Rotatable Bowl Patents (Class 494/43)
  • Patent number: 8562501
    Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma while retaining the platelets and other factors. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, William T. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20130274083
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for separating single-walled carbon nanotubes from double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes by using the difference in the buoyant density of Single-Walled versus Multi-Walled carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a vessel with first and second solutions. The first solution comprises a quantity of carbon nanotubes, including single-walled carbon nanotubes and double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The single walled nanotubes have a first density, the double and multi-walled nanotubes having a second density. The second solution in the vessel has a third density between said first and second densities. The vessel is centrifuged to faun first and second layers in the vessel, with the second solution between said first and second layers. The single-walled carbon nanotubes are predominantly in the first layer, and the second and multi-walled carbon nanotubes are predominantly in the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Ageeth A. Bol, George S. Tulevski
  • Patent number: 8556794
    Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, William T. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8535210
    Abstract: A centrifugal blood separation system comprising a rotor, a light source, an optical sensor, a control system, a separation vessel, and an optical cell on the separation vessel. The optical cell has a first extraction port extending radially outwardly into the optical cell, a red blood cell extraction port downstream from the first extraction port and extending into the optical cell beyond the first extraction port; and a dam between said first extraction port and said red blood cell extraction port, having an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the first extraction port and the red cell extraction port are radially between the upper edge and the lower edge of the dam. Also, a first extraction port having a bore having a first diameter, a lumen having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a frustro-conical passageway coupling the bore to the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy P. Kolenbrander, Brian M. Holmes, Thomas J. Felt, James R. Ladtkow
  • Publication number: 20130233803
    Abstract: Platelet rich plasma and/or platelet concentrate is prepared by placing whole blood in a first chamber of a sterile processing disposable having two chambers. The processing disposable is subjected to a first centrifugation to separate red blood cells, and the resulting platelet rich plasma supernatant is decanted to the second chamber. The processing disposable is subjected to a second centrifugation to concentrate platelets. A volume of the platelet poor plasma supernatant in the second chamber is removed, and the platelets are re-suspended in the remaining plasma. The second chamber may contain anticoagulant to preclude aggregation of the platelets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Lou BLASETTI, Sherwin V. Kevy
  • Patent number: 8511480
    Abstract: A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Chapman, Vijay Kumar, Brian K. Cinquini, Phillip D. Kingsley
  • Patent number: 8511479
    Abstract: A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Chapman, Vijay Kumar, Brian K. Cinquini, Phillip D. Kingsley
  • Publication number: 20130210599
    Abstract: This invention provides a centrifugal microfluidic disk and methods for separating targets or cells and collecting the targets or cells in the centrifugal microfluidic disk by using the density gradient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: National Taiwan University
  • Patent number: 8506825
    Abstract: A method of washing blood mixed with undesirable elements not normally found in healthy whole blood to remove the undesirable elements, the method comprising: separating the blood into components according to relative densities of the components with a rotating centrifuge bowl; providing a port through which fluid exits the bowl, the exiting fluid having a concentration of undesirable elements; flowing washing solution into the centrifuge bowl at an initial flow rate; monitoring the fluid exiting the bowl with an optical sensor having an output signal indicative of the composition of the exiting fluid; and increasing and decreasing the flow rate of the wash solution as a function of the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Matteo Fortini, Stefano Reggiani, Ivo Panzani
  • Publication number: 20130200007
    Abstract: A liquid recovery system and methods of recycling water from liquid-solid mixture such as slurry produced by pavement grinding machines, drilling fluid containing cuttings, and septage. The system includes a storage tank or a settling tank, a centrifuge in flow communication with the storage tank or settling tank, such as a hydraulic centrifuge, a solids storage component, and a cleaned liquid storage tank in flow communication with the centrifuge. The system may also include a porous conveyor belt for removal of large solids from the mixture prior to centrifugation and may also include one or more blowers directed at the porous conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: O3 INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: O3 Industries, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130203582
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a centrifugal cellular separation device that comprises a rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation is provided that comprises a fluid separation chamber having a first port, a second port spaced apart from the first port, and a third port located intermediate the first port and the second port. The fluid separation chamber has a cross sectional area generally transverse to a radius extending from the axis of rotation that varies between the first port and the second port. The fluid separation chamber is adapted to be mounted to the rotor so as to be rotatable therewith, with the first port located at a greater radial distance from the axis than the second port, and the third port located radially intermediate the first port and the second port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventor: Fenwal, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130196840
    Abstract: Fluid separation chambers are provided for rotation about an axis in a fluid processing system. The fluid separation chamber may be provided with first and second stages, with the first and second stages being positioned at different axial locations. In another embodiment, at least one of the stages may be provided with a non-uniform outer diameter about the rotational axis, which may define a generally spiral-shaped profile or a different profile for fractionating a fluid or fluid component. One or more of the stages may also have a varying outer diameter along the axis. The profile of the chamber may be provided by the chamber itself (in the case of rigid chambers) or by an associated fixture or centrifuge apparatus (in the case of flexible chambers).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Fenwal, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8485958
    Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma while retaining the platelets and other factors. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, William T. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8469202
    Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith M. Rosiello
  • Patent number: 8469871
    Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, William T. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20130157834
    Abstract: A hybrid metal/composite centrifuge is described which can be designed and manufactured for large sizes which have traditionally been of metal construction only. The hybrid metal/composite centrifuge combines an “all composite”, fully disposable, centrifuge rotor with a reusable metal center tube which retains the rotor bearings. This design combines a fully disposable composite rotor, for example made of an incinerable plastic material, with a removable and reusable metal centertube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP, INC.
