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) 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 while retaining the platelets and other facts. Highs 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.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of centrifuging a mixture using a syringe which has a nozzle at one end, comprises the steps of taking the mixture in the syringe, first centrifuging the mixture in the syringe, discharging one part of the mixture which is adjacent to the nozzle after the first centrifuging, second centrifuging the mixture in the syringe after reversing the syringe, and discharging another part of the mixture which is adjacent to the nozzle after the second centrifuging.

Abstract: Methods and devices for molecular analysis are disclosed, based on centrifugation. A centrifuge device has centrifuge tubes and elements to create electric fields. The shear forces applied to the cells inside a solution with biological molecules permit the performance of different analytic techniques, such as lysis and sample preparation for PCR.

Abstract: A floating element for separating components of a physiological fluid comprises two parts that are relatively movable. The two parts define a prescribed volume between them when at their maximum separation, and one of the parts may be moved toward the other to express the fluid contained in the volume between the parts. The parts are made of materials having densities so that they assume a desired position in the fluid to allow selected components to be easily obtained and expressed.

Abstract: Methods for removing, reducing or treating the trace metal contaminants and the smaller fine sized cerium oxide particles from cerium oxide particles, cerium oxide slurry or chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) compositions for Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) process are applied. The treated chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) compositions, or the CMP polishing compositions prepared by using the treated cerium oxide particles or the treated cerium oxide slurry are used to polish substrate that contains at lease a surface comprising silicon dioxide film for STI (Shallow trench isolation) processing and applications. The reduced nano-sized particle related defects have been observed due to the reduced trace metal ion contaminants and reduced very smaller fine cerium oxide particles in the Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) CMP polishing.

Abstract: Sterilizable separator tubes and methods of utilization of same are presented. Methods include providing a separator tube containing a separator substance that can be polymerized to a desired hardness following sterilization using radical generating radiation. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between that of the average densities of separable fractions derived from a sample fluid such as blood, and to be flowable. Upon centrifugation of a separator tube containing a fluid sample, the separator substance forms a barrier between the fractions. The barrier subsequently hardens to form a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source.

Abstract: A centrifuge comprising a zonal rotor, a centrifuge chamber having a side wall and a bottom wall to contain the zonal rotor, an upper shield to cover the top of the centrifuge chamber and enclose the zonal rotor, and an annulus in the centrifuge chamber that is laterally spaced apart from the zonal rotor. The annulus has a channel with a base and a lip, where the channel has an open end facing the direction of the upper shield to collect liquid sample leaked during loading or unloading the zonal rotor.

Abstract: Methods and devices for molecular analysis are disclosed, based on centrifugation. A centrifuge device comprises strips of centrifuge tubes and elements to create a magnetic field. The magnetic shear forces applied to beads inside a solution with biological molecules permit the performance of different analytic techniques, such as lysis and sample preparation for PCR.

Abstract: A separation system for separating a multiple component material into at least two fractions. The separation system includes a separation device having a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a sidewall that extends between the first end and the second end to define a separation chamber having an interior volume. The system also includes a valve moveable between an open position and a closed position, the valve is mounted at a fixed location within the separation chamber at a position that is closer to the second end than to the first end and is spaced apart from the second end, the valve is operable to isolate a first fraction of the multiple component material having a first density on a first side of the valve from a second fraction having a second density on a second side of the valve that is opposite to the first side.

Abstract: A liquid handling device having an upstream liquid handling structure connected to a downstream liquid handling structure by a conduit. The upstream and downstream liquid handling structures are sealed or sealable such that the conduit provides the only fluidic communication paths between the upstream and downstream liquid handling structure. The device is arranged such that a driving force causes liquid in the upstream liquid handling structure to at least partially fill the conduit to separate gas in the upstream liquid handling structure from gas in the downstream liquid handling structure. With the device set up such that the two gas volumes are separated by a liquid volume, gas pressures and liquid flow in the device can be controlled by control of the driving force. The device may be arranged for rotation about an axis of rotation to provide the driving force.

