Patent Publication Number: US-2023149688-A1

Title: Method And System For Selectively Coupling A Blood Collection Pressure Apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/280,049, filed on Nov. 16, 2021. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to blood separation systems, in particular, toward the attachment of pressure bladders to centrifuge buckets in blood separation systems. 
     Blood collection and processing play important roles in the worldwide health care system. In conventional large scale blood collection, blood is removed from a donor or patient, separated into its various blood components via centrifugation, filtration, or elutriation and stored in sterile containers for future infusion into a patient for therapeutic use. The separated blood components typically include fractions comprising red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Separation of blood into its components can be performed continuously during collection or can be performed subsequent to collection in batches, particularly with respect to the processing of whole blood samples. Separation of blood into its various components under highly sterile conditions is critical to many therapeutic applications. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a selective coupling assembly. The selective coupling assembly includes a bucket, a bladder, and a connector. The bucket includes a wall and a receiver. The wall extends from an open end of the bucket to a closed end of the bucket. The wall at least partially defines a cavity between the open end and the closed end. The receiver is attached to the wall. The receiver includes a body and a latch plate. The body defines a receptacle and a receiver lumen extending between a first side of the body and a second side of the body. The receiver lumen has a lumen axis. The latch plate is slidably attached to the body. The latch plate defines an aperture and having an aperture axis parallel the lumen axis. The bladder defines a sealed expandable chamber and a fluid flow port passing from an interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder. The connector is attached to the bladder. The connector is at least partially in the fluid flow port. The connector includes a base and a plug. The plug protrudes from the base. The connector defines a connector lumen in the base and the plug. The connector lumen provides a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the receiver is at least partially in the wall. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the plug further includes a recess and a groove. The recess is offset a first distance from the base of the plug. The groove is defined in a periphery of the plug. The groove is offset a second distance from the base of the plug. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the connector further includes an O-ring at least partially in the groove. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the connector comprises a plastic material. The connector is attached to the bladder via at least one weld. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the connector is configured to move between a lock state with the receiver and an unlocked state with the receiver. In the lock state, the bladder is coupled to the bucket. In the unlocked state, the bladder is decoupled from the bucket. 
     In at least one example embodiment, in the lock state, the plug is disposed at least partially in the receptacle and a portion of the latch plate is in the recess of the plug. 
     In at least one example embodiment, in the lock state, a fluid flow path is between the interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber and the receiver lumen of the receiver. The fluid flow path is unimpeded by any valve between the bladder and the receiver. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a bladder assembly. The bladder assembly includes a flexible material and a connector. The flexible material defines a sealed expandable chamber. The flexible material defines a fluid flow port passing from an interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the sealed expandable chamber. The connector is attached to the flexible material and at least partially in the fluid flow port. The connector includes a base and a plug. The plug protrudes from the base. The connector defines a connector lumen through the base and the plug. The connector lumen provides a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the flexible material. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the connector is attached to the flexible material via a seal surrounding the fluid flow port and joining a portion of the flexible material to the base of the connector. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a method of coupling a bladder to a bucket. The method includes inserting a bladder including an integral connector into a cavity of a bucket. The method further includes aligning the integral connector with a receiver in a wall of the bucket. The method further includes guiding the integral connector into the receiver. The method further includes applying a force to the integral connector to engage a latch of the receiver with a portion of the integral connector and reduce or prevent axial movement of the integral connector relative to the receiver. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the guiding includes inserting a selective coupling tool into the cavity of the bucket. The guiding further includes moving the selective coupling tool into contact with a portion of the integral connector. The guiding further includes manipulating the selective coupling tool to cause a movement of the integral connector in a direction of the receiver. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the moving includes positioning the selective coupling tool relative to a top surface of the bucket. The moving further includes aligning an indicium on a shaft of the selective coupling tool with a reference point at the top surface of the bucket. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the bladder defines a sealed expandable chamber and a fluid flow port passing from an interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the integrated connector includes a base and a plug. The plug protrudes from the base. A connector lumen passes through the base and the plug. The connector lumen provides a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a method of decoupling a bladder from a bucket. The method includes inserting a selective coupling tool at least partially into a cavity of a bucket in a region between the bladder and a wall of the bucket. The method further includes engaging the selective coupling tool with a latch plate of a receiver at least partially in the wall of the bucket. The method further includes moving the selective coupling tool to cause the latch plate to translate from a lock state, to a unlocked state. In the lock state, a portion of the latch plate is engaged with a portion of a connector of the bladder. In the unlocked state, the portion of the latch plate is disengaged with the portion of the connector of the bladder. The method further includes moving the connector away from the receiver to cause the bladder to separate from the bucket. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the engaging includes aligning a pin of the selective coupling tool with a corresponding hole defined in the latch plate. The engaging further includes inserting at least a portion of the pin into the corresponding hole. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the aligning includes aligning an indicium on a shaft of the selective coupling tool with a reference point at a top surface of the bucket. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the engaging includes contacting the selective coupling tool with a flange of the latch plate. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a selective coupling tool. The selective coupling tool includes a shaft and a forked extension. The shaft extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The forked extension protrudes from the distal end. The forked extension has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The forked extension includes a cradle and a protrusion. The cradle includes a contact surface between the first side and the second side. The protrusion is on the second side. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the protrusion is a frustoconical protrusion. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the protrusion is a plate. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the selective coupling tool further includes a handle and an indicum. The handle is connected to the proximal end of the shaft. The indicium is on the shaft. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the indicium is etched into a portion of the shaft. The indicum extends around at least a portion of an outer surface of the shaft. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a blood separation apparatus. The blood separation apparatus includes a rotor, a bucket, a receiver, a bladder, and a connector. The bucket is attached to the rotor. The bucket includes a wall and a receiver. The wall extends from an open end of the bucket to a closed end of the bucket. The wall defines a cavity between the open end and the closed end. The receiver is attached to the wall. The receiver includes a body and a latch plate. The body defines a receptacle and a receiver lumen extending between a first side of the body and a second side of the body. The receiver lumen has a lumen axis. The latch plate is slidably attached to the body. The latch plate defines an aperture and having an aperture axis parallel to the lumen axis. The bladder defines a sealed expandable chamber and a fluid flow port extending between an interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder. The connector is attached to the bladder. The connector is at least partially in the fluid flow port. The connector includes a base, a plug, and a connector lumen. The plug protrudes from the base. The connector lumen is defined through the base and the plug. The connector lumen provides a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a selective coupling assembly. The selective coupling assembly includes a receiver, a bladder, and a connector. The receiver is at least partially within a wall of a bladder holder. The receiver includes a body and a latch plate. The body defines a receptacle and a first lumen extending from a first side of the body to a second side of the body. The first lumen has a lumen axis. The latch plate is slidably attached to the body. The latch plate defines an aperture and having an aperture axis parallel to the lumen axis. The bladder defines an expandable chamber and a fluid flow port passing from an interior volume of the expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder. The connector is attached to the bladder. The connector is at least partially in the fluid flow port. The connector includes a base and a plug. The plug protrudes from the base, The connector defines a connector lumen through the base and the plug. The connector lumen provides a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the bladder is configured to be moved from a first position outside of the bladder holder to a second position inside the bladder holder. The receiver is at least partially within the bladder holder. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the connector is configured to be moved between a lock state with the receiver and an unlocked state with the receiver. In the lock state, the bladder is coupled to the bladder holder. In the unlocked state, the bladder is decoupled from the bladder holder. The connector is configured to be moved between the lock state and the unlocked state from a region inside the bladder holder. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the connector is configured to be moved between the lock state and the unlocked state without use of a tool. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the connector is configured to be moved between the lock state and the unlocked state by inserting a tool from an outside of the bladder holder into the region. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the bladder holder is a bucket of a separation apparatus. The wall extends from an open end of the bucket to a closed end of the bucket. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to an interconnection assembly. The interconnection assembly includes a receiver and a connector. The receiver includes a body and a latch plate. The body defines a receptacle and a receiver lumen extending between a first side of the body to second side of the body. The receiver has a lumen having a lumen axis. The latch plate is slidably attached to the body. The latch plate defines an aperture having an aperture axis parallel to the lumen axis. The connector includes a base and a plug. The plug protrudes from the base. The connector defines a connector lumen through the base and the plug. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the interconnection assembly further includes a bladder. The bladder defines an expandable chamber and a fluid flow port passing from an interior volume of the expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder. The connector is operatively attached to the fluid flow port such that the connector lumen provides a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the plug further includes a recess an a compliant portion. The recess is offset a first distance from the base of the plug. The compliant portion is arranged around a periphery of the plug. The compliant portion is configured to create a seal between the plug and the receptacle. The compliant portion is offset a second distance from the base. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the compliant portion is an elastically flexible ridge protruding from the plug. 
     Blood separation systems may be used to automate the process of blood componentization. In at least one example embodiment, this process may be performed by loading a blood bag into a metal bucket that is spun, around a rotation axis, to separate the blood into its components. Once separated, the various components may be expressed out of the bucket by displacing the fluid in the blood bag with a bladder (e.g., inflatable, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.) that is also inside the bucket (e.g., disposed adjacent to and in contact with an outside of the blood bag). These bladders need to be replaced as part of the routine maintenance scheduled for blood separation systems. Replacing the bladders requires a service technician to completely remove each of the buckets from the blood separation system to access and release a threaded nut that secures the bladders in the buckets. This process is time consuming, complex, and poses inherent risk for a service technician. The process can take as long as several hours to complete. As can be appreciated, maintenance of the system and replacement of the bladders is a costly and frustrating procedure for service technicians. 
     It is with respect to the above issues and other problems that the embodiments presented herein were contemplated. 
     In at least some embodiments, the present disclosure describes methods, devices, and systems for selectively coupling (e.g., installing and/or removing, etc.) bladders from buckets without requiring full disassembly of the bucket from the blood separation system. In one example, a receiver (e.g., locking receptacle, etc.) is mounted to a portion of the bucket and a separate connector, that selectively engages with the receiver, is attached to the bladder. When engaged, the connector is locked to the receiver via a locking latch. To disengage the bladder from the bucket, a technician may release the locking latch and remove the bladder from the bucket without disassembling the bucket and/or the bladder. The engagement and disengagement may be performed with a quick interconnect operation that each take less than one minute to complete. 
