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: The invention relates to a centrifuge apparatus with a built-in sample tube reader and methods for rapidly obtaining measurements of creamatocrit, fat content and/or energy (caloric) content from low-volume fresh and frozen milk specimens.

Abstract: A centrifugal machine comprises a box member; a drive device mounted within the box member and having a rotation shaft; a rotor connected to the rotation shaft of the drive device for holding a specimen to be centrifuged; and, a damper for mounting the drive device into the box member, wherein the centrifugal machine further includes a vibration preventive mechanism part, the vibration preventive mechanism part containing a support member to be supported by the box member and a damping portion disposed in the support member so as to be connectable or contactable to the drive device, and also wherein, on receiving a vibration change from the drive device, the vibration preventive mechanism part can dampen the vibration change using the damping portion.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bio cell cleaning centrifuge including: a motor; a rotor rotated by the motor; holders that are equipped on the rotor and that hold test tubes to be pivotable toward a rotational radial direction of the rotor; a cleaning liquid distributor mounted on the rotor to supply a cleaning liquid to the test tubes; a locking mechanism that locks the holders so that the test tubes are in a vertical state with respect to the rotational radial direction; and a controller that controls the motor and the locking mechanism, wherein the holders are configured to hold the test tubes so that central axes thereof are inclined from a rotational axis direction toward a rotational tangent direction of the rotor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a centrifuge energy management system prevents the energy level of a rotor from exceeding a predetermined containment limit for the centrifuge by monitoring the energy level and either terminating a run operation of the centrifuge if it surpasses the containment limit or reducing the rotational speed of the rotor.

Abstract: A centrifuge has a rotor for receiving a sample to be centrifuged. The rotor is detachably mounted on a rotary shaft that is connected to a drive. A transponder is associated with the rotor, and an antenna connected to a writing/reading unit is associated with the transponder on a static element.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a rotator part that separates a liquid sample and has a rotor and a drive part. The rotor receives a liquid sample therein and rotates to separate the liquid sample. The drive part drives the rotor to rotate. A controller part controls operations of the rotator part which is mounted in a rotator casing. A controller casing which is separate from the rotator casing mounts the controller part, and the controller part is connected via a drive wire to the drive part in the rotator part. The rotor casing is disposed at a clean room, the controller casing is disposed outside the clean room, and the drive wire passes through a wall of the clean room via an air-tight sealing mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifuge including a rotationally mounted drum and a worm mounted therein in a concentric manner to rotate at a different speed therefrom. The drum and the worm are driven by a stationary motor unit. A hydraulic motor, provided with a housing and a rotor and fed by means of a hydraulic pump, is mounted therebetween. Such a centrifuge has the hydraulic feed pump assigned to the hydraulic motor to rotate along with the hydraulic motor while the rotor thereof is supported outside the rotating centrifuge parts to not rotate together with the rotating centrifuge parts. Additionally, the quantity of liquid delivered to the hydraulic motor by the feed pump is modified via displacement members actuated in a hydraulic fashion and disposed on the drive unit to rotate therewith.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes: a rotation room chamber for defining a rotation room; a lid for closing the rotation room; a locking mechanism configured by a hook for locking the lid in a closed state; a hook catch; a driving mechanism having a link mechanism which converts the rotary movement of the driving shaft portion into a reciprocal movement; and a detection portion for detecting the engagement of the hook with the hook catch in the closed state of the lid. The detection portion includes a disc member fixed to the driving shaft portion and has a concavo-convex outer peripheral surface and sensors for detecting the concave and convex portions. The driving mechanism moves in an interlocked manner with the rotation of the disc member. The positions of the concave and convex portions of the disc member correspond to the position where the hook engages.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components. In one aspect, the invention relates to optical methods, devices and device components for measuring two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both from a separation chamber of a density centrifuge. In embodiment, two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both measured by the methods of the present invention comprise images of a separation chamber or component thereof, such as an optical cell of a separation chamber. In another aspect, the present invention relates to multifunctional monitoring and control systems for blood processing, particularly blood processing via density centrifugation.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes: a plurality of centrifuge discs each disc having an attachment for attaching a container containing a liquid to be centrifuged; a disc driver positioned to engage and rotate the discs; a disc engager/disengager for individually moving each of said discs into and out of contact with the disc driver; and a controller for controlling which discs are engaged or disengaged from the disc driver and the amount of time each disc is centrifuged. In a preferred embodiment, the container is a card for blood typing.

