Abstract: Blood processing systems and related methods place first and second fluid pressure actuated pump stations in in-line communication between a source and a destination. The systems and methods apply fluid pressure pump strokes to the first and second pump stations to convey fluid from the source to the destination. The systems and methods switch between a first flow mode and a second flow mode. In the first flow mode, the pump strokes draw a fluid volume into the first pump station from the source and expel a fluid volume from the second pump station to the destination. In the second flow mode, the pump strokes draw a fluid volume into the second pump station from the source and expel a fluid volume from the first pump station to the destination. The systems and methods synchronize the pump strokes so that fluid flow from the source is essentially continuous while fluid flow to the destination is pulsatile.

Abstract: A blood processing system comprises a processing chamber to process blood and a fluid flow cassette that communicates with the processing chamber. The cassette comprises a body, a pump chamber formed in the body, and a flexible diaphragm on the pump chamber responsive to an applied fluid pressures for flexure toward and away from the pump chamber to pump fluid through the pump chamber. The cassette also includes a flow path formed, at least in part, in the body to couple the pump chamber in fluid flow communication with the processing chamber, to convey fluid pumped by the pump chamber into the processing chamber. The cassette also includes an in line cavity formed in the body and located in the flow path to trap air to prevent entry of air into the processing chamber.

Abstract: A multiple function pump station performs different on-line processing tasks. The pump station can be operated in one mode to draw blood from a donor and, in another mode, be operated to return blood to the donor. The pump station used to draw blood from a donor can also be used to perform subsequent blood processing tasks, such as mixing or processing additive fluids with the blood, or transfering a harvested blood component to a storage container, or finishing the processing of a harvested blood component.

Abstract: A multiple function pump station performs different on-line processing tasks. The pump station can be operated in one mode to draw blood from a donor can, in another mode, be operated to return blood to the donor. The pump station used to draw blood from a donor can also be used to perform subsequent blood processing tasks, such as mixing processing or additive fluids with the blood, or transfering a harvested blood component to a storage container, or finishing the processing of a harvested blood component, e.g., by passage through a filter to remove leukocytes.

Abstract: An adaptable blood processing platform comprises a blood processing device and a ground engaging frame including a shelf to which the blood processing device is secured. The frame supports the shelf for movement between a lowered position and a raised position. The shelf can be supported, e.g., for swinging cantilevered movement about an axis between the lowered and raised positions. The shelf can be supported, e.g., by a scissors linkage assembly coupled to the shelf for lowering and lifting the shelf between a lowered and raised positions. In the lowered position, the center of gravity of the blood processing device is located a first distance above ground, which is conducive for stable storage and/or transport of the platform. In the raised position, the center of gravity of the blood processing device is located a second distance above ground greater than the first distance, which is conductive for set-up and operation of the platform.

Abstract: A method for centrifugally separating whole blood into red blood cells and a plasma constituent rotates about a rotational axis a separation zone having radially spaced apart walls with a high-G side and a low-G side located closer to the rotational axis than the high-G side. Whole blood enters the rotating separation zone in an entry region to begin separation. Separation is halted by a terminal wall that is circumferentially spaced from the entry region. The whole blood separates into red blood cells toward the high-G side and plasma constituent toward the low-G side. The method directs red blood cells separated in the separation zone in a circumferential flow direction toward the terminal wall. The method directs separated red blood cells from the rotating separation zone through a second path that extends, at least in part, radially beyond the high-G wall.

Abstract: An interconnect network for operation within communication node, wherein the interconnect network may have features including the ability to transfer a variety of communication protocols, scalable bandwidth and reduced down-time. According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication node includes a plurality of I/O channels for coupling information into and out of the node, and the interconnect network includes at least one local interconnect module having local transfer elements for transferring information between the plurality of I/O channels; and scaling elements for expanding the interconnect network to include additional local interconnect modules, such that information can be transferred between the local interconnect modules included in the interconnect network.

Abstract: Systems and related methods pump fluid through a pump. The pump comprises a pump chamber, which is responsive to applied pressures to convey fluid. The systems and methods place an electrode in electrical conductive contact with fluid in the pump chamber which, in use, is coupled to an electrical source. The electrode generates an electrical field in the pump chamber that varies according volume of fluid in the pump chamber. The systems and methods register variations in the electrical field as fluid is conveyed through the pump chamber.

Abstract: An interconnect network for operation within communication node, wherein the interconnect network may have features including the ability to transfer a variety of communication protocols, scalable bandwidth and reduced down-time. According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication node includes a plurality of I/O channels for coupling information into and out of the node, and the interconnect network includes at least one local interconnect module having local transfer elements for transferring information between the plurality of I/O channels; and scaling elements for expanding the interconnect network to include additional local interconnect modules, such that information can be transferred between the local interconnect modules included in the interconnect network.

