Comprising Seal, Or Element Cooperating Therewith, Movable Axially For Controlling Outlet On Periphery Of Bowl Patents (Class 494/40)
  • Patent number: 10751732
    Abstract: There can be provided a bucket for a swinging rotor of a centrifugal separator that can be readily carried while ensuring the sealability at the time of a centrifugal treatment or the carriage operation. The bucket includes a bucket body (11) in a bottomed cylindrical shape, a cover main body (21) (cover), a packing (22) (seal member), and a pair of attachment mechanisms (34) configured to detachably attach the cover main body (21) to the bucket body (11). The cover main body (21) includes a lid portion (24) having clip fixing portions (31) (pressed portions) and configured to cover an opening (11a) of the bucket body (11), and a handle portion (25) formed integrally with the lid portion (24). The handle portion (25) is stretched between the pair of clip fixing portions (31). A handle concave portion (36) (hole) that opens toward the outside of the cover main body (21) and separates the lid portion (24) and the handle portion (25) is formed between the lid portion (24) and the handle portion (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: KUBOTA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20150024922
    Abstract: In one aspect, a disposable centrifuge includes a container including an interior compartment for receiving the liquid and solids. The container is capable of rotating to urge the solids toward the periphery of the interior compartment. A fixed extraction conduit may be provided for extracting at least a portion of the solids from adjacent the periphery of the interior compartment of the container. A motive device may also be provided for forming a non-contact coupling with the container, which may rotate and/or levitate the container. A relatively low, continuous flow rate (about 250 ml/min to about 500 ml/min) may also be utilized. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Jose Antonio Castillo Gonzalez, Jean-Christophe Drugmand, Vishwas Pethe, Alexandre Terentiev
  • Patent number: 8936766
    Abstract: A lipoaspirate collection device to aid in the collection and processing of human tissue and fluid obtained during liposuction for use in point-of-care cell therapy. The collection device includes a collection body and a collection cap. The collection cap may have a fluid port, a lipoaspirate port, a vacuum port, and a relief valve. Within the central cavity of the collection device, a cone shaped may be positioned such that the apex of the cone is positioned underneath the lipoaspirate inlet through which the lipoaspirate fluid and tissue are introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: SpineSmith Partners, L.P.
    Inventors: Ted Sand, Kevin Dunworth, Greg Forman
  • Patent number: 8801586
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to separate, enrich, and/or purify a cellular population from a biological tissue, such as a tissue sample. For example, an adipose tissue sample can be acquired and disrupted. The disrupted tissue sample can then be separated and purified. The separated components can include multipotent, pluripotent, or other cell populations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach, Richard W. Storrs, Jason Chavarria
  • Publication number: 20140128239
    Abstract: A continuous flow centrifuge bowl includes a rotatable outer body, and a top and bottom core that are rotatable with the outer body. The bottom core has a wall extending proximally from a bottom wall. The proximally extending wall is radially outward from at least a portion of the top core and, together with the top core, defines a primary separation region in which initial separation of the whole blood occurs. The bowl may also have a secondary separation region located between the top core and the outer body, and a rotary seal that couples an inlet port and two outlet ports to the outer body. The inlet port may be connected to an inlet tube that extends distally into a whole blood introduction region. Additionally, one of the outlet ports may be connected to an extraction tube that extends into a region below the bottom core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Murphy, Dominique Uhlmann, Edward Powers, Michael Ragusa, Etienne Pagès
  • Patent number: 8328024
    Abstract: A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Hanuman, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Randel Dorian, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20120040816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator comprising a casing which delimits and seals off a space in which a rotor is arranged. The rotor forms a separation space which is sealed or isolated from the space, and in which separation space centrifugal separation of a higher density and a lower density component from a fluid takes place. An inlet extends into the rotor for introducing fluid to the separation space, and a first outlet extends from the rotor for discharge of a component separated from the fluid. The space is connected to a pump device which is arranged to remove gas, thereby maintaining negative pressure in said space. The rotor comprises at least one second outlet extending from the separation space to the space for discharge of at least one higher density component separated from the fluid. The invention also relates to a method in such a centrifugal separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Peter Thorwid, Roland Isaksson, Peter Hagqvist, Carl Häggmark, Lars Hillström
