Adapter for a centrifuge rotor and corresponding kit and method - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide an adaptor for a centrifuge rotor.SOLUTION: The adaptor comprises: a body including a plurality of bores arranged in a row, each having a first diameter and each being for receiving a first sample container; and a primary protrusion extending from the body. The primary protrusion has a second diameter, and the primary protrusion is for being received in a rotor bore of a centrifuge rotor. The rotor bore is for receiving second sample containers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adapter for a centrifuge rotor, and to a rotor kit and a centrifuge kit incorporating the adapter. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding method for adapting a centrifuge rotor and processing sample containers.

[0002] The use of centrifuges is well known, in which the rotor (also called the rotor) is spun at a speed that separates the components of a sample.

[0003] The samples are provided in sample vessels that can vary in size. A particular rotor will typically be sized to accept one or more sample vessel sizes within the rotor holes and not other sample vessel sizes. Thus, rotors for a centrifuge can be switched on and off based on the size of the sample vessel being centrifuged.

[0004] The centrifuges themselves may be classified based on their size and the size of the sample container they are intended to receive. This may be based, for example, on the rotors they fit. For example, a "microliter" centrifuge may be sized and arranged to process microliter tubes, e.g., 0.1 ml to 2.0 ml, particularly 0.2 ml tubes. On the other hand, a "general purpose" centrifuge may be used for larger tube sizes such as 5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml, and up to 250 ml or 500 ml. Centrifuges may additionally or alternatively be classified based on their optimized operating speed. For example, an "ultracentrifuge" may be provided to generate spins on the order of 150,000 rpm.

[0005] Adapters such as that shown in Figure 3 have been used to adapt the rotor holes of a rotor to accommodate sample vessels of different sizes than the rotor holes, however an adapter is required for each rotor hole, which means that this is not a particularly efficient system.

[0006] In recent years, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become a known method for making copies of a DNA sample. It allows a small amount of DNA sample to be taken, which is then copied until a sufficiently large amount of DNA sample is available for testing. Typically, PCR is carried out using special PCR tubes provided in a strip as shown in Figure 1. The individual PCR tubes are arranged in a linear fashion in this strip.

[0007] In a typical rotor, the rotor holes that receive the sample vessels are arranged in a circular pattern around the center of the rotor. This means that the rotor holes are not arranged in a straight line. As a result, such conventional rotors are not suitable for PCR strips.

[0008] Instead, specially designed PCR rotors are used, as shown in Figure 2. The rotor holes of such PCR rotors are aligned in a straight line to receive the PCR strips. Again, this means that the rotor of the centrifuge needs to be changed in order to use the centrifuge with PCR strips.

[0009] Furthermore, an adapter such as that shown in Figure 3 does not solve this because even if each rotor hole of a conventional rotor was equipped with such an adapter, the adapters would not be arranged in a straight line to maintain the circular arrangement of the conventional rotor. As a result, conventional rotors cannot be easily adapted for use with PCR strips.

[0010] In practice, this leads many users to have multiple centrifuges (one for PCR and one for other operations) because regular replacement of rotors is inefficient.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for an improved adapter. Summary of the Invention

[0012] An adapter for a centrifuge rotor is provided according to claim 1. This adapter allows the centrifuge rotor to be easily adapted to different sample vessels, in particular those suitable for sample vessels arranged in strips, such as PCR strips.

[0013] The plurality of holes may include three or more holes, preferably eight or more holes, more preferably eight or more holes. In a particular example, the plurality of holes may be exactly eight holes or exactly twelve holes. This allows an appropriate number of sample vessels to be used with the adapter. This may correspond to a typical number of sample vessels in a strip for a particular type.

[0014] The second diameter may be larger than the first diameter, such that the adapter can convert smaller sample vessels for use with a rotor, such as a smaller PCR vessel for use with a rotor for larger sample vessels.

[0015] The body may extend transversely to the primary projections. Preferably, the body extends perpendicular to the primary projections. This is an effective shape for the adapter, particularly in establishing a straight line for processing sample vessels in the strip.

