US 7,320,750 B2
Centrifuge with controlled discharge of dense material
Curtis Kirker, Kamuela, Hi. (US); and Berkeley F. Fuller, Kamuela, Hi. (US)
Assigned to Phase Inc., Kamuela, Hi. (US)
Filed on Mar. 11, 2004, as Appl. No. 10/798,124.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/454448, filed on Mar. 11, 2003.
Prior Publication US 2004/0178138 A1, Sep. 16, 2004
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B04B 1/04 (2006.01); B04B 1/14 (2006.01); B01D 21/26 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 210—90  [210/360.1; 210/371; 210/378; 494/2; 494/36; 494/44; 494/56; 494/60] 28 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium, comprising:
a fluid separation wall placed within a sleeve to form a containment zone therebetween;
the containment zone operable to receive a portion of the fluid medium having a greater concentration of the more dense material;
the fluid separation wall aligned generally parallel to an axis of rotation and operable to rotate relative to the axis of rotation;
at least one receptacle forming a part of the fluid separation wall such that the at least one receptacle includes a void area;
the at least one receptacle operable to aid in separation of the more dense material from the fluid medium;
at least one opening extending through the fluid separation wall from the void area to the outer surface of the receptacle;
the at least one opening operable to transport the more dense material to the containment zone;
a valve ring forming a part of the fluid separation wall, the valve ring including at least one valve orifice formed in the valve ring; and
the valve ring having a first position which blocks the more dense material from exiting the receptacle and a second position that allows the more dense material to exit the fluid separation wall and move into the containment zone.