GB1276884A - A centrifuge - Google Patents

Abstract

1276884 Centrifugal separators AGA AB 8 July 1969 [10 July 1968] 34276/69 Heading B2P In a centrifuge comprising a rotor 2, Fig. 1, carrying sample-containing tubes 7 which are inclined with their mouths 8 facing the rotational axis of the rotor, cannulas 9 extending through the mouths 8 into the tubes and being connected to a container 10 through which they may be supplied with liquid, the container 10 is connected to a device 22 for creating in the container a pulsating pressure of such amplitude that during a centrifugal operation liquid present in the cannulas is made to oscillate, thereby causing agitation of liquid in the centrifugal tubes. The centrifuge may be used for treating blood, washing liquid being supplied to the container 10. The rotor 1 is carried in bearings 3 in a stationary housing 1 and is rotated via a pulley 4 and belt 5 by an electric motor 6. The container 10 is carried by a tube 12 which rotates with the rotor and a stationary conduit 13 extends through the tube 12 for delivering liquid to the container. During centrifugation the liquid forms an annular layer 15 in the container 10 and flows through outlets 11 and the cannulas 9 into the tubes 7, excess liquid being discharged from each tube through the mouth 8 thereof or, as shown, through an outlet 16, which may be provided with a tubular member 18, into a space 17 in the rotor. After centrifuging, the excess liquid flows through an aperture 19 in the rotor and a drain tube 20 connected to the housing 1. The device 22 is connected to the container 10 by means of a conduit 21 and is periodically energized during centrifuging to cause the particles present in the liquid to rise from the bottom of the tubes 7 and be suspended in the liquid so that they may be more effectively washed thereby. In a modification, Fig. 2, the tube 12 is stationary and closed at its upper end by a disc 27. A tube 29 connected to a source of compressed air terminates in an aperture 30 in the tube 12 which opens into the container 10. A second aperture 31 is provided in the tube 12 opposite the aperture 30. The container is provided with a flange 32, Fig. 3, which during rotation of the container alternately opens and closes the apertures 30, 31 thereby creating pulsations in the container and cannulas 9.