Abstract: A fluid processing device includes a detection assembly having a source and a detector. The source emits a signal to fluid or a fluid component in the fluid processing device, with at least a portion of the signal reaching the detector. The detection assembly further includes one or more adjustment systems configured to adjust the position and/or orientation of one or more components of the detection assembly. The position and/or orientation of the entire source and/or the entire detector, the position and/or orientation of a component of the source with respect to another component of the source, and/or the position and/or orientation of a component of the detector with respect to another component of the detector may be adjusted to increase the signal received by the detector.

Abstract: A retaining table for use with a fluid processing system includes a plate having a generally flat top surface with opposed first and second ends and opposed first and second lateral edges for supporting a disposable container, a first retaining structure connected to the plate along the first end, and a second retaining structure connected to the plate along the second end.

Abstract: A fluid processing device includes a detection assembly having a source and a detector. The source emits a signal to fluid or a fluid component in the fluid processing device, with at least a portion of the signal reaching the detector. The detection assembly further includes one or more adjustment systems configured to adjust the position and/or orientation of one or more components of the detection assembly. The position and/or orientation of the entire source and/or the entire detector, the position and/or orientation of a component of the source with respect to another component of the source, and/or the position and/or orientation of a component of the detector with respect to another component of the detector may be adjusted to increase the signal received by the detector.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor assembly includes a chamber assembly, a bearing support, and a counterweight that is substantially diametrically opposed to the bearing support with respect to the chamber assembly. The chamber assembly receives a processing chamber of a fluid circuit, while the bearing support receives a portion of an umbilicus that is fluidly connected to the processing chamber. The bearing support and counterweight are rotated about a central axis of the chamber assembly by an electric drive of the centrifuge rotor assembly, with the bearing support and counterweight remaining substantially diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the chamber assembly while being rotated about the central axis. The electric drive may rotate the bearing support and counterweight at a plurality of different speeds, with the counterweight automatically moving with respect to the bearing support between radially innermost and radially outermost positions to balance the centrifuge rotor assembly.

Abstract: A cassette holder includes an actuator assembly and a cassette plate. The actuator assembly includes an actuator (e.g., a valve actuator or a sensing actuator) and a shaft, with the shaft including a head, a base, and a perimeter groove defined between the head and the base. The cassette plate includes an opening aligned with the actuator and a keyhole at least partially aligned with the shaft. The keyhole is associated with a channel of the cassette plate, which is configured to receive at least a portion of a lever. The lever is movable between a locked position (in which the lever is primarily positioned within the channel) preventing removal of the shaft from the keyhole and an unlocked position (in which the lever is primarily positioned outside of the channel) allowing for removal of the shaft from the keyhole.

Abstract: A cassette holder includes an actuator assembly and a cassette plate. The actuator assembly includes an actuator (e.g., a valve actuator or a sensing actuator) and a shaft, with the shaft including a head, a base, and a perimeter groove defined between the head and the base. The cassette plate includes an opening aligned with the actuator and a keyhole at least partially aligned with the shaft. The keyhole is associated with a channel of the cassette plate, which is configured to receive at least a portion of a lever. The lever is movable between a locked position (in which the lever is primarily positioned within the channel) preventing removal of the shaft from the keyhole and an unlocked position (in which the lever is primarily positioned outside of the channel) allowing for removal of the shaft from the keyhole.

Abstract: A blood processing system includes a centrifuge and an optical monitoring system mounted at a stationary radial position with respect to the centrifuge. A flow circuit may be mounted within the centrifuge, with an umbilicus of the flow circuit extending outside of the centrifuge. A midsection of the umbilicus is orbited around a rotational axis of the centrifuge at a uniform first speed, which causes the centrifuge to rotate at a non-uniform second speed that is approximately double the first speed. The monitoring system is configured to view the flow circuit through a radial window of the centrifuge to determine a characteristic of the flow circuit. The yoke and/or umbilicus may occasionally move into position between the monitoring system and the window, so a controller of the monitoring system is configured to determine when unobstructed light reflected through the window by the centrifuge is received by the monitoring system.

Abstract: A fluid processing cassette and sensor coupling system is disclosed, comprising a cassette comprising a cap having an opening formed by an inner cylindrical wall having a first diameter, an outer cylindrical wall having a second diameter, and a contact surface connecting the inner and outer cylindrical walls. The contact surface includes a varying diameter that decreases from the second diameter to the first diameter. A sensor post comprises a ring disposed around a cylindrical body and is positioned to engage with the contact surface of the cap to form a seal.

Abstract: A peristaltic pumping apparatus for use in blood processing procedures, comprising: a pump rotor rotatable about a rotational axis and a pump raceway circumferentially spaced about the axis; a pump cap disposed atop the pump rotor, the pump cap having a finger configured to engage a tubing loop of a length of tubing at a time of loading the tubing and guide the tubing loop within the raceway along the length of the tubing loop; and wherein the pump cap further comprises a tensioning wall disposed laterally opposite the finger, the tensioning wail configured to engage a length of the tubing loop at a time of unloading the tubing and provide tension to the tubing length as the tubing loop exits the raceway.

