Method and apparatus for the rapid thermal processing of transfusion fluid

Apparatus for the thermal processing of transfusion fluid contained within a container having a flexible sheet and a central core;

• said apparatus comprising:
• a housing defining a cavity;
• means, located on said housing, for creating a flow of air;
• means, located on said housing, for controlling temperature of the flow of air;
• means, located on said housing, for directing the temperature controlled flow of air into said cavity;
• said directing means comprising first and second pluralities of tubes communicated to receive the temperature controlled flow of air and located in said cavity, spaced longitudinally across a gap;
• the tubes of each of said first and second pluralities having vents and being laterally separated by slots;
• said tubes, vents and slots being relatively dimensioned, configured and positioned so that the temperature controlled air will be directed through said vents to impinge on said container inserted within said gap, and to exit through said slots;
• and
• means, located on said housing, for measuring temperature of the fluid;
• said temperature measuring means comprising at least one sensor tip, and means for insulating said sensor tip and for urging said tip onto said flexible sheet of said container, when said container is within said gap, so as to provide a temperature reading near said core of said

A method for the thermal processing of transfusion fluid;

• said method comprising:
• providing a container having first and second sheets of flexible material joined at intervals to present a plurality of laterally spaced tubular chambers having internal cores;
• providing first and second pluralities of tubes spaced longitudinally across a gap;
• the tubes of each of said first and second pluralities having vents and being laterally separated by slots;
• filling said chambers with transfusion fluid;
• creating a flow of air;
• controlling temperature of said flow of air;
• directing said temperature controlled flow of air through said tubes and out from said vents against said first and second sheets so that air impinges substantially perpendicular, centrally of each chamber and exits away from said sheets at said joinder intervals through said slots;
• measuring temperature of said fluid near said core of at least one of said chambers, by urging a tip of a sensor externally onto one of said sheets at said at least one of said chambers;
• and
• regulating said temperature controlling step, responsive to said temperature measurement.

A method for the thermal processing of transfusion fluid contained in a flexible container having first and second external surfaces and an internal core;

• said method comprising:
• providing first and second pluralities of tubes spaced longitudinally across a gap;
• the tubes of each of said first and second pluralities having vents and being laterally separated by slots located at intervals between said vents;
• providing a temperature sensor having a sensor tip;
• inserting said container within said gap, with said first surface adjacent said first plurality of tubes and said second surface adjacent said second plurality of tubes;
• creating a flow of air;
• directing said flow of air through said tubes and out from said vents to impinge substantially perpendicular respectively upon said adjacent first and second surfaces so as to effect heat transfer and prevent condensation at said surfaces, and so as to exit away from said sheets through said slots;
• urging said sensor tip externally onto said container to take temperature measurements of said fluid near said core;
• and
• controlling temperature of said airflow through said tubes in response to said temperature measurements.