Abstract: A centrifuge device that is used to centrifuge a fluid sample, such as a blood sample, to separate the fluid sample into its various component layers, and which is capable of measuring the length of the component layers to calculate cell counts for each layer. The centrifuge device includes a rotor assembly for rotating and thus centrifuging the fluid sample, and a movable optical reader device for reading the cell layers in the centrifuged sample. The centrifuge device is capable of accurately controlling the reading of the centrifuged sample based on the orientation of the rotor, so that the rotor can continue to rotate the centrifuged sample while the readings are being taken.

Abstract: A shatter-proof fluid sample container adaptable for use with a centrifuge is provided. The fluid sample container is especially useful for expanding layers of a fluid sample, such as a blood sample, that form during centrifugation. The fluid sample container includes at least one fill well, a reagent pellet well including a reagent pellet containing reagents and dyes, a mixing channel, a distribution cavity which distributes the fluid to a plurality of expansion cavities, and a float cavity which includes a constant density precision molded float. As the fluid is centrifuged in the fluid sample container, the fluid contacts and dissolves the reagent pellet, and flows through the mixing channel where the material in the reagent pellet mixes with the fluid.

Abstract: A carrier tube system and method for using the same includes a carrier tube that is configured to receive a capillary blood tube, and a cap which seals the carrier tube to isolate the blood in the capillary tube from the surrounding atmosphere. The carrier tube system can be placed in a centrifuge which separates the blood with its component parts and optically reads the resulting layer thicknesses. The cap of the carrier tube can include a gear portion which is adapted for engagement with an indexing mechanism of the centrifuge, so that the indexing mechanism can rotate the carrier tube system about its longitudinal axis during centrifugation, thus allowing the optical reader of the centrifuge to take layer thickness readings at various positions about the circumference of the capillary tube. The cap can also include a float holder which holds a float that is inserted automatically into the capillary tube when the cap is placed.

Abstract: A carrier tube system and method for using the same includes a carrier tube that is configured to receive a capillary blood tube, and a cap which seals the carrier tube to isolate the blood in the capillary tube from the surrounding atmosphere. The carrier tube system can be placed in a centrifuge which separates the blood with its component parts and optically reads the resulting layer thicknesses. The cap of the carrier tube can include a gear portion which is adapted for engagement with an indexing mechanism of the centrifuge, so that the indexing mechanism can rotate the carrier tube system about its longitudinal axis during centrifugation, thus allowing the optical reader of the centrifuge to take layer thickness readings at various positions about the circumference of the capillary tube.

Abstract: A centrifuge device that is used to centrifuge a fluid sample, such as a blood sample, to separate the fluid sample into its various component layers, and which is capable of measuring the length of the component layers to calculate cell counts for each layer. The centrifuge device includes a rotor assembly for rotating and thus centrifuging the fluid sample, and a movable optical reader device for reading the cell layers in the centrifuged sample. The centrifuge device is capable of accurately controlling the reading of the centrifuged sample based on the orientation of the rotor, so that the rotor can continue to rotate the centrifuged sample while the readings are being taken.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transferring fluid from a blood collection tube to a glass capillary tube. This eliminates the need for health care workers to open the blood collection tube, insert a glass capillary tube into the blood collection robe, pipet a fluid such as blood into the tube and be exposed to the excess fluid from the capillary tube. The apparatus of the present invention is directed to a transfer device, and a dispenser which can be used with the transfer device, for carrying out this method.

Abstract: The invention relates to an identification flag for a sample tube. The flag includes a longitudinally extending planar element, and tube connectors extending laterally from the planar element. The tube connectors are engageable with opposite portions of the tube to secure the planar element to the tube in a laterally spaced relationship with respect to an intermediate portion of the tube located between the opposite portions.

Abstract: Two identical prism telescopes each comprised of a train of right angle prisms are used to spread out a laser beam to the maximum width of an acousto-optic cell and reconverge the beam to original dimensions. The first telescope increases the beam size along one dimension while bending the beam through 90.degree.. The second telescope reduces the beam size and multiplies the angle of deflection while redirecting the beam through another 90.degree.. There is a 180.degree. fold in optical path and this configuration is compact, has low losses, and is easy to mount and align.

Abstract: A central base of a gripper is adapted to be attached to a robot wrist flange. Carriage rods and stabilizing bars extend outwardly, on both sides of the central base. Sliding carriages, which move along the carriage rods on linear bearings, each carry two flexible urethane grippers which are capable of expanding and gripping a part from the inside when the flexible grippers are pressurized. Each carriage when slid from a first position to a second position by an air cylinder, causes the second flexible gripper of a carriage to occupy the same position in space that the first flexible gripper of the same carriage, previously occupied.

Abstract: A flying spot system uses a laser beam scanned in X and Y directions to provide surface profile information. The beam is applied to a surface under test and the time interval between the beginning of the sweep and the appearance of the beam image through an aperture is determined. This time interval is indicative of the beam angle which, through optical triangulation, is used to determine the surface height. A scan-descan arrangement and a plate with a small aperture are used to isolate a light detector from background light.

Abstract: A micropipette system provides one-hand operation to jettison a disposable tip assembly of pipette barrel and plunger when used, to engage and automatically calibrate a fresh tip assembly; to select aliquot setting desired from a visible scale also providing positive, tactile-click setting signals, and also by choice of automatically accommodated tip assembly diameters to provide different aliquot ranges, and to draw in and to discharge the aliquot portions chosen, by means of a mechanism comprising substantially only the elements of actuator shaft element, return and grip springs and housing; clearance shaft element, pipette barrel, vise with grip spring and plunger; and automatic calibration coacting pipette-tip packaging, except for springs, all of which may be plastic.