US3786986A - Centrifuge rotor assembly - Google Patents

Centrifuge rotor assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US3786986A
US3786986A US00287095A US3786986DA US3786986A US 3786986 A US3786986 A US 3786986A US 00287095 A US00287095 A US 00287095A US 3786986D A US3786986D A US 3786986DA US 3786986 A US3786986 A US 3786986A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
rotor
finger
spring
hub
sleeve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US00287095A
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English (en)
Inventor
M Guerrero
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American Hospital Supply Corp
Baxter International Inc
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American Hospital Supply Corp
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Publication date
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Publication of US3786986A publication Critical patent/US3786986A/en
Assigned to BAXTER TRAVENOL LABORATORIES, INC. A CORP. OF DE reassignment BAXTER TRAVENOL LABORATORIES, INC. A CORP. OF DE MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). EFFECTIVE ON 11/25/1985 ILLINOIS Assignors: AMERICAN HOSPITAL SUPPLY CORPORATION INTO
Assigned to BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC. reassignment BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC. CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). EFFECTIVE ON 10/17/1988 Assignors: BAXTER TRAVENOL LABORATORIES, INC., A CORP. OF DE
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B04—CENTRIFUGAL APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR CARRYING-OUT PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES
    • B04B—CENTRIFUGES
    • B04B5/00—Other centrifuges
    • B04B5/04—Radial chamber apparatus for separating predominantly liquid mixtures, e.g. butyrometers
    • B04B5/0407—Radial chamber apparatus for separating predominantly liquid mixtures, e.g. butyrometers for liquids contained in receptacles
    • B04B5/0414—Radial chamber apparatus for separating predominantly liquid mixtures, e.g. butyrometers for liquids contained in receptacles comprising test tubes
    • B04B5/0421—Radial chamber apparatus for separating predominantly liquid mixtures, e.g. butyrometers for liquids contained in receptacles comprising test tubes pivotably mounted

