Universal miniature centrifuge rotor assembly

Abstract

Universal microcentrifuge rotors are described herein. In one aspect, a rotor body structure for a centrifuge may include a container configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and including an annular body that receives a sample receptacle, where the container includes (i) an outer wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, (ii) an inner wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, and (ii) an inner wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation. And (iii) a floor portion connecting the outer wall and the inner wall, where the outer wall defines a height measured along the axis of rotation, and where the inner wall defines a height measured along the axis of rotation.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 477,049, ″Universal Micro - Centrifuge Rotor Assemblies″, filed on December 23, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference for any and all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to centrifuge rotors and, more particularly, to micro - centrifuge rotors. Background Art

[0004] Micro - centrifuge rotors are commonly used in laboratory centrifuges to hold samples in small containers, such as micro - centrifuge tubes, during centrifugation. Among the broad class of rotors for benchtop centrifuges, micro - centrifuge rotors differ in their size from general - purpose rotors; micro - centrifuge rotors are smaller in overall size and / or individual container size, while general - purpose rotors are larger and capable of holding larger volumes of samples. A common rotor structure is a fixed - angle rotor having a solid rotor body with a plurality of holes and cavities radially distributed within the rotor body and symmetrically arranged about the axis of rotation. Samples in relatively small tubes (e.g., 5 ml or less) are placed in the holes, allowing multiple samples to be centrifuged simultaneously.

[0005] Because micro - centrifuge rotors are used in high - speed rotation applications where the speed of the centrifuge can exceed several hundred or even thousands of revolutions per minute, the centrifuge rotor must be able to withstand the forces experienced during high - speed rotation of the loaded rotor. During centrifugation, a rotor with samples loaded into the holes experiences significant forces in a direction radially outward from the holes and along the longitudinal axis of the holes, consistent with the centrifugal forces applied to the sample containers. These forces can cause significant stress and strain on the rotor body.

[0006] In addition, micro - centrifuge rotors are sometimes manufactured as a single body. For example, the rotor can be formed via a compression - molding process where the rotor body (including the outer wall and the core defining the sample holes) is formed as one body from a single material. However, this significantly limits the constructability of the micro - centrifuge rotor because the number of holes, hole size, and hole angle are restricted during the manufacturing process.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for micro - centrifuge rotors that can be constructed with respect to the number of holes, positioning, angling, etc. There is also a need to provide improved performance with respect to the dynamic loads experienced during centrifugation. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This document describes a general microcentrifuge rotor. In one aspect, a rotor body structure for a centrifuge may include: a container configured to rotate about a rotation axis and including an annular body that receives sample holders, wherein the container includes (i) an outer wall that circumferentially extends about the rotation axis, (ii) an inner wall that circumferentially extends about the rotation axis, and (iii) a bottom plate portion that connects the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the outer wall defines a height measured along the rotation axis, and wherein the inner wall defines a height measured along the rotation axis.

