Abstract: A separator having a vertical rotation axis includes a rotatably mounted drum having a drum interior for centrifugal processing of a liquid. The separator also includes a gas supply line for introducing gas into the liquid, which opens into the drum interior.

Abstract: A pillow block bearing seal for sealing the shaft opening around the shaft of a pillow block, having a stator assembly, a rotor, and a resilient cylinder sleeve. The stator assembly has a cylindrical base having an axial length that is configured to accept the shaft passing there through, and a stator extending annularly from an axial end of the cylindrical base. The rotor is configured to attach to and rotate with a rotatable shaft, and has an axially inward-facing surface that confronts the axially outward-facing surface of the stator to define labyrinth interface passage. The resilient cylindrical sleeve is fixed to an outer surface of the cylindrical base for contact with a pair of annular ribs of the bearing housing, for stabilizing the alignment of the center line of the shaft with the bearing housing.

Abstract: An exchangeable separation insert and a modular centrifugal separator are disclosed. The insert includes a rotatable rotor casing and a first stationary portion. The rotor casing delimits a separation space and includes frustoconical separation discs. The first stationary portion is biased in a first direction away from the rotor casing along an axial direction.

Abstract: A plasmapheresis bowl for the separation and collection of plasma includes a core and a feed tube that increase the bowl efficiency and reduce foaming within the plasma. The core may have a cylindrical body and a ledge located within the interior of the core. The ledge extends radially inward from the core and defines, at least partially, a collection chamber within the plasmapheresis bowl. The core also has ribs that extend above the top of core body and create flow paths that allow fluid to enter the interior of the cylindrical body and collection chamber. The feed tube has a flow path extending through it that fluidly connects an inlet port on the plasmapheresis centrifuge. A first skirt member on the feed tube has a smooth angled surface that helps to reduce foaming.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a casing which delimits a space which is sealed off from and having an under pressure in relation to the surroundings, by at least one seal. A rotor is arranged for rotation around a rotational axis and forms within itself a separation space. In the separation space, centrifugal separation of at least one higher density component and at least one lower density component from a fluid takes place during operation. At least one inlet extends into the rotor for introducing the fluid to the separation space. At least one first outlet extends from the rotor for discharge of at least one component separated from the fluid during operation. The rotor includes at least one second outlet extending from a portion of the separation space to the space for discharge of at least one higher density component separated from the fluid during operation.

Abstract: A device for processing a liquid sample containing cells is provided. The device includes a stationary part and a rotatable part. The stationary part includes a cap, a socket connected to the cap, and a tube located within the cap and the socket. The rotatable part includes a centrifugal processing chamber, and a flow guide located within the centrifugal processing chamber. The stationary part and the rotatable part are connected by a plurality of rotary dynamic seals allowing rotation of the rotatable part relative to the stationary part. The cap includes a first port connected to an inlet, and a second port connected to an outlet. The centrifugal processing chamber includes an upper wall, a neck extending from the upper wall, a sidewall and a bottom wall tilting downwardly.

Abstract: A cleaning in place system for a centrifugal separator and a method of cleaning a centrifugal separator are disclosed. The centrifugal separator includes a rotor having a separation space, a separator inlet and a first separator outlet. The first separator outlet includes an outlet pump configured to provide a flow of fluid from the first separator outlet. The cleaning in place system further includes a container for cleaning fluid, a cleaning fluid pump for providing cleaning fluid from the container to the separator inlet, such as an eductor. The cleaning in place system is configured to receive a flow of fluid from the first separator outlet and that the cleaning fluid pump is configured to pump cleaning fluid from the container to the separator inlet by means of the received flow of fluid.

Abstract: A continuous centrifugal blood separation device has a simple and reliable structure. The continuous blood centrifugal device includes an RBC (red blood cell) collector that is coaxial with a supernatant collector. The continuous blood centrifugal device includes an axial symmetric barrier disposed between the RBC collector and the supernatant collector in order to avoid turbulence that can otherwise be caused by the supernatant collector.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a frame and a rotating part including a spindle and a centrifuge rotor enclosing a separation space. An inlet channel provides fluid communication into the separation space and includes a rotary channel part, a frame channel part, and a first seal at the interface between the rotary and frame channel parts. An outlet channel provides fluid communication out from the separation space and includes a rotary channel part, a frame channel part, and a second seal at the interface between the rotary and frame channel parts. The inlet and outlet channels are arranged concentrically with each other. A forcing device is provided to generate a leak flow through one of the first and second seals in a first direction from the outlet channel to the inlet channel and to counteract leakage in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a centrifugal field-flow fractionation is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, radial rotary shaft seals are used for sealing the rotating parts of the shaft for carrying out the centrifugal field-flow fractionation and the stationary parts. Furthermore, a separate line is introduced for reducing the pressure differential across these seals. In such way, the driving force driving sample fluid across the seals is reduced, thereby reducing leakage.

