Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases within a collection container is disclosed. The mechanical separator may have a separator body having a through-hole defined therein, with the through-hole adapted for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The separator body includes a float, having a first density, and a ballast, having a second density greater than the first density. A portion of the float is connected to a portion of the ballast. Optionally, the float may include a first extended tab adjacent a first opening of the through-hole and a second extended tab adjacent the second opening of the through-hole. In certain configurations, the separator body also includes an extended tab band disposed about an outer surface of the float. The separator body may also include an engagement band circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the separator body.

Abstract: A pouring device for pouring material from a container and method of using same are disclosed. The pouring device is movable between open and closed configurations. An embodiment provides a pouring device that includes a main body which comprises a main body portion, an attachment portion, and at least two hinges which connect to at least two movable walls extending angularly from the main body to form a conduit when the pouring device is in the open configuration. Another embodiment provides a pouring device that has a central portion rigidly connecting two walls. The attachment portion is placed within the container below an upper plane of a rim of the container. Embodiments foster a pouring solution that can be easily and quickly mounted within a container and that allows a user to close the container while the pouring device is mounted entirely within the container.

Abstract: An injection mold for rotary-type gravity casting and a gravity casting method using the same are provided. The injection mold includes a molten metal-supply chamber that is selectively coupled to a die. The molten metal-supply chamber is also configured to, during gravity casting along with rotation, supply a pure molten metal into the die while collecting impurities contained in the molten metal and preventing the ingress of the impurities into the die.

Abstract: A separator disk for use in centrifugal separation of components is designed to automatically position itself during separation at the interface between the supernatant and the remaining components. Preferably the interface is between plasma and red blood cells.

Abstract: Method for concentrating and collecting small quantities of fetal nucleated red blood cells contained in the maternal blood. The method for concentrating and collecting nucleated red blood cells from the maternal blood comprises: (i) subjecting the maternal blood to a first density-gradient centrifugation and collecting a cell fraction containing nucleated red blood cells; (ii) treating the cell fraction containing nucleated red blood cells so as to selectively changes the density of the nucleated red blood cells from that of the white blood cells; and (iii) subjecting the treated cell fraction containing the nucleated red blood cells to a second density-gradient centrifugation so as to collect a fraction containing nucleated red blood cells.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of kitchen implements, specifically a kitchen implement for separating the solid portion of gravy from the liquid portion and then dispersing the liquid portion of the gravy through an opening in the bottom of the implement. A handle, release lever, and valve are provided to allow distribution and portion control of the gravy while the implement is in an upright and vertical orientation.

Abstract: A collection device and a method for collecting a biological sample, particularly whole blood, includes a separating member to separate the whole blood into its components, and at least reagent positioned to selectively interact with a component of the separated sample. The reagent is able to selectively interact with the plasma/serum, and is prevented from contacting or interacting with the whole blood.

Abstract: The invention can be used in varies industries, in particular, in the food, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The inventive method consists in separating unpasteurized cow milk in a separator, wherein a skimmed milk and fats are separated. Said method is characterized in that it consists in pasteurizing said skimmed milk in a pasteurizer at a determined temperature, in cooling said milk and conveying it to an intermediate balance tank from which the milk is supplied to a micro-filtering membrane-type filter for dividing it into casein and whey proteins, in supplying the separated casein protein to a membrane-type ultrafiltration-defiltration filter, wherein the concentrated product is transferred to a drier for drying, and in cooling and packing the thus produced water-soluble casein flour.

Abstract: A mash/lauter tun and method of converting grains to wort. The mash/lauter tun comprises a container with a double false bottom filter having two perforated plates disposed parallel with a space therebetween for receiving filtration media. The container further comprises thermometers extending to near the center of the tun and a rotating heat exchanger. In use, mash is loaded into the container and heated via the rotating heat exchanger by passing hot fluid through the rotating heat exchanger. The mash is then sparged by increasing pressure in the rotating heat exchanger above a threshold pressure via closure an outlet valve of the heat exchanger. The wort then passes through the double false bottom filter and is subsequently transferred to a brew kettle for boiling.

Abstract: A sediment collection device is used on individual beverage containers for fermented beverages such as beer. A three piece arrangement is fit together before installation on the beverage container, and contains a rotating valve arrangement on complementary, funnel-like structures. This arrangement facilitates a moisture-tight connection between the bottle and the collection device. This arrangement ensures that sediment will not re-enter the beverage bottle.