[0016] The first diameter may correspond to an outer diameter of a PCR tube. The adapter is particularly useful for PCR tubes, and in particular PCR strips, as intended sample containers.

[0017] The second diameter can accommodate a half milliliter (0.5 mL) to two milliliter (2 mL) sample vessel, or a three milliliter (3 mL) sample vessel, which are common sizes for sample vessels in rotors that can be accommodated using the present adapter.

[0018] The primary protrusion may be formed as a cylindrical protrusion, which may generally correspond to the shape of the sample vessel intended to be used with the rotor.

[0019] The primary protrusion may have a domed surface at its distal end, which may further generally correspond to the shape of a sample vessel intended to be used with the rotor.

[0020] The adapter may include a plurality of primary protrusions, each of which is received within a rotor bore of the centrifuge rotor and is disposed on a segment of a circular arc. The plurality of primary protrusions may improve the security of the adapter. Having the primary protrusions on an arc that may correspond to the circular arrangement of the rotor bores of the rotor means that the primary protrusions can fully engage with the corresponding rotor bores in this circular arrangement.

[0021] The plurality of primary protrusions may include two primary protrusions. It may be exactly two primary protrusions. Two primary protrusions may result in a particularly secure adapter, for example having a primary protrusion on either end of the body.

[0022] The adapter may further comprise one or more secondary projections, each for receipt within a respective further rotor bore of the centrifuge rotor. The secondary projections may assist in securing the adapter to the rotor.

[0023] Each secondary protrusion may be angled relative to the (respective) primary protrusion, the angled secondary protrusion allowing for engagement with the rotor bore at an angle relative to the body of the adapter.

[0024] Each secondary projection may be tapered towards its distal end. This taper may mean that the secondary projections may be shaped to contact the wall of the rotor bore along their length.

[0025] Each secondary protrusion may be shorter than the (each) primary protrusion. The secondary protrusions do not have to extend completely into the corresponding holes because they provide secondary support to the primary protrusions.

[0026] The adapter may comprise two secondary protrusions, with the primary protrusion being centrally located, which is a particularly stable location for the adapter.

[0027] According to claim 12, there is provided a rotor kit that can be used with a centrifuge to easily adapt the centrifuge to different sample containers. The rotor bores may be sized and configured to receive 0.5 milliliter (0.5 mL) to 2 milliliter (2 mL) sample containers, or 3 milliliter (3 mL) sample containers.

[0028] A centrifuge kit is provided according to claim 13. This is a centrifuge kit that allows the centrifuge to be easily adapted to different sample containers. The rotor bore may be sized and configured to receive 0.5 milliliter (0.5 mL) to 2 milliliter (2 mL) sample containers, or 3 milliliter (3 mL) sample containers.

[0029] A method of adapting a centrifuge rotor with a plurality of rotor holes is provided according to claim 14. The method quickly and efficiently adapts a centrifuge rotor to different sample vessels. The rotor holes may be sized and configured to receive 0.5 milliliter (0.5 mL) to 2 milliliter (2 mL) sample vessels, or 3 milliliter (3 mL) sample vessels.

[0030] A method of processing sample vessels in a centrifuge is provided by claim 15, the centrifuge comprising a centrifuge rotor comprising a plurality of rotor holes. The method allows sample vessels that would not otherwise fit into the rotor holes of the rotor to be centrifuged in the centrifuge. The rotor holes may be sized and configured to receive 0.5 milliliter (0.5 mL) to 2 milliliter (2 mL) sample vessels, or 3 milliliter (3 mL) sample vessels. This description refers, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a PCR strip is shown. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a centrifuge rotor for PCR strips. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a perspective view of a known adapter for a centrifuge rotor. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an adapter for a centrifuge rotor. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a centrifuge rotor with the four adapters of FIG. 4 inserted. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a partially transparent centrifuge rotor with the adapter of FIG. 4 inserted therein. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged perspective view of the partially transparent centrifuge rotor and adapter of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] As briefly discussed above, centrifuges are used to separate components of a fluid in a sample vessel by spinning / rotating the sample vessel (and thus the fluid) at high speed. Of course, solid components may be present in the fluid, e.g., in suspension or dissolved in the fluid. A centrifuge comprises a rotating component, a rotor. The rotor includes a number of rotor holes arranged in a generally circular fashion around the rotor's center. In use, the rotor rotates around this center. In certain instances, the rotor may include one or more layers of rotor holes arranged concentrically around the rotor's center.