Abstract: A decanter-type centrifugal separator equipped with a continuous lubricant supply device capable of preventing leakage of lubricating oil along supply pathways, and supplying and discharging lubricating oil. The continuous lubricant supply device has a lubricating oil supply channel formed inside a bowl hub, an annular introduction channel that introduces lubricating oil into the lubricating oil supply channel, a lubricating oil infusion channel formed inside a holder, and an oil collector installed on an outer surface of an outer shaft. The annular introduction channel has a first annular groove formed inside the holder such that the groove is occluded on the inside by the outer surface of the outer shaft. The oil collector can orbitally revolve in a predetermined direction inside the annular introduction channel, thereby moving lubricating oil radially inward in the annular introduction channel so as to flow into the lubricating oil supply channel.

Abstract: Described herein is a centrifuge separator for separating a mixture of an immiscible solid and liquid, particularly where the solid has a lower specific gravity (i.e. is lighter) than the liquid. Methods of use and a rotary seal are also described herein.

Abstract: A horizontal solid-bowl centrifuge with cleaning-in-place jet nozzles for cleaning the bowl in a manner complying with good manufacturing procedure is provided. The bowl is cleaned by a defined arrangement of the cleaning jet nozzles, as the bowl rotates at a speed insufficient to produce a centrifugal force equal to gravitational acceleration, where gravitational acceleration is equal to 1.0 g. The cleaning liquids are then removed after the bowl stops rotating at the lowest point of the bowl.

Abstract: To enable centrifugal filtration of fluids which contain abrasive contaminant particles the rotor bearings (3) must be isolated from the fluid which passes into and through the rotor chamber (21). This is achieved by a design in which the spindle (4) is connected to the rotor so as to rotate in unison with the rotor (5, 6, 7) relative to the base (1). The bearings (3) for the spindle (4) are provided in a bearing housing (2) which is fixedly mounted to the base (1) and a sealing arrangement, preferably a spring-loaded axial seal (14, 15), is provided between the spindle (4) and the base (1) at a location below the bearings (3) in the bearing housing (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a zonal centrifuge which has superior workability and functionality when a sample is filled and extracted. An oil bearing fitted to an outer circumference of a lower tube of a rotor is arranged on an internal face of a bearing housing fixed over a door adapter of the centrifuge. As the oil bearing and the lower tube are lubricated, a vacuum environment in a rotor rotating chamber is maintained. A rotating seal located at an upper leading end of the lower tube of the rotor and a fixing seal facing the rotating seal are arranged and provided in a sealed space formed by a mechanical seal member and the bearing housing, and the fixing seal is so manipulated as to be able to freely join and separate from the rotating seal.

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.

Abstract: To enable centrifugal filtration of fluids which contain abrasive contaminant particles the rotor bearings (3) must be isolated from the fluid which passes into and through the rotor chamber (21). This is achieved by a design in which the spindle (4) is connected to the rotor so as to rotate in unison with the rotor (5, 6, 7) relative to the base (1). The bearings (3) for the spindle (4) are provided in a bearing housing (2) which is fixedly mounted to the base (1) and a sealing arrangement, preferably a spring-loaded axial seal (14, 15), is provided between the spindle (4) and the base (1) at a location below the bearings (3) in the bearing housing (2).

Abstract: A hermetic centrifugal separator for centrifuging components, contained in a liquid mixture and having different density, comprises a rotating centrifuge rotor, which is arranged to rotate around a centre axis and comprises a casing which defines an inner separation space, a set of separation discs which are provided in the inner separation space of the centrifuge rotor, at least two channels, which connect to the separation space and comprise at least one inlet channel for supply of the liquid mixture of components to be separated to the separation space and at least one outlet channel for discharge of a component separated during operation from the separation space, a torque transmitting part around the centre axis and fixedly connected to the centrifuge rotor adapted to be driven in such a way that the centrifuge rotor is brought to rotate, outlet sealing means arranged to seal between the outlet channel and the rotating centrifuge rotor preventing entrainment of unwanted substances.

