Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
287 words
A method of separating bacteria from a bacteria containing liquid sample by means of a dish-like centrifuge container having an upper opening defined by a radially inwardly extending rim portion, comprising the following sequential steps: (a) rotating the centrifuge container at a high rotational speed, (b) introducing a volume of a high density component of a density higher than the density of the bacteria into the centrifuge container, (c) introducing a volume of a low density component of a density lower than the density of the bacteria into the centrifuge container, so as to form a two component gradient separation layer within the centrifuge container, (d) introducing a continuous flow of the liquid sample of a density lower than the density of the low density component into the centrifuge container, whereby the bacteria are deposited in the interface between the high and the low density components of the two component gradient separation layer, while the liquid sample is discharged through the upper opening of the centrifuge container, (e) introducing a flushing agent into the centrifuge container, whereby the flushing agent is discharged from the upper opening of the centrifuge container, (f) decelerating the centrifuge container and rotating it at a low rotational speed, (g) activating and moving a suction pipette from a first position having its tip remote from the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the centrifuge container to a second position having its tip arranged adjacent to said inner surface, so as to suck liquid substance from the centrifuge container, while introducing a volume of a transfer liquid into the centrifuge container without discharging transfer liquid through the upper opening of the centrifuge container, and (h) returning the suction pipette to its first position.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
287 words
A method of separating bacteria from a bacteria containing liquid sample by means of a dish-like centrifuge container having an upper opening defined by a radially inwardly extending rim portion, comprising the following sequential steps: (a) rotating the centrifuge container at a high rotational speed, (b) introducing a volume of a high density component of a density higher than the density of the bacteria into the centrifuge container, (c) introducing a volume of a low density component of a density lower than the density of the bacteria into the centrifuge container, so as to form a two component gradient separation layer within the centrifuge container, (d) introducing a continuous flow of the liquid sample of a density lower than the density of the low density component into the centrifuge container, whereby the bacteria are deposited in the interface between the high and the low density components of the two component gradient separation layer, while the liquid sample is discharged through the upper opening of the centrifuge container, (e) introducing a flushing agent into the centrifuge container, whereby the flushing agent is discharged from the upper opening of the centrifuge container, (f) decelerating the centrifuge container and rotating it at a low rotational speed, (g) activating and moving a suction pipette from a first position having its tip remote from the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the centrifuge container to a second position having its tip arranged adjacent to said inner surface, so as to suck liquid substance from the centrifuge container, while introducing a volume of a transfer liquid into the centrifuge container without discharging transfer liquid through the upper opening of the centrifuge container, and (h) returning the suction pipette to its first position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method according to claim 1, further comprising the following sequential steps succeeding the steps (a)-(h): (i) introducing a small volume of the transfer liquid into the centrifuge container without discharging liquid through the upper opening of the centrifuge container, (j) accelerating the centrifuge container and rotating it at its high rotational speed, and (k) repeating the steps (f)-(h).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
109 words
A method according to claim 2, further comprising the following sequential steps succeeding the steps (a)-(k): (l) accelerating the centrifuge container and rotating it at its high rotational speed, (m) intermittently introducing a flow of a flushing agent and heated air into the centrifuge container in a spray, so as to rinse off any material adhering to the centrifuge container, (n) decelerating the centrifuge container and rotating it at its low rotational speed, (o) activating and moving the suction pipette from its first position to its second position, so as to suck any liquid substance from the centrifuge container, and (p) returning the suction pipette to its first position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method according to claim 1, the liquid being discharged from the upper opening of the centrifuge container through a minimum width defining notch of the radially inwardly extending rim portion thereof so as to cause a delay of the discharge of the liquid from the centrifuge container.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 1, further comprising thermostating the centrifuge container to a predetermined temperature by supplying air of said temperature to the centrifuge container.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1, a flow of pressurized air being introduced into the centrifuge container while rotating it at its high rotational speed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method according to claim 1, the high density component of the two component gradient separation layer being an aqueous solution of dextran, the low density component of the two component gradient separation layer being an aqueous solution of saccharose, and the flushing agent and the transfer liquid being an enzyme solution.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 1, the high rotational speed of the centrifuge container being in the order of 45,000 rpm, and the low rotational speed of the centrifuge container being in the order of 250 rpm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
75 words
A method according to claim 1, the net volume of the centrifuge container defined therewithin when rotating the centrifuge container at its high rotational speed being in the order of 2 ml, the volume of the high density component of the two component gradient separation layer being in the order of 0.5 ml, and the volume of the low density component of the two component gradient separation layer being in the order of 1.5 ml.