Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal liquid separation machine and in particular to a screw type centrifugal liquid separation machine that lifts grit and other solids from the bowl wall in a radially inward manner and resuspends the grit and other solids into the heavy phase discharge flow. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the machine has an outer bowl and a conveyor. The bowl and conveyor are coaxial, and a back drive assembly causes these components to rotate at different speeds to allow the conveyor to mechanically sweep heavy phase materials within a separation region of the machine. Grit is conveyed radially inward along a plow and tumbled into the heavy phase discharge flow, wherein it is resuspended and exits the machine with that flow. Wipers can also be provided for preventing blockage of heavy phase flow under the solids baffle.

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.

Abstract: A centrifuge including: a rotary chamber; a rotor installed in the rotary chamber; a driving unit configured to rotate the rotor; a chamber accommodating the rotary chamber, having a door, and configured to house gas therein; and a vacuum pump apparatus configured to exhaust the gas inside the chamber to an outside of the chamber, wherein the chamber is provided with a plurality of gas inlets and a plurality of valves configured to respectively open and close the gas inlets, and wherein all of the plurality of valves are configured to be opened when bringing an internal pressure of the chamber to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (1) for accommodating blood bags (35), which is provided for the separation of blood components for the application in a centrifuge. The cartridge (1) has a partition wall (3) which separates a blood bag section (5) positioned radially inside from a product section (7) positioned radially outside, and a cover (9) disposed in a mounting position above the blood bag section (5). The cover (9) is connected to the partition wall (3) pivotally in a first point (11) and detachably in a second point (13), so that the blood bag section (5) is freely accessible by means of laterally pivoting the cover (9) out of the way. The cartridge is applicable in the rotor of a centrifuge.

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.

Abstract: The present invention describes a centrifuge system and method for improving the separation of entrained solids from a solution. The system and method introduces compressed gas to a fluid containing entrained solids to reduce the density and viscosity of the fluid to promote the settling of particles within the solution.

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) 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 while retaining the platelets and other factors. 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.

Abstract: A horizontal solid-bowl centrifuge with cleaning-in-place jet nozzles for cleaning the bowl in a manner complying with good manufacturing procedure is provided. The bowl is cleaned by a defined arrangement of the cleaning jet nozzles, as the bowl rotates at a speed insufficient to produce a centrifugal force equal to gravitational acceleration, where gravitational acceleration is equal to 1.0 g. The cleaning liquids are then removed after the bowl stops rotating at the lowest point of the bowl.

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) 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 while retaining the platelets and other factors. 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.

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.

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) 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 while retaining the platelets and other factors. 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.

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.

Abstract: A solid-bowl screw centrifuge includes a rotatable drum having a horizontal axis of rotation, which drum surrounds a centrifuging space. Further included is a screw which is arranged within the drum, the screw being rotatable at a different speed relative to the drum. Further included is at least one liquid discharge sealed from its surroundings and at least one solid discharge in a tapering region of the drum. Also included is an immersion disk on the screw which disk lies between a liquid feed and the solid discharge and divides the centrifuging space into a discharge space between the immersion disk and the solid discharge, and a separation space between the immersion disk and the liquid discharge. The centrifuge includes a device for charging the separation space with a gas. A process for operating for the solid-bowl centrifuge is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A single use, sterile, self-contained, compact, easy to use centrifugal separation unit provides for quick, reliable platelet concentration from whole blood. Anti-coagulated blood is injected through an elastomeric seal into a separation chamber featuring a tapered barrel and an end cap. At least one port is located in the end cap, at a desired radius from the longitudinal axis. The centrifugal field created by rotation of the chamber stratifies the blood radially, with red blood cells adjacent the wall of the barrel, and plasma found closest to the longitudinal axis. Opening the port causes the pressure of the centrifugal field to eject red blood cells or plasma, thereby increasing the concentration of platelets remaining in the chamber. After ceasing chamber rotation, the concentrated platelets are recovered.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a process having a step of centrifugation of a material contained in at least one test tube and a step of supplying a gas into the test tube. The apparatus has a centrifugation device provided with a rotor that is rotatably arranged about a central rotation axis, where at least one process housing is defined for at least one test tube, wherein at least one process housing is arranged at a peripheral position of the rotor with respect to the central rotation axis, a cover and a lock means for locking the rotor to the cover, said lock means comprising an elongated portion that is adapted to firmly engage with said rotor. The apparatus has a gas channeling means with a passageway defined in the lock member, the passageway conveying into the chamber a gas flow coming from an external source, and also a discharge passageway.

