Patent Publication Number: US-2020289738-A1

Title: Centrifuge and method of use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/816,873, filed Mar. 11, 2019, and entitled PRP Centrifuge and Method of Use, and is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to centrifugal systems used to separate blood and to produce platelet rich plasma (PRP). More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable and centrifugal system for use in a surgical environment. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Currently systems used to separate blood and to produce platelet rich plasma (PRP) commonly involve a centrifuge. Blood separation centrifuges are based on two basic designs: 1) the standard lab centrifuge, where a vessel is placed inside a chamber and then spun at high speeds to induce separation; and 2) the Latham Bowl designed centrifuge, where blood is injected into a bowl with angled walls and then spun at high speeds to induce separation. 
     Problems exist with current commercially available centrifuges, including difficulty sterilizing the electrical components, in particular circuitry and power components and cell damage due to excessive steps with handling of the blood. 
     Thus, a need exists for a blood separation system and process that can be used in a sterile environment and that minimizes the number of handling and processing steps. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a centrifuge is provided having a housing containing a rotational mechanism and a centrifugal container having a longitudinal axis. The rotational mechanism has a circuit including an electrical motor, a switch, and an internal electrical power source. The centrifugal container is operably connected to the rotational mechanism through the housing, and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The centrifuge is portable. 
     Provided in another aspect, is a method including providing a centrifuge having a housing with a rotational mechanism within, a centrifugal container having a longitudinal axis, and a protective cover. The protective cover includes a circumferential sidewall extending from a top end to a base end having an opening, a cover longitudinal axis, and an activation tab extending from the base end of the circumferential sidewall. The rotational mechanism has a circuit including an electrical motor, a switch, and an internal electrical power source. The centrifugal container is operably connected to the rotational mechanism through the housing, and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The protective cover covers the centrifugal container and the activation tab extends into the housing and is operably connected to the switch. The centrifuge is sterile and sealed in packaging. The packaging and the protective cover are removed. Fluid is introduced into the centrifugal container and the protective cover is replaced such that the activation tab is inserted into the switch. The protective cover is turned about the cover longitudinal axis, moving the activation tab, and thus, the switch to activate the electrical motor. The electrical motor rotates the centrifugal container, separating the fluid into constituent components. The protective cover is removed from the centrifuge and a desired constituent component is removed. 
     These, and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of certain embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only. 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a centrifuge, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1  with a container, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cut-away view of the container of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a base for the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of a powertrain cover of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a powertrain cover of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a baseplate of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the powertrain and container of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the powertrain of  FIG. 9 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded side view of the powertrain of  FIG. 10 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of the powertrain of  FIG. 10 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross sectional closeup view of a centrifugal container connection to the powertrain of  FIG. 9 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of the coil spring motor and wind shaft of the powertrain of  FIG. 10 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the wind shaft and first shaft of the powertrain of  FIG. 10 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the powertrain base with a pawl and pawl support connection of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of the container cover above the powertrain base of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a top perspective view with the powertrain cover removed, of the container cover positioned to trigger the powertrain of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view of the container cover of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of a plurality of powertrain gear pairs of the powertrain of  FIG. 10 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a plurality of powertrain gear pairs of  FIG. 18 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of the centrifuge of claim  3 , with a siphon, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a syringe inserted into the container of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , with a sealed powertrain cover, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , with the sealed powertrain cover, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the centrifuge of  FIG. 1 , showing a DC motor powertrain, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the of  FIG. 26 , with the powertrain cover removed, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the powertrain of the centrifuge of  FIG. 26 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a side view of the powertrain and container of the centrifuge of  FIG. 26 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a powertrain base of a bone cement mixer centrifuge, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the powertrain of the bone cement mixer centrifuge of  FIG. 29 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is an exploded view of the powertrain of the bone cement mixer of  FIG. 29 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a bone cement mixer mixing bowl, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The systems, methods, and apparatus described are directed to a centrifugal device for use in a sterile environment. 
