Abstract: Embodiments for a portable and compact centrifugation and thermal management system capable of separating and transporting biological samples while maintaining sample quality for periods of shipment time are described. A compact, automatic centrifuge holding exactly one sample tube is inside an insulating and thermally managed container suitable for standard shipping. A rotor to retain a sample tube is pre-balanced. An electronic controller starts, times and stops centrifugation automatically, responsive to placement of a lid. Thermal management may comprise a phase change material. Embodiments are free of user controls. Embodiments are free of the need for external power or external control.

Abstract: Embodiments of a portable and compact centrifugal system are described, comprising a centrifuge body comprising a motor; and a monolithic rotor, suitable for manufacturing in a straight-pull injection mold, with an attachment hub, fixed retainer for exactly one sample tube, arms for the retainer, and a thin, aerodynamic counterweight. Embodiments include a rotor with a counterweight and wherein the tube retainer and the counterweight are angled downward; a central clearance volume for manual placement of a sample tube; and dimensions optimized to just fill a fixed rotational circle. Embodiments include a centrifuge with: an enclosure, hinged lid, lid-closure sensor, motor, and automatic timer; free of both user controls and user displays.

Abstract: A centrifugal cartridge or disk used for extraction of light supernatant fractions from fluid samples is described, particularly for non-homogenous fluid biological samples such as whole blood. The device may be used to collect cell-free blood plasma or a fraction of whole blood containing target cells such as leukocytes. Single or multiple channels are described, including channels with passive valves, gaskets, receiving cavities, inlet holes, capillary wicking ridges, distal cavities for cell retention, separator gel, and density medium. Centrifugal action causes whole blood in a receiving cavity to pass into one or more channels where it separates into blood cells, plasma and optionally fractions of an intermediate density. After spin, the plasma returns to the receiving cavity by way of the one or more channels for extraction through the inlet hole or other inwardly located hole.

Abstract: A cup used to receive, hold, measure and pour liquids, such a specimens, such as for a medical assay, is described. The cup comprises an open receiving upper chamber, two or more open sample-directing channels, and an open, calibrated and marked measuring column. When sitting on a level surface, fluid flows freely from the upper chamber through the sample-directing channels into the measuring column. A foot is under each fluid-directing channel. The base of the measuring column functions as an additional, such as a third, foot. Cups nest, with the two feet of the upper cup sitting into two sample-directing columns of lower cup. The measuring column and upper chamber taper to permit nesting. If the cup is tipped, it rests on two of three of: the two feet and the base of the measuring column, and a point on a lower perimeter of the upper chamber, such that fluid will not spill.

Abstract: A cup used to receive, hold, measure and pour liquids, such a specimens, such as for a medical assay, is described. The cup comprises an open receiving upper chamber, two or more open sample-directing channels, and an open, calibrated and marked measuring column. When sitting on a level surface, fluid flows freely from the upper chamber through the sample-directing channels into the measuring column. A foot is under each fluid-directing channel. The base of the measuring column functions as an additional, such as a third, foot. Cups nest, with the two feet of the upper cup sitting into two sample-directing columns of lower cup. The measuring column and upper chamber taper to permit nesting. If the cup is tipped, it rests on two of three of: the two feet and the base of the measuring column, and a point on a lower perimeter of the upper chamber, such that fluid will not spill.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and devices with which to process and analyze difficult chemical, biological, environmental samples including but not limited to those containing bulk solids or particulates. The disclosure includes a cartridge which contains a separation tube as well as one or more valves and cavities for receiving raw sample materials and for directing and containing various fluids or samples. The cartridge may contain a separation fluid or density medium of defined density, and structures which direct particulates toward defined regions of the cartridge. Embodiments can include a rotational device for rotating the cartridge at defined rotational rates for defined time intervals. Embodiments allowing multiple assays from a single sample are also disclosed. In some embodiments, this device is used for direct processing and chemical analysis of food, soil, blood, stool, motor oil, semen, and other samples of interest.