Abstract: A centrifuge including a bowl, a bowl drive motor, a screw conveyor, a screw conveyor drive motor, a pump, a pump motor, a bowl VFD to drive the bowl drive motor, a conveyor VFD to drive the screw conveyor drive motor, a pump VFD to drive the pump drive motor, an analysis assembly and a computer electrically connected to the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD, the pump VFD, and the analysis assembly. The analysis assembly is configured to automatically sample slurry pumped into the bowl and automatically transmit data, characterizing the slurry, to the computer. The computer is configured to calculate control schemes for the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD, and the pump VFD using the data and, transmit control signals to the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD and the pump VFD to operate the bowl VFD, the conveyor VFD and the pump VFD according to the control schemes.

Abstract: An oil centrifuge has an integral, rotatably mounted centrifuge rotor and a feed tube connected to the centrifuge rotor. A flow path is provided that supplies oil to the centrifuge rotor. The feed tube is a section of the flow path. The flow path has a throttle point having a reduced throttle cross section that is reduced relative to an upstream flow path cross section of the flow path upstream of the throttle point.

Abstract: A system for centrifugation and processing multi-units of blood simultaneously. The system having a plurality of equally spaced blood processing stations integrated to the rotor and spinning therewith around the axis of rotation. Each station is fit to receive a set of fluidly interconnected containers having blood for processing. Hydraulic means are used to automatically balance the rotor by having a mechanism to transfer fluid to special chambers on the processing stations in order to compensate for the weight variations of the multiple blood units mounted to the rotor. A Computer controls the centrifuge operations.

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

Abstract: A centrifuge to which sample tubes can be introduced while the centrifuge is in motion. The centrifuge comprises a carousel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the carousel has a plurality of positions for sample tubes for a centrifugation operation, a plurality of drive mechanisms attached to the upper portion of the carousel, a movable element mounted upon each drive mechanism, the movable element capable of traversing the length of the drive mechanism when the drive mechanism is actuated, a sample tube-holding assembly comprising a sample tube holder and a bearing attached to each movable element, and at least one balancing element capable of contributing to a force vector that cancels an imbalance vector generated by rotation of the centrifuge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic balance adjusting centrifuge which calculates the magnitude and the location of imbalance of itself based on the vibration generated in the dynamic state and automatically compensate for the imbalance based on the calculation, and the control method thereof. The method includes: (a) measuring the amount of vibration of a rotor of a centrifuge, supporting buckets that load samples, at a predetermined rotational velocity; (b) determining whether the amount of vibration measured in step (a) is greater than an allowed value; and (c) when the amplitude of the vibration is greater than the allowed value, compensating for a weight imbalance of the rotor by an amount calculated based on the vibration amount measured in step (a) and returning to step (a), otherwise, performing a centrifugal separation by accelerating the rotor to a working velocity.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component comprising a centrifuge having a rotor with a turntable for supporting a separation bag; a central compartment for containing satellite bags, and fitted with a support member for supporting at least one satellite bag so that a liquid contained in the supported satellite bag drains from the supported satellite bag into the separation bag under centrifugation forces when the rotor is set in rotation.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for automatically centrifuging test tubes containing biological material comprising a plurality of centrifuges (9, 31) functionally identical to one another yet independent and adapted to centrifuge test tubes (3) offered to an interface (5) for centrifuging test tubes (3) by means of a conveying system included in an automatic conveyor of test tubes (3). Said plurality of centrifuges (9, 31) are fitted on a turntable (10, 32) adapted to offer each centrifuge (9, 31) at a suitable loading/unloading point (100, 200) adjacent to the loading/unloading point (7, 202) of the interface (5).

