Fixed-angle centrifuge rotor with tubular cavity and related method

Abstract

To provide a fixed angle centrifuge rotor with tubular cavities.SOLUTION: A fixed angle centrifuge rotor (10) includes a rotor body (12) having an upper surface (34) and a plurality of tubular cavities (60) extending from the upper surface (34) to respective bottom walls (50). A pressure plate (14) is operatively coupled to the bottom walls (50) of the tubular cavities (60) and is configured to transfer torque to the bottom walls (50). The pressure plate (14) is configured to be directly coupled to a rotor hub (16) and to receive torque directly from the rotor hub (16).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 826,104, filed on Mar. 29, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to centrifuge rotors, and more specifically, to fixed - angle rotors for use with centrifuges.

Background Art

[0003] Centrifuge rotors are typically used in laboratory centrifuges to hold samples during centrifugation. Centrifuge rotors can vary significantly in construction and size, but one common rotor structure is a fixed - angle rotor with a solid rotor body in which a plurality of cell - hole cavities are radially dispersed and arranged symmetrically about the axis of rotation. Samples are positioned within the cavities, enabling multiple samples to be centrifuged.

[0004] Conventional fixed - angle centrifuge rotors can be made from metal or various other materials. However, known improvement methods involve constructing centrifuge rotors by compression molding and filament winding processes in which the rotor is made from a suitable material such as composite carbon fiber. For example, a fixed - angle centrifuge rotor can be compression - molded from layers of carbon fiber laminate material coated with resin. An example of a composite centrifuge rotor is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,323,169, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0005] Because centrifuge rotors are commonly used in high-speed applications where centrifuge speeds can exceed several hundred or several thousand revolutions per minute, centrifuge rotors must be able to withstand the stresses and strains that occur during high-speed rotation of a loaded rotor. During centrifugation, the rotor, with the sample loaded into the cavity, is subjected to large forces along the radial outward direction from the cavity and along the longitudinal axis of the cavity, coinciding with the centrifugal force applied to the sample container. These forces cause significant stresses and strains on the rotor body.

[0006] Centrifuge rotors must be able to withstand the forces associated with rapid centrifugal separation throughout their lifespan. Manufacturers are continuously working to develop centrifuge rotors that improve performance by considering the dynamic loads generated during centrifugal separation and addressing these and other issues associated with conventional rotors. [Overview of the project]

[0007] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned and other defects and shortcomings of previously known fixed-angle centrifuge rotors. While the present invention is described in relation to specific embodiments, it is clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, this invention includes all substitutes, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a fixed-angle centrifuge rotor is provided, which includes a rotor body having a top surface and a plurality of tubular cavities extending from the top surface to their respective bottom walls, each cavity being configured to receive a sample container.

[0009] Furthermore, an exemplary fixed angle of the centrifuge rotor includes a pressure plate operably coupled to the bottom wall of a plurality of tubular cavities configured to transmit torque to the bottom wall. In one embodiment, the pressure plate is directly coupled to the rotor hub and configured to receive torque directly from the rotor hub.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure plate includes a top surface and a plurality of recesses spaced apart on the top surface, each having a bottom surface. The bottom surfaces of the plurality of recesses can completely enclose and engage with the bottom walls of the respective tubular cavities.

[0011] The pressure plate may include a bottom surface and a number of bores spaced apart from each other on the bottom surface. Each bore is configured to receive a pin for directly connecting the pressure plate to the rotor hub.

[0012] The pressure plate may include a central bore configured to receive the shaft portion of the rotor hub. In one embodiment, the central bore is tapered. The pressure plate may also include outer sides, which are also tapered.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixed-angle centrifuge rotor includes a first elongated reinforcing member extending along a first path around at least one outer surface of the rotor body and at least one outer surface of the pressure plate, and a second elongated reinforcing member extending along a second path around the outer surface of the first elongated reinforcing member. In one embodiment, the first path may be circular, and the second path may be helical.

[0014] The fixed-angle centrifuge rotor of an exemplary embodiment may include a lid having a planar bottom surface. The rotor body may include a planar top surface that engages with the planar bottom surface of the lid. At least one of the planar bottom surface of the lid or the planar top surface of the rotor body may include a pair of annular grooves configured to receive a pair of O-rings.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the fixed-angle centrifuge rotor may include a pressure ring that extends around the outer surface of the rotor body and is press-fitted into the rotor body. A first elongated reinforcing member may extend along a first path around at least one outer surface of the rotor body and at least one outer surface of the pressure ring. A second elongated reinforcing member may extend along a second path around the outer surface of the first elongated reinforcing member. In one embodiment, the first path may be circular and the second path may be helical.

[0016] A method for manufacturing a fixed-angle centrifuge rotor according to one embodiment includes the step of providing a rotor body comprising a plurality of tubular cavities, each cavity configured to receive a sample container therein. An exemplary method further includes the step of arranging a plurality of cell cups within the plurality of cavities, each cell cup receiving one of the cavities.

[0017] An exemplary method further includes the steps of providing a pressure plate, placing a rotor body on the pressure plate, placing a pressure ring on the rotor body, applying a first reinforcing member to at least the rotor body and the pressure plate, and applying a second reinforcing member to at least the pressure plate and the first reinforcing member.

[0018] Various additional features and advantages of this invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon careful reading of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments together with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] The accompanying drawings, incorporated into and forming part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the general description of the invention presented above and the detailed description presented below, serve to illustrate the present invention.

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a centrifuge rotor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the centrifuge rotor of FIG. 1.

[0022] [Figure 3] It is a perspective view in which the rotor body and the pressure plate of the centrifuge rotor of FIG. 1 are partially disassembled.

[0023] [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of the centrifuge rotor of FIG. 1.

[0024] [Figure 5] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4.

[0025] [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of an alternative centrifuge rotor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of an alternative centrifuge rotor according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an exemplary method of manufacturing a centrifuge rotor according to the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an exemplary centrifuge rotor 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The rotor 10 includes a rotor body 12 and a pressure plate 14 fixedly coupled to each other and symmetrical with respect to a rotation axis R defined by a rotor hub 16, wherein a sample contained in a sample container 18 placed in the rotor body 12 may rotate centrifugally around the rotor hub 16. The rotor 10 also includes a lid 20 that is removably coupled to the rotor hub 16 on the rotor body 12 using a lid screw 22 to help keep the sample container 18 inside the rotor body 12 during rotation. As will be described in more detail below, first and second elongated reinforcing members 24, 26 extend continuously around at least portions of the rotor body 12 and the pressure plate 14, respectively.