    Inventor: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130145685
    Abstract: A device for separating a solid matter-containing, liquid and pumpable tar suspension from a coking reaction with direct use of the separated solid matter contained therein. The device consists of a centrifuge, which is arranged in the upper inner region of a carbon-storing container, and the centrifuge is equipped with a feed nozzle for solid matter-containing, liquid tar and with a discharge nozzle for liquid tar centrifugate. In the lower part, the centrifuge is equipped with an outlet for the solid matter contained in the tar, whereby the tar-containing solid matter obtained from the tar suspension does not have to be delivered or transported. Also disclosed is a method is for separating a solid matter-containing, liquid and pumpable tar suspension with delivery-free use of the separated solid matter contained therein using the device and to the use of the coal mixed with the solid matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP UHDE GMBH
    Inventor: Holger Thielert
  • Publication number: 20130130883
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a cassette (2) comprising a product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) and a positioning means (3a, 3b) engageable with a counter-piece on a centrifuge having a rotor for separating blood components or on a system component (4) arranged in a centrifuge. The positioning is effected such that a section of the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) is aligned with a section of the centrifuge or the system component arranged in the centrifuge. Furthermore, a tube connected with bags is accommodated in the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicants: TERUMO EUROPE N.V., ANDREAS HETTICH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Klaus-Günter Eberle, Roland Biset, Wilfried Mertens
  • Publication number: 20130123089
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are described for a centrifuge module of a laboratory analysis system. Specimen containers may be weighed, loaded into a centrifuge adapter, and transported to a centrifuge module by an adapter shuttle. A centrifuge adapter gripper may transport the centrifuge adapter into a centrifuge for centrifugation. The centrifuge adapter may be transported by the centrifuge adapter gripper to an adapter shuttle for unloading of the specimen containers, which may be performed by a specimen container gripper. A centrifuge drawer that allows a centrifuge to be extended from its installed position is also described. Additional embodiments pertain to a sequence for replacing, in a centrifuge, a set of centrifuge adapters that have been centrifuged with a set of centrifuge adapters that have not been centrifuged. A sequence for loading specimen containers into centrifuge adapters is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130095993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator for separation of at least two components of a fluid mixture which have different densities. The centrifugal separator comprises a rotor arranged for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation (R) and having a rotor wall which surrounds a separating chamber within the rotor, with an inlet adapted to feeding the fluid mixture into the rotor's separating chamber, and at least one outlet adapted to discharging outwardly from the rotor a component separated from the fluid mixture. A rotor shaft supports the rotor and is drivably connected to a motor (M) for rotation of the rotor about the axis of rotation (R). A hub is provided outside the rotor, and the hub and the rotor shaft are arranged to be connected together from the outside of the rotor by means of a lockable and releasable fastening which is configured to lock the rotor shaft relative to the hub in both a torque-transmitting and an axial force-transmitting way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Roland Isaksson, Peter Thorwid
  • Patent number: 8394006
    Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, William T. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20120316049
    Abstract: A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, a primary outlet and a side tap outlet adjacent the inlet. A valve that is responsive to centrifugal force (a “gravity” valve) selects between the outlet and the side tap outlet. The gravity valve is mounted on the rotor. When the rotor spins at high speed, the gravity valve may open the primary outlet and close the side tap outlet. When the rotor spins at a lower speed, the gravity valve may open the side tap outlet and close the primary outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: TERUMO BCT, INC.
