With Means For Indicating, Inspecting, Measuring, Signaling Or Testing Patents (Class 494/10)
  • Patent number: 11913872
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a characteristic of a sample using a centrifuge and optical components is disclosed. The centrifuge may be a standard benchtop centrifuge. The optical components may be sized and dimensioned to fit, along with the sample, inside the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignees: President and Fellows of Harvard College, Children's Medical Center Corporation
    Inventors: Darren Yang, Andrew Ward, Wesley Philip Wong, Kenneth Anders Halvorsen
  • Patent number: 11797821
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for modifying a data collection trajectory for centrifuges are described. An example system may include a data acquisition circuit to interpret a plurality of detection values, each corresponding to at least one of a plurality of input sensors communicatively coupled to the data acquisition circuit. The system may further include a data storage circuit to store specifications and anticipated state information for a plurality of centrifuge types and an analysis circuit to analyze the plurality of detection values relative to specifications and anticipated state information to determine a centrifuge performance parameter. A response circuit may initiate an action in response to the centrifuge performance parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Strong Force IoT Portfolio 2016, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Howard Cella, Gerald William Duffy, Jr., Jeffrey P. McGuckin, Mehul Desai
  • Patent number: 11660617
    Abstract: The present invention provides centrifuges (e.g., analytical centrifuges) comprising a cooling assembly having a cooling surface disposed inside the centrifuge chamber and spaced apart from the rotor. The cooling surface disposed inside the centrifuge chamber, spaced apart from the rotor, and configured to exchange heat between the cooling assembly and the rotor, the thermal element thermally coupled to the cooling surface, and configured to control the temperature of the cooling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ramin, Eric Von Seggern, Brad Hunting, Joe Schorsch
  • Patent number: 11084035
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus for processing a blood sample, a device for cells preparation and a method thereof. The disclosure can be used for blood separation, cell culture and preparation of cells. The apparatus mainly uses a weight sensor to have the weight and some liquid sensors. By optimizing the connection relationship of each device in the whole equipment, simplifying the operation process of the equipment, coordinating each step of the device, reducing the production cost, integrating the steps of PBMC cell separation and magnetic bead separation, the method makes the cell preparation process more intelligently automated, the operation simpler, the cell pollution reduced and the success rate of cell preparation improved. It has broad application prospects and huge market value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventors: Mo Ma, Bofu Xue
  • Patent number: 11027290
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separation of at least two components of a fluid mixture of different densities includes a centrifuge rotor with a sliding bowl bottom movable between a closed position, in which the peripheral ports are closed, and an open position, in which the peripheral ports are open, an inlet channel for supplying hydraulic fluid to a closing chamber between the sliding bowl bottom and the rotor casing in order to hold the sliding bowl bottom in the closed position. The centrifugal separator includes at least one hermetic seal at a second end, other than the first end, of a hollow spindle and the inlet channel for supplying hydraulic fluid to the closing chamber extends through the hollow spindle and is arranged such that the hydraulic fluid is in thermal contact with the at least one hermetic seal when the hydraulic fluid is supplied to the closing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventor: Klas Hilding
  • Patent number: 10974213
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of enabling enhanced, selective agitation of liquid containing a solid-phase reagent. The apparatus includes at least one liquid-bearing container, a circular tray, and a motor. The liquid-bearing container(s) includes at least one internal baffle that imparts turbulent agitation to the liquid when flowing from one end of the container to an opposite end. The circular tray is adapted for selective rotation about a vertical axis of rotation. The rotary circular tray assembly includes container-receiving stations that selectively retain a respective liquid-bearing container in an inclined or pitched orientation with respect to a horizontal plane. The motor creates centrifugal force, which causes liquid in the container(s) to travel from the first end of the container to the second end of the container via the internal baffle(s), agitating the liquid and the solid-phase portions of the reagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Behringer, Adrian Campbell, Nicolae Dumitrescu, Beri Cohen
  • Patent number: 10953148