Abstract: A continuously operating centrifuge for centrifuging sugar massecuites has an upwardly flaring conical sieve basket (20) which rotates about a vertical axis (16). A product distributor (40) flares downwardly and extends into the bottom region of the sieve basket (20). The product distributor (40) is substantially coaxial with respect to the sieve basket (20), has a discharge rim and rotates about the same vertical axis (16) as the sieve basket (20). Within and in the upper region of the product distributor (40), there is provided a distributor pot (30) which serves as a feeding device for the sugar massecuites in the axial region of the centrifuge. The peripheral wall of the product distributor (40) is divided up into a plurality of ring elements (41, 42, 43) which overlap in the direction of the axis (16) and the internal diameters of which differ from each other. A bell (50) surrounds the product distributor (40) and flares conically downwardly.

Abstract: A single use, sterile, self-contained, compact, easy to use centrifugal separation unit provides for quick, reliable platelet concentration from whole blood. Anti-coagulated blood is injected through an elastomeric seal into a separation chamber featuring a tapered barrel and an end cap. At least one port is located in the end cap, at a desired radius from the longitudinal axis. The centrifugal field created by rotation of the chamber stratifies the blood radially, with red blood cells adjacent the wall of the barrel, and plasma found closest to the longitudinal axis. Opening the port causes the pressure of the centrifugal field to eject red blood cells or plasma, thereby increasing the concentration of platelets remaining in the chamber. After ceasing chamber rotation, the concentrated platelets are recovered.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for separation and concentration of particles from liquid and fluid samples. In some embodiments, the separation/concentration is achieved by sequential centrifugation steps. In particular, one aspect of the invention relates to a separation/concentration device which comprises at least a first chamber (101) and a second chamber (103) connected by a first valve (111), whereby operation of the first valve controls the material transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber. In some embodiments, valve operation can be manually, semi-manually or automatically. Other aspects of the invention relate to single- or multi-chambered separation/concentrator devices, and methods and systems for use. Other aspects of the invention relate to devices for operation of the valves, e.g., semi-manual actuation devices, and automatic inertial activation devices and mechanical actuation devices present in purpose-built centrifuges.

Abstract: A disposable device for centrifugation of blood is used for separating or also washing constituents of the blood includes a centrifugation chamber with a revolving shaft and an opening through which the shaft passes, a rotational guide, a rotational driver, and at least one static member for admission/evacuation engaged in the centrifugation chamber. This member includes at least one channel for intake of the blood and at least one outlet channel for one of its constituents, and at least one admission channel for a pressurized gaseous fluid which opens out inside the centrifugation chamber. A gap is formed in the opening between the centrifugation chamber and the static member and allows the gaseous fluid to escape from the centrifugation chamber.

Abstract: A device for the selective granulometric separation of solid powdery materials using centrifugal action, capable of separating materials into a fine material fraction and a coarse material fraction, includes: a housing, a cylindrical rotor rotatable, relative to the housing, about a vertical axis inside the housing and provided with blades evenly distributed on the periphery of an upper outlet opening through which a stream of gas, laden with particles having a size lower than a predetermined particle size, is drawn, a set of vertical adjustable vanes evenly distributed about the rotor along the generatrices of a virtual cylinder and directing the gas stream towards the rotor, elements for feeding the particles between the vanes and the rotor, collecting unit lower than the rotor for collecting the unfed particles having fallen and having a size larger than the predetermined particle size.

