Patent ID: 6344020
Filing Date: 2002-02-05
Classification: B04B,F16C

Abstract:
A fluid processing system including a fluid processing chamber that, in use, rotates about an axis, an umbilicus coupled to the fluid processing chamber, a bearing coupled to the umbilicus, a bearing support rotatable about the fluid processing chamber in engagement with the bearing to impart a twisting motion to the umbilicus to rotate the fluid processing chamber about the axis of rotation, the bearing support having a gimbal mounted on the bearing support to retain and support the bearing during rotation, the bearing comprising:an inner annular body, an outer annular body extending about the inner annular body, a bearing surface comprising an array of ball bearings between the inner annular body and the outer annular body, supporting the outer annular body for rotation about the inner annular body, a cage supporting the bearing surface during rotation of the outer annular body about the inner annular body, the cage including a material that has a flexural modulus and an additive material that increases the flexural modulus to resist deformation during rotation.