Bag cartridge for filling / completion system

Abstract

An apparatus for containing a fluid-containing consumable, the consumable having a flexible tube fluidly connected thereto, the apparatus comprising: a housing for the consumable; and means for deploying the flexible tube of the consumable contained in the housing wherein the deployment means is configured to facilitate movement of the flexible tube between a storage configuration and a deployed configuration such that, when in the deployed configuration, an end of the tube extends outside the housing such that the end can be engaged by the robotic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to automated biological processing systems, such as biological processing systems for cell therapy. More specifically, this disclosure relates to bag cartridges suitable for filling / finishing systems in biological processing systems (preferably automated systems). Background Technology

[0002] Biological treatment plays a vital role in many industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, biofuels, and other major sectors. Unsurprisingly, as the biological treatment industry continues to evolve, biological treatment technologies, including biological treatment systems, are becoming increasingly relied upon.

[0003] For example, bioprocessing is used in autologous cell therapy. Autologous cell therapy is a promising therapy with significant clinical and commercial potential, ranging from treating cancer to repairing genetic defects. These therapies involve extracting cells from a patient, manipulating the cells over days to weeks, and reintroducing the cells into the patient to produce a therapeutic effect. The steps involved in autologous cell therapy are often complex; for example, a typical CAR-T procedure may involve a series of steps: starting with cryopreserved leukocyte apheresis, thawing, washing to remove DMSO, enriching T cells, activation, transduction, expansion, concentration, formulation filling / finishing into IV bags, cryopreservation, and several other intermediate washing steps.

[0004] Due to the complexity of biological processes, it is desirable to automate the process while maintaining a closed system that eliminates the need to perform these steps in such high-standard cleanrooms. A closed system is one in which the process is not exposed to the surrounding environment, preventing the entry of contaminants from the environment or cross-contamination from other concurrent processes. Systems exist that provide automated solutions (e.g., the biological processing system disclosed in WO2023 / 281257) in which consumables can be fluidly connected to individual processing stations in the system via tubing (or pipes) in fluid connection with the consumables.

[0005] The term "consumables" can be used to describe any container containing samples such as liquids, like IV bags. Fluids can contain one or more of the following: cell samples, reagents, cryoprotectants, or any other variety of fluids. However, these consumables are complex to manufacture and install, therefore relatively expensive, and can be unreliable. Each consumable needs to be individually customized for the process being performed, making the system inflexible to modification and costly to adapt to new processes. In fact, the challenge in automating such systems lies in providing a system that is easily modifiable and also provides reliable connections between consumables and other fluid containers while maintaining a sterile, closed system.

[0006] Tube welding can be used to form fluid connections between tubes that are fluidly connected to a corresponding container (i.e., "consumable"). Aseptic tube welding allows for sterile fluid connections between two tubes sealed at both ends without exposing the contents of either tube to the environment, and is the only widely accepted means of creating connections reusably within a single system. Tube welding requires precise manipulation to correctly insert the tube into the welding machine; furthermore, it typically requires removing the ends of each section of the tube to be joined, which progressively shortens the length of the tube fluidly connected to the consumable (bag) when multiple fluid connections and disconnections are required.

[0007] Further challenges arise in automated systems because the tubing (or tube) that is fluidly connected to consumables (such as bags) is typically flexible and therefore can move freely when unsecured or unsupported. This makes it difficult for robotic devices, such as in automated biological processing systems, to position the tubing and its free end for insertion into the welding machine. Furthermore, the repeated joining and disconnection of the tubing during welding gradually shortens its length, making it desirable for such consumables to have a length that is redundant (“long”) with the attached tubing.

[0008] However, excess tubing in the system increases the risk of entanglement and / or interference with other components. Due to this significant complexity and the stringent reliability requirements when applied to bioprocessing systems, the development of bioprocessing systems utilizing automated tubing welding may be hampered. Furthermore, for applications such as autologous cell therapy, incorporating the use of consumable bags into automated bioprocessing systems can be particularly difficult due to the soft, flexible nature of the bags and their varying stiffness (stiffness varies depending on the volume of fluid contained within the bag). These characteristics may make it challenging for automated systems to maintain and accurately position the consumable bag or its fluid-connecting tubing during processing.

[0009] An example of the challenges faced in automating biological processing methods is the final "fill / finish" stage, where cell products are mixed with cryoprotectants and supplied to a large number of "output consumables" before cryopreservation storage and transport. Once the cell products are mixed with the cryoprotectants, the output consumables must be cryopreserved for a very short time (approximately one hour) before the cryoprotectants damage the cells. To maintain a closed system, existing systems typically pre-connect the output consumables to the mixing chamber, at least in part due to the aforementioned difficulties in handling and connecting the tubing. However, this can limit the number of output consumables to around ten, potentially leading to space inefficiency and inflexibility in scaling or modifying the process.

[0010] The “bag cartridge” disclosed herein can be considered as a “cartridge” with a housing configured to contain / enclose consumables in the form of fluid-containing “bags”, wherein each bag may have a flexible tube in fluid connection with the consumables through which fluid can be removed from the bag, and each bag may preferably have an extra section of tube to facilitate multiple fluid connection and disconnection.

[0011] For the reasons mentioned above, there is a need for a pouch cartridge that improves one or more of the aforementioned problems that may be encountered when incorporating consumables contained in the pouch into an automated system, including handling its flexible tube, which can reliably and efficiently facilitate the handling and processing of consumables and their contents while maintaining a closed environment. Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to a first aspect disclosed herein, an apparatus is provided for containing a fluid-containing consumable having a flexible tube in fluid connection thereto. The apparatus includes: a housing for the consumable; and means for deploying the flexible tube of the consumable contained in the housing, wherein the deployment means is configured to facilitate movement of the flexible tube between a storage configuration and a deployment configuration (e.g., such that when in the deployment configuration, the end of the tube can be engaged by a robotic device).

[0013] During the welding process, multiple sections of the flexible tube are lost as part of the process, resulting in an overall reduction in the tube's length. Therefore, it is advantageous to use excess flexible tube when the tube undergoes multiple welding processes. However, when operating the system as a whole, excess tube can cause interference and obstruction. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a device for deploying the flexible tube relative to the housing between a storage configuration and a deployment configuration to avoid interference with other components in the system when the tube is not needed.

[0014] Storage configurations can refer to the flexible tube being stored in a housing or in separate compartments (preferably in a compact manner). In a storage configuration, the flexible tube can be wound into one or more loops to prevent tangling or damage to the tube. The loops can be wound on one or more rollers.

[0015] The term "deployment configuration" can refer to a tube released from its storage configuration. In some examples, movement between the storage configuration and the deployment configuration involves uncoiling, unwinding, unfolding, or unrolling the tube so that its ends can be engaged by a robotic device. For example, the tube can be compressed within a housing for compact storage, such as by coiling or folding within the housing (e.g., in a zig-zag or concertina arrangement). Preferably, the ends (e.g., through openings) extend outside the housing to facilitate access by the robotic device. It should be understood that the ends of the tube can extend outside the housing in both the storage and deployment configurations, provided that the tube extends further outside the housing in the deployment configuration. The ends of the tube can be engaged by the robotic device in the storage configuration and pulled out of the device to move them to the deployment configuration, for example, for further engagement and manipulation (e.g., through a tube welding device).

