Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating components of a fluid having an outer housing containing a core wherein three separate fluid pathways are provided to allow continuous separation of biological fluids.

Abstract: An annular centrifugal extractor with an immersed agitation rotor. The liquid-liquid centrifugal extractor including an emulsion chamber and a settling chamber, aligned because of the addition of a section of axis to the rotor, which allows flow and operation to be regularized, especially by allowing the dimensions of the chambers to be selected more freely.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl has a bottom accelerator for accelerating the materials from a feed duct extending into the bowl. The accelerator is a molded body having a top plate with a central hole arranged to receive the materials from the bottom feed mouth of the duct and a plurality of vanes underneath the top plate, each vane extending generally outwardly from an inner nose underneath an outer edge of the hole to an outer end at an outer edge of the top plate. The vanes each have a bottom surface lying in an imaginary bottom surface of the molded body which is conical and contains fasteners arranged to be fastened to the conical bottom wall of the bowl. A deflector plate lies underneath the hole with a bottom surface spaced from the imaginary bottom surface and intersecting the height of the vanes.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator 110 (FIG. 1) for removing contaminants from a pumped liquid such as engine lubricant, having a separation rotor 130 rotatable about axis 124 at high speed by a jet 178 of the liquid impinging upon impulse turbine blades 174. The rotor includes a separation and containment vessel 132 having impervious side wall 134 spaced from the rotation axis and at least one end wall 138 open at 142 permit liquid to leave the vessel as fast as it can enter, so that a zone 140 is defined adjacent side wall 134 that holds a volume of liquid much less than the whole volume encompassed by the vessel walls and filled in conventional high speed separators. Lower inertia and reduced pressure gradients in the liquid permit it to be spaced further from the axis than is conventional, with improved separation efficiency.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods introduce blood into an annular separation channel between a low-G wall and a high-G wall while rotating the separation channel about an axis, for separation of the blood into blood components. The annular separation channel has an annular boundary wall. The systems and methods direct a first blood component into a constricted channel along the low-G wall. The systems and methods remove the first blood component through a first path that communicates with the separation channel through an opening that adjoins the constricted channel adjacent the low-G wall. The systems and methods direct a second blood component along a surface that extends generally in an axial direction along the high-G wall toward the annular boundary wall. The systems and methods collect the second blood component through a second path that communicates with the separation channel through an opening that adjoins the surface adjacent the high-G wall axially spaced from the annular boundary wall.

Abstract: A centrifugal fluid separation system separates a composite fluid into components. The system includes a rotor that has a composite fluid containment area, an inlet channel, a peripheral separation channel, outlet channels and separated component collection areas, which together form a processing area. The separation channel may be semi-spiraled. The inlet channel may connect to the center of the separation channel and an outlet channel may connect to each end of the separation channel. The outlet channels have different heights. The ends of the separation channels may have different heights. The separation channels may have extensions. The rotor may have multiple processing areas. The collection areas may be pockets slanted radially outwardly and downwardly. A motor may produce a rotating magnetic field, which co-acts with a magnetically reactive material in the rotor. A disposable bag and tubing system may be used in a processing area of the rotor.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl has a bottom accelerator for accelerating the materials from a feed duct extending into the bowl. The accelerator is a molded body having a top plate with a central hole arranged to receive the materials from the bottom feed mouth of the duct and a plurality of vanes underneath the top plate, each vane extending generally outwardly from an inner nose underneath an outer edge of the hole to an outer end at an outer edge of the top plate. The vanes each have a bottom surface lying in an imaginary bottom surface of the molded body which is conical and contains fasteners arranged to be fastened to the conical bottom wall of the bowl. A deflector plate lies underneath the hole with a bottom surface spaced from the imaginary bottom surface and intersecting the height of the vanes.

Abstract: A centrifugal separation device separates a composite fluid, such as blood, into the components thereof. The fluid is delivered to a fluid receiving area in a rotor from which area the fluid travels through a radial inlet channel having an inlet channel height to a proximal end of a circumferential fluid separation channel. Near a distal end of the separation channel, fluid components travel into distinct first and second outlet channels. The height of the first channel is greater than the height of the more distal second channel. The inlet channel height is greater than the height of the first channel. The rotor may be balanced by axially symmetrical sets of inlet channels, separation channels and outlet channels or by a balance channel connected to the separation channel but displaced from the outlet channels.

