Including Specific Device Or Structure For Driving Or Controlling Bowl Patents (Class 494/84)
  • Patent number: 11964092
    Abstract: A centrifuge having a housing containing a rotational mechanism and a centrifugal container having a longitudinal axis. The rotational mechanism has a circuit including an electrical motor, a switch, and an internal electrical power source. The centrifugal container is operably connected to the rotational mechanism through the housing, and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The centrifuge is portable and is for single use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: ABC Med Tech Corp.
    Inventors: Randall Allard, William Bradley Lydens, Polly Allard
  • Patent number: 11867123
    Abstract: An engine mount device includes a housing, a carrier within a cavity in the housing, and a flexure flexibly connecting the carrier to the housing, with a pin disposed in a hole in the carrier to support an engine. A method of providing isolation in the engine mount device includes transmitting a force from the pin into the carrier; mechanically isolating the carrier from the housing via the flexure; and providing, via the flexure, a higher stiffness in one or more radial directions of the hole compared to a stiffness provided in an axial direction of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Zameroski
  • Patent number: 11702710
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of a method for producing a clear sugar beet pre-limitation juice and a coagulate removed from the pre-liming juice, and to a pre-liming juice and protein-containing fraction that are provided by means of said method. A decanter centrifuge having an angle between the longitudinal axis of the bowl and the generatrix of the conical portion of 6 to 10° is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SUDZUCKER AG
    Inventor: Mohsen Ajdari Rad
  • Patent number: 11577257
    Abstract: A centrifuge (10) and a method for preventing the ignition of combustible temperature control media in centrifuges (10) after a crash of the centrifuge rotor are presented. Ignition is prevented by the release of a protective gas in the event of a crash. More precisely, the released protective gas forms a flow that displaces the oxygen, distributes the escaping temperature control medium and fundamentally changes the momentary ratio of the concentration of oxygen to temperature control medium in such a manner that no ignition can take place either inside or outside the centrifuge (10). Thereby, combustible temperature control media can be used without safety concerns for controlling the temperature of centrifuges (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventor: Heiko Müller
  • Patent number: 11498082
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for ensuring that mechanisms that are used to position components of an apheresis machine are not broken as a result of rotation of a centrifuge. In embodiments, a safety mechanism is provided that contacts components of the centrifuge and pushes them into a position to ensure that they do not break when the centrifuge is operated at high rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Luke Ryan Noffsinger
  • Patent number: 9126207
    Abstract: A separator for separating a multiphase mixture comprising a pressure vessel supported for rotation within a casing containing a gas which may be held at an elevated temperature or pressure. A plurality of vanes is disposed within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has an inlet, a first phase outlet and a plurality of second phase outlets disposed radially outwardly of the first phase outlet with respect to a separator axis. A regulator is provided in the form of pressure-activated nozzles to regulate flow through the second phase outlets. In use, a mixture of solids and liquid is fed into the pressure vessel and the pressure vessel is spun within the gas causing solids to accumulate in the vicinity of the second phase outlets. The pressure-activated nozzles are repeatedly opened and closed to expel the accumulated solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Specialist Process Technologies Limited
    Inventors: David J. Parkinson, Kevin E. Collier
  • Publication number: 20150141231
    Abstract: A separator drum having a vertical rotation axis and an inflow line for a material which is to be processed by centrifuging is driven by a drive apparatus via a drive spindle. The drive spindle is rotated by a motor designed as a direct drive and having a stator and a rotor. The drive apparatus is arranged in a drive housing having a motor housing section designed as an explosion-protected structure that is encapsulated in a pressure-resistant manner and in which the motor is accommodated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Strauch, Thomas Bathelt, Andreas Bolte
  • Patent number: 9027471
