For Sealing Between Stationary And Moving Elements Patents (Class 494/41)
  • Publication number: 20020142909
    Abstract: A novel centrifuge bowl for processing particles suspended in a fluid is disclosed. The centrifuge bowl includes an annular cavity concentrically located about the rotation axis for suitably separating particles of similar densities but of different diameters. The cavity is preferably configured to have an annular cross sectional area, which is parallel to the rotation axis, that increases from a centrifugal side of the cavity toward a centripetal side of the cavity. This configuration allows to generate an almost rigidly rotating field upon rotation of the centrifuge bowl, which field helps to uniformly disperse Coriolis force throughout the circumference of the cavity to avoid turbulent mixing of the particles. In an alternative embodiment, the cavity is surrounded by an outer cavity for separating particles according to density before processing them through the inner cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Koichiro Sakota
  • Patent number: 6302836
    Abstract: An ordinary vacuum blood collection tube assembly is rotated about its longitudinal axis to partition a blood sample into serum and formed elements by centrifugation. While still rotating a higher density, immiscible inert liquid is pumped into the vacuum blood collection tube assembly thereby displacing lower density serum towards the axis of rotation and thence out of the vacuum blood collection tube assembly to a serum receiver vessel. A contaminant detector located on the serum delivery conduit controls a 3 way valve to divert contaminants from the removed serum to a waste vessel so only clean serum is delivered to the serum receiver vessel. The serum delivery conduits, serum cannula, and contaminant detector are washed and dried between successive samples to limit sample carryover effects to acceptably low levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Howard L. North, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6228016
    Abstract: A simple but still effective sealing device to separate two openings (4, 5), which are arranged at a distance from each other in the outer casing (3) of a shaft suspension unit (1), which supports a shaft (2) of a centrifugal separator in a bearing (8, 9), the shaft extending axially through at least one opening (4) into a space surrounding the shaft (2) in the outer casing (3). The sealing device is provided with sealing elements (12, 13), one connected to the outer casing (3) and one connected to the shaft (2), which surround the shaft (2) and divide the space in two departments (15, 16) connected to one opening each (4, 5, respectively). The sealing elements form between themselves a narrow gap (14) surrounding the shaft (2), which prevents the flow of gas between the departments (15, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Aksel Kristensen, Sven-Åke Nilsson, Jouko Pitkämäki, Carl Peder Öhlander, Robert Sandblom
  • Patent number: 6074335
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Transfusion Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Headley, Edward T. Powers
  • Patent number: 6033563
    Abstract: A centrifuge with a slide-in filter comprises a centrifuge basket, a filter cloth element which can be pushed into or out of it, and a machine housing, to which a first housing chamber with an outlet for discharging a filtrate and a second housing chamber with an outlet for discharging a filter cake are connected in the region of the centrifuge basket. The first housing chamber is sealingly enclosed by a first separate housing section and the second housing chamber is likewise sealingly enclosed by a second separate housing section. The two housing sections are mounted so that each is able to pivot in different directions around separate axes in such a way that they are pivotable individually between a closed state and an open state relative to the centrifuge basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Heinkel Industriezentrifugen GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Gerteis
  • Patent number: 6007472
    Abstract: A variable volume cell saver bowl to centrifuge blood for collection of red blood cells therefrom. The variable volume cell saver bowl is designed to vary the interior processing volume within the bowl to accommodate blood collections of various volumes in order to use the entire recovered volume of blood. The bowl includes generally an outer shell and an inner shell. The inner shell is disposed concentrically within the outer shell and defines a frusto-conical configuration similar to that of the outer shell first side wall. A piston head is secured to the inner shell lower end wall via at least one spacer. Rotation is imparted on the piston shaft or outer shell in order to rotate the bowl to create centrifugal force within the bowl. A linear displacement device is journalled to the distal end of the piston shaft in order to move the inner shell toward either the top or bottom end wall of the outer shell, thus reducing or increasing the interior processing volume within the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Schill Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Schill, Joseph G. Schill
  • Patent number: 5988398
    Abstract: An invertable filter centrifuge for separating liquid-solids mixtures comprises a rotatingly driven centrifugal drum, an invertable filter cloth arranged on the centrifugal drum, a filtrate housing for receiving and discharging the liquid filtrate separated from the liquid-solids mixture by means of centrifugation with a filter cloth turned inwards into the centrifugal drum, a solids housing for receiving and discharging the solids (filter cake) separated from the liquid-solids mixture during further rotation of the centrifugal drum with a filter cloth turned outwards and an annular gap surrounding the edge of the centrifugal drum in the region of the filtrate housing and the solids housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Heinkel Industriezentrifugen GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Gerteis
