Abstract: A centrifuge having a rotating frame, which is rotatably mounted on a stationary frame, and a separation unit mounted on the rotating frame, rotating about a central axis of rotation in the same direction of rotation as the rotating frame but at twice the rotational speed. A line for supplying and/or removing a fluid is connected to the separation unit and is guided in a loop about the separation unit to a stationary tie-in point. To support the line, at least one guide element having a bearing surface for the line is provided. The bearing surface of the guide element is formed by a rotating planar curve, where the radius of the respective circle of curvature contacts the curve at a point and increases with increasing distance between the contact point and the central axis of rotation. With this contour, abrasion over the entire contact surface is largely uniform, which thereby lengthens the lifetime.

Abstract: A large capacity centrifugal vacuum concentrator includes a rotor assembly mounting a plurality of vertical spaced rotors mounted on a drive shaft and intervened with spacers between each lower rotor and a rotor next above, the rotors and spacers having interengaging drive transmission means for transmitting drive to the rotors and spacers when the drive shaft is driven. The rotor assembly is enclosed by a, e.g., cylindrical stainless steel cover which sits on a base and with the base defines a vacuum chamber. When the cover is elevated to open position, four quadrant access is available for loading and unloading of samples on the rotors. The rotor assembly is made up of interchangeable rotors, spacers and vessel holder frames which are selected from families of such dependent on particular vessel capacity and holder frame requirements.

Abstract: A free jet centrifuge, especially for cleaning the lubricating oil of an Internal combustion engine. The aim of the invention is to provide a centrifuge which is economical to manufacture and at the same time allows for high speeds. To this end on on side of the rotor a ball bearing (16) is provided in the housing whicb engages a closed stub shaft (14) of the rotor. In the area of the bearing is niot inqreased by the oil pressure in the centrifuge. A friction bearing is provided for the other side of the rotor which is composed of a slide bushing (20) and a bearing bushing (21). In this way a combination of materials which is optimal in terms of tribological properties can be selected. A hollow nipple shaft (19) which acts as an oil inlet (24) for the centrifuge rotor is inserted into the slide bushing (20). To increase speed even further, the invention provides for an impulse channel (30) whichi discharges through nozzles (31).

Abstract: A free-jet centrifuge which, in contrast to prior art centrifuges which are braked by bearing friction, includes a device for braking the rotor when the oil pressure falls below a predetermined value. The rotor is mounted in a slide bearing (12), which simultaneously forms the centrifuge oil inlet (23), and also is provided with a roller bearing (19), which minimize bearing friction and enables the rotor to attain the highest possible rotational speeds. Friction partners (15a, 15b) are disposed on the centrifuge housing (10) and rotor (11) and are pressed against one another by a spring (20) when the oil pressure drops below operating pressure, to stop the rotor in order to minimize run-on of the centrifuge and the noise and bearing wear associated with run-on.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprises a housing through which extends a spindle on which is mounted a centrifuge rotor. The rotor is mounted on journal bearing bushes that are lubricated by the liquid supplied at pressure to the rotor and the weight of the liquid-filled rotor is carried by magnetic repulsion thrust bearing comprising permanent magnets secured one each to the housing and rotor. The spaced magnets run without contact noise and frictional losses, improving rotational speed available from the supply pressure, and lateral (radial) instability that is inherent between repelling magnets and normally disliked puts a radial bias on the journal bearings which may result in quieter running by inhibiting vibration, particularly when the journal bushes are starved of liquid supply during wind-down. Alternatively or additionally, supply pressure induced lift of the rotor may be borne by a magnetic repulsion thrust bearing. The magnets may be permanent and/or electromagnets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw-type centrifuge configured in such a way that the use of multistage planetary gear trains allows for high peripheral speeds of the drum and large drum diameters. According to the invention the drum bearing on the gear train side is positioned between two stages of the multistage planetary gear train. The housing jacket of the multistage planetary gear train, which is connected to the drum jacket and therefore rotates at the same r.p.m., has an intermediate piece which has a small diameter and is housed by the drum bearing together with a shaft connecting the gear train stages. The system provided for in the invention, according to which the drum bearing on the gear train side is positioned between two stages of the multistage planetary gear train, is used in the case of very large decanters for which the drum rotates at very high peripheral speeds.

