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US 5,207,634 AGranted
Self-balancing apparatus and method for a centrifuge device
AssigneeBiotope, Inc.
InventorAlan P. Greenstein
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A self-balancing apparatus for a centrifuge is disclosed which employs two arcuately movable counterweights. The centrifuge has a plurality of receptacles for receiving one or more assay cartridges. Control apparatus in the centrifuge determines the location and number of received cartridges. Desired counterweight positions are then calculated which will substantially balance the centrifuge. The counterweights are moved into these positions prior to the centrifuge being operated at high speeds.
Claims13
A self-balancing apparatus for a centrifuge comprising:
- a rotatable platter having a plurality of receptacles for receiving assay cartridges;
- a motor for rotating the platter about a rotation axis and motor control means for controlling operation of the motor;
- a frame member for supporting the platter and motor;
- platter locating means for determining the angular position of the platter with respect to the frame;
- two counterweights of substantially equal mass moveably connected to the platter;
- counterweight engagement/disengagement means for alternately engaging and disengaging the counterweights with the platter and the frame member;
- cassette locating and counting means for determining the number and location of assay cartridges received in the receptacles;
- and
- processor means, operatively associated with the motor control means, platter locating means, counterweight engagement/disengagement means, and cassette locating and counting means for calculating a desired, counter balanced position for the counterweights with respect to the platter based upon the number and location of any received cassettes, and for directing relative movement of the counterweights and platter to the desired, counter balanced position.
6 more elements
A self-balancing apparatus for a centrifuge, comprising:
- a rotatable platter having a plurality of receptacles for receiving assay cartridges;
- a frame member for supporting the platter;
- platter locating means for determining the angular position of the platter with respect to the frame;
- two counterweights of substantially equal mass connected to and arcuately moveable with respect to the platter;
- counterweight moving means for moving the counterweights with respect to the platter;
- cassette locating and counting means for determining the number and location of assay cartridges received in the receptacles;
- and
- processor means, operatively associated with the platter locating means, counterweight moving means, and cassette locating and counting means for calculating a desired, counter balanced position for the counterweights with respect to the platter based upon the number and location of any received cassettes, and for directing relative movement of the counterweights and platter to the desired, counter balanced position.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.