Small volume mixing device

Abstract

Provided herein is a mixer base assembly (200) comprising: (a) a body (501) having: an upper end (202) comprising a mating face (203) for connection of a mixing vessel (240); a lower end (204) comprising a cavity; a fluid mixing chamber (212) having a bottom wall (205); a circular side wall (220) and a flat side wall (210), wherein the circular side wall (220) is the only wall enclosing the fluid mixing chamber (212) at a first portion and is joined with the flat side wall (210) to enclose the fluid mixing chamber (212) at a second portion; an inlet port (208, 207, 408, 411) disposed in one of the side walls (210, 401); an outlet port (207, 208, 406, 413) disposed in one of the side walls (210, 401); and at least one probe port (209) disposed in one of the side walls (210, 401); an impeller seat (230) disposed in the cavity (214, 235, 404, 412) in the lower end (204) of the body (120, 501); and an impeller (236) disposed in the impeller seat (230).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Mixing containers are mounted onto mixer bases for use and have numerous applications, particularly in the field of bioprocessing. However, different mixing containers have different shapes and / or constructions and may require specialized mixer bases and other equipment for use. There is a need for improved bioprocessing mixer systems (preferably with a small laboratory footprint) capable of rapidly mixing a wide range of volumes of process fluids that are easy for operators to use.

[0002] This disclosure aims to improve upon at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art. These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description set forth below. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One embodiment of this disclosure is a mixer base assembly comprising: (a) a body having: (i) an upper end including a mating surface for connection to a mixing container; (ii) a lower end including a cavity; (iii) a fluid mixing chamber having a bottom wall; (iv) circular sidewalls and flat sidewalls, wherein the circular sidewall is the only wall surrounding the fluid mixing chamber at a first portion and engages with the flat sidewall at a second portion to surround the fluid mixing chamber; (v) an inlet port disposed in one of the sidewalls; (vi) an outlet port disposed in one of the sidewalls; (vii) at least one probe port disposed in one of the sidewalls; (b) an impeller seat disposed in the cavity at the lower end of the body; and (c) an impeller disposed in the impeller seat. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1A A front view of a bioprocess mixer system according to one embodiment described herein is shown. The bioprocess mixer system includes: a housing body that surrounds a jacketed mixing container housing that encloses a mixing container that mates with a mixer base assembly having connected probes and fittings; a rotary ring lock that locks the mixer base assembly to the bioprocess mixer system; a drive housing that encloses a mixer drive system; and support feet.

[0005] Figure 1B An isometric front view of one embodiment of the support structure of the bioprocess mixer system described herein is shown, the bioprocess mixer system including an outer shell body supported above a drive housing.

[0006] Figure 1CAn isometric rear view of one embodiment of a support structure for a bioprocess mixer system is shown, the bioprocess mixer system including ports in the rear of the housing body.

[0007] Figure 1D An isometric front view of one embodiment of a bioprocess mixer system is shown, the bioprocess mixer system including a housing body supported above a drive housing, the drive housing being supported on a base plate and including a weighing sensor.

[0008] Figure 1E A side view of one embodiment of a bioprocess mixer system is shown, illustrating various internal components, including various ports and associated piping, a mixer drive system, and a weighing sensor.

[0009] Figure 1F A side view of an alternative implementation of a bioprocess mixer system is shown, illustrating various internal components, including various ports and associated piping, a mixer drive system, and a weighing sensor.

[0010] Figure 2A An isometric view of the bottom side of one embodiment of the mixer base assembly described herein is shown, revealing the flat sidewalls.

[0011] Figure 2B An isometric view of the bottom side of one embodiment of the mixer base assembly described herein is shown, revealing the circular sidewalls.

[0012] Figure 2C A top-side view of one embodiment of the mixer base assembly described herein is shown.

[0013] Figure 2D An isometric view of the top side of one embodiment of the mixer base assembly described herein is shown.

[0014] Figure 2E A top-side view of one embodiment of the mixer base assembly described herein is shown.

[0015] Figure 2F A side view of a cross-section of one embodiment of the mixer base assembly described herein is shown.

[0016] Figure 2G A side view of one embodiment of the mixer base assembly described herein is shown.

[0017] Figure 2H A bottom view of one embodiment of the mixer base assembly described herein is shown.

[0018] Figure 2IA side view of a cross-section of one embodiment of the mixer base assembly described herein is shown, including the impeller, shaft, and shaft cap.

[0019] Figure 2J A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the impeller, shaft, and shaft cap described herein is shown.

[0020] Figure 2K An isometric view of the bottom side of one embodiment of a mixer base assembly that mates with an unexpanded flexible bag mixing container is shown.

[0021] Figure 2L An isometric view of the top side of one embodiment of a mixer base assembly that mates with an expanded flexible bag mixing container is shown.

[0022] Figure 3A A top view of one embodiment of a rotary ring lock positioned around the mixer base assembly in the unlocked position is shown.

[0023] Figure 3B A top view shows an alternative embodiment of a rotary ring lock positioned around the mixer base assembly in the unlocked position.

[0024] Figure 3C A top view of one embodiment of a rotary ring lock positioned around a mixer base assembly in a locked position is shown, wherein the rotary ring lock is shown as transparent.

[0025] Figure 3D A side view of one embodiment of a rotary ring lock positioned around a mixer base assembly is shown, wherein the rotary ring lock is shown as transparent.

[0026] Figure 3E An isometric view of one embodiment of a bioprocess mixer system is shown, illustrating the position of a rotary ring lock in the locked position positioned around the mixer base assembly on the drive housing of the device.

[0027] Figure 3F An additional isometric view of one embodiment of a bioprocess mixer system is shown, illustrating the position of a rotary ring lock in the locked position positioned around the mixer base assembly on the drive housing of the device.

[0028] Figure 4A An isometric view of the bottom side of one embodiment of the jacketed mixing container shell described herein is shown.

[0029] Figure 4B An isometric view of one embodiment of a jacketed mixing container housing is shown, illustrating an internal space defined by three jacketed walls in which the mixing container can be placed.

[0030] Figure 4C A cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a jacketed mixing vessel housing is shown, depicting the internal cavity and fluid flow path of the jacketed mixing vessel housing in operation.

[0031] Figure 4D An isometric view of one embodiment of a jacketed mixing container shell with an exemplary recessed structure is shown.

[0032] Figure 4E A side view of one embodiment of a jacketed mixing container shell with an exemplary recessed structure is shown.

[0033] Figure 4F A cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a bioprocess mixer system is shown, in which the support structure is depicted as transparent and the location of the jacketed mixing container shell is shown.

[0034] Figure 5A A close-up view of one embodiment of the probe support retainer for retaining the probe described herein is shown.

[0035] Figure 5B The opening action of the probe support retainer is shown during probe insertion.

[0036] Figure 5C An exploded view of the components of one embodiment of the probe support retainer described herein is shown.

[0037] Figure 5D A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the probe support retainer described herein, including the mounting body and retaining latch (depicted as transparent), is shown.

[0038] Figure 6A An embodiment of the drive housing of a bioprocess mixer system as described herein is shown.

[0039] Figure 6B An embodiment of the base plate of the bioprocess mixer system as described herein is shown.

[0040] Figure 6C An alternative implementation of the base plate for the bioprocess mixer system as described herein is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This document describes in detail a bioprocess mixer system and its associated components, including a mixer base assembly, locking mechanisms (e.g., a rotary ring lock described herein), a jacketed mixing container housing, and other features that offer significant advantages over existing technologies. For example, using a bioprocess mixer system as described herein and / or the mixer base assembly described herein allows users to mix process fluids (particularly bioprocess fluids) in a wide range of temperatures and volumes within a single device. Additionally, other features described herein contribute to the ease of use of the system, including ease of assembly and operation in a manner that provides robust protection against process failures due to component misalignment and process fluid leakage and / or spillage. All these features are combined within a bioprocess mixer system with a small laboratory footprint (e.g., approximately 40 cm × 40 cm, with a height of approximately 60 cm or less).

[0042] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a bioprocess mixer system is provided, comprising: a mixer base assembly, the mixer base assembly including: (a) a body having: (i) an upper end including a mating surface for connecting a mixing container; (ii) a lower end including a cavity; (iii) a plurality of sidewalls including circular sidewalls and straight sidewalls; (iv) an inlet port disposed in one of the one or more sidewalls; (v) an outlet port disposed in one of the one or more sidewalls; (vi) at least one The at least one probe port is disposed in one of one or more sidewalls; (vii) a fluid mixing chamber having a bottom wall; (b) an impeller seat disposed in a cavity at the lower end of the body; and (c) an impeller disposed in the impeller seat; and a mixer drive system comprising: (a) a drive system configured to drive the impeller; and (b) a housing housing the drive system, the housing including a locking mechanism configured to lock the mixer base assembly to an aligned position when the mixer base assembly is attached to the housing.

[0043] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is a rotary ring lock. In some embodiments, the rotary ring lock includes a handle, a ring portion conforming to a circular sidewall of the mixer base assembly, and a hook portion conforming to a flat sidewall of the mixer base assembly. In some embodiments, the rotary ring lock is configured to rotate about the mixer base assembly between an unlocked position and a locked position. In some embodiments, the rotary ring lock is attached to the housing by a plurality of fasteners positioned through the ring portion of the rotary ring lock, the plurality of fasteners being configured to allow the rotary ring lock to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. In some embodiments, in the locked position, the rotary ring lock covers one or more protrusions from the circular and / or flat sidewalls of the mixer base assembly, and wherein in the unlocked position, one or more protrusions are not covered by the rotary ring lock. In some embodiments, in the locked position, the rotary ring lock covers a first protrusion on the circular sidewall of the mixer base assembly and a second protrusion on the flat sidewall of the mixer base assembly.

[0044] In some embodiments, the bioprocess mixer system includes a probe support retainer configured to hold the probe at a predetermined angle within a probe port. In some embodiments, the probe support retainer is mounted to a housing body configured to surround a mixing container positioned above a mixer drive system. In some embodiments, the probe support retainer includes a mounting body, a retaining latch, and a torsion spring positioned to close the retaining latch and hold it against the probe. In some embodiments, the mounting body and the retaining latch are two separate parts, with the torsion spring positioned at the junction of these two parts. In some embodiments, the retaining latch includes a wedge-shaped structure configured to open the retaining latch during probe insertion. In some embodiments, the probe support retainer includes a circular portion for supporting the probe.