Abstract: A method for processing a free-flowing product. The method steps include: providing at least one separator having a vertical axis of rotation, a rotatable centrifugal drum, and a plate assembly arranged in the drum; supplying the free-flowing product into the drum; separating one or more of a solid phase and at least two liquid phases from the free-flowing product; and discharging one or more of the liquid phases and the solid phase out of the drum.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of automated sample workcells and methods of operation are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for separating liquids, such as oils from solids, such as drill cuttings, apply a centrifuge to process a solids-enriched output of a fluids/solid separation device. The centrifuge may be a horizontal decanter-type centrifuge. The output may be heated. In example implementations the centrifuge has a bowl angle of four degrees or less and a low fluid depth of two inches or less. The fluids/solids separation device may comprise a shale shaker and/or a main centrifuge for example. The output material may have a relatively high initial solids content, such as 50% or more.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems for processing a unit of whole blood into its components while the unit is still in the centrifuge. The system comprises a container holding whole blood and one or more satellite bags or containers that are installed into a holder, which is then inserted into a bucket of the centrifuge. Tubes interconnect the containers, one or more of which are preferably installed into clamping mechanisms resident in the holder. The holder further preferably includes sensing means, such as optical sensors, to sense the location of the interfaces between the separated layers of the whole blood that result from rotation of the centrifuge.

Abstract: The current invention relates to an apparatus for performing a centrifugal field-flow fractionation. In particular, in the apparatus according to 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.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system is provided for use with a blood processing system. The system includes a light source configured to illuminate a disposable flow circuit received in a centrifuge and a light detector configured to receive an image of the disposable flow circuit. A controller combines two or more of the images received by the light detector to generate a two-dimensional output. The output is used to control the separation of blood within the disposable flow circuit. The monitoring system may also be used to verify that the disposable flow circuit is suitable for use with the centrifuge or that the disposable flow circuit is properly aligned within the centrifuge. The monitoring system may be positioned outside of the centrifuge bucket which receives the centrifuge.

Abstract: A method for the continuous processing of a product such as a vegetable or animal oil or fat. The processing occurs via a separation into two liquid phases and a solid phase. The method step includes processing the product, the processing occurring in a centrifuge arranged as a separator, the separator including a rotatable drum, a disk stack having risers arranged in the drum, a product feed having a feed tube, a first separator disk to discharge a lighter liquid phase from the drum, a second separator disk to discharge a heavier liquid phase from the drum, and a solids discharge opening to discharge a solids phase from the drum. A separation zone is formed between the lighter phase and the heavier phase in the separator.

Abstract: The invention provides a filtering and centrifugation device, comprising a barrel, a volume in the barrel for receiving a fluid sample to be processed, a filter medium, at least one piston movable in the barrel to force fluid in the volume through the filter medium to produce a filtrate, and a space for pelleting particulate material. The device is centrifugeable, and said space is located in or communicates with the volume and is located preferably away from the filter medium such that the particulate material does not or at least not completely clog the filter medium during such centrifugation of the device.

Abstract: A method for processing a product by phase separation into two liquid phases and a solids phase. The method step includes processing the product, the processing occurring in a continuously operating centrifuge arranged as a separator, the separator including a rotatable drum having a vertical rotational axis, a disk stack having risers arranged in the drum, a product feed tube, a first separation disk for discharging a lighter liquid phase, a second separator disk for discharging a heavier liquid phase, solids discharge openings for discharging a solids phase from the drum, and a separation zone formed between the lighter liquid phase and the heavier liquid phase in the separator.

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) 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 while retaining the platelets and other facts. Highs 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.

Abstract: Centrifugation systems and methods are provided for separating blood into its constituent parts. Inner and outer walls of a centrifuge each include a projection which extends toward the other wall. A separation chamber is received in the centrifuge between the walls, with the chamber including an inlet port for flowing blood into the chamber, a plasma outlet port for flowing plasma out of the chamber, and a red cell outlet port for flowing red blood cells out of the chamber. With the chamber received in the centrifuge between the walls, the first projection extends into the path of separated blood components flowing toward the plasma outlet port and prevents cellular blood components from flowing into the plasma outlet port. The second projection extends into the path of separated blood components flowing toward the red cell outlet port and prevents plasma from flowing into the red cell outlet port.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for aligning the index angle of a polar coordinate system device, such as the rotor of a centrifuge, with the vertical axis of a Cartesian coordinate system device, such as a robotic end-effector. The apparatus includes a first registration device, that is removably attached to the gripping means of the end-effector and a second registration device, that is removably insertable into a pivoting platform, such as a bucket to a centrifuge rotor.

