Cyclonic, Or Centrifugal (e.g., Whirling Or Helical Motion Or By Vortex, Etc.) Patents (Class 210/787)
  • Publication number: 20110100930
    Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a processing system for processing raw slurry material. The processing system comprises a barrel member, at least one pre-processing member, and a plurality of separator members. The at least one pre-processing member and the plurality of separator members are supported by the barrel member, and the plurality of separator members define at least one separator gap. As the barrel member rotates about the processing axis A, the at least one pre-processing member transports at least a portion of the raw slurry material from the feed portion to the separator portion through the pre-processing portion. The plurality of separator members transport at least a portion of the raw slurry material from the pre-processing portion to the outlet opening through the separator portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: DARITECH, INC.
    Inventor: Dave DeWaard
  • Patent number: 7935261
    Abstract: A method is provided of recycling and cleaning up oil-based waste drilling mud and cuttings contaminated with oil-based waste drilling mud. A facility for performing the method is also provided. The method includes removing the coarse solids from the mud, breaking the emulsion, separating the hydrophobic phase from the water phase and the solid phase, vaporizing all residual oil and water from the solids, and burning off the vaporized oil. The method produces a solid “soil” product that is free from oil contamination, an oil product that is fit for reuse, and clean air emissions. A thermal desorber can be used to efficiently vaporize the oil at low temperature. Optionally the water fraction of the mud can be vaporized, solutes and salts can be captured as evaporite and then be mixed with the soil product. The method has the unique advantage of producing no persistent hazardous waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Arkansas Reclamation Company, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Jones, Richard T. Davis, Charles R. Richesin
  • Patent number: 7927563
    Abstract: For containing a biological fluid and draining a constituent of the biological fluid, a kit includes a barrel, a piston assembly, a removable element, which is configured to move the piston assembly, a drainage element, which interacts with the piston assembly, and an interacting element, which interacts with the piston assembly. The kit allows for fluid separation without risk of contamination from the biological fluid itself or contamination of the biological fluid itself. Further, the kit offers the advantage of involving no needles or other sharp elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cytomedix, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilad Lavi
  • Patent number: 7918350
    Abstract: A separation apparatus and method are employed using a separation channel for rotation about an axis. Such channel includes radially spaced apart inner and outer side wall portions and an end wall portion. An inlet conveys fluid into the channel. A barrier is located in the channel intermediate of the inner and outer side wall portions. A first flow path communicates between upstream and downstream sides of the barrier. A collection region may be located downstream of the barrier for communication with the first flow path. An outer side wall section of the channel may be positioned radially outward of an upstream section thereof. The barrier may join the outer side wall portion along a substantial portion of an axial length of the channel. First and second exit flow paths may allow communication with the channel either upstream or downstream of the barrier or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Richard I. Brown, Alp Akonur, Julie Moriarty
  • Patent number: 7914477
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating components of a fluid having an outer housing containing a core and other components wherein three separate fluid pathways are provided to allow continuous separation of biological fluids; this apparatus is particularly useful for the administration of extracorporeal photopheresis in that it enhances the collection of the desired blood components, the return of the treated blood, and the speed with which the therapy is administered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Therakos, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Briggs, Steve Gara, Tom Watters, Mike Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20110056893
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample and mesenchymal stem cells from bone reaming material. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon
  • Patent number: 7897053
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid using a wave energy uses a gas-sparged pipe configured to create a flow of the fluid in a thin film along a vortex path from a first end to a second end of the gas-sparged pipe, a first electrode and a second electrode that are at least partially disposed within the gas-sparged pipe, spaced apart from one another, and axially aligned with one another along a central axis of the gas-sparged pipe from the first end to the second end. The electrodes are used to create an open electrical arc to provide the wave energy directly exposing the fluid as the fluid flows along the vortex path in close proximity to and surrounding the electrical arc such that only a gas separates the fluid from the open electrical arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 7896955
