Patent Publication Number: US-2023159881-A1

Title: Adipose tissue centrifuge and method of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/934,069, filed Jan. 31, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Multipotent cells are known to be useful in various medical procedures to assist in the healing of an affected area of a patient, for example by providing enhanced cellular regeneration of a treatment site. The multipotent cells can be sourced from various tissues of the body of a living being for use in a surgical procedure. The multipotent cells may be autologous, where the patient is the donor for the cells that are used to treat the same patient. The term “multipotent cells” includes adipose-derived stem cells, which have also been described as adipose-derived stem/stromal cells, adipose-derived adult stem cells, adipose-derived adult stromal cells, adipose-derived stromal cells, adipose stromal cells, adipose mesenchymal stem cells, lipoblast, pericyte, preadipocyte, and processed lipoaspirate cells. 
     It is well known that adipose tissue in the human body contains significant numbers of multipotent cells, in fact, far more multipotent cells are stored per unit volume in fat than in bone marrow. Some estimates give factors of 500:1 for the ratio of multipotent cells stored per unit volume in adipose tissue relative to those stored in bone marrow. 
     In order to retrieve the multipotent cells from fat, a sample of fat is retrieved from the patient by techniques known in the art, generally, for example, surgery or liposuction. It has been known to utilize enzymes, such as collagenase, or trypsin, etc., to breakdown peptide bonds in the collagen network holding the adipose tissue together, and to break down the basement membrane around the individual cells. Once this has been done, the multipotent cells may be separated out, and concentrated using centrifuge, sedimentation or filtration techniques, and the concentrate is washed to remove the enzyme (residuals) used to treat the fat sample. It is thought to be vital to remove the agents that had been added to break down the collagen network, as these enzymes are thought to cause reduced viability of the harvested cells. The washed concentrate is then available for injection back into the patient, for the purpose of accelerated repair of an injury. Unfortunately, this process to prepare a useful sample of multipotent cells, takes several hours (and in some cases up to 14 days), that makes the ad-hoc use of such a procedure difficult or impossible, required multiple processing steps, thereby increasing the potential for contamination, compromised sterility, and the process demands skilled technical knowledge. 
     It is previously known that in addition to preparing samples of multipotent cells isolated from adipose tissue, the multipotent cells could be isolated from a sample of bone marrow. However, in order to retrieve cells from bone marrow, the patient has to endure a very uncomfortable puncture of the marrow spaces/cavities in bone (e.g., the iliac crest) before bone marrow aspirate (BMA) is drawn. The BMA sample is then spun down in a centrifuge to gain a cellular concentrate that can then be injected into the patient for the repair of some injury. Although the timing of this procedure permits the ad-hoc use in an operatory, the concentrate obtained may have an insufficient dose level for some applications without adopting a culturing method to increase the concentration. The procedure utilizing BMA may be competitive to procedures using multipotent cells from fat, however, the harvesting of tissue for BMA procedures has the disadvantage of requiring a painful access procedure. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a rapid multipotent cell collection, isolation and concentration apparatus and procedure that enables the ad-hoc use of harvested cells in a surgical procedure, where the harvested cells can be prepared in a short timeframe (less than 5 minutes), and capable of being performed following a simple protocol with easy steps that do not require extensive technical training. The subject invention addresses that need (and others) by providing a compact, sterile, self-contained , easy-to-use centrifugal separation unit to provide quick and reliable multipotent cell isolation from collected or harvested fatty tissue and methods for quickly and reliably isolating multipotent cells from collected or harvested fatty tissue. The fatty tissue can be collected or harvested by any means known in the art, including, but not limited to, liposuction and surgically harvested fat. In the case of adipose tissue, the biologic mixture consists of the fatty and fibrous tissue, plus a portion of the tumescent fluids used to stabilize the fat for extraction (e.g., saline, epinephrine , lidocaine, etc.), with the multipotent cells residing in the fatty and fibrous tissue. To isolate the multipotent cells for harvesting, the device mechanically breaks down the collagen structure, and separates its fractions by specific gravity, in order to isolate the fraction containing the multipotent cells for collection and use in various types of procedures, be they diagnostic, therapeutic, or surgical. 
     With regard to fat processing for reimplantation, one may alternatively obtain a sample of harvested fat to be utilized surgically, in a manner that does not require separating out the multipotent stem cells from the tissue structure, as described immediately above. Fat transfer, for example, also referred to as autologous fat grafting, involves the removal and re-implantation of a patient&#39;s adipose tissue. The adipose material is typically removed from areas of the body like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Depending on the extraction technique (e.g., surgical removal, liposuction, etc.), it may be necessary to remove the certain portions of the harvested sample (e.g., tumescent solution) from the tissue extract. It may further be necessary, depending on the techniques used to harvest the sample, to size the tissue, in order to create a homogenous product and present a material with appropriate particulate sizes for the purpose intended. Sizing of the tissue is desirable in many clinical applications where there is limited access for re-implanting the sample. For example, where there are aesthetic concerns (e.g., facial cosmetic procedures), in order to minimize scarring from incisions, the procedure may be performed by injecting the material via a small diameter needle. When used as a facial filler, fat grafting can improve the creased and sunken areas of the face, and add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Fat grafting is also commonly used in breast and buttocks augmentation, usually in place of implants. 
     Current fat grafting is performed by harvesting the adipose material, using a variety of techniques and surgical tools. Consequently, the product that is harvested may be quite different in cell viability, texture (e.g., particle size) and composition (e.g., fatty tissue, blood, tumescent solution, oil, saline, water), as a result of the technique utilized for harvesting. This results in variability in the material that may beneficially be accounted for during the processing of the fat sample prior to re-implantation. Furthermore, the preparation techniques and instruments applied to the fat sample for re-implantation may also vary, potentially resulting in a product prepared for re-implanting that may be sized to a particle size that is too small for the intended use of the material, resulting lower cellular viability attributable to the excessive processing, increasing the potential for washout of the implanted material and/or volume loss in the implanted site. Alternatively, a sample that is sized to particle size that is too large for the intended use may result in challenges upon implantation, such as uneven texture, blockages of the narrow gauge needles utilized for re-implantation, and difficulty in the revascularization of the large particle size graft which may negatively affect viability. 
     What is needed is a device that is able to size the material to a useful consistency, and is able to provide a reliable composition of the material for implantation, regardless of the original collection technique, in order to avoid the above mentioned problems. 
     What is needed further needed is a unitary device that can quickly process, in a sterile, closed system, the fat harvested for fat grafting, into a homogenous material, having a reliably uniform particle size. The ideal device would consistently size the material in a manner that is independent of the manner of initial harvesting of the fat sample. Additionally, what is needed is a device capable of removing at least a substantial portion of unwanted components from the harvested sample, and preserving the components to be implanted, such as by removing from the sample one or more of: blood, water, saline, oil, tumescent solution. Additionally, the ideal device would minimize the potential for damage to the cellular components and tissue structure within the sample, in order to maximize the viability of cells to be implanted. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an aspect of this invention, a centrifuge for processing a biologic mixture, e.g., adipose tissue, and selectively concentrating its constituents is provided. Those constituents have differing specific gravities and are stratifiable in a centrifugal field produced by the centrifuge. The centrifuge comprises a processing assembly and a rotation source. The processing assembly comprises an inner chamber, an outer chamber, at least one cutting element and an annular screen. The inner chamber is arranged to contain a biologic mixture, and has a central longitudinal axis about which the inner chamber is arranged to be rotated and comprises a conical member, a base and at least one extrusion hole at a first location along the central longitudinal axis and extending radially through the inner chamber. The outer chamber is arranged to receive a biologic mixture from the inner chamber and is arranged coaxially upon the central longitudinal axis of the inner chamber and around the inner chamber. The outer chamber is arranged to rotate about the central longitudinal axis and comprises an outer chamber wall and a dish. The at least one cutting element is positioned between a portion of the inner chamber and the outer chamber and is arranged to remain stationary relative to the rotation of the inner and outer chambers. The annular screen is positioned between the cutting element and the outer chamber. The screen provides a series of openings therein and is arranged to rotate about the central longitudinal axis. The rotation source is coupled to the inner and outer chambers. 
     In accordance with another aspect of this invention a centrifuge for selectively concentrating at least one constituent of a biologic mixture, e.g., adipose tissue, is provided. The constituents have differing specific gravities and are stratifiable in a centrifugal field produced by the centrifuge. The centrifuge comprises an inner chamber arranged to receive the biologic mixture and has a central longitudinal axis about which the inner chamber is arranged to be rotated. The inner chamber comprises a sidewall having a tapered inner surface, a base, an annular screen, and optionally, a trap and at least one roller. If present, the trap is located in the inner chamber adjacent the inner surface of the sidewall. The annular screen has an inner surface and is located at a first radial distance from the central longitudinal axis. The annular screen projects away from the base. The at least one roller is arranged to effectively roll around the inner surface of the screen to propel at least a portion of the biologic mixture through the screen and away from the central longitudinal axis and towards the tapered sidewall. 
     In accordance with another aspect of this invention a method of for processing a biologic mixture, e.g., adipose tissue, and selectively concentrating constituents of the biologic mixture is provided. The constituents have differing specific gravities and are stratifiable in a centrifugal field. The method basically entails providing the biologic mixture into an inner chamber of a centrifuge. The inner chamber has at least one extrusion hole. The centrifuge additionally comprises an outer chamber disposed about the inner chamber. The inner chamber is rotated about an axis to extrude a portion of the biologic mixture through the extrusion hole. Portions of the biologic mixture from the extrusion hole are cut off to produce a morselized biologic mixture. The morselized biologic mixture is introduced into the outer chamber and the outer chamber is rotated about an axis to cause the morselized biologic mixture to stratify in the outer chamber into at least two concentric stratified constituent layers (e.g., one of which being multipotent cells). 
