Abstract: A rotor cover attach and release apparatus for use with a centrifuge. The apparatus includes a knob, a cover and housing that are both affixed to the knob. The apparatus also includes an adapter having detents pitched at an angle, that is connected to the housing along with a plunger that is disposed within the knob and housing. In addition, the apparatus has a first moveable element that is retained within a passage located on the housing and a biasing element located within the housing. The apparatus additionally includes a plurality of sealing elements.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator (10) for an engine includes a rotor (30) mounted within a housing (12, 14) for rotation on hollow spindle (42) to the end of which oil is supplied at high pressure to enter the rotor. To prevent the rotor from flying from the base and oil spraying if the cover (14) is removed without shutting off the oil supply via optional valve (80), a rotor restraint (90) is provided in the form of a ring (91) which surrounds and overlies a flange of the rotor. The ring may be complete or discontinuous and may also include an interlock to prevent attachment of the cover and/or supply of oil if the ring is not in place.

Abstract: A centrifuge having a motor shaft, a rotor that engages the motor shaft, the rotor having a bayonet screw disposed therein, and a cover with a knob. The knob has a pin disposed therein. The pin and the bayonet screw form a coupling that secures the cover to the rotor and the rotor to the motor shaft in a single step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a rotor to a drive cone in a centrifuge includes positioning a rotor upon a drive cone and providing a nut movable in an axial direction in the drive cone. A screw passing through a region of the rotor engages the nut, and a spring is located between a surface of the nut and a surface of the drive cone. By tightening the screw into the nut, the nut moves in an axial direction to compress the spring between the surface of the nut and the surface of the drive cone. The arrangement of the screw, nut, and spring prevents a loosening of the screw from the nut during operation of the centrifuge.

Abstract: A lid holder for use in centrifuge systems, particularly suited for rotor lids. A lid holder including a lid support and a lid receiving end for holding a centrifuge rotor lid on a centrifuge that may not have a hinged door. A method for securing a centrifuge rotor lid to a centrifuge that may not have a hinged door.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor cover attachment and release apparatus for automatic attachment and quick release. The apparatus has a knob with a bore extending therethrough with a cover connected to the knob. The apparatus additionally includes a housing having a passage. The housing is connected to the knob along. The apparatus additionally includes an adapter and plunger. The apparatus further includes a pair of biasing members, a slider member, and a moveable element.

Abstract: A rotor cover attach and release apparatus for use with a centrifuge. The apparatus includes a knob, a cover and housing that are both affixed to the knob. The apparatus also includes an adapter having detents pitched at an angle, that is connected to the housing along with a plunger that is disposed within the knob and housing. In addition, the apparatus has a first moveable element that is retained within a passage located on the housing and a biasing element located within the housing. The apparatus additionally includes a plurality of sealing elements.

Abstract: A desk-top centrifuge is provided which includes a switching element disposed between a dc power supply and a motor and a controlling circuit. The controlling circuit receives a voltage of power regenerated by the motor to provide a pulse width-controlled on-off signal to the drive switching element to control speed of the motor. The controlling circuit increases an on-duration in which the on-off signal is at an on-level at a given rate to turns the motor slowly. The centrifuge has a safety guard system made up of a door switch and a door lock switch which are installed in series between the dc power supply and the motor and work to establish electric communication between the dc power supply and the motor when the door is closed and locked.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for securing a rotor to a drive cone in a centrifuge. The apparatus includes (a) a nut, movable in an axial direction in the drive cone, (b) a screw for passing through a region of the rotor and for engagement with the nut, and (c) a spring located between a surface of the nut and a surface of the drive cone. The screw, when tightened into the nut, moves the nut in the axial direction to compresses the spring between the surface of the nut and the surface of the drive cone.

Abstract: This centrifuge comprises a rotor, with at least one housing to hold a product for centrifuging and an associated lid to close the housing, the centrifuge also comprising a motor on which the rotor is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation. It also comprises a mechanism for checking for the presence, on each housing, of the associated lid in order to prevent the execution of a cycle of centrifugation if the lid of a housing is absent.

Abstract: A container assembly having a support bridge to prevent centrifugal forces from collapsing the container. A lid is positioned on top of the container, and the support bridge is disposed between the lid and an upper portion of the container.