[0045] In some embodiments, the bioprocess mixer system includes at least one probe that can be inserted into at least one probe port. In some embodiments, the probe measures at least one of pH, conductivity, temperature, or dissolved oxygen.

[0046] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a jacketed mixing container housing is provided, the jacketed mixing container housing comprising: (a) three jacketed sidewalls, each of the three jacketed sidewalls being connected to at least one of the other jacketed sidewalls, each of the jacketed sidewalls defining an internal cavity, wherein each of the internal cavities is in fluid communication with the other internal cavity; (b) a base supporting the three jacketed sidewalls at their bottom sides; (c) an inlet port on the bottom side of one of the jacketed sidewalls, in fluid communication with the internal cavity; and (d) an outlet port on one of the jacketed sidewalls, in fluid communication with the internal cavity at its top side; wherein the bottom side of the jacketed sidewall including the inlet slopes downward toward the inlet port, and wherein the three internal cavities of the three jacketed sidewalls are configured such that the three internal cavities are substantially filled with fluid before fluid entering the jacketed mixing container housing reaches the outlet port.

[0047] In some embodiments, the three jacketed sidewalls are arranged in a U-shape, wherein the inner jacketed sidewall is connected to the other two jacketed sidewalls, and wherein the inner jacketed sidewall includes an outlet port, and wherein each of the other two jacketed sidewalls includes an inlet port. In some embodiments, the three jacketed sidewalls comprise a single, integral plate that is bent to form the three jacketed sidewalls. In some embodiments, at least one of the three jacketed sidewalls includes a plurality of recesses in the surface of the wall. In some embodiments, the three internal cavities of the three jacketed sidewalls form a single continuous internal cavity across the three jacketed sidewalls. In some embodiments, the three jacketed sidewalls also include insulation. In some embodiments, the three jacketed sidewalls are arranged to at least partially enclose the mixing container.

[0048] In some embodiments, the base of the jacketed mixing container housing includes a bottom jacket defining a bottom internal cavity, a bottom inlet port fluidly connected to the bottom internal cavity, and a bottom outlet port fluidly connected to the bottom internal cavity and an inlet port on the bottom side of one of the jacketed sidewalls. In some embodiments, the base includes a corner bracket connecting the base to one of the jacketed sidewalls. In some embodiments, the jacketed mixing container housing also includes a top plate attached to the top side of the three jacketed sidewalls, the top plate providing a surface overhanging over the outer region defined by the three jacketed sidewalls.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the inlet and outlet of the jacketed mixing vessel shell are fluidly connected to a fluid source configured to be heated and / or cooled by a heating / cooling unit. Many such heating / cooling sources are known in the art, including, for example, the Integral T 1200 temperature control unit (TCU) manufactured by LAUDA.

[0050] In some embodiments, a jacketed mixing vessel housing is disposed within the outer shell of a bioprocess mixer system, which further includes a mixer drive system having: i) a drive system; and ii) a drive housing that accommodates the drive system and includes a seat for a mixer base assembly including an impeller configured to be driven by the drive system. In some embodiments, the outer shell is positioned above the mixer drive system. In some embodiments, the outer shell also includes an inlet port fluidly connected to an inlet port of the jacketed mixing vessel housing and an outlet port fluidly connected to an outlet port of the jacketed mixing vessel housing. In some embodiments, the outer shell includes a probe support holder as described herein.

[0051] In some embodiments, the bioprocess mixer system in which the jacketed mixing container housing is located further includes a mixer base assembly as described herein. In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly includes: (a) a mixer base body having: (i) an upper end including a mating surface for connection to the mixing container; (ii) a lower end including a cavity; (iii) one or more sidewalls; (iv) an inlet port disposed in one of the one or more sidewalls; (v) an outlet port disposed in one of the one or more sidewalls; (vi) at least one probe port disposed in one of the one or more sidewalls; and (vii) a fluid mixing chamber having a bottom wall; (b) an impeller seat disposed in the cavity at the lower end of the body; and (c) an impeller disposed in the impeller seat.

[0052] In some preferred embodiments, the bioprocess mixer system described herein includes a weighing system configured to weigh the amount of process fluid placed in the mixer base assembly and / or the mixing container disposed thereon.

[0053] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a mixer base assembly is provided, comprising: (a) a body having: (i) an upper end including a mating surface for connection to a mixing container; (ii) a lower end including a cavity; (iii) a fluid mixing chamber having a bottom wall; (iv) circular sidewalls and flat sidewalls, wherein the circular sidewalls are the only walls surrounding the fluid mixing chamber at a first portion and engage with the flat sidewalls at a second portion to surround the fluid mixing chamber; (v) an inlet port disposed in one of the sidewalls; (vi) an outlet port disposed in one of the sidewalls; (vii) at least one probe port disposed in one of the sidewalls; (b) an impeller seat disposed in a cavity in the lower end of the body; and (c) an impeller disposed in the impeller seat. In some embodiments, the impeller is a suspended magnetic impeller comprising a magnet, a base, and at least two blades. In some implementations, the mixer base assembly is located within the seat of the drive housing of the bioprocess mixer system.

[0054] In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly also includes an alignment mark on one of the sidewalls, configured to indicate whether the mixer base assembly is in the correct orientation for connection with a seat on a housing housing a mixing vessel and / or a drive system configured to drive an impeller. In some embodiments, the alignment mark is a protrusion or notch in one of the sidewalls. In some embodiments, the alignment mark is a protrusion on a flat sidewall configured to interact with a rotary ring lock on the housing housing the drive system.

[0055] In some embodiments, the inlet and / or outlet ports of the mixer base assembly are located on a circular sidewall. In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the mixing chamber slopes downwards from the inlet port toward the outlet port. In some embodiments, the impeller is a suspended magnetic impeller comprising a magnet, a base, and at least two blades. In some embodiments, the suspended magnetic impeller includes a central cavity, wherein the impeller base includes a shaft protruding through the central cavity of the suspended magnetic impeller, and a shaft cap configured to prevent the suspended magnetic impeller from detaching from the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft cap has a diameter larger than the central cavity of the suspended magnetic impeller. In some embodiments, the suspended magnetic impeller is configured to rotate about the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft cap is thermally riveted to the shaft.

[0056] In some embodiments, the probe port is positioned to position the probe at a desired angle into the fluid mixing chamber. In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly also includes at least one probe inserted into at least one probe port. In some embodiments, the probe measures at least one of pH, conductivity, temperature, or dissolved oxygen.

[0057] In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly mates with a mixing container. In some embodiments, the mixing container is a flexible bag. In some embodiments, the flexible bag has a maximum working volume of at least 5 L. In some embodiments, the body mates with the flexible bag. In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly has a retention volume of less than 20 mL. In some embodiments, the inlet and outlet ports are fluidly connected to flexible tubing. In some embodiments, the flexible tubing fluidly connected to the outlet port includes a fitting that includes a sample port.

[0058] This document also provides a method for mixing fluids, the method comprising: 1) connecting a mixer base assembly to a mixer drive system, the mixer base assembly comprising: (a) a body having: (i) an upper end including a mating surface for connecting a mixing container; (ii) a lower end including a cavity; (iii) a plurality of sidewalls including circular sidewalls and straight sidewalls; (iv) an inlet port disposed in one of one or more sidewalls; (v) an outlet port disposed in one of one or more sidewalls; (vi) at least one probe port disposed in one of one or more sidewalls. (i) a fluid mixing chamber having a bottom wall; (b) an impeller seat disposed in a cavity at the lower end of the body; and (c) an impeller disposed in the impeller seat; and the mixer drive system includes: (a) a drive system configured to drive the impeller; and (b) a housing housing the drive system, the housing including a locking mechanism configured to lock the mixer base assembly to an aligned position when the mixer base assembly is attached to the housing; and 2) introducing fluid into the fluid mixing chamber; and 3) rotating the impeller to mix the fluid in the fluid mixing chamber.

[0059] In some embodiments, the method includes measuring the pH and / or conductivity of a fluid in a fluid mixing chamber. In some embodiments, the method includes sampling the fluid in the fluid mixing chamber by taking a sample of the fluid via a sample port fluidly connected to an outlet port. In some embodiments, connecting the mixer base assembly to the mixer drive system includes locking the mixer base assembly to the mixer drive system. In some embodiments, locking the mixer base assembly to the mixer drive system includes rotating a rotary ring lock about the mixer base assembly. In some embodiments, the method includes heating or cooling the fluid in the fluid mixing chamber. In some embodiments, the method includes discharging fluid from the fluid mixing chamber via an outlet port, wherein the fluid mixing chamber has a retention volume of less than 30 mL. In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly is connected to a mixing container. In some embodiments, the mixing container is a flexible bag having a maximum working volume of at least 5 L. In some embodiments, the method includes inserting a probe into a probe support holder mounted to a housing body configured to surround the mixing container positioned above the mixer drive system. In some embodiments, the method further includes monitoring one or more parameters selected from impeller RPM, temperature, pH, and / or weight during mixing. In some embodiments, the method further includes recording one or more parameters selected from impeller RPM, temperature, pH, and / or weight during mixing.

[0060] Advantageously, embodiments of this disclosure can be used with a variety of mixing containers of different shapes and / or constructions, but flexible bags are preferred. Among the shapes of flexible bags used as mixing containers, a substantially cubic shape is preferred. Uniform mixing of liquids with a wide range of volumes (e.g., from about 20 mL to about 10,000 mL) and / or with a wide range of viscosities (e.g., from about 1 to about 25 centipoise (cP)) can be achieved. Embodiments of the invention are particularly advantageous for applications such as mixing heavy powders because eddies are formed, which contribute to efficient mixing. Furthermore, the use of a suspended magnetic impeller significantly reduces shear forces and eliminates friction between parts, thereby reducing or eliminating particle shedding that could contaminate the fluid. Embodiments of the invention can be used with low-volume mixing containers and, if desired, can be connected to a sterile sampling device (manual or automatic).

[0061] Preferably, the mixer base assembly described herein is disposable.

