Modular supporting cap and spacer for centrifuge tubes
AssigneeBeckman Instruments, Inc.
InventorsSteven J. Chulay, Francis D. Richards
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A modular spacer concept is disclosed for use in centrifuge bores. The arrangement is such that various sizes of tubes are available to allow for different amounts of fluid which may be inserted therein for centrifugation. A plurality of substantially identical spacers are provided, each of which has an effective length equal to a predetermined standard difference in tube sizes. The lower surface of each spacer has a concave center portion adapted to fit the convex center portion of the upper surface of a tube, and the upper surface of each spacer has a convex center portion adapted to fit the concave center portion of the lower surface of a substantially identical spacer.
Claims10
For use as a pressure-resisting cap above a sealed tube mounted in an upwardly opening cavity in a centrifuge rotor, the upper surface of said tube having a convexly shaped center portion projecting upwardly in the cavity, a modular cap adapted to engage the top of the tube and having a sliding fit in the cavity;
- the lower surface of the cap having a concave center portion adapted to mate with the convex center portion of the upper surface of the tube;
- and
- the upper surface of the cap having a convex center portion adapted to mate with a concave center portion of a lower surface of a substantially identical cap.
For use in a substantially vertical bore in a centrifuge rotor,
- a plurality of alternatively available sample-containing tubes for placement in the bore, said tubes being of different effective lengths, each tube length differing from the others by a distance "X";
- a plurality of substantially identical spacers, each having an effective length equal to the distance "X";
- and a plug adapted to be secured in the top of the bore to retain the tube and one or more of the spacers therein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.