Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes an input section for allowing a user to enter operating conditions of a centrifugal separation of a sample accommodated in a rotor driven by a motor. A memory of the centrifugal separator stores a user ID code and a corresponding user name which are registered in advance by the user. Operation of the centrifugal separator is allowed when a user ID code entered through the input section agrees with the registered user ID code.

Abstract: There is provided a method for limiting an operating speed of a rotor installed in a centrifuge system. The method includes the steps of (a) determining whether an actual change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed is within a predetermined range of an expected change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from the first speed to the second speed, and (b) limiting the operating speed when the actual change in energy is not within the predetermined range of the expected change in energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated centrifuge system for automatically centrifuging liquids containing biological materials such as nucleic acids using a general centrifuge.

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 rotor locator and centrifuge body locator includes a pair of locator arms that close about the rotor shaft and an alignment pin to center the rotor shaft. A registration mechanism rotates the rotor shaft and the centrifuge body until it reaches a known home position. A method of consistently registering the centrifuge body includes centering a rotor shaft of the body along a known center line and aligning the body to a home position both before and after centrifugation.

Abstract: A centrifuge intended for processing blood and blood components of use with a ring type blood processing bag with associated secondary bags. The rotor of the centrifuge has supports arranged along its periphery and a rotating inner lid a clamp function that secures the ring bag along and between supports. The supports can also function as valves or a welding apparatus for the tubing between the processing bag and the associated secondary bags.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods rotate a processing chamber on a rotating element. The processing chamber includes a first compartment and a second compartment. Blood is conveyed into the first compartment for centrifugal separation into components. A liquid free of blood occupies the second compartment to counter-balance the first compartment during rotation on the rotating element. In one embodiment, the second compartment is served by a single fluid flow access. Prior to use, the single access is coupled to tubing, through which a vacuum is drawn to remove air from the second compartment. While the vacuum exists, communication is opened between the tubing and a source of liquid. The vacuum draws the liquid into the second compartment through the single access, thereby priming the second compartment for use.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for cleaning substrates using dense fluids under the influence of a continuous centrifugal force. Dense fluid centrifugal separations resolve many problems associated with conventional dense fluid cleaning technology. These include elimination of pooling and supercooling of liquid carbon dioxide trapped within pores and cavities of a substrate—leading to formation of dry ice and recontamination of substrate, ability to precision clean using one unit volume of dense fluid per cleaning operation and ability to remove small insoluble particles from deep voids or cavities. The present invention can perform solvent-aided separation processes heretofore not possible using conventional dense fluid technology. These include liquid-liquid, liquid-supercritical-fluid, froth flotation and centrifugal phase-shift separations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a centrifuge system, the centrifuge system including a rotor and a motor operatively coupled to the rotor, the apparatus including an accelerometer coupled to the centrifuge system so as to measure an acceleration of at least a portion of the centrifuge system during operation of the centrifuge system to provide an acceleration signal, a filter that receives the acceleration signal and provides a filtered acceleration signal, and a controller that receives the displacement signal and controls the centrifuge system in response to the displacement signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into container adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the container to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator (4) includes a driving motor (M1), a rotor (41) rotatable about a predetermined axis by the motor (M1) and a cuvette (42) pivotally suspended by the rotor (41). The cuvette (42) retains an analyte. The cuvette (42) rotates together with the rotation of the rotor (41) while taking an inclined posture relative to the vertical direction. In this state, the analyte is centrifugally separated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge provided with a blood bag system having an upper and lower outlet for separation of blood constituents, containing a rotor which can be driven in a rotative manner about a hub, wherein at least one conventional whole blood bag equipped with an upper outlet and with a lower outlet can be positioned vertically in this blood bag, while the whole blood bag can be arranged on the rotor in such a way that one outlet of the whole blood bag is bent in a radial direction, and the opposite outlet of the whole blood bag is bent in the other radial direction, so that the entire whole blood bag and the outlets thereof adopt an approximately Z- or S-shaped form in its functional position. In this case it is preferred that the upper outlet of the whole blood bag lie radially toward the interior and the lower outlet of the whole blood bag lie radially toward the exterior of the whole blood bag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for generating a protocol for controlling operation of a device including selecting one or more functions in the operation of the device, ordering the sequence of the selected functions, selecting a value for variables of each of the selected functions, and recording the selected ordered functions and the values to generate a protocol definition file readable by an executable software program to control the device to run the selected functions with the selected values for variables of the functions.

