Abstract: A system and method for pumping fluid using a set of interconnected pump cassettes is disclosed. Each of the pump cassettes can receive a first solution in a first pumping chamber and each of the pump cassettes can receive separate second solutions in respective second pumping chambers, so that the first solution can be mixed with the separate second solutions, each said mixture capable of being placed in separate containers. The system includes a control assembly for operating each pump cassette, each pump cassette having a flexible membrane to pump fluid into and out of the pumping chambers, and each pump cassette configured for mating with a base unit that provides positive or negative pneumatic pressure to the flexible membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating particles includes: a rotor rotatable at a speed about an axis, the rotor having an outer periphery and front and rear opposite sides; at least one chamber mounted on the rotor, each chamber having an inlet and an outlet; an umbilical assembly rotatable about the axis; and a drive mechanism configured to rotate the umbilical assembly at about one-half the speed of the rotor. The umbilical assembly includes: a curvilinear guide tube connecting to a drum at the rear side of the rotor; a flexible conduit residing in the guide tube; and first and second elongate passageways for each chamber extending through the conduit, wherein the first passageway is in fluid communication with the inlet of a respective chamber and the second passageway is in fluid communication with the outlet of the respective chamber. The passageways are held in a spaced-apart relationship relative to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating particles includes: a rotor rotatable at a speed about an axis, the rotor having an outer periphery and front and rear opposite sides; at least one chamber (50) mounted on the rotor, each chamber having an inlet and an outlet; an umbilical assembly rotatable about the axis; and a drive mechanism configured to rotate the umbilical assembly at about one-half the speed of the rotor. The umbilical assembly includes: a curvilinear guide tube (125) connecting to a drum at the rear side of the rotor; a flexible conduit (130) residing in the guide tube; and first and second elongate passageways (135) for each chamber extending through the conduit, wherein the first passageway is in fluid communication with the inlet of a respective chamber and the second passageway is in fluid communication with the outlet of the respective chamber. The passageways are held in a spaced-apart relationship relative to one another.

Abstract: A centrifuge chamber for separating a sample into at least two components, including a cylinder having a base plate and a cover plate, and a rotational axis assembly having at least one port for input and/or output of the sample, the port being connected to a tube located on or in the base plate and/or cover plate, and the tube having one or more openings into the centrifuge chamber, where at least one opening of the tube is provided with at least one flat-shaped deflector having a surface lying substantially parallel with the cylinder, and a width at its base of at most 1/10 of the inner circumference of the cylinder.

Abstract: An umbilicus for use in an umbilicus-drive fluid processing centrifuge system is disclosed, together with a method of making it and a fluid flow circuit including such umbilicus. The umbilicus includes an elongated umbilicus body, a first end fitting defining an interior cavity, an adapter received within the interior cavity and having at least one port extension extending into a fluid transmitting lumen of the umbilicus body, the adapter and end fitting including interfering surfaces to enhance torque resistance therebetween.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter proposes an apparatus (42) and a method for transferring energy and/or a substance from a non-rotating component of an apparatus to a rotating device (43)—or vice versa—through an intermediary component (1, 1?). In one configuration, the intermediary component (1,1?) is a symmetrically arranged pair of tubes, useful in centrifugal separation, and which is subject to continuous rotation while tube ends are fixed in a lower, stationary range or stand still.