Abstract: This centrifuge includes a chamber (5), a rotor (6) arranged therein, a device (8) for driving the rotation of the rotor, and a device (11) for cooling the atmosphere of the chamber. The device for cooling the atmosphere of the chamber includes a Ranque vortex tube (30), a cold outlet (33) which is connected to one inlet (66) of the chamber. The centrifuge includes a pressurized-gas supply circuit which is connected to an inlet (32) of the Ranque vortex tube and which is intended to be connected to a source (49) of pressurized gas. Application is to the centrifuging of biological products.

Abstract: A desk-top centrifuge is provided which includes a switching element disposed between a dc power supply and a motor and a controlling circuit. The controlling circuit receives a voltage of power regenerated by the motor to provide a pulse width-controlled on-off signal to the drive switching element to control speed of the motor. The controlling circuit increases an on-duration in which the on-off signal is at an on-level at a given rate to turns the motor slowly. The centrifuge has a safety guard system made up of a door switch and a door lock switch which are installed in series between the dc power supply and the motor and work to establish electric communication between the dc power supply and the motor when the door is closed and locked.

Abstract: This centrifuge includes a chamber (5), a rotor (6) arranged therein, and a device (8) for driving the rotation of the rotor. The device (8) for driving the rotation of the rotor is a pneumatic drive device. The centrifuge includes a circuit for supplying the pneumatic drive device with pressurized gas intended to be connected to a source (49) of pressurized gas. The centrifuge further includes a gas-purification unit (10), one inlet of this unit being connected to an outlet (64) for drawing gas from the chamber and one outlet of this unit being connected to a suction device (21) controlled by the pressurized gas supplied to the pneumatic device (8) for driving the rotor. Application is to the centrifuging of products liable to release dangerous substances, for example toxic or explosive substances.

Abstract: In a centrifuge rotor assembly, a self-retaining rotor lid which is designed to stay on the rotor even when the lid is not tied down or secured to the rotor. The lid has a lip formed on an outer edge of the major side of the lid that faces the open end of the rotor body. The height of the lip is such that the lip extends beyond the edge of the open end of the rotor body. The lip has a diameter that is nominally smaller than the diameter of the open end of the rotor body, thus establishing a clearance therebetween. The clearance allows easy engagement of the lid to the rotor body, but is small enough to prevent the lid from tilting, which keeps the lid on the rotor even when the lid is not secured during centrifugation.

Abstract: A centrifuge including a drive head attached to a rotation shaft and a rotor adapted to be removably mounted on the drive head in a rotational driving position and which is coupled thereto during rotation of the drive head. The centrifuge includes elements for axially locking the rotor to the drive head by applying to the rotor an axial retaining force that increases with the rotational speed of the drive head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which are capable of controlling the motion of a rotor body fragment after a rotor failure has occurred within a centrifuge assembly which comprises a rotor body, a centrifuge chamber and a centrifuge lid. The moment of the rotor body fragment can be controlled such that it moves along the centrifuge chamber away from the centrifuge lid by any of the following: (a) adjusting the center of gravity of the rotor such that it is below the strike point plane of the rotor; (b) adjusting the shape of the centrifuge chamber to conform to the rotor body shape; (c) sloping the guard ring such that the lower portion is furthest away from the centrifuge chamber; (d) varying the strength or stiffness of the guard ring or centrifuge chamber at or above the center of gravity of the rotor body fragment; and (e) adding a ring member to the top of the centrifuge rotor body.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor cover assembly for use with a centrifuge having a rotor and a housing enclosing the rotor and including a lid movable between a closed position overlying the rotor and an open position providing access to the rotor. The cover assembly includes a rotor cover removably coupled to the lid. Means are provided for engaging the rotor cover with the rotor for rotation therewith and for uncoupling the cover from the lid in response to the lid being moved to the closed position. Means are also provided for disengaging the rotor cover from the rotor and for coupling the cover to the lid in response to the lid being moved to the open position.

Abstract: In a fixed angle centrifuge having sample tube apertures symmetrically distributed around the spin axis of a rotor body, two rotor body shapes are disclosed at the rotor body top adjacent the openings to the sample tube apertures. These shapes each permit both release of the sample tube aperture cores and maintain the intersection of the top of the sample tube aperture within a plane normal to the axis of the sample tube aperture. A first shape includes placing discrete facets at the top of the rotor body adjacent the sample tube aperture openings. The second, and preferred embodiment, includes generating a spherical surface utilizing a spherical radius which is taken from the intersection of the spin axis of the rotor and the axes from each of the sample tube apertures. In both cases, precise termination of material molding the rotor body occurs at the top of the cylindrical portion of the sample tube aperture. Sample tube aperture core withdrawal easily occurs.