     The connector (e.g., engaging plug, etc.) may be attached to the bladder (e.g., inflatable bladder, etc.). The connector may include a base and an engaging plug protruding from the base. The connector may be injection molded and welded (e.g., radio frequency (RF), ultrasonically, etc.), or otherwise affixed (e.g., glued, adhered, melted, fastened, etc.), to the bladder. For example, the base of the connector may be a flat sheet, or planar body, that is attached to a body of the bladder. 
     The receiver may be installed, or otherwise formed, during production or manufacturing of the bucket and/or the blood separation system. Stated another way, when attached (or alternatively, affixed) to the bucket, the receiver becomes a part of the bucket, or bucket assembly. The receiver of the bucket may include an aperture that is configured to receive at least a portion of a mating connector of a bladder. In at least one example embodiment, the receiver may include a spring-loaded latch and locking latch plate. The receiver may include a receptacle or aperture that is configured to receive at least a portion of the engaging plug of the connector. In at least one example embodiment, the receiver may include a spring-loaded latch having a plate that is arranged perpendicular to an axis of the receptacle. The plate may include an aperture that is similar in size to the aperture of the receiver. The aperture of the plate may be arranged concentrically relative to the aperture of the receiver when the plate is in a release position. In one example, the plate may be arranged such that an edge of the aperture of the plate does not block an area of the aperture of the receiver when in the release position. In any event, the plate may shift relative to the aperture of the receiver when the plate is in a lock position. When shifted, the aperture of the plate may be arranged eccentrically relative to the aperture of the receiver. In the lock position, an edge of the aperture of the plate may block a portion of the area of the aperture of the receiver. 
     When the engaging plug (of the bladder) is inserted into the receptacle of the receiver (of the bucket), and pushed into a trigger position, the connector may press on a trigger pin that causes the spring-loaded latch and plate inside the receiver to move from the release position to the lock position such that the plate engages with a receiving groove in the connector. The receiving groove may be disposed around a periphery of the engaging plug, or a portion thereof. In one example, the receiving groove may be configured as a recess in a body of the engaging plug. When engaged, at least a portion of the edge of the aperture of the plate may insert into the recess in the body of the engaging plug preventing movement of the engaging plug along the axis of the aperture of the receiver and the axis of the engaging plug. 
     When disengaging the bladder from the bucket, the engagement process may be reversed. For instance, a technician may unlatch the spring-loaded latch (e.g., by hand, with a tool, etc.), that moves the plate from the lock position to the release position such that the plate is disengaged from the receiving groove in the connector. When configured as a recess in the body of the engaging plug, the disengagement of the plate removes the edge of the aperture of the plate completely from the recess in the body of the engaging plug allowing movement of the engaging plug along the axis of the aperture of the receiver and the axis of the engaging plug. In some examples, the spring-loaded latch may hold in the release position, resetting the trigger pin. While in the release position, the engaging plug may be removed from the receiver and the bladder may be completely separated from the bucket. As can be appreciated, this method, device, and system allows for quick changeover of bladders during maintenance operations, saving time versus the conventional disassembly approaches, and providing a reliable interconnection that can be performed without disassembly. Among other things, the methods, devices, and systems described herein allow for the quick selective coupling (e.g., connection and disconnection, etc.) of a bladder and bucket to be performed within a matter of seconds or minutes (e.g., 1-2 minutes) rather than taking hours (e.g., requiring two or more hours of complicated disassembly) as provided by conventional systems. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the connector may define a lumen (e.g., fluid channel or conduit) extending through the engaging plug and base. The lumen may be in fluid communication with an internal volume of the bladder. The lumen may be unimpeded (e.g., valveless), providing a clear and unrestricted path (e.g., unrestricted by a sealing valve, or flow-limiting valve) from through the connector. Similarly, the receptacle or aperture of the receiver may form a portion of a hollow channel, or lumen, running through the receiver. This lumen of the receiver may be valveless providing a clear and unrestricted path (e.g., unrestricted by a sealing valve, or flow-limiting valve) through the receiver. In at least one example embodiment, a fluid (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, etc., and/or combinations thereof), may be conveyed along a flow path to the lumen of the receiver. When the connector is engaged with the receiver, the fluid may move, via the flow path, through the receiver into the lumen of the connector and into the internal volume of the bladder, or vice versa. When fluid is moved into the bladder, the bladder may increase in size (e.g., inflate, grow, expand, etc.) and when fluid is moved out of the bladder (e.g., via pumping or drawing fluid from the bladder along the flow path, etc.), the bladder may decrease in size (e.g., deflate, shrink, contract, etc.). 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a rotor of a separation apparatus in accordance with at least one embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view, partly in cross-section along a diametral plane, of the separation apparatus of  FIG.  1    in accordance with at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of the rotor of  FIG.  1    in accordance with at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic view, in cross-section along a radial plane, of a separation cell of the rotor of  FIG.  1    in accordance with at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic view, in cross-section along a radial plane, of another separation cell in accordance with at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-section view of a separation apparatus including a rotor and single separation cell in accordance with at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a partial cross-sectional view of the separation apparatus of  FIG.  6    in accordance with at least one example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  are partial cross-sectional views of a selective coupling assembly of the separation apparatus of  FIG.  6    in accordance with at least one example embodiment.  FIG.  8 A  illustrates the selective coupling assembly in release (or disengaged or unlocked) state.  FIG.  8 B  illustrates the selective coupling assembly in an intermediate (or partially engaged state).  FIG.  8 C  illustrates the selective coupling assembly in a lock state (or engaged). 
         FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  depict a selective coupling tool in accordance with at least one example embodiment.  FIG.  9 A  is a first side perspective view of the selective coupling tool.  FIG.  9 B  is a second side perspective view of the selective coupling tool.  FIG.  9 C  is a first side partial perspective view of the selective coupling tool.  FIG.  9 D  is a second side partial perspective view of the selective coupling tool. 
         FIG.  10    is a partial elevation view of the separation apparatus of  FIG.  6    including the selective coupling assembly in the release state and being guided into toward lock state by the selective coupling tool of  FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  in accordance with at least one example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  relate the selective coupling assembly of  FIG.  6    in the lock state in accordance with at least one example embodiment.  FIG.  11 A  is a perspective view of a connector (shown in phantom) and receiver of the selective coupling assembly.  FIG.  11 B  is a perspective view of the receiver. 
         FIGS.  12 A- 12 B  relate to the selective coupling assembly of  FIG.  11 A  in the lock state prior to being unlocked by the selective coupling tool of  FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  in accordance with at least one example embodiment.  FIG.  12 A  is a perspective view of the selective coupling assembly in the lock state with the tool engaged with a portion of the receiver.  FIG.  12 B  is a perspective view of the tool engaged with the portion of the receiver in the lock state. 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of the selective coupling assembly of  FIG.  12 A  in the disengaged state with a selective coupling tool of  FIGS.  9 A- 9 B  engaged with the portion of the receiver in accordance with at least one example embodiment. 
         FIGS.  14 A- 14 B  are cross-sectional views of another selective coupling assembly including an engaging plug and a receiver in accordance with at least one example embodiment.  FIG.  14 A  shows the engaging plug engaged with the receiver.  FIG.  14 B  shows the engaging plug disengaged from the receiver. 
         FIGS.  15 A- 15 B  are cross-sectional views of yet another selective coupling assembly including an engaging plug and a receiver in accordance with at least one example embodiment.  FIG.  15 A  shows the engaging plug engaged with the receiver.  FIG.  15 B  shows the engaging plug disengaged from the receiver. 
         FIGS.  16 A- 16 B  are cross-sectional views of yet another selective coupling assembly including an engaging plug and a receiver in accordance with at least one example embodiment. FIG.  16 A shows the engaging plug engaged with the receiver.  FIG.  16 B  shows the engaging plug disengaged from the receiver. 
         FIGS.  17 A- 17 D  illustrate another selective coupling tool in accordance with at least one example embodiment.  FIG.  17 A  is a first side perspective view of the selective coupling tool.  FIG.  17 B  is a second side perspective view of the selective coupling tool.  FIG.  17 C  is a first side partial perspective view of the selective coupling tool.  FIG.  17 D  is a second side partial perspective view of the selective coupling tool. 
         FIGS.  18 A- 18 B  relate to unlocking of a selective coupling assembly using the tool of  FIGS.  17 A- 17 D  in accordance with at least one example embodiment.  FIG.  18 A  is a perspective view of the selective coupling assembly in a lock state.  FIG.  18 B  is a perspective view of the selective coupling assembly in the lock state prior to being moved to a release state, the tool engaging the selective coupling assembly. 
         FIGS.  19 A- 19 B  are schematic cross-section partial views of another separation apparatus in accordance with at least one example embodiment, the separation apparatus including a channel to facilitate use of a selective coupling tool.  FIG.  19 A  shows the selective coupling assembly with the tool partially in the channel.  FIG.  19 B  shows the selective coupling assembly with the tool in the channel and contacting a receiver of the selective coupling assembly. 
         FIG.  20    is a flowchart of a method for engaging a bladder with a separation cell of a separation apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  21    is a flowchart of a method for disengaging a bladder from a separation cell of a separation apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for concurrently (or simultaneously) separating, by centrifugation, discrete volumes of a composite liquid (e.g., blood). The apparatus may comprise a centrifuge adapted to receive a number of bags, with the discrete volumes of a composite liquid contained in each of the separation bags, a component transferring means for transferring at least one separated component from each separation bag into a satellite bag connected thereto, a first balancing means for initially balancing the rotor when the weights of the four separation bags are different, and a second balancing means for balancing the rotor when the weights of the separated components transferred into the satellite bags cause an unbalance of the rotor. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , rotor  100  of a separation apparatus (see, e.g., centrifuge  200  of  FIG.  2   ) according to at least one example embodiment is provided. The rotor  100  generally includes one or more (e.g., four, as shown) separation cells  102 . In at least one example embodiment, the separation cells  102  are identical to one another. Each separation cell  102  includes a container  104  (also referred to herein interchangeably as a “bucket”). Each of the containers  104  may have the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. 