Abstract: A simple device, skimmer or utensil perfect for removing unwanted fat, impurities or foam from excess starch accumulated on the surface of soups, stocks, sauces, stews, or boiling pasta; wherein the skimmer is slowly inserted into the cooked liquid and by gently rotating its handle back and forth and gradually dipping the plate into the liquid, the fat, grease, or unwanted foam is spilled onto its holding plate; thus, removing from the cooked food unhealthy fat and/or other unwanted impurities.

Abstract: A sediment removal assembly (10) is provided for removal of sediment (110) in a container (100). The assembly has a container seal (12) for sealing an opening (114) to the container. The container seal is formed with a seal body (14) with a flow through passageway (20) between opposite ends of the seal body, and a valve arrangement (26) with a valve member (34) normally spring biased to close said passageway. One end of said seal body is adapted to sealingly engage said container at an opening thereof to close the opening. The assembly also has a sediment reservoir (40) adapted for removable sealing engagement with the opposite end of the seal body and in communication with the flow through passageway so that upon opening the valve member.

Abstract: A buoyant material trap having a treatment tank with a base wall and a vertically-extending sidewall, a feed pipe to introduce fluid at a first location in the tank, and an exit pipe to remove at least a portion of the fluid from a second location in the tank. One or more wall structures form a circuitous passage between the first location and the second location. The wall structures are open at the top and substantially prevent fluid from passing below the passage, but allow buoyant material to rise above the passage. The walls may extend to the bottom of the tank to prevent fluid from passing beneath them, and may be removably installed in the tank to facilitate cleaning. An overflow chamber may be provided to receive buoyant material. The sidewall may have a spout and be adapted to empty the tank by tilting.

Abstract: A separator disk for use in centrifugal separation of components is designed to automatically position itself during separation at the interface between the supernatant and the remaining components. Preferably the interface is between plasma and red blood cells.

Abstract: A bottle for containing and dispensing of a non-uniform liquid comprising a lower-phase and an upper-phase where the lower-phase is a liquid of a higher specific-weight than the upper-phase. The bottle may comprise a flow-impeding device, where the flow-impeding device impedes the flow of the liquid that is dispensed from the bottle to allow impeding the dispensing of the uppermost layer, which may be the upper-phase layer from said bottle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fat separator device having a container with a spout portion and a cover portion releasably attached to the container. The cover portion including a surface having at least one aperture to allow for passage of a liquid through the cover portion and a plug portion extending down from the surface, the plug portion being operable to releasably cover the spout portion of the container.

Abstract: A separator disk (4) for use in centrifugal separation of components is designed to automatically position itself during separation at the interface between the supernatant and the remaining components. Preferably the interface is between plasma and red blood cells.

Abstract: A fluid filter, which is adapted for separating a less dense fluid floating on a high dense fluid, includes at least a fluid filtering arrangement including a floating wing adapted for floating on the less dense fluid and at least a fluid outlet formed on the floating wing, and a container body, which is extended from the floating wing, having a fluid collecting cavity communicating with the fluid outlet, wherein the fluid outlet is formed at a position above the fluid collecting cavity. Therefore, when a downward force is applied on the floating wing until the fluid outlet is slightly positioned below the surface level of the less dense fluid, the less dense fluid is allowed to flow into the fluid collecting cavity through the fluid outlet by gravity.

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising a deformable bellows, a ballast mounted to the lower end of the bellows, and a float is engageable with an upper end of the bellows. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the ballast to move toward the bottom of the tube and causes an elongation and narrowing of the bellows. The separator then moves down the tube and stabilizes in a position between the separated phases of the fluid sample. Termination of the centrifugal load enables the bellows to return to its original condition in sealing engagement with the walls of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure for a container which provides for, among other things, an internal drainage system. Preferably, the closure is molded as a single integral unit that includes a base, cap and hinge arrangement joining the base and the cap and further includes a tamper-evident structure.

Abstract: A device used in separating flowing substances and can be placed inside the top of a dispenser. The device separates high viscosity liquid from a low viscosity liquid. The device is comprised of a smooth conical funnel piece inverted into the dispenser containing the substance. The top of the device is flat and the top rim of the device extends horizontal across the dispenser's neck opening. Rim of the device may be adjusted for size by applying pressure at a break point and snap off excess in the flat portion of the device's rim. Device can be separately manufactured or molded with the container as part of the dispenser's top aperture. It can also be molded with the dispensers cover. When the container is inverted, the lighter weight viscosity liquid is retained in the area around the inverted nozzle of the device. The thicker high viscosity liquid can now be discharged from the opening of the dispenser by applying pressure.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for the removal of waste material including solid wastes from a fluid is provided. The apparatus and method employ a unique combination of processes that result in extended periods of use between cleanings of the apparatus.

