Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a mixed flow into a higher-density component and a lower-density component is provided. The apparatus may include a casing having a fluid entrance assembly, a fluid outlet assembly, and a drain. The apparatus may also include a plurality of rotary separators disposed in the casing. Each of the plurality of rotary separators may include an inlet in fluid communication with the fluid entrance assembly, a discharge in fluid communication with the fluid outlet assembly, and an outlet passage in communication with the drain. At least one of the plurality of rotary separators may include a stationary housing and a rotatable drum disposed at least partially in the stationary housing. The stationary housing may define a slot at least partially providing the outlet passage, and the rotatable drum may be configured to centrifuge the mixed flow.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.

Abstract: A swing rotor for a centrifugal separator, the swing rotor including: a hub; and a rotor body disposed around the hub, wherein a plurality of pairs of arms are disposed at the rotor body, wherein a holding pin configured to hold a bucket is disposed to the arm, wherein an engagement portion which is configured to be supported by the holding pin is formed to the bucket, and wherein a sliding surface of the holding pin with an engagement portion of the bucket is formed such that a width of a contact area, which is an area that the holding pin contacts with the engagement portion of the bucket, in an axial direction when the bucket does not swing differs from a width of the contact area in the axial direction when the bucket reaches a horizontal position by swinging during a centrifugal separation operation.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.

Abstract: A centrifugal fluid separation system is disclosed for centrifugally separating a composite fluid into components thereof. This centrifugal separation system includes at least a centrifugal rotor which has a composite fluid containment area, a fluid flow channel/tubing and at least one separated component collection area defined therein. A composite fluid to be separated is delivered to the fluid containment area where under centrifugal forces the composite fluid is separated into components and then from which a component travels through an outlet channel to a respective separated component fluids flowing therethrough. A centrally disposed pump is also provided to move the separated component(s) to the collection area(s). Optical sensing of the interface of the separated fluid components may be used with a clamp to stop flow. A disposable bag and tubing system is also disclosed for use with reusable rotor devices.

Abstract: A cyclone separator assembly comprises at least one cyclone casing defining a cyclone chamber. The cyclone casing comprises a fluid inlet, a separated material outlet, and a fluid outlet. A separated material chamber is in communication with the separated material outlet. The cyclone chamber is openable by movement of a first movable portion, and the separated material chamber is openable by movement of a second movable portion separate from the first movable portion. A surface cleaning apparatus utilizing this construction is also provided. This construction is particularly useable if the separated material chamber is aligned with and below the cyclone chamber. Accordingly, the cyclone chamber and the separated material chamber may be sequentially or concurrently opened.

Abstract: A two-tube centrifuge separates light material and heavy material from an input mixture. A hollow drive shaft rotates a central body member about an axis of rotation. Two hollow arm assemblies, each having circular cross-section, are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the central body. Each arm assembly includes an outer housing tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube that is longer than the intermediate tube. An end cap having a removable plug is mounted on the outer end of the housing-tube of each arm assembly. The inner ends of all three tubes are mechanically interlocked in a manner to cantilever mount the inner and intermediate tubes to the central-body with their outer ends spaced from the internal surface of the end cap. An input-mixture path extends through the hollow drive shaft, through the central-body, and into a cylindrical space between the inner and intermediate tubes of each arm assembly.

Abstract: A centrifuge operative in successive low speed and high speed modes serves to remove surface cooking oil from a continuous stream of fragile snack food products wherein the oil removal occurs in the high speed mode and products are discharged from the centrifuge with relatively low kinetic energy in the low speed mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of photometric analysis, particularly to photometric analysis apparatuses which use disk-shaped rotors, in which the rotors are loaded automatically.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.

Abstract: A two-tube centrifuge separates light material and heavy material from an input mixture. A hollow drive shaft rotates a central body member about an axis of rotation. Two hollow arm assemblies, each having circular cross-section, are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the central body. Each arm assembly includes an outer housing tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube that is longer than the intermediate tube. An end cap having a removable plug is mounted on the outer end of the housing-tube of each arm assembly. The inner ends of all three tubes are mechanically interlocked in a manner to cantilever mount the inner and intermediate tubes to the central-body with their outer ends spaced from the internal surface of the end cap. An input-mixture path extends through the hollow drive shaft, through the central-body, and into a cylindrical space between the inner and intermediate tubes of each arm assembly.

