SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BALANCING A CENTRIFUGE ROTOR

Abstract

Rotor hub assembly (10, 10a) for a centrifuge rotor (12, 12a), wherein the rotor hub assembly (10, 10a) comprises: a rotor hub (14, 14a) with a head section (20, 20a), an elongated shaft section (22, 22a) extending axially away from the head section, and a central bore (30, 30a) extending through the head section and the shaft section, wherein the head section includes a plurality of balancing bores (52, 52a) each designed to selectively accommodate at least one counterweight (16, 16a).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to centrifuge rotors and in particular to the balancing of a rotor for use with a centrifuge. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Centrifuge rotors are typically used in laboratory centrifuges to hold samples during centrifugation. While centrifuge rotors can vary considerably in their design and size, a common rotor structure is the fixed-angle rotor, which has a rigid rotor body with a plurality of cell-hole cavities distributed radially within the rotor body and arranged symmetrically around a rotational axis. Samples are placed into the cavities, allowing multiple samples to be centrifuged simultaneously.

[0003] Since centrifuge rotors are typically used in high-speed applications where the centrifuge speed can exceed hundreds or even thousands of revolutions per minute, the rotors must be carefully balanced. In this respect, variations in the mass of the rotor load can lead to an undesirable force imbalance when the rotor is spinning at high speed. This force imbalance stresses the spindle that drives the rotor and can lead to damage to the centrifuge, as well as poor efficiency, wear, and noise. Conventional balancing techniques use a combination of specimens and balancing tubes, all of the same weight, or they use other different balancing patterns without balancing tubes.

[0004] A diagnostic device or balancing machine, such as those commercially distributed by the American Hofmann Corporation in Lynchburg, Virginia, or by the Schenck Corporation in Deer Park, New York, can be used to detect rotor imbalances and, if necessary, identify specific locations on a rotor body where additional weight is required to properly balance the rotor. Holes are then manually drilled into the rotor body, which may be made of carbon fiber, at the identified locations, and the weights are pressed into the holes according to the information provided by the diagnostic device. The weights can be cylindrical metal bodies, for example, with a specific mass to compensate for the imbalance detected by the diagnostic device.

[0005] It is often necessary to rebalance a rotor several times throughout its service life. For example, as the rotor ages and wears down, its mass distribution can change to such an extent that rebalancing becomes required. In this case, the previously installed weights usually need to be removed from the pre-drilled holes, and new holes drilled into the rotor body so that the same or different weights can be pressed into them. This renders the previously drilled holes obsolete. It is often desirable to seal the previously drilled holes for structural and / or aesthetic reasons, which requires repairing the rotor body. The cycle of drilling new holes in the rotor body and repairing the rotor body to seal the previously drilled holes is repeated each time the rotor is rebalanced.US Patent 2019 / 0299221 A1 discloses a fastening device installed in a rotor hole. The fastening device consists of a main body, a first and a second part arranged in a part receiving hole formed in the main body such that they extend in a direction orthogonal to a rotor's central axis of rotation, a leaf spring with two arm sections, and a retaining device attached to the main body that holds a base of the leaf spring between the retaining device and the main body. The first and second parts have grooves into which the arm sections of the leaf spring are inserted. When the rotor rotates, the first and second parts protrude from the part receiving hole due to centrifugal force against the spring force of the leaf spring and come into contact with a rotor coupling section of a shaft.In a design that allows the rotor to be attached to the shaft by simply placing it on the shaft, assembly on the rotor side can be easily carried out.

[0006] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide improved systems and procedures for balancing centrifuge rotors that address these and other problems associated with conventional rotors. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned and other shortcomings and disadvantages of systems and methods for balancing previously known centrifuge rotors. Although the invention is discussed in connection with certain embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be contained within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a rotor hub assembly for a centrifuge rotor is provided, comprising a rotor hub that includes a head section, an elongated shaft section extending axially from the head section, and a central bore extending through the head section and the shaft section. The head section contains a plurality of balancing bores, each designed to selectively accommodate at least one counterweight.

