The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 28, 1998
Filed:
Aug. 29, 1996
Jack U'Ren, Kirkland, WA (US);
Saigene Corporation, Bothell, WA (US);
Abstract
A centrifuge sample tube phase separation plug is disclosed for use in conjunction with sample tube to effect organic solvent separation on a volumetric basis. The centrifuge sample tube is of the type having a conical bottom end closed at the apex with an upward extending cylindrical portion opening to the top of the sample tube. A centrifuge sample tube cap is provided to close the sample tube with the mixed organic solvent and sample. The sample tube cap contains a plug having a central aperture and a tapered profile for fitting into the top of the conical bottom section of the centrifuge sample tube. Presuming that the sample tube is loaded and capped with mixed organic solvent and sample, centrifugation occurs. Into the centrifugation process, the plug releases from the cap and passes from the cap area, through the sample, to the top of the conical portion of the centrifuge sample tube. The plug then lodges in the sample tube at the top of the conical section fitting its tapered exterior profile to the corresponding tapered interior profile of the sample tube. By the expedient of controlling the amount of organic solvent utilized to fit below the top surface of the plug when centrifugated, convenient decanting of the sample from the solvent results.