Including Vibration Damping Means Patents (Class 494/82)
  • Patent number: 9079193
    Abstract: In a centrifugal separator having a stationary part, a non-rotating part, is elastically connected to the stationary 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Kjell Klintenstedt
  • Publication number: 20140329658
    Abstract: A laboratory centrifuge includes two rotating parts (10, 11) associated by translation locking elements (13) including at least one female element (16) and at least one complementary male element (15). The male element (15) is associated with elements (20) for its operation to the inactive position, which include a rotating actuator member (21) carried by one of the rotating parts (11) and which cooperates with the male element (15) to ensure, by a rotational operation of the rotating actuator member (21) about its axis of rotation (21?), the displacement of the associated male element (15) from the active position to the inactive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: AFI CENTRIFUGE
    Inventors: Philippe LE GUYADER, Jean-Claude LETOURNEUR, Norbert ROLLAND
  • Publication number: 20140329659
    Abstract: A laboratory centrifuge includes elements (10) for the locking of a lid in a closed position, which locking elements (10) include at least one strike (11) and at least one bolt (12) mobile between a locking position and an unlocking position. These locking elements (10) also include operating elements (15) including a motor shaft (16) that is coupled to the bolt (12) through transmission elements (17). The transmission elements (17) include a crank (18), extending the motor shaft (16), which carries an actuating member (19) bearing on a contact surface (12c1, 12c2) formed on the bolt (12), so that the driving into eccentric rotation of the actuating member (19) about the motor axis of rotation (16?) causes its circulation and bearing along the contact surface (12c1, 12c2) and the rotational control of the bolt (12) between its locking and unlocking positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: AFI CENTRIFUGE
    Inventors: Philippe LE GUYADER, Jean-Claude LETOURNEUR, Norbert ROLLAND
  • Patent number: 8845505
    Abstract: A separator includes a centrifugal drum having a vertical axis of rotation and a feed line for material to be centrifuged. A drive spindle for the centrifugal drum is rotatably mounted on a housing via a bearing, the housing being supported elastically on a machine frame. A drive device includes a motor housing and an electric motor having a stator and an armature which is aligned with the drive spindle. The drive device and the motor housing move with the drive spindle as co-vibrating units during an operation of the separator. The drive device is connected to the machine frame below the bearing at a lower axial end of the bearing via one or more joint elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Thomas Bathelt, Andreas Penkl, Thomas Kleimann, Marie-Theres Sedler
  • Patent number: 8758209
    Abstract: A separator including a rotatable centrifugal drum having a vertical axis of rotation and an inflow line for a material to be processed by the separator. Also included is a drive spindle for the drum rotatably mounted via a mounting to a housing supported elastically on a machine stand section. A drive device includes an electric drive motor having a stator and a rotor which is aligned with the drive spindle. A lubricant system is configured to lubricate the mounting and the lubricant system includes a lubricant circuit to convey lubricant and has a lubricant collecting container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Thomas Bathelt, Andreas Penkl, Andreas Schulz, Marie-Theres Sedler
  • Publication number: 20140045673
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for aligning the index angle of a polar coordinate system device, such as the rotor of a centrifuge, with the vertical axis of a Cartesian coordinate system device, such as a robotic end-effector. The apparatus includes a first registration device, that is removably attached to the gripping means of the end-effector and a second registration device, that is removably insertable into a pivoting platform, such as a bucket to a centrifuge rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Creazzo
  • Publication number: 20130331252
    Abstract: A centrifuge bowl for separating whole blood into blood components includes a rotatable body, and inlet, and a plurality of vibration reduction members. The rotatable body has a body portion and a neck portion. The body portion defines an interior for receiving whole blood, and the body is rotatable to separate the whole blood into a plurality of blood components. The inlet is in fluid communication with the interior of the rotatable body, and is configured to introduce the whole blood into the rotatable body. The plurality of vibration reduction members are spaced about the neck portion, and are configured to reduce vibration of the centrifuge bowl as the bowl is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Brunner, Christopher J. Caputo
  • Patent number: 8517904
    Abstract: A mounting structure is provided for mounting a device comprising at least one mounting shield, a pivot bearing arranged in the mounting shield and a rotor mounted in the pivot bearing and having an axis of rotation. The mounting structure has resilient properties that are dependent on directions perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo Electron LED GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Henne
