FIELD OF THE INVENTION 0001 The present invention relates to a centrifuge rotor cover assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for attaching a cover to a centrifuge assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 0002 Centrifuges typically include a housing with a centrifuge chamber, a rotor and drive spindle that supports samples to be centrifuged, a rotor cover and a chamber door. The centrifuge chamber within which the rotor rotates is covered by the chamber door during centrifugation to protect the centrifuge operator from the spinning parts in the chamber. The chamber door also provides containment should material be projected from the rotor during rotor rotation. The rotor cover encloses the samples inside the rotor and provides an aerodynamic smooth surface to reduce air friction during operation. The rotor cover is moveable between an open and closed position. The open position accommodates access to the rotor and while in the closed position the cover encases the rotor. 0003 During normal centrifuge operation, a liquid sample is disposed and sealed within a receptacle, usually a centrifuge sample tube, and the tube is placed within holes located on the rotor. Thereafter, the rotor cover is placed in the closed position, covering the rotor and readying the centrifuge for operation. Occasionally the centrifuge tubes may leak. This leakage can result from improper sealing of the tube, using a tube not rated for the rotor operating speed, and/or using a tube composed from material that is chemically incompatible with the sample. As a result of the aforementioned leakage, the centrifuge components may become contaminated with the samples. 0004 In existing centrifuges, the rotor cover is designed as a separate piece or unit from the rotor and requires manual attachment and detachment for each use. One current method for attachment includes utilizing a captive nut on the rotor cover that is screwed onto a threaded post located on the center of the drive spindle of the rotor. Another current method includes utilizing clamping studs, each having threaded members, wherein the studs are inserted into receiving portions on the rotor and drive spindle and rotated several times to secure the cover to the rotor and the rotor to the drive spindle. 0005 Current rotors have threaded clamping studs; one is used to attach the cover to the rotor and the other is used to attach the rotor to the drive spindle. These studs are oriented in series such that the rotor to drive spindle clamping stud must be disengaged first and then the cover to rotor clamping stud must be disengaged. The cover can then be removed to gain sample access. A problem that sometimes occurs in the operation of these covers is that they are time consuming to operate because many employ multiple threaded parts that each are required to be rotated multiple times to attach the cover to the rotor and the rotor to the drive spindle. Each attachment piece must be manipulated by the centrifuge operator in order to ensure the cover is securely attached to the rotor prior to centrifuge operation and subsequently disengaged after centrifuge use, preventing the centrifuge operator from gaining access to his or her samples quickly and efficiently. 0006 In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a rotor cover for effectuating quick, efficient access to the rotor of the a centrifuge. It is also desirable to provide secure attachment and detachment of a centrifuge rotor cover, employing a minimum number of steps and components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 0007 The foregoing needs are met, at least in part, by the present invention where, in one embodiment, an attachment and release apparatus for use with a centrifuge rotor cover is provided having a housing with a first passage, and a plunger having an annular groove that is slidably disposed within the housing. A first biasing element is disposed within the housing. The apparatus also has an adapter having a first detent, that is removeably connected to the housing. In addition, a first moveable element is disposed within the first passage of the housing, and it is moveable between an attached position and a release position. The first moveable element is in the attached position when is within the first detent of the adapter and contacts the plunger. 0008 In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an attachment and release apparatus for use with a centrifuge rotor cover is provided having a housing wherein the housing has a first passage and a retaining ring and a cover disposed around the housing. The apparatus additionally has an adapter that is removeably connected to the housing wherein the adapter has a first detent along with a receiver portion. The apparatus further includes a plunger having a first and second contact surface that is slidably disposed within the housing. In addition, the apparatus also includes a slider member disposed around the plunger that slidably engages both the plunger and the housing. The slider member has an annular groove. The apparatus also includes a first biasing member located between the slider and the plunger and a first moveable element. The first moveable element is disposed within the first passage of the housing and it is moveable between an attached position and a released position. The first biasing member exerts a force in a first direction, displacing the slider member in the first direction and aligning the first passage with the slider annular groove. The first moveable element moves between the first passage and the slider annular groove, when the first moveable element is in the released position. 