Liquid Patents (Class 494/27)
  • Patent number: 12090491
    Abstract: A separator includes a drum ejection passage control element and an intermediate ejection control element both mounted on a drum assembly. The drum ejection passage control element is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the second position a drum ejection passage is open for ejection of material from a maximum diameter of a separator volume, while in the first position the drum ejection passage control element blocks the drum ejection passage to prevent the ejection of material from the maximum diameter of the separator volume. An intermediate ejection path is formed in the separator, each extending from an intermediate ejection path inlet at an intermediate region of the separator volume to an intermediate ejection path outlet. The intermediate ejection control element is moveable to alternately open or close the intermediate ejection path for fluid communication to the separator volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Empirical Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Roth
  • Patent number: 11446589
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, chambers, and methods for processing particles by washing, concentrating, and/or treating the particles. Some embodiments provide for the processing of cells that may be in a liquid medium (e.g., a liquid in which the cells were grown) and are processed by being washed and concentrated for later use in research or other therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Taga, Anne Baker Oram, Linda A. Taylor, Dennis J. Hlavinka
  • Patent number: 11389809
    Abstract: A self-emptying separator includes a rotatable drum with an inlet, a liquid outlet, outlet openings for solid material, and a control system. A flowable starting product is cleared of the solids in continuous operation in a centrifugal field in the rotating drum. A continuous discharge of a clear phase is performed. A solid phase is discharged via the outlet openings from a solids collecting space of the drum into an annular solids catcher. The solids catcher has a device for generating a fluid curtain against which the solids, issuing from the outlet openings for solid material, impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: GEA MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT GMBH
    Inventors: Tim Hundertmark, Mario Emanuele, Alexander Piek, Jürgen Mäckel
  • Patent number: 11000859
    Abstract: A separator includes a first piston and a second piston both mounted on a drum assembly. The first piston is moveable between a first piston open position and a first piston closed position. In the first piston open position drum ejection passages are open for ejection of material from a maximum diameter of a separator volume, while in the first piston closed position the first piston blocks the drum ejection passages to prevent the ejection of material from the maximum diameter of the separator volume. A number of intermediate ejection paths are formed in the separator, each extending from an intermediate ejection path inlet at an intermediate region of the separator volume to an intermediate ejection path outlet. The second piston is moveable to alternately open or close the intermediate ejection paths for fluid communication to the separator volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Empirical Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Roth
  • Patent number: 10953410
    Abstract: An oil separator that separates mist oil from processing-target gas containing mist liquid includes a plurality of separation disks. The plurality of separation disks rotate around an axis, and are stacked and spaced in an axial direction. The separation disk includes an inner peripheral part and an outer peripheral part. The inner peripheral part forms a surface of a frustum of a hypothetical cone or pyramid coaxial with the separation disk, and is inclined with respect to a radial direction toward one side in an axial direction. The outer peripheral part forms a surface of a frustum of a hypothetical cone or pyramid coaxial with the separation disk, and continuously extends outward from an outer peripheral edge of the inner peripheral part. The outer peripheral part is inclined with respect to the radial direction toward another side in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: TOKYO ROKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kosaku Ishida
  • Patent number: 10654050
    Abstract: A separator includes a first piston and a second piston both mounted within a drum assembly volume. The first piston is moveable between a first piston open position and a first piston closed position. In the first piston open position drum ejection passages of the drum assembly are open to the drum assembly volume, while in the first piston closed position the first piston blocks the drum ejection passages so that they are closed to the drum assembly volume. A number of intermediate ejection paths are formed in the separator, each extending from an intermediate ejection path inlet at an intermediate region of the drum assembly volume to an intermediate ejection path outlet. The second piston is moveable to alternately open or close the intermediate ejection paths to the drum assembly volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Empirical Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Roth
  • Patent number: 10639649
    Abstract: A feedback control method accounts for noise emissions of a centrifuge for the operation of a centrifuge, in particular a separator or a decanting centrifuge, for the centrifugal processing of a product, in particular for clarifying a product and/or for separating a product into different liquid phases using the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: GEA MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Fleuter, Wilfried Mackel
