Rotor with improved spill control

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a rotor assembly including a rotor body having a plurality of rotor wells. The rotor body includes an upstanding annular lip defining an annular containment groove configured to capture and retain material leaked from a sample container received in a rotor well during rotation of the rotor assembly. The rotor body further includes an annular containment lip forming a continuous extension of the annular containment groove. The rotor assembly includes a cover selectively attachable to an open end of the rotor body, the cover including a first undercut channel configured to receive a portion of a first sealing gasket formed as an annular disc. The cover is supported above an upper surface of the rotor body by the annular containment lip such that the first sealing gasket is positioned between the cover and the annular containment lip to form a seal between the cover and the rotor body.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 320,324, filed on March 16, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to centrifuge rotors, and more specifically to a connection between a rotor cap and a centrifuge rotor for retaining material leaking from a sample container during centrifuge rotor rotation. Background Technology

[0004] Centrifuge rotors are commonly used in laboratory centrifuges to hold samples during centrifugation. While centrifuge rotors can vary considerably in construction and size, a common rotor configuration is a fixed-angle rotor with a solid rotor body containing multiple receiving chambers or rotor wells radially distributed within the rotor body and arranged symmetrically about the rotor's axis of rotation. Samples in appropriately sized sample containers are placed within these rotor wells, allowing for the centrifugation of multiple samples while the rotor rotates.

[0005] Fixed-angle centrifuge rotors are typically used in high-speed rotational applications, where centrifuge speeds can exceed hundreds or even thousands of revolutions per minute. During the centrifugation of samples contained within sample containers held by the centrifuge rotor, these high centrifugal forces can cause sample material to leak through the sample container closure. For example, such leakage may be caused by a broken sample container or a loose or detached lid. In any case, if sample material leaks or spills from the sample container during or before centrifugation, it is important to contain the leaked sample material within the rotor to maintain a safe and clean working environment.

[0006] In light of the above, certain overflow suppression improvements have been made to the centrifuge rotor to prevent leaked or spilled material from being ejected from the centrifuge rotor during centrifugation. One such improvement is the use of a cap with an O-ring gasket to seal the centrifuge rotor. [TP109659USUTL1] is used with the centrifuge rotor.

[0007] An example of such a cover is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,147,392 (owned by the assignee of this disclosure), the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Another example for containing leaked material within a centrifuge rotor during centrifugation is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,272,446 (owned by the assignee of this disclosure), the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. In this improvement, the upright annular lip of the centrifuge rotor is provided with an annular liquid inhibition groove, which is spaced above the upper end of the rotor body. This annular liquid inhibition groove is configured to capture leaked sample material during centrifugation, preventing it from being ejected from the rotor during centrifugation.

[0008] However, as the speed of the centrifuge rotor increases to achieve sufficient material separation for high-speed rotational applications, this can result in forces of up to 40,000 xg being applied to the sample contained in the sample container, thus requiring further improvements to the centrifuge rotor to prevent leaked or spilled sample material from being discharged from the centrifuge rotor at these high speeds.

[0009] Therefore, centrifuge rotors need to have an improved connection between the rotor cover and the centrifuge rotor to retain sample material that leaks or spills from the sample container during high-speed rotation of the centrifuge rotor. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention overcomes the aforementioned and other shortcomings and disadvantages of conventional overflow suppression designs for centrifuge rotors used for centrifugation. While the invention will be discussed in conjunction with certain embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, a rotor assembly is provided, the rotor assembly including a rotor body having a plurality of rotor wells circumferentially spaced around a rotation axis of the rotor body. Each rotor well includes an open end formed in an upper surface of the rotor body and is configured to receive a sample container within the rotor well. The rotor body includes an upright annular lip extending axially above the upper surface of the rotor body to define the open end of the rotor body and to define an annular suppression groove and an annular suppression lip, the annular suppression groove being configured to capture and retain material leaking from the sample container received within the rotor well during rotation of the rotor assembly, the annular suppression lip extending radially inward toward the rotation axis of the rotor body to form a continuous extension of the annular suppression groove. The rotor assembly includes a cap selectively attachable to the open end of the rotor body to form a cavity between the upper surface of the rotor body and a lower side of the cap. The cap includes a first undercut channel extending radially inward from the periphery of the cap [TP109659USUTL1].

[0012] Extending circumferentially around the cover, the first undercut channel is configured to receive part of a first sealing gasket, which is formed as an annular disc having a generally flat and parallel upper and lower surface. The cover is supported above the upper surface of the rotor body by the annular retaining lip, such that the first sealing gasket is positioned between the cover and the annular retaining lip to form a seal between the cover and the rotor body.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover of the rotor assembly includes an upper peripheral portion, a middle peripheral portion, and a lower peripheral portion. The middle peripheral portion and the lower peripheral portion are separated from each other by the first undercut channel. In another aspect, the upper peripheral portion defines a first outer diameter of the cover, the middle peripheral portion defines a second outer diameter of the cover smaller than the first outer diameter, and the lower peripheral portion defines a third outer diameter of the cover smaller than the second outer diameter. In yet another aspect of the invention, the lower peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite the radially inward end wall of the annular retaining lip to define a first interface between the cover and the rotor body. In this respect, the first sealing gasket is configured to extend from the first undercut channel across the first interface to cover the annular retaining lip.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the cover includes a second undercut channel configured to receive a portion therein of a second sealing gasket. The second undercut channel is formed between the upper peripheral portion and the middle peripheral portion of the cover. In another aspect, the middle peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite the inner wall of the upright annular lip to define a second interface between the cover and the rotor body. According to another aspect of the invention, the inner wall of the upright annular lip is stepped to define an annular flange configured to align with the second undercut channel of the cover such that the second sealing gasket extends from the second undercut channel across the second interface to cover the annular flange.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the annular suppressing lip includes a chamfered surface extending between the radially inward end wall of the annular suppressing lip and the annular suppressing groove. In another aspect of the invention, the radially inward end of the chamfered surface is flush with the lower side of the cover to form a smooth transition between the lower side of the cover and the annular suppressing groove.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the cover includes an upper peripheral portion, a middle peripheral portion, and a lower peripheral portion, the upper peripheral portion and the middle peripheral portion being separated from each other by the second undercut channel. In another aspect, the upper peripheral portion defines a first outer diameter of the cover, the middle peripheral portion defines a second outer diameter of the cover smaller than the first outer diameter, and the lower peripheral portion defines a third outer diameter of the cover smaller than the second outer diameter. In yet another aspect, the lower peripheral portion is positioned laterally opposite the radially inward end wall of the annular retaining lip to define a first interface between the cover and the rotor body. [TP109659USUTL1]