0009 In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for attaching and subsequently releasing a rotor cover of a centrifuge, comprising the steps of: providing a rotor cover attachment and release apparatus having a knob with a bore extending therethrough, a cover positioned below the knob, a housing connected to the knob, a plunger disposed within the knob and housing wherein the housing has a first passage, and an adapter removeably connected to the housing, wherein the adapter has a first detent and a threaded member at its distal end; and actuating the plunger in a first direction, thereby displacing the first moveable element to contact both the plunger and the detent attaching the rotor cover to the rotor. 0010 In yet another embodiment of the present invention, method is provided for attaching and subsequently releasing a rotor cover of a centrifuge, comprising the steps of: providing a rotor cover attachment and release apparatus having a knob with a bore extending therethrough, a cover positioned below the knob, a housing having a passage connected to the knob, an adapter having a detent, and a receiver portion connected to the housing, a plunger having a first and second contact surface slidably disposed within the bore of the knob and within the housing, a slider member disposed around the plunger that slidably engages the housing and the plunger, a first biasing member, a second biasing member, and a moveable element retained within the passage of the housing; and exerting a force in a first direction, displacing the slider member against the retaining ring, thereby displacing the moveable element between the housing and the slider member. 0011 In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 0012 As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 0013 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rotor cover attach and release apparatus in the attached position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 0014 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in the released position. 0015 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a rotor cover attach and release apparatus in the released position in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 0016 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus in FIG. 3 prior to attachment. 0017 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus in FIG. 4 in the attached position. 0018 FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus in FIG. 5 in the released position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 0019 The present invention provides an apparatus for attaching and releasing a rotor cover to rotor of a centrifuge. The apparatus is preferably used to securely attach a rotor cover to a centrifuge rotor, preventing the likelihood of the rotor cover erroneously disconnecting during operation. The apparatus additionally provides an attachment mechanism that may be disengaged quickly and easily, enabling the centrifuge operator to access the rotor and the samples contained thereon easily. In the embodiments depicted, the attach and release apparatuses are utilized in combination with a laboratory centrifuge. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited in its application to laboratory centrifuges, but, for example, can be used with other devices having rotating components. 0020 Referring now to the figures wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate presently preferred embodiments of a rotor cover attach and release apparatus. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a cross-sectional view of a rotor cover attach and release apparatus 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, attached to a rotor 12. Whereas FIG. 1 depicts the apparatus 10 in an attached position, FIG. 2 depicts the apparatus 10 in a released position. 0021 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 includes a plunger 14 disposed within a support member 16 that is attached to a knob 17 and contains three moveable element 18, and a cover 20 disposed around the support member 16 and plunger 14. The apparatus further includes an adapter 22 that attaches to the drive spindle 23 of a centrifuge and a biasing element 24. 0022 As depicted, the knob 17 has an upper, convex portion 19 and a lower, flange shaped portion 21. The knob 17 is disposed around portions of the plunger 14 and is attached to the support member 16. The knob has a bore extending from the upper portion to the lower portion. The bore includes first section and second section within which portions of both the plunger 17 and the support member 16 are disposed. 0023 As previously described, the support member 16 is attached to the knob 17. The aforementioned attachment is preferably by friction fit. Alternatively, the support member 16 may be integral with the knob 17 or may be attached to the by any suitable fastener such as a weld and/or a screw. 0024 The support member 16 is a cylindrical component having an upper end and a lower end with a bore 26 extending therethrough. The support member 16 slidably engages the adapter 22 when the apparatus 10 is in the attachment position as depicted in FIG. 1. The support member 16 additionally has multiple receptacles or passages 28 for retaining the moveable elements 18. 0025 The moveable elements 18 are spherical or circular in shape, such as attachment balls, and function to attach the support member 16 to the adapter 22 when the apparatus 10 is in the attachment position as illustrated in FIG. 1. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, three attachment balls 18 are utilized to attach the support member to the adapter 22 (only one is illustrated), however more or less may be employed, depending upon the application. As the name suggests, the attachment balls 18 are solid spherical components having a diameter, but can be any shape as long as they function to secure the support member 16 to the adapter 22. 