Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, chambers, and methods for processing particles by washing, concentrating, and/or treating the particles. Some embodiments provide for the processing of cells that may be in a liquid medium (e.g., a liquid in which the cells were grown) and are processed by being washed and concentrated for later use in research or other therapies.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, chambers, and methods for processing particles by washing, concentrating, and/or treating the particles. Some embodiments provide for the processing of cells that may be in a liquid medium (e.g., a liquid in which the cells were grown) and are processed by being washed and concentrated for later use in research or other therapies.

Abstract: A screw centrifuge has a rotating, cylindrical drum (11) with openings (14,15) for discharge of settleable solids (16), floating solids (17), and separating liquid (18). A rotatable shaft (12) has openings (22) for infeed of the solids to be separated, and two sections of screw flights (13,13?,13?,23,23?) working in opposite directions. A baffle disc (20) is arranged on the shaft between the infeed opening (22) and the discharge opening (14) for the settleable solids (16). The flight (13?,13?) of the screw for the settleable solids (16) surrounds the flight (23,23?) of the screw for the floating solids (17), and also work in opposite directions. The screw section for the floating solids (17) is designed as a multi-channel screw. The outer flight (13?,13?) of the screw for the settleable solids (16) can also have several channels.

Abstract: A gas separator for removing contaminants from a crankcase gas which is produced during operation of an internal combustion engine includes a centrifugal rotor with a plurality of separation discs for separating the contaminants from the crankcase gas, the centrifugal rotor being arranged inside a stationary rotor housing having a gas inlet for conducting crankcase gas to the centrifugal rotor and a gas outlet for discharging the cleaned crankcase gas from the centrifugal rotor, and an electric motor which is arranged for rotation of the centrifugal rotor about a rotational axis, and A gear device is arranged between the electric motor and the centrifugal rotor, the gear device having a gear ratio arranged to increase the rotational speed of the centrifugal rotor in relation to the electric motor.

Abstract: A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, and outlet and a side tap outlet adjacent the inlet. The inlet may protrude into the cell separation chamber forming a circumferential well surrounding the protruding inlet. The side tap outlet may connect to the well. The set and system comprise means for selectively drawing fluid from either the outlet or the side tap outlet.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator for separating air and possibly present solids from a mixture of dental waste water, comprising an air-water separator, wherein a mixture supply tube opens into a centrifuge drum, an air discharge duct extends from the centrifuge drum to the mixture supply tube and the centrifuge drum includes an upper drain edge over which a water outlet is guided onto the outside of the centrifuge drum. In accordance with the invention, the separator is characterized in that the mixture supply tube opens onto a central turbine wheel arranged above the centrifuge drum bottom and an impeller of a waste water delivery pump, which communicates with the water outlet, is arranged on an outside of the centrifuge drum in the vicinity of the centrifuge drum bottom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

Abstract: A feed pipe mixing system for delivering a homogenous massecuite product to a centrifuge comprising: a vertical feed pipe defining an upper end, and a lower end, the vertical feed pipe comprising: a mixing chamber disposed between the upper and lower ends of the vertical feed pipe and operable to mix a massecuite feed with feed water, surfactants, partially diluted molasses or a combination thereof to produce a massecuite product; a massecuite inlet disposed on the side of the vertical feed pipe above the mixing chamber, wherein the massecuite inlet is configured to deliver a massecuite feed into the vertical feed pipe; a massecuite outlet disposed on the lower end of the vertical feed pipe and configured to discharge the homogenous massecuite product from the feed pipe to a centrifuge; and a feed water pipe configured to deliver feed water, surfactants, partially diluted molasses or a combination thereof to the mixing chamber for mixing with the massecuite feed.

Abstract: A determination mechanism which obtains information about the weight of the specimen housed in the specimen container is arranged on a conveyor line for connecting between a loading module and an automatic centrifugal unit, the specimens are held without being installed at an adaptor until the number of the specimens which can be subjected to a centrifugal processing at once by the automatic centrifugal unit arrives, and the specimens are installed after the arrival in an order from a heavier specimen at the adaptors to be paired, which are installed at the symmetric positions to each other across the rotation central axis. Also, the specimen is installed at the gravity-center position of the adaptor first, and the subsequent specimens are installed from the inner side at the point-symmetric positions to each other across the gravity-center position.

