Rotary fluid seal and distribution means for centrifuges

Claim 1

A fluid seal and distribution means in combination with a centrifuge having a rotor, a rotatable spindle mounted thereto and at least one fluid receiving means supported by said rotor, said fluid seal and distribution means comprising a first housing closed at one end and having means coaxial with said housing extending from the closed end for mounting said housing on said rotor along the axis of said spindle thereby to rotate with said rotor, a second housing disposed concentrically within said first housing and spaced from the closed end thereof, said second housing having an outer diameter which is less than the inner diameter of said first housing defining an annular space between housings, a first annular seal supported by one of said housings and extending across said annular space into sealing contact with the other of said housings, said first annular seal being spaced from the bottom of the first housing defining between said bottom and said first seal a first fluid zone, a second annular seal supported by one of said housings and extending across said annular space into sealing contact with the other of said housings, said second annular seal being spaced above said first seal defining between said seals a second fluid zone, at least one fluid port in said first housing communicating with each of said zones, said fluid ports having fluid connection means in fluid connection with said receiving means and flow to said receiving means is from one zone and to the other zone, first conduit means in said second housing communicating with said first zone and terminating exteriorly with respect to said fluid distribution means, and second conduit means in said second housing communicating with said second zone and terminating exteriorly with respect to said fluid distribuTion means.