     Each of the separation cells  102  may further include a lid  106 . In at least one example embodiment, the lid  106  may be a hinged lateral lid. In at least one example embodiment, the lid  106  includes an upper portion of an external wall of the container  104 . The lid  106  is dimensioned to allow, when open, an easy loading of a separation bag (see, e.g., separation bag  400  of  FIGS.  4 - 5   ) containing (or full of) liquid into the separation cell  102 . The container  104  may include a fast locking means (not shown) by which the lid  106  can be secured or locked to a remaining part of the container  104 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, each of the separation cells  102  further includes first and second pinch valves  108 ,  110  (collectively referred to as the “pair of pinch valves  108 ,  110 ”). 
     The rotor  100  may further include a storage means, such as a central container  120 . In at least one example embodiment, central container  120  may be subdivided into a plurality of satellite containers  122 , as shown. The satellite containers  122  may be arranged about a central cavity  124 . 
     The rotor  100  may further include a turntable  130 . In at least one example embodiment, the turntable  130  may have a frustoconical shape. The rotor  100  may further include a manifold  132 . The manifold  132  may have a generally circular shape or arrangement. In at least one example embodiment, the manifold  132  is arranged near a periphery  134  of the turntable  130 . In at least one example embodiment the manifold  132  forms a ring within the turntable  130   e  (not shown). In at least one example embodiment, the manifold  132  may be referred to as a “peripheral circular manifold.” 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , in at least one example embodiment, the rotor  100  may be part of a separation apparatus, such as a centrifuge  200 . The rotor  100  may be supported by a bearing assembly  202  to facilitate rotation of the rotor  100  around a first or rotation axis  204 . The rotor  100  may include a cylindrical rotor shaft  206  extending along a second or shaft longitudinal axis  208 . A pulley  210  may be connected to the rotor shaft  206 . The central container  120  may be connected to an upper end  212  of the rotor shaft  206 . Accordingly, the shaft longitudinal axis  208  coincides with both the rotation axis  204  and a third or container longitudinal axis  214  of the central container  120 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the turntable  130  flares underneath an opening of the central container  120 . The separation cells  102  may be mounted on the turntable  130  to form a symmetrical arrangement with respect to the rotation axis  204 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the centrifuge  200  further comprises a motor  220 . The motor  220  may be coupled to the rotor  100  by a belt  222 . The belt  222  may be engaged in a groove  224  of the pulley  210  to facilitate rotation of the rotor  100  about the rotation axis  204  by the motor  220 . 
     Each of the separation cells  102  may define a median longitudinal axis  226 . In at least one example embodiment, the separation cells  102  are mounted on the turntable  130  such that their respective median longitudinal axes  226  intersect the rotation axis  204 , so that they are each located substantially at the same distance from the rotation axis  204 , and/or the angles between their median longitudinal axes  226  are substantially the same (e.g., about 90 degrees). A position of the separation cells  102  on the turntable  130  may be adjusted so that the weight on the turntable is equally distributed when the separation cells  102  are empty, for example, to balance the rotor  100 . In at least one example embodiment, the separation cells  102  are inclined with respect to the rotation axis  204  by an acute angle equal to the angle of a frustum of a cone that geometrically defines the turntable  130 . 
     Each of the containers  104  defines a respective cavity  230 . In at least one example embodiment, the cavity  230  is shaped and dimensioned to loosely accommodate a separation bag (see, e.g., separation bag  400  of  FIGS.  4 - 5   ) containing (or full of) liquid. The cavity  230  (also referred to herein as the “separation compartment  230 ”) is defined by a bottom wall, which is the farthest from the rotation axis  204 , a lower wall that is the closest to the turntable  130 , an upper wall opposite to the lower wall, and two lateral walls. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the cavity  230  includes a main part, extending from the bottom wall, which has substantially the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with rounded angles, and an upper part, which has substantially the shape of a prism having convergent triangular bases. Accordingly, the upper part of the cavity  230  may be defined by two pairs of opposite walls converging towards the central median axis  226  of the cavity  230 . In at least one example embodiment, this design may facilitate a radial dilatation of the thin layer of a minor component of a composite fluid (e.g. the platelets in whole blood) after separation by centrifugation to make the minor component more easily detectable in the upper part of a separation bag (see, e.g., separation bag  400  of  FIGS.  4 - 5   ). 
     The centrifuge  200  further includes a component transferring means for transferring at least one separated component from each separation bag (see, e.g., separation bag  400  of  FIGS.  4 - 5   ) into a satellite bag (see, e.g., satellite bags  502  of  FIG.  5   ) connected thereto. The component transferring means may, in at least one example embodiment, include a squeezing system for squeezing the separation bags within the separation compartments  230  and causing the transfer of separated components into the satellite bags, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the squeezing system includes a flexible diaphragm  232  (also referred to herein interchangeably as a “bladder”) that is selectively coupled to a respective one of the containers  104  to define an expandable chamber  234  in a cavity thereof. More specifically, the flexible diaphragm  232  may be dimensioned to line the bottom wall of the cavity  230  and at least a portion (e.g., a large portion) of the lower wall of the cavity  230 , which is the closest to the turntable  130 . Each of the containers  104  may include a respective flexible diaphragm  232 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the squeezing system further includes the manifold  132 . Each of the expandable chambers  234  is fluidly connected to the manifold  132  by a supply channel  236  that extends through a wall of the respective container  104 , near the bottom thereof. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the squeezing system further includes a hydraulic pumping station  240 . The hydraulic pumping station  240  may be configured to pump a hydraulic liquid in and/or out each of the expandable chambers  234  within the separation cells  102 . The hydraulic liquid is selected to have a density slightly higher than the density of the densest of the components in the composite liquid to be separated (e.g., the red blood cells, when the composite liquid is blood). As a result, during centrifugation, the hydraulic liquid within each of the expandable chambers  234 , whatever the volume thereof, will generally remain in the most external part of each of the separation cells  102 . In at least one example embodiment, the hydraulic pumping station  240  is connected to each of the expandable chambers  234 , through a rotary seal or fluid coupling  242 , by a duct  244  that extends through the rotor shaft  206 , the bottom and lateral wall of the central container  120 , and, from a rim of the central container  120 , radially through the turntable  130  where it connects to the manifold  132 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the hydraulic pumping station  240  includes a piston pump having a piston  246  movable in a hydraulic cylinder  248  fluidly connected via the rotary seal  242  to the duct  244 . The piston  246  may be actuated by a stepper motor  250  that moves a lead screw  252  linked to a rod of the piston  246 . The hydraulic cylinder  248  is also connected to a hydraulic liquid reservoir  254 . The hydraulic liquid reservoir  254  may have access controlled by a valve  256 . The valve  256  may be configured to selectively allow the introduction or the withdrawal of hydraulic liquid into and from a hydraulic circuit including the hydraulic cylinder  248 , the duct  244 , and the expandable chambers  234 . In at least one example embodiment, a pressure gauge  258  is connected to the hydraulic circuit for measuring the hydraulic pressure therein. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the centrifuge  200  further includes four pairs of the first and second pinch valve members  108 ,  110 . The pairs of pinch valve members  108 ,  110  may be mounted on the rotor  100  around the opening of the central container  120 . Each of the pairs of pinch valve members  108 ,  110  may face a respective one of the separation cells  102  with which it is associated. The pinch valve members  108 ,  110  may be configured to facilitate selective blocking or allowing of a flow of liquid through a flexible plastic tube (see, e.g., tube  506  of  FIG.  5   ), and selectively sealing and cutting the flexible plastic tube. 
     Each of the pinch valve members  108 ,  110  includes an elongated cylindrical body and a head having a groove  260 . The groove  260  may be defined by a stationary upper jaw (not shown) and a lower jaw (not shown) movable between an open and a closed position. The groove  260  is dimensioned such that the tube (see, e.g., tube  506  of  FIG.  5   ) of one or more bag sets can be snuggly engaged therein when the lower jaw is in the open position. The elongated body may include a mechanism (not shown) for moving the lower jaw and it is connected to a radio frequency generator that supplies the energy necessary for sealing and cutting the tube, which may be plastic. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the pinch valve members  108 ,  110  are mounted inside the central container  120 , adjacent the interior surface thereof, so that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to the rotation axis  204  and their heads protrude above the rim of the central container  120 . In at least one example embodiment, electric power is supplied to the pinch valve members  108 ,  110  through a slip ring array  270  that is mounted around a lower portion of the rotor shaft  206 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the centrifuge  200  further includes a first balancing means for initially balancing the rotor  100  when the weights of the separation bags (see, e.g., separation bag  400  of  FIGS.  4 - 5   ) contained in the separation cells  102  are different. The first balancing means includes substantially the same structural elements as the elements of the component transferring means described above, namely: four expandable hydraulic chambers (e.g., similar to hydraulic chamber  234 ) interconnected by a manifold (e.g., similar to the manifold  132 ), and a hydraulic pumping station (e.g., similar to the hydraulic pumping station  240 ) for pumping hydraulic liquid into the hydraulic chambers through a duct (e.g., similar to the duct  244 ) connected to the manifold. In order to initially balance the rotor  100 , whose four separation cells  102  contain four discrete volumes of a composite liquid that may not have the same weight (because the four volumes may be not equal, and/or the density of the liquid may slightly differ from one volume to the other one), the hydraulic pumping station is controlled so as to pump into the interconnected hydraulic chambers, at the onset of a separation process, a predetermined volume of hydraulic liquid that is so selected as to balance the rotor  100  in the most unbalanced situation. For whole blood, the determination of this balancing volume takes into account the maximum difference in volume between two blood donations, and the maximum difference in hematocrit (i.e., in density) between two blood donations. Under centrifugation forces, the hydraulic liquid will distribute unevenly in the four separation cells  102  depending on the difference in weight of the separation bags and balance the rotor  100 . To achieve a desired or optimal initial balancing, the volume of the cavity  230  of the separation cells  102  may be selected so that the cavities  230 , whatever the volume of the separation bags contained therein, are not full after the determined amount of hydraulic liquid has been pumped into the interconnected expandable chambers  234 . 