    Abstract: A plasmapheresis device includes a column or other flow mechanism in which plasma flows following separation of the plasma from cellular components like blood cells, platelets and the like. The column includes a moiety, such as an antibody, which selectively binds to galectin-3. By removing galectin-3 from the blood stream of a mammal by at least 10%, improvements in the treatment of inflammation, suppression of the formation of fibroses, and a variety of cancer treatments can be effected or improved. The device provides for multiple columns to remove a variety of elements but includes one which selectively removes galectin-3 from the blood flow. Other agents may be added to the plasma before recombination with the cellular components of the blood, and before returning the recombined flow to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: ELIAZ THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Isaac Eliaz
  • Patent number: 10933397
    Abstract: A system and method removes bound water from partially dewatered sludge by cavitating the partially dewatered sludge mixture with air bubbles; irradiating the cavitated partially dewatered sludge with an electron beam to create ozone within air bubbles; and filtering the water from the irradiated cavitated partially dewatered sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Jacob G. Appelbaum
  • Patent number: 10919040
    Abstract: A centrifuge device and method for use are presented. The centrifuge device includes a housing, a chamber, a channel, and a cover. The housing includes a first port and a vent opening and is designed to rotate about an axis passing through a center of the housing. The chamber is defined within the housing and is coupled to the first port. A first portion of the chamber has a width that tapers between a first width at a first position and a second width at a second position within the chamber, the first width being greater than the second width. The channel is coupled to the second position of the chamber and arranged such that a path exists for gas to travel from the channel to the vent opening. The cover provides a wall that seals the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: STAT-DIAGNOSTICA & INNOVATION, S.L.
    Inventors: Rafael Bru Gibert, Mathias Kuphal, Jordi Carrera Fabra, Ricard Martin Blanco, Francisco Javier Ramírez
  • Patent number: 10688503
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid rotor for a centrifuge, in particular a laboratory centrifuge, comprising a rotor base body with a receptacle side and a drive side, means for fixing a drive shaft for rotating the hybrid rotor about a rotation axis (R), at least two receptacles with an insertion opening for centrifuge containers arranged on the receptacle side of the rotor base body, a rotary bearing for rotatably mounting a swinging container being formed on at least one receptacle and a fixed bearing for fixedly mounting a fixed angle container being formed on at least one receptacle. The present invention further relates to a set for a centrifuge, comprising a hybrid rotor and at least one fixed angle container. Furthermore, the present invention relates to fixed angle container for use in a hybrid rotor or in a set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Thermo Electron LED GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Henne, Sven Stephan
  • Patent number: 10617804
    Abstract: An autotransfusion system for separating fluid constituents includes a centrifuge housing and a rotatable driving member mounted within the centrifuge housing. The rotatable driving member is configured to receive therein and rotationally engage any one of a plurality of centrifuge bowls with different heights. In some embodiments, the centrifuge bowl is integrated with a fluid line organizer to provide for easy and efficient organization of a plurality of different fluid lines incorporated into the autotransfusion system. In some embodiments, the centrifuge bowl and fluid line organizer are easily and efficiently coupled to the centrifuge housing for autotransfusion processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrea Galavotti, Elisa Maculan, Giampaolo Simonini, Ivo Panzani
  • Patent number: 10478539
    Abstract: The catheter device comprises a motor at the proximal end of the catheter device and a drive shaft, extending from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device, for driving a rotating element located at the distal end of the catheter device. The catheter device also comprises a hose-like catheter body which encompasses the drive shaft and extends from the proximal end section to the distal end section. At the proximal end of the catheter device, the drive shaft is connected to a motor by a clutch. The clutch is a magnetic clutch with a proximal and a distal magnet unit. The proximal magnet unit is connected to the motor and the distal magnet unit to the drive shaft. The distal magnet unit is mounted fluid-tight in a clutch housing. The proximal end of the catheter body makes a fluid-tight connection with the clutch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: AIS GMBH AACHEN INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Joachim Georg Pfeffer, Thomas Schmitz-Rode, Rolf W. Günther
  • Patent number: 10378944
    Abstract: A system for tracking a volumetric change of a fluid or solid in a container is provided. A sensing device may be interconnected to any container, wherein the sensing device comprises a fluid sensor, an orientation sensor, and a communication unit for electronic communication. For example, the sensing device may communicate via Bluetooth® with an electronic device such as a smart phone. When the container is filled with a fluid, the sensing device senses drinking gestures and records any changes in the volume of the fluid. This information is transmitted to the electronic device wherein an application may keep track of various drinking events and notify a user of the same. Thus, the application may notify a user to drink water, alert the user of daily goals, etc. The sensing device and the overall fluid tracking system may serve as an intersection for users, friends, marketers, bottle makers, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Lin Sun
