Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.

Albert Kitchenham

Rene G Lamadrid

C Michael Jennings

The assembly is utilized in a centrifuge device wherein a receptacle is received and held between first and second platens which are held within a platen holder fixed to the centrifuge device and in respective inner and outer parallel planes spaced radially outwardly from a vertical axis of rotation of the centrifuge device. The first platen is movable with one side wall of the holder about a generally horizontal axis extending along a lower edge of a second side wall of the holder. A latch mechanism provides for a toggle latching action between the walls as the latch mechanism is moved from an open position to a closed position. In one embodiment of the latch mechanism a handle is connected to a shaft journalled on the one side wall and mounts a plate on each end thereof with each plate having a pin extending therefrom that is rotated within a keeper member on an edge of the second wall to latch the platens in place. In another embodiment of the latch mechanism, two linkages are provided between the walls at the top of the holder. A linking pivot connection of each linkage is movable upwardly and then downwardly to allow the one side wall to be moved toward and away from the second side wall. Also in this embodiment the platens are inserted into the holder from the top thereof and this facilitates easy insertion and/or replacement or interchange of platens in the assembly. In the latched position, the one side wall is pressed against the platens.

Platen, holder and latch assembly for securing platens in place within a

The latch assembly is utilized in a centrifuge device wherein a receptacle is received and held between first and second platens which have elastomeric linings and which are held generally upright in respective inner and outer parallel planes spaced radially outwardly from a vertical axis of rotation of the centrifuge device. The first platen is situated in the inner plane and the second platen is fixed in the outer plane. The first platen is mounted for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis extending along a lower edge of the platens. The latch assembly includes first and second keeper members fixed respectively to adjacent opposite sides of the second platen. The latch assembly further includes a shaft journalled to the outer surface of the first platen. First and second latch mounting members are fixed, respectively, to opposite ends of the shaft. A handle is fixed to and extends from the first latch mounting member and each of the latch mounting members has a pin extending therefrom, each pin bein adapted to be received in respective ones of the first and second keeper members. The construction, dimensions and arrangement of the various parts of the latch assembly are such that when the pins are moved into the keeper members, each moves along an arc which would normally intersect the associated keeper member such that an overcenter toggle latching action is obtained as the pins engage and are moved into the keeper members with the elastomeric linings being compressed to allow the overcenter latching action.

Growing community of inventors

Laurel, MD, United States of America

Albert Kitchenham