Mixing vessel alignment systems, devices, and related methods
AssigneeLevTech, Inc.
InventorsAlexandre TERENTIEV, Sergey TERENTYEV
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Various alignment systems, devices, and related methods are for use in associated with the mixing of fluid in a vessel, such as a flexible bag, using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device.
Claims56
An alignment system for use with a motive device for a fluid-agitating element in a flexible bag and a rigid container including an opening through which a coupling may be formed between the fluid-agitating element and the motive device, comprising:
- a locator projection for associating with the bag adjacent the fluid-agitating element and the opening in the container;
- and
- an interface having a first end for receiving the locator projection and a second end for receiving at least a portion of the motive device,
- whereby the interface assists in aligning the locator projection and hence the adjacent fluid-agitating element with the motive device through the opening.
In a mixing system including a fluid-agitating element rotated by an external motive device in a vessel including a locator projection adjacent the fluid-agitating element, an alignment device comprising:
- an interface having a first end for receiving the locator projection and a second end for receiving at least a portion of the motive device, said second end including a tapered surface for guiding the motive device into alignment with the fluid-agitating element.
In a mixing system in which an external motive device rotates a fluid-agitating element in a flexible bag having a locator projection, a device for supporting and aligning the bag relative to the motive device, comprising:
- a rigid container for receiving the bag, the container including an opening associated with an interface having a tapered surface for guiding the motive device into alignment with the locator projection through the opening.
A support arrangement for a rigid container for receiving a flexible bag including a fluid-agitating element capable of being rotated by a motive device, comprising:
- a stand for receiving and supporting the container, the stand supporting a guide adjacent the opening for guiding the motive device into alignment with the fluid-agitating element through the opening when the bag is positioned in the container.
In a mixing system including a fluid-agitating element rotated in a flexible bag by an external motive device, the bag having a port and being positioned in a rigid container, an alignment device comprising:
- an elongated support structure for spanning between spaced ends of the container, the support structure including an elongated opening for receiving the port;
- and
- means for associating the port with the support structure, whereby the port is supported by the support structure adjacent the rigid container.
In a mixing system including a fluid-agitating element rotated by an external motive device in a flexible bag, a rigid container for supporting the bag, comprising:
- an open-ended upstanding base having a floor and an opening for exposing the fluid-agitating element in the bag to the motive device;
- and
- a temporary extender for removably mating with the open end of the base to increase the capacity of the container,
- wherein the extender may be removed for manually accessing the floor along an interior of the container.
A method of aligning a motive device with a fluid-agitating element in a flexible bag through an opening in a rigid container, comprising:
- associating a first end of an interface with a locator projection carried by the bag;
- and
- associating a second end of the interface with the motive device;
- whereby the interface assists in aligning the locator projection and hence the fluid-agitating element with the motive device through the opening in the rigid container.
A method of aligning a motive device with a fluid-agitating element in a vessel, comprising:
- associating a first end of an interface with the vessel;
- and
- associating a second tapered end of the interface with the motive device;
- whereby the tapered surface assists in aligning the fluid-agitating element with the motive device.
A method for supporting and aligning a motive device with a fluid-agitating element positioned in a flexible bag carrying a locator projection and rotated by an external motive device, comprising:
- positioning the bag in a rigid container including an opening associated with an interface having a tapered surface for guiding the motive device into alignment with the locator projection through the opening.
A method of supporting a rigid container for receiving a flexible bag including a fluid-agitating element capable of being rotated by a motive device, comprising:
- associating the motive device with a guide adjacent an opening in the rigid container in alignment with the fluid-agitating element in the bag;
- and
- forming a magnetic coupling between the motive device and the fluid-agitating element.
A method of suspending a port of a bag in a rigid container, comprising:
- spanning an elongated support structure including an elongated opening for slidably receiving the port between spaced ends of the container, and
- connecting the port with the support structure.
A method of forming a rigid container for supporting a bag including a fluid-agitating element rotated by an external motive device to mix a fluid contained therein, comprising:
- providing a base with an open end and having an opening in a sidewall for exposing the fluid-agitating element in the bag to the motive device;
- mating an extender with the base to increase the capacity of the container;
- and
- removing the extender from the base.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.