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Abstract

A method and device for fractionating pouches of cryoprecipitable material including a membrane which provides a barrier within an interior of the device with the membrane receiving the pouches of cryoprecipitable material therewithin. The interior of the device includes a sump having a heat transfer fluid stored therein and maintained at a temperature which is to be achieved by the cryoprecipitable material as it cycles between freezing and thawing. The pouch of material, after placement within the membrane, is exposed (through the membrane) to hydrostatic forces associated with the heat transfer fluid in the sump collapsing the membrane on the pouch while pulsating jets impinge indirectly upon the pouch through the membrane. In this way, as the contents within the pouch change temperature, circulation of the fluid within the pouch occurs for more rapid realization of the cycling target temperatures for the cryoprecipitable material within the pouch. In one form, a single sump includes both a heating and cooling element for cycling the heat transfer fluid. In another form, two separate sumps respectively store 'hot' heat transfer fluid and 'cold' heat transfer fluid for alternate cycling. After plural cycles, the fractionated component of cryoprecipitable material is centrifuged and then separated.

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First Claim