  • Patent number: 8465406
    Abstract: A screw centrifuge including a drum having a rotor, the drum having two axial ends and a horizontal axis of rotation, and a screw arranged in the drum and configured to rotate relative to the drum at a speed different from a rotation speed of the drum. Also included is a bearing device located at each axial end of the drum and configured to bear the drum. Each bearing device includes a housing and a pair of cantilevers extending in opposite directions away from the housing. Further included is a pair of spring elements associated with each bearing device and configured for sprung support of the drum. Each spring is arranged between one of the cantilevers and a frame, the spring elements being located at each axial end of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Overberg, Stefanos Doudis, Stefan Terholsen, Helmut Figgener, Hans-Joachim Beyer
  • Patent number: 8292793
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method of a centrifuge using balancer wherein a balancer containing balls, a liquid, or both balls and a liquid are provided, thereby helping the rotor rotate more stably. More particularly, the centrifuge comprises a motor, a rotational shaft of the motor projected from said motor, a rotor, a main body, and a balancer which contains compensation material in a balancing space formed by a cover that is coupled to said main body, wherein the balancing for the unbalance due to the loaded samples is executed more accurately and stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hanlab Corporation
    Inventors: Heuigeun Ryu, Jong-Mok Lee, Sungha Chang
  • Patent number: 8262551
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a centrifuge includes: a rotor for separating samples; a motor for driving and rotating the rotor; a drive shaft for connecting together the motor and the rotor; a rotation sensor for detecting at least one of the rotation speed of the motor and the rotor; and a displacement sensor for detecting the swinging motion of the rotor or the drive shaft, wherein, after one of speed of the motor and the rotor is accelerated up to previously set rotation speed, when the swinging amount of the rotor or the drive shaft is equal to or more than preset allowable value, the supply of power to the motor is stopped to decelerate the motor, wherein, during the deceleration, signal from the displacement sensor is compared with the preset allowable value, and wherein when the signal from the displacement sensor becomes equal to or less than the preset allowable value, the motor is accelerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Akatsu, Yoshitaka Niinai, Hisanobu Ooyama
  • Patent number: 8251883
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic balance adjusting centrifuge which calculates the magnitude and the location of imbalance of itself based on the vibration generated in the dynamic state and automatically compensate for the imbalance based on the calculation, and the control method thereof. The method includes: (a) measuring the amount of vibration of a rotor of a centrifuge, supporting buckets that load samples, at a predetermined rotational velocity; (b) determining whether the amount of vibration measured in step (a) is greater than an allowed value; and (c) when the amplitude of the vibration is greater than the allowed value, compensating for a weight imbalance of the rotor by an amount calculated based on the vibration amount measured in step (a) and returning to step (a), otherwise, performing a centrifugal separation by accelerating the rotor to a working velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hanlab Corporation
    Inventors: Heuigeun Ryu, Ohhun Kwon, Sunghyuk Lee, Jaehong Oh
  • Publication number: 20120122650
    Abstract: A continuously operating centrifuge serves for centrifuging sugar massecuites. it has elements (20, 30, 40, 50) which rotate about a common axis (16). Furthermore, there is provided a drive unit (70), an outer housing incorporating a framework (10) having a base (11) and side walls (12) and vibration damping elements (82). An inner housing (80) is provided around the elements (20, 30, 40, 50) rotating about the common axis (16). The vibration damping elements (82) are arranged between the inner housing (80) and the base (11) of the framework (10) of the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: BMA BRAUNSCHWEIGISCHE MASCHINENBAUANSTALT AG
    Inventors: Eckhard Bartsch, Hans-Heinrich Westendarp
  • Patent number: 8092362
    Abstract: A separator arrangement includes a separator having a drum with a vertical rotation axis. The drum is placed on a rotatable drive spindle and is surrounded by a shroud. A separating wall separates the separator arrangement into a sanitary area that includes the drum and the shroud and a drive area that includes the drive device. The separator and the drive device are decoupled as a unit, in terms of vibration, by at least one of the separating wall and a foundation attachment. The drive device includes a motor, a coupling, at least one bearing device, and a flange section around the drive spindle underneath a drive cover, and a sealing device. A membrane arrangement is formed in a region of the drive cover and, for vibration purposes, decouples the drive cover from the machine frame in a region around the drive spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Werner Kohlstette, Olaf Müller, Thomas Homann
  • Patent number: 7942801