     In accordance with another aspect of this invention a method of for processing a biologic mixture, e.g., adipose tissue, and selectively concentrating constituents of the biologic mixture is provided. The constituents have differing specific gravities and are stratifiable in a centrifugal field. The method basically entails providing the biologic mixture into an inner chamber of a centrifuge, and while rotating the chamber about a longitudinal axis, causing at least a portion of the biologic mixture in the chamber to be sized by passing through a rotating screen element having small openings therein. Continued rotation of the chamber will cause the sized biologic mixture to stratify in the outer chamber into at least two concentric stratified constituent layers. 
     In the various exemplary embodiments described herein, there is provided a motor or drive unit, which serves as a rotation source for the processing unit. Preferably, the motor unit is separable from the processing unit, such that the motor unit may be reused, while the processing unit is preferably a single-use component, though it is contemplated that the processing unit may be cleaned and sterilized, such that it may be reused as well. The processing unit is an assembly, made up of an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The inner chamber is constructed of a sidewall and a base. The sidewall has a tapered inner surface. The inner chamber includes one or more extrusion holes extending radially through the sidewall of the inner chamber at its widest diameter. The inner and outer chambers are arranged to rotate and be driven by the rotation source. 
     In some of the exemplary embodiments described herein, there may be a static element positioned between the rotating inner and outer chambers. The static element has at least one cutting element which, in cooperation with the one or more extrusion holes of the rotating inner chamber, serves to morselize the tissue into smaller fragments. In these embodiments, as the inner chamber is rotated, the centrifugal force drives the biologic mixture through an extrusion hole, and upon encountering the cutting element of the static element, the ejected material is cut into smaller units, becoming morselized. Furthermore, some of these embodiments may also have a screen arranged between the static element and the outer chamber. As the morselized tissue encounters the screen, continued centrifugal force will urge the material through the screen, thereby capturing the fibrous material on the screen, and passing the non-fibrous material to the outer chamber. This screen may also serve to further reduce the particle size of the material as it passes through the openings. 
     Once the morselized material is in the outer rotating chamber, the larger diameter of the outer chamber will subject the morselized material to greater centrifugal forces, relative to those in the inner chamber, if the rotational speed is kept constant. Alternatively, should one want to maintain the level of G forces at a constant level, the rate of rotation could be reduced once the majority of the tissue material is in the outer chamber. While in the rotating outer chamber, the morselized material will stratify into annular layers, based upon the specific gravity of the constituents of the biologic mixture. It is understood that the rotation rate may be varied during the processing and separation, such as rotating at a first velocity while the material is within the inner chamber and while passing through the extrusion hole and past the static cutting element; then rotating at a second velocity while the material is within the outer chamber in order to achieve the separation of the constituents by their specific gravities. 
     In various other exemplary embodiments of the device, the processing unit is an inner chamber, with an internal screen element. The biologic mixture is added to the interior of the chamber, and as the device is rotated, the material will encounter the screen. Continued rotation will urge the material through the screen, which will morselize the material as it passes through the opening. Furthermore, the screen may capture much of the fibrous elements in the material, and passing the non-fibrous elements through the openings to the chamber wall, where the morselized material can separate by specific gravity. In some of these exemplary embodiments having a screen, an optional roller may be provided to further urge the material through the screen. In such an embodiment, as the material spreads out along the inside surface of the rotating screen, the material will encounter a roller arranged parallel to the screen, essentially rolling in place against the rotating screen, thus the material will be pushed through the openings in the screen as the material encounters the roller. 
     In various exemplary embodiments described herein, the chamber wall, and the base of the inner chamber may form a trap in order to capture the highest density fraction of the fluid in the chamber, as the constituents are separated by specific gravity due to the rotation of the centrifuge about the central longitudinal axis. This trap is arranged so that upon cessation of rotation of the chambers of the centrifuge device, the effects of gravity overcome the centrifugal force acting on the material within the device, the constituent fraction within the trap will remain within the trap, and not mix with the remaining material within the chamber, as that lighter fraction pools due to gravity in the center of the inner chamber. The fraction remaining within the trap may then be harvested by various techniques and applied to tissue to aid in repair. 
     Alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments where the cells are being retained within the native structure of the tissue material, a substantial portion of the liquids will be removed from the tissue and accumulate in the trap, however, a substantial portion of the desired cells will remain within the inner chamber in fat for collection and use in surgical procedures where a scaffold material may be useful. 
     In accordance with another aspect of this invention, a centrifuge for processing a biologic mixture, e.g., adipose tissue, by sizing the material, and selectively concentrating its constituents is provided. The centrifuge comprises a processing assembly, and a rotation source. The processing assembly comprises a rotatable chamber arranged to receive the biologic mixture, and a rotatable tube housing a rotatable sizing helix therein. The rotatable chamber comprises a sidewall with a tapered inner surface, and optionally, a trap. The rotatable chamber and the rotatable sizing helix are arranged to be driven by the rotation source. As the sample material is introduced into the chamber through the delivery tube, the rotation of the helix will reduce the particle size of the material. The chamber may be rotated about its longitudinal axis to separate the components of the biologic mixture by specific gravity. 
     The isolated fraction containing the multipotent cells may be harvested and stored for later use, or immediately directed into a patient for treatment in a medical procedure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is across sectional views of one portion, i.e., a processing unit comprising an inner and outer chamber, of one exemplary embodiment of a centrifuge device constructed in accordance with this invention and arranged for morselization and separation of tissue. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross section view of an alternate exemplary embodiment of the processing unit shown in  FIG.  1   , wherein the inner chamber includes an inflection, and also showing the base unit making up the centrifuge. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross section view of an alternate embodiment of the processing unit of  FIG.  1    additionally comprising a screen element between the inner chamber and outer chamber. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross section view of another alternative embodiment of a processing unit of a centrifuge constructed in accordance with this invention, wherein the processing unit includes a screen element and a roller element. 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged cross section view of still another alternate embodiment of a processing unit of a centrifuge with a screen element and roller element constructed in accordance with this invention. 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  are respective enlarged cross sectional views of the screen and suspended roller elements constructed in accordance with this invention. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross section view of still another alternate embodiment of a centrifuge constructed in accordance with this invention making use of a screen element, a roller element, and a secondary screen element. 
         FIG.  8   . is a cross-section view of still another alternate embodiment of a centrifuge constructed in accordance with this invention making use of an annular element, and a roller element, with one or more presenting an irregular topography. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a cross section view of another alternative embodiment of a processing unit of a centrifuge constructed in accordance with this invention, wherein the processing unit includes a delivery tube and rotatable sizing helix. 
         FIG.  9 B  is an enlarged cross-section view of the embodiment of  FIG.  9 A , depicting the end of the sizing helix located within the processing unit. 
         FIG.  10    is a cross section view of another alternative embodiment of a processing unit of a centrifuge constructed in accordance with this invention, wherein the processing unit includes a screen element, a delivery tube and rotatable sizing helix. 
         FIG.  11    is an enlarged cross section view of still another alternate embodiment of a processing unit of a centrifuge with a screen element and roller element constructed in accordance with this invention. 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-section view of still another alternative embodiment of a processing unit of a centrifuge constructed in accordance with this invention, wherein the processing unit includes a screen element, a delivery tube and rotatable sizing helix. 
         FIG.  13    is a cross section view of still another alternative embodiment of a processing unit of a centrifuge constructed in accordance with this invention, wherein the processing unit includes a delivery tube and rotatable sizing helix. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the various figures of the drawing, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in  FIG.  1    one exemplary embodiment of a portion of a centrifuge constructed in accordance with this invention. The centrifuge basically comprises a processing unit or assembly (one exemplary embodiment  100 A of which is shown in  FIG.  1   ) and a base or drive unit  20  (shown in  FIG.  2   ). The details of the construction and operation of the processing unit  100 A and the base unit  20  will be described later. In addition, the details of other exemplary processing units will also be described later. In some of the exemplary embodiments described herein, the processing unit includes a rotatable outer chamber  102  and a rotatable inner chamber  103 . The inner chamber is arranged to receive a biologic mixture, such as fibrous tissue, e.g., adipose (fatty) tissue, and to be rotated with respect to a stationary cutting element (to be described later) to extrude the tissue past the cutting element where it is broken down mechanically and from whence the broken down tissue is introduced into the outer chamber. The outer chamber is also arranged to be rotated to effect the separation of the broken-down tissue components by the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of that chamber. 
     While it has previously been known that the fibrous network in fatty tissue can be broken down by using enzymatic agents, it is currently sought to break down the fibrous network in the harvested adipose tissue by using solely mechanical means, so as to allow, in some embodiments, the release of the multipotent cells contained within the fibrous network. This mechanical breaking down of the fibrous network should avoid the need to wash out an enzymatic agent, and may be accomplished using the various embodiments of the centrifuge devices described herein. For clarity, the term morselized is used to describe the process of mechanically reducing a tissue having an initial fragment size into fragments of a smaller size by the centrifuges of this invention, also known as sizing of the tissue. The terms “morselize” and “size” are used interchangeable herein. 
