EP0816236A1 - Method and device for extracting a deep-frozen plasma product from a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The procedure makes an opening in one side of the container. The blood product is pressed out from the opposite side, giving a frozen ice core, with the boundary layer of the blood product on the container wall thawed out by external warming. Thus a liquid film is formed between the ice core and the container wall. The ice core is then pressed out by the production of forces on the container and on the ice core, beginning on the opposite side from the delivery opening. The warming up comes from external rinsing of the container with a heated medium like warm water or air.

Description

The invention relates to a method for applying a frozen blood product from a container, being in the container a discharge opening opened on one side and the frozen one Blood product from the side opposite the discharge opening pressed out of the container through its discharge opening which gives a frozen ice core.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for Dispensing a frozen blood product from a container, in which has a discharge opening on one side, with pressing elements to push the frozen blood product out of the Container through its discharge opening.

It is common for frozen blood products, such as human Blood plasma or cryoprecipitate, from its bottle-like or to deploy bag-shaped containers in that these The container is manually separated from the plasma ice core after opening will. This approach is not only time consuming and costly, but also with the risk of Contamination of the blood product.

As a result, US Pat. No. 4,253,458 A has already been published mechanically squeezing frozen blood plasma out of a Containers proposed with the help of rollers. To do that Gently squeezing out the ice core became a special form of the container (and thus the ice core) provided, namely one wedge-shaped from the end opposite the discharge opening Form widening towards the discharge opening. Such special containers however, increase costs and could therefore do not enforce in practice.

On the other hand, it is already known from DE 42 30 774 A a heated fluid for thawing frozen blood products to use; however, the entire product thawed, after which it left the container in the liquid state is pressed out. However, this individual thawing is extremely time-consuming, including special equipment are required to hold multiple containers at the same time if necessary to be able to thaw, which makes this technique additional becomes more expensive.

Similarly, EP 318 924 A shows a thawing and Temperature control device with to be applied to a frozen product bags containing a tempered medium, of which the one bag is moved back and forth, so the temperature control rate to increase. Squeezing an ice core is not addressed here either, rather this is also the case here entire product thawed and tempered.

It is now an object of the invention to achieve the required Manipulations with such containers when deploying a To reduce blood product, in particular a gentle, nonetheless at least largely automatic, unproblematic removal of the plasma ice core from the container should be made possible; furthermore it is an object of the invention to such a procedure or device is available where the contact of the blood product with the staff is largely avoided. Furthermore, easy disposal of the empty plasma container.

Accordingly, the method according to the invention is the one at the beginning mentioned type characterized in that the boundary layer of Blood product on the container wall by heating from the outside thawed and so a film of liquid between the ice core and the container wall is formed, after which the ice core under Application of those acting on the container and the ice core Compressive forces, starting at the one opposite the discharge opening Side from which the container is pushed out.

The device according to the invention is correspondingly of the type mentioned at the beginning characterized by a Heating device for thawing the boundary layer of the outside Blood product on the container wall.

With these measures the above objective in advantageously met, and it can be a gentle, automated, maintaining sterility of the blood product Easy and quick application, avoiding personal contact of the ice core can be obtained from the container. The liquid film, preferably before the opening of the dispensing device, if necessary also brought about during or afterwards sliding of the ice core against the container wall sure so that the spreading of the ice core through Apply the pressure forces in the specified manner, in a problem-free manner Way is made possible, according to the sliding film comparatively low pressure forces are sufficient and moreover the Container shape is unproblematic, so that conventional bag or bottle-shaped containers can be used. The liquid film can simply be obtained in this way be that the container outside before the ice core is deployed washed or rinsed with warm washing liquid, if necessary is also dried, whereby the liquid film resulting from external thawing. If the time between this cleaning process and the application process accordingly the liquid film remains long enough received so that the ice core can be pushed out. Provided the containers with the blood product are relatively long before Spreading the ice core or need to be cleaned Cleaning is not done, it is only necessary to Container from outside before the ice core is brought out to heat accordingly what is happening in different ways can, such as with heating elements, hot water or hot air; It would even be conceivable to wait until the liquid film of the application of the pressure forces to arise by for example, appropriately heated press elements are sufficient long against the container until the Liquid film is formed and the output of the ice core can be done.

As mentioned, it is advisable to form the liquid film in the course of a previous cleaning of the container cause, and it is accordingly particularly advantageous if that Warm by rinsing the outside of the container with a heated one Medium, especially hot water and / or hot air, takes place. It has proven to be particularly favorable if with one to about 10 ° C to 70 ° C, preferably 10 ° C to 40 ° C, in particular 25 ° C to 40 ° C, held medium is rinsed.