Abstract: A mechanism for fixing a blood centrifuge bowl to a rotating spindle is disclosed having two parts. The first part converts downward movement of an outer collar of a chuck into inward and downward pressure against a blood bowl to be secured in the chuck. The second part of the invention converts centrifugal forces present in a rotating chuck into downward pressure on the collar described above. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the chuck comprises a base plate, plungers, a finger ring and a collar. The base plate receives and positions the blood bowl. The finger ring has a series of fingers located around its upper periphery that pivot around living hinges into contact with the blood bowl. The collar has an annular sloping finger contacting surface that contacts the outer surface of the fingers and forces them inward and downward into contact with the blood bowl. The base plate has a series of outwardly directed bores that hold plungers.

Abstract: A portable eccentric centrifuge for the separation of compound fluid samples in areas where an external power source is not easily accessible and while being supported upon on a non-level surface. The portable eccentric centrifuge includes a compact, lightweight base plate supported by a plurality of adjustable legs connected height adjustment assembly for static leveling of the centrifuge. At least one level indicator permits adjustment along multiple axes for aligning the base plate in the horizontal plane. A lightweight, compact, lidded chamber secured to the base plate houses the d.c. motor driven centrifuge. A timer controls the length of the centrifuge operation. A d.c. power adaptor permits operation where a 12 volt d.c. power supply is available, such as from a vehicle's cigarette lighter receptacle.

Abstract: A rotor lid assembly for a rotor body comprises a lid portion having a centrally depending shank. A bore formed through the shank receives a tie-down stem having a diameter smaller than the bore. A piston-like portion disposed along the stem contacts a periphery of the bore. A venting channel is formed along the shank to allow fluidic flow to and from the bore. The piston portion occludes such flow when the stem is in a first position and permits fluid flow when the stem is in a second position. In one embodiment the lid assembly comprises a lid member and a safety knob, each having a central neck portion and a bore formed therethrough with the neck portion of the knob received in the bore of the lid. A venting channel is formed through both neck portions. A tie-down stem is received in the bore of the knob.

Abstract: An apparatus for centrifuging and furthermore automatically handling a container (10) for separating a component, such as fibrin monomer, from plasma, where the container (10) comprises a cylindrical member (11) with a lower rim as well as a piston member (12) with a tubular piston rod (12) projecting upwardly from the upper end of the cylindrical member (11). The apparatus comprises a supporting turntable (1) with a first gripping member (27) releasably gripping the lower rim of the cylindrical member (11) when the container is placed thereon, the supporting turntable being connected to a first activator (5) for rotating the turntable (1) with the container (10) about the central axis thereof. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a rotatably journalled piston activating mechanism adapted to activate the piston (12) by way of a second activator (21) and provided with a second gripping member (13) for releasably gripping the piston rod (12).

Abstract: A centrifuge having a housing defining a chamber features a containment system with a decelerator to reduce the kinetic energy of debris traveling from the chamber toward the housing. The chamber includes an opening, and a lid is pivotally mounted to the housing to selectively cover the opening. The decelerator includes a first annular member extending from a periphery of the opening inwardly toward the chamber, terminating in a downwardly extending angled region, as well as a second annular member extending downwardly in spaced relation with respect to the housing, forming a gap therebetween. The second annular member, the first annular member and the annular gap define a trap adapted to preventing debris from impinging upon the gasket and the lid. An annular baffle extends downwardly from the lid and is adapted to seat proximate to the trap upon the lid being positioned to cover the opening.

Abstract: A system for securing a blood separator bowl in an autotransfusion machine includes a split ring or collar adapted to grip an enlarged cap on the base of the bowl and a clamp assembly for moving the collar between retracted and expanded positions. In the retracted position, the clamp assembly includes both an overcenter lock system for securing the collar in the retracted position and a backup auxiliary lock in the event of failure. The system further provides for centering the separator bowl on its axis of rotation to prevent undue vibration.

Abstract: In the compression molding of a fixed angle centrifuge rotor utilizing discontinuous fibers, sample tube apertures cores present in the net-shape mold are covered with pre-cured sample tube aperture inserts. The sample tube aperture inserts have a constant and unchanging inside diameter and are formed from composite fiber. This composite fiber extends from the closed bottom of the inserts, upwardly along the sides of the inserts to the open top of the inserts to provide tensile strength longitudinally of the sample tube aperture inserts. The sample tube aperture inserts have a regular and smooth inside for first accommodating the sample tube aperture cores when the rotor is compression molded and later the sample tubes themselves when the rotor is fully fabricated. These inserts have an irregular outside for forming an interference fit with the subsequently formed compression molded rotor body.

