Centrifugally Extracting Patents (Class 210/781)
  • Patent number: 8070965
    Abstract: Separating a multi-phase mixture influent even during excessive flows of specific phases. The dynamic phase separator includes a chamber divided into two regions by an inner wall disposed radially inward relative to an outer wall. A gross separation region is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, while a fine separation region lies inside an area defined by the inner wall and top of the chamber. Influent to be separated is fed through an inlet into the gross separation region. A plurality of porous disks are mounted to a rotatable shaft and disposed in the fine separation region. The outer and inner walls are separated by a predetermined distance sufficient to allow for adequate rotational velocity of incoming tangential flow of the influent and dwell time sufficient for natural separation of lighter phases from heavier phases within the gross separation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Robert J. Tarves, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110278229
    Abstract: A centrifugation method for separating a high specific gravity substance and a low specific gravity substance from a mixture thereof, which prevents the contamination of the high specific gravity substance in collecting the low specific gravity substance after a separation operation, is provided. The centrifugation method includes centrifuging a mixture comprising a high specific gravity substance, a low specific gravity substance, and at least one of a thermoreversible gel and a dissolved gelling agent capable of forming a thermoreversible gel, in which the thermoreversible gel or the dissolved gelling agent forms a gel layer which separates the low specific gravity substance and the high specific gravity substance. The centrifugation is preferably carried out at a temperature equal to or lower than the gelation temperature of the gelling agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: TAKARA BIO INC.
    Inventors: Kanako USUI, Sayuri KISHIDA, Tomomi TANAKA, Hiroyuki MUKAI
  • Patent number: 8048307
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a filtration system having one or more apparatuses for filtering gases, liquids, or fluids (e.g., water) to remove particulate matter, and methods of making and using the apparatus. More particularly, embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for applying centrifugal force(s) to push a fluid or gas to be filtered through a porous membrane or filter within the apparatus to separate particulate matter therefrom. The present invention takes advantage of the Coriolis effect within a cylindrical filter radiating out from a rotating central body. The filtration apparatus provides an energy efficient system for microfiltration (or other filtration process) to remove contaminants from gases and fluids, such as waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Brent Lee
  • Patent number: 8048320
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating and concentrating a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, James M. McKale
  • Patent number: 8037618
    Abstract: Device for dewatering and drying solids, especially plastics granulated under water, in form of a centrifuge dryer comprising a housing (1) having an inlet opening (2) for the solid material with adhering water and an outlet opening (3) for the dehydrated solid material, a screen cylinder (4) fixedly disposed inside the housing (1), a rotor (5) arranged inside the screen cylinder (4) and wings (6) attached to the rotor at a distance from one another, a water drain (7), and arrangements (8, 8?) for the introduction and removal of an air stream passing vertically through the device. It is distinguished on the one hand in that the inlet opening (2) is arranged tangential to the screen cylinder (4, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ECON Maschinenbau und Steuerungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Hehenberger, Johannes Remili
  • Publication number: 20110247989
    Abstract: The invention concerns a centrifugal filtering device for filtering a fluid. The device comprises a rotatable inner casing forming an inner space and a rotatable outer casing forming an outer space. The device further comprises a fluid inlet, at least one filter and drive means. The drive means is configured to rotate the inner casing to create a centrifugal pressure. The pressure forces a part of the fluid contained in the inner space through the filter and to a radially outer position of the outer space. The filtered fluid forms a filtrate, the filtrate having a kinetic energy. The outer casing is configured to transport the filtrate from the radially outer position to a radially inner position of the outer space, permitting transfer of the kinetic energy from the filtrate to the outer casing, thereby permitting regaining of mechanical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: AQUA MUNDUS AB
    Inventor: Fredrick Marelius
  • Publication number: 20110233150
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Melvin W. Cook
  • Patent number: 8025801
    Abstract: Simultaneous source-sink flow, or radial counterflow, is driven by a centrifugal pump disposed within a casing. Radially outward source flow of brine goes into a shrouding tank and concentrates while a radially inward sink flow of fresh water flows back over the pump to axial extraction. An axial pump drives sink flow and axial extraction. Convergent sink flow passes under an inductor to an axial exhaust port. Induced viscosity and inductive repulsion hinder the passage of brine in sink flow, so only fresh water can reach the axial exhaust port. Crystallization of scale-forming salts is aided by Joule heating from the inductor. Solvent and gases are continuously axially extracted in sink flow, favoring crystallization. Sodium chloride is cooled and crystallized in the shrouding tank. Brine comprising other salts flows out of the tank to treatment by suitable means. Thus brine is separated into fresh water, crystallized salt, and concentrated brine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: McCutchen Co.
