WO2024137908A1

WO2024137908A1 - Universal micro-centrifuge rotor assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2024137908A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/085296
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sina Piramoon
Original assignee: Fiberlite Centrifuge Llc
Priority date: 2022-12-23
Filing date: 2023-12-21
Publication date: 2024-06-27
Also published as: CN120303067A

Abstract

Universal micro-centrifuge rotors are described herein. In one aspect, a rotor body structure for a centrifuge can include: a receptacle configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and to contain a toroidal body that accepts sample containers, where the receptacle comprises (i) an outer wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, (ii) an inner wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, and (iii) a floor portion connecting the outer wall and the inner wall, where the outer wall defines a height measured along the axis of rotation, and where the inner wall defines a height measured along the axis of rotation.

Description

UNIVERSAL MICRO-CENTRIFUGE ROTOR ASSEMBLIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 63/477,049, “Universal Micro-Centrifuge Rotor Assemblies” (filed December 23, 2022), the entirety of which application is incorporated herein by reference for any and all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to centrifuge rotors, and more particularly, to micro-centrifuge rotors.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Micro-centrifuge rotors are typically used in laboratory centrifuges to hold samples in small containers such as microcentrifuge tubes during centrifugation. Among the broad category of rotors for bench top centrifuges, micro-centrifuge rotors are distinct from general- purpose rotors in their size; micro-centrifuge rotors are smaller in overall dimensions and/or in individual container sizes, whereas general-purpose rotors are larger, and capable of holding larger-volumed samples. One common rotor structure is the fixed angle rotor having a solid rotor body with a plurality of wells or cavities distributed radially within the rotor body and arranged symmetrically about an axis of rotation. Samples in comparatively small tubes (e.g., 5 ml or less) are placed in the wells, allowing a plurality' of samples to be subjected concurrently to centrifugation.

[0004] Because micro-centrifuge rotors are used in high rotation applications where the speed of the centrifuges may exceed hundreds or even thousands of rotations per minute, the centrifuge rotors must be able to withstand the forces experienced during the high speed rotation of the loaded rotor. During centrifugation, a rotor w ith samples loaded into the w ells experiences high forces along directions radially outw ardly from the wells and in directions along the longitudinal axes of the wells, consistent with the centrifugal forces exerted on the sample containers. These forces can cause significant stress and strain on the rotor body. [0005] Further, micro-centrifuge rotors are sometimes manufactured as a single body. For example, rotors can be formed via a compression molding process, where the rotor body (including the outer walls and a core defining the sample wells) are formed as one body from a single material. However, this significantly limits the configurability of the microcentrifuge rotors, as the number of wells, well size, and well angle is limited during the manufacturing process.

[0006] A need therefore exists for micro-centrifuge rotors that are capable of being configurable in relation to the well numbers, positioning, angling, etc. There also exists a need to provide improved performance with respect to the dynamic loads experienced during centrifugation.

SUMMARY

[0007] Universal micro-centrifuge rotors are described herein. In one aspect, a rotor body structure for a centrifuge can include: a receptacle configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and to contain a toroidal body that accepts sample containers, where the receptacle comprises (i) an outer wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, (ii) an inner wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, and (iii) a floor portion connecting the outer wall and the inner wall, where the outer wall defines a height measured along the axis of rotation, and where the inner wall defines a height measured along the axis of rotation.