Abstract: A centrifugal extractor has a rotor supported rotatably in a housing 10, and an aqueous phase liquid and an organic phase liquid are supplied to the outer circumference of the rotor and mixed between the housing and the rotor. A mixed phrase liquid is sucked into the rotor and is separated into two phases in a centrifugal force field generated in the inside of the rotor, and the separated aqueous phase liquid and organic phase liquid are discharged to an aqueous phase collector 50 and an organic phase collector 44, respectively. A cavity portion is provided in the center of the rotor, and a neutron absorption body 60 is disposed in the cavity portion. Preferably, the rotor has a lower rotating and supporting mechanism (such as a sliding bearing 66), and a neutron absorption material is sealed into the lower rotating and supporting mechanism. By such a centrifugal extractor, criticality safety and durability can be enhanced, even when the extractor is designed to be larger-size and larger-capacity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a centrifugation bowl with a rotating core. The centrifugation bowl includes a rotating bowl body which defines a primary separation chamber. The core, which is generally cylindrically shaped and is disposed within the bowl body, defines a secondary separation chamber. A stationary header assembly may be mounted on top of the bowl body through a rotating seal. The stationary header assembly includes an inlet port for receiving whole blood and an outlet port from which one or more blood components are withdrawn. The inlet port is in fluid communication with a feed tube that extends into the primary separation chamber. The outlet port is in fluid communication with an effluent tube that extends into the bowl body. The effluent tube includes an entryway at a first radial position relative to a central, rotating axis of the bowl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for improving the yield for separating components of fluids, for example biological or sensitive fluids such as blood, and improving the component yield, for example, from donated whole blood by separating its components by density in a centrifuge bowl with a multi-axial lumen. The apparatus, system, and method eliminate the need to batch-type separate blood and can reduce the time needed to treat patients suffering from T-cell or white blood cell mediated diseases or conditions to less than 70 minutes. In one aspect, the invention is a centrifuge bowl (10) comprising an outer housing (100); a core (200); a lower plate (300); a lumen (400); a first bowl channel (420) within said lumen (400) for inflowing said fluid (800); a second bowl channel (410) for removing a first separated fluid component (810); and a third bowl channel (740) for removing a second separated fluid component (820).

Abstract: There is provided a centrifugal separator for solid-liquid separations. The centrifugal separator comprises (a) an accelerator rotatable at an angular velocity, &ohgr; about an axis, and having an inside surface with a point on the axis, and (b) a nozzle for introducing a feed stream at a volumetric flow rate (Q) into the accelerator via an orifice. The orifice is substantially centered about the point, and the orifice has an inner diameter (d) within the range of approximately 0<d≦4&dgr;, where &dgr;=1.414 [(4Q/&pgr;2&ohgr;)1/3].

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a stand pipe that is constructed and arranged to deliver fluid. A vane assembly is adapted to receive fluid from the stand pipe. The vane assembly includes a liner and a plurality of vanes. The liner defines an inner cavity and the vanes extends within this inner cavity. Each of the vanes has a radially outer edge portion and integrally formed with the liner and an opposite free edge. The vanes are oriented in a parallel relationship with the stand pipe, and the free edges of the vanes define a stand pipe passage in which the stand pipe is received.

Abstract: The invention is an entrainment device for a centrifugal separator. The entrainment device is comprised of two axial delimiting surfaces. One axial delimiting surface turns axially towards and the other turns axially away form an inlet chamber outlet of the separator. The entrainment device permits extended periods of operation without clogging of inlet chamber.

Abstract: A novel centrifuge bowl for processing particles suspended in a fluid is disclosed. The centrifuge bowl includes an annular cavity concentrically located about the rotation axis for suitably separating particles of similar densities but of different diameters. The cavity is preferably configured to have an annular cross sectional area, which is parallel to the rotation axis, that increases from a centrifugal side of the cavity toward a centripetal side of the cavity. This configuration allows to generate an almost rigidly rotating field upon rotation of the centrifuge bowl, which field helps to uniformly disperse Coriolis force throughout the circumference of the cavity to avoid turbulent mixing of the particles. In an alternative embodiment, the cavity is surrounded by an outer cavity for separating particles according to density before processing them through the inner cavity.

