Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating fluids containing multiple components

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9114334-B2
Application number	US-201314100563-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Dec 9, 2013
Priority date	May 24, 2002
Publication date	Aug 25, 2015
Grant date	Aug 25, 2015

Abstract

Disclosed is 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 various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second 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. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A separation system for separating at least one component of a multiple component material with a centrifugal force, the separation system comprising:
a first buoy member having an exterior perimeter defined by an exterior wall, the first buoy member including a passage through the first buoy member and within the exterior perimeter;
a connection member operably connected to the first buoy member;
a second buoy member operably connected to the connection member, wherein a first surface of the second buoy member is operable to be spaced a distance from the first buoy member;
a valve assembly including a check valve member is configures to contact the first buoy member to close the passage through the first buoy member; and
a container configured to contain a buoy assembly including the first buoy member, the second buoy member, the connection member, and the valve assembly;
wherein the buoy assembly is moveable within the container;
wherein the passage is formed between an exterior wall of the connection member and an interior wall of the first buoy member.

2. The separation system of claim 1 , wherein at least the check valve member of the valve assembly is moveable connected to at least one of the first buoy member, the second buoy member, the connected member, or combinations thereof.

3. The separation system of claim 2 , wherein the check valve member includes a first portion fixedly connected relative to the connection member and a second portion moveable relative to the connection member.

4. The separation system of claim 1 ,
wherein the first buoy member and at least a portion of the check valve member move together within the container during a separation of the multiple component material.

5. The separation system of claim 4 , wherein a second portion of the check valve member moves relative to the first buoy member to open the passage during a selected time.

6. The separation system of claim 5 , wherein the check valve member is configures to move during an application of the centrifugal force.

7. The separation system of claim 5 , wherein the check valve member is configured to move during an application of a vacuum.

8. The separation system of claim 1 , wherein the check valve member is configured to move towards the open position to allow passage of a selected material upon an application of the centrifugal force.

9. The separation system of claim 8 , wherein the check valve member is formed of a substantially flexible member that is positioned relative to the first buoy member and extends from the connection member.

10. The separation system of claim 8 , wherein the check valve member includes a flat portion that is formed of a rigid material including a living hinge.

11. The separation system of claim 10 , wherein the check valve member is connected to the connection member and moveable relative to the first buoy member via the living hinge.

12. The separation system of claim 8 , wherein the check valve member is connected to the connection member and moveable relative to the first buoy member based on the material from which the check valve member is formed.

13. The separation system of claim 1 , wherein the check valve member has a first portion immovable relative to the connection member and a second portion moveable relative to the first buoy member to move between the open position and the closed position.

Assignees

• Biomet Biologics Llc

Inventors

• Leach Michael D
• Higgins Joel C

Classifications

• B01D17/0217 Primary

  by centrifugal force · CPC title

• B01L2400/0409

  centrifugal forces · CPC title

• G01N33/491

  by separating the blood components (G01N15/05 takes precedence) · CPC title

• B01D17/12 Primary

  Auxiliary equipment particularly adapted for use with liquid-separating apparatus, e.g. control circuits · CPC title

• B01D21/262

  by using a centrifuge · CPC title