DE2055387A1 - Process for the separation of two-phase systems and device for the automatic implementation of this process - Google Patents

Description

dr. ing. H. NEGENDANK · dipl.-ing. H. HAUCK Dipl.-Phys. W. SCHMITZ

HAMBURG-MUNICH ADDRESS : HAMBURG 36NEWER WAjJL, 11

TIiL. 367428 AND .36 * 110

Rohfe Scientific Corp. tei.egh. χεπεβαρατε.νι Hamburg

926 South Lyon Street Munich xs mozartstr.ss

TEL. .-> 38 05 8H

POB 10760 Santa Ana ^mEGH - nbge:> apatknt Munich

California 92 711

Hamburg, 6 November 1970 _#

Method of separation clay two-phase systems and device for automatic Implementation of this procedure

The invention relates to a fully automated clinical laboratory, in particular a fully automated one clinical laboratory system in which samples can be processed quickly and efficiently, notwithstanding the fact that the number of samples to be processed within a working time period fluctuates considerably.

Numerous attempts have been made to develop a laboratory in which blood, urine or other biological Liquids can be processed automatically. A complete system has not yet been developed. For example, a serum sample must be prepared from the blood for Tiele chemical determinations. The blood will then centrifuged and examined the serum. The process, a to place a large number of tubes in a centrifuge,

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monitor the centrifuge to see that it is accelerating, Working at high speed and then booing usually takes 20-30 minutes. The time for pulling has to be added to this and draining the centrifuge is required.

As soon as the sermm is received, the automatic device is loaded. Some commercially available automatic ones

not Devices are / are able to remove protein. The number of Tests that can be performed with this device is therefore limited to those for whom protein does not interfere. Other devices remove protein by adding it a protein precipitation reagent and subsequent filtration. In this case, a large sample is needed and only a small part of it is obtained as a filtrate. In other systems, protein is removed by dialysis. In In these cases, only a small percentage of the test component is dialyzed by what the sensitivity and accuracy of the method is limited so that a new methodology must be found to make the instrument fit for purpose close. In many cases, compromises have to be made in terms of accuracy and specificity.

The invention is based on the object of creating a method according to which two-phase systems work well and safely can be faithful, as well as a device with which this method can be carried out automatically with a large number of samples in quick succession. The task is solved

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by a fully automated laboratory using the usual methods. It allows the processing of samples without gate treatment, as obtained directly from the patient. It also allows a variety of analyzes automatically and the results can be printed on cards or tables, as desired.

The system according to the invention is made possible by the development of an automatic centrifuge which is used for automatic Separation of red cells from the blood and removal of the serum from these cells. It also allows the automatic precipitation of proteins and their removal by automatic centrifugation.

Before fully describing the system, it is first necessary to determine which examinations the system is doing and since the system is particularly suitable for examining blood samples, the blood tests described.

Needless to say, the gate direction for some Investigation is not required. Such blood tests are described in U.S. Patent 3,260,413. In the examinations that are carried out according to the system according to the invention, the sample cannot be used in the same way, as described in the US patent mentioned above, without first removing some of the components of the sample.

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separate.

The whole process according to the invention can be described as follows: After separating the serum or plasma the separated serum is removed from the cells with an autodilutor. This is a device that the serum and equip it with a reagent or diluent. Autodilutors of various types are available on the market available.

After separating the serum from the cells, a number of samples can be drawn from the serum and processed to determine the various components. In some cases it adds the autodilutor supplies a protein precipitation reagent. The mixture is then centrifuged and a fraction of the supernatant liquid is withdrawn using an autodilutor. Different reagents are added to the different Investigate components.

From this it can be seen that with an automatic centrifuge the person carrying out the examinations takes the blood samples, which are contained in a special container, which will be described in more detail below, in a holder, Trunnion cup called, inserts. The sample is then automatically centrifuged. The centrifuged blood will then led down in a row on a conveyor belt, where autodilutors take samples for the various tests. In some cases, no further

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res reagent to be added and the diluted blood is examined directly. In other cases they are sequentially Samples drawn, centrifuged and further coughs drawn. Examples of the different blood components that can be used with The general system of the type described here are brought up below.

I. Examinations in which protein does not need to be removed from the serum:

In these cases, after passing through the automatic Centrifuge withdrawn from the separated serum cough and treated as indicated;

a. Biuret reagent is added to the protein serum sample and examined colorimetrically

b. ITa and K-diluted serum is placed in a plasma photometer sucked

c. Chloride-diluted serum is titrated amperometrically

d. GOp-diluted serum is converted into an automatically working Hicrogasometer sucked

e. Oxygen and nitrogen - a serum sample is taken and examined in a gas chromatograph

f. Oa and Mg- diluted serum is placed in an atomic absorption device sucked.

