Multi-tube pinch valve assembly

Abstract

The multiple tube pinch valve assembly has a receiving space defined between the pinch protrusion and the tube contact. The multiple tube pinch valve assembly is movable between a retracted state and an extended state. In the extended state, multiple tubes disposed within the receiving space are pinched to restrict flow through the tubes. In the retracted state, multiple tubes can be loaded into and / or removed from the receiving space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference to related patent applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 113,151, filed February 23, 2023, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 314,931, filed February 28, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to pinch valves, and more particularly to pinch valves for selectively controlling flow through multiple tubes. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally, internal and / or external valves have been used to selectively control the flow of fluids (e.g., gases, liquids, etc., and / or combinations thereof) through tubes or other conduits. These valves can be operated to completely or partially block fluid flow. Internal valves are disposed at least partially within the lumen of the tube, while external valves provide fluid flow control from outside the tube. In particular, external valves apply a force against the exterior surface of a tube or flexible conduit, allowing the lumen of the tube to change from an unoccluded state to an occluded or partially occluded state.

[0004] External valves (e.g., pinch valves, etc.) can control fluid flow in tubing without requiring the installation of expensive and complicated internal valves. A typical pinch valve controls fluid flow through tubing by squeezing the outer portion of the tubing to occlude the lumen of the inner portion of the tubing. As can be appreciated, pinch valves provide sterile fluid flow control without direct contact of the pinch valve components with the fluid inside the tubing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In some embodiments, a tubing configuration or tubing system design requires that two or more tubes or two or more tubing sections be occluded simultaneously or at different times. In conventional systems, a pinch valve is located in each individual area where fluid flow control is desired. Each pinch valve is independently operated by a respective actuator. With this conventional approach, as the number of individual fluid flow control areas increases, the number of pinch valves required to enable the system also increases. Because each pinch valve includes its own actuator, the cost and complexity of this conventional approach necessarily increase. Furthermore, the number of components required to perform fluid control operations under conventional approaches increases the likelihood of failure and the time required for regular routine maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The embodiments presented herein are designed to address these and other challenges. Among other things, the present disclosure provides a multiple-tube or multiple-tube pinch valve assembly capable of pinching two or more tubes or two or more tube sections with a single actuator. In some examples, the multiple-tube pinch valve assembly may be configured to pinch multiple tubes or multiple tube sections simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, the multiple-tube pinch valve assembly may pinch a first set of tubes at a first time and pinch a second set of tubes at a different second time. In one example, the multiple-tube pinch valve assembly may allow flow through the first set of tubes while pinching (e.g., obstructing flow) the second set of tubes, or vice versa.

[0007] In one example, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly may comprise a miniature valve array capable of sequentially opening and closing the fluid paths to each bioreactor in a multi-bioreactor system. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly may comprise a valve mechanism that may be incorporated into a bioreactor rocker assembly. This design significantly simplifies disposable sets (e.g., tubing sets, etc.) used in, among other things, cell growth systems, sterile fluid management systems, any suitable system that uses a multi-tube valve mechanism for sterile fluid pathway management, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly may be integrated into the soft cassette of the disposable set.

[0008] In some examples, the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly may correspond to a cam-actuated valve array, which provides a compact method of opening and closing multiple parallel tubes in a set sequence. This approach allows a multi-bioreactor cell growth system to implement a "time-shared" or "duty-cycle" method of operating multiple bioreactors where the valve array is located on a bioreactor rocker rather than on a fixed cassette. As can be appreciated, the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly is not limited to use in multi-bioreactor systems. For example, the mechanism of the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly can be adapted to any situation where the position of multiple valves relative to other valves is required to be fixed.

[0009] In a cam-driven approach, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly may utilize a finger-pump-type mechanism with the tube and finger operating configuration rotated 90 degrees relative to the cam. Rather than pumping a single tube, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly can simultaneously valve many tubes. This multi-tube pinch valve assembly design can be combined with a soft cassette so that the fingers act in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the soft cassette. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly allows for precise control of occlusion depth, thereby enabling intentional partial occlusion of tubes (e.g., partial restriction of fluid flow). Other advantages of the examples described herein include the compact size and simplified electronics of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly. Among other features, these features enable the valve unit to be attached to a bioreactor rocker, which in some cases can simplify the disposable set used in the cell expansion system, for example, by reducing the number of tubings that must extend from the bioreactor to the stationary cassette. Furthermore, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly allows for secure locking of valve positions relative to each other to ensure proper flow. For example, one of the tubes in a time-sharing model is guaranteed to always be open to prevent pressure buildup, or two tubes are always either open or closed relative to each other to ensure a complete fluid path.