[0062] In some cases, the bioprocess mixer system according to this disclosure is capable of rapidly mixing components even at high viscosities. For example, in some embodiments, the bioprocess mixer system is capable of completely mixing 10 L of a 25 centipoise (cP) process fluid in less than about 60 seconds, less than about 30 seconds, less than about 20 seconds, or less than about 15 seconds (e.g., in a construction where the mixing container cooperating with the mixer base assembly is a flexible bag with a working volume of 10 L). In some embodiments, the bioprocess mixer system is capable of completely mixing any volume of process fluid from about 1 L to about 10 L with a viscosity of 1 to 25 cP in 300 seconds or less. Methods for measuring the completeness of mixing are known in the art and may include, for example: adding a strong acid or base to a fluid of known viscosity in a single step within the bioprocess mixer system; rotating an impeller; and assessing the amount of time required to achieve a change from an initial pH to a stable pH. Such tests are preferably performed at a mixing rate just below the vortex velocity of the process fluid.

[0063] Furthermore, the bioprocess mixer system according to this disclosure is preferably capable of rapidly heating and / or cooling the process fluid (e.g., for a 10 L water sample, achieving a temperature change from room temperature (22 L / L) within 120 minutes). o C) to about 40 o The temperature is C or up to about 4 o (The change in temperature of C).

[0064] The bioprocess mixer system and its components will now be described in more detail below, with similar components having similar reference numerals.

[0065] Figure 1A A front view of a bioprocess mixer system 100 according to one embodiment described herein is shown. The depicted embodiment includes a housing body 120 that houses or supports a jacketed mixing container housing 400. The jacketed mixing container housing 400 encloses a mixing container 240 on three sides. The mixing container 240 mates with a mixer base assembly 200. The mixer base assembly is configured with a probe 550 and a fitting 102. The mixer base assembly 200 is inserted into a slot in a drive housing 110 that houses a drive system configured to drive an impeller present within the mixer base assembly 200. The mixer base assembly 200 is held in position by a rotary ring lock 300. The probe 550 is held in place and supported at a desired or optimal angle by a probe support retainer 500 mounted to the housing body 120. The bioprocess mixer system 100 rests on support feet 104.

[0066] Preferably, the housing body 120 and the drive housing 110 are made of a material with sufficient strength to support the weight of themselves and the encapsulated material (e.g., stainless steel) and are configured to withstand fatigue throughout the product lifecycle.

[0067] Figure 1B An embodiment of structural components of a bioprocess mixer system 100 is shown in an isometric front view. These structural components retain and / or support the movable functional components of the apparatus of the bioprocess mixer system 100. The depicted embodiment includes a housing body 120. The housing body 120 is configured to accommodate (i.e., at least partially surround) a mixing container during operation of the apparatus. The housing body 120 includes an access port 124 located at the front of the apparatus, which allows a user to easily reach into the housing body 120, such as for inserting or operating the mixing container and / or mixer base assembly within the apparatus. The access port 124 is located within... Figure 1B The structure is depicted as an open window structure, but this can take the form of an alternative structure, such as an openable door or window, or the front wall of the outer shell 120 can be omitted entirely to allow easy access for the user.

[0068] Preferably, the housing body 120 further includes heating and / or cooling elements (such as a jacketed mixing container housing as described elsewhere herein). The housing body 120 includes a shelf 122 positioned on its top, which can be used to support the heating and / or cooling elements during operation or assembly. After the heating and / or cooling elements are placed on the shelf 122, the elements can be secured in place, such as by welding or other suitable methods.

[0069] The housing body 120 is supported above the drive housing 110, which houses a drive system capable of driving the impeller on the mixer base assembly during operation. During operation, the mixer base assembly is positioned within a location on the upper surface 111 of the drive housing 110, aligned with the drive system, ensuring the components are properly oriented for normal operation. Preferably, the upper surface 111 is sloped such that it matches a corresponding slope on the mixer base assembly 200 discussed elsewhere herein.

[0070] Figure 1C A rear isometric view of one embodiment of the bioprocess mixer 100 is shown, in which the upper surface 111, as well as the access port 124 and the shelf 122, can be seen. Figure 1CPorts 130, 132, and 134 are also shown, which can be used to supply the desired fluid to and / or from the bioprocess mixer 100. Ports 130, 132, and 134 can each be independently fluidly connected to corresponding ports on another part of the bioprocess mixer system 100, such as a jacketed mixing vessel housing as described elsewhere herein. Although three ports 130, 132, and 134 are shown, the system may include any desired number of ports (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more ports as needed). Additionally, instead of having its own ports and corresponding pipes and / or fittings, the housing body 120 may provide cavities that allow access to ports on other components of the bioprocess mixer system 100, such as the jacketed mixing vessel housing. Therefore, Figure 1C Ports 130, 132 and / or 134 shown may be fluidly connected to other corresponding ports, or may extend together with other suitable ports described herein.

[0071] Figure 1D An isometric front view of one embodiment of the disassembled support structure of a bioprocess mixer system 100 is shown, the system including a housing body 120 supported above a drive housing 110. The center of the housing body 120 is located directly above the upper surface 111 of the drive housing 100. A shelf 122 is shown on top of the housing body 120, on which a jacketed mixing container, as described elsewhere herein, can be placed. A window 125 is also depicted on the housing body 120, allowing a user to see the mixing container placed within the housing body 120 during operation of the device. The window can be any suitable transparent or translucent material that allows line of sight into the central area defined by the housing body 120. When present, the window 125 is preferably configured to open and close to allow access to the mixing container enclosed therein.

[0072] The drive housing 110 is supported on a base plate 116, to which support feet 104 are attached. The system also includes a load cell 114 configured to measure the weight contained in the mixing container used in the system, allowing a user to calculate the volume delivered to or discharged from the mixing container during operation of the bioprocess mixer system 100. In some embodiments, alternative weighing systems, such as scales or balances, may be used within the bioprocess mixer system 100. The drive housing 110 may also include one or more vents 112 to provide airflow, thereby preventing overheating of any electronics or other components retained within the drive housing 110. Preferably, the vents 112 are designed to maintain the drive housing temperature below 65°C for at least 8 hours of operation of the bioprocess mixer system. o C.

[0073] Figure 1E A side view of one embodiment of a bioprocess mixer system 100 is shown, illustrating various internal components. For example, the various ports 130, 132, and 134, along with associated piping, are shown attached to other internal components housed within the housing body 120 (e.g., a jacketed mixing container housing as described elsewhere herein). A mixer drive system 140 is also shown, configured to drive the impeller (including impellers such as levitation magnetic impellers, and those described herein in conjunction with the mixer base assembly provided herein) when the impeller is suitably positioned within a rotating ring lock 300 on top of the drive housing 110. The drive system can be any suitable drive system and may include, for example, motors, input / output (TO) modules, power supplies, fans, wiring, and connectors. Various motors for rotating (and suitably magnetically levitizing) the impeller are known in the art. Commercially available motors include those available from Pall Corporation (Port Washington, NY; e.g., LEVMIXER® SYSTEM) and Levitronix GmbH (Zurich, Switzerland). The drive system 140 is also advantageously configured to operate at different controllable impeller speeds that can be monitored. The drive system 140 may also optionally include a weighing system. Such as Figure 1E The depicted preferred embodiment includes a weighing sensor 114 for weighing materials on the bioprocess mixer system 100. The weighing sensor 114 may be positioned, for example, and as shown, attached to the base plate 116 and the drive housing 100. The weighing system ideally has a high degree of measurement accuracy and precision, such as an error of less than 5%, more preferably less than 0.1%. Figure 1F An alternative embodiment with a modified base plate 116 is shown below regarding Figure 6C Further discussion is needed.

[0074] Go to Figures 2A to 2L This document also provides a mixer base assembly 200 that is compatible with the bioprocess mixer system 100 as described herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the mixer base assembly 200 and / or its features described herein are also compatible with alternative bioprocess mixer systems and are not limited to use with the bioprocess mixer system 100 provided herein, or with substantially similar systems.

[0075] In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly 200 described herein includes (a) a body having: (i) an upper end 202 including a mating surface 203 for connection to a mixing container 240; (ii) a lower end 204 including a cavity 214; (iii) one or more sidewalls 210, 220; and (iv) a fluid mixing chamber 212 having a bottom wall 205. The mixer base assembly 200 optionally includes one or more ports selected from: (i) an inlet port 208 disposed in one of the one or more sidewalls; (ii) an outlet port 207 disposed in one of the one or more sidewalls; and (iii) at least one probe port 209 disposed in one of the one or more sidewalls. The body may be made of any suitable rigid impermeable material, including any impermeable thermoplastic material compatible with the fluid being processed. The mixer base assembly 200 is preferably designed as a disposable element to be discarded after use. Additionally, the mixer base assembly 200 may preferably be pre-packaged in a sterile form for end-user use.

[0076] In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly includes a circular sidewall 220 and a straight sidewall 210. In some embodiments, the circular sidewall 220 is the only wall surrounding the fluid mixing chamber in a first portion (e.g., the upper portion) and engages with the straight sidewall 210 in a second portion (e.g., the lower portion) to surround the fluid mixing chamber. Thus, the fluid mixing chamber has a periphery of different shapes at certain heights of the device (e.g., from the lower end 204 to the upper end 202), wherein the periphery of the fluid mixing chamber 212 in the first portion is circular or substantially circular, and the periphery in the second portion is circular or substantially circular, except for an omitted portion defined by a chord of the circle (i.e., where the circular sidewall 220 engages with the straight sidewall 210). In some embodiments, an inlet port and / or an outlet port is disposed on the circular sidewall. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 205 of the mixing chamber 212 slopes downward in a direction from the inlet port 208 toward the outlet port 207. In some embodiments, a probe port 209 is positioned to position a probe 550 into the fluid mixing chamber 212 at a desired angle. In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly includes at least one probe 550 that can be inserted into at least one probe port. In some embodiments, the probe measures at least one of pH, conductivity, temperature, or dissolved oxygen.

[0077] In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly also includes an alignment mark 206 on one of the sidewalls, configured to indicate whether the mixer base assembly is in the correct orientation for connection with a seat 115 on the housing 110 housing the mixing container 240 and / or the drive system configured to drive the impeller 236. In some embodiments, the alignment mark 206 is a protrusion or notch in one of the sidewalls. In some embodiments, the alignment mark is a protrusion 211 on the flat sidewall 210 configured to interact with a rotary ring lock 300 on the housing 110 housing the drive system 140. In some embodiments, the alignment mark is a protrusion that indicates when the mixer base assembly is correctly oriented to align with the flexible bag mixing container, thereby ensuring proper fit of the flexible bag.

