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 centrifuge of the type having a rotary basket with a bottom wall, side wall and a top wall with a central opening therein includes a liquid feed pipe extending into the basket through the top opening to a point spaced above the basket bottom wall at the rotary axis thereof for conducting a feed liquid into the basket. A feed accelerator projects from the basket bottom wall opposite the feed pipe. The accelerator rotates with the basket so that, the accelerator will impart radial and angular acceleration to the liquid issuing from the feed pipe so that that liquid is redirected and accelerated toward the basket side wall. The centrifuge also incorporates a liquid drain in the basket bottom wall adjacent to the rotary axis of the basket for draining liquid from the basket when the rotation of the basket is stopped.

Abstract: A centrifuge apparatus is used for collecting white blood cells, primarily mononuclear cells, from whole blood stratified into layers. A thin mononuclear (MNC) layer is formed at the interface of red blood cells and plasma. A barrier is positioned in the separation vessel of the centrifuge at a location to intercept the thin layer. An MNC collect port is positioned in front of the barrier to collect the thin layer. MNC fluid is allowed to pool behind the barrier to surround the collect port before collection is started. Collection ceases when the pool is removed and allowed to build again. By operating the collect in an intermittent fashion, improvements in purity and collect volume are achieved. The intermittent collection procedure can be useful for harvesting granulocytes and, in general, any sparse stratified component of a centrifuged solution where the sparse component is layered between more dense and less dense strata.

Abstract: A centrifuge apparatus is used for collecting white blood cells (WBC), primarily mononuclear cells, from whole blood stratified into layers. A thin mononuclear (MNC) layer is formed at the interface of red blood cells and plasma. A barrier is positioned in the separation vessel of the centrifuge at a location to intercept the thin layer. MNC fluid is allowed to pool behind the barrier before collection is started. To collect the MNC pool, the stratified red blood cell layer is raised from below the interface level by slowing or reversing flow in the RBC exit line thereby causing the MNC pool to spill over the barrier into a well in which a collect line is positioned. Collection ceases when a desired percentage of the pool is removed and the normal position of the interface is re-established; thereafter the pool builds again. By raising the MNC pool from below, improvements in purity and collect volume are achieved.

Abstract: An extracorpeal 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 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: A chamber for use in a rotating field to separate blood components. 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: Method of treatment by centrifuging of a liquid packaged in flexible-walled bags connected to at least one filter. According to the method, the filter (2) is placed in the middle of the confinement space (5, 5a) such that the large faces of the filter (2) are parallel to the centrifuging axis (3), and bags (1) are placed on either side of said filter (2) so that they are in contact with the latter.

Abstract: An inexpensive device with a disposable cartridge for preparing tissue sealant is disclosed. The device is particularly applicable to star preparation of autologous tissue sealant. A method of sealing tissue in which the tissue sealant is applied immediately after mixing platelet-rich plasma concentrate (from the device) with a solution of calcium and thrombin is also disclosed. Preparation in the operating room of 5 cc sealant from 50 cc patient blood requires less than 15 minutes and only one simple operator step. There is no risk of tracking error because processing can be done in the operating room. Chemicals added may be limited to anticoagulant (e.g., citrate) and calcium chloride. The disposable cartridge may fit in the palm of the hand and is hermetically sealed to eliminate possible exposure to patient blood and ensure sterility. Adhesive and tensile strengths are comparable or superior to pooled blood fibrin sealants made with precipitation methods.

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: A centrifugation system includes frame has at least one weight bearing member for engaging a support surface generally lying in a horizontal plane. The system also includes a centrifuge assembly including a chamber that can be rotated about an axis. A base supports the centrifuge assembly on the frame within the interior area with the rotational axis oriented in a plane that lies outside a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal support surface. The sloped orientation of the rotational axis conserves vertical height. It makes it possible to place the rotating centrifuge components for access in a zone that lies between the knees and the chest of the intended user, when standing.

Abstract: A blood processing assembly includes a centrifuge contained within a heated housing or chamber. A fail safe spill or splash detector is located within the inner wall of the housing. The detector includes a pair of parallel electrodes separated from each other from a small gap. The circuit detects a splash or droplet of liquid which conducts current between the electrodes.

Abstract: A centrifuge provides simplify access to the processing chamber. In one arrangement, the processing chamber separates into a bowl and spool element to receive a disposable processing bag. In another arrangement, the processing chamber pivots between an operating position and an access position to provide improved access. The centrifuge also employs readily accessible holders for releasably retaining tubing that, in use, conveys fluid to and from the chamber. Though greatly accessible, the centrifuge operates without the need of complicated rotating seals and expensive disposable components.