Abstract: A portable sealable recovery container having a sealed interior space, a first inlet on a first top surface, a second inlet on a second top surface which functions as a top when the container is rotated to make the first top surface a side surface, a discharge member on a side surface with a first and a second conduit connected to the discharge member such that the second conduit extends from the discharge member in a planar relationship with the first top surface and its end is above the discharge member when the first top surfaces faces upward while the first conduit extends from the discharge member in a planar relationship with the second top surface and its end is above the discharge member when the second top surface faces upward, and sealing means for sealing any one of the first inlet, the second inlet, and the discharge member.

Abstract: Water and solid debris are separated from gasoline during its storage within a container. The separation is effected automatically, at low cost and in a highly reliable manner. It is continuous throughout storage and is not reversed by portage of the container or removal of gasoline therefrom. Engines fueled with gasoline from the container are far less subject to contamination from water or impurities than those fueled from gas cans of the conventional type.

Abstract: A method for rapid separation of serum or plasma from cells in a whole blood sample uses a cylindrical sample tube having longitudinally-extending internal ribs. A separation gel and the sample are introduced into the tube, and the tube is axially centrifuged so as to form concentric shells of cells, gel, and serum or plasma. After centrifugation is stopped, the serum or plasma collects in the tube by gravity flow and the cells and gel remain affixed to the walls and ribs of the tube.

Abstract: A separator has a generally cylindrical body and a water swellable material fitted around at least a portion of the generally cylindrical body or on the surface of a passage through the body. Upon being exposed to water the water swellable material swells to form a seal in the passage or within the tube or other vessel containing the separator. The separator is preferably used in a blood collection tube and has a specific gravity between specific gravities of a light phase and a heavy phase of the blood. After the blood has been collected and centrifuged the separator moves to a position between the light phase and the heavy phase and the water swellable material is exposed to water in the blood causing the material to swell and create a seal. Thereafter, the serum or plasma as well as white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets can be removed from the blood collection tube.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention comprises three stages. The first stage extracts soy milk from soybean go, and comprises a cylindrical pot, a cylindrical filter for receiving go held within the pot, there being an annular gap between the filter and the pot, a wire cloth disk movable within the filter, the disk having a circumferential seal for sealing between the edges of the disk and the sides of the filter, and a press assembly for urging the disk downwardly within the filter, whereby soy milk is extracted from the go, passes through the filter and into the annular gap. The soy milk is cooked in the pot. A solidifier is added while a second stage of the apparatus of the invention creates a gentle turbulence within the soy milk. After the soybean curds are formed, the third stage of the invention compresses the curds into tofu. The third stage comprises a form having openings for escape of whey which fits within the pot.

Abstract: An anticoagulant solution of sodium citrate for use in blood chemistry-related techniques and apparatus is disclosed. The anticoagulant solution should include an effective concentration of sodium citrate sufficient for preventing the coagulation of a sample of blood employed in the technique or added to the apparatus. The sodium citrate-based anticoagulant solution should have a pH ranging from above 6.0 to about 8.5 and a sodium citrate concentration preferably ranging from about 0.05M to about 0.2M.

Abstract: An extractor device for extracting, filtering, measuring, and containing a subsurface portion of liquid soup, which having less fat content mixed than a surface area, from a soup pot in a single dipping application; comprising: A cylinder, container body which has a center bottom hole for liquid to flow through. A perforated filter can be attached to the bottom hole for filtering during the extraction. The upper part of the container has a support structure and a handle connected. The plugging means is interconnected with the support structure to be constantly closing the bottom hole. The opening means is made to be activated to disengage the plugging means to open the bottom hole. Whereby the container can be dipped into a soup pot and set the bottom hole and a lower portion of the container at a subsurface of the liquid soup.

Abstract: The present invention provides centrifugal rotors for delivering a liquid, typically a biological sample such as diluted plasma, to an unvented chamber in the rotor through an unmodified inlet channel. The unvented chamber is typically a cuvette comprising reagents necessary for analysis of a biological sample. The unmodified inlet channels are sized such that, as the rotor spins, gas escapes from the chamber through the inlet channel as the liquid enters the chamber through the inlet channel. The primary feature which allows the air to escape from the unvented chamber is that the cross sectional area of the inlet channel is greater than the cross sectional area of the liquid flowing through it.

Abstract: A fat/stock separator comprising a colander, a transparent hopper vessel with a trap, a support base and a flow valve mounted to and connected through the wall of the hopper vessel to the trap for draining fluid from the hopper vessel. The colander in a preferred embodiment is sufficiently large to accept the stock and meat parts produced from cooking a large portion of meat or fowl, such as a complete turkey. The oil and fat contained within the stock separates and floats to the top after standing for a period of time. It is then possible to draw off through the flow valve fat free stock from beneath the layer of oil. The contours of the trap and the transparency of the hopper vessel facilitate determining accurately where the fat free stock ends, thereby making it possible to draw off fat free stock, whether there is a large or a small amount of liquid in the hopper vessel.