Abstract: An umbilicus is provided for use in an umbilicus-driven fluid processing system. The umbilicus has a pair of anchor portions, at least one fluid-transmitting lumen, and a drive shaft. The fluid-transmitting lumen and drive shaft extend between the anchor portions. The lumen and drive shaft may be comprised of different materials. If multiple lumen are provided, they may either be separate from each other and the drive shaft or defined in a single umbilicus body which also provides a lumen for receiving at least a portion of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An umbilicus is provided for use in an umbilicus-driven fluid processing system. The umbilicus has a pair of anchor portions, at least one fluid-transmitting lumen, and a drive shaft. The fluid-transmitting lumen and drive shaft extend between the anchor portions. The lumen and drive shaft may be comprised of different materials. If multiple lumen are provided, they may either be separate from each other and the drive shaft or defined in a single umbilicus body which also provides a lumen for receiving at least a portion of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for the discrimination of particles using sedimentation field-flow fractionation operating without the use of rotating seals. Multiple lines of fluid and electrical communication are provided through a centrifugation unit comprising a fishhook-shaped umbilical conduit traveling from a stationary frame through a rotating guide frame to the separation channel. Twisting and tangling of the umbilical conduit enclosed communication lines are prevented by rotating the guide frame and separation channel in the same direction about an axis at an angular velocity ratio of 1:2. The design eliminates maintenance problems associated with rotating seals, simplifies channel installation and adjustment, and enables the use of multiple channels and the simultaneous application of multiple modes of field-flow fractionation either in concert or in a two-dimensional format.

Abstract: A one-piece bearing is provided for use with a fluid processing assembly of the type having an umbilicus, a bearing support, a gimbal received within the bearing support, and a liner at least partially received within the gimbal. The bearing is secured to a midsection of the umbilicus and adapted to be at least partially received within the liner. An inner surface of the bearing engages the umbilicus while an outer surface of the bearing engages at least a portion of the liner for rotation relative to the liner.

Abstract: An umbilicus is provided for use in an umbilicus-driven fluid processing system. The umbilicus has a pair of anchor portions, at least one fluid-transmitting lumen, and a drive shaft. The fluid-transmitting lumen and drive shaft extend between the anchor portions. The lumen and drive shaft may be comprised of different materials. If multiple lumen are provided, they may either be separate from each other and the drive shaft or defined in a single umbilicus body which also provides a lumen for receiving at least a portion of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An agitation/deaeration apparatus is provided which causes a container containing a viscous to-be-kneaded object to be rotated and revolved simultaneously, to agitate and deaerate the to-be-kneaded object, wherein piping (wiring) connecting the container and an external device is prevented from twisting even when the container rotates.

Abstract: A centrifuge (10) including a first rotatable mechanism (60) having a rotation axis with a fluid retentive housing (20) being coaxially mounted on the first rotatable mechanism for co-rotation therewith; a second rotatable mechanism (90) having a rotation axis with t e first and second rotatable mechanisms being coaxially interconnected for co-rotation around a common axis; and fluid tubing (70) connected to the axis of the fluid retentive housing and having a distal length that extends axially outwardly from the fluid retentive housing.

Abstract: A method for separating a volume of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component is performed in a centrifuge cooperating with a separation bag containing the volume of composite liquid. The separation bag is connected to at least a first component bag and a second component bag. The separation bag is spun so as to centrifuge the volume of composite liquid and cause the sedimentation of the at least first and second components. When the at least first and second components have sedimented, the first component is transferred at at least one first transfer flow rate into the first component bag. When the first component has been transferred into the first component bag, the second component is transferred into the intermediate component bag at at least one second transfer flow rate that is different from the at least one first transfer flow rate.

Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.

Abstract: A centrifuge (10) including a first rotatable mechanism (60) having a rotation axis with a fluid retentive housing (20) being coaxially mounted on the first rotatable mechanism for co-rotation therewith; a second rotatable mechanism (90) having a rotation axis with the first and second rotatable mechanisms being coaxially interconnected for co-rotation around a common axis; and fluid tubing (70) connected to the axis of the fluid retentive housing and having a distal length that extends axially outwardly from the fluid retentive housing. A support arm (50) is mounted to the second rotatable mechanism, a support tube (80) receives therethrough at least a part of the distal length of the fluid tubing, and a bearing member (82) rotatably supports the support tube in the support arm, whereby upon rotation of the first and second rotatable mechanisms, the fluid tubing is free to one of rotate with and rotate relative to the support tube.

Abstract: A fluid processing assembly can be easily inserted into and removed from a rotatable centrifuge channel. The processing assembly comprises a processing container and a carrier. The processing container has flexibility and, in use, occupies the channel to receive fluids for separation in the centrifugal field. The carrier retains the processing container outside the channel in a flexed condition conforming to the channel. The carrier resists deformation of the processing container during its insertion into or removal from the channel.

