Abstract: Flow controllers are provided for interconnecting a fluid source to two separate collection zones. The flow controllers include a body having a fluid inlet communicating with the source and two fluid outlets, each communicating with one of the collection zones. An actuator member received within a cavity of the body includes first and second flow paths. In a first position, the first flow path is aligned with the fluid inlet of the body to allow fluid communication with one of the fluid outlets and the associated collection zone. The actuator member is non-rotationally moved to a second position within the cavity to align the second flow path with the fluid inlet of the body, thereby halting flow through the first flow path and allowing fluid communication with the other collection zone. An optional safety feature prevents movement of the actuator member from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A biological suspension processing system is disclosed that may include a suspension treatment device for treating one or more components of a biological suspension, a first fluid flow path for introducing a suspension into the treatment device and a second fluid flow path for withdrawing a constituent of the suspension from the device. At least one microelectromechanical (MEM) sensor communicates with one of the fluid flow paths for sensing a selected characteristic of the fluid therewith. The MEM sensor may be located elsewhere, such as on a container or bag and communicate with the interior for sensing a characteristic of the fluid contained therein. A wide variety of characteristics may be sensed, such as flow rate, pH, cell type, cell antigenicity, DNA, viral or bacterial presence, cholesterol, hematocrit, cell concentration, cell count, partial pressure, pathogen presence, or viscosity.

Abstract: A biological suspension processing system is disclosed that may include a suspension treatment device for treating one or more components of a biological suspension, a first fluid flow path for introducing a suspension into the treatment device and a second fluid flow path for withdrawing a constituent of the suspension from the device. At least on microelectromechanical (MEM) sensor communicates with one of the fluid flow paths for sensing a selected characteristic of the fluid therewith. The MEM sensor may be located elsewhere, such as on a container or bag and communicate with the interior for sensing a characteristic of the fluid contained therein. A wide variety of characteristics may be sensed, such as flow rate, pH, cell type, cell antigenicity, DNA, viral or bacterial presence, cholesterol, hematocrit, cell concentration, cell count, partial pressure, pathogen presence, or viscosity.

Abstract: An existing communication occurring over a first type network may be communicated in high quality manner over another network when the quality of service of the first type network deteriorates. A real-time communication, such as a telephone call or other streaming data, may be automatically switched between various communication paths based on the quality of service of one of the paths. The communication paths may be internet protocol paths, circuit switched paths or other communication paths that support real-time communication of data.

Abstract: A biological suspension processing system is disclosed that may include a suspension treatment device for treating one or more components of a biological suspension, a first fluid flow path for introducing a suspension into the treatment device and a second fluid flow path for withdrawing a constituent of the suspension from the device. At least on microelectromechanical (MEM) sensor communicates with one of the fluid flow paths for sensing a selected characteristic of the fluid therewith. The MEM sensor may be located elsewhere, such as on a container or bag and communicate with the interior for sensing a characteristic of the fluid contained therein. A wide variety of characteristics may be sensed, such as flow rate, pH, cell type, cell antigenicity, DNA, viral or bacterial presence, cholesterol, hematocrit, cell concentration, cell count, partial pressure, pathogen presence, or viscosity.

Abstract: A blood processing centrifuge includes a disposable fluid processing assembly having a fluid processing chamber. Fluid is communicated to and from the fluid processing chamber through a flexible umbilicus. The fluid processing chamber spins while the centrifuge pulls the umbilicus around an axis of centrifugation. The centrifuge engages the umbilicus through a thrust bearing received in a gimbal assembly carried on a rotating wing plate. The gimbal assembly allows the umbilicus to pivot relative to the wing plate under the forces developed during centrifugation. The gimbal assembly includes a bearing retainer adapted to securely retain umbilicus thrust bearings of differing sizes a gimbal that loosely but securely retains the bearing retainer. Clearance between the gimbal and the bearing retainer enable the bearing retainer to accommodate thrust bearings of differing sizes without causing gimbal binding.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump tube holder includes a body that supports a flexible tubing loop in an erect, outwardly bowed position extending from the body for engagement with a peristaltic pump rotor. The holder also includes a receptacle carrying the body. The receptacle includes a wall forming a chamber that covers the flexible tubing loop and at least partially shields it from contact. The chamber further serves, during engagement between the tubing loop and a peristaltic pump rotor, as a cover for the peristaltic pump rotor.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump tube holder includes a body that supports a flexible tubing loop in an erect, outwardly bowed position extending from the body for engagement with a peristaltic pump rotor. The holder also includes a receptacle carrying the body. The receptacle includes a wall forming a chamber that covers the flexible tubing loop and at least partially shields it from contact. The chamber further serves, during engagement between the tubing loop and a peristaltic pump rotor, as a cover for the peristaltic pump rotor.

