Patent Application: US-2053087-A

Abstract:
a specimen preparation unit having a plurality of interconnected compartments is automatically loaded onto a centrifuge rotor arm at a first rotor position . each rotor arm has two indexing means for independently rotating the unit about either or both of two axes orthogonal to each other and to the rotor arm . the orientation of the unit with respect to the centrifugal force vector is changed in a predetermined manner so as to cause fluid flow between desired compartments even under conditions of microgravity . the unit is centrifuged in at least two different orientations with respect to the centrifugal force vector . as the fluids move between compartments , the specimen is prepared . after the multistep preparation process is completed , the unit is rotated to another rotor position at which the prepared specimen and / or the entire unit is removed . the centrifugal processing unit is capable of processing a plurality of specimen preparation unit in the same or a different manner . a plurality of the compartments of the specimen preparation unit are connected by force - sensitive valves which prevent reflux and which respond only to forces substantially exceeding gravity . the specimen preparation unit may provide for parallel processing of specimen aliquots .

Description:
with reference to fig1 the specimen preparation unit 10 will be seen to comprise a collection module 12 , an aliquoting module 14 and a processing module 16 . the three modules are designed to stack on one another so that internal structures such as channels and chamber walls are in alignment . these modules are produced individually by plastic injection molding techniques and are ultrasonically welded to one another to form a monolithic elongated generally parallelepiped configuration 3 . 5 inches or less in length . one long edge of the unit thus formed embodies a longitudinal keyway 18 that orients and guides the specimen preparation unit 10 when it is inserted in the centrifugal processing unit shown in fig1 . the collection module 12 initially receives a specimen to be prepared , the aliquoting module 14 measures out a predetermined amount of the specimen and stores premeasured quantities of diluents or initial reagents and the processing module 16 contains the reagents and physical substrates for the preparation of the specimen . the processing module 16 may contain one or more processing channels . each channel in the processing module 16 embodies the appropriate substances and the devices for filtering , mixing , concentrating , washing , precipitating , incubating , etc . required to accomplish the preparation of the specimen for which each channel is adapted . at the completion of the processing cycle , accomplished automatically by means of the centrifugal processing unit seen in fig1 , the specimen or specimens are removed from the processing module 16 , which retains all of its contents except the specimens . the centrifugal processing unit seen in fig1 is designed to receive the specimen preparation unit 10 and apply centrifugal forces of specified strength and duration in a sequence of predetermined directions in order to provide the forces necessary for mixing , filtering , etc ., in order for the processing module to carry out its function . the combination of internal configuration , appropriate valves , vents , internal waste chambers , etc . and the directed centrifugal force used to accomplish the processing cycle , allows the specimen preparation unit to function equivalently in the microgravity environment and the terrestrial gravity field . in fig2 and 3 two hypothetical specimen preparation cycles illustrate typical components of the specimen preparation unit 10 and the direction of sequential centrifugal forces as they would function to prepare a specimen that eventually resides on a microslide ( fig2 ) and in a sealed specimen vial ( fig3 ). the internal components of the specimen preparation units 10 depicted in fig2 and 3 represent miniaturized analogs of typical laboratory equipment . along with others of similar generic character , these components can be assembled in endless ways , such that when subjected to the requisite pattern of directed centrifugal forces by the centrifugal processing unit , can accomplish different preparation routines on specimens of biologic or non - biologic character . fig2 a and 2b depict in schematic form , a typical specimen preparation cycle designed to prepare a cellular specimen , such as blood , on an optical slide for microscopic examination . differing processing cycles , implying appropriately differing internal components in the specimen preparation unit 10 are appropriate