Abstract:
A rotor for use in a centrifuge, and a method for balancing the rotor. The rotor includes a plurality of apertures arranged circumferentially around the rotor's axis of rotation, each configured to selectively receive a weight. A critical speed is determined for the rotor, and an imbalance determined for the rotor at a test speed below the critical speed. A trial weight is installed in a reference aperture, and another imbalance determined at the test speed. The trial weight is repeatedly moved to another aperture angularly displaced from the previous aperture, and the imbalance measured at the test speed until a predetermined number of imbalance measurements have been obtained. A target mass and location for balancing the rotor is determined from the imbalance measurements, and balancing weights installed in apertures based on the target mass and location. The balancing process may be repeated for multiple critical frequencies.
Abstract:
Centrifuge counterbalances having an adjustable center of gravity are provided. Aspects of the centrifuge counterbalances include an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end, a weight configured to be reversibly immobilized at a position along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body and a base configured to operably couple the centrifuge counterbalance to a centrifuge. Also provided are methods for balancing a centrifuge rotor when separating components of a liquid sample by centrifugation as well as systems suitable for practicing the subject methods.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Zentrifuge (10) mit einem Rotor (12), einer Antriebswelle (14), auf der der Rotor (12) gelagert ist, einem Motor (18), der über die Antriebswelle (14) den Rotor (12) antreibt, einer Lagereinheit (30) mit jeweils eine Federachse (36a) umfassenden Dämpfungselementen (36), welche eine Dreheinheit (19) umfassend den Motor (18) mit der Antriebswelle (14) und den Rotor (12) trägt, einer Sensoreinheit (82, 84) zur Erfassung der Drehzahl, einem Distanzsensor (80) zur Ermittlung von Unwuchten der Dreheinheit (19), welche um eine Drehachse (14a) rotiert, einem Beschleunigungssensor (88) zur Ermittlung von Unwuchten der Dreheinheit (19), eine Steuer- und Auswerteeinheit (90), welche die Daten der Sensoren (80, 82, 88) auswertet, wobei der Distanzsensor (80) in einer Wirkachse (36b) Distanzänderungen erfasst. Die Erfindung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die Wirkachse (36b) zur Drehachse (14a) so ausgerichtet ist, dass zumindest in einer Projektion auf eine zur Wirkachse (36b) parallelen Ebene durch die Drehachse (14a) sich ein Winkel zwischen der Wirkachse (36b) und der Drehachse (14a) von kleiner als 90° einschließlich 0° ergibt.
Abstract:
Identification des balourds liquides dans une centrifugeuse. L'invention concerne les moyens d'établir un diagnostic fiable sur la présence de balourds liés au liquide contenu dans l'élément en rotation d'une centrifugeuse (essoreuse ou décanteuse), communément appelé vagues ou balourds liquides, tournant moins vite que l'élément en rotation. L'invention permet aussi de les différencier par rapport aux balourds liés au solide humide contenu dans l'élément en rotation, et tournant à la même vitesse que l'élément en rotation et/ou des autres vibrations. Cette différenciation peut être faite à grande vitesse, mais un équipement complémentaire permet d'assurer cette fonction également à vitesse faible, pour laquelle les moyens de détection du suivi habituellement utilisés ne sont pas opérationnels. L'invention est donc un réel progrès dans la sécurité et la conduite manuelle ou automatisée d'une centrifugeuse, qui peut ainsi être commandée de manière adéquate en fonction du type de balourd rencontré.
Abstract:
A centrifuge to which sample tubes can be introduced while the centrifuge is in motion. The centrifuge comprises a carousel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the carousel has a plurality of positions for sample tubes for a centrifugation operation, a plurality of drive mechanisms attached to the upper portion of the carousel, a movable element mounted upon each drive mechanism, the movable element capable of traversing the length of the drive mechanism when the drive mechanism is actuated, a sample tube-holding assembly comprising a sample tube holder and a bearing attached to each movable element, and at least one balancing element capable of contributing to a force vector that cancels an imbalance vector generated by rotation of the centrifuge.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for separating blood into blood components using a separation vessel with satellite bags mounted on a centrifuge rotor and a balancing assembly for the centrifuge to compensate for changes to the center of gravity.
Abstract:
Automated blood separation method and apparatus that allows for simultaneous separation of multiple units of blood into its components. An auto-balancing feature within the apparatus automatically compensates for the changing state of imbalance, thereby eliminating the need for additional balancing steps during the separation process. The apparatus has a plurality of cassettes (1) placed on a drive shaft (2). The cassettes (1) have a number of sections for the containment of the whole blood and for the separated blood components, which are contained in disposable bags. The drive shaft (2) is placed in a centrifuge (3), and the blood components are then separated and transferred to the bags in the sections of the cassettes (1). Secondary separation devices such as filters may be included. The manufacturing information regarding the lot identities used and the conditions under which each unit was processed is also included.
Abstract:
A rotor for use in a centrifugal evaporator is described, having a plurality of sample holder receiving means and fitted with an automatic balancing device for reducing out of balance forces that arise from the uneven distribution of sample holders around the rotor as the rotor is rotated during an evaporation process. A process of evaporating a plurality of samples is also described, in which sample holders containing samples are loaded initially and centrifuged, the rotor is stopped and some of the sample holders are removed and/or other sample holders are added before the rotor is spun again; wherein a force to compensate for different and uneven loading of the rotor by the samples and sample holders is generated by a balancing device which comprises a housing defining an annular path which contains at least one member which is free to move therearound but is otherwise constrained to remain therewithin.
Abstract:
The disclosure provides a microcentrifuge powered by pressurized gas. The microcentrifuge can be used to separate chemical and biological samples, including blood. The microcentrifuge can be made of plastic using 3D printing techniques.