[0009] In another aspect, a rotor assembly for a centrifuge may include: a container configured to rotate about a rotation axis, the container including (i) an outer wall that circumferentially extends about the rotation axis, (ii) an inner wall that circumferentially extends about the rotation axis, and (iii) a bottom plate that spans from the inner wall to the outer wall, wherein the outer wall, the inner wall, and the bottom plate define a recess, the container optionally further includes a winding disposed about the outer wall of the container, (i) the winding optionally includes carbon fiber, (ii) the winding optionally overlays substantially the entire height of the outer wall, or both (i) and (ii); and an annular body positioned within the recess, wherein the annular body defines a plurality of holes, wherein each hole is configured to receive a centrifuge vial. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For purposes of illustrating the present invention, there is shown in the drawings a presently preferred form; it is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0011] Figure 1 A perspective view of a container for a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0012] Figure 2 A perspective view of a container and an annular body for a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0013] Figure 3 A perspective view of an annular body for a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0014] Figure 4 A perspective view of an annular body for a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0015] Figure 5 A perspective view of an annular body for a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0016] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0017] Figure 8 Depicts a cross-sectional view of a micro centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 9 Depicts a cross-sectional view of a micro centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10 Depicts a three-dimensional perspective view of a micro centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 11 Depicts a cross-sectional view of a micro centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 12 and Figure 13 Depicts a cross-sectional view of a micro centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 14 and Figure 15 Depicts a cross-sectional view of a micro centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 16 and Figure 17 Depicts a cross-sectional view of a micro centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 18 and Figure 19 Depicts a cross-sectional view of a container and lid assembly for a micro centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 20 Depicts a perspective view of a micro centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 21 Depicts a perspective view of a micro centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 22 and Figure 23 Depicts a perspective view of a micro centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0028] The present disclosure may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of the drawings and examples that form a part hereof. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific apparatus, methods, applications, conditions or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and are not intended to limit the claimed invention. Further, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms "a" and "the" include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term "plurality" means more than one. When expressing a series of values, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to other particular values. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable, and it should be understood that steps may be performed in any order. For any and all purposes, any document cited herein is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0029] It should be understood that, for clarity, certain features of the present invention are described herein in the context of separate embodiments and may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, the various features of the present invention described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. Further, reference to a value within a range includes each value within that range. In addition, the term "comprising" should be understood to have its standard, open-ended meaning but also to encompass "consisting of". For example, a device comprising part A and part B may include parts other than part A and part B, but may also consist only of part A and part B.

[0030] A general-purpose microcentrifuge rotor is described herein. The rotor described herein may include a general-purpose rotor body (container) capable of engaging various core bodies (e.g., annular bodies), where each annular body may include a different number of sample holes, hole sizes, hole angles, etc. This ability to include various annular bodies may be beneficial during the manufacturing process, where the micro-rotor may be capable of being constructed prior to assembly. Thus, the manufacturer may select a particular annular body configuration prior to assembly. This may significantly reduce manufacturing costs, as microcentrifuges are typically limited to a single configuration during assembly or manufacture. For example, microcentrifuges are typically compression molded, where the rotor body is formed as a single body. By manufacturing the container and the annular body separately, configuration during assembly is possible.

[0031] In addition, the microcentrifuge rotor described herein can be configured to limit or mitigate the forces applied to the core body, which can reduce deterioration or breakage of the annular body during use. The container can transfer forces originating from the rotor hub (e.g., centripetal forces generated by rotating the rotor) from the inner wall through the bottom floor to the outer wall. This can reduce the forces experienced by the annular body, which can be made of a material with a stress threshold lower than that of the container.

[0032] As Figure 8 Depicted, the microcentrifuge rotor 100 according to the present disclosure can include a container 105, an annular body 110, and a lid assembly 115. The microcentrifuge rotor 100 can be of the type of a benchtop rotor. The size of the microcentrifuge rotor 100 can be set to be positioned on a workbench. Example sizes of the microcentrifuge rotor 100 are, for example, a diameter of 4 inches to 8 inches and, for example, a height of 2 inches to 5 inches.

[0033] Figure 1 Depicted is a container 105 for a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure. The container 105 can include an outer wall 120, an inner wall 125, and a floor 130. The outer wall 120 and the inner wall 125 can extend circumferentially around a rotation axis 135, with the inner wall 125 being closer to the rotation axis 135 than the outer wall 120. The floor 130 can extend radially from the bottom edge of the inner wall 125 to the bottom edge of the outer wall 120 such that the outer wall 120, the inner wall 125, and the floor 130 define a recess. In some cases, the junction between the outer wall 120 and the floor 130, the junction between the inner wall 125 and the floor 130, or both can be curved (e.g., inclined). In some cases, the junction between the outer wall 120 and the floor 130, the junction between the inner wall 125 and the floor 130, or both can be angled (e.g., 90 degrees). In some cases, the floor 130 can be thicker than the outer wall 120, the inner wall 125, or both. It should be understood that although the outer wall 120 can be connected to the floor 130 at 90 degrees, this is not necessary. Similarly, although the inner wall 125 can be connected to the floor 130 at 90 degrees, this is also not necessary. In certain cases, deviations from a right angle between 1 degree and 5 degrees can be envisioned. Similarly, rounded corners can also be envisioned.

