With Means For Filtering Patents (Class 494/36)
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Patent number: 6872307Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods establish on line communication between a container and a source of blood containing leukocytes and platelets, such as a human donor. The systems and methods create a centrifugal field between the source of blood and the container that separates from the blood an unfinished suspension of platelets having a first physiologic characteristic different than the desired physiologic characteristic. The systems and methods pump the unfinished platelet suspension outside the centrifugal field through a finishing device. The finishing device changes the first physiologic characteristic to the desired physiological characteristic, thereby creating the finished platelet suspension. The systems and methods convey the finished platelet suspension from the finishing device directly into the container. The systems and methods function without interrupting the on line communication between the container and the source of blood.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Daniel F. Bischof
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Patent number: 6869389Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifuge that includes an inlet tube, a distributor, a centrifugal drum, a centrifugal chamber, a sieve and a solids collecting space. The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning the centrifuge including the step sieve opening the solids collecting space so that liquid from a liquid discharge space return flows through the sieve back into the solids discharge space, detaching one or more of solids and contaminants from the sieve and, discharging one or more of the solids and contaminants from the solids discharge space.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Westfalia Separator AGInventors: Wilfried Mackel, Jochen Hamatschek
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Patent number: 6852231Abstract: Blood is purified by removing the whole blood from a patient and feeding the blood into a manifold in a centrifuge. A purifying chamber is formed in the centrifuge from a plurality of co-arcuately arranged modules. The blood is supplied from the manifold to each of the modules. Each module contains a stack of dialysate membranes. Fresh dialysate is fed into the manifold and then to each of the modules. Under centrifugal force the cells are separated from the plasma. The plasma is purified by removing contaminants as a result of the action of the dialysate and membranes. The purified blood is returned to the patient by being fed back to the manifold and then to the patient. The used dialysate/contaminants are fed from the modules back to the manifold and out of the centrifuge.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Denco, Inc.Inventors: Ivars V. Ivansons, Dudley W. C. Spencer
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Publication number: 20040214710Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Gregory W. Hoverson, Hendrik N. Amikhanian, Jean-Luc Guichaoua, Benoit Le Roux, Gerard Malgorn
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Patent number: 6805805Abstract: A system and method for receptacle wall vibration in a centrifuge is disclosed. A centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a vibratory device associated with the receptacle wall to create a vibratory force.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Phase Inc.Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
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Patent number: 6755969Abstract: A centrifuge with specific wall and opening shapes for receptacles is disclosed. A centrifuge may include a fluid separation wall aligned substantially parallel to an axis of rotation and include an inner surface, a void area, and an outer surface. The inner surface may be placed in contact with the fluid medium. The inner surface may include at least one receptacle. The receptacle may aid in separation of the more dense particles from the fluid medium. The centrifuge may further include at least one fluid flow path extending through the separation wall from the inner surface to the outer surface. The fluid flow path may transport the more dense particles to the containment zone.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Phase Inc.Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
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Patent number: 6723238Abstract: A centrifuge bucket, for holding a first article, further comprises a compartment for holding a second article, and an arrangement for securing the compartment to an outer surface of the centrifuge bucket.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, L.P.Inventors: William Andrew Romanauskas, Edward Thomas Sheeran, Jr.