Abstract: A free jet centrifuge, especially for cleaning the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine. The aim of the invention is to provide a centrifuge which is economical to manufacture and at the same time allows for high speeds. To this end on one side of the rotor a ball bearing (16) is provided in the housing which engages a closed stub shaft (14) of the rotor. In the area of this bearing the rotor is sealed so that friction in the ball bearing is not increased by the oil pressure in the centrifuge. A friction bearing is provided for the other side of the rotor which is composed of a slide bushing (20) and a bearing bushing (21). In this way a combination of materials which is optimal in terms of tribological properties can be selected. A hollow nipple shaft (19) which acts as an oil inlet (24) for the centrifuge rotor is inserted into the slide bushing (20). To increase speed even further, the invention provides for an impulse channel (30) which discharges through nozzles (31).

Abstract: A bearing supports a rotating element. The bearing comprises an inner annular body and an outer annular body about the inner annular body. A bearing surface, which is located between the inner annular body and the outer annular body, supports the outer annular body for rotation about the inner annular body. A cage supports the bearing surface during rotation of the outer annular body about the inner annular body. The cage includes a material that imparts increased flexural modulus that resists deformation during rotation.

Abstract: With flow-through centrifuges free of rotating seals, the line leading from the stationary connection to the rotating separation unit for supplying and/or removing the fluid is subjected to relatively great mechanical stresses. The centrifuge according to the present invention has a bearing shell (13) into which is inserted a sliding bushing (9) that is provided on the line to support the line on the rotating frame (1) carrying the separation unit. Bearing shell (13) and sliding bushing (9) have widening sliding surfaces (11, 15) so that the contact surface can be minimized. The line (6) can be produced inexpensively as a disposable article, because it includes only the sliding bushing (9) of the bearing.

Abstract: A simple but still effective sealing device to separate two openings (4, 5), which are arranged at a distance from each other in the outer casing (3) of a shaft suspension unit (1), which supports a shaft (2) of a centrifugal separator in a bearing (8, 9), the shaft extending axially through at least one opening (4) into a space surrounding the shaft (2) in the outer casing (3). The sealing device is provided with sealing elements (12, 13), one connected to the outer casing (3) and one connected to the shaft (2), which surround the shaft (2) and divide the space in two departments (15, 16) connected to one opening each (4, 5, respectively). The sealing elements form between themselves a narrow gap (14) surrounding the shaft (2), which prevents the flow of gas between the departments (15, 16).

Abstract: A rotor drive shaft assembly for use in a centrifugation system. The rotor drive shaft has a bearing material configured as a sleeve and mounted on the inside wall of a spindle hub with a clearance existing between the sleeve and a housing that surrounds the lower base of the shaft. When the rotor and hub experience radial displacement at a critical speed, the sleeve makes contact with the housing in order to limit further radial displacement. Alternatively, the sleeve can be mounted on the outside of the housing with the clearance existing between the sleeve and the spindle hub, with the sleeve making contact with the spindle hub at the critical speed in order to limit further radial displacement. In another embodiment, a support tube is provided which surrounds the lower portion of the shaft with a clearance existing between the shaft and the support tube.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device and a method for cooling a bearing of a centrifugal separator. Through a portion (11, 21) adjacent to the bearing extends at least one channel (15, 23), which is arranged to receive a flow of a cooling medium and comprises at least two successive channel portions (23) and at least one connecting portion (24) provided between successive channel portions. The connecting portion (24) is arranged to provide such a mixing of the cooling medium in the flow through the channel that the flow has an essentially uniform velocity profile immediately after the connecting portion.

Abstract: A self-powered centrifugal separator, for separating particulate contaminants from a liquid lubricant of an automobile engine, includes a rotor container rotatable about an axle to which it is journalled by bushes. When the engine is running, a film of pressurized liquid between the bushes and axle lubricates them and provides radial stiffness, but when the engine stops and liquid supply ceases, radial stiffness is reduced and the partially emptying container may vibrate and create wind-down noise. At least one bush, which normally provides a horizontal thrust bearing to support the weight of the container at low speed, has, with the axle portion it surrounds, a region tapering in diameter to center the container with respect to the axle and provide both radial and axial support.