[0029] Referring again to Figures 3-5, continuing with Figures 1 and 2, the illustrated rotor body 12 includes a generally disc-shaped upper plate 30 and a generally frustoconical bottom side wall 32 extending downward and outward from the upper plate 30. The upper plate 30 includes an upper surface 34, a lower surface 36 (Figure 3), and a first side surface 38, and the bottom side wall 32 includes a second side surface 40. A circular bore 42 extends through the upper plate 30 from the upper surface 34 to the lower surface 36 to receive at least the shaft portion of the hub 16, and the bore 42 is configured to be coaxial with the hub 16 so that the axis of rotation R can also be defined. In one embodiment, the upper surface 34 of the upper plate 30 is generally flat. The inner surfaces of the lower surface 36 of the upper plate 30 and the bottom side wall 32 both define at least partially the internal space 44 of the rotor body 12. In the shown embodiment, the first side surface 38 tapers slightly radially inward from the top surface 34 toward the second side surface 40. For example, the first side surface 38 may taper radially inward at an angle between about 3 and about 10 degrees with respect to a plane parallel to the axis of rotation R. In the shown embodiment, the first and second side surfaces 38, 40 are generally smooth. Here, as used herein to describe the side surfaces 38, 40, “generally smooth” is intended to describe a surface that does not have a stepped configuration and is generally free of corners or sharp edges. In this regard, the terms defined above are not intended to define the surface roughness of the surfaces 38, 40. Furthermore, the rotor body 12 may be formed such that the generally smooth side surfaces 38, 40 do not require additional machining or finishing before the application of the reinforcing materials 24, 26.

[0030] Multiple tubular cell cup holders 46 extend from the lower surface 36 of the upper plate 30 along the bottom side wall 32 into the internal space 44 of the rotor body 12. In the shown embodiment, each tubular cell cup holder 46 is at least partially defined by the bottom side wall 32, the curved cup holder side wall 48, and the contoured cup holder bottom wall 50 of the rotor body 12, such that each tubular cell cup holder 46 generally has an elongated U-shaped cross-section (Figure 4). As shown, each cell cup holder 46 has its own longitudinal axis angled radially outward with respect to the axis of rotation R. In this regard, the bottom side wall 32 and the cup holder side wall 48 of the rotor body 12 are angled radially outward with respect to the axis of rotation R, respectively. For example, the bottom sidewall 32 and the holder sidewall 48 of the rotor body 12 may each be angled radially outward between approximately 20 and 25 degrees with respect to the rotation axis R, so that each cup holder 46 is angled radially outward between approximately 20 and 25 degrees with respect to the rotation axis R. In the shown embodiment, the first step 52 is provided between the bottom wall 50 and the cup holder sidewall 48, and the second step 54 is provided between the bottom wall 50 and the bottom sidewall 32 of the rotor body 12. The purpose of these will be explained in more detail below. In addition, a pair of reinforcing flanges 56, 58 (Figure 3) extend between each cup holder sidewall 48 and the bottom sidewall 32 to help strengthen the rigidity of the tubular cell cup holder 46.

[0031] Furthermore, the rotor body 12 includes a plurality of tubular cell cavity 60, each extending from the upper surface 34 of the upper plate 30 toward the bottom wall 50 of the respective cell cup holder 46, such that each tubular cavity 60 opens to the outside of the rotor body 12 through an opening 62 in the upper surface 34 and is shielded from the internal space 44 of the rotor body 12 by the side walls 48 and bottom wall 50 of the cup holder 46. As shown, each tubular cavity 60 has a longitudinal axis angled radially outward with respect to the axis of rotation R, in a similar manner to the corresponding cell cup holder 46. In this regard, each tubular cavity 60 and / or the corresponding cell cup holder 46 defines a central longitudinal axis L angled with respect to the axis of rotation R.

[0032] In various embodiments, each central longitudinal axis L may be angled with respect to the rotation axis R. In various embodiments, the angle may be between about 15 and about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, where an increase in rotational speed and / or cooling efficiency is desired, the angle may be between about 15 and about 25 degrees. In some embodiments, where an improvement in separation efficiency is desired, the angle may be between about 25 and about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, lower volume capacities use higher angles to increase separation. In some embodiments, higher volume capacities use lower angles because this can reduce the overall size of the rotor, thereby improving cooling efficiency by reducing frictional forces. Generally, increasing the angle may increase separation capacity but decrease cooling efficiency, while decreasing the angle may decrease separation capacity but improve cooling efficiency.

[0033] Each of the cavities 60 is appropriately sized and shaped to receive at least one of the sample containers 18 for centrifugal rotation of the container 18 around the rotation axis R. Tapered annular recesses 64 are provided around each cavity 60 of each holder 46, within the upper plate 30 and / or generally close to the respective openings 62. Each recess 64 tapers radially outward from a position distal to the opening 62 toward a position close to the opening 62, defining the shelf 66, the purpose of which is described below. For example, each recess 64 may taper radially outward at an angle between about 3 and about 10 degrees with respect to a plane parallel to its respective central longitudinal axis L. In the shown embodiment, eight cell cup holders 46 and corresponding cell hole cavities 60 are provided to receive eight sample containers 18. However, any suitable number of cell cup holders 46 and / or cell hole cavities 60 may be used.

[0034] As used herein, the term “tubular” refers to any suitable cross-sectional shape, which includes, but is not limited to, shapes with rounded corners (e.g., elliptical, circular, or conical), quadrilateral, regular polygonal, or irregular polygonal, or any other suitable shape. Therefore, this term is not intended to be limited to the generally circular cross-sectional profile of the exemplary tubular holder 46 and cavity 60 shown in the figure.

[0035] In one embodiment, the rotor body 12, including the upper plate 30, the bottom side wall 32, and / or the holder 46, is made of carbon fiber material. For example, the rotor body 12 may be compression-molded from layers of resin-coated carbon fiber laminate material.

