Buoy Suspension Fractionation System
AssigneesBiomet Biologics, LLC, Hanuman LLC
InventorsMichael D. Leach, Randel Dorian, Jacy C. Hoeppner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.
Claims58
A buoy suspension fractionation system, comprising:
- a separation container and an access port through at least a portion of the separation container, the separation container is enclosed by a container wall, a container bottom a container top;
- and,
- a buoy in the separation container, the buoy having a tuned density and configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension, the buoy comprising a buoy upper surface and a buoy sidewall defining a height, a transverse dimension, and a perimeter, the buoy further comprising;
- a guide surface on the buoy upper surface, the guide surface having a collection space above the buoy upper surface and the guide surface being inclined to an accumulation position near the buoy perimeter.
A buoy for a suspension fractionation system, comprising:
- a buoy having a tuned density and configured to reach an equilibrium point in a suspension, the buoy comprising a buoy upper surface, a buoy sidewall defining a height, a buoy transverse dimension, and a buoy perimeter, the buoy further comprising;
- a collection port communicating with a collection space above the buoy upper surface;
- a guide surface on the buoy upper surface, the guide surface being substantially planar and inclined relative to the buoy sidewall for a distance of more than two thirds the buoy transverse dimension;
- and,
- an isolator coupled to the buoy, the isolator comprising a spacer to position the isolator apart from the buoy to create a collection compartment, between the isolator and the buoy upper surface and a withdraw port carried on the isolator communicating with the collection port.
A buoy for a suspension fractionation system, comprising:
- a buoy having a tuned density and configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension, the buoy comprising a buoy top, buoy bottom, and a buoy sidewall defining a buoy height and a buoy perimeter, the buoy further comprising;
- a guide means for conveying particles down an incline toward an equilibrium interface.
A method of isolating and withdrawing a fraction from a fractionated suspension using a buoy, comprising:
- filling a separation container with a suspension, the separation container having a buoy with a tuned density;
- centrifuging the separation container to cause the suspension to separate into fractions of varying densities;
- allowing the buoy in the separation container to reach an equilibrium within the fractions;
- concentrating particulates using a guide surface of the buoy that is inclined to an accumulation position near a perimeter of the buoy;
- conveying the particulates along the guide surface of the buoy to a collection space;
- and,
- withdrawing a desired fraction.
A method for isolating and re-suspending particulates for withdrawal from a buoy suspension fractionation system, comprising:
- filling a separation container with a suspension, the separation container having a buoy with a tuned density;
- centrifuging the separation container to cause the suspension to separate into fractions of varying densities;
- allowing the buoy in the separation container to reach an equilibrium within the fluid between two or more fractions;
- isolating an isolated fraction in a collection compartment between the guide surface of the buoy and an isolator coupled to the buoy;
- re-suspending the isolated fraction within the collection compartment by moving an agitator in the separation container to agitate the isolated fraction to create a more uniform isolated fraction;
- and,
- withdrawing the isolated fraction from the collection compartment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.