  • Patent number: 10525484
    Abstract: A decanter centrifuge that carries out solid-liquid separation by centrifugal force on an object to be processed that is fed into a rotating bowl and designed from a solid and a saturated solution wherein that solid is dissolved, and discharges solid phase components from a solid discharge opening and discharges liquid phase components from a solvent discharge opening thereof by rotationally operating a screw conveyor disposed within the rotating bowl, the decanter centrifuge being provided with a dilution solvent supply unit for supplying, during centrifuging of the object to be processed, dilution solvent that reduces the concentration of the saturated solution to a discharge path, which is a discharge path for saturated solution moving within the rotating bowl, and which is designed closer to the solvent discharge opening side-than a chamber for supplying the object to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: TOMOE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Ando, Mamoru Hasegawa, Masahiro Ide
  • Patent number: 10039876
    Abstract: A system for removing undesirable elements from blood. The system includes a centrifuge bowl to separate the blood into components according to relative densities of the components, a pump to provide wash solution that washes the blood in the centrifuge bowl, and a controller to wash the blood in the centrifuge bowl in a first wash and remove first undesirable elements and to wash the blood in the centrifuge bowl in a second wash and remove trapped undesirable elements. The controller to further mix the blood and the wash solution in the centrifuge bowl and provide diluted blood, separate the diluted blood into concentrated blood and the wash solution, fill the centrifuge bowl with previously concentrated blood to build a buffy coat, and empty the centrifuge bowl of the concentrated blood and the previously concentrated blood after the buffy coat is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Elisa Maculan, Laura Scholze
  • Patent number: 9931646
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a frame and a rotating part including a spindle and a centrifuge rotor enclosing a separation space. An inlet channel provides fluid communication into the separation space and includes a rotary channel part, a frame channel part, and a first seal at the interface between the rotary and frame channel parts. An outlet channel provides fluid communication out from the separation space and includes a rotary channel part, a frame channel part, and a second seal at the interface between the rotary and frame channel parts. The inlet and outlet channels are arranged concentrically with each other. A forcing device is provided to generate a leak flow through one of the first and second seals in a first direction from the outlet channel to the inlet channel and to counteract leakage in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Roland Isaksson, Peter Thorwid
  • Patent number: 9862630
    Abstract: An under-sink waste processing unit may generally include a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. The inlet may be configured to receive water and waste discharged from a waste disposal. The housing may also define a separation chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and a processing chamber separate from the separation chamber. The waste processing unit may also include a rotatable drive shaft extending within the separation chamber and a screw thread associated with the drive shaft. The screw thread may be configured to be rotated with the drive shaft within the separation chamber so as to at least partially separate the water from the waste received within the inlet. The separated waste may be configured to be dispersed from the separation chamber into the processing chamber for further processing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Lauren Nicole Platts, Joseph Emil Gormley, Rebecca Ann Alvord
  • Patent number: 9737662
    Abstract: Core annular flow is used to enable the subcutaneous delivery of a viscous fluid such as a protein therapeutic formulation. The high-viscosity fluid is surrounded by a low-viscosity fluid, and the low-viscosity fluid lubricates the passage of the high-viscosity fluid. This allows the use of protein formulations that have a higher concentration and a higher viscosity at comparatively reduced injection forces and reduced injection times. Several different embodiments of injection devices that provide core annular flow are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Eric C. Scribben, John D. Clay, Jeffrey L. Ellis, Amy M. Heintz, Steven M. Risser, Timothy M. Blum
  • Patent number: 9675946
    Abstract: A bowl liner for a mixing bowl of a stand mixer includes a shell and a rim secured an upper end of the shell. The shell is sized to be received in the mixing bowl, and is formed from an elastomeric material. The shell has a mixing chamber defined therein. The rim includes an outer perimeter surface that has a keyed surface section to locate the liner relative to the stand mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Drees, Thomas A. Gillette, David M. Neidlinger, Paul S. Paget
  • Patent number: 9561513