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Patent number: 6719901Abstract: A system for the production of autologous thrombin, comprising a centrifuge including a blood reservoir for receiving and separating an autologous anticoagulated blood sample having multiple inactive blood components and means for removing at least one of said inactive blood components upon separation, and a dispenser having at least two collection chambers for receiving said at least one of said inactive blood components, wherein a first collection chamber activates a first portion of said inactive blood component and stores the resulting coagulated blood component comprising a clot and said autologous thrombin.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Victor D. Dolecek, Robert F. Baugh, John G. Rivera, William F. McKay, Jeffery C. Marx
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Patent number: 6719896Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid-filtration receptacle well-suited for use in centrifugal sample concentration protocols, and particularly, wherein specifiable degrees of sample concentration are sought. Toward this end, the fluid-filtration receptacle is provided with an integral semi-permeable drain capable of being either completely or variably unsealed by a user to allow selective draining of a predetermined corresponding volume of said liquid from said receptacle. The fluid-filtration receptacle is preferably used in combination with a filtrate collection vial. The receptacle fits at least partially within the vial such that liquid (i.e., filtrate) drained from said receptacle collects within said vial.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Millipore CorporationInventor: Phillip Clark
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Patent number: 6709412Abstract: Systems and methods separate blood cells from whole blood and pump the separated blood cells through an in-line leukofilter to a blood cell storage container. The leukofilter has a filtration medium enclosed within a flexile housing. The systems and methods employ a fixture to restrain expansion of the flexible filter housing during operation of the pump. The fixture has a bracket to enable its releasable attachment to the blood processing device employed to carry out the separation process.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Mark Vandlik, Michael J Kast, Kelly B Smith
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Patent number: 6709575Abstract: A filtering system (10) is provided for filtering working fluid from a machine (12) and includes a cleanable filter (16) and a centrifuge (82) where filter capacity is too low for a permanent filter yet flow rate is too high for a centrifuge. The system transfers the contaminant storage function from the cleanable filter to the centrifuge. A simple effective centrifuge is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Nelson Industries, Inc.Inventors: Barry M. Verdegan, Peter K. Herman
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Patent number: 6706180Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Phase Inc.Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
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Publication number: 20040029696Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifuge that includes an inlet tube, a distributor, a centrifugal drum, a centrifugal chamber, a sieve and a solids collecting space. The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning the centrifuge including the step sieve opening the solids collecting space so that liquid from a liquid discharge space return flows through the sieve back into the solids discharge space, detaching one or more of solids and contaminants from the sieve and, discharging one or more of the solids and contaminants from the solids discharge space.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Jochen Hamatschek
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Publication number: 20040023780Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2002Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventor: Keith Rosiello
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Publication number: 20030205510Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for cleaning substrates using dense fluids under the influence of a continuous centrifugal force. Dense fluid centrifugal separations resolve many problems associated with conventional dense fluid cleaning technology. These include elimination of pooling and supercooling of liquid carbon dioxide trapped within pores and cavities of a substrate—leading to formation of dry ice and recontamination of substrate, ability to precision clean using one unit volume of dense fluid per cleaning operation and ability to remove small insoluble particles from deep voids or cavities. The present invention can perform solvent-aided separation processes heretofore not possible using conventional dense fluid technology. These include liquid-liquid, liquid-supercritical-fluid, froth flotation and centrifugal phase-shift separations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventor: David P. Jackson
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Publication number: 20030205517Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods establish on line communication between a container and a source of blood containing leukocytes and platelets, such as a human donor. The systems and methods create a centrifugal field between the source of blood and the container that separates from the blood an unfinished suspension of platelets having a first physiologic characteristic different than the desired physiologic characteristic. The systems and methods pump the unfinished platelet suspension outside the centrifugal field through a finishing device. The finishing device changes the first physiologic characteristic to the desired physiological characteristic, thereby creating the finished platelet suspension. The systems and methods convey the finished platelet suspension from the finishing device directly into the container. The systems and methods function without interrupting the on line communication between the container and the source of blood.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Daniel F. Bischof