  • Publication number: 20110319248
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that incorporates a single use centrifuge that is sterilized prior to use in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology or related industries and is used for the removal of solids and/or other undesirable materials from one or more fluids and is connected to a bioreactor, fermentor, container or process by way of single use tubing, connectors and/or various fluid flow components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Nathan Starbard
  • Patent number: 8042281
    Abstract: A centrifugal bowl separator, including a bowl, a source of pressurized gas in selective flow communication with the bowl and operable to selectively supply pressurized gas to an interior portion of the bowl, and first and second pressure seals selectively established to provide a zone within a portion of the bowl such that when the pressurized gas is introduced, pressure within the portion of the bowl increases for enhanced removal of moisture and drying of solids within the portion of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Decanter Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Estes, Christopher R. Lambert, Jeffrey D. Mongold, Charles B. Tate
  • Patent number: 7908764
    Abstract: A centrifugal bowl separator, including a bowl, a source of pressurized gas in selective flow communication with the bowl and operable to selectively supply pressurized gas to an interior portion of the bowl, and first and second pressure seals selectively established to provide a zone within a portion of the bowl such that when the pressurized gas is introduced, pressure within the portion of the bowl increases for enhanced removal of moisture and drying of solids within the portion of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Decanter Machines, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Estes, Christopher R. Lambert, Jeffrey D. Mongold, Charles B. Tate
  • Publication number: 20100167899
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed solids discharge centrifugal separator exhibits low-shear filling, acceleration, and separation of feed material. The separator can be particularly useful for separation and recovery of sensitive solids such as chemical or biological substances. The separator accommodates disposable sample contacting elements to eliminate the need for clean-in-place and sterilize-in-place operations. Some embodiments of the separator feature dual solids discharge pistons, which fully optimize recovery of valuable solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Robert B. Carr
  • Publication number: 20100081553
    Abstract: The present invention provides a zonal centrifuge which has superior workability and functionality when a sample is filled and extracted. An oil bearing fitted to an outer circumference of a lower tube of a rotor is arranged on an internal face of a bearing housing fixed over a door adapter of the centrifuge. As the oil bearing and the lower tube are lubricated, a vacuum environment in a rotor rotating chamber is maintained. A rotating seal located at an upper leading end of the lower tube of the rotor and a fixing seal facing the rotating seal are arranged and provided in a sealed space formed by a mechanical seal member and the bearing housing, and the fixing seal is so manipulated as to be able to freely join and separate from the rotating seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Masaharu AIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20100069217
    Abstract: A liquid cyclone is configured for inflowing raw water containing impurities as targets of collection to be forced to swirl inside to spin down impurities contained in raw water, an inflow pipe is connected with an upper portion of the liquid cyclone to supply the liquid cyclone with raw water, and configured for supplied raw water to be forced to swirl inside the liquid cyclone, a connecting portion is connected with a lower portion of the liquid cyclone, and configured with a discharge port to discharge spun down impurities from the liquid cyclone, an impurity collector is connected to the liquid cyclone with the connecting portion in between, and configured to collect impurities discharged from the liquid cyclone, an obstacle is disposed in or near the discharge port, and cold to prevent impurities collected in the impurity collector from backing up into the liquid cyclone, and an outflow pipe is connected with a top portion of the liquid cyclone, and configured for raw water having got rid of impurities t
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Aoki, Yasushi Yamamoto, Takashi Menju, Mii Fukuda, Atsushi Yukawa
