Abstract: A bucket is provided for use with a centrifuge rotor. The bucket includes a bucket body that has a side wall and a bottom wall. A pair of projections extend from the side wall on opposing sides of the bucket body and are configured for engagement with the centrifuge rotor. The bucket also includes reinforcing material coupled to the projections for restricting movement of the bucket body relative to the projections during centrifugation on the centrifuge rotor. The projections may include bushings that extend outwardly from the side wall for engaging corresponding pins on the centrifuge rotor. The projection may alternatively or additionally include pins for engaging corresponding journals on the centrifuge rotor. The bucket body may include a pair of diametrically opposed apertures, with each of the projections extending through one of the apertures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swing-out unit for a centrifuge, with the swing-out unit comprising sample vessel recesses and being insertable in a centrifuge rotor head to be swivelable about a swing-out axis, with the axes of at least two sample vessel recesses being arranged in a skewed manner with respect to one another. As a result, more sample vessels can be inserted in a swing-out unit than was previously possible with limited overall space.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions of stem and progenitor cells recovered from bone marrow or cord blood containing most of the viable CD34+ cells and substantially depleted of red blood cells resident in the original sample, without any xenobiotic additives to aid cell separation. The invention also includes a system and method for preparing the compositions. The system includes a bag set and a processing device, which utilizes an optical sensor, microcontroller, servo motor, accelerometer, load cell, and battery. The system and method utilize centrifugation to stratify the cells into layers and then separate and transfer the stem cells into a stem cell bag. The processing device's microcontroller receives input from the device's accelerometer, load cell and optical sensor to direct the metering valve in the bag set to open and close to permit the transfer of as many stems cells as possible with as few red cells as possible.

Abstract: A centrifuge has a rotor for receiving a disposable processing unit. The centrifuge is configured such that the motor is attached to an enclosure and the enclosure is supported on a base. The connection between the base and the enclosure is a vibration isolator, and the isolator is positioned such that its effective line of action aligns with the effective plane of rotation of the rotor. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the processing units are held in a decanting position by a decant ring that moves vertically but does not rotate. The ring engages the top of the processing unit during decant and the abrasion is minimal.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bio cell cleaning centrifuge including: a motor; a rotor rotated by the motor; holders that are equipped on the rotor and that hold test tubes to be pivotable toward a rotational radial direction of the rotor; a cleaning liquid distributor mounted on the rotor to supply a cleaning liquid to the test tubes; a locking mechanism that locks the holders so that the test tubes are in a vertical state with respect to the rotational radial direction; and a controller that controls the motor and the locking mechanism, wherein the holders are configured to hold the test tubes so that central axes thereof are inclined from a rotational axis direction toward a rotational tangent direction of the rotor.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor includes a rotor body having a central hub and first and second bucket receiving spaces defined on diametrically opposed sides of the rotor body. A first pair of bucket supports is supported by the rotor body for pivotally supporting a swing bucket in the first bucket receiving space, and a second pair of bucket supports is supported by the rotor body for pivotally supporting a swing bucket in the second bucket receiving space. The rotor further includes reinforcing material wound around oppositely disposed ones of the first and second pairs of bucket supports.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into a device adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the device to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. The sensor may be reading one or more of the following characteristics: infrared, optics, density, weight, radioactive, fluorescence, color, magnetism, ultrasonic, capacitance wherein the characteristic is inherent in the blood and blood component or is an additive. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container. The preferred sensors include optics and weight.

Abstract: A blood cell collection system having means for detecting when a cell separation chamber has filled with white blood cells, and flushing the cells out of the cell separation chamber into a collect bag. A red-green sensor senses the optical characteristics of fluid leaving the cell separation chamber. A baseline value is calculated. The device calculates a ratio of the intensities of red light and green light and a peak-to-peak ratio of intensities. If either ratio exceeds thresholds computed from the baseline, the device flushes the cells into the collect bag. A camera detects white cells passing into the cell separation chamber and the device calculates the number of cells being collected. If the calculated number of collected cells exceeds a certain limit, the cell separation chamber is flushed. If the device is unable to establish a baseline, the donation can proceed, relying solely on the calculated number of collected cells.

Abstract: A bag loader for loading and unloading at least one satellite bag into and from the central compartment of a rotor of an apparatus for separating a composite liquid into at least two components comprises an upper part for removably securing an upper portion of at least one satellite bag; a lower part comprising a receptacle; and an intermediate part connecting the upper part to the lower part and exposing an intermediate portion of a satellite bag.

Abstract: A system for a clinical lab that is capable of automatically processing, including sorting, of multiple specimen containers. The system comprises a central controller, a workstation, one or more analyzers, and an automated centrifuge. The workstation has automatic detectors for detecting the presence of a holder holding specimen containers. The workstation has a bar code reader for reading bar codes on the containers. The system has a transport subsystem, preferably a workstation robotic arm and an analyzer robotic arm for transporting the specimen containers, moving them to and from the workstation, to and from the analyzers, and to and from the centrifuge. The centrifuge is loaded with buckets containing specimen containers. The workstation can be provided with a balance system for balancing the weight of the buckets used. The workstation can also have a decapper for automatically removing caps from the specimen containers.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator comprising: a driving portion; and a swing rotor including, a rotor body, a through-hole passing through the rotor body, pin insert grooves which are provided parallel to the through-hole so as to oppose each other and only partially penetrate the rotor body, and a bucket including, a bucket body that has a contact surface which is configured to contact the rotor body during centrifugal separation, and a cap assembly that seals the bucket body and has a swing shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to an longitudinal direction of the bucket, wherein the swing rotor is rotated when the bucket is inserted into the through-hole, to swing the bucket, and the swing shaft can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the bucket relative to the bucket body and rotated about a longitudinal central axis of the bucket.

Abstract: A centrifuge has a rotor for receiving a disposable processing unit. The centrifuge is configured such that the motor is attached to an enclosure and the enclosure is supported on a base. The connection between the base and the enclosure is a vibration isolator, and the isolator is positioned such that its effective line of action aligns with the effective plane of rotation of the rotor. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the processing units are held in a decanting position by a decant ring that moves vertically but does not rotate. The ring engages the top of the processing unit during decant and the abrasion is minimal.

Abstract: A scheduling process for loading samples into two or more centrifuges in a loading scheme that reduces the time required for high priority sample to be centrifuged. One centrifuge is initially loaded to about one-half of capacity and samples processed while the remaining centrifuge is loaded to full capacity before being operated. This creates a time-shift in the operational status of the two centrifuges so that a high-priority sample may advantageously be shuttled to whichever of the two centrifuges will be first-fully loaded and thus next-operated.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is provided having a rotor core that defines a rotational axis of the rotor. A plurality of bucket supports is arranged about the axis of rotation. The rotor includes first and second straps that respectively wrap around two diametrically-opposed ones of the bucket supports for restricting outward movement of the two bucket supports relative to the rotor core. The first and second straps intersect one another at a location through the axis of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A hand-cranked centrifuge is adapted for use in isolating autologous fat in injectible from. A number of syringes are hingeably coupled to a flywheel of the centrifuge. As the centrifuge turns, the syringe(s), which are supported at one end, move into a horizontal orientation and are centrifuged until the fats get separated from other liquids present in the syringes. A number of syringes, syringe holders and related devices are disclosed to accommodate centrifugation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a centrifugal separator (5) including a rotor (51) which pivotally supports a container (9) including an upper opening (90B) and which is to be rotated to apply a centrifugal force to the container (9). The rotor (51) includes an evaporation preventer (55A) for preventing separation target liquid contained in the container (9) from evaporating when the rotor (51) is rotated. The evaporation preventer (55A) includes a standing wall (55Ab) which is positioned in front of the upper opening (90B) when the container (9) is pivoted by rotating the rotor (51).

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component comprising a centrifuge having a rotor with a turntable for supporting a separation bag; a central compartment for containing satellite bags, and fitted with a support member for supporting at least one satellite bag so that a liquid contained in the supported satellite bag drains from the supported satellite bag into the separation bag under centrifugation forces when the rotor is set in rotation.

Abstract: A rotor includes a plurality of holding cavities for holding specimen containers, respectively. A transverse cross sectional shape of the holding cavity is a substantially triangular shape having one vertex on an inner circumference side of the rotor. Two vertices of the substantially triangular shape are arranged on an outer circumference side of the rotor so as to have equidistance from a rotary shaft of the rotor. Spacing between sides of the substantially triangular shape in a circumferential direction of the rotor gradually increase over 60% or more a radial length of the holding cavity from an innermost circumferential position to the outer circumference side of the rotor when viewed in its transverse plane.

Abstract: A system including a flexible, removable tube holder that flexes to fit either a straight rack or a centrifuge rotor slot. The system provides for the elimination of manual recording of the individual tubes, and provides for the transference of the tubes from the rack to the centrifuge and back, as a group.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes an actuator moveable between a first position and a second position. The rotator assembly also includes an engagement mechanism connected and moveable relative to the actuator, wherein the engagement mechanism engages a portion of a centrifuge when the actuator is in the first position and disengages from the portion of the centrifuge when the actuator is in the second position. Also, a method of connecting a rotor assembly to a centrifuge.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is provided. The rotor includes a compression-molded rotor body that includes a central hub defining an axis of rotation of the rotor body, and a plurality of bays, each configured to receive a bucket therein. A plurality of load transferring members are integrally molded with the rotor body and each include a bucket support for supporting a bucket, with the bucket support permitting pivoting movement of the bucket during centrifugation of the rotor body about the axis of rotation. A reinforcement layer extends circumferentially and/or helically around an exterior of the rotor body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge that enhances the efficiency of space utilization by simplifying the structure as well as supports a precise movement by improving the structure of the balance weight transport apparatus in the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge that compensates the unbalance of the centrifugal force by transferring the balance weight equipped in the rotor rotational arm. According to the automatic balance adjusting centrifuge of the present invention, the structure is simplified as well as the precise and exact transfer of the balance weight is possible by connecting the balance weight with the axis of the motor directly and adopting the length sensor. Furthermore, the efficiency of space utilization is enhanced because the axis of rotation of the balance weight transfer motor is in radial direction of the rotational arm.

Abstract: A gripper unit for handling a vessel for receiving biological material is proposed, inter alia. The vessel has a lid which can assume an open position and a closed position. The gripper unit comprises a gripper for gripping and releasing the vessel, and a lid holder, for holding a lid in a defined position in relation to the vessel. The defined position is an open position of the lid.

Abstract: Centrifuge samples may be exposed to microwave energy to heat the samples during centrifugation and to promote separation of the different components or constituents of the samples using a centrifuge device configured for generating microwave energy and directing the microwave energy at a sample located in the centrifuge.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor includes a rotor body having a central hub and first and second bucket receiving spaces defined on diametrically opposed sides of the rotor body. A first pair of bucket supports is supported by the rotor body for pivotally supporting a swing bucket in the first bucket receiving space, and a second pair of bucket supports is supported by the rotor body for pivotally supporting a swing bucket in the second bucket receiving space. The rotor further includes reinforcing material wound around oppositely disposed ones of the first and second pairs of bucket supports.

Abstract: A centrifuge has a rotor for receiving a disposable processing unit. The centrifuge is configured such that the motor is attached to an enclosure and the enclosure is supported on a base. The connection between the base and the enclosure is a vibration isolator, and the isolator is positioned such that its effective line of action aligns with the effective plane of rotation of the rotor. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the processing units are held in a decanting position by a decant ring that moves vertically but does not rotate. The ring engages the top of the processing unit during decant and the abrasion is minimal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for the management of specimens ordinarily manipulated via tubes. The invention may include a flexible, removable tube holder that is linear when placed in a rack and curved when placed into a centrifuge rotor. The system provides for the elimination of manual recording of the individual tubes, and also provides for the transference of the tubes from the rack to the centrifuge and back in a group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swing-out unit for a centrifuge, with the swing-out unit comprising sample vessel recesses and being insertable in a centrifuge rotor head to be swivelable about a swing-out axis, with the axes of at least two sample vessel recesses being arranged in a skewed manner with respect to one another. As a result, more sample vessels can be inserted in a swing-out unit than was previously possible with limited overall space.

Abstract: A scheduling process for loading samples into two or more centrifuges in a loading scheme that reduces the time required for high priority sample to be centrifuged. One centrifuge is initially loaded to about one-half of capacity and samples processed while the remaining centrifuge is loaded to full capacity before being operated. This creates a time-shift in the operational status of the two centrifuges so that a high-priority sample may advantageously be shuttled to whichever of the two centrifuges will be first-fully loaded and thus next-operated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system that separates first particles from second particles, or white blood cells from red blood cells, by sedimentation in a fluid chamber with debulking of one of the first or second particles or red blood cells through the inlet of the fluid chamber. The method and system further includes fractionation of the remaining particles or white blood cells into selected subsets. In one embodiment of the instant invention a blood product containing white blood cells is loaded in a separation chamber, a diluting or sedimenting agent is added to encourage rouleaux formation of any red blood cells, the cells are sedimented and the red blood cells are removed.

Abstract: This invention provides capacity altering devices that facilitate the processing of samples whose volume exceeds the capacity of external sample processing regions (e.g., sample tubes or wells). The invention also provides holders that can be used with such devices, e.g., to allow centrifugation of the devices and/or to minimize handling of the external processing regions. Methods of processing samples, particularly samples whose volume exceeds the capacity of the external processing regions, and methods of collecting compounds in external processing regions are another feature of the invention.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a rotor for a centrifuge which includes an annular portion having a plurality of storing portions each holding a sample vessel that contains a sample to be separated, the annular portion being provided with an end face portion at which holes of the storing portions are opened so as to be aligned in a circumferential direction thereof. Concave portions are disposed each between a corresponding pair of the adjacent holes on the end face portion.

Abstract: A rotor and specimen holder assembly for producing a relatively low power, low audible level, cool running centrifuge. The centrifuge rotor assembly is designed to enable a specimen holder to retract into the body of the rotor during centrifugation to produce aerodynamic features.

Abstract: A centrifugal device comprising: a rotor having a rotor shaft having a longitudinal rotor axis; a holder having an access end, and a holder axis; a location mechanism for locating the holder within the centrifugal device, such that the holder is rotatable about the rotor axis, with the holder axis forming a non-zero angle with the rotor shaft axis, the location mechanism accurately locating the access end of the holder within the centrifugal device, wherein the location mechanism comprises a holding pin having an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the rotor axis, the holding pin being rotatable about the rotor axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lift type weight measuring centrifuge which is able to measure the weight of a measurement object after spatially isolating the measurement object. The centrifuge includes an upper sensing plate to move upwards, and a weight sensing mechanism provided under the upper sensing plate to sense a weight of the measurement object seated on the upper sensing plate. The centrifuge further includes a lift mechanism to move both the upper sensing plate and the weight sensing mechanism vertically, and a control device to control the operation of the lift mechanism and to measure the weight of the measurement object using a weight sensing signal output from the weight sensing mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic balancing rotor for a centrifuge which compensates for imbalance of a centrifugal force occurring due to a weight difference of samples. The automatic balancing rotor includes a plurality of rotating arms spaced at regular angular intervals, with a plurality of buckets containing the samples supported by the rotating arms. The automatic balancing rotor includes a balance weight provided in each of the rotating arms to be movable in a radial direction, thus compensating for imbalanced centrifugal force applied to the buckets, and a balance weight mover which horizontally moves the balance weight in the radial direction of each of the rotating arms.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic balance adjustable rotor for a centrifuge apparatus which enables to detect a weight unbalance between samples installed to buckets of the rotor, allows the rotor lever to move horizontally by the detection result, and distribute the remaining eccentric unbalance weight by a back lash during the rotation of the rotor. The rotor of the present invention comprises: a rotor lever (100) which ends are configured for supporting buckets in which samples are installed, wherein a block worm gear (104) is installed at the center of the top surface of the rotor lever; a rotor body (110) for supporting and allowing the rotor lever to horizontally move; a lever movement motor (180) installed in the rotor body; and a power transmission means (200) for transmitting a rotational force of the lever movement motor to the block worm gear, allowing the rotor lever to horizontally move.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into container adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the container to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into a device adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the device to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the enrichment or depletion of tumor cells from a body fluid, in which a cell separation medium of specific density is overlaid with the body fluid and is centrifuged. A kit suitable for this method is likewise provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system that separates first particles from second particles, or white blood cells from red blood cells, by sedimentation in a fluid chamber with debulking of one of the first or second particles or red blood cells through the inlet of the fluid chamber. The method and system further includes fractionation of the remaining particles or white blood cells into selected subsets. In one embodiment of the instant invention a blood product containing white blood cells is loaded in a separation chamber, a diluting or sedimenting agent is added to encourage rouleaux formation of any red blood cells, the cells are sedimented and the red blood cells are removed.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a centrifuge. Features of the adapter allow for less friction during extraction of the adapter and separation efficiency by preventing disturbances to the separated materials. In addition, the adapter includes features that support the walls of a sample container and prevent force from damaging the sample container during a centrifuge separation procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory centrifuge rotor (1) running in air and devoid of an air chamber, comprising rotor arms (2) ending in fork arms (4), containers (6) swinging out on pivot pins (5) being suspended between said arms (2), said rotor being characterized in that an aerodynamic cladding component (12, 16, 20, 25) is mounted ahead as seen in the direction of motion on each rotor arm (2, 4) and/or ahead of each container (6) in at least the radially outermost regions of the zones (7) facing the incident airflow of the swung-out containers (6).

Abstract: A centrifugal separator (4), comprising a drive motor (M1), a rotor (41) rotated by the motor (M1) about a specified axis, and a cubette (42) swingably suspended by the rotor (41), wherein the cubette (42) holds a specimen to be tested, the cubette (42) is rotated according to the rotation of the rotor (41) and takes an inclined attitude to a vertical direction and, in this state, the specimen to be tested is centrifugally separated.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a centrifuge. Features of the adapter allow for less friction during extraction of the adapter and separation efficiency by preventing disturbances to the separated materials. In addition, the adapter includes features that support the walls of a sample container and prevent force from damaging the sample container during a centrifuge separation procedure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method comprising detecting tubes inside carriers (P), detecting an expected imbalance of the centrifuge (CE) and, when said detection reveals the presence of such an imbalance owing to the presence of an insufficient number of carriers (P) or an odd number of carriers (P), the method consists in: simulating the load of the centrifuge incorporating the incomplete carrier (P), selecting a balance-restoring carrier based on the number of tubes missing in the incomplete carrier (P), determining the boat of the centrifuge (CE) wherein the balancing carrier should be placed and installing said carrier in the boat.

Abstract: In a centrifugal chamber 9, an elastic rotation shaft 30 and a high-rigidity rotation shaft 34 extend coaxially. When a rotor selected from an angle rotor 17 and a swing rotor 36 which have different sizes and shapes is set in the centrifugal chamber 9, an optimal shaft is connected automatically to the selected rotor. The angle rotor 17 having a low tendency toward mass eccentricity is supported and rotated by the elastic rotation shaft 30 for high-speed rotation. The swing rotor 34 having a high tendency toward mass eccentricity is supported by the high-rigidity shaft 34 for low-speed rotation. Rotation torque is transmitted to the swing rotor 34 from the elastic rotation shaft.

Abstract: A combinatorial, high-throughput screening method is described for developing new coatings having a performance characteristic of a coating property which results in a substantial increase in the discovery rate of new coating materials. The method includes the steps of providing an array of wells (18) for receiving candidate coating materials having a parameter; placing coating materials in each well (16) while varying the coating material parameter correlating the coating material position in the array to the variation of the coating material parameter; applying a coating leveling force to and optionally drying the coating materials in the array of coating wells (19); testing the coatings with regard to the desired performance characteristic (21) and correlating the result of the test to the well position in the array that thereby coating materials having the desired performance characteristic may be discovered.

Abstract: Centrifuge includes a plate, a detector for the position of the plate, a monitoring and control unit, to turn the plate and to stop it in predetermined angular positions; characterized by several balancing containers, a centrifugal detector, a device for providing a balancing product located at a fixed station, calculating means adapted to determine an angular position (?B) and a mass (m0) of an unbalance (B) as well as an angular position (?E) for a balancing mass (m1). The monitoring and control unit control the stopping of the plate in a predetermined angular position for the balancing mass (m1) in correspondence with the fixed station, and to control said device for supplying a balancing product to fill the one of the balancing containers that is located at the fixed station.

Abstract: A centrifugal evaporator is described having internally of a chamber a source of IR radiation which directs energy towards a sample support platform on which a microtitre plate is mounted in use, for rotation within the chamber. The wells of the microtitre plate will normally contain liquid samples which are to be evaporated whilst subjected to heat from the IR source and centrifugal force from the rotation of the platform. The swing characteristic of the latter allows the plate to be mounted and demounted with the plate generally horizontal, but as the support platform is rotated, it swings up through approximately 90° so that the wells are now substantially horizontal and the plate is now substantially vertical, so that centrifugal force pins the liquid at the bottom of the wells.