Abstract: Each of the rotors has a plurality of identification marks arranged on a circumference defined by the rotation axis on a surface thereof with angular intervals which are determined for each of the different rotors. The identification marks are detected with an identification mark detector such as a magnet detector. The rotational speed of the rotation axis is detected. The angular intervals are detected to identify the attached rotor. The rotating speeds are measured from the pulses at first detection of one of the identification marks and second detection of the one of identification marks after one rotation of the rotation axis. The time intervals of the identification marks between the first and second detection are measured. The angular intervals are calculated by integrating the measured rotating speeds with the time intervals, respectively.

Abstract: A centrifuge 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. When the base and the 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 which extend from the central core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus has a gantry that is rotatable around a rotational axis and a detector permanently disposed relative to the gantry, for determining an unbalanced mass of the gantry and a calculating unit for calculating the location or locations at the gantry at which a weight or at which weights should be arranged for compensating the unbalanced mass.

Abstract: Each of changeable rotors has an identification mark portion thereon. The identification mark portion is detected to generate an identification signal. A microprocessor starts and accelerates rotation of the motor, detects whether the identification signal is detected during acceleration of the rotor, detects whether the identification signal has been detected before the motor reaches a predetermined rotation speed, to provide detection of the identification mark portion by the ID sensor. The microprocessor cyclically detects whether the identification mark portion is detected during rotating the rotor at the steady state rotation speed. The user is informed of error when the microprocessor fails to detect the identification mark portion a predetermined number of times or within a predetermined interval.

Abstract: The rotor data including a model name, a maximum rotating speed, and a rotor identification number of a rotor that is purchased after installation, for example, is stored through the inputting unit in an EEPROM in addition to the rotor data that was stored in the ROM before shipping. The inputted rotor data is displayed on the display in a list image together with the rotor data of the rotor data in the ROM to provide easily selection of the rotor. The inputted rotor data may be displayed with priority to the rotor data in the ROM. The rotor data may further include check data. It may be judged that the inputted rotor data is correctly inputted. If the rotor data is incorrectly inputted, an error message is displayed and the rotary data is not stored. If the rotor data is correctly inputted, the rotary data is registered in the RAM.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods rotate a processing chamber on a rotating element. The processing chamber includes a first compartment and a second compartment. Blood is conveyed into the first compartment for centrifugal separation into components. A liquid free of blood occupies the second compartment to counter-balance the first compartment during rotation on the rotating element. In one embodiment, the second compartment is served by a single fluid flow access. Prior to use, the single access is coupled to tubing, through which a vacuum is drawn to remove air from the second compartment. While the vacuum exists, communication is opened between the tubing and a source of liquid. The vacuum draws the liquid into the second compartment through the single access, thereby priming the second compartment for use.

Abstract: A method of harvesting a predetermined component contained in a fluid, comprising adding an aliquot of said fluid via the inlet tube of a rotating centrifuge container comprising at least one inlet tube and at least one outlet tube, wherein the fluid separates radially into fractions. The distal end of the outlet tube is in flow communication with the desired component. The desired component is removed from the rotating container via the outlet tube, and withdrawal is terminated when an undesired fraction is detected to be near the distal end of the outlet tube. In one embodiment the container is a doughnut shaped flexible bag. In an alternative method the centrifuge container is a rigid container having an interior collection chamber for receiving said whole blood and having a generally off-centered figure eight-shaped side cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a centrifuge housing and a rotor. The housing defines an inner chamber, and the rotor is provided in the chamber. An indicator is provided on the housing. The indicator is constructed and arranged to indicate rotor movement. A rotor sensor is operatively coupled to the indicator, and the rotor sensor is constructed and arranged to sense rotor movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specimen processing system for centrifuging a specimen such as blood and then dispensing the specimen. This system comprises a dispense error specimen removing unit for removing a specimen in which a dispense error has been caused due to a fibrin in a dispense process, a feedback unit for injecting fibrin-decomposing beads into the specimen removed by the dispense error specimen removing unit and feeding the specimen containing the beads back to a centrifuge process, a reprocess control unit for causing the specimen fed back to the centrifuge process by the feedback unit to be centrifuged again, and a system controller for automatically controlling the dispense error specimen removing unit, the feedback unit, and the reprocess control unit.