Abstract: A blood processing assembly comprises a frame rotatable about a rotational axis and a blood processing chamber carried by the frame for rotation about the rotational axis. An umbilicus has one end coupled to the blood processing chamber along the rotational axis and an opposite end held in a non-rotating position along the rotational axis. A mid region of the umbilicus extends, at least in part, outside the rotational axis. The frame carries at least one support channel, which is sized and configured to engage the mid region of the umbilicus. The support channel includes a side edge that is sized and configured to self-load the mid region of the umbilicus into the support channel in response to rotation of the frame in a designated direction.

Abstract: A multi-lumen tube arrangement for use in a centrifuge free of a sliding seal, the tube arrangement having at least two individual tubes which are rotated around one another around their longitudinal and/or their parallel axes. The rotation of the tubes takes place in this connection in opposite directions starting from a support position disposed approximately centrally in order to compensate the torques applied to the tube arrangement. A method for manufacturing such a tube arrangement is also decribed.

Abstract: A blood processing assembly comprises a frame rotatable about a rotational axis and a blood processing chamber carried by the frame for rotation about the rotational axis. An umbilicus has one end coupled to the blood processing chamber along the rotational axis and an opposite end held in a non-rotating position along the rotational axis. A mid region of the umbilicus extends, at least in part, outside the rotational axis. The frame carries at least one support channel, which is sized and configured to engage the mid region of the umbilicus. The support channel includes a side edge that is sized and configured to self-load the mid region of the umbilicus into the support channel in response to rotation of the frame in a designated direction.

Abstract: A centrifuge disposable having a collection chamber for receiving and holding a fluid to be centrifuged, the chamber having an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter, a generally circular cross-sectional area, and a conical outboard collecting portion. The collection chamber is typically formed from relatively rigid, molded plastic or other materials. The chamber further ports in communication near the outboard portions of the chamber to provide fluid communication to a tubing, which may be single lumen for discontinuous embodiments in which a single tube is used for fill and extraction and multi-lumen for continuous fill and extraction embodiments in which an inlet lumen is used for fill and one or more outlet lumens are used for extraction of separated components.

Abstract: A centrifuge disposable or separation assembly having a collection chamber for receiving and holding a fluid to be centrifuged, the chamber having an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter, a generally circular cross-sectional area, and a conical outboard collecting portion. The collection chamber is typically formed from relatively rigid, molded plastic or other materials. A mounting assembly is included as part of the invention to mount of the centrifuge disposable relative to the centrifuge rotor to facilitate balancing for smooth centrifuge rotation. The chamber further ports in communication near the outboard portions of the chamber to provide fluid communication to a tubing, which may be single lumen for discontinuous embodiments in which a single tube is used for fill and extraction and multi-lumen for continuous fill and extraction embodiments in which an inlet lumen is used for fill and one or more outlet lumens are used for extraction of separated components.

Abstract: Centrifugal analyzer and method for staining biological or non-biological samples in microgravity, wherein the method utilizes an increase in weight of a fluid sample as a function of g-load, to overcome cohesive and frictional forces from preventing its movement in a preselected direction. Apparatus is characterized by plural specimen reservoirs and channels in a slide, each channel being of differing cross-section, wherein respective samples are selectively dispensed, from the reservoirs in response to an imposed g-factor, precedent to sample staining. Within the method, one thus employs microscope slides which define channels, each being of a differing cross-section dimension relative to others. In combination therewith, centrifugal slide mounting apparatus controllably imposes g-vectors of differing magnitudes within a defined structure of the centrifuge such as a chip array.

