Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems for processing a unit of whole blood into its components while the unit is still in the centrifuge. The system comprises a container holding whole blood and one or more satellite bags or containers that are installed into a holder, which is then inserted into a bucket of the centrifuge. Tubes interconnect the containers, one or more of which are preferably installed into clamping mechanisms resident in the holder. The holder further preferably includes sensing means, such as optical sensors, to sense the location of the interfaces between the separated layers of the whole blood that result from rotation of the centrifuge.

Abstract: A device for desalination of water having an inlet for saltwater, a first inner container arranged rotatable around an axis, a second container having an evaporation surface, a heater for heating of the second container and thereby also the evaporation surface, and a motor arranged to rotate the containers around the axis of rotation. The second container encloses the first inner container and is connected fixed to the first inner container. A mechanism for distributing water on the evaporation surface is constituted by holes arranged in the container wall of the first inner container so that water may pass out to the second container. Holes are also arranged in the container wall of the second container so that steam may pass out from the second container. A condensation surface is arranged for condensation of steam which passes out through the holes in the container of the second container.

Abstract: A flexible processing and/or expressor chamber for a biological cell processing apparatus is provided which may include a first side and a second side and having a expandable wall, wherein a first end of the expandable wall is attached to a circumference of the first side of the flexible chamber and a second end of the expandable wall is attached to a circumference of the second side of the flexible chamber. Either or both sides of the chamber may include an axial opening.

Abstract: A centrifuge with an electric motor (46), composed of a centrifuge outer frame (47), a heavy liquid collecting tank (18), a lower hollow shaft (22), centrifugal units, an upper hollow shaft (38), and a light liquid collecting tank (41). The heavy liquid collecting tank, the lower hollow shaft, the upper hollow shaft, and the light liquid collecting tank are all fixed to the centrifuge outer frame, the centrifugal units are fixed between the upper hollow shaft and the lower hollow shaft, the motor is connected to the upper hollow shaft and drives the upper hollow shaft to rotate, the upper hollow shaft is fixed to two or more centrifugal units connected in series and drives the centrifugal units to rotate, a hollow portion of the upper hollow shaft communicates with the light liquid collecting tank, centrifugal units are fixed to the lower hollow shaft and drive the lower hollow shaft to rotate, the heavy liquid collecting tank is a casing formed between the centrifuge outer frame and the centrifugal units.

Abstract: The teachings of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for enhanced incineration. A method for improving the performance of an incinerator may comprise separating one or more substances from a process fluid using a classifying centrifuge, ejecting a first substance from the classifying centrifuge, the first substance having characteristics optimized for incineration, incinerating the first substance, and using heat generated from the incineration of the first substance to enhance the combustion efficiency of an additional substance separated from the process fluid.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes: a plurality of centrifuge discs each disc having an attachment for attaching a container containing a liquid to be centrifuged; a disc driver positioned to engage and rotate the discs; a disc engager/disengager for individually moving each of said discs into and out of contact with the disc driver; and a controller for controlling which discs are engaged or disengaged from the disc driver and the amount of time each disc is centrifuged. In another embodiment, the centrifuge includes a plurality of disc drivers positioned to engage and rotate the discs, wherein the rotation of discs are controlled by the plurality of disc drivers; and a controller for controlling which discs are rotated by the plurality of disc drivers and the amount of time the discs are centrifuged by individually controlling each disc driver.

Abstract: A flexible processing and/or expressor chamber for a biological cell processing apparatus is provided which may include a first side and a second side and having a expandable wall, wherein a first end of the expandable wall is attached to a circumference of the first side of the flexible chamber and a second end of the expandable wall is attached to a circumference of the second side of the flexible chamber. Either or both sides of the chamber may include an axial opening.

Abstract: A rotor is provided for the centrifugal separation of a composite fluid, such as animal or human blood, into components. An inner surface of the rotor includes at least one hydrophobic area having a first surface energy sufficiently low to provide a flow path for a lower density fluid component to flow to the bottom of a central collection chamber after centrifugal separation. A method of separating a composite fluid into components using such a rotor is also provided. Additionally, a method of manufacturing such a rotor is provided.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes at least two centrifugal drums, each drum including a disc stack and each drum being rotatable about first and second axes of rotation. The first axis of rotation extends through a center of gravity of and is within each drum. The second axis of rotation is situated outside each drum.

Abstract: A multiple sample processing apparatus for a continuous flow centrifuge, including a plurality of axially aligned processing chambers and expressor chambers, each chamber comprising an axial opening, in a fixed arrangement, and a plurality of central hubs disposed in the axial openings, the central hubs constructed and arranged to define passages for fluid communication between the chambers and a fluid supply.