     The exemplary processing assembly or unit  100 A of  FIG.  1   , like the other processing units to be described later, is arranged to be releasably mounted on the base  20 . Once mounted on the base, the centrifuge can be operated to rotate the processing unit at a high rate of speed (to be described later) about a central, longitudinal axis  125  of the processing unit. The means for effecting that rotation basically comprises a motor  25  housed in the base unit  20  ( FIG.  2   ). The processing assembly is rotated upon activation of the motor  25  through a coupling  126 . The coupling is preferably in the form of pair of keyed components that releasably mate together, such that the base unit and the processing assembly can be selectively engaged. While the various processing units and the base unit are shown horizontal in the figures of the drawing, it should be pointed out that in use the centrifuge is oriented so that the axis of rotation of the chambers is vertical, with the base unit disposed on some surface and supporting the processing unit above it. 
     It is preferred that the base unit  20  be reusable so that it can be used consecutively with multiple processing assemblies. It is, however, contemplated that the base unit can be disposable, if desired. The processing unit is, however, preferably disposable, but that is not mandatory providing that it can be sufficiently cleaned and sanitized for reuse. In the embodiment where the drive unit is reusable, the cost for the user can be kept lower than would be the case where the drive unit is disposed along with the rotatable separation unit. It is contemplated that the act of joining of the engageable components (i.e., the drive unit  20  and processing unit  100 A) may trigger an automatic start-up reaction in the drive unit, in order to begin processing of the fibrous material. For example, by incorporating magnetic switches in the drive unit, the act of inserting the processing unit into the drive unit may wake up and optionally start the drive unit. Alternatively, the drive unit may include manually operated controls, to allow the operator to have complete control over some or all of the processing steps. 
     The processing unit  100 A also includes an outer housing  101  in which the outer chamber  102 , the inner chamber  103  and a stationary sleeve  117  are disposed. The inner chamber  103 , stationary sleeve  117  and the outer chamber  103  will be described in detail later. The inner chamber is a hollow, tapered (e.g., conically shaped) member having a sidewall and a base. The outer chamber  103  is arranged to have the tissue to be processed introduced into its interior via an injection port  110 . To that end, the inner chamber is arranged to be rotated about the central axis  125  whereupon the centrifugal force produced by the rotation causes the introduced tissue to be extruded through one or more extrusion holes  114  in the inner chamber. The stationary sleeve  117  is disposed between the inner chamber  103  and the outer chamber  102  and includes at least one outlet hole  115 , which is arranged to receive the tissue extruded through the extrusion hole(s)  114  as each is brought into alignment with the outlet hole as the inner chamber rotates with respect to the sleeve  117 . This action serves to cut or otherwise shear off the tissue extruded through the extrusion hole, thereby morselizing that tissue. The morselized tissue then enters into the interior of the outer chamber  102  as a slurry. The outer chamber is a hollow, tapered (e.g., conically shaped) member having a sidewall and a dish. As mentioned above, the outer chamber is also arranged to rotate about the central axis  125  by the operation of the motor of the base unit. That action causes the slurry material to stratify, with the higher specific gravity migrating away from the central longitudinal axis. The outer chamber includes an annular trap  136  located at the furthest radial distance from the central longitudinal axis. The trap is arranged to receive the portion of the slurry having the highest specific gravity, e.g., the concentration of multipotent cells when the centrifuge is used to process adipose tissue to enable those cells to be readily recovered from the trap, as will be described later. 
     The inner chamber  103  basically comprises a base  118  and a conical member  134 , both being driven via a shaft  129 , that is integrally fastened to the base  118 . This inner revolving assembly is mounted in a sleeve bearing  119  and a large bearing  104 . A stationery sleeve  117 , and the sleeve extension  124  is placed around the inner rotating base  118 , with the clearance between the sleeve  117  larger end and the base  118  set to a precise value, typically the tolerance is set in the range of 0.001 inch to 0.02 inch, and preferably 0.001 inch to 0.005 inch. The outer chamber  102  is mounted over the inner chamber  103  and is secured thereto at an upper joint  135 . The outer chamber basically comprises a dish  120  secured to the sidewall of the outer chamber at lower joint  130 . The dish  120  thus forms the larger end of the outer chamber, and is supported for rotation on a dish end bearing  121 . The extension  124  of the sleeve  117  is pressed fit into a bottom plate  123 , which is stationarily mounted with respect to the housing  101 . Thus, in this embodiment, all three of components  123 ,  124  and  117  are stationary, in that they do not rotate when the centrifuge is activated. At least one extrusion hole  114  is provided in the base  118  of the inner chamber  103 . The extrusion hole may be formed by inserting (e.g., pressing) a small plug  113  into a hole in the wall of the base  118 , with the plug having an extrusion hole (or extrusion nozzle)  114  on its centerline and with a lead or chamfer  116  formed on the inner end of the hole. Although, only one plug is shown, it is contemplated that more than one plug may be provided, such as by being distributed at intervals around the circumference of the base  118 . Alternatively, the opening of the extrusion hole  114  may be integrally formed in the sidewall of the inner chamber, e.g., the sidewall of base  118 , rather than requiring a distinct plug or multiple plugs to be inserted into the opening(s). The entrance chamfer  116  can be of any angle or can be a radius, so as to prevent fiber agglomeration at the entrance chamfer. The extrusion hole  114  is shown adjacent to a conical outlet hole  115  in the sleeve  117 . One or more outlet holes  115  may be provided in the sleeve  117 , and as shown in cross-section in  FIG.  1   , two outlet holes  115  are depicted. Typically, more than one outlet hole  115  is usually used, often six, but any desired number can be used. By varying the spacing between the provided outlet holes, the size of the particle of fatty tissue that is ejected (extruded) through the outlet holes  115  can be controlled, for a given rotational speed of the centrifuge. As the chamber  103  is rotated adjacent to the static sleeve  117 , the conical outlet hole  115  in sleeve  117 , as shown in  FIG.  1   , acts as a blade to sever portions of material exiting through the extrusion hole  114 , and in this manner, serves to break down the collagen fiber network in the starting material, to form a morselized material. It is contemplated that any kind of opening having a sharp edge could be used, such as a square hole, or alternatively, a knife blade mounted along one side of a round hole. The conical outlet angle of the outlet hole  115 , as shown, is depicted as around a 60 degree included angle, but other angles can also be used. 
     At the small diameter end of inner chamber  103  a spring  108 , a stepped washer  107  and an end-cap  106  are located. The end cap includes threads  111  and is arranged to be threadedly secured on opposing counter-threads provided on the upper neck  105  of the outer housing  101 . These engaging threads allow the end cap  106  to be rotated, thus providing for compression of the spring  108 , which when compressed, serves to preload the large bearing  104  via the stepped washer  107 . The preload is transmitted via the inner chamber  103  to a sleeve bearing  119 . The sleeve bearing  119  is located between the base  118  of the inner chamber  103  and the stationary sleeve  117 . Thus, the preload is provided to the sleeve extension  124 , from thence to the plate  123  and from thence to the outer housing  101 . A small bearing  109  is mounted in the small diameter end of revolving inner chamber  103  in order to allow the passage of a non-rotating needle or cannula (or other tubular member) into the revolving chamber through the injection port  110 , as the inner chamber  103  is rotating. 
     Although the sleeve  117  has been described as stationary or non-rotating, it is contemplated that in an alternative embodiment the sleeve may also rotate. However, in such a case there must be difference in the rotation rates of the inner chamber and the sleeve. In particular, in order to achieve the goal of severing portions of material exiting through the extrusion hole  114  to form the morselized material, there need be some difference between the rate of rotation of the inner chamber and that of a rotating sleeve. The rotation of the sleeve may be either in the same, or opposite, direction of rotation as that of the inner chamber. For this embodiment, so long as there is momentary alignment of the extrusion hole  114  and the conical outlet hole  115  of the sleeve, then the exiting (extruded) material may be severed into smaller particles (morselized). 
     In operation of the various exemplary embodiments described herein, adipose tissue can be obtained from a patient by known techniques, including liposuction or surgical excision. In the case of tissue obtained by liposuction, the fatty tissue and tumescent solution mixture are likely to be in about a 1:1 ratio and will have passed through suction cannula orifices that will have reduced the fat fragments to a size of about 2 mm. This biologic mixture can be fed straight into the various embodiments of a centrifuge device described herein, via the injection port  110  or stationary tube  235 , as appropriate. Alternatively, In the case of fatty tissue obtained via surgically excision, the fat will typically be removed from the patient as a semi-coherent mass, in contrast to the tissue collected as particles through liposuction. In the case of surgically excised fat, the fat should be broken up into smaller pieces, and then is to be mixed with portions of liquid, typically with saline or tumescent solution, up to two times the volume of fat, though it is contemplated that other proportions may be suitable as well. The mixing of the harvested fat and mixing liquid may be performed by passing the mixture to and fro between syringes having nozzles of about 2 mm before placing in the centrifuge device. 
     In operation of any of the various exemplary embodiments described herein, the adipose tissue harvested may optionally be treated with an additive, such as a biologically active agent. It is contemplated that one may wish treat the adipose tissue with, for example, drugs, antibiotics, cellular modifiers, pH modifiers, enzymes, blood products (e.g., whole blood, platelet rich plasma (PRP), red blood cells, platelet poor plasma (PPP), bone marrow aspirate (BMA) or bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)), prior to, or during the processing of the adipose tissue in the various exemplary embodiments described herein. Alternatively, one or more preservatives or anti-coagulants (e.g. heparin, coumarin, ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), citrates (e.g., Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose A (ACDA), oxalate) may be added alone, or other additives, to the adipose tissue prior to, or as it is being processed in the various exemplary embodiments of the devices described herein. It is contemplated that additives may beneficially aid in separation of cells during centrifugation, may alter the behavior of the cells in the harvested sample for processing as described herein, or enable the storage of the harvested tissue sample for subsequent processing as described herein. For example, the addition of ACDA may prevent coagulation, allowing storage of the solution containing red blood cells or platelets, or additionally, the ACDA may serve to alter the morphology of stem cells and platelet cells. For example, Applicants believe that adding ACDA to the charge of biologic mixture may be beneficial, in the case of platelet cells typically having a plate-like morphology, may convert to a more spherical morphology, thereby beneficially affecting the ability of the platelet cells to separate by specific gravity, as the more spherical shape of the cell may maneuver more easily through the other constituents of the biologic mixture, e.g., adipose tissue particles. 