[0016] Preferably, the unfolding device facilitates unspooling of the tube from the device. The unfolding device can facilitate movement of the tube along its axis. This movement can be sliding or translational. The unfolding device can control the unfolded tube length, for example, it can be operated to unfold multiple tubes of different lengths from the device. The unfolding device may include an opening through which the tube can slide when moving from a storage configuration to an unfolding configuration. The tube can unfold from the opening in a linear direction. The housing may include an opening through which the tube extends, and the unfolding device can facilitate continuous removal of the tube from the opening. For example, a robotic device can engage the end of the tube and pull out the desired length from the device (e.g., thereby enabling external connection to the end of the tube).

[0017] Preferably, the unfolding device is configured to facilitate repeatable movement of the tube between a storage configuration and an unfolding configuration. However, the unfolding device may be configured to facilitate only a single movement of the tube to the unfolding configuration (e.g., in a process where it is simply necessary to completely empty the consumable to another location), and (optionally) the unfolded tube is then sealed by a robotic device before the empty consumable is moved to the waste stream.

[0018] In some examples, the deployment device may include a gripping member configured to engage with the tube and inhibit movement of the tube.

[0019] In this way, the gripping member prevents unwanted movement of the tube, thereby reducing the risk of tube tangling or clogging other parts of the system. This improves the device's control over the tube's position, which is advantageous in automated systems involving tubes. Preferably, the gripping member inhibits tube movement when the tube is not engaged by the robotic device.

[0020] In some examples, the gripping member may include a friction gripper. This prevents the flexible tube from unintentionally unfolding, for example, under gravity. Furthermore, it prevents accidental movement of the flexible tube while it is held in place. Friction grippers, or passive grippers, provide a mechanism for securing a flexible tube in place without active force or energy. In some examples, the friction gripper secures the flexible tube in place through friction generated between the gripper and the flexible tube. In some examples, the friction gripper includes a friction-enhanced inner surface.

[0021] In some examples, the friction gripper may include a tube clamp, in which the tube may be detachably received.

[0022] In this way, the flexible tube is securely held in place to prevent unwanted movement. Advantageously, the tube is detachably received by the tube clamp, allowing it to be removed for specific processes (such as welding) and returned to the tube clamp after the process is complete.

[0023] In some examples, the deployment device may include a retractable spool element (e.g., arranged in or on a housing) configured to engage with a tube, preferably wherein the device (e.g., a frame, housing, or tube compartment) also includes an elongated slot in which the spool element is movably mounted.

[0024] In this way, the retractable reel element helps control and manage the unfolding of the flexible tube. For example, once the end of the tube is engaged by the robotic device, the excess tube is pulled out of the device, and the retractable reel element pulls the tube back into the device when the robotic device releases. By limiting the path that the reel element can move within the elongated slot, the slot guides the movement of the reel element, thereby providing further controlled unfolding of the flexible tube.

[0025] However, it should be understood that the unfolding device does not necessarily include a retractable reel element. For example, the unfolding device may simply include a tube compartment (in which excess tube is stored) and a gripping member. In this configuration, the robotic device can engage one end of the tube and pull the tube out of the device (overcoming the holding force of the gripping member) to unfold the tube to the desired length from the device. This configuration is advantageous when it is not necessary to automatically retract the tube into the device (i.e., the tube only needs to unfold in one direction).

[0026] In some examples, the reel element can be configured to engage with a robotic device and move relative to the housing via the robotic device.

[0027] In some examples, the term "movement" can refer to the linear movement of the reel element, such that the direction of the linear movement determines whether the tube retracts or unfolds. The linear movement of the reel element can be guided by an elongated slot movably mounted thereon. In some examples, the term "movement" can refer to the rotational movement of the reel element, such that the rotational movement causes the flexible tube to unfold or retract according to the direction of rotation. In some examples, the reel element exhibits both rotational and linear movement.

[0028] In some examples, the reel element may include a groove configured to guide the movement of the tube.

[0029] In this way, the flexible tube can maintain contact with the reel element while reducing the risk of the flexible tube detaching from the element. Preferably, the reel element is a roller with grooves along its circumference, and more preferably, the reel element is a geared roller with teeth along its circumference. In this way, the flexible tube can engage with the teeth of the geared roller to help guide and position the flexible tube.

[0030] In some examples, the deployment device may include a resilient biasing device configured to engage with the tube and bias the tube toward a storage configuration. A resilient biasing device is an element configured to provide a biasing force.

[0031] In some examples, the resilient biasing device includes a spring element having a first end and a second end fixedly mounted relative to the consumable (relative to the housing), the second end including a tube guide configured to engage with a tube.

[0032] The tube guide can be provided by a reel element. Specifically, the resilient biasing device may include a spring element, the first end of which is fixedly mounted relative to the position of the consumable (e.g., mounted to the housing). This arrangement allows for the application of a consistent force to the tube during deployment, making the process predictable, which is advantageous in automated systems.

[0033] In some examples, the unfolding device includes at least one drivable roller, such as a roller that can be rotatably driven by an electric motor.

[0034] Preferably, at least a portion of the flexible tube is wound around at least one drivable roller such that when the drivable roller rotates in a first direction, it applies tension to the flexible tube, causing the flexible tube to unwind and unfold. Furthermore, when the drivable roller rotates in a second direction, it can be configured to retract the tube into the cartridge.

[0035] The housing may include a frame (e.g., on its outer surface) having one or more engagement parts and / or alignment parts. As used herein, the term “alignment feature” may be used to refer to “alignment part” and vice versa.

[0036] The frame may include: a front panel including at least one engaging member; a top panel extending from the upper end of the front panel (e.g., perpendicular to the front panel), the top panel including a retainer for suspending consumables; and a bottom panel extending from the lower end of the front panel (e.g., perpendicular to the front panel and parallel to the top panel), the bottom panel being configured to support a tube compartment on its upper surface. The bottom panel may include at least one alignment member on its lower surface.

[0037] The device may also include at least two side panels extending from the front panel (e.g., on the left and right sides, such that the side panels extend in the same direction as the top and bottom panels), the side panels being arranged to support the consumable when it is suspended from the top panel. The side panels may be connected to the front panel at approximately halfway down (to provide a generally E-shaped frame). Preferably, the side panels only partially cover the consumable, thereby enabling identification of the consumable without obstruction by the side panels (e.g., using identification markers such as barcodes or QR codes). Therefore, the sides of the frame are essentially open. Preferably, the frame does not have a back panel.

[0038] Engagement components may include handles for manipulation by a human operator. Engagement components may include pick-up components for manipulation by a robotic device. Alignment components may include guides and / or grooves that allow the device to be inserted into or placed on a separate device having a corresponding alignment component. In this way, the device is securely held in a consistent position, thereby facilitating consistent engagement with the robotic device (e.g., via one or more engagement components).

[0039] The frame may include an opening through which the end of the tube extends, preferably wherein the engaging and / or aligning components are located at a predetermined distance from the opening. The opening is preferably located on the front panel of the frame, more preferably at the lower end of the front panel.