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifuge including a balancer which contains balls and liquid and enables a rotor to rotate steadily. More concretely, the centrifuge comprises a motor, a motor shaft protruded from the motor, a rotor, and a balancer which includes a space constructed with a balancer body and a cover unit combining with the balancer body and formed to contain balls and liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hanlab Corporation
    Inventors: Heuigeun Ryu, Ohhun Kwon, Sungha Chang
  • Publication number: 20110086752
    Abstract: A blood separation chamber for rotation about an axis comprises a low-G wall and a high-G wall extending about the axis in a spaced apart relationship to define between them a separation channel. The separation channel includes axially spaced first and second ends. The first end of the separation channel defines at least one generally arcuate recessed region and at least one radial wall within the recessed region sized and positioned so as to aid in balancing the blood separation chamber during rotation about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Mark J. Brierton
  • Patent number: 7883456
    Abstract: A centrifugal machine includes a vibration preventive mechanism part containing a support member and a damping portion disposed in the support member so as to be connectable or contactable to the drive device. The damping portion includes a magnet member and a friction member disposed on the support member and, owing to the magnetic force of the magnet member, the friction member is contacted with a first arm member. The magnet member can be magnetized by an electromagnetic coil and, owing to the magnetic force of the magnet member, the friction member can be contacted with the first arm member. On receiving a vibration change from a drive device, the vibration preventive mechanism part can dampen the vibration change using the damping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Kusumoto, Shinki Ohtsu
  • Patent number: 7850590
    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 having an impeller 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 lubrication arrangement and a drive device including an electric drive motor having a stator and a motor rotor which is aligned with the drive spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Gea Westfalia Separator GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Helga Tietz
  • Patent number: 7819792
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge that enhances the efficiency of space utilization by simplifying the structure as well as supports a precise movement by improving the structure of the balance weight transport apparatus in the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge that compensates the unbalance of the centrifugal force by transferring the balance weight equipped in the rotor rotational arm. According to the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge of the present invention, the structure is simplified as well as the precise and exact transfer of the balance weight is possible by connecting the balance weight with the axis of the motor directly and adopting the length sensor. Furthermore, the efficiency of space utilization is enhanced because the axis of rotation of the balance weight transfer motor is in radial direction of the rotational arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Hanlab Corporation
    Inventors: Heuigeun Ryu, Ohhun Kwon, Sunghyuk Lee, Sanghoon Lee
  • Patent number: 7819793
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating blood into blood components using a separation vessel satellite bags mounted on a centrifuge rotor and a balancing assembly for the centrifuge to compensate for changes to the center of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Lindell, Thomas L. Menhennett, Johan-Petter Hogström, Per-Olov Jan Lundberg, Brian M. Holmes, Charles L. Hake, Daniel A. Joseph
  • Patent number: 7806820
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic balancing and inertial damping of vibrations in a rotor are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a rotor drive shaft is adapted to mount a rotor and rotate the rotor. A lower drive shaft connects to a source of rotation. A flexible coupling attaches the rotor drive shaft to the lower drive shaft and transfers a rotational force applied by the source of rotation to the rotor while permitting relative lateral motion between the rotor drive shaft and the lower drive shaft. An inertial coupling is coupled to the rotor drive shaft and provides inertial resistance to the relative lateral motion. A clamping collar is coupled to the inertial coupling to couple the inertial coupling to a chassis and permit the relative lateral motion between the rotor drive shaft and the lower drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Wayne Howell
  • Publication number: 20100234203
    Abstract: A compact laboratory centrifuge including a centrifuge rotor and a drive unit for driving the centrifuge rotor. The drive unit includes a motor, a motor housing and a shaft. The centrifuge rotor is attached to and driven by the shaft. The centrifuge rotor includes a recess adapted to receiving the upper portion of the motor housing, which is positioned in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: HANNING ELEKTRO-WERKE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Erich R. Soetebier, Ruediger Rauskolb
  • Patent number: 7766809