[0036] As best illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the cell cores or cups 70 are positioned within each of the cavities 60. Each cell cup 70 includes a tubular wall 72 defining a compartment 74 for receiving each sample container 18 through the opening 76 of the cup 70. In the shown embodiment, tapered annular projections 78 are provided on the outer circumference of each cell cup 70 approximately close to the cup opening 76. Each projection 78 tapers radially outward from a position distal to the cup opening 76 toward a position close to the cup opening 76, defining a stop surface 80. For example, each projection 78 may taper radially outward at an angle between approximately 3 and approximately 10 degrees relative to the tubular wall 72. The stop surface 80 is configured to operably engage with the corresponding shelf 66 of the cavity 60 to help prevent the cell cup 70 from coming out of the cavity 60, such as during centrifugation.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cell cup 70 is made of a material that is more homogeneous than the material of the rotor body 12 (typically a composite material). For example, the cell cup 70 may be made of a metallic material such as titanium. In addition, or instead, the cell cup 70 may be made of ceramic. The cell cup 70 may be co-formed with the rotor body 12, or it may be inserted into the cavity 60 after the rotor body 12 has been constructed. In the latter case, the protrusion 78 may be removed so that the cell cup 70 can be inserted into the cavity 60 without obstruction.

[0038] The illustrated centrifuge rotor 10 includes eight cavities 60 and individual cell cups 70 for receiving eight sample containers 18, each having a capacity of 39 mL, so that the centrifuge rotor 10 has a sample capacity of 8 × 39 mL. However, the centrifuge rotor 10 may have any other suitable sample capacity, including but not limited to those described below with respect to Figures 6 and 7.

[0039] The illustrated pressure plate 14 is generally disc-shaped and, in one embodiment, includes a generally flat top surface 82, radially inward and outward bottom surfaces 84, 86, and generally smooth tapered sides 88. The top surface 82 and the radially inward bottom surface 84 may be spaced apart from each other to define the maximum thickness of the pressure plate 14. For example, the pressure plate 14 may have a maximum thickness between about 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) and about 1.25 inches (3.175 cm). The tapered bore 90 extends through the pressure plate 14 from the top surface 82 to the radially inward bottom surface 84 to receive at least the shaft portion of the hub 16, and the bore 90 is also configured to be coaxial with the hub 16 to define the axis of rotation R. In the shown embodiment, the bore 90 tapers radially outward from the top surface 82 toward the radially inward bottom surface 84. For example, the bore 90 may taper radially outward at an angle between approximately 3 and 10 degrees with respect to the rotation axis R. In the shown embodiment, the side surface 88 tapers radially inward from the top surface 82 toward the radially outward bottom surface 86. For example, the side surface 88 may taper radially inward at an angle between approximately 3 and 10 degrees with respect to a plane parallel to the rotation axis R. The illustrated pressure plate 14 includes an annular shelf 92 (Figure 3) provided around the top surface 82 to receive the bottom of the bottom side wall 32 of the rotor body 12.

[0040] As best illustrated in Figure 3, multiple circumferentially spaced recesses 94 are provided on the upper surface 82 of the pressure plate 14, each configured to receive and engage in contact with one of each of the cup holders 46 of the rotor body 12, such as when the rotor 10 is rotating at high speed. In this regard, each recess 94 is appropriately molded or configured to contact the lower part of each holder 46, such as the bottom wall 50 and a portion of its side wall 48. Each of the illustrated recesses 94 includes a contoured bottom surface 96 configured to completely enclose and engage with the bottom wall 50 of each holder 46, and a curved side surface 98 configured to engage with the side wall 48 of the holder 46. For example, the side surface 98 may be angled between approximately 20 and 25 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation R. A first shelf 100 is provided between the bottom surface 96 and the side surface 98 to engage with the first step 52 of each cup holder 46, and a second shelf 102 is provided between the bottom surface 96 and the shelf 92 of the pressure plate 14 to engage with the second step 54 of the cup holder 46. The coordination between the steps 52, 54 and the respective shelves 100, 102 can help position and / or maintain the rotor body 12 in a desired position relative to the pressure plate 14. In the shown embodiment, eight recesses 94 are provided corresponding to eight holders 46. However, the number of recesses 94 may be any number.

[0041] As best shown in Figures 4 and 5, the radially inner and outer lower surfaces 84, 86 are offset from each other to define an outward-facing step 104. As shown, the radially inner lower surface 84 is generally flat, and the radially outer lower surface 86 generally curves upward in a generally convex manner from the step 104 toward the side surface 88 of the pressure plate 14. Multiple circumferentially spaced bores 106 are provided on the radially inner lower surface 84 of the pressure plate 14, each configured to receive its respective pin 108 for operably coupling the pressure plate 14 to the hub 16. In one embodiment, three bores 106 may be provided, spaced about 120 degrees apart from each other circumferentially. However, any number of bores 106 may be used at any spacing.

[0042] In one embodiment, the pressure plate 14 is made of carbon fiber material. For example, the pressure plate 14 may be compression-molded from a layer of resin-coated carbon fiber laminate material.

[0043] As best shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pressure plate 14 is operably coupled to the bottom sidewall 32 and / or cell cup holder 46 of the rotor body 12, thereby closing the internal space 44 of the rotor 10 and defining at least partially the bottom of the rotor 10. In particular, the pressure plate 14 is operably coupled to the bottom wall 50 of the cup holder 46 to support the cup holder 46 during high-speed rotation of the rotor 10, thereby providing structural integrity and minimizing the possibility of failure of the rotor 10. During use, as the rotor 10 rotates, the hub 16 applies torque directly to the pressure plate 14 using the pin 108, and the pressure plate 14 applies torque directly to the cup holder 46 and the rotor body 12 via the engagement between the recess 94 and the bottom of each cup holder 46. More specifically, the pressure plate 14 may be the primary or sole torque transfer mechanism from the hub 16 to the cup holder 46 and the rotor body 12. For this purpose, the connection between the pressure plate 14 and the rotor body 12 may be such that the pressure plate 14 applies pressure to each of the bottom walls 50, thereby providing the necessary support. The fact that the recess 94 is in substantial contact with the bottom of the cup holder 46 makes it easier to minimize the possibility of stress concentration on the pressure plate 14 associated with high-speed rotation.

[0044] The bond between the pressure plate 14 and the rotor body 12 may be facilitated by compression molding the pressure plate 14, the bottom side wall 32, and the holder 46 toward each other, thereby generating a single structure. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the illustrated bond between the pressure plate 14 and the rotor body 12 is illustrative rather than limiting, insofar as variations in the type of bond between these components are also considered. For example, the pressure plate 14 and the rotor body 12 may be additionally or alternatively bonded to each other using adhesive. Such a bond may be further facilitated by reinforcing members 24, 26, as described below.