[0078] The mixer base assembly 200 may further include an impeller seat 230 disposed within a cavity 214 at the lower end of the body; preferably, an impeller 236 (e.g., a suspended magnetic impeller) is disposed within the impeller seat 230. In some embodiments, the impeller 236 is a suspended magnetic impeller comprising a magnet, a base, and at least two blades. In some cases, a suspended magnetic impeller is preferred because it significantly reduces shear forces and eliminates friction between parts compared to other impellers, thereby reducing or eliminating the shedding of particles that could contaminate the fluid. In some embodiments, the suspended magnetic impeller includes a central cavity 235, wherein the impeller seat includes a shaft 232 protruding through the central cavity of the suspended magnetic impeller, and a shaft cap 234 configured to prevent the suspended magnetic impeller from detaching from the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft cap 234 has a diameter larger than that of the central cavity 235 of the suspended magnetic impeller. The suspended magnetic impeller is configured to rotate about the shaft 232. In some implementations, the shaft cap 232 is heat-riveted to the shaft.

[0079] The main body of the mixer base assembly preferably has a volume of about 200 to 800 mL, more preferably 300 to 700 mL, and most preferably 400 to 500 mL (e.g., the volume of the fluid mixing chamber).

[0080] The features of the mixer base assembly 200 described herein allow for advantageous mixing at low working volumes and low retention volumes. In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly 200 has a minimum working volume of up to 100 mL, up to 75 mL, up to 50 mL, up to 45 mL, up to 40 mL, up to 35 mL, up to 30 mL, or up to 25 mL. In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly 200 has a retention volume of up to 50 mL, up to 45 mL, up to 40 mL, up to 35 mL, up to 30 mL, up to 25 mL, up to 20 mL, up to 15 mL, up to 10 mL, or up to 5 mL. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the retention volume can depend on the viscosity of the process fluid within the vessel. Here, the mixer base assembly preferably has a retention volume of less than 20 mL of 1 cP of process fluid, and this retention volume can be achieved with minimal operation of the mixer base assembly and / or the associated mixing vessel.

[0081] In some embodiments, the mixer base assembly 200 mates with the mixing container 240. The mixing container can be any suitable mixing container compatible with the desired process fluid, but is preferably a flexible bag for bioprocess applications. In some embodiments, the mixing container has a maximum working volume of at least 0.5 L, at least 1 L, at least 2.5 L, at least 5 L, or at least 10 L.

[0082] Therefore, the combination of the low minimum working volume of the mixer base assembly 200 described herein and the maximum working volume of the mixing container 240 compatible with the mixer base assembly 200 provides a bioprocess mixer system capable of handling a wide dynamic range of working volumes from a few mL (e.g., 25 mL) to 10 L in a single setup.

[0083] Figure 2AAn isometric view of the lower end 204 of one embodiment of the mixer base assembly 200 is shown. The mixer base assembly 200 includes a flat sidewall 210 that includes a probe port 209. The probe port 209 is preferably configured to hold a probe 550 at a desired angle compatible with optimal probe functionality within the mixer base assembly 200. The flat sidewall 210 is also shown, optionally including a flat sidewall protrusion 211. The flat sidewall protrusion 211 is positioned such that it can interact with a rotary ring lock as described elsewhere herein. The mixer base assembly 200 also includes a circular sidewall 220. Notably, the circular sidewall 220 includes a portion that defines the entire periphery of the mixer base assembly 200, extending from the upper end 202 to the top of the flat sidewall 210, and traversing the remaining height of the mixer base assembly 200 to the lower end 204. The circular sidewall 220 and the straight sidewall 210 together define the periphery of the remaining portion of the mixer base assembly 200 (i.e., from the top of the straight sidewall 210 to the lower end 204). Thus, both the straight sidewall 210 and the circular sidewall 220 form edges with the lower end 204 and with each other. Preferably, these edges are rounded, particularly on the interior of the device, to minimize fluid stagnation around the edges and corners.

[0084] An outlet port 207 is also provided on the circular sidewall 220. The outlet port 207 is positioned on the sidewall 220 such that it is close to or in contact with the lower end 204 to allow the device to be emptied to the maximum extent during operation. Ideally, the probe port 209 is positioned on the flat sidewall 210, close to or adjacent to the outlet port 207, to allow the inserted probe to operate with a minimal working volume. As will be shown in more detail in the following figures, the mixer base assembly 200 is constructed including a slope in a downward direction toward the outlet port 207 such that the outlet port 207 is substantially at the lowest point of the device during operation to allow for maximum emptying and minimize the stagnation volume of the device (also referred to in the art as “residual volume”).

[0085] Figure 2A The diagram also depicts alignment marks 206, which are protrusions attached to the outer surface of the mixer base assembly 200 (here, the circular sidewall 220 at the junction of the wall and the upper end 202). Alignment marks 206 provide a physical means of ensuring that the mixer base assembly 200 is correctly oriented or aligned for connection to the mixing container 240 before attachment. During manufacturing, the presence of alignment marks 206 allows for alignment with corresponding structural markings on the mixing container 240 to ensure attachment to the desired point and correct orientation for final use. Although in Figure 2AThe alignment mark 206 is depicted as a protrusion, but it can alternatively be a different feature on the device, such as a notch. Preferably, the mixer base assembly 200 is manufactured in a manner that ensures the alignment mark is always present in the desired position (e.g., using a mold). Additionally or alternatively, other elements of the mixer base assembly 200 can also serve as alignment marks with similar capability, such as one of protrusions 211 and / or 221. Additional alignment marks 206 can also be incorporated, such as those used to indicate whether the mixer base assembly 200 is correctly oriented for engagement with the seat 115 on the drive housing 110. Alternatively, the alignment mark 206, as depicted, can also be used for this or other purposes.

[0086] Figure 2A The diagram also depicts an impeller seat 230 disposed in the lower end 204 of the mixer base assembly 200. In operation, the lowest point of the impeller seat 230 extends below the plane defined by the lower end 204, but is preferably as shallow as possible to minimize the stagnation volume of fluid in the area occupied by the impeller 236. For substantially the same reason, the diameter of the impeller seat 230 is also advantageously small (i.e., the diameter of the impeller seat 230 is only slightly larger than the diameter of the impeller 236, such as by up to 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5%). In some embodiments, the impeller seat 230 is manufactured together with other components of the mixer base assembly 200 (e.g., as a single injection-molded part). Alternatively, it may be tightly sealed to the bottom wall of the fluid mixing chamber as a separate component.

[0087] like Figure 2A As shown, the circular sidewall 220 at the upper part of the mixer base assembly 200 is the only wall surrounding the fluid mixing chamber for this part of the device. Additionally, at the lower part of the mixer base assembly 200, the circular sidewall 220 engages with the flat sidewall 210 to define the perimeter of the device. Therefore, the fluid mixing chamber 212 disposed within the device has a perimeter of different shapes at certain heights of the mixer base assembly 200 (e.g., moving from the lower end 204 to the upper end 202), wherein the perimeter of the fluid mixing chamber 212 in the first part is circular or substantially circular, and the perimeter in the second part is circular or substantially circular, except for an omitted portion defined by a chord of the circle (i.e., where the circular sidewall 220 intersects the flat sidewall 210). In some cases, using this shape within the device is advantageous for inserting the mixer base assembly 200 into the seat on the drive housing 110 in the correct orientation for alignment with the drive system, because due to the overall geometry of the mixer base assembly 200, it may only be able to be installed in the device in the correct orientation.

[0088] Figure 2B Similarly, an isometric view of the lower end 204 of the mixer base assembly 200 is shown, and the circular sidewall 220 is shown in relation to... Figure 2A The parts depicted in the text are different from the parts in the text. For example, Figure 2A As shown, Figure 2B Also shown are portions of outlet port 207, probe port 209, impeller seat 230, and upper end 202. Mixer base assembly 200 is also depicted as being attached to mixing container 240. Mixing container 240 to which mixer base assembly 200 is attached is depicted as a flexible bag, but other mixing containers (e.g., rigid-shell mixing containers) are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0089] remove Figure 2A In addition to the features described in the text, Figure 2B A circular wall protrusion 211 is also shown, which also interacts with a rotating ring lock as described elsewhere herein. An inlet port 208 is also incorporated in the circular sidewall 220, which can be used to fill the mixing container or add one or more desired components to be mixed.

[0090] Figure 2C A top side view of the mixer base assembly 200 is shown. Therefore, Figure 2C An interior space defined by the periphery of a flat sidewall 210 and / or a circular sidewall 220, and the inner surfaces of these two walls, is shown, with the upper end 202 being the end of the device closest to the observer. A mating surface 203 is shown on the upper end 202 to which the mixing container 240, as described herein, can mate. The mating can be achieved by any suitable means, including by welding, adhesives, or other suitable methods. Preferably, the mating surface 203 is welded to the mixing container 240, such as welding to a flexible bag mixing container. A bottom wall 205 is also shown, defining the bottom of the interior portion, in addition to the impeller seat 230, which is also depicted and described. Within the impeller seat 230 is a shaft 232 about which the impeller 236 (shown and described later herein) can rotate freely.

[0091] Figure 2D An isometric view of the top side of the mixer base assembly 200 is shown, viewed from a direction including the flat sidewall 210 and its corresponding protrusion 211 shown in the figure. Figure 2C Similarly, the upper end 202 is closest to the observer, and the mating surface 203 is visible. The inner surface of the circular sidewall 220 is shown, clearly illustrating the cavity defined by the inlet port 208. The bottom wall 205 and the impeller shaft 232 are also shown.

[0092] Figure 2E Another top side view of the mixer base assembly 200, viewed from directly above, is shown. (See above.) Figure 2C and Figure 2DAs shown, the bottom wall 205, impeller seat 230, impeller shaft 232, and mating surface 203 can be seen. The inner surfaces of the circular sidewall 220 and the straight sidewall 210 can also be seen. These walls are depicted as slightly inclined inward as they descend from the upper end 202 to the lower end 204.