  • Publication number: 20100035742
    Abstract: A solid-bowl centrifuge that includes a drum rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation and a screw arranged in the drum. Also included are a continuous solids discharge located at a first end of the drum and a continuous liquid discharge located at a second, opposite end of the drum. Further included is at least one discontinuously acting outlet opening including a closure device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: WESTFALIA SEPARATOR AG
    Inventors: Ludger Horstkotter, Hans-Joachim Beyer, Ulrich Horbach, Johannes Droste
  • Publication number: 20100004109
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge cup, which has a container and a cover. The cover has a lever including a guide element in each case on opposing edge areas thereof. The guide elements are able to be introduced into an associated guide path of the container by pivoting the lever. The guide elements are implemented in such a way that in a closed state of the cover with the container, a clamping force (F) having vertical force component (Fy) and horizontal force component (Fx) is provided at a contact point or a contact line of the guide elements with the particular associated guide path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: THERMO ELECTRON LED GMBH
    Inventor: Norman Ballhause
  • Publication number: 20090197752
    Abstract: A continuous flow centrifuge system is provided. The system includes a rotor, a stator, a stator housing, upper and lower bearing plates, upper and lower bearings, first and second snap rings, and lip seal. The upper bearing rotatably secures a shaft of the rotor in the upper bearing plate. The first snap ring secures the upper bearing to the rotor shaft. The lip seal is over the upper bearing and forms a rotatable seal with the upper bearing plate. The second snap ring secures the lip seal to an inner diameter of the upper bearing plate. The upper and lower bearing plates are secured to the stator housing so that the rotor is operatively aligned with the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Kurt Spiegel, Sorin Weissman, Bill Lepse, Blaine J. Marsh
  • Publication number: 20090186752
    Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifugal separator for centrifuging components contained in a liquid mixture and having different density. A rotating centrifuge rotor is arranged to rotate around a centre axis and comprises a casing defining an inner separation space. An inlet channel is provided for supply of the liquid mixture of components to be separated to the separation space. At least one outlet channel is connected to the separation space and provided for discharge of a component separated during operation. A torque transmitting part around the centre axis is fixedly connected to the centrifuge rotor. A drive motor drives the torque transmitting part and thus the centrifuge rotor in such a way that the centrifuge rotor is brought to rotate. The drive motor comprises a stator and a rotor, which is fixedly connected to the torque transmitting part. The rotor of the drive motor surrounds a cavity which is through-flown by liquid during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Roland Isaksson, Peter Thorwid
  • Patent number: 7331919
    Abstract: A centrifugal drum for a separator having a vertical axis of rotation, including a drum bottom part and a drum cover fastened to the drum bottom part by a locking ring. Also included is a centering ring arranged between the drum bottom part and the drum cover such that while the centering ring is being pretensioned, it sealingly and centeringly braces the drum bottom part and the drum cover relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Willi Niemerg
  • Patent number: 6969343
    Abstract: A centrifuge, comprising a distributor for introducing material to be centrifuged and a sieve system having a plurality of axially mutually offset membrane plates, the membrane plates being arranged radially with respect to the distributor and having at least two axially-spaced membrane disks. The sieve system is arranged such that a flow directions of material to be centrifuged emerging from the distributor and a flow direction of particles deposited on the membrane plates are identical. Alos included is centrifugal drum having a centrifugal compartment with the sieve system arranged therein and a piston slide valve for closing the centrifugal drum. The invention is also a method for cleaning the centrifuge, the steps comprising: opening a piston slide valve, thereby allowing a return flow of liquid through the sieeve system; and removeing one or more of substances baked to the sieve system and impurities from the sieve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator Food Tec GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Jochen Hamatschek
  • Patent number: 6168715
