Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for operating a centrifuge which has a drive shaft used for loading, a drum which is connected to the drive shaft and has a drum casing and a drum base, a filter with a working region situated within the filter, an annular space formed between the filter and the drum casing, at least one drum base opening which is formed in the drum base and opens out into the annular space, and at least one swirl nozzle which is arranged in such a manner that it injects a fluid through the at least one drum base opening into the annular space.
Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a centrifugation dewatering apparatus that is capable of using a flow of air to dry a material to be dewatered while the material is being subjected to centrifugation dewatering. A centrifugation dewatering apparatus has a water-draining basket (2) for accommodating a material to be dewatered (i), and the water-draining basket (2) is rotatably provided to an apparatus main body (3). The water-draining basket (2) is rotatably driven, whereby water that has adhered to the material to be dewatered (i) is centrifugally removed. A hollow rotating shaft part (5) that is caused to rotate using a drive source (4) is vertically provided to the apparatus main body (3). The water-draining basket (2), which rotates in tandem with the rotating shaft part (5), is provided to a periphery of the rotating shaft part (5). The interior of the hollow rotating shaft part (5) and the interior of the water-draining basket (2) are provided in a communicating state.
Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus (1) for drying food-stuffs, comprising at least a centrifugation basket (5) for drying said product by its rotation, the lateral surface of said basket (5) being holed; a pin (13) rotating coupled with said at least a centrifugation basket (5); and a motor (12), mechanically coupled with said rotation pin (13); said apparatus (1) being characterised in that said motor (12) is a synchronous three-phase electric motor (12) and in that it comprises means (16) for controlling rotation of said motor (12) for adjusting the torque output by said motor (12) with respect to its rotation speed.
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
Abstract: A rotor is provided for the centrifugal separation of a composite fluid, such as animal or human blood, into components. An inner surface of the rotor includes at least one hydrophobic area having a first surface energy sufficiently low to provide a flow path for a lower density fluid component to flow to the bottom of a central collection chamber after centrifugal separation. A method of separating a composite fluid into components using such a rotor is also provided. Additionally, a method of manufacturing such a rotor is provided.
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
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
Abstract: One or more apparatuses for removing hydrocarbons and contaminates are provided. The apparatus for removing hydrocarbons and contaminates can include a hopper in communication with a material moving device. The material moving device can be at least partially disposed within a trough. An injection port can be disposed in the trough. A separation tank can be communication with the material moving device, and the separation tank can be in fluid communication with a scalper, a shaker screen, a screen, a hydrocyclone, a dewatering centrifuge, a clarifying tank, or combinations thereof.
Abstract: A dewatering structure includes a receptacle body, a dewatering unit and an operation apparatus. The receptacle body includes a receptacle tub and an assembling space, in which the receptacle tub and the assembling space are independent from each other. The operation apparatus includes an operation unit and a base. The operation unit includes an active pedal and a driven pedal, which are pivotally coupled to the base and are intersected with each other. The driven pedal includes a free end slidably coupled with a driving block having a threaded through hole. The threaded through hole is provided for connection with a threaded rod sheathed in a spring member. When the active pedal and the driven pedal are repetitively pressed each other and then released, the dewatering unit is driven to rotate, thus producing a centrifugal force for removing the water from the water-contained object.
Abstract: A Platelet Rich Plasma separator assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a cylindrical outer wall closed at the top by an upper plate and closed at the bottom. A bottom plate having an upper surface sloped down to a central opening. The top edge of the inner wall terminates at a distance from the upper plate to define an annular erythrocyte passageway therebetween. The inner wall has an outer surface and an inner surface that slopes radially inward from its top edge to its bottom at an angle of from 0.2 to 5 degrees with a central axis of the inner wall. A cylindrical depth filter is positioned between the inner surface of the outer wall and the outer surface of the inner wall in communication with the inner wall through the erythrocyte passageway.
