Abstract: A container for selective transport of samples of biological material or of biological origin comprising a body (2) having at least a compartment (3) suitable for containing at least a fluid or liquid and/or for containing at least a portion (16a) of a collecting device (16) for biological samples, said body (2) comprising at least an access opening (4) to the compartment (3) and at least a containing wall (5) provided with at least a selective passage portion (6) configured such as to prevent exit of a fluid or liquid from the container (1), through the passage portion (6), at least in at least an operating sealed condition characterised at least by a rest state of the container (1) or by a first value of mechanical shaking of the container (1) and/or by a first value of relative centrifugal force to which the container (1) is subjected for a first interval of a predetermined time, and configured such as selectively to enable exit of the fluid or liquid from the container (1), across the passage portion (6),

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifuge vessel assembly for use in a centrifuge, comprising a centrifuge vessel for holding a sample to be centrifuged, an adapter holding the centrifuge vessel, and a holding means holding the adapter for attaching the centrifuge vessel assembly to a rotor of the centrifuge, said centrifuge vessel having a vessel body and a sealable opening through which the sample to be centrifuged can be filled into said vessel, said vessel body having a cross-sectional area and a vessel height, said vessel height being oriented at right angles to said cross-sectional area, wherein said cross-sectional area is in the form of an oval cross-sectional area.

Abstract: The device enables to put the patients own bone marrow derived stem cells on a lyophilized bone allograft covered by human albumin, after a short separation by centrifugation. The cell concentrator comprises a closed housing (1, 2) for receiving a syringe (7) for holding tissue aspirates and a container (12) below said syringe (7) for receiving the concentrate received by centrifugation; means for clamping the syringe within said housing (1, 2); means for releasable locking the plunger (6) of the syringe (7) and means for pushing the plunger (6) of the syringe (7) along a predetermined length, to introduce at least a part of the concentrate into said container (12). The built-in pushbutton mechanism designed to spray the proper amount of stem cell rich fluid to the surface of the bone graft.

Abstract: A microchip including a separation portion for separating a first component and a second component from a sample containing the first component and the second component, respectively, a first collection portion for collecting the first component, a second collection portion for collecting the second component, a first flow path for guiding the first component from the separation portion to the first collection portion, and a second flow path for guiding the second component from the separation portion to the second collection portion is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.

Abstract: Assemblies for and methods of coupling a microtiter plate and receptacle for centrifugation of liquid from the microtiter plate to the receptacle are provided. In some embodiments, a coupling frame can be used. In other embodiments, the microtiter plate couples directly to the receptacle. In some embodiments, relative motion between the receptacle and the microtiter plate is limited in the x-y plane. In some embodiments, relative motion between the receptacle and the microtiter plate is limited in the x-z plane. In some embodiments, relative motion between the receptacle and the microtiter plate is limited in the y-z plane.

Abstract: A separator system operable to use centrifugation to fractionate a multiple component material, such as a suspension including blood, comprises a buoy. The buoy can be carried in a separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in the multiple component material. A guide surface is carried on a buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: A sample container includes a body part which can accommodate a sample and a cap part that can be mounted on the non-circular body part. On the cap part, a neck support member is set for filling a space between an outer lid and a holding hole of a rotor body. The neck support member is configured to be able to be attached to and removed from the outer lid and to be able to relatively rotate with respect to the outer lid. By mounting the outer lid on the body part, the neck support member can also be mounted at the same time. The neck support member is arranged so as to be interposed between the outer lid and shoulder parts of the body part in an axial direction. The neck support member has a lower surface formed so as to correspond to the shape of the shoulder parts.

Abstract: A reagent vessel insert includes an insert housing formed in such a way that the reagent vessel insert is configured to be inserted in a reagent vessel for a centrifuge and/or for a pressure varying device. The reagent vessel insert further includes at least one magnet arranged non-adjustably with respect to the insert housing and at least one adjusting element arranged in an interior volume of the reagent vessel insert. The at least one adjusting element is at least partially formed from a magnetically attractable material such that a magnetic force of attraction exerted by the at least one magnet on the at least one adjusting element is at least greater than a force of the weight of the at least one adjusting element. A method includes one or more of centrifuging and pressure treating a material using the reagent vessel insert or a reagent vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.

Abstract: A spin column device, which contains a rigid porous filter that retains its shape during centrifugation, chromatography methods using the device to isolate a desired substance, e.g., a biological molecule, from other substances in a mixture, and kits containing the device with one or more reagents for use in the method.

