Abstract: The present invention provides a sample tube insertion guide that is adapted in reducing the possibility or the risk of breakage of a sample tube that is inserted into an orifice during insertion/removal of the sample tube through an orifice. In one particular embodiment, the sample tube insertion guide comprises: a plurality of rigid elongated guide elements (14), each of which comprises a top end (18T) and a bottom end (18B); and one or more slotted openings (38) between at least a pair of said rigid elongated guide elements (14), wherein said slotted openings (38) begin at the top end (18T) and extend continuously to at least 75% of the length of said rigid elongated guide elements (14).

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising a deformable bellows, a ballast mounted to the lower end of the bellows, and a float is engageable with an upper end of the bellows. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the ballast to move toward the bottom of the tube and causes an elongation and narrowing of the bellows. The separator then moves down the tube and stabilizes in a position between the separated phases of the fluid sample. Termination of the centrifugal load enables the bellows to return to its original condition in sealing engagement with the walls of the tube.

Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus for sampling blood serum according to the invention comprises a disklike flattening member having a flat surface and capable of flattening a separation surface of a blood serum separating medium contained in a sample container by urging the flat surface against the separation surface, a mounting member having a cylindrical shaft for lowering the flattening member through the blood serum contained in the sample container to thereby mount the flattening member in the sample container such that the flat surface of the flattening member horizontally urges the separation surface of the blood serum separating medium, and means for securing a space which permits a sampling/dispensing tip capable of sampling and dispensing the blood serum, to be inserted into the sample container, by detaching the cylindrical shaft from the flattening member and taking the cylindrical shaft out of the sample container, after the flattening member is mounted in the sample container by the mounting member.

Abstract: An extractor device for extracting, filtering, measuring, and containing a subsurface portion of liquid soup, which having less fat content mixed than a surface area, from a soup pot in a single dipping application; comprising: A cylinder, container body which has a center bottom hole for liquid to flow through. A perforated filter can be attached to the bottom hole for filtering during the extraction. The upper part of the container has a support structure and a handle connected. The plugging means is interconnected with the support structure to be constantly closing the bottom hole. The opening means is made to be activated to disengage the plugging means to open the bottom hole. Whereby the container can be dipped into a soup pot and set the bottom hole and a lower portion of the container at a subsurface of the liquid soup.

Abstract: A valve device for stock/sauce skimmer and the like is provided and comprises a container in which is stored liquid to be separated from fats and solids contained in the liquid, a cylinder extending down from the container having a passage for the liquid, a sleeve mounted around lower edge of the cylinder having projecting pins, a base forming a central passage that receives the sleeve of the cylinder, the inner surface of the base having slots capable of mating with the projecting pins of the sleeve thus forming a bayonet quick coupling device and a valve seated within the passage and set upon the base so that when the container is rotated the container rises and opens the passage in which the valve is mounted, allowing passage of the separated liquid from the device.

Abstract: A double-walled receptacle formed of inner and outer open-topped containers, the inner one fitting within the outer so as to be upwardly removable therefrom. The inner container is divided into upper and lower compartments by a foraminous partition and the lower part of the inner container wall has a plurality of fluid drain apertures below the partition. The partition is mounted so as to be easily removable upwardly from the inner container. The partition receives the solid, semi-solid portions, etc., of the specimens and fluids escape into the lower compartment. Flushing media used in the collection of the specimens escapes via the drain apertures and is caught by the outer container. A removable cover closes the open tops of both containers.