Methods and apparatus for processing fluids
AssigneeLife Technologies Corporation
InventorsMichael E. Goodwin, Jacob D. Lee, Whitt F. Woods, Patrick L. Draper
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for processing a fluid includes removably securing a retention member to a vessel that bounds a chamber; inserting a collapsible bag within the chamber of the vessel; securing the bag to the retention member so that the bag is supported within the chamber of the vessel; and dispensing a fluid into a compartment of the collapsible bag supported within the chamber of the vessel. The fluid can be mixed within bag while the bag is disposed within the vessel.
Claims21
A method for processing a fluid, the method comprising:
- dispensing a fluid into a compartment of a collapsible bag, the collapsible bag being positioned within a chamber of a vessel, the vessel comprising:
- an encircling sidewall bounding the chamber and extending between an upper end and an opposing lower end;
- a floor insert disposed within the chamber and dividing the chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, the floor insert being formed separately from the sidewall and comprising a support wall disposed within the chamber and a support floor radially inwardly projecting from the support wall, the collapsible bag being at least partially disposed within the upper compartment and resting on the support floor;
- an opening extending through the support floor so as to provide communication between the upper compartment and the lower compartment;
- and
- an access port extending through the sidewall at the lower end thereof so as to communicate with the lower compartment, a drain line being coupled with the collapsible bag and at least partially disposed within the lower compartment;
- and
- mixing the fluid within the compartment of the collapsible bag.
A fluid processing system comprising:
- a vessel comprising:
- an encircling sidewall bounding a chamber and extending between an upper end and an opposing lower end;
- a support floor disposed within the chamber and dividing the chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment;
- an opening extending through the support floor so as to provide communication between the upper compartment and the lower compartment;
- and
- an access port extending through the sidewall at the lower end thereof so as to communicate with the lower compartment;
- and
- a collapsible bag being at least partially disposed within the upper compartment and resting on the support floor;
- a retention member removably secured to the vessel, the collapsible bag being secured to the retention member;
- and
- an impeller disposed within the collapsible bag.
A fluid processing system comprising:
- a vessel comprising:
- an encircling sidewall bounding a chamber and extending between an upper end and an opposing lower end;
- a floor insert disposed within the chamber and dividing the chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, the floor insert being formed separately from the sidewall and comprising a support wall disposed within the chamber and a support floor radially inwardly projecting from the support wall;
- an opening extending through the support floor so as to provide communication between the upper compartment and the lower compartment;
- and
- an access port extending through the sidewall at the lower end thereof so as to communicate with the lower compartment;
- and
- a collapsible bag being at least partially disposed within the upper compartment and resting on the support floor;
- and
- an impeller disposed within the collapsible bag.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.