    Inventor: Wilmot H. McCutchen
  • Patent number: 8012351
    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: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Circle Biologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Coull, Matthew R. Kyle, Louis S. Kidder
  • Patent number: 7975398
    Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: EarthRenew, Inc.
    Inventors: Christianne Carin, Brian N. Gorbell, Christianne Carin, legal representative, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud
  • Patent number: 7972520
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fima Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Schmid
  • Patent number: 7971730
    Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The tube and barrier maintain stability of one or more analyte levels, including potassium and glucose, within 10% of their initial values before centrifugation for at least four days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Jane Emerson
  • Patent number: 7959814
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing hot water without a flame. The system and method heats water to at least a specified temperature without a flame by providing a source of water and a prime mover, pumping water from the source of water into one or more heat exchangers, pre-heating the water using the one or more heat exchangers, heating the pre-heated water to at least the specified temperature without a flame using a dynamic heat generator driven by the prime mover, using the heated water in the one or more heat exchangers to pre-heat the water and providing the heated water to an output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: OmniTherm, Inc.
    Inventors: W. James Masters, Douglas W. Fugate, Edwin W. Wilson, John T. Johnson, III, W. Jason Masters
  • Publication number: 20110079556
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently performing solid phase extraction techniques for cleanup of samples to be used in analysis for pesticides, food products, etc. An insert to a centrifuge tube is disclosed which provides for mixing the solid and liquid, after which centrifuging is used to separate the liquid from the solid, after processing it through an appropriate filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Lea Anderson-Smith, Andrew Beck
  • Publication number: 20110006016
    Abstract: The separator screen arrangement of a centrifugal basket assembly reduces separator screen wear and eases structural replacement of worn parts. The centrifugal basket assembly comprises a screen-supporting basket; a separator screen, and a series of J-shaped dam segments. The separator screen is received and supported by the basket and comprises and inlet and a circular outlet end. The dam segments each comprise a dam portion, and a rim seat portion. The rim seat portions seat upon the rim, being attached thereto in a circular manner side-by-side such that the dam portions extend toward the inlet end. The dam portions dam material directed thereagainst from the inlet end so as to uniformly spread and layer material upon the separator screen before the material exits the basket assembly. The uniformly spread and layered material reduces wear of the separator screen. Material-drying and screen-protecting methodology is further supported by the basket assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen R. Gilles
  • Patent number: 7850634
    Abstract: An improved method for separating whole blood into components and collecting a desired blood component. The method allows a desired blood component to be subjected to centrifugal forces within a separator for prolonged periods of time, yielding a cleaner cut and higher yield of the desired blood component. Whole blood is drawn from a source and pumped into a separator, the undesired blood components are removed from the separator at rates so as to build up the desired blood component in the separator. The desired blood component is only removed after a predetermined amount of the desired blood component has built up in the separator. It is preferred that the desired blood component be buffy coat and that the method be used to perform photopheresis treatments. In another aspect, the invention is a method of performing a full photopheresis treatment to treat diseases in a reduced time, preferably less than about 70 minutes, and more preferably less than about 45 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Therakos, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Briggs
  • Patent number: 7824558
    Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith M. Rosiello
  • Patent number: 7824559
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Hanumann, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 7806845
    Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and methods to consistently separate and concentrate selected blood components. The system includes, e.g., a computerized fluid handling system to transfer blood components between a centrifugal blood separation disc, containers and a concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas M. Arm, Michael Ponticiello, Surinder Mathur, Andrew G. Hood
  • Patent number: 7803279
    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
  • Patent number: 7780861
    Abstract: Contemplated whole blood separators tubes include a curable composition with a density intermediate to the density of serum and the cell-containing fraction. After centrifugation, the curable composition is located between the serum and the cell-containing fraction and preferably irradiated with UV light to initiate a curing reaction in which the curable composition solidifies to a barrier that is immobilized and resistant to breakdown at freezing temperatures and extended storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of University of California
    Inventor: Jane Emerson
  • Patent number: 7775962
