Abstract: For an effective separation of more than one kind of particle from a mixture, a plurality of separation stages are provided, arranged in series. Mixer elements may be disposed along the flow path to disturb the sedimenting particles, to release entrained lighter particles. Further, the separation channel may widen near the particle recovery port(s), to well suspend lighter particles in the fluid as denser particles are extracted and/or to allow gravitational forces to more effectively influence particle movement. In an example embodiment one stage utilizes Coriolis force in a narrow, radial passage for concentrating and agglomerating particles. The serial separation stages may be communicated with a radially inward extending passage to limit undesirable particle spill-over.

Abstract: For an effective separation of more than one kind of particle from a mixture, a plurality of separation stages are provided, arranged in series. Mixer elements may be disposed along the flow path to disturb the sedimenting particles, to release entrained lighter particles. Further, the separation channel may widen near the particle recovery port(s), to well suspend lighter particles in the fluid as denser particles are extracted and/or to allow gravitational forces to more effectively influence particle movement. In an example embodiment one stage utilizes Coriolis force in a narrow, radial passage for concentrating and agglomerating particles. The serial separation stages may be communicated with a radially inward extending passage to limit undesirable particle spill-over.

Abstract: A connection system including at least a male connecting element and a female connecting element which can be connected to each other, as well as the male connecting element and the female connecting element. The location of contact of the two connecting elements is preferably provided with a disinfecting adhesive so that an aseptic or sterile connection can be established. Therein both connecting elements have predetermined breaking points which in the connected state are arranged one above the other so that only one breaking point within the tube is obtained via which an aseptic fluid guidance through two tubes from one sterile system to another sterile system can be carried out. Thereby a particularly simple and cost-saving connection is created which fulfills the highest sterility requirements. Furthermore, also the use of such a connection system is described.

Abstract: The invention describes a connection system comprising at least a male connecting element and a female connecting element which can be connected to each other, as well as the male connecting element and the female connecting element. The location of contact of the two connecting elements is preferably provided with a disinfecting adhesive so that an aseptic or sterile connection can be established. Therein both connecting elements have predetermined breaking points which in the connected state are arranged one above the other so that only one breaking point within the tube is obtained via which an aseptic fluid guidance through two tubes from one sterile system to another sterile system can be carried out. Thereby a particularly simple and cost-saving connection is created which fulfills the highest sterility requirements.

Abstract: The invention describes a connection system comprising at least a male connecting element and a female connecting element which can be connected to each other, as well as the male connecting element and the female connecting element. The location of contact of the two connecting elements is preferably provided with a disinfecting adhesive so that an aseptic or sterile connection can be established. Therein both connecting elements have predetermined breaking points which in the connected state are arranged one above the other so that only one breaking point within the tube is obtained via which an aseptic fluid guidance through two tubes from one sterile system to another sterile system can be carried out. Thereby a particularly simple and cost-saving connection is created which fulfills the highest sterility requirements.

Abstract: A centrifugal apparatus, in particular a flow-through centrifugal apparatus for processing biological fluids in continuous fluid communication, has a flexible tube securely fixed to a rotatably processing chamber and a stationary terminal coaxially above said processing chamber, and being formed in a loop around the outer periphery of said processing chamber so as, in operation, to orbit said loop around said processing chamber at half the rotational speed thereof to avoid twisting or drilling of said tube. To guide said loop of tube in its orbital movement, a rotating frame is provided also rotating at half the speed of the processing chamber. The drive trains for said processing chamber and said rotating frame, respectively, each comprise an individual drive shaft each drivingly connected separate from the other to a drive motor. This avoids any necessity of reversal of rotational direction in the drive trains and allows for a compact and simple construction with a minimum of rotating masses.

Abstract: The interior sections of companion sterile connector members are isolated from the atmosphere by shield plates that are movable to uncover aligned conduits in said members through which luer fitting sections are engaged. Compressible seals positioned intermediate said shield plates and said connector members expand and contact one another as the shield plates are moved, thus forming a seal-line that advances behind the trailing edge of the shield plates as the plates are moved to uncover said conduits. The seals thus preserve the sterility of the connector prior to engagement of the luer fittings and provide added assurance against contamination thereafter without contact with the fluid passing through the luer fittings within the connector. In various embodiments, the shield plates are conveniently slid or rotated from the closed to the open position.

Abstract: A centrifugal cell processing apparatus wherein a rotor assembly having a pair of containers for receiving a fluid to be processed by centrifugation is rotatably mounted on a rotor drive assembly, which is rotatably mounted on a stationary base. Liquid communication is maintained with the containers during rotation of the rotor by means of a flexible umbilical cable which extends from the containers to a location external to the apparatus by way of a passageway provided in the support shaft of the rotor assembly and a guide sleeve carried on and rotatably mounted to the rotor drive assembly. The rotor assembly is rotatably driven in the same direction as the rotor drive assembly with a speed ratio of 2:1 to prevent the umbilical cable from becoming completely twisted during operation of the apparatus. A guide sleeve may be provided on the rotor drive assembly to assist in installing the umbilical cable and to support the cable during operation.

Abstract: A seal-less disposable flow system for use in conjunction with a centrifugal liquid processing apparatus or the like wherein a rotor assembly for subjecting a liquid to be processed to centrifugation is rotatably mounted on a rotor drive assembly, which is rotatably mounted to a stationary base. The rotor assembly is rotatably driven in the same direction as the rotor drive assembly with a speed ratio of 2:1. The flow system includes two containers adapted for mounting on the rotor assembly and a flexible umbilical cable which extends from the containers to a location external to the apparatus by way of a passageway provided in the support shaft of the rotor assembly and guide means carried on and rotatably mounted to the rotor drive assembly to maintain liquid communication with the containers during rotation of the rotor without the use of rotating seals. A reusable leader assembly facilitates installation of the flow system in the processing apparatus.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a centrifugal liquid processing apparatus or the like having a bearing subject to operation in a centrifugal force field includes a reservoir wherein a quantity of fluid lubricant to be applied to the bearing is contained, an accumulator for receiving lubricant from the bearing, a first flow path from the reservoir through the bearing to the accumulator, and a second flow path from the accumulator to the reservoir. During operation of the apparatus lubricant is forced by the centrifugal force field to flow along the first flow path from the reservoir, through the bearing and into the accumulator under pressure. When the apparatus is stopped, lubricant is forced to return from the accumulator along the second flow path to the reservoir. An orifice is provided in the first flow path to control the flow and pressure of the lubricant within the bearing, and check valves are provided to restrict the lubricant to a circulating route through the bearing.