Abstract: An automated centrifuge apparatus for conducting a cell preparation procedure is provided. A rotor assembly supports centrifuge tubes, which are installable at respective tube positions. The tube positions are indexable to an index location. A sensing module monitors the index location during a set of status checks, which relate to the centrifuge tubes. Logic signals generated by the sensing module are used to automatically determine whether the status checks are satisfied.

Abstract: Disclosed are a reaction and separation processor and a process for producing biodiesel. The processor is comprised of a stationary casing and a rotor located internal to the casing, with a gap formed between the rotor and casing. A fluid inlet port is located at the upper end of the casing for delivering fluid, which is used to produce the biodiesel, into the reaction zone of the processor, in which the reaction zone is defined as a gap between an upper portion of the rotor and casing. Surface irregularities for inducing fluid turbulence in the reaction zone are located on an inner surface of the casing, an outer surface of the rotor, or both. A rotor inlet port is located at a lower end of the rotor for directing fluid from the reaction zone into the separation zone, which is located within the rotor.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of automated sample workcells and methods of operation are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a centrifuge separator for separating a mixture of an immiscible solid and liquid, particularly where the solid has a lower specific gravity (i.e. is lighter) than the liquid. Methods of use and a rotary seal are also described herein.

Abstract: A system for separating components of a composition according to density. The system includes a torque generating device, a separation device, and a housing. The separation device separates the composition into different components according to density. The housing accommodates the separation device. The housing includes a base having an interface that transfers torque from the torque generating device to the separation device, a cover, and a conduit for introducing the composition into the separation device without opening the cover.

Abstract: A straight-drum centrifugal dehydration device, wherein extraction of moisture from heavy phase built up in a bowl is facilitated to improve the dehydration effect, and compression efficiency is improved to achieve a reduced load. The straight-drum centrifugal dehydration device, wherein an outer peripheral surface of a rotary drum (21) of a screw conveyor (20) comprises a straight section (24) and a tapered section (25) that spreads outward and away from the straight section, the straight-drum centrifugal dehydration device having an inorganic flocculant feed path for feeding an inorganic flocculant to an inner peripheral surface of the straight section (24) of the rotary drum, and the straight section being provided with an inorganic flocculant addition nozzle (109) communicating with the inorganic flocculant feed path and projecting into an annular space of the bowl and an orifice (108) for adding the inorganic flocculant.

Abstract: A method of washing blood mixed with undesirable elements not normally found in healthy whole blood to remove the undesirable elements, the method comprising: separating the blood into components according to relative densities of the components with a rotating centrifuge bowl; providing a port through which fluid exits the bowl, the exiting fluid having a concentration of undesirable elements; flowing washing solution into the centrifuge bowl at an initial flow rate; monitoring the fluid exiting the bowl with an optical sensor having an output signal indicative of the composition of the exiting fluid; and increasing and decreasing the flow rate of the wash solution as a function of the output signal.

Abstract: Assemblies for and methods of coupling a microtiter plate and receptacle for centrifugation of liquid from the microtiter plate to the receptacle are provided. In some embodiments, a coupling frame can be used. In other embodiments, the microtiter plate couples directly to the receptacle. In some embodiments, relative motion between the receptacle and the microtiter plate is limited in the x-y plane. In some embodiments, relative motion between the receptacle and the microtiter plate is limited in the x-z plane. In some embodiments, relative motion between the receptacle and the microtiter plate is limited in the y-z plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for separating and transferring container (1) contents by dynamical use of centrifuge force, transferring a specific volume of liquid (A) from a recipient (1) to another (2) without contact with any external element other than the initial container (1) itself. Therefore, the present invention is useful for transferring for example part of a blood sample (A) from a tube (1) without touching the blood sample, also dispensing with a disposable needle as is currently usual. The invention is also advantageous as it allows keeping in the original container (1) a predetermined portion of the sample (B). By rotating the container, with a sufficiently high speed, over an axis (x) located at the boundary of the parts (A, B), the sample is split at a predetermined position. A preferred embodiment comprises the container at an angle (V) to the rotation axis (x).