     As mentioned earlier, the centrifuge device of  FIG.  1    is mounted with its spinning axis, i.e., central longitudinal axis  125 , oriented vertically. The rotating chambers are driven by the drive unit via a coupling  126  to about 15,000 rpm, or the equivalent of 4000×G at the inner chamber  103  periphery. The charge of fatty tissue and solution mix is injected into the top of the rotating device (through small bearing  109 ) into the inner chamber, using a syringe with a narrow cannula. As the charge is rotating within the inner chamber  103 , the charge will then generate pressure from the centrifugal effects and attempt to extrude from the extrusion hole  114 . When the extrusion holes  114  of the base are in radial alignment with outlet holes  115  of the sleeve, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the fatty tissue charge can extrude from the extrusion holes  114 . However, as the inner chamber  103  revolves, the hole  114  moves into a closed area where the sleeve  117  has no hole. The period of time that the extrusion hole  114  is open is controlled by the speed of rotation and the size of the extrusion holes  114  and sleeve outlet holes  115 . The extrusion flow rate of the charge is controlled by the pressure, which is in turn derived from the speed of rotation which creates the centrifugal field. By selection of hole sizes and rotation speed, the length of extruded charge cut off can be determined. With extrusion holes  114  of about 1.7 mm in diameter, sleeve outlet holes  115  of about 3 mm diameter, and a chamber  103  rotation speed of approximately 15,000 rpm, the extruded fragments can be cut into less than 1 mm lengths and appear as a slurry of morselized fatty material. In an embodiment having 6 outlet holes  115  in the sleeve, a charge of 30 mL passes through the extrusion holes  114  in about  20  seconds. Once the charge has been morselized, and has passed into the outer chamber  102  as a slurry, the rotational speed may then be reduced to approximately 10,000 rpm (equivalent to 3500×G for a 60 mm outer chamber diameter), and the centrifugation continued for an adequate period of time, e.g., approximately 2 minutes, to ensure separation of the desired constituents. 
     During this centrifugation process, the fatty constituent of the material tends to migrate toward the central longitudinal axis  125 , and the heavier cells and aqueous solution tend to move toward the outer walls of the outer chamber  102 . The heaviest density fluid (having the highest specific gravity), containing the highest concentrations of multipotent cells, moves to the outermost diameter, to the annular trap  136 . That trap basically comprises an angularly extending channel, though the size and shape of the trap may be modified to capture different fractions of the biologic mixture. For example, the trap may not be angled as shown, but rather may be a channel that is arranged parallel to the axis of rotation  125 . In any event, when the rotation of the centrifuge chambers is stopped, the fraction of the biologic mixture not within the trap  136 , and within the chamber  102 , then drops into a cavity  151  in dish  120  by gravity, and the more viscous fat material collapses onto this liquid. Thus the multipotent cell containing liquid can be isolated in the trap  136  for harvesting. The liquid containing the majority of multipotent cells residing in trap  136  may then be removed by syringe and a shaped cannula, via ports  138  and  137  in the housing  101  and the outer chamber  102 , respectively. 
     For greater ease of manufacture, the inner chamber  103  and outer chamber  102  are arranged to rotate together, in a synchronous fashion, however, in this and in the other embodiments described herein, it is contemplated that the centrifuge could be arranged so that the inner chamber  103  and outer chamber  102  rotate in an asynchronous manner. Thus, the inner chamber  103  may rotate at a first speed, so long as that rotation creates a centrifugal field which will generate sufficient pressure upon the charge of tissue, so as to cause the ejection of the tissue material through the extrusion hole  114 ; while the outer chamber  102  rotates at a second speed, whether in the same or different direction of rotation, so long as the rotation creates a centrifugal field, so as to effect the stratification of the morselized slurry material. 
     It has been observed that fat of different composition behaves differently in the centrifuge device. Whereas a portion of the liquid having the highest specific gravity does indeed move to the outer diameter during centrifugation and a portion of that highest specific gravity fluid fills the trap  136 , the residual fat may, or may not, emulsify into a stable creamy paste. In those instances where the residual fat is in the form of a stable paste, the paste material will be self-supporting, at least for a few minutes, rather than flowing, as would a paste that is not self-supporting. If the paste is relatively stable, upon ejection through the extrusion hole  114 , the paste may coat the inner wall of the outer chamber  102  at smaller diameters, nearer the cone apex, with the paste remaining in place against the wall, even after the rotation of the centrifuge has been stopped. Alternatively the fat can remain as small granules, that do not adhere to either the outer chamber  102  wall or to each other, rather these granules remain free to move relative to each other, in contrast to a material having a self-supporting paste consistency. In these instances, when the chamber stops spinning, the fat granules tend to fall toward the chamber&#39;s large diameter end and may disturb the higher specific gravity fluid that has been collected in the trap  136 , potentially reducing the concentration of that fraction. To minimize the possibility of the granules of fat interfering with the liquid collected in the trap, the centrifuge may include an alternative processing unit  100 B as shown in  FIG.  2   . In that embodiment the wall of the outer chamber  102  includes an off-set or inflection  141  which serves to ensure that the inner diameter  139  of that portion of the outer wall  102  is reduced to about that of the trap lip  140 . This arrangement allows the fat granules to drop into the basin  151  of dish  120  and miss the trap  136 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , there is shown another alternative embodiment of a processing unit  100 C. This embodiment includes screen element  150  located between the stationery sleeve  117  and the outer chamber  102 . The screen  150  is a mesh-like element  150  and is arranged so that the slurry which exits from the extrusion holes  114  encounters the screen, thereby morselizing the slurry into smaller particles that pass through the screen. The screen  150  is arranged to rotate along with the extrusion holes  114 , thus the screen need not necessarily extend entirely circumferentially around the sleeve  117 . Instead it may be radially aligned with the exit holes  114 . However, for ease of manufacture, one may incorporate the screen  150  as a concentric ring surrounding the sleeve  117 . In operation of the device, as the fatty tissue slurry exits the extrusion hole  114  under pressure generated by the rotation of the device, it impacts on the screen  150 . The screen can be a wire mesh or a perforated tube, with holes of a diameter most likely in the range 1 mm to 0.25 mm, but in general of whatever size best breaks down the adipocyte binding structure. Ideally, the screen is of metal wire mesh construction, though plastic mesh may work as well. As the screen is revolving, any slurry of fat, fibers, and liquid will experience significant centrifugal forces to propel portions of the slurry through the screen. Experiments have shown that the slurry is broken down completely, leaving only fibers on the screen, and a high count of mononuclear, including multipotent cells in the liquid. Like the operation discuss above, the continued rotation of the chambers of this embodiment of the centrifuge causes the liquid components that have flowed through the screen to separate by specific gravity in the outer chamber  102 , with the highest specific gravity components accumulating in the trap  136 . As rotation is halted, the remaining fluid collects in the basin  151 . The multipotent cell rich liquid in the trap  136 , may then be harvested by directing a needle or cannula through ports  137  and  138  and into the trap  136 . 
     With this embodiment of the device, and when processing porcine deep adipose tissue, it is possible to retrieve up to  90 % of the viable mononuclear cells from the fat samples. 
       FIG.  4    shows another alternate embodiment of the processing unit  100 D. This processing unit is also arranged to be driven from a motor having a drive axis, and housed in a base unit, as has been described previously. Unlike the previously disclosed processing unit embodiments, the processing unit  100 D of  FIG.  4    includes a roller element  210 , acting in concert with a rotating screen  215  to morselize the tissue provided within the inner chamber, prior to causing the tissue to be separated by centrifugation. This embodiment includes a revolving inner chamber  103  having a conical sidewall  134 . An annular screen element  215  is located within the inner chamber  103  and extends concentrically around the central longitudinal axis (i.e., the axis of rotation). The screen element extends from where it is joined to the base  118  of the inner chamber, up to the point where it meets the chamber&#39;s sidewall. The screen thus divides the inner chamber  103 , so that material passing from a region within the annulus of screen element  215  to the outside of the screen element must necessarily pass through the openings provided in the screen element. The screen element is a mesh-like member that may be a metal or polymer wire material, or alternatively a perforated sheet providing openings sized to pass fluid material, but retain much of the fibrous material. It is envisioned that the openings will be uniformly or non-uniformly sized between 0.002 and 0.040 inches. To aid in passing the tissue material through the screen element, a roller element  210  is provided adjacent to, and arranged to roll against, the inner surface of the screen element. The roller element is mounted on an axle  220 . The axle may be of any sort known in the art. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the axle may be a formed stiff wire that extends through the center bore of the roller, and the wire is mounted so that it may be secured in a static (stationary) position within the inner chamber. In this embodiment, the upper end of the wire that forms an axle  220  that is fixed to a flange  225  at the end of a stationary tube  235  and which extends through an opening in the end cap  106 . The flange  225  and the stationary tube  235  feature a hollow bore extending through their interior, which serves as the entry port for directing tissue material into the device for processing. The flange  225  and stationary tube  235  are isolated from the rotation of the inner chamber  103  by flange bearings  230  and a port bearing  245 . The lower end of the formed wire that makes up the axle  220  is directed into a bushing  240 , placed in the concentric center of the base  118  of the inner chamber  103 , in line with the axis of rotation of the inner chamber. The bushing  240  serves to isolate the static axle  220  from the rotation of the inner chamber  103 . Thus, the roller element  210  can effectively be made to roll around the interior surface of the screen element  215  by keeping the roller axle  220  stationery as the screen  215  and inner chamber  103  revolve. 
