Process Patents (Class 494/37)
  • Publication number: 20150045199
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator having a separation space with a set of separation plates, an inlet configured to feed a fluid product to be separated into the separation space, the inlet and the separation space being connected in a pressure mediating manner, a first and a second outlet extending from the separation space for discharge of a two phases of the product. A discharge control system is configured to trigger the opening of the second outlet upon a trigger condition, wherein the discharge control system comprises a sensor arranged to determine the inlet pressure and/or the inlet flow of fluid product, and the trigger condtion is associated with a decrease in inlet flow in relation to inlet pressure, indicating an increasing flow resistance downstream of the inlet. The invention further relates to a discharge control system and a method of controlling the intermittent discharge of a centrifugal separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Peter Thorwid, Roland Isaksson, Hans Moberg, Carl Häggmark, Göran Krook
  • Patent number: 8950586
    Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hanuman LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Richard W. Storrs, Scott R. King
  • Publication number: 20150038311
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a centrifuge with a balancing mechanism and method of balancing such a centrifuge. The centrifuge includes a vertical shaft driven in rotation by a motor, and a mechanism for balancing the parts integral with said vertical shaft. The mechanism includes a plate integral with the vertical shaft, at least one compensating mass freely displacing on the plate, the mass being designed to limit the imbalance of parts integral with the vertical shaft, and a mechanism for blocking the compensating mass, the blocking mechanism being designed to immobilize the compensating mass on the plate when the rotation speed exceeds a determined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Letourneur, Philippe Le Guyader, Franck Boucard
  • Publication number: 20150031521
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sample carrier centrifuge for a sample carrier (24) that has at least one sample channel (26) extending along an essentially central sample channel longitudinal axis (P), having a sample carrier receptacle (14), which can be rotated around a rotation axis (R) and has a holding section (38) into which the sample carrier (24) can be inserted in a loading procedure when the sample carrier receptacle (14) is not rotating, in which section the sample carrier (24) is held in the loaded state of the sample carrier receptacle (14), and from which section the sample carrier (24) can be removed in an unloading procedure, which is characterized in that a platform (22) of the sample carrier centrifuge (10), which is embodied for supporting the sample carrier centrifuge (10) in accordance with its designated use, is oriented parallel to the rotation axis (R).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Zhaoqiang Wang, Friedrich Neuhäusser-Wespy
  • Publication number: 20150024921
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator comprising a rotor arranged to be rotatable around an axis of rotation (x). An inlet chamber is formed in the rotor and an inlet pipe extends into the rotor and has an opening in the inlet chamber for supply of a liquid mixture of components. An inlet arrangement is provided in the inlet chamber, comprising a set of annular discs coaxial with the rotor and forming passages for liquid between the discs, or a helically shaped element coaxial with the rotor and forming passages for liquid between the windings of the helically shaped element. The separator further comprises vanes arranged upstream of the inlet arrangement such as to cause a pre-rotation and pre-acceleration of the liquid mixture. The vanes may be provided on a removable element of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Leonard Borgström, Lasse Hurnasti, Daniel John Bulbuc, David Harold Childs, Thadeus Eugene Kizior
  • Publication number: 20150018191
    Abstract: A cleaning in place system for a centrifugal separator and a method of cleaning a centrifugal separator are disclosed. The centrifugal separator includes a rotor having a separation space, a separator inlet and a first separator outlet. The first separator outlet includes an outlet pump configured to provide a flow of fluid from the first separator outlet. The cleaning in place system further includes a container for cleaning fluid, a cleaning fluid pump for providing cleaning fluid from the container to the separator inlet, such as an eductor. The cleaning in place system is configured to receive a flow of fluid from the first separator outlet and that the cleaning fluid pump is configured to pump cleaning fluid from the container to the separator inlet by means of the received flow of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Neil Whitehead
  • Patent number: 8932542
    Abstract: A gripper unit for handling a vessel for receiving biological material is proposed, inter alia. The vessel has a lid which can assume an open position and a closed position. The gripper unit comprises a gripper for gripping and releasing the vessel, and a lid holder, for holding a lid in a defined position in relation to the vessel. The defined position is an open position of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Qiagen GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Schaefer, Thomas Voit, Walter Tschopp, Adrian Geiger, Markus Zbinden, Harald Hibbing, Andreas Karl, Frank Eigemeier, Volker Behrmann, Dietmar Kopp, Andreas Schmiede