Abstract: A turret component for a reagent vessel includes at least one vessel structure into which at least one liquid and/or pulverized material is pourable. The at least one vessel is formed on the turret component, and the turret component has at least one predetermined breaking point on at least one vessel base of the at least one vessel structure. A reagent vessel insertion part for a reagent vessel for a centrifuge and/or for a pressure varying apparatus includes the turret component and also includes an insertion part housing configured to enable insertion of the reagent vessel insertion part into a reagent vessel for a centrifuge and/or a pressure varying apparatus.

Abstract: A device for insertion into a rotor of a centrifuge has at least two bodies stacked one above the other in a stacking direction inside a housing. The housing is configured such that it can be inserted into a holder of the rotor of the centrifuge. With a correct reception of the device in the centrifuge, and upon a rotation of the rotor, a spacing of one of the at least two bodies in relation to the axis of rotation of the rotor is smaller than a spacing of another of the at least two bodies in relation to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A first of the at least two bodies has at least one first cavity and a second cavity and a second body of the at least two bodies has at least one first cavity.

Abstract: Extracting or removing at least a portion of liquid phase from a whole sample using a centrifugal force is disclosed. Centrifugal forces are used to apply pressure to a whole sample and drive a liquid phase through a passage region that can be perforated and/or porous and maintain a drier portion within a separation container. The whole sample can be dried, which includes a remaining sample where excess or a selected amount of liquid is removed. Direct access to the separation container or area can then be made to provide for an efficient withdrawal of the drier material from the separation container.

Abstract: A lidded container having a tubular container which at the bottom has a container base, at the top a container opening and below the container opening a sealing region on the internal wall, a lid which comprises a lid base and a plug protruding from the inside of the lid base, and which may be inserted through the container opening into a sealing position in the sealing region, and locking means for releasably locking the lid to the container comprising at least one latching projection projecting radially outward at the top edge of the container, at least one flexible and elastic connecting link projecting from the bottom side of the lid base on which a latching edge is arranged at a distance from the lid base vertically below the connection of the connecting link to the lid base.

Abstract: A system and method for concentrating samples. The system can include a first container adapted to contain a sample. The first container can include a first portion and a second portion adapted to be removably coupled to the first portion. The system can further include a second container comprising the second portion and a third portion adapted to be removably coupled to the second portion. The method can include centrifuging the first container in a first orientation toward the second portion of the first container; retaining a concentrate of the sample in the second portion of the first container; and centrifuging the second container in a second orientation toward the third portion of the second container, such that the concentrate retained in the second portion is moved into the third portion of the second container, the second orientation being different from the first orientation.

Abstract: A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.

Abstract: A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention includes a container and a method of separating one or more components of interest bound to magnetic particles using centrifugal forces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the automated preparation of treated monolayers of sample material, comprising: a centrifuge having a rotor (12) carrying removable chamber blocks (14); sample and reagent dispensers (26) and control systems (20). First, centrifugal force sediments sample material discretely to form a monolayer onto a receiving surface member (32) on one of the chamber blocks (14), while the same centrifugal force opens a valve (48) in the chamber block (14) to drain sample material. Then, centrifugal force delivers sequentially into discrete chamber blocks (14) discrete treating agents, during which time the sampler material monolayer is held in place on the receiving surface member (32) by centrifugal force. Then, each chamber block (14) is drained centrifugally through its already opened valve (48). Each treated sampler material is confined to an individual chamber block (14). Batch and random access delivery of treating agents can be employed.

Abstract: Fluid separation chambers are provided for rotation about an axis in a fluid processing system. The fluid separation chamber may be provided with first and second stages, with the first and second stages being positioned at different axial locations. In another embodiment, at least one of the stages may be provided with a non-uniform outer diameter about the rotational axis, which may define a generally spiral-shaped profile or a different profile for fractionating a fluid or fluid component. One or more of the stages may also have a varying outer diameter along the axis. The profile of the chamber may be provided by the chamber itself (in the case of rigid chambers) or by an associated fixture or centrifuge apparatus (in the case of flexible chambers).

Abstract: A test tube insert includes a flange having a width greater than a width of a mouth of a larger test tube into which the insert is to be inserted. The flange defines a first central opening. An annulus extends integrally downward from the flange. The annulus includes a fenestrated wall and a floor defining a second central opening. A small test tube body, smaller than the larger test tube, extends integrally downward from the floor of the annulus with the second central opening forming a mouth of the small test tube body. The test tube insert is disposed in the mouth of the larger test tube. Fluid is transferred through the central opening and the fluid fills the small test tube body of the test tube insert and flows through the fenestrated wall once the small test tube body is full into the larger test tube.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method for measurement of biomaterials using the same. The microfluidic device includes a microfluidic structure including: a sample chamber which receives and accommodates blood; a reagent chamber which contains a luminescent reactant; a first detection chamber which contains a first material that is positively charged; a second detection chamber which is connected to the first detection chamber, and contains a second material having a boronate moiety; and at least one channel which connects the sample chamber, the reagent chamber and the first and second detection chambers.