Abstract: A blood processing system includes a centrifuge and an optical monitoring system mounted at a stationary radial position with respect to the centrifuge. A flow circuit may be mounted within the centrifuge, with an umbilicus of the flow circuit extending outside of the centrifuge. A midsection of the umbilicus is orbited around a rotational axis of the centrifuge at a uniform first speed, which causes the centrifuge to rotate at a non-uniform second speed that is approximately double the first speed. The monitoring system is configured to view the flow circuit through a radial window of the centrifuge to determine a characteristic of the flow circuit. The yoke and/or umbilicus may occasionally move into position between the monitoring system and the window, so a controller of the monitoring system is configured to determine when unobstructed light reflected through the window by the centrifuge is received by the monitoring system.

Abstract: A fluid processing cassette and sensor coupling system is disclosed, comprising a cassette comprising a cap having an opening formed by an inner cylindrical wall having a first diameter, an outer cylindrical wall having a second diameter, and a contact surface connecting the inner and outer cylindrical walls. The contact surface includes a varying diameter that decreases from the second diameter to the first diameter. A sensor post comprises a ring disposed around a cylindrical body and is positioned to engage with the contact surface of the cap to form a seal.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor assembly includes a chamber assembly, a bearing support, and a counterweight that is substantially diametrically opposed to the bearing support with respect to the chamber assembly. The chamber assembly receives a processing chamber of a fluid circuit, while the bearing support receives a portion of an umbilicus that is fluidly connected to the processing chamber. The bearing support and counterweight are rotated about a central axis of the chamber assembly by an electric drive of the centrifuge rotor assembly, with the bearing support and counterweight remaining substantially diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the chamber assembly while being rotated about the central axis. The electric drive may rotate the bearing support and counterweight at a plurality of different speeds, with the counterweight automatically moving with respect to the bearing support between radially innermost and radially outermost positions to balance the centrifuge rotor assembly.

Abstract: A blood component sampling system and method are disclosed. The system is pre-connected and includes a collected blood component container and a reservoir having substantially fixed volume and at least one volumetric indicator indicating a selected volume and a sample container docking station configured to cooperate with a sample collection container. The system and method provide ease of sampling with reduced risk of contamination.

Abstract: A peristaltic pumping apparatus for use in blood processing procedures, comprising: a pump rotor rotatable about a rotational axis and a pump raceway circumferentially spaced about the axis; a pump cap disposed atop the pump rotor, the pump cap having a finger configured to engage a tubing loop of a length of tubing at a time of loading the tubing and guide the tubing loop within the raceway along the length of the tubing loop; and wherein the pump cap further comprises a tensioning wall disposed laterally opposite the finger, the tensioning wail configured to engage a length of the tubing loop at a time of unloading the tubing and provide tension to the tubing length as the tubing loop exits the raceway.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is provided for use with a fluid flow device, such as a blood separation system. The clamping apparatus includes a clamp head at least partially defining first and second tube openings each to receive tubing. The clamping apparatus also includes a first actuator coupled to a first flow control member. The first flow control member is configured to be movable via the first actuator relative to the first tube opening to control fluid flow through tubing located in the first tube opening. The clamping apparatus further includes a second actuator coupled to a second flow control member. The second flow control member is movable via the second actuator relative to the second tube opening to control fluid flow through tubing located in the second tube opening.

Abstract: A connector for providing sterile access to a flexible container is provided that comprises a tubular member having a first portion and a second portion, each of the first portion and the second portion having an open end. The first portion and second portion are joined to each other by a frangible segment, with each of the first portion and the second portion having a gripable surface associated therewith that is configured to facilitate the application of torsional force to the tubular member at the frangible segment. Upon the application of a sufficient amount of torsional force, the frangible segment will break, permitting the first and second portions to be separated from each other.

Abstract: Medical needle assemblies incorporating a needle cover are provided. According to one aspect, the needle cover is integrally formed from a material that: (1) is sufficiently rigid to prevent bending of an underlying cannula, (2) is suitable for allowing a frangible portion thereof to be broken under pre-selected conditions, and/or (3) has a moisture vapor transmission rate sufficient for steam sterilization of a needle tip enclosed by the needle cover. According to another aspect, at least part of a cap portion and a hub portion of the needle cover are translucent. According to yet another aspect, the needle cover is provided with a wing having an enlarged rib suitable for gripping during separation of a cap portion from the remainder of the needle cover.

Abstract: A blood component sampling system and method are disclosed. The system is pre-connected and includes a collected blood component container and a reservoir having substantially fixed volume and at least one volumetric indicator indicating a selected volume and a sample container docking station configured to cooperate with a sample collection container. The system and method provide ease of sampling with reduced risk of contamination.