[0034] The container 105 can be formed of carbon fiber. The container 105 can be formed via a molding process such as compression molding, where the carbon fiber is formed, placed in a mold, and resin is applied before applying a compressive force to the mold to form the container 105. Alternatively, the carbon fiber can be impregnated with a resin such as a thermosetting epoxy resin, formed into a sheet, the sheet is formed into each desired shape (outer wall, bottom plate, and inner wall), and then compression molded to form the integral structure of the outer wall plus bottom plate plus inner wall. The winding can be carbon fiber or another high-strength fiber such as aramid fiber or glass fiber. The container can be metal or another composite material, but preferably is a carbon fiber composite material.

[0035] Go to Figure 2 , the microcentrifuge rotor may further include a winding 140 located on the outer surface 145 of the outer wall 120. The winding 140 can be composed of carbon fiber. The winding 140 can include one or more strands of carbon fiber wrapped around the outer surface 145, where resin is coated on each fiber before winding or added after winding. The wrapping can be substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis 135 (e.g., at an angle of 0.5 degrees to 5 degrees from the vertical direction). In some cases, the wrapping can be a helical configuration. The wrapping can occur after the container 105 has been formed (e.g., via compression molding). Once wrapped, the winding 140 can be cured, such as by heat applied to the outer surface 145. The winding 140 can substantially cover the outer surface 145 of the outer wall 120. The winding 140 can be configured to receive forces from the outer wall 120 during rotation and can support the structural integrity of the microcentrifuge rotor.

[0036] The outer wall 120 can have and preferably has a height greater than the height of the inner wall 125. The size of the outer wall 120 can be set such that when the annular body 110 is inserted into the container 105, the height of the outer wall 120 is greater than or equal to the height of the annular body 110. The size of the inner wall 125 can be set to contact the hub 165 (described below). The size of the inner wall 125 can be further set to allow insertion and removal of the sample vial of the inserted annular body 110. For example, the height of the wall 125 can be dimensioned based on the size of the annular body 110 (e.g., body thickness, sample hole position, sample hole volume / length, width, and sample hole angle, etc.). If a particular container is intended to be used with annular bodies 110 of different heights, the height of the outer wall 120 of the container should preferably be at least as large as the tallest of those various annular bodies. The inner wall 125 and the outer wall 120 are depicted in Figure 2 in.

[0037] The inner wall 125 can define a hole 146 around the rotational axis 135. The hub 165 can be positioned in the hole, as Figure 8is depicted. For example, the outer surface of the hub 165 can be flush with the inner surface of the inner wall 125. The hub 165 can protrude into the recess of the container 105. In some cases, the hub 165 can define a coupler configured to couple to the end of the lid screw 175. For example, the hub 165 can define a set of threads configured to receive the corresponding threads or ridges of the lid screw 175. The lid screw 175 can be configured to secure the lid assembly 115 to the container 105. The hub 165 can also be configured to receive a drive shaft or a spindle (not shown). The drive shaft can be part of a microcentrifuge motor (not shown). Additional views of the lid assembly 15 relative to the container 105 can be found in Figures 18 to 20 as follows.

[0038] The microcentrifuge rotor assembly can also include an annular body 110, examples of which are depicted in Figure 3 as follows Figure 17 in the drawings (e.g., annular bodies 110-a to 110-c). As described further below, three different configurations of the annular body are shown in the various figures of the present disclosure, where:

[0039] a) The annular body designated as 110-a refers to a 72×0.5 mL configuration;

[0040] b) The annular body designated as 110-b refers to a 48×2 mL configuration; and

[0041] c) The annular body designated as 110-c refers to a 14×5 mL configuration.

[0042] Although various configurations are depicted in the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the configuration of the annular body is not limited to those depicted as annular bodies 110-a to 110-c, and other configurations can be implemented in combination with the microcentrifuge rotor described herein. Additionally, the annular body 110 described below can include any arrangement of the annular bodies described herein, including annular bodies 110-a, 110-b, and 110-c.