0026 The passages 28 (only one is illustrated) are disposed at locations along the circumference of the support member 16 and are spaced equidistantly from one another, preferably 120 degrees apart. This spacing can vary depending upon the number of attachment balls employed. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the passages 28 are preferably bores that penetrate and pierce the width of the support member 16 wall, enabling the moveable elements 18 to engage both the plunger 14 and the adapter 22. The passages 28 have an open concavity 29 at one end, that has an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the attachment balls 18, limiting the balls 18 axial outward movement away from the plunger 14. Preferably, the inner diameter of the open concavity 29 and the outer diameter of the attachment balls 18 is such that the passages prevent the balls 18 from completely exiting the support member 16 when the support member 16 is removed from the adapter 22. In addition, the passages 28 allow for radial movement of the balls 18 between the plunger 14 and the adapter 22. 0027 As depicted in FIG. 1, the plunger 14 is disposed within the bores of both the knob 17 and the support member 16 respectively, and moves the attachment balls 18 substantially radially through the support member 16 when it is actuated. It extends from the convex, upper portion of the knob 19, through the support member 16. The plunger 14 slidably engages both the knob 17 and the support member 16. The plunger 17 includes three regions having three diameters. The first region 30, has a first diameter and slidably engages the first section of the bore of the knob 17. The second region 32, has a second diameter preferably greater than the diameter of the first region, and combines with first region 30 to form a shoulder 34. The shoulder 34 contacts the knob 17 and limits the upward translation of the plunger 14. The second region 32 slidably engages the support member 16. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second region 32 of the plunger 14 has an annular groove 36 that extends along the entire circumference of the plunger 17. Alternatively, the annular groove 36 may be cirumferentially segmented. The third region 38 has a third diameter less than the second diameter forming a second shoulder 35. The third region 38 is additionally configured and arranged to receive the biasing element 24. 0028 While the illustrated embodiments depict a plunger 14 having multiple regions with varying diameters, alternative embodiments and/or modifications employing a plunger having a single diameter also fall within the scope of the invention. For example, apparatuses employed on centrifuges where an upward, translational force is not exerted on the plunger, can be configured utilizing a plunger having a single, constant diameter. Though embodiments utilizing a plunger having a single diameter are described, the utilization of a plunger having multiple diameters is preferred. 0029 The biasing element 24 is preferably a compression spring and encircles the entire circumference of the third region 38 of the plunger 14 and contacts the lower second region 32 of the plunger 14. The compression spring 24 is retained between a the second shoulder 35 of the plunger 14 and a washer 40 and retaining ring 42. The compression spring 24 functions to exert an axial force on the plunger 14, displacing the plunger upward until it contacts the shoulder 34. 0030 As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adapter 22 is configured to receive the support member 16 and includes an adapter groove 50 along with a threaded member 52. The adapter groove 50 may be continuous or circularly segmented. The adapter 22 rests on the rotor attachment ring 53 and functions to attach the rotor 12 to the drive spindle 23 by screw attachment. 0031 The adapter 22 also includes an adapter biasing member 56, an insert washer 58, and an insert retaining ring 60. The biasing member is preferably a spring and provides a tensioning force on the threaded member 52. The aforementioned tensioning force functions to reduce the movement between the thread member 52 of the adapter 22 and threads of the drive spindle, preventing the likelihood of the adapter detaching during centrifuge operation. 0032 In the embodiments depicted, the adapter 22 the adapter spring 56, and insert washer 58 are preferably coated with a low friction, high wear resistant coating such as a dry film coating. This coating prevents friction and wear during rotor to drive spindle attachment and release operation, and significantly increases the life of the components, for example a dry film lubricant or grease. However, alternative embodiments and/or modifications not employing a low friction, high wear resistance coating also fall within the scope of the invention. 0033 Embodiments utilizing a continuous adapter groove require the adapter 22 to be threaded into the drive spindle of the rotor by hand or by utilizing a separate tool. Conversely, embodiments employing a circularly, segmented adapter groove enable the apparatus to function as a tool to thread the adapter into the drive spindle. In these embodiments, the support member 16 is inserted into the adapter 22 and the moveable elements engage the adapter grooves. The knob 17 and support member 16 can then be utilized as a tool to thread the adapter 22 into the drive spindle 23. 0034 The above described components of that attachment apparatus 10, specifically the plunger 14, the support member 16, the knob 17, the attachment balls 18, the adapter 22, and the compression spring 24, are preferably provided by any suitable materials that share similar thermal growth coefficients, for example, stainless steel. 