On the other hand, the heating can also take place directly during the application the plasma core, i.e. just before, just by Radiation, e.g. with infrared radiation, or through a suitable heat source.

Advantageously, the container becomes on one side Forming the discharge opening simply cut open what without more automatically, with the help of a cutting tool can be, for example with a knife. The Cutting tool will be at the required time controlled and driven to cut the container open. Unless it is a rather stiff, bottle-shaped container acts, the discharge opening on the bottom of this By cutting across almost the entire circumference of the container bottle-shaped container are carried out, so that then cut off bottom part on a remaining narrow Web part remains connected to the rest of the container and around it Web part can be folded away. In the case of a bag-like Container, which is folded flat when empty against it, it has turned out to be sufficient and with regard to the yield proved to be favorable if the bag-like Containers in the circumferential direction only a little more than half Circumference is cut open.

For removing the ice core from the container It is then of particular advantage to squeeze out if Apply the pressure forces along the length of the container Pressure force distribution is brought about, according to the pressure forces from the side of the discharge opening opposite the Remove the container up to the discharge opening. In this way it is ensured that starting at the discharge opening opposite side of the ice core detached from the container and out this is gradually pushed out. This desired pressure force distribution can get particularly easy thereby be that the pressure forces with the help of over the container length Press elements applied obliquely to the container along its length be applied. On the other hand, it would be in itself also possible the pressure forces with the help of over the container length to provide press elements divided into chambers, wherein the pressing element chambers in succession with, if necessary also different pressures can be applied. Accordingly is an advantageous embodiment of the invention Process characterized in that the pressure forces by a successive pressing of over the length of the container distributed pressing elements, starting at the discharge opening opposite side of the container.

The removal of the ice core can also be done by a simple Pressure of a stamp or piston on the container or Ice core done. According to a preferred embodiment the container is guided between at least two roller elements, which is caused by an opposing movement using pulling and compressive forces release the ice core from the container.

The roller elements are preferably with a non-slip, e.g. corrugated or grooved surface so that the Bag is still in contact with the roller elements and is pulled through. The material is preferably stainless steel or to use a correspondingly high quality plastic. Preferably cylindrical rollers with a circular Cross section selected.

As mentioned earlier, it is convenient if the container is in front the delivery of the blood product by external rinsing with a Cleaning medium is cleaned; this way the danger possible contamination of plasma during spreading can also be reduced.

There is one for the gentle application of pressure Device training proved to be cheap, which featured is by a frame attached to a recording room for assigned to the container containing the blood product, at least partially rigid or with a rigid support part provided pressing elements that by means of a clamping or Press device to a container contained in the receiving space applying pressure, starting from the Discharge opening opposite side, can be created.

An advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention is then characterized in that the pressing elements, if necessary, including supporting parts, for the purpose of adaptation different container cross-sections exchangeable on the frame are attached.

To the one already mentioned above, about the length of the container to achieve varying pressure force distribution, it is favorable if the pressing elements, possibly velvet Support parts, generally extend over the length of the container and in oblique position can be applied to the container.

A particularly simple to use, moreover, very stable training can be obtained when as Support parts two half shells arranged according to a conical surface are provided. It is for enclosing the container further cheap if the half shells on one long side are articulated to each other, whereas their other Long sides of a locking and tensioning mechanism for a general radial pressure force is provided on the container. Furthermore, it is also here for a uniform pressure distribution the perimeter of the container around is beneficial if everyone Half-shell support part a plurality of elongated, flexible Press elements on its inside.

On the other hand, it is for easy adaptation to different ones Container cross sections, especially in the case of bag-like ones Containers that are in the frozen state of the blood product they contain can be relatively flat to almost circular cylindrical, also cheap if the supporting parts are generally strip-shaped, if necessary with an arcuate profile, designed and link chain-like are articulated to each other, with one Long side a locking and tensioning mechanism for a general radial pressure force is provided on the container. It is also conveniently provided that each strip-shaped Carrying part carries a flexible pressing element on its inside.

On the one hand, the pressing elements can be easily replaced by rubber-elastic, in particular elongated press cushions are formed, which with the help of the supporting parts against the container from which the frozen product can be pressed. For it has a gentle, reliable application of the ice core on the other hand, proved to be particularly advantageous if the Pressing elements by means of pressurized, in particular tubular pressure pads are formed. To one successive pressurization over the length of the container, starting on the side opposite the discharge opening, to achieve, it is also favorable if the pressing elements in shape of circumferential annular pressure pads are formed, or if the pressure pad over the length of the container distributed can be acted upon separately with pressure medium.