    Abstract: Methods for using a centrifuge are presented. A vessel containing a sample and a separator substance is placed within a centrifuge. Upon sufficient centrifugation, the sample separates into two or more fractions separated by the separator substance. The centrifuge exposes the separator substance to a sufficient energy to polymerize the separator substance to produce a hardened barrier between the fractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Jane Emerson
  • Patent number: 7770738
    Abstract: A classifying device for classifying particles using a centrifugal force contains a microchannel includes a curved portion including a first tubular channel and a second tubular channel; and a diaphragm that is provided within the curved portion, and that is located at a position between the first tubular channel and the second tubular channel; and wherein the diaphragm has at least a first apertured group formed in a central region of the diaphragm and a second apertured group formed in a first end region and a second end region of the diaphragm, the first apertured group and the second apertured group communicate the first tubular channel with the second tubular channel along a direction of the centrifugal force, the first apertured group has a mesh, and the second apertured group has a mesh that is different in size from the mesh of the first apertured group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Tabata, Hiroshi Kojima, Kazuya Hongo, Takayuki Yamada, Seiichi Takagi, Tetsuo Ohta, Masaki Hirota
  • Patent number: 7757866
    Abstract: In an embodiment, axially-fed slurry can be continuously separated into clarified liquid, stripped gas, and thickened sludge in radial counterflow between counter-rotating coaxial centrifugal impellers. One impeller comprises an annular crossflow filter through which liquids are extracted. At the periphery of the impellers, where they are narrowly separated, the sludge is shear thickened into an extruded paste. Suspended solids in the feed pass over the surface of the rotating annular crossflow filter by the shear lift effect, and the vortex-wall interaction jets water radially inward from the periphery, dewatering the sludge. Evolved gases, oils, and fractions lighter than water flow radially inward to the impeller axis through radial vortices in a shear layer between the impellers, and are extracted through an axial exhaust conduit. Feed has long residence time so that separation is complete and continuous. Municipal wastewater, produced water, beverages, food, and scrubber sludge are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: McCutchen Co.
    Inventor: Wilmot H. McCutchen
  • Patent number: 7740760
    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
  • Patent number: 7731772
    Abstract: Rotor unit for a centrifuge for purifying flowing fluids, which rotor unit (12) comprises a plurality of disk elements (14) which are stacked concentrically one on another and provided with at least one centrally located fluid flow-through hole, where the disk elements (14) have lead-through openings by means of which the disk elements (14) are pushed onto a number of essentially axially elongate guide elements (16) distributed in the circumferential direction for guiding the disk elements in the circumferential direction and radially. The disk elements (14) are held together by a first and a second end element (18, 20) at the ends of the stack of disk elements. A central portion of at least some of the guide elements (16) are interconnected by means of a cross-stay construction (36) in order to prevent deflection of the rods owing to the centrifugal force during rotation of the rotor unit (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3Nine AB
    Inventors: Torgny Lagerstedt, Claes Inge, Peter Franzèn, Olev Maehans, Martin Sandgren
  • Patent number: 7727534
    Abstract: Reovirus can be used to selectively remove ras-mediated neoplastic cells from a cellular composition. It is of particular interest to purge autographs which may contain neoplastic cells with reovirus before transplanting the autographs back into the recipient, thereby reducing the risk of introducing or reintroducing neoplastic cells into the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, Bradley G. Thompson, Matthew C. Coffey
  • Publication number: 20100116757
    Abstract: The present invention relates to separating one or more of sand and other particulate matter from a mixture of animal waste and water. The present invention can help to control the discharge of noxious odors while processing material containing animal waste. An exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a cylindrical housing and a non-rotating collection table. An exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes optional shield provided inside the cylindrical housing that can help to capture the particulate matter and that can also help to reduce the discharge of noxious gas and odors from the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: John Patrick Fetrow
  • Patent number: 7708710
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for collecting and separating whole blood into one or more components. A disposable blood separation fluid circuit is provided which is adapted to cooperate with a reusable separation controller. The fluid circuit includes a fluid flow path for communication with a blood source and at least one container in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path is connected to a blood source and quantities of whole blood are collected in the container and one other location within the fluid circuit. The source is then disconnected from the disposable fluid circuit. The quantities of whole blood are centrifugally processed, with processing of at least a portion of one of the quantities beginning after the source is disconnected from the fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Richard I. Brown
