Abstract: Embodiments of a system box for holding a bag system and methods for separating composite liquids are described. In embodiments, a bag system may be a blood bag system used to collect blood, separate the blood into components, store the components, and utilize the components in patients. The system box may hold the blood bag system. Processes can then be performed to separate components from the blood.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a patient's hematocrit includes collecting a sample of blood in a capillary tube, and placing the capillary tube into a centrifuge having a rotor. The centrifuge has base with a center axis and a manual rotation member. The rotor spins in response to the manual rotation member being pulled by an operator, and the rotor is coupled for rotation to the base. The rotor including a plurality of microfluidic channels. The sample of blood is separated with the centrifuge into a red blood cell portion and a plasma portion in the microfluidic channels. A diagnosis image is provided including a base line indicia, a lower normal line indicia, an upper normal line indicia and a 100 % level line indicia. The capillary tube is placed against the diagnosis image with the bottom end placed adjacent the base line indicia.

Abstract: A separator extracting dry chopped food waste material from wet chopped food waste material fed in fluid state includes an outer container for an internal centrifuge having a rotating cylinder with perforated walls, which contains a rotating screw that advances the wet chopped food material and separates the liquid portion therefrom; an inlet opening, which receives the wet chopped food material to be introduced into the rotating cylinder through a hollow duct inside the screw feeder, causing its upward movement and advancement; and an outlet opening, which evacuates the chopped material without the liquid portion. The outer container includes upper and lower half-shells that are monolithic and integral sanitation elements of the separator and a centering and sealing element at a coupling area, a flow-regulation valve being positioned at a lower opening to evacuate the separated liquid from the outer container.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for measuring formed blood component sedimentation rate. Some of the methods may use (1) centrifugal techniques for separating red blood cells from plasma and (2) video and/or still imaging capability. Both may be used alone or in combination to accelerate formed blood component sedimentation and to measure its rate. In one example, the method may advantageously enable rapid measurement of sedimentation rate using small blood sample volumes. Automated image analysis can be used to determine both sedimentation rate and hematocrit. Automated techniques may be used to compensate for effects of hematocrit on uncorrected sedimentation rate data.

Abstract: A rotating device includes a carrier, a rotating plate, and a driving unit. The rotating plate rotatably connected with a pivot portion of the carrier contains a test liquid. The rotating plate or the driving unit has a stopping portion. When the driving unit drives the rotating plate to rotate so the stopping portion moves to a first position and interferes with the carrier, the driving unit applies driving force to the pivot portion of the carrier along a first rotation direction through the rotating plate. When the carrier rotates along the first rotation direction and the driving unit applies driving force to the rotating plate along a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the rotating plate rotates relative to the carrier, the stopping portion moves to a second position and interferes with the carrier, and the driving unit applies driving force to the pivot portion of the carrier along the second rotation direction through the rotating plate.

Abstract: A discontinuous centrifuge consists of a rotatable centrifuge drum incorporating a drive spindle, a casing and a base. A hub of the centrifuge drum comprises a plurality of arms for the indirect or direct connection of the casing of the centrifuge drum to the drive spindle of the centrifuge drum. A scraper serves for scraping a product off the inner wall of the casing of the rotatable centrifuge drum. The scraper comprises an element which is pivotal about an axis, which axis extends in parallel with the axis of rotation of the centrifuge drum. The element comprises a blade which extends over almost the entire height of the centrifuge drum and makes contact with the product after the pivotal movement. The scraper is not moveable vertically. The arms of the hub have upper surfaces which are located below the drum base. The scraper is mounted independently of the swinging suspension of the centrifuge drum.