    Abstract: A method for the continuous processing of a product such as a vegetable or animal oil or fat. The processing occurs via a separation into two liquid phases and a solid phase. The method step includes processing the product, the processing occurring in a centrifuge arranged as a separator, the separator including a rotatable drum, a disk stack having risers arranged in the drum, a product feed having a feed tube, a first separator disk to discharge a lighter liquid phase from the drum, a second separator disk to discharge a heavier liquid phase from the drum, and a solids discharge opening to discharge a solids phase from the drum. A separation zone is formed between the lighter phase and the heavier phase in the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Klaus-Peter Eickhoff
  • Patent number: 9151750
    Abstract: Method and system for carrying out heterogeneous chemical or biological reactions are disclosed. The method comprising providing an analytical device having at least one liquid processing unit having at least one reaction chamber and a first inlet channel in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. The method further comprises supplying to the reaction chamber via the first inlet channel or a second inlet channel analyte capturing particles, supplying to the reaction chamber via the first inlet channel or the second inlet channel a liquid sample containing an analyte of interest, and confining by an equilibrium of forces the analyte capturing particles in a particle rearrangement zone within the reaction chamber. The forces comprise a drag force Fd generated by flowing liquids and a counter-oriented force Fg. The method also comprises capturing analytes present in the liquid sample with the particles in the particle rearrangement zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph Boehm, Brigitte Niederberger, Rijk Edwin Oosterbroek, Susanne Wuerl
  • Patent number: 9144583
    Abstract: The present invention provides automated devices for use in supporting various cell therapies and tissue engineering methods. The present invention provides an automated cell separation apparatus capable of separating cells from a tissue sample for use in cell therapies and/or tissue engineering. The cell separation apparatus can be used in combination with complementary devices such as cell collection device and/or a sodding apparatus to support various therapies. The automated apparatus includes media and tissue dissociating chemical reservoirs, filters, a cell separator and a perfusion flow loop through a graft chamber which supports a graft substrate or other endovascular device. The present invention further provides methods for using the tissue grafts and cell samples prepared by the devices described herein in a multitude of therapies including revascularization, regeneration and reconstruction of tissues and organs, as well as treatment and prevention of diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Tissue Genesis, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory D. Ariff, Thomas Cannon, Jennifer L. Case, Christian L. Haller, Paul Kosnik, Charles P. Luddy, Craig A. Mauch, Erik Vossman, Stuart K. Williams
  • Patent number: 9044762
    Abstract: A screw type centrifugal liquid separation machine having a continuous decanter and using pressurized air to promote solids transport is provided. The machine has an outer bowl and a conveyor, which are coaxial. A back drive assembly is provided to maintain a difference in speed between the bowl and conveyor so that the conveyor has a mechanical sweeping action within a separation region of the machine. Air is introduced into the machine through the back drive assembly, and is injected into the heavy phase discharge path. In one location, the air acts as a turbulence inducer that at least partially re-suspends grits within the heavy phase material. The air is also injected through lift injectors radially spaced about the solids baffle to provide a uniform solid phase driving force. A flow control is also provided for controlling the discharge rate of the heavy phase material through a discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Centrisys Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Kopper, Robert Havrin
  • Patent number: 9005097
    Abstract: A vertical centrifugal separator includes a casing, a bowl that is rotatably housed in the casing and provided to separate a solution to be processed which is supplied to an interior of the bowl into a liquid and a solid by an action of centrifugal force and discharge the liquid and the solid, and a discharge assembly that is rotatably housed in the bowl and provided to discharge the solid in the bowl. The bowl and the discharge assembly each have an engagement portion that is engaged or disengaged when the bowl and the discharge assembly are moved relative to each other in an axial direction and a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting a phase between the discharge assembly and the bowl relative to a rotation axis, for example, at a single relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Tomoe Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qun Ce Feng, Shinichi Fukushiro
  • Publication number: 20150018191
    Abstract: A cleaning in place system for a centrifugal separator and a method of cleaning a centrifugal separator are disclosed. The centrifugal separator includes a rotor having a separation space, a separator inlet and a first separator outlet. The first separator outlet includes an outlet pump configured to provide a flow of fluid from the first separator outlet. The cleaning in place system further includes a container for cleaning fluid, a cleaning fluid pump for providing cleaning fluid from the container to the separator inlet, such as an eductor. The cleaning in place system is configured to receive a flow of fluid from the first separator outlet and that the cleaning fluid pump is configured to pump cleaning fluid from the container to the separator inlet by means of the received flow of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Neil Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20140147897