  • Patent number: 5944649
    Abstract: Method and device (21) for the supply of control liquid to a rotor of a centrifugal separator, which device (21) includes a cylinder (25), in which a movable wall element (26) is arranged, which axially delimits a storing chamber (29) in the cylinder (25). In the storing chamber (29) a predetermined volume of control liquid is stored. Control liquid is pressed out of the storing chamber (29) into the rotor during axial displacement of the wall element (26). Furthermore, the invention includes a centrifugal separator, which is provided with such a device (21). A portion of the control liquid in the storing chamber (29) is pressed upon displacement of the wall element (26) a first distance out through a first outlet passage (33) in the device with a high flow. The first outlet passage (33) is then closed when the wall element (26) has been displaced this distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventor: Per Gunnar Karlsson
  • Patent number: 5919125
    Abstract: An improved centrifuge bowl and related system is disclosed which is particularly apt for enhanced autologous blood salvage applications. The centrifuge bowl assembly includes a rotatable outer bowl, an internal spacer interconnected therewithin, and a stator assembly for introducing/removing fluid during rotation of the outer bowl and internal spacer. The outer bowl and internal spacer are configured to define a lateral passageway at the bottom of the assembly which terminates in an upward-facing port for fluid passage therethrough into an annular, cylindrical collection region. The annular port may be defined by a peripheral fin on the spacer and may be of a width that is less than the width of the cylindrical, annular collection region, wherein separated blood components (e.g. red blood cells) will accumulate across the width of the port during blood fill/wash cycles. As a result, enhanced washing is realized while maintaining throughput rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: COBE Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen William Berch
  • Patent number: 5904355
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Transfusion Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Edward T. Powers
  • Patent number: 5882289
    Abstract: A centrifuge bowl suitable for separating blood components, in particular concentrated red blood cells. A centrifuge bowl 10 comprises a core 14 having an annular portion 50A and a cylindrical outer wall 50. Annular portion 50A has a thick wall for minimizing the holdup volume of blood components within a collection chamber CC and the radially inner wall of the annular portion is disposed radially closely adjacent to the opening defined by skirts 24a, 25a. The outer wall 50 defines a separation chamber SC with bowl body 12 and its upper tapered portion defines a separation region S. Three slit-like openings 52 are formed at the junction between outer wall 50 and annular portion 50A, thereby prevent back flow while permitting flow of blood components from separation chamber SC to collection chamber CC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Koichiro Sakota, Toshiyasu Ohashi, Jun Tang
  • Patent number: 5840253
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to wash blood cells in a discrete manner that is compatible with automated sample preparation systems. The test tube containing the cells to be washed is mounted on a rotatable spindle. The spindle includes central passageways for the introduction of wash fluid and air into the test tube, and radial exit passageways at the bottom of the spindle. The test tube is first spun about its vertical axis to centrifuge cells against the inner wall of the test tube. A vacuum is then applied to the exit passageways so cell supernatant is aspirated out through the exit passageways. Wash fluid is then introduced into the test tube, and aspirated out through the exit passageways, thereby washing the cells. Rotational acceleration and deceleration of the test tube then resuspends the cells in wash fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Cytek Development Inc
    Inventors: Eric Chase, Harvey Schulte, Howard L. North
  • Patent number: 5630938
    Abstract: An evertable drum centrifuge has a housing extending along an axis, a hollow filter drum rotatable in the housing about the axis and having a front end wall formed with a fill opening centered on the axis, and a nonrotatable fill tube extending along the axis and having a back end. A fill head complementarily engageable in the fill opening is fitted in a closed position in the fill opening and a suspension to be filtered is introduced through the fill tube and fill opening into the drum. A bearing rotatably supports the fill head on the fill-tube back end and a static seal is engaged between the fill head and the fill opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei AG
    Inventors: Johannes Feller, Gunnar Grim, Bruno Hegnauer
  • Patent number: 5603845
    Abstract: In a process of separating a liquid sample having phase portions of different densities by centrifugal separation, a phase separator container is employed. The phase separator container comprises a housing having concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls defining a longitudinal axis and a top wall and further a piston body constituting a bottom wall of the housing. The piston body defines together with the outer cylindrical wall, the inner cylindrical wall and the top wall, an annular chamber for receiving the liquid sample. The piston body is displaceable within the annular chamber for draining a phase portion separated from the liquid sample through a drain conduit means communicating with the annular chamber. The phase separation chamber further comprises a reaction chamber to which the phase portions exposed from the annular chamber is processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: E. R. Squibb & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Niels E. Holm