[0008] In another aspect, a rotor assembly for a centrifuge can include: a receptacle configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, the receptacle including (i) an outer wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, (ii) an inner wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, and (iii) a floor spanning from the inner wall to the outer wall, wherein the outer wall, the inner wall, and the floor define a recess, the receptacle optionally also including a winding disposed about the outer wall of the receptacle, (i) the winding optionally including carbon fiber, (ii) the winding optionally superposed over substantially all of the height of the outer wall, or both (i) and (ii); and a toroidal body positioned within the recess, where the toroidal body defines a plurality of holes, where each hole is configured to receive a centrifuge vial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is show n in the drawings a form that is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. [0010] FIG. 1 depicts an elevated perspective view of a receptacle for a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 depicts an elevated perspective view of a receptacle and toroidal body for a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 depicts an elevated perspective view of a toroidal body for a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 depicts an elevated perspective view of a toroidal body for a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 depicts an elevated perspective view of a toroidal body for a microcentrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict cross-sectional views of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10 depicts an elevated perspective view of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 12 and 13 depict cross-sectional views of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 14 and 15 depict cross-sectional views of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 16 and 17 depict cross-sectional views of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 18 and 19 depict cross-sectional views of a receptacle and lid assembly for a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure. [0026] FIGS. 22 and 23 depict perspective views of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms "a." “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one. When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable, and it should be understood that steps can be performed in any order. Any documents cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties for any and all purposes.

[0028] It is to be appreciated that certain features of the invention which are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range. In addition, the term “comprising” should be understood as having its standard, open-ended meaning, but also as encompassing “consisting” as well. For example, a device that comprises Part A and Part B can include parts in addition to Part A and Part B, but can also be formed only from Part A and Part B.

[0029] Universal micro-centrifuge rotors are described herein. The rotors described herein can include a universal rotor body (receptacle) capable of incorporating a variety of core bodies (e.g., toroidal bodies), where each toroidal body can include a different number of sample wells, well sizes, well angles, and the like. This ability to include a variety of toroidal bodies can be beneficial during the manufacturing process, where the micro-rotor can be configurable prior to assembly. Thus, a manufacturer can select the particular toroidal body configuration prior to assembly. This can significantly reduce manufacturing costs, as ty pically micro-centrifuges are limited to a single configuration at the time of assembly or manufacturing. For example, micro-centrifuges are ty pically compression molded, where the rotor body is formed as a single body. By manufacturing the receptacle and toroidal bodies separately, configuration during assembly is possible.

[0030] Further, the micro-centrifuge rotors described herein can be configured to limit or mitigate the forces exerted on the core body, which can mitigate degradation or breakage of the toroidal body during use. The receptacle can transfer forces originating from the rotor hub (e.g.. centripetal forces generated by rotating the rotor) from the inner wall, through the bottom floor, and to the exterior wall. This can mitigate forces experienced by the toroidal body, which can be composed of material with lower stress thresholds than the receptacle. [0031] As depicted in FIG. 8, a micro-centrifuge rotor 100 according to the present disclosure can include a receptacle 105, a toroidal body 110, and a lid assembly 115. The micro-centrifuge rotor 100 can be a type of benchtop rotor. The micro-centrifuge rotor 100 can be dimensioned to be positioned on a benchtop. Example dimensions of the microcentrifuge rotor 100 are, e.g., 4 - 8 inches in diameter, and, e.g., 2 - 5 inches in height.

[0032] FIG. 1 depicts a receptacle 105 for a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure. The receptacle 105 can include an outer wall 120, an inner wall 125, and a floor 130. The outer wall 120 and the inner wall 125 can extend circumferentially about an axis of rotation 135, where the inner wall 125 is closer to the axis of rotation 135 compared to the outer wall 120. The floor 130 can extend radially from a bottom edge of the inner wall 125 to a bottom edge of the outer wall 120. such that the outer wall 120, the inner wall 125, and the floor 130 define a recess. In some cases, the junction between the outer wall 120 and the floor 130, the inner wall 125 and the floor 130, or both, can be curved (e.g., beveled). In some cases, the junction between the outer wall 120 and the floor 130, the inner wall 125 and the floor 130, or both, can be angled (e.g., 90 degrees). In some cases, the floor 130 can be thicker compared to the outer wall 120, the inner wall 125, or both. It should be understood that although outer wall 120 can join floor 130 at 90 degrees, this is not a requirement. Likewise, although inner wall 125 can join floor 130 at 90 degrees, this too is not a requirement. Departures from right angles of between 1 and 5 degrees are contemplated under certain circumstances. Similarly, rounded comers are also contemplated.

