Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for handling slides. The system includes a carrier having a linear engagement feature and a notch, a cartridge having a compartment configured to accept the carrier, and a cartridge positioning system with a platform configured to accept the cartridge and an actuator. The actuator has a rotary engagement feature configured to engage the linear engagement feature and a tab configured to interact with the notch when the carrier is accepted into the compartment and the cartridge is accepted onto the platform.

Abstract: A centrifuge to which sample tubes can be introduced while the centrifuge is in motion. The centrifuge comprises a carousel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the carousel has a plurality of positions for sample tubes for a centrifugation operation, a plurality of drive mechanisms attached to the upper portion of the carousel, a movable element mounted upon each drive mechanism, the movable element capable of traversing the length of the drive mechanism when the drive mechanism is actuated, a sample tube-holding assembly comprising a sample tube holder and a bearing attached to each movable element, and at least one balancing element capable of contributing to a force vector that cancels an imbalance vector generated by rotation of the centrifuge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating and concentrating a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for operating a centrifuge which has a drive shaft used for loading, a drum which is connected to the drive shaft and has a drum casing and a drum base, a filter with a working region situated within the filter, an annular space formed between the filter and the drum casing, at least one drum base opening which is formed in the drum base and opens out into the annular space, and at least one swirl nozzle which is arranged in such a manner that it injects a fluid through the at least one drum base opening into the annular space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating and concentrating a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for centrifugally separating particles by both weight and size include a rotating drum rotating about a second rotating axis disposed perpendicularly to a first rotating axis, and includes an inlet, at least one rotating plate and an outlet. The inlet injects a test material. The rotating plate extends radially outward toward an inner surface of the rotating drum from the second rotating axis and has one or more configurations of protruded and recessed portions formed on a surface thereof. The rotating plate receives the test material on a surface thereof. The outlet discharges separated test material.

Abstract: A device for fluid assay comprising a carousel (12), mounted about a hub (14), disposed in a complementary shaped housing (16). The carousel (12) is divided into a plurality of chambers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) disposed radially about the hub (14). The chambers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are arranged into pairs which are disposed diametrically opposite one another and which communicate with each other via the hub (14).

Abstract: A centrifugal separator of the invention has a centrifugal rotor (10-1), with symmetric rotation axes, having single sample separation chamber in it for centrifuging samples contained in sample solutions, an upper opening passing through to said sample separation chamber in the upper part, members of frameworks capable of being coupled to said upper opening, a rotation driving means, assuming that the direction of said symmetric rotation axis is the first direction, for driving said centrifugal rotor around said rotation axis in the first direction, wherein assuming that two directions intersecting with said first direction are the second and third directions, the length of said sample preparation chamber in said third direction is longer than the length of said sample preparation chamber in said second direction.

Abstract: A blood processing assembly comprises a frame rotatable about a rotational axis and a blood processing chamber carried by the frame for rotation about the rotational axis. An umbilicus has one end coupled to the blood processing chamber along the rotational axis and an opposite end held in a non-rotating position along the rotational axis. A mid region of the umbilicus extends, at least in part, outside the rotational axis. The frame carries at least one support channel, which is sized and configured to engage the mid region of the umbilicus. The support channel includes a side edge that is sized and configured to self-load the mid region of the umbilicus into the support channel in response to rotation of the frame in a designated direction.

Abstract: A centrifugal method, and corresponding system, for processing blood to collect platelet rich plasma. A separation chamber is filled with blood from a fill syringe by rotating the separation chamber at a fill rotation rate and pumping the blood from the fill syringe. A soft spin is used to initially separate red blood cells from platelets by spinning the separation chamber at a soft spin rate. A percentage of the blood is drawn from the separation chamber back into the fill syringe to remove separated red blood cells. A second portion of the separated blood is drawn from the separation chamber until a red blood cell/platelet interface is detected. A hard spin is performed by spinning the separation chamber at a higher rate and connecting tubing is cleared of red blood cells by drawing a predetermined clearing volume. The platelet rich plasma is then collected in the collection syringe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into container adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the container to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.