[0040] Advantageously, this means that when the device is installed in another unit, the end of the tube can always be engaged in a fixed position relative to the frame and relative to the device. In contrast, if the end of the tube needs to be engaged at different locations on the frame (e.g., at a height depending on the size of the consumable), then the automatic engagement of the end with the robotic device can be more difficult.

[0041] More preferably, at least one alignment member is disposed on the base of the frame, and the opening is adjacent to the base (e.g., at the bottom end of the front panel). This means that a larger frame size can be used to accommodate larger consumables while still having an opening at a predetermined position relative to the base.

[0042] The device may also include a tube compartment configured to hold a section of tube in a storage configuration.

[0043] The tube compartment can be detached from the frame (e.g., releasably attached), allowing consumables and tubing to be removed from the frame (e.g., together with the tube compartment). In this case, the device can be referred to as an assembly (i.e., formed by a combination of the frame and the tube compartment).

[0044] Advantageously, the tube compartment, along with the consumables and tubes, can be a disposable / replaceable component, and the frame can be a reusable component. Because both can be easily separated and assembled, different consumables can be interchangeably attached to a common frame, allowing different biological treatment operations to be performed on the robotic device without regard to the different shapes and sizes of the consumables. Furthermore, the frame can be manufactured to facilitate cleaning (e.g., a smooth surface easily accessible to the cleaning equipment). Preferably, the frame is made of metal.

[0045] The frame can be referred to as the first (reusable) part of the device. The tubing compartment (optionally along with consumables and tubing) can be referred to as the second (disposable) part of the device. It should be understood that consumables and tubing can still be removed from the tubing compartment; however, these components can be pre-assembled and sold as individual units for easy installation into the frame by the user.

[0046] The device for deploying the flexible tube can be provided by the tube compartment. Alternatively or additionally, the deployment device can be (at least partially) mounted on the frame.

[0047] This document also discloses a system comprising a plurality of devices as described above and herein, wherein each device includes: one or more alignment members to facilitate installation on the device; and an opening through which a corresponding end of a tube extends; wherein the opening and the alignment members are arranged such that the opening is in the same position relative to the device for each of the plurality of devices.

[0048] This document also discloses a kit comprising: a reusable frame having one or more engagement and / or alignment components on its outer surface; and a plurality of tube compartments having a common connection component to allow any one of the tube compartments to be mounted in the frame, each tube compartment being configured to retain a tube connected to a corresponding consumable. Preferably, each consumable has a different size and / or volume. The dimensions of the frame are determined such that any consumable and its corresponding tube compartment can be held within the frame (i.e., even if they are different in size from each other).

[0049] This document also discloses a device for containing a fluid-containing consumable having a flexible tube in fluid communication therewith. The device includes a housing having a first compartment (e.g., a consumable compartment) for containing the consumable and a second compartment (e.g., a tube compartment) configured to hold the flexible tube. The second compartment includes an opening from which a free end of the flexible tube is configured to extend, and wherein, during movement of the free end of the tube away from the opening, the second compartment is arranged to support a middle (e.g., excess) length of the flexible tube at multiple (e.g., consecutive) locations. In this way, the flexible tube can be unwound from the spool from the second compartment while remaining supported to avoid tangling. The second compartment restricts the movement of the flexible tube to a substantially two-dimensional plane; this prevents the tube from tangling with itself and ensures that the tube moves to a predictable position when the free end of the tube is pulled out of the opening. Alternatively, the flexible tube can be extended, unfolded, or unwound from the second compartment.

[0050] According to a second aspect disclosed herein, an apparatus is provided for containing a fluid-containing consumable having a flexible tube in fluid connection thereto, the apparatus comprising: a housing for the consumable; and means for detecting the presence of fluid, wherein the detection means is configured to detect the presence of fluid in the housing, thereby indicating that the consumable housing is leaking.

[0051] Because consumables are housed in a casing, it can be difficult to detect leaks in the consumables. Therefore, by providing a device for detecting the presence of fluid, leaks in consumables can be detected and indicated at an early stage, thereby preventing equipment damage, contamination, and / or product loss.

[0052] In some examples, the housing may include a base arranged to collect fluid leaking from the consumable.

[0053] In some examples, the housing can be configured such that the consumable is positioned above the base.

[0054] Leaked fluid will typically flow to the base of the casing due to gravity, so it is advantageous to arrange the base to collect the fluid.

[0055] In some examples, the base may be configured to have a fluid collection reservoir, preferably arranged below the remaining base.

[0056] Fluids typically flow to the lowest point of the casing due to gravity, so it is advantageous to place the fluid collection reservoir below the base.

[0057] In some examples, the detection device may include one or more sensors configured to monitor humidity within the housing.

[0058] Leaks increase humidity inside the casing; therefore, by monitoring the moisture content inside the casing, the presence of fluid can be detected, and leaks can be identified.

[0059] In some examples, the housing may include an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air path extending between the air inlet and the air outlet, the air path being arranged to pass under the consumable; and the detection device includes one or more sensors configured to monitor the pressure of air leaving the housing via the air outlet.

[0060] When a leak occurs in the consumable, fluid will flow into the air path arranged to pass under the consumable, thereby reducing the size (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the air path. Therefore, by monitoring the pressure in the air leaving the housing, changes in pressure (e.g., an increase or decrease in pressure) can indicate the presence of a leak in the consumable.

[0061] According to a third aspect disclosed herein, a device is provided for containing a fluid-containing consumable having a flexible tube in fluid connection thereto. The device includes: a housing for the consumable having an outer frame including an upper member and two side members extending downward at opposite ends of the upper member; and an elastic biasing device disposed on one of the side members, wherein, when the biasing device moves to contact a surface, the biasing device is biased against the surface, thereby causing the housing to move away from the surface.

[0062] The movable contact surface of the biasing device can be the surface of the container (or "slot") of the housing, such as the container of a treatment station in a biological treatment system. Side members can extend from the front and rear sides of the upper member.

[0063] This prevents (or can compensate for) excessive travel of the device beyond the intended position where the alignment features can engage. This allows for controlled and precise positioning of the device, which is advantageous in automated systems, particularly where the device needs to be in a precise or near-precise position to interact with robotic equipment. By providing the aforementioned device, accuracy in the depth direction is improved, thereby addressing this challenge and enhancing overall positioning accuracy.

[0064] Preferably, the biasing device includes an elastically deformable element, for example, the elastically deformable element may include a spring element.

[0065] Preferably, the element includes an elongated finger attached to the side member at a first end, the finger having a second free end spaced apart from the side member, the second free end enabling the finger to elastically deform.

[0066] The upper member may include at least one alignment feature configured to automatically position the housing by engaging with a corresponding alignment feature located within the device container, thereby automatically positioning the housing in a predetermined position. The upper member may include a flange portion extending at least partially outward from the upper member, wherein the alignment feature is disposed on the flange portion. The flange portion may extend outward to the contact side of the container, thus providing "width guidance" for the device. The alignment feature on the upper member may include a beveled recess configured to be received in an orifice to inhibit further movement of the housing; preferably, the beveled recess is substantially "V"-shaped. This is, of course, only one example of a protrusion (or "projection") that may be received in a corresponding orifice to perform the desired function of the alignment feature.