  • Publication number: 20150011371
    Abstract: Provided is a blood component separation device that can shorten the overall time to collect high-concentration platelet liquid for blood component donation, thereby reducing time to keep a donor for blood drawing. The blood component separation device includes a temporary storage bag (also used as a buffy coat bag) which is also used as a whole blood bag for storing whole blood drawn from the donor. A control means performs whole blood drawing from the donor in parallel with performing at least either of a circulation flow step and an acceleration step, thereby storing the collected whole blood in the temporary storage bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Shigeyuki KIMURA, Ryoji KATAOKA
  • Patent number: 8926487
    Abstract: A syringe piston used in fat transplantation is structured such that free oil is easily separated from suctioned fat by a syringe piston having a filter and naturally discharged through the rear side thereof. The syringe piston without a shaft, used in fat transplantation, disposed in a syringe-shaped cylindrical vessel, includes a piston body without the shaft, a packing coupled with an outer surface of the piston body to seal between the piston body and the syringe-shaped cylindrical vessel, a free oil discharging hole communicated with the front side and the rear side of the piston body, an opening and closing device for opening and closing the free oil discharging hole, and a filtering device disposed in a passage through which free oil is discharged to filter fat and pass the free oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Hee Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20150005149
    Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: JOHN E. NASH, WILLIAM T. FISHER, Douglas G. Evans
  • Publication number: 20150005150
    Abstract: Device for shaking and centrifuging a content including a material in the pulverulent state and a liquid product in a rigid container in preparation for a test on the mixed content, where the container has a capacity less than one liter and suited to a quantity of content specific for the test to be done, including a frame, a plate, a first drive unit and a second drive unit suited for displacing the plate relative to the frame. The first drive unit is suited for displacing the plate relative to the frame with an alternating movement along a shaking direction in order to shake the container, and the second drive unit is suited for displacing the plate relative to the frame according to a rotational movement around a centrifuging axis, such that the content of the container is centrifuged when the plate is rotated around the centrifuging axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: CHOPIN TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre MELES
  • Publication number: 20140378291
    Abstract: A separator for separating a multiphase mixture comprising a pressure vessel supported for rotation within a casing containing a gas which may be held at an elevated temperature or pressure. A plurality of vanes is disposed within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has an inlet, a first phase outlet and a plurality of second phase outlets disposed radially outwardly of the first phase outlet with respect to a separator axis. A regulator is provided in the form of pressure-activated nozzles to regulate flow through the second phase outlets. In use, a mixture of solids and liquid is fed into the pressure vessel and the pressure vessel is spun within the gas causing solids to accumulate in the vicinity of the second phase outlets. The pressure-activated nozzles are repeatedly opened and closed to expel the accumulated solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: David John Parkinson, Kevin E. Collier
  • Publication number: 20140371048
    Abstract: An integrated kit for separating blood and concentrating platelet rich plasma includes (a) a main body includes an upper storage portion, a lower storage portion, and a passage portion for connecting the upper storage portion and the lower storage portion; (b) a upper cover coupled to an upper end of the upper storage portion; (c) an inner stopper inserted into a lower end of the lower storage portion so as to seal the lower storage portion; (d) a closing adjustment screw which can move vertically while penetrating a hole formed at the inner stopper and seals the passage portion; and (d) a lower cover coupled to an outside of the lower end of the lower storage portion and the outside of the inner stopper to prevent the separation of the closing adjustment screw coupled to the inner stopper in case of centrifugation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jeong Chan Ra, Jae Wook Huh
  • Publication number: 20140371047
    Abstract: A centrifuge rotor for measuring a characteristic of a sample subjected to centrifugation, the centrifuge rotor including: a rotor body; at least one sample holder for holding a sample; at least one on-board measurement device for measuring a characteristic of the sample held in the at least one sample holder during rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Dietmar LERCHE, Uwe MERTENS, Uwe RIRTZ
