housing defining a cavity and an evaporation element is disposed in the cavity; conveying a liquid decontaminant from a source of liquid decontaminant to the evaporation element such that the liquid decontaminant flows along a surface of the evaporation element; conveying a carrier gas through the cavity of the housing wherein the carrier gas is conveyed along the surface of the evaporation element to evaporate the liquid decontaminant thereby forming a mixture of the carrier gas and the vaporized decontaminant; and exhausting the mixture into the cavity of the biological safety cabinet to decontaminate articles and surfaces in the cavity.