II. Investigations of constituent parts, where protein is precipitated before dye-developing beagenels are added

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a. Glucose - by heating with alkaline copper reagent

b. Urea - by diacetyl reaction

c. Creatine - by alkaline picric acid

d. Uric acid - by reduction with phosphotungstic acid

III. Enzyme studies

Here, samples are drawn from the serum and a substrate is added. Then reagents for developing a dye or a protein precipitating agent are added. Samples are centrifuged and then the reagents required to identify the products are added.

a. Investigations that require a second centrifugation is not necessary:

1. Lactic acid dehydrogenase

2. SGO and SGP xransaminases

3. Alkaline and acidic phosphatases 4 · lipase

5. Creatine Phosphorus Kinase

b. Investigations in which a protein precipitation reagent after Incubation with substrate added:

1. Arginase

2. Arginosuccinic acid lyase

3. amylase

The data received on dta different stations can patted on a strip and on a printing device

which can deliver the data in the desired form with the usual devices. A plate with suitable Keys can lead -in- the sample through the system. For example, only the determination of the mark in a trial is desired, the key will inactivate all locations for sample borrowing, except the "for the sugar test · On the other hand, if all examinations are desired, the appropriate key will be all locations for the sample put into action.

From the foregoing description it can be seen that the current technique is capable of practicing many of the described Levels permitted. However, a stage cannot be carried out. This stage is the fully automatic centrifugation of the sample in a continuous manner. The difficulty is to centrifuge the sample and get it out of the -Bandßentrifugierfeld lead out. In order to accomplish this task there would have to be a device which mechanically follows the following steps carries out:

1. Place a tube in a centrifuge

2. Gradual acceleration of the speed of rotation

(e.g. on 3,000 Uptt)
en

3. Leaving the rotor running at top speed 10

Minutes

4. Slowing down the rotor

5. Remove the samples from the rotor.

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Although there is no difficulty with today's technology represents to construct such a Torrichtang, the problem is that a cycle lasts 30 minutes, i.e. 2 Samples were available per hour. If a large number of samples are to be examined, such / one would be For example, if the device was loaded with 60 samples, it would cycle and at the end, after about 45 minutes, all would 60 samples are submitted · The laboratories are then faced with the difficulty of only obtaining one sample at a certain time and at other times, e.g. having to examine 300 samples. So there is a need for a device that processed the samples one after the other. In such a system, a sample would be placed every 30 seconds and dispensed every 30 seconds. It would take 20 minutes long wait for the first sample, but then 120 samples per hour would be delivered one after the other, so that after one Waiting time of 20 minutes, the analytical results of 120 blood samples per hour with about 40 results per sample could be obtained.

The difficulty is further increased by the fact that blood is often drawn with heparin, thereby causing clotting of the blood is prevented. When centrifuging, the clenched cells are relatively loose. Furthermore, if the serum remains in contact with the cells for a long time, it will through Diffusion e.g. of potassium ions from the cell (concentration 90 mEq / L) into the plasma (concentration 5 mEq / L) the value the destiny nullified. The glycolysis that takes place in the cells also converts the glucose in the plasma,

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whereby a lower value is obtained. This makes it is necessary that centrifuging not even but is done twice. The blood is centrifuged, the serum poured off, centrifuged again and re-poured to remove all cells.

When the blood has clotted, the cells clump together more and sometimes it is possible to pour clear serum if one is willing to let some serum stand over the blood cake.

From the above description it can be clearly seen that the bottleneck in any automated system is the centrifugation stage. The problem is caused by this Invention solved. It provides a convenient method and gate direction for continuously centrifuging samples one at a time in rapid succession.

The invention and the parts of the gate that leads it goes from the following description, in which reference is made to the accompanying figures.

Pig. 1 shows a schematic illustration of the system according to the invention

Pig. 2 is a perspective view of one type of Sample containers

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fig. 2b is a side view of the in fig. 2a sample container shown

Figures 2c and 2d show other types of sample containers

Pig. 2e is a perspective view of another type of container

fig. Figure 2f is a side view of the container shown in Figure 2e

FIG. 2g shows the doorway which runs in the container shown in FIG. 2a when centrifuging

Fig. 2h shows the process that takes place in the container shown in Fig. 2a in anachiaß to the doorway shown in Fig. 2g expires

Flg. 3 shows a perspective longitudinal view of the door direction according to the invention for implementing the one shown in FIG shown system

3a shows an enlarged perspective image of a rope in the door direction shown in FIG. 3

Fig. 3b a perspective picture similar to Fig. 3a, a showing slightly modified arrangement

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Pig. 3c ice cross-sectional image of part of the in Pig. 3 shown device