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing coarse solids and fine solids from a gas, which includes wetting the coarse solids and fine solids in a first chamber thereby separating the coarse solids and fine solids from the gas. The first chamber also contains liquid to cool the coarse solids and the fine solids. The coarse solids and fine solids are routed to a liquid-filled second chamber where the coarse solids settle to the bottom. The liquid in the second chamber, still containing the fine solids is flushed into a third chamber where the fine solids are separated from the liquid. The separated fine solids and coarse solids are then routed to a fourth chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Steven Wallace, Jyung-Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 7897054
    Abstract: A flexible, disposable centrifuge bag for receiving and holding a fluid sample, comprising one or more tubes and upper and lower flexible sheets having doughnut shaped configurations. The upper and lower sheets are superimposed and completely sealed together at their outer perimeters to define an outer perimeter of the centrifuge bag. The inner perimeter of the bag defines a central core. The tubes are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets and extend from the central core of the centrifuge bag. The upper and lower sheets are sealed together at their inner perimeters such that the tubes are sealed between said upper and lower sheets at the inner perimeter. The bag may be used to harvest platelet rich plasma from whole blood in either a batch method or while simultaneously infusing additional aliquots of whole blood into the bag during centrifugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Arteriocyte Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor D. Dolecek, David Malcolm
  • Patent number: 7892437
    Abstract: A method of managing water is provided, in which the water is discharged from an aggregate plant, and therefore contains a large number of fines. The water is first passed through a mesh screen to remove large particles and then collected in a sump. From the sump the water is pumped to a centrifugal cyclone, where some of the fines are separated from the water. Flocculent is then applied to the water, before the water is collected in a pond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Allard Contractors Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Allard, James Allard
  • Patent number: 7887702
    Abstract: A filtering apparatus is provided for filtering raw water containing various impurities and mixtures into purified water, and more particularly, a multistage filtering apparatus is provided in which a rotor for generating vortex are installed in each of multiple layers of filtration membrane stacked within a closed barrel and the rotors are formed in multistage by having different diameter of each rotor so that the power for generating vortex can be remarkably minimized by generating the vertical vortex from top and bottom of the rotary rotor and the horizontal vortex from the outer side of circumference plate of the rotary rotor to be crossed over between membranes to prevent from blocking the pores or remove the deposited pollutants, and the closed-type barrel having multistage of membranes, rotary shaft, and rotary rotors for vortex generation within are constructed as a single module of filter pack, and the filter pack is connected and extended in accordance with required purified capacity so that large s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Boo-Kang Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gi Taek Park, Sang Wook Kim, Dong-Woo Kim
  • Publication number: 20110031194
    Abstract: A separation system for separating a fluid mixture includes a uniaxial cyclonic separator (2) having a first inlet (16) for receiving a fluid mixture, a separation chamber (18) for separating the fluid mixture by cyclonic action into a dense first fluid and a less dense second fluid, a first outlet (22) for the first fluid and a second outlet (26) for the second fluid. The system further includes a reverse flow cyclonic separator (32) having a second inlet (30) for receiving the first fluid from the first outlet (22), a separation chamber for separating the first fluid by cyclonic action into a dense third fluid and a less dense fourth fluid, a third outlet (34) for the third fluid and a fourth outlet (36) for the fourth fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Mir Mahmood Sarshar, Mirza Najam Ali Beg, Carl Wordsworth
  • Patent number: 7883561
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the tangential introduction of a gas-loaded liquid stream into the top of a column in which gas and liquid are separated. Entry into the column top proceeds through a conventional radially arranged port, to which, however, a special tube construction connects which ensures as smooth as possible non-turbulent flow and its tangential exit into the column top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Volker Schuda, Rupert Wagner
  • Publication number: 20110024370