Abstract: Liquid—liquid extraction apparatus includes a separator tank rotatable about an axis extending through the tank, a tank inlet for a mixture of two liquids of different densities and which are substantially insoluble in each other, a tank outlet on the axis of rotation for the light liquid, and a tank outlet spaced from the axis of rotation for the heavy liquid. In terms of method, a mixture of the two liquids is rotated about an axis extending through the mixture to cause the light liquid to concentrate at the axis of rotation, and to cause the heavy liquid to concentrate at the periphery of the rotating liquid. The light liquid is removed from the body of liquid along a flow path co-linear with the axis, and the heavy liquid is removed from the periphery of the rotating body of liquid.

Abstract: There is provided a centrifugal separator for solid-liquid separations. The centrifugal separator comprises (a) an accelerator rotatable at an angular velocity,&ohgr; about an axis, and having an inside surface with a point on the axis, and (b) a nozzle for introducing a feed stream at a volumetric flow rate (Q) into the accelerator via an orifice.

Abstract: A centrifugal mud separator includes a base frame, a lower cap, a movable disk, a vane ring, an upper cap, a converging impeller, a soil retention speed reducer and a soil scraping means. Through high speed rotation, a centrifugal force and a stepless rotation speed difference will be generated in the mud that has been fed into the separator to result in the carried object (soil carried by water) suspended outwardly from low speed to high speed thereby to separate soil from water rapidly. By setting different speed variation to control speed difference between the soil and the vanes, the soil will hit the vanes at different times and result in different remaining water content in the soil according to desired specifications until reaching synchronous speed with the vanes. The soil will be spun and collected by the soil retention speed reducer. Water separated from the mud will be sucked into the impeller and discharged out through a water discharge pipe.

Abstract: A self-driven centrifuge for separating particulate matter out of a circulating liquid includes a base having a pair of tangential jet nozzles for generating the self-driven force. Connected to the base is a centrifuge shell which defines a hollow interior space. A disposable liner is positioned within the centrifuge shell. A hollow rotor hub is assembled to the base and extends through the hollow interior space. A support plate is positioned within the hollow interior space and, in cooperation with the rotor hub, defines an annular flow exit. Positioned within the hollow interior space is a unitary separation vane module which is constructed and arranged so as to extend around the rotor hub. The separation vane module includes a plurality of axially-extending and spaced-apart separation vanes. In one embodiment the vane module and a liner shell are formed as a unitary component.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a centrifugation bowl with a rotating core. The centrifugation bowl includes a rotating bowl body which defines a primary separation chamber. The core, which is generally cylindrically shaped and is disposed within the bowl body, defines a secondary separation chamber. A stationary header assembly may be mounted on top of the bowl body through a rotating seal. The stationary header assembly includes an inlet port for receiving whole blood and an outlet port from which one or more blood components are withdrawn. The inlet port is in fluid communication with a feed tube that extends into the primary separation chamber. The outlet port is in fluid communication with an effluent tube that extends into the bowl body. The effluent tube includes an entryway at a first radial position relative to a central, rotating axis of the bowl.

Abstract: A machine for separation two liquids of different densities from a mixture has a separation chamber with radially disposed fins that rotates about a central axis. The separation chamber has an outside wall with a first weir extending toward the central axis and spaced from the central axis a distance or radius that is less than the distance of the boundary between the two fluids in the separation chamber. The mixture separates into a first volume of the first fluid and a second volume of the second fluid. The first fluid exits past the first weir. The second fluid passes into a channel or volume and then past a second weir. The channel or volume is sized so that the angular momentum of the second fluid is conserved and develops a force to retain the first fluid and the second fluid in the separation chamber. The separation chamber is in a housing which contains a first collecting chamber to collect the first fluid and a second collecting chamber to collect the second fluid.

Abstract: A self-powered centrifugal separator for removing particulate contaminants from engine lubricant includes a rotor canister which is spun at high speed about a vertical axle by ejection of the lubricant supplied to the canister at elevated pressure by way of apertures in a bearing tube near the upper end of the canister. The canister is separated into upper separation chamber and lower outflow chamber by an annular partition wall which defines a transfer aperture between the chambers by its radially inner edge. The edge of the partition wall also supports concentrically within the separation chamber a separation funnel arrangement having an inclined surface supporting alternate separation ribs and scavenging apertures. Liquid entering the separation chamber is directed radially outwardly and under pressure gradient moves inwardly along the inclined surface. The ribs stand up sharply and create eddies which effect separation of particulate contaminants and their deposition at the surface.

