Rotating seals for cell processing systems

Abstract

The invention provides an improved rotating seal apparatus including a plurality of concentrically spaced annular rotating seals. The invention also provides a rotating seal apparatus including a pressurized annular chamber surrounding an annular rotating seal.

1 . (canceled) 
   
   
       2 : A method for forming a seal in a seal apparatus between a first annular rotating seal member defining an axial opening and a second annular rotating seal member defining an axial opening, comprising:
 providing a body comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion includes a recess and a second opening, the first annular rotating seal member positioned within the recess;   applying a spring force to provide a contact force to a sealing face of the first annular rotating seal member and a sealing face of the second annular rotating seal member, the sealing face of the first annular rotating seal member defining a plurality of concentrically spaced annular sealing surfaces having an annular space therebetween, such that the annular space forms a respective chamber when in contact with the sealing face of the second annular rotating seal member; and   supplying a pressurized gas to at least one respective chamber, wherein the pressurized gas in the respective chamber serves prevents a migration of fluids or particulate matter across a leaky one of the plurality concentric spaced apart annular seals.   
   
   
       3 : The method of  claim 2 , wherein the pressurized gas is a sterile gas. 
   
   
       4 : The method of  claim 2 , wherein the act of biasing together comprises using a biasing force provided by an elastomeric spring element.