[0009] To balance the rotor, a diagnostic device can be used to detect imbalances in the rotor and identify at least one target location on the rotor hub and at least one corresponding target weight quantity, the addition of which at the target location on the hub would aid in the correct balancing of the rotor. Then, a suitable balancing bore corresponding to the target location, as well as a balancing weight with a weight relatively close to the target weight quantity, can be selected.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one counterweight comprises at least one adjusting screw with at least one threaded outer surface, and the majority of balancing bores are provided with threads.

[0011] The head section of the rotor hub can include a plurality of mounting holes, each designed to selectively accommodate a fastening element for securing at least one ring to the rotor hub. In one embodiment, the at least one ring is secured to the rotor hub and covers the at least one counterweight, which is inserted into at least one balancing bore. The ring can comprise at least one magnetic ring and / or an annular shield. If the ring is magnetic, the magnetic ring can include a plurality of blind bores on its upper surface to selectively accommodate a plurality of corresponding magnets.The selected arrangement of magnets on the magnetic ring provides an identifiable magnetic field via the Hall effect, which can be detected by the centrifuge or an associated sensor / reader, allowing the centrifuge to identify the rotor hub and / or rotor installed within it. If the ring acts as a shield, the shield can be constructed from a highly magnetic material that prevents the magnetic field provided by the magnets from being directed upwards towards the hub, instead focusing the magnetic field downwards towards the centrifuge's sensor / reader.

[0012] According to another embodiment, a centrifuge rotor is provided which includes a rotor body with a plurality of tubular cavities, each cavity being designed to accommodate a sample container. The centrifuge rotor further includes the rotor hub assembly described above, the rotor hub being configured to transmit torque from a centrifuge spindle to the rotor body.

[0013] A method for operating a centrifuge rotor including a rotor body with a plurality of tubular cavities and a rotor hub with a plurality of balancing bores, each designed to selectively accommodate at least one of a plurality of counterweights, is also provided.

[0014] The procedure includes the steps of detecting imbalances in the centrifuge rotor and selectively engaging at least one of the plurality of counterweights in at least one of the plurality of balancing bores in response to the detected imbalances.

[0015] The balancing procedure may also include the step of identifying at least one target location on the rotor hub and at least one corresponding target weight quantity to be added to the at least one target location under a hub for balancing the rotor.

[0016] The exemplary procedure may also include the step of selecting at least one of the plurality of balancing bores and at least one of the plurality of balancing weights in response to the at least one identified target location or the at least one corresponding target weight quantity.

[0017] Several additional features and advantages of the invention will become clearer to the person skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, which have been made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this patent specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the preceding general description of the invention and the following detailed description, serve to explain the invention. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hub arrangement for a centrifuge rotor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the hub arrangement of Fig. 1. Fig. 3A is an exploded cross-sectional view of the hub arrangement of Fig. 1 along the intersection line 3A-3A. Fig. 3B is an exploded cross-sectional view of the hub arrangement of Fig. 1 along the intersection line 3B-3B. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a centrifuge rotor including the hub arrangement of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 4 of a centrifuge rotor and hub arrangement according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In relation to Fig. 1-3B is an exemplary hub arrangement 10 for a centrifuge rotor 12 ( Fig. 4) illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hub arrangement 10 includes a rotor hub 14 and at least one counterweight 16, which may be detachably embedded in the rotor hub 14. As described in more detail below, the counterweight 16 can be selectively positioned at a plurality of predetermined locations on the rotor hub 14 for balancing the rotor 12.

[0020] The illustrated rotor hub 14, which can be constructed of a metallic material such as titanium, includes a head section 20 and an elongated shaft section 22 extending axially from the head section 20. The shaft section 22 includes a threaded outer end face 24 distal to the head section 20 and a threaded outer mid-surface 26 near the head section 20. As best as in Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, a central multi-stage bore 30 extends through the head section 20 and the shaft section 22 of the rotor hub 14 and includes an internal surface 32 with threads which is located in the shaft section 22 distal to the head section 20.

