Claims:1. A rotor assembly for a centrifuge comprises:
a centrifuge rotor having a mounting hole for fitment on a spindle of a motor of the centrifuge;
one or more magnets fitted with the mounting hole; and
a motor shaft adaptor for fitment between the spindle of the motor and the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor to enable mounting of the centrifuge rotor on the spindle of the motor.
2. The rotor assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotor assembly comprises a washer that is configured between the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor and the motor shaft adaptor.
3. The rotor assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor comprises a single opening at a lower portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor, and a pair of openings with a divider between the pair of openings at an upper portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor.
4. The rotor assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor shaft adaptor comprises a base portion with a base hole for fitment on the shaft of the motor and a screw hole to fasten the motor shaft adaptor to the shaft of the motor using a fastener, and a vertical portion coupled to the base portion for fitment into the mounting hole, and wherein the vertical portion having a U-shaped projection at upper end of the vertical.
5. The rotor assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the U-shaped projection of the motor shaft adaptor is adapted to engage with the pair of openings at the upper portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor, and wherein base of the
6. The rotor assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the centrifuge rotor comprises a plurality of holes for holding a plurality of containers.
7. A centrifuge comprising:
a motor; and
a rotor assembly comprising:
a centrifuge rotor having a mounting hole for fitment on a spindle of a motor of the centrifuge;
one or more magnets fitted with the mounting hole; and
a motor shaft adaptor for fitment between the spindle of the motor and the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor to enable mounting of the centrifuge rotor on the spindle of the motor.
8. The centrifuge as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rotor assembly comprises a washer that is configured between the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor and the motor shaft adaptor, and wherein the centrifuge rotor comprises a plurality of holes for holding a plurality of containers.
9. The centrifuge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor comprises a single opening at a lower portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor, and a pair of openings with a divider between the pair of openings at an upper portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor, and wherein the motor shaft adaptor comprises a base portion with a base hole for fitment on the shaft of the motor and a screw hole to fasten the motor shaft adaptor to the shaft of the motor using a fastener, and a vertical portion coupled to the base portion for fitment into the mounting hole, and wherein the vertical portion having a U-shaped projection at upper end of the vertical.
10. The centrifuge as claimed in claim 9, wherein the U-shaped projection of the motor shaft adaptor is adapted to engage with the pair of openings at the upper portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of centrifuges. In particular, it pertains to an improved rotor assembly for a centrifuge to enable quick connection of a rotor of the rotor assembly to a spindle/shaft of a motor of the centrifuge.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] As well known in the art, centrifuges are machines/devices that are used to separate fluids of different densities by applying centrifugal force to materials or contents present in the centrifuges. The centrifuge includes a rotor/ centrifuge rotor that is detachably connected to a shaft/ spindle of a motor. The centrifuge rotor is a relatively massive member used within the centrifuge to expose a liquid sample to a centrifugal force field. The rotor is provided with multiple cavities/opening/holes for holding containers such as tubes for holding the fluid sample. The holes may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the rotor's axis of rotation, or may be oriented so that the axis of the cavities may lie parallel to the axis of rotation.
[0004] In recent years, centrifuges are implemented in fields such as medicinal field, chemical field etc. Typically, centrifuge is implemented to separate biological and chemical samples into their constituent components based upon differences in their masses (or molecular weights). This can be performed by placing the samples in appropriate containers and exposing them to centrifugal force. The rotor can be spun up to very high rotational speeds in order to achieve the centrifugal forces needed for a particular separation experiment. The rotor is secured/ coupled to the drive shaft/spindle of the motor which rotate the rotor at high speed.
[0005] Typical techniques to connect the rotor to the spindle of the motor include Allen key - grub screw, nut bolt etc. In Allen key technique, it is tricky to identify D-cut of the motor shaft. Then, the rotor is placed according to the identified D-cut. The rotor is fitted with the help of the Allen key. The implementation of the Allen key technique is difficult and probability of identifying D-cut with accuracy is very low and time tacking. Another typical rotor fit technique includes a socket wrench. The rotor may have integrity but the process of fitting the rotor may be time consuming. Further, if anyone wants to replace the rotor with new one, then it may take more time than usual.
