With Individual Article Container Or Support Patents (Class 210/361)
  • Patent number: 5096573
    Abstract: An apparatus wherein a centrifuge organization includes a mounting ring, and includes a plurality of pairs of stirrups, each securing therewithin an associated container. Each container includes a color-coded lid and anhydrous gel cylindrical floor and an annular wall, including a coating of silicone in a powdered or gel form. Vacuum porting is provided through each lid of each container in cooperation with an intake conduit for directing blood and associated fluid into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Wilfred Bermudez
  • Patent number: 5076911
    Abstract: A system and method of separation of therapeutic components from blood. The system includes a dual member centrifuge and a disposable single use fluid transfer set. The set includes an elongated flexible separation chamber having an input port, a separated component output port and a residual fluid output port. The input port and the separated component output ports are located at opposite ends of the elongated separation chamber. The centrifuge includes a receiving chamber with a selectively formed annular slot therein. The separation chamber is positioned in the annularly shaped slot and rotated at a predetermined rotational velocity. Fluids such as whole blood flows through the separation chamber and are separated into various therapeutic components such as platelet rich plasma and residual concentrated red blood cells. Platelet rich plasma can be drawn off as the separated therapeutic component. An alternate two part transfer set provides for highly efficient platelet pheresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Brown, Sidney Smith, David E. Cerny, John T. Foley
  • Patent number: 4981585
    Abstract: A disk shaped cassette for centrifugal fluid separation, particularly blood separation, and a drive system for high speed rotation of the cassette. The cassette is driven at speeds which permit very rapid separation of the blood in times on the order of seven (7) to twenty (20) seconds by an automated control. The cassette is supported by a flexible support coupling and mounting system that permits the entire rotating mass to spin about the center of mass unique to the particular cassette as filled. The cassette typically includes a peripheral collection chamber which may be either annular, lobed or channel shaped. A cassette enabled to hold plural separation tubes is also shown. A gel can be placed in the cassette with a density between the fluid components to be separated and after centrifuging maintains the component separation that centrifuging creates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Norfolk Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kelley, Robert L. Scott
  • Patent number: 4853188
    Abstract: A cell for placing solid matter on a piece of slide glass in such a manner that it is rotated in a centrifugal separator, which is formed integrally by mold forming of synthetic resin thereby to be disposable, and a base plate of a cell portion has an elasticity so as to be easily engaged with a hook provided on a holder in which the base plate is held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tiyoda Seisakusho, Sakura Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Matsumi Toya
  • Patent number: 4812235
    Abstract: A filter element constructed of stainless steel. The element includes a pair of filter media concentrically disposed to receive parallel flow of the filtrant. The element is adapted for disassembly to remove the filter media. The various component parts of the filter element may thereafter be easily cleaned and the filter media replaced. The filter media after being removed may also be cleaned and reused if desired. The component parts include appropriate guard assemblies to protect the filter media during handling and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Don J. Seleman, Roy F. Honzik
  • Patent number: 4776051
    Abstract: A method of separating bees wax and honey, the method including: packing a plurality of combs tightly together in a spinner which has a plurality of holes in the periphery thereof; rotating the spinner so that honey in the combs flows outward from the center of the spinner to the outside until the honey passes through the holes for collection. The spinner can be a generally cylindrical spinner with a cone shaped base. The bees wax and honey can be placed in the spinner as either cappings from the hive frames or packing a plurality of hive frames radially in the spinner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Inventor: Raymond J. Syme
  • Patent number: 4756169
    Abstract: A device for loading and unloading a rotating basket in a centrifuge for spin drying bobbins of yarn wherein a hub is provided centrally of the basket and which guides an annular bearing plate which is vertically shiftable with respect to the basket so as to be selectively engageable with and supportive of a bobbin of yarn which is lowered into the basket, subjected to centrifugal action, and thereafter raised to a discharge position above the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Robatel SLPI
    Inventors: Maurice Pignal, Bernard Chapuis
  • Patent number: 4749486