[0021] An annular recess 34 is provided in a lower surface of the rotor hub 14 distal to the shaft section 22, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting threaded bores 36 are open towards the recess 34. Each of the mounting bores 36 is configured to screw in a corresponding mounting element 38 to secure a ring, such as a magnetic ring 40 and / or an annular shield 42, to the lower surface of the rotor hub 14. In this respect, the illustrated magnetic ring 40 includes a plurality of through holes 44, each configured to receive a corresponding mounting element 38. The magnetic ring 40 may also include a plurality of blind bores 46 on a top surface to selectively accommodate a plurality of corresponding magnets 48.The selected arrangement of the magnets 48 on the magnetic ring 40 provides, via the Hall effect, an identifiable magnetic field that can be detected by the centrifuge (or an associated sensor / reader), so that the centrifuge (or an associated controller) can identify the hub 14 and / or the rotor 12, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the centrifuge (or a controller thereof) can compare the detected magnetic field with various magnetic field values ​​stored in a database to identify the specific rotor 12 or type of rotor 12 in the centrifuge.

[0022] The illustrated annular shield 42 includes a plurality of through-holes 50, each configured to receive a corresponding fastener 38, so that the annular shield 42 can be positioned between the magnet ring 40 and the head section 20 of the rotor hub 14 within the recess 34 when the fasteners 38 are screwed into the corresponding mounting holes 36. The shield 42 can be constructed of a highly magnetic material that prevents the magnetic field provided by the magnets 48 from being directed upward toward the hub 14, instead focusing the magnetic field downward toward the centrifuge's sensor / reader. In one embodiment, the shield 42 can be constructed of mu-metal (e.g., ASTM A753 alloy 4).

[0023] The exemplary head section 20 of the rotor hub 14 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced balancing threaded bores 52, which open towards the recess 34. In the embodiment shown, each of the balancing bores 52 generally extends parallel to the central bore 30 of the rotor hub 14. Each of the balancing bores 52 is configured to selectively and screwably receive one of the counterweights 16 for balancing the rotor 12. In particular, the balancing bores 52 can have a uniform configuration, such that, for example, each of the balancing bores 52 has the same depth, transverse dimension, and / or thread pitch. In this way, each of the balancing bores 52 can be able to screw in the same counterweight(s) 16.In the embodiment shown, the uniform configuration of the balancing bores 52 differs from the configuration of the fastening bores 36, so that the balancing bores 52 can be intended for receiving the balancing weights 16, while the fastening bores 36 can be intended for receiving the connecting elements 38.

[0024] In the embodiment shown, as is best described in Fig. Figure 2 shows eight balancing bores 52 provided, spaced circumferentially in four pairs around the central bore 30. Thus, the balancing bores 52 define eight predetermined locations on the rotor hub 14 for receiving the counterweights 16. However, any suitable number of balancing bores 52 at any suitable spacing can be used. In this respect, the transverse dimension of the head section 20 can influence the available surface area for balancing bores 52 and can be enlarged, for example, to provide additional surface area for accommodating a greater number of balancing bores 52. It is understood that the number of balancing bores 52 can correlate with the number of options for placing the counterweights 16 and can also correlate with the degree of control of the center of gravity of the rotor hub 14, which affects the stability of the rotor 12.

[0025] The illustrated counterweight 16 includes an adjusting screw 60, which has a threaded outer surface 62 and extends between the first and second ends 64, 66, defining the length of the counterweight 16. A hexagonal bushing 68 is provided in the first end 64 to accommodate a tool such as a wrench to assist in advancing the counterweight 16 into or out of one of the balancing bores 52. The threaded outer surface 62 of the counterweight 16 allows it to be easily inserted into or removed from one of the balancing bores 52 without causing deformation of the rotor hub 14 or any other component of the rotor 12.While the illustrated counterweight 16 and the balancing bores 52 are threaded, allowing the counterweight 16 to reliably and removably engage with one or more of the balancing bores 52, the counterweight 16 can also be reliably and / or removably engaged with the hub 14 by other suitable means. In one embodiment, a plurality of counterweights 16 with different lengths and / or masses can be provided, so that counterweights 16 with different balancing properties can be selectively positioned in specific balancing bores 52 to achieve individual balancing.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, the counterweights 16 within the corresponding balancing bore(s) 52 can be covered or concealed by the magnetic ring 40 and / or the annular shield 42, so that the counterweight(s) 16 may not be visible or easily accessible from an outside of the hub assembly 10.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 4 The rotor hub assembly 10 can be used in a centrifuge rotor 12. The rotor 12 encloses a rotor body 70 which is symmetrical about an axis of rotation defined by the rotor hub 14, around which samples contained in sample containers (not shown) positioned in the rotor body 70 can undergo centrifugal rotation.