[0010] In some examples, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly may be driven by a motor operably connected to a camshaft having two cam profiles. The first anvil assembly is disposed adjacent to the first of the two cam profiles, and the second anvil assembly is disposed adjacent to the second of the two cam profiles. When the motor rotates the camshaft, the two cam profiles rotate relative to the first and second anvil assemblies. At a specific rotation angle, at least one cam lobe, i.e., a protrusion, disposed on the cam profile contacts the first and second anvil assemblies. For example, a first cam lobe associated with the first cam profile may contact the first anvil assembly at a first rotation angle of the camshaft. When the first cam lobe contacts the first anvil assembly, the shape of the first cam lobe causes the first anvil assembly to move toward the pinch plate in a direction away from the camshaft. The first portion of the tube is positioned within a first space between the first anvil and the pinch plate. In this configuration, when the first anvil assembly moves toward the pinch plate, the first anvil of the first anvil assembly contacts and deforms the first portion of the tube so that the lumen of the first portion of the tube closes. While the first cam lobe is at its maximum travel point or within a predetermined angular range (e.g., 1 to 5 degrees) of its maximum travel point, the first portion of the tube remains occluded, and the first anvil maintains the first portion of the tube in an occluded state.

[0011] The multi-tube pinch valve assembly may be configured as an array of independently actuated multi-tube pinch valves. For example, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly may include a five-valve array of independently actuated four-tube pinch valves. At least one advantage of this independently actuated configuration includes, but is by no means limited to, operating the multi-tube pinch valve assembly in any combination of open or closed states.

[0012] This disclosure describes, among other things, a multi-tube pinch valve assembly comprising an array (e.g., an array of five four-tube pinch valves) divided into individual multi-tube valves, where each multi-tube valve in the array can be driven by a miniature linear actuator (e.g., a solenoid, piezoelectric actuator, screw actuator, pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, and / or stepper motor linear actuator, etc.). This approach allows for any combination of valve states during a protocol (e.g., system operation, etc.). For example, in a cell growth system, all valves may be open during loading of disposables (e.g., tubing sets, etc.), valves may be continuously cycled with a 10-second duty cycle during cell feeding, and valves may be continuously open for longer durations during tasks such as cell harvesting.

[0013] In some examples, the pinching jaws of each multi-tube valve (e.g., a four-tube valve, etc.) in a multi-tube pinch valve assembly may be slightly offset from one another. Among other things, this configuration may reduce the pinch force from the actuator required to occlude the tube and increase the jaw gap range over which occlusion occurs. Such increased jaw gap improves cycle life and tube integrity over time compared to designs with smaller jaw gaps. In one example, a single set of opposing jaws can pinch four tubes at once. Additionally or alternatively, the ability to independently operate each valve in a multi-tube valve allows for optimization and simplification of disposable designs compared to designs requiring separate valves.

[0014] The foregoing is a simplified summary of the present disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither a detailed nor comprehensive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure, nor is it intended to delineate the scope of the disclosure; rather, it is intended to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the present disclosure may be envisioned that utilize, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

[0015] Numerous additional features and advantages are described herein, or will become apparent to those skilled in the art, upon consideration of the following detailed description and upon consideration of the drawings.