[0033] The receptacle 105 can be formed of carbon fiber. The receptacle 105 can be formed via a molding process, such as compression molding, where carbon fibers are formed, placed in a mold, and resin is applied prior to applying a compressive force into the mold to form the receptacle 105. Alternatively, carbon fibers can be impregnated with a resin, such as a thermosetting epoxy resin, formed into a sheet, the sheet formed into each desired shape (outer wall, floor and inner wall) and then compression molded to form an integral structure of outer wall plus floor plus inner wall. The windings can be carbon fiber or another high strength fiber such as polyaramid or glass fibers. The receptacle can be metal or another composite, but is preferably carbon fiber composite.

[0034] Turning to FIG. 2, the micro-centrifuge rotor can also include a winding 140 located on an exterior surface 145 of the outer wall 120. The winding 140 can be composed of carbon fiber. The winding 140 can include one or more carbon fiber strands wrapped around the exterior surface 145, with resin either coating each fiber before winding or added after winding. The wrapping can be substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation 135 (e.g., between 0.5 and 5 degrees from perpendicular). In some cases, the wrapping can be in a helical configuration. The wrapping can occur after the receptacle 105 has been formed (e.g., via compression molding). Once wrapped, the winding 140 can be cured, such through a heat application applied to the exterior surface 145. The winding 140 can substantially cover the exterior surface 145 of the outer wall 120. The winding 140 can be configured to receive forces from the outer wall 120 during rotation, and can support the structural integrity of the micro-centrifuge rotor.

[0035] The outer w all 120 can have and preferably has a height greater than a height of the inner wall 125. The outer wall 120 can be dimensioned such that the height of the outer wall 120 is greater than, or equal to, the height of a toroidal body 110 when the toroidal body 110 is inserted into the receptacle 105. The inner wall 125 can be dimensioned to contact a hub 165 (described below ). The inner wall 125 can be further dimensioned to allow" for insertion and removal of sample vials of an inserted toroidal body 110. For example, the height of the wall 125 can be sized based upon the dimensions of the toroidal body 110 (e.g., body thickness, sample well locations, sample well volumes/length, width, sample well angle, and the like). If a particular receptacle is intended for use with toroidal bodies 110 of different heights, then the outer wall 120 of that receptacle should preferably have a height at least as great as the tallest of those various toroidal bodies. The inner wall 125 and outer wall 120 are depicted in FIG. 2.

[0036] The inner wall 125 can define a bore 146 about the axis of rotation 135. A hub 165 can be positioned in the bore, which is depicted in FIG. 8. For example, the exterior surface of the hub 165 can be flush with an interior surface of the inner wall 125. The hub 1 5 can protrude into the recess of the receptacle 105. In some cases, the hub 165 can define a coupler configured to couple to an end of a lid screw 175. For example, the hub 165 can define a set of threads configured to receive corresponding threads or ridges of the lid screw 175. The lid screw 175 can be configured to secure the lid assembly 115 to the receptacle 105. The hub 165 can also be configured to receive a driveshaft or spindle (not shown). The driveshaft can be a part of micro-centrifuge motor (not shown). Additional views of the lid assembly 15 with respect to the receptacle 105 can be found in FIGS. 18-20.

[0037] The micro-centrifuge rotor assembly can also include a toroidal body 110, examples of which are depicted in FIGS. 3-17 (e.g., toroidal body 110-a through 110-c). As described further below, three different configurations of the toroidal body are shown in various figures of the present disclosure, where: a) A toroidal body designated 110-a refers to a 72 x 0.5 mb configuration; b) A toroidal body designated 110-b refers to a 48 x 2 mb configuration; and c) A toroidal body designated 110-c refers to a 14 x 5 mL configuration.