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the oil treatment of sintered parts consisting of a drum (11, 111) which is mounted so that it can rotate about a vertical axis and which can be driven. It has a drum mantle (11′, 111′) and loading and unloading devices so that it can be loaded and unloaded axially, a floor that tightly closes the opening in the floor (19, 119) against the-drum mantle (11′, 111′), connections (28, 29, 30, 31/128, 129, 130, 131) leading into the drum (11, 111) for liquid and gaseous treatment media for carrying out the treatment phases, and outlets (35, 135) for letting treatment fluids out of the drum (11, 111). The task of the invention is to create a device that not only mechanizes the treatment process but also can be repeated many times, always in the same way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Turbo-Clean GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Schulze-Eyssing
  • Patent number: 5944649
    Abstract: Method and device (21) for the supply of control liquid to a rotor of a centrifugal separator, which device (21) includes a cylinder (25), in which a movable wall element (26) is arranged, which axially delimits a storing chamber (29) in the cylinder (25). In the storing chamber (29) a predetermined volume of control liquid is stored. Control liquid is pressed out of the storing chamber (29) into the rotor during axial displacement of the wall element (26). Furthermore, the invention includes a centrifugal separator, which is provided with such a device (21). A portion of the control liquid in the storing chamber (29) is pressed upon displacement of the wall element (26) a first distance out through a first outlet passage (33) in the device with a high flow. The first outlet passage (33) is then closed when the wall element (26) has been displaced this distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventor: Per Gunnar Karlsson
  • Patent number: 5935051
    Abstract: A separator and a method for quickly separating an aliquot of plasma or serum from cells in a sample of blood is provided herein. The separator includes a housing which defines a separation container, an outlet aperture, a valve which selectively seals the outlet aperture, and a spinner. Initially, the spinner rotates the housing at a separation speed which causes the heavier cells to separate from the serum or plasma. Subsequently, the spinner rotates the housing at a faster, expellant speed which causes the valve to open and the cells to be expelled through the outlet aperture. After the cells have been expelled from the separation container, rotation of the housing is stopped and the serum or plasma is collected from the separation container. Since the separator provided herein does not use a separation gel, the separator is easy to clean and reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Bell
  • Patent number: 5865719
    Abstract: A self-emptying centrifuge drum has a collecting channel for emptying the drum and a fitting for introducing water into the collecting channel. The drum is rotatable and is hydraulically actuatable by water introduced into the collecting channel through the fitting. The collecting channel rotates with the drum about an axis of rotation and the fitting is stationary and has at least one outlet. A baffle extends up from below the collecting channel and between the collecting channel and the fitting and has a lower portion below the collecting channel and an upper portion extending into an area radially inward of the collecting channel with respect to the axis of rotation. The at least one outlet of the fitting is aimed at the lower portion of the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Johannes Droste, Norbert Wegener
  • Patent number: 5792037
    Abstract: In the rotor of a centrifugal separator there is an annular slide (6) for opening and closing of a periphery outlet (12, 13) from a separation chamber (9). The slide (6) at its radially inner edge is connected with and axially fixed relative to the rotor body (1, 2) but has a radially outer edge portion (11) which is axially movable relative to the rotor body (1, 2). This is possible because a portion of the slide, having a substantial radial extension, is flexible. In operation, the flexibility of the slide results in an angular change between portions of the slide situated at different radial distances from the center axis of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Berth Bodelson, Kjell Klintenstedt, Toini Salmi, Nils-Gunnar Ohlson, Jan Setterberg, Staffan Holm
  • Patent number: 5163895
    Abstract: A centrifugal drier for a product, comprises a horizontally supported rotating drive shaft including an axial passageway adapted to be a filling pipe for the product; a drum having a closed end secured to one end of the drive shaft and an open end; a conical filter mounted inside the drum, tapering from narrow to wide toward the drum open end; a rotatably mounted baffle disk being displaceable between a closed position sealing the drum open end and an open position for adjustable discharge of the dried product, the filter and the baffle disk defining a work area, the axial passageway communicating with the work area; an annular duct operably associated with the drum open end and cooperating with the baffle disk for receiving the dried product when the baffle disk is in the open position; and a backflusher disposed outside the filter for backflushing the filter with fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Titus
