Abstract: A screen assembly including at least upper and lower portions each with screen elements having different orientations. The upper portion includes a first plurality of screen elements and the lower portion includes a second plurality of screen elements. The upper and lower portions are coupled together to form a truncated conical arrangement. At least one screen element of the first plurality of screen elements has a different angular orientation relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis than at least one screen element of the second plurality of screen elements has relative to the plane. In some such embodiments, the screen elements of the second plurality of screen elements are each oriented to be in a respective plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. The screen assembly may be configured to separate a liquid component and a solid component from a slurry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for making a hot beverage such as coffee. The system according to the invention includes a raw material container in which raw material for the hot beverage is arrangeable. The raw material container is provided with a liquid inlet, and an outlet with a substantially horizontal flow through the raw material. A nozzle assembly is connected operatively to the outlet and provided with an inlet, an air inlet and a nozzle. An outflow is connected operatively to the nozzle for delivery of the hot beverage.

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.

Abstract: Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device.

Abstract: A feed pipe mixing system for delivering a homogenous massecuite product to a centrifuge comprising: a vertical feed pipe defining an upper end, and a lower end, the vertical feed pipe comprising: a mixing chamber disposed between the upper and lower ends of the vertical feed pipe and operable to mix a massecuite feed with feed water, surfactants, partially diluted molasses or a combination thereof to produce a massecuite product; a massecuite inlet disposed on the side of the vertical feed pipe above the mixing chamber, wherein the massecuite inlet is configured to deliver a massecuite feed into the vertical feed pipe; a massecuite outlet disposed on the lower end of the vertical feed pipe and configured to discharge the homogenous massecuite product from the feed pipe to a centrifuge; and a feed water pipe configured to deliver feed water, surfactants, partially diluted molasses or a combination thereof to the mixing chamber for mixing with the massecuite feed.

Abstract: Extracting or removing at least a portion of liquid phase from a whole sample using a centrifugal force is disclosed. Centrifugal forces are used to apply pressure to a whole sample and drive a liquid phase through a passage region that can be perforated and/or porous and maintain a drier portion within a separation container. The whole sample can be dried, which includes a remaining sample where excess or a selected amount of liquid is removed. Direct access to the separation container or area can then be made to provide for an efficient withdrawal of the drier material from the separation container.

Abstract: A centrifuge operative in successive low speed and high speed modes serves to remove surface cooking oil from a continuous stream of fragile snack food products wherein the oil removal occurs in the high speed mode and products are discharged from the centrifuge with relatively low kinetic energy in the low speed mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing foods, aimed at creating fruit and/or vegetable juice from whole or chopped fruits and/or vegetables, by grating and centrifugation, including in particular: a grating disc; a basket connected to the grating disc, linked to a drive shaft, comprising in particular a filter ring and a hub; a cover, fitted with a food introduction conduit, the conduit substantially having the shape of a cylindrical tube with a circular, oval or oblong base. The purpose of the invention is to offer improvements enabling juice to be produced with a high throughput. These improvements consist in particular of an introduction conduit comprising an element for holding foods and a grating disc inclined with respect to its rotation axis.

Abstract: A quickly cleanable water processor includes a shell, a water pipe, at least one filtering unit and a cleaning unit. The shell includes a space defined therein, a water inlet, a water outlet and an air inlet. The water inlet and outlet and the air inlet and outlet are in communication with the space. The water pipe is disposed in the shell and made with slots in communication with the water inlet. The filtering unit is detachably provided around the water pipe. The filtering unit includes alternately arranged membrane bags and water-guiding discs. The cleaning unit includes an air pump and an air pipe extended into the shell from the air pump through the air inlet. The air pipe includes apertures through which air reaches the membrane bags from the air pipe.

Abstract: A screen bowl decanting centrifuge comprising a rotatable bowl (4) and a conveyor assembly (8) adapted, in use, to separate a slurry into solids and liquids components, and an outlet for the liquids component which outlet communicates with the inlet (102) of a perforated bowl section (100) arranged, in use, to filter the liquids component as it passes through the perforations of a screen or screens (13), wherein the perforated bowl section (100) comprises a plurality of removably mounted screen support sections (50).