Abstract: The spinning disc centrifuge rotor includes a sample holder formed from a cylindrical disc body and a cover plate that are made from a transparent material, such as polycarbonate, preferably Lexan® (Lexan is a registered trademark of General Electric Company of Schenectady, N.Y.). The disc-shaped body has two concentric or coaxial recesses defined therein. The first recess forms a cylindrical well or sample chamber for receiving a generally cylindrical rock sample. The second recess has a larger diameter than the first recess, and is shallower, forming a fluid collection area above the sample well, the second recess forming an annular ring extending around the top edge or rim of the sample well. An O-ring snugly within the outer wall of the second recess and forms a seal between the cover plate and the floor of the second recess, preventing fluid leakage. A rotor shaft extends from the bottom face of the cylindrical disc.

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.

Abstract: A centrifuge opening tool has a frame that securely holds a centrifuge drum therein. An upright tube is mounted to the frame and a brake band is rotatably secured to the upright tube. When the brake band is tightened, the centrifuge drum is securely held in place. A ring gear is secured to a lock ring. The lock ring is part of the centrifuge drum and is removable to allow access to the interior therein. A drive gear meshes with the ring gear and increases the mechanical advantage allowing a user to apply the force needed to open the lock ring even when it has been extremely compressed. A spanner wrench is placed on a drive shaft that is connected to the drive gear. Engagement pins are used to mechanically couple the gear ring and lock ring together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator comprising a casing which delimits and seals off a space in which a rotor is arranged. The rotor forms a separation space which is sealed or isolated from the space, and in which separation space centrifugal separation of a higher density and a lower density component from a fluid takes place. An inlet extends into the rotor for introducing fluid to the separation space, and a first outlet extends from the rotor for discharge of a component separated from the fluid. The space is connected to a pump device which is arranged to remove gas, thereby maintaining negative pressure in said space. The rotor comprises at least one second outlet extending from the separation space to the space for discharge of at least one higher density component separated from the fluid. The invention also relates to a method in such a centrifugal separator.

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 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.

Abstract: A disposable device for centrifugation of blood is used for separating or also washing constituents of the blood includes a centrifugation chamber with a revolving shaft and an opening through which the shaft passes, a rotational guide, a rotational driver, and at least one static member for admission/evacuation engaged in the centrifugation chamber. This member includes at least one channel for intake of the blood and at least one outlet channel for one of its constituents, and at least one admission channel for a pressurized gaseous fluid which opens out inside the centrifugation chamber. A gap is formed in the opening between the centrifugation chamber and the static member and allows the gaseous fluid to escape from the centrifugation chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugation enclosure (1) made of rigid plastic that comprises a member (1b) adapted to engage with the driving organ of a centrifugation machine (M) and a communication member (5) between the enclosure (1) and the outside, made of rigid plastic and comprising un first duct (5a) extending therethrough for supplying said enclosure (1) as well as two ducts (5b, 5c) extending therethrough for discharging the separated components. A holder (3) made of rigid plastic and having a network of channels (4a, 4b, 4c) formed therein connects the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c), respectively, to supply (P1) and reception (P2, P3) tanks, with side sealing members (6) of said channel network (4a, 4b, 4c). The ends of the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c) are adjacent to the respective ends of the channels (4a, 4b, 4c), and the ends of the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c) have surfaces mating with the end surfaces of the respective channels (4a, 4b, 4c), said mating surfaces being connected to one another.

Abstract: A vertical separator has a bowl which is supported for rotation about a vertical axis and from beneath, providing an unobstructed inlet to the bowl. Conveyor fighting, located concentrically for independent co-rotation within the bowl, directs solids to the bottom of the bowl while the liquids flow along an annular clearance along the bowl wall to an upper end of the bowl. A feedstream, such as drilling mud shaker solids, which may otherwise require augers or the like to feed the feedstream through a conventional horizontal centrifuge, can be received at the inlet by gravity feed and residual liquids stripped therefrom.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor, a rotation shaft which has a through-hole communicated with an interior of the rotor, a face seal which slidingly contacts an end of the rotation shaft and has a path communicated with the through-hole of the rotation shaft, a wall member which accommodates the face seal, a sample transfer unit which transfers a sample through the rotor, and a coolant circulation unit which circulates a coolant to the wall member. The sample transfer unit transfers the sample by pressure so that a pressure of the sample flowing through a portion where the rotation shaft and the face seal slidingly contact with each other is higher than a pressure of the coolant flowing through the wall member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for separating blood using a centrifuge in order to obtain different blood fractions. The aim of the invention is to eliminate the risk of contamination during the supply of blood and the removal of blood fractions. To achieve this, the separation container is filled with blood via a feed connection that can be aseptically connected to the container, the relevant blood fraction is removed from the separation container via a removal connection that can be aseptically connected to the container and both the feed device and the removal device form a respective closed system during the sterile connection to the separation container. The separation container (4) has at least one feed connection (5, 6) that can be aseptically connected to the container and at least one removal connection (7) that can be aseptically connected to the container, to which hermetically sealed feed and removal devices (8, 9, 10) can be aseptically attached in a sterile manner.