  • Patent number: 5084189
    Abstract: An axial flow-type pump for separating immiscible fluids having different specific gravities and a discharge manifold fluid connected to the fluid pump for drawing of the fluid having the heavier specific gravity. The fluid pump employs a rotatable impeller mechanism having a hollow core and a decreasing axial pitch in the direction of fluid flow. The fluid interface between the pump and the discharge manifold is adjustable, so that the discharge of the fluid having the heavier specific gravity can be adjusted. The fluids are introduced into the inlet end of the rotatable impeller to produce a high velocity swirling action in the fluids and a low pressure area along the longitudinal axis of the flow line, to generate a high centrifugal force as the fluids move axially and cause the fluid having the heavier specific gravity to migrate to the perimeter. The discharge manifold is then used to draw off the fluid having a heavier specific gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Richter Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey E. Richter
  • Patent number: 4925442
    Abstract: In a centrifugal rotor an annular slide (5) exposes its one side towards a separation chamber (7) and its opposite side towards an annular chamber (9). The slide (5) can be moved axially by radial displacement of the free liquid surface of liquid bodies in said chambers (7, 9).According to the invention a radial displacement of a free liquid surface in said annular chamber (9) is accomplished without liquid being discharged from the same. Instead an axial movable additional slide (6) is used, which has an axial directed surface exposed into the annular chamber (9). By means of the additional slide liquid can be displaced in the annular chamber (9) radially outwards and inwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Separation AB
    Inventor: Berth Bodelson
  • Patent number: 4882094
    Abstract: Disposal container structure for the disposal of waste radioactive materials includes inner structure comprising a cover member with an inlet port and an annular seal surface portion, and depending filter structure attached to the cover structure that includes circumferential side wall structure and bottom wall structure that defines an enclosed chamber volume in which waste materials are introduced for storage therein through the inlet port. The container structure further includes outer structure that has circumferential side wall structure corresponding in shape to the filter structure of the inner structure, bottom wall structure that defines a chamber for receiving the filter structure of the inner component, and annular seal surface structure formed on the side wall structure for mating with seal surface structure of the inner structure to seal the storage chamber volume defined by the filter structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie S. Rubin, Hans A. Hug
  • Patent number: 4840612
    Abstract: In a centrifugal separator, the rotor of which has a separation chamber (7) with an inlet (16) for a liquid mixture, a constantly open central outlet (23) for a separated liquid and an intermittently openable peripheral outlet (13) for separated solids, a so-called displacement liquid is supplied to the separation chamber (7) before the peripheral outlet (13) is opened first at a certain flow rate and then at a substantially lesser flow rate. If displacement liquid is sensed in the separated liquid leaving the rotor through the central outlet (23), the peripheral outlet (13) is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Marine and Power Engineering AB
    Inventor: Anders Pallmar
  • Patent number: 4820256
    Abstract: In a previously known centrifugal separator the separation chamber (4) of the centrifuge rotor has an inlet (9) for a mixture of two liquids and relatively heavy solids, a central outlet (23a) for separated light liquid and a periphery outlet (12) for separated solids. A third outlet (35) from the separation chamber (4), situated radially between the first said two outlets (23a, 12), communicates with a recirculation channel, which extends partly through a stationary structure and through which liquid may be conducted from the separation chamber (4) through a sensing device (38) and back to said inlet (9) for mixture. The sensing device (38) is arranged to initiate opening of the periphery outlet (12), when a certain amount of heavy liquid has been separated in the separation chamber (4). A throttle is arranged for limiting of the flow through the recirculation channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Separation AB
    Inventor: Torbjorn Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 4813923
