Reverse-flow chamber purging during centrifugal separation
US6354986B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB04B2005/0471
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method is provided for separating components of a fluid or particles. In one disclosed method, a substance, such as whole blood, is initially separated in a separation vessel provided on a rotating centrifuge rotor. Liquid (i.e., plasma) and at least first and second particles (i.e., white blood cells and platelets) are conveyed from the separation vessel to fluid chamber also provided on the rotating centrifuge rotor. At least some of the first particles are retained in the fluid chamber and at least some of the second particles flow from an outlet of the fluid chamber along with the liquid. After a period of time, the direction of flow in the fluid chamber is reversed to pass the retained first particles back into the separation vessel where the first particles are removed. This reversal of flow direction ensures that the number of first particles in the fluid chamber does not exceed the fluid chamber's capacity to retain these particles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.