Abstract: A coaxial-drive centrifuge provides for contactless regulation of sample temperature. The sample is contained in a multi-station chemical-processing circuit that has a metal receptor at each station. On demand, a stationary inductor induces eddy currents in the receptor as it spins by. Dissipation of the eddy current heats the receptor and the surrounding sample. The receptor has a thermal sensor that provides an optical indication of the sample temperature. A stationary contactless reader reads the optical indication. A controller activates the inductor when the reading indicates an actual temperature below a predetermined target temperature. When heating is required, the inductor is pulsed as the receptor is aligned with a gap in the inductor. The chemical-processing circuit is designed for a specific series of chemical reactions, in this case, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is implement as an iterated series of three steps.

Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a centrifuge rotor that rotates to provide supergravity conditions and tilt rotors that provide for sample agitation under the supergravity conditions. The centrifuge rotor is integral with a hollow centrifuge drive shaft. A tilt-drive shaft extends through the hollow and rotates coaxially of the centrifuge rotor. The tilt-drive shaft has a pinion that engages the tilt rotors, which thus are made to rotate about tilt axes that are spaced from and parallel to the centrifuge axis. A centrifuge motor is mechanically coupled to the centrifuge drive shaft to rotate the centrifuge rotor. A tilt motor is mechanically coupled to the tilt drive shaft for imparting a rocking motion of the tilt rotors (and thus of mounted sample reaction cells) relative to the centrifuge rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus adaptable for use in a centrifuge apparatus to rotate a fluid tube about its longitudinal axis while the centrifuge apparatus is rotating the fluid tube in a rotational direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The apparatus comprises an engaging member configured to engage a gear which is mechanically coupled to the fluid tube, and a driver configured to apply a driving force to the engaging member to cause the engaging member to engage and rotate the gear, which rotates the fluid tube about its longitudinal axis. The centrifuge apparatus can therefore obtain readings of the centrifuged sample from different locations about the circumference of the fluid tube at different orientations of the fluid tube.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in a centrifuge apparatus to rotate a fluid tube about its longitudinal axis while the rotor of the centrifuge apparatus is rotating the fluid tube in a rotational direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The apparatus comprises a cam which is mechanically coupled to the fluid tube, and a cam follower configured to apply a driving force to the cam to cause the cam to rotate, which in turn rotates the fluid tube about its longitudinal axis. The cam follower applies the driving force to the cam in response to changes in the magnitude of centrifugal force applied to the cam follower caused by increases and decreases in the speed of rotation of the rotor. The centrifuge apparatus can therefore obtain optical readings of the centrifuged sample from different locations about the circumference of the fluid tube.

Abstract: A blood processing centrifuge includes a disposable fluid processing assembly having a fluid processing chamber. Fluid is communicated to and from the fluid processing chamber through a flexible umbilicus. The fluid processing chamber spins while the centrifuge pulls the umbilicus around an axis of centrifugation. The centrifuge engages the umbilicus through a thrust bearing received in a gimbal assembly carried on a rotating wing plate. The gimbal assembly allows the umbilicus to pivot relative to the wing plate under the forces developed during centrifugation. The gimbal assembly includes a bearing retainer adapted to securely retain umbilicus thrust bearings of differing sizes a gimbal that loosely but securely retains the bearing retainer. Clearance between the gimbal and the bearing retainer enable the bearing retainer to accommodate thrust bearings of differing sizes without causing gimbal binding.