Abstract: The invention is a method of processing tarry or resinous liquids. Tarry liquids include wet scrubber liquids containing tars and chars derived from gasification, pyrolysis or drying of biomass. Resinous liquids include those derived from processing coniferous biomass. Tarry or resinous liquid is processed by a horizontal axis centrifuge having a discharge chamber containing a scraper to prevent centrifuge clogging or fouling. The removed tar and char can be used as solid fuel or recycled to the gasification or pyrolysis process. Polymers, for instance cationic polymers, can be added to the tarry or resin containing liquid prior to centrifugation to assist in solids/liquids separation. Removed resin can be recycled for further use. Tar, char or resin depleted wet scrubber liquid can be recycled for further use or more easily treated prior to disposal.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a separation drum, a feed inlet, at least one heavy material outlet with a ring-shaped recess and at least one light material outlet. The feed inlet is located at the head of the separation drum. A feed accelerator is installed at the feed inlet. This feed accelerator cooperates with the proper form of the separation drum and the corresponding location of the material outlet to form a material differential rotation propulsion device. The material differential rotation propulsion device is capable of rotating the feed slurry material along with the separation drum in a slightly different rotation speed and forcing the processed materials to be discharged from separation drum via different outlets. The infeed flow rate is larger than or equal to the total sum of the outfeed flow rates of heavy and light materials so that the separation drum is full of materials during operation.

Abstract: A continuous self-cleaning centrifuge assembly having a feed inlet for unclarified liquid and first and second outlets for clarified liquid. Solids are discharged out of a solids holding space in the centrifuge in response to comparison of a measured turbidity to a predetermined turbidity parameter of clarified liquid bled in a detection line in communication with the centrifuge at the second outlet. The turbidity is affected by the degree of build up of solids in the centrifuge. A method of optimizing the clarified liquid outflowing from the centrifuge includes the steps of controlling the flow rate of unclarified liquid into the centrifuge in response to the turbidity of the clarified liquid flowing out of the centrifuge and discharging solids out of a solids holding space in the centrifuge in response to the turbidity measurement.

Abstract: A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, and outlet and a side tap outlet adjacent the inlet. The inlet may protrude into the cell separation chamber forming a circumferential well surrounding the protruding inlet. The side tap outlet may connect to the well. The set and system comprise means for selectively drawing fluid from either the outlet or the side tap outlet.

Abstract: A feed pipe mixing system for delivering a homogenous massecuite product to a centrifuge comprising: a vertical feed pipe defining an upper end, and a lower end, the vertical feed pipe comprising: a mixing chamber disposed between the upper and lower ends of the vertical feed pipe and operable to mix a massecuite feed with feed water, surfactants, partially diluted molasses or a combination thereof to produce a massecuite product; a massecuite inlet disposed on the side of the vertical feed pipe above the mixing chamber, wherein the massecuite inlet is configured to deliver a massecuite feed into the vertical feed pipe; a massecuite outlet disposed on the lower end of the vertical feed pipe and configured to discharge the homogenous massecuite product from the feed pipe to a centrifuge; and a feed water pipe configured to deliver feed water, surfactants, partially diluted molasses or a combination thereof to the mixing chamber for mixing with the massecuite feed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to centrifuge systems and methods for controlling centrifuge systems, wherein the systems in certain aspects are adapted for processing material, e.g., but not limited to drilling fluids with solids therein. One illustrative method includes providing a centrifuge system that is made up of, among other things, a bowl, a bowl motor system, a bowl variable frequency drive, a conveyor, a conveyor motor, a conveyor variable frequency drive, a pump, a pump motor, and a pump variable frequency drive. Additionally, the centrifuge system includes a control system that is adapted to control the bowl variable frequency drive, the conveyor variable frequency drive, and the pump variable frequency drive. The method includes controlling the centrifuge system in the G-force differential control mode by controlling the G-force on the bowl as the bowl is rotated by the bowl motor system so that the G-force on the bowl does not exceed a pre-set maximum G-force.

