Abstract

A selectively closeable drain connector includes a hollow body or plunger moveable relative to a bore- defining drain flange. A locking element may be arranged to maintain the hollow body relative to the drain flange in one or more desired positions. At least one sealed jacket may extend between exterior portions of the drain flange and the hollow body to provide a barrier arranged to inhibit passage of contaminants to sealing surfaces along which the hollow body travels relative to the drain flange. The drain connector may be joined to a container, such as a tank, bag, vessel, or other receptacle for material storage and/or processing.

IPC Classes  ?

• B67D 7/06 - Details or accessories
• F16K 31/00 - Operating meansReleasing devices
• B65D 33/36 - Means for discharging contents

Abstract

An apparatus for processing fluid includes a vessel provided with a sidewall including a passage and at least partially defining an interior compartment. A drain tube positioned in the interior compartment may drain fluid through the passage in the sidewall. The drain tube may be angled, and arranged such that the end in the interior compartment may be adapted for movement as the result of manipulation of a structure, such as a coupler, external to the interior compartment. Accordingly, the drain tube may be positioned along the sidewall at a reference point for movement between a first position for draining fluid above the reference point and a second position for draining fluid below the reference point. An indexing feature may also be provided for incrementally adjusting the position of the drain tube, along with an associated tool to facilitate the adjustment. Related methods are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01F 13/00 - Other mixers; Mixing plant, including combinations of dissimilar mixers
• B01F 15/00 - Accessories for mixers
• B01F 3/08 - Mixing, e.g. dispersing, emulsifying, according to the phases to be mixed liquids with liquids; Emulsifying
• B65D 90/00 - Component parts, details or accessories for large containers

Abstract

A system providing a sterile connection between a sensor probe and a fluid processing apparatus (e.g., a bioreactor) includes a first probe receiving element mountable to the fluid processing apparatus and a second probe receiving element having a gas-permeable contaminant barrier material and coupleable to the first probe receiving element. A sensor probe may be mounted to the second probe receiving element, with the combination being sterilized with a sterilant gas such as steam. Following such sterilization, connection between the first and second probe receiving elements is made through matable sterile couplings, and the probe is insertable through the coupled receiving elements to a position in fluid contact with the interior of the fluid processing apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61L 2/00 - Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lensesAccessories therefor
• A61L 2/18 - Liquid substances
• A61L 9/00 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
• A61L 2/08 - Radiation
• B01J 19/00 - Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in generalTheir relevant apparatus