Abstract: A density centrifuge blood processing system comprising a separation chamber rotating about a central rotation axis, the separation chamber being coupled to an elutriation chamber, a first detector for the separation chamber to detect light from an observation region, a computational apparatus distinguishing at least two regions in the observation region and distinguishing incipient spill over of cellular components out of the elutriation chamber as a function of light intensity received from the at least two regions in the separation chamber, and a controller regulating speed of at least one pump or of the separation chamber in response to signals from the computational apparatus to avoid spill over.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge, in particular a laboratory centrifuge, with a centrifuge rotor to hold material and with an electric motor, exhibiting a stator, a rotor that is associated with the stator and a fastening means for the localization of the electric motor at a stationary support and for a torque proof connection of the rotor with the centrifuge rotor, in which the centrifuge rotor features a recess on a face side that is facing the electric motor, in which the recess of the centrifuge rotor is designed such, that the electric motor can be at least partially positioned in said recess.

Abstract: A separation device adapted for separation of a wanted end product from a sample by centrifugation. According to the invention the device comprises: a first, a second and a third compartment; a first fluid connection between the first and second compartments, arranged to be opened and closed by first closing means; a second fluid connection between the second and the third compartments, arranged to be opened and closed by second closing means. The separation device is adapted to be subjected to centrifugation after having been filled with a first density gradient medium in the first compartment, sample in the third compartment and a second density gradient medium or sample in the second compartment, whereby after centrifugation the wanted end product will settle in the second compartment and the first fluid connection and the second fluid connection will be closed by the first closing means and the second closing means respectively.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a cylindrical bowl having a conical lower end with an opening through which feed liquid is injected during a feed mode of operation. During the feed mode, solids separate from the feed liquid and accumulate along the inner surface of the bowl as the bowl rotates at high speed. After accumulation of the solids, the rotation of the bowl is stopped and residual liquid is drained by gravity from the bowl. In a solids discharge mode of operation, a piston of a piston assembly is urged downward along a vertical axis in response to fluid such as compressed gas or hydraulic liquid. The downward movement of the piston forces accumulated solids from the bowl via the opening in the conical lower end thereof. The solids pass from the bowl and into a passage leading to an outlet port, where the solids exit the separator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge that enhances the efficiency of space utilization by simplifying the structure as well as supports a precise movement by improving the structure of the balance weight transport apparatus in the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge that compensates the unbalance of the centrifugal force by transferring the balance weight equipped in the rotor rotational arm. According to the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge of the present invention, the structure is simplified as well as the precise and exact transfer of the balance weight is possible by connecting the balance weight with the axis of the motor directly and adopting the length sensor. Furthermore, the efficiency of space utilization is enhanced because the axis of rotation of the balance weight transfer motor is in radial direction of the rotational arm.

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 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 separator of the type having migration, retention and lip zones of the interior surface of the rotating bowl has a variable diameter lip to increase the amount of target material retained in the retention zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic balancing and inertial damping of vibrations in a rotor are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a rotor drive shaft is adapted to mount a rotor and rotate the rotor. A lower drive shaft connects to a source of rotation. A flexible coupling attaches the rotor drive shaft to the lower drive shaft and transfers a rotational force applied by the source of rotation to the rotor while permitting relative lateral motion between the rotor drive shaft and the lower drive shaft. An inertial coupling is coupled to the rotor drive shaft and provides inertial resistance to the relative lateral motion. A clamping collar is coupled to the inertial coupling to couple the inertial coupling to a chassis and permit the relative lateral motion between the rotor drive shaft and the lower drive shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic balancing centrifugal apparatus by fluid compensation, which compensates a load imbalance among buckets holding samples by injecting a fluid into the buckets or sucking the fluid from the buckets, thereby simplifying the overall structure of the centrifugal apparatus, increasing the durability, and centrifuging a large quantity of samples under various high-speed rotation conditions smoothly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifuging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating blood into blood components using a separation vessel satellite bags mounted on a centrifuge rotor and a balancing assembly for the centrifuge to compensate for changes to the center of gravity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifuging.

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: A method and apparatus for centrifuging.

Abstract: There is provided a method for limiting an operating speed of a rotor installed in a centrifuge system. The method includes the steps of (a) determining whether an actual change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed is within a predetermined range of an expected change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from the first speed to the second speed, and (b) limiting the operating speed when the actual change in energy is not within the predetermined range of the expected change in energy.