Abstract: A rotor having variable volumes adapted for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids including an impermeable flexible body having a cylindrical shape with stretchable vertical walls and semi pliant base and a rigid circular member seamlessly joined to the top of the flexible body.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator comprising a first and second separator part having a centrifuge rotor and rotates during operation relative to the first separator part. A space connecting the first and second separator parts houses a rotating liquid body during operation. A mechanical sealing device is provided at the space and includes a first sealing element on the first separator part having a first contact surface, and a second sealing element on the second separator part having a second contact surface. The liquid body on the first sealing element or the second sealing element and displaces the same axially so that the first and second contact surfaces are pressed against each other. A pre-tensioning element exerts force on the sealing element which acts to displace the first contact away from the second contact surfaces so that a gap is formed, forming a throttling.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating solids from a liquid including a centrifuge rotor with a rotor shaft, partially formed as a hollow shaft, and a centrifuging drum, being rotatable with the rotor shaft, wherein the liquid to be separated can be supplied via the cavity of the hollow shaft. To ease emptying of the drum, the centrifuging drum includes a drum lower part and a drum upper part, which bears loosely against the drum lower part. The upper part is guided in an axially movable manner on the shaft and is movable by means of a disengagement mechanism parallel to the rotor axis into an open position in which, for self-emptying of the interior space, the drum parts are spaced apart from one another while they still rotate with the rotor shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a zonal centrifuge which has superior workability and functionality when a sample is filled and extracted. An oil bearing fitted to an outer circumference of a lower tube of a rotor is arranged on an internal face of a bearing housing fixed over a door adapter of the centrifuge. As the oil bearing and the lower tube are lubricated, a vacuum environment in a rotor rotating chamber is maintained. A rotating seal located at an upper leading end of the lower tube of the rotor and a fixing seal facing the rotating seal are arranged and provided in a sealed space formed by a mechanical seal member and the bearing housing, and the fixing seal is so manipulated as to be able to freely join and separate from the rotating seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugation enclosure (1) made of rigid plastic that comprises a member (1b) adapted to engage with the driving organ of a centrifugation machine (M) and a communication member (5) between the enclosure (1) and the outside, made of rigid plastic and comprising an first duct (5a) extending therethrough for supplying said enclosure (1) as well as two ducts (5b, 5c) extending therethrough for discharging the separated components. A holder (3) made of rigid plastic and having a network of channels (4a, 4b, 4c) formed therein connects the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c), respectively, to supply (P1) and reception (P2, P3) tanks, with side sealing members (6) of said channel network (4a, 4b, 4c). The ends of the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c) are adjacent to the respective ends of the channels (4a, 4b, 4c), and the ends of the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c) have surfaces mating with the end surfaces of the respective channels (4a, 4b, 4c), said mating surfaces being connected to one another.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator comprising a first and second separator part having a centrifuge rotor and rotates during operation relative to the first separator part. A space connecting the first and second separator parts houses a rotating liquid body during operation. A mechanical sealing device is provided at the space and includes a first sealing element on the first separator part having a first contact surface, and a second sealing element on the second separator part having a second contact surface. The liquid body on the first sealing element or the second sealing element and displaces the same axially so that the first and second contact surfaces are pressed against each other. A pre-tensioning element exerts force on the sealing element which acts to displace the first contact away from the second contact surfaces so that a gap is formed, forming a throttling.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating components of a fluid having an outer housing containing a core wherein three separate fluid pathways are provided to allow continuous separation of biological fluids.

