Abstract: A three-phase decanting centrifuge is provided. Solids are removed from a slurry in the centrifuge in the conventional manner, as described above. The liquid separated from the slurry moves into a fluids reservoir. Centrifugal action classifies the fluids, with lighter fluids (typically oil) radially closer to the axis of rotation of the machine, while the heavier fluids are radially farther from the axis, i.e. at the bottom of the reservoir. Lighter fluids flow out a plurality of overflow tubes. Heavier fluids flow through a plurality of ports into a heavy fluids reservoir to be skimmed out by a pair of radially actuatable skimmer tubes. The skimmer tubes are preferably automatically operated based on the light transmissivity of the lighter and heavier fluids discharged from the machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of photometric analysis, particularly to photometric analysis apparatuses which use disk-shaped rotors, in which the rotors are loaded automatically.

Abstract: A centrifugal method, and corresponding system, for processing blood to collect platelet rich plasma. A separation chamber is filled with blood from a fill syringe by rotating the separation chamber at a fill rotation rate and pumping the blood from the fill syringe. A soft spin is used to initially separate red blood cells from platelets by spinning the separation chamber at a soft spin rate. A percentage of the blood is drawn from the separation chamber back into the fill syringe to remove separated red blood cells. A second portion of the separated blood is drawn from the separation chamber until a red blood cell/platelet interface is detected. A hard spin is performed by spinning the separation chamber at a higher rate and connecting tubing is cleared of red blood cells by drawing a predetermined clearing volume. The platelet rich plasma is then collected in the collection syringe.

Abstract: A centrifuge for processing blood and blood components in a processing bag connected to at least one secondary bag comprises a rotor for spinning a processing bag and separating a content thereof in at least two components, and a squeezing member for exposing a processing bag to an external pressure and causing a transfer of a separated component from a processing bag into a secondary bag. Electrically powered devices, such as valves and photocells, are mounted on the rotor for controlling a transfer of fluid from a processing bag into a secondary bag. An electrical power supply system supplies the electrically powered devices with electrical power through the rotor.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method of controlling a centrifuge for the centrifugal production of a milk product. The steps include taking a milk sample at an outlet of the centrifuge from a liquid phase, adding a substance to the milk sample that increases light transmittance of the milk sample, determining the light transmittance of the milk sample by transilluminating the milk sample using a light source and measuring light intensity via a photo cell, determining the fat content from a measurement of the light transmittance, and controlling the centrifuge as a function of the determination of the fat content. The present disclosure also includes a system for controlling the centrifuge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary drive adapted for creating liquid flow in rotatable microfluidic discs. A rotary drive for spinning a disc shaped substrate having microfluidic structures formed therein for the flow control of microliter and/or nanoliter volumes of liquid by centrifugal force is suggested, comprising a motor with a spindle having an axis of rotation. A rotary member is connected for rotation with the spindle and driven for rotation relative to a stationary member, the rotary member being formed with a top plane having a centering guide for receiving the disc so as to force a symmetry axis of the disc into alignment with said axis of rotation. A vacuum source is connected with the stationary member and communicating with the rotary member or a part thereof rotating with the rotary member for applying sub-pressure to the disc when spinning the disc about its symmetry axis. Preferably, the rotary member is journalled for contact-free rotation relative to the stationary member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the washing step in a blood centrifugation cell in which washing solution is introduced into the blood centrifugation cell and the cell contains compacted red cells and supernatant at the beginning of the washing step. The apparatus can comprise various sensors and a computer. The sensors sense and transmit to the computer three inputs. The first input is indicative of the total volume of blood that enters the cell during the filling step and the total amount of washing solution that enters the cell during the washing step. The second input is indicative of the hematocrit value of the blood introduced during the filling step. The third input is indicative of the geometric characteristics of the cell. Based on the inputs, the computer executes an algorithm that produces a first output that is the concentration of the supernatant in the supernatant-washing solution mixture.