Abstract: A system for well fluid treatment, the system being transportable, the system including a base, a support structure on the base, a brace apparatus connected to the base and to the support structure for bracing the support structure during movement of the system, the brace apparatus releasably secured to the support structure and releasably secured to the base, at least one holding tank on the base for holding well fluid to be treated, from an active rig well fluid system and the well fluid to be treated including solids, centrifuge apparatus for centrifuging a mixture of well fluid and solids from the at least one holding tank, producing reusable fluid, a first pump apparatus for pumping well fluid and solids from the at least one holding tank to the centrifuge apparatus, and a centrifuge support on the base for supporting the centrifuge apparatus.

Abstract: A centrifugal micro fluidic system and a centrifugal magnetic position control device used in the centrifugal micro fluidic system for controlling the position of magnetic beads are provided. The centrifugal micro fluidic system comprising, a rotatable platform; a micro fluidic structure which is disposed in the platform; and a plurality of objects which include functional groups on surfaces thereof so as to capture a target material from the fluid and carry the target material while being suspended in and separated from the fluid in the micro fluidic structure, wherein the movements of the objects are controlled by a force affecting the objects differently compared to the force's effect on the fluid. When the objects are made of a magnetic material, the force may be a magnetic force applied by the centrifugal magnetic position control device.

Abstract: A vertical separator has a bowl which is supported for rotation about a vertical axis and from beneath, providing an unobstructed inlet to the bowl. Conveyor fighting, located concentrically for independent co-rotation within the bowl, directs solids to the bottom of the bowl while the liquids flow along an annular clearance along the bowl wall to an upper end of the bowl. A feedstream, such as drilling mud shaker solids, which may otherwise require augers or the like to feed the feedstream through a conventional horizontal centrifuge, can be received at the inlet by gravity feed and residual liquids stripped therefrom.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor, a rotation shaft which has a through-hole communicated with an interior of the rotor, a face seal which slidingly contacts an end of the rotation shaft and has a path communicated with the through-hole of the rotation shaft, a wall member which accommodates the face seal, a sample transfer unit which transfers a sample through the rotor, and a coolant circulation unit which circulates a coolant to the wall member. The sample transfer unit transfers the sample by pressure so that a pressure of the sample flowing through a portion where the rotation shaft and the face seal slidingly contact with each other is higher than a pressure of the coolant flowing through the wall member.

Abstract: Simultaneous source-sink flow, or radial counterflow, is driven by a centrifugal pump disposed within a casing. Radially outward source flow of brine goes into a shrouding tank and concentrates while a radially inward sink flow of fresh water flows back over the pump to axial extraction. An axial pump drives sink flow and axial extraction. Convergent sink flow passes under an inductor to an axial exhaust port. Induced viscosity and inductive repulsion hinder the passage of brine in sink flow, so only fresh water can reach the axial exhaust port. Crystallization of scale-forming salts is aided by Joule heating from the inductor. Solvent and gases are continuously axially extracted in sink flow, favoring crystallization. Sodium chloride is cooled and crystallized in the shrouding tank. Brine comprising other salts flows out of the tank to treatment by suitable means. Thus brine is separated into fresh water, crystallized salt, and concentrated brine.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating solids from a liquid including a centrifuge rotor with a rotor shaft, partially formed as a hollow shaft, and a centrifuging drum, being rotatable with the rotor shaft, wherein the liquid to be separated can be supplied via the cavity of the hollow shaft. To ease emptying of the drum, the centrifuging drum includes a drum lower part and a drum upper part, which bears loosely against the drum lower part. The upper part is guided in an axially movable manner on the shaft and is movable by means of a disengagement mechanism parallel to the rotor axis into an open position in which, for self-emptying of the interior space, the drum parts are spaced apart from one another while they still rotate with the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A flexible, disposable centrifuge bag for receiving and holding a fluid sample, comprising one or more tubes and upper and lower flexible sheets having doughnut shaped configurations. The upper and lower sheets are superimposed and completely sealed together at their outer perimeters to define an outer perimeter of the centrifuge bag. The inner perimeter of the bag defines a central core. The tubes are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets and extend from the central core of the centrifuge bag. The upper and lower sheets are sealed together at their inner perimeters such that the tubes are sealed between said upper and lower sheets at the inner perimeter. The bag may be used to harvest platelet rich plasma from whole blood in either a batch method or while simultaneously infusing additional aliquots of whole blood into the bag during centrifugation.

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.