[0067] According to a fourth aspect disclosed herein, an apparatus is provided for containing a fluid-containing consumable having a flexible tube in fluid connection thereto. The apparatus includes: a housing for the consumable; and at least one pickup feature disposed on an outer surface of the housing for engagement by a robotic device, wherein the pickup feature is configured to ensure engagement of the housing by the robotic device in a desired orientation, such that the housing will be in the desired configuration during repeated engagement of the housing by the robotic device.

[0068] In some examples, the pickup feature is located on one side of the housing. In some examples, the pickup feature includes a substantially flat pickup element having an inverted (generally) triangular portion that is arranged to engage with engagement elements on the robotic device, such as at least three engagement elements on the robotic device arranged in an inverted triangular configuration.

[0069] The pickup element may include at least three surfaces that facilitate engagement at three locations, and can therefore be described as a "three-point pickup". The pickup element may include opposing sides that are substantially parallel to the lower surface of the pickup element. In some examples, the sides of the pickup feature taper outwards into a basic triangular shape at the second and third points.

[0070] This provides easy access when the pickup feature is slid into one of the three engagement elements on, for example, a robotic device.

[0071] The three-point pick-up provides balance and stability when aligning the device (or housing) with the robotic assembly. This ensures that the parts are precisely aligned.

[0072] In some examples, notches, grooves, or slots (or similar features) extend inward from the lower surface of the pickup feature to engage corresponding engagement elements (e.g., protrusions) on the robotic device.

[0073] This further provides balance and stability when aligning the equipment with the robotic system. This ensures that the components are precisely aligned.

[0074] As described herein, a device for containing fluid-containing consumables (typically having a flexible tube in fluid connection thereto) may also be referred to as a “bag cartridge” (i.e., having consumables, hence the term “bag”). As used herein, the term “casing” can mean an outer shell containing the consumables, or simply a frame formed around (at least partially) the consumables (e.g., a hanger that can support or suspend the consumables, or otherwise attach the consumables thereto).

[0075] Those skilled in the art will understand that any apparatus feature described herein can be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. They will also understand that specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect herein can be independently implemented and / or provided and / or used.

[0076] Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention is described herein by way of example only, and modifications to the details are possible within the scope of the invention. Additionally, the "device plus function" feature as used herein can be expressed alternatively according to its corresponding structure. Attached Figure Description

[0077] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0078] Figure 1a A first embodiment of the bag-type cartridge according to the first aspect is schematically shown. Figure 1b An exploded view of the bag-shaped cartridge is shown schematically.

[0079] Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c A second embodiment of the bag-type cartridge according to the first aspect is schematically shown;

[0080] Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c A pouch-shaped cartridge is schematically shown according to the second aspect;

[0081] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a bag-shaped cartridge according to the third aspect is shown;

[0082] Figure 5a and Figure 5b A schematic diagram of a bag-shaped cartridge according to the fourth aspect is shown;

[0083] Figures 6a to 6d Another example of a bag-type cartridge is shown;

[0084] Figure 7 This demonstrates how to use the alignment component to mount a pouch cartridge onto an external device; and

[0085] Figures 8a to 8c Another example of a bag-type cartridge is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0086] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A device 100 for containing fluid-containing consumables is shown according to a first aspect. The device 100 is configured to hold the consumable (not shown) in the form of a fluid-containing bag having at least one flexible tube in fluid connection thereto. The device 100 includes a housing 120 configured to hold the consumable.

[0087] The housing 120 shown includes a first portion 120a and a second portion 120b configured to engage together, and once engaged, defines an inner cavity 122 shaped to accommodate consumables therein. Additionally, the housing 120 may include means for supporting or attaching consumables (e.g., hooks or clamps (not shown) located at the upper end of the housing 120).

[0088] Considering that the end of the flexible tube 155 is removed during each tube welding process, it is advantageous to store the excess tube 155 in or near the housing 120, thereby allowing for repeated welding processes on the tube 155. Thus, it is useful for the housing 120 to provide tube compartments 125 configured for storing the excess tube 155. The excess tube 155 is accommodated or stored in a compact manner, for example, when stored in the tube compartments 125 of the housing 120, the excess tube 155 can be wound into one or more loops.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will understand that the tube compartment 125 can simply be part of the housing 120, with the excess tube 155 housed within this portion. Therefore, the housing 120 may also include orifices, slots, or recesses to allow the end of the flexible tube 155a to extend beyond the housing for engagement with the robotic device. As described later, the orifice, slot, or recess may be provided with a gripping member 163. The free end 155a of the flexible tube 155 outside the housing 120 can have any suitable length; for example, the free end 155a may comprise a one-inch flexible tube 155. It is advantageous to have a relatively short free end 155a to prevent interference with the operation of the rest of the biological processing system.

[0090] The device 100 also includes means for deploying a flexible tube 155 contained in the housing 120. Since the tube 155 may be susceptible to undesirable movement (e.g., undesirable deployment under gravity), the deployment means also includes a gripping member 163. The gripping member 163 is configured to engage the tube 155 and inhibit movement of the tube 155, thereby minimizing undesirable movement or deployment of the flexible tube 155. The gripping member 163 may be located on, within, or near the end of the housing 120. In this example, the gripping member 163 is arranged to secure the free end 155a of the flexible tube 155. In some examples, the gripping member 163 may be a passive gripper (e.g., a friction gripper). The gripping member 163 is configured to provide a firm hold on the flexible tube 155 by, for example, applying pressure to the flexible tube 155. In other examples, the deployment means may include a driveable roller (e.g., a roller capable of being rotatably driven by an electric motor). In this way, by rotating the roller, the tube can be extended from or retracted into the equipment depending on the direction of rotation.

[0091] Figure 1a The illustrated device 100 shows a deployment mechanism including a retractable roller element 161 arranged on a housing 120. Specifically, the roller element 161 is a roller with grooves 161-1 along its circumference to guide the movement of the tube 155. The housing 120 also includes an elongated slot 162 in which the roller element 161 is movably mounted. In this example, the slot 162 is disposed on a first portion 120a of the housing 120. Thus, the elongated slot 162 guides the movement of the roller element 161 by restricting the path in which it can move. Specifically, Figure 1a and Figure 1b The elongated slot 162 shown is configured to facilitate linear movement of the reel element 161. The slot 162 has a first end 162a near the gripping member 163 and a second end 162b away from the gripping member 162. The reel element 161 may have a first portion 161a including a groove 161-1 and a second portion 161b attached to the first portion 161a via the slot 162; this keeps the reel element 161 attached to the slot 162 while still allowing movement of the reel element 161 through the slot 162.

[0092] In this example, tube 155 is arranged in housing 120 to form two rings. A first ring 155-1 is contained within tube compartment 125 of housing 120 and is optionally formed around a pulley (not shown) to guide this portion of the "excess" tube 155. A second ring 155-2 passes through reel element 161, with the free end 155a of tube 155 located after the second ring 155-2. The rings can be configured such that when tension (via a robotic device) is applied to the free end 155a portion of tube 155, the rings unfold or unwind to unfold the free end 155a from device 100.

