Abstract: A system for automatically processing blood components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: A centrifugal fluid separation system is disclosed for centrifugally separating a composite fluid into components thereof. This centrifugal separation system includes at least a centrifugal rotor which has a composite fluid containment area, a fluid flow channel/tubing and at least one separated component collection area defined therein. A composite fluid to be separated is delivered to the fluid containment area where under centrifugal forces the composite fluid is separated into components and then from which a component travels through an outlet channel to a respective separated component fluids flowing therethrough. A centrally disposed pump is also provided to move the separated component(s) to the collection area(s). Optical sensing of the interface of the separated fluid components may be used with a clamp to stop flow. A disposable bag and tubing system is also disclosed for use with reusable rotor devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for separating components of a fluid or particles. A separation vessel having a barrier dam is provided to initially separate an intermediate density components of a fluid, and a fluid chamber is provided to further separate these intermediate density components by forming an elutriative field or saturated fluidized particle bed. The separation vessel includes a shield for limiting flow into the fluid chamber of relatively high density substances, such as red blood cells. The separation vessel also includes a trap dam with a smooth, gradually sloped downstream section for reducing mixing of substances. Structure is also provided for adding additional plasma to platelets and plasma flowing from the fluid chamber. The system reduces clumping of platelets by limiting contact between the platelets and walls of the separation vessel.

Abstract: A multiple sample processing apparatus for a continuous flow centrifuge, including a plurality of axially aligned processing chambers and expressor chambers, each chamber comprising an axial opening, in a fixed arrangement, and a plurality of central hubs disposed in the axial openings, the central hubs constructed and arranged to define passages for fluid communication between the chambers and a fluid supply.

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 centrifuge system with an externally positioned sensor assembly for detecting the separation of components in a fluid sample, such as platelets in a blood sample. The system includes a centrifuge with a drive portion and a rotor portion with a sample reservoir or centrifuge bag for receiving and containing a fluid sample during rotation of the rotor portion. An external sensor assembly is positioned relative to the centrifuge to direct a radiation beam from a radiation source through the rotor portion and the centrifuge bag and to allow a detector to receive the lower-intensity radiation beams at a location external to the rotor portion. In one embodiment, the rotor portion is fabricated from a transparent material and extends radially outward from the sides of the drive portion to allow the radiation source and detector to be positioned externally on opposing sides of the extending rotor portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge provided with a blood bag system having an upper and lower outlet for separation of blood constituents, containing a rotor which can be driven in a rotative manner about a hub, wherein at least one conventional whole blood bag equipped with an upper outlet and with a lower outlet can be positioned vertically in this blood bag, while the whole blood bag can be arranged on the rotor in such a way that one outlet of the whole blood bag is bent in a radial direction, and the opposite outlet of the whole blood bag is bent in the other radial direction, so that the entire whole blood bag and the outlets thereof adopt an approximately Z- or S-shaped form in its functional position. In this case it is preferred that the upper outlet of the whole blood bag lie radially toward the interior and the lower outlet of the whole blood bag lie radially toward the exterior of the whole blood bag.

Abstract: Systems and methods centrifugally separate whole blood into red blood cells, plasma, and a platelet concentrate. The systems and methods rotate a first rotating separation zone about a rotational axis, to separate whole blood into red blood cells and plasma constituent carrying platelets. Red blood cells separated are directed in a first circumferential flow direction toward a terminal wall, where blood flow is halted. Surface hematocrit is successively increased in the first circumferential flow direction by separating the plasma constituent from the red blood cells. Separated red blood cells are directed from the first rotating separation zone through a path where the surface hematocrit is the most. Plasma constituent separated is directed in a second circumferential flow direction opposite to the first circumferential flow direction toward a different region in the first rotating separation zone, where the surface hematocrit is the least.

Abstract: A system for automatically collecting and separating whole blood into its components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively expressing one or more selected fluid materials out of a fluid container, including a centrifuge rotor having a round centrifuge chamber of selected volume, a round expandable enclosure disposed within the centrifuge chamber having a rotation axis coincident with the central rotation axis and a flexible wall, a pump for controllably pumping a selected volume of expresser fluid into and out of the expandable enclosure wherein the fluid container is receivable within the centrifuge chamber, and a retaining mechanism for holding the fluid container within the centrifuge chamber in a coaxial position. The flexible wall of the fluid container is in contact with the flexible wall of the expandable enclosure.