  • Patent number: 5582726
    Abstract: A filter centrifuge has the drum, the drum shaft and its bearings mounted in a movable machine support, carriage or bearing member which rides on a rail of the base machine support or frame so that with a cover for an opening in the rear wall on which the filter housing is mounted, the assembly of drum, shaft and bearing can be withdrawn into the machine space. When the movable wall is in place, a clean room containing the filter housing and the processing chamber, is closed off from the machine space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Krauss Maffei Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann Feller, Bruno Hegnauer, Wolfgang Knobloch
  • Patent number: 5571070
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a rotor sleeve which reduces the fine scale mixing of liquid components. The rotor sleeve in the annular mixing zone minimizes liquid-liquid shear, but does not adversely affect the pumping action of the rotor. The separator comprises a housing having a generally cylindrical inner surface defining an interior chamber. A hollow rotor is disposed within the chamber for rotation therein, the rotor having upper and lower openings and a generally cylindrical rotor wall with an inner and outer surface. The outer surface of the rotor wall is spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing and thereby defines the annular mixing zone. The rotor sleeve comprises a cylinder only slightly larger than the rotor. The sleeve is fixed relative to the housing, thereby preventing liquid within the annular mixing zone from contacting the rotating outer surface of the rotor. The reduction in mixing action dramatically increases the separation efficiency for shear-sensitive liquid mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Costner Industries Nevada, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Meikrantz, Alfred G. Federici, Lawrence L. Macaluso, Peter J. Harris, H. William Sams, III
  • Patent number: 5525218
    Abstract: A centrifuge provides simplify access to the processing chamber. In one arrangement, the processing chamber separates into a bowl and spool element to receive a disposable processing bag. In another arrangement, the processing chamber pivots between an operating position and an access position to provide improved access. The centrifuge also employs readily accessible holders for releasably retaining tubing that, in use, conveys fluid to and from the chamber. Though greatly accessible, the centrifuge operates without the need of complicated rotating seals and expensive disposable components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Warren P. Williamson, IV, Richard I. Brown
  • Patent number: 5514070
    Abstract: A centrifuge bowl for separating whole blood into less dense and more dense components and for collecting both less dense and more dense components without stopping bowl rotation. The fluid pathway from an inlet port to a separation chamber comprises an inlet tube and an introduction passageway. The fluid pathway from the separation chamber to an outlet port comprises a collection passageway. The introduction and collection passageways are nonrotatable. The more dense blood components can be extracted from the bowl during rotation by applying suction at the inlet port or pressure at the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventor: Etienne Pages
  • Patent number: 5505683
    Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a centrifuge bowl includes a single pivoting retaining arm having a stationary jaw. The retaining arm is capable of pivoting into and out of position such that the centrifuge bowl can be loaded and unloaded. A moveable jaw pivots about the retaining arm to lock the stem of the centrifuge bowl against the stationary jaw when actuated by a latching mechanism. At the same time, a catch on the latching mechanism locks the retaining arm to a latching shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Geringer, Laurence W. Tremaine, Richard Miller, Paul M. Volpini
  • Patent number: 5421997
    Abstract: A sleeve filter centrifuge comprises between the closed end wall of a centrifugal drum and a base portion movable relative to this end wall a flexible, extendible dividing wall, for example in the form of a bellows or a folded membrane. This dividing wall provides a seal between a displacing shaft bearing the base portion and the inner chamber of the centrifugal drum accommodating the suspension and prevents any exchange of substances, which, for example, impairs sterilization, between the process area of the centrifugal drum and the machine frame side of the sleeve filter centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Heinkel Industriezentrifugen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans Gerteis
  • Patent number: 5405308
    Abstract: An improved centrifuge rotor formed of a bowl body and core for blood processing applications, such as cell washing or pheresis, is described. A tubular core adapted to rotate with the rotor defines a processing region between the core and the interior of the bowl body. A plurality of projections extend into the processing region to minimize formation of fluid Coriolis waves which would otherwise cause undesirable turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Headley, Jacques Chammas
  • Patent number: 5397471