0035 FIGS. 1 and 2 together illustrate operation of the rotor cover attachment apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 1, when the centrifuge is in use and the rotor is rotating, the apparatus 10 and its components are in attached position. By attached position, it is understood that support member 16 with the knob 17, plunger 14, and cover 20 connected thereto as previously described, is inserted into the adapter 22 and the moveable elements 18 are engaging the adapter groove 50. In this position, the compression spring 24 exerts an upward, axial force on the plunger 14, displacing the plunger upwards to a first position where the second plunger region 32 contacts the shoulder 34 of the knob 17. As a result of the aforementioned translational movement of the plunger 14, the attachment balls 18 are displaced substantially radially outward from the plunger 14, such that they engage the adapter groove 50, thereby attaching the cover 20 to rotor 12. In this first position, the plunger 14 functions to hold the attachment balls 18 in the adapter groove 50, preventing the likelihood of the cover 20 releasing during centrifuge operation. 0036 As shown in FIG. 2, when the centrifuge is not being operated, the attachment balls are radially displaced inward towards the plunger 17 in the released position. By released position it is understood that the centrifuge is not in use and the cover 20 is either being removed from the rotor or about to be attached to rotor and the plunger 14 has been depressed to a second position. In this position, the plunger 14 is translated downward such that the plunger annular groove 36 is aligned with the respective adapter grooves 50, permitting the attachment balls 18 to move inward. This inward displacement by the attachment balls 18 allows for the support member 16 to be either inserted or removed from the adapter 22. 0037 Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, a cross-sectional view of an attachment and release apparatus 100, is shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Whereas FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 depict the apparatus 100 in the released position, FIG. 5 depicts the apparatus 100 in attached position. 0038 As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the apparatus 100 includes a plunger 102 disposed within a support member 104 that is attached to a knob 106. The support member 104 preferably contains three moveable elements 108. The apparatus further includes a cover 110 that is disposed around the support member 104 along with a upper biasing element 112, a lower biasing element 114, a slider 116, and an adapter 118. 0039 The knob 106 has a bore extending therethrough as described in previous embodiments, and an inward protrusion 109 that extends into the bore. The inward protrusion functions to act as an upper stop to the plunger 102, limiting the upward, translational movement of the plunger 102. 0040 The plunger 102 is disposed within the support member 104 and slidably engages the support member 104. The plunger 102 has a first contact surface 120 and a second contact surface 122. The first contact surface 120 provides an upper stop for the slider 116. 0041 The combination of the plunger 102, the support member 104, the knob 106, the moveable elements 108, the biasing members 112 and 114, and the slider 116 combine to a knob assembly 101 that removeably attaches to the adapter 118. 0042 The support member 104 encircles the entire circumference of the plunger 102 and slidably engages both the plunger 102 and the slider 116. The support member 104 is affixed to the knob 106 preferably by friction fit. It has an upper and lower end with a bore extending therethrough. The support member preferably includes three passages 124 located along the circumference of the support member 104 that retain the moveable elements 108. The passages 124 are preferably equally spaced from one another, each located approximately 120 degrees apart. The support member 104 further includes a first retaining ring 126 and a second retaining ring 128. The first retaining ring functions to limit the downward, translational movement of the slider 116. The second retaining ring function to support the lower biasing element 114. 0043 The moveable elements 108 are preferably spherical or circular in shape, such as attachment balls, and function to attach the support member 104 to the adapter 118 when the apparatus 100 is in the attached position, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3-6, the three attachment balls 108 are utilized to attach the support member 104 to the adapter 118 (only one is illustrated). More or less attachment balls 108 may be employed, depending upon the application. The attachment balls 108 are preferably spherical shaped, i.e. solid ball components having a diameter, but can be any shape as long as shape they function to secure the support member 104 to the adapter 118. 0044 As depicted in FIGS. 3-6, the passages 124 are preferably bores that penetrate and pierce the width of the support member 104 wall, allowing the attachment balls 108 to engage both the adapter 118 and the slider 116. The passages 124 have an open concavity 125 at one end having an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the attachment balls 108. These concavities 125 function to limited the attachment balls radial movement outward away from the plunger 14. 