Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically loading a swinging bucket centrifuge with sample containers, and, the swinging bucket centrifuge being adapted to accommodate a centrifuge carrier which has a plurality of receiving pockets positioned according to a predetermined receiving pocket pattern. The invention is characterized in that the centrifuge carrier is placed in a swinging bucket, with the positioning pattern for the sample containers being determined such that the center of gravity of the moved masses will be on the centrifuge axis during centrifugation when the centrifuge buckets have assumed their swung out positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-conditioning space (10) for storing samples in a time-controlled manner, comprising a device (22) for automatically feeding sample containers (18) into a climatically sealed space (12) having at least one wall (43), into which a sample container (18) can be inserted into the climatically sealed space (12) through an opening (40, 42), wherein the feed device (22) has at least one drive and control unit, and an incubator receptacle (30) for receiving the samples (18) is provided inside the climatically sealed space (12). The invention is distinguished by the fact that the feed device has an automatic feed arm (22, 24) which grips a sample container (18) from a receiving position outside the climatically sealed space (12) and deposits the sample container (18) there in a clear deposit position in an incubator receptacle (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage system for an incubator (38) comprising a carrier unit for samples and/or sample containers. The invention is characterized in that said carrier unit comprises carrier components (22, 33) which have a shaft (14, 34) rotatably mounted between them and that shelves (18, 29, 36) are provided which can be detachably mounted on said shaft (14, 34).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically handling a sample container (100), wherein at least one sample container (100) is taken up in a container carrier (30) in a handling device (95) and a lid (101) is gripped by a gripper head (50) with a predetermined gripping force and the lid (101) is removed by a combined movement out of a translational and rotational movement from the sample container (100), characterized in that, by means of an optical capturing, the lid (101) as well as the sample con- tainer (100) are analyzed and are assigned to a lid and sample container type, and that, furthermore, a required torque is assigned to each lid and/or sample container type as required for removing the lid (101), and that, starting from this torque, the gripping force of the gripper head (50) is adjusted.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cassette (2) comprising a product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) and a positioning means (3a, 3b) engageable with a counter-piece on a centrifuge having a rotor for separating blood components or on a system component (4) arranged in a centrifuge. The positioning is effected such that a section of the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) is aligned with a section of the centrifuge or the system component arranged in the centrifuge. Furthermore, a tube connected with bags is accommodated in the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cassette (2) comprising a product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) and a shut-off device (19a, 19b) integrated into the cassette for interrupting a product flow. The shut-off device is arranged at a rim of the cassette such that the shut-off device (19a, 19b) can be directly operated manually and/or mechanically. The product-conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) leads through the shut-off device (19a, 19b). The cassette consists of a lower part (5) and an upper part (7) which are connectable to each other by connecting means (9, 11, 13, 15).

Abstract: The invention refers to a centrifuge for separating whole blood into its blood components and a method for extracting a highly enriched thrombocyte concentrate out of whole blood. For this purpose, the centrifuge comprises a closed loop and/or open-loop control unit as well as a drive unit coupled to the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit, a rotor (12) having at least two container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16) for removably holding containers (18, 20, 22, 24) being in fluid communication with each other, at least one sensor arranged between the container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16b) and coupled with the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit for detecting a separation layer. Herein, a motor/gear unit (30a, 30b, 32a, 32b) coupled to the closed loop and/or open-loop control unit is associated with each of the container receptacles (14a, 14b; 16a, 16b).

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction chamber system (10, 70) for processing samples, comprising a reaction chamber (12), a sample carrier (26) arranged at least in the reaction chamber (12). When in operation, said sample carrier can be displaced in relation to the reaction chamber (12) by means of a drive device (30) which is coupled to the sample carrier (26). The reaction chamber system also comprises heating means (50) for warming the samples. The invention is characterized in that the heating means (50, 54) are arranged on the sample carrier (26) and can be displaced with the sample carrier (26) when in operation.