  • Publication number: 20140364296
    Abstract: Centrifuge vessels suitable for live cell processing include a bowl with a cap, and a tube inside the bowl extending between the cap and a lower portion of the bowl. The bottom of the bowl can have a closed annular ring surrounding a center mound. The vessels can be particularly suitable for processing low volumes of live cells for vaccines or other therapies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Tamara Tatroe Monesmith, Arjun V. Caprihan, Christpher Thomas Ryan, Richard A. Grant, Ian S. Fitzpatrick, Christopher John Leigh-Lancaster
  • Publication number: 20140357466
    Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus that is mounted on a rotation driver and induces a flow of a fluid according to a centrifugal force includes a lower structure having a microfluidic structure including a recovery chamber for accommodating a target material separated from a sample and a channel for forming an inflow path of the target material to the recovery chamber; an upper plate forming an upper wall of the recovery chamber and the channel; and a lid formed integrally to the upper plate and removable from the upper plate to open at least a part of a top of the recovery chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui-sung MOON, Min-Seok S. KIM, Jong-myeon PARK
  • Publication number: 20140357465
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing blood or a fluid containing blood plasma and platelets. The blood or fluid is continuously added into a fluid separation chamber, which is used to isolate platelet-rich plasma therein. At least a portion of the platelet-rich plasma is automatically transferred from the fluid separation chamber into an injection device, with the fluid separation chamber and the injection device comprising components of a disposable flow circuit, which may be a closed system. One or more injection devices may be connected to a collection container or a pump device of the disposable flow circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: John W. Barry, JR., Brian C. Case, Jonathan Prendergast, Lan T. Nguyen, John Foley
  • Publication number: 20140357464
    Abstract: A flow apparatus for a separation apparatus for separating solids from a solids laden drilling fluid, the flow system comprising a feed conduit (207,216) for feeding solids laden drilling fluid to the separation apparatus (10), a liquid discharge conduit (218) for conveying discharged liquid phase from said separation apparatus (10) and a solids discharge port (230) for allowing discharge of solids phase from said separation apparatus, characterised in that said flow system comprises a parameter measuring apparatus (212) connected to said feed conduit (207,216) and said liquid discharge conduit (218).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Lyndon Ray STONE
  • Patent number: 8900112
    Abstract: A method for controlling a centrifuge blood component separation system for separating components of a blood product, the separation system comprising a centrifuge and a separation bag and at least one transfer bag. The method comprises selecting a nominal hematocrit value such that an actual hematocrit value is expected to be less than said nominal hematocrit; centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid so as to cause the sedimentation of at least a first component and a second component; transferring some of the first component to a first transfer bag; detecting time of passage of a red blood cell interface at a pre-selected location in the separation bag; and adjusting a predicted processing time based on the time of passage of the red blood cell interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Briden Ray Stanton, Geert Van Waeg, Mary Langley
  • Publication number: 20140349828
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for retrieving a target material from a sample. A fraction-density-altering solution may be added to a vessel that contains the sample to change the density of a first fraction of the sample without changing the density of the target material or the density of any other sample fraction. A collector may be inserted into the vessel to funnel the target material from the sample into the collector or into a processing receptacle included in the collector. In one implementation, the collector may include a cannula which extends into a chamber at a first end of the collector and a funnel at a second end that that is in fluid communication with the cannula. The chamber is sized and shaped to hold the processing receptacle. In another implementation, the processing receptacle may be inserted into a bore within the collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: RareCyte, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance U'ren, Joshua Nordberg, Daniel Campton, Steve Quarre, Ronald Seubert, David Stewart, Jennifer Chow, Jonathan Lundt
  • Patent number: 8881908
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for separating metallic CNT and semiconducting CNT, comprising treating with a physical separation means of centrifugation, freezing-thawing-squeezing, diffusion, permeation or the like using a gel containing CNT as a dispersed and isolated state (CNT-containing gel), to thereby make semiconducting CNT exist in gel and make metallic CNT exist in solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Takeshi Tanaka, Hiromichi Kataura
  • Publication number: 20140329657