    Abstract: A method for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising centrifuging at least two separation bags containing two discrete volumes of a composite liquid respectively, so as to separate therein the first and second components; transferring at least one fraction of a first separated component from the separation bags into satellite bags connected thereto respectively; detecting a characteristic of a component at determined location in each separation bag; and stopping transferring the at least one fraction of the first component from each separation bag into the first satellite bag connected thereto, upon detection of the characteristic of a component at the determined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor D. Dolecek, Daniel A. Joseph, Darryl Hudock
  • Patent number: 7699766
    Abstract: A centrifuge has a rotor for receiving a disposable processing unit. The centrifuge is configured such that the motor is attached to an enclosure and the enclosure is supported on a base. The connection between the base and the enclosure is a vibration isolator, and the isolator is positioned such that its effective line of action aligns with the effective plane of rotation of the rotor. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the processing units are held in a decanting position by a decant ring that moves vertically but does not rotate. The ring engages the top of the processing unit during decant and the abrasion is minimal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Harvest Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Ellsworth, Paul McGovern
  • Patent number: 7674221
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component comprises a centrifuge, with a rotor having a rotation axis comprising at least two separation cells, each for containing a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid; and first balancing elements for balancing the rotor when the respective weights of the at least two separation bags in the at least two separation cells are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl Hudock, Daniel A. Joseph, Victor D. Dolecek
  • Patent number: 7670276
    Abstract: A decanter type centrifugal separator includes a torque transmission mechanism with enhanced effect of absorbing a torsional vibration. The decanter type centrifugal separator (10) includes a bowl (20); a screw conveyor (40) disposed in the bowl (20); a processed liquid feed portion (15); a separated liquid discharge port (81); a solid discharge port (82); a drive portion (71); and a differential gear unit (50) for generating a difference in speeds between the bowl (20) and the screw conveyor (40). A torque transmission mechanism (60, 61) includes an elastic damping member (67) for absorbing the torsional vibration of the screw conveyor (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Tomoe Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Fujimoto, Jun Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20100009835
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifuge including a balancer which contains balls and liquid and enables a rotor to rotate steadily. More concretely, the centrifuge comprises a motor, a motor shaft protruded from the motor, a rotor, and a balancer which includes a space constructed with a balancer body and a cover unit combining with the balancer body and formed to contain balls and liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: HANLAB CORPORATION
    Inventors: Heuigeun RYU, Ohhun KWON, Sungha CHANG
  • Publication number: 20090023571
    Abstract: A centrifugal machine comprises a box member; a drive device mounted within the box member and having a rotation shaft; a rotor connected to the rotation shaft of the drive device for holding a specimen to be centrifuged; and, a damper for mounting the drive device into the box member, wherein the centrifugal machine further includes a vibration preventive mechanism part, the vibration preventive mechanism part containing a support member to be supported by the box member and a damping portion disposed in the support member so as to be connectable or contactable to the drive device, and also wherein, on receiving a vibration change from the drive device, the vibration preventive mechanism part can dampen the vibration change using the damping portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Shoji KUSUMOTO, Shinki Ohtsu
  • Patent number: 7438679
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for balancing a centrifuge having interconnected hydraulic chambers in containers on a rotor, each container being adapted to receive a composite fluid, comprising transferring, by the rotation of the rotor, hydraulic liquid from a source to the interconnected hydraulic chambers to balance the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: CaridianBCT Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Hlavinka, Eric T. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7435211
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a balancer which is provided with a curved portion at a balancing space so that movement of balls is accelerated at the moment a rotational speed of a rotor exceeds a resonant speed, thereby stabilizing the rotation of the rotor without vibration regardless of when the rotational speed of the rotor is less or more than the resonant speed, and a centrifuge using the above balancer. The balancer includes a body which is formed with a balancing space thereinside. The balancing space has a circular circumference, and is defined by a bottom portion, a slanted portion extending upward from the bottom portion, a curved portion formed at an end of the slanted portion, and an upper large-diameter portion extending from the curved portion. The balancer further includes a plurality of balls which are contained in the balancing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventors: Young Cheol Kim, An Sung Lee, Byung Ok Kim