     It is contemplated that there may be a benefit to utilize a roller element  210  which is provided with a freedom of movement, such that it can articulate, as it rotates about the static axle  220 . Examples of possible articulation mechanisms are shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B . By providing a force at the mid-length of the roller, and clearance over the axle  220 , the roller can move relative to the chamber&#39;s axis of rotation as it engages lumpy portions of the tissue material.  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  show a detailed expanded view of the roller element  210 , on the axle  220 , against the screen element  215 . In these embodiments, the roller is able to float against the screen element  215 , by the nature of the deflection in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, which is allowed by the spring wire formed as axle  220 . Further, the roller element  210  is able to yaw, demonstrated as the rotation axis of the roller element  210  leaning, as the roller element  210  encounters the tissue against the screen element  215 . The ability to yaw is provided as the roller may pivot on the axle  220 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  4   , it can be see that the inner chamber  103  features a tapered sidewall  134 . The base  118  of the inner chamber  103  is shaped so as to provide a tapered surface as well, relative to the axis of rotation  125 , provided by the wedge  265 . As is depicted in  FIG.  4    the trap  136  is in this case defined by the outer surface of the wedge  265  and the inner surface of the conical sidewall  134 . The trap  136  is preferably annular, though it is contemplated that alternate shapes may suffice, for example by being lobed. The trap, as depicted in  FIG.  4    in cross section, appears as an angled passageway, with an innermost portion at the entrance into the trap, where the mixture component enters from the central area of the rotating chamber, and adjacent to the tapered end of the wedge  265 . The entrance to the trap forms the end of the trap closest to the axis of rotation  125 . The trap  136  also features an outermost portion, at the end having the greatest radial distance from the axis of rotation  125 . Alternatively, the trap  136  may not be angled relative to the axis of rotation, but rather may be arranged parallel to the axis of rotation. At the largest outside diameter of the trap, there is provided a first port  275 , which is selectively openable, such as through valving, so as to allow access to the trap to harvest the processed material fraction contained therein. An access opening  270  may be provided in the outer housing  101  to facilitate access to the first port  275 . In particular, when the first port  275  is to be accessed, an access needle or cannula (not shown) may be directed through aligned openings, so as to allow the harvest of the processed material fraction in the trap  136 . This may be accomplished by placing into alignment the access opening  270 , the first port  275 , and the sealed port  271 . That port may be in the form of a duckbill valve or a self-sealing septum in the wall of a container or vessel  272 . The container  272  is an annular member located within the lower portion of the processing chamber  100 D and its function will be described later. The alignment of the access opening  270 , the first port  275 , and the sealed port  271  may be controlled by various means known in the art, for example, by manually rotating a portion of the exterior housing. Cams  273  are provided projecting inward from the bottom portion of the housing to selectively adjust the vertical positioning of selected elements in the device. Alternatively, the first port may be selectively openable, and closeable, during the rotation of the inner chamber  103 , such that at least a portion of the material contained within the trap  136  may be automatically ejected into a collection area that may be accessed later. 
     In operation of the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  4   , a charge of fat and solution, such as blood, saline, water, tumescent solution, is inserted through the stationery tube  235 . Once the charge has been inserted, the inner chamber  103  and screen element  215  are rotated via the coupling  126 , by the motor at a first speed, while keeping the roller axle  220  stationery, for a defined first period. During this first period of rotation, the fat will tend to spread along the inside of the screen element due to the effect of the centrifugal field created by rotation of the chamber, and the roller element  210  will force the fat through the mesh of the screen element  215 , as the fat passes between the roller  210  and the screen element  215 . The tissue material becomes morselized into smaller particles by being forced through the openings in the mesh, and further, a portion of the collagen fibers become separated from the other materials in the charge and are retained on the mesh by becoming draped around the screen wires. It is also possible that upon encountering the roller and being forced through the screen, the collagen fibers in the fat material are cut by the mesh, and thus the tissue charge is morselized into smaller particles sizes. Subsequent to the charge being forced through the mesh, the inner chamber  103  is then rotated at a second speed to centrifuge the morselized material, and based on the specific gravities of the components making up the morselized material, separate the mixture of liquid and fat for a second defined period of rotation. During this second period, it is believed the heavier multipotent cells tend to migrate through the liquid to the outermost surfaces in the inner chamber. In particular, while the inner chamber  103  is rotating about the axis  125 , the centrifugal field created will create stratification of the constituent components by their specific gravity, as the centrifugal field will urge the highest specific gravity components away from the axis of rotation (i.e., outwards), whereupon they will encounter the tapered walls of the inner chamber  103  and the inner surface of the wedge  265 . Continued rotation will cause these more dense components to displace less dense components, as the higher specific gravity components gather along the tapered sides out from axis of rotation, whereupon the highest specific gravity components will then enter into, and accumulate, in the trap  136 . When the rotation of the inner chamber  103  is stopped at the end of the second defined period, the residual liquid settles in the base  118  and is collected within the dished area  250 , defined by the area being surrounded by wedge  265  on its perimeter, and having the base  118  as a bottom surface. The fat material that had been held towards the center of the centrifugal field, due to the lower specific gravity, will frequently have the consistency of a paste, and either tends to remain stuck to the upper portion of inner surface of the sidewall  134 , or alternatively the fat material may settle within the dished area  250 . The liquid containing multipotent cells remain in the trap  136 , on the outside of the wedge  265 , and may be retrieved by using a needle or cannula (not shown) to suck out the fluid and cells from the trap  136 . As mentioned earlier, the embodiment shown in  FIG.  4    also provides a first port  275 , which may be selectively opened and closed by valving, to allow removal of higher specific gravity components from the trap  136 . Furthermore, there may also be provided a second port  280 , which may be selectively opened and closed by valving, to allow removal of lower specific gravity components from the dished area  250 . The second port  280  may be located at the base of the wedge  265  within the dished area  250 . By selectively opening the first or second port for a period of time while the chamber is being rotated, one may fine tune the specific gravity of the cellular concentrate fraction that is collected within the inner chamber  103  in a manner similar to that described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/396,600, which is assigned to the same assignee as this invention, and whose disclosure is incorporated by reference herein. The centrifuge of that application is particularly suitable for obtaining a desired fraction from a biologic liquid mixture, such as platelet rich plasma from whole blood, or stem cells from bone marrow aspirate, however that application provides no capacity for morselizing tissue structure in the biologic mixture, such as adipose material. 
     In any of the various embodiments described herein, wherein there is a chamber comprising one or more of: a wedge element  265 , a first port  275 , or a second port  280 , the ejection of one or more portions of the biologic mixture within the chamber may be accomplished as follows. The biologic mixture, having been sized by any of the methods described herein, is then rotated within the rotatable chamber to cause the contents to separate by specific gravity. Thus, an outer band of high density fluid (having a higher specific gravity) will form, upon rotation of the chamber, at the outermost surface of the chamber (farthest away from the longitudinal axis  125 . An inner band of low density fluid (having a lower specific gravity) will form in the liquid closest to the center of the chamber (closest to the longitudinal axis  125 ). In between, the outermost and innermost layers, will be at least intermediate layer comprising at least one fraction having a specific gravity between that of the innermost and outermost layers. It is contemplated that the rotation of the chamber and its contents will form an air core, where there is no fluid at the longitudinal axis, so long as the volume of fluid in the chamber is less than the volume of the chamber itself. In those embodiments, where there is a need to eject out of the chamber the heaviest fraction of the biologic mixture, for example, where the fraction having the highest specific gravity contains almost no multipotent cells, this outermost fraction may be discharged through selectively openable first port  275  having an inlet within the chamber at the greatest distance from the longitudinal axis, such that when the valving for the first port is opened, the rotation of the chamber will create a centrifugal force urging the liquid with the highest specific gravity to exit the chamber through the first port  275 . The first port is to remain open to allow at least a portion of the highest specific gravity fraction to exit the chamber, whereupon the first port may be closed, whether by action of the operator monitoring the location of an interface, on the tapered surface of the chamber, or operation of an automatic valve. For example, the operator may monitor a color interface that occurs between red blood cells and the multi-potent stem cell fraction, which can be detected through a transparent sidewall of the centrifuge devices described herein. Furthermore, in those embodiments where there is a need to eject the lightest fraction of the biologic mixture, for example, where the fraction having the lowest specific gravity contains almost no multipotent cells, this innermost fraction may be discharged through selectively openable second port  280 , having an inlet located within the chamber at a radial distance that is less than that of the radial distance for the inlet of the first port  275 , such that when the valving for the second port is opened, the rotation of the chamber will create a centrifugal force urging the fraction of the liquid with the lowest specific gravity to exit the chamber through the second port  280 . The second port may remain open to allow at least a portion of the lowest specific gravity fraction to exit the chamber, whereupon the second port may be closed, whether by action of the operator or operation of an automatic valve. In many instances, the second port may be allowed to remain open until the air core, expanding as fluid exits chamber, reaches the entrance to the second port  280 , thereby cutting off the flow of fluid out of the second port. In this manner, the inner band of lower density fluid (having a lower specific gravity) and optionally, fat, can be discharged through the second port  280  and into the container  272 , leaving the desired concentrate fraction within the dished area  250 , at the center of the inner chamber  103 , once the rotation ceases. The at least one fraction, having a specific gravity intermediate that of the 2 ejected fractions, will remain within the chamber, and may then be collected by insertion of a cannula into the chamber. 