    Abstract: A continuous centrifugal separator (CCS) system provides a laminar, annular, velocity distribution (LAVD) throughout, using axially staged and radially staged distribution of incoming flows. Diffuser plates help establish the LAVD at comparatively low (stably laminar) Reynolds numbers in axial flow through a trapezoidal (trapezoid of rotation) rotor shell. Dynamic cleaning (during uninterrupted operation) by feedback control of fluid and system conditions (e.g., turbidity, vibration) may be set and reset by feedback control. Static cleaning removes deposits not flushed by dynamic cleaning. A coalescence plate encourages collapse of the dispersion band to a thin boundary between separated species at a central radius optimized by operating parameters, such as mass flow rate and rotational velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, David A. Bell
  • Publication number: 20140329656
    Abstract: A method for washing platelets includes introducing anticoagulant into a platelet product container, drawing re-anticoagulated platelet product from the platelet product container, and introducing it into a centrifuge bowl. The centrifuge bowl separates the platelets from the supernatant in which they are suspended. The method then washes the platelets by introducing wash solution into the centrifuge bowl. As the wash solution is introduced into the bowl, it displaces the supernatant from the bowl and into a waste container. The method then introduces platelet additive solution into the centrifuge bowl, which displaces the wash solution from the centrifuge bowl and into the waste container and further wash the platelets. The method then repeatedly accelerates and decelerates the centrifuge bowl to resuspend the platelets in the platelet additive solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Etienne Pagès, Dominique Uhlmann, Matthew Murphy
  • Publication number: 20140311988
    Abstract: Platelet rich plasma and/or platelet concentrate is prepared by placing whole blood in a first chamber of a sterile processing disposable having two chambers. The processing disposable is subjected to a first centrifugation to separate red blood cells, and the resulting platelet rich plasma supernatant is decanted to the second chamber. The processing disposable is subjected to a second centrifugation to concentrate platelets. A volume of the platelet poor plasma supernatant in the second chamber is removed, and the platelets are re-suspended in the remaining plasma. The second chamber may contain anticoagulant to preclude aggregation of the platelets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Lou BLASETTI, Sherwin V. KEVY
  • Publication number: 20140315704
    Abstract: A system operating as a centrifugal, liquid-liquid separator may be controlled, and even optimized, by automatic control of back pressure to establish an optimum position of the dispersion band therein. Optimizing to minimize impurities (from each other) in each of two separated phases is possible, even simultaneously, by reliance on a processor setting the settling lengths of both heavy and light phases at the same value. Settling length, defined in accordance with the invention, reflects a settling velocity multiplied by a residence time. Equating these lengths, for droplets of each in the other liquid, provides superior results over conventional settling theory maximizing settling area. Equalization of residence times did not provide an improvement over conventional settling theory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, D. Andrew Bell, Ngai Keung Tam
  • Publication number: 20140315705
    Abstract: A system operating as a centrifugal, liquid-liquid separator may be controlled, and even optimized, by automatic control of back pressure to establish an optimum position of the dispersion band therein. Optimizing to minimize impurities (from each other) in each of two separated phases is possible, even simultaneously, by reliance on a processor setting the settling lengths of both heavy and light phases at the same value. Settling length, defined in accordance with the invention, reflects a settling velocity multiplied by a residence time. Equating these lengths, for droplets of each in the other liquid, provides superior results over conventional settling theory maximizing settling area. Equalization of residence times did not provide an improvement over conventional settling theory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, D. Andrew Bell, Ngai Keung Tam
  • Publication number: 20140315707
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically loading a swinging bucket centrifuge with sample containers, and, the swinging bucket centrifuge being adapted to accommodate a centrifuge carrier which has a plurality of receiving pockets positioned according to a predetermined receiving pocket pattern. The invention is characterized in that the centrifuge carrier is placed in a swinging bucket, with the positioning pattern for the sample containers being determined such that the center of gravity of the moved masses will be on the centrifuge axis during centrifugation when the centrifuge buckets have assumed their swung out positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: ANDREAS HETTICH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Klaus-Guenter Eberle
  • Publication number: 20140315706