Abstract: A device for centrifuging various samples of a product or a mixture of products which are chemical or biological, the device including a vessel which is open at the top and contains a vertical central shaft driven in rotation by a rotary driving means, a horizontal plate mounted interlocked in rotation on the central shaft and provided on its surface with a plurality of through orifices for the mounting of tubes which are each intended to contain a volume of a sample to be centrifuged, these through orifices having a substantially elongate shape with front and rear walls inclined at an acute angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the horizontal, and means for indexing the position of the plate each time the plate stops, in order to position through orifices of the tubes at predetermined sites.

Abstract: A centrifuge for decanting lighter material from heavier material from a mixture of initial material includes a housing having a central body and a hollow arm extending from the body, the arm having a first end attached to the central body, and a second end extending away from the central body, and an end cap attached to the second end of the arm to form a chamber in the arm. A baffle is attached to the body and extends into the chamber, the baffle having a longer inner tube having an interior and a distal end, and a shorter outer tube. The longer tube is positioned inside the shorter tube and defines an inner space therebetween. An outer space is defined between the shorter tube and the hollow arm. An entrance path for the mixture of initial material is formed in the housing and communicates with the inner space. An exit path for the light material is formed in the housing and communicates with the outer space.

Abstract: A two-tube centrifuge separates light material and heavy material from an input mixture. A hollow drive shaft rotates a central body member about an axis of rotation. Two hollow arm assemblies, each having circular cross-section, are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the central body. Each arm assembly includes an outer housing tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube that is longer than the intermediate tube. An end cap having a removable plug is mounted on the outer end of the housing-tube of each arm assembly. The inner ends of all three tubes are mechanically interlocked in a manner to cantilever mount the inner and intermediate tubes to the central-body with their outer ends spaced from the internal surface of the end cap. An input-mixture path extends through the hollow drive shaft, through the central-body, and into a cylindrical space between the inner and intermediate tubes of each arm assembly.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor around which a plurality of bobbins rotate. Each bobbin bears one or more fluid-carrying passages through which liquid analyte is passed for centrifuging. Supporting the bobbins on the rotor is a support member which provides a cylindrical inner surface. The inner surface supports the bobbins on rotation thereof to prevent high frictional torques from the bearings of the bobbins.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotor around which a plurality of bobbins rotate. Each bobbin bears one or more fluid-carrying passages through which liquid analyte is passed for centrifuging. Supporting the bobbins on the rotor is a support member which provides a cylindrical inner surface. The inner surface supports the bobbins on rotation thereof to prevent high frictional torques from the bearings of the bobbins.

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 two-tube centrifuge separates light material and heavy material from an input mixture. A hollow drive shaft rotates a central body member about an axis of rotation. Two hollow arm assemblies, each having circular cross-section, are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the central body. Each arm assembly includes an outer housing tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube that is longer than the intermediate tube. An end cap having a removable plug is mounted on the outer end of the housing-tube of each arm assembly. The inner ends of all three tubes are mechanically interlocked in a manner to cantilever mount the inner and intermediate tubes to the central-body with their outer ends spaced from the internal surface of the end cap. An input-mixture path extends through the hollow drive shaft, through the central-body, and into a cylindrical space between the inner and intermediate tubes of each arm assembly.

Abstract: A centrifuge for decanting lighter material from heavier material from a mixture of initial material includes a housing having a central body and a hollow arm extending from the body, the arm having a first end attached to the central body, and a second end extending away from the central body, and an end cap attached to the second end of the arm to form a chamber in the arm. A baffle is attached to the body and extends into the chamber, the baffle having a longer inner tube having an interior and a distal end, and a shorter outer tube. The longer tube is positioned inside the shorter tube and defines an inner space therebetween. An outer space is defined between the shorter tube and the hollow arm. An entrance path for the mixture of initial material is formed in the housing and communicates with the inner space. An exit path for the light material is formed in the housing and communicates with the outer space.

Abstract: A mill for grinding and/or mixing a material. In one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mill includes a first container rotatably mounted at a first end of a gyration arm. The container rotates about a first axis, and the gyration arm rotates about a second axis. The mill may further include a second container mounted at a second end of the gyration arm. The second container is rotatable about a third axis. As the gyration arm rotates about the second axis, the containers move with the gyration arm. In addition, the containers themselves rotate about their own respective axes thereby greatly enhancing the forces within the containers effecting the grinding and/or mixing. A first motor may be used to rotate the gyration arm, and a second motor may be used to rotate the containers about their respective axes. The mill may be operated in a continuous mode or in a batch mode.