    Abstract: The current invention discloses a food-drying device that includes a container, a drying assembly having a plurality of bores, and a drive mechanism. The drying assembly is disposed in the container and is capable of being rotated relative to the container. The drive mechanism rotates the drying assembly relative to the container. The drive mechanism includes a reciprocating handle movable between a first position and a second position along a linear direction, and a conversion mechanism for converting reciprocating movement of the reciprocating handle to rotary motion of the drying assembly from force supplied by a user to actuate the reciprocating handle moving from the first position to the second position, and from force supplied by the user to actuate the reciprocating handle moving from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Golden Choice Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwan Kit Chan, Chung Ming Chan
  • Publication number: 20150119226
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator for cleaning crankcase gas, containing oil, from an internal combustion engine, includes a stationary casing defining a separation space and including a first end portion, an opposite second end portion and an inner wall surface facing the separation space. The separator also includes an inlet channel for the gas to be cleaned, a gas outlet channel for the cleaned gas and an oil outlet for the separated the oil. A centrifuge rotor is provided in the separation space and includes a spindle and a plurality of separation discs carried by the spindle. The centrifuge rotor is rotated to create a rotating gas volume. An oil supply device supplies such a quantity of oil to the separation space that a flowing oil film is created on the inner wall surface during operation of the centrifugal separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventor: Mats-Örjan Pogén
  • Patent number: 8876683
    Abstract: A blood processing centrifuge comprising: a rotor having an axis of rotation and being controllably spun around the axis, a mechanism for processing whole blood within the rotor while spinning, a computer controlling blood processing operations, the computer being mounted to the rotor and spinning therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jacques Chammas
  • Patent number: 8845505
    Abstract: A separator includes a centrifugal drum having a vertical axis of rotation and a feed line for material to be centrifuged. A drive spindle for the centrifugal drum is rotatably mounted on a housing via a bearing, the housing being supported elastically on a machine frame. A drive device includes a motor housing and an electric motor having a stator and an armature which is aligned with the drive spindle. The drive device and the motor housing move with the drive spindle as co-vibrating units during an operation of the separator. The drive device is connected to the machine frame below the bearing at a lower axial end of the bearing via one or more joint elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Thomas Bathelt, Andreas Penkl, Thomas Kleimann, Marie-Theres Sedler
  • Patent number: 8808154
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for a scroll centrifuge having a rotating drum and a scroll mounted coaxially therein has a drive motor associated with the drum and a scroll motor that is coupled to the scroll shaft via a gearbox whose housing is nonrotatably connected to the drum drive shaft. According to the invention, the housing of the gearbox for driving the scroll is rotatably mounted in a floor-mounted housing and has a hollow output shaft that is connected via a coupling to the hollow drum drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Hiller GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Wagenbauer, Christoph Puls
  • Patent number: 8758209
    Abstract: A separator including a rotatable centrifugal drum having a vertical axis of rotation and an inflow line for a material to be processed by the separator. Also included is a drive spindle for the drum rotatably mounted via a mounting to a housing supported elastically on a machine stand section. A drive device includes an electric drive motor having a stator and a rotor which is aligned with the drive spindle. A lubricant system is configured to lubricate the mounting and the lubricant system includes a lubricant circuit to convey lubricant and has a lubricant collecting container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Thomas Bathelt, Andreas Penkl, Andreas Schulz, Marie-Theres Sedler
  • Patent number: 8753253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator for separating air and possibly present solids from a mixture of dental waste water, comprising an air-water separator, wherein a mixture supply tube opens into a centrifuge drum, an air discharge duct extends from the centrifuge drum to the mixture supply tube and the centrifuge drum includes an upper drain edge over which a water outlet is guided onto the outside of the centrifuge drum. In accordance with the invention, the separator is characterized in that the mixture supply tube opens onto a central turbine wheel arranged above the centrifuge drum bottom and an impeller of a waste water delivery pump, which communicates with the water outlet, is arranged on an outside of the centrifuge drum in the vicinity of the centrifuge drum bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Bruno Pregenzer, Alfred Konzett
  • Patent number: 8727958