    Abstract: A self-cleaning scroll and screen centrifuge for processing a combined liquid and solid material to separate the solid material from the liquid. The centrifuge is designed for use in the food processing industry and therefore has fluid injectors for cleaning all surfaces within the centrifuge including opposed mating surfaces which function as noncontacting seal mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Tema Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Rodebush, Michael T. Mullins, Michael L. Vastola
  • Patent number: 5387174
    Abstract: The centrifugal separator for fluids comprises a housing (1a, 1b) in which is mounted a rotatable driving cup (3) of a conical shape widening upwardly, as well as a disposable centrifugal bowl (5) made of an elastomeric material and having a generally conical shape widening upwardly and press fitted in the operative position inside the driving cup. This centrifugal bowl (5) has two annular beads, respectively an upper bead (14) and a lower bead (6), through which extend vertical passages, and it is closed at its upper peripheral end by a metallic bowl cover (11). It further has a cover (16) cooperating with the housing for closing the same above the bowl, a resilient rotatable seal (17) integral with this separator cover and in contact with the bowl cover, and a fluid supply tube (21) extending through the removable cover and integral therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Elp Rochat
    Inventor: Jean-Denis Rochat
  • Patent number: 5342282
    Abstract: A centrifuge comprising a rotor drive shaft including a flexible shaft surrounded by a sheath. The flexible shaft and the sheath are both rotationally secured at a first end. A second end of the flexible shaft extends beyond a second end of the sheath. A head is adapted to receive a rotor of the centrifuge. The head is rotationally secured to the second end of the flexible shaft. A member damps and limits a radial displacement of the flexible shaft with respect to the sheath. The damping and limiting member comprises an annular seal made from an elastic material. The annular seal is axially arranged about the flexible shaft and the sheath at the same level as and close to the head. A skirt is formed on head and surrounds the second end of the sheath. The skirt has an internal annular groove for receiving damping and limiting member. The skirt includes a lower transverse wall limiting the annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Jouan
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Letourneur
  • Patent number: 5312319
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding the stator of a vessel rotatable about an axis of rotation, includes a pivotable swing arm having a first end and a second end, the second end having an engagement portion for contacting the stator of a rotating vessel. A support is connected to the first end of the swing arm and has an axis spaced from and substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. The support cooperates with the swing arm to permit the swing arm to pivot toward and away from the stator. A detent finger, located in the swing arm cooperates with the stator to hold the stator against rotation when the swing arm is in a predetermined angular position, and maintains the stator in a fixed position relative to the swing arm during a centrifuge operation. Finally, a detent cam assembly resists pivotal movement of the swing arm when the swing arm is in the predetermined angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Salter
  • Patent number: 5304306
    Abstract: A reverse filter centrifugal machine has a self-contained, rotatably mounted basket (7) in a housing (1), provided with radial filtrate passages (11) and capable of receiving an overpressure or a negative pressure, as well as a lid (19) that closes the free front side of the basket. The basket and the lid are axially movable with respect to one another. A feed opening for the suspension to be filtered is arranged in the lid and a feed pipe (21) is sealingly inserted through the feed opening. The feed pipe (21) is rotatably mounted around its longitudinal axis and can be rotated together with the basket (7) around this axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Heinkel Industriezentrifugen GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Gerteis
  • Patent number: 5263921
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator in which a wash fluid zone is formed within the confines of an annular weir, with excess wash fluids passing via a spillway to an excess wash fluid outlet. Recyclable fluids are forced into a wash fluid/recyclable fluid interface on top of the wash fluid zone by centrifugal force with recyclable fluids being skimmed from the wash fluid/recyclable fluid interface through a recyclable fluid outlet. Solids are propelled by centrifugal force outwardly toward interior sidewalls and washed down sloped interior sidewalls toward a solids outlet by wash fluids fed continuously in through a wash fluids inlet. A rotating shaft is provided having a plurality of arms which extend to immediately adjacent the solids outlet. The arms have paddle shaped extremities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Earl Gingras
  • Patent number: 5186708
    Abstract: The rotor of a centrifugal separator includes two axially separated end walls and one surrounding wall situated between the end walls. The end walls and a stack of separation discs within the rotor are maintained axially together by a central fastener. The surrounding wall, which is separate from the two end walls, is movable axially during rotor operation relative to at least one of the end walls. The surrounding wall has an inner diameter at the areas where it seals with the ends walls that is smaller than the portions between those sealing areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Alfa-Lavel Separation AB