Abstract: A system operating as a centrifugal, liquid-liquid separator may be controlled, and even optimized, by automatic control of back pressure to establish an optimum position of the dispersion band therein. Optimizing to minimize impurities (from each other) in each of two separated phases is possible, even simultaneously, by reliance on a processor setting the settling lengths of both heavy and light phases at the same value. Settling length, defined in accordance with the invention, reflects a settling velocity multiplied by a residence time. Equating these lengths, for droplets of each in the other liquid, provides superior results over conventional settling theory maximizing settling area. Equalization of residence times did not provide an improvement over conventional settling theory.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for handling a plurality of tubes or vials, and for applying and removing caps to and from tubes or vials, which may be disposed in a rack. The apparatus and methods are well adapted for automated capping and de-capping using generic or off-the-shelf tubes, vials, and caps, such as are commonly used for laboratory samples and reagents.

Abstract: A stirring device according to an aspect is provided with a holder which holds a specimen container accommodating a specimen in an upright position and a rotation mechanism section configured to rotate the specimen container, thereby stirring the specimen therein.

Abstract: Centrifuge vessels suitable for live cell processing include a bowl with a cap, and a tube inside the bowl extending between the cap and a lower portion of the bowl. The bottom of the bowl can have a closed annular ring surrounding a center mound. The vessels can be particularly suitable for processing low volumes of live cells for vaccines or other therapies.

Abstract: A method for controlling a centrifuge blood component separation system for separating components of a blood product, the separation system comprising a centrifuge and a separation bag and at least one transfer bag. The method comprises selecting a nominal hematocrit value such that an actual hematocrit value is expected to be less than said nominal hematocrit; centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid so as to cause the sedimentation of at least a first component and a second component; transferring some of the first component to a first transfer bag; detecting time of passage of a red blood cell interface at a pre-selected location in the separation bag; and adjusting a predicted processing time based on the time of passage of the red blood cell interface.

Abstract: A method for washing platelets includes introducing anticoagulant into a platelet product container, drawing re-anticoagulated platelet product from the platelet product container, and introducing it into a centrifuge bowl. The centrifuge bowl separates the platelets from the supernatant in which they are suspended. The method then washes the platelets by introducing wash solution into the centrifuge bowl. As the wash solution is introduced into the bowl, it displaces the supernatant from the bowl and into a waste container. The method then introduces platelet additive solution into the centrifuge bowl, which displaces the wash solution from the centrifuge bowl and into the waste container and further wash the platelets. The method then repeatedly accelerates and decelerates the centrifuge bowl to resuspend the platelets in the platelet additive solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purifying and harvesting certain cell populations in blood or bone marrow by depleting at least one of red blood cells, granulocytes, or platelets from a sample comprising blood, bone marrow, or stromal vascular fraction cells separated from adipose tissue is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sterile, single use rigid, self-supporting cartridge within which the automated depletion, purification and harvesting of target cell populations occurs and all components may be distributed.

Abstract: A method for processing a free-flowing product. The method steps include: providing at least one separator having a vertical axis of rotation, a rotatable centrifugal drum, and a plate assembly arranged in the drum; supplying the free-flowing product into the drum; separating one or more of a solid phase and at least two liquid phases from the free-flowing product; and discharging one or more of the liquid phases and the solid phase out of the drum.

Abstract: There is provided a centrifuge that includes a motor, a rotor chamber accommodating a rotor that is rotated by the motor, a vacuum pump that sucks air from the rotor chamber to reduce a pressure therein, a controller that controls the centrifuge to operate selectively in one of a normal centrifuge operation mode and a pulsed operation mode in which the rotor is rotated for a short time at a speed equal to or lower than a predetermined set value, and an interface device connected to the controller to input information regarding the operation mode of the centrifuge, wherein the controller controls the vacuum pump to turn on when the centrifuge operation mode is selected by the interface device and to turn off when the pulsed operation mode is selected.

