Abstract: A workstation has a transfer device with a gripper which is suitable for gripping sample tubes by a gripper clamp and for moving them from a sample tube rack to a sample tube bucket, for example for centrifuging. The transfer device has a receiving device (23) which can be gripped on a cylindrical upper handling part (25) by the gripper and removed from a holder (24) in which it has been placed in a defined position. It has an intermediate part (33) with, on its lower end, four hooks (37) which are arranged at the apices of a rectangle and can engage eyes in the sample tube buckets. After use, the receiving device (23) is replaced in the holder (24).

Abstract: A removable conformal liner for a centrifuge container is described. The liner has a flexible or semi-rigid body with an opening for introducing a sample. When the liner is inserted into an internal cavity of a centrifuge container, the body of the liner conforms to the interior cavity. The liner body may be made of a material that is sufficiently resilient to allow a reversible deformation of the body by folding, twisting, collapsing, rolling, or pleating. Also disclosed is a centrifuge container assembly, including a container suitable for centrifuging and a removable liner with a flexible or semi-rigid body placed into the container. The centrifuge container assembly of this invention may also have retaining-means for retaining the liner in a fixed position within the container. Also provided by the present invention is a method for separating solids from suspensions by centrifugation.

Abstract: A workstation has a feed device (1) for sample tube racks (7), comprising a balance (17) in which the weight of individual sample tubes (6) is determined by a procedure in which the sample tube holder (7) is weighed in each case before and after removal of each sample tube (6) and the difference between the weights is determined. Removal is effected in each case by means of a gripper (23) of a transfer device (3) which then distributes the sample tubes (6) over sample tube buckets (22) in such a way that said buckets form pairs having approximately the same weights. With the aid of a receiving device (27) which is gripped by the gripper (23) and removed from a holder, the sample tube buckets (22) are picked up and introduced into a centrifuge (2). They are removed again after centrifuging and, after the receiving device (27) has been deposited in the holder, the individual sample tubes (6) are removed from the sample tube buckets (22) by the gripper and deposited on carriers (5) of a conveying device (4).

Abstract: Platelet rich plasma and/or platelet concentrate is prepared by placing whole blood in a first chamber of a sterile processing disposable having two chambers. The processing disposable is subjected to a first centrifugation to separate red blood cells, and the resulting platelet rich plasma supernatant is decanted to the second chamber. The processing disposable is subjected to a second centrifugation to concentrate platelets. A volume of the platelet poor plasma supernatant in the second chamber is removed, and the platelets are re-suspended in the remaining plasma. The second chamber may contain anticoagulant to preclude aggregation of the platelets.

Abstract: A rotor for centrifugal separation of liquid specimens introduced on a microplates or a collective unit of microtubes in form of microplates (box type specimen holder) under centrifugal acceleration. Within the rotor, specimen receptacle are placed in radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation, the box type specimen holder is placed in each of the specimen receptacles, and there is provided a member for preventing the box type specimen holder from falling down, or a pad is arranged between the box type specimen holder and inner wall in parallel to the axis of rotation, and centrifugal force to be applied on the box type specimen holder is received by the pad, which is designed in such shape as to approximately follow the shape of the outer wall, and centrifugal separation can be performed with the specimen receptacle inserted from above.

Abstract: The method of rapidly separating plasma or serum from red blood cells comprising the steps of mounting a pair of spaced apart tubes coaxially related to one another head-to-head with a sharp-ended hollow needle disposed generally along the tube axes and between them, arranging the tubes in a vertical position one above the other in a centrifuge with the tubes closed with self-sealing stoppers, providing a partial vacuum in the upper tube, rotating the tubes at high speed about an axis parallel to and spaced from the axis of the tubes and needle, after separation of the red blood cells from the plasma and serum causing the tubes while still being rotated to be moved relative to one another such as to cause the needle to enter both tubes through the stoppers, separating the tubes while still being rotated by the centrifuge whereby to remove the needle from both tubes.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator having a cylindrical bottomed main rotor body, and a rack configured with a plurality of rack parts along the inner circumferential surface of the main rotor body, which rack parts are linked together and are able to move in radial directions of the main rotor body, so that when the main rotor body is rotated, the rack parts are pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the main rotor body and held there by the centrifugal forces associated with the rotating of the main rotor body.

