With Means For Filtering Patents (Class 494/36)
  • Patent number: 8038870
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotational mechanism, a housing, a rotating feed pipe and a basket. The housing includes at least one side and defines an interior volume. The basket is positioned in the interior volume of the housing and is operatively coupled to the rotational mechanism such that rotation of the rotational mechanism is imparted to the basket. The rotating feed pipe extends into the basket through a pipe support positioned over the basket. The rotating feed pipe includes a nozzle operable to direct a flow of liquids, solids or combinations thereof onto a sidewall of the basket. The rotating feed pipe is operable to rotate from a first position towards a second position thereby increasing the distance between the nozzle and the sidewall and varying an angular orientation of the nozzle with respect to a normal to the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: The Western States Machine Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hoffmann
  • 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: 20110201085
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an adsorbent and exemplary protocols for extracting nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, from complex matrices, such as stool samples and water samples. The adsorbent is activated charcoal coated with a material such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextran, or coconut flours. The adsorbent may be used in microcentrifuge spin columns, where it may be present as a slurry in a storage solution. The sample may be prepared by vortexing in a buffer solution, centrifuging, adding a protease to the supernatant, and passing the supernatant through a microcentrifuge spin column containing coated activated charcoal. The key components, including buffer, protease, and spin columns, may be packaged in a kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Phthisis Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Crystal R. ICENHOUR, Brian V. Loyal, Linh H.K. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110201488
    Abstract: A separation cone (30) is mounted into the interior chamber of a centrifugal separator rotor (10), which comprises a cover (14) releasably connected to a base (16), in order to provide a frusto-conical wall subdividing the chamber into upper and lower regions. This slows the passage of fluid from the upper to the lower region, which takes place via openings (24) and/or via a gap between the inner rim (32) of the cone (30) and the axial inlet tube (12). The separation cone (30) is connected to the cover (14) by a releasable snap fit arrangement, such as by deflectable tabs (38) around the periphery of the separation cone (30) engaging into a groove (15) around the interior surface adjacent a lower edge of the cover (14). This allows there to be a predetermined sequence of servicing operations and ensures that the separation cone (30) will reliably stay with the cover (14) when the cover is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Klemens Dworatzek, John Lawrence Mills, Nigel Burford, Anthony W. Fell, Nicholas Foulkes
  • Publication number: 20110177931
    Abstract: A centrifugal assembly is provided that can be used in common laboratory fixed angle or swinging bucket centrifuges for the separation of material, such as parasitic ova, based on particle density. The centrifugal assembly allows the fluid level to be gently adjusted to form a meniscus without disruption of the buoyant matter, such as ova. The centrifugal assembly also enables a user to easily and hygienically collect and transfer a measured amount of a sample, such as fecal material, and to break apart and mix the sample with a floatation fluid contained in a centrifuge tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: James Kelland, Henry Petithory, Kevin Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7972520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for operating a centrifuge which has a drive shaft used for loading, a drum which is connected to the drive shaft and has a drum casing and a drum base, a filter with a working region situated within the filter, an annular space formed between the filter and the drum casing, at least one drum base opening which is formed in the drum base and opens out into the annular space, and at least one swirl nozzle which is arranged in such a manner that it injects a fluid through the at least one drum base opening into the annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fima Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Schmid
  • Patent number: 7934603
    Abstract: The delivery system of the present invention is comprised of at least two chambers which store, individually, an activated blood component and an inactivated blood component. The first chamber comprises an activating agent and a filter which may be one in the same thus allowing the formed clot to be triturated thereby isolating the thrombin from the clot. The second chamber stores the inactivated blood component that when mixed with thrombin will produce a gel. The first or second chamber may further contain agents which are desired to be delivered to a specific site. The unique design of the delivery system allows for ease in operation of combining two agents at a specific time and place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Arteriocyte Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie S. Eaton, Robert F. Baugh, Lisa M. Lim, John G. Rivera, Victor D. Dolecek
  • Publication number: 20110053752
    Abstract: A centrifugal bowl (105) comprises a base (3) that can rotate about an axis of rotation. A filter sieve in the shape of a perforated peripheral side sieve wall (151) extends from an open end to the base, and a plurality of vanes (155a . . . 155f) is disposed in a predominantly radial direction on the inner surface of the perforated peripheral side sieve wall (151).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Michiel Allan Aurelius Schallig, Theodoor Stolk, Martinus Bernardus Stapelbroek, Arif Veendijk, Johannes Rogier de Vrind, Peter Christian Eshuis
  • Patent number: 7867158