Abstract: A system for automatically collecting and separating whole blood into its components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotational mechanism, a housing, a rotating feed pipe and a basket. The housing includes at least one side and defines an interior volume. The basket is positioned in the interior volume of the housing and is operatively coupled to the rotational mechanism such that rotation of the rotational mechanism is imparted to the basket. The rotating feed pipe extends into the basket through a pipe support positioned over the basket. The rotating feed pipe includes a nozzle operable to direct a flow of liquids, solids or combinations thereof onto a sidewall of the basket. The rotating feed pipe is operable to rotate from a first position towards a second position thereby increasing the distance between the nozzle and the sidewall and varying an angular orientation of the nozzle with respect to a normal to the sidewall.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endless screw of a centrifuge for discharging centrifuged material from a centrifuge, comprising a series of thin ceramic plates which are fixed next to one another at the outer edge of the screw, characterized in that at least two formed ceramic projections, particularly ceramic pins, protrude from the thin ceramic plates and are arranged in one or two lateral faces of the edge of the screw, i.e. in recesses which are profiled according to the protrusions or pins.

Abstract: A separator with an at least inwardly singly or doubly conical separator drum (1) which is mounted rotatably at only one of its axial ends and which has a vertical axis of rotation and which, furthermore, has the following: only at its lower end or at its upper end, a rotary spindle for driving the separator drum, which rotary spindle is mounted oscillatingly about an articulation point (G), an inflow pipe (4) for a product to be processed, at least two liquid outlets for a lighter phase (LP) and a heavier phase (HP), the liquid outlet for the lighter phase (LP) being provided with a stripping disk, preferably solid discharge ports in the region of its largest inner circumference, and a separation plate stack arranged in the separator drum, the further liquid outlet (12) being followed outside the drum by a settable throttle device (13) which preferably has an annular disk (19) and is designed for displacing the liquid radius R(HP), up to which the heavy phase extends in the drum, by a variation in the outflo

Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclone separator for blast furnace gas including: a cyclone vessel having a central axis and including a side wall, a top wall and bottom wall; a first inlet duct connected with an end to the side wall of the cyclone vessel at a predetermined position intermediate the top and bottom wall; and a central outlet duct which traverses through the top wall of the cyclone vessel and extends into the cyclone vessel, and a further inlet duct connected with an end to the side wall of the cyclone vessel in circumferentially spaced relationship to the first inlet duct.

Abstract: A system for controlling a centrifuge processing drilling fluid, the system, in certain aspects, including a container of the material, a sensor in the container for producing signals indicative of a fluid density parameter, a centrifuge for removing solids from the material, drive apparatuses for driving a rotatable bowl and a rotatable conveyor of the centrifuge, pump apparatus for pumping material, drive apparatus for the pump apparatus, and a control system for receiving the signals and controlling the centrifuge in response to the density parameter of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A system for controlling viscosity of drilling fluid, the system, in certain aspects, including a container of the material, a viscosity sensor in the container for producing viscosity signals, a centrifuge for removing solids from the material, drive apparatuses for driving a rotatable bowl and a rotatable conveyor of the centrifuge, pump apparatus for pumping material, drive apparatus for the pump apparatus, and a control system for controlling the centrifuge and the pump apparatus in response to viscosity signals so that selected solids from material processed by the centrifuge are removed to control viscosity of drilling fluid material in the container; and in certain aspects, a similar system for controlling density of a drilling fluid material.

Abstract: A cell separation set for separating blood components, having a cell separation chamber with a first entry section having a wall with an outwardly flared curve, the entry section having an axial length and an inmost maximum diameter perpendicular to the axial length, the axial length being greater than the inmost maximum diameter. The cell separation chamber further comprises a separation section having a wall comprising an inward curve. A transition section between the entry section and the separation section has a wall comprising a second inward curve, the second inward curve being different from said first inward curve. The first curve may be tangent to the second curve at a first junction between the first and second curves and the second curve may be tangent to the third curve at a second junction between the second and third curves.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for cleaning fluids such as oils comprising an inlet (12) for fluid to be cleaned, a heating unit (21) for heating the fluid, a centrifugal cleaner (24), a vacuum dehydration unit (26), a holding tank (11) and a fluid outlet (40). A first valve (13) controls communication between a first pump (20) and the inlet (12) or holding tank (11) to pump fluid from the inlet (12) or holding tank (11) to the heating unit (21) for conveyance to the centrifugal cleaner (24), the outlet of which is connected to the vacuum dehydration unit (26) and a second valve (37) controls communication between a second pump (35) and tank (11) and outlet (40) to either enable fluid to be recirculated back to the tank (11) or supplied to the outlet (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separating device and method for clarifying must during wine production, especially with a separator (7). Gas and/or gelatine and/or other additives are added to the must that is clarified in the separating device after the must has passed through the separating device and before it passes through the constant pressure valve (13) of the separating device, as the must is discharged (9), in order to obtain flotation.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator has a centrifugal rotor that is rotatable about a vertical axis and has both a rotor body for separation of two liquids, having different densities, and a pumping member that is designed to pump via the outside of a conical body a mixture of said two liquids into the rotor body from a surface layer of a liquid body situated below the rotor body.