Pig. 4- a perspective view of the end station of FIG Invention gate direction

Fig. 5 is a schematic electrical block circuit used in conjunction with that in Pig. 4th is used

6 shows a side view of another embodiment of the gate direction according to the invention

Fig. 7 shows a type of drive device

7a shows a side view of a further embodiment the gate direction according to the invention to be used with the drive device shown in FIG

'.: ■'. is

7b shows a cross-sectional image of the door direction shown in FIG. 7a

FIG. 7c shows a perspective illustration of a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7a

Fig. 7d shows a further modification of the Aue guide shown in Fig. 7a

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Tig. 7e is a partly perspective and partly in FIG

Cross-section image of a device in the one in the pig. 7a to 7d illustrated embodiments are combined

fig. 8 is a similar picture of a Torrichtang according to the invention.

General description of the Syβteas

As explained above, is an automatieeher and continuous centrifugation operation required to remove each individual sample with the required labor time Interruption between the individual operations Mu centrifuge and furthermore a system is to be created in which one or many samples placed in rapid succession at one end of the device and removed at the other end can be.

The Pig gives a schematic picture of the system. 1 again.

Revolving or which shows a device 100 that has a / rotary path 102 has, driven by rotary means 104 and carried by a drive element 106. The rotary path 102 is drawn so that it holds a sample container 108. The sample container 108 is rotatable and a rotor 110 is attached to it. The container 108 is mounted on the rotary track 102 and guided a path along which one or more work stations lie. One of these workstations is the centrifugation field

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the rotor rotating means 112 for centrifuging the liquid in the container 108. Centrifugation is followed by the container removal point 114 where the containers 108 are lifted off and carried to other work stations.

The sample container

Pig. 2a shows the construction of a collection sample container _f which is suitable for carrying out the invention. The Pig. 2a shows a round container 15 with a specially shaped upper part and a central disk-like section 10, which can be referred to as an open chamber. As shown, a neck 19 "is provided which can be closed with a soup so that the container can be evacuated These containers replace and are used in place of test tubes and can act as vacuum containers or alternatively, the patient's blood can be transferred directly from a syringe into the container, which is then sealed.

The containers 15 have the shape of a top with an amgebö'rdelten neck 19 »a truncated cone-shaped middle part 21, a secondary chamber, bounded by the central disk 17 » a narrowed bottom 23 »a cylindrical section 25» to hold the container with internal bottom indentations 27, which serve as holding or vertebral bodies.

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The one in fig. 2a and 2b shown container is for Intake of 5 al blood. They can be made in any size and may or may not contain an anticoagulant.

When the container shown in Fig. 2a around its vertical Axis is swirled, the blood is driven by the centrifugal forces in the transverse direction, the situation as in Fig. 2g shown gaining. When the vortex is stopped, the plasma or serum slides down and takes that in Figure 2h position shown. The heavy cells with or without Blood clots are driven into the lifting chamber, i.e. the disk-like section. The disc part has a narrow opening of about 2 - 3 mm. Due to its shape, it can hold a volume that is slightly larger than daa of erythrocytes.

2 The volume of a cylinder is given by -> r h. When the volume of the inner cylindrical ring is subtracted from the outer cylindrical disc, the volume is obtained which is held by the cylindrical disc. If h is the higher of the disks, R is the radius of the whole disk, and r is the radius of the inner ring, this volume would be:> R ² h - 7rr ² h, or earlier. (R ² -r ² ). In the pig. 2b and 2a is the volume that can be held by lifting containers, at a height of 0.3 mm and a distance of 1.5 cm 3 ml. That means that 3 ml of the blood would be in this secondary chamber and the rest outside of it .

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When the rotation is stopped, the serum slips or Plasma to the bottom of the container, leaving the cells and a small amount of serum or plasma in the secondary chamber, so that cell-free serum or plasma collects at the bottom of the container. This is the case as a result of the known phenomenon that occurs when water is poured into a tube which is closed at one end and has a narrow opening and the pipe is turned upside down, no water leaks out because it is held back by the air pressure in the bore. This principle is also applied to perfume bottles and hair care product areas registered. You have to shake very vigorously so that something runs out of the bag.

The container can also have the shape shown in Figure 2c; This container 15a has a sub-chamber with button-like Ends 17a. As a result, a large tolumen can be collected in the height chamber without opening the container To have to go excessively far.

Other shapes are possible, one of which is shown in Fig. 2d, which includes a container 15b with large buttons 17b shows. The configurations with inclined buttons 17c shown in FIGS. 2c and 2f are also advantageous. These Containers have the advantage that a narrow opening to the secondary chamber is not necessary. When the container stops To swirl, the erythrocytes remain in the secondary chamber, held by the influence of gravity. This is

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particularly useful when larger volumes are used.