    Abstract: Methods of and devices for recovering oil and protein and increasing production yields using two centrifuges in series or a centrifuge with dual oil and protein separating functions in a dry mill are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Chie Ying Lee
  • Patent number: 8702576
    Abstract: Device for monitoring and adjusting, in particular for fixing and securing, the radial position of an interface layer in a nozzle centrifuge for separating a light phase having a relatively low density and a heavy phase having a relatively high density from a mixture containing these two liquids and a solid, the nozzle centrifuge including a rotor 1-3 which is rotatable around a rotational axis R and which forms an inlet 9 for said mixture, a separating chamber 7 communicating with said inlet 9 and having a radially inner part 7a and a radially outer part 7b, nozzles 12 at the separating chamber distributed around the rotational axis R for throwing out the heavy phase and the solid, an outlet 13a, 13b, 14 for discharging the light phase, an overflow outlet 19 being radially delimited by a cover or level ring 20 for discharging the heavy phase, and an inlet 9; 25, 26 for supplying additional heavy phase to the centrifuge, characterized in that a sensor 24 is arranged in the flow path of the heavy phase 23 leav
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Per Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8523750
    Abstract: A centrifugal blood processing apparatus comprising a centrifuge rotor, a separation chamber, a tubing set for conducting blood components and fluids and a method for controlling the blood processing apparatus comprising separating a blood component in a separation chamber; flowing the blood component out of the separation chamber and into a concentration chamber; concentrating the blood component in the concentration chamber; and flushing the blood component out of the concentration chamber. The method further comprising simultaneously flowing a solution, such as a wash solution or PAS, into the concentration chamber between the separation chamber and the concentration chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: John Pittinger, Logan Fender
  • Patent number: 8444934
    Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell for removably interfacing with a removable-member for performing a reaction therebetween. The microfluidic flow cell device comprises at least one reaction portion defining with the removable-member a reaction chamber when in an interfaced position thereof. The microfluidic flow cell comprises at least one fluid-receiving portion for receiving a fluid therein and being in fluid communication with the reaction chamber. When the microfluidic flow cell and the removable-member are in the interfaced position, the cell is adapted to allow for the fluid in the fluid-receiving portion to flow to the reaction chamber. Devices, systems and methods comprising this microfluidic flow cell are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventor: Regis Peytavi
  • Publication number: 20130053231
    Abstract: A centrifuge having a vertical axis of rotation. The centrifuge includes a rotatable drum configured to process an inflowing suspension, the rotatable drum including an assembly configured to supply a washing liquid into an interior of the drum. The centrifuge also includes at least one supply pipe arranged in the drum and configured to conduct the washing liquid into the interior of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Ulrich Horbach, Rüdiger Göhmann
  • Publication number: 20130005557
    Abstract: The preservation liquid addition system of the present invention enables a chemical liquid to be added to a blood cell component both easily and in a short period of time. The preservation liquid addition system is able to be placed on a centrifugal separator. The preservation liquid addition system has a blood bag, a preservation liquid bag, a mixed liquid bag, a first flow path and a static mixer. A blood component in the blood bag and a preservation liquid in the preservation liquid bag are sent to the static mixer through the first flow path, and a mixed liquid mixed by the static mixer is sent to the mixed liquid bag by centrifugal force of the centrifugal separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ASAHI KASEI MEDICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohisa Yokomizo, Shuichiro Inadome
  • Patent number: 8298128
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotator comprising a receiving unit receiving materials and guiding the materials to move upward by centrifugal force to an upper portion of the receiving unit, and a rotator cover covering the upper portion of the receiving unit. The centrifuge also includes a container that is coupled to the rotator cover to be connected to the receiving unit and that receives the materials moved upward along the receiving unit. The centrifuge and a centrifuging method as disclosed herein are used for separating a fluid to which a large centrifugal force is applied and a fluid to which a smaller centrifugal force is applied by adjusting the rotation speed using the principle that centrifugal force during rotation varies according to specific components of a fluid. Thus, using the centrifuge and the centrifugal method, materials can be centrifuged and layers of the materials can be classified and collected accurately and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Medikan Inc.