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 method and apparatus for the continuous conditioning of a cell suspension, more particularly whole blood, in order to obtain an erythrocyte concentrate which is returned to the patient by autotransfusion. In accordance with the invention there are three treatment stages, that is to say sedimentation of the cell suspension, the addition of washing solution to the cell concentrate and renewed sedimentation and separation of the washing solution.

Abstract: An orbital separator for separating lighter and heavier components of a mixture including a rotatable cylindrical separation container with an opening in the bottom, an upper inlet tube coaxial with the separation container for discharging a mixture into the separation container, a tubular outlet member communicating with the opening in the separation container bottom and extending coaxially upwardly in the separation container defining a moat area within the separation container lower portion, and a removable liner within the separation container moat area for collecting the heavier components of a mixture, the lighter components flowing out through the tubular outlet member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the separation of a predetermined type of microscopic unit (e.g., islets of Langerhans) from a given medium (e.g., pancreatic digest) by centrifuging in a substantially continuous density gradient. In one embodiment, a substantially continuous density gradient solution is provided to a flexible processing bag appropriately positioned within an upper chamber of a rotating variable volume centrifuge. The solution having a plurality of the desired microscopic units therein is loaded onto the gradient and such units migrate to a particular radial position within the gradient based upon the density of such units. Once appropriately separated by the formation of regions, a fluid is provided to a lower chamber of the centrifuge bowl during continued rotation thereof to sequentially remove fractions from the processing bag from an inward location to an outward location, at least one of which fractions includes the band of the desired microscopic units.

Abstract: A centrifuge provides simplify access to the processing chamber. In one arrangement, the processing chamber separates into a bowl and spool element to receive a disposable processing bag. In another arrangement, the processing chamber pivots between an operating position and an access position to provide improved access. The centrifuge also employs readily accessible holders for releasably retaining tubing that, in use, conveys fluid to and from the chamber. Though greatly accessible, the centrifuge operates without the need of complicated rotating seals and expensive disposable components.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled centrifuge in which a heat exchanger is attached to the bottom portion of the centrifuge bowl to remove heat from the bowl and materials within the bowl interacting therewith. In one embodiment, a heat exchange plate having a plurality of substantially annular channels is appropriately attached to the bottom of the centrifuge bowl and has a surface which is thus substantially coextensive therewith. Each of these channels are positioned at different radial distances from the central axis of the heat exchange plate and each extends substantially about such axis. An appropriate heat transfer medium may thus be circulated through each of these channels to thereby substantially control a temperature across the entire bottom of the bowl. The heat transfer medium may be provided to each of the channels by a common feed inlet which also allows for the use of flow regulators where appropriate, and the heat transfer medium may also thus be removed from the channels by a common dump line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the separation of a predetermined type of microscopic unit (e.g., islets of Langerhans) from a given medium (e.g., pancreatic digest) by centrifuging in a substantially continuous density gradient. In one embodiment, a substantially continuous density gradient solution is provided to a flexible processing bag appropriately positioned within an upper chamber of a rotating variable volume centrifuge. The solution having a plurality of the desired microscopic units therein is loaded onto the gradient and such units migrate to a particular radial position within the gradient based upon the density of such units. Once appropriately separated by the formation of regions, a fluid is provided to a lower chamber of the centrifuge bowl during continued rotation thereof to sequentially remove fractions from the processing bag from an inward location to an outward location, at least one of which fractions includes the band of the desired microscopic units.

Abstract: An analytical rotor which comprises a receptacle for receiving a post on a centrifuge and a sealed rigid container in the rotor body proximate to the receptacle is provided. The seal on the container is opened when the post is inserted in the receptacle, thereby releasing a liquid in the container. The seal is preferably opened through the displacement of the container caused by positioning of the rotor on the centrifuge post.

Abstract: An adapter for a centrifuge tube comprises two adapter segments, each of which has an exterior surface and a mating surface thereon. Each segment has a pair of indentations in the mating surface. When the segments are joined along their mating surfaces the indentations cooperate to define a pair of recesses therein. Each recess so defined is configured to surround totally a centrifuge tube disposed therein. Each recess has an axis extending therethrough, with the axes of the recesses being collinear. The collinear axes of the recesses are aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, and preferably also align collinearly with the axis of the rotor cavity in which the adapter is disposed. Each adapter segment is fabricated of a material that has sufficient strength to withstand the vertical forces created by the pressure of a liquid under centrifugation.

