Self-loading fluid line loop arrangement for centrifuge system
AssigneeTerumo BCT, Inc.
InventorsPeter O'Brien, Brian M. Holmes
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.
Claims14
A centrifuge assembly, comprising:
- a centrifuge housing having an outer surface and an internal cavity, wherein the centrifuge housing rotates about a rotation axis of the centrifuge assembly;
- a fluid separating body disposed at least partially within the internal cavity of the centrifuge housing and configured to rotate relative to the centrifuge housing about the rotation axis;
- and
- a fluid line loop arm attached to a portion of the centrifuge housing and running along a length of the outer surface of the centrifuge housing, the fluid line loop arm including a bearing set disposed at a point along the length of the outer surface, wherein the bearing set is configured to contact a tubing portion of an interconnected fluid line loop and maintain the fluid line loop in an engaged position relative to the centrifuge housing while allowing the fluid line loop to rotate in the engaged position.
A method for automatically loading a fluid line loop into a centrifuge assembly, the method comprising:
- attaching the fluid line loop at a first end to a fluid separating body of the centrifuge assembly;
- and
- rotating the fluid separating body in a first rotational direction relative to a housing of the centrifuge assembly, wherein rotating the fluid separating body causes the fluid line loop to rotate relative to the housing and guide into a channel of a loop arm attached to a portion of the housing, wherein the channel includes bearings disposed in a bearing set attached to the loop arm, wherein the bearings hold the fluid line loop in a position relative to the housing as the centrifuge assembly rotates.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.