    Inventors: Hee-Young Lee, Jun-Seok Lee
  • Publication number: 20120142513
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: BMA BRAUNSCHWEIGISCHE MASCHINENBAUANSTALT AG
    Inventors: Eckhard Bartsch, Hans-Heinrich Westendarp
  • Patent number: 8173027
    Abstract: Method for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component including centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid and a volume of gas so as to sediment at least a first component and a second component separation bag; displacing a volume of hydraulic fluid against the separation bag to cause a transfer of at least one fraction of the content of the separation bag into at least one component bag connected to the separation bag; determining the volume of hydraulic fluid displaced and determining the volume of the composite liquid or the transferred components from the determined volume of displaced hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Niclas Högberg, Brian M. Holmes, Briden Ray Stanton, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Peter Pihlstedt
  • Patent number: 8147394
    Abstract: Centrifugation method and chamber for washing and continuous separation of blood constituents. This chamber comprises at least one first intake channel for the blood, at least one second intake channel for a sterile washing solution, at least one first outlet channel for at least one constituent of this blood, and at least one second outlet channel for a fluid composed of said washing solution and of the other blood constituents. The second intake channel has its downstream end continued on its periphery by a circular deflector. The latter extends into the bottom of the chamber and is terminated along its inner cylindrical side wall by a ridge, which defines a passage of annular cross section for the flow of said sterile washing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: Jean-Denis Rochat, Laurent Mosimann
  • Publication number: 20120010063
    Abstract: Cleaning assemblies and particulate tolerant fluid bearings that are particularly well suited for use in centrifugal separation enhanced filtration devices are described. In one aspect of the invention, at least one bearing is arranged to carry a circulating cleaning assembly such that the cleaning assembly can rotate around a filter membrane during filtering operation of the filtration device. The bearing is preferably arranged to maintain the circulating cleaning assembly in a substantially coaxial alignment with the filter membrane and in a substantially stable longitudinal position relative to the filter membrane as the circulating cleaning assembly is rotated around the filter membrane. In another aspect of the invention a variety of particulate tolerant bearings are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: CLEAN FILTRATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Levitt, George D. Caffell, John H. Mallard, Steven E. O'Reilly
  • Publication number: 20110301013
    Abstract: A vertical centrifugal separator is provided which includes a mechanism for automatically discharging solids produced during centrifugal processing after the centrifugal processing. The vertical centrifugal separator includes a casing 4, a bowl 5 that is rotatably housed in the casing 4 and provided to separate a solution to be processed supplied to the inside of the bowl 5 into a liquid and a solid by the action of centrifugal force and to discharge the liquid and the solid, and a discharge assembly 6 that is rotatably housed in the bowl 5 and provided to discharge the solid in the bowl. The bowl and the discharge assembly each have an engagement portion being engaged or disengaged when the bowl and the discharge assembly are moved relative to each other in an axial direction and a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the phase between the discharge assembly and the bowl relative to their rotation axis, for example, at a single relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Qun Ce Feng, Shinichi Fukushiro
  • Patent number: 8033976
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for separating a multiphase mixture into discrete density phases, comprising a circular bowl rotatable about a central axis and having an opening through which the mixture is introduced into the bowl, whereby the rotation of the bowl separates the mixture to form annular columns of the discrete density phases; a delivery conduit inserted into the bowl through the opening for introducing the mixture into the bowl; and a collection assembly for removing the separated discrete density phases, comprising a collection conduit for collecting the annular columns, a waste collecting conduit, and a cleaning conduit. The collection assembly is movable as a single unit with respect to the bowl such that it can be positioned within the bowl to sequentially, selectively and individually remove the annular columns from the bowl while the bowl is rotating substantially without disturbing the remaining annular columns within the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: CapitalBio Corporation
    Inventor: Keith Richard Mitchelson
  • Patent number: 8025801
    Abstract: Simultaneous source-sink flow, or radial counterflow, is driven by a centrifugal pump disposed within a casing. Radially outward source flow of brine goes into a shrouding tank and concentrates while a radially inward sink flow of fresh water flows back over the pump to axial extraction. An axial pump drives sink flow and axial extraction. Convergent sink flow passes under an inductor to an axial exhaust port. Induced viscosity and inductive repulsion hinder the passage of brine in sink flow, so only fresh water can reach the axial exhaust port. Crystallization of scale-forming salts is aided by Joule heating from the inductor. Solvent and gases are continuously axially extracted in sink flow, favoring crystallization. Sodium chloride is cooled and crystallized in the shrouding tank. Brine comprising other salts flows out of the tank to treatment by suitable means. Thus brine is separated into fresh water, crystallized salt, and concentrated brine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: McCutchen Co.