    Inventors: Klaus Stroucken, Rolf Ridderstrale
  • Patent number: 5171205
    Abstract: A solid-bowl centrifuge with an intake pipe and a peeling disk that conveys the peeled-off material out through its hub and comprises a stationary eccentric and a rotating lid that allows the disk to rotate on a carrier positioned in a radial slot. The hub comprises two concentric components, wherein the inner component is secured to the stationary eccentric and the outer component is secured to the rotating peeling-disk lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Alfons Monkenbusch
  • Patent number: 5169525
    Abstract: An inverted filter centrifuge consisting of a drum arranged to rotate freely in a housing and having radial filtrate outlets; a cover closing one of its free frontal areas, the drum and the cover being mutually axially movable; a filler aperture in the cover for the suspension to be filtered and a filler pipe passing through the filler aperture. The filler aperture in the cover can be hermetically sealed by a locking component rotating together with the drum which is disconnected from the filler pipe in a manner to avoid friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Heinkel Industriezentrifugen GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Gerteis
  • Patent number: 5100372
    Abstract: An improved core member for a centrifuge bowl is described in which a plurality of small size circular openings are formed in the core member between a toroidal blood cell separation chamber and a collection chamber to provide fluid communication therebetween for collection of blood component in one flow direction and removal of stains in an opposite flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas D. Headley
  • Patent number: 5092995
    Abstract: An invertible filter centrifuge is provided comprising a rotary drum which is mounted in a cantilever manner in a housing and has radial passages for filtrate, a lid which is axially displaceable relative to the drum and closes the free front side of the latter, a filler opening on the lid for suspension to be filtered, and filler pipe which, on the one hand, is secured to the housing and, on the other hand, penetrates the filler opening, the outlet end of the filler pipe being located inside the drum during the centrifuging operation, characterized in that for varying the pressure in the drum (16), the filler pipe (26) is connectable to a pressurization or depressurization source (44) and is sealed by a combined rotary and sliding seal (45, 46, 47, 53) on said lid (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Heinkel Industriezentrifugen GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Gerteis
  • Patent number: 5045048
    Abstract: A seal for a blood processing centrifuge bowl which is formed of a dynamic rotary seal and a static seal. The dynamic rotary seal is formed of an upper graphite or carbon non-rotating ring member and a lower two-piece rotatable ring member formed of a ceramic bearing surface bonded by adhesive to a plastic adapter ring. The static seal is comprised of an elastomeric diaphragm formed over the upper ring member and secured thereto by a plastic retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Edward W. Kaleskas, Thaddeus G. Minior, Jr., Sepideh H. Nott
  • Patent number: 5004540
    Abstract: An invertable filter centrifuge having a housing defining a centrifuge chamber with a perforated drum mounted in said chamber on the front end of a hollow shaft which is rotatably mounted at the front end by a front bearing assembly and slideably mounted on a central shaft having a base plate mounted on a front end thereof with a filter cloth which is disposed with one end attached to the drum and the other end attrached to said base plate and normally disposed within said drum with double acting piston means for displacing the drum axially for inverting the filter cloth, a quantity of lubricating fluid for contacting bearings in the bearing assembly with, and a nitrogen gas pressurized seal disposed between the bearing assembly and the centrifuge chamber for inhibiting the passage of contaminants therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Ketema Process Equipment Division
    Inventor: James B. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 4983158
    Abstract: An improved disposable plasmapheresis centrifuge bowl is described comprising a rotary seal enclosing an aperture in a one-piece seamless bowl body through which various core members may be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas D. Headley
  • Patent number: 4943273
    Abstract: An improved disposable blood processing centrifuge bowl is described comprising a rotary seal enclosing an aperture in a bowl body through which a two-piece core assembly is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventor: Etienne Pages
  • Patent number: 4936821
    Abstract: The liquid being handled is introduced through a centrifugal conduit 1, is separated according to the different density and the two liquid phases exit through conduits 4 and 5. The centrifugal separator comprises disks for sealing (6, 11 and 19) which are fixed respectively to the central part of the rotor 7 to the middle disk 12 and to the upper cover 20 of the apparatus against which the moveable shaped rings (8, 13, 14 and 17) press. The movable rings are subjected to the pressure of the liquid being introduced into the separator as well as the pressure of the two liquid phases being separated by centrifugation due to the difference in specific weight. In this manner, a perfect seal between the different phases is ensured, no biasing means are needed and there is no necessity of particular external cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Frau S.p.A.