[0045] As best shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the pressure ring 110 is positioned on the rotor body 12, more specifically on the cell cup holder 46 to help reinforce the rotor body 12. For example, the pressure ring 110 may be press-fitted into the rotor body 12 around the cell cup holder 46, such as against the bottom sidewall 32 of the rotor body 12. The illustrated pressure ring 110 has a generally triangular cross-section and is configured to be coaxial with the hub 16 so that the pressure ring 110 can also define the axis of rotation R. In this regard, the pressure ring 110 includes radial outer surfaces 112 and radial inner surfaces 114 that intersect each other at one end and are separated from each other at the other end by the upper surface 116. In the shown embodiment, a radius 118 is provided between the radial outer surface 112 and the upper surface 116 for a smooth transition between the radial outer surface 112 and the upper surface 116. The radial inner surface 114 is inclined at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation R, in a manner similar to the angle of the bottom sidewall 32 of the rotor body 12 with respect to the axis of rotation R, and coincides with the bottom sidewall 32. For example, the radial inner surface 114 may be angled between approximately 20 and 25 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation R. In this way, substantially the entire radial inner surface 114 may be operably engaged with the bottom sidewall 32 of the rotor body 12 when the pressure ring 110 is press-fitted into the rotor body 12. As shown, the pressure ring 110 may be configured to be press-fitted into the rotor body 12 below or near the bottom sidewall 32, which may be the position of the rotor body 12 where the maximum pressure occurs during centrifugal separation. In this regard, the pressure ring 110 may define a lower inner diameter that is approximately equal to the lower outer diameter of the bottom sidewall 32, or it may define an upper inner diameter that is approximately equal to the upper outer diameter of the bottom sidewall 32. In the embodiment shown, the radial outer surface 112 of the pressure ring 110 tapers radially inward from the top surface 116 toward the intersection of the outer surface 112 and the inner surface 114, in a manner similar to the tapering of the side surface 88 of the pressure plate 14, for a smooth transition between them when the pressure ring 110 is press-fitted into the rotor body 12. For example, the radial outer surface 112 may taper radially inward at an angle between about 3 degrees and about 10 degrees with respect to a plane parallel to the axis of rotation R.

[0046] In one embodiment, the pressure ring 110 is made of a homogeneous material. The pressure ring 110 may be made of a relatively hard material compared to the material of the rotor body 12 and / or the pressure plate 14. For example, the pressure ring 110 may be made of a metallic material such as titanium. In addition, or instead, the pressure ring 110 may be made of ceramic.

[0047] As described above, in one embodiment, the bond between the pressure plate 14 and the rotor body 12 may be further facilitated by first and / or second reinforcing members 24, 26, which may be applied, for example, by winding one or more high-strength fibers, such as a single tow or strand of carbon fiber (e.g., resin-coated carbon fiber), around the outer surface of the rotor body 12 and / or pressure plate 14 (e.g., spiral winding and / or circular winding). In particular, if the fibers are resin-coated, after compression molding (i.e., heat and pressure are applied), the pressure plate 14 and the rotor body 12 become a single structure. In certain embodiments, the manufacture of the rotor 10 may include curing the resin-coated carbon fiber tow or strand reinforcing members so that the strands become integrated with the rotor body 12 and / or pressure plate 14.

[0048] The illustrated first reinforcing material 24 includes a first strand of material 120 wound in a circular fashion around at least a portion of the rotor body 12, pressure plate 14, and pressure ring 110. The first strand 120 may be, for example, a carbon fiber strand or filament. The first strand or filament 120 may be a composite material of carbon fiber and resin and / or thermosetting coated fiber, which is cured at the end of the winding process to form integrally with, for example, the rotor body 12 and pressure plate 14. Alternatively, instead of carbon fiber, a variety of other high-tensile, high-elasticity materials may be used, such as glass fiber, synthetic fibers such as para-aramid fiber (e.g., Kevlar®), thermoplastic filaments such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, metal wire, or other materials suitable for reinforcing the rotor body 12 and pressure plate 14. Such materials may be used as a single continuous filament or multiple filaments, and many of such materials can be coated with a resin coating that can be cured in a manner similar to the curing of resin-coated carbon fiber. The first reinforcing material 24 may include a single-fiber tau, a multi-fiber tau, or a unidirectional tape in various alternative embodiments.

[0049] In the embodiments shown, particularly in Figure 4, the first strand 120 is wound around the first and second outer surfaces 38, 40 of the rotor body 12 along a generally circular reinforcing path. For example, the first strand 120 may be wound around the portions of the outer surfaces 38, 40 that remain exposed when the pressure ring 110 is press-fitted onto the bottom sidewall 32 of the rotor body 12. Alternatively, the first strand 120 may be wound around the radial outer surface 112 of the pressure ring 110 and around the side surface 88 of the pressure plate 14 along the same generally circular reinforcing path.

[0050] The first strand 120 may be wrapped around the rotor body 12, pressure plate 14, and pressure ring 110 by rotating the assembled rotor body 12, pressure plate 14, and pressure ring 110 around the axis of rotation R, for example, while applying the first strand 120 along the desired path. The first strand 120 may be repeatedly wrapped around the rotor body 12, pressure plate 14, and pressure ring 110 along the reinforcement path. This repeated wrapping of the strand 120 around each of the surfaces 38, 40, 88, 112 results in multiple layers of material covering the rotor body 12, pressure plate 14, and pressure ring 110, thereby defining the first reinforcement 24. As shown, the first reinforcing member 24 defines a radial inner surface 122 that can coincide with the outer surfaces 38, 40, 88, and 112 of the rotor body 12, the pressure plate 14, and the pressure ring 110, and defines a generally smooth outer surface 124.

[0051] The interaction between the inner surface 122 of the first reinforcing member 24 and the upper surface 116 of the pressure ring 110 may effectively lock the pressure ring 110 against the rotor body 12. The interaction between the inner surface 122 of the first reinforcing member 24 and the tapered first outer surface 38 of the upper plate 30, the tapered outer surface 88 of the pressure plate 14, and / or the tapered outer surface 112 of the pressure ring 110 may help prevent or suppress axial displacement of the first reinforcing member 24 relative to the rotor body 12, the pressure plate 14, and / or the pressure ring 110 during centrifugation, etc. For example, each of the tapered surfaces 38, 88, and 112 may prevent or suppress axial displacement of the first reinforcing member 24 in the upward direction.