Abstract: A rotatable rotor for separating components contained in a fluid, comprising an annular base having a first annular channel and an annular cover having a second annular channel for holding a flexible doughnut-shaped centrifuge bag therebetween. The cover has one or more radially spaced apart concentric indicator lines for monitoring the separation of the components. When the base and cover are superimposed, the first and second channels define an annular interior chamber having an off-centered figure eight configuration. The base and cover each comprise a grooved column axially centered and extending from the base top surface and the cover bottom surface, respectively. The flexible bag comprises inner and outer tubes extending from the core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: A centrifuge is provided for the separation and/or treatment of cells in a substantially annular or partially annular separation bag connected by at least one tube to at least one secondary bag. The centrifuge comprises a rotor bowl connected at the upper end of a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft includes a hollow upper portion defining a central compartment for receiving the at least one secondary bag. The rotor bowl includes a separation compartment for receiving the separation bag and an expandable hydraulic chamber located within the separation compartment for selectively squeezing the separation bag within the separation compartment so as to transfer a separated component from the separation bag into a secondary bag in the central compartment. A hydraulic system is connected to the hydraulic chamber by a duct extending through the rotor shaft for pumping a hydraulic liquid to and from the hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: A flexible, disposable centrifuge bag for receiving and holding a fluid sample, comprising one or more tubes and upper and lower flexible sheets having doughnut shaped configurations. The upper and lower sheets are superimposed and completely sealed together at their outer perimeters to define an outer perimeter of the centrifuge bag. The inner perimeter of the bag defines a central core. The tubes are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets and extend from the central core of the centrifuge bag. The upper and lower sheets are sealed together at their inner perimeters such that the tubes are sealed between said upper and lower sheets at the inner perimeter. The bag may be used to harvest platelet rich plasma from whole blood in either a batch method or while simultaneously infusing additional aliquots of whole blood into the bag during centrifugation.

Abstract: A shaped diaphragm as a part of a fluid processing disposable set acting as a centrifuge system rotor. The fluid processing disposable set has a variable-volume chamber and a fluid port. The shaped diaphragm defines a wall of the variable-volume chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid port and is defined by a fixed wall and an elastic wall. The elastic wall is formed by the shaped diaphragm. The disposable set may also have a rotary seal coupled to the fluid port and fluidly coupled to the variable-volume chamber. The shaped diaphragm may be convoluted. The convolution may be a single fold and may have a plurality of folds located symmetrically about an axis. The shaped diaphragm may, alternatively, be essentially planar in an unstretched position while varying in thickness along a diaphragm dimension. Centrifuge rotors, systems, and methods for selective harvest of fluid constituents from a whole fluid are detailed.

Abstract: The rotor assembly is provided for the separation and harvesting of rare cells in a blood sample. A displacing fluid reservoir is located at least partially radially inward of a centrifuging chamber, wherein a displacing fluid of a greater density than the fluid in the centrifuging chamber is retained in the displacing fluid reservoir. Upon rotation of the rotor assembly, the displacing fluid is allowed to pass into the centrifuging chamber, typically at an outer periphery of the centrifuging chamber, so as to urge the latest separated component in the centrifuging chamber through an outlet port coincident with the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A method for separating a composite fluid into components in a centrifugal fluid separation system. The system includes a rotor that has a composite fluid containment area, an inlet channel, a peripheral separation channel, outlet channels and separated component collection areas, which together form a processing area. The separation channel may be semi-spiraled. The inlet channel may connect to the center of the separation channel and an outlet channel may connect to each end of the separation channel. The outlet channels have different heights. The ends of the separation channels may have different heights. The separation channels may have extensions. The rotor may have multiple processing areas. The collection areas may be pockets slanted radially outwardly and downwardly. A motor may produce a rotating magnetic field, which co-acts with a magnetically reactive material in the rotor. A disposable bag and tubing system may be used in a processing area of the rotor.

Abstract: A Centrifuge for the separation and/or treatment of cells in a substantially annular or partially annular separation bag having a rotor with rotor shaft with a hollow upper portion defining a central compartment and a rotor bowl for the separation bag and a container system including the separation bag for use therewith.