[0043] As Figure 3 shown, the annular body 110 can be a solid body defining an inner surface 181, an outer surface 182, a top surface 183, and a bottom surface 184. The annular body 110 can extend circumferentially about the rotational axis 135. The annular body 110 can be configured to be positioned within the recess of the container 105. For example, referring to Figure 7 , when positioned in the recess, the outer surface 181 can be flush with the inner surface 147 of the outer wall 120 of the container 105. Additionally, when positioned in the recess, the bottom surface 184 can be flush with the top surface 131 of the bottom plate 130.

[0044] The annular body 110 can be made of a variety of materials. For example, the annular body 110 can be made of a thermoplastic polymer (such as polycarbonate). In some cases, the annular body 110 can be made of another polymer (such as polyester). In some cases, the annular body 110 can be made of acrylic. In some cases, the annular body is formed of a material that is less expensive than the material used to form the container.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 , the annular body 110 can define a plurality of sample holes 185 via the inner surface 181 and the body. In some cases, the sample holes 185 can be configured to receive sample vials. For example, the outer surface of the sample vial can be flush with the surface defining the sample holes 185. In addition, when the sample vial is inserted into the sample holes 185, the top surface of the sample holes 185 can be at or below the height of the sample holes 185 (e.g., such that none of the sample vials are outside the sample holes 185).

[0046] Reference Figure 6 , the size of the sample vial 187 can be set such that when the sample vial 187 is positioned within the sample holes 185, the top edge of the sample vial 187 is at or below the top surface of the sample holes 185 (e.g., such that none of the sample vials 187 are outside the sample holes 185). The sample holes can be at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees (e.g., 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, or 70 degrees) with respect to the axis of rotation 135. Without being bound by any particular theory or embodiment, an annular body including relatively vertical sample holes can be relatively taller than a sample insert including relatively horizontal sample holes.

[0047] The annular body 110 can be formed separately from the container 105. For example, the annular body 110 can be etched to size separately from the container 105. The annular body can be formed via a molding or compression process. Then, the annular body 110 can be drilled to define the sample holes 185. The annular body 110 can be inserted into the recess of the container 105. The annular body 110 can be coupled to the container 105 via an adhesive (such as between the top and bottom surfaces of the bottom plate). In some cases, a notch 189 can also be etched on the outer surface of the annular body 100 and then the notch can be filled or coated with an adhesive to further secure the annular body 110 to the container 105. Examples of the notch 189 can be found in Figure 6 this.

[0048] The container 105 can be configured to accommodate a variety of annular body configurations. For example, the annular body configuration can include the number of sample holes, the position of the sample holes, the size of the sample holes, the number of sample hole layers, and / or the angle of the sample holes (e.g., relative to the rotation axis 135). In some cases, the annular body configuration can have the height and / or thickness of the annular body. For example, in the case of including a larger sample hole volume, the annular body 110 can include a larger thickness to support the larger sample hole volume. In another example, when including multiple layers of sample holes, the height of the annular body 110 can be greater. Examples of different configurations of the annular bodies 110-a to 110-c can be seen respectively in Figures 3 to 5 respectively.

[0049] Figure 3 depicts an annular body 110-a having 72 sample holes. The sample holes are divided into two layers (e.g., 36 sample holes per layer). The sample holes are configured to accommodate 0.5 ml sample vials. Figure 4 depicts an annular body 110-b having 48 sample holes. The sample holes are divided into two layers (e.g., 24 sample holes per layer). The sample holes are configured to accommodate 2 ml sample vials. Figure 5 depicts an annular body 110-c having 14 sample holes. The sample holes are included in a single layer of sample holes. The sample holes are configured to accommodate 5 ml sample vials. As a further example, Figure 11 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 depict additional views of a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure, wherein the microcentrifuge rotor includes an annular body 110-a having a 72×0.5 ml configuration. Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 likewise depict an assembly having an annular body 110-b with a 48×2.0 ml configuration. Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 21 depict an assembly including an annular body 110-c having a 14×5.0 ml configuration. These examples of annular body configurations are non-limiting, and those skilled in the art will understand that various configurations for the annular body can be achieved. As an example, the disclosed technology can be applied to an annular body having a single layer of sample vials or having multiple layers of sample vials. The layers can include, for example, 12, 24, 36, 48, or 72 vials. The vials can have a volume of, for example, 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 1.5 ml, 2.0 ml, 2.5 ml, 3.0 ml, 3.5 ml, 4.0 ml, 4.5 ml, or even 5.0 ml.