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter proposes an apparatus (42) and a method for transferring energy and/or a substance from a non-rotating component of an apparatus to a rotating device (43)—or vice versa—through an intermediary component (1, 1?). In one configuration, the intermediary component (1,1?) is a symmetrically arranged pair of tubes, useful in centrifugal separation, and which is subject to continuous rotation while tube ends are fixed in a lower, stationary range or stand still.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Miltenyi Biotech GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried Schimmelpfennig, Holger Lantow, Juergen Schulz, Elmar Niklas Neuschaefer
  • Patent number: 8721513
    Abstract: An electric motor is provided with a hollow rotating drive shaft extending along the central axis of the motor, a stationary liquid supply line and a rotating union which communicates with the liquid supply line and the hollow interior of the drive shaft for supplying liquid to the hollow interior of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Sepro Mineral Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Steven A. McAlister
  • Patent number: 8678987
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge with a drive head which can be connected with a drive, a rotor which can detachably be mounted on the drive head, at least one connection element with which the drive head can be connected in a torsion-proof manner with the rotor, and at least one coupling element which is attached to the drive head and is able to exert an axial force on the rotor in such a way that the rotor can be fixed axially, with the axial force increasing with the rising rotational speed of the drive head, with the coupling element on the rotor transmitting the axial force by means of a ramp surface which is inclined at an angle (?) relative to the horizontal line in a range of more than 0° to 15°. Secure locking of the rotor during standstill and high speeds can thus be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Thermo Electron LED GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Henne
  • Publication number: 20140066282
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a centrifugal processing system is provided for rotating the yoke assembly (36) about a first axis at a first angular velocity and rotating the chamber assembly (30 coaxially with the yoke assembly at a second angular velocity A drive motor (54) is provided for rotating the yoke assembly at the first angular velocity and simultaneously rotating the chamber assembly at the second angular velocity by means of a stationary first gear (64), a second gear (68) mounted to the yoke assembly that operatively engages the first gear, a third gear (74) rotatably mounted to the yoke assembly so as to synchronously rotate with the second gear, and a fourth gear (76) fixed to the chamber assembly that operatively engages the third gear so as to rotate the chamber assembly (30) relative to the yoke assembly (36) upon rotation of the yoke assembly about the first gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Salvatore J. Manzella, Gregory G. Pieper, Thimothy J. Getschman
  • Publication number: 20140045669
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor which accommodates a sample, a motor which rotationally drives the rotor and a chiller which cools a rotor chamber, and is provided with a transformer which has a plurality of secondary side taps, converts an AC voltage which is input from a primary side to a plurality of voltages, and outputs, and a voltage switching unit which is connected to the plurality of secondary side taps of the transformer, selects any one of outputs of the secondary side taps, and outputs to the chiller. The microcomputer controls the voltage switching unit corresponding to the power supply frequency which is determined using the output of the zero-crossing detection circuit, and supplies the desired driving voltage to the chiller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Hidetaka Osawa, Kousuke Maeno, Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20140031191
    Abstract: A centrifuge including: a rotor configured to hold a sample and configured to be detachably mounted, a rotation chamber accommodating the rotor, a plurality of motors configured to be rotationally driven by three-phase AC power, and a control device configured to control centrifuging operation, wherein one of the plurality of motors is a centrifuge motor configured to rotate the rotor, and the control device is configured to change distribution of power supplied to the centrifuge motor and power supplied to another motor of the plurality of motors during one operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Inaniwa, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Kouichi Akatsu, Hisanobu Ooyama, Yuki Hodotsuka, Hidetaka Osawa
  • Patent number: 8617041
    Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of automated sample workcells and methods of operation are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Joerg Haechler
  • Publication number: 20130331253