     The following description references systems, methods, and apparatuses for a centrifugal device for separating blood (e.g. venous blood or bone marrow aspirate) into blood plasma, platelet rich plasma, platelet poor plasma, and red blood cells and extracting the platelet rich plasma. The following description also references systems, methods, and apparatuses for a centrifugal device for separating blood or bone cement preparation without having to leave the surgical environment. However, those possessing an ordinary level of skill in the relevant art will appreciate that other fluids, mixtures, slurries, and liquids are suitable for use with the foregoing systems, methods and apparatuses. Furthermore, those possessing an ordinary level of skill in the relevant art will appreciate that this device may be used outside the surgical environment, and in sterile and non-sterile environments. Likewise, the various figures, steps, procedures and work-flows are presented only as an example and in no way limit the systems, methods or apparatuses described to perform their respective tasks and/or outcomes in different time-frames or orders. The teachings of the present invention may be applied to medical processes for viruses, cell cultures, proteins, nucleic acids, bone cement preparation, and polymers, and may be implemented in other processes that have similar separation considerations. 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to indicate like or analogous components throughout the several views, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , one embodiment of a centrifuge  100  is shown, fully assembled and sealed. The centrifuge  100  may be, for example, separate blood to obtain platelet rich plasma. The centrifuge  100  may include, for example, a protective cover  118 , a powertrain base  200 , and a travel tape  135 . The travel tape  135  may be removable and may be placed, for example, about centrifuge  100  to keep the protective cover  118  on the powertrain base  200  prior to use, to maintain sterility. The centrifuge  100  may be sterilized prior to use and may be usable in a sterile environment, such as an operating room theater. The powertrain base  200  may have a powertrain cover  124 , a plurality of base holes  201  (e.g. there may be a first side opening  161 , a rear opening  162  , and a second side opening  163 ), and a baseplate  101 . The protective cover  118  may be positioned on the powertrain base  200  and positioned within a protective cover track  143 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the powertrain base  200  is depicted with a container  117 . The container  117  may be hollow and have a stopper  131 , with the stopper  131  positioned, for example, into or at a top opening  142 . The stopper  131  may have a stopper opening  232 . The container  117  may be, for example, sized to hold from approximately 20 ml up to approximately 100 ml of blood. More specifically, the container  117  may be, for example, sized from approximately 30 to approximately 50 ml. The container  117  is shown as being clear or transparent, because it makes it easy to see layers of the separated blood and to determine which is the PRP for withdrawal. The container  117  may also be opaque. The stopper opening  232  may also be referred to as a siphon port. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 3 , the powertrain base  200  may also include, for example, a travel pin  137 . A powertrain  120  may be accessible through the first side opening  161  of base holes  201 . The rear opening  162  of base holes  201  may be in the back of centrifuge  100 . The travel pin  137  may be removable and may be used to, for example, prevent the centrifuge  100  from activation before use is required. The travel pin  137  may be a single peg or pin or there may be multiple pegs or pins that may prevent the powertrain  120  from activating. 
     Generally referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the protective cover  118  may cover the container  117  and be seated within the protective cover track  143 . The container  117  may be, for example, conical or any three-dimensional shape, including but not limited to cylinders and spheres. The protective cover  118  may be of a similar or a different shape to the container  117 . However, the protective cover  118  may be, for example, of a suitable size and shape to cover or substantially cover the container  117 . 
       FIG. 4  shows the container  117  with a container powertrain connector  151  and the stopper  131  inserted into the top opening  142 . Liquid in the form of the blood  180  may be inside the container  117 . As the container  117  is part of the centrifuge  100  and therefore spun at a speed of at least 3000 rpm, the shape of the container  117  may be such so as to keep fluid contained within the container  117  and to encourage blood separation. While the container  117  may be any shape, a configuration with sloped side walls and with a narrower top and wider bottom, may aid in keeping the blood  180  within the container  117  and may also force heavier blood constituents to the bottom while lighter blood constituents progress to the top. 
     When activated, the centrifuge  100  may spin the container  117  at speeds that may range from 3000 rpm to 20,000 rpm for a period of at least one minute, with the spin time ranging from 1-3 minutes. To separate the blood  180  and to obtain the platelet rich plasma (PRP)  182 , the container  117  may commonly spin, for example, within a range of rotational speeds from approximately 4000 rpm-15000 rpm. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 5-8 , the powertrain base  200  has the powertrain cover  124  and the baseplate  101 , that may act as a housing for the powertrain  120 . The powertrain cover  124  has base holes  201 , for example, the first side opening  161 , the rear opening  162 , and the second side opening  163 . The powertrain cover  124  may also have a powertrain cover top  144 , having an interior powertrain cover surface  145 , the protective cover track  143 , and a container base opening  205  through the powertrain cover top  144 . Extending from the interior powertrain cover surface  145  and extending to approximately align with a center for the container base opening  205 , is a second shaft support  129 . Extending through the powertrain cover top  144  and from the interior powertrain cover surface  145  may be a cylindrical hole or tube through which the travel pin  137  may be placed. Also extending through the powertrain cover top  144  may be a trigger slot  138  and a travel pin slot  154 . Further extending from the interior powertrain cover surface  145  may be a pawl support  153 . 
     The powertrain cover  124  may connect to the baseplate  101  at a baseplate edge  206  where, for example, the powertrain cover  124  may have a powertrain cover edge  207  which may connect to the baseplate edge  206 . The baseplate  101  may also have a first base support  128 , a base ground post  157 , and a baseplate wind shaft connector hole  152 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 9  is the baseplate  101  connected to a powertrain  120 , with the powertrain  120  connected to the container  117 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-13 , the powertrain  120  may be mechanically powered, using for example, a coil spring motor  102 , a first gear pair  121 , a second gear pair  122 , and a third gear pair  123  to rotatably move the container  117 . Components of the powertrain  120  may include, for example, the coil spring motor  102 , a wind shaft  111 , a coil spring washer  103 , a ratchet gear  104 , a first large gear  105 , a first small gear  106 , a first small gear bushing  113 , a second large gear bushing  115 , a second large gear  107 , a second small gear  108 , a first shaft  112 , a first bushing  113 , a third large gear bushing  116 , a third large gear  109 , a third small gear  110 , and a second shaft  114 . The first small gear  106  and the second small gear  108  may each be referred to as “a pinion”. The third small gear  110  may also be referred to as a “spindle gear”. While the first small gear bushing  113  and the second large gear bushing  115  are shown in this embodiment, there may be other embodiments where a single bushing may be used to connect the first small gear  106  to the second large gear  107 . Bushings may be used to adjust gear spacing and to facilitate the connection between vertically aligned gears. There may also be embodiments where no bushings are used to connect the first small gear  106  to the second large gear  107  and to connect the second small gear  108  to the third large gear  109 . The first small gear  106  and second large  107  gear may be molded as a complete unit. The second small gear  108  and the third large gear  109  may be molded as a complete unit. The gears may be arranged in meshing pairs. The first gear pair  121  may be, for example, the first large gear  105  and the first small gear  106 . The second gear pair  122  may be, for example, the second large gear  107  and the second small gear  108 . The third gear pair  123  may be, for example, the third large gear  109  and the third small gear  110 . 