       FIG.  5    shows yet another alternative embodiment of a processing unit  100 E. That unit, while somewhat different structurally, operates similarly to the processing unit  100 D shown in  FIG.  4   , in that the unit  100 E includes a screen and roller arrangement that serves to morselize the tissue material, as has been described above. In the embodiment of  FIG.  5   , a charge of tissue is delivered to the inner chamber  103 , and the inner chamber is rotated. The centrifugal field generated by the rotation will cause the charge of tissue to spread along the screen element  215 , whereupon the tissue will be forced through the screen element under the pressure of the roller  210 , rotating around a roller axis  220 . As before, the passage through the screen element morselizes the tissue, and may retain or cut, the collagen fibers in the charge. The morselized tissue will continue to rotate with the rotation of the inner chamber, causing the stratification of the components of the morselized tissue to separate by specific gravity, with the lowest specific gravity components being displaced at the perimeter by the higher specific gravity components, as the higher specific gravity components are driven away from the axis of rotation  125 . 
     In this or the other processing unit embodiments having a screen element  215 , there may be included an optional secondary screen element  216 . In such a case, the morselized tissue that has been directed through the screen element  215 , will encounter the secondary screen element  216 , as the material is directed outwards by the force of the rotation. The secondary screen element  216  is similar to the screen element  215 , except that it has a smaller average opening size. While the secondary screen  216  may serve to further morselize the tissue, it is primarily intended to capture the fibrous material that does not readily pass through the openings, while passing the liquid and non-fibrous material therethrough. Use of this arrangement may benefit from reducing the rotational velocity while the processed material is encountering the secondary screen, so as to avoid having excessive centrifugal forces propel the material through the screen, where a slower rotation would aid in capturing the fibrous material against the screen while the liquid is urged through the openings. 
     As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to  FIG.  5   , while the rotation is ongoing, the highest specific gravity components will, under the force generated by the inner chamber&#39;s rotation, accumulate in the trap  136 . Upon cessation of rotation of the inner chamber  103 , all of the material that is not retained within the trap, will fall, under the influence of gravity, into a dished area  250  in the center of the inner chamber. A cannula, needle or tubing may then be inserted through an access route created by ports  138  and  137  near the top of the device, optionally directed through an opening provided near the top of the optional secondary screen element  216 , and directed into the trap  136 , so as to harvest the heaviest specific gravity component, including the multipotent cells, while leaving the non-desired constituents within the dished area  250 . 
     In the various embodiments described herein, the angle of the inner chamber and wedge, relative to the axis of rotation, will affect how forcefully, and thus how quickly, the stratification of the various components will occur. For example, in an embodiment where the angle of the inner chamber and wedge is shallow, the separation of the constituents will require an increased period of time of rotation, or alternatively higher rotation speeds may be required to drive the separation. By contrast, in an embodiment where the inner chamber and wedge are at a steep angle, off the axis of rotation  125 , this steep angle will tend to produce a more forceful and rapid separation of the components. The angle required may be tailored to the viscosity of the fluid being processed. For example, where the charge of tissue is of a high viscosity, it is believed that a steep angle will allow more effective movement of the heaviest components through the fluid. Alternatively, where the charge of fluid is less viscous, it may be possible to employ a shallow angle, and still achieve adequate separation of the constituents. The goal of achieving rapid separation of the constituents is vital, as it is believed that extended duration of the exposure of living cells to elevated G forces during separation may negatively affect the viability of the cells. Thus, it is believed that minimizing the period of time in which the cells are rotated at high speed will lead to better viability of the processed cellular material. In practice of the various embodiments described herein, it is anticipated that the angle of the inner chamber and wedge will likely be between 5 degrees and 30 degrees, but angles of up to 45 or 60 may also work adequately. 
     In the various embodiments described herein, there may also be a benefit in aiding in the separation of the multipotent cells from the fibrous collagen network in the biologic mixture, such as by adding a volume of saline or other fluids (e.g., blood, bone marrow aspirate, or other body fluids, buffered solutions, cell culture media, detergent solutions, therapeutic solutions such as antibiotic, or anti-coagulants, etc.), as has been discussed previously. This additional fluid added to the harvested fatty tissue may serve to decrease the overall viscosity of the biologic mixture, which will in turn provide for more effective movement of the constituents of the mixture into stratified layers upon exposure to rotational forces. Additionally, the added fluid may enhance the separation of the desired cellular concentration from the other portions of the tissue sample. For example, the addition of whole blood or bone marrow aspirate, when separated by density, will result in the platelet-rich buffy coat comingling with the multipotent stem cells of the adipose tissue sample, as they would have similar specific gravities. The red blood cells, due to their highest specific gravity in the combined sample, would tend to accumulate at the outside layer within the rotating chamber. The plasma of the whole blood will form a separation layer between the multipotent cells and the fatty tissue. The platelets will likely form a layer adjacent to and/or intermingle with the multipotent cells. Furthermore, the addition of whole blood or bone marrow aspirate would also provide a visual indicator by color. Radial stratification would occur with layers forming, in order from the outermost to the innermost, with the red blood cells outermost, the multipotent cells and platelets next, clear plasma next, and the fatty tissue radially innermost, with the red blood cell boundary marking the edge of the fraction with the desired cellular constituents. Additionally, the addition of a liquid to the adipose tissue would likely serve to dilute out the epinephrine and lidocaine that may have been added for the collection of the fat sample. 
     Furthermore, it is contemplated that there may be a benefit to the various embodiments described herein by providing an agitation step after the morselization step, wherein the centrifuge device is operated in a manner that would impart a gentle, mixing movement to the biologic mixture, so as to ensure the cells are further separated from the fibrous network. The gentle mixing would thereby serve to avoid subjecting the cells to the potentially harmful effects of extended high G forces to achieve separation of the cells from the fibrous network, as it is believed that extensive periods of rotation at high speed may be detrimental to cell viability. This gentle mixing action may be achieved by random orbital movement, such as rocking off-axis, or alternately starting and stopping the rotation of the device, or varying the rate of rotation of the device. For example, the device may be rotated in an oscillating manner, at low frequency (e.g., less than 10 Hz, preferably around 1 Hz) and subjecting the cells to low G forces, in order to free the multipotent cells from the fatty and residual fiber network, or mix in additional fluid into the charge of tissue. The effect of the mixing may be enhanced by including projections, such as fingers, ribs or radial fins, extending into the rotating chamber. Such projections can be arranged as vertical elements, spiral elements, or combinations thereof, on the surface of at least one of the wedge  265 , the outer surface of the mesh of the screen element  215 , the inner surface of the conical sidewall  134 , and the base  118 , so long as a mixing feature is extended into the dished area  250 . The oscillating motion would be quite similar in operation to that of a conventional clothes washing machine, where the alternating start-stop, and optionally, oscillating movement, all at much lower speeds than would be required to achieve centrifugal separation, should not result in significant reduction of cell viability, all the while providing the benefit of aiding in mechanically disassociating the cells from the fatty and residual fibrous material and other constituents of the biologic mixture. 
     Another alternative embodiment of a processing unit  100 F constructed in accordance with this invention is shown in  FIG.  7   . The centrifuge using that embodiment is designed to process the tissue material into smaller fragments by morselizing the tissue, by passing the material through a first screen  215 , with the aid of roller element  210 , as described previously. In this embodiment however, the first screen  215  is configured to morselize the material into smaller fragments, but not to separate the cells from the structure of the tissue material, so as to ensure that the cells remain contained within the native structure of the morselized tissue material. In this embodiment, the secondary screen  216  is a smaller band nearer the entrance to the trap  136 , and features openings that allow the passage of liquid material, while retaining the cell-containing tissue material. In this manner, any exogenous fluid (e.g., saline, epinephrine, lidocaine, etc.) added for the collection of the tissue material can pass through the second screen  216 , and collect in the trap  136 , while the cells would remain in the native structure of the tissue material. Once the separation of liquid from tissue is accomplished, the cell-containing tissue material may be removed from the interior of the inner chamber  103 , such as by aspiration with a cannula or other hollow luminal instrument directed through ports  138  and  137 . Where the cell containing tissue material has had the majority of the fluids removed by the secondary screen  216 , and as such, is not suitable for aspiration as described above, it is contemplated that the operator may simply open the device, using techniques which would be known to those skilled in the art, in order to access the interior of the inner chamber  103 , and manually collect the cell-containing tissue material. 
     As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art the embodiment of  FIG.  7    should be useful where a particular clinical application warrants the addition of a scaffold, such as where it is necessary to provide a bulking agent to a treatment site (e.g., plastic surgery, cosmetic wrinkle reduction, etc.); or alternatively in procedures where it is desirable to avoid washing away the harvested cells, for example in arthroscopic surgery where saline irrigation is commonly utilized, and maintaining the delivered cells at the desired site would be beneficial. 