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Patent number: 6641552Abstract: A system compact enough to be located entirely beside the donor's chair, and able to process the blood while the donor is still resting in the chair after having donated the blood. The separated blood components (plasma and red blood cells) may be stored in their individual optimum environments immediately after the whole blood is drawn, and the blood does not need to be transported back to a separation laboratory for processing. The system includes a needle (72) (or other cannula-like device) for insertion into a vein of the donor and drawing whole blood therethrough, a rotor (2a) for holding the blood after it is drawn, and a motor (50) for spinning the rotor so as to cause the blood to separate into components, for example, plasma and red blood cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Haemonetics CorporationInventors: Gordon F. Kingsley, Thomas D. Headley, Lise N. Halpern
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Patent number: 6632191Abstract: A system for collecting red blood cells (RBCs) and other blood components that reduces the need for human intervention. A disposable set is provided having a port, an RBC container, a centrifuge rotor having a variable total volume, and a filter, along with tubing connecting the port, the container, the rotor and the filter. A control unit is also provided and includes a spinner in which the rotor may be held, a flow-control arrangement for controlling flow among the various components of the disposable set, and an electronic controller. The whole blood is directed by the flow-control arrangement from the port through the tubing to the rotor. The rotor includes an elastic diaphragm, and the control unit's flow-control arrangement includes a pump or other device for applying a positive and negative pressure to the rotor's elastic diaphragm. The spinner rotates the rotor so as to separate the whole blood into plasma and RBCs.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Haemonetics CorporationInventors: Thomas D. Headley, Edward T. Powers
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Patent number: 6629919Abstract: The invention is directed to a centrifugation bowl with a rotating core. The centrifugation bowl includes a rotating bowl body which defines a primary separation chamber. The core, which is generally cylindrically shaped and is disposed within the bowl body, defines a secondary separation chamber. A stationary header assembly may be mounted on top of the bowl body through a rotating seal. The stationary header assembly includes an inlet port for receiving whole blood and an outlet port from which one or more blood components are withdrawn. The inlet port is in fluid communication with a feed tube that extends into the primary separation chamber. The outlet port is in fluid communication with an effluent tube that extends into the bowl body. The effluent tube includes an entryway at a first radial position relative to a central, rotating axis of the bowl.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Haemonetics CorporationInventors: Yáir Egozy, Paul J. Vernucci, Lelie E. Rose, Etienne Pages
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Publication number: 20030155312Abstract: Blood is purified by removing the whole blood from a patient and feeding the blood into a manifold in a centrifuge. A purifying chamber is formed in the centrifuge from a plurality of co-arcuately arranged modules. The blood is supplied from the manifold to each of the modules. Each module contains a stack of dialysate membranes. Fresh dialysate is fed into the manifold and then to each of the modules. Under centrifugal force the cells are separated from the plasma. The plasma is purified by removing contaminants as a result of the action of the dialysate and membranes. The purified blood is returned to the patient by being fed back to the manifold and then to the patient. The used dialysate/contaminants are fed from the modules back to the manifold and out of the centrifuge.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2002Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: Ivars V. Ivansons, Dudley W.C. Spencer
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Patent number: 6605223Abstract: An automated blood separation method and apparatus is described that allows for the separation of multiple units of blood simultaneously. The method and apparatus reliably and quickly separates blood into its components. An auto-balancing feature within the apparatus automatically preferably compensates for the changing state of imbalance, thereby eliminating the need for additional balancing steps during the separation process. The apparatus has a rotor into which a plurality of cassettes can be inserted. The cassettes have a number of sections for the containment of the whole blood and for the separated blood components, which are contained in disposable bags. The rotor is placed into a centrifuge assembly, and the blood components are then separated and transferred to the bags in the individual sections of the cassettes. Means for including secondary separation devices such as filters is included.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: MEDIcept, Inc.Inventors: Glen Jorgensen, Donald E. Barry
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Patent number: 6602413Abstract: A sealed centrifugal clarifier with a pre-sterilized and disposable container which lines the separation chamber is disclosed. More particularly, the centrifugal clarifier contains a feed port that allows a liquid-solid mixture to be continuously fed into the device wherein the solid is sedimented by rotation of the separation chamber and the clarified liquid is released into an outside receptacle through an effluent port. The throughput rate of the clarifier is adjustable and can be determined as a function of the fill radius of the separation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: MEDIcept, Inc.Inventors: Glen Jorgensen, William F. Aitkenhead, Joseph D. Antocci