Abstract: A bearing supports a rotating element. The bearing comprises an inner annular body and an outer annular body about the inner annular body. A bearing surface, which is located between the inner annular body and the outer annular body, supports the outer annular body for rotation about the inner annular body. A cage supports the bearing surface during rotation of the outer annular body about the inner annular body. The cage includes a material that imparts increased flexural modulus that resists deformation during rotation.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: A stress-bearing umbilicus for conveying fluid between a stationary body and a rotating body comprises an umbilicus body made from an extruded first polyester elastomer material having flexibility. A support block, made from a second polyester elastomer material, is over-molded about at least one region of the umbilicus body. The second polyester elastomer material has flexibility that is greater than the flexibility of the first polyester elastomer material. Surface energy of the region between the support block and the umbilicus body is increased before over-molding to prevent delamination and peeling.

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: An apparatus and method are disclosed for filtering or separating particles. The apparatus has a motor coupled to a centrifuge rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation. A fluid chamber rotates with the rotor. A substance is supplied to the inlet of the chamber. At least one of the motor and the substance supply are controlled to maintain a saturated fluidized bed of first particles within the fluid chamber while causing second particles to be retained in the chamber.

Abstract: A blood component separating device comprises a centrifuge bowl adapted for rotation about its axis in a centrifuge. The bowl defines an outer circumferential wall plus an inner circumferential wall, spaced from the outer wall, to define a circumferential slot adapted for receiving blood components. Access tubing is adapted for communication with the slot. Preferably, an elongated, flexible, collapsible inner liner is provided in the slot. Individual access tubing also may communicate with an elongated container interior between the ends of the elongated, collapsible container. Furthermore, a portion of the slot may define the shape of an outwardly extending spiral, to provide an increasing gravitational field upon fluids therein as the fluid moves along the slot.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: A fluid chamber and method are disclosed for filtering or separating particles. The fluid chamber includes a wall extending between an inlet and outlet to form a fluid chamber interior. The interior converges from a position of maximum cross-sectional area toward the inlet. A groove or a step may be formed on an inner surface of the fluid chamber wall to improve particle separation within the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A tube holder secures to the rotating processing chamber of a centrifuge tubing that conveys fluid to or from the chamber. The tube holder is part of a carrier that is connected by a pin to a support on the processing chamber. The support has walls defining an enclosure. The carrier swings about the pin on the support between an opened position free of the enclosure and a closed position captured within the enclosure. In the opened position, the tube holder is exposed for receiving tubing. In the closed position, the tubing is retained within the enclosure in the tube holder. The tube holder allows straightforward attachment and removal of the tubing, always in a prescribed manner and with a single hand. The tube holder securely retains the tubing during use in a closed, protected environment, safeguarding it against inadvertent dislodgement, removal, or damage.

Abstract: A centrifuge for rotating a fluid retentive housing having fluid input and output tubing fixedly connected to a rotation axis of the fluid retentive housing, the centrifuge comprising: a frame; a first rotatable mechanism having a rotation axis, the fluid retentive housing being coaxially mounted thereon for co-rotation therewith; a second rotatable mechanism having a rotation axis, the first and second rotation mechanism being coaxially mounted on the frame; the second rotatable mechanism having an outer circumferential surface engaged with a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism driving the outer circumferential surface such that the second rotatable mechanism rotates at a selected rotational speed X; the first rotatable mechanism being interconnected to the second rotatable mechanism such that the first rotatable mechanism rotates simultaneously with the second rotatable mechanism at a rotational speed of 2X.

Abstract: A blood component separating device comprises a centrifuge bowl adapted for rotation about its axis in a centrifuge. The bowl defines an outer arcuate wall plus an inner circumferential wall, spaced from the outer wall, to define a arcuate slot adapted for receiving blood components. Access tubing is adapted for communication with the slot. Preferably, an elongated, flexible, collapsible inner liner is provided in the slot. Individual access tubing also may communicate with an elongated container interior between the ends of the elongated, collapsible container. Furthermore, a portion of the slot may define the shape of an outwardly extending spiral, to provide an increasing gravitational field upon fluids therein as the fluid moves along the slot.