     In at least one example embodiment the centrifuge  200  further includes a second balancing means for balancing the rotor  100  when the weights of the components transferred into satellite bags (see, e.g., satellite bags  502  of  FIG.  5   ) in the central container  120  are different. For example, when two blood donations have the same hematocrit and different volumes, the volumes of plasma extracted from each donation are different, and the same is true when two blood donations have the same volume and different hematocrit. In at least one example embodiment, the second balancing means includes four flexible rectangular pouches  280  that are interconnected by four tube sections (not shown) each tube section connecting two adjacent pouches  280  by the bottom thereof. The pouches  280  contain a volume of balancing liquid having a density close to the density of the composite liquid. The volume of balancing liquid is so selected as to balance the rotor  100  in the most unbalanced situation. The four pouches  280  are dimensioned as to line the inner surface of the central container  120  and to have an internal volume that is larger than the volume of balancing liquid so that the balancing liquid can freely expand in any of the pouches  280 . In operation, if, for example, four satellite bags (see, e.g., satellite bags  502  of  FIG.  5   ) respectively adjacent to the four pouches  280  receive different volumes of a plasma component, the four satellite bags will press unevenly, under centrifugation forces, against the four pouches  280  which will result in the balancing liquid becoming unevenly distributed in the four pouches  280  and compensating for the difference in weight in the satellite bags. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the centrifuge further includes a controller  290  including a control unit (e.g., a microprocessor, a controller, etc.) and a memory (e.g., computer readable memory, etc.) for providing the microprocessor with information and programmed instructions relative to various separation protocols (e.g., a protocol for the separation of a plasma component and a blood cell component, or a protocol for the separation of a plasma component, a platelet component, and a red blood cell component) and to the operation of the apparatus in accordance with such separation protocols. In particular, the microprocessor is programmed for receiving information relative to the centrifugation speed(s) at which the rotor  100  is to be rotated during the various stages of a separation process (e.g., stage of component separation, stage of a plasma component expression, stage of suspension of platelets in a plasma fraction, stage of a platelet component expression, etc.), and information relative to the various transfer flow rates at which separated components are to be transferred from the separation bag (see, e.g., separation bag  400  of  FIGS.  4 - 5   ) into the satellite bags (see, e.g., satellite bags  502  of  FIG.  5   ). The information relative to the various transfer flow rates can be expressed, for example, as hydraulic liquid flow rates in the hydraulic circuit, or as rotation speeds of the stepper motor  250  of the hydraulic pumping station  240 . The microprocessor may be further programmed for receiving, directly or through the memory, information from the pressure gauge  258  and from the four pairs of sensors  310 ,  312  and for controlling the centrifuge motor  220 , the stepper motor  250  of the hydraulic pumping station  240 , and the four pairs of pinch valve members  108 ,  110  to cause the separation apparatus to operate along a selected separation protocol. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , in at least one example embodiment, an upper portion of each of the separation cells  102  includes walls  300  that converge toward the respective median longitudinal axis  226 . In at least one example embodiment, the walls  300  converge toward a plurality (e.g., three, as shown) of channels  302  opening at the top of the container  104 . The channels  302  may be cylindrical channels. The channels  302  may extend substantially parallel to one another. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the centrifuge  200  further includes four pairs of sensors for monitoring the separation of the various components occurring within each separation bag when the apparatus operates. Each pair of sensors includes a first or bag sensor  310  and a second or tube sensor  312 . The sensors  310 ,  312  may be embedded in the lid  106  of the container  104  of each respective separation cell  102 . The sensors  310 ,  312  may be mounted along the median longitudinal axis  226  of the container  104 . The bag sensor  310  may be located the farther from the rotation axis  204  than the tube sensor  312 . In at least one example embodiment, when a separation bag (see, e.g., separation bag  400  of  FIGS.  4 - 5   ) rests in the container  104  and the lid  106  is closed, the bag sensor  310  faces an upper triangular part of the separation bag and the tube sensor  312  faces a proximal end of the tube (see, e.g., tube  506  of  FIG.  5   ). The bag sensor  310  may be configured to detect blood cells in a liquid. The tube sensor  312  may be configured to detect the presence of absence of liquid in the tube as well as to detect blood cells in a liquid. Each of the sensors  310 ,  312  may include a photocell including an infrared LED and a photo-detector. In at least one example embodiment, electric power is supplied to the sensors  310 ,  312  through the slip ring array  270  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) that is mounted around the lower portion of the rotor shaft  206  (shown in  FIG.  2   ). 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , each of the containers  104  may be configured to contain a respective separation bag  400 . The container  104  may include a securing means for securing the separation bag  400  within the separation cell  102 . In at least one example embodiment, the securing means includes one or more (e.g., two, as shown) pins  410  and one or more respective recesses  412 . The pins  410  may protrude from an internal surface  414  of the lid  106 , near a top  416  of the separation cell  102 . The recesses  412  may be defined in an internal surface  418  of the container  104 . The pins  410  may be spaced apart and dimensioned to be received in one or more respective holes  420  in an upper edge (e.g., the two upper corners) of the separation bag  400 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the centrifuge  200  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) is configured to be used with a set of bags  500 . With reference to  FIG.  5   , the set of bags  500  includes the separation bag  400  and a plurality of satellite bags  502 . The separation and satellite bags  400 ,  502  may be flexible. In at least one example embodiment, the separation bag  400  is used successively for collection separately or away from the centrifuge  200  and then for separation within the centrifuge  200 . The satellite bags  502  may be used within the centrifuge  200  for receipt of separated components. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the separation bag  400  is connecting to a tube (not shown), which may optionally have a needle (not shown) at its distal end for blood donation. The satellite bags  502  may be connected to the separation bag  400  by respective tubes  506  and optional breakable stopper(s) (not shown) between the separation bag  400  and respective satellite bags  502 . The pinch valve members  108 ,  110  (shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   ) may be located on the respective tubes  506  leading to the satellite bags  502 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  5   , a separation cell  102 ′ includes a container  104 ′ for the separation bag  400  is integral with a satellite bag container  510 . The separation cell  102 ′ and the container  104 ′ are the same as the separation cell  102  and container  104  of  FIGS.  1 - 3    except as otherwise described below. The satellite bag container  510  may define a satellite cavity  512  having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The satellite cavity  512  may be configured to contain one of the pouches  280  of the balancing assembly described above. The separation bag container  104 ′ may be superimposed on the satellite bag container  510  so that the openings of both containers  104 ′,  510  are in the same plane, facing the rotation axis  204  (shown in  FIGS.  2 - 3   ) when the container arrangement is mounted on the turntable  130  (shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   ). 
     In at least one example embodiment, the set of bags  500  includes the separation bag  400  for receiving a discrete volume of whole blood from a donor and two satellite bags  502 , a first of the satellite bags configured to receive a plasma component and a platelet component from the whole blood and a second of the satellite bags to receive a red blood cell component of the whole blood. In at least one other example embodiment, the plurality of bags  500  includes the separation bag  400  for receiving a discrete volume of whole blood from a donor and three satellite bags  502 , a first of the satellite bags configured to receive a plasma component of the whole blood, a second of the satellite bags configured to receive a platelet component of the whole blood, and a third of the satellite bags to receive a red blood cell component of the whole blood. In at least one other example embodiment, the plurality of satellite bags  502  includes more than three satellite bags. The set of bags  500  may include three-way connectors on tubing between the separation bag  400  and a portion of the satellite bags  502 . When the separation bag  400  is in the container  104 ′, the tubes  506  may extend through respective channels  302 . One or more of the satellite bags  502  may be fluidly connected to a filter  520 , such as a leuko-reduction filter. 
     While described in conjunction with at least one arrangement of separation cells  102  of the centrifuge  200 , it should be appreciated that the embodiments of the selective coupling assembly described herein may be utilized in any fluid processing, separating, and/or analysis system and is not limited to the separation apparatus described herein. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of the present disclosure may be employed in any coupling between components in a bucket, or any partially confined volume, where access is limited. For instance, the bucket may include a deep well, or cavity that is only accessible on one side, is small in cross-sectional area, narrow in width or length, or has limited volume. In some examples, the bucket may be sized that a technician cannot place their hands into the cavity and reach the bottom wall of the bucket. In any case, the selective coupling assembly described herein can be used to quickly couple one component to another inside a bucket having limited volume and space. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , a separation apparatus  600  according to at least one example embodiment is provided. The separation apparatus  600  is the same as the separation apparatus  200  of  FIG.  2    except for presence of a selective coupling assembly that couples a bladder to a bucket, as described below. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the separation apparatus  600  includes a rotor  602  and at least one separation cell  604  (e.g., a single separation cell  604 , as shown). The separation cell  604  includes a bucket  606  (also referred to as a container or bladder holder). As described above, the bucket  606  of the separation cell  604  may be disposed at an angle relative to a rotation axis  608  of the rotor  602 . The separation apparatus  600  includes a selective coupling assembly  620  (also referred to as a “quick connector,” a “QC connector,” or an “interconnection assembly”). The selective coupling assembly  620  includes a connector  622  and a receiver  624 . In at least one example embodiment, the connector  622  is associated with a flexible diaphragm or bladder  626  and the receiver  624  is associated with the bucket  604 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the receiver  624  of the selective coupling assembly  620  may be attached to at least one wall  700  of the bucket  606 . In at least one example embodiment, the receiver  624  may be at least partially in the wall  700  of the bucket. The receiver  624  may be disposed adjacent to a bottom wall  702  of the bucket  606 . The receiver  624  may be made from a polymer (e.g., plastic), metal, or any combination thereof. In at least one example embodiment, a metal of the receiver  624  may include aluminum, steel, titanium, or any combination thereof. The receiver  624  may include locking elements, a lumen passing therethrough, and/or one or more external seals, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     The connector  622  is shown attached to the bladder  626 . In at least one example embodiment, the connector  622  includes a body  704  having a flat base  706  and an engaging plug  708  extending from the flat base  706 . The connector  622  may have or define a first lumen  710  passing therethrough. 