[0016] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the detailed description, explain the principles of the present disclosure. The drawings merely illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the present disclosure may be made and used, and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the examples shown and described. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following more detailed description of various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the present disclosure, as illustrated by the drawings referenced below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a first perspective view of a multi-tube pinch valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a first front view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a second perspective view of the multi-tube pinch valve shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1D]FIG. 1D is a partially exploded perspective view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly taken along line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an anvil assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an anvil assembly and cam of a multi-tube pinch valve assembly in a first rotational position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an anvil assembly and cam of a multi-tube pinch valve assembly in a second rotational position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of an anvil assembly and cam of a multi-tube pinch valve assembly in a third rotational position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a first perspective view of a multi-tube pinch valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a top view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a schematic top view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly shown in FIG. 4A in a closed, tube-occluded state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic top view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly shown in FIG. 4A in a partially closed, tube-partially occluded state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a schematic top view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly shown in FIG. 4A in an open, tube-open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a first perspective view of a multi-tube pinch valve assembly in an array configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a second perspective view of a multi-tube pinch valve assembly in an array configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a multi-tubing pinch valve assembly in an array configuration for a multi-bioreactor system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a hydraulic layout for a cell growth system having a single bioreactor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a hydraulic layout for a cell growth system having multiple bioreactors and multiple tubing pinch valve assemblies, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary multi-tube pinch valve assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly of FIG. 10 with the cover removed. [Figure 12] 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary actuation member of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a bioreactor support frame configured for the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary multi-tube pinch valve assembly according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly of FIG. 14 with the bioreactor support frame removed. [Figure 16] 16 is a perspective view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly of FIG. 14 with the cover removed. [Figure 17] 17 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly of FIG. 14. FIG. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a bioreactor support frame configured for the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Before describing any embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and are not to be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Furthermore, the present disclosure may use examples to illustrate one or more aspects. Unless otherwise specified, the use or recitation of one or more examples (which may be indicated by "for example," "by way of example," "eg," "etc.", or similar language) is not intended to and does not limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0019] The following description provides examples and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the following description will provide those skilled in the art with an effective description for implementing the described embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0020] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to drawings that are schematic illustrations of idealized configurations.

[0021] Conventional external valve methods typically utilize a single pinch valve to control fluid flow within a single tube. When fluid flow control is required for multiple tubes, a pinch valve is used for each tube in the multiple tubes. As can be appreciated, this conventional configuration increases the number of components required for multi-tube fluid flow control. As the number of components increases, the complexity of multi-tube fluid flow control increases. Additionally or alternatively, if each tube has its own pinch valve, controlling each pinch valve in the multi-tube fluid flow control requires complex valve control, timing, wiring, and programming. In either case, using one pinch valve for every tube or tube section that needs to be pinched, as in the conventional approach, increases maintenance time, failures, and system complexity.

[0022] It is with respect to these and other problems that the embodiments presented herein are directed.

[0023] 1A-1D illustrate a multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 includes a base 104 (e.g., a base plate, frame, support structure, etc.), a camshaft 108, at least one cam 112 attached to the camshaft 108, at least one anvil assembly 150, and a tube platen 120. In some examples, the tube platen 120 includes a plurality of tube receiving openings 128 disposed along the length of the tube platen 120. Each of the plurality of tube receiving openings 128 is configured to receive a tube or tube section therein. The plurality of tube receiving openings 128 extend in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 110 of the camshaft 108.

[0024] Features of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 are described in relation to a coordinate system 102. The coordinate system 102 has three dimensions, with an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, as shown in the figures. Additionally or alternatively, the coordinate system 102 can be used to define planes of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 (e.g., an XY plane, an XZ plane, and a YZ plane). These planes are disposed orthogonally, i.e., at 90 degrees, relative to one another. The origin of the coordinate system 102 can be located at any point on or near a component of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100, but for purposes of explanation, the axes of the coordinate system 102 are always disposed along the same direction in each of the figures. In some examples, dimensions, angles, directions, relative positions, and / or movements associated with one or more components of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 are referenced with respect to the coordinate system 102. For example, the width of multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 is defined as the dimension along the X-axis of coordinate system 102, the height of multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 is defined as the dimension along the Y-axis of coordinate system 102, and the depth of multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 is defined as the dimension along the Z-axis of coordinate system 102. Additionally or alternatively, the width of tube platen 120 is defined as the dimension along the X-axis of coordinate system 102, the height of tube platen 120 is defined as the dimension along the Y-axis of coordinate system 102, and the depth of tube platen 120 is defined as the dimension along the Z-axis of coordinate system 102.