Abstract: A removable conformal liner for a centrifuge container is described. The liner has a flexible or semi-rigid body with an opening for introducing a sample. When the liner is inserted into an internal cavity of a centrifuge container, the body of the liner conforms to the interior cavity. The liner body may be made of a material that is sufficiently resilient to allow a reversible deformation of the body by folding, twisting, collapsing, rolling, or pleating.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods introduce blood into an annular separation channel between a low-G wall and a high-G wall while rotating the separation channel about an axis, for separation of the blood into blood components. The annular separation channel has an annular boundary wall. The systems and methods direct a first blood component into a constricted channel along the low-G wall. The systems and methods remove the first blood component through a first path that communicates with the separation channel through an opening that adjoins the constricted channel adjacent the low-G wall. The systems and methods direct a second blood component along a surface that extends generally in an axial direction along the high-G wall toward the annular boundary wall. The systems and methods collect the second blood component through a second path that communicates with the separation channel through an opening that adjoins the surface adjacent the high-G wall axially spaced from the annular boundary wall.

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 flexible, disposable centrifuge bag for receiving and holding a fluid sample, comprising one or more tubes and upper and lower flexible sheets having doughnut shaped configurations. The upper and lower sheets are superimposed and completely sealed together at their outer perimeters to define an outer perimeter of the centrifuge bag. The inner perimeter of the bag defines a central core. The tubes are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets and extend from the central core of the centrifuge bag. The upper and lower sheets are sealed together at their inner perimeters such that the tubes are sealed between said upper and lower sheets at the inner perimeter. The bag may be used to harvest platelet rich plasma from whole blood in either a batch method or while simultaneously infusing additional aliquots of whole blood into the bag during centrifugation.

Abstract: A centrifugal device. The centrifugal device includes two drive units (1, 22) , coaxially mounted and pivoting, devices (23-33) to drive the first (1) and the second (22) drive units, with a rotational speed ratio of 2/1 between each other, a circular centrifugal unit (2) equipped with at least three channels (4, 5,6) connecting its center to a peripheral separation chamber (3) and three tubes (4a, 5a, 6a) made of an elastic deformable material, each presenting a first extremity connected to the central extremity of one of the three channels (4, 5, 6) of the centrifugal unit (2). The first coupling devices (16) are integral with the first drive unit (1) and the second coupling devices (11) are integral with the centrifugal unit (2), engaged by elastic devices (18). A moving control unit (17), integral with a gripping component (20), is connected to the sad elastic devices (18) to release coupling devices (11, 16) from each other.

Abstract: This device includes a centrifugal cup or bowl (2) rotating at the speed of 2&ohgr; around its revolving axis, a separation chamber (3) connected to the center of this cup or bowl (3) by three channels (4, 5, 6) integral to three flexible tubes (4a, 5a, 6a) forming open loops driven at the speed of &ohgr; while their second respect extremities, coaxially located with respect to the first ones, are stationary. The radius and height of this cup or bowl (2) are between 25-50 mm, and 75 to 125% respectively of this radius; its angular speed 2&ohgr; is >500 rad/sec to ensure a flow rate for the liquid to be centrifuged of at least 100 ml/min. The material and the dimensions of the tubes (4a, 5a, 6a) are chosen so that the traction force exerted on them is <0.7 N/mm2, its elasticity module is <5 N/mm2 and its rupturing resistance to alternate bending is higher than 1.5 N/mm2.

Abstract: A centrifuge with an associated container system in the form of cassettes for separation and treatment of blood or blood components has been developed. The centrifuge includes a rotor having a central compartment in the form of a tubular shaft cavity extending concentrically with the axis of rotation of the rotor and an annular separation compartment which is arranged around the cavity at the upper part thereof. A first container system is arranged in the rotor, for washing of blood cells, includes a round bag and two or more flexible secondary containers connected thereto, one of which contains a treatment liquid and a tubular sleeve adapted to the shaft cavity of the rotor. The secondary containers are arranged in the sleeve to rest against each other and the round bag is mounted on a projecting flange at the upper part of the sleeve.

Abstract: A centrifuge intended for processing blood and blood components of use with a ring type blood processing bag with associated secondary bags. The rotor of the centrifuge has supports arranged along its periphery and a rotating inner lid a clamp function that secures the ring bag along and between supports. The supports can also function as valves or a welding apparatus for the tubing between the processing bag and the associated secondary bags.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods rotate a processing chamber on a rotating element. The processing chamber includes a first compartment and a second compartment. Blood is conveyed into the first compartment for centrifugal separation into components. A liquid free of blood occupies the second compartment to counter-balance the first compartment during rotation on the rotating element. In one embodiment, the second compartment is served by a single fluid flow access. Prior to use, the single access is coupled to tubing, through which a vacuum is drawn to remove air from the second compartment. While the vacuum exists, communication is opened between the tubing and a source of liquid. The vacuum draws the liquid into the second compartment through the single access, thereby priming the second compartment for use.