Abstract: A centrifugal separtor for non-cohesive particulates, such as are found in transmission oils and hydraulic liquids, rather than the cohesive combustion products found within internal combustion engine lubricants, consists of a housing enclosing a vertical spindle on which spins a liquid reaction driven rotor container. The container is divided internally by inwardly extending partition wall into separate outflow chambers. Non-cohesive particulates which separate from the liquid, and are held against the peripheral side wall by centrigual force during rotation, slump therefrom in the absence of rotation and risk forming a slurry that gets carried to the outflow chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a centrifuge essentially comprised of a rotor and a transparent cover which can be fixed to the rotor. The cover is provided with a plurality of spaced concentration lines each extending around the cover and a plurality of different graduated scales extending radially from the center of the cover across the concentration lines at spaced angular intervals. The rotor and the cover also have opposing snap lock elements at a central portion of the rotor and the cover.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator system for substantially separating a combination of material into a substantially pure solid portion and a substantially pure liquid portion. In one form of the centrifugal separator a plow blade assembly is rotatable relative to a bowl during a cleaning mode to dislodge adhered material from the inner surface of the bowl. The plow blade assembly being driven by a plow blade assembly motor that is pivoted into engagement with the plow blade assembly. One form of the centrifugal separator has an integral top discharge feed impeller/directing member. The delivery of material into the centrifugal separator is through a self-centering feed tube positioned above the bowl. The plow blade assembly having a plurality of plow blades oriented tangential to the outer diameter of the plow blade drive shaft.

Abstract: This invention proposes an improved portable and disposable centrifugal apparatus having a centrifugal processing chamber (13) of variable dimensions that can process a variable quantity of biological fluid, even down to very small quantities, by displacement of an axially movable member such as a piston (5). The invention also concerns the overall centrifugal apparatus and instrumentation cooperating with the processing chamber (13), a disposable set comprising the processing chamber (13) and a set of collection bags, as well as methods of processing biological fluids in this apparatus, in particular the collection and separation of whole blood.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating two components of a dry mixture has an annular surface inclined upwardly outwards and having a vertical axis of symmetry and a drive mechanism for rotating the surface around the vertical axis of symmetry. A centrally located feed mechanism feeds the mixture onto the surface. At least a first part of the surface is configured such that particles of one component are retained on the surface while particles of the other component progress upwards across the surface and over the upper edge. The separation process may be based on ridges or barriers which prevent upward movement of small particles, or on frictional differentials between types or shapes of particles. Multiple concentric surfaces may be used to separate mixtures in multiple components.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating solid from liquid comprises a stand, a lower cover, a leaf-blade base, an upper cover, a fender wall, and a scrape assembly. The centrifugal force produced by high-speed rotation of the upper and the lower cover enables a plurality of steel beads to create a squeezing force that is used to balance the pressure exerted on the upper cover by the thrown residue B. By foregoing organization, control of the squeezed pressure as well as thrown quantity of the residue which escapes from the gap C between the upper and the lower cover is possible. Moreover, the separated water will be drained via a drainpipe in order to separate the slurry completely for time and labor cost saving.

Abstract: The apparatus for the continuous separation of liquid and relatively fine particles from a liquid slurry includes one or more centrifuge vessels disposed about a longitudinal axis of rotation, and a driver for rotating the centrifuge vessel or vessels. A feed inlet introduces the liquid slurry into each centrifuge vessel, each of which extends at an oblique angle to the axis. A first outlet is provided adjacent to the inner end for the lighter liquid component, and a second outlet is provided adjacent to the outer end for the heavier solid particle component. The inlet of the each centrifuge vessel is preferably located between the first end and the second end, and the second outlet preferably comprises a plurality of solids removal capillary passages connected to a continuous solids removal tube, which can be connected to a source of vacuum to form a vacuum chamber for withdrawing the solids. A supernatant liquid collection chamber is also connected to the first outlet for receiving the supernatant liquid.