Abstract: The combined centrifugal separator with supplementary work units is an autonomous stationary or mobile complex apparatus, which is related to the separation of non-uniform granular or fibrous product, such as manure pulps, fruit pulps, sugar contained pulps, pulps for the medicine, etc., from the liquid in which it is carried. The screen, the screen scraper, and the driving shaft, which has the screw, the crusher and the mixer located on it, all have one common axis. However, all three rotate with different speeds around it. They are connected to one motor, and have a transmission system using pulleys and gears. Part of the liquid remainder may be used for internal recycling.

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: Fluid filtration devices, systems and methods are disclosed. The device comprises, for example, an influent feed tube; an influent receiving bowl in fluid communication with the influent feed tube; and a plurality of radial arms having filters therein configured to rotate about an axis within the influent receiving bowl. The fluid filtration devices, which can be configured to filter a wide variety of fluids, comprises: an influent feed tube; an influent receiving bowl in fluid communication with the influent feed tube; and a plurality of radial arms having filters therein configured to rotate about an axis within the influent receiving bowl.

Abstract: Water represents an important resource in an aircraft. In modern aircraft, sufficient water reserves are carried along in designated tanks that are regularly refilled by ground personnel. One embodiment relates to a water treatment system for aircraft that may make it possible to treat a gray water/black water mixture accumulated on board of an aircraft during its operation in sufficient quantity and quality for use in a downstream reformer. This means that the water circuit within the aircraft is closed and costly water tanks are eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of solids and liquids includes a perforated rotary basket arranged for rotation within a fixed outer casing, a washing liquid supply system for providing washing liquid to the interior of the basket and its contents, and a transducer device for establishing a control signal representative of the state of liquids centrifugally expelled from the basket when such liquids impinge on an inner surface of the fixed outer casing. The transducer is set in or on the inner wall of the outer casing for monitoring the conductance of liquids within.

Abstract: A continuous centrifuge (10) has a basket (30) with upper and lower basket portions (43, 44) separated by an intermediate slip portion (45). The lower basket portion (43) has an included angle of 40–50°, to separate “green” molasses from the sugar crystals, while the upper basket portion (44) has an included angle of 50–60°, to separate washed molasses from the sugar crystals. The inner faces of the walls of the basket portions (43, 44) have radial drainage grooves (46), closed at their lower ends and opens at their upper ends, to discharge the molasses.

Abstract: A screen bowl type centrifugal separator which can not only eliminate the problem of the productivity being lowered resulting from the occurrence of clogging with the crystals in the screen part, but also minimize the amount of leakage of the object to be treated in the screen part. Inside of the hub (41) of the screw conveyor (40), a cleaning liquid receiving part (43) which receives the cleaning liquid for the cleaning nozzle (45) is provided, and further, in the cleaning liquid receiving part (43), a residual layer crystal cleaning liquid receiving part (46) which receives the cleaning liquid for cleaning the residual layer object to be treated in the screen part (30) is provided, being partitioned independently of the inside of the cleaning liquid receiving part (43).