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprises a rotor having two separate coaxial rotor parts, means for axially interlocking these parts, and means arranged for discharging liquid from the separation chamber of the rotor so that the liquid pressure in the separation chamber varies. The separator is specifically characterized in that one of the rotor parts comprises two separate coaxial walls, an inner wall and an outer wall, that the inner wall is supported axially against the other rotor part, that the axially interlocking means connects the outer wall with the other rotor part, that a space is formed between the two walls, and that means are arranged to provide a force of substantially constant magnitude in the space between the walls during operation of the separator, which force acts to axially separate the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Separation AB
    Inventor: Bo Johansson
  • Patent number: 4758216
    Abstract: A bowl for a centrifuge for clarifying or separating mixtures of liquids. The bowl has a valve or slide that is maintained in the closure position by a closure fluid. The closure fluid circulates at the same angular velocity as the bowl. A closure chamber containing the closure fluid is associated with the bowl. To decrease the consumption of closure fluid, the opening motion of the valve or slide is initiated by closure fluids that act on the closure fluid in a direction opposite the one that the bowl is rotating in and that decrease the angular velocity of the closure fluid and hence the closure force exerted on the valve or slide while the bowl continues to rotate at full operating speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Wrede
  • Patent number: 4717376
    Abstract: The centrifuge has a self-emptying drum. The jacket of the drum has expulsion apertures that lead from the solids space and that can be closed off by a piston slide. With the piston slide is associated a closure chamber. The closure chamber has channels for supplying closure liquid and communicates through a let-off channel in the form of an annular gap with a chamber. The inside diameter of the chamber equals the outside diameter of the closure chamber. The chamber can accommodate all the closure liquid in the closure chamber. This makes it possible to completely empty the closure chamber, so that there is no residual closure force on the piston slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Paul Bruning, Willi Niemerg
  • Patent number: 4710159
    Abstract: In a centrifugal separator for instance for purifying oil from water and solids there is a central outlet for separated water, comprising an overflow outlet maintaining a free water surface at a certain level in the door. According to the present invention this central outlet may be closed by means of an axially movable slide (23), which is rotatable together with the rotor. The rotor also has a further overflow outlet (22a) situated radially inside said predetermined level (20) such that upon supply of a so called displacement liquid to the rotor--in connection with the opening of periphery outlets (21) from the separation chamber for discharge of separated solids--separated water cannot leave the rotor through its outlet (12, 15) for separated oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Separation AB
    Inventor: Per Gullers
  • Patent number: 4680164
    Abstract: An analysis system of the centrifugal analyzer type has an analysis station for receiving a multi-cuvette rotor unit with means at the analysis station for performing analyses on the contents of a plurality of cuvettes of a multi-cuvette rotor unit concurrently, and means at the analysis station for spinning the rotor unit. Rotor hold down means at the analysis station includes disc structure for seating engagement with loading ports of the rotor unit at the analysis station, a disc support for allowing the disc to rotate freely in alignment with the drive axis of the drive mechanism, and mechanical means for moving the freely rotatable disc between an operative position in seating engagement with the loading ports of the rotor unit and a second position spaced from the seated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Fisher Scientific Company
    Inventor: Norman G. Kelln
  • Patent number: 4670005
    Abstract: The centrifuge has a self-emptying drum. There are expulsion apertures in the bottom of the drum. The apertures lead from a solids space and can be closed off with a piston slide. A closure chamber that can be charged with closure liquid is associated with the piston slide. The closure chamber communicates with a chamber through a bleed channel in the form of an annular gap and through a valve gap. The annular gap has an extensive cross-section that promotes rapid flow and accordingly especially accelerates bleeding the closure liquid out of the closure chamber into the other chamber. This makes it possible to increase the stroke of the piston slide at a prescribed extraction volume when the drum empties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Werner Kohlstette, Rudolf Koch
  • Patent number: 4643708
