초록 ▼

An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy syst

An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A system for separating a multi-component fluid from a patient with centrifugation, the system comprising: a container, having a bottom and a side wall extending from said bottom, defining a sample holding area; a buoy disposed in said sample holding area; a member to selecti

What is claimed is: 1. A system for separating a multi-component fluid from a patient with centrifugation, the system comprising: a container, having a bottom and a side wall extending from said bottom, defining a sample holding area; a buoy disposed in said sample holding area; a member to selectively close a top of said container; and a conduit interconnecting the patient and a port defined by said container; wherein said buoy is movable when acted upon by forces created during the centrifugation; wherein said buoy defines a collection volume for collecting a selected component of the multi-component fluid. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said collection volume generally defines a cone extending from a plane defined by said buoy and having an apex within said buoy. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a piston moveable within said sample holding area having a collection face; wherein said piston is moveable from a first position to a second position generally closer to said collection volume of said piston buoy; wherein said collection face of said piston is substantially complimentary to said collection volume of said buoy. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said piston buoy includes a selected density such that said buoy is able to achieve a selected position between two components of a multi-component fluid during the centrifugation. 5. The system of claim 1, for separating and extracting selected fractions from said container, wherein said buoy has a first density; a piston having a second density; a connection member operably interconnecting said buoy and said piston; wherein a selected fraction is operable to be collected near said collection volume between said buoy and said piston. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said buoy and said piston define a piston system that is disposable within said container during a centrifuge process. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein said collection volume is a substantially concave surface defined by an upper portion of said buoy; wherein said collection volume is disposed between said buoy and said piston. 8. The system of claim 5, further comprising: a post interconnecting said buoy and said piston; wherein said post further defines a port extending between said collection volume and a cannula defined by said connection member. 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a vacuum creating system interconnected via a vacuum port with said container to form a pressure differential in said container relative to a position exterior to said container. 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: a resilient bulb interconnected with at least a first valve associated with said vacuum port such that said resilient bulb is operable to withdraw a volume of fluid from said container and expel the volume of fluid from said container while substantially eliminating the re-entry of a volume of fluid into said container. 11. A system for separating a multi-component fluid from a patient with centrifugation, the system comprising: a container, having a bottom and a side wall extending from said bottom defining a sample holding area; a buoy disposed in said sample holding area; a member to selectively close a top of said container; and wherein said buoy is movable when acted upon by forces created during the centrifugation; wherein said buoy defines a collection surface for collecting a selected component of the multi-component fluid; wherein said collection surface generally defines a cone extending from a plane defined by said piston and having an apex within said piston. 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a piston moveable within said sample holding area having a collection face; wherein said piston is moveable from a first position to a second position generally closer to said collection surface of said buoy; wherein said collection face of said piston is substantially complimentary to said collection surface of said buoy. 13. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a conduit interconnecting the patient and a port defined by said container. 14. A system for separating a multi-component fluid from a patient with centrifugation, the system comprising: a container, having a bottom and a side wall extending from said bottom, defining a sample holding area; a buoy having a first density disposed in said sample holding area; a member to selectively close a top of said container; and a piston having a second density; a connection member operably interconnecting said buoy and said piston; wherein said buoy is movable when acted upon by forces created during the centrifugation; wherein said buoy defines a collection surface for collecting a selected component of the multi-component fluid; wherein a selected fraction is operable to be collected near said collection surface between said buoy and said piston. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein said buoy and said piston define a piston system that is disposable within said container during a centrifuge process. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein said collection surface is a substantially concave surface defined by an upper portion of said buoy; wherein said collection surface is disposed between said buoy and said piston. 17. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a post interconnecting said buoy and said piston; wherein said post further defines a port extending between said collection surface and a cannula defined by said connection member. 18. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a conduit interconnecting the patient and a port defined by said container. 19. A system for separating a multi-component fluid from a patient with centrifugation, the system comprising: a container, having a bottom and a side wall extending from said bottom defining a sample holding area; a buoy disposed in said sample holding area; a member to selectively close a top of said container; and wherein said buoy is movable when acted upon by forces created during the centrifugation; wherein said buoy defines a collection volume for collecting a selected component of the multi-component fluid; wherein said buoy includes a selected density such that said buoy is able to achieve a selected position between two components of a multi-component fluid during the centrifugation. 20. A system for separating a multi-component fluid from a patient with centrifugation, the system comprising: a container, having a bottom and a side wall defining a selectable cross-section dimension extending from said bottom, defining a sample holding area, wherein the selectable cross-section dimension is selectable between a first small dimension and a second large dimension; a buoy disposed in said sample holding area operable to contact the sidewall in the first small dimension and not contact at least a portion of the sidewall when in the second large dimension; a member to selectively close a top of said container; and a conduit interconnecting the patient and a port defined by said container wherein said buoy is movable when acted upon by forces created during the centrifugation; wherein said buoy defines a collection surface for collecting a selected component of the multi-component fluid.