[0028] The illustrated rotor body 70 includes a generally cylindrical bore 72 for receiving at least the shaft section 22 of the hub 14, configured to be coaxial with the hub 14 so that the bore 72 can also define the axis of rotation. As shown, a plurality of recesses 74 are provided in the periphery of the bore 72, the purposes of which are described below. The rotor body 70 also includes upper and lower cavities 76, 78 adjacent to opposite ends of the bore 72.

[0029] A plurality of tubular cell-hole cavities 80 extend from the upper cavity 76 into the rotor body 70. Each of the cavities 80 is suitably dimensioned and shaped to accommodate at least one of the sample containers for centrifugal rotation about the axis of rotation. It is understood that a suitable number of cell-hole cavities 80 may be used. As used herein, the term "tubular" refers to any suitable cross-sectional shape, including, for example, but not limited to, rounded shapes (e.g., oval, circular, or conical), rectangular shapes, regular or irregular polygonal shapes, or any other suitable shape. Accordingly, this term is not intended to be limited to the generally circular cross-sectional profile of the exemplary cavities 80 illustrated in the figures. In one embodiment, the rotor body 70 is constructed of carbon fiber material.For example, the rotor body 70 can be compression-molded from layers of resin-coated carbon fiber laminate material.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, a rotor insert 82 is integrally formed on the rotor body 70 within the bore 72. The insert 82 includes a threaded bore 84 for receiving and screwing in at least the outer central surface 26 of the shaft section 22 of the hub 14, in order to securely mount the rotor body 70 onto the hub 14. The insert 82 also includes a plurality of webs 86, each of which is received in a corresponding recess 74 of the rotor body 70. In use, when the rotor 12 is rotated, the hub 14 exerts a torque on the insert 82, and the insert 82, for example via the engagement between the webs 86 and the recesses 74, exerts a torque on the rotor body 70.

[0031] When the rotor body 70 is mounted on the rotor hub 14, a hub holder 90 is detachably attached to the hub 14 to further facilitate holding the rotor body 70, the hub 14, and the insert 82 relative to each other. In this respect, the hub holder 90 includes a threaded bore 92 for receiving and screwing in at least the outer end face 24 of the shaft section 22 of the hub 14.

[0032] The rotor 12 also includes a cover 100, which is detachably coupled to the rotor hub 14 above the rotor body 70, for example, to assist in holding the sample containers within the rotor body 70 during its rotation. The illustrated cover 100 is generally disc-shaped and includes a central bore 102, the purpose of which is described below, and a circumferential groove 104 for receiving an O-ring 106 to provide a liquid-tight seal between the cover 100 and the rotor body 70 when the cover 100 is detachably coupled to the rotor body 70. In one embodiment, the cover 100 is constructed of carbon fiber material. For example, the cover 100 can be compression-molded from layers of resin-coated carbon fiber laminate material.