Abstract: The apparatus for the continuous separation of liquid and relatively fine particles from a liquid slurry includes one or more centrifuge vessels disposed about a longitudinal axis of rotation, and a driver for rotating the centrifuge vessel or vessels. A feed inlet introduces the liquid slurry into each centrifuge vessel, each of which extends at an oblique angle to the axis. A first outlet is provided adjacent to the inner end for the lighter liquid component, and a second outlet is provided adjacent to the outer end for the heavier solid particle component. The inlet of the each centrifuge vessel is preferably located between the first end and the second end, and the second outlet preferably comprises a plurality of solids removal capillary passages connected to a continuous solids removal tube, which can be connected to a source of vacuum to form a vacuum chamber for withdrawing the solids. A supernatant liquid collection chamber is also connected to the first outlet for receiving the supernatant liquid.

Abstract: A centrifuge apparatus for use in the analysis of laboratory samples. The centrifuge apparatus includes a plurality of individual centrifuge devices and a robotic loading and/or unloading device. Each of the centrifuge devices may be loaded and unloaded without affecting the operation of the other centrifuge devices. The centrifuge devices include a plurality of rotors that are spaced apart and translated along a predetermined path. The rotors are rotatably mounted with respect to the predetermined path and the rotational planes of the rotors extend substantially at right angles to the predetermined path.

Abstract: A drying apparatus and method is described wherein baskets, or totes, filled with produce to be dried, are stacked vertically within an inner support frame. The totes are arranged with the open tops facing upwardly. The inner support frame has top and bottom spindles or shafts which are rotationally supported by bearing structures at the top and bottom of the dryer body. Moisture is driven from the enclosed procuce by centrifugal force when the inner support frame/totes are rotated. Produce such as whole head vegetables are preferably arranged in rows in the totes with the cores or cut ends of a row of produce juxtapositioned with, or "butted" against, the cut ends of another row, with the leafy ends generally pointing away from the axis of rotation. In this position, water or moisture tends to flow outwardly from the leafy open ends when the inner frame is rotated during a drying operation.

Abstract: A centrifuge for decanting lighter material from heavier material from a mixture of initial material includes a housing having a central body and a hollow arm extending from the body, the arm having a first end attached to the central body, and a second end extending away from the central body, and an end cap attached to the second end of the arm to form a chamber in the arm. A baffle is attached to the body and extends into the chamber, the baffle having a longer inner tube having an interior and a distal end, and a shorter outer tube. The longer tube is positioned inside the shorter tube and defines an inner space therebetween. An outer space is defined between the shorter tube and the hollow arm. An entrance path for the mixture of initial material is formed in the housing and communicates with the inner space. An exit path for the light material is formed in the housing and communicates with the outer space.

Abstract: The apparatus for the continuous separation of liquid and relatively fine particles from a liquid slurry includes one or more centrifuge vessels disposed about a longitudinal axis of rotation, and a driver for rotating the centrifuge vessel or vessels. A feed inlet introduces the liquid slurry into each centrifuge vessel, each of which extends at an oblique angle to the axis. A first outlet is provided adjacent to the inner end for the lighter liquid component, and a second outlet is provided adjacent to the outer end for the heavier solid particle component. The inlet of the each centrifuge vessel is preferably located between the first end and the second end, and the second outlet preferably comprises a plurality of solids removal capillary passages connected to a continuous solids removal tube, which can be connected to a source of vacuum to form a vacuum chamber for withdrawing the solids. A supernatant liquid collection chamber is also connected to the first outlet for receiving the supernatant liquid.

Abstract: In the compression molding of a fixed angle centrifuge rotor utilizing discontinuous fibers, sample tube apertures cores present in the net-shape mold are covered with pre-cured sample tube aperture inserts. The sample tube aperture inserts have a constant and unchanging inside diameter and are formed from composite fiber. This composite fiber extends from the closed bottom of the inserts, upwardly along the sides of the inserts to the open top of the inserts to provide tensile strength longitudinally of the sample tube aperture inserts. The sample tube aperture inserts have a regular and smooth inside for first accommodating the sample tube aperture cores when the rotor is compression molded and later the sample tubes themselves when the rotor is fully fabricated. These inserts have an irregular outside for forming an interference fit with the subsequently formed compression molded rotor body.