Abstract: A method for collecting, from whole blood, platelets suspended in plasma is described. By centrifuging the blood at a high enough rotational speed, the platelets are separated from the plasma and the red blood cells. In a preferred embodiment, some of the plasma is removed while the centrifuge is being spun to keep the platelets separated from the plasma. Then, the speed of rotation is altered so as to cause the platelets to mix with the remaining plasma. The platelets can then be collected with the remaining plasma.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operation of a free jet centrifuge installed in a fluid system, and a free jet centrifuge suitable for installation in such a system. The centrifuge (10) is provided with sensors, such as a piezoelectric sensor (22) and/or a rotational speed sensor (24), which enable determination of the operating parameters of the centrifuge rotor, such as accumulation of separated sediments, bearing wear, or other malfunctions independent of any axial force generated by the centrifuge nozzles (18). Signals are obtained, which can be evaluated by an electronic analysis system (23), and which can output an error signal (f).

Abstract: A process for regulating a centrifuge used for solid/liquid separation of sewage sludge commences by measuring the input variables of the operating point ot the centrifuge, the variables including 1) suspended matter content of the centrate; 2) the flow rate of sludge; 3) the flow rate of reagent; and 4) the value of torque of the motor of a conventional centrifuge. Operating zones are established, each of which is two dimensional relative to the input variables. Fuzzy logic rules are established, qualifying the operation of the centrifuge, the rules respectively corresponding to the zones. The rules are implemented in response to the input variable measurements, where actions on the sludge flow rate and reagent flow rate make it possible to bring the operating point into a particular zone of optimal and stable centrifuge operation.

Abstract: A rotor locator and centrifuge body locator includes a pair of locator arms that close about the rotor shaft and an aligmuent pin to center the rotor shaft. A registration mechanism rotates the rotor shaft and the centrifuge body until it reaches a known home position. A method of consistently registering the centrifuge body includes centering a rotor shaft of the body along a known center line and aligning the body to a home position both before and after centrifugation.

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 vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: A rotor locator and centrifuge body locator includes a pair of locator arms that close about the rotor shaft and an alignment pin to center the rotor shaft. A registration mechanism rotates the rotor shaft and the centrifuge body until it reaches a known home position. A method of consistently registering the centrifuge body includes centering a rotor shaft of the body along a known center line and aligning the body to a home position both before and after centrifugation. A centrifuge employs the rotor locator and operates using the method. The centrifuge may also include a bucket stop for maintaining proper orientation of centrifuge buckets during registration.

Abstract: Each of the rotors has a plurality of identification marks arranged on a circumference defined by the rotation axis on a surface thereof with angular intervals which are determined for each of the different rotors. The identification marks are detected with an identification mark detector such as a magnet detector. The rotational speed of the rotation axis is detected. The angular intervals are detected to identify the attached rotor. The rotating speeds are measured from the pulses at first detection of one of the identification marks and second detection of the one of identification marks after one rotation of the rotation axis. The time intervals of the identification marks between the first and second detection are measured. The angular intervals are calculated by integrating the measured rotating speeds with the time intervals, respectively.

Abstract: Each of changeable rotors has an identification mark portion thereon. The identification mark portion is detected to generate an identification signal. A microprocessor starts and accelerates rotation of the motor, detects whether the identification signal is detected during acceleration of the rotor, detects whether the identification signal has been detected before the motor reaches a predetermined rotation speed, and controls the driver to rotate the motor at a steady state rotation speed if identification signal has not been detected before rotation of the motor reaches a predetermined rotation speed, to provide detection of the identification mark portion by the identification mark detection means. The microprocessor cyclically detects whether the identification mark portion is detected during rotating the rotor at the steady state rotation speed. The user is informed of error when the control means fails to detect the identification mark portion a predetermined times or within a predetermined interval.

Abstract: A centrifuge 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. When the base and the 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 which extend from the central core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.

