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Publication Number
US-12377203-B2
Publication Date
2025-08-05
Expiration Date
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.
Core Innovation
A filler for holding a separation bladder is provided for separating a component from a composite fluid. The filler includes a channel for holding the separation bladder during the separation, with a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall. A first end of the channel is adjacent a central portion of the filler.
The channel spirals toward an outside perimeter of the filler to a second end. Near the second end, the channel jogs outwardly toward the outside perimeter of the filler. This spiral configuration and outward jog define how the separation bladder is held within the filler during the component separation.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim directed to the geometry of a filler channel that holds a separation bladder during component separation from a composite fluid. Dependent claims add four additional inventive features, including channel shape, bladder reinforcement, surface shape, and gravitational-force relationships.
Spiral channel for holding a separation bladder
A filler comprising a channel having a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, where a first end of the channel is adjacent a central portion of the filler, the channel spirals toward an outside perimeter to a second end, and the channel jogs outwardly toward the outside perimeter near the second end.
Top portion narrower than middle portion
The filler of the spiral channel configured such that a top portion of the channel is narrower than a middle portion.
Top portion reinforcing the separation bladder
The filler of the spiral channel configured so that a top portion of the channel reinforces the separation bladder during separation.
Concave second wall portion
The filler of the spiral channel wherein at least a portion of the second wall has a concave surface.
Second end experiencing higher gravitational force
The filler of the spiral channel configured so that, during separation, the second end of the channel experiences a higher gravitational force than the first end.
Across the independent and dependent claims, the inventive coverage centers on a spiral, outward-jogged filler channel for holding a separation bladder, with refinements that specify channel width relationships, reinforcement of the bladder by a top portion, concavity of the second wall portion, and a comparative gravitational-force condition between the channel ends during separation.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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