[0093] Figure 2F A side view of a cross-section of one embodiment of the mixer base assembly 200 is shown. The upper end 202 is shown at the top of the figure, and the mixer base assembly 200 is viewed from a position directly facing the flat sidewall 210 (if depicted). A circular sidewall 220 is shown defining the internal space constituting the fluid mixing chamber 212, the lower portion of which is defined by the plane of the bottom wall 205. An impeller shaft 232 placed on an impeller seat 230 and a cavity 214 in the bottom wall 205 that holds the impeller when present are also shown.

[0094] Figure 2G A side view of the mixer base assembly 200, viewed parallel to the plane defined by sidewall 210, is shown, in which sidewall protrusion 211 is visible and outlet port 207 is directly visible. Probe port 209 is omitted from the figure. Upper end 202 is shown at the top of the figure, while lower end 204 is positioned near the bottom. Circular sidewall 220 is shown, and circular sidewall protrusion 221, as well as inlet port 208 and alignment mark 206, are visible. The exterior of impeller seat 230 is also shown.

[0095] Figure 2H A view of the bottom side of the mixer base assembly 200 is shown, with the outer portion of the impeller seat 230 positioned above the bottom wall 205 closest to the observer, the outer portion of which is shown. Alignment mark 206 is shown connecting to the circular sidewall 220 along with the circular sidewall protrusion 221, inlet port 208, and outlet port 207. Probe port 209 is omitted. The flat sidewall 210 is shown on the right side of the figure.

[0096] Figure 2I A side view of a cross-section of the mixer base assembly 200 is shown, in which the flat sidewall 210 is omitted from the image, except for the probe port 209 including the probe 550. Figure 2I Details of a fluid mixing chamber 212 are shown, which includes an impeller 236, an impeller shaft 232, and a shaft cap 234 within an impeller housing 230. In operation, the impeller 236 (preferably a suspended magnetic impeller) is capable of driving the fluid mixing chamber 212 and the mixing container 240 (… Figure 2I The fluid mixing chamber 212 (not shown) is used for fluid mixing. The mixing container is fitted with a mating surface 203 on the upper end 202 through a hole in the upper end 202, thereby allowing fluid connection between the fluid mixing chamber 212 and the mixing container 240.

[0097] An impeller is mounted on an impeller seat 230 and includes a magnet and at least two blades (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 blades). The blades preferably extend from the impeller seat 230 and enter the fluid mixing chamber 212.

[0098] Figure 2I The orientation of the outlet port 207 relative to the rest of the device and the preferred orientation of the mixer base assembly 200 during operation (e.g., when inserted into the bioprocess mixer system 100 as described herein) are also clearly depicted. As discussed above, the mixer base assembly 200 is configured such that the outlet port 207 occupies the lowest height point along the bottom wall 205, thereby allowing for maximum evacuation of fluid from the container and contributing to minimal fluid loss after operation. As shown, the bottom wall 205 of the mixing chamber slopes downward toward the outlet port 207. This downward angle (measured between the intersections of the planes defined by the mating surface 203 and the bottom wall 205) is selected to minimize fluid retention within the mixer base assembly (e.g., at least 1) when evacuating fluid via the outlet port 207. 、 2, 3, 4 or 5 degrees, and about 5 to 20 degrees). In operation, the upper end 202 is preferably oriented substantially parallel to the ground (or other surface on which the bioprocess mixer system 100 or other similar system is placed) and parallel to the bottom surface of the housing body 120 of the bioprocess mixer system 100. Figure 2I The diagram also depicts filler line 213, which indicates the minimum working volume of the mixer base assembly.

[0099] Figure 2JAn exploded cross-sectional view of an impeller 236 (i.e., a levitation magnetic impeller) is shown, having a central cavity 235, an impeller shaft 232, and a shaft cap 234 attached to the shaft 232, the central cavity having an indicated diameter. The impeller 236 is disposed around the shaft 232, with the shaft protruding through the central cavity 235. The impeller 236 is configured to rotate about the shaft 232. The shaft 232 is higher than the blades of the impeller 236 and has a diameter smaller than that of the central cavity 235. Attached to the top of the shaft 232 is the shaft cap 234, which is configured to prevent the levitation magnetic impeller from detaching from the shaft 232. Specifically, the diameter of the shaft cap 234 (here, diameter refers to the maximum length from one end of the cap to the other, as the shaft cap 234 can be a shape other than circular) is larger than the diameter of the central cavity 235. Therefore, it prevents the impeller 236 from leaving the shaft when it is lifted during operation. In addition to preventing the impeller from detaching during operation, the shaft cap 234 also ensures that the impeller 236 remains correctly positioned during transport and shipping of the mixer base assembly 200. This consideration is important in embodiments where the mixer base assembly 200 is pre-assembled and shipped to the end user in a sterile condition, as operating the mixer base assembly to reposition a detached impeller 236 could introduce contamination. The shaft cap 234 can be added to the existing shaft 232 by various methods, but is preferably added via a hot riveting process, which allows the shaft to be added later in the manufacturing process after the impeller has been inserted.

[0100] Figure 2K A mixer base assembly 200 welded to a mixing container 240 is shown, in this case, the mixing container being an unexpanded flexible bag with a port 241. This configuration is advantageous for the transport and pre-sterilization of the components, which can then be used later by the end user. Figure 2L Also shown is the mixer base assembly 200 welded to the mixing container 240, which includes port 241. However, in Figure 2L In this embodiment, the flexible bag is inflated, and the mating surface 203 can be seen welded to the mixing container 240. Although the embodiment of the mixer base assembly 200 described herein utilizes a flat surface as the mating surface 203, alternative embodiments with different surfaces for connecting to the mixing container are conceivable, such as threads for threaded connection with a suitable mixing container.

[0101] Additionally, the mixing container 240 shown as being connected to the mixer base assembly 200 herein is depicted as a flexible bag. However, other types of mixing containers are also compatible with this disclosure, such as rigid container mixing containers (e.g., those made of thermoplastic materials), but flexible bags are preferred. The volume of the mixing container connected to the mixer base assembly 200 can be a variety of volumes, including up to 10 L. In some embodiments, the mixing container (e.g., a flexible bag) connected to the mixer base assembly 200 has a working volume of at least 0.5, at least 1, at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 7.5, or at least 10 L.

[0102] Additionally, although only three ports (outlet port 207, inlet port 208, and probe port 209) are depicted herein, the use of additional ports (e.g., sample ports) on the mixer base assembly 200 is compatible with this disclosure. Alternatively, a sample port, preferably fluidly connected to outlet port 207, can be added to one of the existing ports depicted on the mixer base 200. For example, a sampling manifold (e.g., a sampling manifold including a sample port plug, a sample port nut, and a sample port) can be connected to outlet port 207 via a suitable fitting. Such a manifold is advantageously connected to this fitting via a connector (e.g., at a T- or Y-connector) to allow sampling during operation while still allowing discharge from the same conduit after mixing is complete. In some embodiments, inlet port 208 and outlet port 207 fluidly mate with flexible fitting 250. In some embodiments, the flexible fitting 250 fluidly mates with outlet port 207 and includes a fitting that includes the sample port.

[0103] Additionally, the absence of one or more of the illustrated three ports in the mixer base assembly 200 is also considered within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in systems or configurations used for processes that do not require probes, probe port 209 can be omitted from the mixer base assembly, or probe port 209 can simply be plugged with a suitable plug. Additionally or alternatively, in some cases, inlet port 207 can be omitted from the design for processes suitable for pumping the desired process fluid using outlet port 208.

[0104] In some embodiments, the bioprocess mixing system described herein includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the mixer base assembly into an aligned position (e.g., to properly align the impeller with the drive system) when connected to the drive housing. This ensures that the mixer base assembly remains in the correct orientation for optimal performance during device operation and prevents it from detaching, especially considering potential system vibrations and other movements caused by the drive system's movement of the impeller.

[0105] Therefore, this document describes a rotary ring lock locking mechanism comprising a handle, a ring portion, and a hook portion. In some embodiments, the ring portion conforms to a circular sidewall of the mixer base assembly described herein. In some embodiments, the hook portion conforms to a flat sidewall of the mixer base assembly. In some cases, the rotary ring lock is attached to the housing of the bioprocess mixer described herein (e.g., the drive housing 110 of the bioprocess mixer system 100). Preferably, the rotary ring lock is attached by a plurality of fasteners positioned through the ring portion of the rotary ring lock. The plurality of fasteners are configured to allow the rotary ring lock to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. In some embodiments, in the locked position, the rotary ring lock covers one or more protrusions on one of the sidewalls of the mixer base assembly (e.g., protrusions from the circular and / or flat sidewalls of the mixer base assembly), and wherein in the unlocked position, one or more protrusions are not covered by the rotary ring lock.

[0106] Go to Figures 3A to 3E The image depicts a rotary ring lock 300, which can be used to ensure that a mixer base assembly (such as mixer base assembly 200) is effectively held and locked in place within a bioprocess mixer system (such as bioprocess mixer system 100). The rotary ring lock 300 depicted includes a handle 301, a ring portion 302 that conforms to the circular sidewall 220 of the mixer base assembly 200, and a hook portion 303.

[0107] Figure 3A A top view of a rotary ring lock 300 positioned around a mixer base assembly 200 in the unlocked position is shown. The figure shows a handle 301 connected to a ring portion 302, which is attached to a hook portion 303. The ring portion 302 conforms to at least a portion of the circular sidewall 220 of the mixer base assembly 200. As a reference point for the mixer base assembly 200 discussed above, Figure 3A The diagram shows a probe port 209 with a probe 550 inserted and an outlet port 207 of a mixer base assembly 200 (with a fitting 250 attached via a cable tie 251, such as...). Figure 3B (as shown), and impeller 236.