It is then advantageous if the frame below the Recording space between the pressing elements laterally or movable downwards, e.g. plate-shaped support for the Container is attached. The edition is for temporary use Support the respective container until it is removed from the pressing elements is clamped during the application process; at this time the edition - e.g. automatic - moved away, for example sideways or pivoted downwards, so that the path for the to be deployed Release ice core.

For the automatic cutting of the respective container, to create the discharge opening, it is also advantageous if on the frame below the press elements at least over slightly more than half the circumference of the container Cutting tool, in particular a knife, is attached.

As mentioned, the entire application process is aimed at to run automatically, but it can be manual Postprocessing may be possible, namely if in the course of automatic drain of the ice core not or only partially the container has been pushed out. In this case, one appropriate detection on the device be secured, such as for example by means of a light barrier for the detection of the pressed out Ice core, or with the help of an optical sensor or a scale for recognizing the "empty" container.

It is also advantageously provided that at least those with the Parts of the device coming into contact with each container Spreading process can be cleaned, and in this context it has proven to be particularly advantageous if that Frame with the pressing elements in one for cleaning flooding immersion bath is attached.

For a particularly fast, automated process at Spreading the ice core, including an automatic feeder the container, in the form of a conventional conveyor technology, can be provided, it is then of particular advantage if the frame with the pressing elements on a vertical Axis rotatable turret attached to a container feed station, an ice core squeezing station and a container disposal station having. With this training are thus several according to the number of stations of the revolver Racks with pressing elements are present that the individual stations go through so that in the different stations simultaneously Container with the frozen blood products taken over, Ice cores are squeezed out and empty containers are disposed of.

Due to the formation of the liquid film according to the Thawing of the plasma product according to the invention can also be carried out at the most varied container designs simple pressing elements used satisfactorily, and accordingly it is favorable if the pressing elements by at least two in opposite directions rotatable, generally parallel axes of rotation Roll elements are formed, between which the container on the Delivery opening opposite end is detected and under Squeezing the blood product in the empty state moved through becomes. It is also an advantage if behind the Roller elements a slide for guiding the empty Container is arranged.

As already mentioned, various heating devices can be used Facilities find use, it being in particular - in the sense of multiple use - is favorable if for Cleaning of the equipment to be used at the same time Defrosting the outer layer of the plasma product used will. Accordingly, it is particularly advantageous if as a heating device a flushing device for external flushing of the containers is provided. The flushing device can e.g. With Spray nozzles can be formed.

In addition - if the warming during rinsing or cleaning not enough to defrost - or instead of the rinsing device it is also advantageous if infrared heaters are used as the heating device are provided. Such IR emitters (or comparable heating elements) can, for example, in Area of the container feed to the pressing elements, on the frame the pressing elements and / or on the supporting parts.

Fig.1 eine schematische Ansicht, teilweise im Schnitt gemäß der Linie I-I in Fig.2, einer Vorrichtung zum Ausbringen von gefrorenem Blutplasma aus einem flaschenförmigen Behälter;

Fig.2 einen Querschnitt durch diese Vorrichtung gemäß der Linie II-II in Fig.1;

die Fig.3, 4 und 5 nur ganz schematische Querschnittsdarstellungen von anderen Ausführungsformen einer derartigen Vorrichtung, allgemein ähnlich der Querschnittsdarstellung gemäß Fig.2, zwecks Anpassung an unterschiedliche Behälterquerschnitte;

Fig.6 ein Detail der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig.5 in etwas vergrößertem Querschnitt, allgemein gemäß der Linie VI-VI in Fig.7;

Fig.7 einen axialen Schnitt durch den in Fig.6 ersichtlichen leistenförmigen Tragteil samt Schlauch-Preßelement, allgemein gemäß der Linie VII-VII in Fig.6;

Fig.8 eine schematische Ansicht einer Hälfte einer modifizierten Vorrichtung zum Ausbringen von gefrorenen Plasmaeiskernen, mit ringartigen, übereinander angeordneten Schlauch-Preßelementen;

Fig.9 eine schematische Draufsicht einer Revolver-Anordnung mit sechs Plasmaeiskern-Ausbring-Vorrichtungen, z.B. ähnlich Fig.1 und 2, und entsprechend sechs Arbeitsstationen;

Fig.10 eine schematische schaubildliche Ansicht von Preßelementen in Form von Walzenelementen zum Auspressen eines Plasmaeiskerns aus einem Behälter; und

Fig.11 eine schematische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung mit solchen Walzen-Preßelementen sowie einer vorhergehenden Anwärm-/Spüleinrichtung und einer Aufschneidstation.

The invention will now be explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, to which, however, it should not be restricted, and with reference to the drawing. The drawings show in detail:

1 shows a schematic view, partly in section along the line II in FIG. 2, of a device for dispensing frozen blood plasma from a bottle-shaped container;

2 shows a cross section through this device along the line II-II in Figure 1;

3, 4 and 5 are only very schematic cross-sectional representations of other embodiments of such a device, generally similar to the cross-sectional representation according to FIG. 2, for the purpose of adaptation to different container cross-sections;

6 shows a detail of the device according to FIG. 5 in a somewhat enlarged cross section, generally along the line VI-VI in FIG. 7;

7 shows an axial section through the strip-shaped support part shown in FIG. 6 together with the hose pressing element, generally along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of one half of a modified device for dispensing frozen plasma ice cores, with ring-like tube pressing elements arranged one above the other;

9 shows a schematic top view of a turret arrangement with six plasma ice core dispensing devices, for example similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, and correspondingly six work stations;

10 shows a schematic, diagrammatic view of pressing elements in the form of roller elements for pressing out a plasma ice core from a container; and

11 shows a schematic view of a device with such roller pressing elements and a preceding heating / rinsing device and a slicing station.

1 schematically shows a device 1 for dispensing a frozen blood plasma, namely a plasma ice core 2, from a - here bottle-shaped - container 3 illustrated. To initially support the container 3 is one a vertical axis 4 laterally pivotable plate-shaped Edition 5 provided, which is only very schematic on one indicated frame 6 by conventional means, not closer are illustrated, is pivotally attached. The frame 6 contains a stand 7 on which two support parts 8, 9 for tubular press elements or cushions 10 around a vertical Axis 11 are pivotally mounted. For this purpose, the Half-shells 12, which together define a truncated cone, Support arms 13 fixed, e.g. welded on, and this Support arms 13 are indicated schematically in Fig.1 Consoles 14 articulated via vertical pivot pins. In Fig.2 is an upper half shell 12 in the applied to the container 3 Position, the operating position, shown, the Press elements 10 in one with pressure, such as with compressed air or with a liquid medium such as water are illustrated; the other, front, lower in Fig.2 Half-shell 12 is illustrated in FIG. 2 in the open position, the pressing elements 10 still in the unpressurized, lying flat Condition shown. The pressing elements 10 are, for example from rubber hoses, which are connected to a supply pipe 15 Distribution line 16 are connected, the pressure medium, preferably hot water, supplied via a feed line 17 can be; at the upper end are the hose pressing elements 10 connected to a manifold 19 via individual pipes 18, from which the pressure medium via a drain line 20 can be dissipated. The distribution line 16 or the manifold 19 are "ring" lines in the form of semicircular arches, such as is clearly visible from Figure 2, and these lines 16, 19 are with the half-shells 12, for example over the rigid pipes 15, firmly connected. With the feed or drain lines 17 or 20 can be hose lines, which due to their Flexibility the movements of the lines 16, 19 together with enable the half-shells 12.

In the operating position, the two half shells 12 closed, with a closing and tensioning mechanism 21, 22 the mutually facing, the joint with the pivot axis 11 diametrically opposite sides of the half-shells 12 are provided is. When the half-shells 12 are closed the pressing elements 10 - for example six (but possibly also more or less) hose pressure pad per half-shell 12-with Pressurized so that they are against the plasma ice core 2 containing bottle-shaped container 3 and create this clamp. At this point, the plate-shaped Pad 5 can be pivoted away below the container 3.

To remove the plasma ice core 2 from the container 3 the bottom of the container 3 using a rotating Cutting or knife tool 23, e.g. in the form of a knife disc, (see Fig.1) opened, which is not just about its own Axis rotates, but also on not shown Way in the frame 6 around the container 3 is movable, so the container 3 over almost the entire circumference Cut open a discharge opening 25, as in Fig.1 in the right half is illustrated. Only one remains narrow web of material between the cut-off bottom part 24 and the remaining container 3, the bottom part 24 around this narrow web of material swung down like a film hinge can be, after which the plasma core 2 from the container 3rd is pushed out.