Abstract: A system for automatically collecting and separating whole blood into its components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method comprising detecting tubes inside carriers (P), detecting an expected imbalance of the centrifuge (CE) and, when said detection reveals the presence of such an imbalance owing to the presence of an insufficient number of carriers (P) or an odd number of carriers (P), the method consists in: simulating the load of the centrifuge incorporating the incomplete carrier (P), selecting a balance-restoring carrier based on the number of tubes missing in the incomplete carrier (P), determining the boat of the centrifuge (CE) wherein the balancing carrier should be placed and installing said carrier in the boat.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing channel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator facilitates maintenance with a function that provides the user with useful data for investigating the causes of failures and for preventing their recurrence, such as data needed to determine the appropriate management and replacement frequency of consumable parts. The centrifugal separator also has a storing unit for recording the number of times that the door is opened and closed, operation records of the drive unit by each shaft, and the number of operations performed by operating function, as well as a display unit for displaying the data. The centrifugal separator also includes a function for displaying messages prompting the user to perform maintenance when the aforementioned performance data reach a predetermined value.

Abstract: The claimed invention refers to a centrifuge intended for processing blood and blood components and with its function based on the effective utilisation of ring type blood processing bags with associated secondary bags and other accessories. The most outstanding feature of the centrifuge, in accordance with the claimed invention, is that its rotor, at the same intended height of the ring bag (22) inner periphery, shows at least three supports (9–11) arranged along this periphery and intended to locate the ring bag's inner strengthened periphery edge on guide holes at the same time as the centrifuge and its rotor is equipped with a joint rotating inner lid (6) which includes a clamp function (7) that clamps ring bag (22) securely along and between supports (9–11).

Abstract: A combinatorial, high-throughput screening method is described for developing new coatings having a performance characteristic of a coating property which results in a substantial increase in the discovery rate of new coating materials. The method includes the steps of providing an array of wells (18) for receiving candidate coating materials having a parameter; placing coating materials in each well (16) while varying the coating material parameter correlating the coating material position in the array to the variation of the coating material parameter; applying a coating leveling force to and optionally drying the coating materials in the array of coating wells (19); testing the coatings with regard to the desired performance characteristic (21) and correlating the result of the test to the well position in the array that thereby coating materials having the desired performance characteristic may be discovered.

Abstract: Method for separating blood plasma particles from a blood plasma suspension in a self-discharging centrifuge having two or more discharge slits and axially stacked baffle plates, in which the blood plasma particles are separated from the liquid phase by centrifuging and removal of the liquid phase, suctioning off liquid remaining in the drum after separation of the blood plasma particles and discharging the sediment of solid blood plasma particles from the drum by centrifugal force into a collecting container underneath the drum, the drum and the blood plasma sediment being cooled during one or more of the process steps.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a centrifuge control system, which are particularly suited for automatically calibrating a centrifuge imbalance detector that include an accelerometer and a controller. The controller is configured to automatically calibrate imbalance limits. Upon determining these limits, the controller assigns these limits or values to the accelerometer.

Abstract: This invention relates to clinical diagnostic assays, related optical bio-discs, and a disc-reading apparatus. The invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for performing immunohematology assays using an optical bio-disc analysis system. The invention is further directed to an optical bio-disc for performing an immunohematologic assay including a substrate having encoded information associated therewith. The encoded information may be readable by a disc drive assembly to control rotation of the disc. The disc may also include at least one target zone or capture zone associated with the substrate. The target zone is disposed at a predetermined location relative to a center of the substrate. The disc further includes a plurality of capture antibodies immobilized within the target zone, a flow channel, fluidic circuit, or analysis chamber associated with the target zone, and an input site in fluid communication with the analysis chamber.

Abstract: Centrifuge includes a plate, a detector for the position of the plate, a monitoring and control unit, to turn the plate and to stop it in predetermined angular positions; characterized by several balancing containers, a centrifugal detector, a device for providing a balancing product located at a fixed station, calculating means adapted to determine an angular position (?B) and a mass (m0) of an unbalance (B) as well as an angular position (?E) for a balancing mass (m1). The monitoring and control unit control the stopping of the plate in a predetermined angular position for the balancing mass (m1) in correspondence with the fixed station, and to control said device for supplying a balancing product to fill the one of the balancing containers that is located at the fixed station.