    Inventor: Remo Zuccato
  • Patent number: 4929227
    Abstract: A centrifuge drum for separating mixtures of liquids, especially for separating refrigerated milk into cream and skim milk, with an intake pipe secured to a stationary housing to supply refrigerated milk to a separation space in the centrifuge drum and a pealing disk for diverting the separated skim milk. The pealing disk is positioned in a pealing chamber that communicates through channels with the periphery of the separation space. A diversion chamber is disposed between the separation space and the pealing chamber that communicates with the center of the separation space and has a diversion channel for diverting the cream into a stationary interception chamber. The pealing chamber is positioned axially between the diversion chamber and the interception chamber and the diversion channel is positioned concentric with the axis of rotation of the drum, whereby the diversion channel extends radially outward from the diversion chamber, through the center of the pealing disk, and into the interception chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Zettier
  • Patent number: 4921473
    Abstract: A multicomponent fluid separation and irradiation system is described containing a centrifuge drum and a source of radiant energy located within the drum. In a first embodiment a disposable rigid separation/irradiation chamber is provided with a cylindrical outer compartment located within the drum and opposing the radiant energy source. Whole blood is supplied to the chamber through a dynamic seal located at the center of the chamber. As the chamber is rotated, blood is separated so that energy from the source passes through the inner wall of the chamber and the separated plasma layer to irradiate the buffy coat layer. In a second embodiment, one or both of the walls of the outer compartment of the chamber are flexible so that the chamber will expand as blood is pumped in and will collapse as blood is pumped out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Therakos, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyu H. Lee, Livingston B. Morris
  • Patent number: 4882094
    Abstract: Disposal container structure for the disposal of waste radioactive materials includes inner structure comprising a cover member with an inlet port and an annular seal surface portion, and depending filter structure attached to the cover structure that includes circumferential side wall structure and bottom wall structure that defines an enclosed chamber volume in which waste materials are introduced for storage therein through the inlet port. The container structure further includes outer structure that has circumferential side wall structure corresponding in shape to the filter structure of the inner structure, bottom wall structure that defines a chamber for receiving the filter structure of the inner component, and annular seal surface structure formed on the side wall structure for mating with seal surface structure of the inner structure to seal the storage chamber volume defined by the filter structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie S. Rubin, Hans A. Hug
  • Patent number: 4846728
    Abstract: Rotating fluid-handling apparatus, e.g., a centrifugal separator has at least first and second elements which rotate relative to the other about a common axis. A seal assembly provides fluid-tight sealing between the elements, which define passages for fluid flow from one element to the other. The seal assembly has at least one annular seat carried by one of the elements coaxially with the axis, and an annular seal, the other of the elements defining a chamber for the seal in proximity to the seat. The chamber carries the seal within it coaxial with the axis, the seal being shiftable axially within the chamber between positions, in and out of sealing contact with the seat. Sealing contact with the seat is provided over an annular sealing surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Equipment Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald C. Roman
  • Patent number: 4810240
    Abstract: The centrifugal separator is provided with an inlet (1) for the liquid in the center, two exits (4 and 5) for the two phases of different density, rotating seals (13,14,15 and 21) which on contact with rings (10,11,12 and 19) resiliently fixed to the fixed upper part of the separator, guarantee a perfect separation of the liquid and the cooling water under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Frau S.p.A.
