Centrifuge safety mechanism
AssigneeTerumo BCT, Inc.
InventorLuke Ryan NOFFSINGER
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims20
A safety mechanism for use in a centrifuge assembly, the centrifuge assembly configured to separate liquid into components, wherein the safety mechanism comprises:
- a first portion, comprising:
- a first angled surface;
- and
- a second angled surface;
- and
- a second portion connected to the first portion with a fastener.
A centrifuge assembly for separating composite liquids, the assembly comprising:
- a latch arm configured to hold a portion of a disposable in place;
- a tubing arm configured to hold tubing of the disposable;
- and
- a safety mechanism connected to the tubing arm, the safety mechanism comprising:
- a first portion, comprising:
- a first angled surface;
- and
- a second angled surface;
- and
- a second portion connected to the first portion;
- wherein the safety mechanism is configured to contact the latch arm and move the latch arm from a first upward position to a second downward position.
A method of preventing failure of a centrifuge assembly used to separate composite liquids, the method comprising:
- positioning a first portion of a safety mechanism on an end of a tubing arm, wherein the first portion comprises a first angled surface and a second angled surface;
- positioning a second portion of the safety mechanism on the end of the tubing arm;
- and
- connecting the first portion and the second portion with a fastener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.