    Inventor: Wilmot H. McCutchen
  • Publication number: 20110224062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for separating blood using a centrifuge in order to obtain different blood fractions. The aim of the invention is to eliminate the risk of contamination during the supply of blood and the removal of blood fractions. To achieve this, the separation container is filled with blood via a feed connection that can be aseptically connected to the container, the relevant blood fraction is removed from the separation container via a removal connection that can be aseptically connected to the container and both the feed device and the removal device form a respective closed system during the sterile connection to the separation container. The separation container (4) has at least one feed connection (5, 6) that can be aseptically connected to the container and at least one removal connection (7) that can be aseptically connected to the container, to which hermetically sealed feed and removal devices (8, 9, 10) can be aseptically attached in a sterile manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Walter Pobitschka
  • Publication number: 20110190111
    Abstract: A continuous centrifuge includes: a cylindrical rotor configured to separate a specimen; a centrifuging chamber accommodating the rotor; a driving unit configured to rotate the rotor; a specimen line configured to continuously supply and discharge the specimen to and from the rotor during rotation of the rotor; and a controller configured to control the driving unit. The control unit has a cleansing mode which flows a liquid chemical through the specimen line so as to conduct sterilization and/or cleansing while rotating the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroatsu TOI, Eiichi FUKUHARA
  • Publication number: 20110152055
    Abstract: A centrifugal blood processing apparatus comprising a centrifuge rotor, a separation chamber, a tubing set for conducting blood components and fluids and a method for controlling the blood processing apparatus comprising separating a blood component in a separation chamber; flowing the blood component out of the separation chamber and into a concentration chamber; concentrating the blood component in the concentration chamber; and flushing the blood component out of the concentration chamber. The method further comprising simultaneously flowing a solution, such as a wash solution or PAS, into the concentration chamber between the separation chamber and the concentration chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: CARIDIANBCT, INC.
    Inventors: John PITTINGER, Logan FENDER
  • Patent number: 7909751
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tobita, Masaharu Aizawa, Katsunori Akatsu, Tomohiro Koizumi
  • Patent number: 7901342
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tobita, Masaharu Aizawa, Katsunori Akatsu, Tomohiro Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20100222196
    Abstract: A separation container that can prevent the contamination with unnecessary components is provided. A separation container 1 for separating a separation subject from a sample by causing the separation subject to gather on the bottom thereof by centrifugation includes a container main body 11 and a dividing portion. The container main body 11 is a tubular container elongated in the axial direction with an upper end thereof being open and a lower end thereof being the bottom. The dividing portion has a partition 12 formed along the axial direction of the container main body, and an inner space of the container main body 11 is divided into a sample supply chamber 14 and a separation subject discharge chamber 15 by the partition 12. The sample supply chamber 14 and the separation subject discharge chamber 15 communicate with each other via a through hole 13 formed in a lower portion of the partition 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: JMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keiko Ito, Satoshi Hirai, Osamu Okitsu, Yasunori Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7766809
    Abstract: A method for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising centrifuging at least two separation bags containing two discrete volumes of a composite liquid respectively, so as to separate therein the first and second components; transferring at least one fraction of a first separated component from the separation bags into satellite bags connected thereto respectively; detecting a characteristic of a component at determined location in each separation bag; and stopping transferring the at least one fraction of the first component from each separation bag into the first satellite bag connected thereto, upon detection of the characteristic of a component at the determined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor D. Dolecek, Daniel A. Joseph, Darryl Hudock
  • Patent number: 7727136
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for centrifugally separating particles by both weight and size include a rotating drum rotating about a second rotating axis disposed perpendicularly to a first rotating axis, and includes an inlet, at least one rotating plate and an outlet. The inlet injects a test material. The rotating plate extends radially outward toward an inner surface of the rotating drum from the second rotating axis and has one or more configurations of protruded and recessed portions formed on a surface thereof. The rotating plate receives the test material on a surface thereof. The outlet discharges separated test material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-rok Kim, Kak Namkoong, Jun-hong Min
