Centrifugal treatment unit

Abstract

A centrifugal processing unit (1) for guiding the movement of a substance within a sample processing cartridge (2), comprising: a rotor (3) for receiving a sample processing cartridge (2); a rotor drive for generating a centrifugal force (F), where the centrifugal processing unit (1) further comprises pivoting receptacles (31) arranged on the rotor (3) for receiving the sample processing cartridges (2), where each pivoting receptacle (31) is adapted to allow a free pivoting movement of the received sample processing cartridges (2) about a respective pivoting axis (310), and a stationary receptacle (32) arranged on the rotor (3) for receiving the sample processing cartridges (2), wherein each pivot axis (310) is orthogonal to the rotor axis (300) and to a respective force vector of the centrifugal force (F).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application No. 201880041615.5 filed on December 20, 2019, entitled “Centrifuge Processing Unit”. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a centrifugation unit for guiding the movement of substances within a sample processing cartridge.

[0003] Description of related technologies

[0004] Such a centrifugation unit is disclosed in US 4,236,666. It includes two magazines for several sample containers, arranged on arms extending outward from and opposite to each other. Each magazine is rotatable about its respective axis and slidable along its respective axis. On each arm, a locking pin is arranged on one side of the corresponding magazine, and each magazine includes a corresponding recess for the locking pin. If the axis of rotation rotates in one direction, each magazine rests against the side of the arm without the aid of the locking pin and is rotatable about its axis. If the axis of rotation rotates in the opposite direction, each magazine slides against the side of the arm along its axis by means of the locking pin, thus preventing rotation about its axis. Sliding and resting generate additional, undesirable force vectors. Invention Overview

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a centrifugation unit for guiding the movement of substances within a sample processing cartridge, thereby avoiding additional undesirable force vectors.

[0006] This problem is solved by a centrifugation unit having the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the centrifugation unit, the centrifugation system, and the method for guiding the movement of substances within a sample processing container are defined by the features of the other claims.

[0007] A centrifugation unit for guiding the movement of material within a sample processing cartridge according to the present invention comprises: at least one rotor for receiving the sample processing cartridge; at least one rotor driver for rotating the at least one rotor about its respective rotor axis to generate centrifugal force; and control means for accelerating and decelerating the at least one rotor. The centrifugation unit further comprises at least one pivoting receiving portion and at least one fixed receiving portion arranged on the at least one rotor for accommodating the sample processing cartridge. Each pivoting receiving portion is adapted to allow free pivoting movement of the received sample processing cartridge about a corresponding pivot axis, wherein each pivot axis is orthogonal to the rotor axis and orthogonal to the corresponding force vector of the centrifugal force.

[0008] Because there is no relative motion between the rotor and the sample handling container in the direction of rotation, there is no adjacency, and therefore no undesirable force vector. The centrifugal force vector acts along a first direction on the container received in the pivoting housing and along a second direction on the container received in the fixed housing. The second direction depends on the rotor's rotational speed. The faster the rotor rotates, the greater the centrifugal force and the greater the angular deflection of the container relative to its idle position. The deflection angle is in the range of greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. This design will work if the rotor rotates in one of the two directions of rotation about its rotor axis.

[0009] In its simplest design, the centrifugal processing unit comprises a rotor with a pivoting housing and a fixed housing arranged on opposite sides of the rotor. This arrangement provides a uniform distribution of the mass to be moved, thus reducing vibrations caused by mass imbalance and consequently reducing stress on the equipment. Alternatively, two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve, or more pivoting and fixed housings can be arranged on the rotor. When uniformly distributed around the rotor, an even number of housings readily achieves mass balance. Alternatively, an odd number of housings or rotor arms can also be provided. Advantageously, the housings are evenly distributed around the rotor to prevent mass imbalance. The pivoting and fixed housings can be arranged alternately, or in groups of two, three, four, five, six, or more, or in half-and-half groups. The pivoting and fixed housings can be arranged opposite each other relative to the rotor. Alternatively, they can be arranged opposite housings of the same type.