While various configurations are depicted within the disclosure, one skilled in the art will understand that the configurations of the toroidal body are not limited to those depicted as toroidal bodies 110-a through 110-c, and other configurations can be implemented in conjunction with the micro-centrifuge rotor described herein. Further, toroidal body 110 as described below can include any permutation of toroidal bodies described herein, including toroidal bodies 1 10-a, 110-b, and 110-c.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the toroidal body 110 can be a solid body defining an inner surface 181, an outer surface 182, a top surface 183, and a bottom surface 184. The toroidal body 110 can extend circumferentially about the axis of rotation 135. The toroidal body 110 can be configured to be positioned within the recess of the receptacle 105. For example, by reference to FIG. 7, when positioned in the recess, the outer surface 181 can be flush with the interior surface 147 of the outer wall 120 of the receptacle 105. Further, when positioned in the recess, the bottom surface 184 can be flush with a top surface 131 of the floor 130.

[0039] The toroidal body 110 can be composed of a variety of materials. For example, the toroidal body 1 10 can be composed of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polycarbonate. In some cases, the toroidal body 110 can be composed of another polymer, for example, polyester. In some cases, the toroidal body 110 can be composed of acrylic. In some instances, the toroidal body is formed from a material less expensive than the materials used to form the receptacle.

[0040] By reference to FIG. 3, the toroidal body 110 can define, via the inner surface 181 and the body, a number of sample wells 185. In some cases, the sample wells 185 can be configured to receive a sample vial. For example, exterior surfaces of a sample vial can be flush with the surfaces defining a sample well 185. Further, a top surface of the sample well 185, when the sample vial is inserted in the sample well 185, can be at, or below the height of the sample well 185 (e.g., such that none of the sample vial is external to the sample well 185).

[0041] With reference to FIG. 6. the sample vials 187 can be dimensioned such that, when a sample vial 187 is positioned within the sample well 185, the top edge of sample vial 187 is at or below the top surface of the sample well 185 (e.g., such that none of the sample vial 187 is external to the sample well 185). A sample well can be angled at from about 20 to about 70 degrees (e.g., 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65. or 70 degrees) from the axis of rotation 135. Without being bound to any particular theory or embodiment, a toroidal body that includes sample wells that are comparatively vertical can be relatively taller than a sample insert that includes sample wells that are comparatively horizontal.

[0042] The toroidal body 110 can be formed separately from the receptacle 105. For example, the toroidal body 110 can be etched to size separately from the receptacle 105. The toroidal body can be formed via a molding or compression process. The toroidal body 110 can then be drilled to define the sample wells 185. The toroidal body 110 can be inserted into the recess of the receptacle 105. The toroidal body 110 can be coupled to the receptacle 105 via adhesive, such as between the top surface of the floor and the bottom surface. In some cases, notches 189 can also be etched on the exterior surface of the toroidal body 100, which can then be filled or coated with adhesive to further secure the toroidal body 110 to the receptacle 105. Examples of notches 189 can be found in FIG. 6. [0043] The receptacle 105 can be configured to receive a variety of toroidal body configurations. For example, a toroidal body configuration can include a number of sample wells, locations of the sample wells, the size of the sample wells, a number of sample well tiers, and/or the angle of the sample wells (e.g., with respect to the axis of rotation 135). In some cases, the toroidal body configurations can include a height of the toroidal body and/or a thickness of the toroidal body. For example, in cases where larger sample well volumes are included, the toroidal body 110 can include a larger thickness to support the larger sample well volume. In another example, a height of the toroidal body 110 can be larger when multiple tiers of sample well are included. Examples of different configurations for the toroidal body 110-a through 110-c can be seen in FIGS. 3-5, respectively.

