Patent ID: 6652475
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: B01D,B04B

Abstract:
An automated blood component separation system comprising:a collection and separation bag suitable for containing blood, forming an opening such that blood may be introduced into the collection and separation bag and removed from the collection and separation bag, said collection and separation bag having a conical shape that tapers toward said opening and further defining a line of symmetry; a first component bag suitable for containing a component of blood, forming an opening; tubing connected between the opening of the collection and separation bag to the opening of the component bag, said tubing comprising a first and second tubing segment wherein the first tubing segment is connected between the opening of the collection and separation bag and the second tubing segment, and the second tubing segment is connected between the first tubing segment and the opening of the first component bag; a first valve aligned with the second tubing segment selectively controllable to seal the second tubing segment when the first valve is in a closed position and unseal the second tubing segment when the first valve is in an open position; a sensor capable of detecting an interface between separated components of blood positioned along the first tubing segment near the opening of the collection and separation bag; a centrifuge, comprising a support structure that forms at least one cup appropriate for supporting the collection and separation bag such that the opening of the collection and separation bag is directed away from the axis of rotation, and at least one adjacent pocket suitable for supporting the first component bag such that the first component bag is positioned substantially further from the axis of rotation than the collection and separation bag, said centrifuge capable of creating a centrifugal field around an axis of rotation and wherein the collection and separation bag and the first component bag may be supported relative to the axis of rotation such that the centrifugal field causes the separation of whole blood placed in the collection and separation bag into at least two components of blood defining an interface between said components that is normal to the line of symmetry and further causes a flow of at least one of the components of blood from the collection and separation bag through the tubing into the first component bag when the first valve is in the open position; and a controller operably coupled to the sensor and the first valve.