Abstract: A variable volume cell saver bowl to centrifuge blood for collection of red blood cells therefrom. The variable volume cell saver bowl is designed to vary the interior processing volume within the bowl to accommodate blood collections of various volumes in order to use the entire recovered volume of blood. The bowl includes generally an outer shell and an inner shell. The inner shell is disposed concentrically within the outer shell and defines a frusto-conical configuration similar to that of the outer shell first side wall. A piston head is secured to the inner shell lower end wall via at least one spacer. Rotation is imparted on the piston shaft or outer shell in order to rotate the bowl to create centrifugal force within the bowl. A linear displacement device is journalled to the distal end of the piston shaft in order to move the inner shell toward either the top or bottom end wall of the outer shell, thus reducing or increasing the interior processing volume within the bowl.

Abstract: An improved autologous blood salvage system is provided in which blood is removed from a patient and may be processed in a manner wherein an anticoagulant solution is for cycled for reuse. Further, the system may be employed for contemporaneous blood filtering and red blood separation. In one embodiment, anticoagulated blood is contemporaneously filtered and defoamed within a rotating processing bowl, while red blood cells are separated, washed and collected within the bowl and an anticoagulant solution is cycled from the bowl for re-use. During a red blood cell removal mode, the flow of anticoagulated blood into the bowl may be suspended/terminated and the bowl pressurized to remove the red blood cells. The improved system provides for the recovery of a high quality red blood cell product, with reduced processing time requirements/user training, and reduced disposable componentry and related costs.

Abstract: An improved centrifuge bowl and related system is disclosed which is particularly apt for enhanced autologous blood salvage applications. The centrifuge bowl assembly includes a rotatable outer bowl, an internal spacer interconnected therewithin, and a stator assembly for introducing/removing fluid during rotation of the outer bowl and internal spacer. The outer bowl and internal spacer are configured to define a lateral passageway at the bottom of the assembly which terminates in an upward-facing port for fluid passage therethrough into an annular, cylindrical collection region. The annular port may be defined by a peripheral fin on the spacer and may be of a width that is less than the width of the cylindrical, annular collection region, wherein separated blood components (e.g. red blood cells) will accumulate across the width of the port during blood fill/wash cycles. As a result, enhanced washing is realized while maintaining throughput rates.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl suitable for separating blood components, in particular concentrated red blood cells. A centrifuge bowl 10 comprises a core 14 having an annular portion 50A and a cylindrical outer wall 50. Annular portion 50A has a thick wall for minimizing the holdup volume of blood components within a collection chamber CC and the radially inner wall of the annular portion is disposed radially closely adjacent to the opening defined by skirts 24a, 25a. The outer wall 50 defines a separation chamber SC with bowl body 12 and its upper tapered portion defines a separation region S. Three slit-like openings 52 are formed at the junction between outer wall 50 and annular portion 50A, thereby prevent back flow while permitting flow of blood components from separation chamber SC to collection chamber CC.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating the solids component of a feed liquid comprises a bowl that is rotatable about a vertically disposed axis. The bowl has an interior wall, an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a generally cylindrical portion. A feed cone assembly is located at the bottom of the closed conical lower end. The feed cone assembly includes a conical outer wall and an integrally-formed, truncated cusp-shaped hub which extends upwardly towards the interior of the bowl. An annular chamber is located between the conical outer wall and the hub. A feed pipe extends from the upper end of the bowl to the lower end and includes a feed outlet which is sized and shaped to fit within the annular channel. Liquid feed is introduced into the annular channel through the feed pipe while the bowl rotates. Centrifugal force moves liquid in the annular channel outwardly along the smooth contours of the channel and onto the conical wall of the feed cone.

Abstract: A variable volume cell saver bowl for to centrifuge blood for collection of red blood cells therefrom. The variable volume cell saver bowl is designed to vary the volume within the bowl to accommodate blood collections of various volumes in order to use the entire recovered volume of blood. The bowl includes generally an outer shell and an inner shell. The outer shell defines integrally formed first and second side walls, the first side wall having a frusto-conical configuration and the second side wall having a cylindrical configuration extending coaxially away from the larger diameter end of the first side wall. The inner shell is disposed concentrically within the outer shell and defines a frusto-conical configuration similar to that of the outer shell first side wall. A centrally disposed hollow core is carried within the inner shell such that the inner shell defines a substantially toroidal configuration having a trapezoidal cross-section.