[0033] As shown, the cover 100 can be detachably coupled to the rotor body 70 via a cover screw 110. The illustrated cover screw includes an upper flange 112, a threaded lower outer surface 114, and a multi-stage bore 116. As shown, the threaded lower outer surface 114 engages with and is screwed into the threaded inner surface 32 of the hub 14, so that the upper flange 112 presses a spacer 118 against the cover 100. When the cover 100 is detachably coupled to the rotor body 70 via the engagement of the cover screw 110 with the hub 14 and the engagement of the spacer 118 with the cover 100, the cover 100 blocks access to the sample containers held in the cavities 80, for example, during high-speed rotation. A fastening screw or pin 120 can be inserted through the bore 116 of the cover screw 110 and screwed together with a knob 122.The retaining pin 120 can be configured to engage with a cooperating bore in the centrifuge spindle (not shown), thus assisting in securing the rotor 12 to the centrifuge spindle. As shown, the retaining pin 120 can be biased away from the centrifuge spindle by a helical spring 124. A threshold force of the helical spring 124 can be overcome to engage the retaining pin 120 with the bore in the centrifuge spindle, which can then be actuated to drive the rotor 12 into high-speed centrifugal rotation. As the person skilled in the art will recognize, one or more of the rotor mounting components described above can be made of any suitable metallic or non-metallic material.

[0034] To balance the rotor 12, a diagnostic device can be used to detect imbalances in the rotor 12 and to identify at least one target location on the hub 14 and at least one corresponding target weight quantity, the addition of which at the target location on the hub 14 would aid in the correct balancing of the rotor 12. Depending on the specific diagnostic device used, the user can enter a radius value (e.g., distance from the axis of rotation) indicating that the target location is desired on the hub 14 and not on the rotor body 70. Then, a suitable balancing bore 52 corresponding to the target location, as well as a balancing weight 16 with a weight relatively close to the target weight quantity, can be selected.

[0035] The selected at least one counterweight 16 can then be screwed into the at least one balancing bore 52 according to the information provided by the diagnostic device in order to counteract the imbalance detected by the diagnostic device. For example, a single counterweight 16 can be screwed into one of the balancing bores 52, while the remaining balancing bores 52 can remain empty as shown. Alternatively, any number of balancing bores 52 can be fitted with any number of counterweights 16, depending on what is suitable for achieving a desired balancing of the rotor 12. In any case, the counterweights 16 can be concealed in the respective balancing bores 52 as described above, and the balancing rotor 12 can safely perform high-speed centrifugal rotation.

[0036] Subsequently, the rotor 12 can be rebalanced by detecting new imbalances in the rotor 12 and simply unscrewing one or more counterweights 16 from the respective balancing bores 52, whereby the removed counterweight(s) 16 are / are relocated to different balancing bores 52, by screwing one or more different counterweights 16 into one or more different balancing bores 52, and / or by replacing the removed counterweight(s) 16 with one or more counterweights 16, for example, with different lengths and / or masses. Thus, the counterweights 16 and balancing bores 52 eliminate the need to repeatedly drill holes in the rotor body 70 or to seal such drilled holes when they become obsolete during rebalancing.

[0037] While the counterweights 16 and the corresponding balancing holes 52 have been described in relation to the illustrated hub assembly 10 and rotor 12, the counterweights 16 and balancing holes 52 can be installed in any suitable hub assembly and / or rotor. For example, the counterweights 16 and balancing holes 52 can be installed in a hub assembly that does not include the magnet ring 40 (including the magnets 48) and / or the annular shield 42. In such cases, a special cover can be used to conceal the counterweights 16, or the counterweights 16 can be left exposed. Additionally or alternatively, the counterweights 16 and balancing holes 52 can be installed in other carbon fiber rotors of different designs and / or in rotors constructed from different materials.

[0038] For example, and without limitation, other exemplary rotors suitable for balancing according to the rotor balancing procedure described herein are the rotor models F10-4x1000 LEX, F21-8x50y, F12-6x500 LEX, F20-12x50 LEX, F14-14x50cy, F14-6x250y and F17-6x250 LEX, which are commercially available from Fiberlite Centrifuge, LLC of Santa Clara, CA, the joint applicant.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a centrifuge rotor 12a and a hub arrangement 10a according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, such as the centrifuge rotor model F10-4x1000 of the joint applicant.