[0017] Specifically, the first sealing gasket is configured to extend from the first undercut channel across the first interface to cover the annular restraining lip. On the other hand, the lower side of the cover is partially defined by a continuously curved surface and a chamfered surface, the chamfered surface extending between the continuously curved surface and the lower peripheral portion of the cover defining the third outer diameter. According to one aspect, the chamfered surface forms a continuous extension of the annular restraining groove at the first interface.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the rotor body is a fixed-angle rotor body. According to another aspect of the invention, the rotor assembly is integrated with a centrifuge.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, a rotor assembly is provided, comprising a rotor body having a plurality of rotor wells circumferentially spaced around a rotation axis of the rotor body. Each rotor well includes an open end formed in an upper surface of the rotor body and is configured to receive a sample container within the rotor well. The rotor body includes an upright annular lip extending axially above the upper surface of the rotor body to define the open end of the rotor body. The upright annular lip defines an annular suppression groove, an annular suppression lip, and a top inner wall. The annular suppression groove is configured to capture and retain material leaking from a sample container received within at least one of the plurality of rotor wells during rotation of the rotor assembly. The annular suppression lip extends radially inward toward the rotation axis of the rotor body to form a continuous extension of the annular suppression groove. The top inner wall extends between the open end of the rotor body and the annular suppression lip. The rotor assembly also includes a cap selectively attachable to the open end of the rotor body to form a cavity between the upper surface of the rotor body and a lower side of the cap. The cover includes a first undercut channel and a second undercut channel. The first undercut channel extends radially inward from the periphery of the cover and circumferentially around the cover. The first undercut channel is configured to receive a portion of a first sealing gasket within the first undercut channel. The second undercut channel extends radially inward from the periphery of the cover and circumferentially around the cover. The second undercut channel is configured to receive a portion of a second sealing gasket within the second undercut channel. The cover is supported above the upper surface of the rotor body by an annular retaining lip, such that the first sealing gasket is positioned between the cover and the annular retaining lip to form a first seal between the cover and the rotor body, and the second sealing gasket is positioned between the cover and the top inner wall to form a second seal between the cover and the rotor body.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the first sealing gasket is an annular disc having a generally flat and parallel upper and lower surface.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the cover includes an upper peripheral portion, a middle peripheral portion, and a lower peripheral portion, the upper peripheral portion and the middle peripheral portion being separated from each other by the second undercut channel, and [TP109659USUTL1]

[0022] The middle peripheral portion and the lower peripheral portion are separated from each other by the first undercut channel. According to another aspect, the upper peripheral portion defines a first outer diameter of the cover, the middle peripheral portion defines a second outer diameter of the cover smaller than the first outer diameter, and the lower peripheral portion defines a third outer diameter of the cover smaller than the second outer diameter. According to one aspect, the lower peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite the radially inward end wall of the annular retaining lip to define a first interface between the cover and the rotor body. In this respect, the first sealing gasket is configured to extend from the first undercut channel across the first interface to cover the annular retaining lip. According to another aspect, the middle peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite the inner wall of the upright annular lip to define a second interface between the cover and the rotor body.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the inner wall of the upright annular lip is stepped to define an annular flange, the annular flange being configured to align with the second undercut channel of the cover, such that the second sealing gasket extends from the second undercut channel across the second interface to cover the annular flange. In one aspect, the annular restraining lip includes a chamfered surface extending between the radially inward end wall of the annular restraining lip and the annular restraining groove. In another aspect, the radially inward end of the chamfered surface is flush with the underside of the cover to form a smooth transition between the underside of the cover and the annular restraining groove.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the rotor body is a fixed-angle rotor body.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention, a rotor assembly is provided, comprising a rotor body having a plurality of rotor wells circumferentially spaced around a rotation axis of the rotor body. Each of the plurality of rotor wells includes an open end formed in an upper surface of the rotor body and is configured to receive a sample container within the rotor well. The rotor body includes an upright annular lip extending axially above the upper surface of the rotor body to define the open end of the rotor body. The upright annular lip defines an annular suppression groove and an annular suppression lip, the annular suppression groove being configured to capture and retain material leaking from at least one sample container received within at least one of the plurality of rotor wells during rotation of the rotor assembly, the annular suppression lip extending radially inward toward the rotation axis of the rotor body to form a continuous extension of the annular suppression groove. The rotor assembly also includes a cap selectively attachable to the open end of the rotor body to form a cavity between the upper surface of the rotor body and a lower side of the cap. The cover has a stepped profile that defines an annular shoulder with an annular notch. The annular shoulder is configured to receive a first sealing gasket with an annular protrusion, which is configured to be received within the annular notch to maintain contact between the first sealing gasket and the annular shoulder. [TP109659USUTL1]

[0026] The cover is supported above the upper surface of the rotor body by the annular retaining lip, such that the first sealing gasket is positioned between the annular shoulder and the annular retaining lip to form a seal between the cover and the rotor body.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover includes an upper peripheral portion and a lower peripheral portion separated from each other by the annular shoulder. The upper peripheral portion defines a first outer diameter of the cover, and the lower peripheral portion defines a second outer diameter of the cover that is smaller than the first outer diameter. According to another aspect, the lower peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite to the radially inward end wall of the annular retaining lip to define a first interface between the cover and the rotor body, and the upper peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite to the inner wall of the upright annular lip to define a second interface between the cover and the rotor body. According to yet another aspect, the cover includes an undercut channel formed in the upper peripheral portion, the undercut channel being configured to receive a portion therein of a second sealing gasket. According to one aspect, the upper peripheral portion defines the first outer diameter and the third outer diameter of the cover, the first outer diameter and the third outer diameter being separated from each other by the first undercut channel, the third outer diameter being smaller than the first outer diameter but larger than the second outer diameter.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the inner wall of the upright annular lip defines an annular flange configured to align with the undercut channel of the cover, such that the second sealing gasket extends from the first undercut channel across the second interface to cover the annular flange. According to another aspect, the annular retaining lip includes a chamfered surface extending between the radially inward end wall of the annular retaining lip and the annular retaining groove. According to yet another aspect, the radially inward end of the chamfered surface is flush with the underside of the cover to form a smooth transition between the underside of the cover and the annular retaining groove.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the rotor body is a fixed-angle rotor body. According to another aspect of the invention, the rotor assembly is integrated with a centrifuge.

[0030] Various additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the specific embodiments given below, serve to explain one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary centrifuge rotor including a rotor body and a cover according to one aspect of the invention, wherein the cover of the centrifuge rotor is removed.

[0033] [TP109659USUTL1]

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the rotor, with the cover attached to the rotor body, shows a sample container mounted in the rotor well for centrifuging samples contained therein.

