Rotor and method for automatically processing liquids for laboratory and bioanalysis purposes

摘要

A rotor assembly for processing a liquid comprises a rotor body (52) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (R). The rotor body comprises: a first cavity region for containing a liquid, said first cavity region having an outer wall at an alpha radial distance from said axis of rotation (R); a second cavity region; and liquid diverting means for diverting substantially all of said liquid from said first cavity region to said second cavity region when said rotor body (52) is rotated in a manner imparting momentum to liquid contained within said first cavity region and then rapidly stopped. The liquid diverting means has an influent end positioned at said alpha radial distance, said influent end being in fluid communication with said first cavity region, and an effluent end positioned at a beta radial distance from said axis of rotation, said effluent end being in fluid communication with said second cavity region and said beta radial distance being less than said alpha radial distance. The liquid diverting means defines a liquid flow path between said influent end and said effluent end, said liquid flow path corresponding to the direction in which said rotor body (52) is rotated about said axis of rotation. The liquid diverting means includes backflow preventing means to prevent backflow of liquid into said first cavity region.