Patent ID: 8083662

Claim:
A system for separating a sample and collecting the separated sample, the system comprising: an ultracentrifuge having a cylindrical rotor sized and shaped for holding a solution containing the sample and spinning the solution to separate the sample contained in the rotor according to its buoyant density; a gradient delivery assembly connected to the ultracentrifuge for delivering a gradient solution and a buffer solution to the ultracentrifuge rotor via a first valve manifold; a sample delivery assembly connected to the ultracentrifuge for delivering the solution containing the sample to the ultracentrifuge rotor via a second valve manifold; a fraction collection assembly connected to the ultracentrifuge for collecting discrete volumes of the separated sample via a third valve manifold, wherein the fraction collection assembly comprises a fraction volume measurement assembly; and a processor controlling operation of the ultracentrifuge, the gradient delivery assembly, the sample delivery assembly, and the fraction collection assembly, and the processor selectively controlling operation of the first, second, and third valve manifolds to deliver the gradient solution, the buffer solution, and the solution containing the sample to the ultracentrifuge and to collect the separated sample from the ultracentrifuge.