Definitions

  • Lungmus [5 7 ABSTRACT An improved centrifuge rotor assembly having a plurality of tube-receiving sleeves pivotally mounted about the periphery of the rotor, each sleeve being associated with a spring member. Each spring has a pair of flexible fingers, one of which is disposed within the tube-receiving sleeve for frictionally holding a centrifuge tube within that sleeve.
  • the other finger bears against the rotor to urge the sleeve into a vertical position, thereby cushioning pivotal movement of the sleeve (and the tube supported therein) under the influence of centrifugal force as the rotor accelerates, and holding such sleeve in a position generally parallel with the axis of the rotor when the rotor is stationary.
  • FIGI CENTRIFUGE ROTOR ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND
  • the testing of blood samples in a typical clinical laboratory generally involves a large number of such samples which must be given specific tests as efficiently as possible.
  • Multiple tube centrifuges have been developed in an effort to meet such needs; however, for the most part such centrifuges have been relatively complex in construction and have been deficient in one or more important respects.
  • the present invention is concerned with an improved centrifuge rotor assembly and, more particularly, to a rotor equipped with dual-functioning spring members for the centrifuge tubes and sleeves.
  • the construction of the present invention comprises a centrifuge rotor with a plurality of sleeves spaced circumferentially and uniformly about the periphery thereof.
  • Each sleeve has a vertical rest position and is pivotally mounted, with its pivot line extending tangentially of the rotor and above the mid-point of the sleeve, to pivot outwardly under the influence of centrifugal force.
  • a tube spring is associated with each sleeve.
  • Each spring has a hub, an upwardly and downwardly curved hook-shaped finger, and a second finger projecting inwardly towards the axis of the rotor.
  • the depending free end portion of the hook-shaped finger projects into the open upper end of a centrifuge sleeve and bears firmly against the outer side surface of a centrifuge tube to retain the tube by frictional force within its sleeve or holder.
  • the frictional force is sufficient to hold the tube in its sleeve even when the rotor is completely inverted; however, it is not great enough to interfere with manual insertion and removal of the tube.
  • each spring member is pivotally attached to the rotor with its pivot axis preferably coincident with the pivot axis of the sleeve or holder associated therewith.
  • the hub is fixed to the sleeve for simultaneous pivoting therewith. Therefore, as the sleeve (and the centrifuge tube contained therein) pivots outwardly under the influence of centrifugal force, the hub of the spring member also pivots to produce deformation of the horizontal second finger or tongue of the spring member.
  • the flexible sec- 0nd finger has its free end portion slidably received within a radially-extending channel adjacent the axis of the rotor and, as the hub of the spring member pivots in response to centrifugal force, the normally straight second finger flexes to accommodate and cushion such pivotal movement, the end portion of such finger sliding to a limited extent within its channel as such deformation occurs.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a centrifuge rotor assembly embodying the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spring member for such assembly
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and showing the sleeve and centrifuge tube in a normal vertical rest position;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the sleeve and centrifuge tube pivoted outwardly under the influence of centrifugal force;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the rotor assembly in an inverted position.
  • numeral 10 generally designates a centrifuge rotor assembly comprising a disk-shaped rotor 11 having a hub 12 adapted to fit slidably upon the vertical shaft of a centrifuge (not shown).
  • the assembly is removable as a unit from the upstanding centrifuge shaft and suitable means, such as a spline adapted to be received within channel 13 of the hub, lock the shaft and hub against independent relative rotation without at the same time preventing separation of the parts. Since the centrifuge and its drive shaft may be entirely conventional and constitute no part of the present invention, further description of that structure and its operation is believed unnecessary herein.
  • a plurality of tube holders 14 are spaced uniformly about the periphery of the rotor and are provided with sleeve portions 15 of generally cylindrical configuration. As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, the sleeves are open topped but are closed at their bottom ends. Standard glass centrifuge tubes 16 are received within the sleeves, the outside diameter of each tube being substantially less than the internal diameter of the sleeve.
  • Each tube holder is also provided with a connecting portion 17 which faces inwardly towards the axis 18 of the rotor and which is received within a recess 19 extending inwardly from the rotors periphery.
  • Tangentially extending pivot pins 20 support each holder or sleeve for pivotal movement between the normally vertical position illustrated in FIG. 3 (wherein the sleeve is generally parallel with the axis 18 of the rotor) and an inclined position illustrated in FIG. 4 (wherein the sleeve slopes upwardly and inwardly towards the rotors axis).
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the relationship of parts when the centrifuge is in operation. To produce the outward swinging action illustrated, it is believed apparent that the horizontal axis of pivot 20 must be disposed above the longitudinal mid-point (or balance center) of the tube-holder combination.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a unitary spring member 21 having a hub 22, a hook-shaped finger 23, and a second finger or tongue 24.
  • the hub is provided with a horizontal opening for receiving pivot pin 25, the pivot axes for the hub and tube holder 14 therefore being coextensive. It will be observed that the hub is generally noncircular in configuration and engages the walls of connecting portion 17 so that the hub and tube holder 14 are locked against independent pivotal movement.
  • Finger 23 extends upwardly from the hub, then curves outwardly, and then extends downwardly, terminating in a depending end portion 230 disposed within the cavity of sleeve 15. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the sleeve is provided with an opening 26 through which finger 23 projects.
  • the internal diameter of sleeve 15 is substantially larger than the outside diameter of tube 16.
  • the depending end portion 230 of finger 23 projects well into the interior of the sleeve for frictional engagement with tube 16.
  • end portion 23a slopes downwardly and outwardly into the space which would normally be occupied by a centrifuge tube 16, as
  • finger 23 not only provides for proper flexing action but also, because of the arcuate convex configuration of the fingers outer surface, tends to guide rather than obstruct insertion of a centrifuge tube 16 into sleeve 15.
  • Tongue or finger 24 extends radially inwardly beneath horizontal wall 11a of the rotor.
  • the end portion 24a of the tongue is slidably received within a channel or recess 27 which restrains that portion against vertical movement without preventing limited axial sliding movement.
  • a space 28 is provided by the rotor beneath all but the end portion 24a of tongue 24; therefore, when holder 14 pivots outwardly (FIG. 4), the tongue or strap is free to flex into space 28. Because of the flexibility or resilience of tongue 24, such distortion is resisted, thereby cushioning holder 14 and its contents against abrupt movement between its vertical rest position and its inclined operating position.
  • end portion 24a of tongue or finger 24 slides radially outwardly to a limited extent within recess 27 of the rotor.
  • the spring member not only cushions or yieldably restrains outward pivoting movement of the holder but also serves as a return spring for guiding the holder into the vertical position of FIG. 3 and for maintaining the holder in that position.
  • the entire rotor may be removed from its drive shaft or spindle and may be moved about without danger that the tube holders will swing or flop about on their individual pivots. Since the spring members 24 urge the holders into the vertical positions illustrated in FIG. 1, the entire assembly may be removed from the centrifuge and placed on a flat surface, the bottom ends of sleeves l5 resting on that surface. Furthermore, the entire assembly may be inverted as shown in FIG. 5 for the purpose of draining fluid from all of the tubes simultaneously, the spring members acting to maintain all of the sleeves and tubes in parallel relation to the axis 18 of the rotor.
  • Spring member 21 may be formed of any suitable material having the necessary characteristics of flexibility and durability. While the member may be formed of metal, it has been found that tough flexible plastic materials are particularly suitable because they permit manufacture of the member as an integral molded piece and because such material promotes smooth nonabrasive coaction between the spring member, tube 16, and rotor 12.
  • a spring member for pivoting centrifuge tube holders comprising a hub having a horizontal axis, a spring finger extending upwardly from said hub and then downwardly with respect thereto, said finger terminating in a downwardly projecting free end portion disposed on one side of said hub, said free end portion being capable of flexing towards and away from said hub and adapted to bear frictionally against the outer surface of a centrifuge tube, and a second spring finger projecting generally horizontally from the side of said hub opposite said one side, said second finger being generally straight when in an unflexed condition and having a free end adapted to be restrained for controlling the extent of pivotal movement of said hub about said axis.
  • a centrifuge rotor assembly comprising a rotor adapted for rotation about a vertical axis, a centrifuge tube holder mounted upon said rotor adjacent the periphery thereof, said holder being mounted on said rotor for pivotal movement about a tangentiallyextending pivot axis and having a sleeve portion defining an upwardly-opening cavity for receiving a centrifuge tube, and a spring member mounted upon said rotor and having a spring finger projecting downwardly into said sleeve for frictionally engaging a centrifuge tube-disposed therein, said spring member having a hub portion fixed to said holder for pivotal movement along with said holder, said spring member also having a second spring finger projecting inwardly towards the axis of said rotor, said second finger having an end portion engaging said rotor and being restrained by said rotor to urge said holder into a normal position wherein the axis of said sleeve portion is generally parallel with the axis of said rotor,
  • a centrifuge rotor assembly comprising a rotor adapted for rotation about a vertical axis of centrifugation, a plurality of centrifuge tube holders spaced uniformly about the periphery of said rotor, each holder having a sleeve defining an upwardly-opening cavity and being mounted upon said rotor for pivotal movement about a tangentially-extending pivot axis between having an end portion received within one of said channels in said rotor for limited sliding movement therein as said finger flexes during pivotal movement of the holder associated therewith, said rotor providing a space to accommodate such flexure of each said finger.
  • each said finger is normally straight and extends inwardly towards said axis of centrifugation, each said finger having an intermediate portion adapted to flex downwardly as the holder associated therewith is pivoted into its inclined position.
  • each of said spring members is provided with a second spring finger having an end portion projecting downwardly into said sleeve for frictional engagement with a centrifuge tube adapted to be received therein.