When whirling or centrifuging the pig floats. 2a, the cells 29 into the outer pane (fig.2b) When centrifugation is stopped, the ladle-free serum or plasma 31 is subject to free fall, while the cells remain in the disc (Fig. 2h).

In the following operations in which the serum a When protein precipitant is added, a feather stroke of strong cohesion is obtained. In this case a Containers of a shape as shown in Fig. 2d can be used. When centrifuging at 12,000 Q> pM ', it collects the precipitate in the corners of the buttons 17b and condenses. When the rotation is stopped, the centrifugate is noticed the ground, the Precipitat sticks in the corners. Of the in fig. The container type shown in FIGS. 2a-2h has a further advantage. If samples are subsequently drawn from this container there is no risk of & cells from the pipette as these are held in the lifting chamber. This presents a problem when taking samples from test tubes. When the serum in the test tubes is returned, the cells are whirled up and the test tube must be centrifuged again. This will be the case Containers according to fig. 2a, 2 ο and 2e avoided. The advantages Soloher containers can be summarized as follows:

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1 The aerator can be centrifuged to separate cells from coagulated and non-coagulated blood

2. The cells end up in a severed tree.

3. The serum or plasma is isolated from the cells, so the components are more stable.

4 * Sampling from the containers takes place without the Risk of cell contamination.

5. Serum or plasma can be returned to the container without disturbing the cells.

In effect, the container becomes a serum or plasma separator. Since blood usually contains 35-47% erythrocytes, if 60 % are removed one is certain that all cells have been removed. 2 ml of clear serum or plasma are thus obtained from 5 ml of blood. This is roughly what can be achieved with the usual techniques.

The in fig. The containers shown in FIGS. 2a-2h also allow the construction of a continuous η centrifugation system. His form of the invention is in Pig. 3 shown. One goal is to rotate the containers 4 ″ successively. Any container must be centrifuged for at least 5-10 minutes. If a container is to be removed every 30 seconds and every 5 If you want to centrifuge out, then use 10 containers centrifuged at the same time.

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In certain cases it is not necessary to remove the clotted serum Separate blood after centrifugation. A simple shaped container can be used. This has the shape of a small Erlenmeyer flask, whichever one the bottom is pushed up, so that a secondary chamber was formed, which is located on the side of the bottom of the container is located. In this case, after centrifugation, the clotted blood goes into the side chamber and lets the serum over stand up.

Device with friction drive

In Fig. 3 there is a device 33 for rotating the containers 15 shown. The drive device 33 has a large sprocket, which by means of a chain 39 of a small sprocket 37 is driven. On the chain 37 are a plurality of C-shaped brackets 41, as shown in Fig. 3a, or box-like Bracket, as shown in Fig. 3b, attached, which upper and lower ball bearing openings 43, 45 have, in which a flexible rod 47, arranged perpendicular to the chain, is held, that is, the chain moves horizontally and the Bars are arranged vertically. At the bottom of each rod 47 is an outwardly sloping Hotor 49, while at the top there is one open pivot cup 91 is provided. The chain 39 is meshes with the sprockets 35, 37 and rotates slowly in a horizontal plane, driven by the motor 65 · At the sample application station 53, the containers, e.g., the 2a-2h are set in the pivot cups.

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The motor 65 rotates slowly. This rotates the small chain sprocket 37, which in turn rotates the large chain sprocket 35 turns. The large sprocket wheel 35 is placed around a shaft 36. This movement serves to make the structure of container 15, Trunnion cup 51, its shaft 47 and a small rotor

49 to turn the large sprocket 35. If this structure approaches the sprocket, the small rotor 49 comes with it the friction disc 63 engaged, which is driven by the motor 57 at a higher speed. Included Gradually approach the rotors 49 with the disk 63 in When they come into contact, they slowly engage and accelerate to a top speed that they er_ enough if they are moved around the friction disk 63. This rotation is during the way of the container 15 around the large sprocket 35 retained. As the cups leave the vortex area, they gradually come to rest. you will be then placed on a transport rail for further processing, as in a system of the type described.

50 the containers 15 are placed in pivot cups 5Ί, i.e. in brackets. Each container has two small depressions 27 at its bottom (Fig. 2b) in which two corresponding Fit nipples in the pivot cups. The edges of the pivot cup are Flexible at the end, so that when the container is inserted it will shear over the edge which serves to hold it in place. These Trunnion cups 51 are on the chain through brackets 41

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and the ball bearings 43, 45 held in place. The one holding the cup Rod 47 is somewhat flexible, so from the self-balancing principle known to those skilled in the art of high speed centrifuges or even laundry centrifuges are known to be used advantageously. Located at the end of the rod 47 the rotor 4-9, the edge of which is provided with rubber. This edge is inclined in such a way that lifting of the centrifuge motor 57 ea4-4ey-g * 43cfcea and the one on it attached friction disc leads to contact. This allows adjustment so that all of the small rotors make contact but are not too close to it.

