Automated centrifuge

Abstract

A centrifuge for spinning sample containers about their respective axes with such axes vertical. An inlet elevator conveys the containers in groups to the level of a spinning means which simultaneously spins the containers of each group about their respective vertical axes. The groups of centrifuged containers are conveyed downwardly by an outlet elevator on the opposite side of the spinning means from the inlet elevator. The containers of each group are suspended from a carrier having keyhole-shaped openings, the containers having necks which are receivable in the smaller ends of such openings and which are provided with external annular flanges seatable on the carrier adjacent the smaller ends of the openings to suspend the containers from the carrier. The spinning means comprises cups into which the containers are lowered by downward movement of the carrier, the latter then being moved horizontally to dispose the container necks in the larger ends of the openings in the carrier. The cups carry centrifugally responsive means movable inwardly over annular shoulders on the containers to prevent upward movement of the containers out of the cups. The spinning means is programmed by a control means which includes a cam having means for decelerating the cups in accordance with a predetermined program to avoid remixing of the centrifuged samples in the containers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.