[0025] The multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 may include a motor 132 having an output shaft 134, a driver 136, and a cam driver 140. As the output shaft 134 of the motor 132 rotates, power is transmitted from the driver 136 to the cam driver 140. In one example, the driver 136 and the cam driver 140 may be configured as respective gears in meshing contact with each other. In one example, the driver 136 and the cam driver 140 may correspond to pulleys (e.g., timing belt pulleys, V-pulleys, etc.). In this example, power is transmitted from the driver 136 to the cam driver 140 via a drive belt 138. The drive belt 138 may correspond to a timing belt, a V-belt, a ribbed V-belt, a link V-belt, etc., and / or any other continuous belt. In any of these examples, as the output shaft 134 of the motor 132 rotates, the cam shaft 108 rotates about the longitudinal axis 110. Rotation of the camshaft 108 causes a cam 112 having at least one cam profile shape to rotate about the longitudinal axis 110. The cam 112 may be keyed to the camshaft 108 (e.g., via a key and keyway, splines, etc.) and / or fixed to the camshaft 108 and / or formed from and / or otherwise attached to the camshaft 108. The cam 112 may rotate 360 ​​degrees. At various angular rotations, different portions of the cam profile shape of the cam 112 are oriented relative to the anvil assembly 150. For example, when a protruding portion of the cam 112 contacts the anvil assembly 150, the anvil assembly 150 rises toward the tube platen 120 (e.g., moves in the positive direction of the Y-axis), and when a recessed or heel portion of the cam 112 contacts the anvil assembly 150, the anvil assembly 150 descends away from the tube platen 120 (e.g., moves in the negative direction of the Y-axis). In this manner, rotation of the camshaft 108 causes the anvil assembly 150 to pinch the multiple tubes 124 within the tube-receiving openings 128 of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 .

[0026] In some examples, the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly 100 includes a bioreactor support frame 144. The bioreactor support frame 144 may include a plurality of recesses 142 configured to receive and / or hold bioreactors (e.g., hollow fiber bioreactors, cell growth system bioreactors, etc.). In some examples, the plurality of tubes 124 disposed within the tube-receiving openings 128 interconnect multiple bioreactors held or supported by the bioreactor support frame 144. Varying the timing of opening and closing the multiple tubes 124 associated with each bioreactor simultaneously or at different times can be beneficial in controlling fluid flow to multiple bioreactors.

[0027] As shown in the front view of FIG. 1B, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 is configured with valve arrays 148A-148E, i.e., arrays of valves, including a first multi-tube valve 148A, a second multi-tube valve 148B, a third multi-tube valve 148C, a fourth multi-tube valve 148D, and / or a fifth multi-tube valve 148E. Each multi-tube valve in the valve arrays 148A-148E can be associated with a particular set of bioreactor tubing. For example, the first multi-tube valve 148A controls the fluid flow of the plurality of tubings 124 received in the tubing-receiving opening 128 associated with the first multi-tube valve 148A. In turn, the second multi-tube valve 148B controls the fluid flow of the plurality of tubings 124 received in the tubing-receiving opening 128 associated with the second multi-tube valve 148B, and so on. Each multi-tube valve in valve arrays 148A-148E includes an anvil assembly 150 and a cam 112. Cams 112 are thus positioned on camshaft 108 such that a multi-tube valve in one of valve arrays 148A-148E can operate at different, or independent, timing relative to other multi-tube valves in valve arrays 148A-148E. Stated another way, cams 112 for a multi-tube valve in one of valve arrays 148A-148E are rotationally out of phase with at least one other multi-tube valve in valve arrays 148A-148E. In this example, as camshaft 108 rotates, valves in valve arrays 148A-148E can open and close simultaneously or at different times. In some examples, valve arrays 148A-148E are positioned along the length of longitudinal axis 110 of camshaft 108 (e.g., along the X-axis). Although shown with five valves 148A-148E, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 can include any number of valves. In some examples, the number of valves may be configured to match the number of bioreactors or sets of multiple tubes 124 requiring fluid flow control.As can be appreciated, the valve array of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100 can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more valves.

[0028] FIG. 1D shows a partially exploded perspective view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100, exposing the anvil grid plate 116. The anvil grid plate 116 includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The openings are aligned along the X-axis of the anvil grid plate 116. Each opening is sized to receive a portion of the anvil assembly 150. As the camshaft 108 rotates, the cam 112 contacts the anvil assembly 150, moving the portion of the anvil assembly 150 into and out of the opening. The anvil grid plate 116 includes an upper surface that is spaced apart from the tube platen contacting surface of the tube platen 120. This distance provides a space in which the plurality of tubes 124 are positioned. As can be appreciated, when a portion of the anvil assembly 150 enters this space, the plurality of tubes 124 are occluded (e.g., pinched), and when a portion of the anvil assembly 150 exits this space, the plurality of tubes 124 are released. Further details regarding this cam-actuated pinching and fluid flow control of multiple tubes are described with reference to Figures 2A-3C.