       FIG. 14  shows the coil spring motor  102  threaded into the wind shaft  111  by placing a coil spring first end  237  into a coil spring connector  239 . A coil spring second end  238  is depicted as being free. Coil spring restraint  236  is also shown. 
       FIG. 15  shows the wind shaft  111  having a wind shaft aperture  240 , a longitudinal axis  210 , and the coil spring connector  239 . The first shaft  112  is shown having a first shaft first end  221 , a first shaft longitudinal axis  211 , and a first shaft second end  222 . The first shaft second end is shown positioned above the wind shaft aperture  240 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , the powertrain base  200  may have, for example, the powertrain cover  124 , the trigger slot  138 , the cover track  143 , and first side opening  161  of the base holes  201 , with a pawl  126  partially visible through the first side opening, and the pawl  126  connected to the pawl support  153 , such that the pawl  126  may pivot about the pawl support  153 . An alternative to using the pawl  126  pivoting about the pawl support  153  for preventing the ratchet gear  104  from moving may be, for example, a removable pin, or a removable slat. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , the protective cover  118  with a trigger tab  119  positioned over the powertrain base  200 , having the powertrain cover  124 , and the pawl  126  is depicted through first side opening  161  of the base holes  201 . The protective cover  118  is positioned with the trigger tab  119  above the trigger slot  138 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , the internal mechanism of the powertrain base  200  is shown. The powertrain  120 , with the pawl  126  positioned on the baseplate  101  with the protective cover  118  and the trigger tab  119  positioned, as if inserted into the trigger slot  138  (see  FIG. 17 ) of the powertrain cover  124  (see  FIG. 17 ). The protective cover  118  is shown with a top end  161  extending to a base end  162  with a circumferential sidewall  163  therebetween. The pawl  126  is shown in relation to powertrain  200  as if a pawl rocker slot  209  were positioned on the pawl support  153 . An arrow  231  is depicted on the protective cover  118  to indicate the direction the protective cover  118  may be turned to activate the powertrain  120 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , the protective cover  118  is shown with the trigger tab  119 , and the protective cover axle  139 . The trigger tab  119  is shown extending away from the base  162 . An opening  165  in the base  162  extends to the bottom side  164  of the top end  161 . The protective cover axle  139  may, for example, extend out from the bottom side  164 . 
       FIGS. 20 and 21 , show a plurality of gear pairs  250  which may include, for example, the first gear pair  121 , the second gear pair  122 , and the third gear pair  123 . The arrangement of gears is shown to identify an embodiment using three meshing pairs to increase rotational speed. The first gear pair  121  may have a first large gear  105  and a first small gear  106 . The second gear pair  122  may have a second large gear  107  and a second small gear  108 . The third gear pair  123  may have a third large gear and a third small gear. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 4-21 , powertrain  120  may, for example, be configured in a pair of assemblies, vertically positioned relative to the baseplate  101 , to allow the plurality of gear pairs  250  to be enmeshed and to increase rotational speed from input into the first gear pair  121  to output at the third gear pair  123 . The first assembly has the first large gear  105 , the second small gear  108 , and the third large gear  109 . The second assembly has the first small gear  106 , the second large gear  107 , and the third small gear  110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-21 , a method of assembling the first assembly of powertrain  120  may, for example, include placing the wind shaft  111  through baseplate connector hole  152 , so wind shaft is maintained perpendicular to the baseplate  101 . The baseplate wind shaft connector hole  152  may inhibit perpendicular or lateral movement of wind shaft  111  relative to the baseplate  101 , but allow longitudinal axial rotational movement of the wind shaft  111  about the wind shaft longitudinal axis  210 . The coil spring motor  102  may be threaded into the wind shaft  111  by placing the coil spring first end  237  into the coil spring connector  239 . The coil spring second end  238  may be connected to baseplate  101  at the base ground post  157 . The coil spring motor  102  may be wound around the wind shaft  111 , and the coil spring motor  102  may be kept from unravelling by the coil spring restraint  236 . Upon release, the coil spring motor  102  may cause the wind shaft  111  to rotate about the wind shaft longitudinal axis  210  within the baseplate wind shaft connector hole  152 . 