Abstract: An inexpensive device with a disposable cartridge for preparing tissue sealant is disclosed. The device is particularly applicable to stat preparation of autologous tissue sealant. A method of sealing tissue in which the tissue sealant is applied immediately after mixing platelet-rich plasma concentrate (from the device) with a solution of calcium and thrombin is also disclosed. Preparation in the operating room of 5 cc sealant from 50 cc patient blood requires less than 15 minutes and only one simple operator step. There is no risk of tracking error because processing can be done in the operating room. Chemicals added may be limited to anticoagulant (e.g., citrate) and calcium chloride. The disposable cartridge may fit in the palm of the hand and is hermetically sealed to eliminate possible exposure to patient blood and ensure sterility. Adhesive and tensile strengths are comparable or superior to pooled blood fibrin sealants made with precipitation methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the drying of produce and particularly leafy vegetables. A spin dryer (100) is provided which releasably receives and holds a plurality of manually liftable field baskets (21). A turntable assembly (110) is rotatably mounted to a stationary support structure (105) and operatively coupled to a drive assembly (121). Turntable (110) is adapted to hold a plurality of baskets (21) preferably with the baskets (21) positioned on their sides with their perforated bottom walls (24) facing outwardly and away from the turntable spin axis (14). Produce pieces (22) are preferably stacked in baskets (21) in a parallel vertical orientation with their stems (31) proximate the bottom walls (24) of the baskets (21).

Abstract: An inexpensive device with a disposable cartridge for preparing tissue sealant is disclosed. The device is particularly applicable to star preparation of autologous tissue sealant. A method of sealing tissue in which the tissue sealant is applied immediately after mixing platelet-rich plasma concentrate (from the device) with a solution of calcium and thrombin is also disclosed. Preparation in the operating room of 5 cc sealant from 50 cc patient blood requires less than 15 minutes and only one simple operator step. There is no risk of tracking error because processing can be done in the operating room. Chemicals added may be limited to anticoagulant (e.g., citrate) and calcium chloride. The disposable cartridge may fit in the palm of the hand and is hermetically sealed to eliminate possible exposure to patient blood and ensure sterility. Adhesive and tensile strengths are comparable or superior to pooled blood fibrin sealants made with precipitation methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing at least one flowable mass includes a rotatable support (2), a container carrier (1) and container (4) and a separate housing (3). The container carrier (1) and housing (3) each has a central axis inclined relative to the axis of the rotatable support (2). The container carrier (1) can be driven around its axis opposite to the rotational direction of the rotatable support (2). The apparatus is balanced by an equalizing mass (3a) in the housing (3) disposed diametrically opposite the container carrier (1).

Abstract: Method for extracting a waste fluid from a used vehicle filter. A centrifuge includes at least one support for holding the filter in a position such that the filter's aperture is oriented radially outward from the axis of rotation of the centrifuge. A housing includes a vertical wall and surrounds the centrifuge so that as the centrifuge is spun, waste fluid within the filter is caused to exit through the filter's aperture into the housing. The method for extracting waste fluid from a used filter according to the present invention includes the steps of providing a centrifuge capable of receiving a used vehicle filter and rotating the centrifuge to cause fluid to exit through the filter's aperture.

Abstract: The planetary centrifugal mixer comprises a fixed axis (4) on which is rotatably mounted an arm (10) carrying a fixed rod (11) extending upwardly. The arm (10) is rotated about the axis (4) by means of a drive pinion (9), and at the same time a mixing bowl (22) fitted on the rod (11) is rotated about the rod, the drive pinion (16) of the bowl (22) being coupled by an intermediate pinion (18) to a pinion (19) integral with the fixed axis (4). The side wall (24) of the bowl (22) has at least two segments (28), the curvature radius being greater than that of the remaining segments (27). A central guide (29) projects from the bottom (23) of the bowl (22), its outer shape being matched to the shape of the lateral wall (24).

Abstract: A grinding method is provided which is capable of uniformly and precisely grinding objects for a short time, softening shocks produced when the rotation of a grinding barrel is changed between the forward direction and the backward direction to thereby eliminate bruises on the surface of grounded objects, coping with grinding for a large number of objects to be ground in a small quantity or a heavy-weight or a large-size object to be ground, and preventing contacts and collisions between objects to be ground. The grinding method comprises the steps of rotatably mounting not less than one grinding barrels at locations away from the central axis of a rotary drum, enclosing a grinding material and objects to be ground in the grinding barrels, rotating the grinding barrels in the directions identical to and opposite to the direction in which the rotary drum is rotated, and grinding the objects to be ground. An grinding apparatus for implementing the above-mentioned method is also provided.

