Patent ID: 6514189
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: A61M,B04B

Abstract:
A method of separating components of a fluid, the method comprising:rotating a separation vessel about an axis of rotation; passing fluid to be separated into the vessel; separating the fluid in the rotating separation vessel into at least a relatively high density component, relatively intermediate density components, and a relatively low density component, the intermediate density components including at least a first subcomponent and a second subcomponent; removing at least the relatively intermediate density components from the separation vessel via a first outlet port in the separation vessel; flowing the removed intermediate density components into a fluid chamber; retaining at least some of the first subcomponent in the fluid chamber; permitting at least some of the second subcomponent to flow from an outlet of the fluid chamber; removing at least some of the low density component from the separation vessel via a second outlet port in the separation vessel; and combining the low density component removed from the separation vessel with the second subcomponent flowing from the outlet of the fluid chamber.