Including One Or More Valves In Incoming Path Patents (Class 494/30)
  • Patent number: 10406534
    Abstract: A separation rotor having an outer wall defining a separation chamber and an inner annular wall dividing the separation chamber into an inner annular space and an outer annular space. The separation rotor can be rotated to move heavier and/or denser components of the multi-component fluid into the outer annular space. The lighter and/or less dense components of the multi-component fluid can be retained within the inner annular space. The inner annular space and the outer annular space separation rotor can be selectively accessed to withdraw the components retained within the inner annular space and the outer annular spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Hanuman Medical
    Inventor: Randel E. Dorian
  • Patent number: 10166551
    Abstract: In a centrifugal machine, collecting chambers, which are in a rotary bowl allocated to centrifugal separation of at least two phases, include a discharge port that can be opened or closed as desired by pistons, movement of which is controlled from outside by a reduced-friction system. Drawing volume is adjustable and proportional to volume of a transverse aperture in the pistons, the ports and the openings of the collecting chambers being offset. The machine enables pseudo-continuous drawing which makes it possible to maintain a continuous supply. The drawing volume, composition of the drawn product, and compactness thereof, in a case of a near-solid phase, are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignees: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES, FLOWERSEP
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Feraud, David Chezaud, Joel Robin, Tojonirina Randriamanantena
  • Patent number: 8998789
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroatsu Toi, Eiichi Fukuhara
  • 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: 8083662
    Abstract: A system for separating a sample and collecting the separated sample. The system includes an ultracentrifuge having a cylindrical rotor. The system includes a gradient delivery assembly for delivering a gradient solution to the ultracentrifuge rotor, and a sample delivery assembly for delivering the solution containing the sample to the ultracentrifuge rotor. The system includes a fraction collection assembly for collecting discrete volumes of the separated sample. The system includes a processor for controlling operation of the ultracentrifuge, as well as the gradient delivery assembly, the sample delivery assembly, and/or the fraction collection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Alfa Wassermann
    Inventor: Blaine J. Marsh
  • Patent number: 8016736
    Abstract: A method for washing multiple units of blood product including providing a centrifuge having a wash cell for each unit of blood product, balancing the centrifuge to accommodate for differences in the wash cells, and transferring supernatant including any wash solution from each unit of blood product on the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: CaridianBCT Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Hlavinka, Raymond P. Goodrich, Eric T. Hansen
  • 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: 20110039679
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicants: Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Inc., The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Raymond M. Pierson, Matthew P. Szarek, Thomas G. Stroka, Andrew R. McFarland
  • Patent number: 7674221
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component comprises a centrifuge, with a rotor having a rotation axis comprising at least two separation cells, each for containing a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid; and first balancing elements for balancing the rotor when the respective weights of the at least two separation bags in the at least two separation cells are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl Hudock, Daniel A. Joseph, Victor D. Dolecek
  • Patent number: 7485084
    Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifugal separator and a method of separating a product to a heavy phase and light phase. A centrifuge rotor encloses a closed separation space, which has a radially outer part for the heavy phase, a radially inner part for the light phase and a central gas-filled space. The radially outer part is separated from the radially inner part by a interface layer level. An inlet extends into the separation space for feeding the product. A first outlet extend from the radially outer part for discharge of the heavy phase. A second outlet extends from the radially inner part for discharge of the light phase. A control equipment permits control of the interface layer level to a desired radial position. A sensor senses a parameter related to the gas pressure in the central space. The control equipment controls the counter pressure in the first outlet in response to the sensed parameter for controlling the interface layer level to the desired radial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Leonard Borgström, Lasse Hurnasti
  • Patent number: 7438679
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for balancing a centrifuge having interconnected hydraulic chambers in containers on a rotor, each container being adapted to receive a composite fluid, comprising transferring, by the rotation of the rotor, hydraulic liquid from a source to the interconnected hydraulic chambers to balance the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: CaridianBCT Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Hlavinka, Eric T. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7056272
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a centrifuge having a vertical axis of rotation, and including a centrifugal drum having a feeding tube for material to be centrifuged, outlet nozzles, and an emergency off system connected in front of the centrifugal drum. The emergency off system includes a feeding system feeding particles into the centrifugal drum. The present disclosure also relates to a method of implementing an emergency off system of the centrifuge. The method steps include: providing an emergency off signal; feeding the particles into the centrifugal drum in response to the emergency off signal; and, wherein the particles plug the outlet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Reinhard Moss
  • Patent number: 6953423
