Patent GB-1337424-A (GB)
Title: Automated centrifuging apparatus
IPC: B04B5/02
Filed: 1970-10-08
Abstract: 1337424 Centrifuging apparatus ROHE SCIENTIFIC CORP 8 Oct 1970 47926/70 Heading B2P [Also in Division B8] In a method of centrifuging a liquid-solids sample, the sample contained in a container is loaded on to a conveyor and conveyed on the conveyor serially through a centrifuging zone in which the sample is rotated, and thence through a decelerating zone in which the rotational speed of the sample decreases, the centrifuged sample being finally unloaded from the conveyor at an unloading station. In Figs. 3 and 3b, sample containers 15 [see divisional Specifications Specification 1,337,425 and Specification 1,337,426] are loaded at a loading station 53 on open trunnion cups 51 secured to the upper end of flexible shafts 47 which are supported in bearings 43, 45 in C-shaped or, as shown, box-like brackets 41a mounted on a conveyor chain 39 which is driven through sprockets 35, 37, by a variable-speed motor 65. Each shaft 47 carries at its lower end a tapered friction roller 49 which, as the respective container carried by the chain approaches the sprocket wheel 35, gradually makes contact with a tapered surface 63a of a friction disc 63 driven at high speed by a motor 57 whereby the respective cup 51 and container 15 are rotated and centrifugation of the sample effected. After the roller 49 comes out of contact with the disc 63 the cup 51 slows down gradually. The container 15 is then removed to a belt conveyor (for further processing of the sample) by means of a transfer device, Fig. 4 and 5 (not shown), as described in Specification 1,326,067. Alternatively, the sample containers may be removed from the cups by hand after stopping the motor 65.  In another embodiment, Fig. 6, each assembly of container 15 cup 128, shaft 126 and friction roller 130 is supported in a bearing 124 on a conveyor belt 123 driven clockwise from a loading to an unloading station by gears 125 activated by motor and pulley attachment 121. Rotation of the cups is effected by the rollers 130 making contact with a friction belt 132 driven by a motor 134. Instead of being rotated by a belt, the containers may be spun by means of compressed air directed by a supply 156, Fig 7a, having a box-like outlet 158 with a plurality of partitions, towards bladed turbine wheels 150 at the lower end of the shafts 126 which are mounted in bearings 124 on a chain 120. In a modification of Fig. 3, the friction rollers 49 are replaced by air turbine wheels or fan blades 147, Fig. 7c, and the friction disc 63 is replaced by a stationary drum 157 having radial chambers 157a to which compressed air is fed from a source 156a. The extent of the centrifugal zone may be defined by blocking off some of the chambers by a blank 157b. In a variation of this design, Fig. 7d, not shown, the drum rotates. In a further embodiment, Fig. 8, the support for each cup 804, shaft 806 and fan assembly 808 are mounted at the periphery of a disc 802 which is rotated slowly from below or above by a gearmotor or belt-drive. Compressed air from an air inlet 810 and air passages 811 blows across the fans 808 during their travel over a portion of the circumference of the disc. A turbine-and-jet assembly may be substituted for the fan assembly. The containers 815 are held by a centrifugal lock 817 having an inwardly biased spring 819 and a locking piece 820. The extent of the centrifuging zone may be defined by an air cut-off shoe 822.