Homogenizer processing plate for self-securing of sample tubes

A processing plate assembly for mounting to a homogenizer and for holding at a plurality of tubes each containing a respective sample to be homogenized, the processing plate assembly comprising:

• a mounting structure that has a center axis and that mounts to the homogenizer along the center axis;
• and
• a plurality of tube holders attached to the mounting structure and holding respective ones of the tubes in tangential use positions each with the tube and the tube holder defining a longitudinal axis, with a radius line of the mounting structure extending from the center axis of the mounting structure and perpendicularly intersecting the longitudinal axis of the tube, and with the tube holder holding the tube in the use position with a centroid of the tube positioned offset forward from the radius line, with the tube holder including at least one mechanical stop that contacts the tube in the tube holder in the use position to limit forward movement of the tube beyond the use position, and with the tube holder including a rear-end opening through which the tube is inserted forwardly into and removed rearwardly from the use position, wherein in use the homogenizer operates the processing plate to impart sinusoidal swashing forces to the tubes that urge the tubes in the offset forward direction into securement in the tube holder and that produce homogenization of the sample in the tube.

A processing plate assembly for mounting to a homogenizer and for use in homogenizing a sample, the processing plate assembly comprising:

• a mounting structure that has a center axis and that mounts to the homogenizer about the center axis;
• at least one tube containing the sample to be homogenized;
• and
• at least one tube holder attached to the mounting structure and holding the tube in a use position with the tube holder and the tube defining a longitudinal axis, with the longitudinal axis of the tube holder being generally parallel to the mounting structure, with a radius line of the mounting structure extending from the center axis of the mounting structure and intersecting the longitudinal axis of the tube, and with the tube holder holding the tube in the use position with a centroid of the tube positioned along the longitudinal axis of the tube holder and positioned offset from the radius line,
• wherein the tube holder includes at least one mechanical stop that contacts the tube in the tube holder in the use position to limit forward movement of the tube beyond the use position during homogenizing use, wherein the tube holder includes a rear-end opening through which the tube can be inserted forwardly into and removed rearwardly from the use position, and
• wherein in use the homogenizer operates the processing plate to impart sinusoidal swashing forces to the tubes that urge the tubes in the offset direction toward the mechanical stop into securement in the tube holder and that produce homogenization of the sample in the tube.