Abstract: A separator float has a generally cylindrical body and a water swellable band having a selected outer diameter fitted circumferentially around a portion of the generally cylindrical body. The water swellable band is made of a water swellable material so that upon being exposed to water the water swellable band swells to a greater outside diameter. The separator float is preferably used in a blood collection tube and has a specific gravity between specific gravities of a light phase and a heavy phase of the blood. After the blood has been collected and centrifuged the separator float moves to a position between the light phase and the heavy phase and the water swellable band is exposed to water in the blood causing the band to swell and create a seal. Thereafter, the serum or plasma as well as white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets can be removed from the blood collection tube.

Abstract: A device for separating liquids has a side wall enclosing an interior space. A bottom is connected to the side wall adjacent a lower edge of the side wall and has an aperture formed therein at a position above the lower edge. The bottom extends upwardly and inwardly toward the aperture such that as the device is forced downwardly into a combination of liquids, a liquid floating on top of another different liquid is forced through the aperture and contained by the side wall and the bottom portion.

Abstract: A density gradient medium for the isolation and enrichment of rare cells, including fetal nucleated erythrocytes from a peripheral blood sample is described. The medium comprises a colloidal density gradient medium dispersed in a meltable gel. In one aspect of the invention, the density gradient medium is hypertonic to facilitate separation of maternal red blood cells from fetal blood cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging either a a shallow grit tank or a settling tank with waste water by means of a horizontal feed line and a horizontal drain line using the Coanda Effect. The waste water is pressured through a gap which directs the waste water stream onto a curved surface. Due to the Coanda Effect, the direction of the waste water is changed from downward when used in a shallow grit tank or changed from upward when used in a settling tank, to a substantially horizontal direction. The mineral constituents and the organic constituents of the waste water are consequently separated.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for isolating solids or wetcakes from fluids is disclosed. Said apparatus is closed to the atmosphere and comprises a slip joint and a floating auger which allows for solid recovery under pressure in the absence of substantial solvent volatilization.

Abstract: A device for detaching the top of the can and draining the fluid contained therein. In the first embodiment, an upper and lower handle are adjustable in relation to one another to account for different can sizes. A conventional can opener is attached to a plunger that includes a magnet. A can is placed on a lower, can bottom engaging member, and the can opener is operated to detach the top of the can. The plunger can then be pressed downwardly, with the can being securely held by the device, and the liquid contained therein is thus expelled. In the second embodiment, The handle is a single, substantially vertical member. Integral to it is a can bottom engaging member. The can is placed on the member, and then a can lip engaging member and a plunger, also including a magnet, are manipulated to hold the can in place. The otherwise conventional can opener is used to open the can and the plunger can be manipulated, as before, to expel the liquid from the can.

Abstract: A solvent recycle device for containing a volatile solvent with particulate material suspended therein having a density greater than such solvent and enabling the particulate material to gravationally separate from the solvent into a confined lower space isolated from an upper space from which clarified solvent is withdrawn from the device is described. Basically, the device includes an upper chamber with bottom sloping downwardly toward the rear, a lower chamber fixed beneath the upper, a first conduit at the rear connecting the two chambers for fluid flow between them, capped openings into the chambers and a second conduit external of the chambers connecting the top of the upper chamber to the back side of the lower chamber for fluid flow between them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing yogurt in a small container and in a manner by which the formed yogurt may have undesirable serum drained therefrom to dehydrate the yogurt prior to consumption thereof, all through the use of a single container and internal sieve and independent of removal of the yogurt from the original container subsequent to consumption of the yogurt.

Abstract: The curd ripening apparatus comprises two perforated, semicylindrical baskets (12, 30), rotatably supported on a common horizontal axis, one within the other. Curds are poured into the inside basket, and the outside basket is then rotated of 180.degree. with respect to the other and is latched with latching means (26, 28, 40) to make it integral with the other basket (12, 24) in an angular position opposite to it, so that a closed barrel is formed. One or two motors (36, 38; 136, 138) can rotate both baskets together, so that the curds are rolled until ripe. The inside basket is preferably provided with internal, parallel, transverse blades (42).