Abstract: A centrifuge of the type having a rotary basket with a bottom wall, side wall and a top wall with a central opening therein includes a liquid feed pipe extending into the basket through the top opening to a point spaced above the basket bottom wall at the rotary axis thereof for conducting a feed liquid into the basket. A feed accelerator projects from the basket bottom wall opposite the feed pipe. The accelerator rotates with the basket so that, the accelerator will impart radial and angular acceleration to the liquid issuing from the feed pipe so that that liquid is redirected and accelerated toward the basket side wall. The centrifuge also incorporates a liquid drain in the basket bottom wall adjacent to the rotary axis of the basket for draining liquid from the basket when the rotation of the basket is stopped.

Abstract: A centrifugal filter device includes a housing having an essentially cylindrical housing wall about an axis of the housing and an annular trough located radially inwardly of the housing wall, a cap fitted to the housing and having a lid spaced from an upper edge of the housing wall, the cap further comprising an annular side wall spaced radially outwardly from the housing wall and defining an annular catchment chamber having an annular tapered deflection surface therein, a first exit port in the side wall of the cap, a second exit port at the trough of the housing, an inner chamber situated within the housing and adapted to rotate about the axis, the inner chamber having an essentially cylindrical wall inwardly spaced from the cylindrical wall of the housing so as to define an annular space therebetween, an internal drain communicating an interior of the chamber with the trough of the housing, and an annular closure element having an opening communicating the interior of the chamber with the annular catchment

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating liquids and solids from various materials, including a rotatably driven receiving drum with a raisable and lowerable lift bottom arranged in a liquid-tight basin, and raisable and lowerable material guide surfaces arranged to be raised or lowered independently of the lift bottom.

Abstract: A scale modelling centrifuge has a relatively massive rotary circular base wall, which may form part of a drum, possibly with a detachable peripheral wall either carrying an annular sample-receiving trough or constituted by such trough, or which may have mounted therearound a plurality of sample-receiving containers.

Abstract: A cone frustum is provided for a centrifugal separator to shield the area of the separator's screen at the top of the flight assembly from the initial impact of the material which is introduced into the separator. The cone frustum is spaced above the flight assembly and below the inlet to shield the portion of the screen that is at the top of the flight assembly. The cone frustum is spaced radially inwardly from the screen and outwardly from the outlet. The cone frustum shields the part of the screen which wears most quickly to extend the life of the separator's screen assembly. The cone frustum is partially perforated to allow for initial dewatering of the material introduced into the separator. The slope of the cone frustum is equal to or less than the slope of the screen of the separator.

Abstract: A feed accelerator system for use in a centrifuge, the system comprising a conveyor hub rotatably mounted substantially concentrically within a rotating bowl, and an accelerator including a cone-shaped inside surface disposed between an accelerator base and an accelerator small diameter section. The accelerator is secured proximately to its base within the conveyor hub so that the accelerator rotates with the conveyor hub. A distributor including a distributor surface having no sharp bends or junctions is secured to the small diameter section. A plurality of accelerator vanes are disposed on the cone-shaped inside surface and extend proximately from the small diameter section and terminate at a location on the cone-shaped inside surface proximate to the accelerator base so that an unvaned portion of the cone-shaped inside surface forms a smoothener section.

Abstract: An orbital separator for separating denser and lighter components of a mixture employing a separation container having an inlet end and an outlet end. An inlet tube is secured to the separation container inlet end and communicates between the exterior and interior of the separation container. In like manner, an outlet tube is secured to the separation container outlet end and communicates between the exterior and interior of the separation container. The inlet and outlet tubes are coaxial and each are rotationally supported to thereby rotationally support the separation container. Formed in the outlet end of the separation container and surrounding the outlet tube is an annular denser component discharge opening. Positioned externally of the separation container outlet end is a closure member that can be moved towards and away from the discharge opening to thereby vary the area of the discharge opening, so that thereby the performance characteristics of the separator can be varied.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator has a separation chamber housing split into mating, unhinged clamshell sections. One clamshell section includes a pipe extending through the other clamshell section. The separation chamber rotates about the axis of the pipe. A spring secured to the frame of the separator surrounds the pipe, bearing against the second aforementioned clamshell section. This spring yieldingly opposes separation. The pipe and axis of rotation are oriented vertically. The pipe is divided into an upper inlet section and a lower outlet section by a flange or baffle. In alternative embodiments, the inlet pipe is fixed to different components, namely, one clamshell section, the other clamshell section, or to the frame of the machine. A slurry is introduced into the pipe inlet section, falls due to gravity, strikes the baffle, and exits the pipe through holes formed in the wall. The baffle redirects incoming slurry radially, so that when the separator is operated, centrifugal forces immediately act thereon.