[0006] The rotor can be attached to the motor by implementing a rotor-locking nut. The rotor is strong and safe during functioning, but this technique requires a specialized tool for its rotor lock nut. If the rotor-locking nut is not tightened properly, then the nut may cause imbalance to the rotor. The use of the specialized tool is expensive. The rotor can also be attached or fitted to the motor by implementing a snap fit (clip on) arrangement means to the rotor. Yet, there are some drawbacks in the implementation that may occur due to inappropriate alignment and/or slackness of the rotor.
[0007] Currently, the typical rotors are rarely removed from the centrifuge. During this time the centrifuge is stopped, lid is opened, tubes are removed from the rotor one by one and the new tubes are placed and then the centrifuge is started for the next cycle. Centrifuge idles while the tubes are being removed and loaded. A simpler and more efficient system of loading and unloading rotors is required to reduce idling and improve productivity.
[0008] Automation involving robotics have hard time in removing the conventional rotors as they are fastened .there needs to be quick release single axis operation to change rotors if centrifuge loading is involved.
[0009] However, most of the conventional/typical techniques/methods for attaching rotor to the motor are costly and not user-friendly as they are cumbersome and take large time to operate. They may require additional skill and labour in order to fit the rotor and this is time taking and expensive as well.
[0010] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an efficient, cost-effective and simple arrangement for detachably coupling a rotor of a centrifuge to a shaft of a motor in a user-friendly manner. Further, there is a need in the art to provide an improved rotor assembly for a centrifuge for connecting the rotor to the motor quickly and for providing integrity in the rotor-motor connection.
[0011] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0012] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0013] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0014] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for for coupling/fitting a rotor of a centrifuge to a shaft of a motor in a user-friendly manner.
[0016] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved, simple and cost effective centrifuge.
[0017] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved rotor assembly of a centrifuge for detachably connecting a rotor to a motor spindle quickly.
[0018] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple and low cost rotor assembly of a centrifuge for quick mounting and dismounting of a rotor to a motor spindle of centrifuge.
[0019] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a pick and place type rotor for centrifuges, which makes it easy for automation process involving robots.
[0020] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient arrangement for a centrifuge for connecting a centrifuge rotor to a spindle of a motor of the centrifuge. So that the pre-loaded rotors can be put in to the centrifuge, 8 to 12 tubes at a time in place of replacing single sample tube.

SUMMARY
[0021] The present invention relates to centrifuges. In particular, it pertains to an improved rotor assembly for a centrifuge for detachably coupling a rotor of the rotor assembly to a motor spindle of the centrifuge quickly.
[0022] In an aspect of the present disclosure provides a rotor assembly for a centrifuge, the rotor assembly can include a centrifuge rotor having a mounting hole for fitment on a spindle of a motor of the centrifuge; one or more magnets fitted with the mounting hole; and a motor shaft adaptor for fitment between the spindle of the motor and the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor to enable mounting of the centrifuge rotor on the spindle of the motor.
[0023] In an aspect, the disclosed rotor assembly can include a washer that is configured between the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor and the motor shaft adaptor.
[0024] In an embodiment, the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor can include a single opening at a lower portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor, and a pair of openings with a divider between the pair of openings at an upper portion of the mounting hole.
[0025] In an embodiment, the motor shaft adaptor can include a base portion with a base hole for fitment on the shaft of the motor and a screw hole to fasten the motor shaft adaptor to the shaft of the motor using a fastener, and a vertical portion coupled to the base portion. The vertical portion includes a U-shaped projection at upper end of the vertical portion for fitment into the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor.
[0026] In an embodiment, the U-shaped projection of the motor shaft adaptor is adapted to engage with the pair of openings at the upper portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor. This helps in transferring the rotary motion without slip.
[0027] In an embodiment, the centrifuge rotor can include a plurality of holes (also referred to as tube adaptors hereinafter) for holding a plurality of containers.
[0028] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly can use the magnet on both side such as upper side and lower side of the mounting hole of the rotor. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnet can be, but not limited to, a ring shaped magnet. The magnet can be of different shape and size. The magnet and the metal plate can be interchanged for the same effect.