Abstract: A rotor having variable volumes adapted for collecting and centrifuging biological fluids including an impermeable flexible body having a cylindrical shape with stretchable vertical walls and semi pliant base and a rigid circular member seamlessly joined to the top of the flexible body.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a centrifugation dewatering apparatus that is capable of using a flow of air to dry a material to be dewatered while the material is being subjected to centrifugation dewatering. A centrifugation dewatering apparatus has a water-draining basket (2) for accommodating a material to be dewatered (i), and the water-draining basket (2) is rotatably provided to an apparatus main body (3). The water-draining basket (2) is rotatably driven, whereby water that has adhered to the material to be dewatered (i) is centrifugally removed. A hollow rotating shaft part (5) that is caused to rotate using a drive source (4) is vertically provided to the apparatus main body (3). The water-draining basket (2), which rotates in tandem with the rotating shaft part (5), is provided to a periphery of the rotating shaft part (5). The interior of the hollow rotating shaft part (5) and the interior of the water-draining basket (2) are provided in a communicating state.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a sample line and a rotating apparatus portion including a rotor that has a rotor chamber. The centrifugal separator centrifugally separates a sample by supplying the sample from the sample line into the rotor and driving to rotate the rotor in the rotor chamber and discharges the centrifugally separated sample from the rotor via the sample line. The centrifugal separator includes a sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing at least a portion with which the sample is brought into contact by making a sterilizing fluid flow through the sample line.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a sample line and a rotating apparatus portion including a rotor that has a rotor chamber. The centrifugal separator centrifugally separates a sample by supplying the sample from the sample line into the rotor and driving to rotate the rotor in the rotor chamber and discharges the centrifugally separated sample from the rotor via the sample line. The centrifugal separator includes a sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing at least a portion with which the sample is brought into contact by making a sterilizing fluid flow through the sample line.

Abstract: A wet cyclone particle collector is disclosed. The wet cyclone particle collector includes a cyclone unit, a liquid delivery unit and a sample collection unit. The cyclone unit draws a gas sample into a cyclone chamber and creates a circular flow of the gas sample inside the cyclone chamber so that particles in the gas sample are separated from said gas sample by centrifugation force. The liquid delivery unit delivers a collection liquid into the cyclone in a non-continuous fashion. The sample collection unit harvests the collection liquid from the cyclone unit. The non-continuous delivery of the collection liquid significantly reduces consumption of collection liquid during operation of the particle collector.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centrifuge in which a steam sterilization of a sample flow passage is performed, the centrifuge including: a rotor configured to centrifuging a liquid sample; a drive portion that drives and rotates the rotor; a chamber that accommodates the rotor therein, the chamber having a first and a second penetration holes provided on an upper and a bottom portions thereof, respectively; and a first and a second valves disposed on the first and the second penetration holes, respectively; wherein a cooling gas is introduced through one of the first and the second penetration holes and discharged through the other to cool a periphery of the rotor before or after execution of a centrifuging operation of the liquid sample.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating blood and blood components having a blood processing vessel mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge. A sensor in the outflow race of a return peristaltic pump detects air bubbles in the fluid within a return loop. The sensor may be a sonic sensor, a sonic pulse echo sensor, or capacitive plates. A pre-determined minimum bubble size or sizes or a cumulative volume may be selected, and the device operator may be warned only of the existence of bubbles that exceed a certain size or of a cumulative volume of bubbles, or the blood donation procedure may be stopped if a bubble exceeds a certain critical size or if a pre-determined volume of bubbles over a certain period or volume of fluid is exceeded.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float, a ballast assembly longitudinally moveable with respect to the float, and a bellows structure. The bellows structure includes a first end, a second end, and a deformable bellows therebetween. The float is attached to a portion of the first end of the bellows structure, and the ballast is attached to a portion of the second end of the bellows structure. The attached float and bellows structure includes a releaseable interference engagement therebetween. The float has a first density, and the ballast has a second density that is greater than the first density of the float.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and equipment which need to be loaded and emptied contamination free, in particular it relates to a centrifuge or to a mixer. Thereby, also toxic substances shall be centrifuged with comparatively low complexity, and the centrifuge shall subsequently be emptied and prepared for further use. This is accomplished by closing the open side of the drum housing configured with the drum insert and/or of the drum insert and/or of the drum with a disposable cover.

