Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a rotor plate to rotate around a first axis; a bucket rotatably attached to the rotor plate and to rotate around a second axis; and a stop plate to rotate around the first axis relative to the rotor plate between an open position and a closed position, when in the closed position, the stop plate is to engage the bucket to fix an angular position of the bucket relative to a plane of rotation of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: Cleaning assemblies and particulate tolerant fluid bearings that are particularly well suited for use in centrifugal separation enhanced filtration devices are described. In one aspect of the invention, at least one bearing is arranged to carry a circulating cleaning assembly such that the cleaning assembly can rotate around a filter membrane during filtering operation of the filtration device. The bearing is preferably arranged to maintain the circulating cleaning assembly in a substantially coaxial alignment with the filter membrane and in a substantially stable longitudinal position relative to the filter membrane as the circulating cleaning assembly is rotated around the filter membrane. In another aspect of the invention a variety of particulate tolerant bearings are described.

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

Abstract: Method for purifying a solution of at least one plastic in a solvent, the said solution comprising insolubles, whereby the solution is purified using a centrifugal settler.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator having a stationary part, a non-rotating part, is elastically connected to the stationery part, and a rotating part, rotates around an axis of rotation and comprises a centrifuge rotor and a rotating bearing-receiving element. The centrifuge rotor comprises a disk package with a plurality of separating disks. The rotating part is journalled in the non-rotating part so that the rotating part and the non-rotating part are commonly pivotable relative to the stationary part. A drive arrangement drives the rotating part about the axis of rotation within a range of revolutions. An inlet channel extends into the inner separation space for feeding of a medium to be separated. An outlet channel extends out from the inner separation space for discharge of a separated product. The bearing-receiving element is tubular. At least one of the inlet channel and the outlet channel extends through the bearing-receiving element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator for separating air and possibly present solids from a mixture of dental waste water, comprising an air-water separator, wherein a mixture supply tube opens into a centrifuge drum, an air discharge duct extends from the centrifuge drum to the mixture supply tube and the centrifuge drum includes an upper drain edge over which a water outlet is guided onto the outside of the centrifuge drum. In accordance with the invention, the separator is characterized in that the mixture supply tube opens onto a central turbine wheel arranged above the centrifuge drum bottom and an impeller of a waste water delivery pump, which communicates with the water outlet, is arranged on an outside of the centrifuge drum in the vicinity of the centrifuge drum bottom.

Abstract: A vibrating centrifuge includes a housing; a basket rotatably supported by the housing; a main drive motor operatively connected to the basket to rotate the basket; a vibration transfer shaft operatively connected to the basket at a first end of the vibration transfer shaft to vibrate the basket; and at least one vibration motor resiliently connected to the housing and operatively connected to the vibration transfer shaft at a second end of the vibration transfer shaft. A vibration drive for a centrifuge including a basket rotatably supported in a housing includes a vibration transfer shaft operatively connected to the basket at a first end of the vibration transfer shaft; and at least one vibration motor connected to a mount, the mount being resiliently connectable to the housing, the vibration transfer shaft being connected to the mount at a second end of the vibration transfer shaft.

Abstract: A chuck for rotating around a rotation axis XA a centrifugal separation bowl secured thereto includes a vat-shaped body for receiving a lower end portion of the separation bowl secured therein with a peripheral rim of the chuck surrounding an outer flank of the separation bowl. The chuck includes a plurality of clutching systems to cooperate with the flank of the separation bowl in securing it to the chuck. The clutching systems include a channel formed in the chuck body with an arcuate path in the peripheral rim of the chuck body. A chain of translatory bodies arranged within the channel includes a proximal translatory body and a distal translatory body in the chain, whereby a force acting on the proximal body and directed outwardly of the rotation axis XA is transmitted through the chain of translatory bodies to the distal translatory body to urge it inwardly towards the rotation axis XA to clutch the outer flank of the separation bowl, whereby the separation bowl is secured to the rotary chuck.

Abstract: A separator includes a centrifuge drum having a vertical rotational axis and a feed line to feed a product to be centrifugally processed. Further included is a drive spindle to drive the centrifugal drum, which drive spindle is rotatably mounted in a housing by a bearing device and which is supported on a machine frame by an elastic support. Also included is a drive device including an electric drive motor having a stator and a motor rotor which is aligned with the drive spindle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclone separator for blast furnace gas including: a cyclone vessel having a central axis and including a side wall, a top wall and bottom wall; a first inlet duct connected with an end to the side wall of the cyclone vessel at a predetermined position intermediate the top and bottom wall; and a central outlet duct which traverses through the top wall of the cyclone vessel and extends into the cyclone vessel, and a further inlet duct connected with an end to the side wall of the cyclone vessel in circumferentially spaced relationship to the first inlet duct.