     The connector  622  may be formed from the bladder  626 , or otherwise attached to the bladder  626 . For instance, the flat base  706  of the connector  622  may be welded (e.g., ultrasonically) and/or adhered with an adhesive to the bladder  626 . In at least one example embodiment, the connected is formed from a polymer (e.g., a plastic material). 
     In at least one example embodiment, the flat base  706  of the connector  622  may be captured between inner and outer walls, or layers, of the bladder  626  and affixed therebetween. For instance, a wall  712  of the bladder  626  may correspond to a laminate having one or more layers. In this case, a hole may be formed through the layers and the flat base  706  may be between two or more layers in the laminate. The layers of the laminate may then be attached to the flat base  706  via, gluing with an adhesive, melting, and/or welding using RF or ultrasonics. When attached, the interior volume of the bladder  626  is sealed from an exterior of the bladder  626  around and in contact with the flat base  706 . However, the first lumen  710  may pass through the engaging plug  708 , providing a fluid path  720  into the interior volume of the bladder  626  within a defined space. 
     Once connected to the receiver  624 , the fluid flow path  720  is formed between a fluid source (e.g., a liquid or gas supply) and an interior volume of the bladder  626 , or vice versa. The fluid flow path  720  may be unimpeded at the interconnection of the selective coupling assembly  620 . In at least one example embodiment, there may be no valves or seals disposed along the fluid flow path within the selective coupling assembly  620 . That is, the fluid flow path  720  may be free of valves and seals. 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  show the selective coupling assembly  620  in various states of engagement and disengagement according to at least one example embodiment. The connector  622  includes the engaging plug  708  that protrudes from the flat base  706 . The engaging plug  708  may define a first annular groove  800  (also referred to herein as the “O-ring groove  800 ”) that at least partially receives and contains (or is configured to at least partially receive and contain) an O-ring  802 . When the engaging plug  708  is engaged with the receiver  624 , the O-ring  802  of the connector  622  may reduce or prevent leaking of hydraulic fluid or pneumatic gas flowing along the fluid flow path  720  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) between the fluid source and the interior volume of the bladder  626 . The engaging plug  708  may further define a locking recess  804 , which may be an annular groove, as shown. An axial center of the locking recess  804  may be a first distance  806  from the flat base  706 . An axial center of the annular groove  800  may be a second distance  808  from the flat base  706 . The second distance  808  may be greater than the first distance  806 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the receiver  624  generally includes a base  810  and an automatic latch assembly, such as a spring-loaded latch  812 . The spring-loaded latch  812  may include a latch plate  814  and a trigger pin  818 . The latch plate  814  may be slidably attached to the base  810 . The latch plate  814  includes a main portion  820  and a flange  822 . The main portion  820  defines a receiving aperture  824 . The main portion  820  may be configured to receive at least a portion of the engaging plug  708  of the connector  622 . The main portion  820  is further configured to receive at least a portion of the trigger pin  818 . 
     The base  810  has or defines a first or connector receptacle  826 . In at least one example embodiment, the base  810  includes an inner annular protrusion or barb  828 . The connector receptacle  826  may be defined in a region radially between an annular wall  830  and the inner annular protrusion  828 . The inner annular protrusion  828  may define a second or receiver lumen  832 . The receiving aperture  824  of the latch plate  814  may be concentrically around the connector receptacle  826  and the second lumen  832 . 
     The base  810  further defines a second or trigger pin receptacle  840 . The trigger pin receptacle  840  receives at least a portion of the trigger pin  818 . A first spring  842  (e.g., a compression spring) is at least partially received in the trigger pin receptacle  840 . The first spring  842  engages the base  810  and the trigger pin  818 . In at least one example embodiment, the first spring  842  extends between a bottom wall  844  of the trigger pin receptacle  840  and a bottom surface  846  of the trigger pin  818 . In at least one example embodiment, the trigger pin  818  has or defines a recess  847 . The recess  847  is at least partially defined by the bottom surface  846  of the trigger pin  818 . The recess  847  may be configured to receive a portion of the first spring  842 . In at least one example embodiment, the first spring  842  is configured to bias the trigger pin  818  in a first or outward direction  848 . The first direction  848  may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis  849  of the trigger pin  818 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the trigger pin  818  has or defines a first stepped portion or annular groove  850  and a second portion or annular groove  852 . The first annular groove  850  may be closer to the bottom surface  846  than the second annular groove  852 . That is, a distance between the second annular groove  852  and the bottom surface  846  may be longer than a distance between the first annular groove  850  and the bottom surface  846 . The trigger pin  818  may define a first diameter at the first annular groove  850 , a second diameter at the second annular groove  852 , and a third diameter at an outermost surface  854 . The first diameter may be smaller than the third diameter. The second diameter may be smaller than the first diameter (and the third diameter). The trigger pin  818  includes a top surface  856 . 
     The receiver  624  may further include a second spring  860  (e.g., a compression spring). The second spring  860  may engage the base  810  and the latch plate  814 . The second spring  860  may be between the flange  822  of the latch plate  814  and an outer surface  862  of the base  810 . The second spring  860  may be configured to bias the latch plate  814  in a second or lock direction  864 . The second direction  864  may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction  848 . 
     The spring-loaded latch  812  may be configured to move between a release, disengaged, or unlocked position (shown in  FIG.  8 A ) and a lock or engaged position or state (shown in  FIG.  8 C ). In the release position, the latch plate  814  may be held open such that the receiving aperture  824  is capable of receiving the engaging plug  708  of the connector  622 . For instance, a first annular groove  850  of the trigger pin  818  may receive a first or pin edge  870  of the latch plate  814  in the release position. When the trigger pin  818  is moved along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis  849 , the first annular groove  850  of the trigger pin  818  may be moved into the receiver  624  and second annular groove  852  the trigger pin  818  may be positioned in line with the latch plate  814 . This positioning of the trigger pin  818  allows the second spring  860  to translate, slide, or otherwise move the latch plate  814  in the second direction  864  from the release position ( FIG.  8 A ) to the latch position ( FIG.  8 C ). After translation of the latch plate  814 , the first edge  870  of the latch plate  814  is at least partially within the second annular groove  852 . 
     In  FIG.  8 C , the engaging plug  708  of the connector  622  is shown locked to the latch plate  814  of the receiver  624 . In at least the example embodiment shown, this locking may occur by a second or locking edge  872  of the latch plate  814  engaging with a plug surface  874  of the engaging plug  708  (as shown in  FIG.  8 C ). The latch plate  814 , including the second edge  872 , may be at least partially in the locking recess  804  of the connector  622 . 
       FIG.  8 A  shows a schematic cross-section detail view of the connector  622  and the receiver  624  of the selective coupling assembly  620  in the release state. During coupling of the connector  622  to the receiver  624 , the engaging plug  708  may be supported or guided by a tool (see, e.g., tool  900  of  FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  and tool  1700  of  FIGS.  17 A- 17 D ) inserted in a space between the bladder  626  and the bucket  606 , as indicated by arrow  880  in  FIG.  8 A . Additional details of this guided alignment are described below. Among other things, the tool may allow a technician to align an axis of the engaging plug  708  with an axis of the connector receptacle  826  and/or second lumen  832 . In some examples, however, a tool may not be required when coupling the connector  622  to the receiver  624  and/or decoupling the connector  622  from the receiver  624 . In any event, the bladder  626  may be coupled or decoupled while the bladder  626  and integrated connector  622  are disposed within a receiving volume of a bladder holder (e.g., a bucket, etc.) where the receiver  624  is also disposed. 
       FIG.  8 B  illustrates an intermediate or partially engaged configuration in which the engaging plug  708  is partially within the connector receptacle  826  and the spring-loaded latch  812  is in the release configuration. As shown in  FIG.  8 B , the engaging plug  708  of the connector  622  is brought into contact with the connector receptacle  826  in the receiver  624  such that the first lumen  710  of the connector  622  is concentric with the second lumen  832  of the receiver  624 . As the bladder  626  and connector  622  are moved toward the receiver  624  (e.g., in a seated position), at least a portion of the bladder  626  and/or connector  622  may contact the trigger pin  818  causing the latch plate  814  to move into an engaged position with the locking recess  804  of the engaging plug  708  as shown in  FIG.  8 C . In this position the connector  622  is prevented from moving along the axis of the first and second lumens  710 ,  832  and the bladder  626  is locked to the receiver  624  and bucket  606  at this location. 
     Once engaged, the bladder  626  may be separated from the bucket  606  by releasing the latch plate  814  of the receiver  624 . Releasing the latch plate  814  may include inserting a tool (e.g., a coupling tool) in the space between the bladder  626  the wall  700  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) where the receiver  624  is disposed, as will be described in greater detail below. The coupling tool may then engage with actuation features (e.g., holes, slots, tabs, etc.) disposed in the latch plate  814  and the coupling tool may be moved to release the engagement of the latch plate  814  with the recess, or groove, of the engaging plug. Referring to  FIG.  8 C , this movement would correspond to a movement direction running from the top left-hand side of the figure to the bottom right-hand side of the figure. When the latch plate  814  is moved a certain distance in this movement direction, the trigger pin  818  would translate toward the bladder  626  and lock the latch plate  814  in the release position (shown in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B ). The movement direction may be in a push or a pull direction, for example, depending on the arrangement of the receiver  624  in the bucket  606  and/or other design choices. 
     In some examples, the bladder  626  may be separated from the bucket  606  by releasing the latch plate  814  of the receiver  624  without requiring a separate tool. Releasing the latch plate  814  may include actuating the latch plate  814  of the receiver  624  such that the latch plate  814  disengages from the locking recess  804  of the engaging plug  708 . 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  illustrate a tool  900  (also referred to as the “selective coupling tool”) that may be used to facilitate locking and/or unlocking the connector  622  and associated bladder  626  from the receiver  624  and associated bucket  606  (shown in  FIG.  6   ). The tool  900  includes a shaft  902  extending from a proximal end  904  to a distal end  906 . A handle  908  may be disposed at the proximal end  904  of the shaft  902 . A coupling end  910  may be disposed at the distal end  906  of the shaft  902 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the tool  900  may include indicia configured to indicate a depth of insertion in the bucket  606  (shown in  FIG.  6   ). In the example embodiment shown, the shaft  902  may define first and second indicia  912 ,  914 , as shown. The indicia  912 ,  914  may be longitudinally spaced apart from one another. In at least one example embodiment, the first indicium  912  indicates a depth of insertion for locking of the selective coupling assembly  620  (shown in  FIG.  6   ) and the second indicium  914  indicates a depth of insertion for unlocking of the selective coupling assembly  620 . In at least one example embodiment, the indicia are etched into the shaft  902 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, as best shown in  FIG.  9 C , the tool  900  may include features that facilitate locking of the selective coupling assembly  620  (shown in  FIG.  6   ). The coupling end  910  of the tool  900  may comprise a forked extension  916  protruding from the distal end  906  of the shaft  902 . The forked extension  916  may be U-shaped, or in the shape of a horseshoe. The forked extension  916  may extend between a first side  918  (shown in  FIG.  9 C ) of the coupling end  910  and a second side  920  (shown in  FIG.  9 D ) of the coupling end  910 . 
