Abstract: A compressible and expandable sample tube holder includes a housing with a plurality of adjacent section members, movable toward and away from each other. Biasing members normally maintain the section members in an expanded condition. In the compressed condition the spacing between section members is reduced. A sample tube breakage detector includes slidable plungers having a protracted position that corresponds to a broken sample tube and a retracted position that corresponds to an unbroken sample tube in the sample tube holder. A detector compares the plunger positions before and after centrifuge spin to detect any broken sample tubes in the sample tube holder. A gripper device for the sample tube holder includes a lifting probe and a stabilizer to stabilize the sample tube holder during lifting. The gripper device and breakage detector are raised and lowered by a raising and lowering device having first and second telescoping members.

Abstract: A compressible and expandable sample tube holder includes a housing with a plurality of adjacent section members, movable toward and away from each other. Biasing members normally maintain the section members in an expanded condition. In the compressed condition the spacing between section members is reduced. A sample tube breakage detector for the sample tube holder includes slidable plungers having a protracted position that corresponds to a broken sample tube and a retracted position that corresponds to an unbroken sample tube in the sample tube holder. A detector compares the plunger positions before and after a centrifuge spin operation to detect any broken sample tubes in the sample tube holder. A gripper device for gripping the sample tube holder includes a lifting probe with an actuatable eccentric portion to hold the sample tube holder and a stabilizer to stabilize the sample tube holder during lifting.