Abstract: Systems and methods that can be used to detect materials of interest in a suspension are disclosed. A suspension suspected of containing a material of interest and a float are added to a tube. When the tube, float and suspension are centrifuged together, the float expands the axial length of a layer that contains the material of interest between the outer surface of the main body of the float and the inner wall of the tube. The float includes features located on the main body of the float that enhance mixing of various agents to be added to the suspension. The features may also increase the flow of the suspension fluid and materials around the float during centrifugation.

Abstract: Systems and methods that can be used to detect target materials in a suspension are disclosed. A suspension suspected of containing a target material is added to a tube, and a programmable float is added to the same tube. In one aspect, the mass of the float may be programmed by selectively adding one or more objects to the float interior so that when the tube, float and suspension are centrifuged together to separate the various materials of the suspension into layers along the axial length of the tube, the float is positioned at approximately the same level as a layer that contains the target material. The float expands the axial length of the layer between the float outer surface and the inner surface of the tube.

Abstract: A transportation system for transporting a biological material container between a sterile field and a nonsterile field and substantially maintaining sterility of the biological material container includes a housing assembly that removably houses the biological material container. The system also includes a port defined by the housing assembly, and the port provides communication into the biological material container from outside the housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a first member that covers a first portion of the biological material container such that a second portion of the biological material container extends from the first member. The housing assembly also includes a second member that covers the second portion of the biological material container. The second member is removably coupled to the first member to expose the second portion of the biological material container. A keying member that keys the transportation system in a centrifuge is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for synthesizing polymer chains includes a controller, a plurality of precision fit vials circularly arranged in multiple banks on a cartridge, a drain corresponding to each bank of vials, a chamber bowl, a plurality of valves for delivering reagents to selective vials, and a waste tube system for purging material from the vials. A purging operation can be selectively performed on one or more of the banks of vials. The plurality of vials are stored in the cartridge and are divided among individual banks wherein each bank of vials has a corresponding drain. There is at least one waste tube system for expelling the reagent solution from vials within a particular bank of vials when the waste tube system is coupled to the corresponding drain. The cartridge holding the plurality of vials rotates relative to the stationary banks of valves and the waste tube system.

Abstract: A three-dimensional cell culture method for increasing cell proliferation efficiency by suitably regulating the proliferation-inducing and proliferation-inhibitory signals between cells is provided. The method includes repeatedly performing any one or both of the following processes a) and b) so as to regulate proliferation-inducing and proliferation-inhibitory signals between the cells: a) a process of gradually adding the micro-scaffolds, in which a small amount of the micro-scaffolds are used in an initial stage in order to maintain a suitable distance between the cells, and the amount of the micro-scaffolds is then increased slowly according to cell proliferation rate; and b) a periodic shaking process, in which shaking is performed in order to separate connected cells from each other by a physical force, after the cells are incubated for more than a given period of time.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float having a passageway extending between first and second ends thereof with a pierceable head enclosing the first end of the float, a ballast longitudinally moveable with respect to the float, and a bellows extending between a portion of the float and a portion of the ballast. The bellows is adapted for deformation upon longitudinal movement of the float and the ballast, with the bellows isolated from the pierceable head. The float has a first density and the ballast has a second density greater than the first density. The bellows is structured for sealing engagement with a cylindrical wall of a tube, and the pierceable head is structured for application of a puncture tip therethrough. The separation device is suitable for use with a standard medical collection tube.

Abstract: A blood specimen processor by means of which blood specimens are collected into a collection tube containing an anticoagulant and a molded buoy of predetermined density between 1.045 and 1.084 with an embedded water swellable o-ring that expands to form a robust seal in a leucocyte density gradient between the buoy's outer surface and tube's inner surface. The buoy is made of a first resin and a second resin, the first resin having a lower density than the second resin, the first resin and the second resin being present in such amounts and relative proportions so that the body has an overall density between 1.045 and 1.084 and preferably, a center of gravity below a geometric center of the body. When the blood specimen contained in the processor is centrifuged, the buoy is thrust through the separating blood and the developing interface of erythrocytes, leucocytes, and plasma.