Abstract: On a base structure (101, 103), an assembly (104) oscillates about a horizontal axis (X—X) between two limit positions; on said assembly, a rotor (106) is capable of rotating about an axis (Y—Y) of rotation orthogonal to said horizontal axis (X—X) and has a ring of seats (121) for test tubes (1); an actuator (145) moves said assembly into a position with the axis of rotation (Y—Y) roughly horizontal, to carry out an agitation stage, and into a position with the axis of rotation (Y—Y) vertical, to carry out, before the reading stage, a centrifugation stage. The ring of seats (121) for test tubes has the test tubes (1) oriented, in the vertical position of said axis of rotation (Y—Y), with their bottom facing downwards and outwards.

Abstract: A removable adapter for a centrifuge container is described. The adapter has an opening on top, an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface of the adapter body completely conforms to the bottom portion of the centrifuge container cavity. The interior surface of the adapter body has an internal sidewall and a bottom with a pellet well. The pellet well extends downwardly, toward the exterior surface. Also, an assembly is disclosed, including the adapter of the present invention with a pellet well and a liner, conforming to the interior surface of the adapter, once inside the adapter. Also provided by the present invention is a method for separating solids from suspensions by centrifugation. In this method, the removable adapter with a pellet well of the present invention is placed into a centrifuge container. Then, the suspension is placed into the centrifuge container. When centrifugation is completed, the pellet is removed from the pellet well.

Abstract: A centrifuge bucket, for holding a first article, further comprises a compartment for holding a second article, and an arrangement for securing the compartment to an outer surface of the centrifuge bucket.

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 single-hand apparatus for opening and closing the cap of a microcentrifuge tube. The apparatus comprises an elongate base having means on one end for mounting the base on a laboratory ring stand and means on the other end of the base for allowing a technician to hold the microcentrifuge tube in one hand and to open and close the cap without requiring a second hand.

Abstract: A compression molded fixed angle carbon fiber centrifuge rotor and method for forming the centrifuge rotor are provided. My prior art technique of compression molding is utilized in which a frustum fixed angle rotor body is formed between mold parts. As before, sample tube aperture cores are clustered from the apex end of the mold in that array which duplicates the intended number, size, and angularity of the sample tubes desired in the finished rotor. The bottom boundary of the rotor mold has no longer has a substantially planar boundary; instead the bottom of the rotor mold is supplied with a series of scallops, these scallops being equal in number to the sample tube aperture tubes. The shape at the bottom boundary of the rotor is maintained to give a substantially uniform thickness between the sample tube apertures and the exterior bottom surface of the rotor. Sufficient thickness of material is maintained to resist natural load of sample within the sample tube apertures.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a fiber optic termination or connector in a centrifuge and comprising a cylindrical body member having a top portion adapted to receive the ferrule body portion of a fiber optic termination or connector and a bottom portion for receiving a cylindrical piston/sealing unit. The piston portion of the piston/sealing unit includes a compressible tip which is adapted to a butt up against the outer end of the ferrule body portion of the fiber optic termination or connector. A cylindrical end cap fits over the upper end of the body member for holding the fiber optic termination in place on the body member and causing a seal to be formed between the termination or connector and the upper portion of the body member adjacent the compressible tip of the plunger. The parts, when fitted together, are placed in a centrifuge which is operated for a predetermined spin cycle, so as to cause any bubbles in the uncured liquid adhesive to be vented outwardly from the termination through the end cap.

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: A multi-purpose device, the device including a tube holder for holding tubes; tube driving apparatus for rotating the tubes in the tube holder, the tube holder having spaces for accommodating the tubes such that each one of the tubes can be placed in a separate one of the spaces; the spaces having shapes and sizes providing free rotation of the tubes within the spaces about longitudinal axes of the tubes; the tube driving apparatus having touching engagement with walls of the tubes and pressing the walls of the tubes against the tube holder; and friction between the tube driving apparatus and the walls of the tubes being greater then friction between walls of the tubes and the tube holder.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor having a top surface, a bottom surface, side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, a centrally located bore for installing the rotor on a motor drive shaft of a centrifuge device, and at least one elongated aperture extending down and outwardly from the top surface of the rotor, the at least one elongated aperture for receiving a strip of interconnected centrifuge tubes. The rotor can also include an adapter for mounting the centrifuge tube strip in the at least one elongated aperture when the centrifuge tube strip is sized substantially smaller than the at least one elongated aperture.