Abstract: A centrifuge including a non-rotatable containment vessel, a rotatable centrifuge tube within said vessel, an inlet assembly for dirty gas, an outlet assembly for clean gas, and an outlet assembly for dirty gas, said inlet assembly for the dirty gas and said outlet assembly for the dirty gas being located in close mutual proximity and at or towards one end of the centrifuge tube, the outlet for the clean gas being located at the opposite end of the centrufuge tube, the flow of gas entering the centrifuge tube being reversed within the centrifuge tube so as to increase the residence time of the dirty gas within said centrifuge tube. The centrifuge tube is supported on spaced foil bearings located at predetermined spacings relative to each other and to the ends and center of the centfrifuge tube.

Abstract: A centrifuge with a slide-in filter comprises a centrifuge basket, a filter cloth element which can be pushed into or out of it, and a machine housing, to which a first housing chamber with an outlet for discharging a filtrate and a second housing chamber with an outlet for discharging a filter cake are connected in the region of the centrifuge basket. The first housing chamber is sealingly enclosed by a first separate housing section and the second housing chamber is likewise sealingly enclosed by a second separate housing section. The two housing sections are mounted so that each is able to pivot in different directions around separate axes in such a way that they are pivotable individually between a closed state and an open state relative to the centrifuge basket.

Abstract: A blood processing centrifuge includes a disposable fluid processing assembly having a fluid processing chamber. Fluid is communicated to and from the fluid processing chamber through a flexible umbilicus. The fluid processing chamber spins while the centrifuge pulls the umbilicus around an axis of centrifugation. The centrifuge engages the umbilicus through a thrust bearing received in a gimbal assembly carried on a rotating wing plate. The gimbal assembly allows the umbilicus to pivot relative to the wing plate under the forces developed during centrifugation. The gimbal assembly includes a bearing retainer adapted to securely retain umbilicus thrust bearings of differing sizes a gimbal that loosely but securely retains the bearing retainer. Clearance between the gimbal and the bearing retainer enable the bearing retainer to accommodate thrust bearings of differing sizes without causing gimbal binding.

Abstract: An invertable filter centrifuge for separating liquid-solids mixtures comprises a rotatingly driven centrifugal drum, an invertable filter cloth arranged on the centrifugal drum, a filtrate housing for receiving and discharging the liquid filtrate separated from the liquid-solids mixture by means of centrifugation with a filter cloth turned inwards into the centrifugal drum, a solids housing for receiving and discharging the solids (filter cake) separated from the liquid-solids mixture during further rotation of the centrifugal drum with a filter cloth turned outwards and an annular gap surrounding the edge of the centrifugal drum in the region of the filtrate housing and the solids housing.

Abstract: A mechanism for driving a centrifuge drum has a shaft housing and a vertical transmission shaft having an upper end on which a centrifuge drum is mountable. Upper and lower bearings mount the shaft for rotation in the shaft housing. A wheel is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith and a drive belt rotates the shaft via the wheel. An oil pool provides an oil mist for lubricating the upper bearing. The lower bearing is immersed in the oil pool and the wheel is mounted on the shaft above the upper bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus to minimize vibrations of a centrifuge using sliding and damping bearings to restrain vertical movement of a disk rotatably attached to the centrifuge's drive shaft. Radial displacement of the disk beyond a predetermined distance activates the damping bearings against the disk.

Abstract: A centrifuge for rotating test tubes and the like about a rotational axis includes a drive shaft and a plurality of handles connected thereto to support respective test tube attachments. Each test tube attachment includes two concentric rings, an outer ring pivotally connected to the handle by two diametrically opposed radial pivots and an inner ring pivotally connected to the outer ring by two radial pivots arranged perpendicular to the other radial pivots. The inner ring seats an axial bearing which rotatably supports a container capable of holding in place a test tube.