Abstract: An apparatus for use with a food processor base and a method for using the same. The food processor base includes a seat, a drive shaft and a motor. The drive shaft is rotated by the motor. The apparatus includes an outer bowl, a cover for the outer bowl, and a perforated inner bowl. The outer bowl may include a connector for being seated on the seat of the food processor base. The inner bowl is positioned within the outer bowl and is connectable to the drive shaft of the food processor base for rotation of the inner perforated bowl within the outer bowl. The inner perforated bowl has a one to one rotation with the drive shaft.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 18, 2006
Date of Patent:
January 11, 2011
Assignee:
Innovative Products for Life Inc.
Inventors:
Hatim Zaghloul, Mohammed Mali, Hussein Desouki, Sisso El-Hamamsy
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:
May 25, 2006
Date of Patent:
December 7, 2010
Assignee:
Biomet Biologics, LLC
Inventors:
Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon, Barry F. Hecker
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 and mesenchymal stem cells from bone reaming material. 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 25, 2006
Date of Patent:
November 16, 2010
Assignee:
Biomet Biologics, LLC
Inventors:
Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon
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.
Abstract: A PRP separator-concentrator comprising a housing, a separation assembly, and a concentration assembly. The concentration assembly has a concentration sump. An axially concentric rigid stationary outlet tube is secured to the housing and extends through the separation assembly to the sump. The separation assembly is attached to and positioned above the concentration assembly to form a combined separator-concentrator assemblage that is rotatable about the outlet tube. The separation assembly includes a separation chamber lined with a depth filter having pores and passageways that are sized to receive and entrap erythrocytes during centrifuging. The concentration chamber has a floor for supporting desiccated beads and a wall with at least one opening closed with a screen. The concentrator can have a distribution of upright screen supports, the upright screen supports having an inner surface and an outer surface, the cylindrical screen being supported on the outer surface of the upright screen supports.
Abstract: A concentrator is used for concentrating a fluid, particularly a plasma component out of blood, for treatment of a patient. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing defining a centrifuge chamber, that also holds the filter. The concentrator allows viewing of the fluid after centrifuging, with an outlet port positionable at a height corresponding to the level of the fraction of the fluid to be further concentrated. Once the fluid is centrifuged, a portion of the fluid is drawn through the outlet, and then pressured past the filter to further concentrate the fluid using the same vessel as used for centrifuging. The same plunger is preferably used to draw centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge chamber as to pressure the centrifuged fluid past the filter.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 31, 2007
Date of Patent:
September 28, 2010
Assignee:
Circle Biologics, LLC.
Inventors:
Thomas Coull, Matthew R. Kyle, Louis S. Kidder
Abstract: A blood separation chamber is provided for separating blood into its constituent parts by rotation about an axis. The chamber has a central hub coinciding with the axis and spaced apart high-G and low-G walls which define therebetween a separation channel. The chamber further includes a plurality of parallel radial walls extending outwardly from the central hub and defining a radial fluid flow passage between each adjacent pair of walls. Each fluid flow passage communicates between the central hub and the separation channel. One of the radial walls includes a radially outer end portion defining a barrier in the separation channel intermediate the low-G and high-G walls and having generally parallel upstream and downstream sides. The separation channel has a recessed portion located radially outward of the high-G wall and extending between the upstream and downstream sides of the barrier.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 3, 2009
Date of Patent:
September 7, 2010
Assignee:
Fenwal, Inc.
Inventors:
Tom Westberg, Kelly B Smith, Michel L. F. Joie
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:
August 24, 2010
Assignee:
Biomet Biologics, LLC
Inventors:
Joel C. Higgins, Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Brandon Miller
Abstract: A method of controlling a centrifuge of the type having a rotating perforated basket on whose inner peripheral wall a liquids/solids slurry is caused to collect in use, with separated liquid being collected via the basket perforations. The method comprising taking depth measurement of the material in the rotating basket continuous or at repeated intervals, over a basket cycle from commencement of slurry feed to discharge of solids, using at least one laser unit adapted to direct a beam of coherent light energy towards said inner peripheral wall of the basket of solids. The depth measurements can be made using at least one laser unit (30) adapted to direct a beam of coherent light energy towards said inner peripheral wall of the basket.