  • Publication number: 20100130340
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Denk
  • Patent number: 7717274
    Abstract: A newborn transfusion cell washing device generally comprising a disposable, graduated test tube shaped container having a cap with an inlet port, an injection/sampling port, a suction port, and a vent. The container is capable of being inserted into a conventional clinical centrifuge. The device requires a relatively small volume to operate, 25 ml or less per procedure, and can be performed easily by any hospital blood bank technologist without any special skills. Washed RBCs can be provided to the patient in a timely manner, without the need for “fresh blood.” Any in-dated RBCs can be washed to remove excessive potassium and other toxins. The main RBC aliquot can be saved and repeatedly sampled until the unit is expired or exhausted. This provides a cost savings to the hospital and more importantly, minimizes the recipient's donor exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: The Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
    Inventors: Yuan-Shiang Kao, Cynthia Eicher
  • Patent number: 7635328
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes a provision for measuring a physical parameter corresponding to the position of a phase interface inside the centrifuge. The centrifuge is controlled responsive to the inferred position of the phase interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Pacific Centrifuge, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Maurice Hinman, Robert Mark Palmer
  • Patent number: 7628749
    Abstract: In a system for combined centrifugation and microfiltration, retentate from a cross-flow microfilter is fed to an automatic piston discharge centrifuge for solids removal, thereby enhancing the efficiency of both processes. The centrifuge includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected. Solids separate from the feed liquid and accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl as the bowl rotates at high speed. A microfiltration membrane can be added to improve solids retention in the bowl and provide a filtered centrate. During solids discharge, a piston is urged downward along a vertical axis. The downward movement of the piston forces accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Wagner Development Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Carr
  • Patent number: 7591775
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tobita, Masaharu Aizawa, Katsunori Akatsu, Tomohiro Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20090050579
    Abstract: Centrifugation method and chamber for washing and continuous separation of blood constituents. This chamber comprises at least one first intake channel for the blood, at least one second intake channel for a sterile washing solution, at least one first outlet channel for at least one constituent of this blood, and at least one second outlet channel for a fluid composed of said washing solution and of the other blood constituents. The second intake channel has its downstream end continued on its periphery by a circular deflector. The latter extends into the bottom of the chamber and is terminated along its inner cylindrical side wall by a ridge, which defines a passage of annular cross section for the flow of said sterile washing solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Jean-Denis Rochat, Laurent Mosimann
  • Publication number: 20090054223
    Abstract: A separator drum for a separator having a vertical rotational axis. The separator drum includes an upper drum section, a lower drum section, and a screw connection formed between the upper end lower drum sections without a locking ring. The upper drum section is screwed into the lower drum section or the lower drum section is screwed into the upper drum section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Jurgen Mackel, Norbert Wegener
  • Publication number: 20090032962
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor, integrated circuits, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to centrifugal methods of filling high-aspect ratio vias and trenches with powders, pastes, suspensions of materials to act as any of a conducting, structural support, or protective member of an electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation (Yorktown)
    Inventors: Gareth Hougham, Leena P. Buchwalter, Stephen L. Buchwalter, Jon Casey, Claudius Feger, Matteo Flotta, Jeffrey D. Gelorme, Kathleen C. Hinge, Anurag Jain, Sung K. Kang, John U. Knickerbocker
  • Publication number: 20090036288
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a wetted wall cyclone comprises a cyclone body including an inlet end, an outlet end, an inner flow passage, and an inner surface defining an inner diameter. In addition, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a cyclone inlet tangentially coupled to the cyclone body. The cyclone inlet includes an inlet flow passage in fluid communication with the inner flow passage. Further, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a skimmer extending coaxially through the outlet end of the cyclone body. The skimmer comprises an upstream end disposed within the cyclone body, a downstream end distal the cyclone body, and an inner exhaust passage in fluid communication with the inner flow passage. Still further, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a first annulus positioned radially between the upstream end and the cyclone body having a radial width W1 between 3% and 15% of the inner diameter of the cyclone body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Shishan HU, Andrew R. McFARLAND