Abstract: Processing systems and methods comprise a separation device that, in use, performs a separation process including separation of red blood cells from blood or a suspension containing red blood cells. The systems and methods include an outlet line coupled to the separation device to remove red blood cells from the separation device, at least in part, while the separation process occurs. A sensor associated with the outlet line senses hematocrit of red blood cells removed from the separation device and generates a sensed hematocrit output. A controller is coupled to the separation device to control removal of red blood cells from the separation device based, at least in part, upon the sensed hematocrit output.

Abstract: A centrifuge that includes a centrifugal drum having a solids collecting chamber arranged below a bottom of the centrifugal drum. Also included is an oscillation measuring device for recording oscillations of the centrifugal drum. Further included is a medium situated in the solids collecting chamber. Also included is at least one feeler element that protrudes beyond the bottom of, and is connected to the centrifugal drum. When the medium level rises in the solids collecting chamber, the at least one feeler element is contacted by the medium before the medium contacts the centrifugal drum. The contact results in uncritical oscillations that are analyzed by the oscillation measuring device.

Abstract: A centrifugal method, and corresponding system, for processing blood to collect platelet rich plasma. A separation chamber is filled with blood from a fill syringe by rotating the separation chamber at a fill rotation rate and pumping the blood from the fill syringe. A soft spin is used to initially separate red blood cells from platelets by spinning the separation chamber at a soft spin rate. A percentage of the blood is drawn from the separation chamber back into the fill syringe to remove separated red blood cells. A second portion of the separated blood is drawn from the separation chamber until a red blood cell/platelet interface is detected. A hard spin is performed by spinning the separation chamber at a higher rate and connecting tubing is cleared of red blood cells by drawing a predetermined clearing volume. The platelet rich plasma is then collected in the collection syringe.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an interface formed during operation between a specific light liquid phase and a specific heavier liquid phase to a wanted radial level in a centrifugal separator, in which the separation chamber is emptied of its contents and the inlet opening is brought to a radial inner position in the outlet chamber, after which a pre-determined volume of the specific heavier liquid phase is supplied to the separation chamber and the mixture of the two liquid phases is supplied to the separation chamber via the supply conduit and the inlet chamber whereby the separation chamber is filled up and an interface between the two liquid phases is formed, which is displaced radial outwardly, the displaced specific heavier liquid phase then being pressed radial inwardly in the outlet channel and further into the outlet chamber.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator, a temperature sensor is provided in contact with a vibration isolation rubber that elastically supports an induction motor to a motor base. A Peltier element for heating/cooling the vibration isolation rubber is provided in contact with the vibration isolation rubber. The temperature sensor and the Peltier element is connected to a controller. Based on a detected temperature input from the temperature sensor, the controller controls heat generation or cooling effected by the Peltier element, thereby maintaining an optimum temperature of the vibration isolation rubber to maintain its damping characteristics.

Abstract: A centrifuge system with an externally positioned sensor assembly for detecting the separation of components in a fluid sample, such as platelets in a blood sample. The system includes a centrifuge with a drive portion and a rotor portion with a sample reservoir or centrifuge bag for receiving and containing a fluid sample during rotation of the rotor portion. An external sensor assembly is positioned relative to the centrifuge to direct a radiation beam from a radiation source through the rotor portion and the centrifuge bag and to allow a detector to receive the lower-intensity radiation beams at a location external to the rotor portion. In one embodiment, the rotor portion is fabricated from a transparent material and extends radially outward from the sides of the drive portion to allow the radiation source and detector to be positioned externally on opposing sides of the extending rotor portion.

Abstract: A centrifugal machine of automatic balance type is provided for detecting an unbalance in a specimen mounted on a rotor lever before every centrifugal machining, and for moving horizontally the rotor lever according to detected results, maintaining automatic balance, thereby preventing destruction of a specimen due to an unbalance of the rotor, and extending the life of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing liquid samples packed in tubes (6) closed with a top (7) capable of being perforated, includes a support (4) for the tubes and a unit (8) for sampling an aliquot from each tube and delivering it into a receptacle for treatment and/or analysis, the unit (8) including a hollow needle (45) connected to a suction/delivery device and vertically mobile; the support (4) has a circular tray provided with several tube-holders (5) on its periphery and capable of rotating about a vertical axis to bring a position successively and selectively the tubes (6) borne by the tube-holders (5) in line with the unit (8); each tube-holder (5) is connected to the tray (4) through a linkage (31) with two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Systems and methods centrifugally separate whole blood into red blood cells, plasma, and a platelet concentrate. The systems and methods rotate a first rotating separation zone about a rotational axis, to separate whole blood into red blood cells and plasma constituent carrying platelets. Red blood cells separated are directed in a first circumferential flow direction toward a terminal wall, where blood flow is halted. Surface hematocrit is successively increased in the first circumferential flow direction by separating the plasma constituent from the red blood cells. Separated red blood cells are directed from the first rotating separation zone through a path where the surface hematocrit is the most. Plasma constituent separated is directed in a second circumferential flow direction opposite to the first circumferential flow direction toward a different region in the first rotating separation zone, where the surface hematocrit is the least.