Abstract: A rotatable microfluidic device that comprises a hydrophilic microchannel structure in which there is a) an upstream microcavity I with a liquid outlet I, b) a microconduit I connected to liquid outlet I, and c) a capillary valve I associated with microconduit I. The inlet end of the microconduit is closer to the spin axis than the outlet end of the microconduit. The difference in radial distance between the inlet end and the outlet end of microconduit I is typically ?5%, such as ?10% or ?100% or ?500%, of the difference in radial distance between the uppermost part of the upstream microcavity and liquid outlet I.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purifying and harvesting certain cell populations in blood or bone marrow by depleting at least one of red blood cells, granulocytes, or platelets from a sample comprising blood, bone marrow, or stromal vascular fraction cells separated from adipose tissue is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sterile, single use rigid, self-supporting cartridge within which the automated depletion, purification and harvesting of target cell populations occurs and all components may be distributed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blood component separator whereby it is possible to simplify the process compared to the related art as well as guarantee the purity of the separated blood components, and prevent contamination by ambient air during the process from blood collection to blood component separation. The blood component separator includes a body made of a cylinder at one end of which is formed a flow tube for blood to flow therethrough and on the other end of which is formed a female screw; a plunger which moves forward and backward inside the body to generate positive pressure or negative pressure between the flow tube and the plunger; and a push screw which is detachably connected to the plunger and has a thread portion screwed with the female screw of the body.

Abstract: The present invention includes a separable test tube for use in a centrifugal separator that does not need to separately transfer separation liquid to another test tube for a second separation after a first separation. The separable test tube includes a first tube including a first coupling portion, a second coupling portion, and an adjustment portion. A second tube includes a first body part, a first space portion, a first packing fastener, a third coupling portion which engages the first coupling portion, and an adjustment groove into which the adjustment portion is inserted. A third tube includes a second body part having a second space portion, a second packing fastener, and a fourth coupling portion which engages the second coupling portion. First and second watertight members are coupled to the first and second coupling portions, respectively. First and second packings are coupled to the first and second packing fasteners, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a centrifugal separation-use device capable of maintaining a centrifugal separation-use container in a clean state easily at low cost even when centrifugal separation treatment is carried out using a centrifugal separator in an unclean field. A centrifugal separation-use device 1 for collecting a target component by subjecting a solution containing multiple components to centrifugal separation treatment comprises an inner container 10 having a cylindrical section 12 for accommodating the solution and a plug 14 for hermetically sealing the cylindrical section and configured so as to accommodate the solution in a hermetically sealed state, and an outer container 20 having a support section 22 for removably accommodating the cylindrical section and a delivery section 24 for exposing part of the inner container so that the inner container can be removed, and configured so as to accommodate the inner container in a hermetically sealed state.

Abstract: A centrifuge tube apparatus for centrifuging a sample collected in a syringe, the apparatus comprising: a syringe comprising at one end a narrowed outlet and means for connection to a needle and at the opposing end a partially inserted syringe plunger; and a syringe holder having an interior for accepting the syringe, wherein the interior comprises at least one ledge for resting the syringe in an inverted position within the holder to prevent further insertion of the plunger during centrifugation, further wherein the syringe holder is sized for insertion in a centrifuge rotor.

Abstract: A device (1) for housing a scientific sample comprising at least one sample well (2) and an on-board buffering substance (3) wherein the onboard buffering substance (3) at least partly surrounds the sample well (2). The on-board buffering substance (3) may be in the form of a matrix, such as a gel-like matrix. The device (1) may further comprise an insulating means. Also described is a substance for use in culturing and/or assaying a sample whereby the substance provides atmospheric and thermal buffering. The invention further provides a lid for a single-well or multi-well sample plate, the lid being configured to facilitate delivery of a sample through the lid into a well, and for sealing the well. The lid comprises moveable portions (52, 53) that have at least one orifice (54, 57) formed through the moveable portions (52, 53) such that a conduit is formed by alignment of the orifices (54, 57) of both the lid portions (52, 53).

Abstract: A cartridge is configured for insertion and centrifugation in a centrifuge. The cartridge includes a first drum which has a first chamber, and a displacement device which is designed to rotate the first drum about a center axis thereof to selectively and conductively connect the first chamber to a second or a third chamber. In another embodiment, the cartridge includes a first drum which has a first chamber and a second chamber, and a displacement device which is designed to rotate the first drum about the center axis thereof to selectively and conductively connect the first chamber to a third chamber or the second chamber to the third chamber. The displacement device has an actuator which directly or indirectly moves the first drum about the center axis.

