Centrifuge configurations

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A sample processing device for use with a sample vessel, the device comprising:
 a housing;   a programmable fluid handling system within said housing;   a cartridge receiving area at a first location in the housing accessible by the programmable fluid handling system;   at least one optical detector positioned at a second location in the housing accessible by the programmable fluid handling system;   a nucleic acid amplification station at a third location in the housing accessible by the programmable fluid handling system; and   a centrifuge positioned at a fourth location in the housing accessible by the programmable fluid handling system, wherein the centrifuge comprises: a motor assembly comprising a rotor configured to rotate about a stator about an axis of rotation, wherein the motor assembly has a height that is oriented along a direction of the axis of rotation, wherein along said height said stator is circumscribed by said rotor; and a base affixed to the rotor, wherein the base rotates about the stator, wherein the base comprises a bucket that is characterized in that (a) the bucket comprises a cavity to receive the sample vessel and (b) the bucket is configured to pivot about a pivot axis to move the cavity from a first orientation when the base is at rest to a second orientation when the base is rotating, wherein the centrifuge is capable of providing G-forces of up to about 1200 m/s 2 .   
     
     
         32 . The centrifuge of  claim 31 , wherein the cavity is configured to accept and confine a sample having a volume less than about 10 μL, thereby permitting centrifugation of said sample. 
     
     
         33 . The centrifuge of  claim 31 , wherein the bucket includes a mass insert. 
     
     
         34 . The centrifuge of  claim 33 , wherein the mass insert is made of a material of a mass greater than one or more other portion of the bucket. 
     
     
         35 . The centrifuge of  claim 33 , wherein a force is exerted on the mass insert to retain the mass insert at a first position when the base is at rest. 
     
     
         36 . The centrifuge of  claim 35 , wherein the force is exerted by a spring. 
     
     
         37 . The centrifuge of  claim 31 , wherein the bucket has a center of mass below the pivot axis. 
     
     
         38 . The centrifuge of  claim 37 , wherein the center of mass is further from the axis orthogonal to a bottom surface than the pivot. 
     
     
         39 . The centrifuge of  claim 31 , wherein the cavity is provided in a module that is removable from the base. 
     
     
         40 . The centrifuge of  claim 31 , wherein the height of the motor assembly comprising the rotor and stator is no greater than twice a height of the base. 
     
     
         41 . The centrifuge of  claim 31 , wherein the sample vessel is configured to accept and confine a sample of no more than about 200 μL. 
     
     
         42 . The centrifuge of  claim 31 , wherein the stator and a rotor portion that circumscribes the stator are configured to interact to cause rotor rotation. 
     
     
         43 . The centrifuge of  claim 31 , wherein said centrifuge has a height of 5 cm or less. 
     
     
         44 . The centrifuge of  claim 43 , wherein said centrifuge has a footprint of 200 cm 2  or less. 
     
     
         45 . The centrifuge of  claim 31  further comprising a spectrophotometer positioned at a fifth location in the housing accessible by the programmable fluid handling system. 
     
     
         46 . The centrifuge of  claim 31  further comprising a cover to contain the sample within the centrifuge and prevent sample from evaporating. 
     
     
         47 . The centrifuge of  claim 31  further comprising an oil provided as a layer over a sample contained within the sample vessel of the centrifuge. 
     
     
         48 . The centrifuge of  claim 31  further comprising a gel provided as a layer over a sample contained within the sample vessel of the centrifuge. 
     
     
         49 . The centrifuge of  claim 31  wherein the bucket is configured to accept two or more samples. 
     
     
         50 . The centrifuge of  claim 31  wherein the bucket is configured to accept two or more sample vessels.