[0052] The illustrated second reinforcing member 26 includes a second strand of material 130 that is helically wound around at least a portion of the rotor body 12, pressure plate 14, lid 20, and pressure ring 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the second strand 130 is helically wound around the outer surface 124 of the first reinforcing member 24, thereby radially spaced apart from portions of the rotor body 12, pressure plate 14, and pressure ring 110. The second strand 130 may be, for example, a carbon fiber strand or filament. The second strand or filament 130 may be a composite material of carbon fiber and resin and / or thermosetting coated fibers, which is cured, for example, at the end of the winding process to form integrally with the rotor body 12, pressure plate 14, and first reinforcing member 24. Alternatively, instead of carbon fiber, a variety of other high-tensile, high-elasticity materials may be used, such as glass fiber, synthetic fibers such as para-aramid fiber (e.g., Kevlar®), thermoplastic filaments such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, metal wire, or other materials suitable for reinforcing the rotor body 12 and pressure plate 14. Such materials may be used as a single continuous filament or multiple filaments, and many of such materials can be coated with a resin coating that can be cured in a manner similar to that of resin-coated carbon fiber. The second reinforcing material 26 may include single-fiber tau, multi-fiber tau, or unidirectional tape in various alternative embodiments.

[0053] In the embodiment shown, the second strand 130 is wound around the outer surface 124 of the first reinforcing member 24 along a generally helical reinforcing path. The second strand 130 is also wound around the outward step 104 of the pressure plate 14 from the radially outer lower surface 86 of the pressure plate 14 along the same generally helical reinforcing path, and also around at least a portion of the lid 20 along the same generally helical reinforcing path. As described below, the lid 20 is removably mounted on the rotor body 12 and the second reinforcing member 26. The outward step 104 of the pressure plate 14 is positioned radially inward with respect to the central longitudinal axis L of the cell cup holder 46, and as a result, the second strand 130 extends radially inward along the lower surface 86 of the pressure plate 14 with respect to the central longitudinal axis L of the cell cup holder 46. Furthermore, the outward-facing step 104 of the pressure plate 14 is positioned radially inward relative to the bottom wall 50 of the cell cup holder 46, and as a result, the second strand 130 also extends radially inward along the lower surface 86 of the pressure plate 14 relative to the bottom wall 50 of the cell cup holder 46. By extending radially inward relative to the bottom wall 50 of the cell cup holder 46, the second reinforcing member 26 can further resist axially occurring centrifugal forces (or their components) as described in the disclosure of U.S. Patent No. 8,323,169 incorporated by reference above.

[0054] The second strand 130 may be wrapped around the pressure plate 14, the lid 20, and the first reinforcement 24 by rotating the rotor body 12, the pressure plate 14, the lid 20, and the first reinforcement 24 assembled around the axis of rotation R, for example, while applying the strand 130 along the desired path. The second strand 130 may be repeatedly wrapped around the pressure plate 14, the lid 20, and the first reinforcement 24 along the reinforcement path. This repeated wrapping of the strand 130 results in multiple layers of material covering the pressure plate 14, the lid 20, and the first reinforcement 24, thereby defining the second reinforcement 26. In one embodiment, the second strand 130 may be applied in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 8,323,169, which is incorporated herein in whole by reference.

[0055] The illustrated rotor hub 16 includes an elongated shaft 140 extending axially from the head 142. The shaft 140 is sized and molded to extend through the bores 42, 90 of the rotor body 12 and the pressure plate 14, fitting snugly between them and including a threaded end 144 distal to the head 142 and a tapered end 146 adjacent to the head 142. The threaded end 144 is configured to screw into a cover screw 22 to removably connect the cover 20 to the rotor hub 16 on the rotor body 12. The tapered end 146 tapers radially outward toward the head 142 to match the taper of the bore 90 of the pressure plate 14, and as a result, the interaction between the tapered end 146 and the tapered bore 90 can help to removably secure the rotor hub 16 to the plate 14 under pressure. For example, the tapered end 146 may taper outward radially at an angle of approximately 3 to 10 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation R.

[0056] The head 142 of the rotor hub 16 includes a number of circumferentially spaced threaded holes 148, each configured to screw into one of the pins 108 for operably coupling the pressure plate 14 to the hub 16. In the shown embodiment, three threaded holes 148 are provided, spaced approximately 120 degrees apart circumferentially to correspond to the bore 106 of the pressure plate 14. However, any suitable number of holes 148 can be used at any suitable intervals. Two or more blind bores 150 are provided on the underside of the rotor hub 16 to operably couple the rotor hub 16 to the centrifuge spindle (not shown) by receiving each pin of the centrifuge spindle. Additionally, a central recess 152 provided on the underside of the rotor hub 16 can receive a portion of the centrifuge spindle, such as helping to stabilize the rotor hub 16 during rotation. In the embodiment shown, the head 142 of the rotor hub 16 is positioned radially inward relative to the outward step 104 of the pressure plate 14, and the head 142 is positioned radially inward relative to the second reinforcing member 26 and spaced apart from it.

[0057] In one embodiment, the rotor hub 16 is made of a relatively hard material compared to the material of the rotor body 12 and / or pressure plate 14. For example, the rotor hub 16 may be made of a metallic material such as titanium.

[0058] The illustrated cover 20 is generally disc-shaped and includes an annular flange 164 defining an upper surface 160, a lower surface 162, and a peripheral recess 166 for receiving a portion of the second reinforcing member 26. The lower surface 162 is generally flat and has roughly the same cross-sectional dimensions as the upper surface 34 of the upper plate 30 of the rotor body 12, so that substantially the entire upper surface 34 of the upper plate 30 can operably engage with the lower surface 162 of the cover 20 when the cover 20 is detachably coupled to the rotor hub 16 on the rotor body 12. The bore 168 extends from the upper surface 160 to the lower surface 162 through the cover 20 to receive at least a portion of the hub 16, such as the shaft 140.