Abstract: A concentrator is used for concentrating a fluid, particularly a plasma component out of blood, for treatment of a patient. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing defining a centrifuge chamber, that also holds the filter. The concentrator allows viewing of the fluid after centrifuging, with an outlet port positionable at a height corresponding to the level of the fraction of the fluid to be further concentrated. Once the fluid is centrifuged, a portion of the fluid is drawn through the outlet, and then pressured past the filter to further concentrate the fluid using the same vessel as used for centrifuging. The same plunger is preferably used to draw centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge chamber as to pressure the centrifuged fluid past the filter.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 31, 2007
Date of Patent:
June 22, 2010
Assignee:
Circle Biologics, LLC.
Inventors:
Thomas Coull, Matthew R. Kyle, Louis S. Kidder
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.
Abstract: A method used in connection with processing of blood components, wherein blood products are then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor and the sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 26, 2009
Date of Patent:
May 4, 2010
Assignee:
CaridianBCT, Inc.
Inventors:
Niclas Högberg, Emanuel Hällgren, Peter Pihlstedt, Brian M. Holmes, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Geert Van Waeg, Frank Corbin, III
Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining various components of a multi-component material. Generally, a component of a whole blood sample may be concentrated from a patient and re-introduced to the same patient. For example, a clotting component, such as thrombin, from a whole blood sample may be extracted and concentrated in an apparatus and collection to be reapplied or reintroduced into a patient.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 27, 2005
Date of Patent:
April 13, 2010
Assignee:
Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
Inventors:
Matthew J Swift, Barry F Hecker, Michael D Leach
Abstract: Equipment to extract excess sugar from fruit juice using a centrifuge containing reusable sugar absorbing materials is presented. A method comprising repeatedly performing successive extraction and cleaning cycles on successive portions of juice is also presented. The method's extraction cycle involves extracting the sugar from the juice. The cleaning cycle includes removing the extracted sugar from the sugar absorbing material with hot and cold water, and both cycles include removing all the liquid out of the centrifuge by introducing an inert gas under pressure into the centrifuge at the end of each respective cycle.
Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor with one or more drive jet openings for rotating the rotor to separate particulate matter from a fluid. A filter element is disposed inside the rotor, and the filter element includes depth filter medium for removing from the fluid sticky contaminants having the same general density as the fluid, such as sludge or varnish compounds. The rotor has a split flow configuration in which a portion of the fluid is routed to the filter element and the rest of the fluid bypasses the filter element to maintain fluid pressure of the fluid discharged from the drive jet openings. In one form, the depth filter medium is impregnated with a chemical that changes a property of the fluid, like acidity. In another form, the depth filter material is contained in a capsule for easy disposal.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 27, 2005
Date of Patent:
March 9, 2010
Assignee:
Cummins Filtration IP Inc.
Inventors:
Peter K. Herman, Hendrik N. Amirkhanian, Lee Currier
Abstract: The separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), by chirality and/or diameter, using centrifugation of compositions of SWNTs in and surface active components in density gradient media.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 6, 2006
Date of Patent:
February 16, 2010
Assignee:
Northwestern University
Inventors:
Mark C. Hersam, Samuel I. Stupp, Michael S. Arnold
Abstract: The invention relates to an improved centrifuge device for preventing cross-contamination. Said centrifuge device comprises a drive shaft that is provided with a rotational shaft, a drum which is connected to the rotational shaft and encompasses a drum bucket and a drum bottom, a filter which is located inside the drum and surrounds a work space, an annular space embodied between the filter and the drum jacket, a catchment disk located across from the drum bottom to close the work space, and a centrifuge housing surrounding the drum and the filter. Also disclosed are devices for preventing cross-contamination, especially injection devices for injecting a rinsing fluid, a sealing arrangement, and a vertical adjusting device. The invention further relates to a method for operating a centrifuge device.