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating impurities from the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine. The device comprises a filter insert on the bottom and a centrifuge thereabove that is provided with a rotor which is driven by means of penetrating lubricating oil. The filter insert and the centrifuge are disposed on top of each other in a common two piece housing that is closed during operation of the device and encompasses a removable top screw cap and a fixed bottom housing part. A removable intermediate lid is positioned between the filter insert and the centrifuge within the housing. The centrifuge, the intermediate lid, and the filter insert can be removed from the housing in the open state thereof. Furthermore, the screw cap and the intermediate lid of the device are provided with detachable connecting members which engage with each other and transmit axial tractive forces or axial tractive and compressive forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Hengst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Baumann
  • Patent number: 7866485
    Abstract: A Platelet Rich Plasma separator assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a cylindrical outer wall closed at the top by an upper plate and closed at the bottom. A bottom plate having an upper surface sloped down to a central opening. The top edge of the inner wall terminates at a distance from the upper plate to define an annular erythrocyte passageway therebetween. The inner wall has an outer surface and an inner surface that slopes radially inward from its top edge to its bottom at an angle of from 0.2 to 5 degrees with a central axis of the inner wall. A cylindrical depth filter is positioned between the inner surface of the outer wall and the outer surface of the inner wall in communication with the inner wall through the erythrocyte passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignees: Hanuman, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 7866259
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a food processor base and a method for using the same. The food processor base includes a seat, a drive shaft and a motor. The drive shaft is rotated by the motor. The apparatus includes an outer bowl, a cover for the outer bowl, and a perforated inner bowl. The outer bowl may include a connector for being seated on the seat of the food processor base. The inner bowl is positioned within the outer bowl and is connectable to the drive shaft of the food processor base for rotation of the inner perforated bowl within the outer bowl. The inner perforated bowl has a one to one rotation with the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Products for Life Inc.
    Inventors: Hatim Zaghloul, Mohammed Mali, Hussein Desouki, Sisso El-Hamamsy
  • Publication number: 20110003676
    Abstract: A separator device comprises a cylindrical separation chamber within which a motor-driven rotor is situated. The rotor has vanes. In operation, an inflowing mixture enters through an inlet and is subjected to centrifugal force imposed by the rotation of the rotor. A lighter liquid fraction leaves through an annular outlet, and a heavier liquid fraction leaves through an annular outlet. Solids pass through a screen to a region where rotational flow is reduced or absent. The solids in the region are fluidized by liquid passing through the screen, and are extracted from outlets. Control means is provided to control operation of the device in response to changes in the incoming mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin E. Collier, David J. Parkinson
  • Patent number: 7824559
    Abstract: A PRP separator-concentrator comprising a housing, a separation assembly, and a concentration assembly. The concentration assembly has a concentration sump. An axially concentric rigid stationary outlet tube is secured to the housing and extends through the separation assembly to the sump. The separation assembly is attached to and positioned above the concentration assembly to form a combined separator-concentrator assemblage that is rotatable about the outlet tube. The separation assembly includes a separation chamber lined with a depth filter having pores and passageways that are sized to receive and entrap erythrocytes during centrifuging. The concentration chamber has a floor for supporting desiccated beads and a wall with at least one opening closed with a screen. The concentrator can have a distribution of upright screen supports, the upright screen supports having an inner surface and an outer surface, the cylindrical screen being supported on the outer surface of the upright screen supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Hanumann, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 7763168
    Abstract: A method of controlling a centrifuge of the type having a rotating perforated basket on whose inner peripheral wall a liquids/solids slurry is caused to collect in use, with separated liquid being collected via the basket perforations. The method comprising taking depth measurement of the material in the rotating basket continuous or at repeated intervals, over a basket cycle from commencement of slurry feed to discharge of solids, using at least one laser unit adapted to direct a beam of coherent light energy towards said inner peripheral wall of the basket of solids. The depth measurements can be made using at least one laser unit (30) adapted to direct a beam of coherent light energy towards said inner peripheral wall of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas Broadbent & Sons Ltd
    Inventor: Geoffrey Clive Grimwood
  • Publication number: 20100152013
    Abstract: A cartridge (1) for accommodating blood bags (35) to be inserted into a centrifuge is used for the separation of blood components. Said cartridge (1) is provided with a partition wall (3) which separates a blood bag section (5) positioned radially inside from a product section (7) positioned radially outside, wherein a fixture (29) for a filter (31) is provided in the product section (7), a product transport path (36) which leads from the blood bag section (5) via the fixture (29) for the filter (31) to the product section (7). The product transport path (36) coming from the blood bag section (5) leads into the fixture (29) for the filter (31) radially from the outside and from below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Klaus-Gunter Eberle, Roland Biset
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100120598