for a wide class of specimen preparation procedures . step 1 ( fig2 a ): a specimen 20 , such as blood , is installed in the chamber 22 of the collection module 12 , filling the channel or manifold 24 and eventually the measuring chamber 26 in the aliquoting slide 28 . step 2 : the slide 28 is shifted to its alternative position ( here to the right ), aligning the measuring chamber 26 with the exit openings of the diluent chamber 30 . step 3 : the specimen preparation unit 10 is oriented by the centrifugal processing unit and spun so the centrifugal force flushes the diluent 32 through the measuring chamber 26 , and with it , the specimen 20 past a one - way , pressure operated valve 33 that prevents reflux , and into the first processing chamber 34 of the processing module 16 . step 4 : the specimen preparation unit 10 is reoriented as shown in the figure and spun to drive the diluted specimen 36 into a delay chamber 38 . the delay chamber 38 is included because in most specimen preparation unit 10 designs there are two or more parallel processing channels . in fact , in the usual instance , two processing routines like those shown in fig2 and 3 are embodied in the same specimen preparation unit . since the two processing channels may require a different number of steps , delay chambers and one - way valves are needed to keep the two specimens moving in parallel with each succeeding reorientation and spin of the specimen preparation unit 10 . except for the passage of time , the contents of the delay chamber 38 are not processed in the delay step . step 5 : the specimen preparation unit is reoriented and spun to move the diluted specimen 36 forward in its channel into the slide chamber 40 . step 6 ( fig2 b ): the specimen preparation unit 10 is again reoriented to direct the centrifugal force perpendicular to the face of the microslide 42 , and spun with sufficient force to precipitate cells or particles that may be in the diluted specimen 36 onto the surface of the microslide 42 , where they adhere naturally or by means of an adhesive previously applied to the surface of the microslide 42 . step 7 : the specimen preparation unit 10 is reoriented and spun to force the supernatant portion of the diluted specimen 36 into the waste chamber 37 , where said supernatant is trapped by a valve 33 . step 8 : the microslide 42 , encased in a mount 43 with its specimen , is extracted from the specimen preparation unit 10 , and the aliquoting slide 28 returned to its original position , sealing the processing channel to retrograde flow and completing the processing cycle . in order to assure proper operation , three valves 33 must remain closed when subjected to the force of normal gravity , but open when subjected to a substantially greater force by centrifugal means . preferably , the valves will remain closed even when the centrifugal acceleration is as much as two times gravity . fig3 a and 3b depict a second general type of processing cycle , in this instance delivering the processed specimen in a sealed vial . the processing cycle in fig3 would be appropriate for separating particles or cells of two different sizes . in this example , the larger species of cell or particle is retained and discarded , and the smaller species of particle or cell is passed into the specimen vial for eventual analysis . for example , this type of processing cycle would be appropriate for the separation of the smaller platelets from the larger red and white blood cells in a specimen of human blood , or of bacteria from suspensions containing cells , debris , etc . in the processing cycle depicted in fig3 a the first three steps are the same as those depicted in fig2 a , and could occur simultaneously in a second processing channel embodied in the same specimen preparation unit 10 as the processing cycle depicted in fig2 a and b . by means of delay chambers , the remainder of the two processing cycles could also be accommodated in a singe specimen preparation unit 10 . referring to fig3 a , after the specimen 20 has been aliquoted and flushed into the first chamber of this version of the specimen processing unit 10 the device is reoriented ( step 4 ) and spun through a filter chamber 46 in which the filter 48 is sized to remove the larger species of cell or particle but allows the smaller particles to pass through . the fifth step represents the movement of the filtrate into a delay chamber 38 . in the sixth step ( fig3 b ) the fully prepared specimen 54 is transferred to the specimen vial 56 . in the seventh step , the specimen vial 56 is extracted , and the aliquoting slide 28 is returned to its initial position , completing the hypothetical processing cycle represented in