[0093] When the tube 155 is under tension, the reel element 161 moves from the second end 162b of the slot 162 toward the first end 162a of the slot 162, as this movement shortens the amount of tube in the second ring 155-2. This allows the tube 155 to unfold from the device 100 (“unfolded configuration”). In this example, when the tube 155 is under tension, the reel element 161 moves downward relative to the housing 120 within the slot 162. As described above, the slot 162 facilitates linear movement of the reel element 161.

[0094] To retract the tube 155, the winding element 161 can be moved by a robotic device (not shown) and thus can be configured for engagement by the robotic device. The robotic device can thus move the winding element 161 upward relative to the housing 120 (i.e., move the winding element 161 toward the second end 162b of the slot 162); this pulls the tube 155 back into the second ring 155-2, thereby retracting the tube 155 into the device 100 (“storage configuration”). The robotic device can be controlled to ensure that when the winding element 161 is retracted, the free end 155a of the tube 155 remains outside the housing 120, for example, allowing for subsequent engagement of the tube 155.

[0095] In other examples, the reel element 161 may also include a resilient biasing device 164 configured to engage with the reel element 161 and bias the tube 155 toward a storage configuration. Thus, when the robotic device can apply tension to the free end of the tube 155a, it causes downward movement of the reel element 161. When the robotic device releases the free end 155a of the tube 155, so that no tension is applied to the tube 155, the resilient biasing device 164 will move upward relative to the housing 120, returning the tube 155 to its storage position, wherein the length of the free end 155a is reduced. When the slot 162 is present, the resilient biasing device 164 biases the reel element 161 toward a second end 162b of the slot 162. Preferably, when the friction gripper 163 is used to grip the member 163, the pulling force provided by the elastic biasing device 164 needs to overcome the friction of the gripper 163 during the unfolding process. If the restoring force no longer overcomes the friction of the gripper 163, the retraction will stop.

[0096] Examples of flexible biasing devices 164 include Figures 2a to 2c As shown, the resilient biasing device 164 includes a spring element 164 having a first end 164a fixedly mounted to the housing 120 and a second end 164b attached to the reel element 161. The reel element 161 preferably corresponds to the aforementioned reel element 161 and may therefore include a roller or pulley to allow smooth movement of the tube 155 (e.g., within the groove 161-1 of the reel element 161).

[0097] Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c The flexible tube 155 is shown in the storage configuration ( Figure 2a Move to expanded configuration () Figure 2b ) and return to the storage configuration ( Figure 2c Deployment will then be carried out.

[0098] from Figure 2a Move to Figure 2b The free end 155a of tube 155 is engaged by robotic device 5. Robotic device 5 may or may not remove the free end 155a from gripping member 163. This action depends on the specific gripping member 163 used in the system; for example, it is advantageous not to remove tube 155 from friction gripper 163. Friction gripper 163 then applies a tensile force (preferably linear) to the free end 155a of tube 155. During this process, elastic biasing device 164 is stretched, thereby storing potential energy. Tube 155 is now in an deployed configuration, enabling robotic device 5 to manipulate the free end 155a of tube 155, for example, by welding tube 155 to another flexible tube elsewhere in the biological treatment system.

[0099] In order to Figure 2b and Figure 2c As the robot moves between the grippers, it can release the tube 155, allowing the potential energy stored during stretching to provide a restoring force. This is particularly advantageous in examples using a friction gripper 163, as the restoring force will overcome the friction provided by the gripper 163 until a threshold is reached where the tube 155 will no longer retract, thus providing a free end 155a outside the gripper 163. In other examples, if the tube 155 is removed during unfolding, the robot can place the tube 155 back into the gripper 163.

[0100] In another embodiment of the invention, the device 100 for containing a fluid-containing consumable 150 includes a housing 120 for the consumable 150 (as described above) and also includes means for detecting the presence of fluid leaking from the consumable 150.

[0101] exist Figure 3a In this device, the means for detecting the presence of fluid is at least one air inlet 171 and an air outlet 173, wherein an air path 172 extends between the air inlet 171 and the air outlet 173. Air can be supplied to the air inlet 171 to facilitate airflow through the path 172 and toward the outlet 173. As shown, the air path 172 is configured to pass under the consumable 150. Thus, if fluid 151 leaks from the consumable 150, the fluid 151 will be collected in a container such as... Figure 3b In the path 172 shown, the collected fluid 151 reduces the size (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the air path 172 passing beneath the consumable 150, which restricts the flow of air through it. Therefore, by monitoring the pressure of the air leaving the housing 120 via the air outlet 173, changes in air pressure can be detected, thereby indicating or identifying a leak in the consumable 150. For example, a pressure drop between the inlet 171 and the outlet 173 can indicate that the air path 172 is substantially blocked by the fluid 151, thus indicating a leak.

[0102] One or more pressure sensors are used to monitor air pressure. Specifically, when device 100 is arranged within an external device (e.g., within a slot of a biological treatment unit), a pressure sensor can be arranged at each of the air inlet 171 and air outlet 173. The air pressure difference can be calculated using a processor configured to receive input data from each sensor. Alternatively or additionally, a humidity sensor configured to monitor humidity within the housing may be included. The humidity sensor can measure the humidity difference between the air entering inlet 171 and the air leaving outlet 173; an increase in humidity can be observed where fluid has accumulated in the air path 172, thus indicating a leak.

[0103] Air inlet 171 can also be used to control the temperature of consumable 150 within housing 120. Since air path 172 extends adjacent to consumable 150, heat can be efficiently transferred to or from consumable 150 by simply adjusting the temperature of the air supplied to air inlet 171. For example, cold air can be supplied to air inlet 171 to effectively cool consumable 150, or room temperature air can be supplied. Therefore, it is understood that air inlet 171, air path 172, and air outlet 173 are particularly advantageous because they provide two functions: leak detection and temperature control (although it is also understood that any one of these functions could be provided individually).

[0104] Figure 3c An example is shown where the housing 120 includes a base 174 arranged to collect fluid leaking from the consumable 150. In some examples, the base 174 provides an air path 172. As shown, the housing 120 is configured such that the consumable 150 is positioned above the base 174 and is configured to have a collection reservoir 175 within the base 174. In this example, a sensor 176 is arranged outside the housing 120 and adjacent to the collection reservoir 175, and is configured to detect fluid 151 retained in the collection reservoir 174. For example, the sensor 176 may be disposed in a slot of a biological treatment device housed in the device 100. The sensor 176 may be any one or more of an optical sensor, a conductivity sensor, a humidity sensor, or any other suitable sensor for detecting the presence of fluid in the collection reservoir 175.

[0105] During use, device 100 can be inserted into container 20 of the biological treatment device. Container 20 may be referred to as "slot" 20. Importantly, when device 100 is inserted into slot 20, device 100 always reaches the same predetermined position within slot 20. This means that by simply moving the end effector of robotic device 5 to a precisely known and repeatable position, device 100 can always engage with robotic device 5 of the biological treatment system.