[0035] Figure 3A It is similar to Figure 3B An enlarged, detailed view showing the cover removed from the rotor body.

[0036] Figure 3B yes Figure 2 A magnified view of the outline region 3A in the image.

[0037] Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 3B An enlarged view shows the details of the engagement between the rotor cover and the upright annular lip of the rotor body according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Figure 5This is a perspective view of an exemplary centrifuge rotor including a rotor body and a cover according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cover of the centrifuge rotor is removed.

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the rotor, showing the cover attached to the rotor body.

[0040] Figure 7A It is similar to Figure 7B An enlarged, detailed view showing the cover removed from the rotor body.

[0041] Figure 7B yes Figure 6 A magnified view of the outline region 7A in the image.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic view showing a centrifuge rotor installed in an exemplary centrifuge. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figures 1 to 2 An exemplary centrifuge rotor 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The rotor 10 (also referred to as a rotor assembly) includes a rotor body 12 and a rotor cover 14 configured to engage with an open end 16 of the rotor body 12 during sample centrifugation and, for example, be supported above an upper surface 18 of the rotor body 12. The rotor body 12 is symmetrical about a rotation axis 20 and includes a plurality of rotor wells 22 (also referred to as receiving chambers or cell pores) formed in the rotor body 12 and radially distributed in a symmetrical arrangement around a vertical aperture 24 formed through the axial center of the rotor 10. For this purpose, during high-speed rotation of the rotor 10, the cover 14 prevents entry into one or more sample containers contained in the rotor wells 22.

[0044] Each rotor well 22 formed in the rotor body 12 is generally cylindrical in shape and extends from an opening 26 in the upper surface 18 of the rotor body 12 to a closed rotor well base 28 near the bottom surface 30 of the rotor body 12. As used herein, the “upper surface” of the rotor body 12 refers to the approximately topmost opening end 16 of the rotor body 12 along the axis of rotation 20 of the rotor 10, at which sample containers are loaded and unloaded. Conversely, the “bottom surface” of the rotor body 12 refers to the approximately bottommost end of the rotor body 12 along the axis of rotation 20, at which the rotor is supported by the centrifuge 32. Figure 8 ).

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, each rotor well 22 is fixed at a certain angle relative to the rotation axis 20 of the rotor 10, and the opening 26 leading to each rotor well 22 is positioned closer to the rotation axis 20 of the rotor 10 than the base 28 corresponding to the rotor well 22. In this respect, the exemplary rotor 10 is a fixed-angle rotor [TP109659USUTL1].

[0046] The rotor, and in many respects may be similar to the rotor fully described in U.S. Patent No. 8,323,169, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and has six tubular rotor wells 22 for receiving sample containers therein. However, while the rotor 10 is shown and described in the context of a fixed-angle rotor with certain characteristics, it should be understood that, for example, the same inventive concepts related to embodiments of the invention can be implemented with different types of centrifuge rotors, such as basket rotors and vertical rotors, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the accompanying drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0047] The exemplary rotor 10 is a high-speed fixed-angle rotor. For these types of fixed-angle rotors, it is preferable to include a limited number of rotor wells 22, such as ten or fewer. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the rotor body 12 includes six rotor wells 22. Each rotor well 22 is appropriately sized to accommodate a suitably sized cylindrical centrifuge bottle assembly 34 for centrifuging samples stored in the bottle assembly 34. Figure 2 The centrifuge bottle 34 shown is merely illustrative, and it should be understood that other sample containers may be accommodated in the rotor well 22 for sample centrifugation. In any case, the bottle assembly 34 includes a sample container 36 configured to contain a volume of sample and a cap 38 threadedly connected to the sample container 36 for containing the sample in the container 36. Typical centrifugation operations may include placing a bottle assembly 34 containing a volume of sample in each rotor well 22 for sample centrifugation. For this purpose, for example, it is not uncommon for the centrifugal forces experienced at high speeds to cause sample material to leak from the bottle assembly 34 through the connection between the sample container 36 and the cap 38.

[0048] Reference Figures 1 to 2The rotor 10 also includes a first sealing gasket 40 and a second sealing gasket 42, which are configured to engage with a generally disc-shaped cover 14 to extend around the periphery of the cover 14. More specifically, when the cover 14 is engaged with the rotor body 12, the first sealing gasket 40 and the second sealing gasket 42 are positioned between the cover 14 and the upright annular lip 44 of the rotor body 12 to form a seal between them, thereby sealing the open end 16 of the rotor body 12 defined by the upright annular lip 44. As further detailed below, the engagement between the cover 14 and the upright annular lip 44 of the rotor body 12 is used to contain leaked or spilled sample material within the centrifuge rotor 10 during centrifugation, and more specifically during the high rotational speed of the rotor 10. In this regard, the exemplary high-speed fixed-angle rotor 10 is used in high-speed rotational applications where the rotor well 22 and the sample supported therein may rotate at speeds exceeding thousands or tens of thousands of revolutions per minute (rpm). For example, typical high-speed centrifugation applications may require the rotor 10 to rotate at rates between 10,000 rpm and 17,000 rpm, and up to 37,000 rpm, to achieve adequate material separation.

[0049] [TP109659USUTL1]

[0050] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 2 The rotor cover 14 includes a handle assembly 46 with a handle 48 for assisting a user in attaching and removing the cover 14 relative to the rotor body 12. Specifically, the handle 48 can be rotated to lock the cover 14 to or open the cover 14 from the rotor body 12, and can be gripped to move the cover 14 vertically to engage with or away from the rotor body 12 after loading or unloading the sample container 34. Additionally, the handle 48 can be gripped by the user to support the rotor 10 in a substantially vertical direction, for example, when inserting or removing the rotor 10 from the centrifuge 32, or, for example, when transporting the rotor 10.

[0051] Handle assembly 46 also includes a cover screw 50 configured to be threadedly connected to a cover screw retainer 52 for securing the rotor cover 14 to the rotor body 12, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown. The cap screw retainer 52 defines the hub 54 and is threadedly connected to the hub retainer 56 in an arrangement coaxial with the vertical hole 24 formed in the rotor body 12. In this respect, the vertical hole 24 is configured to receive a series of hardware, such as the hub retainer 56, the cap screw retainer 52, and the cap screw 50, to secure the rotor 10 to the centrifuge spindle 58 of the centrifuge 32. Figure 8 ), for high-speed centrifugal rotation of rotor 10.