Abstract: A system for automated operation of a blood separation system controlling the input of blood samples, the separation of blood components, and the discharge of the components. The system includes a blood reservoir and centrifuge for receiving blood samples and separating the blood components. A sensor determines when adequate separation has been achieved and a controller receives signals from the sensor to operate a centrifuge drive assembly to achieve desired separation. Separation may be based on a calibrated rotation time for the centrifuge as measured by a timer. An input pump pumps blood samples to the blood reservoir, and an outlet pump removes separated samples from the blood reservoir. The inlet and outlet pumps are operated by the controller, and the inlet pump may be operated to discharge separated components not collected by the blood separation system, whereby additional sample volume is added for ongoing operation.

Abstract: A sample tube assembly incorporating a fluid-tight label chamber, said label chamber being fused to or forming part of the body of the sample tube. The invention also includes a sample tube assembly wherein the tube assembly comprises; a tube portion, the bottom of which is adapted to accept an end cap; and end cap adapted to be joined to the bottom of the tube portion; and a label chamber provided in use by a space between the bottom or outer surface of the bottom of the tube portion and the inner surface of the end cap; and wherein the end cap is fused, welded or otherwise joined to the bottom of the tube portion to provide a fluid tight-seal.

Abstract: Collection systems and methods use a separation chamber that receives blood or a suspension containing red blood cells and performs a separation process including separation of red blood cells from the blood or suspension. The separation chamber contains, during the separation process, a red blood cell volume. An outlet line is coupled to the separation chamber to remove red blood cells from the chamber device, at least in part, while the separation process occurs. A collection container is coupled to the outlet line to receive a volume of red blood cells removed from the separation chamber. A controller includes a processing function that, during the separation process, includes comparing the volume of red blood cells received by the collection container to a selected targeted red blood cell collection volume to derive a difference.

Abstract: An indication device indicates an undesired operation condition of a centrifugal separator and comprises an inlet valve situated in a supply conduit to the separator, and an outlet valve situated in an outlet conduit from the separator. During normal operation of the separator the valves are adjusted in open normal valve positions for passing normal flows through the supply and outlet conduits. A control unit is adapted to activate a signal generator to generate an error signal in response to a pressure sensor if the pressure sensor during a predetermined period of time during operation of the separator senses a course of pressure change in the outlet conduit different from an expected normal course of pressure change, when the inlet and outlet valves during predetermined period of time are adjusted in valve positions which at least substantially decreases the flows in the supply and outlet conduits from the normal flows.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically extracting biological components from multiple distinct samples including a rotor supporting pendulous tubes and means for modifying the angular position of the tubes in a radial plane of the rotor independently of centrifugal force to cause a rocking movement of the tubes.