Abstract: A rotor for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids in a range of volumes. The rotor includes an elastic impermeable diaphragm which defines at least a portion of a variable-volume processing chamber, where the fluid is centrifuged. The rotor includes a rigid mounting member, to which the diaphragm is mounted and which is held and spun by a chuck. Preferably, this rigid mounting member includes a boundary wall which together with the elastic diaphragm defines the chamber. The boundary wall may be a substantially imperforate circular wall which extends to the periphery of the processing chamber but defining one opening, preferably near the axis of rotation, permitting a conduit or conduits to pass therethrough so as to be in fluid communication with the processing chamber. The rotor may include a separate structure for controlling the flow of liquid out of the chamber into the conduit.

Abstract: The inventive method for centrifugal separation of a determined volume of physiological liquid, in particular blood, at initial process step, consists in forming a flow of said liquid whose thickness is close to the size of largest particles (L3) contained therein at a volume ratio of <1%, in decelerating said liquid flow in order to increase the thickness thereof and to transfer said largest particles (L3) to the surface of the liquid phase (L1) which is nearest to a centrifugation axis and whose density is the greatest, in arranging, outside of said surface, a dead volume whose capacity is substantially equal to the volume of said largest particles (L3) and in removing a phase (L2) whose density is the lowest.

Abstract: A centrifugal drum for a separator having a vertical axis of rotation, including a drum bottom part and a drum cover fastened to the drum bottom part by a locking ring. Also included is a centering ring arranged between the drum bottom part and the drum cover such that while the centering ring is being pretensioned, it sealingly and centeringly braces the drum bottom part and the drum cover relative to one another.

Abstract: A centrifuge including a centrifugal drum that includes a centrifugal chamber and a centrifugal chamber bottom part displaceable relative to the centrifugal drum. Also included is a piston slide axially displaceably arranged to be in and/or on the centrifugal drum. At least one seal is arranged in a surrounding groove on an outer circumference of the centrifugal drum bottom part and further arranged between the piston slide and the outer circumference of the centrifugal chamber bottom part to seal off a gap between the piston slide and the centrifugal chamber bottom part. The groove is configured to be constructed at least in sections and axially open toward the centrifugal chamber.

Abstract: A centrifuge apparatus for processing blood comprising a bottom spring-loaded support plate; a top support plate; an axial inlet/outlet for blood to be processed and processed components of the blood, the axial inlet/outlet being attached to the top support plate by a rotating seal assembly; a variable volume separation chamber mounted between the bottom support plate and the top support plate, the variable volume separation chamber being fluidly connected to the axial inlet/outlet; a pump fluidly connected to the axial inlet/outlet; and a rotary drive unit attached to the bottom support plate. The top support plate is fixed vertically and the bottom spring-loaded support plate is mounted on springs that maintain pressure on the variable volume separation chamber and allow the bottom support plate to move vertically.

Abstract: A solid bowl helical conveyor centrifuge. The centrifuge includes a rotating drum, having a centrifuge space with a screw that can also rotate. An inlet tube for supplying a material for centrifugation into the centrifuge space, and at least one liquid discharge and at least one solids discharge, wherein the liquid discharge and/or the solid discharge is/are designed as at least one or more openings in a rotating part of the solid bowl helical conveyor centrifuge, in particular through openings in the drum wall. At least one of the openings is covered by a housing which encloses the drum of the solid bowl helical conveyor centrifuge in only some sections, between the at least one housing and the drum and/or other rotating elements of the solid bowl helical conveyor centrifuge (drum heads, hubs) at least one or more gaskets are provided.

Abstract: In a separation device for separating particles from a liquid, which is present in a container, a centrifugal rotor is rotatable around a vertical rotational axis. The centrifugal rotor has a tubular inlet member, which extends down into liquid to be treated and which upon rotation of the centrifugal rotor forms a pumping member adapted to pump liquid upwardly and into the centrifugal rotor. The rotatable inlet member is surrounded by a non-rotatable wall, a sealing device being adapted to seal between the rotatable inlet member and the non-rotatable wall. Thereby is avoided that liquid is pumped upwardly on the outside of the inlet member. Furthermore, a smallest possible part of the outside of the inlet member can be in contact with liquid, independent of the level of the liquid surface in the container.

