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: The invention relates to a centrifuge arrangement having a centrifuge rotor comprising a drive disc (18) connected to a drive source. Furthermore, the centrifuge rotor comprises at least one separation container (1, 32) which comprises a separation passage (6) and a separation chamber (9) whose outlet and inlet passages lead to the center of the drive disc (18). Advantageously, the separation container (1, 32) is made as self-supporting part of rigid or semi-rigid but flexible material and this makes it possible to insert said container easily into the drive disc (18) and in addition provides advantages in the production of the centrifuge arrangement according to the invention.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for use for example with the extraction of gold of the type comprising a bowl with a plurality of rings on the inner peripheral surface between which are provided openings for the injection of water between the rings into the interior of the bowl is modified by a number of further features. Thus firstly the rings and recesses between the rings are molded from a plastics inner which is cast in place within an outer rigid bowl. The openings are formed by punched depressions in the outer wall formed prior to the casting and then drilled subsequent to the casting to form a tangential opening. The shape of the recesses defines sides tapered outwardly toward a flat base at a shallow angle of the order of 15 degrees with the width of the base wider than the width of the injection openings.

Abstract: Apparatus for the centrifugal fractionation and component-isolation of liquid material has a nonflexing radially-movable pressure panel disposed between a first liquid container stacked radially in front of a second liquid container. The two containers are at the same interval pressure during centrifugation, and the pressure panel avoids radial distortion of the back wall of the first container. The liquid container structure can incorporate the pressure panel. Alternatively, the panel can be part of the centrifugal separating instrument.

Abstract: A blood bag support system is described which is very useful for supporting a blood bag in a centrifuge. The support system includes two upright support members and horizontal connecting means extending between the upright supports. A blood bag is suspended from the connecting means. The support system is balanced so as to avoid vortexing or mixing inside the blood bag during centrifuging. The support system holds up the ports at the top of the bag, enabling red blood cells in the ports to be forced downwardly during centrifuging. This prevents contamination of blood components with red blood cells.

Abstract: There is disclosed a column for use in a continuous particle separation apparatus utilizing a centrifugal field. The column comprises a column base constituting an outer frame, a spacer having a cutout portion at its center, an intermediate ring having a slot and a variable diameter, and a top ring mounted inside the intermediate ring. The intermediate ring has an inlet port and an outlet port for introducing and discharging fluid near the slot. The intermediate ring has an inclined inner surface. The top ring has an inclined outer surface which is pressed against the inclined inner surface of the intermediate ring to expand the intermediate ring. Thus, the spacer is pressed against the base. A separation channel is formed between the inner wall of the base and the intermediate ring within the cutout portion of the spacer.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood processing system is disclosed having a rotor drive assembly that is rotatably mounted to a stationary base for rotation along a predetermined axis. A rotor assembly, which includes a blood processing chamber, is rotatably mounted with respect to the base for rotation about the axis. A flexible umbilical cable segment is provided for establishing fluid communication with the blood processing chamber. One end of the cable segment is fixed with respect to the base along the axis at one side of the rotor assembly while the other end of the cable segment is attached on the axis in rotationally locked engagement to the rotor assembly. Guide means are provided for causing the umbilical cable to rotate about the axis with the motor drive assembly. Means are provided for rotating the rotor assembly and the rotor drive assembly in the same direction with a speed ratio of 2:1 to prevent the umbilical cable from becoming completely twisted during rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: In a method of separating different density fluid components, a fluid sample is placed in a first flexible container. The container and its contents are then spun at high speed while controlling the shape of the container so that its side walls spread apart and its bottom flattens to give the container and its contents a relatively small aspect ratio whereby different density components of the fluid contents travel minimum distances while separating in the container to achieve a density distribution in the container, with the densest components of the fluid distal to the spin axis being distributed over a relatively large area surface constituted by the container bottom. The method is particularly applicable to separating different components of human blood. Various apparatus for practicing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: In the preparation of concentrated fibrinogen extracted from the blood for making fibrin glue for use, e.g., as tissue adhesive or intra-arterial embolizing agent, the blood and subsequently obtained plasma are separated by centrifuging. In order to efficiently and rapidly prepare a small quantity of fibrinogen from a patient's own blood to be administered to the same patient during imminent surgery, an arrangement is disclosed wherein the blood or plasma to be centrifuged is transferred to a flat bag or packet which is then fitted into an insert fixture assembly which reliably secures the packet in the centrifuge cup in a suitable orientation.

Abstract: Centrifuge apparatus for use in separating a heavy phase from a light phase in a rotating bowl, the apparatus comprising means defining a channel forming a continuous loop and having an inlet, a first outlet, and a dam portion spaced along the channel from the inlet and having an inner wall radius that is greater than that of adjacent portions so as to provide a heavy phase dam region which can be completely filled with separated heavy phase so as to prevent separated light phase from flowing past it.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprising a circular centrifuge separation channel having an inlet for receiving a liquid to be separated and an outlet for providing components of the liquid in separated layers at different radial locations, a collection chamber for receiving the separated layers, the chamber having first, second and third outlets in the collection chamber for removing components at different radial locations in the chamber, the first and second collection tubes being joined together so that the combined flow of the two tubes flows in a combined collection tube, and pumps connected to receive liquid streams from the combined collection tube and the third collection tube, the pumps being located externally of, and not rotating with, the channel and collection chamber.