Abstract: A filter centrifuge has the drum, the drum shaft and its bearings mounted in a movable machine support, carriage or bearing member which rides on a rail of the base machine support or frame so that with a cover for an opening in the rear wall on which the filter housing is mounted, the assembly of drum, shaft and bearing can be withdrawn into the machine space. When the movable wall is in place, a clean room containing the filter housing and the processing chamber, is closed off from the machine space.

Abstract: Upper and lower bowl members are mounted on a common linear cylindrical member and a relief valve provides controlled gas pressure within a centrifuge housing in a low speed decanting centrifuge for separating relatively large particulate material (e.g. yeast) from a feedstock. The centrifuge may be clamped to a container and a pressure differential is created between the centrifuge housing and the container to, in turn, force feedstock upwardly into the lower bowl of the centrifuge. A stack of frustonconical discs carry supernatant downwardly and inwardly for vertical transfer to a discharge chamber, Particulate matter is centrifugally discharged continuously between engageable surfaces of the lower bowl member and the upper bowl member. Hydraulic forces generated within the bowl are isolated from a thrust bearing supporting the bowl and transferring drive forces to an intake.

Abstract: An evertable drum centrifuge has a drum with a generally cylindrical and perforate outer wall and having an axially forwardly open front end. An end wall of the drum can move axially between a closed position fitting in the front outer-wall end and an open position spaced axially forward of the outer wall and is centrally formed with a fill opening. An annular liner of a flexible foraminous filter medium has a front edge attached to the outer-wall end and a back edge attached to a rim of extension structure fixed on the end wall. When the end wall move between the closed and open positions, the liner moves from a normal position inside the drum and extending backward from the front end to the rim to an everted position substantially outside the drum and extending forward in the solids compartment from the front end to the rim. An axially displaceable fill tube carries an axially nondisplaceable fill head complementarily engageable in the fill opening and having an annular seal engageable with the fill tube.

Abstract: Prior centrifugal concentrators for separating higher density particles from a slurry have not combined effective separation of concentrate with continuous discharge of the concentrate. The present invention provides a continuous discharge centrifugal concentrator having a retention zone for accumulating the concentrate in which a plurality of mass-flow hoppers are provided at the retention zone, with flow control devices to control the discharge of concentrate from the hoppers.

Abstract: The material settling on the inside of the centrifuge drum during operation of centrifuges causes imbalances on account of the unavoidable nonuniform mass distribution, which imbalances lead to vibrations and the associated high level of solid-borne sound and bearing wear. The centrifuge drum shaft (15) is supported by an active (variable pressure) hydraulic bearing support (10) that is relatively simple in design and inexpensive to manufacture for this centrifuge application.

Abstract: A decanter centrifuge including a drum that is rotatably journalled at its ends includes a separating compartment defined by end walls and a rotatably journalled conveyor disposed in the separating compartment and rotatably journalled in two bearings, one located at the free end of a trunnion projecting into the conveyor body. The separating compartment has a length to diameter ratio greater than four and the trunnion has a length in the range from 0.5 to 3 times the largest diameter of the separating compartment. Due to the short distance between the conveyor bearings, the rigidity of the conveyer increases, thereby increasing the critical RPM of the drum.

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: A centrifuge separator system includes a centrifuge bowl for receiving the feed to be separated; a flexible suspension for rotatably, flexibly supporting the bowl; and a retractable restrainer device for constraining the bowl during scraping action of a scraper blade to remove solids from the bowl. Alternatively, the bowl could be radially and rotationally constrained and the scraper rotated to remove solids from the bowl.

Abstract: A centrifuge comprising a rotor drive shaft including a flexible shaft surrounded by a sheath. The flexible shaft and the sheath are both rotationally secured at a first end. A second end of the flexible shaft extends beyond a second end of the sheath. A head is adapted to receive a rotor of the centrifuge. The head is rotationally secured to the second end of the flexible shaft. A member damps and limits a radial displacement of the flexible shaft with respect to the sheath. The damping and limiting member comprises an annular seal made from an elastic material. The annular seal is axially arranged about the flexible shaft and the sheath at the same level as and close to the head. A skirt is formed on head and surrounds the second end of the sheath. The skirt has an internal annular groove for receiving damping and limiting member. The skirt includes a lower transverse wall limiting the annular groove.