[0010] In one embodiment, the centrifugal processing unit includes two or more rotors, wherein each rotor includes either only a pivoting receptacle or only a fixed receptacle, and these receptacles are designed differently from each other. For example, the fixed receptacle includes a frame fixed to the respective rotor and has no pivoting axis at all. A cassette from the pivoting receptacle associated with one rotor can be transferred to the fixed receptacle associated with another rotor, and vice versa. The transfer can be performed one after another, or the cassettes can be transferred in groups or all together.

[0011] In another embodiment, each receiving portion is adapted to receive a sample processing cartridge in a first orientation and in a second orientation, wherein the second orientation corresponds to a rotation of the sample processing cartridge about a central axis parallel to the rotor axis by a certain angle. Theoretically, any possible angle of rotation will result in any possible resultant force vector perpendicular to the central axis, which is parallel to the rotor axis acting on the sample processing cartridge.

[0012] In another embodiment, the angular rotation is approximately greater than 0 to 180 degrees, particularly 90 or 180 degrees. The rotation of the cartridge received in the fixed housing by approximately 180 degrees causes the centrifugal force vector to act along a third direction, wherein the third direction points in the opposite direction to the second direction. With this design, the first, second, and third directions of the force vector acting on the cartridge lie in a single plane. Therefore, the material within the sample processing cartridge can move within this plane.

[0013] According to one embodiment, at least one receiving portion includes a frame for receiving a sample processing cassette. The frame allows for receiving various different cassettes. The frame of the pivoting receiving portion can pivot about a pivot axis. Pivoting of the fixed receiving portion is prevented by a fixing element. This design allows the same components, except for the fixing element, to be used in two different receiving portions. The fixing element can be attached to a rotor, a cassette, or a frame, or both. If the fixing element is attached to the rotor or forms part of the rotor, a portion of the cassette or frame can abut against the fixing element. Alternatively, if the fixing element is attached to the cassette or frame and forms part of them, a portion of the rotor can abut against the fixing element.

[0014] In another embodiment, at least one pivot receiving portion includes a stop that prevents the sample processing cartridge from pivoting beyond a predetermined angle. A corresponding stop element may be arranged on the sample processing cartridge or the frame for receiving the sample processing cartridge. Since free pivoting movement allows for an angular deviation of 0 to approximately 90 degrees, the design with the stop allows for selective setting of the angular movement of the sample processing cartridge within a range greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. This allows the contents of the sample processing cartridge to move at an angle relative to the orientation of the sample processing cartridge.

[0015] The features of the above embodiments of the centrifugal processing unit can be used in any combination unless they contradict each other.

[0016] A centrifugation system for guiding the movement of materials within a sample processing cartridge includes a centrifugation unit according to one of the above embodiments and at least one manipulator adapted to arrange the sample processing cartridge in or remove it from at least one receiving compartment. The arrangement and removal of the manipulator allows for a precise and rapid process.

[0017] In one embodiment, the manipulator is adapted to move the sample processing cartridge in any horizontal or vertical direction. With this manipulator, a cartridge from one side of the rotor can be transferred to the opposite side of the rotor, thereby changing the orientation of the cartridge relative to the rotor by 180 degrees. To transfer another cartridge, the rotor must be rotated by an angle corresponding to the angular distribution of the cartridge housing around the rotor.

[0018] In another embodiment, the manipulator is adapted to perform angular rotation of the sample processing cartridge about a central axis parallel to the rotor axis. This allows the cartridge to rotate rapidly and subsequently apply centrifugal force in another direction. The rotor does not need to rotate to transfer the cartridge from one compartment to another. Alternatively, the rotor can be rotated to improve cartridge accessibility.

[0019] According to another embodiment, angular rotation is rotation about an angle greater than 0, particularly 90 or 180 degrees. Its advantages have been described above.

[0020] In another embodiment, the centrifugation system further includes at least one additional station, which may be selected from loading / unloading stations, pipetting stations, sealing stations, irradiation stations, heating stations, detection / quantification stations, identification stations, or any other generally known station for processing the contents of the sample processing cartridge or operating the sample processing cartridge. The inclusion of these additional stations provides a variety of options and allows for a wide range of system applications.

[0021] These workstations can be arranged adjacent to each other on a base. Alternatively, they can be housed within an accessible enclosure. The enclosure may include covers or lids that can be partially or completely removed or opened.

[0022] Loading and unloading can occur in the same location or be distributed across different locations, i.e., loading stations and unloading stations. These stations can provide space for a single box or for a rack used for several boxes.