    Abstract: The present invention relates a centrifuge drive head for releasably connecting a driving system to a rotor of a centrifuge. The centrifuge drive head comprises a base body mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation (R) and at least a first and a second coupling element, mounted on the base body for swinging outwardly about a swivel axis. The first and second coupling elements differ from each other. The present invention further relates to a set for a centrifuge, which comprises, in addition to the centrifuge drive head, a hub of a rotor, into the recess of which the first and/or second coupling element can be swiveled depending on their configuration, and also to a centrifuge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Thermo Electron LED GmbH
    Inventors: Norman Ballhause, Sebastian Henne
  • Patent number: 8574143
    Abstract: A horizontal solid-bowl centrifuge with cleaning-in-place jet nozzles for cleaning the bowl in a manner complying with good manufacturing procedure is provided. The bowl is cleaned by a defined arrangement of the cleaning jet nozzles, as the bowl rotates at a speed insufficient to produce a centrifugal force equal to gravitational acceleration, where gravitational acceleration is equal to 1.0 g. The cleaning liquids are then removed after the bowl stops rotating at the lowest point of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Astheimer, Peter Kraemer, Wolfgang Sittig, Bernhard Unger, Frank Zwilling
  • Patent number: 8556794
    Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Nash, William T. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20130231235
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for a scroll centrifuge having a rotating drum and a scroll mounted coaxially therein has a drive motor associated with the drum and a scroll motor that is coupled to the scroll shaft via a gearbox whose housing is nonrotatably connected to the drum drive shaft. According to the invention, the housing of the gearbox for driving the scroll is rotatably mounted in a floor-mounted housing and has a hollow output shaft that is connected via a coupling to the hollow drum drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Wagenbauer, Christoph Puls
  • Patent number: 8485957
    Abstract: A chuck for rotating around a rotation axis XA a centrifugal separation bowl secured thereto includes a vat-shaped body for receiving a lower end portion of the separation bowl secured therein with a peripheral rim of the chuck surrounding an outer flank of the separation bowl. The chuck includes a plurality of clutching systems to cooperate with the flank of the separation bowl in securing it to the chuck. The clutching systems include a channel formed in the chuck body with an arcuate path in the peripheral rim of the chuck body. A chain of translatory bodies arranged within the channel includes a proximal translatory body and a distal translatory body in the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giampaolo Simonini, Ivo Panzani, Andrea Galavotti
  • Patent number: 8444542
    Abstract: A gear apparatus for a solid-bowl screw centrifuge. The gear apparatus includes a shaft, a gear, and a bearing. The centrifuge includies a drum and a screw, both of which are configured to be driven. The screw is further configured to be driven at a different rotational speed relative to the drum. The gear apparatus is connected between one or more drive motors and the screw and the drum. The gear apparatus is continuously filled with a lubricant and includes a hollow drive shaft having two hollow longitudinal channels extending in an axial direction. Also included is a lubricant compensating system having a lubricant compensating container connected via a line and a rotary lead-through for lubricating the bearing through the two hollow longitudinal channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Gea Westfalia Separator GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Ostkamp, Richard Neubauer
  • Publication number: 20130078149
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Theranos, Inc., a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth Holmes, John Kent Frankovich
  • Publication number: 20130072368
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a cassette (2) comprising a product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) and a shut-off device (19a, 19b) integrated into the cassette for interrupting a product flow. The shut-off device is arranged at a rim of the cassette such that the shut-off device (19a, 19b) can be directly operated manually and/or mechanically. The product-conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) leads through the shut-off device (19a, 19b). The cassette consists of a lower part (5) and an upper part (7) which are connectable to each other by connecting means (9, 11, 13, 15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicants: TERUMO EUROPE NV, ANDREAS HETTICH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Klaus-Günter Eberle, Roland Biset, Wilfried Mertens
  • Patent number: 8343025