  • Patent number: 7297097
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lift type weight measuring centrifuge which is able to measure the weight of a measurement object after spatially isolating the measurement object. The centrifuge includes an upper sensing plate to move upwards, and a weight sensing mechanism provided under the upper sensing plate to sense a weight of the measurement object seated on the upper sensing plate. The centrifuge further includes a lift mechanism to move both the upper sensing plate and the weight sensing mechanism vertically, and a control device to control the operation of the lift mechanism and to measure the weight of the measurement object using a weight sensing signal output from the weight sensing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hanlab Corporation
    Inventors: Heui-Geun Ryu, Hak-Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 7285085
    Abstract: An automatic balancing rotor for a centrifuge which compensates for imbalance of a centrifugal force occurring due to a weight difference of samples. The automatic balancing rotor includes a plurality of rotating arms spaced at regular angular intervals, with a plurality of buckets containing the samples supported by the rotating arms. The automatic balancing rotor includes a balance weight provided in each of the rotating arms to be movable in a radial direction, thus compensating for imbalanced centrifugal force applied to the buckets, and a balance weight mover which horizontally moves the balance weight in the radial direction of each of the rotating arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hanlab Corporation
    Inventors: Do-Gyoon Kim, Heui-Geun Ryu
  • Publication number: 20070225143
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a balancer which is provided with a curved portion at a balancing space so that movement of balls is accelerated at the moment a rotational speed of a rotor exceeds a resonant speed, thereby stabilizing the rotation of the rotor without vibration regardless of when the rotational speed of the rotor is less or more than the resonant speed, and a centrifuge using the above balancer. The balancer includes a body which is formed with a balancing space thereinside. The balancing space has a circular circumference, and is defined by a bottom portion, a slanted portion extending upward from the bottom portion, a curved portion formed at an end of the slanted portion, and an upper large-diameter portion extending from the curved portion. The balancer further includes a plurality of balls which are contained in the balancing space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS
    Inventors: Young Cheol KIM, An Sung LEE, Byung Ok KIM
  • Publication number: 20070203010
    Abstract: Provided is an automatic balance adjustable rotor for a centrifuge apparatus which enables to detect a weight unbalance between samples installed to buckets of the rotor, allows the rotor lever to move horizontally by the detection result, and distribute the remaining eccentric unbalance weight by a back lash during the rotation of the rotor. The rotor of the present invention comprises: a rotor lever (100) which ends are configured for supporting buckets in which samples are installed, wherein a block worm gear (104) is installed at the center of the top surface of the rotor lever; a rotor body (110) for supporting and allowing the rotor lever to horizontally move; a lever movement motor (180) installed in the rotor body; and a power transmission means (200) for transmitting a rotational force of the lever movement motor to the block worm gear, allowing the rotor lever to horizontally move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Do-Gyoon Kim, Hak-Chul Kim, Heui-Geun Ryu
  • Patent number: 7255669
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes a frame, a damper connected to and supported on the frame for isolating vibrations, a drive unit connected to and supported by the damper, a swing-bucket rotor rotated by the drive unit, an accelerometer for detecting when part of the drive unit contacts part of the frame due to vibrations of the drive unit exceeding a predetermined amplitude, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit based on output from the accelerometer. When amplitude of vibrations in the drive unit exceeds a predetermined value, a portion of the drive unit contacts a portion of the frame. The accelerometer detects an impact caused by the contact between the drive unit and the frame. The drive unit is halted when output detected from the accelerometer exceeds a threshold value for detecting imbalances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Shimizu, Yoshitaka Niinai, Shoji Kusumoto, Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7115090
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method comprising detecting tubes inside carriers (P), detecting an expected imbalance of the centrifuge (CE) and, when said detection reveals the presence of such an imbalance owing to the presence of an insufficient number of carriers (P) or an odd number of carriers (P), the method consists in: simulating the load of the centrifuge incorporating the incomplete carrier (P), selecting a balance-restoring carrier based on the number of tubes missing in the incomplete carrier (P), determining the boat of the centrifuge (CE) wherein the balancing carrier should be placed and installing said carrier in the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Stago Instruments