Abstract: A system for collecting and processing blood from a donor (70), wherein the system may be compact enough to be located entirely beside the donor's chair, and be able to process the blood while the donor is still resting in the chair after having donated the blood. Thus, the separated blood components (plasma and red blood cells) may be stored in their individual optimum environments immediately alter the whole blood is drawn, and the blood does not need to be transported back to a separation laboratory for processing. The system includes a needle (72) (or other cannula-like device) for insertion into a vein of the donor and drawing whole blood therethrough, a variable-volume rotor (2a) for holding the blood after it is drawn, and a motor (50) for spinning the rotor so as to cause the blood to separate into components, for example, plasma and red blood cells. The system also provides for a container for collecting a separated component.

Abstract: A tube holder secures to the rotating processing chamber of a centrifuge tubing that conveys fluid to or from the chamber. The tube holder is part of a carrier that is connected by a pin to a support on the processing chamber. The support has walls defining an enclosure. The carrier swings about the pin on the support between an opened position free of the enclosure and a closed position captured within the enclosure. In the opened position, the tube holder is exposed for receiving tubing. In the closed position, the tubing is retained within the enclosure in the tube holder. The tube holder allows straightforward attachment and removal of the tubing, always in a prescribed manner and with a single hand. The tube holder securely retains the tubing during use in a closed, protected environment, safeguarding it against inadvertent dislodgement, removal, or damage.

Abstract: The centrifuge includes a drive shaft (3), a rotor (1) which can be mounted removably on the drive shaft, and a device (6) for providing axial immobilization of the rotor (1) with respect to the shaft (3). This device includes a male element (10) loaded elastically and capable of interacting with a recess (11) of the shaft (3), and it is characterized in that the male element (10) is mounted on the rotor (1) and that an unlocking device (12) which can be actuated from the outside of the rotor and allow the said male element (10) to be placed in a position disengaged from the female element (11) are provided.

Abstract: A centrifugal chuck comprising a chuck housing and a plurality of fingers pivotally mounted around the outer perimeter of the chuck housing. Each finger includes a tip, adapted to receive the base portion of a separation bowl. The fingers are mounted to the chuck housing so that the tips can pivot in a generally radial direction. Rotation of the chuck urges each gripping finger against the bowl.

Abstract: A centrifuge is provided with a mounting arrangement that secures a centrifuge bowl to a turntable in response to centrifugal force generated when the turntable is rotated. The centrifuge includes first and second retainers, one of which is connected to the turntable, while the other is connected to the centrifuge bowl. The second retainer engages the first retainer when the first and second retainers are in an interlocking position to secure the centrifuge bowl to the turntable. A movable arm is provided on the turntable and coupled to the second retainer, the movable arm has a ballast that forces the movable arm and second retainer in a first direction in response to centrifugal force generated by rotating the turntable so that the second retainer is forced into the interlocking position with the first retainer. In one embodiment, a vacuum applied to an opening in the turntable assists in mounting a centrifuge bowl to the turntable.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor has a central hub with a mounting recess therein, a ring disposed concentrically about the hub, the ring having a plurality of cavities formed therein, and a relatively thin web connecting the hub and the ring. The web defines a localized region which exhibits a stress therein that is greater than the stress present in any other portion of the rotor when the rotor is operating at the predetermined operating speed, so that, over operation time, the probability that rotor failure will occur only in the web is enhanced. The cavity ring has an annular rim with an upper surface having a predetermined reference line defined thereon. A portion of the upper surface of the rim defined relative to the reference line is relieved. The radial location of the relieved portion of the upper surface with respect to the reference line is governed in accordance with the axial position of the web with respect to the center of mass of the ring.

Abstract: The cover for a fixed angle centrifuge rotor has an array of container support surfaces depending from the lower surface thereof. Each support surface is substantially cylindrical in configuration and has an axis associated therewith. Each container support surface is associated with a respective one of the cavities formed in the rotor body. In the most general case, when the rotor cover is attached to the rotor body, the axis of each container support surface lies in the same common radial plane as do the axis of the cavity with which the support surface is associated and the axis of rotation. In the common radial plane, the axis of a support surface is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis of rotation. The axis of the support may further be arranged to lie in parallel relationship to the axis of the cavity with which it is associated, or may define a predetermined angle with respect thereto.