Abstract: The invention relates to a pusher centrifuge (1) for the separation of a mixture (2) into a solid cake (3) and into a liquid phase (4). The pusher centrifuge (1) in accordance with the invention includes an outer screen drum (6) rotatable about an axis of rotation (5), a mixture distributor (7) arranged in the screen drum (6) with a pusher base apparatus (8) and an infeed device (9), with the pusher base apparatus (8) being arranged and designed such that the solid cake (3) is displaceable by means of the pusher base apparatus (8) and the mixture (2) can be introduced by the infeed device (9) via the mixture distributor (7) into an empty space (R) which arises on the displacement of the solid cake (3) by the pusher base apparatus (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a double pusher centrifuge including a screen drum (3) rotatable about an axis of rotation (2) for separating a mixture (4) into a solid material cake (5) and a liquid phase (6), a mixture distributor (7) arranged in the screen drum (3) and having a pusher base device (8), which is arranged to be movable to and fro along the axis of rotation (2), so that the solid material cake (5) is alternately displaceable with an outer ring zone (9). Furthermore, the double pusher centrifuge includes an infeed device (10) with which the mixture (4) can be introduced via the mixture distributor (7) into an empty space (11), which arises adjacent to the outer ring zone (9) on displacement of the solid material cake (5) by the pusher base device (8).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating oily wastewater, such as bilge water or ballast water, generated on a ship. The process uses a combination of a centrifugal separation step and a membrane separation step, such as an ultrafiltration step. The membrane separation step uses a dense, non-porous filtration membrane. The process is able to remove both emulsified oil and dissolved oil from the wastewater to low levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-stage pusher centrifuge (1) for the separation of a mixture (2) into a solid cake (3) and into a liquid phase (4). The multi-stage pusher centrifuge (1) includes an outer screen drum (6) rotatable about an axis of rotation (5) and at least one screen stage (7) arranged in the outer screen drum (6), and a mixture distributor (8) arranged in the screen drum (6) with a pusher base apparatus (9), with either the screen stage (7) or the pusher base apparatus (9) being arranged movably to and fro along the axis of rotation (5) such that the solid cake (3) is displaceable by means of the pusher base apparatus (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a pusher centrifuge (1) for the separation of a mixture (2) into a solid cake (3) and into a liquid phase (4). The pusher centrifuge (1) in accordance with the invention includes an outer screen drum (6) rotatable about an axis of rotation (5), a mixture distributor (7) arranged in the screen drum (6) with a pusher base apparatus (8) and an infeed device (9), with the pusher base apparatus (8) being arranged and designed such that the solid cake (3) is displaceable by means of the pusher base apparatus (8) and the mixture (2) can to be introduced by the infeed device (9) via the mixture distributor (7) into an empty space (R) which arises on the displacement of the solid cake (3) by the pusher base apparatus (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-stage pusher centrifuge (1) for the separation of a mixture (2) into a solid cake (3) and into a liquid phase (4). The multi-stage pusher centrifuge (1) includes an outer screen drum (6) rotatable about an axis of rotation (5) and at least one screen stage (7) arranged in the outer screen drum (6), a mixture distributor (8) arranged in the screen drum (6) with a pusher base apparatus (9), with either the screen stage (7) or the pusher base apparatus (9) being arranged movably to and fro along the axis of rotation (5) such that the solid cake (3) is displaceable by means of the pusher base apparatus (9).

Abstract: A new type of invertible filter centrifuge is proposed, where a more compact construction is obtained and where the solids component is discharged substantially independently of its moisture content. The new type of invertible filter centrifuge has no filter cloth and comprises a centrifuging drum mounted rotatably in a drum housing with a drum wall enclosing a stationary, dimensionally stable filtering medium, a shaft driving the drum in rotation, a cover sealingly closing the open end of the drum at the edge of the drum, a feed means for suspension to be filtered, with a filling pipe leading into the interior of the drum, and a drum base arranged in the interior of the drum, the drum base and filtering medium or wall of the drum being axially displaceable relative to each other in order to discharge the solid constituent mechanically from the drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for washing and dewatering starch suspensions in a single step using a vacuum filter. It also relates to a rotary vacuum drum filter having means for feeding a suspension, sprayers for applying washing liquids and a scraper.

Abstract: A continuous centrifuge of the type comprising a perforated basket of generally frusto-conical configuration which is adapted to rotate about a rotational axis and along whose inner peripheral wall a liquids/solids mix is caused to travel, with solids being discharged over the mouth of the rotating basket at its wider end and liquids being collected via the basket perforations. The basket has at least three separating stages of different inclination relative to the basket rotational axis, with the respective residence time over each separating stage being controlled by the basket angle locally to set the angle to suit the local values controlling the flow at that stage.

Abstract: An improved screen basket for use with a centrifuge includes two adjoining screen sections. The first screen section is formed from a wear resistant material and is located proximate to the point at which slurry is introduced into the basket. The length of the first screen section is chosen so that the majority of potential wear caused by the abrasive slurry occurs within the first section of the basket. The second screen section is preferably formed from less expensive materials, such as steel wedge wire. The second screen section smoothly joins the first screen section and provides for further dewatering or separation of the accelerated slurry so that a dry cake is produced by the centrifuge.