     The forked extension  916  may define a cradle  922  that is configured to engage with an outer surface of the engaging plug  708  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) of the connector  622  (shown in  FIG.  7   ), as will be described in greater detail below. The cradle  922  may include one or more arcuate contact surfaces  924  that are sized to match a size of the outer diameter of the engaging plug  708  of the connector  622 . In at least one other example embodiment, a cradle may comprise one or more arcuate contact surfaces that are sized to have a diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the engaging plug  708  of the connector  622 . The cradle  922  may be used to assist a technician in guiding the engaging plug  708  into the receiver  624  (shown in  FIG.  7   ). 
     In at least one example embodiment, as best shown in  FIG.  9 D , the tool  900  may include one or more release features that engage with the latch plate  814  (shown in  FIG.  8 A ) to facilitate unlocking of the selective coupling assembly  620  (shown in  FIG.  6   ). In at least one example embodiment, the release features include one or more release pins  930  that protrude from a surface  932  on the second side  920  of the coupling end  910  of the tool  900 . In at least one example embodiment, the pins  930  may extend substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface  932  of the coupling end  910 . The pins  930  are sized and shaped to engage with corresponding features (e.g., holes, slots, etc.) in the latch plate, as will be described in greater detail below. In at least one example embodiment, the release pins  930  have a frustoconical shape. 
     As discussed above, the tool  900  may be used to facilitate locking of the selective coupling assembly  620  (shown in  FIG.  6   ). With reference to  FIG.  10   , an arrangement for locking the selective coupling assembly  620  according to at least one example embodiment is shown. After the bladder  626  is inserted into the bucket  606  (shown in  FIG.  6   ), the tool  900  may be inserted into a region or cavity  1000  between the bladder  626  and the receiver  624 . The tool  900  may be moved toward the selective coupling assembly  620 . In at least the example embodiment shown, the tool  900  is moved in the second direction  864 . The cradle  922  (shown in  FIGS.  9 C- 9 D ) of the selective coupling tool  900  may receive an outer surface  1004  of the engaging plug  708  such that the arcuate contact surfaces  924  contact the outer surface  1004 . The connector  622 , together with the bladder  626 , may be moved toward the receiver  624  in a third or inward direction  1006  opposite the first direction  848  (shown in  FIG.  8 A ). During the movement in the third direction  1006 , the tool  900  may guide the engaging plug  708  into the receiving aperture  824  of the receiver  624 . When the engaging plug  708  is guided and inserted into the receiving aperture  824 , the tool  900  may be removed from the region  1000  and the bladder  626  may be pushed further in the third direction  1006  into the lock or fully engaged state with the receiver  624 . 
     In the lock state, as shown in  FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  and described above, the engaging plug  708  is at least partially in the receiving aperture  824  The pin edge  870  of the latch plate  814  is at least partially within the second annular groove  852  (shown in  FIG.  8 A ) of the trigger pin  818 . The locking edge  872  of the latch plate  814  is at least partially in the locking recess  804  of the engaging plug  708 . This engagement axially locks the connector  622  to the receiver  624 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  11 B , the trigger pin  818  is at least partially in a slot  1100  of the latch plate  814 . In the example embodiment shown, the slot  1100  is defined in the locking edge  872  such that the slot  1100  is in communication with the receiving aperture  824 . The main portion  820  of the latch plate  814  extends between a first end  1110  and a second end  1112 . The main portion  820  of the latch plate  814 , including the first end  1110 , is at least partially within a channel  1114  of the base  810 . The first end  1110  may include an arcuate surface  1116 . The flange  822  may extend from the second end  1112 . The latch plate  814  defines one or more release apertures  1120 . 
     As discussed above, the tool  900  (shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 D ) may be used to facilitate unlocking of the selective coupling assembly  620 . With reference to  FIGS.  12 A- 12 B , the tool  900  may be moved toward the selective coupling assembly  620 . In at least the example embodiment shown, the tool  900  is moved in the second direction  864  and inserted into the region  1000  (shown in  FIG.  10   ) between the connector  622  and the receiver  624 . The tool  900  may be further move in the third direction  1006  to insert the pins  930  (shown in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 C ) of the tool  900  at least partially into the release apertures  1120  (shown in  FIG.  11 B ) of the latch plate  814 . With the pins  930  in the release apertures  1120 , the tool  900  may be translated in a fourth or unlock direction  1200  opposite the second direction  864 . Engagement of the pins  930  of the tool  900  with the latch plate  814  causes the latch plate  814  to move in the fourth direction  1200  together with the tool  900 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  13   , the selective coupling assembly  620  is shown in the release state with the tool  900  still engaged with the latch plate  814 . In the release state, the connector receptacle  826  of the base  810  is substantially concentric with the receiving aperture  824  of the latch plate  814 . Stated another way, a plate edge  1300  may be moved closer to and even overlap, or coincide with, the annular wall  830  in the base  810  of the receiver  624 . In this position, the engaging plug  708  of the connector  622  may be moved in the first direction  848  such that it is removed from the receiver  624 , as shown in  FIG.  13   . 
     Although the connector  622  is shown having the O-ring  802  (shown in  FIG.  8 A ) configured to form a seal against the annular wall  830  of the receiver  624 , it should be appreciated that different or additional sealing elements or features may be used to reduce or prevent leaking of hydraulic fluid or pneumatic gas flowing along the fluid flow path  720  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) between the fluid source and the interior volume of the bladder  626 . For instance, the engaging plug may comprise a sealing feature (e.g., configured as an elastically bending, or flexible, ridge) and/or a compliant portion that is capable of providing a seal (e.g., air tight, liquid tight, etc.) between a connector and a receiver. In some examples, the sealing feature may be a separate component that is attached to an engaging plug, insert molded with the engaging plug, and/or co-molded with the engaging plug. In one example, the sealing feature may be integrally formed from the material of the engaging plug. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  14 A- 14 B , another selective coupling assembly  1400  according to at least one example embodiment is provided. The selective coupling assembly  1400  may be the same as the selective coupling assembly  620  of  FIG.  6    except as otherwise provided below. The selective coupling assembly  1400  includes a connector  1402  and a receiver  1404 . The receiver  1404  has or defines a connector receptacle  1406  (shown in  FIG.  14 B ) configured to receive a portion of the connector  1402 . The connector receptacle  1406  is at least partially defined by an annular wall  1408 . 
     The connector  1402  includes a flat base  1420  and an engaging plug  1422 . The engaging plug  1422  defines first and second annular grooves  1424 ,  1426  that at least partially receive first and second O-rings  1428 ,  1430 . When the connector  1402  is engaged with the connector receptacle  1406 , first and second annular seals  1440 ,  1442  are formed between the annular wall  1408  and the first and second O-rings  1428 ,  1430 , respectively. 
     The connector  1402  defines a first or connector lumen  1448  that extends through both the flat base  1420  and the engaging plug  1422 . An annular lumen surface  1450  at least partially defines the first lumen  1448 . The receiver  1404  includes an inner annular protrusion or barb  1452 . The inner annular protrusion  1452  protrudes into the connector receptacle  1406  and defines a second lumen  1454 . When the connector  1402  is engaged with the receiver  1404 , the inner annular protrusion  1452  is at least partially within the first lumen  1448 . A third annular seal  1456  is formed between the inner annular protrusion  1452  and the lumen surface  1450 . Accordingly, the selective coupling assembly  1400  includes both inner (i.e., the third seal  1456 ) and outer (i.e., the first and second seals  1440 ,  1442 ). 
     With reference to  FIGS.  15 A- 15 B , another selective coupling assembly  1500  according to at least one example embodiment is provided. The selective coupling assembly  1500  may be the same as the selective coupling assembly  620  of  FIG.  6    except as otherwise provided below. The selective coupling assembly  1500  includes a connector  1502  and a receiver  1504 . The receiver  1504  defines a connector receptacle  1506  (shown in  FIG.  15 B ) configured to receive a portion of the connector  1502 . 
     The connector  1502  includes a flat base  1520  and an engaging plug  1522 . The connector  1502  defines a first lumen  1558  that extends through both the flat base  1520  and the engaging plug  1522 . An annular lumen surface  1550  at least partially defines the first lumen  1548 . 
     The receiver  1504  includes an inner annular protrusion or barb  1552 . The inner annular protrusion  1552  protrudes into the connector receptacle  1506  and defines a second lumen  1554 . When the connector  1502  is engaged with the receiver  1504 , the inner annular protrusion  1552  is at least partially within the first lumen  1548 . An annular seal  1556  is formed between the inner annular protrusion  1552  and the lumen surface  1550 . Accordingly, the selective coupling assembly  1400  includes only an inner (i.e., the seal  1656 ). 
     With reference to  FIGS.  16 A- 16 B , another selective coupling assembly  1600  according to at least one example embodiment is provided. The selective coupling assembly  1600  may be the same as the selective coupling assembly  620  of  FIG.  6    except as otherwise provided below. The selective coupling assembly  1600  includes a connector  1602  and a receiver  1604 . The receiver  1604  defines a connector receptacle  1606  (shown in  FIG.  16 B ) configured to receive a portion of the connector  1602 . The connector receptacle  1606  is at least partially defined by an annular wall  1608 . 