Abstract: A drive unit for a laboratory centrifuge, comprising a motor via which a centrifuge rotor that is attached to an inner shaft can be rotated. The motor drives a hollow shaft inside which the inner shaft that is attached in the centrifuge rotor is accommodated at least in part and is mounted to as to be able to oscillate. A spring stabilizer is disposed in the hollow shaft and around the inner shaft, whereby the drive unit is provided with a compact design while vibrations and noise are effectively reduced.

Abstract: A centrifuge, in particular a separator, having a rotating, vertically oriented drive spindle, which is supported on a machine frame by a bearing device, which exhibits at least one step bearing or lower thrust bearing and preferably one upper collar bearing, which are arranged in a common frame and lubrication space, which in its lower region is fashioned as an oil pan, the step bearing being enclosed by a cup element having a cylindrical outer shell and one open axial end and one closed axial end, through which cup element the drive spindle passes in centric fashion, the drive spindle and the cup element being connected to each other so as to be rotationally fixed relative to each other, a fin, which rotates along with the drive spindle, serving to generate a flow of air.

Abstract: The filter removes volatile, particulate and water-based contaminants from a fluid, such as lubricating oil, of a different density than the contaminants. The device has a cone shaped, jet-propelled, helical-spiral wiper rotor creating centrifugal forces that separate the volatile and heavier particulate matter. Ports in a base assembly facilitate removal of the separated contaminants. A settling tank with vertical grid filter minimizes turbulence for further separation of heavier particulate matter. A volatile tank with vertical grid filter and flow restrictor minimizes turbulence to allow volatiles to rise from the fluid. A filter tank filters out remaining particulate matter from the fluid. A combination of flow restrictors and baffles minimize cross-contamination, thereby maximizing purity of oil returned to the engine. The collection tanks are easily cleaned and reused. The compact design minimizes oil volume necessary for purification.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a solid-fibrin web. The apparatus includes a centrifuge (600) having a housing (604), and actuator (648), a wheel (660), and a flange (664). The housing includes a recessed area (616) and a base (608) supportable on a surface. The wheel is coupled to the actuator and extends into the recessed area and is adapted to contact a first end of a container (620). The flange extends into the recessed area opposite the wheel and defines an adjustable distance between the wheel and the flange. The flange is adapted to contact a second end of the container and the actuator is operable to rotate the container. The container is oriented substantially parallel with respect to the base.

Abstract: The filter removes volatile, particulate and water-based contaminants from a fluid, such as lubricating oil, of a different density than the contaminants. The device has a cone shaped, jet-propelled, helical-spiral wiper rotor creating centrifugal forces that separate the volatile and heavier particulate matter. Ports in a base assembly facilitate removal of the separated contaminants. A settling tank with vertical grid filter minimizes turbulence for further separation of heavier particulate matter. A volatile tank with vertical grid filter and flow restrictor minimizes turbulence to allow volatiles to rise from the fluid. A filter tank filters out remaining particulate matter from the fluid. A combination of flow restrictors and baffles minimize cross-contamination, thereby maximizing purity of oil returned to the engine. The collection tanks are easily cleaned and reused. The compact design minimizes oil volume necessary for purification.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator provides for the discharge of solids by either an axial-motion scraper or a piston/extrusion assembly. The axial-motion scraper is used with hard-packed or friable solids, and includes an integral feed liquid accelerator and feed holes. The piston/extrusion assembly is used with pasty solids, and includes a piston extending into a separator bowl and having openings permitting fluid communication across the piston. After high-speed separation is complete, a centrate valve closes one end of the bowl, and the piston is moved axially in the bowl by an actuator. Accumulated solids are scraped from the sides of the bowl and extruded out of the piston openings for discharge from the bowl. A bowl suspension employs a spherical mounting structure and a short, stiff spindle. A spherical portion of a bearing housing is mounted in a spherical mounting region at one end of the separator, with a cylindrical portion of the bearing housing extending along the rotational axis.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator provides for discharge of solids by either an axial-motion scraper or a piston/extrusion assembly. The axial-motion scraper (80) is used with hard-packed or friable solids, and includes and integral feed liquid accelerator and feed holes. The piston/extrusion assembly is used with pasty solids, and includes a piston (12) extending into a bowl (10) and having openings (45) permitting fluid communication across the piston. After separation is complete, a centrate valve (34) closes one end of the bowl, and the piston is moved axially in the bowl by an actuator. A bowl suspension employs a spherical mounting structure (96) and a short spindle (98). A bearing (100) and the spindle (102) of the bowl are mounted within the bearing housing. The suspension is retained by a ring and retaining member secured to the separator in compressive contact with the spherical portion of the bearing housing.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator provides for automatic discharge of solids by either an axial-motion scraper or a piston/extrusion assembly. The axial-motion scraper is used with hard-packed or friable solids, and includes an integral feed liquid accelerator and feed holes. The piston/extrusion assembly is used with pasty solids, and includes a piston extending into a separator bowl and having openings permitting fluid communication across the piston. After high-speed separation is complete, a centrate valve closes one end of the bowl, and the piston is moved axially in the bowl by an actuator. Accumulated solids are scraped from the sides of the bowl and extruded out of the piston openings for discharge from the bowl. A bowl suspension employs a spherical mounting structure and a short, stiff spindle. A spherical portion of a bearing housing is mounted in a spherical mounting region at one end of the separator, with a cylindrical portion of the bearing housing extending along the rotational axis.