    Abstract: An automatic centrifugal machine with lateral filtration used for realizing a highly effective separation of hardly separable fine sticky solid particles. It is equipped with a rotatable sediment drum having a radial filter plate, infrared fluid level monitor device, microcomputer programme control system as well as installations for hydraulic drive, automatic speed adjustment, automatic washing and discharge etc. That can realize a lateral filtration without filter cakes, thus attaining the object of a highly effective separation, complete discharge, undestroyed crystals, filter media easily regenerated and an operation of automation. It is especially suitable for the work of taking measures against poisoning, explosionproof and radiationproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Zhongnan Factory of Pharmaceutical Machinery
    Inventors: Cheng Yaoxin, Gui Dongsheng, Yang Chuanzhi, Shou Guobao
  • Patent number: 4705630
    Abstract: Centrifugation apparatus characterized by a carrier including both a bucket to accommodate a sample chamber and means for supporting a specimen container adjacent to the sample chamber so that material in the specimen container can be pre-centrifuged and then transferred to the sample chamber for centrifugation therein, using automated transfer means. The apparatus may include a disaggregator cooperable with the specimen container to disperse the contents of the latter prior to pre-centrifugation. The transfer means may be a pipette with arrangements for both external and internal flushing and measured dilution of a transferred sample. There may also be means for supplying treatment fluid to a reservoir of the sample chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Shandon Southern Products Limited
    Inventors: Alan J. Gordon, Donald G. Billington, Robert Evans, David J. Bowman
  • Patent number: 4696743
    Abstract: Centrifugation apparatus comprising a sample chamber, a deposit-receiving surface such as a slide and a filter card having an aperture adapted to define on that surface a deposition area communicating with the sample chamber is characterized by the feature that liquid flow paths in the filter card from the perimeter of the aperture are selectively restricted in cross section so as to promote constant velocity flow of liquid, from the sample chamber into the card, in directions substantially normal to all points on the periphery of the aperture. This promotes uniform deposition of solids on the deposit-receiving surface throughout the deposition area, to facilitate inspection of the deposit and, particularly, automated optical scanning of the deposit. The cross sectional restrictions may be accomplished by local removal of filter card material; by local compression of the filter card; or by local impregnation of the card material with an occlusive agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Shandon Southern Products Limited
    Inventors: Alan J. Gordon, Donald G. Billington
  • Patent number: 4634536
    Abstract: A method of separating solid particles from the liquid constituent of a slurry, containing solids having a "wide" particle size distribution, that is, a size distribution wherein the equivalent diameter of particles in the slurry ranges between at least 15 microns and 150 microns. The method uses a screen bowl centrifuge and comprises: (a) establishing a bed of solids on the screen section of the centrifuge whose maximum radial thickness is greater than 15 times the mean particle equivalent diameter of said solids in the slurry; (b) operating the scroll of the centrifuge at a speed within the range of 0.5 to 10% of the bowl speed; and (c) returning at least a portion of the solids contaminated centrate from the centrifuge to the interior of the screen section of the bowl so as to deposit the centrate on the solids passing over the screen section at or adjacent a region of maximum solids thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Thomas Broadbent & Sons Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey L. Grimwood, Geoffrey G. Brook
  • Patent number: 4472276
    Abstract: The filter assembly for swinging bucket type centrifuges includes a cylindrical filter body disposed within a filter body holder, both having hemispherical outer ends. The diameter of curvature of the filter body is smaller than the diameter of curvature of the holder allowing the contact surface between the holder and the body to be in the shape of a ring; centrifugal forces thus result in compression of the filter body thereby preventing cracking. The filter's crenelated shape is provided through use of a plunger to apply force to the filter against the crenelated filter membrane forming member. The filter assembly also may have a chamber and a meniscus equalizing pore around the filter holder. The chamber and appropriately positioned pore prevent fluid from rising during centrifugation and contaminating the particulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Dermot B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4391710
    Abstract: A cytocentrifuge especially suitable for centrifugation of materials requiring handling under conditions of containment is characterized by a plurality of holders each adapted to retain an individual sample chamber in juxtaposition to a receiving surface with interposed filter/seal and removable as a unit from the rotating carrier of the machine. The holder is preferably adapted to be supported tiltingly by the carrier so as only under centrifugal force to permit a sample to contact the receiving surface and while this is perpendicular to the centrifugal load on the sample. The carrier is preferably an apertured plate removable from a drive hub for cleansing and sterilization, and the drive hub forms part of a sealable head assembly of containment bowl and removable cover, the head assembly being removable as a unit for loading/unloading under containment conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: Shandon Southern Products Limited
    Inventor: Alan J. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4381238
