Including Means Or Structure For Promoting Safety Patents (Class 494/12)
  • Patent number: 11779936
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for ensuring that mechanisms that are used to position components of an apheresis machine are not broken as a result of rotation of a centrifuge. In embodiments, a safety mechanism is provided that contacts components of the centrifuge and pushes them into a position to ensure that they do not break when the centrifuge is operated at high rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Luke Ryan Noffsinger
  • Patent number: 11224882
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a small rotor for a centrifuge, the rotor being configured such that numerous sample containers can be mounted simultaneously and it is easy to take out the sample containers. In an inner peripheral surface 20A of an outer wall part 20, recessed areas 20B locally carved outward are provided in areas between sample container insertion holes 11 that are adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction. In the locations of the recessed areas 20B, the spaces between adjacent sample containers 51 are wider, and the sample containers 51 can easily be taken out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Eppendorf Himac Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Sawa, Jun Sato
  • Patent number: 10751733
    Abstract: A rotor core is provided that includes a rotor length defined along an axis of rotation and a plurality of separation channels. The plurality of separation channels having a channel length extending along the axis of rotation a distance that is less than the rotor length. A rotor assembly is also provided that includes such a rotor core removably disposed in an outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: ALFA WASSERMANN, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt Spiegel, Sandra Patricia Meriño, Blaine J. Marsh
  • Patent number: 9149815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lid for closing a centrifuge rotor, characterized by a form-fitting, rotation-actuated closure mechanism which, pre-positioned on the centrifuge rotor, moves automatically into a closed position by virtue of the intrinsic weight of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Heinz Gerhard Köhn, Eckhard Kopowski, Andreas Heilmann
  • Patent number: 9126211
    Abstract: A rotary atomizer is disclosed, comprising an atomizer bell and a shaft carrying the same. The rotary atomizer may further include a retainer between the atomizer bell and the shaft, said retainer preventing, e.g., by the action of a centrifugal force, the atomizer bell from detaching itself from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Durr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Seiz, Frank Herre, Michael Baumann, Harry Krumma, Hans-Jurgen Nolte, Manfred Michelfelder, Rainer Melcher, Timo Beyl, Stephan Scholl
  • Patent number: 8852070
    Abstract: A locking system for axially securing a rotor onto a rotatably mounted shaft. The arrangement includes a plurality of locking levers which are each pivotably mounted about axes extending perpendicularly to the shaft between a locking position and an unlocking position in planes containing the axes. The locking levers can each be automatically transferred between an unlocking position and a locking position depending on rotational speed. The locking levers are mounted on the rotor and an annular groove is provided on the shaft and engages with the locking levers in the locking position, wherein the locking levers are prestressed in the unlocking position. Advantageously, the rotor can be both installed and removed without tools by merely placing the rotor onto or removing the rotor from the shaft, in each case depending on rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sigma Laborzentrifugen GmbH
    Inventor: Benjamin Peters
  • Publication number: 20140296051
    Abstract: A centrifuge including: a rotor configured to be rotatably driven; a rotor chamber accommodating the rotor therein; and a protector provided at an outer periphery of the rotor chamber, wherein the protector includes at least one metal plate which is wound in an overlapping state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shoji Kusumoto, Yoshitaka Imoto
  • Publication number: 20140128240
    Abstract: A modular floorstanding centrifuge comprising at least the following modules, the modules being preassembled, coherent components capable of being mounted as a whole, including a floor plate, a wall module adapted to be mounted on the floor plate together with two side wall elements capable of being attached to opposing edge regions of the floor plate, and a ceiling element adapted to interconnect the side wall elements, and a guard ring module adapted to be mounted on the wall module and comprising a guard ring attached to at least one side wall element and/or a ceiling element, wherein the ceiling element and the at least one side wall element are joined together and the at least one side wall element is mounted on the ceiling element such that it is capable of being attached to an edge region of the ceiling element pertaining to the underlying wall module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Thermo Electron LED GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Eigemeier
  • Patent number: 8702577
    Abstract: A centrifuge comprising a zonal rotor, a centrifuge chamber having a side wall and a bottom wall to contain the zonal rotor, an upper shield to cover the top of the centrifuge chamber and enclose the zonal rotor, and an annulus in the centrifuge chamber that is laterally spaced apart from the zonal rotor. The annulus has a channel with a base and a lip, where the channel has an open end facing the direction of the upper shield to collect liquid sample leaked during loading or unloading the zonal rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Horst G. Krischer
  • Patent number: 8678987