    Abstract: A cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for removing debris in a pumping system. The apparatus includes a valve rod, a cyclone component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The cup component is composed of a high density poly-fiber material that helps in creating a positive seal between the cup component and barrel interior during pumping operations, helping to direct solids into the cup component and thereby preventing them from travelling southward in the direction of the barrel and causing damage. The cup component can include a specialized leading edge adapted to direct solids into the cup component. The apparatus can include a carbide ring that prevents solids from traveling further down onto the pump plunger section. The carbide ring can incorporate ports that feed into a main channel flow. The apparatus can include a top plunger adapter capable of connecting with a sucker rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Brent Ford
  • Patent number: 7867399
    Abstract: A method is provided of recycling and decontaminating oil-based waste drilling mud and cuttings contaminated with oil-based waste drilling mud. A facility for performing the method is also provided. The method includes removing the coarse solids from the mud, breaking the emulsion, and separating the hydrophobic phase from the water phase and the solid phase. The solids may then be treated by either or both of two approaches. One approach involves vaporizing all residual oil and water from the solids, and burning off the vaporized oil. Another approach involves at least partially vaporizing the residual oil from the solids and recondensing the oil. The method produces a solid “soil” product that is free from oil contamination (or is sufficiently decontaminated to allow reuse), an oil product that is fit for reuse, and clean air emissions. A thermal desorber or a soil dryer can be used to efficiently vaporize the oil at low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Arkansas Reclamation Company, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Jones, Charles R. Richesin, Richard T. Davis
  • Publication number: 20110000862
    Abstract: A problem is to solve problems on removal of solids by a screen and on an installation space and pipe connection in a separator. A solution to the problem is as follows. A separator 1, which is a device for separating solids contained in influent liquid, has a separation tank 2; a partition plate 5 partitioning an inside space of the separation tank 2 into an inflow chamber 3 and an outflow chamber 4; a screen 8 provided at the partition plate 5; a liquid inlet 6 formed at the inflow chamber 3; and a discharge outlet 7 formed at the outflow chamber 4; the inflow chamber 3 is provided with a guide unit 9, 10, 10a for forming a vertical swirling flow in the inflow chamber 3 by reversing the influent liquid from the liquid inlet 6; the screen 8 is disposed along a side face of the swirling flow thus formed. This configuration permits the solids to be removed, without clogging the screen with the solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: HANEX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fujio Semba, Satoshi Ohhira, Takuo Shioya, Atsushi Tsunoda
  • Publication number: 20100314327
    Abstract: A method and system for treating a fluid stream includes inputting a fluid stream to an input section of the fluid treatment system and receiving the fluid stream via spiral mixer-conditioner. The spiral mixer-conditioner mixes and conditions the input stream. Thereafter the mixed and conditioned fluid stream is input to a spiral separator where the mixed and conditioned fluid stream is separated into at least two fluid streams, a first fluid stream having particulates in the input stream removed, and the second fluid stream having the particulates in the input fluid stream concentrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Meng H. Lean, Norine E. Chang, Ashutosh Kole, Jeonggi Seo
  • Publication number: 20100314334
    Abstract: A method of extracting or removing a liquid phase from a whole sample using a centrifugal force is disclosed. Centrifugal forces are used to apply pressure to a whole sample and drive a liquid phase through a passage region that can be perforated and/or porous and maintain a drier portion within a separate container. The whole sample can be drier, which includes a remaining sample where excess or a selected amount of liquid is removed. Direct access to the separate container or area can then be made to provide for an efficient withdrawal of the drier material from the separation container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Blomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jason Chavarria
  • Patent number: 7846343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclone separator for separating a mixture containing solid particles, liquid and/or gas into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, the separator comprising:—a casing (2) defining a flow space through which the mixture is to flow;—an elongated flow body (5) arranged in the flow space along which the mixture to be separated can be carried;—at least one swirl inducing element (10) arranged between the flow body and the inner casing, the swirl inducing element being curved so as to set the incoming mixture into a rotating movement for the purpose of separating the mixture into the heavy fraction and the light fraction;—discharge means for discharging the separated heavy and light fraction, wherein the discharge means comprise at least one flow passage defined inside said at least one swirl element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: FMC Technologies C.V.