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Patent number: 6596180Abstract: A centrifuge system for the formation of an autologous platelet gel wherein all of the blood components for the gel are derived from a patient to whom the gel is to be applied. First a platelet rich plasma and a platelet poor plasma are formed by centrifuging a quantity of anticoagulated whole blood that was previously drawn from the patient. The platelet rich plasma or platelet poor plasma is then automatically drawn out of the centrifuge bag and proportioned into separate chambers in a dispenser. The first portion is activated where a clot is formed and thrombin is obtained. The thrombin is then latter mixed with the second portion to obtain a platelet gel.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Baugh, Lisa M. Lim, Julie S. Johnston, John G. Rivera, Victor D. Dolecek
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Patent number: 6521120Abstract: A continuous centrifuge of the type comprising a perforated basket of generally frusto-conical configuration which is adapted to rotate about a rotational axis and along whose inner peripheral wall a liquids/solids mix is caused to travel, with solids being discharged over the mouth of the rotating basket at its wider end and liquids being collected via the basket perforations. The basket has at least three separating stages of different inclination relative to the basket rotational axis, with the respective residence time over each separating stage being controlled by the basket angle locally to set the angle to suit the local values controlling the flow at that stage.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Thomas Broadbent & Sons Ltd.Inventor: Geoffrey Clive Grimwood
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Patent number: 6514421Abstract: An improved screen basket for use with a centrifuge includes two adjoining screen sections. The first screen section is formed from a wear resistant material and is located proximate to the point at which slurry is introduced into the basket. The length of the first screen section is chosen so that the majority of potential wear caused by the abrasive slurry occurs within the first section of the basket. The second screen section is preferably formed from less expensive materials, such as steel wedge wire. The second screen section smoothly joins the first screen section and provides for further dewatering or separation of the accelerated slurry so that a dry cake is produced by the centrifuge.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Baker Hughes, Inc.Inventors: Wallace Woon Fong Leung, Nicholas R. Frohlich, Jr.
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Patent number: 6511596Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a drum drivable in rotation having a conical jacket wall which is mounted on a fixedly arranged core; supply means for carrying the contaminated liquid into the interior of the drum; discharge means for discharging the heavy contaminants from the part of the drum in the proximity of the largest jacket diameter; an at least substantially cylindrical ceramic filter received in the core; and drainage means arranged in the fixed core for draining the cleaned liquid.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Inventor: Christianus J. Bogers
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Patent number: 6488849Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating device for continuously filtering a liquid such as a solution containing a precipitate.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres NucleairesInventors: Gérard Bertolotti, Yves Lebiez
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Patent number: 6478163Abstract: The screw conveyor 200A includes a first flight 211 and a second flight 212 for transporting cake to cake discharging ports 105 in the small diameter section 103. Each flight 211, 212 has a small clearance portion 211a, 212a defining a small clearance d1 and a large clearance portion 211b, 212b defining a large clearance d2 between the tip of the flight and the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter section 103. The whole region of the large clearance portion 211b, 212b of each flight 211, 212 overlaps with the small clearance portion 212a, 211a of another flight 212, 211 at the same point in the direction of the rotation axis C.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Tomoe Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takaharu Otsuka
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Patent number: 6464624Abstract: The invention is directed to blood processing method and apparatus utilizing a centrifugation bowl with a filter core disposed within the bowl. The centrifugation bowl includes a rotating bowl body defining an enclosed separation chamber. A generally cylindrical filter core is disposed inside the separation chamber. The filter core includes a filter membrane that is sized to block at least white blood cells, but to allow plasma to pass through. The filter core is generally arranged within the separation chamber such that plasma is forced to pass through the filter core before being removed from the centrifugation bowl. The addition of the filter core provides an efficient, low-cost method for recovering a “purer” plasma fraction from a donor.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Haemonetics CorporationInventor: Etienne Pages