    Abstract: A centrifugal rotor has (a) an axially movable primary slide (5) for closing or opening peripheral outlets (11) and bordering a closing chamber (14) having inlet (15) and outlet (16) for a closing liquid, and (b) an axially movable secondary slide (20) for allowing or stopping flow through said closing liquid outlet (16), the secondary slide (20) having opposite sides bordering an opening chamber (22) and a closing chamber (21). An axially movable part is located radially outside said closing liquid outlet (16) and forms a partition (12) between the closing chambers (14 and 21) of the primary and secondary slides; the secondary slide's closing chamber (21) is closed radially inwards by an annular seal (24) between the secondary slide (20) and part (12a) of said partition (12); and the secondary slide (20) when opening uncovers an annular opening for passage of a closing liquid from the primary slide's closing chamber (14) to the secondary slide's opening chamber (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Separation AB
    Inventors: Klaus Stroucken, Bengt-Olof Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 4636319
    Abstract: In order to subject a valve within the rotor of a centrifugal separator to a certain liquid pressure, the rotor being supported by a vertical drive shaft (13), a liquid surface is maintained during operation of the rotor very close to the axis of the rotor, this surface being formed within a central channel (12) through said drive shaft (13). The lower end of the drive shaft, in which the channel (12) opens axially through an orifice (31) having its surrounding edge at the desired radial level for the liquid surface, is rotated in a liquid body which is kept in a container (25) below the drive shaft (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Separation AB
    Inventor: Klaus Stroucken
  • Patent number: 4589865
    Abstract: In a centrifuge rotor provided with sludge channels (25) for conveying sludge radially inwards to a sludge receiving chamber (15), from which the sludge is discharged by means of a central sludge discharge means, the openings of the sludge channels (25) into the sludge receiving chamber (15) are controlled by a slide member (14) being actuated to move in one axial direction by spring means (28). To cause the slide member (14) to move in the other axial direction, a pressure chamber (18), sealed against the sludge receiving chamber (15), is arranged between the slide member (14) and the rotor, and a fluid channel (33) extends through the rotor to the pressure chamber (18), connecting the pressure chamber with a pressure source (35) located outside the rotor. A position regulator (32) is situated in a cavity of the rotor, and is arranged to operate directly on said slide member (14) for regulation of its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval AB
    Inventor: Per Gullers
  • Patent number: 4533344
    Abstract: A self-emptying centrifuge drum has at its periphery an annular gap between its cover and bottom. The gap can be opened and closed with a piston slide. The cover and bottom of the drum are connected by a strainer basket. The basket is rigid enough to ensure unexceptionable concentricity of the parts of the drum under all operating conditions. The position of the strainer basket in the immediate vicinity of the plate insert divides the centrifugation space into a separation space and a solids space in such a way that the sedimentation in the solids space is unaffected by the flow of liquid in the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Hubert Gunnewig
  • Patent number: 4514183
    Abstract: A centrifuge with a self-emptying drum is provided with expulsion openings in its jacket that lead from the solids space and that can be closed off by a piston slide. The piston slide is associated with a closure chamber, which can be supplied with a closure fluid and which has outlet channels around it that can be closed off by a valve body and that open into a blocking chamber. The blocking chamber can accommodate part of the closure fluid taken in by the closure chamber. The valve body and the piston slide are moved into the opening position for partial emptying. The valve body remains in the open position during partial emptying. The outlet channels are blocked by closure fluid taken in by the blocking chamber. This blocking fluid initiates the closing motion of the piston slide while closure fluid continues to be supplied to the closure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Werner Kohlstette
  • Patent number: 4512759
    Abstract: A device for the separation of particles from a stream of gas by centrifugal action, comprising a driven rotatable hollow conically diverging body 1,2 and a feeding apparatus for directing the contaminated gas stream toward the inside wall of said body in the region of its narrowest portion so that the particles will be deposited against said wall and will gradually move toward the widest portion of said conical body; the stream of gas being controlled such that within the body a toroidal eddy forms for the recirculation of the contaminated gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: Thomassen International B.V.