     The coil spring washer  103  may be placed onto the wind shaft  111  above the coil spring motor  102 , and the coil spring motor  102  may be positioned between the baseplate  101  and the coil spring washer  103 . The coil spring restraint  236  may inhibit the coil spring motor  102  from unravelling radially from the wind shaft  111 , and the coil spring washer  103  may inhibit the coil spring motor  102  from unravelling in a direction perpendicular to the baseplate  101 . The coil spring washer  103  may be placed on the wind shaft  111  and allowed to rotate freely about the wind shaft  111 . 
     The ratchet gear  104  may be connected to the first large gear  105  and placed onto wind shaft, with ratchet gear being directly above the coil spring washer  103 . The first large gear  105  may be connected to the wind shaft  111 , such that the first large gear  105  may be rotatably fixed with respect to the wind shaft  111 . The ratchet gear  104  may also be connected to the wind shaft  111  or to the wind shaft  111  through the first large gear  105 . An alternate embodiment may include the first large gear  105 , and the ratchet gear  104  molded as a single unit. In this configuration, the wind shaft  111 , the ratchet gear  104 , and first large gear may be fixed with respect to each other but rotatable about the wind shaft longitudinal axis  210 . 
     The first shaft  112  may be placed into the wind shaft aperture  240 , with the first shaft  112  being collinear with the wind shaft  111  so that the first shaft  112  extends from the wind shaft aperture  240  in the distal direction from the baseplate  101 , with the first shaft longitudinal axis  211 , being substantially coaxial with the wind shaft longitudinal axis  210 . The first shaft first end  221  may be in contact with the wind shaft  111 . However, the first shaft  112  may be rotatable within the wind shaft aperture  240  relative to the wind shaft  111  or the first shaft  112  may be fixed at the first shaft second end  222 , such that the wind shaft  111  rotates about the first shaft longitudinal axis  211 , at the connection at the wind shaft aperture  240 . 
     The second small gear  108  may be connected to the third large gear bushing  116  and the third large gear  109  may be connected to the third large gear bushing  116 , such that the second small gear  108 , the third large gear bushing  116 , and the third large gear  109  are connected and rotatably fixed relative to each other. The combined the second small gear  108 , the third large gear bushing  116  and the third large gear  109 , may be placed onto the first shaft  112  to rotate about the first shaft  112 , and the first shaft longitudinal axis  211 . An alternate embodiment may include the second small gear  108  and the third large gear  109  molded as a single unit, placed onto first shaft  112  and rotatable about the first shaft longitudinal axis  211 . 
     Further referring to  FIGS. 4-21 , a method of assembling the second assembly of powertrain  120  may, for example, include providing a second shaft  114  may have a second shaft first end  223  and a second shaft second end  224 . The second shaft  114  may be placed into first base support  128  such that, for example, the second shaft  114  is perpendicular to the baseplate  101 . The first small gear  106  may be connected to the first small gear bushing  113 . The first small gear bushing  113  may be inserted into the second large gear bushing  115 , with the second large gear bushing  115  being inserted into the second large gear  107 . The combination of the first small gear  106 , the first small gear bushing  113 , the second large gear bushing  115 , and the second large gear  107  may be placed onto the second shaft  114  such that the first small gear  106 , the first small gear bushing  113 , the second large gear bushing  115 , and the second large gear  107  are connected and rotatably fixed relative to each other but rotatable about the second shaft  114 . The first small gear  106  and the second large gear  107  may be molded as a complete unit and placed onto the second shaft  114  so as to be rotatably fixed relative to each other but rotatable about the second shaft  114 . The first small gear  106  may be positioned such that the first large gear  105  and the first small gear  106  are enmeshed. The second large gear  107  may be positioned such that the second small gear  108  and the second large gear  107  are enmeshed. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-21 , assembling powertrain  120 , may include positioning the first assembly on the baseplate  101  such that the wind shaft  111  and the first shaft  112  may be collinear to each other and perpendicular to the baseplate  101 . The second assembly may be positioned on the baseplate  101 , such that the second shaft  114  may be perpendicular to the baseplate  101 . The first and second assemblies may be positioned so that the second shaft  114  and the combination of the wind shaft  111  and the first shaft  112  may be parallel and spaced relative to each other and to the baseplate  101 , such that gears rotationally connected to the wind shaft  111  and the first shaft  112  may be enmeshed with gears rotationally connected to the second shaft  114 . 
       FIGS. 5-16  show, the pawl  126  connected to a pawl roller  127 , where the pawl  126  is connected to the pawl support  153  of the powertrain cover  124 . The powertrain cover  124  may then be aligned with the baseplate  101 , such that, for example, the first shaft second end  222  is aligned with and placed into the third shaft support  155  and the second shaft second end  224  is aligned with and placed through the second shaft support  129 . First shaft  112  and second  114  may be fixed or rotatable within their respective supports. The powertrain cover  124  may be connected to the baseplate  101 . The second shaft  114  may protrude through the second shaft support  129 . The third small gear  110  may be connected to the container  117  at the container powertrain connector  151  such that the third small gear  110  is fixed with respect to the container  117 . The third small gear connected to the container  117  may be placed onto the second shaft  114 , such that the third small gear  110  is enmeshed with the third large gear  109 . The third small gear  110  and the container  117  may rotate about second shaft  113  and about the second shaft longitudinal axis  223 . The second shaft  114  may be rotationally free to move within the first shaft support  128 , but the weight of the container  117  may be used to keep the second shaft  114  positioned within the first shaft support  128 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the coil spring motor  102  may be wound and the pawl  126  may be positioned such that the pawl roller  127  is in contact with the ratchet gear  104 , preventing the coil spring motor  102  from unwinding or activating. 