    Inventor: Remo Zuccato
  • Patent number: 4798579
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved rotor for a centrifuge that operates by centrifugal elutriation. The rotor consists of a chamber assembly, a disk assembly, and a quick release mechanism. The chamber assembly is relatively light and it includes one or two separation chambers, tubing and a rotating seal. The disk assembly consists of the relatively heavy support structure. The two piece construction facilitates handling the parts of the rotor that generally need to be autoclaved. The chamber assembly has a novel structure that allows the rotor to easily be configured for operation with one or two chambers. The disk assembly has a unique strain relief that prevents structural cracking. The quick release mechanism is held in the latched position by centrifugal force during operation of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry A. Penhasi
  • Patent number: 4784633
    Abstract: A centrifuge drum is provided with a seal consisting of a narrow gap between the drum and centrifuge housing. The seal is located between the actual housing and the solids catch chamber. There is a pressure-compensation space at the drum in the vicinity of the seal. The exchange of air that occurs at the seal in a centrifuge without the compensation space between the solids catch chamber and the housing in accordance with the invention and that leads to deposits of solids in the housing is accordingly displaced into the compensation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Paul Bruning, Helmut Figgener
  • Patent number: 4708711
    Abstract: A pressure centrifuge with a process chamber enclosed by a pressure housing and a drum and a screw concentrically supported. The connections between the process chamber and the atmosphere are located in the area of bearing supports and provided with rotating mechanical seals. In order to expose the product to be processed in the process chamber to elevated pressures and temperatures a double rotating mechanical seal in the area of the bearing supports between the drum and the screw, which enclose a separate sealing chamber located within a closed cooling and lubricating medium circulation and connected by a connecting channel in the drum and a first rotating passage and a connecting channel in the screw and a second rotating passage with the part of a cooling and lubricating medium circulation located outside the pressure housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei A.G.
    Inventor: Manfred Scherer
  • Patent number: 4684361
    Abstract: A centrifuge is provided which has a stationary core and a bowl rotatively mounted about the core. The bowl can be configured so that it does not taper inwardly from top to bottom. The bowl has an upwardly extending neck which receives the stationary core. To provide a seal between the core and bowl, a lip seal can be employed which is emplaced about an upwardly extending neck of the bowl and abuts an outwardly and downwardly extending nut formed integrally of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis W. Feldman, David H. Yawn
  • Patent number: 4680164
    Abstract: An analysis system of the centrifugal analyzer type has an analysis station for receiving a multi-cuvette rotor unit with means at the analysis station for performing analyses on the contents of a plurality of cuvettes of a multi-cuvette rotor unit concurrently, and means at the analysis station for spinning the rotor unit. Rotor hold down means at the analysis station includes disc structure for seating engagement with loading ports of the rotor unit at the analysis station, a disc support for allowing the disc to rotate freely in alignment with the drive axis of the drive mechanism, and mechanical means for moving the freely rotatable disc between an operative position in seating engagement with the loading ports of the rotor unit and a second position spaced from the seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Fisher Scientific Company
    Inventor: Norman G. Kelln
  • Patent number: 4654023
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal separator of the kind comprising a rotor (1), which is supported by a vertical driving shaft (2), a stationary casing (3), which surrounds the rotor (1) and has a bottom opening (5) through which the driving shaft (2) extends, a frame (4) which supports the casing (3) and is arranged to support radially in a resilient manner a radial bearing (6) for the driving shaft (2), and a mechanical seal with two sealing rings abutting axially against each other, one rotatable (11) and one non-rotatable (13), to seal the interior of the casing (3) from connection with the space surrounding the radial bearing (6) via the opening (5) in the bottom of the casing (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Separation AB
    Inventor: Zoltan Foldhazy
  • Patent number: 4629564
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator, in which centrifugal treatment is intended to take place at an overpressure, and has for its main object to guarantee wetting and cooling of annular sealing means (16) in connection with the starting of the centrifugal separator, the sealing means being arranged around the rotor outlet for separated liquid between the rotor and a stationary receiving device. The object is obtained according to the invention by having means (22) for supply of a small amount of liquid to an outlet chamber (15) of the rotor already before the separation chamber (6) of the rotor is filled up with liquid, the outlet chamber (15) being connected with the separation chamber (6) via an overflow outlet (14). The means (22) is arranged to supply liquid to the outlet chamber (15) via a connection, which is separated from the separation chamber and is extending through the stationary receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Separation AB
    Inventor: Oskar Pinato
  • Patent number: 4614598
    Abstract: Centrifugal separator drum (FIG. 1) for the clarification and separation of liquids, having one or more paring systems 12, 13 for the removal of the clarified or separated liquids, a stationary inlet tube 11 which communicates with a smooth, cylindrical inlet chamber 18, which rotates with the drum and is affixed to the latter, via an opening that is slightly larger than the inlet tube. Outlets ports 20 lead out of the inlet chamber into a forechamber 21 which communicates on the one hand with an annular chamber 24 situated ahead of the inlet chamber and on the other hand with the riser passages 23 of the plate insert 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Zettier, Paul Bruning, Reinhard Schmidt, Heinrich Hemfort