     The connector  1602  includes a flat base  1620  and an engaging plug  1622 . The engaging plug  1622  defines first and second annular grooves  1624 ,  1626  that at least partially receive first and second O-rings  1628 ,  1630 . When the connector  1602  is engaged with the connector receptacle  1606 , first and second annular seals  1640 ,  1642  are formed between the annular wall  1608  and the first and second O-rings  1628 ,  1630 , respectively. Accordingly, the selective coupling assembly  1600  includes only outer seals (i.e., the first and second seals  1640 ,  1642 ). 
       FIGS.  17 A- 17 D  illustrate a tool  1700  (also referred to as the “selective coupling tool”) that may be used to facilitate locking and/or unlocking a connector and associated bladder from a receiver and associated bucket. The tool  1700  includes a shaft  1702  extending from a proximal end  1704  to a distal end  1706 . A handle  1708  may be disposed at the proximal end  1704 . A coupling end  1710  may be disposed at the distal end  1706  of the shaft  1702 . In at least one example embodiment, the tool  1700  mat further include indicia (see, e.g., indicia  1712 ,  1714  of  FIGS.  9 A- 9 B ) configured to indicate a depth of insertion in a bucket. 
     In at least one example embodiment, as best shown in  FIG.  17 C , the tool  1700  may include features that facilitate locking of the selective coupling mechanism. The coupling end  1710  of the tool  1700  may comprise a forked extension  1720  protruding from the distal end  1706  of the shaft  702 . The forked extension may be U-shaped, or in the shape of a horseshoe. The forked extension  1720  may define a cradle  1722  that is configured to engage with an outer surface of an engaging plug of the connector. The cradle  1722  may comprise one or more arcuate contact surfaces  1724  that are sized to match a size of the outer diameter of the engaging plug of the connector. In at least one other example embodiment, a cradle may comprise one or more arcuate contact surfaces that are sized to have a diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the engaging plug of the connector. The cradle  1722  may be used to assist a technician in guiding the engaging plug into the. 
     In at least one example embodiment, as best shown in  FIG.  17 D , the tool  1700  may include one or more release features that engage with a latch plate to facilitate unlocking of the selective coupling mechanism. In at least one example embodiment, the release feature includes protrusion, such as a transverse plate  1730  that protrudes from a surface  1732  of the coupling end  1710  of the tool  1700 . In at least one example embodiment, the plate  1730  may extend substantially perpendicular to the surface  1732  of the coupling end  1710 . The plate  1730  is sized and shaped to engage with corresponding features (e.g., a flange) on the latch plate, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     As discussed above, the tool  1700  may be used to facilitate locking an/or unlocking of a selective coupling assembly. The tool  1700  may be used in the same manner as the tool  900  to facilitate locking a selective coupling assembly using the cradle  1722 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  18 A , a receiver  624 ′ according to at least one example embodiment is provided. The receiver  624 ′ is the same as the receiver  624  of  FIG.  6    (and includes the same features having the same reference numerals) except that it is rotated 180° about a central axis  1800  with respect to a bucket (not shown) to which it is attached. The receiver  624 ′ is shown in a lock state. 
     Referring to  FIG.  18 B , tool  1700  may be used to facilitate unlocking of the receiver  624 ′. The tool  1700  may be moved toward the receiver  624 ′ until the plate  1730  of the tool  1700  engages the flange  822  of the latch plate  814 . The tool  1700  may be moved in the fourth direction  1200  to translate the latch plate  814  in the fourth direction  1200 . As the latch plate  814  translates, the pin edge  870  (shown in  FIG.  8 A ) of the latch plate  814  moves out of the second annular groove  852  of the trigger pin  818  such that the trigger pin is forced in the first direction  848  by the first spring  842  (shown in  FIG.  8 A ), thereby retaining the latch plate  814  in the release state. 
     In at least one example embodiment, a separation apparatus may include features to facilitate ease of use of a selective coupling tool, such as a channel. With reference to  FIGS.  19 A- 19 B , a separation apparatus  1900  according to at least one example embodiment is provided. The separation apparatus  1900  may be the same as the separation apparatus  600  of  FIG.  6   , except as otherwise provided below. The separation apparatus includes the receiver  624 ′. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the separation apparatus  1900  includes a bucket  1902  that at least partially defines a rod translation channel  1904 . The rod translation channel  1904  may include a hole, groove, aperture, or other feature. The rod translation channel  1904  is aligned with a portion of the latch plate  814 . The rod translation channel  1904  may be defined in a sidewall  1906  of each bucket  1902 , for example, extending from an upper portion of the bucket (not shown) to a point  1908  adjacent the latch plate  814  of the receiver  624 ′. 
     A tool or release rod  1920  be movable within the rod translation channel  1904 . In the example embodiment shown, the rod translation channel  1904  may be receive at least a portion of the rod  1920  such that the rod  1920  can contact the flange  822  of the latch plate  814 . The tool  1920  may be used to release the receiver  624 ′ as described above in the discussion accompanying  FIGS.  18 A- 18 B . Accordingly, the receiver  624 ′ may be released without requiring the insertion of any tool into the space between the bladder  626  and the sidewall  1906 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the tool  1920  may remain in the sidewall  1906  and be actuated from a noncontact position, shown in  FIG.  19 A , to a contact position, shown in  FIG.  19 B . Additionally or alternatively, the tool  1920  may be selectively received in the rod translation channel  1904  (e.g., during a maintenance operation, etc.) and moved within the rod translation channel  1904  until the end of the tool  1920  contacts the latch plate  814 , as shown in  FIG.  19 B . 
       FIG.  20    is a flow diagram of a method  2000  for engaging a bladder with a separation cell of a separation apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The method  2000  begins at S 2004  by inserting the bladder including a connector (e.g., an integrated connector) into the a region between the bladder and a bucket. In at least one example embodiment, S 2004  may be performed during an initial setup of the separation apparatus and/or during a maintenance of the separation apparatus. In at least one example embodiment, the bladder may be inserted such that the connector, disposed at a bottom of the bladder, is inserted into the cavity space first and lowered until the connector is proximate a receiver in the bucket. 
     Next, the method  2000  proceeds at S 2008  by aligning an engaging plug of the connector with the receiver of the bucket. In at least one example embodiment, a tool, such as the tool  900  (shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 D ), the tool  1700  (shown in  FIGS.  17 A- 17 D ), or the tool  1920  (shown in  FIGS.  19 A- 19 B ) may be used by a technician to aid in the alignment of the engaging plug with the receiver. For instance, a length of a shaft of the tool may be set such that when a coupling end of the tool is inserted into the bucket and moved toward a bottom wall of the bucket, with a handle of the tool disposed adjacent a top of the bucket, a cradle of the tool may be positioned substantially concentrically with a receiving aperture of the receiver. In at least one example embodiment, the shaft of tool may include gradations, marks, or other indicia that allow a technician to determine the relative depth of the coupling end of the tool from a top of the bucket. During S 2008 , the cradle of the tool may be caused to contact and support a portion of the outer diameter of the engaging plug of the connector. When aligned, an axis of the engaging plug may be substantially colinear with an axis of the receiving aperture (e.g., within about a 3-5 millimeter radius measured at the center from the axis of the receiver aperture, etc.). This step may correspond to the position of the engaging plug shown at least in  FIGS.  8 A,  10 , and  13   . 
     Once aligned with the receiver, the method  2000  may continue at S 2012  by guiding the engaging plug of the connector into the receiver (e.g., the receiving aperture) until the receiver latches and locks the engaging plug in place. S 2012  may correspond to the engagement of the connector with the receiver as described in conjunction with  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C . In at least one example embodiment, the tool may be used to cause a movement of the engaging plug in the direction of the receiver. For instance, the selective coupling tool may be moved, rotated, and/or pivoted at the handle to move the cradle of the coupling, that is in contact with the engaging plug, in a direction toward the receiver. In some examples, the bladder may be pushed against the connector to cause the trigger pin to release the latch plate and lock the engaging plug in place (e.g., as shown at least in  FIGS.  8 C and  11 A ). The pushing may be provided by inserting a tool into the bucket in a space behind the bladder and the connector and then manipulating the tool to apply a force against the bladder that engages the connector with the receiver. 
       FIG.  21    is a flow diagram of a method  2100  for disengaging a bladder from a bucket of a separation apparatus in accordance with at least one embodiment. The method  2100  may be performed during a maintenance operation (e.g., by a technician) or a bladder changeover operation, for example. 
     The method  2100  may begin at S 2104  by inserting the tool, such as the tool  900  (shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 D ), the tool  1700  (shown in  FIGS.  17 A- 17 D ), or the tool  1920  (shown in  FIGS.  19 A- 19 B ) into a space between a bladder and a receiver of the bucket. During this step, the bladder is connected to the receiver, such as shown in  FIG.  8 C . In at least one example embodiment, the tool may be moved in a space between the bladder and the receiver and/or a bucket wall of the bucket until a coupling end of the tool contacts the connector. In at least one example embodiment, the tool may be inserted into the bucket such that release pins are facing the receiver of the bucket. 
     Next, the method  2100  may proceed at S 2108  by engaging the tool with a latch plate of the receiver. In at least one example embodiment, the tool may be moved such that the release pins are inserted, at least partially, into release holes of the latch plate. 
     At  52112 , once the release pins are engaged with the latch plate, the selective coupling tool may be moved in a release direction to unlock an engaging plug from the receiver. The release direction may depend on the orientation of the receiver and latch plate in the bucket. 
     When the latch plate is moved to the release position, the method  2100  may continue at  52116  by removing the engaging plug of the connector from the receiver, physically separating the bladder from the bucket. Removing the engaging plug may include moving the connector in a direction away from the receiver. Once clear of the receiver, the bladder and integrated connector may be removed from the bucket. If part of a bladder changeover, or maintenance, operation a technician may decide to insert and attach a new bladder, or a repaired bladder, with integrated connector as described in conjunction with the method  2000  of  FIG.  20   . As can be appreciated, the methods  2000  and  2100  may be repeated for the life of the separation apparatus. 
     Any of the steps, functions, and operations discussed herein can be performed continuously and automatically. 
     While the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects. 
     The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have been described in relation to couplings between bladders and fluid supply sources. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the preceding description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the claimed disclosure. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It should, however, be appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein. 