[0040] The centrifuge rotor 12a of Fig. 5 includes four circumferentially spaced cell cavity cavities 80a, each configured to removably accommodate a large-volume sample container, such as a sample container capable of holding at least 750 ml and up to 1000 ml of sample. Exemplary large-volume sample containers for use with the rotor 12a of Fig. 5 are suitable, are fully described in US patents US 8 215 508 B2 and US 9 987 634 B2, which are each owned by the common applicant and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0041] Similar to the embodiment of the centrifuge rotor 12 and the hub arrangement 10 of Fig. 4 closes the hub arrangement 10a for the centrifuge rotor 12a of Fig. 5 a rotor hub 14a and at least one counterweight 16a, similar to the counterweight 16 of Fig. 4 detachably embedded in the rotor hub 14a.

[0042] The illustrated rotor hub 14a, similar to the rotor hub 14 of Fig. 4, can be constructed of a metallic material such as titanium, and includes a head section 20a and an elongated shaft section 22a extending axially from the head section 20a. The shaft section 22a includes a threaded outer end surface 24a distal to the head section 20a and a threaded outer mid-surface 26a near the head section 20a. A central multi-stage bore 30a extends through the head section 20a and the shaft section 22a of the rotor hub 14a and includes a threaded inner surface 32a located in the shaft section 22a distal to the head section 20a.

[0043] An annular recess 34a is provided in a subside of the rotor hub 14a distal to the shaft section 22a and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting threaded holes (not shown), similar to the mounting holes 36 of Fig. 3A is open towards recess 34a. Each of the mounting holes (not shown) is configured to accept a corresponding mounting element (not shown) that corresponds to mounting element 38 of Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B is similar to a screw-type mounting to secure the magnetic ring 40a and / or the annular shield 42a to the underside of the rotor hub 14a. The magnetic ring 40a shown contains a plurality of through holes (not shown), similar to the through holes 44 of Fig. 3A, each configured to receive a corresponding fastening element (not shown). The magnetic ring 40a may also contain a plurality of blind holes (not shown), similar to the blind holes 46 of Fig. 3B on one upper side thereof for selectively picking up a plurality of corresponding magnets (not shown), similar to magnets 48 of Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B. The selected arrangement of magnets on the magnetic ring 40a provides, via the Hall effect, an identifiable magnetic field that can be detected by the centrifuge (or an associated sensor / reader), so that the centrifuge (or an associated controller) can identify the hub 14a and / or rotor 12a, as a person skilled in the art will understand. For example, the centrifuge (or a controller thereof) can compare the detected magnetic field with various magnetic field values ​​stored in a database to identify the specific rotor 12a or type of rotor 12a in the centrifuge.

[0044] Similar to the ring-shaped shield 42 of Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. 4 The ring-shaped shield 42a includes a plurality of through holes (not shown), similar to the through holes 50 of Fig. 3A, each configured to receive a corresponding fastening element (not shown), so that the annular shield 42a can be arranged between the magnet ring 40a and the head section 20a of the rotor hub 14a within the recess 34a when the fastening elements (not shown) are screwed into the corresponding mounting holes (not shown). As above in conjunction with the shield 42 of Fig. 3A, Fig. As described in Figure 3B, the shield 42a can be constructed of a highly magnetic material that prevents the magnetic field provided by the magnets (not shown) from being directed upwards towards the hub 14a, instead focusing the magnetic field downwards towards the sensor / reader of the centrifuge. In one embodiment, the shield 42a can be constructed of mu-metal (e.g., ASTM A753 alloy 4).

[0045] The head section 20a of the rotor hub 14a further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced balancing threaded bores 52a, which open towards the recess 34a. In the embodiment shown, each of the balancing bores 52a generally extends parallel to the central bore 30a of the rotor hub 14a. Each of the balancing bores 52a is configured to selectively and screwably receive one of the counterweights 16a for balancing the rotor 12a in a manner that corresponds to the above in conjunction with the centrifuge rotor 12. Fig. The balancing procedure described in detail in 4 is similar.

[0046] Similar to the centrifuge rotor 12 of Fig. 4 In the embodiment shown, the counterweight(s) 16a within the corresponding balancing bore(s) 52a may be covered or concealed by the magnetic ring 40a and / or the annular shield 42a, so that the counterweight(s) 16a may not be visible or easily accessible from an outside of the hub assembly 10a.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the rotor 12a encloses a rotor body 70a which is symmetrical about an axis of rotation defined by the rotor hub 14a, so that the samples contained in sample containers (not shown) positioned in the rotor body 70a can perform a centrifugal rotation.