[0059] The first and second annular grooves 170 and 172 are provided on the lower surface 162 to receive the first and second O-rings 174 and 176, respectively. As shown, the first and second annular grooves 170 and 172 and the first and second O-rings 174 and 176 may each have a generally rectangular cross-section. The first and second annular grooves 170 and 172 are radially spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than the intersection dimension of the opening 62 in the upper surface 34 of the upper plate 30 of the rotor body 12. For example, the first annular groove 170 may be configured to be radially inward of the opening 62 when the cover 20 is removably coupled to the rotor hub 16 on the rotor body 12, and the second annular groove 172 may be configured to be radially outward of the opening 62. In this way, the O-rings 174 and 176 may provide a fluid seal between the lid 20 and the rotor body 12, both radially inward and radially outward at the opening 62. The interface between the flat bottom surface 162 of the lid 20 and the flat top surface 34 of the top plate 30 can help provide such a fluid seal to prevent the sample from inadvertently leaking from each sample container 18 as a result of rotation, evaporation, or other events that may move at least a portion of the sample toward the lid 20.

[0060] In one embodiment, the lid 20 is made of carbon fiber material. For example, the lid 20 may be compression-molded from a layer of carbon fiber laminate material coated with resin.

[0061] Once the rotor body 12 and pressure plate 14 are mounted to the rotor hub 16, the lid 20 of the rotor 10 may be removably coupled to the rotor hub 16 on the rotor body 12 using a lid screw 22. In this regard, the lid screw 22 includes a screw hole 178 into which the threaded end 144 of the shaft 140 of the rotor hub 16 is threaded. The illustrated lid screw 22 also includes a lower annular flange 180 configured to cover at least the central portion of the lid 20. The lid screw 22 may be tightened against the lid 20 using, for example, a tool rod (not shown). Once removably coupled to the rotor hub 16 on the rotor body 12 using the lid screw 22, the lid 20 blocks access to the sample container 18 held in the cavity 60, such as during high-speed rotation. The centrifuge spindle may then be actuated to drive the rotor 10 into high-speed centrifugal rotation.

[0062] In one embodiment, for example, the rotor body 12 and pressure plate 14 can be attached to the rotor hub 16 or a tool similar to the rotor hub 16 during compression molding of the rotor body 12 and / or pressure plate 14, and / or during winding of the first and / or second reinforcing members 24, 26, in order to help position and / or maintain the desired position of the rotor body 12 relative to the pressure plate 14. Similarly, the cover 20 may be removably coupled to the rotor body 12 (or tool) at least during winding of the second reinforcing member 26, in order to help ensure that a portion of the second reinforcing member 26 is reliably received within the peripheral recess 166 of the cover 20. During centrifugal separation, the first and second windings 24, 26 may also contribute to the strength of the rotor 10, thereby helping to maintain the structural integrity of the rotor 10 under high stress and strain. For example, the first reinforcing member 24 can help to counteract mainly radially outward forces, while the second reinforcing member 26 can help to counteract both radially outward forces and axially downward forces.

[0063] Furthermore, the pressure ring 110 may contribute to the strength of the rotor 10 during centrifugal separation. For example, the pressure ring 110 may help to evenly distribute forces directed both radially outward and axially outward from the rotor body 12 to the first reinforcing member 24, thereby reducing or eliminating stress points.

[0064] Next, looking at Figure 6, similar numbers represent similar features, and another exemplary centrifuge rotor 10a according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The rotor 10a includes a rotor body 12a and a pressure plate 14a fixedly coupled to each other and is symmetric with respect to a rotation axis R defined by a rotor hub 16a, around which a sample contained in a sample container 18a positioned on the rotor body 12a may be rotated by centrifugal force. The rotor 10a also includes a lid 20a that is removably coupled to the rotor hub 16a on the rotor body 12a using a lid screw 22a to help hold the sample container 18a within the rotor body 12a during its rotation. Similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first and second elongated reinforcing members 24a, 26a extend continuously around at least a portion of the rotor body 12a and the pressure plate 14a, respectively.

[0065] The main difference between the centrifuge rotor 10 shown in Figures 1-5 and the centrifuge rotor 10a shown in Figure 6 is the sample capacity, more specifically, the size and number of the cavities 60, 60a, the respective cell cups 70, 70a, and the sample containers 18, 18a. In this regard, the illustrated centrifuge rotor 10a has a sample capacity of 14 × 13.5 mL. That is, the centrifuge rotor 10a contains 14 cavities 60a and cell cups 70a, respectively, to receive 14 sample containers 18a, each with a capacity of 13.5 mL.

[0066] Other various features of the centrifuge rotor 10a are generally the same as those described above with respect to Figures 1-5, and will not be repeated here for brevity.

[0067] Next, looking at Figure 7, similar numbers represent similar features, and another exemplary centrifuge rotor 10b according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The rotor 10b includes a rotor body 12b and a pressure plate 14b fixedly coupled to each other and is symmetric with respect to a rotation axis R defined by a rotor hub 16b, around which a sample contained in a sample container 18b positioned on the rotor body 12b may be rotated by centrifugal force. The rotor 10b also includes a lid 20b that is removably coupled to the rotor hub 16b on the rotor body 12b using a lid screw 22b to help hold the sample container 18b within the rotor body 12b during its rotation. Similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first and second elongated reinforcing members 24b, 26b extend continuously around at least portions of the rotor body 12b and the pressure plate 14b, respectively.

[0068] The main difference between the centrifuge rotor 10 shown in Figures 1-5 and the centrifuge rotor 10b shown in Figure 7 is the sample capacity, more specifically, the size of the cavities 60, 60b, the respective cell cups 70, 70b, and the sample containers 18, 18b. In this regard, the illustrated centrifuge rotor 10b has a sample capacity of 8 × 100 mL. That is, the centrifuge rotor 10b includes eight cavities 60b and cell cups 70b, respectively, to receive eight sample containers 18b, each with a capacity of 100 mL.

[0069] The other various features of the centrifuge rotor 10b are generally the same as those described above with respect to Figures 1-5, and will not be repeated here for brevity.

