Abstract A centrifuge apparatus for centrifugally separating the lighter components of a sample mixture from its heavier components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a centrifuge drum having vertically aligned separation and aspiration chambers separated by a common wall having valve means therein for connecting the two chambers. The separation chamber has a truncated conical side wall with a larger diameter trap portion located at the base thereof. A motor is included for spinning the centrifuge drum to force the heavier components into the transportation while the lighter components are forced up the conical side wall. A trigger mechanism opens the valve means to pass the lighter components through the common wall into the aspiration chamber while the centrifuge drum is spinning, closing the valve means when the rate at which the centrifuge drum is spinning falls below a desired level. An automatic sample loading mechanism is also provided which utilizes centrifugal forces to load a sample into the separation chamber of the centrifuge drum.
An automatic centrifuging apparatus for simultaneously centrifuging a plurality of samples into their components, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of centrifuge units, each unit comprising a centrifuge drum and a motor for spinning the drum; loading means for sequentially loading each of the drums with one of the samples; brake means for braking the drum after the sample therein has been centrifugally separated; aspiration means for removing one of the components from the centrifuge drum; wash means for washing the centrifuge drum to remove any remaining sample therefrom; rinse means for rinsing the centrifuge drum; drying means for drying the centrifuge drum; and, means for sequentially advancing each of the centrifuge units past the loading means, the brake means, the aspiration means, the wash means, the rinse means and the drying means to simultaneously process a plurality of the samples.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
An automatic centrifuging apparatus for simultaneously centrifuging a plurality of samples into their components, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of centrifuge units, each unit comprising a centrifuge drum and a motor for spinning the drum; loading means for sequentially loading each of the drums with one of the samples; brake means for braking the drum after the sample therein has been centrifugally separated; aspiration means for removing one of the components from the centrifuge drum; wash means for washing the centrifuge drum to remove any remaining sample therefrom; rinse means for rinsing the centrifuge drum; drying means for drying the centrifuge drum; and, means for sequentially advancing each of the centrifuge units past the loading means, the brake means, the aspiration means, the wash means, the rinse means and the drying means to simultaneously process a plurality of the samples.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
An automatic centrifuging apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means comprises a stepping motor driving a conveyor, the plurality of centrifuge units being mounted on the conveyor and Sequentially advanced by the stepping motor.