     Another alternative embodiment of a processing unit  100 G constructed in accordance with this invention is shown in  FIG.  8   . The centrifuge of that embodiment is designed to process the tissue material into smaller fragments by morselizing the tissue, where the tissue material is passed between a roller element  210 ′ arranged to roll in place against a rotating annular element  215 ′, in a manner as has been described previously. It is envisioned that the annular element  215 ′ may be a mesh screen material, as previously described, or may alternatively feature an impermeable surface. Preferably, either one, or both, of the surface of the roller  210 ′, or the surface of the annular element  215 ′ features an irregular topography. This may be accomplished by providing recessed regions and protruding areas on the surface of the cylindrical roller  210 ′. For example, by providing at least one recessed channel, and leaving protruding areas between the channels, and thus presenting a surface similar to the surface of a waffle iron. Alternatively, the irregular topography of either roller  210 ′ or annular element  215 ′ may feature protruding nubs or bumps, or recessed dimples. What is sought is for the tissue, as it is squeezed between the roller element  210 ′ and the annular element  215 ′, to experience higher degrees of disruption due to the protruding surfaces, and thereby creating concentrated sheer forces in some of the tissue as it passes by the roller. It is believed these sheer forces will provide a morselized slurry, in which the multipotent cells are freed from the containment of the fibrous material. In these embodiments, it is envisioned that all of the tissue material that has been processed would then be collected and utilized in a clinical application, for example as a bulking agent delivered to a treatment site, or in procedures where it is desirable to avoid washing away the harvested cells, as has been described previously with regard to  FIG.  7   . Where the annular element  215 ′ is a mesh screen, the morselized tissue would be collected from the dished area  250 , via the access pathway established through ports  137  and  138 , as has been described previously. However, where the annular element  215 ′ is a non-permeable surface, the morselized tissue would remain within the interior of the annular element  215 ′ after processing, and may then be collected with a cannula or needle inserted through the stationary tube. 
     Another alternative embodiment of a processing unit  100 H constructed in accordance with this invention is shown in  FIG.  9    A. The centrifuge using that embodiment is designed to process the tissue material into smaller fragments by first sizing the tissue, by passing the charge of material through a stationary tube  235 , containing a sizing helix  305  that is rotatable around a non-rotating core wire  236 . The core wire is affixed to the end of the stationary tube. Stationary tube  235 , extends into the rotatable chamber  103  and into the rotatable tube  315 . In this embodiment, the stationary tube  235  is temporarily fixed to end-cap  106 , through techniques known to those skilled in the art. For example, a split ring clamp may be incorporated into the collar of the end cap, where the stationary tube  235  passes through end-cap, such that the clamp may releasably secure the stationary tube relative to the end-cap. The biologic mixture, for example, a charge of fat material, may then be directed through entry port  295 , and passed through the interior of the stationary tube to exit through delivery port  320 , to enter into the chamber. An optional fitting  290  (e.g. luer connector) may be provided near the top of the stationary tube, so as to securely connect the delivery tube to the container (not shown), typically a syringe, containing the biologic mixture to be processed. The biologic mixture is introduced via a vessel at least temporarily attached to fitting  290 , for example by advancing a plunger of a syringe, propelling the biologic mixture through entry port  295  and into the interior of the stationary tube  235  while the sizing helix  305  is rotating. The edge of the entry port  295  may be sharpened to form a cutting edge, such that the rotation of the sizing helix may sever the tissue in the biologic mixture against the cutting edge of the entry port, and further, the rotation of the sizing helix  305  within the stationary tube  235  serves to reduce the particle size of the biologic mixture to a desired range. In the case of the tissue material, the rotating action of the helix within the stationary tube serves to sever the tissue into smaller fragments to create a homogenous material, and further sizes the tissue to a desirable particle size, as the tissue is urged through the interior of the stationary tube to reach the interior of the rotatable chamber  103 . The material that is processed through stationary tube  235  by the sizing helix  305  is observed to be a homogenous slurry, having been sized to a consistency suitable for narrow gauge needles used in cosmetic applications, and is anticipated to be suitable for use in fat transfer applications. It is Applicants belief that the ideal particle size of the morselized tissue for re-implanting would lead to better viability of the implanted tissue as the size is such surface area:volume ration for the particles would be conducive revascularization of the implanted tissue and further provide adequate nutrient flow to support cellular growth throughout the entirety of the implanted tissue. 
     Due to the unique methods of morselizing the tissue, as described herein, whether by operation of the helix within the stationary tube, or by passing the tissue material through a mesh screen element, the tissue material that is processed is anticipated to be reduced to a suitable particle size for re-implantation, but is not anticipated to cause damage to cellular components and the tissue structure, such as may occur by over-processing the tissue to a particle size that is too small. It is anticipated that by providing a tissue that is processed to an appropriate particle size, the material will have preserved cellular viability, while maintaining adequate tissue structure so as to not be susceptible to washout or significant volume loss once implanted. 
     In all of the embodiments having a sizing helix  305 , it is contemplated that the drive unit  20 , as shown in  FIG.  2   , may be attached via coupling  126 , which is to effect the rotation of the rotatable chamber  103 . In turn, the rotating chamber, when rotating in one direction, will drive the rotation of the sizing helix  305 , when the drive unit  20  is activated. With reference to the enlarged view of  FIG.  9 B , the sizing helix  305  is coupled to the rotatable tube  315  as follows. The rotatable tube  315  is affixed to an insert  310 , which is affixed to the end of sizing helix  305  at connection  335 , which may be in the form of a solder, weld, or epoxy joint, or other fixing technique known in the art. The rotation of rotatable tube  315  will drive the rotation of the sizing helix through the connection  335  depicted in  FIG.  9 B . 
     Referring back to  FIG.  9 A , the rotatable tube  315  is arranged to rotate in concert with the rotatable chamber  103  when rotated in one direction only, through a one-way clutch and roller bearing  285  located between the rotatable tube  315  and the upper end of the rotatable chamber  103 . This one way clutch and roller bearing will lock up when rotation force is applied in a first direction, thus transmitting the rotation force from the chamber  103  to the rotatable tube  315  to drive the sizing helix  305 . However, when the rotatable chamber is rotated in the second (opposite) direction, the one way roller clutch and roller bearing  285  will freewheel, and serves to isolate the rotation of the chamber  103  from the rotatable tube  315 , thus the sizing helix will then remain stationary as the rotatable chamber is rotating. As can be seen in  FIG.  9 B , a platform bearing  325  which is located between the insert  310  and the platform  330  will isolate stationary rotatable tube  315  only when the rotatable chamber  103  is rotating in the second direction. The legs of the platform  330  are attached to the base  118 , and the platform thus rotates with the rotatable chamber  103 . The platform  330  provides openings between the platform legs, so as to allow fluid flow under the platform, and may be similar to a 3-legged stool. 
     For all of the embodiments having a sizing helix  305 , while in use, the biologic mixture is to be introduced into the device while the chamber  103 , the sizing helix  305  and rotatable tube  315  are rotating in a first direction. The biologic mixture passes through the stationary tube  235 , while the sizing helix is rotating about the core wire  236 , within the stationary tube, and thus serves to whisk the biologic mixture, and sizes the biologic mixture to a desirable particle size that is smaller than the initial average particle size of the biologic mixture, prior to being placed in the device. Once the entire sample of the biologic mixture to be processed is within the chamber  103 , the direction of rotation may then be reversed, thereby halting the rotation of the sizing helix  305 , and the chamber  103  can then rotated to effect the separation of the biologic mixture by specific gravity, as has been discussed previously. 
     As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  9 A , the biologic mixture is introduced to the chamber  103  through the stationary tube  235 . The chamber is then rotated to separate the biologic mixture by specific gravity, as has been described previously. In the case where the biologic mixture comprises at least fat tissue, blood and optionally saline, water, tumescent solution, upon separation of the biologic mixture, the red blood cells, having the highest specific gravity would accumulate at the outermost layer, while the fat, plasma and water, if any, would accumulate at the innermost layer, having the lowest specific gravity. At least a portion of the outermost fraction, e.g. red blood cells, may be discharged by opening the valving for first port  275 , then closing the first port after an appropriate amount of the first fraction have been ejected, as determined by observing the color interface between the red blood cells and the fraction with the multipotent stem cells. The operator is able to monitor the location of the interface through a transparent sidewall, so as to allow the operator to close the valve as the interface nears the outlet for the red blood cells. Subsequently, at least a portion of the innermost fraction, e.g., plasma and fat, and any water or tumescent fluid, may be ejected by opening the valving for the second port  280 , and closing the second port after the air core has reached the second port. The rotation may then be halted, whereupon the portion of the biologic mixture remaining within the chamber will pool at bottom of the chamber, and can be removed by inserting a cannula into the chamber. This fraction remaining will largely consist of the multipotent stem cells and platelet rich plasma. 
     Another alternative embodiment of a processing unit  100 M constructed in accordance with this invention is shown in  FIG.  10   . The embodiment in  FIG.  10    is similar to that depicted in  FIG.  9   , with the distinction of providing an annular screen element  215 , located within the inner chamber  103  and extending concentrically around the central longitudinal axis  125  (i.e., the axis of rotation). The biologic mixture may be sized by passing through the sizing helix as described previously. However, once the sized material exits the rotatable tube  315  through delivery port  320 , it will be within an annular screen element  215 . The screen element  215  is affixed at each end to the rotatable tube  315 , so that material passing from a region within the annulus of screen element  215  to the outside of the screen element must necessarily pass through the openings provided in the screen element. The screen element is a mesh-like member that may be a metal or polymer wire material, or alternatively a perforated sheet providing openings sized to pass fluid material, but retain much of the fibrous material. It is envisioned that the openings will be uniformly or non-uniformly sized between 0.002 and 0.040 inches. Thus the screen element  215  may serve to further size the biologic mixture material, and may further serve as a sieve, to capture fibrous elements from the disrupted tissue. 