[0070] Next, looking at Figure 8, an exemplary method for manufacturing centrifuge rotors 10, 10a, and 10b is provided. In step 201, the rotor bodies 12, 12a, and 12b are constructed. For example, the rotor bodies 12, 12a, and 12b may be compression-molded from layers of resin-coated carbon fiber laminate material. In step 202, each of the cell cores or cups 70, 70a, and 70b is placed in one of the cavities 60, 60a, and 60b of the rotor bodies 12, 12a, and 12b. The cell cups 70, 70a, and 70b may be co-molded with the rotor bodies 12, 12a, and 12b (for example, during step 201), or they may be inserted into the cavities 60, 60a, and 60b after the construction of the rotor bodies 12, 12a, and 12b. In step 203, the pressure plates 14, 14a, and 14b are constructed. For example, the pressure plates 14, 14a, and 14b may be compression-molded from layers of resin-coated carbon fiber laminate material.

[0071] In step 204, the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b are positioned on the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b. During step 204, the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b and the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b may be mounted on a rotor hub 16, 16a, 16b, or a tool similar to the rotor hub 16, 16a, 16b, which can help position and / or maintain the desired position of the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b relative to the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b. In one embodiment, step 204 may also include joining the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b and the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b together. For example, the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b, the bottom side walls 32, 32a, 32b of the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b, and the holders 46, 46a, 46b can be compression-molded together to create a single structure. In addition, or instead, the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b and the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b may be joined together using adhesive. For example, the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b and the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b may be joined together first using adhesive before the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b and the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b are compression-molded together during later steps, as described below.

[0072] In step 205, the pressure rings 110, 110a, and 110b are positioned on the rotor bodies 12, 12a, and 12b. For example, the pressure rings 110, 110a, and 110b may be press-fitted onto the rotor bodies 12, 12a, and 12b around the cell cup holders 46, 46a, and 46b, such as against the bottom side walls 32, 32a, and 32b of the rotor bodies 12, 12a, and 12b.

[0073] In step 206, the first reinforcing members 24, 24a, 24b are applied to at least the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b and the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b. For example, the first strands of material 120, 120a, 120b may be wrapped in a circular fashion around at least a portion of the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b, the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b, and the pressure rings 110, 110a, 110b. During step 206, the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b and the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b may be mounted on a rotor hub 16, 16a, 16b, or a tool similar to the rotor hub 16, 16a, 16b, which can help position and / or maintain the desired position of the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b relative to the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b. In one embodiment, step 206 may include curing the first strands 120, 120a, 120b after the winding process to integrally form the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b and the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b. Alternatively, such curing may include compression molding the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b and the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b together. Or, the first strands 120, 120a, 120b may be cured during later steps, as described below.

[0074] In step 207, the second reinforcing members 26, 26a, 26b are applied to at least the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b and the first reinforcing members 24, 24a, 24b. For example, the second strands of material 130, 130a, 130b may be spirally wrapped around at least a portion of the rotor body 12, 12a, 12b, the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b, the lids 20, 20a, 20b, and the pressure rings 110, 110a, 110b. During step 207, the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b and pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b may be attached to the rotor hub 16, 16a, 16b, or a tool similar to the rotor hub 16, 16a, 16b, for example, to help position and / or maintain the desired position of the rotor bodies 12, 12a, 12b relative to the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b. Similarly, the covers 20, 20a, 20b may be removably coupled to the rotor hub 16, 16a, 16b (or tool) during step 207 to help ensure that portions of the second reinforcement members 26, 26a, 26b are reliably received within the peripheral recesses 166, 166a, 166b of the covers 20, 20a, 20b. In one embodiment, step 207 may include curing the second strands 130, 130a, 130b after the winding process to integrally form the rotor body 12, 12a, 12b, pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b, and the first reinforcing members 24, 24a, 24b. Alternatively, such curing may include curing the first strands 120, 120a, 120b, and / or compression molding the rotor body 12, 12a, 12b and the pressure plates 14, 14a, 14b together.

[0075] In step 208, the rotor hubs 16, 16a, and 16b are operably coupled to the pressure plates 14, 14a, and 14b. For example, each of the pins 108, 108a, and 108b may be screwed into one of the respective threaded holes 148, 148a, and 148b and inserted into the bores 106, 106a, and 106b of the corresponding pressure plates 14, 14a, and 14b. As described above, step 208 may be performed before or between one or more of steps 204, 206, or 207.

[0076] In step 209, the lids 20, 20a, and 20b are removably coupled to the rotor hubs 16, 16a, and 16b. For example, the lids 20, 20a, and 20b may be removably coupled to the rotor hubs 16, 16a, and 16b on the rotor bodies 12, 12a, and 12b using lid screws 22, 22a, and 22b, which may be tightened against the lids 20, 20a, and 20b using a tool rod. Typically, the lids 20, 20a, and 20b are coupled to the rotor bodies 12, 12a, and 12b only after the sample in the sample container has been inserted into the cavity 60, 60a, and 60b.

[0077] Next, the assembled centrifuge rotors 10, 10a, and 10b may be driven to high-speed centrifugal rotation using a centrifuge spindle. After centrifugation, the lids 20, 20a, and 20b are removed from the rotor bodies 12, 12a, and 12b, and the samples in the sample containers are removed from the cavities 60, 60a, and 60b.

[0078] Various aspects of the principles of the present invention are described by the descriptions of various embodiments, and while the embodiments are described in considerable detail, they are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way or in any way. The various features shown and described herein may be used individually or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broadest form is not limited to the specific details shown and described, representative apparatus and methods, and exemplary examples. Accordingly, deviations from such details can be made without departing from the scope of the general concept of the invention.