Abstract: A centrifuge comprising a yoke element that rotates about a rotational axis and a processing chamber having an axis. The processing chamber includes a bowl element, a spool element, and a mechanism for joining the spool and bowl elements for relative movement between a mutually cooperating position for centrifugal processing and a mutually separated position for loading. A hinge attaches the processing chamber to the yoke element for pivotal movement between an operating position and an access position. In the operating position, the spool and bowl elements are in their mutually cooperating position and oriented for rotation with the yoke element about the rotational axis. In the access position, the processing chamber axis lies outside the axis of rotation and the spool and bowl elements are oriented for movement from their mutually cooperating position into their mutually separated position.

Abstract: An umbilicus conveys fluid between a stationary body and a rotating body in a small, compact operating environment. The umbilicus comprises an elongated body including a proximal end, a distal end, and a middle region between the proximal and distal ends. A first support block is attached to the proximal end. A second support block is attached to the distal end. The first support block includes a strain relief sleeve. The umbilicus is otherwise free of any other strain relief sleeve. A thrust bearing member in the middle region spaced apart from the strain relief sleeve and the distal end. The umbilicus is otherwise free of any other thrust bearing member. The thrust bearing member has an inner annular body, an outer annular body about the inner annular body, and an array of ball bearings between the inner and outer annular bodies. The ball bearings support the inner annular body for rotation relative to the outer annular body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple-duct tube for centrifugal separators for blood in particular, suitable for connecting a rotating connector to a stationary connector. The multiple-duct tube comprises, in a monolithic structure, a plurality of ducts which have parallel axes. The outer surface of the tube is defined by blended portions of walls of the peripheral ducts, so as to assume a lobate shape in a transverse cross-section.

Abstract: A drawer-mounted centrifuge provides easy access for loading and unloading disposable processing elements. The centrifuge also includes an umbilicus holder that moves between an operating position and an out-of-the-way position as the drawer opens and closes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge comprising a separation chamber, with which a duct is permanently connected, a main rotor, on which the separation chamber is able to be bearinged in a relatively rotatable manner with respect to it, by means of a bearing arrangement, and a guide means on the main rotor for guiding the duct from the middle lower part of the separation chamber into a part at a higher level than the centrifuge. In order to be able to introduce the separation chamber into the main rotor in a simple and controlled manner the bearing arrangement has, within the main rotor, a part which is open or is able to be opened in a radial direction for the introduction of the duct into the main rotor.

Abstract: A system and method of separation of therapeutic components from blood. The system includes a dual member centrifuge and a disposable single use fluid transfer set. The set includes an elongated flexible separation chamber having an input port, a separated component output port and a residual fluid output port. The input port and the separated component output ports are located at opposite ends of the elongated separation chamber. The centrifuge includes a receiving chamber with a selectively formed annular slot therein. The separation chamber is positioned in the annularly shaped slot and rotated at a predetermined rotational velocity. Fluids such as whole blood flows through the separation chamber and are separated into various therapeutic components such as platelet rich plasma and residual concentrated red blood cells. Platelet rich plasma can be drawn off as the separated therapeutic component. An alternate two part transfer set provides for highly efficient platelet pheresis.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for separating mononuclear cells from red blood cell depleted plasma in a centrifuge blood cell separator. The device includes an inlet for receiving plasma, an area for receiving mononuclear cells, and an outlet for receiving mononuclear cell depleted plasma. The distance and flow path between the inlet and outlet being so constructed and arranged as to cause mononuclear cells to sediment out into the area for receiving the mononuclear cells and causing at least 66% of the platelets contained in the plasma to flow to and through the outlet.

Abstract: The centrifugal evaporator-concentrator includes a central tubular pivot (18) surmounted by a nozzle (35) and constituting the pivot axis of a rotor (9) rotating in a vessel (8) closed by a cover (11). With the rotor rotating in the partial vacuum created by a vacuum pump (33), a small quantity of gas or air is temporarily and periodically admitted into the vessel, this gas being heated by a heating resistor (38) inside the vessel for the purpose of heating by conduction the specimens to be concentrated and of accelerating the rate of evaporation.