Abstract: A system for collecting red blood cells (RBCs) and other blood components that reduces the need for human intervention. A disposable set is provided having a port, an RBC container, a centrifuge rotor having a variable total volume, and a filter, along with tubing connecting the port, the container, the rotor and the filter. A control unit is also provided and includes a spinner in which the rotor may be held, a flow-control arrangement for controlling flow among the various components of the disposable set, and an electronic controller. The whole blood is directed by the flow-control arrangement from the port through the tubing to the rotor. The rotor includes an elastic diaphragm, and the control unit's flow-control arrangement includes a pump or other device for applying a positive and negative pressure to the rotor's elastic diaphragm. The spinner rotates the rotor so as to separate the whole blood into plasma and RBCs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into container adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the container to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.

Abstract: A channel (10) follows a generally concave curve with respect to the axis of rotation (2) of the chamber (1), alongside which is located a feed opening (7) for blood and at least two openings (8, 9) for evacuating separated components. Rotation of the chamber can apply radial forces to the blood to be separated to cause solid particles to sediment against the outer lateral wall of said channel (10). This lateral wall is shaped to produce a plurality of adjacent recesses (16, 24, 33) that are successive in the direction (F) of blood flow to be separated, the wall connecting the bottom of each recess (16, 24, 33) to its downstream end with respect to the direction (F) has an angular extent with respect to the axis of rotation (2, 28) of the rotatable chamber (1) that is set, and the distance between this wall and this axis of rotation (2, 28) reduces gradually from the bottom of said recess to its downstream end.

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 blood centrifuge with a drive assembly for transmitting an input rotation speed to a rotor with a sample reservoir at a desired rotation ratio. The drive assembly includes a base and an outer shell mounted to the base to rotate at an input rate. A bottom pulley is rigidly mounted to the base and attached to the outer shell with bearings. A top pulley is mounted to a center shaft of the outer shell to rotate with the outer shell about the central axis of the centrifuge. An internal drive belt is provided to transmit the rotation to the top pulley via a pair of transversely mounted idler pulleys that rotate with the outer shell. The top pulley is thus rotated at twice the input rate but in the same direction. A rotor assembly with the sample reservoir is attached to the top pulley to separate blood components.

Abstract: A method of harvesting platelet rich plasma from whole blood, comprising adding an aliquot of blood via the inlet tube of a rotating flexible centrifuge bag comprising inlet and outlet tubes sandwiched between doughnut shaped flexible sheets sealed together at the outer and inner perimeters. The whole blood separates radially into fractions. The distal end of the outlet tube is in flow communication with a desired fraction. The desired fraction is removed from the rotating bag via the outlet tube and withdrawal is terminated when an undesired fraction is detected to be near the distal end of the outlet tube. An alternative method comprises adding an aliquot of blood via the inlet channel of a rigid centrifuge container, said container having an interior collection chamber for receiving said whole blood and having a generally off-centered figure eight-shaped side cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: An automated blood separation method and apparatus is described that allows for the separation of multiple units of blood simultaneously. The method and apparatus reliably and quickly separates blood into its components. An auto-balancing feature within the apparatus automatically preferably compensates for the changing state of imbalance, thereby eliminating the need for additional balancing steps during the separation process. The apparatus has a rotor into which a plurality of cassettes can be inserted. The cassettes have a number of sections for the containment of the whole blood and for the separated blood components, which are contained in disposable bags. The rotor is placed into a centrifuge assembly, and the blood components are then separated and transferred to the bags in the individual sections of the cassettes. Means for including secondary separation devices such as filters is included.