    Inventor: Benoit Lagarde
  • Patent number: 7070553
    Abstract: In a method of rapidly lowering the rotary speed of a rotating rotor body in a centrifugal separator the lowering of the rotary speed is initiated, when a disturbing unbalance or vibrations have occurred. A space between the rotor body and a stationary casing which surrounds the rotor body is supplied with foam or with an aerosol of a liquid in a gas, when unbalance or vibrations over a certain level have occurred. The rotor body is retarded by the friction, which is obtained between the rotor body, the foam or aerosol and the casing. In an arrangement to lower the rotary speed of a rotating rotor body in a centrifugal separator the lowering is initiated when a disturbing unbalance or disturbing vibrations has occurred. At a certain unbalance or certain vibration level, a foam generating device or a device that creates an aerosol for the purpose of filling a space between the rotor body and a casing which surrounds the same with foam or aerosol is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventor: Sven-Olof Nyberg
  • Patent number: 7056272
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a centrifuge having a vertical axis of rotation, and including a centrifugal drum having a feeding tube for material to be centrifuged, outlet nozzles, and an emergency off system connected in front of the centrifugal drum. The emergency off system includes a feeding system feeding particles into the centrifugal drum. The present disclosure also relates to a method of implementing an emergency off system of the centrifuge. The method steps include: providing an emergency off signal; feeding the particles into the centrifugal drum in response to the emergency off signal; and, wherein the particles plug the outlet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Reinhard Moss
  • Patent number: 7025714
    Abstract: Centrifuge includes a plate, a detector for the position of the plate, a monitoring and control unit, to turn the plate and to stop it in predetermined angular positions; characterized by several balancing containers, a centrifugal detector, a device for providing a balancing product located at a fixed station, calculating means adapted to determine an angular position (?B) and a mass (m0) of an unbalance (B) as well as an angular position (?E) for a balancing mass (m1). The monitoring and control unit control the stopping of the plate in a predetermined angular position for the balancing mass (m1) in correspondence with the fixed station, and to control said device for supplying a balancing product to fill the one of the balancing containers that is located at the fixed station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Diagyr
    Inventor: Philippe Escal
  • Patent number: 7008365
    Abstract: A centrifuge that includes a centrifugal drum having a solids collecting chamber arranged below a bottom of the centrifugal drum. Also included is an oscillation measuring device for recording oscillations of the centrifugal drum. Further included is a medium situated in the solids collecting chamber. Also included is at least one feeler element that protrudes beyond the bottom of, and is connected to the centrifugal drum. When the medium level rises in the solids collecting chamber, the at least one feeler element is contacted by the medium before the medium contacts the centrifugal drum. The contact results in uncritical oscillations that are analyzed by the oscillation measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Jochen Hamatschek, Willi Niemerg, Wilfried Mackel
  • Patent number: 6971525
    Abstract: A centrifuge with combinations of multiple features is disclosed. In one aspect, a centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a fluid separation wall placed within a sleeve. The fluid separation wall rotates around the axis of rotation. A receptacle aids in separation of the more dense material from the fluid medium. The receptacle defined in a part by a respective geometry and a respective shape. An opening extends from the void area to the outer surface to transport the more dense material to the containment zone. An excitation apparatus associated with the receptacle creates a vibration within the receptacle. The centrifuge may further include a valve ring including a valve orifice the valve ring having a first position which blocks the more dense material from exiting the receptacle and a second position that allows the more dense material to move into the containment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6960158
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator (100) comprising a centrifugal frame (40), a rotatable, vertically arranged, drive spindle (100) provided with a drum (12), and a motor (90) having a vertical rotor axis (91). The spindle (10) is rotatably mounted in a bearing pot (20) and is mounted in a manner that permits it to three-dimensionally move about a pivot (G) in relation to the centrifugal frame (40). The housing of the motor (90) is rigidly fixed to the centrifugal frame (40), with the rotor axis (91) of the motor (90) aligned with the longitudinal axis (11) of the drive spindle (10) when at rest. The motor rotor is connected to the spindle (10) at a coupling point (K) via a flexible coupling element (70). The spindle (10) is mounted in the bearing pot (20) at at least two interspaced bearing points (22, 24) by means of antifriction bearings. The bearing pot (20) is joined to the centrifugal frame (40) via elastic bearing elements (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Wilfried Mackel