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is control equipment for use with a nozzle centrifuge for separating a light phase liquid, a heavy phase liquid, and/or solids from a mixture thereof wherein the separated heavy phase and solids are continuously removed through nozzles that are arranged at the periphery of the rotor of the nozzle centrifuge. Separated light phase liquid is discharged through a central outlet in the rotor. Through a space in the rotor, which communicates with the radially outer part of the rotor separating chamber, liquid may either be supplied under pressure to the rotor or be discharged from the rotor far maintaining an interface layer formed in the separating chamber between separated light and heavy phases. A supply device and a discharge device are adapted to supply to the rotor and discharge from the rotor, respectively, only so much liquid as is required for the purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Olev Maehens
  • Publication number: 20040072666
    Abstract: A centrifuge, particularly a separator (1) with a vertical axis of rotation, having a centrifugal drum (2) which is equipped with a feeding tube (4) for material to be centrifuged as well as with outlet nozzles, an emergency off system being connected in front of the centrifugal drum (2), is characterized in that the emergency off system has a feeding system (17) for particles, particularly balls (16), into the centrifugal drum. In the case of a method of implementing an emergency off function of a centrifuge, balls (16), which plug the outlet nozzles, are correspondingly guided into the centrifugal drum (2) in an emergency off case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Reinhard Moss
  • Patent number: 6719681
    Abstract: A multiple-component fluid mixture is separated by feeding the fluid mixture into a chamber of a vessel through an inlet, the chamber being at least partially bounded by a peripheral wall and the chamber also communicating with an outlet. The fluid mixture includes a heavy component and a light component. The vessel is rotated about a rotational axis extending through the vessel such that the heavy component collects toward at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the vessel and the light component collects toward the rotational axis. The light component is removed through the outlet channel. The heavy component is removed through a conduit disposed within the chamber, the conduit extending from the heavy component toward the rotational axis and out of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Econova, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin E. Collier
  • Publication number: 20020142470
    Abstract: Centrifugal analyzer and method for staining biological or non-biological samples in microgravity, wherein the method utilizes an increase in weight of a fluid sample as a function of g-load, to overcome cohesive and frictional forces from preventing its movement in a preselected direction. Apparatus is characterized by plural specimen reservoirs and channels in a slide, each channel being of differing cross-section, wherein respective samples are selectively dispensed, from the reservoirs in response to an imposed g-factor, precedent to sample staining. Within the method, one thus employs microscope slides which define channels, each being of a differing cross-section dimension relative to others. In combination therewith, centrifugal slide mounting apparatus controllably imposes g-vectors of differing magnitudes within a defined structure of the centrifuge such as a chip array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Mark S.F. Clarke, Daniel L. Feeback
  • Patent number: 6368264
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a centrifuge which receives a mixture of liquid and solid particles and separates the liquid from the solid particles. A bowl, along with a conveyor extending inside the bowl, are rotated and the speed of, and the torque applied to, the bowl and the conveyor are detected and corresponding output signals are generated. A variable speed drive pump is provided for pumping the flow of the mixture to the centrifuge. A computer responds to the output signals and controls the speed of the bowl and the conveyor as well as the operation of the pump to attain predetermined optimum operating conditions of the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Victor Phillips, Che-Liang Chang, Troy Martin
  • Patent number: 5944649
    Abstract: Method and device (21) for the supply of control liquid to a rotor of a centrifugal separator, which device (21) includes a cylinder (25), in which a movable wall element (26) is arranged, which axially delimits a storing chamber (29) in the cylinder (25). In the storing chamber (29) a predetermined volume of control liquid is stored. Control liquid is pressed out of the storing chamber (29) into the rotor during axial displacement of the wall element (26). Furthermore, the invention includes a centrifugal separator, which is provided with such a device (21). A portion of the control liquid in the storing chamber (29) is pressed upon displacement of the wall element (26) a first distance out through a first outlet passage (33) in the device with a high flow. The first outlet passage (33) is then closed when the wall element (26) has been displaced this distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventor: Per Gunnar Karlsson
  • Patent number: 5551940
    Abstract: A centrifuge is utilized to extract asphalt from a test sample containing asphalt and dispersed aggregates, so that the sample can be analyzed for asphalt content, and aggregate particle size distributions. Organic solvent, water and liquid soap are fed sequentially (selectively) into a rotatable bowl in the centrifuge for dissolving the asphalt, emulsifying solvent films on the aggregate, and rinsing soap film off of the aggregate particles. The quantities of solvent, water and liquid soap are controlled by a programmable controller containing a microprocessor, such that the asphalt extraction process is accomplished automatically, with minimum consumption of solvent, liquid soap and water. The controller can be reprogrammed as necessary to achieve different operational cycles, based on experience and test sample variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: The Lane Construction Corporation
    Inventor: Michael M. Cote
  • Patent number: 5372945
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting and processing tissue to produce an endothelial cell product having a vessel for rinsing, draining, digesting and isolating tissue. The vessel has a rinsing and digesting chamber for containing tissue during processing. An inlet in the rinsing and digesting chamber allows entry of rinsing solution and tissue from a liposuction device. A waste chamber in fluid communication with the rinsing and digesting chamber preferably connects with a vacuum source. An isolation chamber is separated from the rinsing and digesting chamber by a screen. An ampule in fluid communication with the isolation chamber includes a pair of ports controlled by valve devices to be selectively in fluid communication with the isolation chamber. After processing, the ampule isolates a pellet of endothelial cells and the valve devices permit the pellet to be in fluid communication with the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventors: Paul G. Alchas, Alfred W. Prais, Bruce E. Jarrell, Stuart K. Williams, Joseph A. DiPisa, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5328440