[0108] In some cases, the ring portion 302 is substantially semi-circular (e.g., covering a circle of about 180 degrees), but other circumferential portions are contemplated and compatible with this disclosure (e.g., covering a circle of at least about 90 degrees, 120 degrees, 150 degrees, 180 degrees, or 210 degrees). The hook portion 303 and the handle 301 are preferably positioned at opposite ends of the ring portion 302. The hook portion 303 is angled inward toward the interior of the circular area defined by the ring portion 302, an angle that allows the hook portion to contact or cover a portion of the mixer base assembly 200 in the locked position, thereby helping to prevent the mixer base assembly 200 from moving from the upper surface 111 of the drive housing 110 during operation. Preferably, and as depicted, the hook portion 303 contacts a portion of the flat sidewall 210 of the mixer base assembly 200. Figure 3A In the middle, the hook portion 303 is adjacent to but does not cover the straight sidewall protrusion 211 in the unlock position, but once moved to the locked position ( Figure 3B The hook portion 303 can be tilted inward from the ring portion 301 at any suitable angle (e.g., about 30 degrees to about 120 degrees), but preferably conforms to the angle of the edges of the circular sidewall 220 and the straight sidewall 210 of the mixer base assembly 200.

[0109] The handle 301 is inclined outward from the circular region defined by the ring portion 302. The selected angle is preferably approximately perpendicular to the ring portion at the point where the handle 301 begins on the ring portion 302, but other angles are also considered within the scope of this disclosure (e.g., any angle is permitted, such as from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees, as long as the operator can use the handle 301 to rotate the rotary lock 300). The handle 301, ring portion 302, and hook 303 are preferably manufactured as a single piece (e.g., manufactured from a single mold).

[0110] The rotary ring lock 300 is configured to rotate about the mixer base assembly 200 between an unlocked position and a locked position. The upper surface 111 may include, for example... Figure 3A The position indicator 305 shows whether the rotary ring lock 300 is in the locked or unlocked position. The upper surface 111 also includes a mixer base support 113, which provides additional support to the mixer base assembly 200 when it is inserted into the upper surface 111. The mixer base support 113 can also be configured to ensure proper orientation of the mixer base assembly 200 within the device.

[0111] The ring portion 302 also includes an annular notch 304, such as Figure 3AAs shown, the annular notch 304 is positioned to fit over the circular sidewall protrusion 221 of the mixer base assembly 200 in the open configuration (and during insertion of the bioprocess mixer system 100). After the rotary ring lock 300 is rotated to the locked position, the annular notch 304 also rotates, causing the circular sidewall protrusion 221 to be covered and / or contacted by the annular portion 302 of the rotary ring lock 300, thereby providing additional (or, in some embodiments, alternative) contact points with the mixer base assembly 200 to achieve the desired locking.

[0112] exist Figure 3A The rotating ring lock 300 also depicts a cap 306 covering the groove 307 (discussed below). Figure 3C (as shown in the image).

[0113] Figure 3B An alternative embodiment of the ring lock 300 is illustrated. As shown, the ring lock 300 includes an alternative shape for the slot 307 and omits the cap 306. In this embodiment, the ring lock 300 may include a retaining feature 310 (e.g., a clip) located in the slot 307 for releasably retaining the fastener 308 as the ring lock 300 rotates.

[0114] The ring lock 300 can be manufactured in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the ring lock 300 is manufactured by machining. In an alternative and more preferred embodiment, the ring lock 300 is a one-piece component and is configured to be manufactured by additive manufacturing.

[0115] Figure 3C In relation to Figure 3A The exploded view shows a top view of the rotary ring lock 300 positioned around the mixer base assembly 200 in the locked position. Figure 3C The rotary ring lock 300 and other components depicted herein are related to Figure 3A The others are essentially the same, except that the handle 301, ring portion 302, and hook portion 303 are depicted as transparent; the cap 306 has been omitted to show the slot 307 and fastener 308; and the rotary ring lock 300 is relative to... Figure 3A Rotate to place it in the locked position. It can be seen that the hook portion 303 now covers and / or contacts the flat sidewall protrusion 211, and the annular notch 304 no longer fits onto the circular sidewall protrusion 221, thereby preventing the mixer base assembly 200 from falling off.

[0116] The ring portion 302 of the rotary ring lock 300 is secured to the upper surface 111 by fasteners 308 passing through slots 307, which are configured to allow rotation of the rotary ring lock 300. The fasteners 308 depicted are screws, but other alternative fasteners may be used. The ring portion 302 is depicted attached via three sets of slots 307 and fasteners 308, but other sets of slots 307 and fasteners 308 are also possible (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more sets).

[0117] The slot 307 is configured to allow the rotary ring lock 300 to rotate by a desired amount to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The degree of rotation can be any suitable degree that allows for a change in the coverage and / or contact point of the rotary ring lock 300 with the mixer base assembly 200 (e.g., rotation from about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees, such as about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90 degrees), but preferably allows a relatively small degree of rotation (e.g., less than 60 degrees).

[0118] Figure 3D A side view of a rotary ring lock 300 in one embodiment is shown, positioned in an unlocked position on an upper surface 111 around a mixer base assembly 200, with the handle 301 and ring portion 302 shown as transparent. A fastener 308 (also depicted as a screw, which is the preferred fastener) is shown within a groove 307 securing the ring portion 302 to the upper surface 111, including the use of an optional washer 309 (e.g., a triple-wave washer). The location of a circular sidewall protrusion 221 and an inlet port 208 of the mixer base assembly 200, which is connected to a fitting 250 via a cable tie 251, is also shown. Figure 3D As shown, the rotary ring lock 300 contacts the mixer base assembly 200 at a position below the inlet port 208.

[0119] Figure 3E An isometric view of a bioprocess mixer system is shown, in which the rotary ring lock 300 is positioned in the locked position around the mixer base assembly 200 on the upper surface 111 of the device's drive housing 110. Figure 3E The image further depicts a position indicator 305 on the upper surface 111 and a mixer base support 113. A housing body 120 is also shown, in which a mixing container 240 is shown placed, and a probe support holder 500 is also shown on it. Fittings 250 with various accessories (e.g., clamps, T-valve, Y-connectors, etc.) are also depicted connecting to various ports.

[0120] Figure 3FAn additional view of the bioprocess mixer system is shown, illustrating the position of the rotary ring lock 300 in the locked position, positioned around the mixer base assembly 200 on the upper surface 111 of the device's drive housing 110 and supported by the mixer base support 113. The flat sidewall 210 and probe port 209 are clearly visible, with the hook portion 303 visibly contacting the flat sidewall 210. The ring portion 302 is also shown contacting the circular sidewall 220, on which the outlet port 207 is shown. The handle 301 is depicted pointing to the locked position on the position indicator 305. The mixer base assembly 200 is also shown contacting the housing body 120 above it.

[0121] In some embodiments, the bioprocess mixing system described herein includes a jacketed mixing vessel housing configured to at least partially surround (e.g., surround in at least three directions) a mixing vessel. The jacketed mixing vessel housing includes an internal cavity that can be at least partially filled with a fluid that can be heated and / or cooled, preferably in a manner that allows fluid recirculation (e.g., the jacketed mixing vessel housing includes suitable piping and connections to an external fluid heating / cooling source, such as a heating / cooling unit). This allows for fluid regulation of the temperature of the process fluid disposed within the mixing vessel located inside the jacketed mixing vessel housing.

[0122] Therefore, this document provides a jacketed mixing container housing comprising three jacketed sidewalls, each of the three jacketed sidewalls being connected to at least one of the other jacketed sidewalls, and each of the jacketed sidewalls defining an internal cavity, and each of the internal cavities being in fluid communication with the other internal cavities. The jacketed mixing container housing may also include a base supporting the three jacketed sidewalls at their bottom sides. The jacketed mixing container housing may further include an inlet port on the bottom side of one of the jacketed sidewalls, which is in fluid communication with the internal cavity, and / or an outlet port on one of the jacketed sidewalls, which is in fluid communication with the internal cavity at its top side. In some cases, the bottom side of the jacketed sidewall including the inlet slopes downward toward the inlet port. In some embodiments, the three internal cavities of the three jacketed sidewalls are configured such that the three internal cavities are substantially filled with fluid before fluid entering the jacketed mixing container housing reaches the outlet port.

[0123] According to some embodiments, three jacketed sidewalls are arranged in a U-shape, wherein an inner jacketed sidewall is connected to two other jacketed sidewalls, and wherein the inner jacketed sidewall includes an outlet port, and wherein each of the other two jacketed sidewalls includes an inlet port. Additionally, in some cases, the three jacketed sidewalls comprise a single, integral plate that is bent to form the three jacketed sidewalls. In some embodiments, the three internal cavities of the three jacketed sidewalls form a single, continuous internal cavity across the three jacketed sidewalls. In some embodiments, at least one of the three jacketed sidewalls includes a plurality of recesses in the surface of the wall. In some embodiments, the three jacketed sidewalls also include insulation. In some embodiments, the three jacketed sidewalls are arranged to at least partially enclose the mixing container.

[0124] In some embodiments, the base of the jacketed mixing container housing includes a bottom jacket defining a bottom internal cavity, a bottom inlet port fluidly connected to the bottom internal cavity, and a bottom outlet port fluidly connected to the bottom internal cavity and an inlet port on the bottom side of one of the jacketed sidewalls. In some cases, the base includes a corner bracket connecting the base to one of the jacketed sidewalls. In some embodiments, the base is configured to support the mixing container when it is present within the jacketed mixing container housing. In some embodiments, the jacketed mixing container housing also includes a top plate attached to the top side of the three jacketed sidewalls, the top plate providing a surface overhanging over the outer region defined by the three jacketed sidewalls.

[0125] The jacketed mixing container shell described herein is advantageously held within the outer shell body as described herein within the bioprocess mixer system.

[0126] The jacketed mixing vessel shell according to this disclosure is preferably connected to a heating and / or cooling unit. Therefore, in some cases, the inlet and outlet of the jacketed mixing vessel shell are fluidly connected to a fluid source configured to be heated and / or cooled by the heating / cooling unit. The fluid source used is preferably a mixture of ethylene glycol and water to obtain optimal heating / cooling performance, such as a 1:1 mixture (v / v) of ethylene glycol and water.