[0029] 2A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the multiple-tube pinch valve assembly taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1D. The figure illustrates the cam 112 of the camshaft 108 in a rotational position in which the anvil assembly 150 pinches the multiple tubes 124 positioned within the tube-receiving opening 128 (e.g., in the space between the anvil grid plate 116 and the tube platen 120). In this position, the anvil assembly 150 contacts the cam lobes of the cam 112, representing a pinched configuration of the multiple tubes 124. Fluid flow through the multiple tubes 124 is restricted when the anvil assembly 150 contacts the multiple tubes 124 in the pinched configuration.

[0030] The anvil assembly 150, shown in detail in FIG. 2B , includes an anvil 200 having an anvil body 204 and a pinch edge 208 extending from a first end 212A to a second end 212B of the anvil assembly 150. The anvil 200 includes a protrusion extending in the Y-axis direction from at least one stop ledge 216 of the anvil body 204. The protrusion is sized to engage (e.g., via a slip fit, a clearance fit, and / or the like) with an opening or receiver in the anvil grid plate 116. The protrusion terminates in the pinch edge 208. In some examples, the pinch edge 208 may be flat, rounded, or pointed. The pinch edge 208 may include a tapered portion sloping from the pinch edge 208 toward the stop ledge 216. In some instances, this tapered portion allows the pinched portion of the plurality of tubes 124 to flex and move around the pinching edge 208. This shape can, among other things, reduce stress on the plurality of tubes 124 during pinching.

[0031] The anvil assembly 150 may include at least one cam contact portion disposed on the lower portion of the anvil body 204. The at least one cam contact portion extends beyond the anvil body 204. In either case, the at least one cam contact portion provides a contact surface between the anvil body 204 and the cam 112 of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 100. In some examples, the at least one cam contact portion may correspond to a cam follower 210 or other bearing. The cam follower 210 may, in some cases, be fabricated to include a hardened steel wheel and bearing (e.g., roller bearing, ball bearing, etc.). The lower portion of the anvil body 204 may include tapered surfaces 220 disposed on either side of a plane (e.g., along the XY plane) that passes through the center of the anvil body 204. The tapered surfaces 220 may provide clearance for portions of the cam 112 and the cam profile shape as the cam 112 moves relative to the anvil body 204 and the anvil assembly 150.

[0032] 3A-3C show schematic cross-sectional views of the anvil assembly 150 as the cam 112 rotates about the longitudinal axis 110. A rotational position line 302 is shown on the cam 112 to indicate a position from a first angular reference (e.g., shown as the 0-degree line). The cam 112 has a cam profile shape (e.g., located on the periphery of the cam 112) including a cam heel 308 (e.g., a bottom point), a cam lobe 316 (e.g., an apex), and a cam transition section 312 located between the cam heel 308 and the cam lobe 316. The cam heel 308 may correspond to a first point on the cam profile shape. At this first point, the periphery of the cam 112 is closer to the center of the cam 112 (e.g., the longitudinal axis 110 of the camshaft 108) than to other points on the cam profile shape. Additionally or alternatively, the cam lobe 316 may correspond to a second point on the cam profile shape. At this second point, the distance from the outer periphery of the cam 112 to the center of the cam 112 (e.g., the longitudinal axis 110 of the camshaft 108) is greater than at other points in the cam profile shape. As can be seen, the distance from the outer periphery of the cam 112 to the center of the cam 112 at the cam transition section 312 is the distance between the distances measured at the first point and the second point.

[0033] 3A-3C, the plurality of tubes 124 are positioned in the space between the anvil grid plate 116 and the tube platen 120. In some examples, this space corresponds to the tube receiving openings 128 described above. FIG. 3A corresponds to the anvil assembly 150 in a first rotational position of the cam 112, FIG. 3B corresponds to the anvil assembly 150 in a second rotational position of the cam 112, and FIG. 3C corresponds to the anvil assembly 150 in a third rotational position of the cam 112. In the first rotational position of the cam 112, the plurality of tubes 124 are in a fluid-flow open state. In this position, fluid can flow through each of the plurality of tubes 124. In the second rotational position of the cam 112, the plurality of tubes 124 are in a partially closed, fluid-flow restricted state. In this position, fluid can flow through each of the plurality of tubes 124, but in a restricted, partially closed state. For example, the flow rate of fluid through the plurality of tubes 124 is reduced in the second rotational position compared to the first rotational position. In the third rotational position of the cam 112, the plurality of tubes 124 are in a closed state. In this position, fluid is restricted from flowing through each tube of the plurality of tubes 124. This third rotational position corresponds to a fully occluded tube state, also referred to herein as a pinched or pinched-occlusion state of the plurality of tubes 124.