[0023] At the pipetting station, reaction components such as samples, reagents, and reconstitution buffers can be added, mixed, or transferred.

[0024] In the sealing station, the box is sealed to prevent substances from leaving or entering the box.

[0025] In an irradiation station, the container or its contents may be exposed to any type of irradiation. Irradiation can be electromagnetic or radioactive, such as light, electromagnetic, or radiation.

[0026] In the heating station, the contents of the container can be exposed to heat introduced through contact, convection, conduction, or radiation. The heating station can be a thermostat, in which the temperature remains constant over time. A temperature range of 4 to 98 degrees Celsius is suitable. Alternatively, the heating station can be a gradient incubator or a thermal cycler, in which a heating gradient or a cooling gradient, or a combination thereof, can be implemented. A temperature plateau period may also be introduced, in which the temperature remains constant for a period of time.

[0027] In detection / quantization, any kind of optical or electronic detection and / or the quantization and / or quantization target of detection can be achieved.

[0028] At the identification station, boxes can be identified using one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode scanners, RFID scanners, or imaging systems.

[0029] The features of the above embodiments of the centrifugal processing system can be used in any combination unless they contradict each other.

[0030] A method for guiding the movement of substances within a sample processing cartridge, the method comprising the following steps:

[0031] - Provides a centrifugation processing unit according to one embodiment of the above embodiments;

[0032] Insert the sample processing box into the pivot receiving part;

[0033] - Rotate at least one rotor about a corresponding rotor axis to generate centrifugal force, while allowing free pivoting motion of the inserted sample processing box, thereby generating a force vector in a first direction relative to the sample processing box;

[0034] - Remove the sample processing box from the pivot housing;

[0035] Insert the sample processing box into the fixed receiving part;

[0036] - Rotating at least one rotor about its respective rotor axis to generate centrifugal force while preventing free pivoting of the inserted sample processing box, thereby generating a force vector in a second direction relative to the sample processing box.

[0037] The advantages of centrifugation units or centrifugation systems also apply to methods for guiding the movement of substances within sample processing boxes.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

[0039] - Before inserting the sample processing box into the fixed receiving part, rotate the sample processing box about a central axis parallel to the rotor axis, so that when at least one rotor rotates about its respective rotor axis, a force vector can be generated in a third direction relative to the sample processing box.

[0040] In another embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

[0041] - Before or after inserting the sample processing cartridge into the pivot or fixed receiving portion, the sample processing cartridge is positioned in at least one additional station, wherein the at least one additional station may be selected from those stations in the centrifugation processing system.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the insertion, removal, rotation, and / or positioning of the sample processing box is performed by at least one manipulator.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the free pivoting movement of the sample processing cartridge is partially restricted by providing an abutment to the pivoting receiving portion before at least one rotor rotates. The abutment can be provided at the start of rotor rotation or just before rotor rotation. Alternatively, such an angle-restricted receiving portion can be provided from the outset, either as a factory setting or at the latest before the rotor is rotated by hand or a manipulator. The abutment can also be positioned at the receiving location between these two points in time.

[0044] The features of the above embodiments of the method for guiding the movement of substances within a sample processing box can be used in any combination unless they contradict each other. Attached Figures

[0045] Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. In the drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 A side view of the centrifugation processing unit according to the present invention is shown;

[0047] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Top view of the centrifuge processing unit shown;

[0048] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The centrifugal processing unit shown is an isometric view during rotation;

[0049] Figure 4 A sample processing cartridge is shown being received in a pivoting housing during rotation;

[0050] Figure 5 A sample processing box is shown being received in a fixed receiving section during rotation;

[0051] Figure 6 A partial side view of a centrifugal processing unit is shown, which has a limited angular deviation at the pivot housing.