Abstract: A fat skimmer for separating an unwanted fat liquid from a wanted liquid is provided which consists of a transparent cone shaped jug for storing the unwanted fat liquid and the wanted liquid that is to be separated. The jug has a tapered exhaust conduit formed at a central bottom end through which the wanted liquid will pass by force of gravity. A valve is within the conduit for selectively permitting passage of the wanted liquid through the conduit into a vessel which is positioned below the conduit, while the unwanted fat liquid is retained within the jug.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus used in a centrifugal separating step for sample preparation in the field of clinical chemistry. Especially, the invention relates to a separating apparatus used for isolating a serum fraction from a freshly isolated blood sample without contamination with a clot fraction. A serum separating apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising an elastic body in the form of a cylindrical tube and a ball which can fitted to an opening of the elastic body and by positioning at a boundary of said fractions after the centrifugation.

Abstract: An analytical rotor for separating cellular components from a biological fluid includes a separation chamber spaced radially outward from a sample chamber. The sample chamber may be an open receptacle disposed to receive sample or may be a mixing chamber which receives sample and diluent. A flow restrictive channel connects the sample chamber to the separation chamber so that fluid enters the separation chamber at a controlled rate. The cellular components collect within a retention region located generally at the outer periphery of the collection chamber while cell-free fluid is continuously removed through a collection port. The collection port is spaced annularly apart from the flow channel so that there is sufficient residence time within the separation chamber for substantially complete separation of the cells from the fluid fraction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically aliquotting liquids, such as blood serum, is described. The invention provides a completely automatic, clean, self-contained system for collecting and aliquotting liquids and simultaneously cleaning the aliquotting system. The system includes a serum loading station, a sensing station, an indexing table for advancing test tubes to a collection station, an aliquotting station and a wash station.

Abstract: A method for the separation of blood into the components and apparatus thereof, characterized by subjecting the blood to strong centrifugation thereby separating said blood into an upper layer (A) of platelet-deficient blood plasma, an intermediate layer (B) of a mixture of platelets and white blood corpuscles, and a lower layer (C) of a red blood corpuscle concentrate, adjusting the hematocrit value of said red blood corpuscle concentrate of (C) to not more than 80% by diluting said red blood corpuscle concentrate with part of said platelet-deficient blood plasma of (A), and subjecting said mixture of (B) to weak centrifugation thereby separating said mixture into a lower layer of white blood corpuscles and an upper layer of a platelet concentrate, and if desired, subjecting the remaining platelet-deficient blood plasma to the treatments of freezing, thawing, and centrifugation thereby separating said platelet-deficient blood plasma into cryoprecipitate and cryoprecipitate-deficient blood plasma, and anaratu

Abstract: A filter system for separating and binding biomolecules contained in a solution includes a first filter means for selectively passing components of the solution that are smaller than the biomolecules, thereby concentrating the biomolecules in the solution. Also included is a binding membrane means having an affinity for the biomolecules for binding the biomolecules to the binding membrane means, with the binding membrane means being located where the biomolecules are concentrated by the first filter means. In the preferred mode, the binding membrane means is chosen to selectively bind the biomolecule of interest. According to a preferred method of the invention, biomolecules from a sample volume are bound to a binding membrane by urging the sample volume against a biomolecule-binding support membrane that is in contact with a cut-off filter membrane such that the sample volume will pass through the biomolecule-binding support membrane before passing through the cut-off filter membrane.

Abstract: A centrifugal rotor comprising a plurality of peripheral cuvettes and a collection chamber spaced radially inward from the cuvettes is disclosed. The rotor includes a means for introducing fluid into the collection chamber and plurality of generally radial inlet channels connecting each cuvette to the chamber. Each inlet channel has a discrete flow path for fluid to enter the cuvette and another discrete flow path for gas to exit the cuvette as the cuvette is filled. Positioned radially inward from each cuvette is a reflective surface capable of deflecting a light beam from a generally vertical direction to a generally horizontal direction or vice versa. As the rotor is spun, fluid enters the cuvettes from collection chamber through the inlet channels, which also allow gas in the cuvettes to escape, thus avoiding the creation of bubbles in the cuvette after the cuvettes are filled. The contents are then optically analyzed by passing a light beam horizontally through the cuvette.

Abstract: A system for collecting and processing donated blood comprises a first porous medium interposed between a blood collection bag and a satellite bag and a second porous medium interposed between the blood collection bag and another satellite bag. The porous media are leucocyte depletion media. The system can be used to centrifuge whole blood into one or more components, and a means for protecting the system during centrifugation including a bracket carried by the centrifuge bucket for receiving the porous media.

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.

Abstract: A separator disk for use in centrifugal separation of components is designed to automatically position itself during separation at the interface between the supernatant and the remaining components. Preferably the interface is between plasma and red blood cells.