    Abstract: A centrifugal concentrator in which there is a common shaft for the drive motor and concentrator bowl. The cost of bearing assemblies is thereby minimized. The bowl is driven and suspended from above to keep the motor out of the slurry area and maximize the simplicity of the design. A fluidizing fluid is delivered through the common shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Steven A. McAlister, Mark Henry Vinchoff
  • Publication number: 20120245013
    Abstract: The spinning disc centrifuge rotor includes a sample holder formed from a cylindrical disc body and a cover plate that are made from a transparent material, such as polycarbonate, preferably Lexan® (Lexan is a registered trademark of General Electric Company of Schenectady, N.Y.). The disc-shaped body has two concentric or coaxial recesses defined therein. The first recess forms a cylindrical well or sample chamber for receiving a generally cylindrical rock sample. The second recess has a larger diameter than the first recess, and is shallower, forming a fluid collection area above the sample well, the second recess forming an annular ring extending around the top edge or rim of the sample well. An O-ring snugly within the outer wall of the second recess and forms a seal between the cover plate and the floor of the second recess, preventing fluid leakage. A rotor shaft extends from the bottom face of the cylindrical disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: KUWAIT UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: OSAMAH ALI ALOMAIR
  • Patent number: 8262552
    Abstract: A chuck for rotating around a rotation axis XA a centrifugal separation bowl secured thereto includes a vat-shaped body for receiving a lower end portion of the separation bowl secured therein with a peripheral rim of the chuck surrounding an outer flank of the separation bowl. The chuck includes a plurality of clutching systems to cooperate with the flank of the separation bowl in securing it to the chuck. The clutching systems include a channel formed in the chuck body with an arcuate path in the peripheral rim of the chuck body. A chain of translatory bodies arranged within the channel includes a proximal translatory body and a distal translatory body in the chain, whereby a force acting on the proximal body and directed outwardly of the rotation axis XA is transmitted through the chain of translatory bodies to the distal translatory body to urge it inwardly towards the rotation axis XA to clutch the outer flank of the separation bowl, whereby the separation bowl is secured to the rotary chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giampaolo Simonini, Ivo Panzani, Andrea Galavotti
  • Patent number: 8226826
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disk based system for separating at least two types of particulates contained in a sample fluid. The system includes a disk-like carrier board and a magnetic attraction unit. The disk-like carrier board forms at least one flow channel structure, which includes an inner reservoir, at least one separation chamber, and at least one outer reservoir arranged in sequence from a geometric center of the disk-like carrier board to an outer circumferential rim of the disk-like carrier board. A method of separation carried out with the system includes introducing the sample fluid into the inner reservoir and then rotating the disk-like carrier board to induce a centrifugal force. The sample fluid contains particulates that are labeled with immunomagnetic beads and the labeled particulates are attracted by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic attraction unit to retain in the inner reservoir or the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Andrew M. Wo, Chen-Lin Chen, Ken-Chao Chen, Yu-Cheng Pan
  • Patent number: 8182409
    Abstract: Embodiments of a centrifuge comprise a housing, a rotatable shaft extending upwardly into the housing and comprising a rare earth metal magnet disposed adjacent an upper surface of the rotatable shaft and a centrifuge basket configured to rotate with the rotatable shaft and magnetically coupled to the rare earth metal magnet of the rotatable shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The Western States Machine Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 8182408
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a rotating centrifuge rotor having a casing which defines an inner separation space. A set of separation discs is provided in the inner separation space. The centrifugal separator includes a torque transmitting part connected to the centrifuge rotor. A drive motor drives the torque transmitting part for rotation of the centrifuge rotor. The drive motor has a first axial end turned towards the centrifuge rotor and a second axial end turned away from the centrifuge rotor. The centrifugal separator includes a stationary frame and a first bearing and a second bearing, which are connected to the frame. The torque transmitting part is rotatably journalled in the first bearing and the second bearing. The first bearing is provided between the drive motor and the centrifuge rotor. The second bearing is provided outside the second axial end of the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Roland Isaksson, Peter Thorwid
  • Patent number: 8172740
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco L.P.
