Method and apparatus for timing intermittent illumination of a sample tube positioned on a centrifuge platen and for calibrating a sample tube imaging system

A method for timing momentary high light-intensity illumination of a sample tube which is positioned on a centrifuge platen during centrifugation of the sample tube on the platen, said method comprising:

• a) the step of providing a first location on the centrifuge platen for receiving and holding the sample tube;
• b) the step of providing a target reference device disposed on the platen in a second location which is offset from said first location by a known included angle;
• c) the step of obtaining a clear image of said target reference device during centrifugation of the sample tube on the centrifuge platen so as to establish a reference point in time when said target reference device passes by a flash tube sample-illuminating component, which sample-illuminating component is operably associated with the centrifuge platen;
• d) the step of measuring an extant rotational speed of the centrifuge platen through the use of a sensible element associated with the centrifuge platen;
• and
• e) the step of establishing and storing a time delay between said reference point in time when said target reference device passes by the sample-illuminating component and a second point in time when said first location on the centrifuge platen passes by the sample-illuminating component as a function of the platen rotational speed and the known included angle between the target reference device and the first location on the centrifuge platen whereby a clear image of the sample tube can be obtained by momentarily energizing said sample-illuminating component at said second point in time.