Abstract: A reverse filter centrifugal machine has a self-contained, rotatably mounted basket (7) in a housing (1), provided with radial filtrate passages (11) and capable of receiving an overpressure or a negative pressure, as well as a lid (19) that closes the free front side of the basket. The basket and the lid are axially movable with respect to one another. A feed opening for the suspension to be filtered is arranged in the lid and a feed pipe (21) is sealingly inserted through the feed opening. The feed pipe (21) is rotatably mounted around its longitudinal axis and can be rotated together with the basket (7) around this axis.

Abstract: An inverted filter centrifuge consisting of a drum arranged to rotate freely in a housing and having radial filtrate outlets; a cover closing one of its free frontal areas, the drum and the cover being mutually axially movable; a filler aperture in the cover for the suspension to be filtered and a filler pipe passing through the filler aperture. The filler aperture in the cover can be hermetically sealed by a locking component rotating together with the drum which is disconnected from the filler pipe in a manner to avoid friction.

Abstract: An invertible filter centrifuge is provided comprising a rotary drum which is mounted in a cantilever manner in a housing and has radial passages for filtrate, a lid which is axially displaceable relative to the drum and closes the free front side of the latter, a filler opening on the lid for suspension to be filtered, and filler pipe which, on the one hand, is secured to the housing and, on the other hand, penetrates the filler opening, the outlet end of the filler pipe being located inside the drum during the centrifuging operation, characterized in that for varying the pressure in the drum (16), the filler pipe (26) is connectable to a pressurization or depressurization source (44) and is sealed by a combined rotary and sliding seal (45, 46, 47, 53) on said lid (25).

Abstract: An invertable filter centrifuge having a housing defining a centrifuge chamber with a perforated drum mounted in said chamber on the front end of a hollow shaft which is rotatably mounted at the front end by a front bearing assembly and slideably mounted on a central shaft having a base plate mounted on a front end thereof with a filter cloth which is disposed with one end attached to the drum and the other end attrached to said base plate and normally disposed within said drum with double acting piston means for displacing the drum axially for inverting the filter cloth, a quantity of lubricating fluid for contacting bearings in the bearing assembly with, and a nitrogen gas pressurized seal disposed between the bearing assembly and the centrifuge chamber for inhibiting the passage of contaminants therebetween.

Abstract: A low speed decanting centrifuge for separating relatively large particulate material (e.g. yeast) from a feedstock is disclosed. The centrifuge is clamped to a container and the centrifuge housing is pressurized to, in turn, pressurize the container and force feedstock upwardly into the lower bowl of the centrifuge. A plurality of inverted frustoconical discs carry supernatant downwardly and inwardly for vertical transfer to a discharge chamber. Particulate matter is centrifugally discharged continuously between engageable surfaces of the lower bowl member and the upper bowl member. The invention provides for continuous recycle as the discharged particulate matter is returned under gravity to the container. The centrifuge is reasonably inexpensive to produce from lightweight materials since it is not subjected to the high stresses of high speed centrifuges. Also, by operating at low speeds, under 1000 r.p.m.

Abstract: Solid-bowl helical centrifuge for separating a suspension, with a stationarily secured intake pipe (31) for supplying the suspension from a stationary infeed point outside the centrifuge to a separation space (3) left between the screw (2) and the bowl (1), whereby, to prevent obstructions due to centrifugal force and malfunctions due to radial displacements and ensure low-maintenance operation, the intake pipe (31) extends into an intake space (32) inside the screw and the end (34) at that location rests against a component (36 and 35, 36 and 38, 36, or 43), which is secured to the screw, by way of a friction bearing (12) with two halves (14 and 15) that are made of a ceramic material where they contact each other.