[0052] Figure 2 A rotor cover 14 is depicted attached to the rotor body 12. In this regard, a cover screw 50 is axially inserted through a vertical hole 24, and a handle 48 is used to engage the cover screw 50 with a cover screw retainer 52. Rotation of the cover screw 50 via the handle 48 can be performed by the user to thread the cover screw 50 into and out of the cover screw retainer 52. When the cover screw 50 is fully threaded into the cover screw retainer 52, the base portion of the handle 48 applies an axial compressive force to the rotor cover 14, thereby securing the cover 14 to the rotor body 12. When thus positioned, the rotor cover 14 prevents entry into the sample container 34 contained in the rotor well 22, and forms a cavity 60 between the upper surface 18 of the rotor body 12 and the lower side 62 of the cover 14. As further detailed below, the sealing engagement between the rotor cover 14 and the rotor body 12 serves to contain sample material leaking from the sample container 34 during high-speed centrifugation within the cavity 60, thereby maintaining, for example, a safe and clean working environment.

[0053] Continue to refer to Figure 2 An upright annular lip 44 of the rotor body 12 extends axially above the upper surface 18 of the rotor body 12 to define an opening end 16 of the rotor body 12, and is configured to receive the outer circumferential portion of the rotor cover 14 to support the rotor cover 14 above the upper surface 18 of the rotor body 12. The upright annular lip 44 is shaped to define an annular suppression groove 64 and an annular suppression lip 66, which extend radially inward toward the rotation axis 20 of the rotor 10. Both the annular suppression lip 66 and the annular suppression groove 64 extend circumferentially around the upright annular lip 44. Figures 3A to 3B As shown, an annular suppressing lip 66 defines an annular horizontal flange 68 that extends between the inner wall 70 of the upright annular lip 44 [TP109659USUTL1] and the radially inward end wall 72 of the annular suppressing lip 66. The inner wall 70 of the upright annular lip 44 is formed with a stepped profile and extends between the horizontal flange 68 of the annular suppressing lip 66 and the opening end 16 of the rotor body 12. An annular suppressing groove 64 extends between the upper surface 18 of the rotor body 12 and the annular suppressing lip 66. For this purpose, the annular suppressing lip 66 forms a continuous extension of the annular suppressing groove 64.

[0054] The annular suppression groove 64 is axially spaced and concave above the upper surface 18 of the rotor body 12, extending radially outward from the upper surface 18 of the rotor body 12. In this respect, the curvature of the annular suppression groove 64 is used to capture the majority of any sample material leaking from the sample container 34 into the cavity 60, thereby preventing leaked sample material from being discharged from the rotor 10 during centrifugation. However, in some cases, leaked sample material must travel along the lower side 62 of the cover 14 and cross the interface between the cover 14 and the rotor body 12 before being captured in the annular suppression groove 64. For a conventional high-speed fixed-angle rotor, if a sufficient amount of leaked sample material crosses the interface between the cover 14 and the rotor body 12, the centrifugal force exerted by the rotor 10 at high speed can generate sufficient fluid pressure to force the leaked sample material through the interface and out of the rotor cavity 60. As described in more detail below, the improved engagement between the cover 14 and the rotor body 12 of the present invention facilitates the movement of leaked sample material at the interface between the cover 14 and the rotor body 12, and prevents leaked sample material from being discharged from the cavity 60 of the rotor 10 during rotation of the rotor 10 (especially at high speeds).

[0055] like Figure 3A As shown, the inner wall 70 of the upright annular lip 44 is formed by a stepped profile that defines an upper inner wall 74 and a lower inner wall 76 separated by an annular flange 78. In this respect, the upper inner wall 74 defines an upper inner diameter D1 of the upright annular lip 44, which is larger than the lower inner diameter D2 defined by the lower inner wall 76. In other words, the upper inner wall 74 is further radially away from the rotation axis 20 of the rotor 10 than the lower inner wall 76. The difference between the two diameters D1 and D2 defines the width of the annular flange 78 extending between the upper inner wall 74 and the lower inner wall 76. The stepped profile of the upright annular lip 44 corresponds to the shape of the periphery of the cover 14, as described below.

[0056] Reference Figures 3A to 3B The periphery of the cover 14 is stepped to define an upper peripheral portion 80, a middle peripheral portion 82, and a lower peripheral portion 84. The cover 14 includes a first undercut channel 86 formed between the lower peripheral portion 84 and the upper / middle peripheral portions 80, 82, the first undercut channel being configured to receive a portion therein of a first sealing gasket 40. The first undercut channel 86 extends circumferentially around the periphery of the cover 14 and defines a portion of a first annular shoulder 88 of the cover 14. The cover 14 also includes [TP109659USUTL1]

[0057] A second undercut channel 90 is formed between the middle peripheral portion 82 and the upper peripheral portion 80, the second undercut channel being configured to receive a portion therein of the second sealing gasket 42. The second undercut channel 90 also extends circumferentially around the periphery of the cover 14 and defines a portion of the second annular shoulder 92 of the cover 14. For this purpose, the upper peripheral portion 80 defines a first outer diameter D3 of the cover 14, the middle peripheral portion 82 defines a second outer diameter D4 of the cover 14, and the lower peripheral portion 84 defines a third outer diameter D5 of the cover 14. The first outer diameter D3 of the cover 14 is greater than the second outer diameter D4 of the cover 14, which is greater than the third outer diameter D5 of the cover 14 (i.e., D3>D4>D5).

[0058] like Figure 3B As shown, when the cover 14 is attached to the rotor body 12, the lower peripheral portion 84 is positioned laterally opposite to the end wall 72 of the annular suppressing lip 66 to form a first interface 94 between the cover 14 and the rotor body 12. The middle peripheral portion 82 is positioned laterally opposite to the lower inner wall 76 of the upright annular lip 44 to form a second interface 96. The upper peripheral portion 80 is positioned laterally opposite to the upper inner wall 74 of the upright annular lip 44 to form a third interface 98 between the cover 14 and the rotor body 12. The first annular shoulder 88 of the cover 14 is configured as a horizontal flange 68 facing the annular suppressing lip 66, and the second annular shoulder 92 is configured as an annular flange 78 facing the upright annular lip 44 to support the cover 14 above the upper surface 18 of the rotor body 12. Ideally, the cover 14 is configured such that when the cover 14 rests on the annular flange 78 of the horizontal flange 68 and the upright annular lip 44, there is a sliding contact at each interface 94, 96, 98 between the cover 14 and the upright annular lip 44 that does not impede the removal of the cover 14. To form a tight seal, the cover 14 is pushed downward using the handle assembly 46, as described above. Figure 3B As shown, when pressed down, the first sealing gasket 40 and the second sealing gasket 42, housed in the corresponding undercut channels 86 and 90, expand radially to form a seal between the cover 14 and the rotor body 12.

