US 4,391,710 A · Cytocentrifuge

Abstract

A cytocentrifuge especially suitable for centrifugation of materials requiring handling under conditions of containment is characterized by a plurality of holders each adapted to retain an individual sample chamber in juxtaposition to a receiving surface with interposed filter/seal and removable as a unit from the rotating carrier of the machine. The holder is preferably adapted to be supported tiltingly by the carrier so as only under centrifugal force to permit a sample to contact the receiving surface and while this is perpendicular to the centrifugal load on the sample. The carrier is preferably an apertured plate removable from a drive hub for cleansing and sterilization, and the drive hub forms part of a sealable head assembly of containment bowl and removable cover, the head assembly being removable as a unit for loading/unloading under containment conditions.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A cytocentrifuge comprising

(a) a rotating carrier;
and
(b) a plurality of assemblies mounted on the carrier for rotation therewith and for removal therefrom as a unit, each assembly including
(1) a holder comprising a channel member having a web and a flange, the channel member retaining a slide providing a receiving surface and a filter card overlying the slide and providing an absorbent seal thereover,
(2) a sample chamber comprising a tube having an end flange shaped to be received by the holder in overlying relationship to the slide and filter card;
and
(3) said holder further comprising clamping means adapted to engage the end flange of the sample chamber for urging the same towards the web of the channel member whereby the assembly of sample chamber, filter card and slide is secured.

4 more elements

A cytocentrifuge comprising

(a) a rotating carrier;
and
(b) a plurality of assemblies mounted on the carrier for rotation therewith and for removal therefrom as a unit, each assembly including
(1) a holder comprising a channel member having a web and a flange, the channel member retaining a slide providing a receiving surface and a filter card overlying the slide and providing an absorbent seal thereover,
(2) a sample chamber comprising a tube having an end flange shaped to be received by the holder in overlying relationship to the slide and filter card;
and
(3) said holder further comprising clamping means adapted to engage the end flange of the sample chamber for urging the same towards the web of the channel member whereby the assembly of sample chamber, filter card and slide is secured, the clamping means comprising
(4) a rocking element pivoted to the channel member, the channel member having two of said flanges and the rocking element having lugs extending over the flanges of the channel member to engage the end flange of the sample chamber, the rocking member being spring-loaded for rocking in a direction causing the lugs to move towards the web of the channel member whereby a clamping force is produced on the end flange of the sample chamber.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cytocentrifuge

Life of this patent

Cytocentrifuge

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13