  • Patent number: 10357788
    Abstract: A rotor is mounted in a stationary casing of a centrifugal separator. An electrical rotation sensor with a first electric coil mounted on the rotor and a second electric coil, connectable to a power source and mounted on the casing, is provided. A processor associated with the second coil detects voltage oscillation induced in the second coil when the rotor rotates to calculate and display rotor speed. The first coil is connected in a circuit including electrodes exposed to the interior of the rotor at a predetermined position. The voltage across the second coil changes when the electrodes are contacted by accumulated material in the interior of the rotor. This change is detected to provide an indication that cleaning of the rotor is required. A permanent magnet is mounted on the rotor and causes automatic charging of the battery via the stator coil when the rotor rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventor: Nigel Burford
  • Patent number: 10352918
    Abstract: This invention is test equipment for determining a concrete's compressive strength class and characteristic equivalent cube compressive strength value while the concrete is in its fresh concrete period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Firat Akademi Yayincilik Egitim Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
    Inventor: Cevdet Emin Ekinci
  • Patent number: 10335803
    Abstract: A modular centrifuge device for separating fluid samples, including a housing having a modular power assembly mechanism for rotating samples with manual or electric power. A manual centrifuge device, including a housing having a power assembly mechanism for rotating samples with manual power, and a speed indicator for indicating if a predetermined speed has been reached and a time indicator for indicating if a predetermined or calculated time has been reached for rotating said samples operatively connected to the device. A method of centrifuging samples, by selecting a manual power mode or electric power mode on a centrifuge, rotating samples at a predetermined speed for a predetermined or calculated time, alerting a user that the predetermined speed and predetermined or calculated time have been achieved, and obtaining separated samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Sisu Global Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Carolyn Yarina, Alexander Matthew Thinath, Nicholas Cobane, Jenna Boeing, Melissa Sweeney, Kattlynn Chartier, Dominic Calabrese, Nathan Pastuzyn, Hannah Grace Cheriyan, Katherine Kirsch, Naveed Iqball, Swetha Viswanatha
  • Patent number: 10295526
    Abstract: A centrifuge is provided. The centrifuge includes a power source, the power source configured to generate electrical power from a renewable power source. At least one battery electrically coupled to the power source. A motor is electrically coupled to the at least one battery. A rotor is coupled to the motor. The rotor has a generally cylindrical body and a pair of opposing openings opposite the motor, and a pair of holders each disposed in one of the pair of opposing openings, each of the holders having an opening on one end sized to receive a capillary tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michael Rust, Joseph T. Papu, Andrew w. Browne
  • Patent number: 10252279
    Abstract: A centrifuge including a rotor, a rotor chamber having an opening, a motor, a door configured to close the opening, an input/output unit configured to receive an input of an operating condition and to display an operating status, and a housing accommodating therein the rotor, the rotor chamber, the motor, the door and the input/output unit, wherein the housing has the opening at an upper surface thereof, wherein a light emitting part having a horizontal width longer than the opening is provided in the vicinity of a corner portion at which the upper surface and a front surface of the housing intersect with each other or in the vicinity of a front side of the opening, and wherein a light emitting form of the light emitting part is configured to be changed depending on the operating status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: KOKI HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ohkawara, Yoshitaka Niinai, Hiroshi Hayasaka, Takeshi Taniguchi, Hisanobu Ooyama, Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10215658
    Abstract: A technique for detecting spills is disclosed. A number of electrodes within a portion of a surface are connected to a resistance meter. The resistance meter detects a spill by measuring a change in resistance between two or more electrodes when a fluid is spilled over the two or more of the electrodes. The location of the spill can also be determined based on a known location for each of the electrodes. The size of the spill can further be determined based on a number of electrodes which measured a change in resistance due to the spilled fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Jackson Lewis, Matthew Dwain Biermann, Kevin Matthew Charles
  • Patent number: 10201817