Abstract: A centrifuge for rotating test tubes and the like about a rotational axis includes a drive shaft and a plurality of handles connected thereto to support respective test tube attachments. Each test tube attachment includes two concentric rings, an outer ring pivotally connected to the handle by two diametrically opposed radial pivots and an inner ring pivotally connected to the outer ring by two radial pivots arranged perpendicular to the other radial pivots. The inner ring seats an axial bearing which rotatably supports a container capable of holding in place a test tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting, containing and separating a sample of blood. Disclosed is an apparatus for separating a pre-selected phase of a sample contained in an enclosed chamber, wherein said apparatus can be used with a separating means which rotates the chamber about a longitudinal axis of the chamber. In addition, separating means in which such an enclosed chamber is rotated about a longitudinal axis is described.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to provide a solution to the problem of mixing in a vessel two or more substances of which at least one is a liquid phase. The vessel preferably comprises a container having an open upper end which may be advantageously surrounded by a rim, and a closed bottom end. The mixing device most preferably comprises a support plate adapted to receive the container and to allow engagement therewith by a rotating mixing cylinder. A single rotational movement e.g. from a drive motor acting through a drive cylinder, causes the rotating mixing cylinder to simultaneously engage the sample container and drive the bottom of the container in a circular motion around a vertical axis in order to generate a vortex in the substances to be mixed. Very effective, automated mixing of the substances is thereby effected.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for pastes comprises a mount (18) for a mixing container (19) supported on a rotor (10) for rotation relative to the rotor about an axis (16) which is eccentric with respect to the rotor axis (15). During a mixing phase, a transmission (20 . . . 22) causes the mount (18) to rotate about its eccentric axis (16) so that the mixing container (19) executes an overall circulatory reciprocation and the container contents (29) are subjected to a shaking motion. For a subsequent compression phase, the transmission (20 . . . 22) is switched-over while the rotor (10) continues to rotate, so that the mount (18) is now free to assume an orientation that is fixed with respect to the rotor (10) and in which the mixed paste is forced against a dispensing piston (55) provided in the container (19) and is thereby degassed.

Abstract: An analyzing apparatus includes a turntable, and a plurality of reaction containers which are arranged on the turntable. This turntable is intermittently rotated so that the train of reaction containers is alternately in a conveyed state and a stopped state. The outer walls of part of the reaction containers in the train of reaction containers are in contact with a fixedly provided friction flange, while the remaining reaction containers in the train of reaction containers is not in contact with the friction flange. Since the reaction containers located in an area where they make contact with the friction flange are conveyed while they are contacting with the friction flange as the turntable is rotated, the motion of the turntable is transmitted to the reaction containers, and the reaction containers are thereby rotated on their own axes so as to allow the reaction liquid in the containers to be stirred.

Abstract: A centrifuge apparatus including a rotor; a drive coupled to the rotor; an inner ring adapted to pivotally support an annular array of inner containers having open upper ends; an inner coupling coupled between the rotor and the inner ring so as to cause rotation thereof and resultant centrifugal force induced inward pivotal movement of the upper ends into the centrifuge positions; an outer ring adapted to pivotally support an annular array of outer containers having open upper ends and displaced outwardly from the inner array in a direction transverse to the rotational axis of the rotor means; an outer coupling coupled between the rotor and the outer ring so as to cause rotation thereof and resultant centrifugal force induced inward pivotal movement of the upper ends of the outer containers into centrifuge positions; and an inner orientation mechanism for preventing movement of the upper ends of the inner containers into their centrifuge positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities. Disclosed is an apparatus for collecting a sample in an enclosed chamber, wherein said apparatus can be used with a separating means which rotates the chamber about either a longitudinal axis of the chamber, or about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber and not passing through the chamber. In addition, said apparatus facilitates automated manipulation of the sample by providing formed features for: decreasing the gas permeability of said apparatus; clot activation of a blood sample contained within said apparatus; interconnection of a multiplicity of said apparatus; automated manipulation of said apparatus; protecting markings upon said apparatus; layering the construction of said apparatus; and, encoding of information upon said apparatus in both a tactile and visual manner. Also disclosed is an apparatus for dispensing fluid from said enclosed chamber.