    Abstract: A horizontal centrifugal scroll screen apparatus including: a housing; a frusto-conical screen assembly mounted within the housing and having an outer inlet end and an inner discharge end, the screen assembly being mounted for driven rotation via a base-of-spoke piece disposed across the inner discharge end thereof; and a frusto-conical scroll assembly coaxially mounted for differential driven rotation within the screen assembly and including an outer closed end in the proximity of the outer inlet end of the screen assembly and being adapted to direct material to be screened from a material supply conduit to the outer inlet end of the screen assembly for screening and conveyance to an outlet provided in the base-of-spoke piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Bruce Angus, Michael Trench, Maurice Ross Munro, Stephen Thomas Wilmot, Stephen John Walsh, Terrance Shane Mcloughlin
  • Patent number: 7708681
    Abstract: A porous bed centrifuge for continuous separation of immiscible liquids, for example water and mineral oil/petroleum, obtained by a modification to conventional disk centrifuges for increasing their efficiency, wherein the disks have been substituted by a filling of solid particles that act as a filtrating and coalescent bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Martin Bartosek, Simona Biagi
  • Patent number: 7708889
    Abstract: A method used in connection with processing of blood components, wherein blood products are then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor and the sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Niclas Högberg, Emanuel Hällgren, Peter Pihlstedt, Brian M. Holmes, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Geert Van Waeg, Frank Corbin, III
  • Patent number: 7699767
    Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Arryx, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Mueth, Joseph Plewa, Jessica Shireman, Amy Anderson, Lewis Gruber, Neil Harris Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 7674376
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor with one or more drive jet openings for rotating the rotor to separate particulate matter from a fluid. A filter element is disposed inside the rotor, and the filter element includes depth filter medium for removing from the fluid sticky contaminants having the same general density as the fluid, such as sludge or varnish compounds. The rotor has a split flow configuration in which a portion of the fluid is routed to the filter element and the rest of the fluid bypasses the filter element to maintain fluid pressure of the fluid discharged from the drive jet openings. In one form, the depth filter medium is impregnated with a chemical that changes a property of the fluid, like acidity. In another form, the depth filter material is contained in a capsule for easy disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Hendrik N. Amirkhanian, Lee Currier
  • Publication number: 20090305862
    Abstract: A cyclone dust-collecting apparatus includes a body unit, a top portion of which is detachably engaged with a cover unit; a cyclone unit disposed inside the body; and a filter unit detachably disposed above the cyclone unit, wherein air flowing into the body unit is guided from the cyclone unit upward to the filter unit, and is discharged downward via the filter unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Dong-Hun Yoo
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090275459
    Abstract: The invention relates to an outer support basket of the centrifuge basket of a screen centrifuge, wherein screen segments can be secured by conical means in the support basket, the support basket has a plurality of concentric support rings with a rectangular cross section with greater width than thickness and the broad sides of the rings lie parallel to one another and at right angles to the basket axis, wherein the support rings are spaced apart from one another by axially parallel rods which run through the support rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: SIEBTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Horst Dietschreit
  • Patent number: 7531098
    Abstract: A system for automatically processing blood 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Terumo Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Robinson, Thomas P. Robinson, Richard D'Elia, Paul Eibe, Thomas Sahines
  • Patent number: 7517944
    Abstract: Provided a process for producing a polycarbonate which comprises reacting an aqueous alkali solution of a dihydric phenol with phosgene in the presence of an organic solvent to produce a polycarbonate oligomer and subsequently polycondensing the oligomer, wherein an emulsion solution of a polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent obtained in the polycarbonate oligomer production step is introduced into a coalescer to separate the emulsion solution into a polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent phase and an aqueous phase, and the polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent phase is subjected to polycondensation. Thus the emulsion solution of a polycarbonate oligomer-containing organic solvent obtained in the polycarbonate oligomer production step is efficiently separated to reduce the content of impurity-containing water in the oligomer for producing a polycarbonate having excellent quality and to a obtain wastewater having a low content of organic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kunishi, Eizo Saito
  • Patent number: 7497944
    Abstract: A system and method are used in connection with processing of blood components. The processing of blood components may involve centrifugal separation and/or filtering of the blood components. In some examples, at least some blood components are centrifugally separated in a chamber and then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor, wherein the filter is located closer than the chamber to an axis of rotation of the rotor. The filter may include a porous filtration medium configured to filter leukocytes, platelets, and/or red blood cells. Some examples include a pressure sensor sensing pressure of pumped blood components. The sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products. Other uses of the sensed pressure are also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Niclas Högberg, Emanuel Hällgren, Peter Pihlstedt, Brian M. Holmes, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Geert Van Waeg, Frank Corbin, III