[0052] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Details of the pivot housing shown;

[0053] Figure 8 It shows that it was received in Figure 7 The sample processing box in the pivot housing shown;

[0054] Figure 9 Showing with Figure 1 The centrifugal processing system of the centrifugal processing unit shown. Invention Details

[0055] Figure 1 A side view of the centrifugation processing unit 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A top view of a centrifugation unit 1 according to the present invention is shown. The centrifugation unit 1 for guiding the movement of matter within a sample processing cartridge 2 includes: a rotor 3 for receiving the sample processing cartridge 2; at least one rotor driver (not shown) for rotating at least one rotor 3 about its respective rotor axis 300 to generate a centrifugal force F; and a control device (not shown) for accelerating and decelerating the at least one rotor 3. The rotor 3 includes two arms extending laterally from a central rotor axis 300 on opposite sides of the rotor axis 300. The centrifugation unit 1 also includes a pivoting receiving portion 31 and a fixed receiving portion 32 for receiving the sample processing cartridge 2. The pivoting receiving portion 31 and the fixed receiving portion are arranged on the rotor 3, wherein the pivoting receiving portion 31 is adapted to allow free pivoting movement of the received sample processing cartridge 2 about its respective pivot axis 310. The pivot axis 310 is orthogonal to the rotor axis 300 and orthogonal to the corresponding force vector F of the centrifugal force. One of the two receiving portions is located at each free end of the two rotor arms. The pivoting receiving portion 31 and the fixed receiving portion 32 each include frames 311 and 221 for receiving the sample processing cartridge 2. Each receiving frame is adapted to receive the sample processing cartridge 2 in a first orientation and in a second orientation, wherein the second orientation corresponds to the sample processing cartridge 2 rotating 180 degrees about a central axis 200 parallel to the rotor axis 300. Each frame includes corresponding flanges 312 and 322 at its upper edge. Each flange extends outward. The fixed receiving portion 32 includes a fixing element 320. The fixing element 320 is attached to the arm of the rotor 3 via the fixed receiving portion 32. The fixing element 320 is U-shaped and arranged between the arm of the rotor 3 and the flange 322 of the corresponding frame 321. When the rotor 3 moves, the lower surface of the flange 322 abuts against the upper surface of the fixing element 320, thereby preventing tilting movement of the frame. When the rotor 3 arm forks, one shank of the retaining element 320 is attached to one side of the rotor arm, while the other shank is attached to the other side of the rotor arm. The connection between the two shanks allows for easy installation and removal of the retaining element 320 and ensures good fixation of the frame 321 relative to the rotor arm. The retaining element 320 can engage with the rotor arm. Apart from the retaining element 320, the pivot receiving portion 31 and the fixed receiving portion 32, including their respective frames 312 and 322, are identically designed.

[0056] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1The diagram shows an isometric view of the centrifugal processing unit during rotation. During rotation, due to centrifugal force, the frame 311 of the pivoting housing 31, together with the box 2 received therein, performs a pivoting motion about the pivot axis 310. In the illustrated case, the box deflects approximately 90 degrees relative to its rest position during rotation. Due to the fixing element 320, the box 2, together with the fixed housing, does not pivot.

[0057] Figure 4 The sample processing cartridge 2, received in the pivoting receiver during rotation, is shown. For better visibility, only cartridge 2 is shown. During the rotation of rotor 3, centrifugal force F acts on the cartridge along a first direction, resulting in a first force vector F1 acting on the substrate to be moved into the sample processing cartridge 2 and guiding these substrates along the first direction. The first force vector points downward relative to the orientation of the cartridge in its rest position. Therefore, the material inserted into the top of the cartridge moves downward. Even as the cartridge rotates about its central axis 200, the resultant force vector in the pivoting receiver 31 always points downward.

[0058] Figure 5 A sample processing cartridge 2, received in a fixed receiving portion 32 during rotation, is shown. Only cartridge 2 is shown for better visibility. During the rotation of the rotor 3, a centrifugal force F acts on the cartridge in a second direction, resulting in a second force vector F2 acting on the substrate to be moved into the sample processing cartridge 2 and guiding these substrates along the second direction. The second force vector F2 points to one side relative to the orientation of the cartridge in its rest position. Therefore, the material inside the cartridge is moved to that side. As the cartridge in the fixed receiving portion 32 rotates about its central axis 200, during the rotation of the rotor 3, a centrifugal force F acts on the cartridge in a third direction, essentially opposite to the second direction, generating a third force vector F3 that acts on the substrate in the cartridge and moves these substrates along the third direction. The third force vector F3 points in a direction essentially opposite to the orientation of the cartridge in its rest position. Therefore, the substrate inside the cartridge is moved toward that side.