     The centrifuge  100  assembly, as described, may provide desired rotational speed increases based on spring coil motor  102  torque on wind shaft  111 , resulting in a desired rotational speed for container  117 . In addition, the powertrain structure may also provide a compact and portable centrifuge. The current internal structure for centrifuge  100  may also provide for a single use or disposable device. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-19 , a method of use for centrifuge  100  includes the steps of removing the travel tape  135 , removing the protective cover  118 , removing the travel pin  137 , inserting blood into the container  117 , and replacing the protective cover  118  over the container  117  and onto the powertrain base  200 , about the protective cover track  143 , so that the trigger tab  119  is inserted into the trigger slot  138 . Further, twisting the protective cover  118  in the direction of the arrow  231 , rotates the trigger tab  119  and moves the pawl  126  away from the ratchet gear  104 , releasing soil spring  102 , and thereby activating the powertrain  120  to spin the container  117 . The container  117  may continue to spin until all momentum of the powertrain  120  and the container  117  dissipates. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-19 , by placing the protective cover  118  onto the powertrain base  200  and inserting the trigger tab  119  into the trigger slot  138 , and twisting the protective cover  118  in the direction of arrow  131 , the trigger tab  119  may activate powertrain  200  by pushing the end of the pawl  126  distal to pawl roller  128 , such that the pawl  126  pivots about the pawl powertrain base connector  208  connected at the pawl rocker slot  209 . The pawl  126  may pivot such that the pawl  126  end connected to pawl roller  128  and in contact with the ratchet gear  104 , is moved away from the ratchet gear  104 , allowing the ratchet gear  104  to move freely. Coil spring motor 102 , may be wound and assembled to a desired tension and may be made from a material to impart a desired torque onto the wind shaft  111 . 
     With the ratchet gear  104  allowed to move freely, without the pawl  126  inhibiting rotation, the coil spring motor  102  is released and may impart torque on the wind shaft  111 , thereby rotating the wind shaft  111 . The wind shaft  111 , being connected to the coil spring washer  103  and the first large gear  105 , and with first gear  105  connected to ratchet gear  104 , may cause the first large gear  105  to rotate about the wind shaft longitudinal axis  210  as the coil spring motor  102  is released. The first large gear  105 , enmeshed with the first small gear  106 , may cause the first small gear  106  to rotate about the second shaft  114  and the second shaft longitudinal axis  225 . The first small gear  106  being connected to the second large gear  107  by the first small gear bushing  113  and the second large gear bushing  115 , may cause the second large gear  107  to rotate about the second shaft  114  and the second shaft longitudinal axis  225 . The second large gear  107  may be enmeshed with the second small gear  108 , causing the second small gear  108  to rotate about the first shaft  112  and the first shaft longitudinal axis  211 . The second small gear  108 , being connected to the third large gear  109  by third large gear busing  116 , may cause the third large gear  109  to rotate about the first shaft  112  and the first shaft longitudinal axis  211 . The third large gear  109 , being enmeshed with the third small gear  110 , may cause the third small gear  110  to rotate about the second shaft  114  and the second shaft longitudinal axis  225 . The third small gear  110 , being connected to the container  117  at the container powertrain connector  151 , may cause the container  117  to rotate about the second shaft  114  and the second shaft longitudinal axis  225 . 
     The protective cover  118  may have the protective cover axle  139  which can be inserted into the stopper opening  232  when the protective cover  118  is placed over the container  117  and onto the powertrain base  200 . The protective cover axle  139  may allow the container  117  to have support at the container powertrain connector  151  and at the stopper opening  232  about the protective cover axle  139 . Support at two ends of the container  117  may keep the container  117  balanced and rotating about an extension of the second shaft longitudinal axis  225  towards the protective cover axle  139 . The protective cover axle  139  may be used to provide balance for the centrifugal container  117  when rotating. 
     An alternate embodiment may have a sealed bearing at the container powertrain connector  151  where the container  117  passes through the container base opening  205 , to aid in providing balance. The container  117  may have rotational balance without either an axle or a bearing. 
     The process of separating the blood  180  to obtain PRP may be achieved, for example, by removing the protective cover  118 , inserting blood into the container  117 , placing the protective cover  118  over the container  117  and the trigger tab  119  into the trigger slot  138 , and twisting the protective cover  118  in the direction of the arrow  231  thereby activating the powertrain  120  and rotating the container  117 . Once the container  117  has stopped spinning, the blood  180  may have separated into three layers, with the platelet poor plasma  181  being on top, the PRP  182  in the middle, and red blood cells  183  on the bottom of the container  117 . For example, placing 30 ml-50 ml of blood into centrifuge  100 , the PRP volume recovered may be approximately 5-7 ml. 