Abstract: The rotor data including a model name, a maximum rotating speed, and a rotor identification number of a rotor that is purchased after installation, for example, is stored through the inputting unit in an EEPROM in addition to the rotor data that was stored in the ROM before shipping. The inputted rotor data is displayed on the display in a list image together with the rotor data of the rotor data in the ROM to provide easily selection of the rotor. The inputted rotor data may be displayed with priority to the rotor data in the ROM. The rotor data may further include check data. It may be judged that the inputted rotor data is correctly inputted. If the rotor data is incorrectly inputted, an error message is displayed and the rotary data is not stored. If the rotor data is correctly inputted, the rotary data is registered in the RAM.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a centrifuge housing and a rotor. The housing defines an inner chamber, and the rotor is provided in the chamber. An indicator is provided on the housing. The indicator is constructed and arranged to indicate rotor movement. A rotor sensor is operatively coupled to the indicator, and the rotor sensor is constructed and arranged to sense rotor movement.

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 belt-driven blood centrifuge with side-mounted drive motor for rotating the centrifuge at a rotation speed selected to separate blood components. The centrifuge includes a drive shaft assembly rotated at an input rotation speed and a rotor assembly rotatably linked to the drive shaft assembly rotated at an output rotation speed twice the input rotational speed. A drive motor is provided with a drive pulley to drive a belt, a chain, and the like to provide the motive force to rotate the drive shaft at the input rotation speed. In one embodiment, a belt is provided to contact both the pulley of the drive motor and an outer surface of a rotatable shell of the drive shaft assembly. A base is included in the centrifuge upon which the drive shaft assembly is mounted. The drive motor is positioned adjacent the drive shaft assembly and mounted on the base.

Abstract: An improved blade design and method for enhancing the efficiency of operation of a centrifuge is disclosed based on measuring a varying value of the load on the centrifuge as the flow of contaminated fluid is injected into the centrifuge. The centrifuge has a plurality of blades with radially overlapping edges to keep the fluid being centrifuged compartmentalized and thus quiet for maximum efficiency. Additionally, the scraping blade assembly has blades which are angled in the scraping direction to force the solids towards the exit of the centrifuge, whether that be at the bottom or the top. A programmable logic controller monitors the load on the drive motor and compares a baseline value of load after accelerating the rotor to speed to the value of load while the contaminated fluid is injected into the rotor.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate whole blood into red blood cells and a plasma constituent within a rotating centrifugal separation device. The systems and methods convey whole blood into the separation device through an inlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods remove plasma constituent from the separation device through an outlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods derive a value Hb representing an apparent hematocrit of whole blood entering the separation device, where: H b = H rbc ⁡ ( Q b - Q p ) Q b and where Hrbc is a value relating to hematocrit of red blood cells in the separation device.

Abstract: A centrifuge system including a rotor constructed and arranged to hold at least one sample to be centrifuged, a motor, operatively coupled to the rotor, to rotate the rotor, a power supply, for connection to a power source, to supply power to the motor, and an active power factor correction circuit incorporated into the power supply to increase the power factor of the power supply.

Abstract: Red blood cell sensing systems and methods rely upon straightforward measurement geometries. The systems and methods comprise an incident light source, an optical sensor, and a blood collection tube. The systems and methods hold the blood collection tube a predetermined radial distance from the incident light source where a linear relationship exists between sensed reflected light measured by the optical sensor and red blood cell hematocrit in a range of at least 10 to 90. The systems and methods make possible accurate red blood sensing without use of special optical cuvettes, mirrors, or focusing lenses. The systems and methods also make possible the use of standard transparent plastic tubing, without reliance upon special optical cuvettes.

Abstract: An effective laboratory method for developing complete capillary pressure curves involves directly measuring an oil/water saturation profile within a cylindrical porous rock core plug. The saturation profile, which includes a free water level, is established under a known pressure gradient induced by centrifuging and is measured using image mapping techniques. The free-water level is established at a desired position within the length of the core plug and provides a reference position of zero capillary pressure to facilitate measurement of both positive and negative capillary pressures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a centrifuge system, the centrifuge system including a rotor and a motor operatively coupled to the rotor, the apparatus including an accelerometer coupled to the centrifuge system so as to measure an acceleration of at least a portion of the centrifuge system during operation of the centrifuge system to provide an acceleration signal, a filter, that receives the acceleration signal and provides a filtered acceleration signal, and a controller that receives the displacement signal and controls the centrifuge system in response to the displacement signal.

Abstract: A method for limiting an operating speed of a centrifuge rotor includes the steps of determining whether an actual parameter value of the rotor is within a predetermined range of an expected parameter value of the rotor, and limiting the operating speed when the actual parameter value is not within the predetermined range of the expected parameter value. At least one of the following parameters is evaluated: (i) energy required to accelerate the rotor from rest to a predetermined speed, (ii) change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed, (iii) energy loss due to windage of the rotor, (iv) time required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed, (v) speed of the rotor at a predetermined time, and (vi) ratio of drag coefficient and inertia.