[0044] FIG. 3 depicts a toroidal body 110-a having 72 sample wells. The sample wells are split into two tiers (e.g., 36 sample wells in each tier). The sample wells are configured to receive 0.5 ml sample vials. FIG. 4 depicts a toroidal body 110-b having 48 sample wells. The sample wells are split into two tiers (e.g., 24 sample wells in each tier). The sample wells are configured to receive 2 ml sample vials. FIG. 5 depicts a toroidal body 110-c having 14 sample wells. The sample wells are included in a single tier of sample wells. The sample wells are configured to receive 5 ml sample vials. As further examples, FIGS. 11, 16, 17, 22, and 23 depict additional views of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the disclosure, where the micro-centrifuge rotor includes a toroidal body 110-a with a configuration of 72 x 0.5 ml. FIGS. 9, 10. 14. and 15 likewise depict an assembly having a toroidal body 110-b with a configuration of 48 x 2.0 ml. FIGS. 12. 13. and 21 depict an assembly including a toroidal body 110-c with a configuration of 14 x 5.0 ml. These toroidal body configuration examples are non-limiting, and one skilled in the art will understand that a variety of configuration for the toroidal body can be implemented. As an example, the disclosed technology can be applied to toroidal bodies having one tier of sample vials therein or a plurality of tiers of sample vials therein. A tier can include, e.g., 12, 24, 36, 48, or 72 vials. A vial can have a volume of, e.g., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, or even 5.0 ml.

[0045] Thus, the overall shape of the toroidal body 110 can vary depending on the toroidal body configuration selected. By reference to. e.g., FIG. 8, the outer surface 182 can be shaped to match the surface of the inner surface 146 of the receptacle 105. In some cases, the shape of the outer surface 182 of the toroidal body 110 can be generally smooth and annular. Likewise, the bottom surface 184 of the toroidal body 100 can be shaped to match the top surface 131 of the floor 130 of the receptacle 105. In some cases, the shape of the bottom surface 184 can be generally smooth and planar. The shape of the inner surface 181 of the toroidal body 1 10 can vary⁷ based on the sizing, numbering, and locations of the sample wells of the given configuration. For example, the inner surface 181 can be shaped to provide a face 191 that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of a given sample well length, which can provide for ease of insertion and removal of a sample vial into the sample well. Thus, in the case where the sample wells are positioned in a given tier, the face can form an annular ring extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation. The inner surface 181 can also a curved portion between different tiered annular rings (e.g., in cases where more than one tier of sample wells are included). The curved portion 192 can remove excess material from the toroidal body HO. and can provide additional space for removal and insertion of sample vials. The curved portion 192 can terminate at respective faces 191 of the inner surface 181. In cases where the tier of sample wells is one, or where the particular tier is the “bottom” tier (e.g., the tier closest to the floor 130), the curved portion can terminate at the floor 130.

[0046] In some cases the inner surface 181 of the toroidal body 110, when positioned in the receptacle 105, does not contact the inner wall 125 of the receptacle. This can be beneficial for ease of insertion and removal of sample vials in given sample wells 185. Additionally, not contacting the inner wall 125 can also mitigate forces exerted on the toroidal body 110. For example, when driven, the assembly 100 can experience centripetal forces proportional to the speed at which the assembly 100 is driven. The forces exerted on the assembly 100 can be initially received by the inner wall 125 (and, to some extent, the lid assembly 115). The forces at the inner wall 125 can be transferred to the floor 130, and can then pass to the outer wall 105. Forces experienced by the toroidal body 110 can thus be mitigated by the receptacle 105. This can be beneficial in cases where the toroidal body 1 10 is composed of materials with lower stress thresholds.

[0047] In the embodiments depicted in the figures, several toroidal bodies of different configurations are configured to be combined with a receptacle of a single configuration. The invention can also be practice with receptacle of different materials or of different sizes. Each such receptacle can be combined with one or more toroidal bodies of various configurations, so long as each such toroidal body fits into the receptacle and, preferably, has contact between the bottom of the toroidal body and the top of the receptacle floor and contact between the outer surface of the toroidal body and the inner surface of receptacle outer wall sufficient to transfer forces.

