Patent GB-1315915-A (GB)
Title: Sample processing and supply apparatus
IPC: G01N33/48
Filed: 1971-09-07
Abstract: 1315915 Centrifugal separators; automatic analysis of blood samples TECHNICON INSTRUMENTS CORP 7 Sept 1971 [8 Sept 1970] 41641/71 Headings B2P and B1X A sample processing and supply apparatus, for use in the centrifugation of a plurality of samples and the subsequent supply thereof to automated sample analysis means, comprises a tray 10, Figs. 5 and 6, from a peripheral portion of which are pivotally supported a plurality of sample containers 60 with open upper ends in a manner permitting free movement of the containers between a vertical rest position and a non-vertical centrifuging position, Fig. 4, which is assumed by the containers when the tray is rotated by a centrifuge, the loaded tray in use being transferable as a unit between the centrifuge and a sample analysis apparatus. The tray-container assembly forms part of an apparatus used in conjunction with an apparatus for analyzing blood samples. The tray which is disc-shaped has an upwardly extending central portion 12 having a stepped bore 14 across which extends a pin 18 to enable attachment of the tray to the centrifuge. The tray also has a downwardly extending locating portion 19, through which the bore 14 extends, and locating apertures 44. Each container 60 consist of a tube and fits into a holder 48 carrying a spring clip 58 for removable pivotal attachment to a holding ring 38 which is removably inserted in notches 34 formed in wall portions 28 of the tray, the portions 28 defining between themselves cut-outs 24 to partially receive the container holders 48. When at rest each container holder 48 is maintained in a vertical position by engagement with a lip 40 on the tray. The tray 10 and the container holder 48 may be made of metal or moulded plastics. In use, the tray with its containers 60 loaded with blood samples and marked with an identification label is placed on the drive unit of a centrifuge and rotated at high speed to effect separation into packed cells and plasma layers. After centrifugation, the still fully loaded tray is removed as a unit from the centrifuge and placed as a unit on another sample container holder tray 70 with its locating portion 19 engaging in a recess 72 in the tray 70, the bore 14 in the portion 19 being engaged by an upward tubular portion 74 of the tray 70. Vertically extending keys 82 engaging in the locating apertures 44 of the tray 10 ensure proper orientation of the tray 10 and the tray 70. The tray 70 is formed with a circular groove 78 for reception of the sample container holders 48 and has apertures in which are placed holders 86 which are provided with identification label mounting flanges 88 overlying the outer edge of the tray 70 and with containers 90 in which centrifuged whole blood samples are placed. Each radially aligned pair of sample containers 48 and 90 contain blood from the same patient or donor. The combined tray assembly may be used in an automatic, continuous flow blood sample supply, treatment and analysis apparatus in which the assembly is indexed to present each radially aligned pair of sample containers in turn to dual-probe sample offtake means for the aspiration of whole blood and plasma respectively from the containers 90 and 60 for analysis.