Abstract: A rotor for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids in a range of volumes. The rotor includes an elastic impermeable diaphragm which defines at least a portion of a variable-volume processing chamber, where the fluid is centrifuged. The rotor includes a rigid mounting member, to which the diaphragm is mounted and which is held and spun by a chuck. Preferably, this rigid mounting member includes a boundary wall which together with the elastic diaphragm defines the chamber. The boundary wall may be a substantially imperforate circular wall which extends to the periphery of the processing chamber but defining one opening, preferably near the axis of rotation, permitting a conduit or conduits to pass therethrough so as to be in fluid communication with the processing chamber. The rotor may include a separate structure for controlling the flow of liquid out of the chamber into the conduit.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor for separating components contained in a fluid, comprising an annular base having a first annular channel and an annular cover having a second annular channel for holding a flexible, doughnut-shaped centrifuge bag therebetween. When the base and the cover are superimposed, the first and second channels define an annular interior chamber having an off-centered figure eight configuration. The base and cover each comprise a grooved column axially centered and extending from the base top surface and the cover bottom surface, respectively. The flexible bag comprises inner and outer tubes which extend from the central core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: A centrifuge system for the formation of an autologous platelet gel wherein all of the blood components for the gel are derived from a patient to whom the gel is to be applied. First a platelet rich plasma and a platelet poor plasma are formed by centrifuging a quantity of anticoagulated whole blood that was previously drawn from the patient. The platelet rich plasma or platelet poor plasma is then automatically drawn out of the centrifuge bag and proportioned into separate chambers in a dispenser. The first portion is activated where a clot is formed and thrombin is obtained. The thrombin is then latter mixed with the second portion to obtain a platelet gel.

Abstract: A belt-driven blood centrifuge with side-mounted drive motor for rotating the centrifuge at a rotation speed selected to separate blood components. The centrifuge includes a drive shaft assembly rotated at an input rotation speed and a rotor assembly rotatably linked to the drive shaft assembly rotated at an output rotation speed twice the input rotational speed. A drive motor is provided with a drive pulley to drive a belt, a chain, and the like to provide the motive force to rotate the drive shaft at the input rotation speed. In one embodiment, a belt is provided to contact both the pulley of the drive motor and an outer surface of a rotatable shell of the drive shaft assembly. A base is included in the centrifuge upon which the drive shaft assembly is mounted. The drive motor is positioned adjacent the drive shaft assembly and mounted on the base.

Abstract: A rotor for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids in a range of volumes. The rotor includes an elastic impermeable diaphragm which defines at least a portion of a variable-volume processing chamber, where the fluid is centrifuged. The rotor includes a rigid mounting member, to which the diaphragm is mounted and which is held and spun by a chuck. Preferably, this rigid mounting member includes a boundary wall which together with the elastic diaphragm defines the chamber. The boundary wall may be a substantially imperforate circular wall which extends to the periphery of the processing chamber but defining one opening, preferably near the axis of rotation, permitting a conduit or conduits to pass therethrough so as to be in fluid communication with the processing chamber. The rotor may include a separate structure for controlling the flow of liquid out of the chamber into the conduit.

Abstract: A rigid centrifuge container for separating components of a fluid, comprising a rigid annular body having an axial core and an interior collection chamber for receiving and holding the fluid during centrifugation. The chamber has a generally off-centered figure eight-shaped side cross-sectional configuration, wherein the narrowest portion of the chamber is closer to the inner perimeter. The chamber further has an inlet channel extending radially from the core to a distance near the outer perimeter of the chamber, and an outlet channel extending radially from the core to a distance approximately near the narrowest portion of the chamber. The distal end of the inlet channel is in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber, and the distal end of the outlet channel is in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber at the narrowest portion.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods rotate a processing chamber on a rotating element. The processing chamber includes a first compartment and a second compartment. Blood is conveyed into the first compartment for centrifugal separation into components. A liquid free of blood occupies the second compartment to counter-balance the first compartment during rotation on the rotating element. In one embodiment, the second compartment is served by a single fluid flow access. Prior to use, the single access is coupled to tubing, through which a vacuum is drawn to remove air from the second compartment. While the vacuum exists, communication is opened between the tubing and a source of liquid. The vacuum draws the liquid into the second compartment through the single access, thereby priming the second compartment for use.

Abstract: A method of harvesting a predetermined component contained in a fluid, comprising adding an aliquot of said fluid via the inlet tube of a rotating centrifuge container comprising at least one inlet tube and at least one outlet tube, wherein the fluid separates radially into fractions. The distal end of the outlet tube is in flow communication with the desired component. The desired component is removed from the rotating container via the outlet tube, and withdrawal is terminated when an undesired fraction is detected to be near the distal end of the outlet tube. In one embodiment the container is a doughnut shaped flexible bag. In an alternative method the centrifuge container is a rigid container having an interior collection chamber for receiving said whole blood and having a generally off-centered figure eight-shaped side cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods centrifugally separate whole blood into red blood cells, plasma, and a platelet concentrate. The systems and methods rotate a first rotating separation zone about a rotational axis, to separate whole blood into red blood cells and plasma constituent carrying platelets. Red blood cells separated are directed in a first circumferential flow direction toward a terminal wall, where blood flow is halted. Surface hematocrit is successively increased in the first circumferential flow direction by separating the plasma constituent from the red blood cells. Separated red blood cells are directed from the first rotating separation zone through a path where the surface hematocrit is the most. Plasma constituent separated is directed in a second circumferential flow direction opposite to the first circumferential flow direction toward a different region in the first rotating separation zone, where the surface hematocrit is the least.