Abstract: A centrifugal fraction collection system including a rotating carrier for holding at least one sample collection container and inducing a centrifugal force, a guide disposed on the rotating carrier, and a flexible eluant tube disposed over the rotating carrier and through the guide for receiving a flow of eluant having volatile and non-volatile components and directing the flow of eluant into at least one sample collection container wherein the centrifugal force separates the non-volatile and volatile components based on their respective densities and collects the non-volatile components in at least one sample collection container.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a rotator part, a controller part, and a first control panel. The rotator part has a rotor for separating components in a liquid sample, and a drive shaft for driving the rotor to rotate. The controller part controls operations of the rotator part. The first control panel is provided with a first operating part for setting operating conditions of the rotator part including the desired rotating speed of the rotor and the desired operation period of time of the rotor, and a first display unit for displaying the operating conditions and status of the rotator part. A second control panel having the same functions as the first control panel is provided in a location separate from the controller part. Hence, a user can check the operating status of the centrifugal separator and set and modify operating conditions for the centrifugal separator not only by using the first control panel but also by using the second control panel.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator is configured such that a switching unit adapted to be brought into electrical conduction or electrical nonconduction is electrically connected in a drive power supply line between a motor drive circuit of a control unit and a motor winding wire, and that the switching unit is controlled to be brought into nonconduction when a door is opened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal separator including a rotor (51) which is to be rotated to apply a centrifugal force to a container (9) and which includes a detection target portion (57) utilized for detecting a particular portion of the rotor (51), and also relates to an analytical apparatus provided with the centrifugal separator. The detection target portion (57) is so designed as to cause outputting of at least three kinds of signals which are distinguishable from each other. For instance, the detection target portion (57) includes a first detection target region (57A) having a higher reflectivity than a surface of the rotor (51), and a second detection target region (57b) which reflects light in a manner different from the surface of the rotor and the first detection target region (57A). For instance, the second detection target region (57b) includes a plurality of linear portions (57Ba) regularly spaced from each other.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating blood having a camera observing fluid flow, and a controller controlling the flow. The location of an interface is detected by image processing steps, which may comprise the steps of “spoiling” the image, “diffusing” the image, “edge detection”, “edge linking”, “region-based confirmation”, and “interface calculation”. “Spoiling” reduces the number of pixels to be examined preferentially on orthogonal axis oriented with respect to the expected location of the interface or phase boundary. “Diffusing” smoothes out small oscillations in the interface boundary, making the location of the interface more distinct. “Edge detection” computes the rate of change in pixel intensity, or. “Edge linking” connects adjacent maxima. “Region-based confirmation” creates a pseudo image of the regions that qualify as distinct. “Final edge calculation” uses the points where the shade changes in the pseudo image, averages the radial displacement of these points for the interface position.

Abstract: A method for separating a multi-phase mixture (50) into a liquid phase (54) and a dry phase (52) with a specified dry matter concentration. A decanting centrifuge (100) with an annular immersion disk (14) and a weir arranged at an end face of a centrifuge drum (20) are used. After start-up of the centrifuge drum (20), the multi-phase mixture (50) is introduced into the centrifuge drum (20). The dry phase (52) and the liquid phase (54) are drawn off. The liquid level in the centrifuge drum (20), is controlled by the weir and compared to a tolerance range until the specified dry matter concentration is reached. The weir is positioned so reaction to concentration changes in the multi-phase mixture (50) is possible in both directions. The speed of the centrifuge drum (20) is lowered incrementally and the weir position adjusted, so the dry phase concentration remains constant.