    Abstract: A bucket for use in a swinging bucket centrifuge. A core holder is located between two end chambers, with the annular space between the core holder and the bucket sidewall maintaining the chambers in fluid communication. Windows at each end of the bucket allow fluid collections to be monitored. This enables more accurate data to be obtained regarding the effect of fluids of different specific gravity on a fluid saturating a sample. For example, to obtain data allowing a more accurate modeling of reservoir conditions in an oil field impacted by both gas and water displacement, the amount of oil expelled from a rock sample by gas under pressure and temperature conditions simulating those in the reservoir is measured and, after replacing the gas with water, the amount of oil expelled by water under simulated conditions is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventors: Hung-Lung Chen, Hiemi K. Haines, Sidney R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5282780
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids and liquid mixtures such as to form concentrated sludge including a solid bowl worm centrifuge which has a slurry admission inlet and outlets for a liquid fraction and for concentrated sludge. A detector for detecting the consistency of the sludge leaving the centrifuge, a conduit for bypassing slurry being supplied from a source to the centrifuge and a control valve for controlling the amount bypassed as a function of the consistency of the sludge fraction and in some instances also a conduit for feeding a dilution liquid to the sludge leaving the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Kloeckner-Humboldt-Deutz AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Epper, Reinhard Kluge
  • Patent number: 4946434
    Abstract: A disposable manifold and valve for fluid processing are claimed in which a manifold provides a plurality of sterile paths for directing the flow of fluids. A rotatable valve employs a cam to control the flow of fluids through the manifold. The valve and manifold system are suited for the processing of blood and particularly for the washing of shed blood retrieved during surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Plaisted, Richard M. Lueptow
  • Patent number: 4894050
    Abstract: A centrifuge, preferably a sterile laboratory centrifuge, with an intake channel for the material being centrifuged, a runoff channel for the clear phase, and a drum with a centrifuging space comprising a separation space equipped with a package of disks and a solids. The centrifuge has an initial operation that comprises introducing material to be centrifuged into the separation space and separating the solids from the clear phase, which is followed by another operation that comprises discontinuing the intake of material to be centrifuged and introducing rinse into the drum through the clear-phase runoff channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Westfalia Separtor AG
    Inventors: Werner Kohlstette, Ulrich Rotermund
  • Patent number: 4589865
    Abstract: In a centrifuge rotor provided with sludge channels (25) for conveying sludge radially inwards to a sludge receiving chamber (15), from which the sludge is discharged by means of a central sludge discharge means, the openings of the sludge channels (25) into the sludge receiving chamber (15) are controlled by a slide member (14) being actuated to move in one axial direction by spring means (28). To cause the slide member (14) to move in the other axial direction, a pressure chamber (18), sealed against the sludge receiving chamber (15), is arranged between the slide member (14) and the rotor, and a fluid channel (33) extends through the rotor to the pressure chamber (18), connecting the pressure chamber with a pressure source (35) located outside the rotor. A position regulator (32) is situated in a cavity of the rotor, and is arranged to operate directly on said slide member (14) for regulation of its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval AB
    Inventor: Per Gullers
  • Patent number: 4543085
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid matters having a rotor of a double-basket construction consisting of a centrifugal filtering basket which is secured in a basket which effects the separation relying upon the difference in specific gravity. A pipe is so arranged as to supply the liquid to be treated into the centrifugal filtering basket, and scoop pipes are arrayed near the side surfaces of the two baskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyomi Funabashi, Fumio Kawamura, Toshio Takagi, Megumu Urata, Tetsuo Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 4505700
    Abstract: A centrifuge has ejection openings in the jacket of the drum to which channels extending from the solids space lead. The flow through the channels can be blocked off by an annular valve body. A closure compartment is associated with the valve body. Closure fluid is supplied to the closure compartment through a line from a catch gutter. The line consists of two connected components. The components can be separated by a piston with a flowthrough channel. When the piston is in the separating position, in which it blocks off an opening in the first line component, the flowthrough channel connects the second line component with an off-flow channel that is open to the atmosphere. In this position the second line component and the closure compartment are depressurized so that the valve body can move into an opening position. This opening motion is reinforced with opening water conveyed through three channels to an opening chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Zettier
  • Patent number: 4401429
    Abstract: A solid bowl centrifuge for separating substances of varying densities particularly for separating solid liquid mixtures having a self-emptying feature where the heavier material is discharged through an annular gap, the size of which is controlled by an annular slide valve separated by a pressure chamber and spring biasing means with the pressure chamber operative to close the valve and capable or rapid movements of the valve and moving the valve to a predetermined position by virtue of control valves and a measuring or dosing valve for the hydraulic fluid delivered to the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Klockner-Humboldt-Deutz AG
    Inventor: Karl Koslowski