[0033] The rotor bores of a rotor are sized for a particular sample vessel size, and other sample vessels are not suitable for use with that rotor. This requires either changing the rotor or using an adapter to switch between different sample vessel sizes. FIG. 3 shows an example of an adapter 500 that is used to modify a rotor bore to receive a smaller sample vessel. The adapter 500 includes an outer surface 54. The outer surface 54 generally corresponds to the sample vessel intended to be received by the rotor bore. For example, the outer surface 54 may have the same diameter as the intended sample vessel. The adapter 500 further includes an adapter bore 52. The adapter bore 52 may be smaller than the rotor bore into which the adapter 500 is inserted. As a result, a different sample vessel can be inserted into the adapter bore 52.

[0034] In this sense, the adapter 500 allows the rotor to be used with different sample vessels without requiring rotor changes in the centrifuge. However, such adapters are still constrained by the physical arrangement of the rotor holes on the rotor. This is particularly problematic for newer technologies that use certain types of sample vessels, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a strip 400 of PCR sample containers (or tubes) 44. This strip 400 may be generally referred to as a PCR strip 400. The PCR strip 400 includes a plurality of PCR tubes 44 joined to each other by one or more connectors 45. The connectors 45 may be integral with the PCR tubes 44 or may be separate. Each PCR tube 45 may have a standard volume of, for example, 0.1 mL or 0.2 mL. The PCR strip 400 may have any number of PCR tubes 44. In a specific example, the PCR strip 400 may be formed from 8 PCR tubes 44 or 12 PCR tubes 44. It is also common for a user to cut the PCR strip 400 into the required number of PCR tubes 44, and thus, the PCR strip 400 in use may have any number of PCR tubes 44. The tubes 44 are arranged in a substantially straight line.

[0036] As part of the PCR, these PCR strips 400 are typically centrifuged, for example after mixing and / or after one or more PCR cycles. Figure 2 shows a PCR rotor 300 for a centrifuge. This PCR rotor 300 can be used to receive the PCR strips 400 and then spun to centrifuge the PCR strips 400. As can be seen in Figure 2, in contrast to the arrangement of the conventional rotors described above, the rotor holes 32 are arranged in rows, i.e. not in the circular arrangement of the conventional rotors. Such a circular arrangement can be seen, for example, in Figure 6.

[0037] Collectively, multiple rows of rotor holes 32 may be provided on the PCR rotor 32, effectively defining a square centered about the center of the PCR rotor 32. As shown in Figure 2, the rows may not extend all the way to the corners of the square, but may extend conceptually to define a square. In certain instances, multiple rows of rotor holes 32 may be provided to define multiple squares, each of which may be centered about the center of the PCR rotor 32, for example.

[0038] 2 shows each row having eight rotor holes 32. However, any number of rotor holes 32 may be used in a row, including, for example, twelve rotor holes 32.

[0039] To use this PCR rotor 300, a conventional rotor must be switched from the centrifuge or, as commonly happens in practice, a specific PCR centrifuge is used in which the PCR rotor 300 is always installed. The standard rotor of the centrifuge is not suitable to receive such a PCR strip 400, even if it incorporates an adapter 500 as shown in FIG. 3. As mentioned above, the rotor holes of the centrifuge are arranged in a circle centered on the center of the rotor. This arrangement is maintained when the adapter 500 is inserted. This circular arrangement cannot receive a straight strip 400 of PCR tubes 44.

[0040] To address this, an adapter 100 for a centrifuge rotor may be provided, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 shows the adapter 100 alone, while Figures 5-7 show the adapter 100 received within a centrifuge rotor 200.

[0041] The adapter 100 comprises an adapter body 11. The body 11 may be generally elongated, for example in the form of an elongated block. The body 11 may be elongated in a longitudinal direction. The body 11 has a plurality of adapter holes 12 formed therein. The adapter holes 12 may be formed in the body 11 by any suitable means, including drilling or machining, or the body 11 may be molded to incorporate the holes 12. In certain examples, the body 11 may include first and second elongated portions, each elongated in a different direction. For example, the first elongated portion may be transverse or longitudinal relative to the second elongated portion.