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080250723
    Abstract: Process for completely recovering the reusable components of an abrasive slurry used in slicing crystalline materials of silicon, quartz or ceramics when it becomes exhausted and enriched with undesired waste matter. The process consists of an initial centrifuge separation of the exhausted slurry as such and of a wet size-sorting treatment of the fraction containing the abrasive grains obtained from the centrifuge, carried out in a battery of hydrocyclones or centrifuges connected in series. The section for the recovery and purification of the abrasive grains comprises a multifunctional apparatus that performs all the required operations within a single pressure vessel. The process enables the complete recovery of the reusable abrasive grains contained in the exhausted slurry as well as of the suspending or cutting liquid of the abrasive slurry, in order to reuse both components in the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Guido Fragiacomo
  • Patent number: 7413665
    Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Gambro BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Johan-Petter Hagström, Per-Olov Lundberg, Geert Van Waeg, Peter Nordgren
  • Patent number: 7413652
    Abstract: A system for the production of a blood component composition is provided. The system includes a centrifuge having a blood reservoir for receiving and separating a blood sample into multiple components; a dispenser disposed outside of the centrifuge having a first collection chamber containing an activation agent and a second collection chamber containing one or more medicinal agents; means for removing a first portion at least one separated blood component from the centrifuge to the first container and a second portion to the second collection chamber, wherein the first collection chamber activates the first portion and stores the resulting clot and thrombin; a filter for separating the thrombin from the clot; and a nozzle for entraining and mixing the thrombin with the second portion containing the one or more medicinal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Arteriocyte Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor D. Dolecek, Robert F. Baugh, John G. Rivera, William F. McKay, Jeffery C. Marx
  • Patent number: 7402131
    Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Arryx, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Mueth, Joseph Plewa, Jessica Shireman, Amy Anderson, Lewis Gruber, Neil Harris Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 7396451
    Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Gambo BCI, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Johan-Petter Hagström, Per-Olov Lundberg, Geert Van Waeg, Peter Nordgren
  • Patent number: 7373996
    Abstract: A method of separating drilling/production fluids from solid cuttings from a mixture received from down hole, without the use of shale shakers, de-sanders, or de-sanders, through the steps of flowing the mixture from the well bore into a flow line above the surface of a well; next, flowing the mixture into a single separation zone of a size capable of receiving the mixture directly from the flow line on a continuous basis; circulating or centrifuging the mixture to a desired RPM within the separation zone; providing a liquid permeable barrier surrounding the mixture as the mixture is centrifuged within the separation zone; collecting the liquid in a first retrieval zone after the liquid has penetrated permeable barrier; and collecting the solids that could not penetrate the permeable barrier in a second retrieval zone within the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Centrifugal Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale R. Martin, Perry A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 7357897
    Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods convey blood cells from a blood cell source into a blood component collection flow channel that includes a blood cell storage container and an in-line filter to remove leukocytes from blood cells before entering the blood cell storage container. The systems and methods also convey additive solution from an additive solution source into the blood component collection flow channel. The systems and methods alternate the conveyance of blood cells through the filter with the conveyance of additive solution through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly B Smith, Mark Vandlik, Michael Kast
  • Patent number: 7320750
    Abstract: A centrifuge with controlled discharge of dense materials disclosed. A centrifuge includes a fluid separation wall placed within a sleeve to form a containment zone therebetween. The fluid separation wall aligns and rotates parallel to an axis of rotation. A receptacle forming a part of the fluid separation wall includes a void area. An opening extending through the fluid separation wall from the void area to the outer surface of the receptacle transports the more dense material to the containment zone. A valve ring forming a part of the fluid separation wall includes a valve orifice. The valve ring aligned perpendicular to the axis of rotation and slides along the fluid separation wall to move between open and closed positions. The valve orifice aligns with the opening such that the more dense material exits the fluid separation wall and moves into the containment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7279107
    Abstract: A system and method are used in connection with processing of blood components. The processing of blood components may involve centrifugal separation and/or filtering of the blood components. In some examples, at least some blood components are centrifugally separated in a chamber and then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor, wherein the filter is located closer than the chamber to an axis of rotation of the rotor. The filter may include a porous filtration medium configured to filter leukocytes, platelets, and/or red blood cells. Some examples include a pressure sensor sensing pressure of pumped blood components. The sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products. Other uses of the sensed pressure are also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Gambro, Inc.