Abstract: A bowl and basket assembly kit is disclosed as including an upper basket part (202), a middle basket part (204) and a lower basket part (206) linked with one another and engageable with one another in a way to form a perforated basket (200), an upper bowl part (102), a middle bowl part (104) and a lower bowl part (106) releasably engageable with one another to form a bowl (100) for receiving the perforated basket (200), and an upper locking ring (110) and a lower locking ring (112) which are swivellable about a longitudinal axis (L-L) of the bowl (100), wherein when the upper bowl part (102), middle bowl part (104) and lower bowl part (106) are engaged with one another, each of the locking rings (110, 112) is swivellable between a respective first position in which relative movement between the bowl parts (102, 104, 106) is allowed and a respective second position in which relative movement between the bowl parts (102, 104, 106) is prevented.
Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment system including a raw water tank, a module which includes a filtration membrane, a feed pump, a filtered water tank, a backwash pump which flows filtered water backward from the filtered water tank to the module, a valve and a channel which switch the direction of the water flow between the forward and reverse directions, a controller which suspends the supply of raw water from the raw water tank to the module, switches the valve and channel to the reverse direction, makes the backwash pump to supply filtered water from the filtered water tank to the module thereby backwashing the filtration membrane, and washing drainage treatment line including which treats backwashing drainage generated by backwashing of the filtration membrane, and returns the water to the raw water tank.
Abstract: A rotating annular crossflow filter shears radially outward flowing axial feed between counter-rotating coaxial centrifugal impellers. A radial impedance of flow at the impeller periphery slows the radially outward flow and increases residence time of feed between the impellers. Shear lift ejects solids from the boundary layer at the filter surface, and ejected solids collect by centrifugation at the impeller periphery, where they thicken into a sludge and are extruded. Gases, oils, floating solids, and fractions having a specific gravity less than water evolve into radial vortices and are sucked radially inward and out from between the impellers by an axial pump. Three way phase separation proceeds continuously in one pass through a simple mechanical device having a long residence time for feed in the processing zone. Opposing rugose portions of counter-rotating impeller surfaces cause audio frequency pressure pulses. At the impeller periphery, the pressure pulses milk liquid out of sludge.
Abstract: A horizontal vibratory centrifuge, which includes a slurry separating component; a drive motor; a drive unit for rotating the separating component; a feed pipe for feeding the slurry into the separating component; a product discharge for discharging the solid portion of the slurry from the separating component and a pipe for discharging the fluid portion from the separating component; at least one vibratory motor mounted onto the drive unit; a plurality of connecting rods moveably connecting the drive unit to a torsion bar assembly, the assembly including a plurality of torsion bars, each mounted on a first end to an upper fixed spring clamp and a lower fixed spring clamp, and on a second end to the connecting rods with bearings, so that the vibrations of the low energy vibrating motor is in resonance with the springs so as to provide in part maximum vibration to the vibrating assembly at low energy levels.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 20, 2006
Date of Patent:
May 19, 2009
Inventors:
Kevin R. Whisler, Christopher A. Bertocchini
Abstract: A two-tube centrifuge separates light material and heavy material from an input mixture. A hollow drive shaft rotates a central body member about an axis of rotation. Two hollow arm assemblies, each having circular cross-section, are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the central body. Each arm assembly includes an outer housing tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube that is longer than the intermediate tube. An end cap having a removable plug is mounted on the outer end of the housing-tube of each arm assembly. The inner ends of all three tubes are mechanically interlocked in a manner to cantilever mount the inner and intermediate tubes to the central-body with their outer ends spaced from the internal surface of the end cap. An input-mixture path extends through the hollow drive shaft, through the central-body, and into a cylindrical space between the inner and intermediate tubes of each arm assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 13, 2007
Date of Patent:
May 12, 2009
Assignee:
ERTH Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Paul J. Cornay, Ernest Peter Tovani, Gary Matzen
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 wastewater separation system for separating an aqueous phase from an organic phase comprising oil, fat and/or grease in wastewater is disclosed. The wastewater may be collected from restaurant grease traps, as well as other food preparation facilities, schools, hospitals, processing plants and the like. A separator, such as a centrifugal separation device, comprises a wastewater inlet, an organic phase outlet for discharging low density liquid and solids and an aqueous phase outlet for discharging water and possibly other high density liquids and solids. The system can be portable and can be mounted on a vehicle for collection and treatment at various sites. Heat can be introduced to the system to accelerate the separation of the aqueous phase from the organic phase of the wastewater.
Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating components of a fluid having an outer housing containing a core wherein three separate fluid pathways are provided to allow continuous separation of biological fluids.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 19, 2006
Date of Patent:
March 17, 2009
Inventors:
Dennis Briggs, Steve Gara, Tom Watters, Mike Hutchinson
Abstract: A system and method are used in connection with processing of blood components. The processing of blood components may involve centrifugal separation and/or filtering of the blood components. In some examples, at least some blood components are centrifugally separated in a chamber and then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor, wherein the filter is located closer than the chamber to an axis of rotation of the rotor. The filter may include a porous filtration medium configured to filter leukocytes, platelets, and/or red blood cells. Some examples include a pressure sensor sensing pressure of pumped blood components. The sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products. Other uses of the sensed pressure are also possible.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 27, 2007
Date of Patent:
March 3, 2009
Assignee:
CaridianBCT, Inc.
Inventors:
Niclas Högberg, Emanuel Hällgren, Peter Pihlstedt, Brian M. Holmes, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Geert Van Waeg, Frank Corbin, III
Abstract: A filter apparatus, including a dual-chambered, centrifugal and compressive filtration apparatus having a central annular filter element, rotating external radial fins extending from adjacent the filter element to adjacent an outer cannister wall and internal fins within the annular filter element. The disclosed filter element is a continuous resilient, cylindrical, helical filter coil including a regular sinusoidal shape defining loop-shaped filter pores between adjacent coils.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation device notably for a flow-force fractionation of suspended substances in a liquid carrier, said separation device comprising a separation channel and a counter-channel. The object of the present invention is mainly the separation of living cells, preferably of human origin, in particular cells which are found in body fluids.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 23, 2005
Date of Patent:
October 28, 2008
Assignee:
Universite de Limoges
Inventors:
Philippe Cardot, Serge Battu, Robert Sarrazin
Abstract: The centrifuge has truncated-cone-like separating screen arranged in support basket and held in the bottom thereof by lower flange. Lower flange has notched surface which penetrates into screen. The screen and the basket both have an annular upper edge and an upper flange which is attached to the upper edge of the basket and covers the upper edge of the screen. Finally, the screen is formed by a number of segments attached in pairs by a joint with a T-shaped section.
Abstract: A food processing device, e.g. a salad spinner, has a housing with a lid, a basket supported in the housing for rotation, and a drive mechanism supported by the lid for rotating the basket to spin water from salad in the housing. The drive mechanism has a crank handle and a drive transmission system coupling the handle to the basket to transmit a rotational driving force from the handle to rotate the basket. The drive transmission system has a first rotary gear arranged to receive the rotational driving force from the handle and a second rotary gear in driving engagement with the first gear for receiving the rotational driving force from the first gear to rotate the basket. The first and second gears have corresponding serial formations, e.g., recesses and protrusions, of respective circular cross-sections that are inter-engageable, one in the other, for transmission of the driving force.
Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 15, 2006
Date of Patent:
August 19, 2008
Assignee:
Gambro BCT, Inc.
Inventors:
Brian M. Holmes, Johan-Petter Hagström, Per-Olov Lundberg, Geert Van Waeg, Peter Nordgren
Abstract: A system for the production of a blood component composition is provided. The system includes a centrifuge having a blood reservoir for receiving and separating a blood sample into multiple components; a dispenser disposed outside of the centrifuge having a first collection chamber containing an activation agent and a second collection chamber containing one or more medicinal agents; means for removing a first portion at least one separated blood component from the centrifuge to the first container and a second portion to the second collection chamber, wherein the first collection chamber activates the first portion and stores the resulting clot and thrombin; a filter for separating the thrombin from the clot; and a nozzle for entraining and mixing the thrombin with the second portion containing the one or more medicinal components.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 26, 2005
Date of Patent:
August 19, 2008
Assignee:
Arteriocyte Medical Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Victor D. Dolecek, Robert F. Baugh, John G. Rivera, William F. McKay, Jeffery C. Marx
Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 28, 2007
Date of Patent:
July 22, 2008
Assignee:
Lipid Sciences, Inc.