    Abstract: A solid bowl screw centrifuge for processing drilling muds includes a rotatable drum and a rotatable screw. The centrifuge has a drive device for driving the drum and the screw with a drive motor as well as a gear assembly for producing a differential rotational speed between the drum and the screw when the centrifuge is in operation. A gear input shaft of the gear assembly is rotationally fixed by an overload lever arm that can be triggered in the event of a torque overload. The overload lever arm is directly and detachably connected with one end thereof and at a radial distance from the rotation axis of the gear input shaft to the gear input shaft or to a part that is connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner. A method is provided for monitoring the torque on the gear input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Knospe, Richard Korzinetzki
  • Publication number: 20140302976
    Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: John E. Nash, William T. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20140296052
    Abstract: Particles are separated from a source viscoplastic fluid by flowing streams of the viscoplastic fluid and a destination fluid in parallel streamed relationship inside a rotating cylindrical annulus (FIG. 16 (106, 102b) by using baffles (112, 114) to introduce each fluid independently at an inlet lower end of the annulus and for separating the upper streams consisting of an un-yielded source and destination flow proximate the radially innermost side of the annulus, a bulk axial flow in a more central region and a yielded layer destination flow adjacent the radial outermost side of the annulus which contains the particles that have separated. Inlet and outlet baffles are provided at each end of the vertically oriented device to maintain the flows discrete on entry and to maintain the separated flows discrete on exit so as to facilitate removal of the component flows from the fractionator. The flow is maintained as laminar Poiseuille flow by adjusting the flow rates of the source and destination fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
    Inventors: Dominic Mark Martinez, James Allen Olson, Ario Madani, Ian Alistair Frigaard, Davood Farajisarir, James Lockhart
  • Publication number: 20140287903
    Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, William T. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20140286842
    Abstract: A method of mineralizing calcium from industrial waste comprising extracting calcium ions from a suspension of calcium rich granular particles and aqueous ammonium chloride to form a calcium-rich first fraction and a heavy second fraction. The heavy second fraction is separated from the first fraction and the calcium-rich first fraction is carbonated with a gas comprising carbon dioxide to form a suspension of precipitated calcium carbonate and aqueous ammonium chloride. The precipitate is separated from the aqueous ammonium chloride by centrifugal means and the separated heavy second fraction comprises an enriched weight percent of iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: COREX MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Frank A. KARBARZ
  • Patent number: 8840535
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for centrifugal blood component separation including temperature sensing in each of a plurality of separation cells. The temperature of unit of bloods over time is recorded. If the temperature of any of the units exceeds a pre-determined maximum, portions of the blood separation device may be cooled. A controller may determine which of the units to process first, generally proceeding from the warmest unit to the coolest. The order of unit processing may be changed during processing. The detected temperature may be used to calibrate a pressure sensor used to predict the volume of a component separated from a composite fluid by predicting the volume of the composite fluid from sensed pressure and predicting the volume of other separated components from sensed movement of the other components to collection bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor D. Dolecek
  • Publication number: 20140274651
    Abstract: A centrifuge, including: a flange closing off one axial end of a separation chamber; a plurality of apertures that traverse axially through the flange at a radial distance from a flange axis, wherein at least one aperture is in fluid communication with a first outlet passage; a plurality of weir inserts removably disposed within the plurality of apertures to control a flow of one or more fluids from the separation chamber; wherein at least one weir insert disposed within the at least one aperture in fluid communication with the first outlet passage is changeable to prevent or allow fluid communication between the separation chamber and the first outlet passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Thomas Geehan, Leonardo Renzo Vicentini, Albert Walraven
  • Publication number: 20140273127
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and systems for the production of fermentative products such as ethanol and butanol. The present invention also provides methods for separating feed stream components for improved biomass processing productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BUTAMAX ADVANCED BIOFUELS LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Fuchs, BRIAN MICHAEL ROESCH, MATHIAS E. STOLARSKI, JAMES GREGORY WOOD
  • Publication number: 20140274649