Abstract: A system for automatically processing blood components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: A centrifugal fluid separation system is disclosed for centrifugally separating a composite fluid into components thereof. This centrifugal separation system includes at least a centrifugal rotor which has a composite fluid containment area, a fluid flow channel/tubing and at least one separated component collection area defined therein. A composite fluid to be separated is delivered to the fluid containment area where under centrifugal forces the composite fluid is separated into components and then from which a component travels through an outlet channel to a respective separated component fluids flowing therethrough. A centrally disposed pump is also provided to move the separated component(s) to the collection area(s). Optical sensing of the interface of the separated fluid components may be used with a clamp to stop flow. A disposable bag and tubing system is also disclosed for use with reusable rotor devices.

Abstract: In a separation device for separating particles from a liquid, which is present in a container, a centrifugal rotor is rotatable around a vertical rotational axis. The centrifugal rotor has a tubular inlet member, which extends down into liquid to be treated and which upon rotation of the centrifugal rotor forms a pumping member adapted to pump liquid upwardly and into the centrifugal rotor. The rotatable inlet member is surrounded by a non-rotatable wall, a sealing device being adapted to seal between the rotatable inlet member and the non-rotatable wall. Thereby is avoided that liquid is pumped upwardly on the outside of the inlet member. Furthermore, a smallest possible part of the outside of the inlet member can be in contact with liquid, independent of the level of the liquid surface in the container.

Abstract: A system for automatically collecting and separating whole blood into its components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.

Abstract: To clean a relatively heavy liquid from small amounts of relatively light liquid the liquids are first introduced into a container, in which the light liquid is allowed to collect on the surface of the heavy liquid. A surface layer of the liquid body in the container, constituting a mixture of the two liquids, is caused to flow over an overflow outlet member into a collecting chamber. From the collecting chamber the liquid mixture is pumped further into a centrifugal separator, wherein the relatively light liquid is separated from the relatively heavy liquid. According to the invention the liquid mixture is pumped from the collecting chamber to the centrifugal separator through a pumping member, which is connected with a rotor of the centrifugal separator and, thus, rotates therewith.

Abstract: Primaiy supernatant liquid collector 1 allows blood A to separate into a primary supernatant liquid B and red blood cells by leaving the blood A stationary for a prescribed period of time, and then it discharges the primary supernatant liquid B and physiological saline W in the same amount into a first treatment container 13 and a first balance container 14, respectively. Centrifuge 61 centrifuges the above primary supernatant liquid B using the first balance container 14 as a balance weight, and a secondary supernatant liquid in the first treatment container 13 is transferred to a second treatment container 109 by take-out device 91 and at the same time the physiological saline W in the same amount as the transferred secondary supernatant liquid is transferred from the first balance container 14 to a second balance container 110.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate at a speed sufficient to provide a rotational force of the fluid impinging on the casing of between about 1000 g and about 2000 g to thereby clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air.

Abstract: A belt-driven blood centrifuge with side-mounted drive motor for rotating the centrifuge at a rotation speed selected to separate blood components. The centrifuge includes a drive shaft assembly rotated at an input rotation speed and a rotor assembly rotatably linked to the drive shaft assembly rotated at an output rotation speed twice the input rotational speed. A drive motor is provided with a drive pulley to drive a belt, a chain, and the like to provide the motive force to rotate the drive shaft at the input rotation speed. In one embodiment, a belt is provided to contact both the pulley of the drive motor and an outer surface of a rotatable shell of the drive shaft assembly. A base is included in the centrifuge upon which the drive shaft assembly is mounted. The drive motor is positioned adjacent the drive shaft assembly and mounted on the base.