[0048] Example dimensions and characteristics of micro-centrifuge rotors according to the disclosure are provided below. The examples provided below are non-limiting, and one skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions and characteristics of a micro-centrifuge rotor according to the present disclosure can vary from those provided below.

Rotor 72x0.2mL - toroidal body 110-a

Rotor 48x2 mL - toroidal body 110-b

Rotor 14x5mL - toroidal body 110-c

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0049] The following embodiments are exemplary only and do not serve to limit the scope of the present disclosure of the appended claims. It should be understood that any part of any one or more Embodiments can be combined with any part of any other one or more Embodiments.

Embodiment 1

[0050] A rotor assembly for a centrifuge, comprising: a receptacle configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; wherein the receptacle comprises (i) an outer wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, (ii) an inner wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, and (iii) a floor portion connecting the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the inner wall, the outer wall, and the floor define a recess; a winding disposed along the outer wall of the receptacle; and a toroidal body positioned within the recess, wherein the toroidal body defines a plurality of cavities, wherein each cavity is configured to receive a centrifuge vial.

Embodiment 2

[0051] The rotor assembly of Embodiment 1, wherein the receptacle is characterized as a single continuous body.

Embodiment 3

[0052] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 2. wherein the receptacle comprises carbon fiber.

Embodiment 4

[0053] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 3, wherein the winding is superposed over substantially all of the height of the outer wall.

Embodiment 5

[0054] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 4, wherein the rotor assembly is configured for installation in a microcentrifuge.

Embodiment 6

[0055] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 5. wherein the height of the outer wall is greater than the height of the inner wall, as measured along the axis of rotation. Embodiment 7

[0056] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 6, wherein the inner wall encircles a hub. The hub can optionally be configured to engage with a rotational spindle. Embodiment 8 [0057] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 7, wherein the toroidal body is positioned such that the bottom surface of the toroidal body is in contact with the floor of the receptacle.

Embodiment 9

[0058] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 8, wherein the toroidal body is configurable according to a plurality of cavity configurations for the plurality of cavities. Embodiment 10

[0059] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 9. wherein the plurality of cavity configurations comprises a number of cavities defined by the toroidal insert. The number of cavities can be, e.g., 14, 48, or 72 cavities.

Embodiment 11

[0060] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 10, wherein the plurality of cavity configurations comprises a number of cavity tiers. The number of cavity tiers can be, e.g., two, or three tiers.

Embodiment 12

[0061] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 11, wherein the plurality of cavity configurations comprise a volume size defined by each cavity of the plurality of cavities. A volume size can be selected to accommodate a centrifuge tube that contains a 0.5 ml, 1 ml, 2 ml, or 5 ml sample.

Embodiment 13

[0062] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 12, wherein the toroidal body defines an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the toroidal body is positioned in the recess such that the outer surface of the toroidal body contacts the outer wall of the receptacle.

Embodiment 14

[0063] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 13, wherein the inner surface of the toroidal body is free of contact with the inner wall of the receptacle.

Embodiment 15

[0064] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 14, wherein the toroidal body comprises a thermoplastic polymer such as Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, and Nylon.

Embodiment 16 [0065] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 15, wherein the inner wall has a greater thickness than the outer wall.

Embodiment 17

[0066] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 16, wherein the inner wall has a greater thickness than the floor.

Embodiment 18

[0067] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 17, wherein a length of a respective cavity of the plurality of cavities is angled with respect to the axis of rotation. Embodiment 19

[0068] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 18, wherein a diameter of the toroidal body is dependent on the angle of the length of the respective cavity of the plurality of cavities, and the length of the respective cavity of the plurality of cavities, or vice versa. Embodiment 20

[0069] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 19, wherein the receptacle further defines a top edge extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, wherein the top edge is configured to receive a lid.

Embodiment 21

[0070] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 1 through 20, wherein the winding comprises carbon fiber.