Abstract: A control system for a centrifuge that allows the centrifuge to continue to run when there is a short duration failure or outage of the AC power source. The control system allows the centrifuge to be brought to a stop in a normal shutdown mode where there are longer duration failures or outages of the AC power source. This allows power to be maintained to the pump that lubricates the centrifuge bearings so that the bearings are lubricated during the coast down of the centrifuge and the differential speed of the centrifuge to be controlled during coast down allowing the centrifuge bowl to be cleared of solids so that the centrifuge can be immediately started up at lower vibration levels once power is restored.

Abstract: Kinetic energy of a rotor is substantially prevented from exceeding a predetermined amount of kinetic energy by determining a first kinetic energy of the rotor spinning at a first rotational velocity and determining whether the first kinetic energy exceeds the predetermined amount of kinetic energy. In addition, torque being applied to the rotor is modulated in response to the first kinetic energy exceeding the predetermined amount of kinetic energy. In this manner, the rotor is spun at a relatively slower rotational velocity than the first rotational velocity.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

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 laboratory with a rotor driven by a centrifuge electric motor and a cooling unit driven by an electrical cooling motor, wherein the centrifuge motor is formed as a frequency-controlled induction motor fed from a frequency converter controlled by a control unit and having a centrifuge inverted rectifier that feeds the centrifuge motor and is connected to a d.c. source fed from a mains power rectifier, characterized in that the cooling motor is formed as a frequency-controlled induction motor, and that the frequency converter has a further cooling inverted rectifier connected to the d.c. source parallel to the centrifuge inverted rectifier for feeding the cooling motor.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor, and a motor for rotating the rotor. At least three identification elements provided on the rotor are arranged along a circumference of a circle whose center coincides with an axis of rotation of the rotor. An angular interval between prescribed two of the at least three identification elements indicates a maximum allowable rotational speed of the rotor. One or more of the at least three identification elements indicates a type of the rotor. A sensor operates for detecting the at least three identification elements during rotation of the rotor. The angular interval between the prescribed two of the at least three identification elements is measured in response to an output signal from the sensor to detect the maximum allowable rotational speed of the rotor. The type of the rotor is detected in response to the output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: Platelets are collected from blood by delivering blood from a blood source to a centrifugal separator and operating the separator to separate plasma from the blood. The separated plasma is collected in a plasma collecting bag. After a predetermined amount of plasma has been collected in the bag, the plasma is circulated between the bag and the separator. That procedure is repeated at least once to build-up the amount of collected blood. Then platelets are collected by delivering additional blood to the separator and circulating plasma between the separator and the plasma collecting bag at an accelerating circulation rate while rotating the rotor to remove platelets from the separator. The platelets are collected in a platelet collecting bag. Then, blood remaining in the separator is returned to the blood source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a centrifuge energy management system prevents the energy level of a rotor from exceeding a predetermined containment limit for the centrifuge by monitoring the energy level and either terminating a run operation of the centrifuge if it surpasses the containment limit or reducing the rotational speed of the rotor.

Abstract: A centrifugal evaporator for evaporating a mixture of liquids having different volabilities and specific gravities, the mixture being contained in a test tube 14 pivotally mounted on a rotatable support arm 12 in a sealable vacuum chamber 16, the support arm is rotated up to a speed of the order of 2000 rpm before evaporation of the more volatile component occurs, and only then is the chamber progressively evacuated. The motor is preferably a three-phase induction motor connected to the electric supply in a frequency convertor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a centrifuge system, the centrifuge system including a rotor and a motor operatively coupled to the rotor, the apparatus including an accelerometer coupled to the centrifuge system so as to measure an acceleration of at least a portion of the centrifuge system during operation of the centrifuge system to provide an acceleration signal, a filter that receives the acceleration signal and provides a filtered acceleration signal, and a controller that receives the displacement signal and controls the centrifuge system in response to the displacement signal.