Abstract: A support assembly for process control equipment includes a cabinet containing processing equipment. A vertical support pole is supported on said cabinet through a collar for extension and retraction. Process control equipment such as electronic control equipment and a video monitor is mounted on the upper end of the pole. At least one, and preferably two, constant force springs biased into a fully coiled position are attached at one end to the lower end of the pole. The opposite end of the springs are mounted for free rotation on a spool which is secured to the cabinet, whereby raising and lowering of the process control equipment is facilitated.

Abstract: A peristaltic pumping apparatus includes a peristaltic pump rotor and pump race. A pump tube cassette includes a body for supporting a flexible tubing loop in an erect, outwardly bowed position for placement within the pump race and for removal from the pump race. A surface juxtaposed the peristaltic pump rotor and race carries a gripping jaw assembly. The gripping jaw assembly opens to receive the pump tube cassette body as the body is moved toward the pump rotor to place the tubing loop within the pump race. The gripping jaw assembly closes to secure the pump tube holder body on the surface in an orientation in which the tubing loop lies within the pump race for engagement with the peristaltic pump rotor.

Abstract: A self-loading peristaltic pumping apparatus includes a pump race for receiving a tubing loop, a pump rotor carrying a roller, and a drive mechanism for rotating the rotor within the pump race. The apparatus also includes a roller locating mechanism that moves the pump roller between a retracted position, free of contact with the received tubing loop, and an extended position, at least partially within the pump race for operative contact with the received tubing loop. The apparatus includes at least one tubing guide element carried by the rotor. The guide element extends from the rotor at least partially into the pump race. The guide element serves during rotation of the rotor with the roller in its retracted position, for contacting the received tubing loop to orient the tubing loop within the pump race.

Abstract: A container for pooling plasma and the like has an integral cap. The cap includes an air vent with an inline bacterial filter. The cap also includes a fluid passage to which a length of tubing is integrally connected. The tubing includes at its unattached end one or more connector members which can be coupled to a fluid source to enable fluid to be transferred into the container via the tubing. The connector members are releasably secured to the cap prior to use. After fluid transfer is complete, the transfer tubing is sealed and severed close to the cap. The cap includes a pocket which receives the remaining sealed end portion of the tubing to protect the sealed end portion from inadvertent contact and damage during subsequent handling. The cover includes a plug which can be moved into a position which hermetically seals the vent and, thus, the entire container.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of 3-(4-lithiosulfophenoxy)-1,2-propanediol relatively free from inorganic impurities is represented wherein the subject material is made by reacting lithiosulfophenol with either glycerol monochlorhydrin or epichlorohydrin in aqueous solution in the presence of an alkaline calcium compound and thereafter purifying by removing the calcium sulfate and hydrochloric acid from the aqueous reaction media. The subject material can be obtained at purities of 98% in yields exceeding 70%.

Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of preforming into an elongate mold charge a gob of molten glass issuing from the outlet orifice of a forehearth and delivering such elongate charge to the forming cavity of a forming mold with the virgin or untouched surface of the charge facing downwardly in such cavity thereby providing to the mold cavity a mold charge having one or a lower surface of high optical quality. A mothering or serving cup receives said gob from said outlet orifice and is horizontally moved to spread or preform the gob into the elongate mold charge with the upper surface thereof being untouched, and the cup is then inverted to deliver the charge to a mold cavity with said upper surface of the gob facing downwardly.