Back to results
US 4,417,884 AGranted
Centrifuge timer clamp
AssigneeHaemonetics Corporation
InventorsDonald W. Schoendorfer, Allen Latham, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A timing and control mechanism for a centrifuge comprising a piston to which is attached a cam having cam surfaces which interact with flexible tubing to control the rate of flow through the tubing. The velocity of the piston in the centrifugal force field is determined by the resistance to flow of fluid which the piston displaces. The movement of the cam is therefore a measure of the speed and duration of the centrifugal force.
Claims16
Centrifuge apparatus comprising:
- a. a first means for containing first and second volumes of fluid;
- b. a fluid path intermediate said first and second volumes for providing fluid communications therebetween;
- c. a piston disposed within said first means and capable of bidirectional movement therein;
- d. valve means for controlling the velocity of the fluid flow between said first and second volumes;
- and
- e. cam means coupled to said piston having at least one actuating surface which moves in proportion to the movement of said piston in response to centrifugal force.
3 more elements
Apparatus for processing fluid comprising in combination:
- a. a centrifuge having a rotor capable of rotating at relatively high speeds sufficient to effect the desired processing of said fluid;
- b. a fluid container mounted on said rotor;
- c. conduit means for introducing or removing fluid into or out of said container;
- and
- d. timing means, responsive to the amount of centrifugal force and its duration as caused by said high speed rotation, for controlling the flow of fluid through said conduit means.
2 more elements
A centrifuge timer comprising:
- a. a cylinder having first and second volumes separated by a piston;
- b. first and second fluid passageways in said piston each providing fluid flow between said first and second volumes;
- c. the first passageway having a relatively small cross-sectional area to present a relatively high resistance to flow;
- d. the second passageway having a relatively large cross-sectional area to present a relatively low resistance to flow;
- e. a check valve in said second passageway which closes said second passageway when subjected to predetermined centrifugal force.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.