As the friction disc 61 rotates, it rotates the rotors 49 under each cup. In one embodiment, the friction disc had a diameter of 17 »78 cm and the small rotor is 2.54 cm in diameter, the circumferential ratio So it was 21: 3 or 7: 1. This is an advantage as the centrifugal motor 57 does not move as quickly needs to turn. The higher the speed of centrifugation, the faster the red blood cells settle. In In one experiment, the friction disc was rotated at 2,000 QpH, which gave the small rotor a speed of 14.ΟΟΟ rpm Rotated speed of 1.ooo ΦρΜ, then they move small rotors with 7,000 ϊορϋ. Even at the slower speed the cells separated within 10 minutes. The chain was slowed by a second motor 65 turned. This motor is opposite to the rotation of the centrifugal

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fugalmotors is a slow running gear motor. He moves the samples in and out of the centrifugation field out. The speed of this gear motor is adjustable as the time it takes to separate the various Precipitation is required, is variable and takes more or less time. The chain covers 3/5 of the large sprocket. These 3/5 σ 21 «38.10 cm stand available for the centrifugation process. Since the center of each sample is 7 »62 cm away from the neighboring sample, the model shown here can centrifuge 5 samples at the same time. If desired, place each sample in the centrifugation field That means that the big chain cogwheel remains 10 minutes must move 3/5 of its circumference in 10 minutes or complete a turn in 14 minutes. The embodiment shown here with this lowering speed releases a centrifuged sample every 2 minutes. The speed of sample delivery can be increased by Enlarging the large rotor or reducing the centrifugation time. The latter would be by increasing the speed achieved by means of a centrifuge motor. Rotors with a diameter of 25.4 cm have proven to be very practical, also speeds of the centrifuge rotor up to 3 · 6οο tJpM · The rotors are preferably made of aluminum. A silicone rubber band surrounds the rotor to ensure the necessary friction drive. When the rotors are framed with rubber, it does not need to be the friction disc and yet it becomes the one required for spinning around Get friction

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After the sample has been whirled around, it can go off Hand removed. In a bench top centrifuge for a few samples, the samples are inserted, then left the machine will run and turn off automatically. When the last sample comes out, the device stops and the samples can be taken out.

The frictional engagement between the friction disk 61 and the small rotor 49, which is used to rotate the pivot cup 51, can best be seen from the pig. 3b and 3c to be understood. Here the motor 57 drives the erictive disk 61, which has a wall 63a made of hard silicone rubber. A chain 39 is rotatably provided above the rotor drive pulley 61 and is held by a large bracket 35 'which engages in the chain 39. On the outside of the chain 39 is a support 41a, similar to that shown in fig. 3a to see attached. This support 41a includes a flexible shaft or rod 47 which has a pivot cup 51 at its tip which holds the container 15 and which has a metal rotor 49a provided with a rubber wall 65 at its lower end. The rubber-provided wall 65 is inclined and comes into firm engagement with the adjacent wall made of silicone rubber 63.

AMlehluß of the operation is ice transport means for taking out the Broben from the automatic centrifuge and transfer to tin Jörderband required.

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One such device is in US Patent 3 * 331.665 and in Pig. 4 of this patent specification shown.

A bracket 67 'which looks like a feathered one The pen resembles, rotates in a circle. The cam 67 "operated by a motor 70" rotates and lifts and lowers a pin 71 which carries a gearwheel 72. The rod 71 moves in an Ashsial bearing 72a which is held in position. The gear 72 engages 6.35 mm thick drive wheel 74. The gear 72 is 38.10 mm thick so that the rod 71 can be lifted "without that the bath 72 comes out of engagement with the drive wheel. The drive wheel 74 is rotated by a rotary motor 76. The bracket 67 is 76.2 cm long from the mounting clamp to the axis so that it moves in a 15.24 cm circle. When working in conjunction with the automatic centrifuge, the motor 65 that drives the sprocket stops the centrifuge is operated when iieh the bracket 67 above the Sample container 15 is located, and the rotary motor 76 also stops. A solenoid 97 with a rotor 81 is activated and the bracket 67 is driven by the cam 69 placed over the neck 19 of the container 15a. The solenoid 79 now lifts the rod 71 so that the container 15 releases the pivot cup 51. The motor 65 and the rotary motor 76 are put into operation again and the bracket 67 continues to rotate, the container 15 in a position