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Publication number: 20020082153Abstract: An automated blood separation method and apparatus is described that allows for the separation of multiple units of blood simultaneously. The method and apparatus reliably and quickly separates blood into its components. An auto-balancing feature within the apparatus automatically preferably compensates for the changing state of imbalance, thereby eliminating the need for additional balancing steps during the separation process. The apparatus has a rotor into which a plurality of cassettes can be inserted. The cassettes have a number of sections for the containment of the whole blood and for the separated blood components, which are contained in disposable bags. The rotor is placed into a centrifuge assembly, and the blood components are then separated and transferred to the bags in the individual sections of the cassettes. Means for including secondary separation devices such as filters is included.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Glen Jorgensen, Donald E. Barry
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Patent number: 6405877Abstract: The invention relates generally to a method of separating swarf lubricant from swarf solids. A centrifuge parts separator utilizes a screen which preferably comprises a cylindrical shaped member formed in one or more component parts with a plurality of spaced fluid passage openings therein with the ratio of the distance between the center lines of adjacent openings (x) and the median width of the openings (y) being x/y of at least 18/1. The swarf is centrifuged in the separator during the course of which operation, substantially all the swarf fluid passes through the screen openings whereas substantially all the swarf solid passes over the screen, the separated swarf fluids and solids each being directed to a collection site.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Inventors: William D. Nemedi, Robert J. Nemedi
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Publication number: 20020058575Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Applicant: Gambro, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Hlavinka, Thomas J. Felt
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Patent number: 6387253Abstract: The solid-liquid separating device 10 is capable of separating a concentrated liquid from a slurry by centrifugation and includes a centrifugation unit 12 having a rotating vessel 15 with a porous outer wall surface through which liquid is transmissible and a heater unit 18. Preferably, a portion of the slurry to be treated that is closest to a central axis of rotation of the centrifugation unit 12 is heated by the heater unit 18 during the centrifugation.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Food Machinery Development Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahito Shibata, Yasuhiro Sugimura, Shigetaka Hisada, Kazuhiko Kawamura, Toshiro Asaoka
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Patent number: 6387070Abstract: A system for recovering bone particles removed from a patient, comprising a sub-system for removing particles of bone; a sub-system for irrigating the operative site to yield a slurry comprising the bone particles; a sub-system for removing the slurry from the operative site; and a sub-system for recovering the bone particles from the slurry.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: James F. Marino, Nicolei R. King
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Patent number: 6375841Abstract: A system for transporting wet chips to a centrifugal separator where the wet chips are separated into dry chips and fluid with the dry chips being transported to a dry chips site and the fluid recirculated or collected. Preferably, the centrifugal separator, when actuated, serves to generate a pneumatic flow of air through a wet chip conduit whereby the wet chips are pneumatically conveyed to the separator from a source of origin such as a tooling machine station where wet chips are generated. A parts separator may be located at either end of the wet chip conduit.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Inter-Source Recovery Systems, Inc.Inventors: William D. Nemedi, Robert J. Nemedi
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Patent number: 6361692Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods establish on line communication between a container and a source of blood containing leukocytes and platelets, such as a human donor. The systems and methods create a centrifugal field between the source of blood and the container that separates from the blood an unfinished suspension of platelets having a first physiologic characteristic different than the desired physiologic characteristic. The systems and methods pump the unfinished platelet suspension outside the centrifugal field through a finishing device. The finishing device changes the first physiologic characteristic to the desired physiological characteristic, thereby creating the finished platelet suspension. The systems and methods convey the finished platelet suspension from the finishing device directly into the container. The systems and methods function without interrupting the on line communication between the container and the source of blood.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Daniel F. Bischof
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Publication number: 20020032112Abstract: The invention is directed to blood processing method and apparatus utilizing a centrifugation bowl with a filter core disposed within the bowl. The centrifugation bowl includes a rotating bowl body defining an enclosed separation chamber. A generally cylindrical filter core is disposed inside the separation chamber. The filter core includes a filter membrane that is sized to block at least white blood cells, but to allow plasma to pass through. The filter core is generally arranged within the separation chamber such that plasma is forced to pass through the filter core before being removed from the centrifugation bowl. The addition of the filter core provides an efficient, low-cost method for recovering a “purer” plasma fraction from a donor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventor: Etienne Pages