     While the trigger tab  119  is connected to the protective cover  118 , it may be used to pivot the pawl  126  away from the ratchet gear  104 , an alternate embodiment may be, for example, a button, switch, lever, or other release mechanism sufficient to release the ratchet gear  104  and activate the coil spring motor  102 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-15, 20 and 21 , centrifuge  100  may have a powertrain  120  with the plurality of gear pairs  250  equal to three. To rotate three gear pairs  250 , the coil spring motor  102  may, for example, impart approximately 5-10 in-lbs. of torque onto the wind shaft  111 , resulting in 6-10 rpm of rotational speed. A higher or lower torque spring coil motor  102  may be used to provide the desired the rotational input speed of the wind shaft  111 . With a first gear pair  121 , the second gear pair  122 , and a third gear pair  123  having gear ratios of, for example, 8:1, and initial wind shaft rotation speeds of 6-10 rpm may result in the container  117  rotation at approximately 3072-5120 rpm. First gear pair  122  rotation speeds may, for example, range from approximately 48-80 rpm. The second gear pair  122  rotation speeds may, for example, range from approximately 384-640 rpm. The third gear pair  123  rotation speeds may, for example, range from approximately 3072-5120 rpm. With the container  117  connected to the third small gear  110 , the container  117  may rotate at approximately the speed of the third small gear  110  (e.g. 3072-5120 rpm). The plurality of gear pairs  250  may have the gear teeth  233 . The first large gear  105 , the second large gear  107 , and third large gear may each have, for example, ninety-six teeth  233 . The first small gear  106 , the second small gear  108 , and the third small gear  110  may each have, for example, twelve teeth. Small gears may have, for example, from ten to fifteen teeth, and large gears may have from eighty to one-hundred and twenty teeth, respectively for gear ratios of 8:1. This gear sizing may accommodate a powertrain structure which would fit into an enclosure sized for spaces available on a sterile surgical table. Gear ratios may also vary, ranging from, for example, 6:1-12:1. This sizing also may accommodate portability and use in locations where centrifuges requiring an electrical outlet for power may not be used. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 9-15, 20 and 21 , three gear pairs are depicted with each pair having gear rations of 8:1. There may be embodiments with, for example, more gear pairs or fewer gear pairs. There may also be embodiments with, for example, different gear ratios. Blood separation in a centrifugation process generally occurs when rotated at speeds at or above 3000 rpm, a combination of gear pairs and ratios that raise the rotational speed of the container  117  to at or above 3000 rpm may be used. Shaft lengths, the number of bushings, and torque output of the coil spring motor  102  may need to be adjusted accordingly. The gears shown in the embodiments may be spur gears, however other gear types, for example, helical, worm, beveled, or planetary gear types may be used. Rather than the plurality of gear pairs  250 , an alternate embodiment may have gears in meshed formations other than pairs. 
     The coil spring motor  102 , shown in  FIG. 14 , may impart full torque once released resulting in the container  117  experiencing a substantially immediate rotational acceleration from stopped to full or near full rotational speed, followed by a gradual slowdown, in a process known as differential centrifugation. A slowdown to stop period may be over a period of 1-3 minutes as the powertrain  120  and the container  117  gradually lose momentum. 
     In place of the plurality of gear pairs  250 , the powertrain  120  may also use a plurality of, for example, belt and pulley pairs. For three belted pulley pairs, pulley sizing ratios within a pulley pair (not shown) may be 8:1, with belt tension being such as to approximate gear meshing. For such a configuration, the pulleys need not be in pairs, with the gear ratios and the pulley sizing varying to accommodate an imparted torque of 5-10 in-lbs. onto the wind shaft  111 , resulting in 6-10 rpm of rotational speed. The pulleys and belts may be configured to increase rotational speeds, such that the container  117  may rotate at above 3000 rpm. The powertrain  120  may similarly use, for example, a chain and sprocket gear configuration. 
     The coil spring motor  102 , as shown in  FIG. 13 , is one embodiment of a power source, however other spring configurations, spring variants, and other mechanical stored energy sources may be used for the centrifuge motor. For example, rather than a spring, a hand crank with a tachometer for measuring container rotational speed may be used. 
     The plurality of gear pairs  250 , shown in  FIGS. 20-21 , may be made from plastic (e.g. polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or Teflon). The wind shaft  111 , the first shaft  112 , the second shaft  114 , and the coil spring motor  102 , shown in  FIG. 11 , may be made from a metal material (e.g. spring steel, stainless steel, or titanium). However, any suitable material for use in a medical environment may be used for any component of centrifuge  100 . Gear materials that have lower friction, such as, for example, polypropylene or Teflon may be suitable gear materials. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the powertrain base  200  may have a container  117  with, for example, the stopper  131  inserted into the container top opening  142 , connected to a siphon  130  positioned at the level of the PRP  182 . By inserting a syringe  133  and canula  234  into the stopper opening  232 , PRP may be extracted, through the siphon  130 . In an embodiment without siphon  130 , a spacer  235 , may be mated with the stopper  131 . A syringe  133  with a canula  234  may be used to extract the PRP  182 , where the canula  234  is inserted through the spacer  235  and through the stopper  131  to the position of the PRP  182 . The syringe may then be used to extract the PRP  182  and the canula  234  withdrawn. 