Abstract: A commercial laundry machine having a loading hopper effective for substantially reducing loading time. The hopper has a relatively large effective passage area for communication with a front opening rotary drum of the laundry machine, and a splash door is pivotally mounted adjacent a front face of the machine housing for movement between a lowered closed position and an upwardly extending open position which neither reduces the effective passage of the hopper chute nor impedes the passage of launderable items directed through the chute. The laundry machine further includes an improved toggle actuated locking and sealing device for securing the hopper in sealed relation with the machine housing, and trunnion mounted hydraulic cylinders which are effective for more reliably and effectively pivoting the hopper unit through an arc greater than 90 degrees to its removed position.

Abstract: A chamber for use in a rotating field to separate blood components is described. An inlet port near one end of the chamber introduces blood into the chamber for flow circumferentially about the rotational axis toward the opposite end of the chamber for separation into at least one blood component. At least one outlet port is juxtaposed next to the inlet port near the one end of the chamber for conveying one separated blood component from the channel. The chamber directs the one separated blood component to a collection region near the opposite end of the chamber. An enclosed interior collection passage within the channel leads from the collection region and directs the one collected component to the outlet port for transport from the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a centrifugal separator comprising a top lid, a rotatable basket, a drive unit for the rotatable basket and an outer case, the rotatable basket and the drive unit being mounted on the top lid, the rotatable basket and the outer case having a cake outlet at the bottoms thereof, wherein the top lid is fixedly mounted on a stand via supporting legs, the outer case being supported by and attached to the top lid, the outer case being detachable from the top lid for cleaning and movable downward when detached, whereby the rotatable basket can be exposed to the outside, the centrifugal separator having excellent operability, cleanability, visual observability and antipollution property.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating device for continuously filtering a liquid such as a solution containing a precipitate.

Abstract: Methods of improving the efficiency of solid-liquid separation during centrifugal filtration have been developed. They consist of increasing the pressure drop across the filter cake using extraneous means such as increasing the gas pressure inside a filter chamber and/or applying vacuum on the outside. The extraneous means of increasing the pressure drop is designed to increase the rate of removing liquid (water) during the drainage period of the centrifugal filtration process and, hence, lower the amount of the residual liquid (water) left in the filter cake.

Abstract: A vertical basket centrifuge utilizing a plow supplemented with a spring air lance hose having a ball and socket joint for affixing the hose to a nozzle, and passages to allow the gas to by pass the ball and socket joint.

Abstract: An improved screen basket for use with a centrifuge includes two adjoining screen sections. The first screen section is formed from a wear resistant material and is located proximate to the point at which slurry is introduced into the basket. The length of the first screen section is chosen so that the majority of potential wear caused by the abrasive slurry occurs within the first section of the basket. The second screen section is preferably formed from less expensive materials, such as steel wedge wire. The second screen section smoothly joins the first screen section and provides for further dewatering or separation of the accelerated slurry so that a dry cake is produced by the centrifuge.

Abstract: Centrifugation separations apparatus including centrifugation means having an inlet, a liquids discharge and a solids discharge, a deflector operatively associated with the solids discharge, wherein the solids discharge is adapted to operatively discharge solids being discharged from the centrifugation means at a trajectory and the deflector is adapted to interrupt the trajectory to decelerate and change the direction of travel of the solids, or wherein the deflector is operatively associated with the solids discharge and cooperable with solids being discharged from the solids discharge whereby buildup of solids on the deflector is substantially prevented, or wherein the solids discharge includes a lip configuration which causes the trajectories of the discharging crystals to be relatively independent of their size and/or their residual syrup/moisture content, or including support means, such as a spider like construction having one or more webs substantially parallel to the angular motion of the solids being

Abstract: A classification system utilizing a cone which is rotated at a specified speed is provided. A stream including a solvent is introduced into the classification, and the stream impacts against the cone and flows along the inside face of the cone. The side of the cone is sufficiently long that the conic face filters the introduced flow, thereby removing substantial portions of the solvent and leaving the heavier or classified parts. The discharge from the cone is thus segregated liquids and solids, and the solid stream is a flow of classified particles and a portion of the solvent. The solvent portion is sufficient in volume to conduct the classified particles as a heavy or thick slurry out of the system. There is an interplay between the length of the cone, i.e. the length along which the introduced slurry must flow, also, the cone angle, and the pores through the cone wall.