[0042] The body 11 can include any number of holes 12. For example, it may be three or more holes 12, five or more holes 12, or eight or more holes 12. In particular examples, the body 11 can have exactly eight holes 12 or exactly twelve holes 12. This may correspond to a typical number of sample vessels received by the adapter 100.

[0043] Each of the holes 12 has a first diameter, i.e., a first distance between the interior walls of the holes 12. In certain examples, the holes 12 may have a diameter that varies along their depth. For example, the holes 12 may taper in a direction away from their openings. In such examples, the first diameter may be defined at any suitable point, for example, at the openings of the holes 12.

[0044] Each hole 12 is suitable for receiving a first sample container. In a particular example, the first sample container may be a PCR tube 44, such as a PCR tube 44 in the PCR strip 400. That is, the holes 12 may be shaped to correspond to the outer shape and / or size of the first sample container. In other words, the first diameter may be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the first sample container. Of course, there may be some margin to allow the first sample container to be inserted and / or removed, and therefore the first diameter may be larger than the outer diameter of the first sample container by a small amount, such as, for example, 10% or less of the outer diameter.

[0045] The holes 12 are arranged in a row. That is, the holes 12 may be arranged in a generally straight line on the adapter 100. A center of each hole 12 may be defined, and each center lies on this line. This line may extend in the same direction as the elongated direction of the body 11. The row may extend in a first direction. This first direction may also correspond to the longitudinal direction of the body 11.

[0046] The adapter 100 includes a primary projection 14. The primary projection 14 extends in a direction away from the adapter body 11. This may be, for example, a second direction generally transverse to the first direction. In certain instances, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. The body 11 may extend transversely to the primary projection 14. In certain instances, the body 11 may extend perpendicular to the primary projection 14. In effect, the body 11 and the primary projection 14 may form a "T" shape in side view. A proximal end of the primary projection 14 may be identified at the body 11, and a distal end of the primary projection 14 is away from the body 11.

[0047] The primary protrusion 14 has a second diameter, which in certain instances may be larger than the first diameter of the hole 12. Alternatively, the second diameter may be the same as or smaller than the first diameter.

[0048] The primary protrusions 14 are adapted to be received within the rotor holes 22 of a centrifuge rotor 200 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. This may be, for example, a conventional centrifuge rotor 200 with the rotor holes 22 arranged in a circular pattern. The rotor holes 22 may be configured to receive second sample vessels of a different size / shape / arrangement than the first sample vessels received in the adapter 100. The primary protrusions 14 may be shaped and / or sized to correspond to these second sample vessels. For example, the second diameter of the primary protrusions 14 may be approximately the same as the outer diameter of these second sample vessels that the rotor holes 22 are intended to receive.

[0049] The primary projection 14 may extend over a majority of the volume of the rotor bore 22 in use, such as greater than 50% of the rotor bore 22, or greater than 75% of the rotor bore 22. Figure 6 shows the primary projection 14 received in the rotor bore 22, such that the primary projection 14 substantially fills the rotor bore 22.

[0050] In a particular example, the second sample vessel may be a 0.5 mL to 2 mL sample vessel, or a 3 mL sample vessel, and the primary protrusion 14 may be shaped and sized accordingly. That is, the outer diameter of the primary protrusion 14 may generally be the same as that of a 0.5 mL to 2 mL sample vessel, or a 3 mL sample vessel.

[0051] In general, the primary protrusion 14 may be shaped as a generally cylindrical protrusion. The primary protrusion 14 may have generally the same diameter along its length, or may vary, which may be selected based on the shape of the rotor bore 22 into which it is received. The primary protrusion 14 may further include a domed surface at its distal end. This domed surface may be, for example, a hemisphere.