Abstract: The drive of a centrifuge utilized in biology, biophysics and medicine includes a casing accommodating a stator and a rotor whose shaft is installed in an angular bearing and rigidly connected with a flexible shaft fixed rotatably in a dumping device. The casing has passages for the circulation of lubricant and coolant, respectively, the rotor has a blind hole arranged coaxially with the rotation axis of the rotor; and the angular bearing has supporting and radial slide surfaces and is fixed in the rotor by means of the damping device so that the radial slide surface is located at least partly in the blind hole of the rotor, said bearing having passages ensuring circulation of lubricant over its supporting and radial surfaces.

Abstract: A centrifuge comprises a vacuum chamber (1) accomodating a replaceable rotor (7). The vacuum chamber (1) includes an evaporator (4) connected to a cooling unit (3). A drive (9) of the rotor (7) is journalled in bearings (10), and has a cooling jacket (21). An oil tank (12) with a pump (11) are provided to feed the oil to the bearings (10). The centrifuge also has a heat exchanger (19) for cooling the oil arranged so as to ensure heat transfer between the oil and cooling agent of the cooling unit (3). The pump (11) is connected through the heat exchanger (19) and cooling jacket (21) to the oil tank (12).

Abstract: A centrifuge system includes a drive shaft bearing mounted to a drive shaft for engaging a solenoid actuated plunger in low friction contact over a predetermined angular velocity range of the drive shaft. The drive shaft bearing includes a frustoconical bearing surface that contacts a plunger bearing mounted in an end of the plunger when the solenoid actuates the plunger. The frustoconical bearing surface transforms vibrations of the drive shaft transverse to its axis of rotation into linear motion of the plunger relative to the drive shaft. The plunger is mounted inside the solenoid such that the solenoid, the plunger and the drive shaft are substantially concentric. The plunger is movable in the solenoid in response to application of an appropriate electrical current to the solenoid. However, the plunger fits sufficiently close within the solenoid that the force movement of the plunger arising from contact with the vibrating drive shaft bearing is damped by friction between the solenoid and the plunger.

Abstract: This invention relates to a centrifugal decanter comprising a rotor connected to a motor for driving in rotation by a vertical shaft suspended in pendulous manner by a swivel joint supported by a fixed connected seat. Springs for returning the shaft into vertical position are provided, in the form of compression springs arranged so as to relieve the swivel joint of the weight of the rotating system that it supports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal separator of the kind comprising a rotor (1), which is supported by a vertical driving shaft (2), a stationary casing (3), which surrounds the rotor (1) and has a bottom opening (5) through which the driving shaft (2) extends, a frame (4) which supports the casing (3) and is arranged to support radially in a resilient manner a radial bearing (6) for the driving shaft (2), and a mechanical seal with two sealing rings abutting axially against each other, one rotatable (11) and one non-rotatable (13), to seal the interior of the casing (3) from connection with the space surrounding the radial bearing (6) via the opening (5) in the bottom of the casing (3).

Abstract: Oil is subjected to at least one centrifugal separation to remove contaminants prior to its being supplied to the lubricating system. Additionally, there is at least a portion of the flow that is returned to the sump after separation without its being circulated for lubricating purposes. All of the contaminant collection areas are in a noncritical area in an area of continuous flow and located so as not to return contaminants to the oil sump.

Abstract: A rotary machine carried on a vehicle has a rotary part carried on a fixed part by means of a rolling bearing. The parts of the bearing can be separated by a lifting jack when the vehicle is travelling to reduce vibration and wear. Devices responsive to the pressure supplied to the jack stop the motor driving the rotary part when a first threshold pressure is exceeded, prevent ignition of the vehicle engine until a second threshold pressure is exceeded, and control the pump feeding the jack to maintain a third threshold value which is above the second threshold pressure.

Abstract: The drive shaft assembly for a centrifuge includes a resilient damper member mounted between a flexible shaft element and a bearing shaft element for rotation therewith. Vibrations imposed on the flexible shaft element by a centrifuge rotor are damped by the resilient damper member.