For this discharge of the plasma ice core 2 from the container 3 becomes the boundary layer between the plasma ice core 2 and the container wall warmed and thawed, and it becomes a liquid film between the container wall and the plasma ice core 2 brought about. For this purpose e.g. the container 3 together Plasma ice core 2 before insertion between the pressing elements 10 in a heating device (not shown in Fig.1) with Warm water rinsed, which has a temperature of, for example 10 ° C to 70 ° C, preferably 10 ° C to 40 ° C, particularly preferred 25 ° C to 40 ° C. Immediately afterwards, the container 3 between the pressing elements 10 in the manner already described attached and clamped, after which the plate-shaped support 5 pivoted away and the bottom part 24 is cut open. In the As a result, the pressure in the pressing elements 10 is increased further, the conical shape of the half-shells 12 and accordingly the oblique course of the pressing elements 10, such as a pressure force distribution can be seen in particular from FIG 26 is obtained according to that adjacent the top of the container 3 stronger pressure forces are exerted than in The bottom of the container 3, as indicated schematically in Fig.1 is. Because of this specific pressure force, starting at the top of the container 3 (or generally at the Discharge opening 25 opposite side) and in particular the previous induction of the liquid film between the container wall and the plasma ice core 2 can be the plasma ice core 2 gentle and easy successively from top to bottom be pushed out of the container 3 so that it finally down into a collecting container, not shown falls. From there, the collected plasma ice cores processed after thawing in the desired manner will.

The procedure described when deploying the plasma ice cores 2 from the container 3 can be fully automated, the closing of the half-shells 12 not only in itself manually, with the help of the closing and tensioning mechanism 21, 22, but also e.g. can be done pneumatically or hydraulically. The pressing elements 10 can be simple hoses, they can however also, as shown schematically in Fig.2 at 27, with additional pads that provide a smooth, Allow pressure-distributing application on the container wall. The pressing elements 10 can be simple on part of their circumference by gluing to the supporting parts 8, 9 or half-shells 12 be attached, the half-shells 12 optionally also as indicated in Fig.2 at 28, with corresponding seats can be equipped for the hose pressing elements 10. Also when the device 1 using the closing and tensioning mechanism 21, 22 manually and not automatically, e.g. pneumatically, should be closed is a treatment of the container 3 to Expressing the plasma ice cores 2, including thawing, possible without manual gripping of the container 3, so that a Contamination of the plasma is avoided. Another advantage is that the plasma ice cores 2 quickly and easily, especially without plastic parts of the container 3 on them stick, can be discharged from the containers 3.

As mentioned, the half-shells 12 are in the embodiment the device 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 is frustoconical, in order to achieve the desired pressure force distribution 26 i.e. there are circular cross-sections narrowing from bottom to top before, so that a truncated cone-shaped receiving space 29 for the container 3 is defined. Such a configuration is for the described bottle-shaped container 3, the one have a circular cross-section and a generally cylindrical Bottle bodies are advantageous, but less suitable for other container shapes. It will therefore be an advantage provided on the frame 6 or on its stand 7, approximately with With the help of the pivot pin 11 defining the pivot pin Consoles 14 to provide the support parts 8, 9 interchangeably so For other container sizes or container shapes, other support kit kits to be able to install quickly.

3 and 4 are only very schematic representations in plan view or in a schematic cross section Modified supporting parts with pressing elements shown, which become Collaborate with other container shapes. For example 3 by the shell-shaped supporting parts 8 ', 9' an oval in cross-section receiving space 29 for relatively flat bag-like container 3 defined. For the rest are in Fig.3 - as in Fig.4 - in the lower half of the drawing Hose pressing elements on the support part 9 'in the pressurized Condition shown, whereas they are still in the upper half of the drawing are illustrated in the limp, depressurized state.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 4, the support parts 8 ", 9" each angular, so as to adapt to the cross section rectangular, in particular square, bottle-shaped containers 3 to enable. Here, as shown in Fig. 4, too Hose pressing elements 10 with different sized cross sections the support parts 8 ", 9" to be attached.

In all of the above embodiments, it would be conceivable instead of the tubular press elements or press cushions 10 the respective support parts 8, 9 or half-shells 12 also rubber-elastic, fully trained, elongated, generally rod-shaped Press cushions to use, then the pressurization at Application of the plasma cores 2 from the containers 3 through the Closing the support parts 8, 9 would be accomplished - this in particular, as mentioned, by pneumatic or hydraulic Facilities, such as pneumatic locking cylinders, that in themselves well known and therefore not shown in the drawing are shown.

In the embodiment according to Figures 5 to 7 are for adjustment to different container shapes instead of two rigid half-shells 12 link chains articulated to each other narrow, strip-shaped support parts 30 are provided, each only wear a hose press cushion 10, and the one hand on one Console 14 and on the other hand each articulated in pairs are, as indicated at 31. The strip-shaped supporting parts 30 are seen in a vertical section (see FIG. 7), formed converging from top to bottom so as to Desired slope, for the pressure force distribution shown in Fig.1 26 to ensure. According to Figure 7 are also Hose pressure pad 10 closed at the bottom, and it is only an upper inlet and outlet line 32 is provided, in the one not visible multi-way valve the pressure medium supply or removal is controlled.

