Apparatus and process for conditioning mammalian blood

Abstract

The invention provides apparatus for conditioning mammalian blood for subsequent use in a medical procedure. The apparatus includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system is provided for transporting a blood charge from a source to the cabinet and a flask is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the flask. An output system is coupled to the flask and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The apparatus includes an automated control system operable upon closing the door to lock the door and to then condition the charge, and to then cause the charge to move from the flask to the receiver. As a result, a charge from the input system is conditioned and delivered to the receiver, the door is then unlocked and the conditioned charge is ready to be removed and used to complete the medical procedure. A flask assembly is also provided for use in the apparatus and a process is also described.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.