[0050] Thus, the overall shape of the annular body 110 can vary according to the selected annular body configuration. By referring to, for example, Figure 8 , the outer surface 182 can be shaped to match the surface of the inner surface 146 of the container 105. In some cases, the shape of the outer surface 182 of the annular body 110 can be generally smooth and annular. Similarly, the bottom surface 184 of the annular body 100 can be shaped to match the top surface 131 of the bottom plate 130 of the container 105. In some cases, the shape of the bottom surface 184 can be generally smooth and flat. The shape of the inner surface 181 of the annular body 110 can vary based on the size setting, numbering, and position of the sample holes of a given configuration. For example, the inner surface 181 can be shaped to provide a face 191 that is substantially perpendicular to the length of a given sample hole, which can provide convenience for inserting and removing a sample vial into and from the sample hole. Thus, in the case where the sample holes are positioned in a given layer, the face can form an annular ring that extends circumferentially around the rotation axis. The inner surface 181 can also be a curved portion between different stratified annular rings (e.g., in the case of including more than one layer of sample holes). The curved portion 192 can remove excess material from the annular body 110 and can provide additional space for removing and inserting the sample vial. The curved portion 192 can terminate at the respective face 191 of the inner surface 181. In the case where the layer of the sample holes is one layer, or in the case where a particular layer is the "bottom" layer (e.g., the layer closest to the bottom plate 130), the curved portion can terminate at the bottom plate 130.

[0051] In some cases, when positioned in the container 105, the inner surface 181 of the annular body 110 does not contact the inner wall 125 of the container. This can be beneficial for easily inserting and removing a sample bottle into and from a given sample hole 185. Additionally, not contacting the inner wall 125 can also relieve the force applied to the annular body 110. For example, when driven, the assembly 100 can be subject to a centripetal force that is proportional to the speed at which the assembly 100 is driven. The force applied to the assembly 100 can initially be received by the inner wall 125 (and to some extent, by the cap assembly 115). The force at the inner wall 125 can be transmitted to the bottom plate 130 and subsequently delivered to the outer wall 105. Thus, the force experienced by the annular body 110 can be relieved by the container 105. This can be beneficial in the case where the annular body 110 is made of a material with a lower stress threshold.

[0052] In the embodiments depicted in the figures, a number of annular bodies of different configurations are configured to be combined with a container of a single configuration. The present invention can also be implemented with containers of different materials or different sizes. Each such container can be combined with one or more annular bodies of different configurations (as long as each such annular body fits the container), and preferably, having contact between the bottom of the annular body and the top of the container bottom plate and having contact between the outer surface of the annular body and the inner surface of the container outer wall is sufficient to transfer force.

[0053] Example sizes and characteristics of a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure are provided below. The examples provided below are non-limiting, and those skilled in the art will understand that the sizes and characteristics of the microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure can be different from those provided below.

[0054] Rotor 72 x 0.2 mL - Ring Body 110 - a

[0055] Rotor Dimensions OD = 184 mm; Height = 85 mm Ring Dimensions OD = 178 mm, Height = 56 mm and ID = 58 mm Main Constituent Materials of the Rotor Carbon Fiber and Polymer Tube Dimensions 0.2 mL Rotor Capacity 72 x 0.2 mL Tube Angle 60 degrees Rotor Operating Speed 20,000 rpm Relative Centrifugal Force 38,754×g