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A conveyor belt 83 is driven by a motor 85 When the bracket 67 is above the conveyor belt 83 stands, the conveyor belt motor 85 stops just like the rotary motor 76 · The cam disc 69 lowers the container into one Container holder 87. Solenoid 79 is again activated, leaving container 15 free. The cam disk 79 lifts the bracket 67. The rotary motor 76 and the conveyor belt motor 85 are put back into operation and the cycle see repeatedly

The position of the bracket 67 over the container holder 87 and The conveyor belt 83 is regulated by two light and photocell units, which are controlled by two time switches will. The timer arrangement 90 is shown in FIG. 5, now referred to. The movement of the temple 67 of the pig. 4 between light cell 92 and photo cell 94 closes a photoswitch 96. When the photoswitch 96 is closed, the relay 98 closes. This sets the Timer motor 120 in action moving from the stop to a pin 122 carrying a flag. This gives star to the Motoi ».'76, which begins to run. When relay 89 was lowered with the switch closed, stopped the Mot0 * ^ 76 on, because a first circuit a is interrupted had been. The rotary motor 76 could not run as long as the flag was in motion. When the pin 122 finally is closed (after 8 seconds), a secondary line is created by a circuit b, which begins behind the photoswitch 96. The rotary motor * 76 that actuates the torsion bar 72

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done, begins and moves the bracket 67 on and aas dem Photoswitch 96 field. Photoswitch 96 opens and relay 98 is disabled Switching on circuit a. The current to the timer motor 120 is interrupted and the pair folds backwards to stop the flag. The cycle repeats itself.

When the rotary motor 76 is in operation, a second motor M * can be connected in parallel. When motor 76 is running, so does motor M ¹ ; when motor 76 is stopped, so does motor M *. The automatic centrifuge stops when the bracket 67 is above the sample container 15. A third motor can also be provided so that when the bracket 67 interrupts the second photoswitch mounted above the conveyor belt 83 which moves the container 15, the movement of the conveyor belt 83 stops. This enables the container 15 to be inserted into the cup 51. In practice, it is preferred to have two dependent systems. One stops the centrifuge and starts it moving again, the other stops the conveyor belt 83 and starts it moving again. In both grooves, the bracket 67 holding the container 15 stops at each station at the time that station is not in motion.

The Torrichtang described above operates in a circle, another embodiment shown in Pig. 6 is shown runs in a straight line, fig. 6 shows a conveyor belt 123 "driven tone Zakoräd" rii le ^ gllieee gears 125 to be

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operated by motor pulley units 121. That Conveyor belt 123 revolves in a vertical plane and has a series of bearings 124 holding shafts 126. she outer ends of the shafts 126 carry pivot bearing cups 128 which are used to hold the containers 15. That lower end of each shaft 126 carries a motor 130, the the one in Pig. 3a corresponds to the small motor 49 shown. On the long side of the conveyor belt 123 there is a plastic eriction belt 132 which, in a horizontal plane rotates, the motor 134 is driven dtUEb. The tape 123 runs at high speed, rotating the containers 15 held by the cups 148. The container 15 is first placed in cup 128. This moves transversely until rotor 130 engages plastic belt 132 driven by motor 134 comes. This causes the rotor to start rotating. When it has moved along the belt 132, he comes out of the centrifugation field. The container 15 slows down, the rotational movement around its own axis stop. The container 15 is then removed through the gate direction shown in Figs. The holder 128 moves under the belt 123 · The gears 125 are four inches in diameter so that when the pivot cups 128 move under the belt 123, for the rotor bodies 130 leaves enough room for maneuver. In the reverse position, they leave the plastic friction band 132 free so that they do not turn.

In the case of species, both circular and linear, the contact between the rotor is the problem

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130 the trunnion cup 128 and the centrifugal rotor or the friction belt slowly and gradually increasing so that the cup 128 moves at a slower speed begins to rotate due to slip. With further movement, the contact becomes tighter. This has the Effect of a gradual acceleration of the container 15 » thereby avoiding splashing of the liquid contained therein will.

Gas powered device

The containers shown in Fig. 6 can also be rotated by compressed air, as shown in Figs. 7a, 7b and 7c. The one in Pig. The gate direction shown in Figure 7a corresponds to that in Pig. 6, but is the friction belt 132 and the motor 134- omitted. The friction belt is through a source of compressed air replaced. The rotors are replaced by turbines that spin as the air flows over them. These air powered turbines 130 exist a housing 152 which contains a plurality of curved, radial blades. The curvature of the The blades 154 determine the direction of rotation of the yellle 126. On the side of the turbine 150 is an air supply 156 consisting of a rectangular box-like outlet opening 158, to which air is supplied, with a plurality of parallel partitions 160 for guiding the air flow. As the turbines 150 approach the air supply, they begin to spin and spin behind it Air supply continues. The container 15 is at the end of the

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Umlaufs τοη the Torrichtang shown in Fig. 4 removed, while the trunnion cups 126 pass under the air supply. The turbines are located in the Middle of the belt 123 and touch the axis that rerbindet the gears 125 driving the conveyor belt 123, not.