    Abstract: Instrumentation is provided for the separation of a multiple component sample, such as BMA containing lysed red blood cells and a lysing agent, into a desired component, for example a cell pellet containing stem cells, and a remaining component. The application discloses a device that includes a separator configured to separate the desired portion from the remaining portion, a collector that is supported by the separator and configured to collect the desired component of the multiple component sample after the desired component has been separated from the remaining component by the separator, and a housing that at least partially encloses and supports the separator and the collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Sean Kerr, Jay Smith, Meredith Hans Moore
  • Publication number: 20140274650
    Abstract: Adipose is obtained from aspirated adipose by centrifugal separation of adipose from tumescent fluids and oils released from damaged adipose cells. Aspirated adipose is placed in a container having therein a disk that floats on adipose and takes up the released oils whereby they are unlikely to remix with the adipose during handling after centrifugation. The disk also adheres to the adipose by entraining part of the adipose layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HARVEST TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: James R. Ellsworth
  • Publication number: 20140249011
    Abstract: A method for clarifying pyrolysis oil includes at least the following steps: (a) at least clarifying the pyrolysis oil in a centrifuge; and (b) before and/or during the clarification according to step (a), heating the pyrolysis oil in order to reduce the viscosity of the pyrolysis oil. A system is provided for clarifying pyrolysis oil according to the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Mense, Nick Fernkorn, Sascha Westerwalbesloh, Juergen Mackel
  • Patent number: 8821362
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a mixed flow into a higher-density component and a lower-density component is provided. The apparatus may include a casing having a fluid entrance assembly, a fluid outlet assembly, and a drain. The apparatus may also include a plurality of rotary separators disposed in the casing. Each of the plurality of rotary separators may include an inlet in fluid communication with the fluid entrance assembly, a discharge in fluid communication with the fluid outlet assembly, and an outlet passage in communication with the drain. At least one of the plurality of rotary separators may include a stationary housing and a rotatable drum disposed at least partially in the stationary housing. The stationary housing may define a slot at least partially providing the outlet passage, and the rotatable drum may be configured to centrifuge the mixed flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: H. Allan Kidd, William C. Maier
  • Publication number: 20140243181
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention is a blood simulant comprising an aqueous component, a non-aqueous component, a stabilizer, and a red dye soluble in the aqueous component and substantially insoluble in the non-aqueous component. In some embodiments, the blood simulant simulates whole blood or its components. In other embodiments, the simulant simulates bone marrow aspirates or its components. Methods of forming the simulants are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ORTHOVITA, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen E. McIlhenny
  • Publication number: 20140230381
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine and centrifugal separator assembly separates contaminants from crankcase gas. A crankcase is connected to the centrifugal separator including a centrifugal rotor. A rotor housing delimits a separation space in which the centrifugal rotor is arranged to rotate. A gas inlet conducts crankcase gas to a central part of the centrifugal rotor. A gas outlet communicates with a part of the separation space surrounding the centrifugal rotor and to conduct cleaned crankcase gas out of the separation space. A particle outlet communicates with the part of the separation space. The particle outlet is connected to a collector for the separated particles. The collector is configured to communicate with the gas inlet via a connection to provide a pressure difference between the particle outlet and the collector. The separated particles are drawn out of the particle outlet and into the collector during operation of the centrifugal separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Olle Törnblom
  • Publication number: 20140235421
    Abstract: A centrifuge device displays a workflow diagram during operation. The workflow diagram includes a loading step-indicator, a running step-indicator, and an unloading step-indicator. The loading step-indicator is displayed when the centrifuge device is operating in a loading mode. The running step-indicator is displayed when the centrifuge device is operating in a running mode. The unloading step-indicator is displayed when the centrifuge device is operating in the unloading mode. A centrifuge system includes the centrifuge device and a handheld device operable remote from the centrifuge device, which displays a status of the centrifuge device. Methods of operating a centrifuge device and a centrifuge system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Brian A. Rogers, Larry Mcintyre, Gerald R. Kowalski, Tom Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20140235420