[0106] Figure 4 An example of a device 100 inserted into a slot 20 is shown. The slot 20 includes two sidewalls 21a, 21b, and a portion of the device 100 is accommodated between these two sidewalls 21a, 21b. In particular, the housing 120 may have an upper member 120-2 that moves between the sidewalls 21a, 21b of the slot 20. Corresponding tracks 22a, 22b extend inwardly from each sidewall 21a, 21b of the slot.

[0107] The flange portion extends at least partially outward from the upper member 120-2. More specifically, the flange portion is provided by a pair of tracks 181a, 181b extending along the upper member 120-2 of the housing 120. When the device 100 is inserted into the slot 20, the tracks 181 can contact the sidewalls 21a, 21b of the slot 20; thus, the tracks 181 provide width guidance for centering the device 100 in the slot 20. Furthermore, when the device 100 is inserted into the slot 20, the tracks 181a, 181b of the housing 120 rest on the tracks 22a, 22b of the slot 20, respectively. While this allows the device 100 to be held at a predetermined height within the slot 20, it is still possible for the device 100 to be not fully inserted into the slot 20 or to be over-inserted into the slot 20, which could cause problems with engagement of the device 100 (e.g., via the robotic device 5).

[0108] To solve this problem, Figure 4 The illustrated device 100 has the following features. First, the device 100 also includes at least one resilient biasing element 182 located on a first side 120-1 of the housing 120. The first side 120-1 of the housing 120 may be referred to as the “rear” side of the housing 120 and may be provided by a “side member” extending downward from the upper member 120-2. Another “side member” may extend downward from the opposite end of the upper member 120-2 to provide a “front” side 120-3 of the housing 120. The “rear” side refers to the side of the housing 120 that is first inserted into the slot 20. The “front” side refers to the side of the housing 120 that is still accessible when the device 100 is in the slot 20. The resilient biasing element 182 is configured to abut against the (e.g., rear) surface 20a of the slot 20 when the housing 120 is inserted too far into the slot 20, thereby pushing the housing 120 away from said surface 20a and back toward a predetermined position in the slot 20. In other words, if overtravel occurs, the elastic bias element 182 will return the housing 120 to the desired position.

[0109] In this example, the resilient biasing element 182 includes at least one finger 182 disposed on a first side 120-1 of the housing 120. A first end of the finger 182 is attached to the first side 120-1 of the housing 120, and the finger 182 has a second free end spaced apart from the first side 120-1 of the housing 120, allowing the finger 182 to elastically deform. Because the finger 182 is formed of a flexible material, if the device 100 is over-inserted into the slot 22, the finger 182 engages with the rear surface 22a of the slot 22, causing the finger 182 to bend (thus storing energy), providing a restoring force to push the device 100 back to a desired predetermined position. Alternatively, the resilient biasing element 182 may be a spring attached to the first side 120-1 of the housing 120. By providing a resilient biasing element 182 that pushes the device 100 into a predetermined position in the slot 20, the device 100 can engage more consistently (e.g., via a robotic device 5 in a biological processing system). Although the first side 120-1 of the housing 120 is described above as being located on the back of the housing 120, it should be understood that the resilient biasing element 182 may be located elsewhere on the housing 120.

[0110] Secondly, the housing 120 also includes at least one alignment feature 183 located on a second side 120-2 of the housing 120. These alignment features 183 are arranged to engage with corresponding alignment features of the slot 20. For example... Figure 4 As shown, tracks 22a and 22b include at least one notch 23 (only two notches 23a-1 and 23a-2 on the first track 22a are marked). The notch 23 may also be referred to herein as an aperture. Housing 120 includes a self-positioning ramp 183 arranged to extend downward from each track 181 of housing 120 at a location corresponding to the notch 23. In other words, the second side 120-2 of housing 120 may refer to the top of housing 120 (e.g., the upper member 120-2 from which track 181 extends), but it should be understood that alignment features may be provided elsewhere on housing 120.

[0111] Thus, when the device 100 is inserted into the slot 20, the automatic positioning ramp 183 falls into the corresponding recess 23, thereby pushing the device 100 into the predetermined position in the slot 20 (and preventing further movement of the housing 120). The automatic positioning ramp 183 may be referred to as a ramp recess, which is preferably generally V-shaped.

[0112] In another embodiment of the invention, the device 100 for receiving a fluid-containing consumable 150 includes a housing 120 for the consumable 150 (as described above), and further includes at least one engagement feature 190 (or “pick-up feature” 190) disposed on the outer surface of the housing 120 for engagement by a robotic device 5. The robotic device 5 may include end effectors 6 specifically designed for engaging the housing 120 of the device 100. Figure 3a As shown, the engagement feature 190 may be located on one side of the housing 120 (e.g., the front side that is still accessible when the device 100 is held in the slot 20).

[0113] like Figure 5a As shown, the engagement feature 190 includes a substantially triangular element, which is preferably substantially flat (and may be referred to as a "pickup element"). The engagement feature 190 includes a three-point pickup device arranged to engage with three corresponding protrusions 6a, 6b, 6c of the end effector 6 of the robotic device 5. The protrusions 6a, 6b, 6c may be referred to as "engagement elements". Thus, the engagement feature 190 includes at least three surfaces 191 that provide contact at three locations.

[0114] The first contact point 191a is located on the lower surface of the engagement feature 190 and includes a notch or groove in the lower surface for engaging a corresponding protrusion 6a of the end effector 6. The second contact point 191b and the third contact point 191c are arranged on opposite sides of the engagement feature 190 and engage with the corresponding protrusions 6b, 6c of the end effector 6 of the robot device 5. Thus, the contact points 191a, 191b, and 191c form an inverted triangular shape, corresponding to the inverted triangular shape of the protrusions 6a, 6b, and 6c of the end effector 6. While more contact points can be provided, preferably exactly three contact points 191, which are sufficient to define the orientation of the device 100 without requiring the device 100 to "wobble" relative to the other contact points 191. That is, if more contact points are provided, one protrusion of the end effector may not engage with one of the contact points, resulting in uncertainty in the wobbling and position of the device 100.

[0115] As shown in the figure, the two sides of the engagement feature 190 are substantially parallel below the second contact point 191b and the third contact point 191c. This facilitates sliding the engagement feature 190 into the three protrusions 6a, 6b, and 6c. Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown. The two sides of the engagement feature 190 gradually taper outward at the second contact point 191b and the third contact point 191c to prevent the engagement feature 190 from sliding out of the end actuator 6.

[0116] Figures 6a to 6dAnother embodiment of the device 200 is shown. The device 200 includes a first part 210 and a second part 250. Figure 6a A device 200 is shown with the first part 210 and the second part 250 separated from each other. Figure 6b The device 200 is shown assembled with these parts 210 and 250. As discussed further below, the first part 210 may be a reusable part 210, and the second part 250 may be a disposable part 250.

[0117] The second part 250 houses the consumable 150 and a section of tubing 155 connected to the consumable 150. As described in further detail later, the second part 250 includes a tubing compartment 260 to organize excess tubing 155 between the consumable 150 and the free end 155a of the tubing 155.