     As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  10   , the biologic mixture is to be introduced to the chamber  103  by passing through the stationary tube  235  where it is sized by the sizing helix  305 , as previously discussed. The chamber rotation may then be reversed to halt the helix rotation, and to cause the material to pass through the screen element  215 . Subsequently, continued rotation of the chamber will separate the biologic mixture by specific gravity, as has been described previously. In the case where the biologic mixture comprises at least fat tissue, blood and optionally saline, water, tumescent solution, upon separation of the biologic mixture by specific gravity, the red blood cells, having the highest specific gravity would accumulate at the outermost layer, while the fat, plasma and water, if any, would accumulate at the innermost layer, having the lowest specific gravity. At least a portion of the outermost fraction, e.g. red blood cells, may be discharged by opening the valving for first port  275 , then closing the first port after an appropriate amount of the first fraction have been ejected, as determined by observing the color interface between the red blood cells and the fraction with the multipotent stem cells. The operator is able to monitor the location of the interface through a transparent sidewall, so as to allow the operator to close the valve as the interface nears the outlet for the red blood cells. Subsequently, at least a portion of the innermost fraction, e.g., plasma and fat, may be ejected by opening the valving for the second port  280 , and closing the second port after the air core has reached the second port. The rotation may then be halted, whereupon the portion of the biologic mixture remaining within the chamber will pool at bottom of the chamber, and can be removed by inserting a cannula into the chamber. This fraction remaining will largely consist of the multipotent stem cells and platelet rich plasma. 
     Another alternative embodiment of a processing unit  100 J constructed in accordance with this invention is shown in  FIG.  11   . The embodiment in  FIG.  11    is similar to that depicted in  FIG.  4   , with the distinction that following elements from  FIG.  4    are absent from  FIG.  11   : wedge  265 , trap  136 , first port  275 . Additionally, the base  118  now extends directly to the inner surface of the sidewall  134 , in a taper, rather than form a wedge element. 
     As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  11   , the biologic mixture is to be introduced to the chamber  103  and sized by passing through the screen element  215 , as described with reference to  FIG.  4   . Upon rotation of the chamber  103 , the material will be urged through screen element  215  by roller element  210 , as described previously. The act of passing through the screen may disrupt the structure of the tissue material, so as to release the multi-potent stem cells from the structure. Continued rotation of the chamber  103  will cause the separation of the biologic mixture by specific gravity, as has been described previously. In the case where the biologic mixture comprises fat and water or tumescent solution, upon separation, the multipotent stem cells having a higher specific gravity than the fat or the water, will accumulate at the outermost layer within the rotating chamber. At least a portion of the innermost fraction may be discharged by opening the valving for the port  280 . It is contemplated that the fat and water components would then be discharged from the chamber  103  through port  280 , until the air core encounters the entrance to port  280 , and halting the discharge. It is contemplated that the fraction of the biologic mixture remaining within the chamber would include the multipotent stem cells, now having been concentrated by removal of fat and water from the biologic mixture. Upon halting the rotation of the chamber, the remaining fraction will pool in the center of the chamber for collection. 
     Another alternative embodiment of a processing unit  100 K constructed in accordance with this invention is shown in  FIG.  12   . The embodiment in  FIG.  12    is similar to that depicted in  FIG.  10   , with the distinction that following elements from  FIG.  10    are absent from  FIG.  12   : wedge  265 , trap  136 , first port  275 . Additionally, the base  118  now extends directly to the inner surface of the sidewall  134 , in a taper, rather than form a wedge element. 
     As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  12   , the biologic mixture is to be introduced to the chamber  103  by passing through the stationary tube  235  where it is sized by the sizing helix  305 , as previously discussed. The chamber rotation may then be reversed to halt the helix rotation, and to cause the material to pass through the screen element  215  as previously described. Subsequently, continued rotation of the chamber will separate the biologic mixture by specific gravity, as has been described previously. In the case where the biologic mixture comprises fat and water or tumescent solution, upon separation, the multipotent stem cells having a higher specific gravity than the fat or the water, will accumulate at the outermost layer within the rotating chamber. At least a portion of the innermost fraction may be discharged by opening the valving for the port  280 . It is contemplated that the fat and water components, having the lowest specific gravities, would then be discharged from the chamber  103  through port  280 , until the air core encounters the entrance to port  280 , and halting the discharge. It is contemplated that the fraction of the biologic mixture remaining within the chamber would include the multipotent stem cells, now having been concentrated by removal of fat and water from the biologic mixture. Upon halting the rotation of the chamber, the remaining fraction will pool in the center of the chamber for collection. 
     Another alternative embodiment of a processing unit  100 L constructed in accordance with this invention is shown in  FIG.  13   . The embodiment in  FIG.  13    is similar to that depicted in  FIG.  12   , with the distinction that the embodiment of  FIG.  13    lacks the annular screen element of  FIG.  12   . As with  FIG.  12   , the base  118  now extends directly to the inner surface of the sidewall  134 , in a taper, rather than form a wedge element. 
     As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  13   , the biologic mixture is to be introduced to the chamber  103  by passing through the stationary tube  235  where it is sized by the sizing helix  305 , as previously discussed. The chamber rotation may then be reversed to halt the helix rotation. Continued rotation of the chamber will separate the biologic mixture by specific gravity, as has been described previously. In the case where the biologic mixture comprises fat and water or tumescent solution, upon separation, the multipotent stem cells, having a higher specific gravity than the fat or the water, will accumulate at the outermost layer within the rotating chamber. At least a portion of the innermost fraction may be discharged by opening the valving for the port  280 . It is contemplated that the fat and water components, having the lowest specific gravities, would then be discharged from the chamber  103  through port  280 , until the air core encounters the entrance to port  280 , and halting the discharge. It is contemplated that the fraction of the biologic mixture remaining within the chamber would include the multipotent stem cells, now having been concentrated by removal of fat and water from the biologic mixture. Upon halting the rotation of the chamber, the remaining fraction will pool in the center of the chamber for collection. 
     It should be pointed out at this juncture that any of the above described exemplary embodiments (or any other embodiments constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention) will produce a concentrated cell fraction that may be usefully combined with (e.g., hydrated into, mixed with, kneaded into, provided as a depot within, or layered onto) a synthetic or natural scaffold or structure which may be implanted into a treatment site of a living being. Such combining of the cell fraction with the scaffold may be accomplished in various manners, for example, by hydrating the scaffold with the cellular fraction, mixing the cell fraction with scaffold material, kneading the scaffold material and cell fraction together, providing the cell fraction as a depot contained within the scaffold material, coating the scaffold with the cell fraction, applying the cell fraction as a layer alongside a scaffold material, sequentially adding the cell fraction to a target site followed by placement of a scaffold material to the target site, or vice versa. Various other procedures for combining a scaffold with a cell fraction may be well known to those skilled in the art and may be suitable for use with the cell fraction created as described herein. 
     Moreover, while the previously described embodiments have focused on the concentration of multi-potent cells, in any of the embodiments, it is recognized that various cells along with, or instead of, the multipotent cells may be concentrated, which may include adipocytes, as well as the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of cells including preadipocytes, fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells and a variety of immune cells (e.g., adipose tissue macrophages, etc.). It is contemplated that by manipulating the location of the outlet ports  275  and  280 , the range of specific gravities to be collected can be controlled, such that all of the sample, or just a select portion of the cellular components in the sample can be isolated through the use of the various embodiments described herein. 
     The above described embodiments may be made available in kit form, including the centrifuge device and accessories needed for operation of the device, including instructions for use and packaging suitable for storage and preserving sterility. In some instances, the kit may provide instructions along with the centrifuge device (either as a single unit, or separable components), and optionally including accessories such as any or all of needles, syringes, cannulas, lidocaine, epinephrine, tumescent solution, liposuction kits and instructions for use. 
     As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the foregoing the apparatus and methods of this invention can be used to provide an injectable concentrate having a larger quantity of multipotent cells that is comparable or better than bone marrow concentrated aspirate of the same volume without requiring the need for a painful iliac crest puncture to harvest cells therefrom. In addition, the subject invention enables one to reduce the time of the procurement process of a usable multipotent cell sample, to a few minutes, so as to allow the use of the equipment in the operatory ad-hoc, if so required. Further still the subject invention eliminates the need for the use of enzymes or chemicals to be added to the sample for processing, yet which would need to be washed from the sample, prior to being injected back into the patient. Thus, the subject invention overcomes the inefficiencies of enzymatic treatments, which typically lead to lower cellular yields. 
     For any of the above described embodiments, it is contemplated to optionally include a heating source, in order to maintain the biologic mixture at a temperature above ambient temperature. This may be useful where the biologic mixture includes adipose tissue, and the increase in temperature, preferably to body temperature (37 C) would serve to reduce the viscosity of the adipose tissue. In this manner, when the tissue is processed, cell viability may be improved as the cells, e.g., multipotent stem cells, would be exposed to lower levels of shear stress during processing. In contrast, where the processing is performed at a lower temperature, the viscosity of the adipose tissue would increase, and potentially harming cell viability due to the increase in shear stress that would occur when processed by any of the embodiments described herein. 
     Thus since the inventive process and inventions disclosed herein may be embodied by additional steps or other specific forms without departing from the spirit of general characteristics thereof, some of which steps and forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.