Abstract: A desk-top centrifuge is provided which includes a switching element disposed between a dc power supply and a motor and a controlling circuit. The controlling circuit receives a voltage of power regenerated by the motor to provide a pulse width-controlled on-off signal to the drive switching element to control speed of the motor. The controlling circuit increases an on-duration in which the on-off signal is at an on-level at a given rate to turns the motor slowly. The centrifuge has a safety guard system made up of a door switch and a door lock switch which are installed in series between the dc power supply and the motor and work to establish electric communication between the dc power supply and the motor when the door is closed and locked.

Abstract: Each of changeable rotors has an identification mark portion thereon. The identification mark portion is detected to generate an identification signal. A microprocessor starts and accelerates rotation of the motor, detects whether the identification signal is detected during acceleration of the rotor, detects whether the identification signal has been detected before the motor reaches a predetermined rotation speed, to provide detection of the identification mark portion by the ID sensor. The microprocessor cyclically detects whether the identification mark portion is detected during rotating the rotor at the steady state rotation speed. The user is informed of error when the microprocessor fails to detect the identification mark portion a predetermined number of times or within a predetermined interval.

Abstract: A method for collecting, from whole blood, platelets suspended in plasma is described. By centrifuging the blood at a high enough rotational speed, the platelets are separated from the plasma and the red blood cells. In a preferred embodiment, some of the plasma is removed while the centrifuge is being spun to keep the platelets separated from the plasma. Then, the speed of rotation is altered so as to cause the platelets to mix with the remaining plasma. The platelets can then be collected with the remaining plasma.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of previously known motor controllers for centrifuge machines wherein a motor controller is provided for a centrifuge machine including a logic control module, one or more power cells, and one or more contactors. The logic control module is capable of interfacing with the main centrifuge controller and provides control over the power cells and contactors to provide a voltage ramp-up to accelerate the centrifuge basket. As such, the logic control module avoids the current draining problems associated with across the line starting of the centrifuge motor. The power cells receive a voltage from the main power supply, and output to the contactors variable power to control centrifuge motor speed. Further, the configuration of multiple contactors to reverse the power supplied to the centrifuge motor windings may eliminate the need for a second, reverse direction motor.

Abstract: Each of changeable rotors has an identification mark portion thereon. The identification mark portion is detected to generate an identification signal. A microprocessor starts and accelerates rotation of the motor, detects whether the identification signal is detected during acceleration of the rotor, detects whether the identification signal has been detected before the motor reaches a predetermined rotation speed, and controls the driver to rotate the motor at a steady state rotation speed if identification signal has not been detected before rotation of the motor reaches a predetermined rotation speed, to provide detection of the identification mark portion by the identification mark detection means. The microprocessor cyclically detects whether the identification mark portion is detected during rotating the rotor at the steady state rotation speed. The user is informed of error when the control means fails to detect the identification mark portion a predetermined times or within a predetermined interval.

Abstract: Centrifugal analyzer and method for staining biological or non-biological samples in microgravity, wherein the method utilizes an increase in weight of a fluid sample as a function of g-load, to overcome cohesive and frictional forces from preventing its movement in a preselected direction. Apparatus is characterized by plural specimen reservoirs and channels in a slide, each channel being of differing cross-section, wherein respective samples are selectively dispensed, from the reservoirs in response to an imposed g-factor, precedent to sample staining. Within the method, one thus employs microscope slides which define channels, each being of a differing cross-section dimension relative to others. In combination therewith, centrifugal slide mounting apparatus controllably imposes g-vectors of differing magnitudes within a defined structure of the centrifuge such as a chip array.