Abstract: A centrifuge capable of suppressing a long-time depressurization as compared with the case of starting depressurizing after cooling has been completed as well as shortening a cooling time of a rotor and a sample in the rotor is achieved as compared with the case of starting cooling is at the same time with depressurization. Operation of a Peltier element is started at the same time with operation start of the centrifuge. A bowl is cooled by heat absorption of the Peltier element, and the rotor is cooled by the bowl with using ambient air as a thermal medium. At this time, a vacuum pump depressurizing a rotor chamber is in an OFF state (ambient conditions). After a predetermined time is elapsed, the vacuum pump is turned on to start depressurization of the inside of the rotor chamber.

Abstract: A centrifuge comprises a rotor for holding a sample, a rotation chamber for housing the rotor, a motor for rotating the rotor, an oil diffusion pump for reducing a pressure within the rotation chamber, and a control unit for controlling the heater temperature of the oil diffusion pump for a target set temperature. The control unit changes the target set temperature from a first given temperature to a second given temperature that is lower than the first given temperature after a given period of time elapses since the start of control of the heater temperature.

Abstract: A CD-based device for separating plasma from whole blood includes a substrate, a sedimentation chamber disposed in the substrate, and a collection chamber disposed in the substrate and in fluidic communication with the sedimentation chamber through a siphon channel. The sedimentation chamber includes a plurality of finger-like structures disposed along a radially outward edge of the sedimentation chamber, and protruding radially inward relative to the axis of rotation of the substrate. A method for separating plasma from whole blood using the CD-based device includes introducing a blood sample into the sedimentation chamber, rotating the substrate about an axis of rotation at a first rotational speed to separate the plasma from blood cells, and rotating the substrate about the axis of rotation at a second rotational speed, which is lower than the first rotational speed, to move the plasma from the sedimentation chamber into the collection chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal separator for separating solid particles from a liquid mixture, said centrifugal separator comprising a rotor body which is rotatable around an axis of rotation, the rotor body having a separation chamber with an inlet for the liquid mixture, at least one liquid outlet for a separated liquid from the liquid mixture, a sludge outlet for the separated solid particles, a screw conveyor adapted to rotate in the rotor body around the axis of rotation, at a speed differing from the rotational speed of the rotor body, for transporting the separated solid particles in the separation chamber towards and out of the sludge outlet, a drive arrangement adapted to rotate the rotor body and the screw conveyor at their respective speeds, and a control unit which is adapted to control the drive arrangement to rotate the rotor body at a first speed during a separation phase and at a second speed, which is lower than the first speed, during a particle discharge phase.

Abstract: High-throughput centrifugation of batches of samples is achieved by dividing a single centrifugation run of a batch of samples into two or more staggered, discrete spins with fewer samples and in which the availability of centrifuge slots for loading or unloading of samples and the subsequent delivery of experimental results can be enhanced. The methodology is particularly useful in situations where multiple samples need to be processed rapidly, for example, as part of a STAT blood typing program in urgent care facilities prior to blood transfusion.

Abstract: The weight difference is limited between buckets (17) mounted at respective symmetrical positions with respect to a centrifugal separation rotational center and examination of samples is continuously performed in the order in which they are received. In particular, when a sample (21) is carried in a centrifugal buffer line (11), its weight is measured by weight measuring means (31). It is assumed that the names of two adaptors (22) placed at respective symmetrical positions with respect to the centrifugal separation rotational center are defined as an adaptor A and an adaptor B. A first sample is put on the adaptor A and a second sample is put on the adaptor B. Then, a third sample and subsequent ones are each put on the adaptor (22) lighter than the other adaptor after the total weights of samples put on the adaptors are computation-compared with each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifuge including a rotatable centrifugal drum and a drive spindle to drive the centrifugal drum. The drive spindle is rotatably mounted via a bearing in a housing supported elastically on a machine framework. Further included is a drive device including a drive motor to rotate the drive spindle and a lubricant system to lubricate the bearing. The lubricant system is configured to deliver lubricant from a lubricant supply tank through a lubricant channel into a region of the bearing. An injection device is arranged downstream of the lubricant-supply tank and is configured to deliver the lubricant into the region of the bearing by dispensing quantities of lubricant in temporally discrete pulses with a limited-time air stream. A method is disclosed of directing lubricant into a region of a bearing of the centrifuge as noted above.