Abstract: Resilient high-speed rotor support, especially applicable to rotor shafts open-end spinning machines. The support is made up of a double-row rolling bearing, a rotor shaft, and a central sleeve for the bearing, as well as resilient damping elements disposed at the ends of the central sleeve and fixed within the housing of the spinning mechanism. At the stepped ends of the central sleeve there are fixed resilient damping elements by means of their radially inner annular parts, the external circumference of the damping elements, reduced by the height of the limiting gap between them and the housing, extends to the circumference of marginal orifices within the housing. The bore at the rotor end of the central sleeve is formed with a tolerance to provide a running fit with the rotor hub. The support of the invention is applicable especially in spinning machines operating with rotor speeds exceeding 60,000 RPM.

Abstract: At each end the bowl of the centrifuge is journalled for rotation in a bearing housing from which the prevailing bearing loads are transmitted to a support means through a system of springs, the spring rate of which is so low that the natural frequency of the centrifuge is substantially below its normal rpm, preferably lower than 15 percent thereof. The bowl can then rotate at a high rate of rotation without concomitant vibration problems.In order to avoid undesirable transverse forces acting on the bowl a pulley mounted on its protruding shaft end may be pre-loaded in diametrically opposed directions by means of two pretensioned belt drives each of which is trained over a stationarily mounted pulley. At least one of the last mentioned pulleys is driven by a motor.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for grain and like particulate material utilizing a rotatably driven separator bowl having an outwardly inclined peripheral wall, in combination with a vibrator. Vibration and centrifugal force acting on material deposited in the rotating bowl cause it to move outwardly towards the bowl periphery and up the aforesaid inclined wall for selective discharge of relatively heavy and light particles at vertically spaced exit zones formed by a guide baffle assembly adjacent the upper periphery of the inclined wall.

Abstract: A centrifuge with a drive-mechanism that incorporates a vertical spindle mounted on ball or roller bearings and driven by a belt in such a way as to rotate while aligning itself in space around a point of attachment on its longitudinal axis with respect to the framework of the centrifuge and with respect to a bearing housing that is supported on the framework. The midplane of the drive belt extends through the point of attachment, with which the center of mass of the self-aligning components also coincide. The overall length of the spindle is short. The ratio L/D of the distance L between the bearings to the diameter D of the bearings ranges from approximately 0 to 2.

Abstract: A two plane self-balancing centrifuge is disclosed herein in which the centrifuge rotor is driven by a shaft attached to bearings. The bearings are supported by upper and lower flexible bearing mounts. This results in two horizontally flexible bearing mounting planes to provide a greater degree of freedom for the axis of rotation of the rotor to move into a coincident relationship with the angular momentum vector of the rotor as it changes with dynamic imbalance thereby to compensate for any imbalance which may occur in the centrifuge rotor during processing. The centrifuge particularly suited for use in processing blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing device for centrifuge, wherein the shaft of the centrifuge is supported by two elementary bearing support bodies mounted elastically on the frame independently of each other by elastic blocks and sleeves. Each body is fixed to a sleeve, these two sleeves, oriented towards each other, being connected by an elastic sheath so as to form a sort of hermetic oil chamber. The shaft drive pulley is of diameter less than that of the openings of the frame which surmount it, so that the assembly composed of the rotating pieces and the bearing arrangement can be extracted through the top by removing some screws, without actual dismantling.

Abstract: A centrifuge apparatus (10) for separating multi-phase fluid is disclosed. The centrifuge apparatus (10) includes a bowl-like structure (12) rotatably mounted in a housing (14) for rotation about a vertical axis. The centrifuge apparatus (10) further includes means for introducing multi-phase fluid into the bowl (12) and means for driving the bowl (12) at a predetermined rotation speed. A rotor assembly is coaxially mounted in the bowl (12) for rotation therewith to accelerate or impel the multi-phase fluid such that the fluid is separated into heavier phase fluid and lighter phase fluid with solid particles being collected on the inner surface of a bowl side wall portion (16).A top wall member (18) of the bowl (12) defines axially directed openings (50) therein for discharging the heavier phase fluid. Discharge means positioned in the cylindrical side wall portion (16) extend radially into the interior of the bowl (12) for discharging the lighter phase fluid.