Abstract: Removed cytology centrifuge apparatus includes single or multiple well cell concentrators for being rotated by a centrifugal spinner. A rotor is removably supported by the spinner for rotation and is adapted to receive two or four cell concentrators. The rotor supports the cell concentrators in an unrestrained manner, thereby enhancing the ease of use and flexibility of the apparatus. The cell concentrator is shaped to rest stably on a planar surface in a tilted manner so that a fluid specimen contained therein is prevented from contacting the slide prior to centrifugation. Each cell concentrator includes a chamber having at least one fluid receiving aperture and at least one fluid expulsion aperture. The chamber is secured to a backing plate by a fastening mechanism, with the slide sandwiched therebetween. In one embodiment, the chamber is hinged to the backing plate. Also described is a bibulous pad interposed between the chamber and the slide in order to absorb excess sample fluid.

Abstract: A high efficiency centrifuge rotor for rapid separation of particles suspended in a liquid is disclosed. The rotor features one or more cavities disposed at a compound angle to provide for rapid separation of particles suspended in a liquid while minimizing distortion of the separation interface or separation barrier, if any, within the sample container.

Abstract: A motor mount for reducing vibration and noise associated with motor load imbalances. The mount includes a one-piece elastomeric support having a motor attachment portion from which a plurality of supporting legs extend. Prior to assembly, the amount has a planar configuration. In assembly, the motor attachment portion is positioned around and secured to the motor by a clamp. Brackets are provided to secure the legs to a base. The mount provides the motor with pivotal freedom of motion but prevents substantial vertical displacement of the motor. The motor mount is well suited for use in centrifuges and other apparatus in which load imbalances cause vibration. In one embodiment, the mount includes three legs so that, in assembly, the mount is tripod-like.

Abstract: A compact slide spinner is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the compact slide spinner is used to prepare smears for microscopic evaluation. The spinner incorporates a disposable or reusable slide holder which encases a portion of a slide onto which the material to be smeared is placed. The holder containing the slide is then accelerated by spinning. Specimen fluid not adhering to the slide is contained within the slide holder which is discarded following preparation of the smear. Using this low-cost device, a uniform quality smear is quickly and easily prepared, while reducing the risk that laboratory personnel will be exposed to aerosol borne contagions.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a blood specimen from a droplet source to a collection tube via a capillary tube. A glass anticoagulant-coated or an untreated capillary tube and a collection tube with a stopper having an X-slit membrane for admission of the capillary tube into the collection tube with the stopper on. A separating gel may be located in the collection tube to provide plasma and serum separation when the collection tube is centrifuged.

Abstract: A sealable vented microscale centrifuge tube for centrifuging samples at substantially atmospheric pressure, thus avoiding the danger of backpressure in the stoppered centrifuge tube which may expel the cap or shatter the tube during centrifugation. The device of the invention includes a container having a wall defining a cavity capable of holding a sample; a flange surrounding the cavity opening and possessing a hole; and a shell which surrounds the flange and which extends above and below its plane, and is attached to the flange rim, thus supporting the container within the shell. It additionally includes a removable cap which seals the cavity of the container. When the cavity of the container is sealed by the removable cap, air which would otherwise be compressed in the container is vented through the hole through the flange of the container and into the space between the container wall and the supporting shell.

Abstract: A disk shaped cassette for centrifugal fluid separation, particularly blood separation, and a drive system for high speed rotation of the cassette. The cassette is driven at speeds which permit very rapid separation of the blood in times on the order of seven (7) to twenty (20) seconds by an automated control. The cassette is supported by a flexible support coupling and mounting system that permits the entire rotating mass to spin about the center of mass unique to the particular cassette as filled. The cassette typically includes a peripheral collection chamber which may be either annular, lobed or channel shaped. A cassette enabled to hold plural separation tubes is also shown. A gel can be placed in the cassette with a density between the fluid components to be separated and after centrifuging maintains the component separation that centrifuging creates.

Abstract: A plastic adhesive label for microsample collection tubes has opaque end portions for receipt of identifying markings, and a transparent middle portion to permit viewing of the contents of the collection tube. In use, the transparent portion of the label is wrapped around and adhered to a collection tube and the end portions of the label are brought together in adhesion, the end portions forming a flag which carries the identifying information. With the transparent portion of the label surrounding the collection tube, the contents of the tube are still visible to an observer for confirmation at the same time the identifying information is displayed on the label.

Abstract: A disk shaped cassette for centrifugal fluid separation, particularly blood separation, and a drive system for high speed rotation of the cassette. The cassette is driven at speeds which permit very rapid separation of the blood in times on the order of seven (7) to twenty (20) seconds by an automated control. The cassette is supported by a flexible support coupling and mounting system that permits the entire rotating mass to spin about the center of mass unique to the particular cassette as filled. The cassette typically includes a peripheral collection chamber which may be either annular, lobed or channel shaped. A cassette enabled to hold plural separation tubes is also shown. A gel can be placed in the cassette with a density between the fluid components to separated and after centrifuging maintains the component separation that centrifuging creates.