    Abstract: The method controls timing of a discharge event of a centrifugal separator, during which discharge event at least part of a heavier liquid and/or sludge or solids separated from a lighter liquid is discharged from the separator through at least one discharge opening. The discharge opening is opened and/or closed hydraulically. The method comprises the steps of waiting for a scheduled discharge time, measuring the pressure of the liquid used for opening and/or closing the discharge opening, comparing the measured pressure to a predetermined limit value, and, in the case the pressure is below the limit value, delaying the discharge event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: WARTSILA FINLAND OY
    Inventor: Raine Peltokoski
  • Patent number: 10155083
    Abstract: A centrifuge bowl for separating whole blood into blood components includes a rotatable body, and inlet, and a plurality of vibration reduction members. The rotatable body has a body portion and a neck portion. The body portion defines an interior for receiving whole blood, and the body is rotatable to separate the whole blood into a plurality of blood components. The inlet is in fluid communication with the interior of the rotatable body, and is configured to introduce the whole blood into the rotatable body. The plurality of vibration reduction members are spaced about the neck portion, and are configured to reduce vibration of the centrifuge bowl as the bowl is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Brunner, Christopher J. Caputo
  • Patent number: 10112127
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that deterioration of the flow state of a coal/kerosene slurry while preventing the damage caused by overloading to thereby achieve excellent solid-liquid separation performance. In a solid-liquid separation supplying a dehydrated coal/kerosene slurry to a decanter-type centrifugal separator to separate the coal/kerosene slurry into a solid fraction and a liquid fraction, an opening degree target value is determined on the basis of the difference between a target value and an actually measured value of a torque that acts on a screw conveyor of the decanter-type centrifugal separator, and the opening degree of a flow volume control valve, which is arranged in the middle of a supply line for supplying the coal/kerosene slurry into the decanter-type centrifugal separator, is adjusted to the opening degree target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Kinoshita, Hiroki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10016560
    Abstract: A surgical fluid management system includes a source of surgical media, a surgical instrument, a first pump, one or more filters, a second pump, and a controller. The first pump is operatively coupled between the source of surgical media and the surgical instrument. The one or more filters are configured to filter bodily discharge from a surgical site. The second pump is operatively coupled between the one or more filters and the first pump. The controller is in electrical communication with the first pump and the second pump to control the first and second pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Kasey A. Grim, Joe D. Sartor, Valery E. Meusburger, Rachel C. Grosskrueger, Li-Mae H. McClellan, Fiona M. Wohlfarth, Ryan M. Wolsky
  • Patent number: 9975127
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating a fluid mixture into components, including a non-rotating part, a rotor which is attached to a shaft which is rotatably supported in the non-rotating part around a rotational axis, which rotor forms within itself a separation space delimited by a rotor wall. The separator includes an inlet extending into the rotor for supply of a fluid mixture to be separated in the separation space, at least one sensor measuring unbalance conditions in the frame; a level determining arrangement including two or more space defining elements of arbitrary form arranged on the interior surface of, or close to, the rotor wall, where each space defining element defines a space which communicates with the separation space or another of the space defining elements through at least one inlet opening arranged at a certain radius from the rotational axis and not outside that radius and where that certain radii of the space defining elements are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Lars Hillström, Hans Moberg, Finn Rundström, Peter Thorwid, Roland Isaksson, Jan Skoog
  • Patent number: 9919321
    Abstract: A centrifuge able to discharge moisture through a separate moisture outlet by separating moisture from oil when spraying oil through a nozzle of a rotor, thereby removing moisture from oil without using a separate skimmer, and a purifier system including the same. The centrifuge includes a casing, a shat, a stand tube and a rotor. The casing has an oil inlet, an oil outlet, a moisture outlet and an air inlet. Moisture separated from oil sprayed through a nozzle of the rotor is discharged along with air out of the casing through the moisture outlet. An amount of air identical to the amount of the air discharged through the moisture outlet is introduced into the casing through the air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SHIN HEUNG PRECISION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong-Keun Kim, Ho-Jin Eum, In-Soo Kim, Kyo-Hye Ye, Yeon-Won Lee, Yoon-Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 9889242
