Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprising a circular centrifuge separation channel having an inlet for receiving a liquid to be separated and an outlet for providing components of the liquid in separated layers at different radial locations, a collection chamber for receiving the separated layers, the chamber having first, second and third outlets in the collection chamber for removing components at different radial locations in the chamber, the first and second collection tubes being joined together so that the combined flow of the two tubes flows in a combined collection tube, and pumps connected to receive liquid streams from the combined collection tube and the third collection tube, the pumps being located externally of, and not rotating with, the channel and collection chamber.

Abstract: An improved centrifuge assembly comprising a channeled rotor assembly and a ring-like fluid container disposed in the channel, whereby the centrifugal separation effects in the fluid container are determined by the geometry of the channel in the rotor. The fluid container is preferably formed from semirigid plastic material in the form of a tube having a rectangular cross section and is considered a disposable item to be discarded after a single use. The rotor assembly preferably includes a removable filler piece or center piece formed from a single piece of material, such as rigid plastic, as by molding, dimensioned to form, with the wall of the centrifuge bowl, a circular channel having dimensions appropriate to receive the semirigid container, which is suitably bent and placed in the channel. Fluid connections are provided from each end of the container to an axially located multichannel rotating seal. The connections lie in a plurality of radial slots in the filler piece.

Abstract: Sterile connectors which utilize tabs or strips, portions which can be withdrawn from apertures which are to be interconnected in sterile fashion are disclosed. The connectors disclosed are utilized in conditions of differential pressure between the inside of conduits to which the connectors are coupled and the surrounding ambient. Contamination resulting from air flow due to the pressure differential is prevented by encasing the tab or strip in a sleeve or extension which isolates the strip or tab from the surrounding ambient. When a pair of sterile connectors is mated, deformable washers are brought into contact and the tabs or strips are pulled through channels in the washers into the sleeves or extensions while portions of the washers remain in contact forming an hermetic seal.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out in situ chemical analysis of biological fluids is disclosed. A test package adapted for use with spinning rotor includes a sample-compartment, an integral cuvette and compartments for prepackaged reagents. The latter are adapted to be introduced via breakable seals into the sample compartment which contains the sample to be analyzed. The sample and reagents are then introduced via another breakable seal into a cuvette. Under pneumatic and rotational forces, mixing and measuring are carried out in situ. The rotor includes a programmable pressure applying arrangement whereby the dispensing of reagents and the movement of the latter and sample into a cuvette are controlled. Optical measurements are then carried out in situ.

Abstract: An improved centrifuge assembly comprising a channeled rotor assembly and a fluid container disposed in the channel, whereby the centrifugal separation effects in the fluid container are determined by the geometry of the channel in the rotor. This arrangement is particularly useful for two-stage blood platelet separation. The fluid container is preferably formed from semirigid plastic material and is considered a disposable item to be discarded after a single use. The rotary assembly preferably includes a removable filler piece or center piece formed from a single piece of material, such as rigid plastic, as by machining or molding, and having therein an open-topped channel having dimensions appropriate to receive the semirigid container, which is suitably curved and placed in the channel. Fluid connections are provided from each end of the container and an intermediate point to an axially located multichannel rotating seal. The connections lie in a plurality of radial slots in the filler piece.

Abstract: A centrifuge structure for automatically separating a plurality of aliquot samples of blood plasma for testing from an initial sample of whole blood. A centrifuge bowl is provided with a bottom surface sloping upwardly and outwardly and joined to a vertical circular outer wall. A plurality of radially extending vertical septa or partitions divide the outer portion of the bowl into a plurality of radially extending chambers. Each of these chambers is provided with an exit port in the bottom surface. Whole blood placed in the bowl is forced radially outward by the centrifugal action of the bowl when rotated, and separates into different fractions. The selected fractions are moved to the vicinity of the exit ports by selectively changing the rotational velocity of the centrifuge and are then valved to other containers by opening valves connected to the exit ports.