[0056] Rotor 48 x 2 mL - Ring Body 110 - b

[0057] Rotor Dimensions OD = 184 mm; Height = 85 mm Ring Dimensions OD = 178 mm, Height = 56 mm and ID = 49 mm Main Constituent Materials of the Rotor Carbon Fiber and Polymer Tube Dimensions 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL Rotor Capacity 48 x 2.0 mL Tube Angle 60 degrees Rotor Operating Speed 20,000 rpm Relative Centrifugal Force 38,906×g

[0058] Rotor 14 x 5 mL - Ring Body 110 - c

[0059] Rotor Dimensions OD = 184 mm, Height = 85 mm Ring Dimensions OD = 178 mm, Height = 56 mm and ID = 42 mm Main Constituent Materials of the Rotor Carbon Fiber and Polymer Tube Dimensions 5.0 mL Rotor Capacity 14 x 5 mL Tube Angle 40 degrees Rotor Operating Speed 20,000 rpm Relative Centrifugal Force 38,459×g

[0060] Exemplary Embodiments

[0061] The following embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure or the appended claims. It should be understood that any part of any one or more embodiments can be combined with any part of any other one or more embodiments.

[0062] Embodiment 1

[0063] A rotor assembly for a centrifuge, the rotor assembly comprising: a container configured to rotate about a rotation axis; wherein the container includes (i) an outer wall circumferentially extending about the rotation axis, (ii) an inner wall circumferentially extending about the rotation axis, and (iii) a bottom plate portion connecting the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the inner wall, the outer wall, and the bottom plate define a recess; a winding disposed along the outer wall of the container; and an annular body positioned within the recess, wherein the annular body defines a plurality of cavities, and wherein each cavity is configured to receive a centrifuge vial.

[0064] Embodiment 2

[0065] The rotor assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the container is characterized as a single continuous body.

[0066] Embodiment 3

[0067] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 2, wherein the container comprises carbon fiber.

[0068] Embodiment 4

[0069] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the winding overlaps substantially the entire height of the outer wall.

[0070] Embodiment 5

[0071] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the rotor assembly is configured for mounting in a microcentrifuge.

[0072] Embodiment 6

[0073] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein, as measured along the axis of rotation, the height of the outer wall is greater than the height of the inner wall.

[0074] Embodiment 7

[0075] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the inner wall surrounds a hub. The hub may optionally be configured to engage a rotating spindle.

[0076] Embodiment 8

[0077] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the annular body is positioned such that a bottom surface of the annular body contacts the bottom plate of the container.

[0078] Embodiment 9

[0079] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the annular body can be configured according to a plurality of cavity configurations for the plurality of cavities.

[0080] Embodiment 10

[0081] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of cavity configurations includes a plurality of cavities defined by annular inserts. The plurality of cavities can be, for example, 14, 48, or 72 cavities.

[0082] Embodiment 11

[0083] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of cavity configurations includes a plurality of cavity layers. The plurality of cavity layers can be, for example, two or three layers.

[0084] Embodiment 12

[0085] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of cavity configurations includes a volume dimension defined by each of the plurality of cavities. A volume dimension is selectable to accommodate a centrifuge tube containing a 0.5 ml, 1 ml, 2 ml, or 5 ml sample.

[0086] Embodiment 13

[0087] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the annular body defines an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the annular body is positioned in the recess such that the outer surface of the annular body contacts the outer wall of the container.

[0088] Embodiment 14

[0089] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the inner surface of the annular body does not contact the inner wall of the container.

[0090] Embodiment 15

[0091] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the annular body comprises a thermoplastic polymer such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, and nylon.

[0092] Embodiment 16

[0093] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the inner wall has a greater thickness than the outer wall.

[0094] Embodiment 17

[0095] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the inner wall has a greater thickness than the bottom plate.

[0096] Embodiment 18

[0097] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the length of a corresponding cavity of the plurality of cavities is angled relative to the axis of rotation.

[0098] Embodiment 19

[0099] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the diameter of the annular body depends on the angle of the length of the corresponding cavity in the plurality of cavities and the length of the corresponding cavity in the plurality of cavities, and vice versa.

[0100] Embodiment 20

[0101] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the container further defines a top edge that extends circumferentially around the axis of rotation, and wherein the top edge is configured to receive a lid.