[0059] like Figures 3A to 3BAs shown, the first undercut channel 86 is configured to receive a portion of the first sealing gasket 40 therein. More specifically, the first undercut channel 86 extends radially inward from the lower peripheral portion 84 of the cover 14 toward the center of the cover 14 to define a first annular edge 100 of the cover 14. A portion of the first sealing gasket 40 received within the first undercut channel 86 is sandwiched between the first annular edge 100 and the first annular shoulder 88 of the cover 14. For this purpose, the first annular edge 100 extends circumferentially around the periphery of the cover 14. For example, the fit between the first sealing gasket 40 and the first undercut channel 86 can be a friction fit to secure the first sealing gasket 40 to the cover 14. Due to the presence of the friction fit, when the cover 14 is removed from the rotor body 12, as... Figure 3A As shown, the first sealing gasket 40 is held engaged with the cover 14 via a first undercut channel 86. The first sealing gasket 40 is formed as an annular disc having a generally flat and parallel upper and lower surface. The first sealing gasket 40 is [TP109659USUTL1].

[0060] It is usually located between the first undercut channel 86 and the middle peripheral portion 82 and extends along the first annular shoulder 88 of the cover 14.

[0061] Continue to refer to Figures 3A to 3B The second undercut channel 90 extends between the upper peripheral portion 80 and the middle peripheral portion 14 of the cover 14 and is configured to receive a portion therein of the second sealing gasket 42. More specifically, the second undercut channel 90 extends radially inward from the middle peripheral portion 82 of the cover 14 toward the center of the cover 14 to define a second annular edge 102 of the cover 14. For this purpose, the second annular edge 102 extends circumferentially around the periphery of the cover 14. As shown, the second sealing gasket 42 may be, for example, an O-ring, which is partially received within the second undercut channel 90, such that a portion of the second sealing gasket 42 is sandwiched between the second annular shoulder 92 and the second annular edge 102. Therefore, the fit between the second sealing gasket 42 and the second undercut channel 90 can be considered, for example, a friction fit. Due to the presence of a friction fit, when the cover 14 is removed from the rotor body 12, as Figure 3A As shown, the second sealing gasket 42 is held engaged with the cover 14 via a second undercut channel 90. Since the exemplary second sealing gasket 42 is shown as an O-ring, its cross-sectional shape is circular. However, it should be understood that the second sealing gasket 42 may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as square or other polygonal shapes.

[0062] like Figure 3BAs shown, when the cover 14 is attached to the rotor body 12, the first annular edge 100 is aligned with the horizontal flange 68 of the annular retaining lip 66, such that the first sealing gasket 40 extends from the first undercut channel 86 across the first interface 94 to the lower inner wall 76 of the upright annular lip 44 to cover the horizontal flange 68 of the annular retaining lip 66. Due to this arrangement, when the cover 14 is pressed down, the first sealing gasket 40 is pressed between a portion of the first annular shoulder 88 of the cover 14 and the horizontal flange 68 of the annular retaining lip 66 to form a seal between the cover 14 and the rotor body 12 on the first interface 94. Similarly, the second annular edge 102 is aligned with the annular flange 78 of the upright annular lip 44, such that the second sealing gasket 42 extends from the second undercut channel 90 across the second interface 96 to the upper inner wall 74 of the upright annular lip 44 to cover the annular flange 78. Due to this arrangement, when the cover 14 is pressed down, the second sealing gasket 42 is pressed between a portion of the second annular shoulder 92 of the cover 14 and the annular flange 78 of the upright annular lip 44 to form a seal between the cover 14 and the rotor body 12 at the second interface 96. The sealing effect provided by the combination of the first sealing gasket 40 and the second sealing gasket 42, as well as the stepped labyrinthine engagement between the cover 14 and the rotor body 12, serves to contain any leaked or spilled sample material within the cavity 60 of the rotor 10 at high speeds.

[0063] As described above, in some cases, leaked sample material must travel along the lower side 62 of the cover 14 and cross the first interface 94 before it can be trapped in the annular liquid suppression tank 64. [TP109659USUTL1]

[0064] At rotational speeds, such as 16,500 rpm, fluid pressure may force leaking sample material through interface 94 and toward the first sealing gasket 40. To prevent leaking sample material from entering the first interface 94, the annular inhibition lip 66 includes a chamfered surface 104 extending between the radially inward end wall 72 of the annular inhibition lip 66 and the annular inhibition groove 64. Figure 3B As shown, the radially inward end of the chamfered surface 104 is flush with the lower side 62 of the cover 14 to form a smooth transition between the lower side 62 of the cover 14 and the surface of the annular suppression groove 64. This smooth transition provides a path of least resistance for leaked sample material that may travel along the lower side 62 of the cover 14 to the annular suppression groove 64. Therefore, during the rotation of the rotor 10, leaked sample material will flow through the first interface 94 and enter the annular suppression groove 64 to be contained, rather than flowing into the first interface 94.

[0065] A prototype of the rotor assembly 10 described above was tested to evaluate the performance of the improved spill suppression. It was observed that the embodiment of the present invention successfully prevented up to 10% of the volume of leaked sample material from the centrifuge rotor at a speed of 16,500 rpm in a single 250 mL centrifuge bottle assembly.

[0066] Now for reference Figure 4 Where the same numbers represent the same features, details of a portion of an exemplary rotor 10a are shown in another embodiment of the invention. The main difference between the rotor 10a of this embodiment and the rotor 10 of the aforementioned embodiment is that the first annular shoulder 88a of the cover 14a includes an annular recess 106 configured to receive an annular protrusion 108 of the first sealing gasket 40a to maintain engagement between the first sealing gasket 40a and the first annular shoulder 88a of the cover 14a. Due to the interlocking engagement between the annular recess 106 and the annular protrusion 108 of the first sealing gasket 40a, the cover 14a does not include a first undercut channel 86 like the cover 14 of the aforementioned embodiment. Instead, the circumferential sidewall 110 of the lower peripheral portion 84a extends directly between the first annular shoulder 88a and the lower side 62a of the cover 14a. Therefore, when the cover 14a is attached to the rotor body 12, as shown, the first sealing gasket 40a extends between the circumferential sidewall 110 of the lower peripheral portion 84a and the lower inner sidewall 76 of the upright annular lip 44 to cover the horizontal flange 68 of the annular restraining lip 66. For this purpose, when the cover 14a is pressed downwards, the first sealing gasket 40a is pressed between the first annular shoulder 88a of the cover 14a and the horizontal flange 68 of the annular restraining lip 66.

[0067] The annular notch 106 formed in the shoulder 88a and the annular protrusion 108 of the first sealing gasket 40a both have circular cross-sectional shapes. However, other cross-sectional shapes are also possible, such as triangular, trapezoidal, or other suitable polygonal shapes. The interlocking engagement between the annular notch 106 and the annular protrusion 108 can be described as a dovetail joint. The flexibility of the gasket material used to form the first sealing gasket 40a allows the annular protrusion 108 to be pressed into engagement with the annular notch 106 to attach the first sealing gasket 40a to the cover 14a.