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge with a drive head which can be connected with a drive, a rotor which can detachably be mounted on the drive head, at least one connection element with which the drive head can be connected in a torsion-proof manner with the rotor, and at least one coupling element which is attached to the drive head and is able to exert an axial force on the rotor in such a way that the rotor can be fixed axially, with the axial force increasing with the rising rotational speed of the drive head, with the coupling element on the rotor transmitting the axial force by means of a ramp surface which is inclined at an angle (?) relative to the horizontal line in a range of more than 0° to 15°. Secure locking of the rotor during standstill and high speeds can thus be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Thermo Electron LED GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Henne
  • Patent number: 8485957
    Abstract: A chuck for rotating around a rotation axis XA a centrifugal separation bowl secured thereto includes a vat-shaped body for receiving a lower end portion of the separation bowl secured therein with a peripheral rim of the chuck surrounding an outer flank of the separation bowl. The chuck includes a plurality of clutching systems to cooperate with the flank of the separation bowl in securing it to the chuck. The clutching systems include a channel formed in the chuck body with an arcuate path in the peripheral rim of the chuck body. A chain of translatory bodies arranged within the channel includes a proximal translatory body and a distal translatory body in the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giampaolo Simonini, Ivo Panzani, Andrea Galavotti
  • Patent number: 8414466
    Abstract: A centrifuge rotor cover has a lid, a circular plate attached to the lid with click holes formed in a circle, a knob and knob shaft, a plate spring attached to a surface of the knob facing the circular plate and an elastic body pushing the lid against the rotor depending on the distance between the knob and the lid. If this distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the plate spring is caught repeatably in the click holes as the knob is turned to cause sounds and vibrations that indicate the knob is not tightened securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiharu Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20130079211
    Abstract: A chuck for rotating around a rotation axis XA a centrifugal separation bowl secured thereto includes a vat-shaped body for receiving a lower end portion of the separation bowl secured therein with a peripheral rim of the chuck surrounding an outer flank of the separation bowl. The chuck includes a plurality of clutching systems to cooperate with the flank of the separation bowl in securing it to the chuck. The clutching systems include a channel formed in the chuck body with an arcuate path in the peripheral rim of the chuck body. A chain of translatory bodies arranged within the channel includes a proximal translatory body and a distal translatory body in the chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gianpaolo Simonini, Ivo Panzani, Andrea Galavotti
  • Patent number: 8348823
    Abstract: A disposable device for the continuous centrifugal separation of a physiological fluid includes: a fixed axial element; a centrifugation chamber that can rotate around the axis of the element; an inlet channel for the blood to be centrifuged, whose dispensing port is close to the base of the chamber; and an outlet passage for a separated constituent, whose inlet port is close to the other end of the chamber in a concentrated area of one of the separated constituents having the lowest mass density in order to remove it continuously. The chamber takes the form of a long tube. The fixed axial element includes a second outlet passage for a second separated constituent, whose inlet port is close to the end of the chamber opposite the base in a concentrated area of the second separated constituent having the highest mass density in order to remove it continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Jean-Denis Rochat
  • Publication number: 20120308435
    Abstract: A centrifuge to which sample tubes can be introduced while the centrifuge is in motion. The centrifuge comprises a carousel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the carousel has a plurality of positions for sample tubes for a centrifugation operation, a plurality of drive mechanisms attached to the upper portion of the carousel, a movable element mounted upon each drive mechanism, the movable element capable of traversing the length of the drive mechanism when the drive mechanism is actuated, a sample tube-holding assembly comprising a sample tube holder and a bearing attached to each movable element, and at least one balancing element capable of contributing to a force vector that cancels an imbalance vector generated by rotation of the centrifuge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventor: Patrick P. Fritchie
  • Publication number: 20120270717
    Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating particles includes: a rotor rotatable at a speed about an axis, the rotor having an outer periphery and front and rear opposite sides; at least one chamber (50) mounted on the rotor, each chamber having an inlet and an outlet; an umbilical assembly rotatable about the axis; and a drive mechanism configured to rotate the umbilical assembly at about one-half the speed of the rotor. The umbilical assembly includes: a curvilinear guide tube (125) connecting to a drum at the rear side of the rotor; a flexible conduit (130) residing in the guide tube; and first and second elongate passageways (135) for each chamber extending through the conduit, wherein the first passageway is in fluid communication with the inlet of a respective chamber and the second passageway is in fluid communication with the outlet of the respective chamber. The passageways are held in a spaced-apart relationship relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Sunil Mehta, Tod Herman, Joe McMahon, Stephen Wilson, Ian Fitzpatrick, Timothy Craig