Abstract: A three-phase solid bowl screw centrifuge has a rotatable drum (1) and a screw (2) arranged in the drum (1). In this case, at least one solid material discharge is arranged at one axial end of the drum (1) and at least two or more liquid outlets for liquid phases of different densities—a lighter liquid phase and a heavier liquid phase—are arranged at its other axial end. The one liquid outlet also has a skimmer disc and the other liquid outlet is formed as an overflow weir, the skimmer disc being preceded by two regulating discs (11, 12) of the same inside diameter, which extend radially from the outside inwards and between which there enters a siphon disc (13), which in the skimming chamber (10) extends from the inner circumference of the latter outwards. This has the effect of forming an annular chamber (14), which is assigned a means for changing the pressure in the annular chamber (14).

Abstract: The present invention provides a zonal centrifuge which has superior workability and functionality when a sample is filled and extracted. An oil bearing fitted to an outer circumference of a lower tube of a rotor is arranged on an internal face of a bearing housing fixed over a door adapter of the centrifuge. As the oil bearing and the lower tube are lubricated, a vacuum environment in a rotor rotating chamber is maintained. A rotating seal located at an upper leading end of the lower tube of the rotor and a fixing seal facing the rotating seal are arranged and provided in a sealed space formed by a mechanical seal member and the bearing housing, and the fixing seal is so manipulated as to be able to freely join and separate from the rotating seal.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a sample line and a rotating apparatus portion including a rotor that has a rotor chamber. The centrifugal separator centrifugally separates a sample by supplying the sample from the sample line into the rotor and driving to rotate the rotor in the rotor chamber and discharges the centrifugally separated sample from the rotor via the sample line. The centrifugal separator includes a sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing at least a portion with which the sample is brought into contact by making a sterilizing fluid flow through the sample line.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes: a sample line; and a rotating apparatus portion including a rotor that has a rotor chamber. The centrifugal separator centrifugally separates a sample by supplying the sample from the sample line into the rotor and driving to rotate the rotor in the rotor chamber and discharges the centrifugally separated sample from the rotor via the sample line. The centrifugal separator includes: a sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing at least a portion with which the sample is brought into contact by making a sterilizing fluid flow through the sample line.

Abstract: A separator includes a centrifuge drum having a vertical rotational axis and a feed line to feed a product to be centrifugally processed. Further included is a drive spindle to drive the centrifugal drum, which drive spindle is rotatably mounted in a housing by a bearing device and which is supported on a machine frame by an elastic support. Also included is a drive device including an electric drive motor having a stator and a motor rotor which is aligned with the drive spindle.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator of the type having migration, retention and lip zones of the interior surface of the rotating bowl has a variable diameter lip to increase the amount of target material retained in the retention zone. The lip zone's variable diameter is provided by a flexible cylindrical member having an inner diameter which is selectively and uniformly decreased or increased by variation of the pressure applied to the member. By progressively decreasing the inner diameter of the lip zone the volume of retained material is increased over the cycle of the separator.

