Latch assembly for latching platens in place within a centrifuge device

Abstract

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.