[0118] The first part 210 of device 200 includes a frame 220. The frame 220 has a front panel 221, which may include components such as engagement members and / or alignment members. Figure 6a and Figure 6b As shown, the engagement component includes a handle 228 (allowing a human operator to engage manually) and a pickup feature 229 (enabling automatic engagement, such as...). Figure 5a and Figure 5b (As described above). An opening 226 is provided at the lower end of the front panel 221. When the device 200 is assembled, the free end 155a of the tube 155 extends out of the opening 226 to allow the robotic device to engage.

[0119] At least one side of frame 220 is open, allowing second part 250 to be easily inserted into frame 220. In this example, frame 220 has no back panel, so second part 250 can slide into place within first part 210, as... Figure 6a As indicated by the arrow in Figure 6, frame 220 includes a bottom panel 222 to support tube compartment 260. The bottom panel 222 extends vertically from the bottom of the front panel 221, such that the bottom panel 222 is substantially horizontal during use. The bottom panel 222 preferably includes a guide rail or track to hold the tube compartment 260 in place on the bottom panel 222. The bottom panel 222 may include fasteners or snap-fit ​​connectors to hold the tube compartment 260 in place. Frame 220 also includes a top panel 223. The top panel 223 extends vertically from the top of the front panel 221, such that the top panel 223 is substantially horizontal during use. The top panel 223 may include a retainer (e.g., a hook (not shown)) to suspend consumable 150. Although not shown in Figure 6, the top panel 223 may include, for example, […]. Figure 4The alignment components are shown. Alternatively, these alignment components can be located elsewhere on the frame 220 (e.g., bottom panel 222). The alignment components allow the device 200 to be located in or on another device (e.g., within a slot of a biological processing device or on a weighing sensor, as will be discussed later). Figure 7 The above).

[0120] Frame 220 preferably includes side panels 224 to help retain the disposable portion within frame 220. Since the consumable 150 is typically supplied in a flexible bag, the side panels 224 prevent the bag from over-inflating, thereby ensuring that device 200 (and the consumable 150 contained therein) occupies a defined volume. Frame 220 is preferably substantially open on its sides. This allows the consumable 150 to be identified (e.g., using identification markers such as barcodes or QR codes) without being substantially obstructed by the side panels 224. Figure 6b As shown, the side panel 224 partially (but not completely) covers the consumable 150, thereby securing it in place while still allowing the consumable 150 to be identified.

[0121] The second part 250 of the device 200 includes a tube compartment 260. The tube compartment 260 has at least two openings to allow a tube 155 to enter the tube compartment 260 in a first position and exit the tube compartment 260 in a second position. As shown in FIG6, the first opening 265 is provided on the upper surface of the tube compartment 260, and the second opening 266 is provided on the front lower surface of the tube compartment 260. Therefore, the tube 155 connected to the consumable 150 enters the first opening 265 and exits the second opening 266. Figure 6b As shown, when the device 200 is assembled, the second opening 266 is arranged to align with the front opening 226 of the frame 220. The openings 265 and 266 can be holes, slots, or any suitable type of opening to allow the tube 155 to enter and exit the tube compartment 260. As previously mentioned, the second opening 266 of the tube compartment 260 is preferably provided with a gripping member 263 to inhibit movement of the tube 155.

[0122] Tube compartment 260 organizes tube 155 between a first opening 265 and a second opening 266. For this purpose, tube compartment 260 includes a retractable roller element 261. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the retractable roller element 261 is a roller with grooves along its circumference to guide the movement of the tube 155. The retractable roller element 261 is movable within tube compartment 260 and can be biased toward a storage configuration.

[0123] Advantageously, by providing a device 200 separable into a first part 210 and a second part 220, the first part 210 (including engagement and alignment components) can be a reusable component, and the second part 250 (accommodating consumables 150 and tubes 155) can be a disposable component. Since both can be easily separated and assembled, different second parts 250 can be interchangeably attached to a common first part 210, thereby enabling different biological treatment operations to be performed within the system without the robotic device needing to consider the different shapes and sizes of the consumables 150. In view of the above, the frame 220 can be made of a robust material capable of multiple cleaning and reuse, and will not deform when manipulated by a robotic device. Preferably, the frame 220 is made of metal. On the other hand, components of the second part 250 can be manufactured more cheaply as disposable components.

[0124] Furthermore, the second part 250 can be manufactured separately and assigned to the first part 210, and assembled according to the user's requirements for a specific biological treatment system. For example... Figure 6c and Figure 6d As shown, the consumable 150 can be folded to save space. The consumable 150 is attached to the corresponding tube compartment 260 and individually packaged in a bag 290 (e.g., a foil bag) for storage and transport. In this way, the user can simply remove the second part 250 from the bag and install it inside the first part 210 without any tube manipulation.

[0125] Now we will combine Figure 7 Further discussion on the bag installation layout of equipment 200. Figure 7 Three different sizes of consumables 150-1 (labeled "L"), 150-2 (labeled "M"), and 150-3 (labeled "S") are schematically shown. Each consumable 150 can be attached to a corresponding second part 250 (not shown), which can be located within a common first part 210 (not shown). In this way, different consumables 150 can be used to contain different amounts of fluid while still being installed within the common first part 210.

[0126] The first part 210 (including the frame 220) includes alignment components so that it can be placed in or on another device (e.g., in a slot in a biological treatment device or on the weighing sensor 10). Figure 7 (As shown). In this example, the alignment component is disposed on the bottom surface of the frame 220. The alignment component is in the form of a pin 202, which extends into a corresponding slot 12 on the top surface 11 of the load cell 10. The device 200 has at least two pins 202 to maintain the alignment of the device 200 on the load cell 10, and preferably includes three pins 202 as shown. External devices may include a support structure 15 to stabilize the device 200.

[0127] Since the tube 155 connected to each consumable 150 will engage with the robotic device, it is advantageous that the free end of the tube 155a is in a consistent position regardless of the size of the consumable 150.

[0128] For this purpose, frame 200 has a front opening 226 (as previously described), from which the free end 150a of tube 150 extends. The opening 226 and the alignment member are arranged such that, for any size second portion 220, the opening 226 is located in the same position relative to the load cell 10. To achieve this, the alignment member (regardless of consumable size) can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the front opening 226. Thus, the robotic device can engage the end of the tube at a consistent position relative to device 200 and relative to the load cell 10.

[0129] Another example of device 300 will now be described with reference to FIG8. Device 300 may include several features previously discussed with respect to other embodiments. For example, device 300 has a housing 320 having a first portion 320a and a second portion 320b engaged together. Device 300 may also include any of the engagement components and / or alignment components (e.g., pickup feature 329) described above.