Common to all the embodiments described so far, that as pressing elements 10 elongated, over the length of the container extending rubber elastic, especially with pressure medium pressurized tubular press cushions were provided, which starting from the top of the container or generally from the opposite of the discharge opening 25 of the container 3 Pressed side around the outer container wall to this be so through the liquid film from the inner Container wall separated and gliding on this frozen Push the plasma core 2 out of the container 3. In Fig. 8 a modified embodiment variant is illustrated, for the discrete, "ring" shaped, with pressure medium (such as hot water or hot air) pressurized chambers in the form provided by tubular press cushions 33 as pressing elements are, which on the outer support parts 8, 9, in itself Embodiments similarly described above, are attached and supported so as to apply pressure to be able to exert the pressure inwards on the container 3. The annular press cushions 33 are separate, i.e. independently from each other, pressurizable, and they are preferred Staggered in time, starting from the top, one after the controlled others, so that the plasma ice core 2 gradually to push out the container 3.

For the sake of simplicity, the remaining components are shown in FIG the device has been omitted; further can in the embodiment according to Figure 8, the pressure pad 33 each extend only around half the circumference of the container 3 so as to Opening and closing of the support parts 8, 9 similar to that in Fig.2 illustrates for the purpose of lateral insertion of the container 3 enable; however, it can also, when the container 3 in the direction of its longitudinal axis 34, for example from above or but preferred from below (in view of the conical Arrangement of the pressing elements), a closed ring shape Support parts 8, 9 together with pressing elements 10 are provided.

As already mentioned, the liquid film between the Plasma ice core 2 and the container 3 before the supply of the Container 3 to the device 1 by rinsing with warm water in the Be formed in the course of cleaning, however it is - additional or instead - also possible within the device 1 itself, on the support parts 8, 9, as a heating device corresponding heating or heating elements, e.g. Infrared heater, to be attached, as shown schematically at 35 in FIG. These heating elements 35 can also by over the container height arranged hot water nozzles can be formed.

In Fig. 9 a turret arrangement with several, e.g. six, devices 1 as described above schematically illustrates, with such a turret arrangement a particularly rapid implementation of the application process the plasma cores 2 from the containers 3 is made possible. in the Individual is a revolver 36, only indicated schematically provided on the at equal angular intervals (accordingly 60 ° center angles) only schematically indicated frames 6 with Half-shell support parts 8, 9 are provided. The on these Support parts 8, 9 attached pressing elements 10 are in the unpressurized State for the sake of simplicity only indicated by dashes.

In detail, the turret arrangement according to FIG corresponding to the six devices 1, six work stations 41 to 46, wherein in the first workstation 41, one Container supply station containing the plasma ice cores 2 Container 3 via a conventional conveyor 37, such as such as a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor, in an upright position Position are fed. On this conveyor 37 Container 3 in one before it reaches the feed station 41 Heating station 38 with hot water, with a temperature of 10 ° C to 70 ° C, preferably 10 ° C to 40 ° C, rinsed, as schematically is indicated by arrows. This will not only as a precaution, the container 3 is cleaned on the outside, but it will also the desired liquid film between the inner Brought about container wall and the contained plasma core 2, so that thereafter the separation of the plasma ice core and the container when pushing out with the help of the devices 1 without problems can expire.

In the container feed station 41, the respective container 3 between the support parts 8, 9 of the device located there 1 enclosed and clamped, after which the preferred slidably arranged conveyor 37 from the area of Feed station 41 is withdrawn, cf. Arrow 39 in Fig. 9, um so to release the bottom of the container 3. The conveyor 37 thus forms here the movable support for the container 3, which is in operation as long as the container 3 is not yet by the support parts 8, 9 or their pressing elements 10 clamping is held.

The intermittently driven turret 36 then rotates in the direction of arrow 40, counterclockwise according to the Illustration in Fig. 9, 60 ° further, so that the device 1 with the container 3 in the second station 42, a cutting station, arrives in which a discharge opening 25 in the container 3 Help a circle around almost the entire circumference of the container 3 moved around, additionally rotating around its own axis disc-shaped knife tool 23 is attached.

After turning 60 ° further, the next station becomes 43 reached in the plasma core through the discharge opening thus produced 25 is pushed out of the container 3 like this already explained above, in particular with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 has been. The pressure medium discharge line is at 20 in Fig. 9 indicated schematically.