    Abstract: A clamping device for holding beehive honeycomb frames within the rotating reels of a centrifuge. The clamp includes a pair of parallel bars biased apart by spring pins and held at one end by a hinge pin connected to a holding bracket which is affixed to the inside face of the centrifuge reel. The other end of the spring-loaded parallel bars snaps into bosses mounted on a second holding bracket affixed to the opposite inside face of the centrifuge reel. To remove the clamp, the user extends his hand across the spring-loaded bars and tightens his grip to compress the bars together so that one end of the bars will disengage the bosses. The user then pivots the whole clamp about the hinge pin so that the frames can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1983
    Inventor: William T. Maxant
  • Patent number: 4315892
    Abstract: A fluid collection device for collecting and separating a liquid into its phases is provided which includes a collection container and an elongate housing having gel-like sealant therein. The sealant has a specific gravity between those of the separated low and high density phases. The housing has a sealant flow control valve in the low density phase portion of the container which is opened in response to a decrease in the specific gravity of the liquid adjacent the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen Stone, Gary J. Haglund
  • Patent number: 4310119
    Abstract: A swing-type centrifugal extractor has a main body rotatable about a vertical axis which is pivotally attached to a plurality of platforms which, in the quiescent state, depend from their pivotal attachment to the body. A honey pan having an inner peripheral edge spaced above the pan bottom receives a capping catcher which includes a mesh body held within a solid frame. A fixed frame super is uncapped by severing the cappings from the super combs in a manner which allows the cappings to remain adhered to the combs by viscosity of honey. The fixed frame super is rested upon the capping catcher in the pan and the pan rests upon one of the extractor platforms. The extractor body is rotated and the platforms extend radially outward. Centrifugal force causes the severed cappings to slide from the combs and rest in the capping catcher where most of the honey is drained from them. The centrifugal force also causes extraction of honey from the honey combs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Inventors: Vernon C. Culhane, Danny F. Culhane
  • Patent number: 4148733
    Abstract: An upper retaining plate, including a plurality of radially extending, arcuately spaced slots therein, and a lower retaining plate, including a plurality of arcuately spaced apertures, are joined by a connecting rod and rotatably mounted within an outer stationary container. The honeycomb frames are inserted vertically through slots in the upper plate in such a manner that an extension of the top bar of the comb frame is seated securely in a corresponding aperture in the lower plate. The frames are thereby spaced arcuately around a central shaft and the shaft rotated at a speed adequate to centrifugally extract the honey from the frames. As the honey is drawn from both sides of the combs simultaneously it will flow downwardly along the walls of the outer container and collect in the bottom thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1979
    Inventor: Banks R. Gamble
  • Patent number: 4119542
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprises a follow rotor which is formed with a row of pores arranged circumferentially of the rotor and perforated, cylindrical film detachably received on the inner peripheral surface of the rotor. A mass of a semifluid material positioned within the film is splashed on to the inner surface of the film by a centrifugal force so that the liquid content of the material is passed through the film. The film is radially contracted by the liquid pressure developed between the film and the inner peripheral surface of the rotor and forms a cylindrical interstice between the film and the rotor, providing an additional filter medium through which the liquid is filtered and withdrawn from the pores. The rotor may be closed throughout its area and have a free longitudinal end from which to allow the liquid to withdraw. The centrifugal separator finds an application as a juice extractor if provided with a grating disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Company, Limited
    Inventors: Mikio Yamaoka, Yukio Hayashida, Takashi Korekawa, Toshiharu Nibu
  • Patent number: 3957643
    Abstract: An extractor unit of relatively small size includes a motor-basket assembly consisting of an electric motor with suitable protective housing and a projecting drive shaft, and an open ended, generally cylindrical basket nonrotatably coupled to the drive shaft in axial relation. This motor-basket assembly is freely suspended from one or more overhead members of a support frame by one or more suspension links which are elastic and flexible, with such links being secured to the motor housing. The point of attachment to the motor housing in relation to the center of mass of the motor-basket assembly will determine whether the assembly is supported horizontally, vertically or otherwise. The unit is enclosed in a protective housing which, in one form, closely encloses the motor-basket assembly and defines a part of the assembly suspended by the frame; and, in another form, is secured to the frame enclosing the entire unit including the frame and the suspended motor-basket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1976
    Inventors: Frederick W. Belz, Albert B. Crabb, Jr.