Abstract: A large capacity centrifugal vacuum concentrator includes a rotor assembly mounting a plurality of vertical spaced rotors mounted on a drive shaft and intervened with spacers between each lower rotor and a rotor next above, the rotors and spacers having interengaging drive transmission means for transmitting drive to the rotors and spacers when the drive shaft is driven. The rotor assembly is enclosed by a, e.g., cylindrical stainless steel cover which sits on a base and with the base defines a vacuum chamber. When the cover is elevated to open position, four quadrant access is available for loading and unloading of samples on the rotors. The rotor assembly is made up of interchangeable rotors, spacers and vessel holder frames which are selected from families of such dependent on particular vessel capacity and holder frame requirements.

Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the removal of solid contaminants which utilizes at least one rotating mesh screen container designed to pass the food therethrough while trapping the solid contaminant. The rotation of the cylindrically-shaped mesh screen causes the food to pass through because of the centrifugal force. The addition of a second mesh or membrane-like placed around the first screen but rotated in the opposite direction is also utilized to trap solid contaminants which are large enough to be trapped by the mesh screen when it is not oriented so as to pass through the screens along its length. Different spacings in mesh and different rotation velocities are utilized to change contaminant screen characteristics.

Abstract: A method for the removal of solid contaminants which utilizes two rotating mesh screen containers designed to pass the food therethrough while trapping the solid contaminant. The rotation of the first cylindrically-shaped mesh screen causes the food to pass through because of the centrifugal force leaving behind a portion of the solid contaminants. The second mesh or membrane-like placed around the first screen but rotated in the opposite direction is also utilized to trap solid contaminants which are large enough to be trapped by the mesh screen when it is not oriented so as to pass through the screens along its length. Different spacings in mesh and different rotation velocities are utilized to change contaminant screen characteristics.

Abstract: A centrifuge for a fluid uses a series of centrifugal modules to separate the fluid from particles suspended in the fluid. The fluid enters through the bottom of the centrifuge and is subjected to the centrifugal force by a set of rotors. The fluid is forced against a campanula which allows the fluid to travel upwards but forces particles downward. The fluid progresses into another module which exerts a greater centrifugal force until the purified liquid exists through the top of the centrifuge.

Abstract: Apparatus for centrifugal separation of liquid mixtures is disclosed including an inner circular bag and an outer annular bag which has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the inner circular bag, a connecting channel for providing fluid communication between the inner and outer bags, and a rigid circular mount for mounting the outer annular bag for centrifugation in a manner such that the outer annular bag adopts a conical configuration by shortening its inner diameter. Methods for centrifugal separation of thrombocyte suspensions and bone marrow cells using this apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of processing a highly viscous material comprises the steps of spinning the material in a homogenizer to reduce it to a creamy fluent consistency, flowing the creamy material wholly by gravity down into an upper centrifuge stage, centrifuging the creamy material in the upper centrifuge stage into a solids fraction and a liquid fraction, flowing the solids fraction wholly by gravity down into a lower centrifuge stage, and centrifuging the solids fraction in the lower centrifuge stage. These steps can all take continuously with the material being fed in at one end and the solid and liquid fractions obtained at the opposite lower end. Prior to spinning the material a liquid is added to it to reduce its viscosity and increase its homogeneity. This liquid can be the recirculated liquid fraction obtained in the first centrifuge stage. In accordance with this invention the recirculated liquid fraction is heated to 40.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. before introducing it into the homogenizer.

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: A drum for clarifying and separating centrifugates. It has at least one skimmer for diverting the clarified or separated centrifugates, a stationary inlet pipe extending into an inlet chamber, which rotates along with the drum, through an aperture that is slightly wider than the inlet pipe, outlets extending from the inlet chamber into a vestibule that communicates with channels ascending through a set of nested plates within the drum, and, upstream of the inlet chamber, an annular space that communicates with the inlet chamber through an annular channel.

Abstract: Oil is subjected to at least one centrifugal separation to remove contaminants prior to its being supplied to the lubricating system. Additionally, there is at least a portion of the flow that is returned to the sump after separation without its being circulated for lubricating purposes. All of the contaminant collection areas are in a noncritical area in an area of continuous flow and located so as not to return contaminants to the oil sump.

Abstract: This describes a centrifugal separator for fluid and solid mixtures. The rotating centrifuge assembly includes a structure of two rotating circular cones having transfer veins in which the separation takes place in the veins between the two cones. The cross-sectional area of each such vein increases linearly from the bottom to the top. At the top of the transfer veins there is a dense material transfer vein and a light material transfer vein. One discharge vein is an opening which is slanted backwardly from the motion of the rotating centrifuge assembly to the outside circumference of the centrifuge assembly while the second opening is to the inner vortex of the centrifugal assembly. The inner vortex is connected to a vortex pump which removes the least dense material.