    Inventors: Niclas Högberg, Emanuel Hällgren, Peter Pihlstedt, Brian M. Holmes, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Geert Van Waeg, Frank Corbin, III
  • Patent number: 7235177
    Abstract: A centrifuge for separating particulate matter from circulating fluid includes a centrifuge enclosure including a housing and a base joined together so as to define a hollow interior. A rotor is positioned in the hollow interior and is supported by the base in a manner to permit rotary motion of the rotor relative to the centrifuge enclosure. A coalescing filter assembly is secured to the rotor and is constructed and arranged for removing oil aerosol from a blowby gas which is introduced into the centrifuge. A roller bearing, press fit into the centrifuge housing, receives a portion of the coalescing filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Gregory W. Hoverson, Hendrik N. Amirkhanian, Jean-Luc Guichaoua, Benoit LeRoux, Gerard Malgorn
  • Patent number: 7208048
    Abstract: A continuous centrifuge (10) has a basket (30) with upper and lower basket portions (43, 44) separated by an intermediate slip portion (45). The lower basket portion (43) has an included angle of 40–50°, to separate “green” molasses from the sugar crystals, while the upper basket portion (44) has an included angle of 50–60°, to separate washed molasses from the sugar crystals. The inner faces of the walls of the basket portions (43, 44) have radial drainage grooves (46), closed at their lower ends and opens at their upper ends, to discharge the molasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: WDT (Engineers) Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Francis Eastaughffe
  • Patent number: 7186231
    Abstract: An object is to provide a blood component collection system capable of collecting a desired blood component of high quality. A blood component collection system 1 comprises a centrifugal separator 20 centrifuging blood into a plurality of components, first line 21 for feeding the blood to the centrifugal separator 20, a second line 22 for releasing the blood component from the centrifugal separator 20, a temporary reservoir bag 26? for temporarily reserving the platelet concentrate, a leukoreduction filter 261 for separating and reducing leukocyte from the platelet concentrate, and a platelet collection bag 26 for reserving the platelet concentrate having passed through the leukoreduction filter 261.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiki Takagi, Shigeyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 7175771
    Abstract: A centrifugal debris trap includes a cylindrical chamber bound by an inner surface of a continuous wall radially disposed about a center axis at a first inner diameter, and having a first wall end and a second wall end; and a plurality of grooves between the first and second wall ends, extending radially outward from the inner surface into a portion of the continuous wall, and each having a groove outer diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter. The cylindrical chamber is sealed at the first wall end by a back plate attached about a circumference of the first wall ends, and is open at the second wall end through a ring attached thereto about a circumference of the second wall end. The ring has a ring opening radially disposed about the center axis, and a second inner diameter less than the first inner diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric B. Bridges
  • Patent number: 7074172
    Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: ZymeQuest, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Rosiello
  • Patent number: 7048709
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a flexible bag (1) intended to receive a biological fluid with a view to its centrifugation. The bag includes an external enclosure (2) formed by two sheets of flexible plastic (3, 3?) connected at their periphery (4) so as to define an internal volume (5) for the fluid. The external enclosure (2) is provided with at least one inlet (6) and/or outlet (7) orifice for the fluid. The bag (1) also includes means (8) for the temporary association of at least one component with the bag (1). The means (8) is disposed on the external enclosure (2), in which the temporary association means are assembled on the bag (1) on a part of the periphery (4) of the enclosure (2) and are arranged to allow the insertion of the component between the means (8) and the enclosure (2) so as to provide temporary association during the centrifugation of the bag (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: MacoPharma
    Inventors: Francis Goudaliez, Thierry Verpoort, Gus Ribeiro
  • Patent number: 7041076
    Abstract: A multiple function pump station performs different on-line processing tasks. The pump station can be operated in one mode to draw blood from a donor can, in another mode, be operated to return blood to the donor. The pump station used to draw blood from a donor can also be used to perform subsequent blood processing tasks, such as mixing processing or additive fluids with the blood, or transfering a harvested blood component to a storage container, or finishing the processing of a harvested blood component, e.g., by passage through a filter to remove leukocytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Westberg, Rohit Vishnoi, Mark R Vandlik
  • Patent number: 7029430