[0068] [TP109659USUTL1]

[0069] Now for reference Figures 5 to 7BWhere the same numbers represent the same features, details of another exemplary rotor 10b are shown in another embodiment of the invention. Although the exemplary rotor 10b of this embodiment is also a high-speed rotor, its rated speed is lower compared to the rotors 10, 10a of the above embodiments. For example, the exemplary rotor 10b of this embodiment may have a maximum speed of 9,000 rpm. Therefore, the main difference between the rotor 10b of this embodiment and the rotors 10, 10a of the aforementioned embodiments is that the cover 14b includes only one sealing gasket, namely the first sealing gasket 40b. Furthermore, the structure of the upright annular lip 44b of the cover 14b and the rotor 10b is modified to accommodate a single gasket seal between them, as further detailed below.

[0070] like Figures 5 to 6 As shown, rotor 10b includes rotor body 12b and rotor cover 14b, which is configured to be coupled to the open end 16b of rotor body 12b during sample centrifugation and supported above the upper surface 18b of rotor body 12b. Rotor body 12b is symmetrical about rotation axis 20b and includes a plurality of rotor wells 22b formed in rotor body 12b and radially distributed symmetrically around a vertical hole 24b formed through the axial center of rotor 10b. For this purpose, rotor 10b is a high-speed fixed-angle rotor, with each rotor well 22b fixed at a certain angle relative to the rotation axis 20b of rotor 10b. Rotor 10b may have six rotor wells 22b, each configured to receive a centrifuge bottle assembly (not shown) of appropriate size for, for example, sample centrifugation.

[0071] The rotor 10b includes a first sealing washer 40b configured to be received around the periphery of a generally disc-shaped cover 14b. When the cover 14b is engaged with the rotor body 12b, the first sealing washer 40b is positioned between the cover 14b and the upright annular lip 44b of the rotor body 12b to form a seal between them, thereby sealing the open end 16b of the rotor body 12b. The rotor cover 14b includes a handle assembly 46b with a handle 48b for assisting a user in attaching and removing the cover 14b relative to the rotor body 12b. In this regard, the handle assembly 46b includes a cover screw 50b configured to be threadedly engaged with a cover screw retainer 52b for securing the rotor cover 14b to the rotor body 12b, as... Figure 6 As shown. For this purpose, the vertical hole 24b is configured to accommodate a series of hardware components, such as a hub retainer 56b, a cap screw retainer 52b, and a cap screw 50b, to secure the rotor 10 to the centrifuge spindle 58 of the centrifuge 32. Figure 8 ), for high-speed centrifugal rotation of rotor 10b.

[0072] Continue to refer to Figure 6The upright annular lip 44b of the rotor body 12b extends axially above the upper surface 18b of the rotor body 12b to define the opening end 16b of the rotor body 12b, and is configured to receive the outer circumferential portion of the rotor cover 14b to support the rotor cover 14b above the upper surface 18b of the rotor body 12b. Figures 7A to 7B As shown, the upright annular lip 44b is shaped to define an annular suppression groove 64b and an annular suppression lip 66b, which are oriented radially inward toward the rotor 10b [TP109659USUTL1].

[0073] The rotating shaft 20b extends a certain distance. The annular inhibition lip 66b and the annular inhibition groove 64b both extend circumferentially around the upright annular lip 44b.

[0074] An annular restraining lip 66b defines a horizontal flange 68b that extends between the inner wall 70b of the upright annular lip 44b and the radially inward end wall 72b of the annular restraining lip 66b. Figures 7A to 7B As best shown, the radially inward end wall 72b is stepped to define a top wall section 112 and a bottom wall section 114 separated by an annular flange 116. The inner wall 70b of the upright annular lip 44b extends between the horizontal flange 68b of the annular suppressing lip 44b and the open end 16b of the rotor body 12b. The annular suppressing groove 64b extends between the upper surface 18b of the rotor body 12b and the annular suppressing lip 66b. For this purpose, the annular suppressing lip 66b forms a continuous extension of the annular suppressing groove 64b.

[0075] The annular suppression groove 64b is axially spaced and concave above the upper surface 18b of the rotor body 12b, extending radially outward from the upper surface 18b of the rotor body 12b. Compared to the annular suppression groove 64 of the rotor 10 in the aforementioned embodiment, the curvature of the annular suppression groove 64b in this embodiment can be more significant. In this respect, the upper portion of the annular suppression groove 64b bends inward toward the upper surface 18b of the rotor body 12b to form a small recess. In any case, the annular suppression groove 64b is used to capture sample material leaking from the sample container into the cavity 60b, thereby preventing the leaked sample material from being discharged from the rotor 10b during centrifugation.

[0076] Continue to refer to Figures 7A to 7BThe periphery of the cover 14b is stepped to define an upper peripheral portion 80b, a middle peripheral portion 82b, and a lower peripheral portion 84b. The cover 14b includes a single first undercut channel 86b formed between the upper peripheral portion 80b and the middle peripheral portion 82b, the first undercut channel being configured to receive a portion therein a first sealing gasket 40b. The first undercut channel 86b extends circumferentially around the periphery of the cover 14b and defines a portion of a first annular shoulder 88b of the cover 14b. The stepped profile between the middle peripheral portion 82b and the lower peripheral portion 84b defines a second annular shoulder 92b of the cover 14b. For this purpose, the upper peripheral portion 80b defines a first outer diameter D6 of the cover, the middle peripheral portion defines a second outer diameter D7 of the cover, and the lower peripheral portion defines a third outer diameter D8 of the cover. The first outer diameter D6 of the cover is greater than the second outer diameter D7 of the cover, which is greater than the third outer diameter D8 of the cover (i.e., D6>D7>D8).

[0077] like Figures 7A to 7B As shown, the first undercut channel 86b is configured to receive a portion of the first sealing gasket 40b therein. In this respect, the first undercut channel 86b extends radially inward from the central peripheral portion 82b of the cover 14b toward the center of the cover 14b to define a first annular edge 100b of the cover 14b. A portion of the first sealing gasket 40b received within the undercut channel 86b is sandwiched between the first annular edge 100b and the first annular shoulder 88b of the cover 14b. [TP109659USUTL1]

[0078] Therefore, the first annular edge 100b extends circumferentially around the periphery of the cover 14b. For example, the fit between the first sealing gasket 40b and the first undercut channel 86b can be a friction fit to secure the first sealing gasket 40b to the cover 14b. Due to the friction fit, when the cover 14b is removed from the rotor body 12b, as... Figure 7A As shown, the first sealing gasket 40b is held engaged with the cover 14b via a first undercut channel 86b. The first sealing gasket 40b is formed as an annular disc having a generally flat and parallel upper and lower surface. The first sealing gasket 40b extends from the first undercut channel 86b to the upper peripheral portion 80b and extends along the first annular shoulder 88b.