Abstract: A chamber for use in a rotating field to separate blood components. An inlet port near one end of the chamber introduces blood into the chamber for flow circumferentially about the rotational axis toward the opposite end of the chamber for separation into at least one blood component. At least one outlet port is juxtaposed next to the inlet port near the one end of the chamber for conveying one separated blood component from the channel. The chamber directs the one separated blood component to a collection region near the opposite end of the chamber. An enclosed interior collection passage within the channel leads from the collection region and directs the one collected component to the outlet port for transport from the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for degreasing solid and/or mass-produced parts, such as small metallic parts comprises a drum with a perforated drum wall rotatable and drivable around a vertical axis. A charge opening is furnished at the top and a discharge opening furnished at the bottom. The discharge opening is closable by an axially movable floor closure. A stationery outer ring channel surrounds the drum and exhibits at the bottom an outer ring trough with discharge port. An inner ring channel is disposed between the outer ring channel and the drum and axially adjustable by way of an adjustment member and including an inner ring trough at the bottom. Feed lines for treatment agent lead into the drum. The inner ring channel is formed adjustable from the starting position, releasing the drum perforations, into a center position covering the drum perforations on the outside, and into a sealing position for sealing the drum.

Abstract: An improved screen basket for use with a centrifuge includes two adjoining screen sections. The first screen section is formed from a wear resistant material and is located proximate to the point at which slurry is introduced into the basket. The length of the first screen section is chosen so that the majority of potential wear caused by the abrasive slurry occurs within the first section of the basket. The second screen section is preferably formed from less expensive materials, such as steel wedge wire. The second screen section smoothly joins the first screen section and provides for further dewatering or separation of the accelerated slurry so that a dry cake is produced by the centrifuge.

Abstract: A clearing device for a centrifugal separator holds a cake on a filtering medium lining at least the perforated part of a rotating basket. The clearing device includes several clearing members which, when arranged at rest, are more or less parallel to the generatrices of the perforated wall of the basket and between this wall and the filter medium, are spaced angularly, each clearing member resting, via one of its ends, on one wall of the basket and being equipped, at the other end, with a control means capable of receiving a longitudinal compressive force which, by deforming the clearing members causes the formation of at least one convex projection which locally deforms the filtering medium. The clearing device also includes actuating means capable of coming into contact with the control means of each clearing member to shift it in the direction for forming the projection.

Abstract: This centrifugal apparatus comprises a primary frusto-conical filter screen rotating about a vertical axis, which is closed at its smaller diameter end and which is surrounded at its larger diameter upper end by a flat horizontal imperforate ring. A secondary cylindrical filter screen is fixed to and upstands from the periphery of the flat imperforate ring. The solid-liquid mixture is fed to the bottom of the primary filter screen and moves up under centrifugal force, the liquid being filtered and discharged into a surrounding casing. The solids move onto the ring and the liquid is further filtered through the secondary filter screen which retains the solids, being cylindrical. After the desired humidity content of the solids is reached, a scraper is lowered onto the ring to scrape the surface of the same and also the inner surface of the cylindrical secondary filter screen to remove the solids.

Abstract: An improved autologous blood salvage system is provided in which blood is removed from a patient and may be processed in a manner wherein an anticoagulant solution is for cycled for reuse. Further, the system may be employed for contemporaneous blood filtering and red blood separation. In one embodiment, anticoagulated blood is contemporaneously filtered and defoamed within a rotating processing bowl, while red blood cells are separated, washed and collected within the bowl and an anticoagulant solution is cycled from the bowl for re-use. During a red blood cell removal mode, the flow of anticoagulated blood into the bowl may be suspended/terminated and the bowl pressurized to remove the red blood cells. The improved system provides for the recovery of a high quality red blood cell product, with reduced processing time requirements/user training, and reduced disposable componentry and related costs.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods employ a rotating chamber. The chamber includes an inlet region where whole blood enters for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface carrying mononuclear cells between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The packed red blood cells in the chamber have a hematocrit value H.sub.PRBC. A controller operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region while removing packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber and while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The controller also operates in the first mode to maintain a set H.sub.PRBC by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region.