    Abstract: A torque sensing device capable of measuring the force exerted by a torque arm on a lever is positioned between the torque arm and the lever. The torque arm is connected to the pinion of a planetary gearbox for rotating the bowl and screw conveyer of a decanter centrifuge at different speeds. The torque sensing device measures the torque between the pinion gear and the planetary gearbox. The sensor can be connected to a controller which can reduce the flow of the liquid/solid mixture to the decanter centrifuge thereby/reducing the torque and avoiding substantial damage to the planetary gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: HilFlo, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Hilpert
  • Patent number: 8808551
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample and mesenchymal stem cells from bone reaming material. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon
  • Publication number: 20140221186
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a separation barrel with an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, and a cylindrical wall defining a separation chamber. A spin plate extends substantially across the separation chamber adjacent to the lower end thereof. A post including a central passage extends from the spin plate along the central axis of the separation barrel. The post includes at least one opening for fluid to flow from the central passage of the post to the separation chamber. An inlet in fluid communication with the separation chamber allows solids-laden fluid to flow into the separation chamber. An outlet in fluid communication with the separation chamber allows substantially-clean fluid to flow out of the separation chamber and out of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Claude Laval Corporation
    Inventors: Steven David Ford, Jeremy Benjamin Isch, Timothy Alan Raiskup
  • Patent number: 8790519
    Abstract: A method of extracting or removing a liquid phase from a whole sample using a centrifugal force is disclosed. Centrifugal forces are used to apply pressure to a whole sample and drive a liquid phase through a passage region that can be perforated and/or porous and maintain a drier portion within a separate container. The whole sample can be drier, which includes a remaining sample where excess or a selected amount of liquid is removed. Direct access to the separate container or area can then be made to provide for an efficient withdrawal of the drier material from the separation container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jason Chavarria
  • Publication number: 20140206521
    Abstract: A centrifugal separating assembly for separating a fluid biological product into discrete components by centrifugation is disclosed. The assembly includes a first container defining a first cavity adapted to receive a human biological product, the first container having a circular upper wall, a cylindrical sidewall, and a concave shaped bottom wall. The assembly further includes a second container defining a second cavity adapted to receive discrete components, the second container having a convex shaped upper wall, a second cylindrical wall, and a circular bottom wall; and a tubular conduit providing fluid communication between the first cavity and the second cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Ziad Hamandi
  • Patent number: 8778191
    Abstract: The invention concerns a centrifugal filtering device for filtering a fluid. The device comprises a rotatable inner casing forming an inner space and a rotatable outer casing forming an outer space. The device further comprises a fluid inlet, at least one filter and drive means. The drive means is configured to rotate the inner casing to create a centrifugal pressure. The pressure forces a part of the fluid contained in the inner space through the filter and to a radially outer position of the outer space. The filtered fluid forms a filtrate, the filtrate having a kinetic energy. The outer casing is configured to transport the filtrate from the radially outer position to a radially inner position of the outer space, permitting transfer of the kinetic energy from the filtrate to the outer casing, thereby permitting regaining of mechanical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Aqua Mundus AB
    Inventor: Fredrick Marelius
  • Patent number: 8771160
    Abstract: The present invention describes a centrifuge system and method for improving the separation of entrained solids from a solution. The system and method introduces compressed gas to a fluid containing entrained solids to reduce the density and viscosity of the fluid to promote the settling of particles within the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: F. P. Marangoni Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Guy Pomerleau
  • Patent number: 8758210
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a centrifugal field-flow fractionation is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, radial rotary shaft seals are used for sealing the rotating parts of the shaft for carrying out the centrifugal field-flow fractionation and the stationary parts. Furthermore, a separate line is introduced for reducing the pressure differential across these seals. In such way, the driving force driving sample fluid across the seals is reduced, thereby reducing leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Postnova Analytics GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Welz