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for separating components of a fluid or particles. A separation vessel having a barrier dam is provided to initially separate an intermediate density components of a fluid, and a fluid chamber is provided to further separate these intermediate density components by forming an elutriative field or saturated fluidized particle bed. The separation vessel includes a shield for limiting flow into the fluid chamber of relatively high density substances, such as red blood cells. The separation vessel also includes a trap dam with a smooth, gradually sloped downstream section for reducing mixing of substances. Structure is also provided for adding additional plasma to platelets and plasma flowing from the fluid chamber. The system reduces clumping of platelets by limiting contact between the platelets and walls of the separation vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Gambro, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Hlavinka, Thomas J. Felt
  • Patent number: 6971525
    Abstract: A centrifuge with combinations of multiple features is disclosed. In one aspect, a centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a fluid separation wall placed within a sleeve. The fluid separation wall rotates around the axis of rotation. A receptacle aids in separation of the more dense material from the fluid medium. The receptacle defined in a part by a respective geometry and a respective shape. An opening extends from the void area to the outer surface to transport the more dense material to the containment zone. An excitation apparatus associated with the receptacle creates a vibration within the receptacle. The centrifuge may further include a valve ring including a valve orifice the valve ring having a first position which blocks the more dense material from exiting the receptacle and a second position that allows the more dense material to move into the containment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6969343
    Abstract: A centrifuge, comprising a distributor for introducing material to be centrifuged and a sieve system having a plurality of axially mutually offset membrane plates, the membrane plates being arranged radially with respect to the distributor and having at least two axially-spaced membrane disks. The sieve system is arranged such that a flow directions of material to be centrifuged emerging from the distributor and a flow direction of particles deposited on the membrane plates are identical. Alos included is centrifugal drum having a centrifugal compartment with the sieve system arranged therein and a piston slide valve for closing the centrifugal drum. The invention is also a method for cleaning the centrifuge, the steps comprising: opening a piston slide valve, thereby allowing a return flow of liquid through the sieeve system; and removeing one or more of substances baked to the sieve system and impurities from the sieve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator Food Tec GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Jochen Hamatschek
  • Patent number: 6962560
    Abstract: A centrifuge bowl for separating heavier particles from lighter particles and water comprises a first conical bowl wall leading to a pair of annular recesses at actually spaced positions. Each recess is generally V-shaped with an upper side wall, a lower side wall and a base. The base contains a plurality of angularly spaced discharge ducts each having a pinch valve by which it can be closed and mouth projecting through the base into the interior of the bowl for collecting the heavier particles. Each recess includes injection openings in the upper and lower side walls of the recess arranged to inject fluidizing water in a direction generally parallel to the base and across the mouth of each discharge duct. An insert member formed by two annular screens can be inserted into the recess radially inwardly of the discharge and injection holes and contains a bed of beads which act to float inwardly while the valves are closed and to collapse outwardly when the valves are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Knelson Patents Inc.
    Inventor: Ishwinder Singh Grewal
  • Patent number: 6932913
    Abstract: A system and method for vibration in a centrifuge is disclosed. A centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a fluid separation wall placed within a non-rotating sleeve. The fluid separation wall rotates around the axis of rotation and includes an inner surface and an outer surface with at least one receptacle formed on the inner surface of the fluid separation wall. The receptacle aids in separation of more dense material from the fluid medium by forming a void space between the inner and outer surface. An excitation apparatus associated with the receptacle to create a vibration within the receptacle. A flow path may extend through the wall from the void area to the outer surface to transport more dense material to the containment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6875191
    Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods convey blood cells from a blood cell source into a blood component collection flow channel that includes a blood cell storage container and an in-line filter to remove leukocytes from blood cells before entering the blood cell storage container. The systems and methods also convey additive solution from an additive solution source into the blood component collection flow channel. The systems and methods alternate the conveyance of blood cells through the filter with the conveyance of additive solution through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly B Smith, Mark Vandlik, Michael Kast