Abstract: A reagent vessel insert includes an insert housing formed in such a way that the reagent vessel insert is configured to be inserted in a reagent vessel for a centrifuge and/or for a pressure varying device. The reagent vessel insert further includes at least one magnet arranged non-adjustably with respect to the insert housing and at least one adjusting element arranged in an interior volume of the reagent vessel insert. The at least one adjusting element is at least partially formed from a magnetically attractable material such that a magnetic force of attraction exerted by the at least one magnet on the at least one adjusting element is at least greater than a force of the weight of the at least one adjusting element. A method includes one or more of centrifuging and pressure treating a material using the reagent vessel insert or a reagent vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods relate to treating wastewater, such as blowdown from steam generators used in oil sands production. The systems rely on precipitation by acidification of the wastewater along with passing the wastewater at a pressure of at least 138 kilopascals through a multiphase centrifuge to remove at least partially organic and/or silica solids. A resulting treated aqueous stream may meet thresholds desired for injection into a disposal well.

Abstract: A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of large diesel engines. The fluid in introduced into the centrifuge through an inducer so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Flow constrainers and flow straighteners maintain laminar flow of the fluid as it passes axially through the centrifuge. An exducer decelerates the fluid prior to its exit from the centrifuge. The exducer thus contributes to maintaining laminar flow conditions. Laminar flow may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.

Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifuge for separating whole blood into its blood components and a method for extracting a highly enriched thrombocyte concentrate out of whole blood. For this purpose, the centrifuge comprises a closed loop and/or open-loop control unit as well as a drive unit coupled to the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit, a rotor (12) having at least two container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16) for removably holding containers (18, 20, 22, 24) being in fluid communication with each other, at least one sensor arranged between the container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16b) and coupled with the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit for detecting a separation layer. Herein, a motor/gear unit (30a, 30b, 32a, 32b) coupled to the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit is associated with each of the container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16b).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a robotic system providing movement in three orthogonal directions to an arm operable to receive a pipette tip and to facilitate movement of fluid into and out of the pipette tip. In addition, the apparatus can include a tray for receiving pipette tips, receptacles for receiving tubes, an apparatus for forming an emulsion, a device for forming particles that include copies of the polynucleotide, a device for enriching the particles and an apparatus for loading such particles onto a sensor array. The apparatus can further include receptacles for holding containers of reagent solutions. Optionally, the robot can include a gripper arm in addition to the pipette receiving arm.

Abstract: A method of removing oil from an emulsion by-product of alcohol production from grain. A concentration-style centrifuge is used to separate the emulsion by-product into a light phase containing the oil and a heavy phase containing free-water and solids. The pH of the light phase is raised to approximately neutral by the addition of an alkaline composition to break the emulsion. The broken light phase is heated to between 170-200° F. and the oil is separated from the broken light phase in a disk-type centrifuge.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for separating single-walled carbon nanotubes from double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes by using the difference in the buoyant density of Single-Walled versus Multi-Walled carbon nanotubes. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a vessel with first and second solutions. The first solution comprises a quantity of carbon nanotubes, including single-walled carbon nanotubes and double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The single walled nanotubes have a first density, the double and multi-walled nanotubes having a second density. The second solution in the vessel has a third density between said first and second densities. The vessel is centrifuged to faun first and second layers in the vessel, with the second solution between said first and second layers. The single-walled carbon nanotubes are predominantly in the first layer, and the second and multi-walled carbon nanotubes are predominantly in the second layer.