[0052] Although FIG. 4 illustrates the adapter 100 with a single primary protrusion 14 (and additional secondary protrusions 16 described below), it is also envisioned that there may be multiple primary protrusions 14. Each of these primary protrusions 14 may be configured to be received within a rotor hole 22 of a centrifuge rotor 200. For example, each primary protrusion 14 may be arranged on a segment of a circular arc. This may therefore enable each primary protrusion 14 to be received within a corresponding rotor hole 22 that is arranged in a circular arrangement. This may require one or more of the primary protrusions 14 to be angled relative to one another. Each additional primary protrusion 14 may be as described above in connection with the primary protrusion 14 of FIG. 4.

[0053] In certain instances, there may be exactly two primary protrusions 14. For example, the two primary protrusions 14 may be located at opposite ends of the body 11. This is in contrast to FIG. 4, where a single primary protrusion 14 is provided at the longitudinal center of the body 11. In further instances, there may be a primary protrusion 11 at the longitudinal center of the body 11, and there may be additional primary protrusions 11 at other locations, such as one at each end of the body 11.

[0054] Such an adapter 100 can be used to be placed in a conventional rotor 200 as shown in Figures 5 and 6 such that the conventional rotor 200 is adapted to receive a first sample container, such as a PCR vessel 44 and a PCR strip 400. While the adapter 100 may in some instances be used to accommodate different sized sample containers, such as smaller sample containers, it is also envisioned that the adapter 100 may be used to accommodate different shapes (i.e., geometries) of sample containers and / or different configurations, such as a strip configuration of a PCR strip 400 or any other configuration.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, multiple adapters 100 may be inserted into rotor 200. Multiple adapters 100 may be arranged in a rotationally symmetric manner with respect to rotor 200. For example, Figure 5 shows four rotors arranged with four-fold rotational symmetry. In this sense, rotor 200 incorporating adapters 100 of Figure 5 may be seen to be substantially similar to PCR rotor 300 of Figure 2.

[0056] In addition to or instead of the primary protrusion 14 described above, the adapter 100 may further include one or more secondary protrusions 16. The secondary protrusions 16 may extend away from the body 100. Although FIG. 4 illustrates the adapter 100 having both a primary protrusion 14 and a secondary protrusion 16, this is not necessarily the case and examples having only a secondary protrusion 16 are contemplated. Of course, in such examples, the secondary protrusion 16 may be nominally identified as a "primary protrusion." That is, the primary protrusion 14 as described above may have any of the characteristics described in connection with the nominal secondary protrusion 16.

[0057] Each of the secondary projections 16 is adapted to be received within a rotor bore 22 of the centrifuge rotor 200, which may be a further rotor bore 22 to the rotor bore 22 in which the primary projection 14 is received. The secondary projections 16 may be disposed substantially in a straight line with the primary projection 14. For example, the center of each secondary projection may be disposed in a straight line along the center of the primary projection 14. This center may be defined at a point where the secondary projection 16 or the primary projection 16 extends from the body 11.

[0058] 4 illustrates a particular exemplary adapter 100 that includes two secondary protrusions 16. These secondary protrusions 16 are located at opposite ends of the body 11 of the adapter 100, with the primary protrusion 14 being at the longitudinal center of the body 11.

[0059] However, any other arrangement of the primary protrusions 14 and secondary protrusions 16 is contemplated, including arrangements having multiple primary protrusions 14 and / or a single secondary protrusion 16 .

[0060] The secondary protrusion 16 may be shaped to engage with a further rotor bore 22 that may be at an angle relative to the body 11 of the adapter 100. This may be particularly relevant where the primary protrusion 16 engages its rotor bore 22 generally parallel, as shown in FIG. 6. To accommodate this, the secondary protrusion 16 may be angled relative to the primary protrusion 14. An example of how this works is shown in FIG. 7. As a result of this angle, the secondary protrusion 16 can effectively engage with a rotor bore 22 that is not perpendicular to the body 11.

[0061] The angle of the secondary protrusion 16 may be selected based on the rotor 200 with which the adapter 100 is intended to be used.