Abstract: A continuous flow centrifugal processing system for separating whole blood into fractional components includes a centrifugal separator unit having a molded bowl-shaped outer shell dimensioned to fit within a rotatably-driven casing on an associated centrifuge apparatus. A bowl-shaped inner shell disposed within the outer shell forms therewith a thin separation channel radially spaced from the axis of rotation wherein fractions are separated from the whole blood under the influence of centrifugal force. A rotating seal carried on the processing chamber between ports in the chamber and the non-rotating portions of the system. The outer shell includes a relatively thin side wall portion which is inwardly biased toward a side wall portion on the inner shell when seated in the casing. A plurality of projections on the side walls limit inward deformation of the outer shell to maintain a very close concentric spacing between the shell members to facilitate rapid separation of blood flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: Centrifugal batch separation of blood in a closed collapsible container is carried out by placing the container in a rigid casing in which the container is divided into two or more sections in that the casing constricts the container at one or more predetermined positions between the ends of the container. The casing with the container therein is then centrifuged, a gap-like passage between the container sections permitting rearrangement of the contents of the container so that each section will accommodate a blood fraction. After the centrifugation the fractions are isolated from each other. The volume of the cavity within the casing accommodating the radially outermost container section is matched with the hematocrit and the total blood volume by means of filler bodies.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating or partitioning different density components of a liquid includes a liquid transfer pack composed of first and second flexible bags whose interiors are connected by tubing and a carrier for supporting the transfer pack. the carrier includes first and second sections defining first and second chambers for containing said first and second bags which sections can telescope between an extended condition wherein the volume of the second chamber is a maximum and a collapsed or retracted condition wherein the volume of the second chamber is a minimum. The two sections are biased toward their extended condition so that the first and second bags can be positioned in said chambers so that when the carrier and pack are spun at a selected high speed about an axis perpendicular to the carrier telescoping axis, the carrier sections will retract thereby maintaining the second bag in a collapsed condition in the second chamber minimum volume until the spinning slows to a selected lower speed.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a liquid processing apparatus for use in centrifugal apheresis in which whole blood is received from a donor, separated into therapeutic components and selectively collected. The apparatus includes a processing chamber support system for cooperating in controlling the volume of a variable-volume blood processing chamber during apheresis. The support system is constructed to spin about a spin axis and is substantially symmetric about said axis.The elements of the support system include a chamber cover for receiving a variable-volume chamber. A mandrel is provided for engaging the variable-volume chamber and applying a conforming force to the chamber by urging the chamber toward the cover and thereby causing the chamber to conform to the shape of the cover. Thus the chamber is positioned between the cover and mandrel during apheresis, and the cover and mandrel cooperate in controlling the volume and shape of the chamber.

Abstract: Centrifuge device and method for fractionation and separation of finely divided solid particulate material suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The centrifuge device comprises an enclosure means for enclosing suspending liquid, a liner for entrapping solid particles present in the suspending liquid, a cap for retaining the liquid and liner in said enclosure means and rotation means for rotating the enclosure means about the vertical axis thereof.

Abstract: The device comprises a rotor formed with a circumferential groove including a widening with an apertured bottom whereat two monitoring stroboscopes are arranged, the groove being provided for engaging with the red cell and plasma exit end of a disposable bag, the other end whereof is so designed and arranged as to receive whole blood.

Abstract: A cell washing method and apparatus which utilizes centrifugation to separate blood components in a flexible bag. The less dense separated components e.g., supernatant, is expressed from the bag by centrifugal force acting on a plate adjacent the bag and the more dense component e.g., RBC's, remains. The bag is oriented at a double angle in the centrifuge so that less dense component accumulates at one location and more dense at a second location diagonally opposite the first location, thus facilitating removal of the less dense and washing of the more dense component.

Abstract: A continuous flow centrifuge system having a disposable fluid container of constant cross-section mounted in a circular channel. The channel, defining a separation region, has a constant height and side walls of divering spirals to increase the cross-sectional area from inlet to outlet. The container expands dynamically to conform to the claimed geometry and the collection chamber is attached to the container to obtain the separated fluid fractions. The channel may be in an insert, defined between the walls of the insert and the rotor bowl or in a rotor head assembly.

Abstract: A deformable support for a pressure plate blood processing centrifuge apparatus is described. A plate 50 is disposed adjacent a deformable support 10 having a recess for a flexible bag 8 in which blood is processed. Under the influence of centrifugal force the plate 50, which is disposed inwardly nearer the center of rotation than the bag 8, exerts a force against the support 10 and bag 8 and expels a separated blood component from the bag into a receiver container 6.The support 10 absorbs forces in the bag 8 thereby enabling the bag to be made of thin walled inexpensive material which would otherwise rupture under the separation forces. Yet the support 10 is sufficiently yielding to enable the pressure plate 50 to move and create an expelling force.