Abstract: A method for limiting an operating speed of a centrifuge rotor includes the steps of determining whether an actual parameter value of the rotor is within a predetermined range of an expected parameter value of the rotor, and limiting the operating speed when the actual parameter value is not within the predetermined range of the expected parameter value. At least one of the following parameters is evaluated: (i) energy required to accelerate the rotor from rest to a predetermined speed, (ii) change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed, (iii) energy loss due to windage of the rotor, (iv) time required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed, (v) speed of the rotor at a predetermined time, and (vi) ratio of drag coefficient and inertia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a centrifuge system, the centrifuge system including a rotor and a motor operatively coupled to the rotor, the apparatus including an accelerometer coupled to the centrifuge system so as to measure an acceleration of at least a portion of the centrifuge system during operation of the centrifuge system to provide an acceleration signal, a filter, that receives the acceleration signal and provides a filtered acceleration signal, and a controller that receives the displacement signal and controls the centrifuge system in response to the displacement signal.

Abstract: On a base structure (101, 103), an assembly (104) oscillates about a horizontal axis (X—X) between two limit positions; on said assembly, a rotor (106) is capable of rotating about an axis (Y—Y) of rotation orthogonal to said horizontal axis (X—X) and has a ring of seats (121) for test tubes (1); an actuator (145) moves said assembly into a position with the axis of rotation (Y—Y) roughly horizontal, to carry out an agitation stage, and into a position with the axis of rotation (Y—Y) vertical, to carry out, before the reading stage, a centrifugation stage. The ring of seats (121) for test tubes has the test tubes (1) oriented, in the vertical position of said axis of rotation (Y—Y), with their bottom facing downwards and outwards.

Abstract: This centrifuge comprises a rotor, with at least one housing to hold a product for centrifuging and an associated lid to close the housing, the centrifuge also comprising a motor on which the rotor is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation. It also comprises a mechanism for checking for the presence, on each housing, of the associated lid in order to prevent the execution of a cycle of centrifugation if the lid of a housing is absent.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor, and a motor for rotating the rotor. At least three identification elements provided on the rotor are arranged along a circumference of a circle whose center coincides with an axis of rotation of the rotor. An angular interval between prescribed two of the at least three identification elements indicates a maximum allowable rotational speed of the rotor. One or more of the at least three identification elements indicates a type of the rotor. A sensor operates for detecting the at least three identification elements during rotation of the rotor. The angular interval between the prescribed two of the at least three identification elements is measured in response to an output signal from the sensor to detect the maximum allowable rotational speed of the rotor. The type of the rotor is detected in response to the output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A method for limiting an operating speed of a centrifuge rotor includes the steps of determining whether an actual parameter value of the rotor is within a predetermined range of an expected parameter value of the rotor, and limiting the operating speed when the actual parameter value is not within the predetermined range of the expected parameter value. At least one of the following parameters is evaluated: (i) energy required to accelerate the rotor from rest to a predetermined speed, (ii) change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed, (iii) energy loss due to windage of the rotor, (iv) time required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed, (v) speed of the rotor at a predetermined time, and (vi) ratio of drag coefficient and inertia.

Abstract: A system consisting of an accelerometer sensor attached to a centrifuge enclosure for sensing vibrations and outputting a signal in the form of a sine wave with an amplitude and frequency that is passed through a pre-amp to convert it to a voltage signal, a low pass filter for removing extraneous noise, an A/D converter and a processor and algorithm for operating on the signal, whereby the algorithm interprets the amplitude and frequency associated with the signal and once an amplitude threshold has been exceeded the algorithm begins to count cycles during a predetermined time period and if a given number of complete cycles exceeds the frequency threshold during the predetermined time period, the system shuts down the centrifuge.

Abstract: A method for collecting, from whole blood, platelets suspended in plasma. By centrifuging the blood at a high enough rotational speed, the platelets are separated from the plasma and the red blood cells. In a preferred embodiment, some of the plasma is removed while the centrifuge is being spun to keep the platelets separated from the plasma. Then, the speed of rotation is altered so as to cause the platelets to mix with the remaining plasma. The platelets can then be collected with the remaining plasma.