  • Patent number: 8262552
    Abstract: A chuck for rotating around a rotation axis XA a centrifugal separation bowl secured thereto includes a vat-shaped body for receiving a lower end portion of the separation bowl secured therein with a peripheral rim of the chuck surrounding an outer flank of the separation bowl. The chuck includes a plurality of clutching systems to cooperate with the flank of the separation bowl in securing it to the chuck. The clutching systems include a channel formed in the chuck body with an arcuate path in the peripheral rim of the chuck body. A chain of translatory bodies arranged within the channel includes a proximal translatory body and a distal translatory body in the chain, whereby a force acting on the proximal body and directed outwardly of the rotation axis XA is transmitted through the chain of translatory bodies to the distal translatory body to urge it inwardly towards the rotation axis XA to clutch the outer flank of the separation bowl, whereby the separation bowl is secured to the rotary chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giampaolo Simonini, Ivo Panzani, Andrea Galavotti
  • Publication number: 20120220441
    Abstract: A continuous flow centrifuge system is provided. The system includes a rotor, a stator, a stator housing, upper and lower bearing plates, upper and lower bearings, first and second snap rings, and lip seal. The upper bearing rotatably secures a shaft of the rotor in the upper bearing plate. The first snap ring secures the upper bearing to the rotor shaft. The lip seal is over the upper bearing and forms a rotatable seal with the upper bearing plate. The second snap ring secures the lip seal to an inner diameter of the upper bearing plate. The upper and lower bearing plates are secured to the stator housing so that the rotor is operatively aligned with the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: ALFA WASSERMANN, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt Spiegel, Sorin Weissman, Bill Lepse, Blaine J. Marsh
  • Publication number: 20120115705
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for separation and concentration of particles from liquid and fluid samples. In some embodiments, the separation/concentration is achieved by sequential centrifugation steps. In particular, one aspect of the invention relates to a separation/concentration device which comprises at least a first chamber (101) and a second chamber (103) connected by a first valve (111), whereby operation of the first valve controls the material transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber. In some embodiments, valve operation can be manually, semi-manually or automatically. Other aspects of the invention relate to single- or multi-chambered separation/concentrator devices, and methods and systems for use. Other aspects of the invention relate to devices for operation of the valves, e.g., semi-manual actuation devices, and automatic inertial activation devices and mechanical actuation devices present in purpose-built centrifuges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicants: Fraunhofer USA, Inc., Trustees of Boston University
    Inventors: Andre Sharon, Alexis Sauer-Budge, Aaron Size, Holger Wirz
  • Publication number: 20120100979
    Abstract: Described herein are retention systems comprising an elastic member coupled to at least one securing member, a centrifuge bucket, and at least one item in the centrifuge bucket. The elastic member is attachable to at least two points on said centrifuge bucket thereby retaining the at least one item within the centrifuge bucket. Methods of using these systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER, INC.
    Inventor: Dennis Chin
  • Patent number: 8070664
    Abstract: The invention relates to disposable device for the continuous centrifugal separation of a physiological fluid. The inventive device comprises: a fixed axial element; a centrifugation chamber which is mounted such that it can rotate around the axis of said element; an inlet channel for the blood to be centrifuged, the dispensing port of which is located close to the base of the chamber; and an outlet passage for a separated constituent, the inlet port of which is located close to the other end of the chamber in a concentrated area of one of the separated constituents having the lowest mass density in order for same to be removed continuously. The above-mentioned chamber takes the form of a long tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Jean-Denis Rochat
  • Patent number: 7993257
    Abstract: A chuck for rotating around a rotation axis XA a centrifugal separation bowl secured thereto includes a vat-shaped body for receiving a lower end portion of the separation bowl secured therein with a peripheral rim of the chuck surrounding an outer flank of the separation bowl. The chuck includes a plurality of clutching systems to cooperate with the flank of the separation bowl in securing it to the chuck. The clutching systems include a channel formed in the chuck body with an arcuate path in the peripheral rim of the chuck body. A chain of translatory bodies arranged within the channel includes a proximal translatory body and a distal translatory body in the chain, whereby a force acting on the proximal body and directed outwardly of the rotation axis XA is transmitted through the chain of translatory bodies to the distal translatory body to urge it inwardly towards the rotation axis XA to clutch the outer flank of the separation bowl, whereby the separation bowl is secured to the rotary chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gianpaolo Simonini, Ivo Panzani, Andrea Galavotti
  • Publication number: 20110118099
    Abstract: A Microtiter plate centrifuge is disclosed. The centrifuge includes a motor assembly, a rotor assembly attached to the motor assembly via a shaft, the rotor assembly including at least two slots, symmetrically positioned, with respect to the shaft and a channel corresponding to each of said slots. The channels extending from the rotor assembly are suitable for holding Microtiter plates in a vertical position. Also included is a bottom plate engaging a brake pad, which when engaged creates sufficient friction to halt rotation of the rotor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Michael D. Rosenblum, H. Gerald Young