[0102] Embodiment 21

[0103] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the winding comprises carbon fiber.

[0104] Embodiment 22

[0105] A rotor assembly for a centrifuge, the rotor assembly comprising: a container configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; wherein the container includes (i) an outer wall that extends circumferentially around the axis of rotation, (ii) an inner wall that extends circumferentially around the axis of rotation, and (iii) a bottom plate portion that connects the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the container comprises carbon fiber, and the inner wall, the outer wall, and the bottom plate define a recess; and an annular body positioned within the recess, wherein the annular body defines a plurality of cavities, and wherein each cavity is configured to receive a centrifuge vial.

[0106] Embodiment 23

[0107] The rotor assembly according to embodiment 22, wherein the bottom plate portion of the rotor assembly comprises carbon fiber.

[0108] Embodiment 24

[0109] The rotor assembly according to any one of embodiments 22 to 23, the rotor assembly further comprising a winding disposed along the outer wall of the container.

[0110] Embodiment 25

[0111] The rotor assembly according to embodiment 24, wherein the winding comprises carbon fiber.

Claims

1. A rotor assembly for a centrifuge, the rotor assembly comprising: A container configured to rotate about a rotation axis; Wherein the container includes (i) an outer wall circumferentially extending around the rotation axis, (ii) an inner wall circumferentially extending around the rotation axis, and (iii) a bottom plate portion connecting the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the inner wall, the outer wall, and the bottom plate portion define a recess; A winding disposed along the outer wall of the container; And An annular body positioned within the recess, wherein the annular body defines a plurality of cavities, and wherein each cavity is configured to receive a centrifuge vial.

2. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the container is characterized as a single continuous body.

3. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises carbon fiber.

4. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the winding overlays substantially the entire height of the outer wall.

5. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rotor assembly is configured to be mounted in a microcentrifuge.

6. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, As measured along the rotation axis, the height of the outer wall is greater than the height of the inner wall.

7. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall surrounds a hub portion.

8. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the annular body is positioned such that the bottom surface of the annular body contacts the bottom plate portion of the container.

9. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the annular body can be configured according to a plurality of cavity configurations for the plurality of cavities.

10. The rotor assembly according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of cavity configurations include a plurality of cavities defined by the annular body.

11. The rotor assembly according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of cavity configurations include a plurality of cavity layers.

12. The rotor assembly according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of cavity configurations include the volume dimensions defined by each of the plurality of cavities.

13. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the annular body defines an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the annular body is positioned within the recess such that the outer surface of the annular body contacts the outer wall of the container.

14. The rotor assembly according to claim 13, wherein the inner surface of the annular body does not contact the inner wall of the container.

15. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the annular body comprises a thermoplastic polymer.

16. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall has a greater thickness than the outer wall.

17. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall has a greater thickness than the bottom plate portion.

18. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the length of each corresponding cavity of the plurality of cavities is at an angle with respect to the rotation axis.

19. The rotor assembly according to claim 18, wherein the diameter of the annular body depends on the angle of the length of the corresponding cavity in the plurality of cavities and the length of the corresponding cavity in the plurality of cavities, and vice versa.

20. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the container further defines a top edge extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation, and wherein the top edge is configured to receive a lid.

21. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the winding comprises carbon fiber.

22. A rotor assembly for a centrifuge, the rotor assembly comprising: a container configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; wherein the container includes (i) an outer wall extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation, (ii) an inner wall extending circumferentially around the axis of rotation, and (iii) a bottom plate connecting the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the container comprises carbon fiber, and the inner wall, the outer wall, and the bottom plate define a recess; and an annular body positioned within the recess, wherein the annular body defines a plurality of cavities, and wherein each cavity is configured to receive a centrifuge vial.

23. The rotor assembly according to claim 22, wherein the bottom plate of the rotor assembly comprises carbon fiber.

24. The rotor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall has an outer surface, and the rotor assembly further includes a winding disposed along the outer surface of the outer wall of the container.

25. The rotor assembly according to claim 24, wherein the winding comprises carbon fiber.

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