Abstract An improved centrifuge structure is provided for medical diagnostic purposes, and the like, and which is particularly suited for use in conjunction with urine, blood and microhematocrit analyses. The structure involves an electric motor which is supported so that its drive shaft extends upwardly along the central axis of the centrifuge, and a coupler, in accordance with the invention is attached to the shaft by means, for example, of a set screw, or other means. The coupler defines a transverse trough extending radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft, and the drive shaft extends upwardly through the bottom of the trough. A mating bushing is attached to the underside of the power head of the centrifuge, and it has a central aperture for receiving the motor shaft. The lower end of the bushing has a configuration which is shaped to fit into the transverse trough of the coupler. A screw extends down through the power head and through the bushing to be threaded into the upper end of the drive shaft. The aforesaid screw may have a knurled head to permit it to be loosened and tightened by hand. When the screw is tightened, the power head is held securely on the drive shaft with the bushing engaged by the coupler, and a positive drive is provided for the power head. However, it is an easy matter to exchange the power head with another type, if so desired, merely by removing the screw and placing a second power head, equipped with a similar type bushing, over the shaft and down into the coupler.
A centrifuge comprising: a supporting chassis, an electric motor having a drive shaft, said electric motor being mounted on said chassis so that said drive shaft extends in a vertical direction; a coupler affixed to said drive shaft and defining a trough-like surface extending generally transversely to the axis of rotation of said drive shaft, an aperture in said coupler, said drive shaft extending through said aperture in said coupler and projecting up through said trough-like surface, the projecting end of said drive shaft being threaded; and a power head having a bushing affixed to the under surface thereof, and said bushing having a lower arcuate surface extending generally transversely to the longitudinal axis of said bushing and extending into said trough-like surface of said coupler in a mating relationship, said bushing having a central passageway extending longitudinally therethrough for receiving the projecting portion of said drive shaft, said power head having an aperture therein aligned with the passageway in said bushing; and a screw extending through said aperture in said power head and down into said passageway in said bushing into threaded engagement with the projecting end of said drive shaft.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
A centrifuge comprising: a supporting chassis, an electric motor having a drive shaft, said electric motor being mounted on said chassis so that said drive shaft extends in a vertical direction; a coupler affixed to said drive shaft and defining a trough-like surface extending generally transversely to the axis of rotation of said drive shaft, an aperture in said coupler, said drive shaft extending through said aperture in said coupler and projecting up through said trough-like surface, the projecting end of said drive shaft being threaded; and a power head having a bushing affixed to the under surface thereof, and said bushing having a lower arcuate surface extending generally transversely to the longitudinal axis of said bushing and extending into said trough-like surface of said coupler in a mating relationship, said bushing having a central passageway extending longitudinally therethrough for receiving the projecting portion of said drive shaft, said power head having an aperture therein aligned with the passageway in said bushing; and a screw extending through said aperture in said power head and down into said passageway in said bushing into threaded engagement with the projecting end of said drive shaft.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The combination defined in claim 1, in which said supporting chassis has an opening and said motor extends therethrough, and which includes a dish-shaped member disposed under said power head for receiving drainage therefrom.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The combination defined in claim 1, in which said screw has a knurled head to facilitate manual threading and unthreading thereof.