Abstract: Continuous, noncentrifugal, unit gravity, sedimentation process and apparatus for carrying out the process, for separating blood into an erythrocyte-enriched plasma fraction and a leukocyte/platelet-enriched plasma fraction.

Abstract: A chamber block for a centrifuge is provided with an inlet orifice, inlet channel, outlet channel and outlet orifice through which a sample of cells and supernatant may be centrifuged onto a deposition surface. The chamber block includes a recess sized to receive a plug of an absorbent material which withdraws excess supernatant from the deposition surface.

Abstract: An arrangement for withdrawing supernatant from a deposition surface is provided for use with a cytocentrifuge chamber block. The block receives an absorbent plug in a recess provided therein. The plug is restrained from movement past a predetermined point until a predetermined insertion force corresponding to a predetermined rotor speed is imposed on the plug. At that time a resilient restraining arrangement deflects to permit the plug to advance with respect to the block. The restraining arrangement preferably takes the form of tines resiliently mounted to the plug.

Abstract: The invention is a pipette controller for facilitating the handling of liquids by a pipette. The pipette attaches to the pipette controller. The pipette controller has a handle which is proximate to the attached pipette and substantially parallel to the pipette. The user operates the pipette controller by working a thumb wheel on the handle which is mechanically coupled to a bellows which controls the liquid level in the attached pipette. When operating the pipette controller, the user grasps the hand below the thumb wheel at a position which is approximately medial to the length of a typical pipette.

Abstract: The invention is a device and a method for preparing serum from blood. The invention is used in conjunction with the centrifugal separation of serum from blood for filtering fibrin and other particulates from the separated serum and for partitioning the serum filtrate from unfiltered blood. During the first phase of centrifugation, a detent holds the serum preparator in check within the centripedal end of a tube containing the blood while the components of blood separate by sedimentation and backflow. Once all cellular components have sedimented to the pellet, the second phase of centrifugation begins and the sedimentation of the serum preparator is initiated by a triggering centrifugal force. During sedimentation, the serum preparator forces displaced serum to pass across a filter spanning an aperture through the serum preparator. The sedimentation velocity of the device and the rate of filtration are controlled by a brake on the serum preparator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating cells according to differences in sedimentation velocity comprises a vessel preferably constructed from a cylindrical body of ring formation, the height of which is substantially less than its diameter, and from top and bottom plates sealingly and removably attached to the ring. The vessel is preferably mounted on a tiltable platform for controlled movement between tilted and horizontal positions and has a small horizontal cross-sectional area in the tilted position relative to such area in the horizontal position. The vessel is provided with two ports; a lower port communicating with a lowermost level of the vessel while in the tilted position and an upper port communicating with the uppermost level in the tilted position. Flow distributing structure is provided preferably between each port and the interior of the vessel whereby the force of liquid flowing into the vessel through a port is dissipated.

Abstract: A chamber block for a centrifuge has a sample inlet channel at the lower end of which is disposed a dam to prevent run-through of a sample, and barrier to prevent re-entry of supernatant from a supernatant collection vial into the block.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is described which facilitates the preparation of cell dispersions on microscope slides. The rotor is bowl-like in configuration and defines an annular channel having plural circumferentially disposed septa. The septa provide plural separate regions each adapted to receive removable chambers. The outer wall in each region is flat to accommodate a microscope slide. Each chamber has an outlet orifice adapted to contact the microscope slide. A sample containing blood cells, for example, may be placed in each chamber and the cells centrifugally sedimented against the slide associated with the respective chambers. A gasket at the interface between each slide and its chamber prevents leakage of the sample and a conduit in each chamber permits removal of the supernatant fluid following cell sedimentation.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is described which facilitates the preparation of cell dispersions on microscope slides. The rotor is bowl-like in configuration and defines plural peripheral regions adapted to receive the slides and a removable sample chamber associated with each slide. Each chamber has an outlet adpated to contact its slide. A sample, containing blood cells, for example, may be placed in a chamber and the cells centrifugally sedimented against the slide associated therewith. Excess or unwanted fluid is removed from the chamber by applying a vacuum through a vacuum line and hollow drive shaft. Leaf springs maintain each chamber in position and the vacuum line in fluid contact with the chamber. The vacuum line conecting each chamber cooperates with its leaf spring such that if a chamber is missing, the leaf spring closes the vacuum line.

Abstract: A leukapheresis process is disclosed in which an expandable bed of synthetic polymeric packing having a diameter of from 90 .mu.m to 2000 .mu.m and preferably 200 .mu.m to 400 .mu.m is used to adhere granulocytes from blood. The granulocytes are harvested from the packing by expanding the bed and washing with a physiologically acceptable solution.