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 ball balancer for minimizing a dynamic unbalance of a moving part of a rotating machine such as a centrifuge is provided. The ball balancer includes a rotary balancer casing having disposed therein balls. The rotary balancer casing is mounted on the moving part coaxially with an axis of rotation thereof and has formed therein an inner side wall which is so curved that the balls are lifted away from the bottom of the balancer casing along the inner side wall by the centrifugal force and biased toward the opposite side of an unbalanced mass of the moving part when the rotational speed of the moving part exceeds a resonant speed that is a rotational speed of the moving part when matched with a natural frequency of the moving part, thereby counterbalancing the unbalanced mass of the moving part. In an alternative form, the balls include a first group having a large diameter and a second group having a small diameter. The large-diameter balls and the small-diameter balls are arranged alternately.

Abstract: Red cells are separated from plasma or serum of whole blood by arranging an evacuated tube sealed by a self-sealing stopper above and preferably coaxial with a tube containing a blood sample and sealed by a self-sealing stopper. A hollow double ended needle is held by a fixture and is disposed between and coaxial with the tubes and the tubes are placed in the fixture in a vertical position in a centrifuge and rotated about and spaced from an axis parallel to the axis of the tubes and needle. After the red cells are separated from the serum and/or plasma the tubes are pushed toward one another so that the needle penetrates both stoppers and the serum and/or plasma is drawn into the upper tube. The tubes and needle are separated while still being rotated so that the whole blood components are separated as required.

Abstract: A laboratory centrifuge has a housing which can be closed by a casing cover and having in the housing a rotor chamber which contains a motor-driven vertical-axis rotor to accept test tubes. During operation, the test tubes are warmed by friction. To cool the centrifuge, cooling air is pulled in through openings in the lower side of the housing and upward into the rotor chamber by the fan action created by the rotation of the rotor. The air is guided out of the rotor chamber through an air exit in a direction of flow tangential to the perimeter of the rotor in a manner that ensures low turbulence and, thus, low noise. In particular, a slit-like air exit opening is arranged between the casing cover and the top side of the housing.

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: 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 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 centrifugal separating method using connected tube assemblies in which a plurality of tubes are connected to each other, the connected tube assemblies that have been used in a previous process are mounted in a centrifugal machine as they have been to perform centrifugal separation, and are used as they are in a subsequent process. In a centrifugal machine, the rotor is formed with a plurality of holes arranged in straight line, each of the holes receiving and supporting one of a plurality of tubes of the connected tube assembly Alternatively, the rotor is formed with a straight or arc-shaped long hole for receiving and supporting two or more tubes of a plurality of tubes of the connected tube assembly.

Abstract: A pliable centrifuge tube array includes a number of tubes having collars which are interconnected by flexible tethers that permit the tubes to diverge when they are placed into holes in a centrifuge rotor. The tubes have a noncircular cross section providing grooves or apexes in which pellets of dense material preferentially collect. In some embodiments, the tethers or tubes have a latching mechanism such as mating projections and sockets which, when engaged, hold the tubes together in close array. The tubes may have individual lids which can be opened and closed simultaneously with a prying tool specially designed for the purpose.

Abstract: A method for fabricating fiber-reinforced composite structures, including centrifuge rotors, by resin transfer molding (RTM) is disclosed. The method involves loading reinforcing fibers into a mold and then injecting resin into the mold to coat the fibers to form the composite structure. Two types of reinforcing fibers are used--fabric preforms at the surfaces of the structure and chopped fibers at the interior of the structure. Also disclosed is a fiber-reinforced composite structure comprising a skin layer of reinforcing fabric, chopped fibers distributed throughout the interior of the structure, and epoxy resin that binds the fabric and chopped fibers together into a fiber-reinforced composite structure. The resin transfer molding method is especially useful for fabricating composite centrifuge rotors.

Abstract: An adapter for use in a fixed angle centrifuge rotor has, in use, a radially inboard and a radially inboard portion. An opening is formed in the radially inboard portion of the adapter. The opening is sized so that substantially no part of the inboard portion of the adapter is exposed during centrifugation to a load that exceeds the ability of the material of the adapter to support itself. The material of the inboard portion of the adapter surrounding the opening has sufficient strength to support itself while under centrifugation. The adapter is fabricated from a light transmissive material. A plug that is slidably disposed and selectably positionable within the opening in the inboard segment of the adapter. The inside surface of the plug having a sealing material thereon that is biased into contact with a tube carried within the adapter.

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 labware adapter having a tubular body with upper and lower spaced apart annular collars, serving to guide the adapter into a rotor bore, while at the same time defining a fluid reservoir between the two collars and the inside wall of the rotor. The upper collar has peripheral indentations through which fluid can pass for ingress into the reservoir in the event of sample leakage from the internal portion of the adapter. The lower collar has a vent channel for allowing fluid to move past the collar, for example on insertion of the adapter into a rotor bore. The indentations, vent channel and reservoir all provide mass relief for the adapter, lowering the overall moment of inertia for the adapter, compared to one fitting into the same bore with a smooth tubular shape. The tubular body has an annular ridge above the upper annular collar defining seal glands so that a cylindrical cap can be fit over the ridge in sealed relation with the tubular body.