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Publication number: 20020020679Abstract: A sealed centrifugal clarifier with a pre-sterilized and disposable container which lines the separation chamber is disclosed. More particularly, the centrifugal clarifier contains a feed port that allows a liquid-solid mixture to be continuously fed into the device wherein the solid is sedimented by rotation of the separation chamber and the clarified liquid is released into an outside receptacle through an effluent port. The throughput rate of the clarifier is adjustable and can be determined as a function of the fill radius of the separation chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: Glen Jorgensen, William F. Aitkenhead, Joseph D. Antocci
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Patent number: 6334842Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Gambro, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Hlavinka, Thomas J. Felt
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Patent number: 6334841Abstract: This centrifuge includes a chamber (5), a rotor (6) arranged therein, a device (8) for driving the rotation of the rotor, and a device (11) for cooling the atmosphere of the chamber. The device for cooling the atmosphere of the chamber includes a Ranque vortex tube (30), a cold outlet (33) which is connected to one inlet (66) of the chamber. The centrifuge includes a pressurized-gas supply circuit which is connected to an inlet (32) of the Ranque vortex tube and which is intended to be connected to a source (49) of pressurized gas. Application is to the centrifuging of biological products.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: JouanInventor: Jean Claude Letourneur
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Publication number: 20010027156Abstract: The invention is directed to a centrifugation bowl with a rotating core. The centrifugation bowl includes a rotating bowl body which defines a primary separation chamber. The core, which is generally cylindrically shaped and is disposed within the bowl body, defines a secondary separation chamber. A stationary header assembly may be mounted on top of the bowl body through a rotating seal. The stationary header assembly includes an inlet port for receiving whole blood and an outlet port from which one or more blood components are withdrawn. The inlet port is in fluid communication with a feed tube that extends into the primary separation chamber. The outlet port is in fluid communication with an effluent tube that extends into the bowl body. The effluent tube includes an entryway at a first radial position relative to a central, rotating axis of the bowl.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventors: Yair Egozy, Paul J. Vernucci, Lelie E. Rose, Etienne Pages
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Patent number: 6296125Abstract: A centrifugal device for separating lubricating or other fluid from fluid impregnated scrap, metal shavings or the like, includes a separator bowl disposed within the centrifuge device and a drive mechanism for rotating the separator bowl. The separator bowl includes a bottom wall and an angled side wall. A plurality of blades include bottom flanges and angled side flanges that mateably engage the bottom wall and the side wall, respectively. Threaded fasteners each include a head abutting an exterior surface of the side wall and a shaft that extends through the side wall and threadably into an associated one of the blades. The fastener heads characteristically are positioned in a location where the heads are readily accessible from outside the separator bowl and where the heads will not be worn by the scrap and metal shavings processed through the centrifugal device. A slotted clamp plate clampingly secures the bottom flanges to the bowl bottom to securely retain the blades in place.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Inventor: Russell D. Dudley
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Patent number: 6294091Abstract: A centrifuge, comprising in combination a motor driven shaft, a fluid centrifuging chamber carried by the shaft, to rotate therewith, first porting extending endwise in the shaft and opening to said chamber, to deliver fluid to be centrifuged to the chamber, a matrix in the chamber and into which contaminate in the fluid is centrifuged for compaction and separation from the fluid, during chamber high speed rotation, second porting extending endwise in the shaft and communicating with the chamber, to receive fluid from which contaminate has been separated, fluid delivering inlet structure communicating with said first porting, and fluid outlet structure communicating with the second porting. The shaft and centrifuging chamber are assembled via a flange on the shaft that closes the end of the centrifuging chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Alpha Omega Centrifuge Inc.Inventor: William D. Hoff
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Publication number: 20010012814Abstract: A centrifugal filter assembly for filtering particulates from a fluid medium includes a non-rotating filter housing. A filter is disposed within the housing. The filter is rotatable relative to the housing about an axis of rotation. The filter has an inlet and an outlet for the fluid medium. A filter medium is disposed within the filter. A drive mechanism rotates the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2001Publication date: August 9, 2001Inventors: David F. May, Louis A. Krempel
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Patent number: 6267250Abstract: An improved screen basket for use with a centrifuge includes two adjoining screen sections. The first screen section is formed from a wear resistant material and is located proximate to the point at which slurry is introduced into the basket. The length of the first screen section is chosen so that the majority of potential wear caused by the abrasive slurry occurs within the first section of the basket. The second screen section is preferably formed from less expensive materials, such as steel wedge wire. The second screen section smoothly joins the first screen section and provides for further dewatering or separation of the accelerated slurry so that a dry cake is produced by the centrifuge.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes, IncorporatedInventors: Wallace Woon Fong Leung, Nicholas R. Frohlich, Jr.