  • Patent number: 7694828
    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
  • Patent number: 7686965
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Melvin W. Cook
  • Patent number: 7673758
    Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The barrier rapidly hardens forming a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Jane Emerson
  • Patent number: 7674388
    Abstract: Contemplated whole blood separators tubes include a curable composition with a density intermediate to the density of serum and the cell-containing fraction. After centrifugation, the curable composition is located between the serum and the cell-containing fraction and preferably irradiated with UV light to initiate a curing reaction in which the curable composition solidifies to a barrier that is immobilized and resistant to breakdown at freezing temperatures and extended storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Jane F. Emerson
  • Publication number: 20100041936
    Abstract: Processes for separating a solid from a solids-liquids slurry under conditions that prevent ingress of molecular oxygen are advantageous where the presence of molecular oxygen would otherwise reduce efficiencies, contribute to limited product yields, and potentially compromise safe operation of the process or downstream unit operations. Among the various embodiments disclosed herein, is a process utilizing filter columns as solid-liquid separators in combination with crystallization and reslurry unit operations to recover a product component from an initial feed mixture of miscible components. Embodiments of the disclosed processes may include the separation and purification of a product component using a crystallizer in series with a filter column followed by a chemical reactor, using a reslurry drum in series with a filter column, and using a combination of crystallizers and/or reslurry drums in series with at least one filter column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Wilsak, Scott A. Roberts, Rose M. Janulis
  • Patent number: 7662298
    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
  • Patent number: 7625351
    Abstract: Provided herein is an innovative hemoperfusion system and method including a thermal-fused broad-spectrum biocidal iodinated interactive polymer for the treatment of biological contaminants in body fluids. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method utilizes a Triosyn® thermal fused broad-spectrum iodinated interactive polymer, included in a hemoperfusion column, for devitalizing high levels of cell-free microorganisms in whole blood and biological fluids in relation with the characterization of blood cells viability and function post-treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Triosyn Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Messier
  • Publication number: 20090208750
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating waste waters resulting from mineral processing, including waste water from flushing high intensity magnetic matrices during kaolin processing, by sedimenting the waste water and then subjecting the waste water supernatant from sedimentation to processing in a disc-nozzle centrifuge. Also disclosed herein are methods for further processing of the products of the disc-nozzle centrifugation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Milton Costantin, Jose Messias
  • Publication number: 20090178975
    Abstract: Processes for treating drilling fluid by passing the fluid through a separator including a clarifying zone and a thickening zone, the clarifying zone having inclined plates and the thickening zone having at least one wall with an angle of less than about 60°. The separator may optionally include an agglomeration zone and a removal zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Q'MAX SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: KEVIN SLOUGH, TROY LUPUL
  • Publication number: 20090145861
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal device comprising improved process analysis technology (PAT), to a method for measuring the moisture content of a suspension in a centrifugal drum and to a method for sampling from a centrifugal device. The centrifugal device is equipped with: a drive shaft; a drum that is connected to the drive shaft; a filter that is located inside the drum and that surrounds a working chamber; a baffle plate that forms a front face of the working chamber and that is mounted on a baffle plate shaft, the baffle plate and the drum being axially displaceable; a filler element for filling a working chamber with a suspension; and a centrifugal housing that surrounds the drum and the filter. In addition, various process analysis devices are provided, in particular tubes comprising monitoring and measuring units that are inserted into the working chamber and windows comprising associated channels that are configured n the baffle plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Joachim Schmid
  • Patent number: 7534358
    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
  • Patent number: 7520996
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Milton Charles Van Noland
  • Patent number: 7510540
    Abstract: An autotransfusion device having: a first line and a first pump, the first line being connected to the inlet of a blood centrifugation cell, and branches of the first line being (i) connected to a red blood cell container, (ii) provided with a coupling, and (iii) being suitable to be connected to the patient; a second line connected to the outlet of a blood centrifugation cell and two branches of the second line being provided with two couplings; and a third line and a second pump, the third line being connected to the first line in an intermediate position between the first pump and the blood centrifugation cell, and branches of the third line (i) being connected to a physiological solution container and (ii) being provided with a coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Margherita Valluzzi, Giampaolo Simonini