Abstract: A centrifuge filter for removing soot from engine oil. The centrifuge filter includes a rotor adapted to be rotated inside a centrifuge housing by an electric motor or other means. The rotor preferably includes a reusable aluminum support casing and a disposable plastic cartridge. The plastic cartridge includes a trap with partition walls to prevent wave formation in the rotating liquid contained in the trap. The cartridge includes an annular inlet through its top end, a winding flow path through the cartridge and an outlet at the bottom enc. The centrifuge housing includes an isolated sealed rotor chamber. Using the venturi effect, air is evacuated from the rotor chamber to provide a partial vacuum to reduce air drag on the rotor. Resilient rubber vibration isolators are used to reduce vibrations and engine induced shock loads from reaching the rotating element. A side oil inlet is provided in the cartridge to receive unfiltered oil at a location offset from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A centrifuge filter for removing soot from engine oil. The centrifuge filter includes a rotor adapted to be rotated inside a centrifuge housing by an electric motor or other means. The rotor preferably includes a reusable aluminum support casing and a disposable plastic cartridge. The plastic cartridge includes a trap with partition walls to prevent wave formation in the rotating liquid contained in the trap. The cartridge includes an annular inlet through its top end, a winding flow path through the cartridge and an outlet at the bottom. The centrifuge housing includes an isolated sealed rotor chamber. Using the venturi effect, air is evacuated from the rotor chamber to provide a partial vacuum to reduce air drag on the rotor. Resilient rubber vibration isolators are used to reduce vibrations and engine induced shock loads from reaching the rotating element. A side oil inlet is provided in the cartridge to receive unfiltered oil at a location offset from the axis of rotation.

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

Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprises a housing through which extends a spindle on which is mounted a centrifuge rotor. The rotor is mounted on journal bearing bushes that are lubricated by the liquid supplied at pressure to the rotor and the weight of the liquid-filled rotor is carried by magnetic repulsion thrust bearing comprising permanent magnets secured one each to the housing and rotor. The spaced magnets run without contact noise and frictional losses, improving rotational speed available from the supply pressure, and lateral (radial) instability that is inherent between repelling magnets and normally disliked puts a radial bias on the journal bearings which may result in quieter running by inhibiting vibration, particularly when the journal bushes are starved of liquid supply during wind-down. Alternatively or additionally, supply pressure induced lift of the rotor may be borne by a magnetic repulsion thrust bearing. The magnets may be permanent and/or electromagnets.

Abstract: A bearing supports a rotating element. The bearing comprises an inner annular body and an outer annular body about the inner annular body. A bearing surface, which is located between the inner annular body and the outer annular body, supports the outer annular body for rotation about the inner annular body. A cage supports the bearing surface during rotation of the outer annular body about the inner annular body. The cage includes a material that imparts increased flexural modulus that resists deformation during rotation.

Abstract: A centrifuge oil filter includes a centrifuge filter housing and a replaceable centrifuge cartridge. The centrifuge oil filter is adapted to remove soot from oil in engine applications. The centrifuge filter housing can be mounted directly on the frame of a vehicle for support and provides top access for a mechanic to service and replace the cartridge from the top of the filter. The centrifuge housing includes a lid at the top which can be removed to allow top access to the cartridge. The lid carries a bearing support and bearings upon which the upper end of a drive shaft is journalled to facilitate rotation of the cartridge. In the lower end of the housing another bearing assembly is provided with at least one set of bearings upon which the lower end of the drive shaft is journalled and an electrical motor which drives the drive shaft and therefore the cartridge.