Abstract: A fluid mixture containing a heavy component and a light component is separated by feeding the fluid mixture into a vessel. The vessel includes a light component outlet regulated by a first valve and a heavy component outlet regulated by a second valve. The vessel is rotated about a rotational axis extending through the vessel as the liquid-liquid mixture is feed into the chamber such that the heavy component collects toward at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the vessel radially outward from the rotational axis and the lighter component collects toward the rotational axis. The first valve is set such that the light component exits therethrough at a first pressure. The second valve is set such that the heavy component exits therethrough at a second pressure, the second pressure being different than the first pressure.

Abstract: An ordinary vacuum blood collection tube assembly is rotated about its longitudinal axis to partition a blood sample into serum and formed elements by centrifugation. While still rotating a higher density, immiscible, inert liquid is pumped into the vacuum blood collection tube assembly thereby displacing the lower density serum towards the axis of rotation and thence out of the vacuum blood collection tube assembly to a serum receiver vessel. A contaminant detector located on the serum delivery conduit controls a 3 way valve to divert contaminants from the removed serum to a waste vessel so only clean serum is delivered to the serum receiver vessel. The serum delivery conduits, serum cannula, contaminant detector, and diverter valve are washed and dried between successive samples to limit sample carryover effects to acceptably low levels.

Abstract: Centrifuged material layer volumes are measured and quantified during centrifugation of the material layers contained in a sample tube in a centrifuge assembly, which sample tube is disposed on a centrifuge platen. The material layers in the sample tube are periodically illuminated during centrifugation by a pulsed light source which differentially excites one or more fluorescent dyes or stains which are admixed with the sample being analyzed. This kinetic procedure is particularly useful in performing differential blood cell and platelet counts. A fluorscent target reference device is positioned on the centrifuge platen along with a detectable platen position sensor. The centrifuge assembly includes a processor controller which receives information from the platen position sensor, and from the target reference device, and which controls operation of the light source.

Abstract: This centrifuge comprises a rotor, with at least one housing to hold a product for centrifuging and an associated lid to close the housing, the centrifuge also comprising a motor on which the rotor is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation. It also comprises a mechanism for checking for the presence, on each housing, of the associated lid in order to prevent the execution of a cycle of centrifugation if the lid of a housing is absent.

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: A method for limiting an operating speed of a centrifuge rotor includes the steps of determining whether an actual parameter value of the rotor is within a predetermined range of an expected parameter value of the rotor, and limiting the operating speed when the actual parameter value is not within the predetermined range of the expected parameter value. At least one of the following parameters is evaluated: (i) energy required to accelerate the rotor from rest to a predetermined speed, (ii) change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed, (iii) energy loss due to windage of the rotor, (iv) time required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed, (v) speed of the rotor at a predetermined time, and (vi) ratio of drag coefficient and inertia.

Abstract: In a centrifugal rotor (1) for separation of a substance from a liquid mixture supplied to the centrifugal rotor there is delimited a separation chamber (7) having peripheral outlets (30). The centrifugal rotor includes an outlet device (20-28) for intermittent opening and closing of the outlets (30) during rotation of the centrifugal rotor. An actuation device (31-40) may cause the outlet device (20-28) to keep the outlets (30) open to a varying extent and/or during a varying time, and a control device (43) is adapted to control the actuation device (31-40) in response to a sensed value of the amount of mixture supplied to the rotor, such that a predetermined amount of separated substance (29) having collected in the separation chamber (7) is discharged through the outlets (30) each time these are opened and closed.

Abstract: A system consisting of an accelerometer sensor attached to a centrifuge enclosure for sensing vibrations and outputting a signal in the form of a sine wave with an amplitude and frequency that is passed through a pre-amp to convert it to a voltage signal, a low pass filter for removing extraneous noise, an A/D converter and a processor and algorithm for operating on the signal, whereby the algorithm interprets the amplitude and frequency associated with the signal and once an amplitude threshold has been exceeded the algorithm begins to count cycles during a predetermined time period and if a given number of complete cycles exceeds the frequency threshold during the predetermined time period, the system shuts down the centrifuge.