Abstract A centrifuge comprises a rotating chamber containing a compressible container for the liquid to be centrifuged. The centrifuge also includes means to compress the container to transfer liquid from the container during centrifugation. The compressing means is also capable of compressing one or more further compressible containers to transfer liquid therefrom to the first-mentioned compressible container. The compressing means is preferably a diaphragm member which is urged by centrifugal force against a compressible container. In one application, the container is filled with blood to be centrifuged and, after the serum is separated, a valve is opened permitting the diaphragm to compress the container to transfer the serum to a further container. The valve is then closed and speed reduced until the diaphragm returns to its rest position causing compression of a still further container provided with wash water. A valve is then opened to permit transfer of some or all of the wash water into the first-mentioned container and the device may then be braked to cause the water to mix with the blood cells therein. The washed blood cells are then centrifuged and the water transferred to the water container or yet a still further container by the actuation of an appropriate valve similarly as in the case of transferring the serum. The washing operation is repeated if desired until all of the wash water has been utilized.
A centrifuge comprising: a rotor; a first chamber mounted for rotation with said rotor; a first compressible container located in said chamber; a second chamber mounted for rotation with said rotor; at least one further compressible container located in said second chamber; passage means placing said first compressible container in fluid communication with said further compressible container; valve means for controlling the flow of fluid through said passage means; a first diaphragm for compressing said one flexible container in said one chamber; a second diaphragm spaced from said first diaphragm and including a cavity therebetween; said cavity between said diaphragms being filled with a displacement fluid; and said flexible diaphragms being inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of said rotor such that, at a certain rotational speed, said diaphragms are urged from a rest position to a high speed position compressing said one compressible container.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A centrifuge comprising: a rotor; a first chamber mounted for rotation with said rotor; a first compressible container located in said chamber; a second chamber mounted for rotation with said rotor; at least one further compressible container located in said second chamber; passage means placing said first compressible container in fluid communication with said further compressible container; valve means for controlling the flow of fluid through said passage means; a first diaphragm for compressing said one flexible container in said one chamber; a second diaphragm spaced from said first diaphragm and including a cavity therebetween; said cavity between said diaphragms being filled with a displacement fluid; and said flexible diaphragms being inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of said rotor such that, at a certain rotational speed, said diaphragms are urged from a rest position to a high speed position compressing said one compressible container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A centrifuge according to claim 1 wherein said cavity iNcludes a rigid wall positioned between said diaphragms, said wall including an opening therethrough for the passage of said displacement fluid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A centrifuge according to claim 2 wherein said diaphragms are downwardly curved in said rest position and upwardly curved in said high speed position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A centrifuge according to claim 1 including a plurality of further compressible containers each in fluid communication with said first compressible container through said passage means, said valve means controlling the fluid flow between said first compressible container and each of said further compressible containers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A centrifuge according to claim 4 wherein said plurality of further compressible containers are located in said second chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
85 words
A centrifuge according to claim 5 wherein said first container includes a liquid to be centrifuged, and said further compressible containers comprise a container for receiving a phase separated from the centrifugal liquid, a container for wash liquid to be introduced into said first container after separation of said phase, and a container for receiving wash liquid from said first container, said centrifuge including means for arresting motion of said first chamber whereby said wash liquid is mixed with the phase in said first container.