[0048] The rotor body 70a of Fig. 5 includes a generally cylindrical bore 72a for receiving at least the shaft section 22a of the hub 14a, which is configured to be coaxial with the hub 14a so that the bore 72a can also define the axis of rotation.

[0049] The tubular cell cavity cavities 80a extend from the upper cavity 76a into the rotor body 70a. Each of the cavities 80a is suitably dimensioned and shaped to accommodate at least one of the sample containers for centrifugal rotation of the containers around the axis of rotation. As with the rotor 12 of Fig. 4 It is understood that a suitable number of cell hole cavities 80a can be used. In an embodiment similar to the rotor 12 of Fig. 4. The rotor body 70a is constructed of carbon fiber material. For example, the rotor body 70a can be compression-molded from layers of resin-coated carbon fiber laminate material.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, a rotor insert 82a is integrally formed on the rotor body 70a within the bore 72a. The insert 82a includes a threaded bore 84a for receiving and screwing in at least the outer central surface 26a of the shaft section 22a of the hub 14a, in order to securely mount the rotor body 70a onto the hub 14a.

[0051] When the rotor body 70a is mounted on the rotor hub 14a, a hub holder 90a is detachably attached to the hub 14a to further facilitate holding the rotor body 70a, the hub 14a, and the insert 82a relative to each other. The hub holder 90a includes a threaded bore 92a for receiving and screwing in at least the outer end face 24a with thread of the shaft section 22a of the hub 14a.

[0052] The rotor 12a also includes a cover 100a, which is detachably coupled to the rotor hub 14a above the rotor body 70a to, for example, assist in holding the sample containers within the rotor body 70a during its rotation. The cover 100a is generally disc-shaped and includes a central bore 102a and a circumferential groove 104a for receiving an O-ring 106a to provide a liquid-tight seal between the cover 100a and the rotor body 70a when the cover 100a is detachably coupled to the rotor body 70a. In one embodiment, the cover 100a is constructed of carbon fiber material. For example, the cover 100a can be compression-molded from layers of resin-coated carbon fiber laminate material.

[0053] Similar to the lid 100 from Fig. 4. The cover 100a can be detachably coupled to the rotor body 70a via a cover screw 110a. The illustrated cover screw includes an upper flange 112a, a threaded lower outer surface 114a, and a multi-stage bore 116a. As shown, the threaded lower outer surface 114a engages and screws into the threaded inner surface 32a of the hub 14a, so that the upper flange 112a presses a spacer 118a against the cover 100a. When the cover 100a is detachably coupled to the rotor body 70a via the engagement of the cover screw 110a with the hub 14a and the engagement of the spacer 118a with the cover 100a, the cover 100a blocks access to the sample containers held in the cavities 80a, for example, during high-speed rotation. A fastening screw or pin 120a can be inserted through the bore 116a of the cover screw 110a and screwed together with a knob 122a.The retaining pin 120a can be configured to engage with a cooperating bore of the centrifuge spindle (not shown), thus assisting in securing the rotor 12a to the centrifuge spindle. As shown, the retaining pin 120a can be biased away from the centrifuge spindle by a helical spring 124a. A threshold force of the helical spring 124a can be overcome to engage the retaining pin 120a with the bore of the centrifuge spindle, which can then be actuated to drive the rotor 12a to high-speed centrifugal rotation. This is similar to the centrifuge rotor 12 and hub assembly 10 of [reference missing]. Fig. 4. The person skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the rotor assembly components described above may be made of any suitable metallic or non-metallic material.

[0054] While various aspects of the principles of the invention have been illustrated by the description of different embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in great detail, they are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the invention to such details. The various features shown and described herein can be used individually or in any combination. Further advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, representative installations and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, deviations from such details are permissible without altering the scope of the general concept of the invention.