[0079] When the cover 14b is connected to the rotor body 12b, as Figure 7BAs shown, the lower peripheral portion 84b is positioned laterally opposite the bottom wall section 114 of the end wall 72b of the annular suppressing lip 66b, and the middle peripheral portion 82b is positioned laterally opposite the top wall section 112 of the end wall 72b of the annular suppressing lip 66b, to form a first stepped interface 94b between the cover 14b and the rotor body 12b. The upper peripheral portion 80b is positioned laterally opposite the inner wall 70b of the upright annular lip 44b, to form a second interface 96b between the cover 14b and the rotor body 12b. The first annular shoulder 88b is configured as a horizontal flange 68b facing the annular suppressing lip 66b, and the second annular shoulder 92b is configured as facing the annular flange 116, to support the cover 14b above the upper surface 18b of the rotor body 12b. As shown in the figure, the second annular shoulder 92b can directly engage with the annular flange 116, while the first annular shoulder 88b is indirectly engaged with the horizontal flange 68b via the first sealing gasket 40b. When positioned in this way, the first annular edge 100b is aligned with the horizontal flange 68b of the annular restraining lip 44b, such that the first sealing gasket 40b extends from the first undercut channel 86b across the first interface 94b to the inner wall 70b of the upright annular lip 44b to cover the horizontal flange 68b of the annular restraining lip 66b. Due to this arrangement, when the cover 14b is pressed down, a portion of the first sealing gasket 40b is pressed between a portion of the first annular shoulder 88b of the cover 14b and the horizontal flange 68b of the annular restraining lip 66b to seal the rotor 10b.

[0080] Due to the flat, disc-shaped shape of the first sealing gasket 40b, the gasket extends across the first interface 94b, such that approximately 50% of the gasket 40b lies on either side of the first interface 94b. This forms a robust seal on the first interface 94b, preventing any leaked sample material from entering the first interface 94b through the first sealing gasket 40b. Furthermore, the labyrinthine configuration of the first interface 94b, due to its stepped shape, makes it difficult for leaked sample material to travel upwards along the first interface 94b to the first sealing gasket 40b. The labyrinthine engagement between the cover 14b and the rotor body 12b at the first interface 94b, combined with the configuration of the first sealing gasket 40b, serves to contain any leaked or spilled sample material within the cavity 60b of the rotor 10b at high speeds.

[0081] [TP109659USUTL1]

[0082] To completely prevent leaked sample material from entering the first interface 94b, the lower side 62b of the cover 14b includes a chamfered surface 120 that extends between the continuously curved surface 122 of the lower side 62b of the cover 14b and the lower peripheral portion 84b of the cover 14b. Figure 7BAs shown, the radially outward end of the chamfered surface 120 is flush with the annular suppression groove 64b to form a smooth transition between the lower side 62b of the cover 14b and the surface of the annular suppression groove 64b. This smooth transition provides a path of least resistance for leaked sample material flowing along the lower side 62b of the cover 14b to the annular suppression groove 64b. Therefore, during the rotation of the rotor 10b, leaked sample material will flow into the annular suppression groove 64b to be contained, rather than flowing into the first interface 94b.

[0083] Figure 8 An exemplary centrifuge 32 according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The centrifuge 32 includes a housing 124, a drive motor 126, a rotor drive shaft or main shaft 58, and one of the aforementioned rotors 10, 10a, 10b mounted on the main shaft 58. In operation, the drive motor 126 rotates the main shaft 128, thereby providing rotational torque to the rotors 10, 10a, 10b to cause them to rotate at a desired speed.

[0084] While the invention has been illustrated by describing various embodiments, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended that the scope of the appended claims be limited or in any way restricted to such details. Therefore, the various features discussed herein can be used alone or in any combination. Further advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Therefore, changes to such details are possible without departing from the overall conception of the invention.

Claims

1. A rotor assembly, comprising: The rotor body has a plurality of rotor wells circumferentially spaced around a rotation axis of the rotor body, each of the plurality of rotor wells having an open end formed in the upper surface of the rotor body and configured to receive a sample container in the rotor well. An upright annular lip extends axially above the upper surface of the rotor body to define an open end of the rotor body. The upright annular lip defines an annular suppression groove and an annular suppression lip. The annular suppression groove is configured to capture and retain material leaking from at least one sample container housed in at least one of the plurality of rotor wells during rotation of the rotor assembly. The annular suppression lip extends radially inward toward the axis of rotation of the rotor body to form a continuous extension of the annular suppression groove. and A cover, which can be selectively attached to the open end of the rotor body to form a cavity between the upper surface of the rotor body and the lower side of the cover, the cover having a first undercut channel extending radially inward from the periphery of the cover and extending circumferentially around the cover, the first undercut channel being configured to receive part of a first sealing gasket, the first sealing gasket comprising an annular disc having a generally flat and parallel upper surface and lower surface; The cover is supported above the upper surface of the rotor body by the annular suppressing lip, such that the first sealing gasket is positioned between the cover and the annular suppressing lip to form a seal between the cover and the rotor body.

2. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover includes an upper peripheral portion, a middle peripheral portion and a lower peripheral portion, the middle peripheral portion and the lower peripheral portion being separated from each other by the first undercut channel.

3. The rotor assembly of claim 2, wherein the upper peripheral portion defines a first outer diameter of the cover, the middle peripheral portion defines a second outer diameter of the cover smaller than the first outer diameter, and the lower peripheral portion defines a third outer diameter of the cover smaller than the second outer diameter.

4. The rotor assembly of claim 3, wherein the lower peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite the radially inward end wall of the annular suppressing lip to define a first interface between the cover and the rotor body, and the first sealing gasket is configured to extend from the first undercut channel across the first interface to cover the annular suppressing lip.

5. The rotor assembly of claim 4, wherein the cover includes a second undercut channel configured to receive a portion therein of a second sealing gasket, the second undercut channel being formed between an upper peripheral portion of the cover and a middle peripheral portion of the cover.

6. The rotor assembly of claim 5, wherein the peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite the inner wall of the upright annular lip to define a second interface between the cover and the rotor body.

7. The rotor assembly of claim 6, wherein the inner wall of the upright annular lip is stepped to define an annular flange, the annular flange being configured to align with the second undercut channel of the cover such that the second sealing gasket extends from the second undercut channel across the second interface to cover the annular flange.

8. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the annular suppression lip includes a chamfered surface extending between the radially inward end wall of the annular suppression lip and the annular suppression groove.

9. The rotor assembly of claim 8, wherein the radially inward end of the chamfered surface is flush with the lower side of the cover to form a smooth transition between the lower side of the cover and the annular suppression groove.

10. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rotor body is a fixed-angle rotor body.

11. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover includes an upper peripheral portion, a middle peripheral portion and a lower peripheral portion, the upper peripheral portion and the middle peripheral portion being separated from each other by a second undercut channel.

12. The rotor assembly of claim 11, wherein the upper peripheral portion defines a first outer diameter of the cover, the middle peripheral portion defines a second outer diameter of the cover smaller than the first outer diameter, and the lower peripheral portion defines a third outer diameter of the cover smaller than the second outer diameter.

13. The rotor assembly of claim 12, wherein the lower peripheral portion is positioned laterally opposite the radially inward end wall of the annular suppressing lip to define a first interface between the cover and the rotor body, and the first sealing gasket is configured to extend from the first undercut channel across the first interface to cover the annular suppressing lip.

14. The rotor assembly of claim 13, wherein the lower side of the cover is partially defined by a continuously curved surface and a chamfered surface, the chamfered surface extending between the continuously curved surface and the lower peripheral portion of the cover defining the third outer diameter.

15. The rotor assembly of claim 14, wherein the chamfered surface forms a continuous extension of the annular suppression groove at the first interface.

16. A centrifuge combined with the rotor assembly according to claim 1.

17. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, The rotor body includes an inner wall that extends between the open end of the rotor body and the annular suppressing lip. The cover includes a second undercut channel extending radially inward from the periphery of the cover and circumferentially around the cover, the second undercut channel being configured to receive a portion therein of a second sealing gasket; and The second sealing gasket is positioned between the cover and the inner wall to form a second seal between the cover and the rotor body.

18. The rotor assembly of claim 17, wherein the first sealing gasket comprises an annular disc having a generally flat and parallel upper surface and lower surface.

19. The rotor assembly of claim 17, wherein the cover includes an upper peripheral portion, a middle peripheral portion, and a lower peripheral portion, the upper peripheral portion and the middle peripheral portion being separated from each other by a second undercut channel, and the middle peripheral portion and the lower peripheral portion being separated from each other by a first undercut channel.

20. The rotor assembly of claim 19, wherein the upper peripheral portion defines a first outer diameter of the cover, the middle peripheral portion defines a second outer diameter of the cover smaller than the first outer diameter, and the lower peripheral portion defines a third outer diameter of the cover smaller than the second outer diameter.

21. The rotor assembly of claim 20, wherein the lower peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite the radially inward end wall of the annular suppressing lip to define a first interface between the cover and the rotor body, and the first sealing gasket is configured to extend from the first undercut channel across the first interface to cover the annular suppressing lip.

22. The rotor assembly of claim 21, wherein the peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite the inner wall of the upright annular lip to define a second interface between the cover and the rotor body.

23. The rotor assembly of claim 22, wherein the inner wall of the upright annular lip is stepped to define an annular flange, the annular flange being configured to align with the second undercut channel of the cover such that the second sealing gasket extends from the second undercut channel across the second interface to cover the annular flange.

24. The rotor assembly of claim 17, wherein the annular suppression lip includes a chamfered surface extending between the radially inward end wall of the annular suppression lip and the annular suppression groove.

25. The rotor assembly of claim 24, wherein the radially inward end of the chamfered surface is flush with the lower side of the cover to form a smooth transition between the lower side of the cover and the annular suppression groove.

26. The rotor assembly according to claim 17, wherein the rotor body is a fixed-angle rotor body.

27. A rotor assembly, comprising: The rotor body has a plurality of rotor wells circumferentially spaced around a rotation axis of the rotor body, each of the plurality of rotor wells having an open end formed in the upper surface of the rotor body and configured to receive a sample container in the rotor well. An upright annular lip extends axially above the upper surface of the rotor body to define an open end of the rotor body. The upright annular lip defines an annular suppression groove and an annular suppression lip. The annular suppression groove is configured to capture and retain material leaking from at least one sample container housed in at least one of the plurality of rotor wells during rotation of the rotor assembly. The annular suppression lip extends radially inward toward the axis of rotation of the rotor body to form a continuous extension of the annular suppression groove. and A cover, which can be selectively attached to the open end of the rotor body to form a cavity between the upper surface of the rotor body and the lower side of the cover, the cover having a stepped profile defining an annular shoulder with an annular notch, the annular shoulder being configured to receive a first sealing gasket with an annular protrusion, the annular protrusion being configured to be received within the annular notch to maintain engagement between the first sealing gasket and the annular shoulder; The cover is supported above the upper surface of the rotor body by the annular suppressing lip, such that the first sealing gasket is positioned between the annular shoulder and the annular suppressing lip to form a seal between the cover and the rotor body.

28. The rotor assembly of claim 27, wherein the cover includes an upper peripheral portion and a lower peripheral portion separated from each other by the annular shoulder, the upper peripheral portion defining a first outer diameter of the cover, and the lower peripheral portion defining a second outer diameter of the cover smaller than the first outer diameter.

29. The rotor assembly of claim 28, wherein the lower peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite to the radially inward end wall of the annular suppressing lip to define a first interface between the cover and the rotor body, and the upper peripheral portion of the cover is positioned laterally opposite to the inner wall of the upright annular lip to define a second interface between the cover and the rotor body.

30. The rotor assembly of claim 29, wherein the cover includes an undercut channel formed in the upper peripheral portion, the undercut channel being configured to receive a portion therein of a second sealing gasket.

31. The rotor assembly of claim 30, wherein the upper peripheral portion defines the first outer diameter and the third outer diameter of the cover, the first outer diameter and the third outer diameter being separated from each other by the undercut channel, the third outer diameter being smaller than the first outer diameter but larger than the second outer diameter.

32. The rotor assembly of claim 31, wherein the inner wall of the upright annular lip defines an annular flange, the annular flange being configured to align with the undercut channel of the cover such that the second sealing gasket extends from the undercut channel across the second interface to cover the annular flange.

33. The rotor assembly of claim 27, wherein the annular suppression lip includes a chamfered surface extending between the radially inward end wall of the annular suppression lip and the annular suppression groove.

34. The rotor assembly of claim 33, wherein the radially inward end of the chamfered surface is flush with the lower side of the cover to form a smooth transition between the lower side of the cover and the annular suppression groove.

35. The rotor assembly according to claim 27, wherein the rotor body is a fixed-angle rotor body.

36. A centrifuge combined with the rotor assembly according to claim 27.

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