       FIGS. 24 and 25  depict two embodiments with a sealed powertrain cover. In  FIG. 24 , the powertrain cover  124  is shown as a single monolithic piece with no base holes. In  FIG. 25 , a powertrain seal  251  is affixed to the powertrain cover  124 . The powertrain seal  251  may include material such as tape, rubber, plastic, or shrink-wrap. Any the base holes  201  may be covered by the powertrain seal  251  after the powertrain is wound and sterilized. 
       FIGS. 26-29  show, in another embodiment, a centrifuge  350  with an electrical rotational mechanism  310  contained within an electrical powertrain base  300 . Referring to  FIG. 26 , the electrical powertrain base  300  is shown having a powertrain cover  324 , an electrical baseplate  301 , a protective cover track  343 , and a trigger slot  338 . The protective cover  118  is shown with a trigger tab  319 , positioned above the trigger slot  338 . The container  117  may be, for example, the same as described above for centrifuge  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4, and 27-29 , the interior of the electrical powertrain base  300  is shown. The powertrain cover  324  has a container top opening  342 , the trigger slot  338 , and the cover track  343 . The protective cover  118  may, for example, be seated within the protective cover track  343  shown in  FIG. 26 , similar to the protective cover  118  seated within protective cover track  143  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 27 , affixed to the electrical baseplate  301  are an electrical motor  303 , an internal electrical power source  302 , and a printed circuit board  304 . A rotor shaft  308  extends from the electrical motor  303 . More specifically, the electrical motor  303  may be, for example, a direct current (DC) motor. The internal electrical power source  302  may be, for example, a chemical battery, a solid state battery, or a capacitor with stored charge. Also shown is a switch  309  having a switch slider  305 , a magnet  306 , a trigger track  337 , and metal shims  307 . The magnet  306  may be, for example, positioned on a side of the switch slider  305  facing the metal shim  307 . The switch  309  may have, for example the switch slider  305  at a first end of the trigger track  337  and the metal shims  307  at a second end of the trigger track  337 . Conductive wires (not shown) may connect the DC motor  303 , the electrical power source  302 , the printed circuit board  304 , the switch slider  305 , the magnet  306 , and the trigger track  337 . Conductive wires (not shown) may be within the electrical baseplate  301 . The rotational mechanism  310  may, for example, have a circuit including the electrical motor  303 , the switch  309 , the internal electrical power source  302 , and/or the circuit board  304 . The container  117  may be inserted into the container top opening  342  (see  FIG. 27 ), so that the container powertrain connector  151  (see  FIG. 29 ) connects to the rotor shaft  308  (see  FIG. 29 ), in a direct drive configuration. The rotor shaft  308  may have a rotor longitudinal axis (not shown) and be connected to the container  117 , such that the rotor shaft  208  and the container  117  both rotatably move about the rotor longitudinal axis. 
     Further referring to  FIGS. 26-29 , the electrical motor  303 , may for example, rotate the container  117  at speeds from 0 rpm to approximately 20,000 rpm and may provide for sustained user control during the centrifugation process to ensure that blood separation occurs. By inserting the trigger tab  319  into the trigger slot  338 , the trigger tab  319  may extend into the switch slider  305 . The trigger tab  319  may be, for example, fabricated from a conductive metal, connecting the magnet  306  on the switch slider  305  with the trigger tab  319 . In another example of the present invention, the trigger tab  319  may be fabricated from a polymer or non-conductive material. The protective cover  118  may have a longitudinal axis (not shown) extending from the top end  161  along the axle  139 . By rotating the protective cover  118  about the longitudinal axis, the trigger tab  319 , may pull the switch slider  305  along the trigger track  337 , to connect the magnet  306  along the side of the switch slider  305  to shims  307 . By contacting the shims  307  and by being connected to the switch slider  305 , a circuit may be completed between the electrical motor  303 , the power source  302 , and the circuit board  304 . Thus, the power source  302  powers the motor  303 . Circuit board  304  may include a timer (not shown) to control how long power from power source  302  continues to the electrical motor  303 . In other embodiments, the power output and rotational speed of the electrical motor  303  may be controlled by, for example, using trigger tab to adjust the voltage of the power source  302  to the electrical motor  303 , and thereby controlling rotational speed of the container  117 . 
     Further referring to  FIGS. 4, 19, and 26-29 , the internal electrical power source  302  and the electrical motor  303  may be sealed and sterilized or completely enclosed within the electrical powertrain base  300 , such that the container  117  may protrude from the container top opening  342 , and be rotated through a sealed connection with the DC motor  303 . The connection to the electrical motor  303  may be through a sealed bearing (not shown) connected to the container top opening  342 . The protective cover  118  may still have the protective cover axle  139 , which may be inserted into the stopper opening  232  to provide a second support about which the container  117  may rotate. 