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: An improved blade design and method for enhancing the efficiency of operation of a centrifuge is disclosed based on measuring a varying value of the load on the centrifuge as the flow of contaminated fluid is injected into the centrifuge. The centrifuge has a plurality of blades with radially overlapping edges to keep the fluid being centrifuged compartmentalized and thus quiet for maximum efficiency. Additionally, the scraping blade assembly has blades which are angled in the scraping direction to force the solids towards the exit of the centrifuge, whether that be at the bottom or the top. A programmable logic controller monitors the load on the drive motor and compares a baseline value of load after accelerating the rotor to speed to the value of load while the contaminated fluid is injected into the rotor.

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, method and computer program 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 at different speeds and the speed of, and the torque applied to, the bowl and the conveyor are detected and corresponding output signals are generated. A meter is provided for metering the flow of the mixture to the centrifuge and generating corresponding output signals. A computer responds to instructions from computer programs and controls the speed of the bowl and the conveyor as well as the flow of the mixture and a diluting agent to the centrifuge in response to the output signals in a manner to attain predetermined predetermined optimum operating conditions of the centrifuge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the efficiency of the centrifugal separator automatically adjusts in accordance with operator input for varying amounts of solids in contaminated fluid being passed through the separator. A load sensing circuit monitors the load on the drive motor of the centrifuge bowl and a second load sensing circuit monitors the load on the drive motor of the scraper vane. The apparatus further includes a variable speed motor designed to vary the gravitational force with which the centrifuge operates in response to a variety of factors regarding particle size and specific gravity. The load sensing circuits optimize cleaning cycle frequency and reduce failure due to mechanical stress. The load sensing circuits taken in combination with the variable speed drive provide the ability to efficiently and variably monitor the cleansing intervals to provide predetermined levels of cleansing and prevent the overloading of the scraper and scraper mechanics.

Abstract: In a horizontal centrifuge, a bowl rotates in the same direction as a screw internally of the bowl. The bowl and screw connect to a three input gear box which rotates the bowl and screw at a small differential, or the scrolling rate. A separate motor running at a variable rate connects to the third gear box input and thereby reduces the scrolling rate. A feedback loop connects to the motor to vary the motor speed so that the scrolling rate is varied. A maindrive motor rotates the bowl which then couples through the gear box to rotate the screw and thereby furnish the power to rotate the bowl and screw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a worm centrifuge wherein the centrifuge drum is driven by a first hydraulic motor and the screw conveyor is driven by a second hydraulic motor and first and second valves are connected to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to the motors and the valves receive the full output of a constant delivery pump. Control of the valves is obtained by a torque measuring device measuring the torque input to the screw conveyor and the torque measuring device has a control which opens the valve to a motor for the screw conveyor with increase in torque and simultaneously closes the valve to the motor to the centrifuged drum proportionately so that the total flow of the pump is utilized by the motors.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for controlling the operation of a centrifugal separator having a relatively rotating drum and screw conveyor whereby the speed of each is measured and the torque for driving the screw is measured and the speed differential control is in a predetermined functional relationship to the torque and at a particular maximum and minimum value of torque, the speed differential being changed independently of torque and when a predetermined change in torque is obtained, the predetermined functional relationship between the torque and speed differential being changed to a different characteristic step-wise with the characteristic or relationship being shifted step-wise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the differential rpm of two rotating parts, such as the external drum and internal worm conveyor of a worm centrifuge, undertakes an electronic measurement and sampling of the rotational during the course of operation of a particular device under speeds of each part and supplies this information to a microprocessor which calculates the respective rotational speeds of the parts and relays a signal to the drive device for one of the parts in order to maintain a preselected rpm differential between the rotational speeds of the two parts. Different characteristic curves are stored in the microprocessor for optimum rpm differential during the course of operation of a particular device under different conditions, such as for different sludge consistencies in the case of use with a centrifuge. If deviation of the actual rotational speed of one of the parts from the optimum value is detected, the microprocessor operates to return operation to the optimum values.