Abstract: A blood component separating device comprises a centrifuge bowl adapted for rotation about its axis in a centrifuge. The bowl defines an outer arcuate wall plus an inner circumferential wall, spaced from the outer wall, to define a arcuate slot adapted for receiving blood components. Access tubing is adapted for communication with the slot. Preferably, an elongated, flexible, collapsible inner liner is provided in the slot. Individual access tubing also may communicate with an elongated container interior between the ends of the elongated, collapsible container. Furthermore, a portion of the slot may define the shape of an outwardly extending spiral, to provide an increasing gravitational field upon fluids therein as the fluid moves along the slot.

Abstract: A blood component separating device comprises a centrifuge bowl adapted for rotation about its axis in a centrifuge. The bowl defines an outer arcuate wall plus an inner circumferential wall, spaced from the outer wall, to define a arcuate slot adapted for receiving blood components. Access tubing is adapted for communication with the slot. Preferably, an elongated, flexible, collapsible inner liner is provided in the slot. Individual access tubing also may communicate with an elongated container interior between the ends of the elongated, collapsible container. Furthermore, a portion of the slot may define the shape of an outwardly extending spiral, to provide an increasing gravitational field upon fluids therein as the fluid moves along the slot.

Abstract: A test tube handling assembly has an elongate member with an end for engaging a test tube and an end opposite thereto driven about an axis of the member for orbital movement with its axis. The member is a slender rod with a spherical bearing about a center part thereon between the ends thereof and along its axis. An arm extends from a support to carry the spherical bearing and permit limited motion of the rod relative to the support. A gripping means on the end for engaging the test tube holds the test tube and its contents during movement of the rod relative to the axis. A drive located on the support near the end opposite causes the test tube to swing about the center part. Contacting means with a seal for closing the open end of the test tube is part of an inflatable bladder which holds the open end of the test tube by fitting in the open end of the test tube. The drive has a motor for providing orbital motion.

Abstract: In a centrifuge rotor there is formed a separation chamber (4) having an inlet (24) for a mixture of components to be separated and two outlets (21,23) for the respective separated components. A partition (7) is arranged to divide the separation chamber (4) in two elongated compartments (29, 30) situated at different distances form the rotor axis. A displacement member is arranged to displace the separated heavy component in the circumferential direction of the rotor through the radially outer one of said compartments to and out through the outlet (23) for heavy component.

Abstract: A system and method of separation of therapeutic components from blood. The system includes a dual member centrifuge and a disposable single use fluid transfer set. The set includes an elongated flexible separation chamber having an input port, a separated component output port and a residual fluid output port. The input port and the separated component output ports are located at opposite ends of the elongated separation chamber. The centrifuge includes a receiving chamber with a selectively formed annular slot therein. The separation chamber is positioned in the annularly shaped slot and rotated at a predetermined rotational velocity. Fluids such as whole blood flows through the separation chamber and are separated into various therapeutic components such as platelet rich plasma and residual concentrated red blood cells. Platelet rich plasma can be drawn off as the separated therapeutic component. An alternate two part transfer set provides for highly efficient platelet pheresis.

Abstract: The centrifugal evaporator-concentrator comprises a central tubular pivot (18) surmounted by a nozzle (35) and constituting the pivot axis of a rotor (9) rotating in a vessel (8) closed by a cover (11). With the rotor rotating in the partial vacuum created by a vacuum pump (33), a small quantity of gas or air is temporarily and periodically admitted into the vessel, this gas being heated by a heating resistor (38) inside the vessel for the purpose of heating by conduction the specimens to be concentrated and of accelerating the rate of evaporation.

Abstract: A test tube handling assembly has an elongate member with an end for engaging a test tube and an end opposite thereto driven about an axis of the member for orbital movement with its axis. The member is a slender rod with a spherical bearing about a center part thereon between the ends thereof and along its axis. An arm extends from a support to carry the spherical bearing and permit limited motion of the rod relative to the support. A gripping means on the end for engaging the test tube holds the test tube and its contents during movement of the rod relative to the axis. A drive located on the support near the end opposite causes the test tube to swing about the center part. Contacting means with a seal for closing the open end of the test tube is part of an inflatable bladder which holds the open end of the test tube by fitting in the open end of the test tube. The drive has a motor for providing orbital motion.