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Patent number: 6267899Abstract: Centrifugation separations apparatus including centrifugation means having an inlet, a liquids discharge and a solids discharge, a deflector operatively associated with the solids discharge, wherein the solids discharge is adapted to operatively discharge solids being discharged from the centrifugation means at a trajectory and the deflector is adapted to interrupt the trajectory to decelerate and change the direction of travel of the solids, or wherein the deflector is operatively associated with the solids discharge and cooperable with solids being discharged from the solids discharge whereby buildup of solids on the deflector is substantially prevented, or wherein the solids discharge includes a lip configuration which causes the trajectories of the discharging crystals to be relatively independent of their size and/or their residual syrup/moisture content, or including support means, such as a spider like construction having one or more webs substantially parallel to the angular motion of the solids beingType: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: STG-FCB Holdings PTY Ltd.Inventors: Christopher Roy Greig, Peter James Tait, Russell Kirk
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Patent number: 6253929Abstract: A suspension assembly for suspending components of a centrifugal separator from a floor or base plate. The assembly comprises two shafts fixed to each other at 90°, each shaft being disposed in bearing assemblies attached to the floor plate or pivot plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Inter-Source Recovery Systems, Inc.Inventors: William D. Nemedi, Robert J. Nemedi
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Patent number: 6241650Abstract: This centrifuge includes a chamber (5), a rotor (6) arranged therein, and a device (8) for driving the rotation of the rotor. The device (8) for driving the rotation of the rotor is a pneumatic drive device. The centrifuge includes a circuit for supplying the pneumatic drive device with pressurized gas intended to be connected to a source (49) of pressurized gas. The centrifuge further includes a gas-purification unit (10), one inlet of this unit being connected to an outlet (64) for drawing gas from the chamber and one outlet of this unit being connected to a suction device (21) controlled by the pressurized gas supplied to the pneumatic device (8) for driving the rotor. Application is to the centrifuging of products liable to release dangerous substances, for example toxic or explosive substances.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: JouanInventor: Jeau Claude Letourneur
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Patent number: 6230899Abstract: A classification system utilizing a cone which is rotated at a specified speed is provided. A stream including a solvent is introduced into the classification, and the stream impacts against the cone and flows along the inside face of the cone. The side of the cone is sufficiently long that the conic face filters the introduced flow, thereby removing substantial portions of the solvent and leaving the heavier or classified parts. The discharge from the cone is thus segregated liquids and solids, and the solid stream is a flow of classified particles and a portion of the solvent. The solvent portion is sufficient in volume to conduct the classified particles as a heavy or thick slurry out of the system. There is an interplay between the length of the cone, i.e. the length along which the introduced slurry must flow, also, the cone angle, and the pores through the cone wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Hutchison-Hayes International, Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Hensley
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Patent number: 6213929Abstract: A centrifugal filter assembly for filtering particulates from engine oil includes a housing with a threaded connector. A filter disposed within the housing is rotatable relative to the housing about an axis of rotation. The filter has an inlet and an outlet for the oil. A filter head includes a mating threaded connector configured to mate with the housing threaded connector. The filter head includes a venturi section in communication with the outlet. The venturi section is configured to create a vacuum within the housing for drawing oil through the outlet. A brushless direct current motor carried by the filter head has a rotatable output shaft coupled with the filter for rotating the filter about the axis of rotation. A controller carried by the filter head controls operation of the motor. The controller includes a printed circuit board disposed within the filter head which carries the motor.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Analytical Engineering, Inc.Inventor: David F. May