System for comminution of multiple samples of biological specimens

1. An apparatus for comminuting biological specimens, comprising:

a receiving component provided with a drive source;

at least one sample retainer configured for accommodating at least one biological specimen and constructed and arranged for engagement in said receiving component;

said at least one sample retainer including a first component configured for receiving a specimen prior to comminution and a second component for receiving the specimen after comminution;

said first component of said at least one sample retainer being a cup with at least one first comminution surface, and said at least one sample retainer further including a ram element having at least one second comminution surface opposing said at least one first comminution surface, and said ram element being rotatably engageable with said cup so that relative rotation of said ram and said cup causes comminution of the biological specimens therebetween such that the comminuted specimens are received in said second component; and

said at least one sample retainer, including said cup, said ram and said second component being insertable into and removable from said receiving component as a unit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said drive source is configured for releasably engaging said at least one sample retainer for moving said first component relative to said ram element.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further including at least one ram key configured for securing said ram element relative to movement of said first component, and for exerting a biasing force against said ram element for urging said ram element against said first component.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a sample collector engageable upon said second component.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further including at least one clip for securing said sample collector upon insertion into said receiving component.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said drive source is configured for moving at least two of said sample retainers simultaneously so that said ram element is rotated relative to said cup in each said retainer.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said drive source includes at least one drive collar configured for rotating a corresponding one of said cup and said second portion of each of said sample retainers and being driven by said drive source.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said drive source is a belt and pulley system.