Advanced Products Laboratories, Inc.

Minnesota Scientific, Inc.

Adelbert Gorham

Denis J Dudrey

Rodger Spears

Ronald L Jorgenson

Lloyd E Weisert

James N Gehrking

David S Paulson

The present invention provides a self-cleaning drying centrifuge for removing fluid from a concentrated particulate-filled fluid and peeling mostly dried particulate (solid) material from the centrifuge. In some embodiments, a high-efficiency centrifuge performs an initial separation and concentration of small particles from a contaminated fluid, and outputs a clarified fluid for reuse, and periodically purges concentrated particulates with high fluid content. The purged concentrate is then fed into the present invention's drying centrifuge, which substantially reduces the remaining fluid content. In some embodiments, the drying centrifuge is periodically stopped and one or more internal blades (peelers) are rotated around the inner wall of the drying centrifuge bowl to peel the accumulated solids, which drop into a collection container. In some embodiments, partial peelers are arranged in a balanced configuration, but each peel portions of the bowl not peeled by others, to reduce the brake size needed to hold the bowl.

Methods and apparatus for centrifuging dry solids

A self-cleaning centrifuge for clarifying contaminated liquids has a rotor assembly comprising nested first and second sets of concentric cylinders supported for rotation about an axis. The sets of concentric cylinders are rotatably connected. A motor is connected to rotate one of the sets. Contaminated liquid is supplied to the nested cylinders, and the liquid provides coupling between both of the sets so that both sets rotate about the axis. Centrifugal force causes foreign matter to collect on the circumferential surfaces of the cylinders. The resultant clarified liquid is collected for reuse. A selectively utilized brake provides sudden braking of one of the rotating sets to purge collected foreign matter from the cylinders. The purged foreign matter is collected for disposal.

Apparatus and method for a high-efficiency self-cleaning centrifuge having concentrate cylinders

A clamping device having a number of components includes a retaining mechanism that retains the components in an assembled state for cleaning and sterilization. The device includes a bolt and a nut that bring first and second clamping leg portions toward each other to a clamping position. The nut is held is rotatable relationship with the first clamping leg by a retaining ring. Similarly, the bolt is held in rotatable engagement with the second leg portion by a second retaining ring.

Clamping device for a surgical retractor

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Burnsville, MN, United States of America

Adelbert Gorham