Abstract: A sample preparation device for precisely measuring a sample volume, mixing the sample with a reagent and then separating out any resulting precipitant from the sample. In using the device, the sample is nonquantitatively dispensed by the user and is volumetrically delivered by the device using a positive displacement method. No vortexing or shaking is required and the sample and reagent are precisely and reproducibly mixed automatically.

Abstract: A sample preparation device for precisely measuring a sample volume, mixing the sample with a reagent and then separating out any resulting precipitant from the sample. In using the device, the sample is nonquantitatively dispensed by the user and is volumetrically delivered by the device using a positive displacement method. No vortexing or shaking is required and the sample and reagent are precisely and reproducibly mixed automatically.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a centrifuge organization includes a mounting ring, and includes a plurality of pairs of stirrups, each securing therewithin an associated container. Each container includes a color-coded lid and anhydrous gel cylindrical floor and an annular wall, including a coating of silicone in a powdered or gel form. Vacuum porting is provided through each lid of each container in cooperation with an intake conduit for directing blood and associated fluid into the container.

Abstract: A centrifugal analysis device in which film capillaries communicate with peripheral cells, with a hydrophilic capillary providing the cell inlet and a hydrophobic capillary providing the cell outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical manipulator adapted to automate analysis of liquids of .mu.l unit such as DNA sample. Within the body frame are arranged a sample supply and discharging station, a mixing station, a separating station, and a drying station, each station being provided with a positioning device and a temperature control such as a thermostatic tank if necessary. Reaction containers are accommodated within a bucket which can accommodate a plurality of reaction containers. The bucket is automatically transported between the stations by means of a head element of a manipulator which may be moved in three directions of x, y and z.

Abstract: Separating elements (14) arranged about a central shaft (1a) rotate in common about the main axis (A) and individually about their longitudinal axes (B). A centrifugal distributor (6) distributes fine-grain mineral mixture mixed with fluid uniformly to the separating elements (14). In each separating element (14) the partial material flow (2a) is set in rotation about the longitudinal axis (B) by entrainment vanes (18) arranged in a first separating element section (15a) and the heavy fraction is centrifuged on to the separator wall (16a). In the second section (15b), formed as conical tubular worm conveyor, which contains no entrainment vanes, the heavy fraction is transported to the collecting chamber (21) and discharged through first discharge openings (22), the fine-grain mineral mixture being fluidized in pulsation on the separating wall (16b) by the combined rotating movements and the heavy fraction being concentrated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical manipulator adapted to automate analysis of liquids of .mu.l unit such as DNA sample. Within the body frame are arranged a sample supply and discharging station, a mixing station, a separating station, and a drying station, each station being provided with a positioning device and a temperature control such as a thermostatic tank if necessary. Reaction containers are accommodated within a bucket which can accommodate a plurality of reaction containers. The bucket is automatically transported between the stations by means of a head element of a manipulator which may be moved in three directions of x, y and z.

Abstract: An orbital barrel finishing machine employs rotatable drums which are removable from the machine. A coupling member mounting a plurality of angularly spaced axially extending pins engages slots of a second coupling member to provide a rotational drive engagement for the removable drums. The drums are uncoupled from the drive engagement by axially displacing the drums. A releasable latch assembly is employed to secure the drums in the coupled drive position. The orbital barrel finishing machine is employed as a component of an integrated automatic finishing system wherein the rotatable drums may be automatically removed from the machine, unloaded, loaded and returned to the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting complex rotary motion is used to lap an inner spherical diameter surface of a workpiece. A lapping tool consists of a dome and rod mounted along the dome's vertical axis. The workpiece containing the lapping tool is held in a gimbal which uses power derived from a secondary takeoff means to impart rotary motion about a horizontal axis. The gimbal is rotated about a vertical axis by a take means while mounted at a radially outward position on a rotating arm.

Abstract: Fine particles such as minerals in a slurry are separated according to their specific gravity by cyclic centrifugal acceleration preduced by rotating a chamber (40) about its own axis and a further axis. Particles of greatest specific gravity are removed from the chamber (40) in the region of its side wall most remote from the further axis.