  • Patent number: 7938765
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centrifuge including: a rotor rotated by a driver; a chamber housing the rotor therein; a cover openable and closable with respect to the chamber; and a lock mechanism that locks the cover in a closed state, wherein the lock mechanism includes: a motor; a first hook rotated by the motor; and a second hook connected to the first hook through a connecting member, wherein the cover includes a securing portion on which the first hook and the second hook are respectively secured when the cover is locked, and wherein, during a locking operation of the cover, primary the first hook is engaged with the securing portion and pulls the cover toward the chamber, and then the second hook is engaged with the securing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hayasaka
  • Patent number: 7874972
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes: a rotation room chamber for defining a rotation room; a lid for closing the rotation room; a locking mechanism configured by a hook for locking the lid in a closed state; a hook catch; a driving mechanism having a link mechanism which converts the rotary movement of the driving shaft portion into a reciprocal movement; and a detection portion for detecting the engagement of the hook with the hook catch in the closed state of the lid. The detection portion includes a disc member fixed to the driving shaft portion and has a concavo-convex outer peripheral surface and sensors for detecting the concave and convex portions. The driving mechanism moves in an interlocked manner with the rotation of the disc member. The positions of the concave and convex portions of the disc member correspond to the position where the hook engages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hayasaka, Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7837607
    Abstract: A rotor assembly includes an actuator moveable between a first position and a second position. The rotator assembly also includes an engagement mechanism connected and moveable relative to the actuator, wherein the engagement mechanism engages a portion of a centrifuge when the actuator is in the first position and disengages from the portion of the centrifuge when the actuator is in the second position. Also, a method of connecting a rotor assembly to a centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Woodman
  • Publication number: 20100167900
    Abstract: A Microtiter plate centrifuge is disclosed. The centrifuge includes a motor assembly a shaft, extending vertically from the motor assembly, a rotor assembly, attached to the shaft, the rotor assembly including at least two slots, symmetrically positioned, with respect to the shaft and a channel corresponding to each of said slots. The channels extending from the rotor assembly are suitable for holding Microtiter plates in a vertical position. Also included is a bottom plate engaging a brake pad, which when engaged creates sufficient friction to halt rotation of the rotor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Labnet International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Rosenblum, H. Gerald Young
  • Publication number: 20100130340
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices and equipment which need to be loaded and emptied contamination free, in particular it relates to a centrifuge or to a mixer. Thereby, also toxic substances shall be centrifuged with comparatively low complexity, and the centrifuge shall subsequently be emptied and prepared for further use. This is accomplished by closing the open side of the drum housing configured with the drum insert and/or of the drum insert and/or of the drum with a disposable cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Denk
  • Publication number: 20100087306
    Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifuging device with a detachable cover and a safeguard structure in which the cover of the centrifuging device can be completely separated from the housing; and the safeguard structure can prevent a rotor from becoming separated from a drive shaft during operation due to flange defection and prevent the fractured pieces of the rotor from springing out of the housing when the rotor breaks or cracks. The centrifuging device according to the invention offers ease of cleaning and improved safety. Furthermore, there is no need to worry about the fracture of a coupling portion between the cover and the housing attributable to the repeated opening and closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicants: iNtRON Biotechnology, Inc., Kinemotion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seongjun Yoon, Sanghyeon Kang, Jisung Park, Youyoung Choe, Kyungshik Choi, Junghee Kim, Sinil Kim
  • Publication number: 20100062922
    Abstract: Embodiments of a centrifuge comprise a housing, a rotatable shaft extending upwardly into the housing and comprising a rare earth metal magnet disposed adjacent an upper surface of the rotatable shaft and a centrifuge basket configured to rotate with the rotatable shaft and magnetically coupled to the rare earth metal magnet of the rotatable shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20090253565
    Abstract: A separator arrangement includes a separator having a drum with a vertical rotation axis. The drum is placed on a rotatable drive spindle and is surrounded by a shroud. The drum is rotatable during operation by a drive device at a rotation speed of more than 1000 rpm but less than 8500 rpm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Werner Separator AG
    Inventors: Werner Kohlstette, Olaf Müller, Thomas Homann
  • Patent number: 7500942