Abstract: A shaped diaphragm as a part of a fluid processing disposable set acting as a centrifuge system rotor. The fluid processing disposable set has a variable-volume chamber and a fluid port. The shaped diaphragm defines a wall of the variable-volume chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid port and is defined by a fixed wall and an elastic wall. The elastic wall is formed by the shaped diaphragm. The disposable set may also have a rotary seal coupled to the fluid port and fluidly coupled to the variable-volume chamber. The shaped diaphragm may be convoluted. The convolution may be a single fold and may have a plurality of folds located symmetrically about an axis. The shaped diaphragm may, alternatively, be essentially planar in an unstretched position while varying in thickness along a diaphragm dimension. Centrifuge rotors, systems, and methods for selective harvest of fluid constituents from a whole fluid are detailed.

Abstract: To clean a relatively heavy liquid from small amounts of relatively light liquid the liquids are first introduced into a container, in which the light liquid is allowed to collect on the surface of the heavy liquid. A surface layer of the liquid body in the container, constituting a mixture of the two liquids, is caused to flow over an overflow outlet member into a collecting chamber. From the collecting chamber the liquid mixture is pumped further into a centrifugal separator, wherein the relatively light liquid is separated from the relatively heavy liquid. According to the invention the liquid mixture is pumped from the collecting chamber to the centrifugal separator through a pumping member, which is connected with a rotor of the centrifugal separator and, thus, rotates therewith.

Abstract: A system for collecting red blood cells (RBCs) and other blood components that reduces the need for human intervention. A disposable set is provided having a port, an RBC container, a centrifuge rotor having a variable total volume, and a filter, along with tubing connecting the port, the container, the rotor and the filter. A control unit is also provided and includes a spinner in which the rotor may be held, a flow-control arrangement for controlling flow among the various components of the disposable set, and an electronic controller. The whole blood is directed by the flow-control arrangement from the port through the tubing to the rotor. The rotor includes an elastic diaphragm, and the control unit's flow-control arrangement includes a pump or other device for applying a positive and negative pressure to the rotor's elastic diaphragm. The spinner rotates the rotor so as to separate the whole blood into plasma and RBCs.

Abstract: A drive unit for a centrifuge rotor of a centrifugal separator is provided that includes a drive shaft, arranged to support the centrifuge rotor and rotatably journalled around an axis (z) of rotation, a casing, which forms an inner space for the drive shaft, a drive motor shaft which is provided outside the casing and connected to the drive shaft by means of a transferring member extending through a passage in the casing, at least one shielding member, which is provided inside the casing in such a manner that the part of the transferring member which is located inside the casing is shielded from the inner space, and wherein the shielding member forms a channel, which extends through the casing and is shielded from the inner space of the casing.

Abstract: A rotor for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids in a range of volumes. The rotor includes an elastic impermeable diaphragm which defines at least a portion of a variable-volume processing chamber, where the fluid is centrifuged. The rotor includes a rigid mounting member, to which the diaphragm is mounted and which is held and spun by a chuck. Preferably, this rigid mounting member includes a boundary wall which together with the elastic diaphragm defines the chamber. The boundary wall may be a substantially imperforate circular wall which extends to the periphery of the processing chamber but defining one opening, preferably near the axis of rotation, permitting a conduit or conduits to pass therethrough so as to be in fluid communication with the processing chamber. The rotor may include a separate structure for controlling the flow of liquid out of the chamber into the conduit.

Abstract: A rotor for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids in a range of volumes. The rotor includes an elastic impermeable diaphragm which defines at least a portion of a variable-volume processing chamber, where the fluid is centrifuged. The rotor includes a rigid mounting member, to which the diaphragm is mounted and which is held and spun by a chuck. Preferably, this rigid mounting member includes a boundary wall which together with the elastic diaphragm defines the chamber. The boundary wall may be a substantially imperforate circular wall which extends to the periphery of the processing chamber but defining one opening, preferably near the axis of rotation, permitting a conduit or conduits to pass therethrough so as to be in fluid communication with the processing chamber. The rotor may include a separate structure for controlling the flow of liquid out of the chamber into the conduit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to blood processing method and apparatus utilizing a centrifugation bowl with a filter core disposed within the bowl. The centrifugation bowl includes a rotating bowl body defining an enclosed separation chamber. A generally cylindrical filter core is disposed inside the separation chamber. The filter core includes a filter membrane that is sized to block at least white blood cells, but to allow plasma to pass through. The filter core is generally arranged within the separation chamber such that plasma is forced to pass through the filter core before being removed from the centrifugation bowl. The addition of the filter core provides an efficient, low-cost method for recovering a “purer” plasma fraction from a donor.