Abstract: A liner or wrap for use in the scroll or discharge housing of a centrifugal separator device. The wrap comprises a one-piece, elongated strip of material which is releasably secured to the interior wall which is replaceable in the event of excessive wear. The wrap is compressible and can be placed into the separator device without having to remove the blade assemblies. The releasable wrap is seated against the discharge housing wall contiguous to blades which are rotatable in the discharge housing.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl of the type having a shell including a peripheral wall and a cast inner liner attached to the inside surface of the peripheral wall is modified by the provision of a plurality of punched channel portions which extend inwardly into the bowl from peripheral wall to define a U-shaped channel with severed ends. During the casting process the casting plastics material extends into the recess behind each channel portion and thus when set forms an insert portion which anchors the liner to the channel portion and thus to the peripheral wall. Openings for the entry of fluidizing water are then drilled through the insert portion from the outside of the shell through one end of the channel portion and through the liner into the interior of the bowl.

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: 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: 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: An insert beaker for centrifuges for centrifuging blood, having a blood bag placed in the insert beaker in association with a positive displacement body that acts upon the insert beaker from outside, the blood bag communicating via connecting hoses with at least one other blood bag inside the centrifuge. The insert beaker (1) is made with two pivotable shell halves (2, 3) joined together, and retaining elements for the blood bag to be placed between the shell halves (2, 3) is disposed on the top of the shell halves (2, 3).

Abstract: Thawed glycerolized red blood cells are washed in a system (1) of closed collapsible containers of flexible material which are positioned concentrically in a centrifuge rotor. The blood cells are held in an annular primary container (2) into which wash liquid is centrifugally fed from a c entral container (3) and from which supernatant is expressed into a central waste container (4) while the primary container is being compressed as a result of centrifugal action on an elastic body (24) in the rotor. A container assembly (1) for use in carrying out the washing comprises an annular collapsible primary container (2), a collapsible circular closed wash liquid container (3), a collapsible circular, closed waste container (4), and valve controlled conduits for passing liquid from the wash liquid container into the primary container and from the primary container into the waste container.

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 centrifugal processing system and method introduces fluid to be processed into a centrifugation chamber, while directing the fluid away from the region of the chamber where the largest centrifugal (or "G") forces exist. The fluid is also conveyed into the force field as a generally uniform stream having reduced turbulence or being essentially free of turbulence. The system and method thereby establish, upon the entry of a high velocity fluid stream into the centrifugal field, non-turbulent and uniform flow conditions conducive to effective separation. The system and method also direct the fluid in a way the maximizes the effective surface area of the centrifugation chamber for separation. Effective separation can thereby be achieved at high inlet flow rates.

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 rotating bowl decanter centrifuge including a clarifier section and a beach section for separating a lighter phase from a heavier phase. The beach section includes a conveyor for conveying the heavier phase toward the exterior of the centrifuge. The centrifuge is without a conveyor in the effluent discharge end of the clarifier section. In a preferred embodiment, the clarifier section has an outward incline angle so that the clarifier wall bends away from the bowl's rotational axis. The beach section includes an inwardly inclined outer wall which bends towards the rotational axis of the bowl. It is preferred that the outward incline angle in the clarifier section be on the order of 5.degree. or less.

Abstract: A centrifugal solids-liquids separator comprises a rotatable hollow centrifuge drum at least a part of which is tapered, and which is rotatable about its axis, means for introducing a slurry of solids and liquids to be separated at a point along the length of the drum spaced from a wider end so that rotation of the drum tends to cause migration of the slurry towards the said wider end, and scraper conveyor means rotatable about an axis coincident with that of the drum and at a relative speed which is low in relation to the absolute speed of the drum, the scraper conveyor means being so mounted that they act in direct contact with the inside surface of the drum so as to displace solids contacted thereby towards the narrow end of the drum against the axial force induced by the rotation.

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: A centrifugal separator for extracting heavy metals from a slurry comprises a centrifuge bowl having an inwardly facing surface over which the slurry runs. A dam at a discharge end of the surface forms a shallow layer of particles which separate preferentially the heavy metals. The surface includes a portion formed by a plurality of annular membrane portions spaced axially and separated by radial rings extending from the surface to a supporting metal bowl. The membranes are deflated or retracted to gradually form annular cups for receiving the separated metals. The membranes are then inflated to discharge the collected materials while the feed is temporarily halted and the bowl continues to rotate.