fig3 a and 3b . fig4 represents a perspective drawing of one version of the collection module 12 , designed to receive specimens from a standard syringe and needle . the entry port 58 to the specimen chamber 22 is covered by a rubber seal 60 held in place by a seal retainer 62 . the specimen chamber 22 communicates with a manifold 24 that divides into the number of parallel specimen processing channels in the aliquoting module 14 and processing module 16 . the manifold 24 ends in exit ports 64 that are aligned with sample entry ports 96 of the aliquoting module 14 , seen in fig6 . among the variants of the collection module 12 are a version that aspirates a sample through a needle or small bore plastic catheter and a version that automatically collects a sample of capillary blood from a human fingertip . the automatic capillary blood sampler 66 is depicted in fig5 . this version of the collection module 12 contains a slide 72 with a cavity 74 large enough to admit a fingertip . a latch block 76 held in position with a spring 78 engages the first of two latch grooves 80 in the slide . the donor removes a tear off seal 68 covering the entry port 70 to reveal an elastic diaphragm 71 . the elastic diaphragm 71 is deformed by mounting pressure from the fingertip until it ruptures . the rupture of the elastic diaphragm 71 causes the fingertip to suddenly fall on the latch block 76 , releasing the slide 72 . the movement of the slide 72 traps the fingertip against the edge of the entry port and also causes the stylet 84 to penetrate the side of the fingertip . blood from the stylet wound is conducted into and through a channel or manifold 86 toward the aliquoting module 14 . the second latch groove 80 prevents the slide 72 from excessive travel . when the sample has been successfully collected , the slide 72 may be manually pressed back to its original cocked position , releasing the fingertip . a typical aliquoting module 14 is seen in perspective in fig6 . it consists of a main housing 90 , a slide 28 , a diluent reservoir assembly 92 and reservoir cover 94 . the sample entry ports 96 are aligned with channels 98 that traverse the reservoir assembly 92 and are aligned with the upper orifices of the measuring chambers 26 in the slide 28 . the lower orifices of the measuring chambers 26 are aligned with the vent ports 108 . when the specimen is instilled into the collecting module 12 , the manifold 24 conducts the specimen through the channels 98 that traverse the reservoir assembly 92 to fill the measuring chambers 26 . when they are filled , the specimen passes via the vent ports 108 into a small vented chamber not shown in the figure . this arrangement insures the complete filling of the measuring chambers 26 . when the measuring chambers 26 are filled , the specimen preparation unit 10 is placed in the socket of the centrifugal processing unit seen in fig1 . there a device moves the aliquoting slide 28 to its alternate position via the actuating port 102 . in this position , the measuring channels 26 in the aliquoting slide 28 are aligned with the diluent reservoir exit ports 110 seen in fig7 and with the exit ports 106 that open into the processing module 16 . the specimen preparation unit 10 is then oriented and spun to move the measured and diluted specimen aliquots into the processing module 16 . in fig7 the same aliquoting module 14 is shown in plan and front elevation views to better illustrate the means by which the diluent reservoirs 100 are opened to release their contents into the measuring chambers 26 when the aliquoting slide 28 is moved to its alternate position . the reservoirs 100 are connected by diluent exit ports 110 to break off seals 112 . until these seals are broken , the diluents are confined to their reservoirs 100 . the seals project into break off seal wells 104 in the aliquoting slide 28 . when the aliquoting slide 28 is moved to its alternate position , the break off seals 112 are snapped off , opening the reservoirs to the measuring chambers 26 . the aliquoting module 14 may have one , two , or more measuring chambers , as required by the processing module 16 . fig8 depicts a typical dual channel processing module 16 . the version shown corresponds closely with the schematic examples of processing modules 16 in fig2 and 3a and b , but embodied as parallel channels in a single processing module . it is designed to prepare a portion of the specimen on a microslide 42 for microscopic analysis , and another portion as a suspension delivered in the specimen vial 56 . in the module in fig8 a valve deck 118 separates the outer deck 116 from the inner deck 120 . the valves 33 are disposed and structured to allow flow only in the directions