Sequential centrifuge

摘要

The invention provides a sequential centrifuge for centrifuging discrete samples. Methods of more efficiently centrifuging discrete samples sequentially are also provided. The apparatus and methods for sequentially centrifuging discrete samples provide improved operating efficiencies over conventional batch centrifuges. Such advantages include reducing dwell time, increasing system throughput, reducing sample processing system footprint, and improving precision of the analytical process. The sequential centrifuge further provides the capability of handling critical samples without compromising the operating efficiencies achieved in centrifuging discrete samples in a sequential manner.

主权项

1. A sequential centrifuge comprising:
a centrifuge, the centrifuge comprising:
a drive subsystem,a rotor coupled to the drive subsystem, andat least one sample holder affixed to the rotor, the at least one sample holder having a plurality of sample reservoirs; an indexing system for determining a current available sample reservoir and a next available sample reservoir; a control system interfaced to the drive subsystem and the indexing system for performing a centrifugation sequence; and a sample transfer assembly, wherein the sample transfer assembly is configured to load a first single sample in the current available sample reservoir, and the control system is configured to perform centrifugation on the first single sample through a first series of centrifugation sequences wherein each centrifugation sequence is separated from the next by an interruption, wherein the control system is further configured to advance the centrifuge to the next available sample reservoir, and wherein the sample transfer assembly is configured to load a second single sample in the next available sample reservoir during one of the interruptions of the first series of centrifugation sequences of the first single sample, and the control system is configured to perform centrifugation on the second single sample through a second series of centrifugation sequences wherein each centrifugation sequence is separated from the next by an interruption, and wherein the second series of centrifugation sequences of the second single sample overlaps a portion of the first series of centrifugation sequences of the first single sample.