    Inventors: Brian M. HOLMES, James R. LADTKOW
  • Publication number: 20120316051
    Abstract: A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, and outlet and a side tap outlet adjacent the inlet. The inlet may protrude into the cell separation chamber forming a circumferential well surrounding the protruding inlet. The side tap outlet may connect to the well. The set and system comprise means for selectively drawing fluid from either the outlet or the side tap outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: TERUMO BCT, INC.
    Inventor: Brian M. HOLMES
  • Patent number: 8317672
    Abstract: A single use, sterile, self-contained, compact, easy to use centrifugal separation unit provides for quick, reliable platelet concentration from whole blood. Anti-coagulated blood is injected through an elastomeric seal into a separation chamber featuring a tapered barrel and an end cap. At least one port is located in the end cap, at a desired radius from the longitudinal axis. The centrifugal field created by rotation of the chamber stratifies the blood radially, with red blood cells adjacent the wall of the barrel, and plasma found closest to the longitudinal axis. Opening the port causes the pressure of the centrifugal field to eject red blood cells or plasma, thereby increasing the concentration of platelets remaining in the chamber. After ceasing chamber rotation, the concentrated platelets are recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, William T. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20120295781
    Abstract: A CD-based device for separating plasma from whole blood includes a substrate, a sedimentation chamber disposed in the substrate, and a collection chamber disposed in the substrate and in fluidic communication with the sedimentation chamber through a siphon channel. The sedimentation chamber includes a plurality of finger-like structures disposed along a radially outward edge of the sedimentation chamber, and protruding radially inward relative to the axis of rotation of the substrate. A method for separating plasma from whole blood using the CD-based device includes introducing a blood sample into the sedimentation chamber, rotating the substrate about an axis of rotation at a first rotational speed to separate the plasma from blood cells, and rotating the substrate about the axis of rotation at a second rotational speed, which is lower than the first rotational speed, to move the plasma from the sedimentation chamber into the collection chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Mary Amasia, Marc Madou
  • Patent number: 8282540
    Abstract: Methods for using a centrifuge are presented. A vessel containing a sample and a separator substance is placed within a centrifuge. Upon sufficient centrifugation, the sample separates into two or more fractions separated by the separator substance. The centrifuge exposes the separator substance to a sufficient energy to polymerize the separator substance to produce a hardened barrier between the fractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Jane Emerson
  • Patent number: 8241196
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for controlling the processing of blood into blood components, particularly components for stroboscopic LED light sources for centrifuges. A digital control circuit controls a high amperage linear voltage regulator. The voltage regulator charges a capacitor bank, which in turn powers LED light sources. The digital control circuit comprises an N-channel switched mode FET. The switched mode FET receives a pulsed digital signal from the microprocessor controlling the blood processing apparatus. A by-pass resistor in parallel with the FET allows most of the current to flow past the FET, thus minimizes heating of the FET. The performance of the FET, therefore, remains stable despite extended use of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Scibona
  • Patent number: 8191715
    Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device in which a sample including particles and a fluid is centrifugally separated such that the separated fluid is quantitatively distributed, and a microfluidic system including the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device are provided. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure in which, within a rotatable disc-shaped platform, a sample, including particles and a fluid, is quickly centrifugally separated into the particles and the fluid using the rotation of the disc-shaped platform and the fluid having a certain volume of the separated fluid is discharged by rotation of the disc-shaped platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Beom-seok Lee
  • Publication number: 20120129675
    Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: John E. Nash, William T. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8177072
    Abstract: A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Chapman, Vijay Kumar, Brian K. Cinquini, Phillip D. Kingsley
  • Patent number: 8142342
    Abstract: A device for separating components of a composition according to density. The device includes a rotatable chamber and a plurality of buoys. The rotatable chamber has an axis of rotation. The plurality of buoys are positioned within the rotatable chamber and about the axis of rotation. The buoys are radially movable between an expanded position in which the buoys are at a first location relative to the axis of rotation and a contracted position in which the buoys are at a second location relative to the axis of rotation. The first location is further from the axis of rotation than the second location is. The buoys are movable in response to force generated during rotation of the rotatable chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventor: Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 8133389
    Abstract: The PRP separator-concentrator of this invention is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly, and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separator assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator that includes an erythrocyte capture module and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate. The centrifugal drum separator has an erythrocyte trap. The water removal module can be a syringe device with water absorbing beads or it can be a pump-hollow fiber cartridge assembly. The hollow fibers are membranes with pores that allow the flow of water through the fiber membrane while excluding flow of clotting factors useful for sealing and adhering tissue and growth factors helpful for healing while avoiding activation of platelets and disruption of any trace erythrocytes present in the PRP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignees: Hanuman, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 8105495