required by the processing cycle . the chambers 136 , and valves 33 are arranged in a complex fashion . the relationship of the major components can be appreciated in this view . the valve deck isolates the chambers in the inner deck 120 from the chambers in the outer deck 116 . the large compartment in the outer deck 116 is a transfer chamber 134 . the vial ejection port 133 will allow the eventual expulsion of the specimen vial 56 from its socket 132 . the prepared specimen destined for the specimen vial 56 enters the vial through the fill / vent tube assembly 130 . the two beveled tubes of the fill / vent assembly 130 penetrate the rubber diaphragm 131 of the specimen vial 56 , which seals the vial as it is expelled by the specimen vial extractor ( not shown ) when said extractor projects through the vial extractor port 133 . the microslide 42 is housed in a universal slide mount 122 . the universal slide mount 122 has suitable labels 126 . the orienting bevels 124 allow it to slide into corresponding bevels in the slide retainer 128 . at the end of the processing cycle , the universal slide mount 122 is extracted by the slide extractor ( not shown ) that extends into the slide extractor port 138 to grasp and remove the universal slide mount . the retaining tabs 140 are broken away in the process . the valves 33 all function as one - way (&# 34 ; check &# 34 ;) valves operated by an increased g - load produced by centrifugal force in the centrifugal processing unit depicted in fig1 . the valves not only prevent reflux but prevent the movement of any fluids within the specimen processing unit , except in response to directed forces greater than at least 2 g . thus , the valves maintain the integrity of the processing module channels during manufacture , shipping , routine handling , etc . as well as during the processing cycle . in fig2 and 3 the valves 33 are represented schematically , and except for the break - off seals 112 seen in fig7 the valves are preferably all of a hybrid ball / reed type as shown in fig6 - 9 . however , the valves may be of any suitable type including double or single double reed valves , diaphragm valves , ball check valves , pore valves closed by surface tension , break - off ( single use ) valves or seals and valves that are variants of these types . the plan and side elevation diagrams in fig9 are used to describe the functioning of the version of the dual channel processing module 16 seen in fig8 . the slide retainer 128 , the inner deck 120 , the valve deck 118 and the outer deck 116 are seen in side elevation in the upper part of fig9 . the lower drawing in fig9 is a plan view of all the decks superimposed . in the processing cycle described for this example of the processing module 16 the direction of the centrifugal force required in each processing step is referred to the labels x +, x -, y +, y -, z + and z - that designate the six outer faces of the processing module 16 . after the aliquoting step ( not shown in the diagram ) the processing module 16 is oriented with the x - face down the centrifugal force vector and spun , moving the diluted specimen aliquot into the receiving chamber 141 via the entry channel 142 . the diluted specimen may be incubated in the receiving chamber 141 for a variable period . at the end of incubation , the unit is reoriented with the z - face down the centrifugal force vector and spun again , moving the specimen aliquot through the valve and channel at 144 into the transfer chamber 134 . this step is necessary to position the specimen for the rest of the processing cycle . the unit is then reoriented to position the z + face down the centrifugal force vector and spun , moving the specimen through the channel and valve at 148 into the dividing chamber 146 . the unit is again reoriented with the x - face down the centrifugal force vector and spun gently . the dividing chamber 146 has two volumetric wells 150 separated by a projection 151 . the gentle spin partitions the aliquot , which just fills the wells 150 thereby dividing the specimen into two exact volumes . the rate of spin is then increased , opening the valves 152 and 154 and moving one volume into the vial transfer chamber 156 , the other volume into the slide transfer chamber 162 . the unit is then reoriented to position the z - face down the centrifugal force vector and spun to move the vial specimen through the orifice 158 and valve at 163 into the vial transfer channel 160 . during this latter spin the slide specimen remains trapped inside the slide transfer chamber 162 . the unit is then reoriented to align the x + face down the centrifugal force vector and spun , moving the vial specimen through the fill tube 130 into