Abstract: A centrifuge drum is mounted for rotation about an upright axis and has a bottom wall provided with an opening. A closure member is mounted for movement relative to the bottom wall between a first position in which it sealingly blocks the opening, and a second position in which it unblocks the opening. A fluid-pressure actuated arrangement is operable to move the closure member to its first position and maintain it there as long as desired. A connecting head is provided which connects the fluid pressure-actuated arrangement with a source of pressure fluid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a plunger and filter assembly for insertion into the end of a collector cylinder whereby the cylinder with the assembly may be inserted into a vial to skim off the fluid contents therein. A plunger member has a cylindrical shape and a central opening therethrough, one end of the plunger having a smaller diameter than the other end thereof for insertion into one end of a collector cylinder. The other end of the plunger member has a diameter larger than the collector cylinder to engage and seal the plunger member with the interior wall of a vial into which the collector cylinder with the plunger member installed therein may be inserted.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for isolating blood serum from clotted whole blood and for isolating blood plasma from mixtures of whole blood with anti-coagulants. The method comprises partially sinking an apparatus of the invention in the appropriate blood specimen, conveniently with the assistance of centrifugation.The apparatus of the invention comprises a hollow elongate body open at both ends. One end is partially closed with a filter member which prevents the passage of solid phase components of clotted whole blood and solid phase components of mixtures of blood with anti-coagulants but allows passage of blood serum or blood plasma.

Abstract: A combination tub-wash basket for a vertical axis washing machine is an imperforate structure formed generally in the shape of a frustum of a cone mounted upon a concave base portion so as to provide an enlarged annulus chamber around the bottom of the basket. A perforate divider member is secured within the basket and is formed to provide an annular depression so as to define in the basket a clothes retaining area and a lower, washing medium retaining area. This perforate divider member is provided with vanes for imparting washing action to the clothes and a coaxial shaft for preventing large items being washed from lying across the basket. The base of the basket is provided with an axially concentric drain.

Abstract: An improved method for isolating a liquid sample from a specimen container employing an elongated cylindrical tube, sized for insertion into the specimen container, and having a hollow neck formed at one end of the tube. A thin, flexible circular disc projects from the neck for slidable sealing engagement with the internal cylindrical wall of the specimen container. A shoulder is formed on the neck adjacent to the circular disc for engaging and supporting at least a portion of the disc to maintain the seal during insertion and release it during withdrawal of the tube. A removable sample measuring cup on the other end of the tube provides control of an air vent in the tube and instantaneous and easy transfer of the collected sample. The container also desirably includes a filter disposed in said neck aperture to limit the fluid flow from the tube.

Abstract: A plunger assembly is longitudinally movable within an outer tube having a lower closed end. The plunger assembly includes a plunger tube and a resilient piston-valve plug seated in the inner end thereof. The piston-valve plug has frictional sealing engagement with the inner walls of the outer tube, has a slit therethrough for permitting the flow of clear liquid from the lower end of the outer tube into the plunger tube when the plunger tube is moved inwardly of the outer tube, and has a port therethrough for permitting the return flow of air into the space in the outer tube below the plug when the plunger tube is moved outwardly of the outer tube. A filter element is seated in the plug to filter liquid prior to flow through the slit.

Abstract: An evacuated tube having both ends closed has a centrifugally actuated slit type valve fixedly disposed between the ends for dividing the tube into upper and lower chambers. The valve is formed and arranged to provide a passageway between the upper and lower chambers when subjected to a centrifugal force of proper intensity and direction. Upon cessation of the force, the valve closes to provide a separation between the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filtering and permanently separating the serum fraction from the cell fraction of centrifuged blood and the like. A separator head is passed through the serum and is positioned at the interface of the serum and the heavier red cells. As the separator head is positioned serum passes through a self-sealing passage in the separator head and into a collection tube that positions the separator head. Upon withdrawal of the collection tube the passage in the separator head closes sufficiently to effectively block the passage and the serum can be poured from the collection tube. The collection tube can be reinserted to pour off measured volumes of the serum.

Abstract: Devices are disclosed which are useful in the simultaneous separation and filtration of the liquid portion of clotted whole blood and anti-coagulant treated whole blood. The devices are employed in novel apparatus of the invention, for the collection, separation and filtration of blood serum and blood plasma from clotted whole blood and anti-coagulant treated whole blood, respectively.

Abstract: A self-contained fluid separator assembly is disclosed capable of separating blood into its component parts of plasma or serum, the light phase, and the cellular portion, the heavy phase. The assembly comprises a container having at least one open end for receiving blood for subsequent separation and a closure sealing the open end of the container. The closure is formed of a self-sealing elastomeric material which is penetrable by a pointed hollow needle through which the blood to be separated is conducted into the container. A piston is slidably disposed in the container with its outer surfaces in sealing contact with the inner surfaces of the container. Centrifugally actuated valve means is provided on the piston which is normally closed and automatically opens in response to centrifugal force. When blood in the container is subjected to centrifugal force it first separates into its light phase and heavy phase.