    Inventors: Khaled El Dorry, George Edward Smith, Mallappa Ishwarappa Guggari, William L. Koederitz
  • Publication number: 20120100980
    Abstract: A centrifuge opening tool has a frame that securely holds a centrifuge drum therein. An upright tube is mounted to the frame and a brake band is rotatably secured to the upright tube. When the brake band is tightened, the centrifuge drum is securely held in place. A ring gear is secured to a lock ring. The lock ring is part of the centrifuge drum and is removable to allow access to the interior therein. A drive gear meshes with the ring gear and increases the mechanical advantage allowing a user to apply the force needed to open the lock ring even when it has been extremely compressed. A spanner wrench is placed on a drive shaft that is connected to the drive gear. Engagement pins are used to mechanically couple the gear ring and lock ring together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Lahmann
  • Patent number: 8101138
    Abstract: A centrifugal micro fluidic system and a centrifugal magnetic position control device used in the centrifugal micro fluidic system for controlling the position of magnetic beads are provided. The centrifugal micro fluidic system comprising, a rotatable platform; a micro fluidic structure which is disposed in the platform; and a plurality of objects which include functional groups on surfaces thereof so as to capture a target material from the fluid and carry the target material while being suspended in and separated from the fluid in the micro fluidic structure, wherein the movements of the objects are controlled by a force affecting the objects differently compared to the force's effect on the fluid. When the objects are made of a magnetic material, the force may be a magnetic force applied by the centrifugal magnetic position control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-gun Lee, Yoon-kyoung Cho, Beom-seok Lee, Jong-myeon Park
  • Publication number: 20110212822
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge with a drive head which can be connected with a drive, a rotor which can detachably be mounted on the drive head, at least one connection element with which the drive head can be connected in a torsion-proof manner with the rotor, and at least one coupling element which is attached to the drive head and is able to exert an axial force on the rotor in such a way that the rotor can be fixed axially, with the axial force increasing with the rising rotational speed of the drive head, with the coupling element on the rotor transmitting the axial force by means of a ramp surface which is inclined at an angle (?) relative to the horizontal line in a range of more than 0° to 15°. Secure locking of the rotor during standstill and high speeds can thus be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: THERMO ELECTRON LED GMBH
    Inventor: Sebastian Henne
  • Patent number: 7993257
    Abstract: A chuck for rotating around a rotation axis XA a centrifugal separation bowl secured thereto includes a vat-shaped body for receiving a lower end portion of the separation bowl secured therein with a peripheral rim of the chuck surrounding an outer flank of the separation bowl. The chuck includes a plurality of clutching systems to cooperate with the flank of the separation bowl in securing it to the chuck. The clutching systems include a channel formed in the chuck body with an arcuate path in the peripheral rim of the chuck body. A chain of translatory bodies arranged within the channel includes a proximal translatory body and a distal translatory body in the chain, whereby a force acting on the proximal body and directed outwardly of the rotation axis XA is transmitted through the chain of translatory bodies to the distal translatory body to urge it inwardly towards the rotation axis XA to clutch the outer flank of the separation bowl, whereby the separation bowl is secured to the rotary chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gianpaolo Simonini, Ivo Panzani, Andrea Galavotti
  • Publication number: 20110082021
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor configured to receive sample containers; a drive shaft operatively coupled to the rotor; and a motor. The motor includes a housing; a plurality of substantially parallel fins integral with the housing, each fin having a free end spaced from the housing, wherein the free ends of the plurality of fins are disposed in a common cylindrical plane; and a plurality of substantially parallel grooves, each groove disposed between a pair of adjacent fins and having a groove depth defined by a distance between the common cylindrical plane and the housing. Wherein the plurality of grooves includes a first multitude of grooves having a common groove depth and a second multitude of grooves having a groove depth that is not the same as the common groove depth, wherein the first and second multitude of grooves are interleaved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: BECKMAN COULTER, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Burns
  • Publication number: 20110059835
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centrifuge including: a motor; a rotor chamber that accommodates a rotor rotated by the motor thereinside; a vacuum pump that sucks air from the rotor chamber to reduce a pressure therein; and a controller that controls the centrifuge to operate in: (1) a normal operation mode in which the rotor is rotated while activating the vacuum pump; and (2) a pulsed operation mode in which the rotor is rotated without activating the vacuum pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: HITACHI KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki TAKAHASHI
  • Patent number: 7901343
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-cleaning drying centrifuge for removing fluid from a concentrated particulate-filled fluid and peeling mostly dried particulate (solid) material from the centrifuge. In some embodiments, a high-efficiency centrifuge performs an initial separation and concentration of small particles from a contaminated fluid, and outputs a clarified fluid for reuse, and periodically purges concentrated particulates with high fluid content. The purged concentrate is then fed into the present invention's drying centrifuge, which substantially reduces the remaining fluid content. In some embodiments, the drying centrifuge is periodically stopped and one or more internal blades (peelers) are rotated around the inner wall of the drying centrifuge bowl to peel the accumulated solids, which drop into a collection container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Products Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Denis J. Dudrey, James N. Gehrking, Adelbert Gorham, Ronald L. Jorgenson, Rodger I. Spears, Lloyd E. Weisert
  • Publication number: 20110034313
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes a bowl. The bowl includes a cylindrical portion at a first end. The centrifuge further includes a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft is coaxial with the cylindrical portion and extends through at least the first end. The centrifuge also includes a hydraulic drive unit coupled to the cylindrical portion and configured to rotate the cylindrical portion. The hollow shaft and the cylindrical portion are rotatably coupled to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: ANDRITZ SEPARATION INC.