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  • Centrifugal Separators (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)
US00287095A 1972-09-07 1972-09-07 Centrifuge rotor assembly Expired - Lifetime US3786986A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US28709572A 1972-09-07 1972-09-07

Publications (1)

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US3786986A true US3786986A (en) 1974-01-22

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00287095A Expired - Lifetime US3786986A (en) 1972-09-07 1972-09-07 Centrifuge rotor assembly

Country Status (11)

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US (1) US3786986A (sv)
JP (1) JPS5529737B2 (sv)
BE (1) BE794143A (sv)
CA (1) CA957670A (sv)
CH (1) CH571894A5 (sv)
DE (1) DE2316015A1 (sv)
ES (1) ES410891A1 (sv)
FR (1) FR2198791B1 (sv)
GB (1) GB1409324A (sv)
IT (1) IT978478B (sv)
SE (1) SE390896B (sv)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3993018A (en) * 1975-11-12 1976-11-23 International Business Machines Corporation Centrifugal support for workpieces
US5584790A (en) * 1995-09-08 1996-12-17 Beckman Instruments, Inc. Variable inclination centrifugation assembly for rapid separation of blood
US5591114A (en) * 1995-12-15 1997-01-07 Sorvall Products, L.P. Swinging bucket centrifuge rotor
US5624370A (en) * 1995-12-15 1997-04-29 Sorvall Products, L.P. Bucket for use in a swinging bucket centrifuge rotor
US20030186798A1 (en) * 2002-03-26 2003-10-02 Masaharu Aizawa Centrifugal rotor
US20090183596A1 (en) * 2008-01-18 2009-07-23 Honeywell International, Inc. Apparatus for releasably securing a rotatable object in a predetermined position
US20150132185A1 (en) * 2010-07-14 2015-05-14 Chromoplas Pty Ltd Multi vessel ring
US20160016173A1 (en) * 2013-03-27 2016-01-21 Andreas Hettich Gmbh & Co. Kg Support device for a sample material container for centrifugation