Abstract: An improved centrifugal separator system and method for separating a solid portion from a liquid portion, of the type including a chute for introducing material into the separator; a screen rotated on a shaft for allowing a liquid portion of the material to flow through the screen but preventing solids from flowing through the screen; a space between the housing and the screen for allowing the solids to travel through the separator; a rotor portion, further comprising a plurality of blades radiating outward from a hub portion of the rotor to an outer ring portion of the rotor to define the traveling space for the solid material between the rotor blades; wherein each of the blades being circular in cross section along their length to minimize the impact on the solid material which makes contact with the rotating blades and do less damage to the solid material, resulting in better product and a reduction in the energy required to power the separator.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods are provided for controlling the interface between separated blood components. The system includes a blood separation chamber configured to separate blood into first and second blood components and an outlet line for removing at least a portion of the first blood component from the blood separation chamber. A primary optical sensor assembly is associated with the blood separation chamber to directly monitor the interior of the blood separation chamber. A secondary optical sensor assembly is associated with the outlet line to monitor the first blood component in the outlet line. The system also includes a controller programmed to select between the primary optical sensor assembly and the secondary optical sensor assembly for monitoring contamination of the first blood component. The system is particularly advantageous for preventing contamination of separated plasma which is lipemic or hemolytic.

Abstract: A fraction collector, sample drier that automatically re-fills sample contains is described. Profiles of RPM and/or back EMF decays as a rotating but unpowered rotor comes to a stop are generated. The profiles may be generated for rotors with full, partially filled and empty sample containers. During a drying operation as the non-volatile samples are collected by evaporating the liquids more sample may be loaded while the rotor is spinning. The operation is to unpower the mechanism and measure the decay profile of PPM and/or EMF over time. A threshold may be set so that the lighter rotor will stop more quickly, and if the threshold is crossed the mechanism will load more sample into the containers.

Abstract: A turret component for a reagent vessel includes at least one vessel structure into which at least one liquid and/or pulverized material is pourable. The at least one vessel is formed on the turret component, and the turret component has at least one predetermined breaking point on at least one vessel base of the at least one vessel structure. A reagent vessel insertion part for a reagent vessel for a centrifuge and/or for a pressure varying apparatus includes the turret component and also includes an insertion part housing configured to enable insertion of the reagent vessel insertion part into a reagent vessel for a centrifuge and/or a pressure varying apparatus.

Abstract: A device for insertion into a rotor of a centrifuge has at least two bodies stacked one above the other in a stacking direction inside a housing. The housing is configured such that it can be inserted into a holder of the rotor of the centrifuge. With a correct reception of the device in the centrifuge, and upon a rotation of the rotor, a spacing of one of the at least two bodies in relation to the axis of rotation of the rotor is smaller than a spacing of another of the at least two bodies in relation to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A first of the at least two bodies has at least one first cavity and a second cavity and a second body of the at least two bodies has at least one first cavity.

Abstract: Provided is a rubber analysis method in which an analysis of natural rubber and/or a diene-based synthetic rubber including an ultra-high molecular weight component which could not be analyzed in a conventional method. The method is a rubber analysis method comprising: a dissolution process in which natural rubber and/or diene-based synthetic rubber is/are dissolved in an organic solvent; and a separation process in which a solution in which the natural rubber and/or diene-based synthetic rubber is/are dissolved is subjected to a centrifugation at a centrifugal acceleration of from 10,000 G to 1,000,000 G, to separate a soluble component and an insoluble component in the solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to separating one or more of sand and other particulate matter from a mixture of animal waste and water. The present invention can help to control the discharge of noxious odors while processing material containing animal waste. An exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a cylindrical housing and a non-rotating collection table. An exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes optional shield provided inside the cylindrical housing that can help to capture the particulate matter and that can also help to reduce the discharge of noxious gas and odors from the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating immunomagnetic bead labeled particulates. A carrier board is formed with at least one flow channel structure, which includes an inner reservoir, an outer reservoir, and at least one micro flow channel in communication with the inner reservoir and the outer reservoir. The method includes labeling target particulates with immunomagnetic bead, introducing a sample fluid into the inner reservoir, and applying a magnetic force and a driving force, wherein the driving force drives the particulates not labeled with immunomagnetic bead to flow through the micro flow channel to the outer reservoir, while the magnetic force attracts the particulates labeled with the immunomagnetic bead to retain in the inner reservoir. The driving force may be centrifugal force, pressure, or surface tension.

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.

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. 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separation container capable of preventing contamination with unnecessary components and efficiently separating a separation subject.

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) 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 while retaining the platelets and other factors. 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.