Abstract: A system for metering nutrient media to cell culture containers includes a media flow conduit which defines at one end means for substantially aseptic communication with the source of the media. In a preferred embodiment, sterile connectors may be used for essentially sterile conditions. A branch conduit extends from the flow conduit at a location spaced from the ends. The branch conduit communicates with means for receiving a predetermined-volume aliquot of media through the media flow conduit from said one end. The flow conduit also defines a portion downstream from the branch conduit, which communicates with at least one cell culture container, each container being a flexible bag. At least part of the flexible bag is made of a material capable of providing at least 2 times the oxygen diffusion and at least 2 times the carbon dioxide diffusion between the bag interior and exterior, compared with an identically-sized, sealed bag having polyethylene walls 0.013 inch thick.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system has a container with an integrally attached sample cell. A selected fluid can be accumulated in the container. The sample cell can be filled with part of the fluid in the container and then isolated from the container by heat or dielectric sealing. The fluid in the sample cell can be brought into contact with selected test reagents. The test reagents can provide a visual indicia of the presence of selected characteristics in the fluid.

Abstract: A workstation for use in processing units of blood into components includes hangers for supporting the primary and transfer containers usable to store and transport the blood components, an optical sensor for sensing the outflow of red blood cells from the primary container, electrically actuated solenoid clamps for selectively opening and closing flow lines from an additive container and flow lines to the transfer containers. Electrically controlled radiant energy sources can be used to provide sterile flow connections where sterile connectors are joined together to form the blood component transfer set.

Abstract: A fluid collection system includes an input unit having a hollow needle coupled through a section of flexible conduit to an anticoagulant reservoir which is in turn coupled via a second section of hollow conduit to a first sterile connector. A collection container, which can be a dry, flexible, plastic bag, is coupled by a plastic conduit to second and third sterile connectors. The first and second connectors can be joined together and sealed to form a sterile system. A transfer container includes a flexible plastic container coupled via a hollow plastic conduit to a fourth sterile connector. The fourth sterile connector is joinable with the third sterile connector to form a sterile two container system. Fluids collected in the primary container can then be transferred to the secondary container.

Abstract: A rotatable processing bowl assembly adapted for mounting in a centrifuge includes an umbilical tubing system formed of a plurality of individual flexible tubes each of which communicates with the processing bowl. Each tube has an exterior wall and includes a first portion extending adjacently from the bowl and a second portion which is spaced from the bowl. The exterior walls of the tubes are bonded together along their first portions so that the joined exterior walls collectively define the outer periphery of the tubing system along the first portions of the tubes. Preferably, the tubes are also wound to form a predetermined helical pattern along their first portions. This arrangement enhances the tubing system's durability and resistance to fatigue along the bonded together first portions, particularly at higher rotational speeds, and permits direct, facile connection of the free and unattached second portions with external apparatus.

Abstract: A rotatable processing bowl assembly adapted for mounting in a centrifuge includes an umbilical tubing system formed of a plurality of individual flexible tubes each of which communicates with the processing bowl. Each tube has an exterior wall and includes a first portion extending adjacently from the bowl and a second portion which is spaced from the bowl. The exterior walls of the tubes are bonded together along their first portions so that the joined exterior walls collectively define the outer periphery of the tubing system along the first portions of the tubes. Preferably, the tubes are also wound to form a predetermined helical pattern along their first portions. This arrangement enhances the tubing system's durability and resistance to fatigue along the bonded together first portions, particularly at higher rotational speeds, and permits direct, facile connection of the free and unattached second portions with external apparatus.

Abstract: A rotatable processing bowl-type apparatus for separating blood components where a plurality of flexible umbilical tubes are positioned to establish communication with a processing bowl at one end thereof. Certain segments of each of the cables are stiffer than other segments of the same cables for improved life and performance. Also, outer portions of portions of the cables are impregnated with silicone oil.

Abstract: Flexible coextruded tubing having an outer portion (14) of polyvinyl chloride plastic containing a minor amount of intimately mixed silicone oil and having an inner portion (12) of plastic free of silicone oil.

Abstract: Blood plasma is frozen in a sealed, flexible, collapsible container which defines an inlet at one end and a shoulder portion surrounding the inlet. The container tapers from the shoulder portion to a generally flat configuration at its end opposite the one end. After the freezing step, the shoulder portion is cut away from the container to define a cut end. Thereafter, the frozen plasma may be removed from the container in frozen form by squeezing the wall of the tapered container to expel the frozen plasma out of the cut end of the container.

Abstract: A connection of a tubular member with a flexible plastic container includes an aperture in the wall of the flexible plastic container. The tubular member is positioned adjacent the aperture, with the axis of the tubular member being generally parallel to the plane of the aperture. Lateral apertures are defined in the tubular member in communication with the aperture, and an outer wall sealingly surrounds the portion of the tubular member adjacent the aperture to prevent leakage therefrom.

Abstract: A flexible, collapsible blood bag which defines an access port at one end thereof. The blood bag contains cellophane film of sufficient area to process blood or plasma placed in the bag, so that reinfusion of the blood to a normal donor, after an appropriate residence time in the bag, causes a transient increase in the neutrophil count of the donor's blood. The cellophane film in the bag is folded in an ordered manner, to define generally parallel flow channels having ends positioned adjacent the access port. A screen member may be positioned between the cellophane film and the access port to prevent blocking thereof by the cellophane film. Also, the cellophane film may define a large plurality of raised surface portions, relative to the normal plane of the film, to facilitate the spacing of adjacent, folded layers of the film from each other. This facilitates the definition of the flow channels for blood distribution throughout the cellophane film.