0045 The slider 116 encircles the entire plunger 102 and radially moves the attachment balls 108 through the support member 104. The slider 116 moves axially along the plunger 102 by reaction to the upper biasing element 112 and the lower biasing element 114 and by the plunger 102. The upper biasing element 112 is located between the top of the slider 116 and the second contact surface 122 of the plunger 102, and the lower biasing element 114, is located between the bottom of the slider 116 and a washer 123. The washer 123 encircles the plunger 102 and floats within the support member 104. In the orientation previously described and depicted in FIG. 3, the upper biasing member 112 exerts a downward force on the slider 116 when the apparatus 100 is in the released position. This downward force displaces slider member 116 such that it is contacts or abuts the retaining 126 when the apparatus is in the released position, as in FIG. 3. 0046 The biasing elements, 112 and 114, are preferably tension springs and/or compression springs. In the embodiment depicted, the lower spring 114 preferably has a higher stiffness than the upper spring 112. However, alternative embodiments may employ springs having similar degrees of stiffness. 0047 The slider 116 additionally has an annular groove 130 for receiving and engaging a portion of the attachment balls 108 when the apparatus 100 is in the released position. The groove 130 may extend along the entire circumference of the slider 116 or alternatively it may be circumferentially segmented. 0048 The adapter 118 is configured to receive the knob assembly 101 and includes a threaded member 132, an adapter ring 134, and an adapter groove 136. The adapter groove 136 may be continuous or circularly segmented. The adapter rests on the rotor attachment ring 138 and functions to attach the rotor (not shown) to the drive spindle (not pictured) by threading the threaded member 132 into the drive spindle of the centrifuge. The adapter 118 additionally has a receiver portion 137 for receiving the support member 104 when the knob assembly 101 is inserted into the adapter 118. 0049 Embodiments utilizing a continuous adapter groove require the adapter 118 to be threaded into the drive spindle of the rotor by hand or by utilizing a separate tool. Conversely, embodiments employing a circularly, segmented adapter groove enable the knob assembly 101 to function as a tool to thread the adapter into the drive spindle. In these embodiments, the support member 104 is inserted into the adapter 118 and the moveable elements engage the adapter grooves. The knob 106 and support member 104 can then be utilized as a tool to thread the adapter 118 into the drive spindle of the centrifuge. 0050 The above described components of that attachment apparatus 100, specifically the plunger 102, the support member 104, the knob 106, the attachment balls 108,the adapter 118, and the springs 112 and 114, are preferably provided by any suitable materials that share similar thermal growth coefficients, for example, stainless steel. 0051 FIGS. 3-6 together illustrate operation of the rotor cover attachment apparatus 100. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the centrifuge is not in use and the rotor is not rotating, the apparatus 100 is in the released position. FIG. 3 illustrates the knob assembly 101 completely removed from the adapter 118 while FIG. 4 illustrates the knob assembly 101 during the insertion procedure. By released position, it is understood that the slider 116 is in a fixed position, abutting the retaining ring 126. In this position, the upper spring 112 exerts a greater force on the slider 116 than the lower spring 114. Due to the greater force exerted by the upper spring 112, the slider 116 is held against the retaining ring 126 in a fixed position relative to the support member 104. In addition, the slider groove 130 is aligned with the passage 124 enabling the attachment balls 108 to radially move between the passage 124 and the slider groove 130. 0052 Moving from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5, the transition of the apparatus 100 from the released position to the attached position is illustrated. As the knob assembly 101 is further inserted into the adapter 118, the attachment balls 108 near horizontal alignment with adapter groove 136. As this occurs, the washer 123 contacts the adapter ring 134. As the adapter ring 134 contacts the washer 123, the slider 116 translates upwards compressing both the upper and lower spring 112 and 114 respectively. As the slider 116 moves upward, it pushes the moveable element 108 through the support member 104 and into the adapter groove 136 of the adapter 118, attaching the knob assembly 101 to the adapter 118. As a result, the cover 110 securely attaches to the rotor of the centrifuge and the apparatus 100 is in the attached position. 0053 FIG. 5 depicts the apparatus 100 in the attached position. As shown, the attachment balls 108 are engaging the adapter groove. The slider 116 is in the upward position, close or in contact with the contact surface 120 of the plunger 102. The slider 116 is held in this position by the lower spring 114. While in this position, the slider 116 blocks the passage 124, preventing undesirable radial movement of the attachment balls 108 and thus preventing the likelihood of the apparatus 100 releasing erroneously. 0054 As shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus 100 is released from the attached position illustrated in FIG. 5 by depressing the plunger 102. The plunger contact surface 120 contacts the slider and translates the slider 116 downward until the slider groove 130 is aligned with the passage 124. As the grooves 124 and 130 become aligned, the attachment balls 108 may return to the slider groove 130, releasing the knob assembly 101 from the adapter 118. 0055 The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirits and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.