Embodiment 22

[0071] A rotor assembly for a centrifuge, comprising: a receptacle configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; wherein the receptacle comprises (i) an outer wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, (ii) an inner wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, and (iii) a floor portion connecting the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the receptacle comprises carbon fibers and the inner wall, the outer wall, and the floor define a recess; and a toroidal body positioned within the recess, wherein the toroidal body defines a plurality of cavities, wherein each cavity is configured to receive a centrifuge vial.

Embodiment 23

[0072] The rotor assembly of Embodiment 22, wherein the floor portion of the rotor assembly comprises carbon fibers.

Embodiment 24 [0073] The rotor assembly of any of Embodiments 22 through 23, further comprising a winding disposed along the outer wall of the receptacle.

Embodiment 25

[0074] The rotor assembly of Embodiment 24, wherein the winding comprises carbon fibers.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A rotor assembly for a centrifuge, comprising: a receptacle configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; wherein the receptacle comprises (i) an outer wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, (ii) an inner wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, and (iii) a floor portion connecting the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the inner wall, the outer wall, and the floor portion define a recess; a winding disposed along the outer wall of the receptacle; and a toroidal body positioned within the recess, wherein the toroidal body defines a plurality of cavities, wherein each cavity is configured to receive a centrifuge vial.

2. The rotor assembly of claim 1. wherein the receptacle is characterized as a single continuous body.

3. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises carbon fiber.

4. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the winding is superposed over substantially all of a height of the outer wall.

5. The rotor assembly of claim 1. wherein the rotor assembly is configured for installation in a microcentrifuge.

6. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein a height of the outer wall is greater than a height of the inner wall, as measured along the axis of rotation.

7. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner wall encircles a hub.

8. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the toroidal body is positioned such that a bottom surface of the toroidal body is in contact with the floor portion of the receptacle.

9. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the toroidal body is configurable according to a plurality of cavity configurations for the plurality of cavities.

10. The rotor assembly of claim 9, wherein the plurality of cavity⁷ configurations comprises a number of cavities defined by the toroidal body.

11. The rotor assembly of claim 9. wherein the plurality of cavity configurations comprises a number of cavity tiers.

12. The rotor assembly of claim 9, wherein the plurality of cavity configurations comprise a volume size defined by each cavity of the plurality of cavities.

13. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the toroidal body defines an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the toroidal body is positioned in the recess such that the outer surface of the toroidal body contacts the outer wall of the receptacle.

14. The rotor assembly of claim 13, wherein the inner surface of the toroidal body is free of contact with the inner wall of the receptacle.

15. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the toroidal body comprises a thermoplastic polymer.

16. The rotor assembly of claim 1. wherein the inner wall has a greater thickness than the outer wall.

17. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner wall has a greater thickness than the floor portion.

18. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein a length of a respective cavity of the plurality of cavities is angled at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation.

19. The rotor assembly of claim 18, wherein a diameter of the toroidal body is dependent on the angle of the length of the respective cavity of the plurality of cavities, and the length of the respective cavity of the plurality of cavities, or vice versa.

20. The rotor assembly of claim 1, wherein the receptacle further defines a top edge extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, wherein the top edge is configured to receive a lid.

21. The rotor assembly of claim 1. wherein the winding comprises carbon fiber.

22. A rotor assembly for a centrifuge, comprising: a receptacle configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; wherein the receptacle comprises (i) an outer wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, (ii) an inner wall extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation, and (iii) a floor connecting the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the receptacle comprises carbon fibers and the inner wall, the outer wall, and the floor define a recess; and a toroidal body positioned within the recess, wherein the toroidal body defines a plurality of cavities, wherein each cavity is configured to receive a centrifuge vial.

23. The rotor assembly of claim 22, wherein the floor of the rotor assembly comprises carbon fibers.

24. The rotor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer wall has an outer surface and further comprising a winding disposed along the outer surface of the outer wall of the receptacle.

25. The rotor assembly of claim 24, wherein the winding comprises carbon fibers.