Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for sterile separation of a fluid into components, for washing of a material, and for preparing a washed, separated material for refrigerated storage includes rotating the fluid or material in a multi-chambered container to accomplish a centrifuging operation. An apparatus embodying the invention may include an elongated, collapsible container having plural chambers connected in series by necks. The multi-chambered container may be formed of a single flexible bag having plural chambers. Alternately, the container may comprise plural flexible bags, each of which comprises one or more of the chambers of the container. A chamber of the container may be separated into plural sections by partition walls, each of the sections of the chamber being connected to an adjacent chamber by a separate branch of a neck between the chambers. An apparatus for rotating the container may include a holder for supporting the container during rotation, and a centrifuge for rotating the container and the holder. In addition, the apparatus for rotating the container may include clamping devices for closing off the necks and detectors mounted adjacent the necks for detecting movement of material through the necks.

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First Claim