Claims

[1] Rotor hub assembly (10, 10a) for a centrifuge rotor (12, 12a), wherein the rotor hub assembly (10, 10a) comprises: a rotor hub (14, 14a) with a head section (20, 20a), an elongated shaft section (22, 22a) extending axially away from the head section, and a central bore (30, 30a) extending through the head section and the shaft section, wherein the head section includes a plurality of balancing bores (52, 52a) each designed to selectively accommodate at least one counterweight (16, 16a). [2] Rotor hub arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one counterweight (16, 16a) which is received by at least one of the plurality of balancing bores (52, 52a). [3] Rotor hub arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the at least one counterweight (16, 16a) comprises at least one adjusting screw (60) with at least one outer surface with thread (62). [4] Rotor hub arrangement according to one of claims 2-3, wherein the at least one counterweight (16, 16a) is selected to balance the centrifuge rotor (12, 12a) during centrifugation of the centrifuge rotor. [5] Rotor hub arrangement according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the head section (20, 20a) contains a plurality of fastening bores (36) each designed to selectively accommodate a fastening element (38) for securing at least one ring to the rotor hub (14, 14a). [6] Rotor hub arrangement according to claim 5, wherein each of the balancing bores (52) has a first configuration and each of the fastening bores (36) has a second configuration which differs from the first configuration. [7] Rotor hub arrangement according to one of claims 1-6, further comprising: at least one ring which is secured to the rotor hub (14, 14a) and which covers at least one counterweight (16, 16a). [8] Rotor hub arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the at least one ring comprises at least one magnetic ring (40, 40a) and / or an annular shield (42, 42a). [9] Rotor hub arrangement according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the plurality of balancing bores (52, 52a) have a uniform configuration. [10] Rotor hub arrangement according to one of claims 1-9, wherein the plurality of balancing bores (52, 52a) on the head section (20, 20a) of the rotor hub (14, 14a) are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. [11] Rotor hub arrangement according to one of claims 1-10, wherein each of the plurality of balancing bores (52, 52a) is provided with a thread. [12] Rotor hub arrangement according to one of claims 1-11, wherein the plurality of balancing bores (52, 52a) includes eight balancing bores. [13] Rotor hub arrangement according to one of claims 1-12, wherein the rotor hub (14, 14a) is made of a metallic material. [14] Centrifuge rotor, comprising: a rotor body (70, 70a) with a plurality of tubular cavities (80, 80a), each cavity being designed to accommodate a sample container and Rotor hub arrangement (10, 10a) according to one of claims 1-13, wherein the rotor hub (14, 14a) is configured to transmit a torque from a centrifuge spindle to the rotor body (70, 70a). [15] Method for operating a centrifuge rotor (12, 12a) including a rotor body (70, 70a) with a plurality of tubular cavities (80, 80a) and a rotor hub (14, 14a) with a plurality of balancing bores (52, 52a), each designed to selectively accommodate at least one of a plurality of counterweights (16, 16a), the method comprising: Detection of imbalances in the centrifuge rotor (12, 12a); and selective engagement of at least one of the plurality of counterweights (16, 16a) into at least one of the plurality of balancing bores (52, 52a) in response to the detected imbalances. [16] The method of claim 15, further comprising: Identifying at least one target location on the rotor hub (14, 14a) and at least one corresponding target weight quantity to be added to the at least one target location on the rotor hub (14, 14a) for balancing the rotor. [17] The method of claim 16, further comprising: Selecting at least one of the plurality of balancing bores (52, 52a) and at least one of the plurality of balancing weights (16, 16a) in response to the at least one identified target location or the at least one corresponding target weight quantity. [18] Method according to one of claims 15-17, wherein the selective engagement of at least one of the several counterweights (16, 16a) in at least one of the several balancing bores (52, 52a) comprises screwing the at least one counterweight into the at least one balancing bore. [19] Method according to any one of claims 15-18, further comprising: Rotating the centrifuge rotor (12, 12a) for centrifugation with the at least one counterweight (16, 16a) which engages selectively with the at least one balancing bore (52, 52a). [20] The method of claim 19, further comprising: selectively releasing the at least one counterweight (16, 16a) from the at least one balancing bore (52, 52a) after centrifugation.

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