    Inventor: James J. HANKEY
  • Patent number: 7883457
    Abstract: A helical conveyor centrifuge, such as a solid-bowl or sieve-bowl centrifuge, includes a rotatable drum, a rotatable screw disposed within the drum, and a centrifuge drive for rotating the drum and the screw. The centrifuge drive is configured to set a differential speed between drum and screw. The centrifuge drive includes a first motor, a second motor, and a gearing arrangement disposed between the motors and also between the drum and the screw. The gearing arrangement includes a gearing arranged downstream of the motors and has a first gear, a second gear and a third gear stage. The first and second gear stages include at least four shafts. Torques are either introduced into or are taken off from the first and second gear stages. The first and second gear stages are disposed in a housing and driven by at least three of the at least four shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Overberg
  • Patent number: 7867159
    Abstract: A centrifugal method, and corresponding system, for processing blood to collect platelet rich plasma. A separation chamber is filled with blood from a fill syringe by rotating the separation chamber at a fill rotation rate and pumping the blood from the fill syringe. A soft spin is used to initially separate red blood cells from platelets by spinning the separation chamber at a soft spin rate. A percentage of the blood is drawn from the separation chamber back into the fill syringe to remove separated red blood cells. A second portion of the separated blood is drawn from the separation chamber until a red blood cell/platelet interface is detected. A hard spin is performed by spinning the separation chamber at a higher rate and connecting tubing is cleared of red blood cells by drawing a predetermined clearing volume. The platelet rich plasma is then collected in the collection syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Arteriocyte Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor D. Dolecek, Gary L. Berg, Kenneth E. Merte, David Malcolm, Kevin D. McIntosh, Vitaly G. Sitko
  • Patent number: 7850590
    Abstract: A separator includes a centrifuge drum having a vertical rotational axis and a feed line to feed a product to be centrifugally processed. Further included is a drive spindle having an impeller to drive the centrifugal drum, which drive spindle is rotatably mounted in a housing by a bearing device and which is supported on a machine frame by an elastic support. Also included is a lubrication arrangement and a drive device including an electric drive motor having a stator and a motor rotor which is aligned with the drive spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Gea Westfalia Separator GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Helga Tietz
  • Patent number: 7806820
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Wayne Howell
  • Publication number: 20100234203
    Abstract: A compact laboratory centrifuge including a centrifuge rotor and a drive unit for driving the centrifuge rotor. The drive unit includes a motor, a motor housing and a shaft. The centrifuge rotor is attached to and driven by the shaft. The centrifuge rotor includes a recess adapted to receiving the upper portion of the motor housing, which is positioned in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: HANNING ELEKTRO-WERKE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Erich R. Soetebier, Ruediger Rauskolb
  • Publication number: 20100216620
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Hanning Elektro-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf DE LA HAYE, Thomas HENKE, Andreas LEVERMANN, Wolfgang AMRHEIN, Siegfried SILBER, Herbert GRABNER