[0062] The secondary projections 16 may have a proximal end at the body 11 and a distal end away from the body 11. The secondary projections 16 may be tapered towards the distal end. That is, the secondary projections 16 may be tapered towards the distal end. This means that the secondary projections 16 may decrease in diameter towards the distal end. At the proximal end, the secondary projections 16 may have an outer diameter that generally corresponds to the inner diameter of the rotor bore 22. Additionally, each secondary projection 16 may be shorter than the primary projections 14.

[0063] The secondary projection 14 may span the entire diameter of the opening of the rotor bore 22 and then taper to a point along one of its inner sides, as shown in Figure 7. In this sense, the secondary projection 16 can help position and support the adapter 100 within the rotor 200. Figures 6 and 7 show how a particular example adapter 100 using both a primary projection 14 and a secondary projection 16 may be positioned within the rotor 200.

[0064] In a further example, rotor 100 may include one or more additional protrusions, such as tertiary protrusions, which may take any suitable shape to engage one or more rotor holes 22 of rotor 200. These tertiary protrusions may be generally the same as or similar to primary protrusions 14 and / or secondary protrusions 16 described above.

[0065] In certain instances, a rotor kit may also be provided, which may take the form of both a centrifuge rotor 200 and an adapter 100 (or any other suitable adapter) as described above. The centrifuge rotor 200 includes a plurality of rotor holes 22, which may be arranged, for example, in a circular arrangement. The primary projections 16 and / or secondary projections 14 of the adapter 100 may be sized and shaped to correspond to a particular rotor 200 and rotor holes 22, thereby providing a rotor kit that allows the rotor 200 to be easily used with a number of different sample containers.

[0066] The rotor kit adapter 100 may generally include a body 11 with a plurality of holes 12 arranged in a row, each having a first diameter, with each hole 12 for receiving a first sample vessel, and a primary projection 14 extending from the body 11 and having a second diameter greater than the first diameter, for being received in a rotor hole 22 of a centrifuge rotor 200 (such as the rotor hole 22 of the kit centrifuge rotor 200), with the rotor hole 22 for receiving a second sample vessel. The adapter 100 may further include any of the modifications discussed herein.

[0067] In a further example, a centrifuge may also be provided with the rotor kit, thereby forming a centrifuge kit, which further provides a centrifuge kit that incorporates the centrifuge and can be easily used with a number of different sample containers.

[0068] The adapter 100 of the centrifuge kit may generally include a body 11 with a plurality of holes 12 arranged in a row, each having a first diameter, with each hole 12 for receiving a first sample vessel, and a primary projection 14 extending from the body 11 and having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, for being received in a rotor hole 22 of a centrifuge rotor 200 (such as the rotor hole 22 of the centrifuge rotor 200 of the kit), with the rotor hole 22 for receiving a second sample vessel. The adapter 100 may further include any of the modifications discussed herein.

[0069] The adapter 100 described herein (or any other suitable adapter) can also be used in a method to adapt a centrifuge rotor 200. The centrifuge rotor 200 has one or more, preferably a plurality of rotor holes 22. A suitable adapter 100 is provided. The primary projection 14 of the adapter 100 is then inserted into one of the rotor holes 22 of the rotor 200.

[0070] The adapter 100 of the method may generally comprise a body 11 with a plurality of holes 12 arranged in a row, each having a first diameter, with each hole 12 for receiving a first sample vessel, and a primary projection 14 extending from the body 11 and having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, for being received within a rotor hole 22 of a centrifuge rotor 200 (such as the rotor hole 22 of the centrifuge rotor 200 of the kit), the rotor hole 22 for receiving a second sample vessel. The adapter 100 may further comprise any of the modifications discussed herein.

[0071] The adapter 100 described herein (or any other suitable adapter) can also be used in a method of processing sample containers in a centrifuge, the centrifuge comprising a centrifuge rotor 200 comprising one or more, preferably a plurality of rotor holes 22. A suitable adapter 100 is provided. The primary projection 14 of the adapter 100 is then inserted into one of the rotor holes 22 of the rotor 200. A sample container is inserted into the adapter hole 12 of the adapter 100. The sample container may be, for example, a PCR tube 44, which may be in a PCR strip 400. The centrifuge is then operated to spin the rotor 200, thereby centrifuging the sample container.

