Patent ID: 8567609

Claim:
A separation system for separating at least one component of a multiple component material with a centrifugal force, the separation system comprising: a first buoy member having an exterior perimeter defined by an exterior wall, the first buoy member including a passage through the first buoy member and within the exterior perimeter, where the first buoy member further includes a first surface that is positioned a distance from a top edge defined by a side of the first buoy member, where the passage is formed at least in part through the first surface, and a second surface inclined towards the first surface; a connection member operably connected to the first buoy member; a second buoy member operably connected to the connection member, wherein a distance between the second buoy member and the first buoy member is operable to be formed so that at least a first surface of the second buoy member is operable to be spaced a distance from the first buoy member; a valve assembly including a gate member biased towards the first buoy member to contact the first buoy member and close the passage through the first buoy member; a hinge portion positioned between the gate member and the connection member to hingedly bias the gate member towards the first buoy member; and a valve support portion extending from the gate member and surrounding at least a portion of the connection member; wherein the hinge portion is formed between the gate member and the valve support portion.