The device shown in Fig. 3 can also be modified in such a way that the cups are rotated by compressed air will. In this case, the friction drive 61 and the motor 57 (as shown in Fig. 3c) are omitted and directly replaces the arrangement shown in Fig. 7c. The small rotors 47 are driven by blades or turbines 147 replaced. The Dracklaftzuführ 156 a blows over the turbines 147 while they are in the centrifugation field. To this This way, the trunnion bearings will not be overtightened. The compressed air enters aas radial chambers 157a of a horizontally arranged drum 157 aas. The centrifugation field can be limited by masking some of the chambers with a diaphragm 157b, ^ cο

The compressed air drum can rotate according to a different Aasführangsform. This is shown in FIG. 7b. The drum 159t The compressed air exiting is fed from a compressed air source 156b. The drum 159 is mounted on a guide body 156c which rotates while Air exits the drum through nozzles 159a. That

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Centrifugal field is here by a shoe 159 b limited.

In practicing the foregoing concepts, the method described in Pig. 7e shown embodiment very functional. The compressed air supply is routed through a rotating central system into the channels 160, which directs the compressed air to a point under the turbines, where it passes through a vertical duct 162 to the Turbines is blown. The track of the device is in the horizontal plane, as in Pig. 3 shown · The drive happens by means of a chain 139 through a sprocket wheel drive 235; a rope of the drive rotating the chain is in the pig. shown. Tone chain 239 is held by a bracket-like bearing 241 which has a turbine 250 on the ground holds, a pivot bearing cup 251 is provided on it, so that the compressed air flowing out of the vertical channel 162 Exits, meets the! turbine 250, and the cup 251 rotates. In the cup 251 is a centrifugal cup lock 253 attached. The container 15 is placed in the pivot bearing cup 251 and as long as it is not rotating, the BeoherschleS 253 does not snap over the container. The lock 253, however, is formed by an engaging wedge and a heavy tail part, and is after the engaging part rotatable towards. When the cup 251 starts to rotate, the tail part has the sendz to fly outward and pushes the engaging part against the loading held by the cup 251

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container 15. The engaging part then engages in a flange or a recess and holds the container 15 in the correct position. When centrifuging stops, lets go of the engagement part and the container 15 can be removed.

The automatic centrifuge can also be used as an automatic blood microcentrifuge. In this pail, capillaries containing blood are placed in the recess on a plate carried by the propeller hoods. Rotation drives the red cells to the bottom of the capillaries and blood can then be determined when the carriers are removed from the centrifuge. Another application is as a micocentrifuge. In this case, a plate with angled holes is allowed to centrifuge on the rotors. Small plastic test tubes, which have a spout and a content τοη about ₉ 1 to 1 ml, are inserted into the holes. A precipitate contained in the micro test tubes is driven to the bottom as the tubes pass through the automatic centrifuge.

Another embodiment of the device is shown in fig. β in which a chain is replaced by a metal disk 802. The supports for pivot bearing cups 804 » Shaft 806 and wing assembly 808 are attached to the periphery of this disk 802. The metal disk 802 is by means of

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a had or tape drive arranged below or above it turned slowly. Compressed air from inlet 810

hesitant

and passes through air ducts 811 /, blows against the wing assembly 808 during their rotation by 3/5 äes circumference of the disk 802. The trunnion bearing cups 804 and the Containers 815 therein rotate at high speed as they pass through the compressed air area. The speed of rotation slows down, its rotation is dampened by the vortex blades in the air and come to rest when they leave the area of the air flow. In this embodiment, the trunnion cup assembly moves in a circle.

The turbine and fan part is also useful in this arrangement. The air currents come from a number of tubes arranged radially around the central disc 802, which rotates and moves forward, wherein the wings maintain their position. Venn the sorbine bodies 3/5 of the circle, the flow of air in the tubes that drove them will be interrupted, so that the rotation stops and the cups can be removed. The containers are held by locks 817, which have an inwardly directed preloaded spring 819 and a locking part 820. The centrifugation field can be limited by a shoe 822 which cuts away the air flow.