    Abstract: The catheter device comprises a motor located at the proximal end of the catheter device and a drive shaft, extending from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device, for driving a rotating element located at the distal end of the catheter device. The catheter device also comprises a hose-like catheter body which encompasses the drive shaft and extends from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device. At the proximal end of the catheter device, the drive shaft is connected to a motor by a clutch. The clutch is a magnetic clutch with a proximal and a distal magnet unit. The proximal magnet unit is connected to the motor and the distal magnet unit to the drive shaft. The distal magnet unit is mounted fluid-tight in a clutch housing. The proximal end of the catheter body makes a fluid-tight connection with the clutch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: AIS GMBH AACHEN INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Joachim Georg Pfeffer, Thomas Schmitz-Rode, Rolf W. Gunther
  • Patent number: 9839921
    Abstract: A modular centrifuge device for separating fluid samples, including a housing having a modular power assembly mechanism for rotating samples with manual or electric power. A manual centrifuge device, including a housing having a power assembly mechanism for rotating samples with manual power, and a speed indicator for indicating if a predetermined speed has been reached and a time indicator for indicating if a predetermined or calculated time has been reached for rotating said samples operatively connected to the device. A method of centrifuging samples, by selecting a manual power mode or electric power mode on a centrifuge, rotating samples at a predetermined speed for a predetermined or calculated time, alerting a user that the predetermined speed and predetermined or calculated time have been achieved, and obtaining separated samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Sisu Global Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Carolyn Reed Yarina, Alexander Matthew Thinath, Nicholas James Cobane, Jenna Marie Boeing, Melissa Ann Sweeney, Kattlynn Shawn Chartier, Dominic Frank Calabrese, Nathan Joseph Pastuzyn, Hannah Grace Cheriyan, Katherine Leslie Kirsch, Naveed Arif Iqball, Swetha Viswanatha
  • Patent number: 9737897
    Abstract: A cover for a centrifugal filter, in which when water separated from oil is discharged through outlets provided in covers, can reduce the amount of oil leaking out with mixed gas and water. The cover constitutes the centrifugal filter by covering a rotor that rotates so as to filter impurities contained in oil by using a centrifugal force. The rotor is provided with at least one nozzle through which filtered oil is jetted. The cover includes: an inner cover configured to cover the rotor and including a first outlet and a first inlet; an outer cover provided outside the inner cover; and an oil leak prevention member provided in the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SHIN HEUNG PRECISION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong Keun Kim, Ho Jin Eum, Kyo Hye Ye
  • Patent number: 9695394
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell separation devices, methods and systems, as well as compositions and reagents for use in cell separation methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SynGen, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, William Busa, Jonathan Ellis
  • Patent number: 9656275
    Abstract: A centrifuge including a rotor, a rotor chamber accommodating therein the rotor and having an opening, a motor configured to rotate the rotor, a door configured to close the opening of the rotor chamber, an input unit configured to receive an input of an operation condition, a display unit configured to display an operating status, and a control unit configured to control rotation of the motor, wherein the control unit is configured to perform a program operation under an operation condition including a plurality of steps, and wherein the control unit is configured so that a specific step of stopping the rotation of the rotor and permitting the door to be opened or closed can be set as at least one of the plurality of steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hisanobu Ooyama, Kahoru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9651570
    Abstract: A determination mechanism which obtains information about the weight of the specimen housed in the specimen container is arranged on a conveyor line for connecting between a loading module and an automatic centrifugal unit, the specimens are held without being installed at an adaptor until the number of the specimens which can be subjected to a centrifugal processing at once by the automatic centrifugal unit arrives, and the specimens are installed after the arrival in an order from a heavier specimen at the adaptors to be paired, which are installed at the symmetric positions to each other across the rotation central axis. Also, the specimen is installed at the gravity-center position of the adaptor first, and the subsequent specimens are installed from the inner side at the point-symmetric positions to each other across the gravity-center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Yagi, Takayuki Noda, Masashi Akutsu
  • Patent number: 9498567
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the return phase of a blood separation procedure having a draw phase in which blood is drawn through an access or donor line, is separated, and a fluid, such as a cellular concentrate, is flowed into a reservoir, and a return phase in which fluid is flowed from the reservoir through the donor line. The method comprises flowing fluid from the reservoir through the donor line in a steady state return; monitoring the donor line for the presence of air; and, upon detecting air in the donor line, determining the amount of fluid remaining in the reservoir. Then, either i) the donor line is purged, if the amount of fluid remaining in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined amount, and the steady state return of fluid from the reservoir through the donor line is resumed; or ii) if the amount of fluid remaining in the reservoir does not exceed the predetermined amount, the return phase is ended by terminating the flow of fluid from the reservoir through the donor line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Amit J. Patel, Samantha M. Planas
