Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plurality of filter assemblies is provided that includes providing first and second housing sheets and positioning a filtration medium therebetween. Heat and pressure are applied to form first, second, and peripheral seals of at least two filter assemblies at the same time. Each second seal is positioned outboard of the associated first seal with a non-seal area therebetween, while each peripheral seal is positioned outboard of the associated second seal. The first seal commingles the housing sheets and the filtration medium, while the peripheral seal and the periphery of the second seal commingle only the housing sheets. The peripheral seal may include a tear seal to enable separation of a plurality of adjacent filter assemblies.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling fluid flow in a flow circuit of the type including at least two flexible containers which are fluidly connected by a conduit. The system includes a pressure chamber having an interior which receives one of the containers of the flow circuit. The pressure chamber has at least one port which communicates between the interior of the pressure chamber and the outside environment and receives at least a portion of the conduit of the flow circuit. The pressure chamber also includes a pressure/vacuum source for increasing the pressure in the interior of the pressure chamber above atmospheric pressure and decreasing the pressure in the interior of the pressure chamber below atmospheric pressure. The pressure chamber may include other elements, such as interface detectors, clamping devices, sealing devices, and access devices for automatically processing fluid, such as separated blood.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling fluid flow in a flow circuit of the type including at least two flexible containers which are fluidly connected by a conduit. The system includes a pressure chamber having an interior which receives one of the containers of the flow circuit. The pressure chamber has at least one port which communicates between the interior of the pressure chamber and the outside environment and receives at least a portion of the conduit of the flow circuit. The pressure chamber also includes a pressure/vacuum source for increasing the pressure in the interior of the pressure chamber above atmospheric pressure and decreasing the pressure in the interior of the pressure chamber below atmospheric pressure. The pressure chamber may include other elements, such as interface detectors, clamping devices, sealing devices, and access devices for automatically processing fluid, such as separated blood.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a blood filter assembly is provided that includes the steps of providing a first housing sheet and a second housing sheet. The method includes locating and sealing at least one port onto each of the first and second housing sheets. The method includes locating the filtration medium between the first housing sheet and the second housing sheet. The method includes applying heat and pressure to form at least one seal that commingles the first and second housing sheets along with the filtration medium, wherein the periphery of the seal commingles only the first and second housing sheets.

Abstract: Flow controllers for controlling flow through a fluid circuit are disclosed. The flow controllers disclosed can close an open flow through a fluid circuit or divert flow from one destination to another.