Apparatus and method for separating and concentrating fluids containing multiple components
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system to separate a whole material including multiple components, comprising:
- a container having an external wall defining a container volume within the external wall and extending along a long axis between a first end and a second end of the container;
a separation buoy moveable within the container volume between the first end and the second end, the separation buoy comprising at least one of a selected specific gravity and density to move the separation buoy in the whole material to a selected location within the container upon fractionation of the whole material by centrifugation;
a first fill port at the first end of the container;
a valve assembly formed within the first fill port and comprising a valve body including a boss configured to support the separation buoy and defining at least one passage adjacent the boss;
a second withdrawal port at the second end of the container; and
a stand including;
a stand end wall for supporting the container on a surface,an outer stand wall extending from the stand end wall to engage at least one of the first end or the external wall of the container to enclose the first fill port,wherein the outer stand wall has an outer dimension that is substantially equivalent to an outer dimension of the external wall of the container, and an inner stand wall extending from the stand end wall to engage the first fill port;
wherein the first fill port is configured to receive the whole material into the container and the second withdrawal port is configured to permit withdrawal of at least a selected component of the whole material from the container through the second withdrawal port.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A buoy or float can be positioned within a separation container to assist in a physical separation of components of a whole material positioned in the separation container. The buoy can be positioned within the container to move from between and separation a first end and a second end of the container substantially unaffected by a portion of the whole material, including a clotted portion thereof. A first port can be provided near the first end of the container for introduction of the whole material and a second port can be provided near the second end of the container for removal of at least a portion of a separated material.
553 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A system to separate a whole material including multiple components, comprising:
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a container having an external wall defining a container volume within the external wall and extending along a long axis between a first end and a second end of the container; a separation buoy moveable within the container volume between the first end and the second end, the separation buoy comprising at least one of a selected specific gravity and density to move the separation buoy in the whole material to a selected location within the container upon fractionation of the whole material by centrifugation; a first fill port at the first end of the container; a valve assembly formed within the first fill port and comprising a valve body including a boss configured to support the separation buoy and defining at least one passage adjacent the boss; a second withdrawal port at the second end of the container; and a stand including; a stand end wall for supporting the container on a surface, an outer stand wall extending from the stand end wall to engage at least one of the first end or the external wall of the container to enclose the first fill port, wherein the outer stand wall has an outer dimension that is substantially equivalent to an outer dimension of the external wall of the container, and an inner stand wall extending from the stand end wall to engage the first fill port; wherein the first fill port is configured to receive the whole material into the container and the second withdrawal port is configured to permit withdrawal of at least a selected component of the whole material from the container through the second withdrawal port. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system to separate a whole material including multiple components, comprising:
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a container having an external wall defining a container volume within the external wall and extending along a long axis between a first end and a second end of the container; a separation buoy positioned within the container volume between the first end and the second end; a first fill port at the first end of the container having a connection that extends beyond the first end of the container; a check valve assembly formed within the first fill port, the check valve assembly having a flexible valve member, a valve seat, and a valve body including a boss and defining at least one passage adjacent the boss, wherein an edge of the flexible valve member is moveable from a closed position when the flexible valve member sealingly engages the valve seat to an open position when the edge of the flexible valve member at least partially disengages the valve seat, wherein the boss configured to support the separation buoy and engage a central portion of the flexible valve member to hold the valve member in place; a second withdrawal port at the second end of the container; and a stand including; a stand end wall for supporting the container on a surface, an outer stand wall extending from the stand end wall to engage at least one of the first end or the external wall of the container to enclose the first fill port, wherein the outer stand wall has an outer dimension that is substantially equivalent to an outer dimension of the external wall of the container, and an inner stand wall extending from the stand end wall to engage the first fill port; wherein the first fill port is configured to receive the whole material into the container and the second withdrawal port is configured to permit withdrawal of at least a selected component of the whole material from the container through the second withdrawal port. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification