Patent ID: 7396451

Claim:
An apparatus for separating a volume of a composite fluid into at least a first and a second fluid component, the volume of composite fluid being contained in a flexible separation bag connected to at least a first and a second fluid component bags, the apparatus comprising: centrifuging means for spinning the separation container; first flow controlling means for selectively allowing or blocking a flow of fluid component through a first tube connecting the separation bag to the first fluid component bag; second flow controlling means for selectively allowing or blocking a flow of fluid component through a second tube connecting the separation bag to the second fluid component bag; sensing means for detecting a characteristic of a fluid component around a connection of a fluid component bag to the separation bag; squeezing means for squeezing the separation bag and causing the transfer of the at least first and second fluid components into the at least first and second fluid component bags; and control means programmed for causing the centrifuging means to spin at at least one centrifugation speed; for receiving from the sensing means information on a characteristic of a fluid component; for causing, upon separation of the at least first and second fluid components in the separation bag, the first flow controlling means to open the first tube, the second flow controlling means to close the second tube, and the squeezing means to press the separation bag so as to substantially transfer the first fluid component into the first fluid component bag; for causing, upon detection by the sensing means of a characteristic of the second component fluid on a pathway of the first fluid component to the first tube, the squeezing means to stop pressing the separation bag and the first flow controlling means to close the first tube; and for subsequently causing the second flow controlling means to open the second tube and the squeezing means to press the separation bag so as to substantially transfer the second fluid component into the second fluid component bag.