Centrifuge with separable bowl and spool elements providing access to the separation chamber
AssigneeBaxter International Inc.
InventorsWarren P. Williamson, IV, Richard I. Brown
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A centrifuge provides simplify access to the processing chamber. In one arrangement, the processing chamber separates into a bowl and spool element to receive a disposable processing bag. In another arrangement, the processing chamber pivots between an operating position and an access position to provide improved access. The centrifuge also employs readily accessible holders for releasably retaining tubing that, in use, conveys fluid to and from the chamber. Though greatly accessible, the centrifuge operates without the need of complicated rotating seals and expensive disposable components.
Claims18
A processing chamber for a centrifuge comprising
- a bowl element having an interior wall enclosing an interior area,
- a spool element having an exterior surface, and
- means connected to the spool element and the bowl element for guiding relative movement between the spool element and the bowl element between a mutually cooperating position, in which the exterior surface of the spool element is located within the interior area of the bowl element to define a processing chamber between the interior bowl wall and the exterior spool surface, and a mutually separated position, in which the exterior surface of the spool element is located at least partially out of the interior area of the bowl element for access.
A processing chamber for a centrifuge comprising
- a bowl element having an interior wall enclosing an interior area,
- a spool element having an exterior surface,
- means connected to the spool element and the bowl element for guiding relative movement between the bowl element and the spool element between a mutually cooperating position, in which the exterior surface of the spool element is located within the interior area of the bowl element to define a processing chamber between the interior bowl wall and the exterior spool surface, and a mutually separated position, in which the exterior surface of the spool element is located at least partially out of the interior area of the bowl element for access,
- a processing element for receiving fluids for centrifugal separation, and
- means for retaining the processing element upon the exterior surface of the spool element within the processing chamber when the spool and bowl elements are in their mutually cooperating position and for releasing the processing element from the exterior surface of the spool element when the spool and bowl elements are in their mutually separated position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.