Abstract: A screw centrifuge for the continuous separation of flowable substances of different densities includes a rotor drum having discharge openings for the heavy phase that are arranged in a conical portion of the rotor wall, and weir openings for the light phase that are provided on an end wall of the rotor drum. A conveyor screw is rotatable inside the rotor drum and has a screw blade mounted on a hollow shaft for transporting the heavy phase to the discharge openings. A mixture inflow tube is arranged coaxially inside the hollow shaft and leads to a feed chamber in the hollow shaft that is in flow communication with the screw blade. An air extraction member is provided before the feed chamber and generates, in the annular space enclosing the inflow tube, a suction flow co-directional with the delivery direction in the inflow tube.

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: A multiple sample processing apparatus for a continuous flow centrifuge, including a plurality of axially aligned processing chambers and expressor chambers, each chamber comprising an axial opening, in a fixed arrangement, and a plurality of central hubs disposed in the axial openings, the central hubs constructed and arranged to define passages for fluid communication between the chambers and a fluid supply.

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: A filtering system (10) is provided for filtering working fluid from a machine (12) and includes a cleanable filter (16) and a centrifuge (82) where filter capacity is too low for a permanent filter yet flow rate is too high for a centrifuge. The system transfers the contaminant storage function from the cleanable filter to the centrifuge. A simple effective centrifuge is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate at a speed sufficient to provide a rotational force of the fluid impinging on the casing of between about 1000 g and about 2000 g to thereby clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air.

Abstract: A centrifuge with an associated container system in the form of cassettes for separation and treatment of blood or blood components has been developed. The centrifuge includes a rotor having a central compartment in the form of a tubular shaft cavity extending concentrically with the axis of rotation of the rotor and an annular separation compartment which is arranged around the cavity at the upper part thereof. A first container system is arranged in the rotor, for washing of blood cells, includes a round bag and two or more flexible secondary containers connected thereto, one of which contains a treatment liquid and a tubular sleeve adapted to the shaft cavity of the rotor. The secondary containers are arranged in the sleeve to rest against each other and the round bag is mounted on a projecting flange at the upper part of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifuge including a centrifugal drum, a supply pipe, a distributor, a displacement sleeve valve having an opening chamber and a closing chamber, a supply duct, a control gas feed in the distributor and a closing spring biasing the sleeve valve towards a closed condition during a pressure buildup in the opening chamber. The present invention also relates to a method of operating the centrifuge using a control gas to operate the sleeve valve and cleaning of control fluid paths by guiding a flushing fluid or flushing gas through the control fluid paths.

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: An automated blood separation method and apparatus is described that allows for the separation of multiple units of blood simultaneously. The method and apparatus reliably and quickly separates blood into its components. An auto-balancing feature within the apparatus automatically preferably compensates for the changing state of imbalance, thereby eliminating the need for additional balancing steps during the separation process. The apparatus has a rotor into which a plurality of cassettes can be inserted. The cassettes have a number of sections for the containment of the whole blood and for the separated blood components, which are contained in disposable bags. The rotor is placed into a centrifuge assembly, and the blood components are then separated and transferred to the bags in the individual sections of the cassettes. Means for including secondary separation devices such as filters is included.

Abstract: A centrifuge assembly for processing a flow of oil so as to separate out particulate matter includes a centrifuge, a housing base, and a flow-control piston which is assembled into the housing base. The centrifuge includes a housing which defines a hollow interior with a centrifugal separator positioned within the hollow interior for separation of particulate matter from the flow of oil. The housing base defines an incoming oil conduit, a drain conduit, an air-in passageway, and air-out passageway. The flow-control piston is movable between a normally-closed position and an open position in response to incoming oil pressure. When in the closed position, neither oil nor air are able to flow into the centrifuge assembly. In the open position, both oil and air are able to flow into the centrifuge assembly. The air which is introduced is under pressure and provides air-assisted drainage of the oil from the centrifuge housing back to sump.

Abstract: A single use system and kit for producing blood platelet concentrates is described herein. In a preferred form, the kit includes a bag set in which compartments containing blood components are adjacent to to separate compartments which can be inflated to express the blood components after their separation by centrifuging.

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.