Abstract: A system for automated operation of a blood separation system controlling the input of blood samples, the separation of blood components, and the discharge of the components. The system includes a blood reservoir and centrifuge for receiving blood samples and separating the blood components. A sensor determines when adequate separation has been achieved and a controller receives signals from the sensor to operate a centrifuge drive assembly to achieve desired separation. Separation may be based on a calibrated rotation time for the centrifuge as measured by a timer. An input pump pumps blood samples to the blood reservoir, and an outlet pump removes separated samples from the blood reservoir. The inlet and outlet pumps are operated by the controller, and the inlet pump may be operated to discharge separated components not collected by the blood separation system, whereby additional sample volume is added for ongoing operation.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a centrifuge which receives a mixture of liquid and solid particles and separates the liquid from the solid particles. A bowl, along with a conveyor extending inside the bowl, are rotated and the speed of, and the torque applied to, the bowl and the conveyor are detected and corresponding output signals are generated. A variable speed drive pump is provided for pumping the flow of the mixture to the centrifuge. A computer responds to the output signals and controls the speed of the bowl and the conveyor as well as the operation of the pump to attain predetermined optimum operating conditions of the centrifuge.

Abstract: An ordinary vacuum blood collection tube assembly is rotated about its longitudinal axis to partition a blood sample into serum and formed elements by centrifugation. While still rotating a higher density, immiscible inert liquid is pumped into the vacuum blood collection tube assembly thereby displacing lower density serum towards the axis of rotation and thence out of the vacuum blood collection tube assembly to a serum receiver vessel. A contaminant detector located on the serum delivery conduit controls a 3 way valve to divert contaminants from the removed serum to a waste vessel so only clean serum is delivered to the serum receiver vessel. The serum delivery conduits, serum cannula, and contaminant detector are washed and dried between successive samples to limit sample carryover effects to acceptably low levels.

Abstract: A fluid recovery assembly continuously separates lubrication liquid from lubrication-impregnated shavings. The fluid recovery assembly includes a shredder which receives and shreds the lubrication-impregnated shavings. A centrifugal drum rotates the lubrication-impregnated shavings at a speed sufficient to pull the lubrication out of the lubrication-impregnated shavings. A single electrical motor supplies the energy to rotate the centrifugal drum, the shredder and any other hydraulically actuated accessory. When the high inertia centrifugal drum is accelerated to operating speed, little power is needed to keep it rotating. The path in which the fluid flows is changed from a free flow path (back to the reservoir) to a path including a hydraulic motor which powers the shredder. Thus, no separate electric motor is needed for the shredder. The shredder power is further enhanced by the flywheel effect of the centrifugal drum.

Abstract: The device comprises a first wide-mesh cloth or screen which bears against the calender of a basket, at least one tight supple tube connected to a source of gas under pressure which is against the first cloth or screen, a second cloth or screen identical to the first covering the tube such that the tube is sandwiched between the cloths or screens, and a fine-mesh filtering cloth covering the second cloth or screen.

Abstract: An umbilicus conveys fluid between a stationary body and a rotating body in a small, compact operating environment. The umbilicus comprises an elongated body including a proximal end, a distal end, and a middle region between the proximal and distal ends. A first support block is attached to the proximal end. A second support block is attached to the distal end. The first support block includes a strain relief sleeve. The umbilicus is otherwise free of any other strain relief sleeve. A thrust bearing member in the middle region spaced apart from the strain relief sleeve and the distal end. The umbilicus is otherwise free of any other thrust bearing member. The thrust bearing member has an inner annular body, an outer annular body about the inner annular body, and an array of ball bearings between the inner and outer annular bodies. The ball bearings support the inner annular body for rotation relative to the outer annular body.

Abstract: A separator including a full-casing centrifuge and detachably mounted settler tank for solids which run off under action of gravity after centrifuge phase. An inlet for mixture to be separated is located in top of settler tank. A pump with suction tube which extends into settler tank is connected by a line to centrifuge inlet port and conveys all liquid arising, from which at least great particles have already settled out into centrifuge.