Patent · US Expired

Self balancing centrifuge

US4157781A · kind A · utility

86Cited by
3References
15Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 19, 1978
Grant dateJun 12, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 19, 1998

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB04B2009/143
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A centrifuge comprises a pair of sample containers supported, respectively, on opposite ends of a horizontal rotor that is spun by a drive motor about a vertical rotation axis. The sample containers carry storage tanks for fluid that is automatically distributed between the tanks for balancing prior to centrifuging. Any weight imbalance between the loaded sample containers is measured by a pair of pressure transducers located between the rotor and a stationary, annular support member. Electronic circuitry monitors the outputs of the pressure transducers and in response controls a servo operated valve to redistribute the balancing fluid between the storage tanks under the force of an external vacuum source. Digital logic prevents energization of the drive motor for centrifuging the samples until the load is balanced.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.