[0130] For some applications, the tube 155 only needs to be extended, not retracted. The device 300 includes a first cavity 322 (“consumable compartment”) for receiving the consumable 150 and a second cavity 324 (“tube compartment”) configured to hold the flexible tube 155. Excess length of the flexible tube 155 is disposed in the second cavity 324, with its free end 155a extending out of an opening 325 in the cavity 324. Thus, the free end 155a can be pulled out of the opening 325 by a robotic device because the excess tube is disposed in the second cavity 324. The opening 325 may have a gripping member (not shown) to inhibit movement of the tube 155 when not being pulled by a robotic device. The tube 155 is disposed in the second cavity 324 such that it can be unspooled, untied, or extended from the spool without tangling. When the tube 155 is pulled out of the opening 325, the second cavity 324 supports the intermediate length of the tube 155 in multiple locations. In this example, the second cavity 324 restricts the movement of the tube 155 to a substantially two-dimensional plane, preventing the tube 155 from becoming entangled with itself during movement. Before being pulled out of the opening 325, the tube 155 may follow the outer periphery of the second cavity 324; as it is pulled out of the opening 325, the tube 155 moves away from this periphery to enter a more direct path from the consumable 150 to the opening 325. It should be understood that the tube 155 can be arranged within the second cavity 324 in other ways to prevent entanglement. For example, the tube 155 may be folded, coiled, or otherwise compressed within the second cavity 324.

[0131] Advantageously, no reel element is required to facilitate the unfolding of tube 155 from the storage position to the unfolded position. The robotic device simply engages with the protruding end 155a of tube 155 and pulls out tube 155 to the desired length. As tube 155 is pulled out of opening 325, tube 155 moves continuously, which allows for the distribution of tube 155 of any desired length for subsequent operations to be performed as needed. Once tube 155 of the desired length has been pulled out of the device, tube 155 can be further engaged and manipulated by the robotic device, for example, to perform further steps (e.g., welding and pumping operations) within a biological processing system.

[0132] While the foregoing describes exemplary embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the invention is described by way of example only, and modifications to the details may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, any features described in the foregoing embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner; in other words, the device for receiving consumables may include (in any combination) means for deploying a flexible tube, means for detecting the presence of fluid, a resilient biasing element, at least one alignment feature / component, and / or at least one engagement feature / component.

[0133] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, nor to any details shown in the drawings not described in detail herein or defined in the claims. In fact, such redundant features can be removed from the drawings without prejudice to the invention.

[0134] Furthermore, other and further embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this application, and can be designed without departing from the basic scope of this application as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for containing a fluid-containing consumable, the consumable having a flexible tube in fluid connection thereto, the device comprising: A housing for the consumable; and A device for deploying the flexible tube containing consumables housed in the housing. The unfolding device is configured to facilitate movement of the flexible tube between a storage configuration and an unfolding configuration, such that when in the unfolding configuration, the end of the tube extends outside the housing, thereby allowing the end to be engaged by a robotic device.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes an opening through which the tube extends, and the deployment device facilitates the continuous removal of the tube from the opening.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The unfolding device is configured to facilitate repeatable movement of the tube between the storage configuration and the unfolding configuration.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The deployment device includes a gripping member configured to engage with the tube and inhibit movement of the tube.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The unfolding device includes a retractable spool element configured to engage with the tube, and preferably, the device further includes an elongated slot in which the spool element is movably mounted.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The reel element is configured to engage with the housing via a robotic device and move relative to the housing.

7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The reel element includes a groove configured to guide the movement of the tube.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The deployment device includes a resilient biasing device configured to engage with the tube and bias the tube toward the storage configuration.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein, The resilient biasing device includes a spring element having a first end and a second end, the first end being fixedly mounted relative to the consumable, and the second end including a tube guide configured to engage with the tube.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The unfolding device includes at least one drivable roller, for example, a roller that can be rotatably driven by an electric motor.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing includes a frame having one or more engagement parts and / or alignment parts on its outer surface.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The framework includes: A front panel, which includes at least one engaging member; A top panel extending from the upper end of the front panel, the top panel including a holder for suspending the consumable; and A bottom panel, which extends from the lower end of the front panel, is configured to support a tube compartment on its upper surface.

13. The device of claim 12, further comprising at least two side panels extending from the front panel, the side panels being arranged to support the consumable when it is suspended from the top panel.

14. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The frame includes an opening through which the end of the tube extends, wherein the engagement component and / or the alignment component is located at a predetermined distance from the opening.

15. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a tube compartment configured to hold a section of tube in the storage configuration.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein, The tube compartment can be separated from the frame, thereby allowing the consumables and the tubes to be removed from the frame.

17. The device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The device for deploying the flexible tube is provided by the tube compartment.

18. A device for containing a fluid-containing consumable, the consumable having a flexible tube in fluid connection thereto, the device comprising: A housing for the consumable; and Device for detecting the presence of fluid. The detection device is configured to detect the presence of fluid in the housing, thereby indicating that the consumable housing is leaking.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein, The housing includes a base arranged to collect fluid leaking from the consumable.

20. The device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, The base is configured to have a fluid collection reservoir, preferably arranged below the remainder of the base.

21. The device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein, The detection device includes one or more sensors configured to monitor humidity within the housing.

22. The device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein, The housing includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air path extending between the air inlet and the air outlet, the air path being arranged to pass beneath the consumable. Preferably, the detection device includes one or more sensors configured to monitor the pressure of air leaving the housing via the air outlet.

23. A device for containing a fluid-containing consumable, the consumable having a flexible tube in fluid connection thereto, the device comprising: A housing for the consumable, the housing having an outer frame including an upper member and two side members extending downward at opposite ends of the upper member; and An elastic biasing device is disposed on one of the side members. When the biasing device moves to contact the surface, it is biased against the surface, thereby causing the housing to move away from the surface.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein, The biasing device includes an element capable of elastic deformation, preferably a spring element.

25. The device according to claim 24, wherein, The element includes an elongated finger attached to the side member at a first end, the finger having a second free end spaced apart from the side member, the second free end enabling the finger to elastically deform.

26. The device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein, The upper component includes at least one alignment feature configured to automatically position the housing by engaging with a corresponding alignment feature located in the container of the device, so as to automatically position the housing to a predetermined position.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein, The upper member includes a flange portion that extends at least partially outward from the upper member, wherein the alignment feature is disposed on the flange portion.

28. The device according to claim 26 or 27, wherein, Alignment features on the upper component include a beveled recess configured to receive within an orifice, thereby inhibiting further movement of the housing. Preferably, the beveled recess is substantially "V"-shaped.

29. A device for containing a fluid-containing consumable, the consumable having a flexible tube in fluid connection thereto, the device comprising: A housing for the consumable; and At least one pickup feature is disposed on the outer surface of the housing for engagement by a robotic device. The pickup feature is configured to ensure that the housing is engaged by the robotic device when it is in a desired orientation, such that the housing will be in the desired configuration during repeated engagement of the housing by the robotic device.

30. The device according to claim 29, wherein, The pickup feature is located on one side of the housing.

31. The device according to claim 29 or 30, wherein, The pickup feature includes a substantially flat pickup element having an inverted, generally triangular portion that is arranged to engage with a coupling element on a robotic device, for example, with a coupling element on a robotic device arranged in an inverted triangular configuration.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein, The pickup engagement element includes two opposing sides that are substantially parallel to each other and face the lower surface of the pickup element.

33. The device according to claim 32, wherein, The lower surface of the pickup element has an inwardly extending notch, groove, or slot for receiving a coupling element on a robotic device.

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