Abstract: A rotatable rotor for separating components contained in a fluid, comprising an annular base having a first annular channel and an annular cover having a second annular channel for holding a flexible doughnut-shaped centrifuge bag therebetween. The cover has one or more radially spaced apart concentric indicator lines for monitoring the separation of the components. When the base and cover are superimposed, the first and second channels define an annular interior chamber having an off-centered figure eight configuration. The base and cover each comprise a grooved column axially centered and extending from the base top surface and the cover bottom surface, respectively. The flexible bag comprises inner and outer tubes extending from the core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: In a centrifuge comprising a rotor mounted on a drive shaft to be rotatable and having a plurality of bucket accommodating portions and a plurality of buckets placed in the bucket accommodating portions to be swingable, a plurality of sensors are provided to detect each of the buckets. In a case in which each of the sensors does not the bucket when the rotor is in a stop condition or in a low-speed rotation condition, a decision is made that an abnormality of a swinging movement of the bucket has occurred, and the fact of the occurrence of the abnormality is notified to a user. This allows abnormal conditions of the apparatus to be detected, thus protecting a sample and apparatus and enabling the maintenance of the apparatus in advance.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating and measuring solids from multi-phase well fluids. The apparatus comprises a separator; an upper solids level and a lower solids level sensor, both connected to the separator; a dump valve operatively connected to the separator; and a control module operatively connected to the dump valve to move the dump valve between an open and a closed position. The upper solids level sensor generates a first signal when the upper level of accumulated solids-within the separator reaches a pre-determined upper level. The lower solids level sensor generates a second signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a predetermined lower level. The control module receives the first and second generated signals such that upon receipt of the first signal the control module causes the dump valve to open and upon receipt of the second signal the control module causes the dump valve to close.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis sytem in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing channel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor, and a motor for rotating the rotor. At least three identification elements provided on the rotor are arranged along a circumference of a circle whose center coincides with an axis of rotation of the rotor. An angular interval between prescribed two of the at least three identification elements indicates a maximum allowable rotational speed of the rotor. One or more of the at least three identification elements indicates a type of the rotor. A sensor operates for detecting the at least three identification elements during rotation of the rotor. The angular interval between the prescribed two of the at least three identification elements is measured in response to an output signal from the sensor to detect the maximum allowable rotational speed of the rotor. The type of the rotor is detected in response to the output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: An automated centrifuge system. The centrifuge includes a rotor in which at least two swing buckets with at least two microplates mounted thereon are provided, a multi-joint robot with at least three joints which includes a gripper attached to a final arm thereof and a finger attached to the gripper, and a controller for controlling the predetermined procedures and operation of the robot. The centrifuge and multi-joint robot are disposed close to each other on a rigid bottom plate. A sensor for use in position detection is attached to the gripper or finger. At least one marker is attached at a predetermined position on a central frame of the rotor.

Abstract: A system for separating biological fluids into components, comprises a set of containers for the biological fluid to be separated and the separated components, optionally an additional container for additive solution, and a hollow centrifugal processing chamber having an axial inlet/outlet for the biological fluid. The processing chamber contains a piston movable to intake a selected quantity of biological fluid and express processed biological fluid components via the outlet. Optical means monitor the position of piston to control the amount of intaken fluid and the expression of components. A distribution valve arrangement selectively communicates the processing chamber and the containers or places them out of communication. The system is arranged to operate in a seperation mode and in a non-separation transfer mode, especially for adding preservative solution to separated blood stem cells.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a centrifuge control system, which are particularly suited for recalling and retrieving centrifuge protocols and set-up parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the washing step in a blood centrifugation cell in which washing solution is introduced into the blood centrifugation cell and the cell contains compacted red cells and supernatant at the beginning of the washing step. The apparatus can comprise various sensors and a computer. The sensors sense and transmit to the computer three inputs. The first input is indicative of the total volume of blood that enters the cell during the filling step and the total amount of washing solution that enters the cell during the washing step. The second input is indicative of the hematocrit value of the blood introduced during the filling step. The third input is indicative of the geometric characteristics of the cell. Based on the inputs, the computer executes an algorithm that produces a first output that is the concentration of the supernatant in the supernatant-washing solution mixture.

Abstract: A flexible, disposable centrifuge bag for receiving and holding a fluid sample, comprising one or more tubes and upper and lower flexible sheets having doughnut shaped configurations. The upper and lower sheets are superimposed and completely sealed together at their outer perimeters to define an outer perimeter of the centrifuge bag. The inner perimeter of the bag defines a central core. The tubes are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets and extend from the central core of the centrifuge bag. The upper and lower sheets are sealed together at their inner perimeters such that the tubes are sealed between said upper and lower sheets at the inner perimeter. The bag may be used to harvest platelet rich plasma from whole blood in either a batch method or while simultaneously infusing additional aliquots of whole blood into the bag during centrifugation.