Abstract: A disk shaped cassette for centrifugal fluid separation, particularly blood separation, and a drive system for high speed rotation of the cassette. The cassette is driven at speeds which permit very rapid separation of the blood in times on the order of seven (7) to twenty (20) seconds by an automated control. The cassette is supported by a flexible support coupling and mounting system that permits the entire rotating mass to spin about the center of mass unique to the particular cassette as filled. The cassette typically includes a peripheral collection chamber which may be either annular, lobed or channel shaped. A cassette enabled to hold plural separation tubes is also shown. A gel can be placed in the cassette with a density between the fluid components to be separated and after centrifuging maintains the component separation that centrifuging creates.

Abstract: A centrifugal filter separator includes a detachable tubular screen disposed between an annular filter and the inner peripheral surface of a basket, the screen having an annular flange detachably connected to an open end of the basket from the outside of the basket. The centrifugal separator having such detachable screen is applicalbe to centrifugal separation of various materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of separating a component from a collected quantity of fluid. The apparatus includes a dual member centrifuge and an associated fluid flow transfer set. The transfer set has a collection container in which a quantity of fluid can be initially accumulated. The collection container is formed as a disk-shaped plastic member with an elongated generally radially extending barrier member formed therein. A component collection container is in fluid flow communication with the disk-shaped container. The method provides for centrifugation of the collection container in the dual member centrifuge thereby separating out the selected fluid component. The component can then be pumped out of the collection container into the component accumulation container. The residual fluid can be sealed in the collection container for later use. The component collection container can be separated and sealed also for later use.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing system for cultured cellular suspensions comprises a reservoir for pooling a desired volume of the cellular suspension from a plurality of individual containers in which the cellular suspension have been cultured. A centrifugation chamber is provided operative in response to centrifugal force for separating the cellular suspension into a cellular component and a supernatant. Fluid is conveyed from the reservoir into the centrifugation chamber at a high flow rate exceeding 1 liter per minute. The cellular component and supernatant are collected from the centrifugation 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 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 bridge is attachable to and mountable upon the upper edge of a centrifuge cup for suspending a blood collection bag within the cavity of the centrifuge cup during centrifugation of the collected blood. The bridge includes structure for supporting the bridge upon an expressor to permit expressing the centrifuged blood from the bridge suspended blood collection bag.

Abstract: Isolation of a quantity of blood within a fold of a blood collection bag is prevented during centrifugation by applying a laterally oriented force against the blood collection bag to pressurize it and encourage unfolding of any folds. The laterally oriented force is generated by the apparent weight increase of the blood collection bag during centrifugation.

Abstract: A plasma separator for receiving a blood sample includes a central chamber of inverted conical shape and an outer annular chamber connected to the central chamber by a downwardly inclined passageway. The separator is designed to be rotated at high speed about a vertical axis so that red blood cells in the sample migrate down the passageway and into the outer chamber, leaving clear plasma in the central chamber that can then be removed by pipette.

Abstract: After separation and during centrifuging a separated blood component is transferred from a source reservoir (2) into a tube (4) oriented against a centrifugal gradient. A cap (34) converts the separated layer from the reservoir into a columnar body and the centrifugal gradient prevents mixing of the columnar body in the tube (4) during further centrifuging. In one embodiment the tube has a volume sufficient to hold a desired fractional component from the source reservoir, and a diameter small enough to prevent mixing of the component when the gradient is removed. A support (69) holds the conduit wound about a spool transverse to the iso-g-lines of the centrifuge. The support (69) may be removably affixed to the cap (34). In a preferred embodiment the source reservoir (2) has a flexible wall, and pressure of the wall against an elevation (29) maintains pressure in the fluid system.

Abstract: A centrifugal method and apparatus capable of separating a fluid stream composed of a plurality of components with differing specific gravities. The stream contemplated for separation is that of a producing oil well with components of oil, water, natural gas, and particulates. The method and apparatus use centrifugal forces to separate the gaseous, solid, and liquid components from each other. After separation is completed, detector and sensor arrangements are used to maintain liquid levels in the separator and to control the removal of the individual separated fluids from the apparatus.

Abstract: A disk shaped cassette for centrifugal fluid separation, particularly blood separation, and a drive system for high speed rotation of the cassette. The cassette is driven at speeds which permit very rapid separation of the blood in times on the order of seven (7) to twenty (20) seconds by an automated control. The cassette is supported by a flexible support coupling and mounting system that permits the entire rotating mass to spin about the center of mass unique to the particular cassette as filled. The cassette typically includes a peripheral collection chamber which may be either annular, lobed or channel shaped. A cassette enabled to hold plural separation tubes is also shown. A gel can be placed in the cassette with a density between the fluid components to separated and after centrifuging maintains the component separation that centrifuging creates.

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.