Abstract: A method for collecting, from whole blood, platelets suspended in plasma is described. By centrifuging the blood at a high enough rotational speed, the platelets are separated from the plasma and the red blood cells. In a preferred embodiment, some of the plasma is removed while the centrifuge is being spun to keep the platelets separated from the plasma. Then, the speed of rotation is altered so as to cause the platelets to mix with the remaining plasma. The platelets can then be collected with the remaining plasma.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microcentrifuge apparatus adapted to simultaneously spin a plurality of samples contained within a plurality of rotors. The microcentrifuge comprises an upper plate that has a plurality of upper plate holes; and a lower plate that has a plurality of lower plate holes or recesses. The lower plate is adjacent and substantially parallel to the upper plate, and the plurality of lower plate holes or recesses are in axial alignment with the plurality of upper plate holes. The plurality of rotors are adapted for retaining and spinning the plurality of samples, and are positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate. Each of the plurality of rotors has at opposing ends an upper shaft and a lower shaft, wherein the upper shaft engages one of the upper plate holes and the lower shaft engages one of the lower plate holes or recesses such that the axes of rotation of each of the plurality rotors are substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for concentrating and recovering pathogens from a fluid other than blood are disclosed. The method includes concentrating the pathogens contained in the fluid by continuously feeding the fluid through one or more flexible chamber(s) and subjecting the chamber(s) to centrifugal forces. The concentrated pathogens may be re-suspended by shaking the chamber(s).

Abstract: A blood separation chamber for rotation about an axis includes an interior channel, which includes a recess that extends outside the bounds of the walls establishing separation zone. The recessed interior channel permits the yields of individual blood components separated in the chamber to be. maximized without cross-contamination or contamination by other components present in the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for separating components of a fluid or particles. A separation vessel having a barrier dam is provided to initially separate an intermediate density components of a fluid, and a fluid chamber is provided to further separate these intermediate density components by forming an elutriative field or saturated fluidized particle bed. The separation vessel includes a shield for limiting flow into the fluid chamber of relatively high density substances, such as red blood cells. The separation vessel also includes a trap dam with a smooth, gradually sloped downstream section for reducing mixing of substances. Structure is also provided for adding additional plasma to platelets and plasma flowing from the fluid chamber. The system reduces clumping of platelets by limiting contact between the platelets and walls of the separation vessel.

Abstract: A chamber for use in a rotating field to separate blood components is described. An inlet port near one end of the chamber introduces blood into the chamber for flow circumferentially about the rotational axis toward the opposite end of the chamber for separation into at least one blood component. At least one outlet port is juxtaposed next to the inlet port near the one end of the chamber for conveying one separated blood component from the channel. The chamber directs the one separated blood component to a collection region near the opposite end of the chamber. An enclosed interior collection passage within the channel leads from the collection region and directs the one collected component to the outlet port for transport from the chamber.

Abstract: A flexible, disposable centrifuge bag for receiving and holding a fluid sample, comprising one or more tubes and upper and lower flexible sheets having doughnut shaped configurations. The upper and lower sheets are superimposed and completely sealed together at their outer perimeters to define an outer perimeter of the centrifuge bag. The inner perimeter of the bag defines a central core. The tubes are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets and extend from the central core of the centrifuge bag. The upper and lower sheets are sealed together at their inner perimeters such that the tubes are sealed between said upper and lower sheets at the inner perimeter. The bag may be used to harvest platelet rich plasma from whole blood in either a batch method or while simultaneously infusing additional aliquots of whole blood into the bag during centrifugation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for concentrating and recovering pathogens from a fluid other than blood are disclosed. The method includes concentrating the pathogens contained in the fluid by continuously feeding the fluid through one or more flexible chamber(s) and subjecting the chamber(s) to centrifugal forces. The concentrated pathogens may be re-suspended by shaking the chamber(s).