Abstract: A liner for use in a centrifuge rotor bucket for converting a single cavity bucket into a multicavity bucket to provide separate support for at least two flexible fluid sample containers. The liner has a separation ridge which defines at least two areas in the liner, but allows maximum space for receipt of the flexible containers. Handle means are attached to the liner to provide ease in the removal and insertion of the liner into the rotor bucket.

Abstract: An improved centrifuge assembly comprising a channeled rotor assembly and a ring-like fluid container disposed in the channel, whereby the centrifugal separation effects in the fluid container are determined by the geometry of the channel in the rotor. The fluid container is preferably formed from semirigid plastic material in the form of a tube having a rectangular cross section and is considered a disposable item to be discarded after a single use. The rotor assembly preferably includes a removable filler piece or center piece formed from a single piece of material, such as rigid plastic, as by molding, dimensioned to form, with the wall of the centrifuge bowl, a circular channel having dimensions appropriate to receive the semirigid container, which is suitably bent and placed in the channel. Fluid connections are provided from each end of the container to an axially located multichannel rotating seal. The connections lie in a plurality of radial slots in the filler piece.

Abstract: A one piece integrally formed sectional shaped liner for use in combination with similarly shaped sectional liners in a generally cylindrical chamber of a centrifuge rotor. The utilization of a plurality of similarly shaped plastic liners within a single rotor chamber allows for the placement of different fluid samples in a single rotor during one centrifuge run. The liners are designed in such a manner that they do not require a separate capping means and are preferably made through a blow molding process. The liners are designed to provide adjacent support to each other during the centrifugation run.

Abstract: A flow-through centrifuge free of rotating seals. The centrifuge includes a frame having three spaced apart horizontal plates which carry a central bowl, a countershaft and a tube-supporting hollow shaft. A motor is arranged to drive the frame at an angular velocity of .omega.. The countershaft is driven by a stationary pulley on the motor and drives the bowl at an angular velocity of 2.omega.. The motion of the countershaft is also transferred to the tube-supporting hollow shaft by a pulley coupling having a ratio which effects rotation of the hollow shaft, with respect to the frame, at an angular velocity of -.omega..

Abstract: A pressure plate blood processing centrifuge apparatus is described. A plate is disposed adjacent a flexible bag in which blood is being processed. Under the influence of centrifugal force the plate, which is disposed inwardly nearer the center of rotation than the bag, expels a separated blood component from the bag into a receiver container. The container may be located (1) radially inward or (2) radially outward from the bag or (3) adjacent and equidistant from the center of rotation.In the embodiment in which the container is located radially outward from the bag, a valve is provided which is responsive to the specific density of separated components to stop the flow. In other embodiments, the mass of the plate is selected so as to expel only the desired component. A plurality of alternate embodiments are described which make the apparatus useful for a variety of apparatus, such as plasma pheresis, platelet pheresis and cell-washing.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood component separator with a spiral helically inclined rotor chamber. The apparatus uses continuous blood flow-through without rotating seals. At the lower end of the helical rotor chamber there are terminals for blood input and packed red blood cell output, whereas at the higher end there is a terminal for plasma. Intermediate outlet terminals may be provided for white blood cells and platelets.

Abstract: A centrifuge having automatic purging elements for discharging contaminants from the centrifuge in response to the rotational speed of the centrifuge.

Abstract: An improved centrifuge assembly comprising a channeled rotor assembly and a fluid container disposed in the channel, whereby the centrifugal separation effects in the fluid container are determined by the geometry of the channel in the rotor. This arrangement is particularly useful for two-stage blood platelet separation. The fluid container is preferably formed from semirigid plastic material and is considered a disposable item to be discarded after a single use. The rotary assembly preferably includes a removable filler piece or center piece formed from a single piece of material, such as rigid plastic, as by machining or molding, and having therein an open-topped channel having dimensions appropriate to receive the semirigid container, which is suitably curved and placed in the channel. Fluid connections are provided from each end of the container and an intermediate point to an axially located multichannel rotating seal. The connections lie in a plurality of radial slots in the filler piece.

Abstract: A centrifuge assembly useful for two stage blood platelet separation by counterflow comprising a channeled rotor assembly and a fluid container disposed in the channel, whereby the centrifugal separation effects in the fluid container are determined by the geometry of the channel in thr rotor. The fluid container is preferably formed from semirigid plastic material and is considered a disposable item, discarded after a single use. The rotor assembly preferably includes a removable filler piece or center piece formed from a single piece of material and having therein an open-topped channel having dimensions appropriate to receive the semirigid container, which is suitably curved and placed in the channel. Fluid connections are provided from a multi-chambered cavity attached to the ends of the container to an axially located multichannel rotating seal.