the specimen vial 56 and simultaneously moving the slide specimen through the transfer channel 164 , then across the valve deck through the orifice at 168 , through the continuation of the transfer channel 170 , and finally through the orifice at 172 into the slide chamber 40 . the specimen vial 56 is now extracted . following the extraction of the specimen vial 56 , the unit is reoriented with the z + face down the centrifugal force vector and spun vigorously to precipitate the particles or cells in the specimen onto the microslide 42 . after this step the unit is reoriented and spun again to move the supernatant from the microslide specimen into the waste chamber 174 . the valves 33 and channels to accomplish this were omitted from the drawings in fig9 because the added complexity obscures the features described above . the microslide 42 with the specimen on its surface , is now extracted , ready for study . fig1 depicts an example of a more complex universal slide mount 122 for microscopic analysis . in this version , the universal slide mount 122 embodies the same labels 126 and microslide 42 illustrated in fig8 but also includes two other options for presenting the specimen for analysis , namely a film patch 180 and a cuvette array 182 . the film patch is a mosaic of smaller elements , each of which embodies the chemical substrates to combine with and quantitatively identify specific constituents of body fluids or other biologic , microbiologic , or non - biologic fluids . ( the chemistry embodied in the film patch is not part of this application .) the cuvette array 182 consists of a variable number of microcapillary optical glass or transparent plastic tubes in a parallel array . the cuvettes may be individually preloaded with reagents that combine with and quantitatively identify specific constituents of body fluids , etc . as enumerated above . each tube in the cuvette array can be analyzed by single or dual beam fluorescence , absorbance spectroscopy , or other means . fig1 is a perspective drawing representing the centrifugal processing unit 184 . an explosion - proof enclosure 186 surrounds the centrifuge mechanism and serves to mount the socket for the electronic interface 190 , an air supply interconnect 191 , and loading and exit ports that automatically install the specimen preparation unit 10 in the centrifugal processing unit 184 and remove the prepared specimens . the loading and exit ports are not shown in fig1 . the enclosure is removably fastened to a base plate 188 that mounts the spin motor 192 , the air valve unit 194 and the electronic unit 196 . the electronic unit 196 responds to computer inputs to controls the function of the centrifugal processing unit 184 . the electronic unit 196 is based on a microprocessor , which receives computer instructions in standard form that correspond to the processing steps required by any of the variety of processing cycles embodied in the entire range of specimen preparation units 10 . the computer instructions contain the starting and stopping positions of the rotor , the command for actuating the aliquoting slide 28 , and the sequence of steps that constitute a particular processing cycle . each step in the processing cycle includes the coordinates for positioning the specimen preparation unit socket 204 , and the revolutions per minute and spin time required by each processing step . in addition to the microprocessor , the electronic unit embodies a tachometer , clock , and rotor position sensor that inform the microprocessor and the external computer of the rate and duration of spin and the exact angular location of the rotor 198 . the electronic unit 196 also contains the circuitry for controlling the rate and duration of run of the spin motor 192 , and the circuitry that signals the air valve unit 194 . the air valve unit 194 consists of sets of two electromagnetically or piezoelectrically operated air valves , one set of two valves for each of the positionable rotor heads . each set is composed of one valve for the circumferential indexing mechanism 234 seen in fig1 , and one valve for the polar indexing mechanism 232 , also seen in fig1 . each air valve operates independently on signal from the electronic unit 196 to open for a short time ( 10 to 100 milliseconds ) and then close , thus releasing a single pulse of air into a channel that connects with a particular indexing mechanism 208 . that indexing mechanism 208 responds to a single pulse of air by rotating the socket 204 one increment in a circumferential direction 224 or polar direction 226 . each particular air valve and its corresponding indexing mechanism 208 are connected by a single channel consisting of air supply tube 200 , a circumferential channel in the air distribution collar 202 that surrounds the drive shaft of the spin motor , and a channel in the rotor arm 198 that connects with the subject indexing mechanism . the air distribution collar 202 consists of a stationery outer sleeve and a closely inner fitting sleeve affixed to the rotor . the inner and outer sleeves contain a series of matching circumferential horizontal grooves that together form a series of parallel channels , one for each air valve - indexing mechanism assembly . each sleeve also embodies a channel that connects a particular groove with its counterpart air supply tube ( outer sleeve ) or indexing mechanism channel ( inner sleeve ). this arrangement allows the controlled rotation of each socket independently to any three dimensional orientation with respect to the local direction vector of the centrifugal force generated by spinning the rotor . the indexing movements of the sockets 204 can occur with the motor at rest or in motion , depending on the needs of a particular processing cycle . each socket 204 embodies a socket cavity 206 into which a specimen preparation unit 10 can be placed . each socket 204 also has an aliquoter actuation port 210 , a vial extraction port 212 and a specimen preparation unit 10 ejection port 214 . these ports admit moveable pins that perform the functions indicated by the names of the ports . the sockets 204 are suspended in the arms of the rotor 198 by trunions 216 and a trunion block 218 . ( the air driven indexing mechanisms 208 are seen in detail in fig1 .) by means of the indexing mechanisms 208 , each socket 204 can be rotated inside its trunion block 218 in the direction shown by arrows 224 , and independently rotated in the direction shown by arrows 226 by corresponding rotation of the trunion shaft 216 . by means of rotation of the socket in the planes signified by arrows 224 and 226 , the specimen preparation unit 10 can be placed in any possible orientation with respect to the centrifugal force produced by spinning the rotor 198 in the direction shown by arrow 228 . in use , the centrifugal processing unit 184 is controlled by a program that produces the specific processing routine required by a particular version of the specimen preparation unit 10 . the processing cycle begins with the positioning of the rotor 198 with the socket at the loading port , ready to receive the specimen preparation unit 10 . the specimen preparation unit 10 is loaded into the socket cavity 206 automatically by the loading port or by manual insertion . the rotor then moves the socket to the aliquoting station ( not shown in the drawing ) where an activating pin travels through the aliquoter activation port 210 to drive the aliquoting slide 28 ( seen in fig6 and 7 ) to its alternative position . the indexing mechanisms then reposition the socket 204 and thus the specimen preparation unit 10 for the first processing step . the rotor is then spun to accomplish the first processing step . when the first spin is complete , the indexing mechanisms 208 then reorient the socket 204 and the second spin is carried out . this procedure is continued until the specimen is sequestered in the specimen vial 56 ( providing the particular version of the specimen preparation unit 10 embodies a specimen vial 56 ). the rotor 198 is then positioned at the exit port ( not shown in figure ) where a specimen vial extractor pin ( also not shown in the figure ) pushes the specimen vial 56 out through the vial extraction port 212 . the socket 204 is then again reoriented and the processing cycles continued until the microslide specimen is fully prepared . the rotor 198 then positions the socket 204 at the exit port where the slide extractor ( not shown in figure ) engages and removes the universal slide mount 122 from the specimen preparation unit 10 . the rotor 1098 then returns the socket 204 to the aliquoting station , where the aliquoting slide 28 is returned to its original position , sealing the specimen channels . the socket 204 is then returned to the exit port and the specimen preparation unit 10 expelled by a pin that extends through the specimen preparation unit ejection port . the socket 204 is then reoriented and returned to the loading port ready to receive the next specimen preparation unit 10 to be processed . in fig1 the rotor assembly 204 is shown with two articulated heads . in practice , the number of rotor arms and heads can vary . fig1 depicts in perspective the detail of the articulated rotor head 230 . the socket 204 is rotated in the two planes indicated in fig1 by the action of the two indexing mechanisms 232 and 234 . a circumferential gear 263 extends around the center of the