    Inventor: Robert Schook
  • Patent number: 7846394
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and a method for separating particles within a sample. The apparatus includes a reservoir for receiving a biological specimen therein, wherein the specimen includes a plurality of different sized particles in a liquid. At least one physical state of the specimen is capable of being controlled in order to initially separate at least a first type of particles under the influence of gravity. The apparatus also includes a rotatable disk positioned proximate to the reservoir and configured to receive the first type of particles thereon. The disk has holes defined therethrough that are configured to further separate the first type of particles based on particle size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Bachur, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100294731
    Abstract: A cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for evacuating debris in a pumping system that forms between the plunger exterior and barrel interior. The apparatus is configured for use with a valve rod and has a cyclone component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The apparatus is also configured for use with a hollow valve rod and has a hollow valve rod coupler component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The cup component can be composed of a high density poly-fiber material that helps in creating a positive seal between the cup component and barrel interior during pumping operations, helping to direct solids into the cup component and thereby preventing them from travelling southward in the direction of the barrel and causing damage. In another embodiment, the cup component can include a specialized leading edge adapted to direct solids into the cup component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Brent Ford
  • Publication number: 20100294732
    Abstract: A separation chip for separating an insoluble component from a suspension using centrifugal force by rotation, includes a suspension holding tank, a separation liquid holding tank, and an insoluble component holding tank arranged in order from an inner circumferential side during rotation, wherein the suspension holding tank and the insoluble component holding tank are connected to each other, the insoluble component holding tank and the separation liquid holding tank are connected to each other by a narrow portion, and in the insoluble component holding tank, a connecting portion with the suspension holding tank is positioned further toward an outer circumferential side than the narrow portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kentaro Ishii, Masashi Higasa, Shingo Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 7837884
    Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hanuman, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Scott R. King, Richard Wood Storrs
  • Publication number: 20100288706
    Abstract: Method for the preparation of at least one compound with biological properties from blood, where said method is performed in sealed tubes at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, thereby reducing or preventing the bacterial contamination of the compound through handling. The method comprises the repetition, for as many times as is required, of the following steps: connecting a second container that is vacuum-sealed to an extraction device connected in turn to a first container that contains blood separated into fractions, waiting for a period of time until the required fraction(s) is/are transferred, and removing said second container, with it thus being possible to obtain several second containers with different compounds for different medical applications including biological therapies. The steps may be performed in a closed system, without removing the caps of the containers, or alternatively the first container may be opened prior to the introduction of the extraction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, I MAS D, S.L,
    Inventor: Eduardo Anitua Aldecoa
  • Patent number: 7824559
    Abstract: A PRP separator-concentrator comprising a housing, a separation assembly, and a concentration assembly. The concentration assembly has a concentration sump. An axially concentric rigid stationary outlet tube is secured to the housing and extends through the separation assembly to the sump. The separation assembly is attached to and positioned above the concentration assembly to form a combined separator-concentrator assemblage that is rotatable about the outlet tube. The separation assembly includes a separation chamber lined with a depth filter having pores and passageways that are sized to receive and entrap erythrocytes during centrifuging. The concentration chamber has a floor for supporting desiccated beads and a wall with at least one opening closed with a screen. The concentrator can have a distribution of upright screen supports, the upright screen supports having an inner surface and an outer surface, the cylindrical screen being supported on the outer surface of the upright screen supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Hanumann, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 7824552
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes: (a) a mobile platform; (b) an input pump operatively connected to be capable of pumping a treatment stream through the system; (c) a centrifugal separator operatively connected downstream of the input pump to centrifugally treat the treatment stream; (d) a borate filter operatively connected downstream of the centrifugal separator to filter the treatment stream capable of removing at least some of a borate when the treatment stream is at a pH of 8 or above; and (e) a chemical-additive subsystem operatively connected to be capable of: (i) selectively adding one or more chemical agents to the treatment stream upstream of the centrifugal separator, wherein the chemical agents can be selected to be capable of precipitating dissolved ions selected from the group consisting of: sulfate, calcium, strontium, or barium, magnesium, iron; and (ii) selectively adding a chemical agent to the treatment stream upstream of the borate filter to increase the pH of the treatment stream to 8 o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Billy F. Slabaugh, Arron L. Karcher, Michael J. R. Segura, Randy S. Rosine, Max L. Phillippi, Donna L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20100270245