Inventors:
David C. Bomberger, Bryan Chavez, Pablo E. Garcia, Eric Hegwer, Thomas P. Low, Ripudaman Malhotra, Jeffrey J. Shimon
Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 15, 2006
Date of Patent:
July 8, 2008
Assignee:
Gambo BCI, Inc.
Inventors:
Brian M. Holmes, Johan-Petter Hagström, Per-Olov Lundberg, Geert Van Waeg, Peter Nordgren
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:
September 2, 2004
Date of Patent:
May 20, 2008
Assignee:
Biomet Biologics, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
Abstract: A method of separating drilling/production fluids from solid cuttings from a mixture received from down hole, without the use of shale shakers, de-sanders, or de-sanders, through the steps of flowing the mixture from the well bore into a flow line above the surface of a well; next, flowing the mixture into a single separation zone of a size capable of receiving the mixture directly from the flow line on a continuous basis; circulating or centrifuging the mixture to a desired RPM within the separation zone; providing a liquid permeable barrier surrounding the mixture as the mixture is centrifuged within the separation zone; collecting the liquid in a first retrieval zone after the liquid has penetrated permeable barrier; and collecting the solids that could not penetrate the permeable barrier in a second retrieval zone within the barrier.
Abstract: A concentrator is used for concentrating a fluid, particularly a plasma component out of blood, for treatment of a patient. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing defining a centrifuge chamber, that also holds the filter. The concentrator allows viewing of the fluid after centrifuging, with an outlet port positionable at a height corresponding to the level of the fraction of the fluid to be further concentrated. Once the fluid is centrifuged, a portion of the fluid is drawn through the outlet, and then pressured past the filter to further concentrate the fluid using the same vessel as used for centrifuging. The same plunger is preferably used to draw centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge chamber as to pressure the centrifuged fluid past the filter.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 22, 2005
Date of Patent:
April 8, 2008
Assignee:
Millennium Medical Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Thomas Coull, Matthew R. Kyle, Louis S. Kidder
Abstract: A method for separating a volume of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component is performed in a centrifuge cooperating with a separation bag containing the volume of composite liquid. The separation bag is connected to at least a first component bag and a second component bag. The separation bag is spun so as to centrifuge the volume of composite liquid and cause the sedimentation of the at least first and second components. When the at least first and second components have sedimented, the first component is transferred at at least one first transfer flow rate into the first component bag. When the first component has been transferred into the first component bag, the second component is transferred into the intermediate component bag at at least one second transfer flow rate that is different from the at least one first transfer flow rate.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 20, 2004
Date of Patent:
March 25, 2008
Assignee:
Gambro BCT, Inc.
Inventors:
Brian M. Holmes, Peter Pihlstedt, Geert Van Waeg
Abstract: A vessel for separating and collecting excess oil from deep fried foods disposed therein before the deep fried foods are sauted. A colander is rotatably mounted in a pot and holds the fried foods. A gear train operatively connects a motor to the colander. The motor is operatively connected to, and rotates, the colander to centrifugally force the excess oil from the deep fried foods out therefrom and collect in the pot. A handle is replaceably attached to the pot by apparatus that utilizes the weight of the handle to prevent the handle from detaching from the pot.
Abstract: A centrifuge basket having a basket casing, on the inside of which is formed a working screen for separating off suspension liquid. The basket casing has openings of elliptical design. The openings are offset in relation to one another in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction of the basket casing. The contours of the openings overlap in the axial direction such that the basket circumference is covered by openings.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 10, 2006
Date of Patent:
February 26, 2008
Assignee:
Braunschweigische Maschinenbauanstalt AG