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator is configured such that a switching unit adapted to be brought into electrical conduction or electrical nonconduction is electrically connected in a drive power supply line between a motor drive circuit of a control unit and a motor winding wire, and that the switching unit is controlled to be brought into nonconduction when a door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Masahiro Inaniwa, Sadato Igarashi
  • Publication number: 20090054221
    Abstract: A closure for attachment to a centrifuge bottle. The closure comprises an end wall and a sidewall extending from the end wall. The sidewall comprises a first terminal end, a second terminal end, a first transition surface, and a second transition surface. The first terminal end has a first outer peripheral boundary at a first radial distance from an axial centerline. The second terminal end has a second outer peripheral boundary at a second radial distance from the axial centerline. The second radial distance is less than the first radial distance. The first transition surface extends between the first outer peripheral boundary and the second transition surface. The second transition surface extends between the first transition surface and the second outer peripheral boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Nalge Nunc International
    Inventors: Peter Kevin Baird, John David DeLorme, Keith Owen Whittlinger
  • Publication number: 20080305938
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centrifuge including: a rotor rotated by a driver; a chamber housing the rotor therein; a cover openable and closable with respect to the chamber; and a lock mechanism that locks the cover in a closed state, wherein the lock mechanism includes: a motor; a first hook rotated by the motor; and a second hook connected to the first hook through a connecting member, wherein the cover includes a securing portion on which the first hook and the second hook are respectively secured when the cover is locked, and wherein, during a locking operation of the cover, primary the first hook is engaged with the securing portion and pulls the cover toward the chamber, and then the second hook is engaged with the securing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hayasaka
  • Publication number: 20080220958
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes: a rotation room chamber for defining a rotation room; a lid for closing the rotation room; a locking mechanism configured by a hook for locking the lid in a closed state; a hook catch; a driving mechanism having a link mechanism which converts the rotary movement of the driving shaft portion into a reciprocal movement; and a detection portion for detecting the engagement of the hook with the hook catch in the closed state of the lid. The detection portion includes a disc member fixed to the driving shaft portion and has a concavo-convex outer peripheral surface and sensors for detecting the concave and convex portions. The driving mechanism moves in an interlocked manner with the rotation of the disc member. The positions of the concave and convex portions of the disc member correspond to the position where the hook engages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Hiroshi HAYASAKA, Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080146429
    Abstract: A rotor assembly includes an actuator moveable between a first position and a second position. The rotator assembly also includes an engagement mechanism connected and moveable relative to the actuator, wherein the engagement mechanism engages a portion of a centrifuge when the actuator is in the first position and disengages from the portion of the centrifuge when the actuator is in the second position. Also, a method of connecting a rotor assembly to a centrifuge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: James R. Woodman
  • Patent number: 7367932
    Abstract: A structure in which when a rotating member is broken, an impact force is prevented from being concentrated to a local portion by enabling to receive a debris by a wide area at an instant and breaking energy can further be facilitated to consume. Further, according to a centrifuge attached with a cooler, the problem can be achieved to resolve by utilizing an insulating layer at an outer periphery of an evaporator as a space of deforming a guard cylinder when the rotating member is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Niinai
  • Patent number: 7331918
    Abstract: In a centrifugal separator, inside a housing opposed to a protector, a protruding member, which protrudes inside, is arranged at a position shifted from a shortest distance portion, the distance from the protector of which is the shortest, so that a spatial distance between the housing and the protector can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hayasaka, Kazuhiko Murayama
  • Patent number: 7311652
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing device of a cover for a centrifuge rotor, a receiving chamber of the centrifuge rotor, which is driven using a drive unit, for receiving samples to be centrifuged being closable aerosol-tight using the cover. The fixing device is provided with an opening so that the drive unit is accessible through the fixing device and the cover without removing the cover. The present invention has the advantage that the rotor may be removed from the centrifuge and the rotor remains closed aerosol-tight at the same time. In addition, simple, one-handed operation is made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Thermo Electron LED GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Henne
  • Patent number: 7288060
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator is configured such that a switching unit adapted to be brought into electrical conduction or electrical nonconduction is electrically connected in a drive power supply line between a motor drive circuit of a control unit and a motor winding wire, and that the switching unit is controlled to be brought into nonconduction when a door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7278961