    Inventors: Aloysius J. W. O. Alink, Berend P. van Marle
  • Patent number: 4505700
    Abstract: A centrifuge has ejection openings in the jacket of the drum to which channels extending from the solids space lead. The flow through the channels can be blocked off by an annular valve body. A closure compartment is associated with the valve body. Closure fluid is supplied to the closure compartment through a line from a catch gutter. The line consists of two connected components. The components can be separated by a piston with a flowthrough channel. When the piston is in the separating position, in which it blocks off an opening in the first line component, the flowthrough channel connects the second line component with an off-flow channel that is open to the atmosphere. In this position the second line component and the closure compartment are depressurized so that the valve body can move into an opening position. This opening motion is reinforced with opening water conveyed through three channels to an opening chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Zettier
  • Patent number: 4505698
    Abstract: A self-emptying centrifuge drum has a piston slide that controls openings in the jacket. The piston slide is fastened without play and without axial motion to the drum in the vicinity of the inner centering surface. The requisite axial motion of the slide in the vicinity of the outer centering surface is ensured by an elastically deformable area with an axial spring coefficient that is low in relation to its radial rigidity. This novel way of guiding the piston slide, prevents one-sided frictional forces in the vicinity of the centering surfaces with concomitant wear as well as irregular opening of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator
    Inventor: Klaus-Dieter Broker
  • Patent number: 4498897
    Abstract: A centrifuge with a self-emptying drum including drum jacket having ejection openings for the solids that collect in the solids space. The openings can be blocked off with a piston valve with which is associated a closure compartment that can be charged with closure liquid. The closure compartment has outlet channels around it that can be blocked off with a hydraulically controlled valve body. When the valve is open, the closure liquid flows into a compartment with choked run-off bores. The compartment has sufficient capacity for part of the closure liquid. The compartment has at least one run-off channel that has a valve with a piston that can be shifted hydraulically in it. When the solids space is to be completely emptied, the closure liquid flowing into the compartment moves the valve piston into the opening position so that the closure liquid can flow off through a channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Hubert Gunnewig
  • Patent number: 4490133
    Abstract: A device that regulates an outlet valve on a self-discharging centrifugal drum which diverts the closure fluid from a closure compartment that moves the piston valve from a closure position while the solids space is being partly or completely emptied, has, in addition to a supply line that supplies closure fluid to the closure compartment, an operating-fluid line in which a compressed air-controlled operating-fluid meter is positioned downstream of one shut-off and upstream of another shut-off. The meter consists of a housing divided by a tightly stretched and flexible diaphragm into two compartments, one that can be altered in capacity and that accepts operating fluid and a second that can be pressurized. This system ensures that a precise volume of operating fluid will be supplied to the outlet valve and determines the amount of solids to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Zettier
  • Patent number: 4479788
    Abstract: A centrifuge with a self-emptying drum has ejection openings in its jacket that lead out of a solids space and can be blocked off with a piston valve. It has a closure compartment that can be charged with closure fluid and is associated with the piston valve. Part of the closure compartment is divided into an upper and a lower division by a disk. Outflow channels lead out of the drum from the lower division of the closure compartment. The disk can be displaced axially. When it is in its lower position, it hermetically seals off the lower division of the closure compartment from the rest of the compartment. When it is in its upper position, into which it can be displaced hydraulically, the disk allows the lower division to communicate with the rest of the closure compartment so that closure fluid flows out of the compartment through its lower division and through outflow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Werner Kohlstette
  • Patent number: 4416655
    Abstract: The drum of a centrifugal filter is cleaned by stopping the rotation of blades which normally rotate with the drum, while allowing the drum to continue to rotate, and retracting the bottom of the drum to open an annular aperture through which accumulated contaminants dislodged by the blades discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: The Chartwell House Group Limited
    Inventor: Peter H. E. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4401429
    Abstract: A solid bowl centrifuge for separating substances of varying densities particularly for separating solid liquid mixtures having a self-emptying feature where the heavier material is discharged through an annular gap, the size of which is controlled by an annular slide valve separated by a pressure chamber and spring biasing means with the pressure chamber operative to close the valve and capable or rapid movements of the valve and moving the valve to a predetermined position by virtue of control valves and a measuring or dosing valve for the hydraulic fluid delivered to the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Klockner-Humboldt-Deutz AG
    Inventor: Karl Koslowski
  • Patent number: 4397638
    Abstract: A continuous feed, solid bowl centrifuge with intermittent rim discharge. The centrifuge has first and second members mounted in fixed positions relative to each other for rotation about a common axis. Each member has a peripheral edge portion extending about the common rotational axis with the portions being spaced from each other to create an annular gap therebetween. A third or rim member is mounted for rotation with the first and second members about the common rotational axis. The rim member has a cylindrical surface extending between the peripheral edge portions of the first and second members and is dimensioned to close the gap therebetween. The rim member is supported with its cylindrical surface substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the centrifuge; and, an opening-closing mechanism is provided that maintains the cylindrical surface substantially parallel to the rotational axis as it is moved to open and close the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: Fiberfuge Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Wilson, Eudore A. Berry