    Abstract: A liquid separating device for the separation of a liquid mixture that at least comprises two liquids with a different density and possibly one or more solid substances comprising a conduit for the separation therein of the liquids of a liquid mixture that flows through the conduit and a swirl device for generating swirls in the liquid mixture in such a way that two liquid flows are created where a first liquid flow will concentrate in the centre of the conduit and a second liquid flow will move concentrically around the first liquid flow and where the swirl device comprises a motor that is positioned outside the conduit, a swirling element that is positioned in the conduit and a drive shaft that connects the motor and the swirling element to each other characterized in that the swirl device can be removed and that an opening has been provided in a wall of the conduit for the swirling element to pass through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: PLASTIC TEST INSTITUTE NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventor: Peter Willem de Voogt
  • Publication number: 20100270242
    Abstract: A cyclone separator includes a wall, a first passage, a second passage, and an oil debris monitor. The wall defines a cyclone cavity. The first passage has a first passage inlet positioned in the cyclone cavity and a first passage outlet at an exterior of the cyclone separator. The second passage has a second passage inlet positioned in the cyclone cavity and a second passage outlet at the first passage. The oil debris monitor detects debris flowing through the second passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bruce Paradise
  • Patent number: 7820051
    Abstract: A method, process and system for the recycling of electrochemical-mechanical planarization slurries/electrolytes as they are used in the back end of line of the semiconductor wafer manufacturing process is disclosed. The method, process and system includes with the removal of metal ions from slurries using ion exchange media and/or electrochemical deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rui Fang, Deepak Kulkarni, David K. Watts
  • Publication number: 20100260815
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for concentrating a fluid and for treating a patient with the concentrated fluid. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing (12) defining a separation chamber (14), a filter housing (48) containing a filter (46) comprising a filter element, a piping (44) for moving concentrated fluid from the separation chamber to the filter, and ports (32) for pressurizing the concentrated fluid past the filter element of the filter. The present invention also provides a variety of uses of concentrated body fluids, including autologous concentrated body fluid. The concentrated fluids can be used for example in surgical applications, including graft applications such as allograft, xenograft and autograft applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Circle Biologics , LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Kyle, Thomas Coull
  • Patent number: 7811463
    Abstract: A rotatable rotor for separating components contained in a fluid, comprising an annular base having a first annular channel and an annular cover having a second annular channel for holding a flexible doughnut-shaped centrifuge bag therebetween. The cover has one or more radially spaced apart concentric indicator lines for monitoring the separation of the components. When the base and cover are superimposed, the first and second channels define an annular interior chamber having an off-centered figure eight configuration. The base and cover each comprise a grooved column axially centered and extending from the base top surface and the cover bottom surface, respectively. The flexible bag comprises inner and outer tubes extending from the core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Arteriocyte Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor D. Dolecek, David Malcolm
  • Patent number: 7803279
    Abstract: A concentrator is used for concentrating a fluid, particularly a plasma component out of blood, for treatment of a patient. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing defining a centrifuge chamber, that also holds the filter. The concentrator allows viewing of the fluid after centrifuging, with an outlet port positionable at a height corresponding to the level of the fraction of the fluid to be further concentrated. Once the fluid is centrifuged, a portion of the fluid is drawn through the outlet, and then pressured past the filter to further concentrate the fluid using the same vessel as used for centrifuging. The same plunger is preferably used to draw centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge chamber as to pressure the centrifuged fluid past the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Circle Biologics, LLC.
    Inventors: Thomas Coull, Matthew R. Kyle, Louis S. Kidder
  • Patent number: 7789245
    Abstract: A blood separation chamber is provided for separating blood into its constituent parts by rotation about an axis. The chamber has a central hub coinciding with the axis and spaced apart high-G and low-G walls which define therebetween a separation channel. The chamber further includes a plurality of parallel radial walls extending outwardly from the central hub and defining a radial fluid flow passage between each adjacent pair of walls. Each fluid flow passage communicates between the central hub and the separation channel. One of the radial walls includes a radially outer end portion defining a barrier in the separation channel intermediate the low-G and high-G walls and having generally parallel upstream and downstream sides. The separation channel has a recessed portion located radially outward of the high-G wall and extending between the upstream and downstream sides of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Westberg, Kelly B Smith, Michel L. F. Joie
  • Patent number: 7785479