  • Patent number: 7488427
    Abstract: System and methods for collecting and preparing fat for autologous fat tissue transplantation. The system includes syringes, filtering and transferring assemblies coupled with the syringes, a centrifuge and a centrifuge insert releasably coupled with the centrifuge. Substances, including oil, fat, and denser substances, such as tumescent fluid, connective tissue, hormones and/or other non-fat substances, are harvested through a cannula into a syringe. Syringes are placed in the centrifuge insert, and subject to centrifugation. Centrifugation stratifies the substances into a top oil stratum, a middle fat stratum, and a bottom denser substance stratum. Denser substances are filtered out of the syringes during or after centrifugation. Oil is removed through an aspiration port in the plunger head of the syringe plunger. Fat is transferred from the first syringe into one or more smaller syringes through an adapter in the assembly coupled with the first syringe and the smaller syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Lipose Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Freund
  • Publication number: 20080290048
    Abstract: A device and method thereof for at least partially fractioning or separating fluid from higher density and/or solid particles contained in liquid samples are disclosed. The present invention provides a movable or drivable device having a flow path defined by inner and outer wall surfaces and arranged such that the flow velocity of the liquid sample along the outer wall surface is higher than the flow velocity along the opposite inner wall surface. The flow path provides elements to at least delay the flow of the liquid sample along the outer wall surface. The device is, e.g., suitable for the separation of blood, e.g., of plasma from at least red blood cells, and from red and white blood cells to achieve blood plasma with high purity for analytical reasons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Rainer Jaeggi, Patrick Griss, Hans-Peter Wahl
  • Patent number: 7442315
    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
  • Patent number: 7442178
    Abstract: A blood processing centrifuge comprising: a rotor having an axis of rotation and being controllably spun around the axis, a mechanism for processing whole blood within the rotor while spinning, a computer controlling blood processing operations, the computer being mounted to the rotor and spinning therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Jacques Chammas
  • Publication number: 20080257836
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes devices for light matter extraction and for heavy matter extraction. Each embodiment provides for a plurality, e.g., two or more stacked or layered chambers, and connected to a central compartment of the chambers is a rotating drive shaft. In the light matter extraction, a central conduit feeds fluid input into the lower chamber. An upper portion of the lower chamber communicates with the lower portion of a mid chamber via a port formed in a plate dividing the chambers. The upper portion of the mid chamber communicates with the lower portion of an upper chamber via a port formed in a plate dividing the chambers. The chambers can be fixably connected to one another. In the heavy matter extraction an initial feed conduit feeds fluid into the upper chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Henry J. Laughlin
  • Publication number: 20080257819
    Abstract: Separating a multi-phase mixture influent even during excessive flows of specific phases. The dynamic phase separator includes a chamber divided into two regions by an inner wall disposed radially inward relative to an outer wall. A gross separation region is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, while a fine separation region lies inside an area defined by the inner wall and top of the chamber. Influent to be separated is fed through an inlet into the gross separation region. A plurality of porous disks are mounted to a rotatable shaft and disposed in the fine separation region. The outer and inner walls are separated by a predetermined distance sufficient to allow for adequate rotational velocity of incoming tangential flow of the influent and dwell time sufficient for natural separation of lighter phases from heavier phases within the gross separation region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Robert J. Tarves
  • Patent number: 7431932
    Abstract: Reovirus can be used to selectively remove ras-mediated neoplastic cells from a cellular composition. It is of particular interest to purge autographs which may contain neoplastic cells with reovirus before transplanting the autographs back into the recipient, thereby reducing the risk of introducing or reintroducing neoplastic cells into the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, Bradley G. Thompson, Matthew C. Coffey
  • Publication number: 20080237151
    Abstract: A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device in which a sample including particles and a fluid is centrifugally separated such that the separated fluid is quantitatively distributed, and a microfluidic system including the centrifugal force-based microfluidic device are provided. The centrifugal force-based microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure in which, within a rotatable disc-shaped platform, a sample, including particles and a fluid, is quickly centrifugally separated into the particles and the fluid using the rotation of the disc-shaped platform and the fluid having a certain volume of the separated fluid is discharged by rotation of the disc-shaped platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Beom-seok Lee