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator is configured such that a switching unit adapted to be brought into electrical conduction or into electrical nonconduction is electrically connected between a motor housing and a motor-ground connection wire, and that the switching unit is controlled to be brought into nonconduction when a door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Masahiro Inaniwa, Yoshitaka Niinai
  • Patent number: 7090633
    Abstract: A lid holder for use in centrifuge systems, particularly suited for rotor lids. A lid holder including a lid support and a lid receiving end for holding a centrifuge rotor lid on a centrifuge that may not have a hinged door. A method for securing a centrifuge rotor lid to a centrifuge that may not have a hinged door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Thermo Electron Laboratory Equipment LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Hall, R. Gary Potter, Vincent Saviano
  • Patent number: 7081081
    Abstract: A centrifuge having a motor shaft, a rotor that engages the motor shaft and a cover for securing the rotor to the rotor shaft. The cover has a knob with a coupling disposed therein. The coupling functions to simultaneously secure the rotor cover to the rotor body and the rotor body to the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, LP
    Inventors: Klaus Schütz, Raymond Gary Potter
  • Patent number: 7056272
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a centrifuge having a vertical axis of rotation, and including a centrifugal drum having a feeding tube for material to be centrifuged, outlet nozzles, and an emergency off system connected in front of the centrifugal drum. The emergency off system includes a feeding system feeding particles into the centrifugal drum. The present disclosure also relates to a method of implementing an emergency off system of the centrifuge. The method steps include: providing an emergency off signal; feeding the particles into the centrifugal drum in response to the emergency off signal; and, wherein the particles plug the outlet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Reinhard Moss
  • Patent number: 7011618
    Abstract: An attachment and release apparatus for attaching a rotor to a centrifuge drive assembly and for attaching a cover to the rotor. The apparatus includes a knob, a cover wherein the knob has a plunger disposed therein. The apparatus also includes an adapter having detents and a drive spindle having detents. In addition, the apparatus has at least one adapter moveable element retained within a passage located on the knob and least one drive spindle moveable element retained within an additional passage located on the knob. The apparatus also includes a biasing element disposed around one end of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products LP
    Inventor: Raymond Gary Potter
  • Publication number: 20040229742
    Abstract: An attachment and release apparatus for attaching a rotor to a centrifuge drive assembly and for attaching a cover to the rotor. The apparatus includes a knob, a cover wherein the knob has a plunger disposed therein. The apparatus also includes an adapter having detents and a drive spindle having detents. In addition, the apparatus has at least one adapter moveable element retained within a passage located on the knob and least one drive spindle moveable element retained within an additional passage located on the knob. The apparatus also includes a biasing element disposed around one end of the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond Gary Potter
  • Publication number: 20040224831
    Abstract: A rotor cover attach and release apparatus for use with a centrifuge. The apparatus includes a knob, a cover and housing that are both affixed to the knob. The apparatus also includes an adapter having detents pitched at an angle, that is connected to the housing along with a plunger that is disposed within the knob and housing. In addition, the apparatus has a first moveable element that is retained within a passage located on the housing and a biasing element located within the housing. The apparatus additionally includes a plurality of sealing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Kendro Laboratory Product, LP
    Inventor: Raymond Gary Potter
  • Publication number: 20040220037
    Abstract: A rotor cover attach and release apparatus for use with a centrifuge. The apparatus includes a knob, a cover and housing that are both affixed to the knob. The apparatus also includes an adapter that is connected to the housing along with a plunger that is disposed within the knob and housing. In addition, the apparatus has a first moveable element that is retained within a passage located on the housing and a biasing element located within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Kendro Laboratory Product, LP
    Inventor: Raymond Gary Potter
  • Patent number: 6802803
    Abstract: A rotor cover attach and release apparatus for use with a centrifuge. The apparatus includes a knob, a cover and housing that are both affixed to the knob. The apparatus also includes an adapter that is connected to the housing along with a plunger that is disposed within the knob and housing. In addition, the apparatus has a first moveable element that is retained within a passage located on the housing and a biasing element located within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Gary Potter
  • Patent number: 6776751
    Abstract: A centrifuge rotor cover attachment and release apparatus for automatic attachment and quick release. The apparatus has a knob with a bore extending therethrough with a cover connected to the knob. The apparatus additionally includes a housing having a passage. The housing is connected to the knob. The apparatus additionally includes an adapter and plunger. The apparatus further includes a pair of biasing members, a slider member, and a moveable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kendor Laboratory Products, LP
    Inventor: Raymond Gary Potter