[0072] Again, the adapter 100 of this method may generally comprise a body 11 with a plurality of holes 12 arranged in a row, each having a first diameter, with each hole 12 for receiving a first sample vessel, and a primary projection 14 extending from the body 11 and having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, for being received in a rotor hole 22 of a centrifuge rotor 200 (such as the rotor hole 22 of the centrifuge rotor 200 of the kit), the rotor hole 22 for receiving a second sample vessel. The adapter 100 may further comprise any of the modifications discussed herein.

[0073] Thus, an adapter 100 for a centrifuge rotor 200 and a corresponding method are provided.

[0074] Each feature disclosed in this specification, unless stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0075] As used herein, including in the claims, unless the context indicates otherwise, the singular form of the terms herein is to be construed as including the plural form, and vice versa, where the context allows. For example, singular referents herein, including in the claims, such as "a" or "an" mean "one or more" unless the context indicates otherwise. Throughout the description and claims of this disclosure, the words "comprise", "including", "having", and "contain", as well as variations of words such as "comprising" and "comprises" or the like, mean that the described features include additional features that follow and are not intended to (and do not) exclude the presence of other components.

[0076] The use of any and all examples or exemplary language provided herein (such as, for example, and similar language) is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless specifically claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any element not claimed as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0077] Any steps described herein may be performed in any order, or simultaneously, unless otherwise stated or otherwise required by context. Furthermore, if a step is described as being performed after another step, this does not exclude intervening steps from being performed.

[0078] All aspects and / or features disclosed herein may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, preferred features of the present disclosure are applicable to all aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure and may be used in any combination. Similarly, features described in non-essential combinations may be used separately (not in combination).

[0079] Additionally, while aspects and embodiments have been described primarily with reference to physical devices, the present disclosure also provides methods of making and using such devices. For example, methods of making any of the devices described herein are provided, as are methods of using the devices described herein.

Claims

1. 1. An adapter for a centrifuge rotor, said adapter comprising: a body including a plurality of holes arranged in an array, each hole having a first diameter, each hole for receiving a first sample vessel; a primary protrusion extending from the body, the primary protrusion having a second diameter, the primary protrusion for being received within a rotor bore of a centrifuge rotor, the rotor bore for receiving a second sample vessel; one or more secondary projections each for receipt within a further rotor bore of the centrifuge rotor; Each secondary lobe is a. inclined relative to the primary projection; and / or b. tapered towards its distal end; and / or c) an adapter that is shorter than the primary projection.

2. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of holes includes three or more holes, preferably five or more holes, and more preferably eight or more holes.

3. The adapter of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.

4. The body extends transversely to the primary projection; The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the body preferably extends perpendicular to the primary projection.

5. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the first diameter corresponds to an outer diameter of a PCR tube.

6. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the second diameter corresponds to an outer diameter of a sample container between 0.5 milliliters and 2 milliliters.

7. The primary protrusion is formed as a cylindrical protrusion; 10. The adapter of claim 1, preferably having a domed surface at its distal end.

8. a plurality of primary protrusions including the primary protrusion, each primary protrusion being adapted to be received within a rotor bore of a centrifuge rotor and disposed on a segment of a circular arc; The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of primary protrusions preferably includes two primary protrusions.

9. 2. The adapter of claim 1, comprising two secondary projections, the primary projection being centrally located.

10. 1. A rotor kit comprising: a centrifuge rotor including a plurality of rotor holes; A rotor kit comprising: the adapter of claim 1 .

11. 1. A centrifuge kit comprising: Centrifuge and a centrifuge rotor including a plurality of rotor holes; A rotor kit comprising: the adapter of claim 1 .

12. 1. A method of adapting a centrifuge rotor having a plurality of rotor holes, the method comprising: Providing an adapter according to claim 1; and inserting the primary projection into one of the plurality of rotor holes.

13. 10. A method for processing sample containers in a centrifuge, the centrifuge comprising a centrifuge rotor comprising a plurality of rotor holes, the method comprising: Providing an adapter according to claim 1; inserting the primary projection into one of the rotor holes; inserting the sample vessel into the hole of the adapter; and operating the centrifuge to rotate the centrifuge rotor.

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