Abstract: In a centrifugal apparatus for separating wetting material carried on particulate matter or chips, such apparatus includes a truncated conical shaped bowl into which the particulate matter or chips are deposited for centrifugal separation. A number of equidistantly spaced and radially aligned vanes are secured to the inner surface of the bowl adjacent the truncated end to collect incoming particulate matter or chips, and to establish a buffer layer, reducing the abrasion on the bowl caused by the insertion of further particulate matter or chips.

Abstract: Centrifugal filtration capable of improving recovery of crystal in a baskey. The basket is so arranged that a central axis thereof is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction to obliqely downwardly orientate a bottom wall of the basket. A crystal recovery auction pipe is arranged which includes a pivotally movable section pivotally moved in the basket, of which a distal end is advanced into crystal in the basket. Crystal in the basket is recovered by suction through the distal end of the suction pipe, which is ultimately displaced to a corner of the basket between a lowermost portion of a peripheral wall of the basket and a bottom wall thereof. This permits crystal collected to a lowermost section of the basket to be substantially recovered by suction through the suction pipe, to thereby improve crystal recovery.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a chip bowl for receiving a fluid-particulate mix and delivering the mix onto the screening surface of a cylindrical separator screen disposed around the bowl. A canopy portion of the bowl overlaps the separator screen and is axially positionable therealong such that a variable length of the separator screen may extend beyond the forward edge of the bowl. A separator drive shaft has an axial bore for housing a bowl drive column and an adjusting rod. The bowl drive column is mounted to the separator drive shaft and adjusting rod such that axial movement of the adjusting rod causes axial movement of the bowl drive column but not the separator drive shaft and rotation of the separator drive shaft causes rotation of the bowl drive column but not the adjustment rod.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a chip bowl for receiving a fluid-particulate mix and delivering the mix onto the screening surface of a cylindrical separator screen disposed around the bowl. A canopy portion of the bowl overlaps the separator screen and is axially positionable therealong such that a variable length of the separator screen may extend beyond the forward edge of the bowl. A separator drive shaft has an axial bore for housing a bowl drive column and an adjusting rod. The bowl drive column is mounted to the separator drive shaft and adjusting rod such that axial movement of the adjusting rod causes axial movement of the bowl drive column but not the separator drive shaft and rotation of the separator drive shaft causes rotation of the bowl drive column but not the adjustment rod.

Abstract: Systems and methods centrifugally separate mono nuclear cells from whole blood in a separation chamber. The systems and methods control the exit hematocrit value of red blood cells separated in the chamber by recirculating a portion of the red blood cells removed from the chamber for mixing whole blood entering the separation chamber. The systems and methods also control the entry hematocrit value of whole blood entering the separation chamber by recirculating a portion of the plasma constituent removed from the separation chamber for mixing whole blood entering the separation chamber.

Abstract: A reusable microconcentrator device may be disassembled, cleaned and reassembled before use. The microconcentrator device of the invention is typically useful in filtering and separating small samples of solutions and suspensions. The microconcentrator device of the invention includes an elongate sample sleeve, a base element which can be removable and replaceably coupled to a centrifugal portion of the sleeve, a compliant membrane compressing feature, and a disposable membrane. Preferably, the base element includes an O-ring which compresses the membrane to seal it to the centrifugal surface of an annular ledge portion of the sleeve, which also forms a deadstop. Among the advantages of the microconcentrator device of the invention is that a reliable retentate volume remains following filtration. The elements of the microcentrator device can also be permanently assembled to one another.

Abstract: In a horizontal centrifugal apparatus for separating wetting material carried on chips, such apparatus includes a conically shaped bowl carrying vanes distributed about its inner face with the midpoint of the length of said vane lying on a radius from the horizontal axis of bowl rotation such that the vane leading ends and trailing ends are about fifteen degrees of the radius at the midpoint of such vanes to impose an impediment to the rate of erosion on the vanes.