Abstract: A system, method and device for continuous mass transfer in fluids, such as blond. A mass transfer device is connected in a closed path between a blood source and a reservoir. Pumps and valves are provided to move the blood through the mass transfer device sequentially in a first path from the blood source to the reservoir and in a second pass from the reservoir to the blood source. Material may be added to the blood flowing from the source. The mass transfer device may be a fractionating device, In that case the system and method may be used for plasma collection, or for displacement of water preparatory to freezing of the blood, or for the formation of washed blood cells from either whole blood or thawed blood. The system and method may be used for hemodialysis, in which case the mass transfer device is a dialyzer.The fractionating device includes interleaved blood plates and blood fraction collection plates separated by semipermeable membranes.

Abstract: A system, method and device for continuously fractionating blood in situ. The fractionating device is connected in a closed loop to the donor and includes interleaved blood plates and blood fraction plates separated by a semipermeable membrane. Grooves in the plates direct blood flow and blood fraction collection. Uniform distribution among the plates and intraplate is obtained by manifolds.

Abstract: A system, method and device for continuously fractionating blood in situ. The fractionating device is connected in a closed loop to the donor and includes interleaved blood plates and blood fraction plates separated by a semipermeable membrane. Grooves in the plates direct blood flow and blood fraction collection. Uniform distribution among the plates and intraplate is obtained by manifolds.The input and output pressures of the blood pump are sensed and inputed to an microprocessor, into which donor data including weight, sex, and hematocrit is also keyed by the user. The microprocessor operates under program control to calculate, based on the donor data, the amount of plasma to be collected and the amount of anticoagulant to be added. The program controls the operation of the extracorporeal devices, regulates the operating parameters, and stops the procedure when the predetermined amount of plasma has been obtained.

Abstract: A bag clamping arrangement, such as an arrangement for automatically controlling the filling volume and overflow of a liquid conducted into a flexible bag which is clamped in the arrangement. The bag clamping arrangement is essentially constituted of a rigid upwardly open receptacle of substantially rectangular or a relatively large upper compartment, and wherein a narrow compartment which in open communication with the upper compartment depends downwardly from the bottom of the upper compartment so as to extend longitudinally and generally centrally across the full width of the receptacle. The lower compartment includes opposite parallel sidewalls which are down so as to form a reducing compartment width therebetween. Towards the lower end of the compartment is a plate-like clamping arrangement essentially constituted of a flat plate member which may be manually engaged through an elongate slot and gripping portion proximate its upper horizontal edge.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and process for continuously fractionating blood in which blood from a donor is passed along a semipermeable membrane through which passes a fraction to be collected. Turbulent blood flow is maintained to prevent a filter cake from building up on the membrane surface and thereby prevent the blood fraction from passing therethrough. The system includes the blood fractionator, a collection apparatus, a blood pump and appropriate blood clot filters. The rapid blood fraction production rate and the small size of the device facilitates in situ collection of the blood fraction. Fractionation rates upwards of 30 volume percent of blood flow are possible.

Abstract: A mass transfer device consists of a stack of alternating plates and membranes in which each plate includes on each surface two manifolds for distributing and collecting fluid transversely of the plate. Headers interconnect the stack with the plate manifold fluid inlets and outlets to distribute and collect fluid uniformly to and from each plate. Inlet and outlet manifold channels of each plate surface are connected by channels formed in the central portion of the plate. Mass transfer occurs across the membrane supported between adjacent plates with a first fluid on one side and a second fluid on the other side. Substantially uniform inter- and intra- plate fluid distribution and thin fluid films enhance mass transfer. The device, with slight alterations appropriate to the application, is useful for dialysis, hemodialysis, blood oxygenation, reverse osmosis, heat exchange, or gas scrubbing.

Abstract: A device for distributing fluid from an inlet to an outlet, in which a series of plates in stack configuration provides a continuously subdividing fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet such that the fluid distribution at the outlet is over a substantially greater area than the fluid at the inlet. Each plate in the stack of plates is provided with a plurality of apertures which in stack configuration define a plurality of fluid flow paths symmetrically about the axis of the fluid inlet.