  • Patent number: 6953424
    Abstract: In a centrifugal separator, a temperature sensor is provided in contact with a vibration isolation rubber that elastically supports an induction motor to a motor base. A Peltier element for heating/cooling the vibration isolation rubber is provided in contact with the vibration isolation rubber. The temperature sensor and the Peltier element is connected to a controller. Based on a detected temperature input from the temperature sensor, the controller controls heat generation or cooling effected by the Peltier element, thereby maintaining an optimum temperature of the vibration isolation rubber to maintain its damping characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Kusumoto, Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6949063
    Abstract: A centrifugal machine of automatic balance type is provided for detecting an unbalance in a specimen mounted on a rotor lever before every centrifugal machining, and for moving horizontally the rotor lever according to detected results, maintaining automatic balance, thereby preventing destruction of a specimen due to an unbalance of the rotor, and extending the life of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hanlab Corporation
    Inventors: Dou-Ha Baik, Heui-Geun Ryu
  • Patent number: 6932913
    Abstract: A system and method for vibration in a centrifuge is disclosed. A centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a fluid separation wall placed within a non-rotating sleeve. The fluid separation wall rotates around the axis of rotation and includes an inner surface and an outer surface with at least one receptacle formed on the inner surface of the fluid separation wall. The receptacle aids in separation of more dense material from the fluid medium by forming a void space between the inner and outer surface. An excitation apparatus associated with the receptacle to create a vibration within the receptacle. A flow path may extend through the wall from the void area to the outer surface to transport more dense material to the containment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6805805
    Abstract: A system and method for receptacle wall vibration in a centrifuge is disclosed. A centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a vibratory device associated with the receptacle wall to create a vibratory force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6776752
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Wagner Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Carr
  • Publication number: 20040142808
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator (100) comprising a centrifugal frame (40), a rotatable, vertically arranged, drive spindle (100) provided with a drum (12), and a motor (90) having a vertical rotor axis (91). The spindle (10) is rotatably mounted in a bearing pot (20) and is mounted in a manner that permits it to three-dimensionally move about a pivot (G) in relation to the centrifugal frame (40). The housing of the motor (90) is rigidly fixed to the centrifugal frame (40), with the rotor axis (91) of the motor (90) aligned with the longitudinal axis (11) of the drive spindle (10) when at rest. The motor rotor is connected to the spindle (10) at a coupling point (K) via a flexible coupling element (70). The spindle (10) is mounted in the bearing pot (20) at at least two interspaced bearing points (22, 24) by means of antifriction bearings. The bearing pot (20) is joined to the centrifugal frame (40) via elastic bearing elements (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Wilfried Mackel
  • Publication number: 20040063562
    Abstract: A centrifuge that includes a centrifugal drum having a solids collecting chamber arranged below a bottom of the centrifugal drum. Also included is an oscillation measuring device for recording oscillations of the centrifugal drum. Further included is a medium situated in the solids collecting chamber. Also included is at least one feeler element that protrudes beyond the bottom of, and is connected to the centrifugal drum. When the medium level rises in the solids collecting chamber, the at least one feeler element is contacted by the medium before the medium contacts the centrifugal drum. The contact results in uncritical oscillations that are analyzed by the oscillation measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jochen Hamatschek, Willi Niemerg, Wilfried Mackel
  • Patent number: 6706180
    Abstract: A system and method for vibration in a centrifuge is disclosed. A centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a fluid separation wall placed within a non-rotating sleeve. The fluid separation wall rotates around the axis of rotation and includes an inner surface and an outer surface with at least one receptacle formed on the inner surface of the fluid separation wall. The receptacle aids in separation of more dense material from the fluid medium by forming a void space between the inner and outer surface. An excitation apparatus associated with the receptacle to create a vibration within the receptacle. A flow path may extend through the wall from the void area to the outer surface to transport more dense material to the containment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller