Abstract: A cassette has a foraminous lower portion which is shaped to receive a button or pellet of agar and is capable of being placed in the bottom of a fluid container for use in a centrifuge. After the cassette portion is placed in the container, a fluid containing cells is poured in the container which is then centrifuged causing the cells to adhere to the agar. The fluid is then poured out, the cassette lower portion removed from the container and an upper foraminous cassette portion is used to cover the lower portion and enclose the agar with adhered cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to the ultrasound enhancement of sedimentation of particulates in a particulate-bearing fluid medium while the fluid medium is undergoing centrifugation. The ultrasound energy forms standing waves in the fluid and cause particulates in the fluid, whether solids, liquids, or gases, to agglomerate in bands. The bands approximate either the nodes or antinodes of the standing wave, depending on the density of the particulate relative to the fluid. The banded or agglomerated particulate enhances the rate of sedimentation as well as the reverse flow of suspernatent by removing particulate which would otherwise impede this flow.

Abstract: A centrifuge bowl for oscillating bowl type rotors with two grooves in opposite sides of the bowl to receive the rotor-bearing pins, so that each groove has a bottom surface and is bound on the side facing the bowl aperture by a curved surface is provided. This achieves higher load change cycles so that higher fields of gravity are possible without the occurrence of the usual material fatigue in the area of the grooves receiving the bearing-pins, that is, of fissuration, because the bottom surface has a cup-shaped indentation which, in the peak area of the curved surface is located ajacent to the latter, and there is at least one slot opening into the indentation in the peak area of the curved surface.

Abstract: A centrifuge in particular for medical use, comprising a vacuum chamber housing a centrifuge rotor, means for driving said rotor, at least one elongate vessel for substances to be separated, which vessel is pivotally suspended from the rotor in a pivot in such a manner that the central longitudinal axis of the vessel is directed substantially vertically when the rotor is at rest, but occupies a radial position at least at the operating speed of the rotor, in which latter position the vessel extends through an opening in an element formed integrally with, or attached to the rotor, in which position the vessel is retained in the radial outward direction by retaining means.

Abstract: A blood bag support system is described which is very useful for supporting a blood bag in a centrifuge. The support system includes two upright support members and horizontal connecting means extending between the upright supports. A blood bag is suspended from the connecting means. The support system is balanced so as to avoid vortexing or mixing inside the blood bag during centrifuging. The support system holds up the ports at the top of the bag, enabling red blood cells in the ports to be forced downwardly during centrifuging. This prevents contamination of blood components with red blood cells.

Abstract: A top loading swinging bucket centrifuge rotor is characterized by the provision of a sample container pivot support member having a knife edge thereon which engages a surface of a sample container along an uninterrupted line of contact as the container pivots from an initial to a second position.

Abstract: In the preparation of concentrated fibrinogen extracted from the blood for making fibrin glue for use, e.g., as tissue adhesive or intra-arterial embolizing agent, the blood and subsequently obtained plasma are separated by centrifuging. In order to efficiently and rapidly prepare a small quantity of fibrinogen from a patient's own blood to be administered to the same patient during imminent surgery, an arrangement is disclosed wherein the blood or plasma to be centrifuged is transferred to a flat bag or packet which is then fitted into an insert fixture assembly which reliably secures the packet in the centrifuge cup in a suitable orientation.

Abstract: A swinging bucket centrifuge rotor including seating surfaces having shapes which cause buckets seating thereon to be relieved of side loading forces. Each bucket is symmetrical and is pivotally supported by bucket pins that rest in respective spring-loaded carrier assemblies. The spring constants of the springs of the carrier assemblies are selected so that the leading edge of each bucket bottom rests upon a curved surface and clears the respective seating surface before the trailing edge thereof contacts the same. The resulting bucket orientation assures that, upon seating, each bucket rotates until its bucket pins lift slightly off of the surfaces of the respective carrier assemblies.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor which a central hub is characterized by a flexible carrier formed from a plurality of fibers arranged in a predetermined textile structure. The carrier has a socket formed at the radially outer end thereof by the interconnection of the fibers. The socket may receive a vessel therein.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is presented having a pivotal mount for a sample container upwardly offset from the radial plane of maximal strength of the rotor permitting a smaller diameter rotor container assembly and reducing exposed surface area of the rotor container assembly.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor having a flexible carrier is characterized by a restoring cap assembly. The cap assembly responds to centrifugal force to displace from its initial to final positions. As it returns the cap acts against the flexible carrier to assist the same to the first position.

Abstract: The stability of buoyant density gradients in centrifuge tubes decreases rapidly when the volume of the tubes is increased beyond 50-100 ml because vortices form in large tubes on acceleration and deceleration of the centrifuge. For large-scale density gradient separation of particles, e.g. blood cells, using centrifuge tubes it is therefore necessary to distribute the material into a number of small tubes. This time consuming procedure is simplified by using a compartmentalized centrifugation chamber subdivided by radially and vertically oriented walls or lamellae into a number of hydrostatically communicating compartments. The walls stabilize the large volume density gradient without interfering with sedimentation of the particles. As the compartments communicate, it is possible to layer and fractionate the density gradient in all compartments simultaneously, which results in a considerable reduction of time and labor required to separate large volumes of material by density gradient centrifugation.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is provided in which an array of loops is circumferentially provided about the exterior of the hub. The loops have openings therein which receive a hook-like appurtenance mounted on a sample container and support the same for pivotal rotation from first to second position. The loops are resiliently mounted to the hub such that increased centrifugal force is accommodated by radially outward deflection of loops. The loops may be torsioned to untwist as the carrier pivots from the first to the second position.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is characterized by the provision of a force transmitting arrangement operably associated with a sample container or a sample container support housing assembly for transmitting centrifugal force imposed on the sample container to a stress confining enclosure at locations other than the location at which the enclosure is directly loaded.

Abstract: A sample container for a swinging bucket centrifuge rotor is characterized by a planar pivot surface that is adapted to engage in a supported relationship with each of a pair of knife-like pivot edges. The edges engage the surface along an interrupted line contact that intersects the axis of the container.

Abstract: A top loading swinging bucket centrifuge rotor is characterized by the provision of a sample container knife edge pivot element which engages the sample container along a substantially line contact as the container pivots from an initial to a second position. The container may be inserted into the rotor such that any diametrical dimension thereof is aligned with the line contact, thus avoiding the necessity of orienting the container with respect to the rotor. A guide slot for guiding the motion of the container is disposed radially inwardly of the pivot elements.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is claimed which comprises a rotor having a plurality of radially extending arms, having a construction to matably receive a pin structure within a recess formed in the upper surface of the rotor, to support the pin structure against loads generated by centrifugal force without stressing a fastener. In assembly, the pin structures permanently mount trunnions for receiving a sample container, for pivotal movement, in a manner such that the trunnion and sample container cooperate to resist stresses and deformation caused by centrifugal loads.

Abstract: A support for the ports of a blood bag for use in a centrifuge in order to keep the ports upright during centrifugation so that the ports will not trap blood cells which would later contaminate the blood plasma. The support includes a base positionable adjacent to the bottom of a centrifuge cup, an upstanding plate attached to the periphery of the base and extending up adjacent to the side of the cup, and hook means mounted on the top of the plate and extending over the cup for engagement by the port area of the blood bag.

Abstract: A bucket, for use on a swing-type rotor in a centrifugal separator, shaped to receive specimen holders of several different configurations. The bucket has a pair of diametrically opposite side walls having central portions displaced radially outwardly as first and second arcuate wall portions extending around a central axis of the bucket and another pair of diametrically opposite side walls having upper portions displaced radially outwardly as inverted U-shaped bearings for allowing the bucket to be suspended on the rotor. The other side walls are spaced from each other by a distance equal to or greater than the diameter of the arcuate wall portions.

Abstract: A fixed angle pelleting rotor is physically configured such that the clearing rate factor K.sub.R, functionally related to the volume V of each bottle carried by the rotor, the number N of bottles carried by the rotor, the minimum and maximum distance of each bottle from the central axis of the rotor and the rotor speed, is a maximum.

Abstract: A hanger for supporting one side of a swinging bucket in a centrifuge rotor. The hanger is adapted for use in pairs, mounted one on each side of a space in a rotor, for containing a swinging bucket. The hanger is provided with an opening for receiving the pivot pins of the bucket and supporting it thereby. Ramp means are disposed on the upper side of the hanger for guiding the pivot pin of the bucket into the opening in the hanger, thereby enabling the pivot pin to be self-seating in the hanger through the effect of gravity when the bucket is deposited in the rotor. The hanger includes spring means for enabling the pivot axis of the bucket to move radially outward in response to centrifugal force and enable the bucket to engage a portion of the rotor.

Abstract: Balancing bosses integrally forged in a centrifuge rotor. The plurality of balancing bosses in the rotor establish noncritical areas in the rotor for machining to accomplish the precise balancing necessary for high speed ultracentrifugation. The balancing bosses are located away from the high stress periphery of the rotor so that machining a portion of the bosses for balancing purposes will not degrade the integral strength of the rotor.

Abstract: A liner for use in a centrifuge rotor bucket for converting a single cavity bucket into a multicavity bucket to provide separate support for at least two flexible fluid sample containers. The liner has a separation ridge which defines at least two areas in the liner, but allows maximum space for receipt of the flexible containers. Handle means are attached to the liner to provide ease in the removal and insertion of the liner into the rotor bucket.

Abstract: Centrifuge rotor apparatus for supporting centrifuge carriers by way of pivoting supports has sling-like rotor arms, each with vertically-spaced upper and lower arm segments joined at a sling seat distal from the rotor hub. Each rotor arm has a channel-like space between the arm segments which removably and replaceably receives carrier-supporting pivot structure and seats the pivot structure within a bearing formed at the sling seat.

Abstract: A swinging bucket centrifuge rotor includes a windshield having upper and lower portions in which the lower portion of the windshield is movable with respect to the shaft from an open to a closed position in response to a closing force generated by rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A cell washing apparatus having a pivotally movable sample tube holder provided with a radially inwardly directed arm having a grasping hook thereon. The hook engages a retaining surface disposed radially inwardly of the pivot point of the holder to restrain radial outward movement of the sample tube holder.

Abstract: A blood bag is described which aids in maintaining the separation of blood components. This bag is constructed of a flexible plastic, has a conical top leading to an outlet line and internal septa to reduce swirling of the bag's contents during rotor deceleration. The bag is adapted to be placed in a split sleeve prior to placement in the swinging bucket of a centrifuge rotor. A collar is placed over the top of the bag to aid in reducing wrinkles in the bag.Methods are described for reducing contamination of separated blood components by reducing bag wrinkles, reducing swirling of the blood fractions during rotor deceleration, and reducing mixing during expression.

Abstract: A blood bag is described which aids in maintaining the separation of blood components. This bag is constructed of a flexible plastic, has a conical top leading to an outlet line and internal septa to reduce swirling of the bag's contents during rotor deceleration. The bag is adapted to be placed in a split sleeve prior to placement in the swinging bucket of a centrifuge rotor. A collar is placed over the top of the bag to aid in reducing wrinkles in the bag.Methods are described for reducing contamination of separated blood components by reducing bag wrinkles, reducing swirling of the blood fractions during rotor deceleration, and reducing mixing during expression.

Abstract: A blood bag is described which aids in maintaining the separation of blood components. This bag is constructed of a flexible plastic, has a conical top leading to an outlet line and internal septa to reduce swirling of the bag's contents during rotor deceleration. The bag is adapted to be placed in a split sleeve prior to placement in the swinging bucket of a centrifuge rotor. A collar is placed over the top of the bag to aid in reducing wrinkles in the bag.Methods are described for reducing contamination of separated blood components by reducing bag wrinkles, reducing swirling of the blood fractions during rotor deceleration, and reducing mixing during expression.

Abstract: A swinging bucket centrifuge rotor having a plurality of cavities spaced about its vertical axis and extending entirely through the rotor. Each cavity is adapted to receive a bucket supported by a hanger rod. The mounting of the bucket is such that the bucket can pivot or swing from a vertical to a horizontal position during operation. Each cavity is provided with a slot, which extends along the underside of the rotor, from the cavity to the periphery of the rotor. The slot has an upper surface adapted to receive the bucket when the bucket is in the horizontal position. A pair of opposed grooves extend partway down the wall of the cavity whereby the ends of the grooves each form a ledge to support an end of the hanger rod by which the bucket is pivotally suspended.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor is provided which has a circumferential wall and a plurality of spaced arms which radiate outward from the center to the circumferential wall. A plurality of buckets are mounted on the rotor, one between each arm. Each bucket has two outwardly extending pivot pins situated on a common axis. A plurality of hangers are mounted in the spaced arms of the rotor. Each hanger comprises an elongated housing containing an opening which is transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the housing for receiving the pivot pin of a bucket. A longitudinal bore intersects the opening and contains a spring for exerting a clamping force on the pivot pin when the rotor is stopped. This prevents the bucket from rocking when being loaded or unloaded, but does not prevent the bucket from pivoting to a horizontal position when the rotor is rotating, nor does it prevent the bucket from resuming a vertical position when the rotor is stopped.