Abstract: A cap assembly for use with a centrifuge container includes a stopper (plug) member to provide a fluid-tight seal of an open end of the container. The stopper member includes a channel therethrough. A lid receives the combination of a stopper fitted into the open end of the container. Depending portions on the underside of the lid press upon the stopper to ensure a reliable seal of the container. In addition, the depending portions are adapted to close off an opening of the channel when the lid and stopper are assembled. Removal of the lid opens the channel allowing air to flow into the container, and in this way any vacuum that develops in the container during a centrifugation run is released by such action.

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: A laboratory centrifuge has a housing which can be closed by a casing cover and having in the housing a rotor chamber which contains a motor-driven vertical-axis rotor to accept test tubes. During operation, the test tubes are warmed by friction. To cool the centrifuge, cooling air is pulled in through openings in the lower side of the housing and upward into the rotor chamber by the fan action created by the rotation of the rotor. The air is guided out of the rotor chamber through an air exit in a direction of flow tangential to the perimeter of the rotor in a manner that ensures low turbulence and, thus, low noise. In particular, a slit-like air exit opening is arranged between the casing cover and the top side of the housing.

Abstract: Composite fibers are woven into helical fabric strips. These helical fabric strips wind upon one another as a helix to form a cylinder. When the helical strips are impregnated with resin, heated to the thermoset temperature of the resin, and compressed and cured, a cylindrical composite body results having the individual fibers of the body only arrayed radially or circumferentially. This structure can then be provided with sample tube apertures, usually after curing the cylindrical structure. Dependent upon the rate of differential advance of the weft threads, the woven cloth helically stacks to a cylinder of variable diameter--usually about a cylindrical central aperture in the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to wash blood cells in a discrete manner that is compatible with automated sample preparation systems. The test tube containing the cells to be washed is mounted on a rotatable spindle. The spindle includes central passageways for the introduction of wash fluid and air into the test tube, and radial exit passageways at the bottom of the spindle. The test tube is first spun about its vertical axis to centrifuge cells against the inner wall of the test tube. A vacuum is then applied to the exit passageways so cell supernatant is aspirated out through the exit passageways. Wash fluid is then introduced into the test tube, and aspirated out through the exit passageways, thereby washing the cells. Rotational acceleration and deceleration of the test tube then resuspends the cells in wash fluid.

Abstract: A solid mass rotor for centrifuges of the type supporting sample containers in cells which are radially positioned apertures in the rotor body features a cross-sectional shape which is relieved by a plurality of apertures, a first subset of which defines cells and a second subset of which defines relief zones. The solid mass of the rotor disposed between the cells and the relief zones defines a plurality of spokes extending from a radially central spin axis. The relief zones reduce the mass and overall moment of inertia of the rotor, while maintaining the strength and high speed capability associated with solid mass rotors.

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 vortex mixer which engages and produces a vortex mixing of a liquid within a liquid container by means of centrifugally activated swing-cams. A pair of vertical swing-cams acts to engage the container to the mixer and a horizontal swing-cam provides circular movement to the lower portion of the container. The upper portion of the container is slideably supported so that the container rotates in reaction to the vortex mixing action and thereby produces shear mixing of the liquid.

Abstract: A transparent capillary tube containing a blood sample, a float, an anticoagulant plus other reagents, is centrifuged in a centrifuge so as to cause the various blood sample constituents such as cells and the like to gravimetrically separate out in the tube. The blood sample is drawn into the tube which already contains the float and reagents. In order to ensure proper mixing of the blood and the reagents in the tube, the tube is periodically centrifuged in opposite directions so that the various formed components in the blood and the float will gravitate first toward one end of the tube and then toward the opposite end of the tube. The tube will preferably be contained in a cassette which is removably positioned on the centrifuge platen.

Abstract: A laboratory centrifuge having a housing which can be closed by a casing cover and having in the housing a rotor chamber which contains a motor-driven vertical-axis rotor to accept test tubes is disclosed. During operation, the test tubes are warmed by friction. To cool the centrifuge, cooling air is pulled in through openings in the lower side of the housing and upward into the rotor chamber by the fan action created by the rotation of the rotor. The air is guided out of the rotor chamber through an air exit in a direction of flow tangential to the perimeter of the rotor in a manner that ensures low turbulence and, thus, low noise. In particular, a slit-like air exit opening is arranged between the casing cover and the top side of the housing.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor with a body having a spin axis and a plurality of bores formed therein, each of which is adapted to support a centrifuge container. The rotor includes a load reducing feature to decrease the loading between the rotor body and the centrifuge container, during centrifugation. The load reducing feature includes separating a portion of an annular shoulder of a centrifuge container from the rotor body. The portion of the annular shoulder that is separated is disposed between the spin axis and the bore associated with the centrifuge container.

Abstract: A fluid chamber and method are disclosed for filtering or separating particles. The fluid chamber includes a wall extending between an inlet and outlet to form a fluid chamber interior. The interior converges from a position of maximum cross-sectional area toward the inlet. A groove or a step may be formed on an inner surface of the fluid chamber wall to improve particle separation within the fluid chamber.

Abstract: In a centrifuge having a central stator with a peripheral rotor, an improved suspension for the rotor is disclosed. The central stator is provided with a bore coaxial to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The rotor of the centrifuge motor has a quill shaft support member extending into and rotating within the coaxial bore of the stator. A quill shaft attaches at the bottom of the quill shaft support member and extends upward above the rotor of the centrifuge motor to support a fastening hub for the centrifuge rotor. The rotor of the centrifuge is detached from the rotor of the centrifuge motor so as to define a spatial interval between the supported spinning rotor and the rotor of the motor driving the centrifuge. The centrifuge rotor attaches at the hub and depends downward from the hub with the spatial interval being defined between the rotor of the motor and the rotor of the centrifuge.

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: Removed cytology centrifuge apparatus includes single or multiple well cell concentrators for being rotated by a centrifugal spinner. A rotor is removably supported by the spinner for rotation and is adapted to receive two or four cell concentrators. The rotor supports the cell concentrators in an unrestrained manner, thereby enhancing the ease of use and flexibility of the apparatus. The cell concentrator is shaped to rest stably on a planar surface in a tilted manner so that a fluid specimen contained therein is prevented from contacting the slide prior to centrifugation. Each cell concentrator includes a chamber having at least one fluid receiving aperture and at least one fluid expulsion aperture. The chamber is secured to a backing plate by a fastening mechanism, with the slide sandwiched therebetween. In one embodiment, the chamber is hinged to the backing plate. Also described is a bibulous pad interposed between the chamber and the slide in order to absorb excess sample fluid.

Abstract: A fluid chamber and method are disclosed for filtering or separating particles. The fluid chamber includes a wall extending between an inlet and outlet to form a fluid chamber interior. The interior converges from a position of maximum cross-sectional area toward the inlet. A groove or a step may be formed on an inner surface of the fluid chamber wall to improve particle separation within the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber-composite centrifuge container having a cylindrical metal sleeve, with a smooth inner surface permanently coupled to the fiber reinforced base. The reinforced base has an open end, a closed end and a cylindrical wall extending between the closed and open ends, with the metal sleeve coupled to the cylindrical wall proximate to the open end forming a sleeve-base interface. The base is formed from a plurality of layers of fiber material wound helically and circumferentially about the axis of the base. Among the plurality of layers of fiber material is a lane-change feature which provides a uniform outer diameter to the cylindrical wall that is coextensive with the interface. The uniform outer diameter helps prevent uncoiling of the plurality of layers of fiber material during centrifugation.

Abstract: A multiple function centrifuge for use in the centrifugation of sets of centrifugation containers within preselected size ranges and centrifugation speeds. The centrifuge rotor is configured with a plurality of receptacle sets therein, each set having a preselected size to receive the corresponding size of centrifugation container. An index plate has a single set of access ports therethrough. The orientation of the access ports is coordinated with the placement of the receptacle sets to limit placement of centrifugation containers to a single receptacle set. Once a particular size of centrifugation container has been selected and inserted into the appropriate receptacle in the rotor, the index plate automatically blocks placement of centrifugation containers into any other receptacle. The motor is a multispeed motor to allow the operator to select the appropriate centrifugation speed and duration as a function of the liquid undergoing centrifugation.

Abstract: A centrifuge instrument and a rotor therefor which is loaded with sample containers automatically by gravity through an opening in a cover located over a core and, subsequent to centrifugation, is unloaded automatically, again assisted by gravity, through an opening in a floor disposed beneath the core. A sample container loading arrangement is provided to hold a plurality of sample containers and to individually present sample containers to the rotor.