Abstract: A bowl for use in a centrifuge instrument wherein the bowl has a predetermined line of weakness formed therein. The line of weakness, which may be disposed on either the inside or the outside surface of the bowl, subdivides the bowl into an upper and a lower region.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a centrifuge bowl includes a single pivoting retaining arm having a stationary jaw. The retaining arm is capable of pivoting into and out of position such that the centrifuge bowl can be loaded and unloaded. A moveable jaw pivots about the retaining arm to lock the stem of the centrifuge bowl against the stationary jaw when actuated by a latching mechanism. At the same time, a catch on the latching mechanism locks the retaining arm to a latching shaft.

Abstract: Method for extracting a waste fluid from a used vehicle filter. A centrifuge includes at least one support for holding the filter in a position such that the filter's aperture is oriented radially outward from the axis of rotation of the centrifuge. A housing includes a vertical wall and surrounds the centrifuge so that as the centrifuge is spun, waste fluid within the filter is caused to exit through the filter's aperture into the housing. The method for extracting waste fluid from a used filter according to the present invention includes the steps of providing a centrifuge capable of receiving a used vehicle filter and rotating the centrifuge to cause fluid to exit through the filter's aperture.

Abstract: A rotor adapted for use in a nonevacuated chamber has a liquid containment annulus having a capacity V.sub.C. The rotor also has a predetermined number N of liquid-capturing holes, each hole being sized and inclined such that it is able to capture therein a predetermined volume V.sub.H of liquid that may escape from a container while the rotor is rotating. At least some portion of the mouth of each hole lies radially outboard of a circular locus defined by corresponding points on each of a plurality M of container-receiving cavities in the rotor. The number N of holes and the volume V.sub.H of each hole satisfies the relationship:N.multidot.V.sub.H +V.sub.C .gtoreq.n.multidot.V.sub.Rwhere n is an integer less than or equal to M and V.sub.R is the volume of liquid which is liberated in the event of rupture of the container received in a cavity.

Abstract: A drawer-mounted centrifuge provides easy access for loading and unloading disposable processing elements. The centrifuge also includes an umbilicus holder that moves between an operating position and an out-of-the-way position as the drawer opens and closes.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor head has a hollow frusto-conical housing with parallel inner and outer, upwardly and inwardly inclined walls joined at top and base ends by top and bottom annular flanges, and closed at the top by a central horizontally extending disc portion. The top flange is interrupted at equiangularly spaced intervals by circular openings which, together with an internal annular chamber, present steep angled cavities making angles of about 20.degree. with the rotor cone axis. The housing is capped at its upper end by a circumferentially-extending crown-shaped ring which has a plurality of upwardly and inwardly inclined projections located radially outward of the openings. The projections support the exposed upper ends of tubes placed in the cavities, to guard against neck breakage and stopper dislodgement during spinning.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor lid assembly which includes a handle which allows convenient handling of a centrifuge rotor and facilitates releasing the lid from the rotor after centrifugation. In one embodiment, the lid is provided with a lid knob and a spindle knob in a coaxial sliding arrangement. The lid knob is used to tighten the lid on the rotor body and the spindle knob is used to tighten the rotor to the centrifuge drive spindle. The upper end of the inner knob is provided with a handle which extends perpendicular to the axis of the knob. This handle is used for lifting the rotor after the spindle knob has been unscrewed from the spindle and for unscrewing the lid knob. The lower end of the spindle knob has a pin which cooperatively engages the lower end of the lid knob when the spindle knob is lifted from the rotor and is turned in a direction to unscrew the lid knob.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding the stator of a vessel rotatable about an axis of rotation, includes a pivotable swing arm having a first end and a second end, the second end having an engagement portion for contacting the stator of a rotating vessel. A support is connected to the first end of the swing arm and has an axis spaced from and substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. The support cooperates with the swing arm to permit the swing arm to pivot toward and away from the stator. A detent finger, located in the swing arm cooperates with the stator to hold the stator against rotation when the swing arm is in a predetermined angular position, and maintains the stator in a fixed position relative to the swing arm during a centrifuge operation. Finally, a detent cam assembly resists pivotal movement of the swing arm when the swing arm is in the predetermined angular position.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking a cover to a housing of medium and high speed laboratory centrifuges. The locking mechanism includes an axially moveable locking member which has at least one locking portion adapted to be moved in locking engagement with a locking hole of the cover. The axially moveable locking member is rotatably mounted in the housing and connected with a rotary drive. An advancing mechanism transforms the rotary movement of the locking member into an advancing movement thereof. Preferably said advancing mechanism includes a threaded portion provided on the locking member and in engagement with a projection provided on the housing. The locking member has a portion of reduced cross section which may pass through a slot into the locking hole when the cover is moved to its closed position.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator which has in the top panel of its case an opening communicating with a rotor chamber and a control panel disposed behind the opening, a lid for covering the opening has a cutaway made in its lower portion for receiving the control panel and the pivot of the lid is extended laterally to the rear of the control panel. The lid is spring biased toward its open position and is opened by depression of a foot pedal that is connected to a lid lock mechanism. The control panel includes an indicator of rotor rotational frequency and rotor chamber temperature, the indicator being supplied with electrical signals produced by sensors within the case of the centrifugal separator.