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3512848A1 (de) * 1984-04-10 1985-10-17 Walter Sarstedt Kunststoff-Spritzgußwerk, 5223 Nümbrecht Zentrifuge
JPS62133069U (sv) * 1986-02-17 1987-08-21
JPS62185982U (sv) * 1986-05-19 1987-11-26
DE102004062232B4 (de) 2004-12-23 2013-01-10 Thermo Electron Led Gmbh Rotor für Laborzentrifugen

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH296421A (de) * 1951-10-20 1954-02-15 Willems Peter Prof Em Zentrifuge mit schwenkbar gelagerten Bechern.
US3190632A (en) * 1962-03-20 1965-06-22 Daimler Benz Ag Spring arrangement
US3361343A (en) * 1965-11-01 1968-01-02 Irwin S. Lerner Hematological centrifuge
US3670530A (en) * 1971-06-09 1972-06-20 Edmund H Filipak Dispenser for clothes washing additives

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH296421A (de) * 1951-10-20 1954-02-15 Willems Peter Prof Em Zentrifuge mit schwenkbar gelagerten Bechern.
US3190632A (en) * 1962-03-20 1965-06-22 Daimler Benz Ag Spring arrangement
US3361343A (en) * 1965-11-01 1968-01-02 Irwin S. Lerner Hematological centrifuge
US3670530A (en) * 1971-06-09 1972-06-20 Edmund H Filipak Dispenser for clothes washing additives

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3993018A (en) * 1975-11-12 1976-11-23 International Business Machines Corporation Centrifugal support for workpieces
US5584790A (en) * 1995-09-08 1996-12-17 Beckman Instruments, Inc. Variable inclination centrifugation assembly for rapid separation of blood
US5591114A (en) * 1995-12-15 1997-01-07 Sorvall Products, L.P. Swinging bucket centrifuge rotor
US5624370A (en) * 1995-12-15 1997-04-29 Sorvall Products, L.P. Bucket for use in a swinging bucket centrifuge rotor
US20030186798A1 (en) * 2002-03-26 2003-10-02 Masaharu Aizawa Centrifugal rotor
US6866622B2 (en) * 2002-03-26 2005-03-15 Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. Centrifugal rotor having buckets swingably supported on a hinge shaft
US20090183596A1 (en) * 2008-01-18 2009-07-23 Honeywell International, Inc. Apparatus for releasably securing a rotatable object in a predetermined position
US7866230B2 (en) 2008-01-18 2011-01-11 Honeywell International Inc. Apparatus for releasably securing a rotatable object in a predetermined position
US20150132185A1 (en) * 2010-07-14 2015-05-14 Chromoplas Pty Ltd Multi vessel ring
US20160016173A1 (en) * 2013-03-27 2016-01-21 Andreas Hettich Gmbh & Co. Kg Support device for a sample material container for centrifugation
US10232375B2 (en) * 2013-03-27 2019-03-19 Andreas Hettich Gmbh & Co. Kg Support device for a sample material container for centrifugation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1409324A (en) 1975-10-08
BE794143A (fr) 1973-05-16
DE2316015A1 (de) 1974-03-14
FR2198791A1 (sv) 1974-04-05
JPS5529737B2 (sv) 1980-08-06
SE390896B (sv) 1977-01-31
FR2198791B1 (sv) 1976-09-10
ES410891A1 (es) 1976-07-01
IT978478B (it) 1974-09-20
CA957670A (en) 1974-11-12
CH571894A5 (sv) 1976-01-30
JPS4968355A (sv) 1974-07-02

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AS Assignment

Owner name: BAXTER TRAVENOL LABORATORIES, INC. A CORP. OF DE

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:AMERICAN HOSPITAL SUPPLY CORPORATION INTO;REEL/FRAME:004760/0345

Effective date: 19870126

AS Assignment

Owner name: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:BAXTER TRAVENOL LABORATORIES, INC., A CORP. OF DE;REEL/FRAME:005050/0870

Effective date: 19880518