  • Patent number: 9457359
    Abstract: A device for insertion into a rotor of a centrifuge has at least two bodies stacked one above the other in a stacking direction inside a housing insertable into a holder of the rotor of the centrifuge. The two bodies are movably disposed in relation to each other inside the housing in order to fluidically couple, in a first phase, responding to a rotation of the rotor, a first cavity of the first body to a first cavity of the second body and to fluidically couple in a second phase a second cavity of the first body to the first cavity of the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: ALBERT-LUDWIGS-UNIVERSITAET FREIBURG, HAHN-SCHICKARD-GESELLSCHAFT FUER ANGEWANDTE FORSCH
    Inventors: Felix Von Stetten, Marion Finkbeiner, Roland Zengerle, Nils Paust, Guenter Roth
  • Patent number: 9440243
    Abstract: A centrifuge vessel is configured to have at least two chambers therein separated by a divider, and with a spillway around a lip at an end of the divider to join the chambers. After centrifugation differing density phases of an original sample remain on opposite sides of the divider. Separate extraction ports are provided for removal of differing density phases of the original sample from opposite sides of the divider. A method of use of the centrifuge vessel includes centrifugation and extraction at differing orientations of the vessel for convenient and reliable extraction of differing density fractions from the original sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MicroAire Surgical Instruments, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Chapman, Rodney Sparks
  • Patent number: 9423327
    Abstract: The application discloses an apparatus and method for processing biological material, including a suspension of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: BAXALTA GMBH, BAXALTA INC.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Thomas E. Dudar, James C. Laird
  • Patent number: 9354189
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a characteristic of a sample includes a sample measurement apparatus (1404), which includes a light source (1406) configured to illuminate the sample; and a detector (1412) configured to receive light from the sample. The sample measurement apparatus is sized and dimensioned to fit within a centrifuge receptacle, the centrifuge receptacle (1416) coupled to a spindle configured to rotate the centrifuge receptacle to apply a force to the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Wesley Philip Wong, Kenneth Anders Halvorsen
  • Patent number: 9281766
    Abstract: Disclosed is an analyzing apparatus including a first drive part (71) for rotating a turntable (101) on which an analyzing device is set, a second drive part (72) selectively engaged with the first drive part (71) to reciprocate the analyzing device, and a third drive part (73) for relatively moving the first drive part (71) and the second drive part (72) a position where the first and second drive parts are engaged with each other and a position where the first and second drive parts are not engaged with each other. Thus in the mixing and agitation of a small amount of fluid, necessary acceleration can be obtained even in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Nakanishi, Masahito Shiraishi, Tsugio Wakita
  • Patent number: 9192945
    Abstract: A separator includes a rotatable drum having a vertical rotational axis, a disk stack arranged in the drum, an inner gripper and an outer gripper that do not rotate with the drum are configured to discharge mutually-separated liquid phases. A discharge line is assigned to each gripper and is arranged in an associated gripper chamber of the drum. The inner gripper includes an inner gripper shaft and the outer gripper includes an outer gripper shaft both of which shafts protrude axially from the drum. Each associated gripper chamber, with its associated gripper, revolves on different radii with respect to the rotational axis such that a chamber is formed radially between an outer circumference of the inner gripper shaft and an inner circumference of the outer gripper shaft. A fluid is insertable into the chamber through a channel, which fluid is pressable from the chamber into the gripper chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Wolf-Dietrich Herberg, Carsten Waubke
  • Patent number: 9156163
    Abstract: A robot system includes: a robot arm; a robot hand provided on the robot arm; a contact unit provided on the robot hand for rotating a rotation body of a rotation device which includes the rotation body capable of housing a work and a fixed part rotatably supporting the rotation body and which performs a predetermined process on the work; a detection unit configured to detect a detection target part provided on the rotation body; and a first control unit configured to control operation of the robot arm and the robot hand so that the contact unit rotates the rotation body up to a predetermined rotational position according to a result of detecting the detection target part by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Makoto Umeno, Tomoyuki Horiuchi, Takashi Suyama