[0059] Figure 6 A partial side view of the centrifugation processing unit 1 is shown, which has a limited angular deviation A at the pivot receiving portion 31, and Figure 7 It shows Figure 6Details of the pivoting housing 31 are shown. An abutment 313 is arranged on the rotor arm near the pivot axis 310. The abutment 313 extends upward from the rotor arm and includes an abutment surface 314 at its upper end. The abutment surface 314 is designed to contact an abutment element 315 arranged on the frame 311 of the pivoting housing 31. In a stationary state where the rotor 3 is not rotating, the abutment element 315 extends radially upward from the pivot axis 310. In the stationary state, there is free space between the abutment 313 and the abutment element 315. When the rotor 3 rotates, the frame 311 pivots about the pivot axis 310, and the abutment element 315 pivots, thereby reducing the free space until the abutment element 315 contacts the abutment 313. The larger the free space in the stationary state, the greater the possible angular deviation of the frame 311 relative to the rotor. The smaller the height of the abutment 313, the larger the free space in the stationary state. This combination of the abutment part 313 and the abutment element 315 allows for an angular deviation ranging from greater than 0 degrees to less than 90 degrees.

[0060] Figure 8 The receiving in Figure 7 The sample processing box in the pivoting housing shown obtains the angular resultant force vector F. A It is approximately 45 degrees.

[0061] Different abutments 313 at different rotor arms allow for different resultant force vectors acting on the cartridge 2 inserted into the corresponding frames. By subsequently placing the cartridge 2 in different positions on the rotor 3, i.e. in different frames of the centrifugal processing unit 1, different resultant force vectors can be applied to the cartridge 2 accordingly. This increases the possible paths that liquid can take within the cartridge.

[0062] Figure 9 A centrifugation system with a centrifugation unit 1 is shown. The centrifugation unit 1 is mounted on a base. On the same base are mounted a manipulator 4, a loading / unloading station 5, a sealing station 6, an irradiation station 7, a heating station 8, a detection / quantification station 9, and an identification station 90. The base with the manipulator and all stations are enclosed by a housing. Access to the housing is possible via a hinged cover. This is advantageous for maintenance. During normal operation, the loading / unloading station 5 is the only connection between the interior and the surrounding environment. The manipulator 4 is adapted to insert / remove sample processing cartridges 2 into / from the centrifugation unit 1. The manipulator 4 can perform horizontal movement along the horizontal axes X and Y and vertical movement along the vertical axis Z. Furthermore, the manipulator 4 can rotate the cartridges about the vertical axis Z.

[0063] List of reference numerals

[0064] 1 Centrifugal processing unit 322 flange

[0065] 10 Centrifugal Processing System 4 Control Unit

[0066] 2 Sample processing box 5 Loading station

[0067] 200 Center Axis 6 Sealing Station

[0068] 3 Rotors 7 Irradiation Station

[0069] 300 rotor shaft, 8 heating stations

[0070] 31 Pivoting and receiving section 9 Detection / quantification level

[0071] 310 Pivot axis 90 Identification station

[0072] 311 Frame F Centrifugal Force

[0073] 312 Flange F1 Force Vector

[0074] 313 Force vector of the contact part F2

[0075] 314 Force vector of the contact surface F3

[0076] 315 Abutting component A corner

[0077] 32 Fixed receiving part F A Force vector

[0078] 320 Fixing Components

[0079] 32 Frames

Claims

1. A centrifugation unit (1) for guiding the movement of substances within a sample processing cartridge (2), the centrifugation unit (1) comprising: At least one rotor (3) is used to receive the sample processing box (2); At least one rotor driver is used to rotate the at least one rotor (3) about its respective rotor axis (300) to generate centrifugal force (F). A control device for accelerating and decelerating the at least one rotor (3); At least one pivoting receiving portion (31) and at least one fixed receiving portion (32) are arranged on the at least one rotor (3) for receiving the sample processing box (2), wherein each pivoting receiving portion (31) is adapted to allow the received sample processing box (2) to pivot freely about its respective pivot axis (310), wherein each pivot axis (310) is orthogonal to the rotor axis (300) and orthogonal to the corresponding force vector of the centrifugal force (F). The at least one pivoting receiving portion (31) and the at least one fixed receiving portion (32) are configured to receive the sample processing box (2) by inserting it into the insertion position along the central axis (200) parallel to the rotor axis (300), and The fixing element (320) is removably disposed at the fixing receiving portion (32) and configured to fix the sample processing box (2) in the fixing receiving portion (32) in the insertion position and prevent any pivoting movement of the received sample processing box (2).