Abstract: A system for separating a sample and collecting the separated sample. The system includes an ultracentrifuge having a cylindrical rotor. The system includes a gradient delivery assembly for delivering a gradient solution to the ultracentrifuge rotor, and a sample delivery assembly for delivering the solution containing the sample to the ultracentrifuge rotor. The system includes a fraction collection assembly for collecting discrete volumes of the separated sample. The system includes a processor for controlling operation of the ultracentrifuge, as well as the gradient delivery assembly, the sample delivery assembly, and/or the fraction collection assembly.

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: 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.

Abstract: A wet cyclone particle collector is disclosed. The wet cyclone particle collector includes a cyclone unit, a liquid delivery unit and a sample collection unit. The cyclone unit draws a gas sample into a cyclone chamber and creates a circular flow of the gas sample inside the cyclone chamber so that particles in the gas sample are separated from said gas sample by centrifugation force. The liquid delivery unit delivers a collection liquid into the cyclone in a non-continuous fashion. The sample collection unit harvests the collection liquid from the cyclone unit. The non-continuous delivery of the collection liquid significantly reduces consumption of collection liquid during operation of the particle collector.

Abstract: A centrifuge comprises a rotor for holding a sample, a rotation chamber for housing the rotor, a motor for rotating the rotor, an oil diffusion pump for reducing a pressure within the rotation chamber, and a control unit for controlling the heater temperature of the oil diffusion pump for a target set temperature. The control unit changes the target set temperature from a first given temperature to a second given temperature that is lower than the first given temperature after a given period of time elapses since the start of control of the heater temperature.

Abstract: A method of preventing blockages of flow paths of a separator, the separator processing a fat-containing product such as milk. The method steps include determining a concentration of the fat content of an outflowing product phase from the separator to detect an imminent clogging, and shifting a separation zone in a separator drum of the separator for a defined minimum time period by changing operating parameters.

Abstract: Methods for using a centrifuge are presented. A vessel containing a sample and a separator substance is placed within a centrifuge. Upon sufficient centrifugation, the sample separates into two or more fractions separated by the separator substance. The centrifuge exposes the separator substance to a sufficient energy to polymerize the separator substance to produce a hardened barrier between the fractions.

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

Abstract: Method for supervising a centrifugal separator with a separating chamber, a radially inner outlet connected to the separating chamber and to an outlet conduit, with a flow detector disposed in the outlet conduit and adapted to detecting a flow in the outlet conduit, and an intermittently openable radially outer outlet connected to the separating chamber. In order reliably and easily to supervise the intermittent discharge of the centrifugal separator, the pressure is measured by a sensor disposed in a portion of the centrifugal separator which is pressure-transmittingly connected to a central portion of the interior of the rotor. If the supervision unit does not detect a pressure drop pulse from the sensor within a predetermined period of time from when an intermittent discharge is initiated, an alarm signal is emitted.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a provision for measuring a physical parameter corresponding to the position of a phase interface inside the centrifuge. The centrifuge is controlled responsive to the inferred position of the phase interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for setting energy saver sleep modes for use in a centrifuge systems. The centrifuge system contains an energy saver touch screen control which can be either manually set or automatically set to turn the centrifuge on or off at predetermined times. This allows the centrifuge system to be readily available to a user, resulting in lower wear and tear being placed on the major systems of the centrifuge and waste less energy.

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.