socket 204 . the circumferential gear 263 rests on a bearing flange 236 formed on the bottom trunion half 237 . a similar flange is formed on the top trunion half 238 . when the trunion block is assembled , the gear 263 is trapped between these two flanges except for a small opening through which the pawl 256 passes to move the socket incrementally in an axial direction when the axial indexing mechanism 234 is activated . polar rotation is accomplished by a similar indexing mechanism 232 that operates on a racket wheel 252 that is affixed to one trunion pin . the polar indexing mechanism 232 consists of an actuating cylinder 250 which houses a piston 241 , a pawl 242 and pawl spring 244 , and a return spring 246 , all held in place with a snap ring 248 . the pawl 242 engages the rachet wheel 252 and moves it one gear tooth each time a pulse of air is delivered to the indexing mechanism 232 . the axial indexing mechanism consists of similar parts and operates in a similar fashion . again the actuating cylinder 262 contains a piston 254 , pawl 256 , return spring 258 , and snap ring 260 . the indexing mechanisms 232 and 234 thus engage the socket 204 and move it incrementally to orient the specimen preparation unit as desired . the actuating cylinders 250 and 262 communicate with the air pressure source through air channels embodied in the rotor side rails 264 . these in turn communicate with a similar number of channels that traverse the drive shaft of the spin motor 192 seen in fig1 . these channels communicate in turn with distribution grooves embodied in the air distribution collar 202 . each distribution groove communicates with an air line 200 that communicates with a valve in the air valve unit 194 . thus the operation of a particular air valve by computer signal produces the rotation of the socket 204 by one increment in the desired direction . by this means , the orientation of the socket 204 to position the proper face of the specimen processing unit 10 in the direction of centrifugal force can be accomplished by computer instruction . the foregoing description is intended to illustrate the present invention but not to limit its scope or detail . accordingly , numerous additions , substitutions and other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims . ______________________________________legend______________________________________10 specimen preparation 141 receiving chamberunit 142 entry channel12 collection module 144 valve and channel14 aliquoting module 146 dividing chamber16 processing module 148 channel and valve18 longitudinal keyway 150 volumetric wells20 specimen 151 projection22 receiving chamber 152 valve24 channel or manifold 154 valve26 measuring chamber 156 vial transfer chamber28 aliquoting slide 158 orifice30 diluent chamber 160 vial transfer channel32 diluent 162 slide transfer chamber33 one - way valve 163 valve34 processing module 164 transfer channel36 diluted specimen 168 orifice37 waste chamber 170 transfer channel38 delay chamber continuation40 slide chamber 172 orifice42 microslide 174 waste chamber43 slide mount 180 film patch54 fully prepared specimen 182 cuvette array56 specimen vial 184 centrifugal processing58 entry port unit60 rubber seal 186 enclosure62 seal retainer 188 base plate64 exit port 190 electronic interface66 blood sample 191 air supply interconnect68 seal 192 spin motor70 entry port 194 air valve unit71 diaphragm 196 electronic unit72 slide 198 rotor74 cavity 200 supply tube76 latch block 202 air distribution collar78 spring 204 sockets80 latch grooves 206 socket cavity84 stylet 208 indexing mechanism86 manifold 210 aliquot actuation port90 main housing 212 vial extraction port92 diluent reservoir 214 ejection portassembly 216 trunion shaft94 reservoir cover 218 trunion block96 sample entry ports 224 arrow - axial rotation98 channels 226 arrow - polar rotation100 diluent reservoirs 228 arrow - rotor motion102 actuating ports 230 articulated rotor head104 seal break - off wells 232 indexing mechanism , polar106 exit ports 234 indexing mechanism , axial108 vent ports 236 bearing flange110 diluent exit ports 237 bottom trunion half112 break - off seals 238 top trunion half116 outer deck 241 piston118 valve deck 242 panel120 inner deck 244 pawl spring122 universal slide mount 246 return spring124 orienting bevels 248 snap ring126 labels 250 actuating cylinder128 slide retainer 252 ratchet wheel130 fill / vent tube assembly 254 piston132 vial socket 256 panel133 vial extractor port 258 return spring134 transfer chamber 260 snap ring136 chambers 262 actuating chamber138 slide extractor port 263 circumferential gear140 retaining tabs 264 rotor side 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