In the next station 44, the container disposal station, the empty containers 3 are removed from the device, whereby a check can be made as to whether the container 3 are actually empty, what is optical, via a light sensor, or but also by weighing on a load cell.

In the next station 45, the now empty again opened device 1 cleaned, for example with the aid of a rinsing device, as schematically indicated at 47 in FIG. 9. Here can be a hot water or steam cleaning, in which the entire device 1 and in particular with the Container 3 is rinsed parts in contact or will.

In the subsequent drying station 46, the device 1 dried with hot air, as indicated at 48, after which they, after transfer to the first work station 41, back to the Recording a container 3 is ready.

Instead of such a turret arrangement, it would also be conceivable that automatically over a conventional conveyor technology conveyed container 3 via conventional switches feed parallel to several devices 1, each then Device equipped with its own collecting container (49 in Fig. 9) could be, but there would also be the possibility of one Collection container on a conveyor belt between the individual devices moving back and forth to catch the plasma ice cores; for this, the devices would be staggered in time individual process steps (picking up the container, attaching a discharge opening, pressing out the plasma core, removing the empty container and cleaning). It would also be conceivable for cleaning the device in a tub to accommodate, which can be flooded with cleaning fluid.

In the case of bag-like containers 3 (see FIG. 3) shown that it is sufficient to attach the discharge opening 25, the Tray 3 only a little more than half the circumference (straight cut across the side walls of the container 3), then - because of the relatively flat shape of the container 3 - the bottom part obtained can also easily fold away, when the plasma ice core is expressed.

In Figure 10 is an arrangement with two roller elements schematically 50, 51 shown as pressing elements, between which the respective container 3 while squeezing the ice core contained, e.g. of the frozen blood plasma core 2 is detected. The still filled container 3, in which a discharge opening 25 was cut in the direction of arrow 52 inserted, and the ice core 2 is in the direction of arrows 53 away. On the back of the roller elements 50, 51 is one Slide 54 provided for the removal of the empty containers 3, see. arrows 55, 56 in FIG. 10.

The two rollers 50, 51 are not shown by conventional drive devices in opposite directions driven about their mutually parallel axes 57, 58, and them can have a friction-increasing roller surface 59, have in the form of a corrugation or scoring, so the Container 3 securely grasped and between the roller elements 50, 51 to pull through. The roller elements 50, 51 can be made of Stainless steel or a suitable, solid, if necessary fiber-reinforced plastic. It is also conceivable to provide several pairs of rollers in a row and between them Roll the respective container 3 under pressure, if necessary Pull through the remains of the ice core.

A device with such is shown schematically in FIG Roll pressing elements 50, 51 shown in Fig.10; before the - still filled with the ice core - container 3 the roller elements 50, 51 are supplied, they are in a heating device 60, which also forms a cleaning or rinsing device, with, for example, 25 ° C to 40 ° C warm water or a correspondingly warm cleaning liquid, with the help of rinsing nozzles 61, rinsed, the rinsing liquid used afterwards is collected in a sump 62. The container 3 with the plasma products can automatically, for example with the help one schematically as a belt conveyor or roller conveyor indicated conveyor 63, and brought them up reach a cutting station behind the heating device 60 64, which is only indicated schematically by knives, being here the discharge opening 25 on the container 3, namely at the in Direction of delivery rear end, is attached. (In principle, can the discharge opening 25 as above with reference to FIG. 1 explained - by partially cutting open the container 3 - be attached.) The container 3 with the plasma product arrives then, for example on another belt or roller conveyor 65, directly to the roller elements 50, 51, according to where of the previous warm-up, at 60, and the one formed thereby Liquid film between the container 3 and the ice core 2 that Squeezing the latter easily and gently as well as practical can be fully accomplished.

The pressed out ice core 2 can then automatically with With the help of a not shown, transversely movable ram into one also not illustrated collection containers for the Ice cores are thrown out. The empty containers 3 pass over the slide 54 in turn is shown only schematically Collecting container 49.

Tests have shown that when using hot water or washing liquid with a temperature of 25 ° C to 40 ° C suitable liquid film depending on the type and thickness of the container 3 and size of the product after several 10 seconds to one Minute can be obtained; for example, the time to Defrost 1/2 minute to 1 minute.

