Abstract: A press for removing supernatant from a flexible vessel includes cooperating press members having an open position to insert the vessel between them, and a closed position to compress the vessel between them. At least one of the press members has a compliant pad on its press surface. The compliant pad compensates for variable thickness of the vessel when it is compressed. The press is constructed to compress a first or lower portion of the vessel less than a second or upper portion of the vessel. Preferably, the press additionally includes a barrier structure that creates a barrier between the lower portion of the vessel and the upper portion of the vessel when the vessel is compressed. The press can also include a vessel holder having a structure for adjusting the position of the vessel within the press.

Abstract: A centrifuging fixture is constructed to hold a fluid-containing flexible vessel during centrifugation of the vessel. The fixture is constructed for attaching to the vessel and supporting the vessel in a manner that is effective during centrifugation to maintain the structural integrity of the vessel and maintain a smooth side wall shape on the portion of the vessel that contains the fluid. In one embodiment, the fixture includes a plurality of side attachment structures for attaching to different locations on the side edge of the vessel in a manner that is effective during centrifugation to maintain the smooth wall shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the analysis of specimens. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for reviewing specimen slides, including apparatus for holding the slides. The invention also relates to an automatic focusing method for an imaging system and methods for accommodating vibration in the imaging system. In particular, the methods and apparatus may be applied to the automated analysis of cytological specimen slides.