Abstract: A rotor cover attach and release apparatus for use with a centrifuge. The apparatus includes a knob, a cover and housing that are both affixed to the knob. The apparatus also includes an adapter having detents pitched at an angle, that is connected to the housing along with a plunger that is disposed within the knob and housing. In addition, the apparatus has a first moveable element that is retained within a passage located on the housing and a biasing element located within the housing. The apparatus additionally includes a plurality of sealing elements.

Abstract: Controlling the torque of a motor by driving a centrifuge rotor connected to the motor; increasing a motor torque of the motor to a specified level; detecting revolutions per minute of the centrifuge rotor; adjusting the motor torque based on detected revolutions per minute; decreasing the motor torque to a constant torque over a range of revolutions per minute; and increasing the motor torque when the detected revolutions per minute are outside of the range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a centrifuge control system, which are particularly suited for pre-calibrating temperature sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a centrifuge energy management system prevents the energy level of a rotor from exceeding a predetermined containment limit for the centrifuge by monitoring the energy level and either terminating a run operation of the centrifuge if it surpasses the containment limit or reducing the rotational speed of the rotor.

Abstract: A high torque/high speed brushless DC motor system for controlling both the speed and torque of the motor including a rotor and a stator, the stator of the motor including a first, second and third winding. The system further includes means for sensing the position of the rotor and means for selectively configuring the first, second and third windings of the stator in a wye connection when the speed of the motor is less than a predetermined value and configuring the windings in a delta connection when the speed of the motor is greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: There is provided a method for limiting an operating speed of a rotor installed in a centrifuge system. The method includes the steps of (a) determining whether an actual change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed is within a predetermined range of an expected change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from the first speed to the second speed, and (b) limiting the operating speed when the actual change in energy is not within the predetermined range of the expected change in energy.

Abstract: A lid holder for use in centrifuge systems, particularly suited for rotor lids. A lid holder including a lid support and a lid receiving end for holding a centrifuge rotor lid on a centrifuge that may not have a hinged door. A method for securing a centrifuge rotor lid to a centrifuge that may not have a hinged door.

Abstract: In a centrifuge comprising a drive shaft assembly, a diaphragm disposed about the drive shaft assembly reduces noise and vibration. The diaphragm permits the drive shaft assembly to pivot off a vertical axis while substantially limiting horizontal displacement thereof. Also, where a centrifuge includes a rotor shaft and a drive shaft, a member situated between the rotor shaft and the drive shaft substantially limits vertical displacement of the rotor shaft while allowing angular deflection of the rotor shaft with respect to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A rotor cover attach and release apparatus for use with a centrifuge. The apparatus includes a knob, a cover and housing that are both affixed to the knob. The apparatus also includes an adapter having detents pitched at an angle, that is connected to the housing along with a plunger that is disposed within the knob and housing. In addition, the apparatus has a first moveable element that is retained within a passage located on the housing and a biasing element located within the housing. The apparatus additionally includes a plurality of sealing elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a centrifuge lock for use in centrifuge systems, which are particularly suited for centrifuge lock touch screen controls which can be manually set to unlock the centrifuge for easy access without the need for a physical key.

Abstract: There is provided a centrifugal separator for solid-liquid separations. The centrifugal separator comprises (a) an accelerator rotatable at an angular velocity, &ohgr; about an axis, and having an inside surface with a point on the axis, and (b) a nozzle for introducing a feed stream at a volumetric flow rate (Q) into the accelerator via an orifice. The orifice is substantially centered about the point, and the orifice has an inner diameter (d) within the range of approximately 0<d≦4&dgr;, where &dgr;=1.414 [(4Q/&pgr;2&ohgr;)1/3].

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for freezer defrost, which are particularly suited for an automated system, include the formulation of algorithms utilized for this purpose. The algorithms are included in the firmware of an embedded controller and operate the freezer defrost cycle at temperature lows for increased efficiency. An application of the freezer defrost method and apparatus is also disclosed.