Method and apparatus for separating fluid components

Abstract

A floating element for separating components of a physiological fluid comprises two parts that are relatively movable. The two parts define a prescribed volume between them when at their maximum separation, and one of the parts may be moved toward the other to express the fluid contained in the volume between the parts. The parts are made of materials having densities so that they assume a desired position in the fluid to allow selected components to be easily obtained and expressed.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A disk assembly for use in obtaining a desired fluid fraction during centrifugation comprising a container for receiving a fluid, first and second elements in said container and configured to float in said fluid during centrifugation and to assume respective positions in said fluid as a result of said centrifugation, the respective densities of said first and second elements being such that one of said elements will float in said fluid above the other of said elements to define a predetermined volume of said fluid between them, said first and second elements being movable with respect to each other whereby said predetermined volume may be reduced to allow said predetermined volume to be removed from said container. 
     
     
         10 . A disk assembly according to  claim 9  further comprising a pin extending from said first element and carrying said second element. 
     
     
         11 . A disk assembly according to  claim 10  further comprising a third element below said second element for providing stability to said assembly.