    Abstract: A process for separating platelet rich plasma from a blood sample using a platelet rich plasma separator system is disclosed. The system includes an inner wall having a top edge and a central axis that is surrounded by a depth filter having a capacity to receive all of the erythrocytes in the blood sample, where an inner surface of the inner wall has an angle of about 0.2° from the central axis of the inner wall. The process includes spinning the inner cylinder at its central axis at a speed that separates the erythrocytes from plasma and platelets and causes the erythrocytes to collect against an inner surface of the depth filter. The cylinder is continually spun for a sufficient time to allow substantially all of the erythrocytes to flow up the inner surface and over the top edge into the depth filter, leaving platelet enriched plasma (PRP) in the inner cylinder, such that upon discontinuing the spinning, permits the platelet enriched plasma to flow to the bottom of the inner cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Hanuman, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 8105551
    Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method of fabricating the microfluidic device are provided. The microfluidic device includes: a platform including an upper substrate and a lower substrate that are bonded to face each other; a microfluidic structure obtained by forming grooves in the lower substrate; a lower substrate protrusion pattern including an outline protrusion that protrudes from the lower substrate toward the upper substrate along an outline of the microfluidic structure; and an adhesive layer disposed between the lower substrate protrusion pattern and the upper substrate in order to bond the upper substrate and the lower substrate to each other. The lower substrate protrusion pattern only supports the upper substrate, and remaining portions of the lower substrate except for the lower substrate protrusion pattern do not have structures for supporting the upper substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jongmyeon Park, Jeonggun Lee
  • Publication number: 20120015795
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of extracorporeal blood processing methods and apparatus which are particularly useful in blood component collection, and more specifically, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for centrifugally separating buffy coat that reduce the surface available for separated buffy coat components to sediment on by varying the radius of the product collection bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: CARIDIANBCT, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis J. HLAVINKA, John R. MERKLING
  • Patent number: 8096422
    Abstract: Disclosed is a separator-concentrator, such as for separating and concentrating platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) from whole blood that is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separation assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignees: Hanuman LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Publication number: 20110319249
    Abstract: A device for separating components of a composition according to density. The device includes a rotatable chamber and a plurality of buoys. The rotatable chamber has an axis of rotation. The plurality of buoys are positioned within the rotatable chamber and about the axis of rotation. The buoys are radially movable between an expanded position in which the buoys are at a first location relative to the axis of rotation and a contracted position in which the buoys are at a second location relative to the axis of rotation. The first location is further from the axis of rotation than the second location is. The buoys are movable in response to force generated during rotation of the rotatable chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventor: Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 8070663
    Abstract: A density centrifuge blood processing system with automatic two-dimensional optical control of fluid separation by observing fluid characteristics in observation regions. The location of the regions is determined by monitoring an optical reference. Points representing edges of an optical reference are measured and lines are computed through the points. An error measurement is calculated for each line. If the error is too large, the image is abandoned. One of the lines is selected as a referent line. A new line is calculated orthogonal to the referent line. The error function is again computed for the dependant line. If the error exceeds a selected maximum, the frame is discarded. A transformation function translates data points from an (r, s) domain derived from measurements of the edges into an (x, y) domain used to identify pixels in the observation areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventor: William Sweat
  • Patent number: 8062534
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon, Barry F. Hecker
  • Patent number: 8021630
    Abstract: An anticoagulant-coated dipstick is selectively receivable by the central fill port of a rotor of a blood centrifuge. The dipstick includes an elongated, rod-like member having a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, and a cap affixed to the second axial end. At least a portion of a surface of the rod-like member is coated with an anticoagulant. The elongated rod-like member of the dipstick is dimensioned in length and diameter to be receivable through the central fill port of the rotor to contact a blood sample contained therein. The cap is circular in shape, with a diameter that is greater than that of the rotor fill port to entirely cover and seal the fill port to prevent leakage therethrough of a blood sample contained in the rotor, especially when the rotor is gently agitated or inverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Alyssa J. Dassa
  • Publication number: 20110224063
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for a centrifuge for isolating and/or purifying biomolecules has a rotor body (12) for rotatable mounting around a rotation axis in the centrifuge. According to the invention, the rotor body (12) has in addition at least one channel (14) for channeling a sample liquid. The integration of the channel (14) into the rotor body (12) simplifies the isolation and/or purification process, and the longer usable path for separating samples leads to improved separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: QIAGEN GMBH