Abstract: There are described a novel removable pipette tip and pipette therefor, which provide separation of substances of a liquid within the tip by centrifuging the tip. The tip comprises a liquid-confining cavity disposed about an axis of symmetry, a dispensing aperture, and separating structure spaced along the axis away from the dispensing aperture, for separating one of the liquid substances when the tip is spun about such axis. The pipette is rotatable and either the pipette or the analyzer includes a driver for spinning the pipette tip at high speed.

Abstract: The system for automatically balancing a centrifuge in operation comprises a system for selectively displacing a mass of fluid inside at least one hollow horizontal tube (25) incorporated in the rotary arm (20), together with an unbalance measuring circuit (7 to 14) for the rotary arm (20) which may be out of balance.

Abstract: This invention is a dual axis, continuous flow centrifuge apparatus and method. A centrifuge head rotates in a vertical orientation about a first axis which, in turn, is rotated in a horizontal plane about a second axis. The rotation of the centrifuge head is matched to the rotation of the second axis to cancel out any net rotation of flexible conduits attached to the centrifuge head. The nonrotating coupling of the conduits permits continuous flow through the centrifuge head in the absence of seals. An angled centrifuge chamber inside the centrifuge head provides a more rapid separation of the components in the liquid passing through the centrifuge head. The path of travel of a particle in a centrifuge chamber inside the centrifuge head follows a generally cycloidal path thereby undergoing a pulsatile centrifugal force component.

Abstract: A centrifuge for performing biological and medical analyses for samples in test packs mounted in holders peripherally disposed on the centrifuge rotor. The test pack holders are also rotated relative to the rotor by means of a mechanical spinning portion fitted below the rotor. Analyses are made with a spectrophotometric measuring device, whose optical path is perpendicular to the plane of the rotor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities the method comprising the steps of introducing a sample into a chamber of constant cross-sectional shape and a volume greater than that of the sample, ordering the phases of the sample concentrically by rotating the chamber about its longitudinal axis, reducing the volume of the chamber in response to a separation control signal, removing a portion of the separated sample in order of phase, deriving information about the portion of the sample being removed from the chamber and modifying the separation control signal in response to the derived information.

Abstract: A specimen preparation unit having a plurality of interconnected compartments is automatically loaded onto a centrifuge rotor arm at a first rotor position. Each rotor arm has two indexing means for independently rotating the unit about either or both of two axes orthogonal to each other and to the rotor arm. The orientation of the unit with respect to the centrifugal force vector is changed in a predetermined manner so as to cause fluid flow between desired compartments even under conditions of microgravity. The unit is centrifuged in at least two different orientations with respect to the centrifugal force vector. As the fluids move between compartments, the specimen is prepared. After the multistep preparation process is completed, the unit is rotated to another rotor position at which the prepared specimen and/or the entire unit is removed. The centrifugal processing unit is capable of processing a plurality of specimen preparation unit in the same or a different manner.

Abstract: An improved centrifuge, including a main wheel for rotating objects to be subjected to centrifugal force about a main axis of rotation, is disclosed. Such objects are simultaneously rotated about a second axis of rotation from a first to a second position, and the centrifuge is improved by the inclusion therein of multiple reversing induction motors including a stationary stator and multiple induction rotors attached to the main wheel that eliminate electrical slip rings or mechanical linkages as controls for effecting the rotation of the objects from the first to the second position.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating centrifugal forces, preferably used in carrying out chemical testing, which includes counterweight means on a rotating plate of the apparatus to automatically balance the rotating plate wherein the counterweight means is displaced in response to centrifugal force and can automatically adjust for the weight, mass or absence of a sample processor card placed in a holding means which is free to rotate independently of plate member.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating reaction vessels in an inclined posture, comprising a plate, means for rotatably supporting the plate, means for rotating the plate at a predetermined speed, a plurality of reaction vessel holders mounted on the edge portion of the plate and adapted for mounting reaction vessels, means for rotating the reaction vessel holders around their axes at a predetermined speed, and means for fixing the plate supporting means in such a manner that the reaction vessel holders may be inclined at a predetermined angle to the horizon.