Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
The method comprising filtering liquid from a suspension using a spinner having a generally cylindrical outer surface and a concentric filter membrane separated from the outer surface by a gap by, rotating the spinner about a central axis, with the surface of the spinner being adjacent the concentric membrane, the relative surface velocity of the spinner and the gap being selected to establish dynamic motion in the suspension, and oscillating the spinner along the central axis to develop internal pressure in the suspension for urging filtrate through the membrane.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
The method comprising filtering liquid from a suspension using a spinner having a generally cylindrical outer surface and a concentric filter membrane separated from the outer surface by a gap by, rotating the spinner about a central axis, with the surface of the spinner being adjacent the concentric membrane, the relative surface velocity of the spinner and the gap being selected to establish dynamic motion in the suspension, and oscillating the spinner along the central axis to develop internal pressure in the suspension for urging filtrate through the membrane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the suspension is whole blood and the filtrate is plasma.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the relative surface velocity of the spinner and the magnitude of the gap between the spinner and membrane establish a shear in excess of 2000 sec- 1 and vortices in the suspension.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of filtration according to claim 1 wherein the size of the gap and the rotational velocity of the spinner are selected in conjunction with the characteristics of the liquid to produce a Taylor number of approximately 156.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of filtering according to claim 1 wherein the size of the gap and the rotational velocity of the spinner are selected in conjunction with the characteristics of the liquid to produce a Taylor number of approximately 156 and a Reynolds number of approximately 550.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of filtering according to claim 1 wherein the size of the gap and the rotational velocity of the spinner are selected in conjunction with the characteristics of the liquid to produce a Taylor number of approximately 156, a Reynolds number of approximately 550 and a shear rate of approximately 8860 per second.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of filtration according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of disposing the spinner and liquid within a closed volume that is at least partly defined by the filter membrane before rotating and oscillating the spinner.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of filtration according to claim 7 wherein the spinner is disposed axle free within the closed volume and further comprising the step of generating externally of the closed volume a rotating energy field which interacts with and rotationally drives the spinner.