[0127] This article Figures 4A to 4FAn exemplary jacketed mixing container housing according to this disclosure is described. The jacketed mixing container housing 400 includes a plurality of jacketed sidewalls (e.g., three jacketed sidewalls 401, 402, 403). Preferably, each of the jacketed sidewalls is connected to at least one of the other jacketed sidewalls. Each of the jacketed sidewalls defines an internal cavity 404 configured to receive fluid that can preferably be heated and / or cooled (e.g., the fluid is configured to be recirculated using a heating / cooling unit). Preferably, each of the plurality of jacketed sidewalls is in fluid communication with the other jacketed sidewalls, thereby defining a single flow path through the jacketed mixing container housing. The plurality of walls of the jacketed mixing container housing 400 may each be prepared as separate components, but are preferably prepared from a single plate bent into an enclosing structure. Thus, the description of "a plurality of jacketed sidewalls" or a particular number of jacketed sidewalls (e.g., three jacketed sidewalls) can refer to a single plate bent into or folded into the enclosing structure described herein. In addition, the jacketed sidewalls may further include insulation to help retain heat during operation and may increase the rate at which the process fluid in the mixing vessel is heated during operation.

[0128] Preferably, at least one (and more preferably, at least two) of the jacketed sidewalls includes an inlet port 408 on the bottom side 414 of the jacketed sidewall that is fluidly connected to the internal cavity 404. At least one (and preferably only one) of the jacketed sidewalls includes an outlet port 406 that is fluidly connected to the internal cavity 404 at or near the top side 409 of the jacketed sidewall. This allows heated and / or cooled fluids to flow through the jacketed mixing vessel housing in an upward flow path. Preferably, the plurality of jacketed sidewalls define a single internal cavity 404 without having internal conduits, thereby allowing the internal cavity 404 to be filled simultaneously from bottom to top, rather than sequentially through the individual jacketed sidewalls. The jacketed sidewalls are preferably sloped, with the inlet 408 at the lowest point (e.g., a slope of about 2 degrees), to ensure that the internal cavity 404 is properly filled with heated / cooled fluid during operation. Furthermore, placing the outlet port 406 in fluid communication at the top side 409 of the cavity allows the entire internal cavity 404 to be filled before the heating / cooling fluid leaves the jacketed mixing vessel housing 400. These features allow for uniform heating / cooling of the process fluid within the mixing vessel that can be placed within the jacketed mixing vessel housing 400.

[0129] The jacketed mixing vessel housing may include a base 410 that supports multiple jacketed sidewalls on its underside. The base 410 may also be jacketed, with an internal cavity in fluid communication with the internal cavities of the multiple jacketed sidewalls. In this configuration, the jacketed base 410 is configured to be initially filled with a heatable and / or coolable fluid, at which point the fluid exits the jacketed base 410 at at least one point and enters an inlet port 408 in one of the jacketed sidewalls (preferably, into two separate jacketed sidewalls). Therefore, this configuration allows for additional heating of the process fluid disposed within the mixing vessel housing 400 from another side (bottom side) while still allowing access to the mixing vessel from the front.

[0130] In the most preferred configuration of the jacketed mixing container shell 400 (e.g., as Figure 4B As shown, the flow path of the heating or cooling fluid flows through the jacketed mixing vessel shell, first entering the inlet port 411 of the jacketed mixing vessel shell base 410 through the bottom internal cavity 412 and surrounding the bottom side 414 of the jacketed sidewalls. The fluid then exits the jacketed base 410 and enters at the bottom side 414 into the inlet ports 408 of two separate jacketed sidewalls 401 and 403. The bottom side 414 slopes downward (e.g., about 2 degrees) toward the inlet 408. Then, as the fluid continues to enter the inlet 408, three internal cavities 404 (which effectively form a single continuous internal cavity across the three jacketed sidewalls 401, 402, and 403) uniformly fill the entire bottom side until the fluid reaches the outlet at the top side of the intermediate jacketed sidewall 402, which is in fluid communication with the cavity 404, thus substantially filling each jacketed sidewall 401, 402, and 403 with the fluid for heating and / or cooling.

[0131] Figure 4AAn isometric view of a bottom-jacketed mixing vessel housing 400 is shown. Three jacketed sidewalls 401, 402, and 403 are depicted substantially surrounding an internal space in three directions, within which the mixing vessel can be placed. The jacketed mixing vessel housing 400 is depicted having a jacketed mixing vessel housing base 410 located at the bottom side 414 of the jacketed sidewalls 401, 402, and 403. In this figure, the jacketed mixing vessel housing base 410 is depicted as having its own jacket and includes a bottom inlet port 411 into which fluid for heating and / or cooling can be supplied. The supply fluid for heating and / or cooling is shown as an outlet 406 at the end of the flow path of the jacketed mixing vessel housing, which is fluidly connected to the top side 409 of the jacketed sidewall 402. Also fluidly connected to the outlet 406 is an air purge port 407, which ensures that any air trapped in the fluid flow path of the jacketed mixing vessel housing can be vented during operation. The jacketed sidewalls are also depicted as having recesses 405 within the sidewalls. In some embodiments, the presence of recesses 405 can result in enhanced heat transfer and / or heat transfer uniformity of the process fluid within the mixing container enclosed within the jacketed sidewalls 401, 402, and 403. The jacketed sidewalls 401 and 403 are mounted to the base at least by corner brackets 420 to provide additional support. The jacketed mixing container housing 400 also includes a top plate with overhangs 415, which include overhangs oriented outward from the interior space in which the mixing container can be placed. The top plate 420 with overhangs provides a contact surface through which the jacketed mixing container housing 400 can be placed into the housing body 120 of the bioprocess mixer system 100 as described herein, such as by resting the overhangs on a shelf 122. During operation, the mixing container can be rested on top of the base 410.

[0132] Figure 4B A view of the same jacketed mixing container housing 400, having an internal space defined by three jacketed sidewalls 401, 402, and 403, in which the mixing container can be disposed, is shown. In this figure, the flow path of fluid for heating and / or cooling the mixing container is depicted, wherein the fluid flow begins in the base 410 through the cavity 412, then exits the base 410 and enters the inlet 408 of the jacketed sidewalls 401 and 403 to fill the cavity defined by the three jacketed sidewalls 401, 402, and 403. A recess 405 is visible on each of the jacketed sidewalls 401, 402, and 403. An air purge port 407 is also visible at the rear of the jacketed mixing container housing 400.

[0133] Figure 4CA cross-sectional side view of the jacketed mixing vessel housing 400 is shown, depicting the internal cavity 404 and fluid flow path of the jacketed mixing vessel housing 400 in operation. A cross-section of the jacketed sidewall 401 is depicted, revealing the internal structure of the internal cavity 404, which does not include internal pipes or other structures and is uninterrupted except for recess 405. This construction of the internal cavity 404 without internal pipes or other structures is preferred, but the internal structure can be compatible with this disclosure (e.g., adding baffles or other structures to alter or guide the flow path through the jacketed mixing vessel housing 400). To follow the flow path of the fluid used for heating and / or cooling, the fluid enters at the bottom inlet port 411 and traverses the bottom internal cavity 412 of the base 410 until reaching the bottom outlet port 413 of the base 410. The fluid then enters the inlet port 408 of the jacketed sidewall 401 (and simultaneously, the corresponding inlet port 408 of the jacketed sidewall 403, not shown in the image). Then, each of the jacketed sidewalls 401, 402, and 403 is filled with fluid from bottom to top by means of the downward slope of the bottom of the jacketed sidewalls 401, 402, and 403 toward the inlet port 408. The downward slope can have any desired angle, but is preferably a gentle angle of less than 10 degrees, more preferably less than 5 degrees, and most preferably about 2 degrees or less. After filling the internal cavity 404, the fluid exits at an outlet 406 in fluid communication with the top of the internal cavity 404, where any trapped air is allowed to escape via an air purge port 407. A top plate with a cantilever 415 is also shown.

[0134] Figure 4D An isometric view of a jacketed mixing container shell 400 with an alternative construction having a recess 405 is shown. Figure 4E A side view of the jacketed mixing container housing 400 with a different recess 405 configuration is also shown. Any configuration of the recess 405 is compatible with this disclosure, and in fact, each jacketed sidewall of the device may have a different recess configuration.

[0135] Figure 4F A cross-sectional side view of a bioprocess mixer system 100 is shown, highlighting the features of the jacketed mixing container 400 and its connection thereto. The outer shell body 120 is depicted as transparent, and the location of the jacketed mixing container shell 400, positioned therein and above the drive housing 110, is shown. Figure 4C All features of the jacketed mixing container housing 400 include a base 410, a bottom inlet port 411, a bottom internal cavity 412, a bottom outlet port 413 connected to the inlet port 408, an outlet 406 in fluid communication with the top of the internal cavity 404, an air purge port 407, and a recess 405.

[0136] like Figure 4F As shown, the bottom inlet port 411, outlet port 406, and air purge port 407 are depicted as part of the jacketed mixing container 400 and extend through the housing body 120. In an alternative embodiment, the jacketed mixing container housing 400 may alternatively have an outlet port 406, which, along with additional ports and corresponding conduits present on the housing body 120 (e.g., Figure 1C The depicted port 132) is fluidly connected, and / or the bottom inlet port 411 may be connected to additional ports and corresponding conduits present on the housing body 120 (e.g., Figure 1C Port 134 is depicted as a fluid connection. In such embodiments, outlet port 406 and / or bottom inlet port 411 refer to the portions of the jacketed mixing container housing 400 that contact and mate with the corresponding pipes of the housing body 120.

[0137] In some embodiments, the bioprocess mixing system as described herein includes a probe support retainer. The probe support retainer described herein is capable of holding and supporting the probe during operation of the device. Preferably, the probe support retainer is capable of and configured to hold the probe within the probe port at a predetermined and / or desired angle. This feature is ideal when used with certain probes that require operation at a specific angle to function properly, and when the shape and / or structure of the mixer base assembly makes it difficult to self-support such probes and hold them in the desired configuration. The probe support retainer provided herein can be advantageously mounted to the bioprocess mixing system as described herein, such as to the housing body described herein.

[0138] In some embodiments, the probe support retainer described herein may include a mounting body, a retaining latch, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring is positioned and / or configured to close the retaining latch, thereby holding the retaining latch against the probe. The mounting body and the retaining latch may be two separate parts, with the torsion spring positioned at the junction of the two parts. The retaining latch may also advantageously include a wedge-shaped structure configured to open the retaining latch during insertion of the probe into the probe support retainer. The probe support retainer also advantageously includes a surface conforming to the shape of the probe, such as a circular portion for supporting a circular probe. The probe that can be mounted using the probe support retainer can be any desired probe, including but not limited to probes for measuring at least one of the following: pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (or other gases), or any other significant characteristic of a process fluid.

