Abstract: A centrifuge rotor which a central hub is characterized by a flexible carrier formed from a plurality of fibers arranged in a predetermined textile structure. The carrier has a socket formed at the radially outer end thereof by the interconnection of the fibers. The socket may receive a vessel therein.

Abstract: A cam system capable of converting a simple motion into a more complex motion contains, in combination, an elastomeric guide bearing and a shaped rod lodged therein, the bearing being held by a member allowing it to assume a proper orientation, either the bearing-holding member or the shaped rod being subjected to the input motion, so that the shaped rod and the guide bearing move relative to each other. Either the moving member or the stationary member is constrained in that it has only two degrees of freedom to rotate. Any moving point on the moving member can be made to perform useful work while it moves in a more complex pattern. A representative embodiment will convert a one-dimensional, sliding motion or a circular motion into a three-dimensional motion, the moving end of the moving member having attached thereto a spray-paint nozzle, which sprays paint in a three-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: A bag holder comprises a fixed arm which is swingable about a vertical axis and a movable arm pivotally mounted to swing relative to the fixed arm about a horizontal axis and controlled by a rod so that, when the fixed arm is swung about its vertical axis, the movable arm is swung at its upper end away from the fixed arm to spread the mouth of a bag retained by gripper elements at the top of both arms. Below these gripper elements, the arms are provided with bars which press the mouth of the bag closed so that, when the upper end of the movable arm is swung toward the upper end of the fixed arm, the sealing bars come into play.