Decanting centrifuge with vibration isolation

Abstract

A centrifuge has a rotor for receiving a disposable processing unit. The centrifuge is configured such that the motor is attached to an enclosure and the enclosure is supported on a base. The connection between the base and the enclosure is a vibration isolator, and the isolator is positioned such that its effective line of action aligns with the effective plane of rotation of the rotor. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the processing units are held in a decanting position by a decant ring that moves vertically but does not rotate. The ring engages the top of the processing unit during decant and the abrasion is minimal.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A centrifuge comprising a base, an enclosure mounting a motor, a rotor rotatably mounted on said motor, and a support extending between said base and said enclosure, wherein said support engages said enclosure at a location that is aligned with the force applied by said rotor resulting from imbalance of said rotor.  
     
     
         2 . A centrifuge according to  claim 1  wherein said support comprises a resilient element that engages said enclosure.  
     
     
         3 . A centrifuge comprising a rotor, a frame pivotally attached to said rotor and adapted to receive a processing unit, a decant ring movable with respect to said rotor to retain said frame and processing unit in a desired orientation, wherein said ring engages a portion of said processing unit to hold said processing unit in said desired orientation.  
     
     
         4 . A processing disposable having at least two chambers for receiving fluids to be treated, a lid that provides sterile access to each of said chambers, and a sacrificial portion adapted to engage a stationary ring to hold said processing disposable in a desired orientation.