Abstract: A centrifuge system with an externally positioned sensor assembly for detecting the separation of components in a fluid sample, such as platelets in a blood sample. The system includes a centrifuge with a drive portion and a rotor portion with a sample reservoir or centrifuge bag for receiving and containing a fluid sample during rotation of the rotor portion. An external sensor assembly is positioned relative to the centrifuge to direct a radiation beam from a radiation source through the rotor portion and the centrifuge bag and to allow a detector to receive the lower-intensity radiation beams at a location external to the rotor portion. In one embodiment, the rotor portion is fabricated from a transparent material and extends radially outward from the sides of the drive portion to allow the radiation source and detector to be positioned externally on opposing sides of the extending rotor portion.

Abstract: A centrifugal device. The centrifugal device includes two drive units (1, 22) , coaxially mounted and pivoting, devices (23-33) to drive the first (1) and the second (22) drive units, with a rotational speed ratio of 2/1 between each other, a circular centrifugal unit (2) equipped with at least three channels (4, 5,6) connecting its center to a peripheral separation chamber (3) and three tubes (4a, 5a, 6a) made of an elastic deformable material, each presenting a first extremity connected to the central extremity of one of the three channels (4, 5, 6) of the centrifugal unit (2). The first coupling devices (16) are integral with the first drive unit (1) and the second coupling devices (11) are integral with the centrifugal unit (2), engaged by elastic devices (18). A moving control unit (17), integral with a gripping component (20), is connected to the sad elastic devices (18) to release coupling devices (11, 16) from each other.

Abstract: Primaiy supernatant liquid collector 1 allows blood A to separate into a primary supernatant liquid B and red blood cells by leaving the blood A stationary for a prescribed period of time, and then it discharges the primary supernatant liquid B and physiological saline W in the same amount into a first treatment container 13 and a first balance container 14, respectively. Centrifuge 61 centrifuges the above primary supernatant liquid B using the first balance container 14 as a balance weight, and a secondary supernatant liquid in the first treatment container 13 is transferred to a second treatment container 109 by take-out device 91 and at the same time the physiological saline W in the same amount as the transferred secondary supernatant liquid is transferred from the first balance container 14 to a second balance container 110.

Abstract: This device includes a centrifugal cup or bowl (2) rotating at the speed of 2&ohgr; around its revolving axis, a separation chamber (3) connected to the center of this cup or bowl (3) by three channels (4, 5, 6) integral to three flexible tubes (4a, 5a, 6a) forming open loops driven at the speed of &ohgr; while their second respect extremities, coaxially located with respect to the first ones, are stationary. The radius and height of this cup or bowl (2) are between 25-50 mm, and 75 to 125% respectively of this radius; its angular speed 2&ohgr; is >500 rad/sec to ensure a flow rate for the liquid to be centrifuged of at least 100 ml/min. The material and the dimensions of the tubes (4a, 5a, 6a) are chosen so that the traction force exerted on them is <0.7 N/mm2, its elasticity module is <5 N/mm2 and its rupturing resistance to alternate bending is higher than 1.5 N/mm2.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating and measuring solids from multi-phase well fluids. The apparatus comprises a separator; an upper solids level and a lower solids level sensor, both connected to the separator; a dump valve operatively connected to the separator; and a control module operatively connected to the dump valve to move the dump valve between an open and a closed position. The upper solids level sensor generates a first signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a pre-determined upper level. The lower solids level sensor generates a second signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a pre-determined lower level. The control module receives the first and second generated signals such that upon receipt of the first signal the control module causes the dump valve to open and upon receipt of the second signal the control module causes the dump valve to close.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator, a temperature sensor is provided in contact with a vibration isolation rubber that elastically supports an induction motor to a motor base. A Peltier element for heating/cooling the vibration isolation rubber is provided in contact with the vibration isolation rubber. The temperature sensor and the Peltier element is connected to a controller. Based on a detected temperature input from the temperature sensor, the controller controls heat generation or cooling effected by the Peltier element, thereby maintaining an optimum temperature of the vibration isolation rubber to maintain its damping characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal machine of automatic balance type for detecting an umbalance in a specimen mounted on a rotor lever before every centrifugal machining, and for moving horizontally the rotor lever according to detected results, maintaining automatic balance, thereby preventing destruction of a specimen due to an unbalance of the rotor, extending life of the machine.