     A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with one embodiment, it is submitted that the description of such feature, structure, or characteristic may apply to any other embodiment unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the description. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the systems and methods disclosed herein after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease, and/or reducing cost of implementation. 
     The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Moreover, though the description of the disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights, which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. 
     Exemplary aspects are directed to a selective coupling assembly, comprising: a bucket comprising a sidewall extending from an open end of the bucket to a closed end of the bucket and a cavity disposed between the open end of the bucket and the closed end of the bucket; a receiver attached to the sidewall, the receiver comprising: a body comprising a receiver lumen passing from a first side of the body through a second side of the body and a receiving aperture disposed around the receiver lumen; and a latch plate slidably attached to the body, the latch plate comprising an aperture and an aperture axis that is arranged parallel to an axis of the receiver lumen; a bladder comprising a sealed expandable chamber and a fluid flow port disposed in the bladder and passing from an interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder; and a connector attached (or alternatively, affixed) to the bladder and disposed at least partially in the fluid flow port, the connector comprising: a base; an engaging plug protruding from the base; and a connector lumen passing through the base and the engaging plug, the connector lumen providing a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to the outside of the bladder. 
     Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the receiver is at least partially disposed in the sidewall. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the engaging plug further comprises: at least one recess offset a first distance from the base of the engaging plug; and a groove arranged around a periphery of the engaging plug, the groove offset a second distance from the base of the engaging plug. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the connector further comprises an O-ring disposed at least partially in the groove. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the connector is made from a polymer (e.g., a plastic material), and wherein the connector is attached (or alternatively, affixed) to the bladder via at least one weld. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the connector is moveable between a lock state with the receiver and an unlocked state with the receiver, wherein, in the lock state, the bladder is fixedly coupled with the bucket, and wherein, in the unlocked state, the bladder is decoupled from the bucket. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein, in the lock state, the engaging plug is disposed at least partially in the receiving aperture of the receiver and a portion of the latch plate is disposed in the at least one recess of the engaging plug. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein, in the lock state, a fluid flow path is formed between the interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber and the receiver lumen of the receiver, and wherein the fluid flow path is unimpeded by any valve between the bladder and the receiver. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the engaging plug further comprises: at least one recess offset a first distance from the base of the engaging plug; and a compliant portion arranged around a periphery of the engaging plug, the compliant portion corresponding to a seal between the engaging plug and the receiver aperture, the compliant portion offset a second distance from the base of the engaging plug. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the compliant portion is an elastically flexible ridge protruding from the engaging plug. 
     Exemplary aspects are directed to a bladder assembly, comprising: a flexible material comprising a sealed expandable chamber; a fluid flow port disposed passing from an interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the sealed expandable chamber; and a connector attached (or alternatively, affixed) to the flexible material and disposed at least partially in the fluid flow port, the connector comprising: a base; an engaging plug protruding from the base; and a connector lumen passing through the base and the engaging plug, the connector lumen providing a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to the outside of the flexible material. 
     Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the connector is attached (or alternatively, affixed) to the flexible material via a seal surrounding the fluid flow port and joining a portion of the flexible material to the base of the connector. 
     Exemplary aspects are directed to a method of coupling a bladder to a bucket, comprising: inserting a bladder comprising an integral connector into a cavity of a bucket; aligning the integral connector with a receiver disposed in a sidewall of the bucket; guiding the integral connector into the receiver; and applying a locking force to the integral connector such that a latch of the receiver engages with a portion of the integral connector and prevents axial movement of the integral connector relative to the receiver. 
     Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein guiding the integral connector comprises: inserting a selective coupling tool into the cavity of the bucket; moving the selective coupling tool into contact with a portion of the integral connector; and manipulating the selective coupling tool causing a movement of the integral connector in a direction of the receiver. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein moving the selective coupling tool into contact with the portion of the integral connector comprises: positioning the selective coupling tool relative to a top surface of the bucket; and aligning a gradation on a shaft of the selective coupling tool with a reference point at the top surface of the bucket. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the bladder comprises: a sealed expandable chamber and a fluid flow port disposed in the bladder and passing from an interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the integrated connector comprises: a base; an engaging plug protruding from the base; and a connector lumen passing through the base and the engaging plug, the connector lumen providing a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to the outside of the bladder. 
     Exemplary aspects are directed to a method of decoupling a bladder from a bucket, comprising: inserting an end of a selective coupling tool into a cavity of a bucket in a space between the bladder and a sidewall of the bucket; engaging the end of the selective coupling tool with a latch plate of a receiver disposed at least partially in the sidewall of the bucket; moving the coupling tool in a release direction causing the latch plate to translate from a lock state, where a portion of the latch plate is engaged with a portion of a connector of the bladder, to a release state, where the portion of the latch plate is disengaged with the portion of the connector of the bladder; and moving the connector of the bladder in a direction away from the receiver causing the bladder to separate from the bucket. 
     Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein engaging the end of the selective coupling tool with the latch plate of the receiver comprises: aligning a pin disposed in the end of the selective coupling tool with a corresponding hole disposed in the latch plate; and inserting a portion of the pin into the corresponding hole disposed in the latch plate. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein aligning the pin disposed in the end of the selective coupling tool with the corresponding hole disposed in the latch plate comprises: positioning the selective coupling tool relative to a top surface of the bucket; and aligning a gradation on a shaft of the selective coupling tool with a reference point at the top surface of the bucket. 
     Exemplary aspects are directed to a selective coupling tool, comprising: a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end; and a forked extension protruding from the distal end, the forked protrusion having a first side and a second side disposed opposite the first side, wherein the forked extension comprises: a cradle comprising a contact surface running from the first side to the second side; and a release pin protruding from the second side. 
     Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the release pin comprises a frustoconical protrusion. Any one or more of the above aspects include a handle connected to the proximal end of the shaft; and at least one gradation disposed along a length of the shaft. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the at least one gradation is etched into a portion of the shaft and wrapping around at least a portion of an outer surface of the shaft. 
     Exemplary aspects are directed to a blood separation apparatus, comprising: a rotor; a bucket attached to the rotor, the bucket comprising a sidewall extending from an open end of the bucket to a closed end of the bucket and a cavity disposed between the open end of the bucket and the closed end of the bucket; a receiver attached to the sidewall, the receiver comprising: a body comprising a receiver lumen passing from a first side of the body through a second side of the body and a receiving aperture disposed around the receiver lumen; and a latch plate slidably attached to the body, the latch plate comprising an aperture and an aperture axis that is arranged parallel to an axis of the receiver lumen; a bladder comprising a sealed expandable chamber and a fluid flow port disposed in the bladder and passing from an interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder; and a connector attached (or alternatively, affixed) to the bladder and disposed at least partially in the fluid flow port, the connector comprising: a base; an engaging plug protruding from the base; and a connector lumen passing through the base and the engaging plug, the connector lumen providing a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the sealed expandable chamber to the outside of the bladder. 
     Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the base is substantially flat comprising a planar substrate. 
     Exemplary aspects are directed to a selective coupling assembly, comprising: a receiver disposed at least partially within a sidewall of a bladder holder, the receiver comprising: a body comprising a receiver lumen passing from a first side of the body through a second side of the body and a receiving aperture disposed around the receiver lumen; and a latch plate slidably attached to the body, the latch plate comprising an aperture and an aperture axis that is arranged parallel to an axis of the receiver lumen; a bladder comprising an expandable chamber and a fluid flow port disposed in the bladder and passing from an interior volume of the expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder; and a connector attached (or alternatively, affixed) to the bladder and disposed at least partially in the fluid flow port, the connector comprising: a base; an engaging plug protruding from the base; and a connector lumen passing through the base and the engaging plug, the connector lumen providing a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the expandable chamber to the outside of the bladder. 
     Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the bladder is moveable from a separated position disposing the bladder outside of a receiving volume of the bladder holder to a holding position disposing the bladder inside the receiving volume of the bladder holder, and wherein the receiver is at least partially disposed within the receiving volume of the bladder holder. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the connector is moveable between a lock state with the receiver and an unlocked state with the receiver, wherein, in the lock state, the bladder is fixedly coupled with the bladder holder, wherein, in the unlocked state, the bladder is decoupled from the bladder holder, and wherein the connector is moveable between the lock state and the unlocked state from a space inside the receiving volume of the bladder holder. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the connector is moveable between the lock state and the unlocked state without use of a tool. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the connector is moveable between the lock state and the unlocked state by inserting a tool from the outside of the receiving volume of the bladder holder into a space inside of the receiving volume of the bladder holder. Any one or more of the above aspects include wherein the bladder holder is a bucket of a separation apparatus, wherein the sidewall extends from an open end of the bucket to a closed end of the bucket, and wherein the receiving volume is disposed between the open end of the bucket and the closed end of the bucket. 
     Exemplary aspects are directed to an interconnection assembly, comprising: a receiver, comprising: a body comprising a receiver lumen passing from a first side of the body through a second side of the body and a receiving aperture disposed around the receiver lumen; and a latch plate slidably attached to the body, the latch plate comprising an aperture and an aperture axis that is arranged parallel to an axis of the receiver lumen; and a connector, comprising: a base; an engaging plug protruding from the base; and a connector lumen passing through the base and the engaging plug. 
     Any one or more of the above aspects further comprising: a bladder comprising an expandable chamber and a fluid flow port disposed in the bladder and passing from an interior volume of the expandable chamber to an outside of the bladder, wherein the connector is operatively attached to the fluid flow port such that the connector lumen provides a fluid flow path from the interior volume of the expandable chamber to the outside of the bladder. 
     Any one or more of the above aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein. 
     Any one or more of the aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein optionally in combination with any one or more other aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein. 
     One or means adapted to perform any one or more of the above aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein. 
     Any one or more of the features disclosed herein. 
     Any one or more of the features as substantially disclosed herein. 
     Any one or more of the features as substantially disclosed herein in combination with any one or more other features as substantially disclosed herein. 
     Any one of the aspects/features/embodiments in combination with any one or more other aspects/features/embodiments. 
     Use of any one or more of the aspects or features as disclosed herein. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.