Abstract: A centrifuge oil filter includes a centrifuge filter housing and a replaceable centrifuge cartridge. The centrifuge oil filter is adapted to remove soot from oil in engine applications. The centrifuge filter housing can be mounted directly on the frame of a vehicle for support and provides top access for a mechanic to service and replace the cartridge from the top of the filter. The centrifuge housing includes a lid at the top which can be removed to allow top access to the cartridge. The lid carries a bearing support and bearings upon which the upper end of a drive shaft is journalled to facilitate rotation of the cartridge. In the lower end of the housing another bearing assembly is provided with at least one set of bearings upon which the lower end of the drive shaft is journalled and an electrical motor which drives the drive shaft and therefore the cartridge.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for suspending components of a centrifugal separator from a floor or base plate. The assembly comprises two shafts fixed to each other at 90°, each shaft being disposed in bearing assemblies attached to the floor plate or pivot plate.

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).

Abstract: The centrifuge of the present invention is a centrifuge wherein a rotor is engaged integrally with a drive shaft, in the direction of turning, so that it can be freely attached and detached, wherein the drive shaft is attached to the equipment frame through elastic members, a spherical surface is formed in the upper part of the drive shaft, a spherical concave surface corresponding to the spherical surface in the drive shaft is formed in the top surface of a bearing hole in the rotor, the spherical concave surface of the bearing hole is made to ride on the spherical surface of the drive shaft, and the rotor is engaged so that it can swing freely relative to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A blood processing centrifuge includes a disposable fluid processing assembly having a fluid processing chamber. Fluid is communicated to and from the fluid processing chamber through a flexible umbilicus. The fluid processing chamber spins while the centrifuge pulls the umbilicus around an axis of centrifugation. The centrifuge engages the umbilicus through a thrust bearing received in a gimbal assembly carried on a rotating wing plate. The gimbal assembly allows the umbilicus to pivot relative to the wing plate under the forces developed during centrifugation. The gimbal assembly includes a bearing retainer adapted to securely retain umbilicus thrust bearings of differing sizes a gimbal that loosely but securely retains the bearing retainer. Clearance between the gimbal and the bearing retainer enable the bearing retainer to accommodate thrust bearings of differing sizes without causing gimbal binding.

Abstract: A centrifuge separator system includes a centrifuge bowl for receiving the feed to be separated; a flexible suspension for rotatably, flexibly supporting the bowl; and a retractable restrainer device for constraining the bowl during scraping action of a scraper blade to remove solids from the bowl. Alternatively, the bowl could be radially and rotationally constrained and the scraper rotated to remove solids from the bowl.

Abstract: A vertically oriented centrifuge swivably engaged to a support structure so as to enable the centrifuge to attain an optimal operational attitude. The centrifuge includes a bowl, a screw conveyor disposed within the bowl, a hub disposed within the upper portion of the screw conveyor wherein the screw conveyor and hub define a separation chamber, and a plurality of separating discs disposed in the separation chamber and arranged in superimposed layers upon the hub.

Abstract: A centrifuge separator system includes a centrifuge bowl for receiving the feed to be separated; a flexible suspension for rotatably, flexibly supporting the bowl; and a retractable restrainer device for constraining the bowl during scraping action of a scraper blade to remove solids from the bowl. Alternatively, the bowl could be radially and rotationally constrained and the scraper rotated to remove solids from the bowl.

Abstract: An imperforate bowl centrifugal separator includes an imperforate separator bowl; a housing for rotatably mounting the bowl including a chamber in which the bowl rotates; an outlet for removing the centrate from the chamber; a discharge port in the housing for removing solids from the bowl; and a gate for closing the discharge port during extraction of centrate from the chamber and opening the discharge port to remove the solids after substantially all of the centrate has been removed from the chamber. The solids and centrate are removed from the same outlet in the bottom of the bowl.

Abstract: Centrifuge drive apparatus including a support including a plurality of resilient mounting members that are spaced around a rotation axis and are intersected by a mounting plane that is perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a centrifuge bowl and drive motor assembly having a combined center of gravity in the vicinity of the mounting plane to reduce vibration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a centrifugal decanter comprising a rotor connected to a motor for driving in rotation by a vertical shaft suspended in pendulous manner by a swivel joint supported by a fixed connected seat. Springs for returning the shaft into vertical position are provided, in the form of compression springs arranged so as to relieve the swivel joint of the weight of the rotating system that it supports.

Abstract: A two plane self-balancing centrifuge is disclosed herein in which the centrifuge rotor is driven by a shaft attached to bearings. The bearings are supported by upper and lower flexible bearing mounts. This results in two horizontally flexible bearing mounting planes to provide a greater degree of freedom for the axis of rotation of the rotor to move into a coincident relationship with the angular momentum vector of the rotor as it changes with dynamic imbalance thereby to compensate for any imbalance which may occur in the centrifuge rotor during processing. The centrifuge particularly suited for use in processing blood.