     In still other embodiments, centrifuge  350 , may utilize the electrical motor  303 , with varying gears and shafts (not shown), for example, to adjust the speed of the container  117 . The presence of gears may depend on the power output of the motor and torque requirements for rotating the container  117 . In another embodiment, the electrical motor  303  may have, for example, a direct drive configuration where a motor shaft is directly connected to the container  117 . The direct drive configuration may, for example, limit or even negate the use of bearings or bushings It is also possible that a hybrid system having a mechanical motor and a DC electrical motor may be used. 
     The centrifuge  100  may also use mechanically stored energy (e.g. coil spring motor  102 ) to power the mechanical powertrain  120  or a battery to power the electrical rotational mechanism  310 , to spin the container  117  to speeds from 3000 to 20,000 rpm. The container  117  may be supported by the powertrain  120  or the electrical rotational mechanism  310  at a first end and the protective cover axle  139  at a second end. The spin of the container  117  may be stopped by the depletion of energy or by a timer (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIG. 30 , a mixer powertrain base  400  for a bone cement mixer is shown, having a mixer baseplate  401 , a mixer powertrain cover  424 , a mixer base hole, a collar  423 , and a paddle drive shaft  406 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the internal mechanism for a mixer powertrain base  400  is shown. Mixer base plate  401  may be rotatably connected to a mixer wind shaft  411 . The mixer wind shaft  411  may be connected perpendicularly to the mixer baseplate  401 , such that the mixer wind shaft  411  may have a mixer wind shaft longitudinal axis, and the mixer wind shaft  411  may rotate about the mixer wind shaft longitudinal axis. The mixer wind shaft  411 , may also be connected to the mixer coil spring  402 , with a first end of the mixer coil spring  402  being threaded into the mixer wind shaft  411  and the second end of the mixer coil spring  402  being connected to a mixer ground post (not shown) on the mixer baseplate  401 . The washer  403  may be placed onto the mixer wind shaft  411 . A mixer ratchet gear  404  may be connected to a mixer gear  405 , with the mixer gear  405  and the mixer ratchet gear  404  being connected to the wind shaft  411 , such that the mixer gear  405 , the mixer ratchet gear  404 , and the mixer wind shaft  411  are rotationally fixed with respect to each other, but are rotatable about the wind shaft longitudinal axis. A mixer shaft  412  may be connected to the paddle drive shaft  406 , with the mixer shaft  412  and the paddle drive shaft  406  being connected to and rotationally fixed with respect to the mixer gear  405 , the mixer ratchet gear  404 , and the mixer wind shaft  411  but rotatable about wind shaft longitudinal axis. 
     Referring to  FIG. 33 , a mixing bowl  417  having a paddle  416 , and a mixing bowl closure  418  are shown. The mixing bowl closure may have an internal gearing system  419 , collar engagement grooves  420 , and a paddle shaft aperture  421 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 30-33 , in some embodiments, the mixing bowl  417  may sit atop the mixer powertrain base  400 , with the collar engagement grooves  420  connected to the collar  423 . In other embodiments, the mixing bowl  417  may rest on a surface with the collar engagement grooves  420  being on top, with the collar  423  engaged with the collar engagement grooves  420  and the mixer baseplate  401  being on top of the powertrain base  400 . Mixing bowl  417  may be connected so that paddle  416  may be connected to the paddle drive shaft  406 . 
     There may be other embodiments of bone cement mixer that may just have a bushing (not shown) connected to the mixer ratchet gear  404  and the mixer wind shaft  411 , rather than the mixer gear  405 . There may also be embodiments where multiple gears are used to adjust the mixer speed, using a powertrain similar to the centrifuge  100 . There may also be embodiments where the mechanical motor may be replaced with a battery and DC motor, where the DC motor rotor shaft may be directly connected to the paddle drive shaft  406 . 
     The centrifuge  100  and centrifuge  350 , may be, for example, single use, sterile, and self-powered devices. In addition, such devices may also be disposable or recyclable. For centrifuge  100 , the presence of the base holes  201  may be used, for example, to wind and lock the powertrain  120 , assess performance, and to help sterilize the interior. Any openings within the powertrain base  300  may, for example, be similarly used to sterilize the rotational mechanism  310  and interior of the powertrain base  300 . centrifuge  100  and/or centrifuge  350  may be, for example, assembled in a clean-room. There may be, for example, bioburden and cleaning control for all components. Individual parts and/or the assembled centrifuge may undergo, for example, ethylene oxide sterilization or gamma sterilization. The devices may then be sealed and packaged. After sterilization, the centrifuge  100  may be delivered in a sealed container or packaging and with a pre-wound coil spring. Similarly, after sterilization, the centrifuge  350  may be delivered in a sealed container or packaging. The device may be opened in a sterile environment and made available for use in the sterile environment. This obviates the need for leaving the sterile environment to obtain PRP. However, other embodiments may provide for multi-use devices. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has”, and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. 
     The disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. It will be understood that the architectural and operational embodiments described herein are exemplary of a plurality of possible arrangements to provide the same general features, characteristics, and general system operation. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.