Abstract: A managing system for managing slurry, which is used to machine workpieces. The slurry contains dispersion liquid and abrasive grains. Slurry that has been used in machining further includes impurities that are smaller than the abrasive grains. A first decanter centrifugally separates a mixture of impurities and dispersion liquid from the used slurry to recover recyclable abrasive grains from the slurry. A second decanter centrifugally separates impurities from the mixture to recover recyclable dispersion liquid from the slurry. A specific gravity gage and a viscosity gage detect properties of the used slurry. The rotating speeds of the first and second decanters are controlled in accordance with the detected properties of the slurry. This always maintains the separating efficiency of both decanters at an optimal value thus effectively recovering and recycling the abrasive grains and dispersion liquid.

Abstract: A desk-top centrifuge is provided which includes a switching element disposed between a dc power supply and a motor and a controlling circuit. The controlling circuit receives a voltage of power regenerated by the motor to provide a pulse width-controlled on-off signal to the drive switching element to control speed of the motor. The controlling circuit increases an on-duration in which the on-off signal is at an on-level at a given rate to turns the motor slowly. The centrifuge has a safety guard system made up of a door switch and a door lock switch which are installed in series between the dc power supply and the motor and work to establish electric communication between the dc power supply and the motor when the door is closed and locked.

Abstract: A voraxial separator and analyzer apparatus includes a composite fluid passing tube having a tube upstream segment and a tube downstream segment; a rotation acceleration vane structure rotationally mounted within the tube upstream segment and being oriented to deliver angular acceleration to a composite fluid within the tube about the longitudinal axis of the tube for separating the fluid into radially stratified component layers within the tube in the order of component density and to propel the fluid toward and through the tube downstream segment; an acceleration vane drive mechanism drivably connected to the rotation acceleration vane structure; a rotation maintenance vane structure rotationally mounted within the tube downstream segment and being oriented to deliver angular acceleration to a composite fluid within the tube about the longitudinal axis of the tube for maintaining the rotational velocity of the fluid imparted by the rotation acceleration vane structure against friction losses; and a maintena

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods utilize a membrane separation device comprising a gap between a microporous membrane and a surface facing the microporous membrane, one of the microporous membrane and the surface being rotatable relative to the other to cause separation of whole blood in the gap into plasma and concentrated red blood cells. The systems and methods include an inlet pump element coupled to the membrane separation device to convey whole blood having a known beginning hematocrit value into the gap for separation. The systems and methods also include a drive element coupled to the membrane separation device to cause rotation of the rotatable one of the microporous membrane and the facing surface. The systems and methods command the inlet pump element and the drive element as a function of the known beginning hematocrit value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for filtering or separating particles. The apparatus has a centrifuge rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation. A fluid chamber rotates with the rotor. A substance is supplied to the inlet of the chamber. A saturated fluidized bed of first particles forms within the fluid chamber and obstructs flow of second particles through the chamber. Additive substances alter sedimentation velocity of the first particles to modify the filtration characteristics of the saturated fluidized bed.

Abstract: Centrifuges having a rotating bowl and associated computerized systems for monitoring, diagnosing, operating and controlling various parameters and processes of the centrifuges are presented. The computerized control system actuates at least one out of a plurality of control devices based on input from one or more monitoring sensors so as to provide real time continuous operational control. The monitoring sensors may sense process and other parameters and may be located both inside the centrifuge or bowl and outside the centrifuge or bowl and may monitor machine operation parameters and parameters related to the input and output streams of the centrifuge.

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.

Abstract: A centrifuge system and method according to which a conveyor is disposed in the bowl, and electrical motors are provided for rotating the bowl and the conveyor at different speeds. A DC bus is provided to store electrical energy which is supplied to the conveyor motor to rotate the conveyor if a brownout condition occurs. The bowl is braked in response to the brownout condition to generate electrical energy which is transferred to, and stored by, the DC bus for supplying to the conveyor motor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for filtering or separating particles. The apparatus has a motor coupled to a centrifuge rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation. A fluid chamber rotates with the rotor. A substance is supplied to the inlet of the chamber. At least one of the motor and the substance supply are controlled to maintain a saturated fluidized bed of first particles within the fluid chamber while causing second particles to be retained in the chamber.