[0029] In another aspect of the present disclosure provides centrifuge comprising: a motor; and a rotor assembly comprising: a centrifuge rotor having a mounting hole for fitment on a spindle of a motor of the centrifuge; one or more magnets fitted with the mounting hole; and a motor shaft adaptor for fitment between the spindle of the motor and the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor to enable mounting of the centrifuge rotor on the spindle of the motor. The centrifuge rotor comprises a plurality of holes for holding a plurality of containers.
[0030] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly can include a washer that is configured between the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor and the motor shaft adaptor.
[0031] In an embodiment, the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor can include a single opening at a lower portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor, and a pair of openings with a divider between the pair of openings at an upper portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor.
[0032] In an embodiment, the motor shaft adaptor can include a base portion with a base hole for fitment on the shaft of the motor and a screw hole to fasten the motor shaft adaptor to the shaft of the motor using a fastener, and a vertical portion coupled to the base portion. The vertical portion includes a U-shaped projection at upper end of the vertical portion for fitment into the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor.
[0033] In an embodiment, the U-shaped projection of the motor shaft adaptor is adapted to engage with the pair of openings at the upper portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor.
[0034] In an embodiment, the disclosed rotor assembly allows a user to use multiple pre-loaded rotors quickly without having to remove and refill samples which is a time consuming activity. The user can with easy rotor removal can use many rotors that can greatly improve the throughput and productivity of the centrifuge
[0035] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly may allow use of robotics and automation to use centrifuges as it is easy for the robotic manipulator to pick and place the proposed rotor.
[0036] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0038] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary sectional view of the proposed rotor assembly in a centrifuge, in accordance an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the proposed rotor assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary representation of a rotor with a magnate, and a motor shaft adaptor with a washer, respectively, of the proposed rotor assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0043] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[0044] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0045] Embodiment explained herein relates to centrifuges. In particular, it pertains to an improved rotor assembly for a centrifuge for mounting and dismounting of a rotor of the rotor assembly to a spindle/shaft of the motor of the centrifuge easily.
[0046] In an aspect, disclosed rotor assembly for can incorporate a centrifuge rotor having a mounting hole for fitment on a spindle of a motor of the centrifuge; one or more magnets fitted with the mounting hole; and a motor shaft adaptor for fitment between the spindle of the motor and the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor to enable mounting of the centrifuge rotor on the spindle of the motor.
[0047] In an embodiment, the disclosed rotor assembly can include a washer that is configured between the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor and the motor shaft adaptor.
[0048] In an embodiment, the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor can include a single opening at a lower portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor, and a pair of openings with a divider between the pair of openings at an upper portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor.
[0049] In an embodiment, the motor shaft adaptor can include a base portion with a base hole for fitment on the shaft of the motor and a screw hole to fasten the motor shaft adaptor to the shaft of the motor using a fastener, and a vertical portion coupled to the base portion. The vertical portion includes a U-shaped projection at upper end of the vertical portion for fitment into the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor.
[0050] In an embodiment, the U-shaped projection of the motor shaft adaptor is adapted to engage with the pair of openings at the upper portion of the mounting hole of the centrifuge rotor.
[0051] In an embodiment, the centrifuge rotor can include a plurality of holes for holding a plurality of containers.
[0052] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly can use the magnet on both side such as upper side and lower side of the mounting hole of the rotor. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnet can be, but not limited to, a ring shaped magnet. The magnet can be of different shape and size.
[0053] In an embodiment, the disclosed rotor assembly allows a user to use multiple pre-loaded rotors quickly without having to remove and refill samples which is a time consuming activity. The user can with easy rotor removal can use many rotors that can greatly improve the throughput and productivity of the centrifuge
[0054] In an embodiment, the rotor assembly may resuscitate use of robotics and automation to use centrifuges as it is easy for the robotic manipulator to pick and place a new rotor.
