Bioprocess vessels with integrated pump and methods of using the same

Abstract

A method of pumping fluid out of a bioprocess vessel includes providing a bioprocess vessel defining an interior volume and having a bottom surface containing an aperture or port therein for the passage of fluid and a pump head integrally formed with or bonded to the bottom surface of the bioprocess vessel or secured to the port, wherein the pump head further comprises an inlet and an outlet with the inlet in fluid communication with the interior volume, the pump head further including a plurality of diaphragms, each diaphragm associated with a check-valve, wherein sequential actuation of the plurality of diaphragms pumps fluid from the interior volume of the bioprocess vessel into the inlet and out of the outlet. The plurality of diaphragms are actuated with a motor secured to the pump head. In other embodiments, the pump head is secured to the bioprocess vessel with fasteners.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.