  • Patent number: 9097631
    Abstract: The application discloses an apparatus and method for processing biological material, including a suspension of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignees: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC., BAXTER HEALTHCARE SA
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Thomas E. Dudar, James C. Laird
  • Publication number: 20150138567
    Abstract: A centrifugal analysis system includes a driving device, a carrying device, a number of cassettes, and an optical sensor device. The carrying device includes a tray disposed on the driving device, a number of limitation mechanisms disposed at the tray. The cassettes are detachably disposed at the tray and respectively and correspond to the limitation mechanisms. When the driving device drives the carrying device to rotate, the optical sensor circularly detects the cassettes in sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Fu-Chun HUANG, Cheng Chang LAI
  • Publication number: 20150125945
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Holmes, John Kent Frankovich
  • Publication number: 20150114123
    Abstract: A gripper unit for handling a vessel for receiving biological material is proposed, inter alia. The vessel has a lid which can assume an open position and a closed position. The gripper unit comprises a gripper for gripping and releasing the vessel, and a lid holder, for holding a lid in a defined position in relation to the vessel. The defined position is an open position of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Andreas SCHAEFER, Thomas VOIT, Walter TSCHOPP, Adrian GEIGER, Markus ZBINDEN, Harald HIBBING, Andreas KARL, Frank EIGEMEIER, Volker BEHRMANN, Dietmar KOPP, Andreas SCHMIEDE
  • Publication number: 20150111716
    Abstract: The invention provides a tri-axial centrifuge apparatus for testing of petro-physical properties and gathering of geo-mechanical information, as well as methods of using the tri-axial centrifuge apparatus. The tri-axial centrifuge apparatus includes a tri-axial sample holder, a fluid sample holder, a centrifuge, at least one electrical sensor, at least one acoustic sensor, and an x-ray instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mustafa Hakimuddin
  • Patent number: 9010440
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: George Joel Rodger, Denman L. Cloudt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150057141
    Abstract: A centrifuge including: a rotor configured to separate a sample; a driving unit configured to rotate the rotor; a control device configured to control the driving unit and generate operation data; a data storage device configured to store the operation data; and a communication unit configured to connect the centrifuge with another centrifuge, wherein the storage device has a first storage area configured to store the operation data of the centrifuge, and a second storage area configured to store operation data of the other centrifuge acquired through the communication unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroatsu Toi, Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8951180
    Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifuge for separating whole blood into its blood components and a method for extracting a highly enriched thrombocyte concentrate out of whole blood. For this purpose, the centrifuge comprises a closed loop and/or open-loop control unit as well as a drive unit coupled to the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit, a rotor (12) having at least two container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16) for removably holding containers (18, 20, 22, 24) being in fluid communication with each other, at least one sensor arranged between the container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16b) and coupled with the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit for detecting a separation layer. Herein, a motor/gear unit (30a, 30b, 32a, 32b) coupled to the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit is associated with each of the container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Andreas Hettich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus-Günter Eberle
  • Publication number: 20150005149
    Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: JOHN E. NASH, WILLIAM T. FISHER, Douglas G. Evans
  • Publication number: 20140371047
    Abstract: A centrifuge rotor for measuring a characteristic of a sample subjected to centrifugation, the centrifuge rotor including: a rotor body; at least one sample holder for holding a sample; at least one on-board measurement device for measuring a characteristic of the sample held in the at least one sample holder during rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Dietmar LERCHE, Uwe MERTENS, Uwe RIRTZ
  • Publication number: 20140357464
    Abstract: A flow apparatus for a separation apparatus for separating solids from a solids laden drilling fluid, the flow system comprising a feed conduit (207,216) for feeding solids laden drilling fluid to the separation apparatus (10), a liquid discharge conduit (218) for conveying discharged liquid phase from said separation apparatus (10) and a solids discharge port (230) for allowing discharge of solids phase from said separation apparatus, characterised in that said flow system comprises a parameter measuring apparatus (212) connected to said feed conduit (207,216) and said liquid discharge conduit (218).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Lyndon Ray STONE