[0079] The following note is added. (Note 1) A rotor body having an upper surface and a plurality of tubular cavities extending from the upper surface to their respective bottom walls, wherein each cavity is configured to receive a sample container within the rotor body, A pressure plate operably coupled to the bottom wall and configured to transmit torque to the bottom wall, Equipped with, The pressure plate is configured to be directly coupled to the rotor hub and to receive torque directly from the rotor hub, in a fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor. (Note 2) The pressure plate comprises a top surface and a plurality of recesses arranged on the top surface at intervals from each other, each of which includes a bottom surface, the bottom surface completely enclosing and engaging with the bottom wall, as described in Note 1. (Note 3) The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the pressure plate includes a lower surface and a plurality of bores spaced apart from each other on the lower surface, the bores being configured to receive respective pins for directly coupling the pressure plate to the rotor hub. (Note 4) The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the pressure plate includes a central bore configured to receive the shaft portion of the rotor hub, and the central bore tapers to a point. (Note 5) The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor as described in Note 1, wherein the pressure plate includes an outer side surface, and the outer side surface is tapered. (Note 6) A first elongated reinforcing member extending along the first path around at least one outer surface of the rotor body and at least one outer surface of the pressure plate, A second elongated reinforcing member extends along a second path, around the outer surface of the first elongated reinforcing member, A fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor as described in Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising the above. (Note 7) The first path is circular, as described in Note 6, for the fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor. (Note 8) The second path described above is spiral, fixed-angle centrifuge rotor as described in Note 7. (Note 9) The rotor body includes an outer side surface, the outer side surface is tapered, and the first elongated reinforcing member defines an inner surface that coincides with the outer side surface, as described in Note 6. (Note 10) The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor as described in Note 6, wherein the pressure plate includes an outer side surface, the outer side surface is tapered, and the first elongated reinforcing member defines an inner surface that coincides with the outer side surface. (Note 11) The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to Note 1, further comprising an elongated reinforcing member extending between a first position radially outward with respect to at least one outer surface of the rotor body and a second position radially inward with respect to the bottom wall below a portion of the pressure plate. (Note 12) A fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to Note 1 or 2, further comprising a lid having a planar bottom surface, wherein the rotor body includes a planar top surface that engages with the planar bottom surface. (Note 13) The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to Note 12, wherein at least one of the planar lower surface of the lid or the planar upper surface of the rotor body includes a pair of annular grooves configured to receive a pair of O-rings. (Note 14) The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to Note 1 or 2, further comprising a pressure ring extending around the outer surface of the rotor body and press-fitted into the rotor body. (Note 15) The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to Note 14, comprising a first elongated reinforcing member extending along a first path around at least one outer surface of the rotor body and at least one outer surface of the pressure ring. (Appendix 16) The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to Appendix 15, further comprising a second elongated reinforcing member extending along a second path around the outer surface of the first elongated reinforcing member. (Note 17) The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor as described in Note 16, wherein the first path is circular and the second path is spiral. (Note 18) The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to Note 14, wherein the pressure ring is made of at least one of a metal material or a ceramic material. (Note 19) A method for manufacturing a fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor, The rotor body includes multiple tubular cavities, each cavity being configured to receive a sample container. The method involves arranging multiple cell cups within the multiple cavities, wherein each cell cup is received and positioned in one of the cavities. By providing a pressure plate, The rotor body is placed on the pressure plate, The pressure ring is placed on the rotor body, Applying the first reinforcing material to at least the rotor body and the pressure plate, Applying the second reinforcing material to at least the pressure plate and the first reinforcing material, A method for manufacturing a fixed-angle centrifuge rotor, including [the specified component]. (Note 20) Fixed-angle centrifuge rotor, A rotor body having an upper surface and a plurality of tubular cavities extending from the upper surface to their respective bottom walls, wherein each cavity is configured to receive a sample container within the rotor body, A pressure plate operably coupled to the bottom wall and configured to transmit torque to the bottom wall, A first elongated reinforcing member extending along a first path around at least one outer surface of the rotor body and at least one outer surface of the pressure plate, A second elongated reinforcing member extends along a second path, around the outer surface of the first elongated reinforcing member, A fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor equipped with the above. (Note 21) Fixed-angle centrifuge rotor, A rotor body having an upper surface and a plurality of tubular cavities extending from the upper surface to their respective bottom walls, wherein each cavity is configured to receive a sample container within the rotor body, A pressure plate configured to be operably coupled to the bottom wall and to transmit torque to the bottom wall, An elongated reinforcing member extending between a first position radially outward with respect to at least one outer surface of the rotor body and a second position radially inward with respect to the bottom wall below a portion of the pressure plate, A fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor equipped with the above. (Note 22) Fixed-angle centrifuge rotor, A rotor body having an upper surface and a plurality of tubular cavities extending from the upper surface to their respective bottom walls, wherein each cavity is configured to receive a sample container within the rotor body, A pressure ring extending around the outer surface of the rotor body and press-fitted into the rotor body, A fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor equipped with the above.

Claims

1. A rotor body having an upper surface and a plurality of tubular cavities extending from the upper surface to their respective bottom walls, wherein each tubular cavity is configured to receive a sample container within the rotor body, A pressure plate operably coupled to the bottom wall and configured to transmit torque to the bottom wall, A pressure ring extending around the outer surface of the rotor body and press-fitted into the rotor body, A first elongated reinforcing member is wound in a circular manner around at least one outer surface of the rotor body and at least one outer surface of the pressure plate, A second elongated reinforcing member is spirally wound around the outer surface of the first elongated reinforcing member, A fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor equipped with the above.

2. The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to claim 1, wherein the pressure plate is directly coupled to the rotor hub and configured to receive torque directly from the rotor hub.

3. A fixed-angle centrifuge rotor according to claim 1 or 2, having a plurality of cell cups in a plurality of tubular cavities, each of which cell cup is received in one of the respective tubular cavities.

4. The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure plate comprises a top surface and a plurality of recesses spaced apart on the top surface, each of which includes a bottom surface, and the bottom surfaces completely enclose and engage with the bottom wall.

5. The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to claim 2 or claim 4, which references claim 2, wherein the pressure plate includes a central bore configured to receive the shaft portion of the rotor hub, and the central bore tapers towards the end.

6. The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure plate includes an outer side surface, and the outer side surface is tapered.

7. The rotor body includes an outer side surface, the outer side surface is tapered, and the first elongated reinforcing member defines an inner surface that coincides with the outer side surface, according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure plate includes an outer side surface, the outer side surface is tapered, and the first elongated reinforcing member defines an inner surface that coincides with the outer side surface.

9. The fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure ring is composed of at least one of a metal material or a ceramic material.

10. A method for manufacturing a fixed-angle centrifugal separator rotor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The method involves arranging multiple cell cups within the multiple tubular cavities, wherein each cell cup is received and positioned in one of the respective tubular cavities. After arranging the plurality of cell cups, the rotor body is placed on the pressure plate, After positioning the rotor body, the pressure ring is placed on top of the rotor body. After positioning the pressure ring, the first elongated reinforcing member is applied to at least the rotor body and the pressure plate, After applying the first elongated reinforcing member, the second elongated reinforcing member is applied to at least the pressure plate and the first elongated reinforcing member, A method for manufacturing a fixed-angle centrifuge rotor, including [the specified component].

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