2. The centrifugation processing unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centrifugal processing unit (1) includes two or more rotors (3), wherein each rotor includes only a pivoting housing (31) or only a fixed housing (32).

3. The centrifugation processing unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each receiving portion (31, 32) is adapted to receive the sample processing box (2) in a first orientation and is adapted to receive the sample processing box (2) in a second orientation, wherein the second orientation corresponds to an angular rotation of the sample processing box (2) about the central axis (200) parallel to the rotor axis (300).

4. The centrifugation unit (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The angular rotation is a rotation about a value greater than 0 to 180 degrees, particularly 90 or 180 degrees.

5. The centrifugation unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one receiving portion (31, 32) includes a frame (311, 321) for receiving the sample processing box (2).

6. The centrifugation unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one pivot receiving portion (31) includes a stop portion (313) that prevents the sample processing box (2) from pivoting beyond a predetermined angle (A).

7. A centrifugal processing system (10) for guiding the movement of substances within a sample processing cartridge (2), the centrifugal processing system (10) comprising: The centrifugation unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; as well as At least one manipulator (4) is adapted to arrange the sample processing box (2) in at least one receiving portion (31, 32) or remove the sample processing box from at least one receiving portion.

8. The centrifugal processing system (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The manipulator (4) is adapted to move the sample processing box (2) in any horizontal or vertical direction (X, Y, Z).

9. The centrifugal processing system (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The manipulator (6) is adapted to perform angular rotation of the sample processing box (2) about an axis (Z) parallel to the rotor axis (300).

10. The centrifugal processing system (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The angular rotation is a rotation about a degree greater than 0 degrees, particularly 90 degrees or 180 degrees.

11. The centrifugal processing system (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The centrifugation system (10) further includes at least one additional station, wherein the at least one additional station may be selected from a loading / unloading station (5), a sealing station (6), an irradiation station, a heating station, a detection / quantification station, an identification station, or any other generally known station for processing the contents of the sample processing box (2) or for operating the sample processing box.

12. A method for guiding the movement of a substance within a sample processing box (2), the method comprising the following steps: - Provide a centrifugation unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; - Insert the sample processing box (2) into the pivot receiving part (32) to the insertion position along the central axis (200) parallel to the rotor axis (300); - Rotate the at least one rotor (3) about the corresponding rotor axis (300) to generate centrifugal force (F), while allowing free pivoting motion of the inserted sample processing box (2), thereby generating a force vector (F1) in a first direction relative to the sample processing box (2). - Remove the sample processing box (2) from the pivot receiving part (31); - Insert the sample processing box (2) into the fixed receiving part (32) to the insertion position along the central axis (200) parallel to the rotor axis (300); - Rotate the at least one rotor (3) about the corresponding rotor axis (300) to generate centrifugal force (F) while preventing the pivoting motion of the inserted sample processing box (2), thereby generating a force vector (F2) in a second direction relative to the sample processing box (2).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - Before inserting the sample processing box (2) into the fixed receiving part (32), the sample processing box (2) is rotated about a central axis (200) parallel to the rotor axis (300), so that when the at least one rotor (3) rotates about its respective rotor axis (300), a force vector (F3) is generated in a third direction relative to the sample processing box (2).

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - Before or after inserting the sample processing box (2) into the pivoting receiving part (31) or the fixed receiving part (32), the sample processing box (2) is positioned in at least one additional station, wherein the at least one additional station can be selected from: loading / unloading station (5), sealing station (6), irradiation station (electromagnetic, radioactive), heating station (contact, convection), detection / quantification station, unloading station, and identification station.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The insertion, removal, rotation and / or positioning of the sample processing box is performed by at least one manipulator (6).

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The free pivoting motion of the sample processing box (2) is partially restricted by providing an abutment (313) to the pivot receiving portion (31) before the at least one rotor (3) rotates.

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