Patent ID: 6478724
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: B04B

Abstract:
A centrifuge comprising:a spindle centered on a longitudinal axis, said spindle having a first end portion and a second end portion, and a hollow interior extending along the longitudinal axis; a bowl affixed to said second end portion of said spindle; a plurality of scraper blades within said bowl with a drive shaft affixed to said blades, said drive shaft extending along the longitudinal axis and passing through said hollow interior of said spindle; and, a clutch mechanism comprising: a shifting coupling attached to said drive shaft, said shifting coupling having a first set of teeth; and, a second set of teeth on said first end portion of said spindle, wherein said second set of teeth are sized for interlocking engagement with said first set of teeth, and wherein said shifting coupling is movable along the longitudinal axis between a first position to interlock said first and second sets of teeth and a second position to disengage said first and second sets of teeth.