    Abstract: The present invention advances tank-based aquaculture by providing a low cost, high efficiency solid waste separator. The invention combines the simplicity of centrifugal-gravitational separation with the practicality of automatic separator cleaning. Low-pressure air from a blower or air pump induces water flow through the separator. The compressed air source is also used to purge accumulated sludge from the separator and to scour internal separator surfaces. Installation of a captive floating granular media bed within the separator further stabilizes the centrifugal flow pattern, enhances the scouring action during sludge flushing events, and provides substrate for nitrifying bacteria colonization. Separator purging and scouring processes are simply and easily automated with small, low-voltage electric valves and timers. Operational cost-savings are magnified in multiple tank systems where multiple separators are operated by a centralized compressed air system and controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Hays Hosford
  • Publication number: 20100210739
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are characterized by degasifying a portion of a gas and slurry mixture in a three-phase slurry process and lowering the solids content of the degassed slurry portion to below about 20 wt %. The degassed and lowered solids content slurry portion is then introduced into a fines separation device for separation and removal of fines. The foregoing procedure has been found to increase the effectiveness of the fines separation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: David G. Hammond, Jorge L. Soto, F. Craig Moates
  • Publication number: 20100200521
    Abstract: A cyclonic separator for separating fluids comprises an inlet chamber (6) having means for inducing fluids flowing through the chamber to swirl around an axis, a cyclonic separation chamber (10) connected to receive fluids from the inlet chamber, and an outlet chamber (8) connected to receive fluids from the cyclonic separation chamber. The outlet chamber (8) has a tangential outlet (22) for relatively dense fluids and an axial outlet (24) for less dense fluids. The separation chamber is elongate and has a length L and an inlet diameter D, where L/D is in the range 1 to 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: CALTEC LIMITED
    Inventors: Mahmood Mir Sarshar, Ali Najam Miraz Beg, Carl Wordsworth
  • Publication number: 20100198130
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining various components of a multi-component material. Generally, a component of a whole blood sample may be concentrated from a patient and re-introduced to the same patient. For example, a clotting component, such as thrombin, from a whole blood sample may be extracted and concentrated in an apparatus and collection to be reapplied or reintroduced into a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Swift, Barry F. Hecker, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 7759117
    Abstract: Methods for clarification of cell samples using centrifugation in combination with depth filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Biogen Idec Inc.
    Inventor: Christine Y. Pham
  • Publication number: 20100170859
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating drilling fluid from drill cuttings are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gary E. Fout
  • Publication number: 20100163499
    Abstract: A process to upgrade heavy oil and convert the heavy oil into lower boiling hydrocarbon products is provided. The process employs a catalyst slurry comprising catalyst particles with an average particle size ranging from 1 to 20 microns. In the upgrade process, spent slurry catalyst in heavy oil is generated as an effluent stream, which is subsequently recovered/separated from the heavy oil via membrane filtration. In one embodiment, a sufficient amount of solvent is first added to the stream comprising the spent slurry catalyst in heavy oil to break up the colloidal suspension of the heavy oil, reduce the effective viscosity and density of the continuous liquid phase and hence enhance the separation into two phases with the bottom phase comprising catalyst particles in solvent and with a reduced heavy oil concentration. Valuable metals can be recovered from catalyst particles for subsequent re-use in a catalyst synthesis unit, generating a fresh slurry catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Seyi A. Odueyungbo
  • Patent number: 7744067
    Abstract: A mass and/or heat transfer column is provided with a multiphase vapor distributor with distributes a vapor stream about the inner periphery of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Process Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sabah A. Kurukchi, Joseph M. Gondolfe, John A. Stippick, Kenneth J. Fewel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7727505
    Abstract: A method for separating carbon nanotubes comprises: providing a mixture of carbon nanotubes; introducing an organic molecule having an end group capable of being chelated by a metal ion to the mixture of carbon nanotubes to covalently bond the organic molecule to at least one of the mixture of carbon nanotubes; and introducing a metal salt to the mixture of carbon nanotubes to chelate the end group of the organic molecule with the metal ion of the metal salt; and centrifuging the mixture of carbon nanotubes to cause the separation of the carbon nanotubes based on a density differential of the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Afazali-Ardakani, James B. Hannon, Cherie R. Kagan, George S. Tulevski
  • Patent number: 7708537
    Abstract: A fluid separator for a compressor is disclosed including a hollow main body having an annular flange and an annular collar formed thereon, wherein the annular collar includes an annular array of apertures formed therein for separating a liquid from a fluid and attenuating pressure pulsations of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kanwal Bhatia, Michael Gregory Theodore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7708152
    Abstract: The PRP separator-concentrator of this invention is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly, and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separator assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator that includes an erythrocyte capture module and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate. The centrifugal drum separator has an erythrocyte trap. The water removal module can be a syringe device with water absorbing beads or it can be a pump-hollow fiber cartridge assembly. The hollow fibers are membranes with pores that allow the flow of water through the fiber membrane while excluding flow of clotting factors useful for sealing and adhering tissue and growth factors helpful for healing while avoiding activation of platelets and disruption of any trace erythrocytes present in the PRP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignees: Hanuman LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Publication number: 20100096343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal agitator for producing a flow in a clearing basin, wherein a propeller (2) having a plurality of blades (4) is connected to a submersible motor (1) axially disposed thereto. In order to increase the efficiency of the horizontal agitator, according to the invention the propeller (2) and the submersible motor (1) are configured such that during operation of the submersible motor (1) a flow (P2) that is directed from the propeller (2) to the submersible motor (1) is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20100068373
    Abstract: Equipment to extract excess sugar from fruit juice using a centrifuge containing reusable sugar absorbing materials is presented. A method comprising repeatedly performing successive extraction and cleaning cycles on successive portions of juice is also presented. The method's extraction cycle involves extracting the sugar from the juice. The cleaning cycle includes removing the extracted sugar from the sugar absorbing material with hot and cold water, and both cycles include removing all the liquid out of the centrifuge by introducing an inert gas under pressure into the centrifuge at the end of each respective cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: William N. Buchele
  • Patent number: 7677332
    Abstract: A method and system for drilling a wellbore is described. The system includes a wellbore with a variable density drilling mud, drilling pipe, a bottom hole assembly disposed in the wellbore and a drilling mud processing unit in fluid communication with the wellbore. The variable density drilling mud has compressible particles and drilling fluid. The bottom hole assembly is coupled to the drilling pipe while the drilling mud processing unit is configured to separate the compressible particles from the variable density drilling mud. The compressible particles in this embodiment may include compressible hollow objects filled with pressurized gas an configured to maintain the mud weight between the fracture pressure gradient and the pore pressure gradient. In addition, the system and method may also manage the use of compressible particles having different characteristics, such as size, during the drilling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Paul Matthew Spiecker, Pavlin B. Entchev, Ramesh Gupta, Richard Polizzotti, Barbara Carstensen, Dennis G. Peiffer, Norman Pokutylowicz
  • Patent number: 7678577
    Abstract: A corpuscle/plasma separating part is disposed at the lower end of the substrate, and a sensor part connected to the corpuscle/plasma separating part is disposed at the upper end of the substrate, with a calibration solution reservoir being disposed on the lower side of the sensor part, and a calibration solution waste reservoir being disposed on the upper side of the sensor part. A first centrifugal axis is located upper to the corpuscle fraction storing part and lower to the plasma fraction storing part of the corpuscle/plasma separating part, while a second centrifugal axis is located within or close to the sensor part. Conveyance and discharge of the calibration solution can be carried out by performing centrifugation around the first centrifugal axis which is distant from the sensor part at a low speed of rotation, so that the centrifugal force exerted on the sensors would be small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: National Institute for Materials Science
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Horiike, Akio Oki
  • Publication number: 20100044230
    Abstract: Disclosed herein too is a method that includes dispersing nanotubes in media that comprises flavin moieties substituted with solubilizing side chains, and/or non-flavin containing molecular species; self-assembling the flavin moieties and other non-flavin containing molecular species in a pattern that is orderly wrapped around the nanotubes to form a composite; introducing desired amounts of an optional reagent that competes with self-assembly in order to disturb the wrapping around nanotubes with moderate order; and centrifuging the mass of the nanotubes and the composites to extract the composite from other nanotubes that are not in composite form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
    Inventors: Fotios Papadimitrakopoulos, Sang-Yong Ju
  • Patent number: RE41556
    Abstract: A method for removing particles Particles are removed from a high pressure flow stream entails by flowing the high pressure flow stream into an inlet of a high pressure trap and flowing the flow stream from the inlet into a tube in the high pressure trap. The tube is adapted to accelerate the flow stream. The flow stream leaves the tube and de-accelerates as the stream flows into a chamber. The method continues by contacting the The flow stream with contacts a plate wound helically around an outside surface of the tube. The plate creates a cyclonic effect with in the flow stream to remove particles from the flow stream. The particles are collected in a reservoir. The remaining Remaining particles are removed by flowing the flow stream towards a side outlet over the plate. The methods end by collecting the The remaining particles are collected in a the reservoir forming collected particles and dumping the . The collected particles are periodically dumped from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Schooner Petroleum Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Harvey McGee, Yong Fu Wang, Garry Thomas Hill