Beckman Instruments, Inc.

Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Stephen E Little

Thomas D Sharples

Patrick Q Moore

Mark L Lewis

A hands-free gripping device which holds generally cylindrical containers, particularly labware, securely and prevents the container from turning while either opening or closing it. The gripping device features internal deformable ribbing, which secures the container by canting slightly when the container is turned thereby wedging the container in place. This action resists rotation in either direction, making a single device practical for both opening and closing. The device can be mounted on any flat surface and acts as a 'third hand' to allow the user to use both hands or to use a single hand to grasp securely the closure being removed or secured from the container. The gripping device facilitates assembly or disassembly of labware devices needing application of torque.

Hands-free gripping device for containers

A centrifuge rotor and method for gradient density separation which supports a generally cylindrical volume of sample solution with its axis inclined to the spin axis at an angle which is optimized for maximum separation efficiency while reducing contamination by undesirable centrifugates upon reorientation of the desirable centrifugates. The optimum angle is determined based on the relationship .theta.=Tan.sup.-1 (D/15L).sup.0.5 where D and L are respectively the diameter and length of the cylindrical volume of the sample solution and .theta. is the angle of inclination.

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Cupertino, CA, United States of America

Stephen E Little