[0139] Go to Figures 5A to 5DThis document also provides a probe support holder 500 that is compatible with the bioprocess mixer system 100 as described herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the probe support holder 500 described herein can also be a compatible alternative bioprocess mixer system, and is not limited to use with the bioprocess mixer system 100 provided herein, or with substantially similar systems.

[0140] Figure 5A A close-up view of the probe support retainer 500 described herein is shown. The probe support retainer 500 is depicted as a housing body 120 mounted above the upper surface 111 of the bioprocess mixer system described herein. The probe support retainer 500 is shown in proper position holding the probe 550 within the probe port 207 on the mixer base assembly 200. The probe support retainer 500 is shown in the closed latch position.

[0141] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A The same probe support retainer 500 shown is a close-up view in the open latch position, with the opening action indicated. As shown, the probe support retainer 500 includes a portion configured to move downwards during the retention position of the probe 550 inserted into the probe support retainer 500. Figure 5C and Figure 5D (The retaining latch 510 shown).

[0142] Figure 5C An exploded view of the components of the probe support retainer 500 described herein is shown. Specifically, the probe support retainer 500 comprises two parts constituting the exterior of the device. These two parts include a mounting body 501, which can be mounted to a desired surface (e.g., housing body 120) through a mounting hole 502, which can be used with suitable fasteners (e.g., screws) to mount the probe support retainer 500 to the desired surface. The second exterior part of the probe support retainer 500 is a retaining latch 510. The retaining latch 510 includes an insertion wedge 513 that is used to drive the retaining latch in a downward direction during insertion of the probe 550 into the probe support retainer 500 as the probe 500 moves laterally into the probe support surface 503 of the device. The probe support surface 503 conforms to the shape of the desired probe and preferably includes a circular portion for compatibility with most commercially available probes. After the probe 550 moves past the insertion wedge 513 during insertion, the torsion spring 507 is used to lock the retaining latch 510 back to the closed position, thereby securing the probe 550 in place.

[0143] Figure 5CThe hardware and other features for assembling the device are also depicted, including screws 504, washers 505, torsion springs 507, sleeve bushings 508, and pins 509 inserted into the relevant holes of the device. Specifically, screw 504 traverses holes 506 in mounting body 501, torsion springs 507, and sleeve bushings 508 before finally entering the receiving hole 511 on retaining latch 510. Pins 509 are inserted into separate holes on both parts. Importantly, torsion spring 507 is positioned at the junction of mounting body 501 and retaining latch 510 such that when compressed, it will drive both parts back to the closed position, thereby securing probe 550 in place. Figure 5D A cross-sectional view of the probe support retainer 500 fully assembled with the mounting body 501 is shown, which is depicted as being connected to the retaining latch 510 (depicted as transparent). Other related hardware can be seen in the view.

[0144] Go to Figure 6A Further details of one embodiment of the drive housing 110 and related features are shown. The drive housing 110 includes a mixer base seat 115 on its upper surface 111, configured to receive a mixer base assembly (e.g., the mixer base assembly 200 described herein) and orient the mixer base assembly in the correct orientation for operation. The drive housing 110 also includes a vent 112 to allow airflow into the drive housing 110, thereby reducing the risk of overheating of the various components housed therein, including the drive system and / or other electronics 118. The drive housing 110 preferably includes an access door 117 that can be opened to allow access to the electronics 118 and other materials stored inside. The access door 117 may also include a bracket 121 on which the electronics 118 can be mounted. The exterior of the drive housing 110 also includes electrical ports 119 from which power can be supplied to the various components of the device (e.g., the drive system, probes, etc.). The drive housing 110 can be mounted on a base plate 116, with support feet 104 contacting the surface on which the device is rested. The support foot 104 is optimally adjustable to allow for proper balance of the device.

[0145] Figure 6B Additional details of a base plate 116 and its components in one embodiment are shown. The base plate 116 includes a top plate 151 and a welded base 150, which are connected by suitable fasteners, preferably including vibration damping isolators 154. A load cell 114 is positioned between the welded base 150 and the top plate 151 and held in place by load cell mounting fasteners / screws 153. The load cell 114 is configured to accurately weigh the contents placed in the mixer base assembly 200 and the corresponding mixing container during operation. Figure 6CAn alternative embodiment of the base plate 116 is shown. As shown, the top plate 151 and the base 150 have a generally “H” shape, wherein the load cell 114 is fastened to the intersection of the H with fasteners 153.

[0146] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that each individual publication, patent or patent application is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0147] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms and any acronyms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice of this invention, exemplary methods, apparatus, and materials are described herein.

[0148] definition

[0149] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “characterized in,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, and are subject to any limitation of the listed components unless expressly indicated otherwise. For example, the subject matter of “comprising” a list of elements (e.g., components, features, or steps) is not necessarily limited to those elements (or components or steps), but may include other elements (or components or steps) not expressly listed or inherent to the subject matter.

[0150] As used herein, the transitional phrase “consisting of…” excludes any unspecified element, step, or component. For example, the use of “consisting of…” in a claim limits the claim to the components, materials, or steps specifically listed in the claim. When the phrase “consisting of…” appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, the phrase “consisting of…” limits only the element (or component or step) set forth in that clause; other elements (or components) are not excluded from the overall claim.

[0151] As used herein, the transitional phrase “consistently of…” is used to define a subject matter that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements in addition to those explicitly disclosed, provided that such additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not substantially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed subject matter. The term “consistently of…” falls between “comprising” and “composed of…”.

[0152] When elements of the present invention or its preferred embodiments are introduced, the articles “a,” “the,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed.

[0153] When used in a list of two or more items, the term "and / or" means that any one of the listed items can be used alone or in combination with any one or more of the listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" is intended to mean either or both of A and B, i.e., A alone, B alone, or a combination of A and B. The expression "A, B and / or C" is intended to mean A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B and C.

[0154] It should be understood that the aspects and implementations of this disclosure described herein include “consisting of aspects and implementations” and / or “substantially consisting of aspects and implementations”.

[0155] It should be understood that any description in scope format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, a description of a scope should be considered as having specifically disclosed all possible sub-scopes within that scope, as well as individual numerical values. For example, a description of a scope such as 1 to 6 should be considered as having specifically disclosed sub-scopes such as 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 to 6, 3 to 6, etc., and individual numerical values ​​within that scope, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the scope. Values ​​or ranges may also be expressed herein as “about,” from “about” a specific value, and / or to “about” another specific value. When expressing such values ​​or ranges, other disclosed embodiments include the listed specific values, from one specific value, and / or to another. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation using the preposition “about,” it should be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. It should also be understood that many values ​​are disclosed herein, and each value is also disclosed herein as “about” that particular value, in addition to the value itself. In the implementation, “about” can be used to mean, for example, within 10% of the listed value, within 5% of the listed value, or within 2% of the listed value.

Claims

1. A mixer base assembly, comprising: (a) A subject having: (i) Upper end, the upper end including a mating surface for connecting the mixing container; (ii) Lower end, the lower end including a cavity; (iii) A fluid mixing chamber having a bottom wall; (iv) Circular sidewalls and flat sidewalls, wherein the circular sidewalls are the only walls surrounding the fluid mixing chamber at a first portion and join the flat sidewalls at a second portion to surround the fluid mixing chamber; (v) An inlet port, which is disposed in the circular sidewall or the straight sidewall; (vi) an outlet port, said outlet port being disposed in the circular sidewall or the straight sidewall; and, (vii) At least one probe port, said at least one probe port being disposed in the circular sidewall or the straight sidewall; (b) an impeller seat, said impeller seat being disposed within the cavity in the lower end of the body; and, (c) Impeller, the impeller being arranged in the impeller seat.

2. The mixer base assembly of claim 1, further comprising an alignment mark on the circular sidewall or the flat sidewall, the alignment mark being configured to indicate whether the mixer base assembly is in the correct orientation for connection with a seat on a housing housing for the mixing container and / or a drive system configured to drive the impeller.

3. The mixer base assembly of claim 2, wherein the alignment mark is a protrusion or recess in the side circular sidewall or the side straight sidewall.

4. The mixer base assembly of claim 2, wherein the alignment mark is a protrusion on the flat sidewall, the protrusion being configured to interact with a rotary ring lock on the housing housing housing the drive system.

5. The mixer base assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet port and / or the outlet port is disposed on the circular sidewall.

6. The mixer base assembly of claim 1, wherein the impeller is a suspended magnetic impeller, the suspended magnetic impeller comprising a magnet, a base, and at least two blades.

7. The mixer base assembly of claim 6, wherein the suspended magnetic impeller includes a central cavity, and wherein the impeller seat includes a shaft protruding through the central cavity of the suspended magnetic impeller, and a shaft cap configured to prevent the suspended magnetic impeller from detaching from the shaft.

8. The mixer base assembly of claim 7, wherein the shaft cap has a diameter larger than that of the central cavity of the suspended magnetic impeller.

9. The mixer base assembly of claim 7, wherein the suspended magnetic impeller is configured to rotate about the axis.

10. The mixer base assembly of claim 7, wherein the shaft cap is thermally riveted to the shaft.

11. The mixer base assembly of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall of the mixing chamber slopes downward in a direction from the inlet port toward the outlet port.

12. The mixer base assembly of claim 1, wherein the probe port is positioned to position the probe at a desired angle into the fluid mixing chamber.

13. The mixer base assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one probe capable of being inserted into the at least one probe port.

14. The mixer base assembly of claim 13, wherein the probe measures at least one of pH, conductivity, temperature, or dissolved oxygen.

15. The mixer base assembly of claim 1, wherein the mixing container is a flexible bag.

16. The mixer base assembly of claim 15, wherein the flexible bag has a maximum working volume of at least 5 L.

17. The mixer base assembly of claim 15, wherein the body mates with the flexible bag.

18. The mixer base assembly of claim 1, wherein the mixer base assembly has a retention volume of less than 20 mL.

19. The mixer base assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet port and outlet port are fluidly coupled to a flexible tubing.

20. The mixer base assembly of claim 19, wherein the flexible tubing fluidly mates with the outlet port includes a fitting that includes a sample port.

Images