Density phase separation device

US8747781B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Becton, Dickinson and Company · US

Inventors

• Benjamin R. Bartfeld · Ringwood, US
• Jamieson W. Crawford · New York, US
• Robert G. Ellis · London, GB
• Christopher A. Battles · Seymour, US
• Kenneth Handeland · Bernardsville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 21, 2009
• Grant date: Jun 10, 2014
• Expiry date: May 27, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49826
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float, a ballast assembly longitudinally moveable with respect to the float, and a bellows structure. The bellows structure includes a first end, a second end, and a deformable bellows therebetween. The float is attached to a portion of the first end of the bellows structure, and the ballast is attached to a portion of the second end of the bellows structure. The attached float and bellows structure includes a releaseable interference engagement therebetween. The float has a first density, and the ballast has a second density that is greater than the first density of the float.