Abstract: Plastic blood bag system including a bag having a generally longitudinal seal extending from the top of the bag and between two blood bag ports downwardly to at least the lower half of the bag but not to the bottom of the bag, thereby leaving the sole passageway within the bag and between two ports located in the lower half of the bag. The longitudinal seal terminates proximal to the central axis of the bag with a spot weld to prevent tear. In addition, the cross-sectional diameter of the channel increases as the channel nears the central axis.

Abstract: Blood bag system for separating whole blood into upper, middle, and lower components which can then be isolated from each other in an automated manner. The system comprises a primary or main blood bag having first and second outlet ports. The first outlet port communicates via tubing with a first satellite bag. The second outlet port communicates via tubing with a second satellite bag at one end and at the other end communicates with a tubular member extending into and toward the bottom of the main bag. In use whole blood is drawn into the main bag through an inlet port and centrifuged to form an upper, less dense plasma portion, a lower, more dense red blood cell (RBC) portion and an intermediate portion of buffy coat (including platelets). Pressure is then applied to the bag with the first outlet open and the second outlet closed to express all of the upper plasma through the first outlet port after which the first outlet port is closed and the second outlet is opened.

Abstract: A generally flat, elongated edge-sealed polymeric blood bag having a length to width ratio of at least 2 to 1 and one end portion in tapering communication with a connected tubing. When the bag is filled with a mixture of blood components which are then separated, the tapering end portion expands to form a funnel-like guide for directing a separated component from the bag through the tubing in a substantially unobstructed manner. Bag is especially useful for separating and isolating the components of a neocyte/gerocyte red blood cell mixture.

Abstract: A generally flat, elongated edge-sealed polymeric blood bag having a length to width ratio of at least 2 to 1 and one end portion in tapering communication with a connected tubing. When the bag is filled with a mixture of blood components which are then separated, the tapering end portion expands to form a funnel-like guide for directing a separated component from the bag through the tubing in a substantially unobstructed manner. Bag is especially useful for separating and isolating the components of a neocyte/gerocyte red blood cell mixture.

Abstract: A means for releasable sealing a flexible conduit is disclosed, having particular use in a conduit connecting multiple blood bags. The conduit contains within a portion of itself a flexible strip or tubular insert. This portion of the conduit is positively closed by folding it back on itself and the closed portion is maintained by a clamping or restraining member. Upon release of the clamping member following a heat sterilization procedure, the conduit is readily opened for fluid flow therethrough. The conduit, which without the insert would normally be fused together as a consequence of the heat sterilization, is open by virtue of the insert being made of a material which does not fuse together under these conditions.