Abstract: A disk shaped cassette for centrifugal fluid separation, particularly blood separation, and a drive system for high speed rotation of the cassette. The cassette is driven at speeds which permit very rapid separation of the blood in times on the order of seven (7) to twenty (20) seconds by an automated control. The cassette is supported by a flexible support coupling and mounting system that permits the entire rotating mass to spin about the center of mass unique to the particular cassette as filled. The cassette typically includes a peripheral collection chamber which may be either annular, lobed or channel shaped. A cassette enabled to hold plural separation tubes is also shown. A gel can be placed in the cassette with a density between the fluid components to be separated and after centrifuging maintains the component separation that centrifuging creates.

Abstract: A portable centrifuge apparatus for use with a centrifuge bowl having a seamless, unitary blow molded bowl body for the separation of blood into less dense and more dense components. A light weight, hand-held cabinet houses the centrifuge, and auxiliary equipment such as blood pumps, control instrumentation, and a sensor for measuring fluid pressure in a disposable chamber used for filtering blood.

Abstract: A centrifuge for the removal of solids from liquids, for example, the removal of solid fission products from dissolved nuclear fuel. The centrifuge is mounted behind a solid wall and is provided with a pivotable catch tray which cooperates with a feed inlet extending through the wall of a casing about the bowl of the centrifuge. The catch tray is pivotable between a first position at which it cooperates with the feed inlet to introduce feed liquid into the bowl and a second position at which it is removed out of cooperation with the feed inlet to permit withdrawal of the bowl from the casing through a removable plug in the wall.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is characterized by a protrusion on the undersurface thereof which is received by a conjoinable pair of collar members. Each collar has a recess therein which cooperate to receive a drive spud from the rotor drive. A prestressed arrangement exerts a compressive force of a predetermined magnitude on the collar members to hold them together. The compressive force is progressively relieved as the rotor is rotated to a predetermined speed. Thereafter, increased rotor speed imposes a centrifugal force on the prestressed arrangement to cause it to fail in tension, thereby permitting the collar members to separate and thus release the rotor from its engagement with the drive.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is characterized by a pair of magnetically attractive segments which are located between a clamping knob on an axially extending mounting bolt and the body of the rotor. The bolt holds the rotor to a drive spindle with a predetermined clamping force. As the rotor is rotated past a predetermined rotational speed the attractive force between the segments is overcome to cause the segments to displace apart thereby diminishing the magnitude of the clamping force holding the rotor in its connection to the drive spindle.

Abstract: An improved spin dryer having an improved braking system, vibration absorbing suspension system, and automatic power shut off system. This spin dryer is safe, inexpensive, and substantially free from vibration and noise. The spin dryer of this invention also contains a spin compartment which will stop spinning typically upon a slight upward movement of the lid and spin once again upon the release of a small downward press on the dryer lid.

Abstract: A rotor for a centrifuge is provided with a peripheral groove having confronting slots communicating therewith. A retaining member is disposed so as to overlie each of the slots by a predetermined radial distance. The radial dimension of each slot is greater than the sum of the radial distance by which the retaining member overlies the slot and the radial thickness dimension of a tube carrier receivable within the slots. Thus, the tube carrier is movable within the slots from a first, radially inner, position to a second radially outer, position in response to centrifugal force such that when in the second position movement of the tube carrier in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation is prohibited.