Abstract: A blood processing system comprises a processing chamber to process blood and a fluid flow cassette that communicates with the processing chamber. The cassette comprises a body, a pump chamber formed in the body, and a flexible diaphragm on the pump chamber responsive to an applied fluid pressures for flexure toward and away from the pump chamber to pump fluid through the pump chamber. The cassette also includes a flow path formed, at least in part, in the body to couple the pump chamber in fluid flow communication with the processing chamber, to convey fluid pumped by the pump chamber into the processing chamber. The cassette also includes an in line cavity formed in the body and located in the flow path to trap air to prevent entry of air into the processing chamber.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and related methods place first and second fluid pressure actuated pump stations in in-line communication between a source and a destination. The systems and methods apply fluid pressure pump strokes to the first and second pump stations to convey fluid from the source to the destination. The systems and methods switch between a first flow mode and a second flow mode. In the first flow mode, the pump strokes draw a fluid volume into the first pump station from the source and expel a fluid volume from the second pump station to the destination. In the second flow mode, the pump strokes draw a fluid volume into the second pump station from the source and expel a fluid volume from the first pump station to the destination. The systems and methods synchronize the pump strokes so that fluid flow from the source is essentially continuous while fluid flow to the destination is pulsatile.

Abstract: Programmable, fluid pressure actuated blood processing systems and methods are used in association a blood separation device. The systems and methods employ a cassette, which contains several preformed, pneumatically actuated pump stations, several preformed fluid flow paths, and several preformed, pneumatically actuated valves in the fluid flow paths. The systems and methods also employ a programmable pneumatic actuator to hold the cassette and selectively apply pneumatic force to the valves and pump stations.

Abstract: A disposable sample processing module is provided for processing DNA or RNA samples. The module includes a hybridization chamber adapted to receive an oligonucleotide covalently bonded to an internal surface of the hybridization chamber. The module also include a sample well adapted to hold a DNA or RNA sample, said sample well being coupled to the hybridization chamber, a moveable valve plate disposed between the sample well and hybridization chamber, said moveable valve plate having a first position that allows transfer of the DNA or RNA sample from the sample well to the hybridization chamber and a second position that blocks transfer to the hybridization chamber and a manifold adapted to exchange fluids with the hybridization chamber to hybridize the DNA or RNA sample with the oligonucleotide, to wash the hybridized sample and to amplify the hybridized sample.

Abstract: Programmable, fluid pressure actuated blood processing systems and methods are used in association a blood separation device. The systems and methods employ a cassette, which contains several preformed, pneumatically actuated pump stations, several preformed fluid flow paths, and several preformed, pneumatically actuated valves in the fluid flow paths. The systems and methods also employ a programmable pneumatic actuator to hold the cassette and selectively apply pneumatic force to the valves and pump stations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for preparing a test sample for detecting a predetermined target nucleic acid. The method includes the steps of providing a test probe comprising an oligonucleotide attached to a nanoparticle and providing a hybridization unit containing the test sample and the test probe, wherein said hybridization unit further includes a target sample substrate and a distribution manifold coupled to a first side of the substrate. The method further includes the steps of clamping a processing fluids manifold to the distribution manifold of the hybridization unit, denaturing the test sample and preparing the test sample for detecting the predetermined target nucleic acid by pumping a plurality of processing fluids between the processing fluids source manifold and distribution manifold to hybridize the test probe and predetermined target nucleic acid to the target sample substrate, to wash the hybridized sample and to amplify a detectable parameter of the hybridized sample.

Abstract: Automated systems and method for processing blood and other fluids are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit selected from one of two or more circuits. The circuits are mounted on a re-usable hardware component or module. The system includes a programmable controller including programs for use with the fluid circuits.

Abstract: A blood separation chamber comprises a base that includes formed walls that define a hub. A separation channel extends about the hub. A flow passage extends between the hub and the separation channel. The hub enables attachment of external tubing to convey blood to and from the separation channel through the hub.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing blood use at least one fluid activated pump and at least one fluid activated valve. The systems and methods apply positive and negative fluid pressures to operate the pump and valve. Different pressure conditions are applied to the pump and the valve, to insure that a valve used in conjunction with a pump is not overcome by the pressure applied to operate the pump, and that both the valve and pump are not overcome by normal system processing pressures.

Abstract: Blood component processing systems and methods are adapted to be coupled to a blood component processing device. The systems and methods employ a fluid circuit comprising at least one fluid pressure actuated pump station, at least one fluid flow path communicating with the pump station, and at least one valve in the fluid flow path. A control module sized and configured to interact with the fluid circuit includes an actuator to selectively apply fluid pressure to the pump station in concert with operation of the valve to pump fluid through the fluid flow path in response to a control program. A circuit board assembly is associated with the actuator in electrical conductive interaction with fluid in the pump station. The circuit board assembly comprises a part of a capacitive sensing circuit. The circuit board assembly can comprise, e.g., a printed circuit board assembly, or a flexible circuit, or a molded circuit. The circuit board assembly can, e.g.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and related methods place first and second fluid pressure actuated pump stations in in-line communication between a source and a destination. The systems and methods apply fluid pressure pump strokes to the first and second pump stations to convey fluid from the source to the destination. The systems and methods switch between a first flow mode and a second flow mode. In the first flow mode, the pump strokes draw a fluid volume into the first pump station from the source and expel a fluid volume from the second pump station to the destination. In the second flow mode, the pump strokes draw a fluid volume into the second pump station from the source and expel a fluid volume from the first pump station to the destination. The systems and methods synchronize the pump strokes so that fluid flow from the source is essentially continuous while fluid flow to the destination is pulsatile.