Systems and devices for mixing substances and methods of making same
AssigneePall Life Sciences Belgium BVBA
InventorsSteven Vanhamel, Jean-Pascal Zambaux, Tom Claes
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mixing apparatus including a kinetic energy source, a mixing tank, a pivot guide, and transfer shaft is used to drive a mixing paddle through a circular path within a tank without substantial shaft rotation. Sleeved and sleeveless mixing paddles are provided in combination with sealable mixing tanks. A volumetric compensation system responsive to tank wall deflection is used to maintain the internal volume of a mixing tank within predetermined limits. One mixing apparatus includes multiple mixing shafts and paddles coupled to at least one kinetic energy source. Methods for fabricating sleeved paddle-containing mixing apparatuses are further provided.
Claims20
A volumetric compensation system adapted for use with (i) a hollow mixing tank that includes at least one tank wall bounding an internal volume and comprising a flexible tank wall material imparting pressure-dependent variable internal volume character to the mixing tank, and (ii) a mixing element adapted to move within the internal volume, wherein the volumetric compensation system comprises:
- a contactor element arranged to generate an output signal responsive to position or deflection of the at least one tank wall;
- an actuatable tank inlet arranged to selectively admit fluid to the hollow mixing tank responsive to generation of the output signal, and
- a filter medium in fluid communication with the actuatable tank inlet, wherein the filter medium is adapted to inhibit passage of biological contaminants into the internal volume.
A mixing apparatus comprising:
- a hollow mixing tank having at least one tank wall bounding an internal volume and comprising a flexible tank wall material imparting pressure-dependent variable internal volume character to the mixing tank;
- a mixing element adapted to move within the internal volume;
- and
- a volumetric compensation system adapted to maintain the internal volume of the mixing tank within predetermined limits.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.