    Inventor: Thorsten Singer
  • Patent number: 8012077
    Abstract: A device for separating components of a composition according to density. The device includes a rotatable chamber and a plurality of buoys. The rotatable chamber has an axis of rotation. The plurality of buoys are positioned within the rotatable chamber and about the axis of rotation. The buoys are radially movable between an expanded position in which the buoys are at a first location relative to the axis of rotation and a contracted position in which the buoys are at a second location relative to the axis of rotation. The first location is further from the axis of rotation than the second location is. The buoys are movable in response to force generated during rotation of the rotatable chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventor: Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 7988610
    Abstract: A particle separation apparatus includes a base, a disc-shaped container rotatable on the base at a constant speed and a suspension supply tank for separating in the container particles contained in a suspension supplied from the tank according to specific gravities or particle diameters of the particles. The container includes a plurality of centrifugation vessels disposed around a rotation axis and in a circumferential direction of the container, particle supply cylinders disposed at a center of the container for discharging the particles in the suspension toward the vessels and a lid, and has a structure controllable in rotational speed to adjust a distance of relative movement in a rotation direction between large-gravity particles and small-gravity particles. The vessels are individually in a form of dents independent of one another and are each formed of an inner circumferential wall and a bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Tatsuya Oki, Hiroki Yotsumoto, Mikio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7976796
    Abstract: A centrifuge tube assembly includes an elongate tubular receptacle having a capped upper end. The capped upper end includes a single inlet/outlet port formed therethrough for communication with an interior of the tubular receptacle. A flexible aspiration pipe is communicably engaged with the inlet/outlet port for extending longitudinally through the cylindrical receptacle. A sealing diaphragm is attached to a distal end of the pipe. The diaphragm is longitudinally movable within the tubular receptacle and sealably interengages an interior wall of the receptacle. Biological products are introduced into and aspirated from the receptacle below the diaphragm by the fluid conducting pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Emcyte Corp.
    Inventors: Emery Smith, Patrick Pennie, David K. Buzenius
  • Patent number: 7954646
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 7934603
    Abstract: The delivery system of the present invention is comprised of at least two chambers which store, individually, an activated blood component and an inactivated blood component. The first chamber comprises an activating agent and a filter which may be one in the same thus allowing the formed clot to be triturated thereby isolating the thrombin from the clot. The second chamber stores the inactivated blood component that when mixed with thrombin will produce a gel. The first or second chamber may further contain agents which are desired to be delivered to a specific site. The unique design of the delivery system allows for ease in operation of combining two agents at a specific time and place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Arteriocyte Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie S. Eaton, Robert F. Baugh, Lisa M. Lim, John G. Rivera, Victor D. Dolecek
  • Patent number: 7918350
    Abstract: A separation apparatus and method are employed using a separation channel for rotation about an axis. Such channel includes radially spaced apart inner and outer side wall portions and an end wall portion. An inlet conveys fluid into the channel. A barrier is located in the channel intermediate of the inner and outer side wall portions. A first flow path communicates between upstream and downstream sides of the barrier. A collection region may be located downstream of the barrier for communication with the first flow path. An outer side wall section of the channel may be positioned radially outward of an upstream section thereof. The barrier may join the outer side wall portion along a substantial portion of an axial length of the channel. First and second exit flow paths may allow communication with the channel either upstream or downstream of the barrier or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Richard I. Brown, Alp Akonur, Julie Moriarty
  • Patent number: 7914477
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating components of a fluid having an outer housing containing a core and other components wherein three separate fluid pathways are provided to allow continuous separation of biological fluids; this apparatus is particularly useful for the administration of extracorporeal photopheresis in that it enhances the collection of the desired blood components, the return of the treated blood, and the speed with which the therapy is administered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Therakos, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Briggs, Steve Gara, Tom Watters, Mike Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 7914689
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 7897398
    Abstract: A device for analysis used for transferring a solution to a measurement spot 38 by a centrifugal force and reading in which a reaction liquid located at the measurement spot 38 is optically accessed. An operation cavity 30 and a receiving cavity 32 are arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side of the transfer. The operation cavity 30 and the receiving cavity 32 communicate with each other via a connection section 59 to transfer the solution of the operation cavity 30 to the receiving cavity 32. The connection section 59 is located inside the liquid level of a diluted solution retained in the operation cavity 30, relative to a rotation axis 102.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Saiki