Abstract: A centrifugal method of separating and collecting components from a fluid is provided, comprising providing a centrifuge operable at a plurality of rotation speeds and having a mounting assembly for positioning and retaining a disposable collection assembly relative to the centrifuge at the rotation speeds; mounting a separation assembly comprising a number of collection chambers in the mounting assembly, wherein each of the collection chambers include an outer, conical-shaped collection portion with a port for providing a fluid pathway for the fluid into and out of the collection chambers and wherein the mounting includes fluidically connecting the ports with a fluid tube; connecting a fluid source to the fluid tube; rotating the centrifuge at a fill speed; and operating the fluid source to supply the fluid to the fluid tube, whereby the fluid is concurrently supplied in substantially equal volumetric and component density quantities to each of the collection chambers.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes an input section for allowing a user to enter operating conditions of a centrifugal separation of a sample accommodated in a rotor driven by a motor. A memory of the centrifugal separator stores a user ID code and a corresponding user name which are registered in advance by the user. Operation of the centrifugal separator is allowed when a user ID code entered through the input section agrees with the registered user ID code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for setting energy saver sleep modes for use in a centrifuge systems. The centrifuge system contains an energy saver touch screen control which can be either manually set or automatically set to turn the centrifuge on or off at predetermined times. This allows the centrifuge system to be readily available to a user, resulting in lower wear and tear being placed on the major systems of the centrifuge and waste less energy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a centrifuge lock for use in centrifuge systems, which are particularly suited for centrifuge lock touch screen controls which can be manually set to unlock the centrifuge for easy access without the need for a physical key.

Abstract: A system for collecting red blood cells (RBCs) and other blood components that reduces the need for human intervention. A disposable set is provided having a port, an RBC container, a centrifuge rotor having a variable total volume, and a filter, along with tubing connecting the port, the container, the rotor and the filter. A control unit is also provided and includes a spinner in which the rotor may be held, a flow-control arrangement for controlling flow among the various components of the disposable set, and an electronic controller. The whole blood is directed by the flow-control arrangement from the port through the tubing to the rotor. The rotor includes an elastic diaphragm, and the control unit's flow-control arrangement includes a pump or other device for applying a positive and negative pressure to the rotor's elastic diaphragm. The spinner rotates the rotor so as to separate the whole blood into plasma and RBCs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for generating a protocol for controlling operation of a device including selecting one or more functions in the operation of the device, ordering the sequence of the selected functions, selecting a value for variables of each of the selected functions, and recording the selected ordered functions and the values to generate a protocol definition file readable by an executable software program to control the device to run the selected functions with the selected values for variables of the functions.

Abstract: A system for automated operation of a blood separation system controlling the input of blood samples, the separation of blood components, and the discharge of the components. The system includes a blood reservoir and centrifuge for receiving blood samples and separating the blood components. A sensor determines when adequate separation has been achieved and a controller receives signals from the sensor to operate a centrifuge drive assembly to achieve desired separation. Separation may be based on a calibrated rotation time for the centrifuge as measured by a timer. An input pump pumps blood samples to the blood reservoir, and an outlet pump removes separated samples from the blood reservoir. The inlet and outlet pumps are operated by the controller, and the inlet pump may be operated to discharge separated components not collected by the blood separation system, whereby additional sample volume is added for ongoing operation.

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

Abstract: This centrifuge includes a chamber (5), a rotor (6) arranged therein, a device (8) for driving the rotation of the rotor, and a device (11) for cooling the atmosphere of the chamber. The device for cooling the atmosphere of the chamber includes a Ranque vortex tube (30), a cold outlet (33) which is connected to one inlet (66) of the chamber. The centrifuge includes a pressurized-gas supply circuit which is connected to an inlet (32) of the Ranque vortex tube and which is intended to be connected to a source (49) of pressurized gas. Application is to the centrifuging of biological products.

Abstract: This centrifuge includes a chamber (5), a rotor (6) arranged therein, and a device (8) for driving the rotation of the rotor. The device (8) for driving the rotation of the rotor is a pneumatic drive device. The centrifuge includes a circuit for supplying the pneumatic drive device with pressurized gas intended to be connected to a source (49) of pressurized gas. The centrifuge further includes a gas-purification unit (10), one inlet of this unit being connected to an outlet (64) for drawing gas from the chamber and one outlet of this unit being connected to a suction device (21) controlled by the pressurized gas supplied to the pneumatic device (8) for driving the rotor. Application is to the centrifuging of products liable to release dangerous substances, for example toxic or explosive substances.