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Claims (1)

Claims Method for successive treatment τοη at least aas two-phase samples, characterized by the introduction of the samples into one gyroscope Row of 4ep £ like containers, one above the Having circumferential secondary chamber, placing the container on a conveyor, moving the conveyor through a centrifugal zone in which the containers are rotated and removing the containers from the conveyor at a terminus. 2. Method Mach claim 1 for separating a plurality of samples consisting of a two-phase system, the two phases having different densities and at least one of the phases is liquid, characterized in that the samples are divided into a series of, a height chamber having containers are filled on its circumference, the container is attached to a carrier carrying them through a centrifugation zone in which they are centrifuged and removing the containers from the carrier in an end zone. 3. The method according to claim 2 for carrying out chemical analyzes in an automatic system, thereby characterized in that after centrifugation of the supernatant liquid samples for further investigation taken from wer4 «v · 8 2 2/0761 - 33 - 4. Device for performing the method according to Claim 1, 2 or 3 characterized by a conveyor (102) for conveying the sample container through the entire device, a sample container receiving station (101) »a centrifuging station (112), a Sample container removal station (114) »rotating means for slow turning of the device (104), a drive (108,110) element (106) and a time switch system / for automatic actuation of the device. 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized by a bearing (43,45) having carrier (41) »by the Device is movable, at least one in the bearings (43,45) located vertical shaft (47) »which on their has a rotor (49) at its lower end and a pivot bearing cup (51) at its upper end, and means (57,61) for turning the rotor (49) when passing through the centrifugation station (112) 6. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized by a holder (128) for holding the sample container (15) «a Holder bearing (124) «mines, cup-like receiving part above and rotor (130) below, a conveyor (123)» with which the holder (128) can be linked and guided through the system, and a centrifugation station (112) on the vege through which the conveyor (123) runs, with means (132, 134) for rotating the rotor 130. 209822/0761 " ⁵⁴ " 7. Device according spoke 5 »characterized in that that the conveyor is an endless land (39) rotating in a horizontal plane. 8. Performing according to claim 7 »characterized in that the conveyor (39) is a chain which is _{movable by a driven and a driving sprocket wheel (35 t} 37). 9. Apparatus according to claim 5 »characterized in that the conveyor is an endless conveyor belt (123), whether two oppositely and vertically circumferential baths (125)> τοη which at least one is a drive wheel, is arranged. 10. Door direction according to claim 3t, characterized in that the Balter (124) includes a vertical, τοη of a bearing (124) held shaft (126), over the upper cable of the shaft (126) a cup part and on the lower part of the shaft (126) ) a rotor M30) responding to the rotating shaft is seen. 11. Door direction according to claim 6, characterized in that that the rotor (49) has a roller, and the rotating means a drive pulley (61) and an ItiktioneschM.be (63), bit which the roller can come into engagement, so that the speed at Intervention in the centrifugation station (112) gradually 209822/0761 - 35 - increases and gradually decreases upon leaving the station (112). 12. Device according to 6, characterized in that that the eotor is bevelled downwards, and the Rotating means have a friction disk (63). 13 · Device according to spoke 6, characterized in that that the rotating rope at the lower end of the shaft (124) of the holder has a wing assembly (147); 152, 154) and the rotating means has a Preesluif nozzle (156 to 159), whose airflow against the Wing assembly (147; 152, 154) is directed so that it is rotated gradually faster when entering the airflow field and gradually slower when exiting it. 14. Apparatus according to claim 4t characterized by a Conveyor (239; 802) for guiding the sample containers (15; 815) through the system, a centrifugation station with a plurality of gas supply channels (160; 811) which end in a nozzle section (156 to 159), at least one holder with its central bearing (241) to the Conveyor (239; 802) is attachable, a wing assembly (250;) at the lower end of the holder, which is rotatable by a gas flow, and a cup part (251; 804) at the upper end of the holder with a rotatable lock - 36 - 209822/0761 (253; 817), which has a lock part and a lower heavy part that rotates outwards flies and holds the container in the holder. 15 · Door direction according to claim Ht, characterized in that that the gas supply devices (159) are limited by radial rotating bodies (159b; 822). 16. The device according to claim 5 »characterized in that that the conveyor is a round table (35) which is rotatable about its axis. 17 · Door direction according to claim 5 «characterized by that the rotating means is a fan (158) directed towards a turbine (150), and that the fan (158) with the turbine (150) in the conveying direction in can be moved a certain distance from one another, and the fan (158) can be switched off. 18. Gate direction according to inepruch 4, characterized by a Container (15) »which has a flanged neck (19)» a frustoconical central part (21), a secondary chamber (17X which at least partially defines the central part (21) surrounds a narrowed bottom (23) and a cylindrical portion (25) for holding the container having. - 37 -209822/0 761 19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the lifting chamber (17) is disk-shaped. 20. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that that the lifting chamber (17) is button-shaped. 21. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the secondary chamber (17) has a dome-like connection to the central part (21) such that in the container (15) centrifuged liquid Tom central part (21) runs down into the height chamber (17). 209822/0761