Abstract: Apparatus for partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities. Disclosed is an apparatus for separating a pre-selected phase of a sample contained in an enclosed chamber, wherein said apparatus can be used with a separating means which rotates the chamber about either a longitudinal axis of the chamber, or about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber and not passing through the chamber. In addition, separating means in which such an enclosed chamber is rotated about a longitudinal axis is described. Also disclosed is an apparatus for dispensing fluid from said enclosed chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus useful in surgery for holding retractors and other surgical instrumentation in a number of different positions required by a surgeon for the performance of a surgical procedure, including advanced sensing and regulation of retraction pressures and position; and incorporating a force amplification method to drive a locking mechanism in the supporting structure that utilizes a constrained, substantially incompressible, flexible solid material to yield a mechanism that is suitable for clinical use.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities. Disclosed is an apparatus for collecting a sample in an enclosed chamber, wherein said apparatus can be used with a separating means which rotates the chamber about either a longitudinal axis of the chamber, or about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber and not passing through the chamber. In addition, said apparatus facilitates automated manipulation of the sample by providing formed features for: decreasing the gas permeability of said apparatus; clot activation of a blood sample contained within said apparatus; interconnection of a multiplicity of said apparatus; automated manipulation of said apparatus; protecting markings upon said apparatus; layering the construction of said apparatus; and, encoding of information upon said apparatus in both a tactile and visual manner. Also disclosed is an apparatus for dispensing fluid from said enclosed chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities the method comprising the steps of introducing a sample into a chamber of constant cross-sectional shape and a volume greater than that of the sample, ordering the phases of the sample concentrically by rotating the chamber about its longitudinal axis, reducing the volume of the chamber in response to a separation control signal, removing a portion of the separated sample in order of phase, deriving information about the portion of the sample being removed from the chamber and modifying the separation control signal in response to the derived information.