[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary sectional view of the proposed rotor assembly in a centrifuge, in accordance an embodiment of the present disclosure. The disclosed rotor assembly can include a centrifuge rotor (also referred to as rotor hereinafter) 102 having a mounting hole 104 for fitment on a spindle 106 of a motor 108 of the centrifuge; one or more magnets such as a magnate 110 (clearly shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A) configured with the mounting hole 104; and a motor shaft adaptor (also referred to as adaptor hereinafter) 112 for fitment between the spindle 106 and the mounting hole 104 of the rotor 102 to enable mounting of the centrifuge rotor 102 on the spindle 106 of the motor 108.
[0056] In an embodiment, the magnet 110 can be located with any or a combination of a lower portion of the mounting hole 104 and an upper portion of the mounting hole 104.
[0057] In an embodiment, the disclosed rotor assembly can include a washer 114 that is configured with the motor shaft adaptor 112. The washer 114 is located between the mounting hole 104 and the motor shaft adaptor 112.
[0058] In an embodiment, the rotor 102 is fitted on the adaptor 112 though the mounting hole 104, the adaptor 112 with the washer 114 provides a complementary magnetic field for the rotor 102 with magnet 110 such that magnetic attractive forces get created and the two get coupled to each other, thereby reducing operational time as compared to the typical techniques for installing the centrifuge rotor to the motor shaft. It provides a magnet attached rotor with pick and place type rotor with help of magnet. It is convenient for one hand operation. The rotor assembly has quick release action with the help of proper grip in the rotor 102.
[0059] In an embodiment, the washer 114 can be made of magnetic material such as mild steal.
[0060] In an embodiment, the adaptor 12 can be made of magnetic material or non-magnetic material.
[0061] In an embodiment, the adaptor 12 can be made of brass.
[0062] In an embodiment, the magnet 110 can be changed according to design of the rotor. The magnet 110 can of different shape and size based on requirement and size of rotor 102.
[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the proposed rotor assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mounting hole 104 of the centrifuge rotor 102 can include a single opening (shown in FIG. 3A) at the lower portion of the mounting hole 104 of the rotor 102, a pair of openings such as an opening 202-1 and 202-2 (collectively referred to as openings 202) at an upper portion of the mounting hole 104, and a divider 204 between the pair of openings 202.
[0064] In an embodiment, the motor shaft adaptor 112 can include a base portion 206 and a vertical portion 208 coupled to the base portion 206. The base portion 206 can incorporate a base hole (not shown here) for fitment on the shaft 106, and a screw hole 210 to fasten the adaptor 112 to the shaft 106 of the motor 108 using a fastener such as a screw. The vertical portion 208 is adapted for fitment into the mounting hole 104 of the rotor 102. The vertical portion 208 includes a U-shaped projection 212 at upper end of the vertical portion 208 to engage with the pair of openings 202 of the rotor 102. This helps in transferring the rotary motion without slip.
[0065] In an embodiment, the rotor can include a plurality of holes (also referred to as tube adaptors hereinafter) such as a hole 214-1, 214-2, 214-3…..214-N for holding a plurality of containers such as tubes.
[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotor 102 can accommodate 8 x 1.5/2ml tubes, 8 x 0.5/0.2ml tubes and 16 x 0.2ml tubes (or 2 x 8 tube strips).
[0067] Referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary representation of the rotor 102 with the magnate 110, and the motor shaft adaptor 112 with the washer 114, respectively, of the proposed rotor assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0068] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive patient matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “includes” and “including” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0069] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0070] The present disclosure provides an arrangement for for coupling/fitting a rotor of a centrifuge to a shaft of a motor in a user-friendly manner.
[0071] The present disclosure provides an improved, simple and low cost centrifuge.
[0072] The present disclosure provides is to provide an improved rotor assembly of a centrifuge for detachably connecting a rotor to a motor spindle quickly.
[0073] The present disclosure provides a simple and cost rotor assembly of a centrifuge for quick mounting and dismounting of a rotor to a motor spindle of centrifuge.
[0074] The present disclosure provides a pick and place type rotor for centrifuges to facilitate robotics and automation
[0075] The present disclosure provides an efficient arrangement of work flow by attaching and detaching the rotor as a whole rather than individual tubes, thereby reducing the idle time of centrifuge. This is due to the fact that rotor can hold 8 to 12 tubes.