Abstract: An improved centrifuge rotor formed of a bowl body and core for blood processing applications, such as cell washing or pheresis, is described. A tubular core adapted to rotate with the rotor defines a processing region between the core and the interior of the bowl body. A plurality of projections extend into the processing region to minimize formation of fluid Coriolis waves which would otherwise cause undesirable turbulence.

Abstract: A feed accelerator system for use in a centrifuge, the system comprising a conveyor hub rotatably mounted substantially concentrically within a rotating bowl, and an accelerator including a cone-shaped inside surface disposed between an accelerator base and an accelerator small diameter section. The accelerator is secured proximately to its base within the conveyor hub so that the accelerator rotates with the conveyor hub. A distributor including a distributor surface having no sharp bends or junctions is secured to the small diameter section. A plurality of accelerator vanes are disposed on the cone-shaped inside surface and extend proximately from the small diameter section and terminate at a location on the cone-shaped inside surface proximate to the accelerator base so that an unvaned portion of the cone-shaped inside surface forms a smoothener section.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator of the type comprising a bowl having a base and a peripheral wall surrounding a vertical axis about which the bowl rotates and a jacket having a base plate under the base of the bowl and a sleeve surrounding the peripheral wall includes a central bottom discharge for the concentrate. The bowl is mounted on the shaft with a hub connecting the shaft to the base plate of the jacket. Water is supplied through the shaft and into the area of the base of the bowl. Tubular discharge ducts extend from holes in the base plate across the space under the bowl to the base plate of the jacket. These remain open during processing of feed materials supplied to the bowl through a vertical tube feeding onto a base plate carried by the bowl above the tubular ducts, and allow the concentrate washed down from the wall of the bowl to discharge when the feed and the centrifugal action of the bowl are halted.

Abstract: An orbital separator for separating lighter and heavier components of a mixture including a rotatable cylindrical separation container with an opening in the bottom, an upper inlet tube coaxial with the separation container for discharging a mixture into the separation container, a tubular outlet member communicating with the opening in the separation container bottom and extending coaxially upwardly in the separation container defining a moat area within the separation container lower portion, and a removable liner within the separation container moat area for collecting the heavier components of a mixture, the lighter components flowing out through the tubular outlet member.

Abstract: A vertically oriented centrifuge swivably engaged to a support structure so as to enable the centrifuge to attain an optimal operational attitude. The centrifuge includes a bowl, a screw conveyor disposed within the bowl, a hub disposed within the upper portion of the screw conveyor wherein the screw conveyor and hub define a separation chamber, and a plurality of separating discs disposed in the separation chamber and arranged in superimposed layers upon the hub.

Abstract: The equipment of the present invention serves to eliminate light particles, inks and air from a fibrous suspension, and consists of a vertical separating cup which spins at high speed. Feeding of the fibrous suspension and light contaminants takes place through the upper vertical portion, or through the lower vertical portion; the equipment comprises a stabilizer which serves to control the inner turbulence of the suspension, in order for light contaminants to be concentrated at the center.

Abstract: A centrifugal separtor for non-cohesive particulates, such as are found in transmission oils and hydraulic liquids, rather than the cohesive combustion products found within internal combustion engine lubricants, consists of a housing enclosing a vertical spindle on which spins a liquid reaction driven rotor container. The container is divided internally by inwardly extending partition wall into separate outflow chambers. Non-cohesive particulates which separate from the liquid, and are held against the peripheral side wall by centrigual force during rotation, slump therefrom in the absence of rotation and risk forming a slurry that gets carried to the outflow chamber.