Claims (34)

Process for dispensing a frozen blood product a container, a discharge opening in the container on one side opened and the frozen blood product from the discharge opening opposite side from the container through its Discharge opening is pushed out, creating a frozen ice core is obtained, characterized in that the boundary layer of the blood product on the container wall by heating thawed outside and so a liquid film between the ice core and the container wall is formed, after which the ice core under Application of those acting on the container and the ice core Compressive forces, starting at the one opposite the discharge opening Side from which the container is pushed out. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the Warm by rinsing the outside of the container with a heated one Medium, especially hot water and / or hot air, takes place. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that with one to approx. 10 ° C to 70 ° C, preferably 10 ° C to 40 ° C, especially 25 ° C to 40 ° C, held medium is rinsed. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the Heating is done by infrared radiation. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that the container to form the discharge opening with Is cut open using a cutting tool. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the bag-like containers in the circumferential direction only a little more than cut half the circumference. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that when the pressure forces are applied along the length of the container a pressure force distribution is brought about, according to which is the compressive force from that opposite the discharge opening Remove the side of the container up to the discharge opening. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that that the pressure forces with the help of over the container length Press elements applied obliquely to the container along its length be applied. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that that the pressure forces by a successive time Pressing of pressing elements distributed over the length of the container, starting on the side opposite the discharge opening of the container. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that the pressure forces are exerted by roller elements will. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that that the container before dispensing the blood product is cleaned by external rinsing with a cleaning medium. Device for dispensing a frozen blood product from a container in which a discharge opening is provided on one side is, with pressing elements for pressing out the frozen Blood product from the container through its discharge opening, characterized by a heating device for outside Thawing the boundary layer of the blood product on the Container wall. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by on one Frame (6) attached, a receiving space (29) for the Containers (3) associated with blood product (2), at least partially rigid or with a rigid supporting part (8, 9) provided pressing elements (10) which by means of a clamping or Press device (21, 22; 15, 16, 17) to one in the receiving space (29) Containers (3) under pressure, starting at the one opposite the discharge opening (25) Side that can be created. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the pressing elements (10), optionally including supporting parts (8, 9), to adapt to different container cross sections are interchangeably attached to the frame (6). Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that that the pressing elements (10), possibly including supporting parts (8, 9), generally extending over the length of the container and can be placed in an inclined position on the container (3). Device according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized characterized in that as support parts (8, 9) two according to one Half shells (12) arranged in the conical surface are provided. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the half-shells (12) articulated on one of their long sides are connected to each other, whereas on their other long sides a closing and tensioning mechanism (21, 22) for a general radial pressure is exerted on the container (3). Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that each half-shell support part (8, 9) has a plurality of elongated, flexible pressing elements (10) carries on its inside. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the supporting parts (30) generally strip-shaped, possibly with arched profile, designed and link chain-like are articulated to each other, with one long side a closing and tensioning mechanism (21, 22) for a general radial pressure is exerted on the container (3). Device according to claim 19, characterized in that each strip-shaped support part (30) is a flexible pressing element (10) on the inside. Device according to one of claims 13 to 20, characterized characterized in that the pressing elements (10) by rubber-elastic, in particular elongated press cushions are formed. Device according to one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that that the pressing elements (10) by with a pressure medium actable, in particular tubular press cushions are formed. Device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that that the pressing elements in the form of circumferential, annular press cushion (33) are formed. Device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that that the pressure pad (33) is distributed over the length of the container are pressurized separately with pressure medium. Device according to one of claims 13 to 24, characterized in that that on the frame (7) below the receiving space (29) between the pressing elements (10) one laterally or downwards movable, e.g. plate-shaped support (5) for the container (3) is attached. Device according to one of claims 13 to 25, characterized characterized in that on the frame (6) below the pressing elements (10) at least over a little more than half the scope of the Container (3) movable cutting tool (23), in particular a knife disc is attached. Device according to one of claims 13 to 26, characterized by a sensor, e.g. a light barrier, or a scale to detect a from the container (3), after ice core falling below (2). Device according to one of claims 13 to 27, characterized characterized in that the frame (6) with the pressing elements (10) is installed in an immersion bath to be flooded for cleaning. Device according to one of claims 13 to 28, characterized characterized in that the frame (7) with the pressing elements (10) attached to a revolver (36) rotatable about a vertical axis which is a container feeding station (41), an ice core squeezing station (43) and a container disposal station (44). Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the pressing elements by at least two rotatable in opposite directions, roller elements having generally parallel axes of rotation are formed, between which the container at the discharge opening opposite end detected and squeezing the Blood product is moved through in the empty state. Apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that behind the roller elements a slide for guiding the empty container is arranged. Device according to one of claims 12 to 31, characterized characterized in that a flushing device as the heating device is provided for external rinsing of the container. Apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that the flushing device is designed with spray nozzles. Device according to one of claims 12 to 31, characterized characterized in that as a heating device infrared radiator are provided.

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