Abstract: Tube and float systems that can be used to detect target materials in a suspension are disclosed. In one aspect, the tube includes structural elements along the inner surface of the tube and the float includes a smooth main body. The float is inserted into the tube along with the suspension and has a specific gravity to position the main body of the float at approximately the same level as the layer containing the target materials. The structural elements are configured so that when the tube, float, and suspension are centrifuged together, the structural elements form at least one channel between the main body of the float and the inner surface of the tube to allow the suspension fluid to flow around the float. Then centrifugation is stopped, the structural elements hold the float in place to enable detection of the target materials located in the at least one channels.

Abstract: A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.

Abstract: A closure assembly is provided for a specimen collection container. The closure assembly includes a bottom ring and top ring assembly. The bottom ring is removably attachable to the open end of the container. The top ring assembly, which is removably attached to the bottom ring, includes a mounting ring and a pierceable, resealable septum that closes the bottom ring and permits pierceable instrument access therethrough. The container interior can also be accessed by the removal of the bottom ring from the open end of the container or by the removal of the top assembly from the bottom ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifuge tube for use in the centrifugation of biological materials, wherein the diameter of the centrifuge tube is improved to enable minute centrifugation, and in which a thin, weak, and narrow portion of the centrifuge tube, to which a strong force is to be applied, is provided with a support piece to enable centrifugation to be performed without causing a deformation in the centrifuge tube. The centrifuge tube of the present invention enables the centrifugation of materials using differences in the specific gravities of the materials to be easily performed without using a reagent or the like. The centrifuge tube of the present invention has a closure made of a material such as a rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, silicon or the like, such that a needle may penetrate through the closure and the centrifuge tube can be protected from contamination caused by bacteria, and centrifugation of biological materials can be performed in a closed space.

Abstract: The present invention teaches apparatus (511) and methods for screening the effect of test formulations on the barrier properties of a membrane (212), that are especially beneficial when skin is used as the test membrane (212). The apparatus (511) and methods enable more efficient measurements of skin permeabilization, of the permeation of molecular or particulate entities through skin, and of the absorption and adsorption by skin of ingredients in fluid formulations, together with screening of exfoliation of material from the exterior of the stratum corneum. The apparatus (511) provide for fluid contact to the skin from both donor and receptor sides, for measurements of skin electrical response in the presence of test formulations, of permeation and permeation enhancement, for the depth profiling of test formulation constituents through the skin, of stratum corneum component disruption, and of loss of material from the stratum corneum.

Abstract: A support device for a cytocentrifuge sample container includes a support body including spaced edge fingers and a clip hinged to the support body. The clip has a latch for each spaced edge finger of the support body and edge members each including lugs engaging slotted ledges in the sample container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample. A sample holder for isolating a fraction of interest from a physiological fluid sample includes a flexible compartment and a rigid exoskeleton that supports the flexible compartment. The flexible compartment may have at least one reservoir with a height to volume ratio of about 0.1 cm/mL to about 5 cm/mL. An automated device for extracting a fraction of interest from the sample includes a sample holder with a flexible compartment supported by a rigid exoskeleton, a support for the sample holder connected to one or more fluid extraction devices, and a motor for moving the extraction device relative to the sample holder. The automated device may include an optical sensor and may include a clamp for clamping the flexible compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.

Abstract: A sample collection device suitable for low-volume extraction includes a substantially tubular collection vessel having a closed end, an open end, and one or more sidewalls defining a vessel chamber having a vessel volume. The device further includes a swab for sample collection. The swab formed with a substantially closed-celled polymer foam head and the swab is configured for insertion into the collection vessel.

Abstract: A centrifuge having two arcuate slots to receive resilient, bendable mounting flanges that each carry a plurality of test tubes in side by side relation. The resilience of the mounting flanges enables them to flex and assume either the curvature of the slot, or a linear configuration enabling the flanges to be suspended in a flat condition, such as on a test rack. The arrays of test tubes is attached to the flanges via living hinges that enable the flexing to occur. The advantages are that simplified identification of individual test tubes, as well as reduced likelihood of intermixing of spillage are realized.

Abstract: Provided is a sample preprocessing system capable of conveying carriers without suffering a decrease in throughput due to a manner of arranging samples on trays supplied. Also provided is a sample preprocessing system that prevents a decrease in throughput of analyzers connected thereto via connection lines. Of a plurality of processing units included in the sample preprocessing system, a centrifuge unit positioned at an upstream process site to process a plurality of samples in a collective manner includes control means to change transfer order of centrifuged samples. This change of the transfer order prevents a decrease in throughput of the processing units positioned at downstream process sites.