Abstract: A portable eccentric centrifuge for the separation of compound fluid samples in areas where an external power source is not easily accessible and while being supported upon on a non-level surface. The portable eccentric centrifuge includes a compact, lightweight base plate supported by a plurality of adjustable legs connected height adjustment assembly for static leveling of the centrifuge. At least one level indicator permits adjustment along multiple axes for aligning the base plate in the horizontal plane. A lightweight, compact, lidded chamber secured to the base plate houses the d.c. motor driven centrifuge. A timer controls the length of the centrifuge operation. A d.c. power adaptor permits operation where a 12 volt d.c. power supply is available, such as from a vehicle's cigarette lighter receptacle.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator apparatus for separating a composition to a substantially solid portion and a substantially liquid portion. A dual mode vibration sensor is located radially outward from a shaft utilized for rotating a bowl. The vibration sensor for sensing the radial vibration of the bowl during rotation. Upon the vibration sensor sensing radial vibration above a first predetermined threshold or a second predetermined threshold, a signal is sent to a controller that activates a D.C. brake or frequency inverter to stop the rotation of the bowl. Further, in another embodiment, the centrifugal separator includes a directing member within the bowl for directing the composition outwardly toward the wall of the bowl during rotation to increase the separation of the liquid and the solids.

Abstract: Method and equipment for monitoring a centrifugal separator, with a separation chamber (6), a radially inner outlet (18, 19, 20) connected to the separation chamber (6), which is connected to an outlet conduit (21), a flow sensor (28) in the outlet conduit (21) being arranged to indicate a flow in the outlet conduit, an intermittently operable radially outer outlet (7) connected to the separation chamber (6), the flow of the separated component in the outlet conduit (21) ceasing temporarily until the separation chamber (6) has been refilled. In order to monitor the centrifugal separator in a reliable and easy manner the time for the refilling of the separation chamber (6) is measured and is compared with a shortest allowable time for the refilling of the separation chamber (6) stored and a signal is given if the measured time is shorter than the shortest allowable time stored in the memory.

Abstract: A centrifuge and method of operating it, wherein a patient sample tube is first spun while non-aligned with the centrifugal force to make use of the Boycott effect, and then while aligned with the centrifugal force to allow any gel present between the separated phases to properly seal. A latch is used to hold it in the non-aligned position until the latch is opened.

Abstract: A centrifuge is utilized to extract asphalt from a test sample containing asphalt and dispersed aggregates, so that the sample can be analyzed for asphalt content, and aggregate particle size distributions. Organic solvent, water and liquid soap are fed sequentially (selectively) into a rotatable bowl in the centrifuge for dissolving the asphalt, emulsifying solvent films on the aggregate, and rinsing soap film off of the aggregate particles. The quantities of solvent, water and liquid soap are controlled by a programmable controller containing a microprocessor, such that the asphalt extraction process is accomplished automatically, with minimum consumption of solvent, liquid soap and water. The controller can be reprogrammed as necessary to achieve different operational cycles, based on experience and test sample variations.

Abstract: A method of controlled centrifugation including automatic determination (before or during a centrifugation run) of the time to reach "completion" (within specified limits, depending on the criteria adopted) of a centrifugal separation. By simulation, the sample solute concentration distributions are determined and examined periodically. Centrifugation completion is deemed to have been reached based on certain predetermined criteria relating to spatial changes in the sample solute concentration distributions between successive examinations. The positions of the end points of the concentration distributions or band edges of the sample solutes (transitions from regions of sample solutes to regions of no sample solutes) are determined to facilitate resolving spatial changes of the concentration distributions.