[0034] In FIG. 3A , the anvil assembly 150 is in its lowest position, with the protruding portion of the anvil 200 positioned within the anvil opening 304 of the anvil grid plate 116. In particular, the cam follower 210 of the anvil assembly 150 is positioned in contact with the cam heel 308 of the cam 112. In this lowest position, the pinching edge 208 is positioned adjacent to the plurality of tubes 124. In FIG. 3A , the plurality of tubes 124 are not pinched by the anvil 200, allowing fluid to flow through the plurality of tubes 124 from the left side of the figure to the right side of the figure, or vice versa.

[0035] As the camshaft 108 rotates a first rotation 320A (e.g., shown as a first clockwise rotation), the cam 112 rotates from a zero-degree reference position to an angular position α1 (e.g., comprising a non-zero angle measured from the zero-degree reference position), as shown in FIG. 3B . At angular position α1, the cam follower 210 of the anvil assembly 150 contacts the cam transition portion 312 of the cam 112. Because the distance of the cam transition portion 312 from the outer periphery of the cam 112 is greater than the distance of the cam heel 308 from the outer periphery of the cam 112, the anvil assembly 150 rises, i.e., moves upward, positioning the pinch edge 208 in the space between the anvil grid plate 116 and the tube platen 120. More specifically, the pinch edge 208 contacts the plurality of tubes 124 positioned within the tube receiving opening 128, deforming the plurality of tubes 124 and restricting flow therethrough. In the rotated position shown in FIG. 3B, the anvil assembly 150 deforms the plurality of tubes 124, resulting in a partially occluded flow passage 324 at least along the pinch edge 208 (e.g., extending into the figure).

[0036] Continuing rotation from FIG. 3B , the camshaft 108 is rotated a second rotation 320B (e.g., shown as a subsequent second clockwise rotation), further rotating the cam 112 from angular position α1 to angular position α2. As shown, at angular position α2, the cam follower 210 of the anvil assembly 150 is in contact with the cam lobe 316 of the cam 112. Because the distance of the cam lobe 316 from the outer periphery of the cam 112 is greater than the distance of the cam transition section 312 from the outer periphery of the cam 112, the anvil assembly 150 further elevates, or moves upward, positioning the pinch edge 208 deeper into the space between the anvil grid plate 116 and the tube platen 120. In this elevated position, the pinch edge 208 deforms the plurality of tubes 124 positioned within the tube receiving opening 128, completely restricting flow therethrough. In the rotated position shown in FIG. 3C, the anvil assembly 150 deforms the plurality of tubes 124, resulting in pinched tube points 328 at least along the pinching edges 208 (eg, extending into the figure).

[0037] Cam 112 may also be configured to provide a "fully open" state in which all of the tubes 124 are open and not clamped by the anvil assembly 150. Such a "fully open" state improves loading of the bioreactor support frame 144. Cam 112 may also be configured to be removable from assembly 100 to allow all of the bioreactors to be opened simultaneously.

[0038] Although described as rotating in a clockwise direction, it should be understood that the camshaft 108 may rotate in a counterclockwise direction, a clockwise direction, and / or combinations thereof. In some examples, the motor 132 may rotate in any rotational direction to cause such rotation of the camshaft 108. Additionally or alternatively, although described as having a cam heel 308, a cam transition 312, and a cam lobe 316, it should be understood that the cam 112 may include more or fewer protrusions, shapes, cam flats, lobes, and recesses than those shown and described in FIGS. 1A-3C.

[0039] 4A and 4B illustrate various views of a multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 provides an array of pinch valves utilizing an independently controllable hinged clamping mechanism. In some examples, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 can include at least one base 404, a hinge plate 416, and a clamp platen 420. The plurality of tubes 124 are disposed between the hinge plate 416 and the clamp platen 420. In one example, the plurality of tubes 124 are disposed within tube-receiving openings 128 associated with each valve. The hinge plate 416 is pivotally connected at a first point to a hinge support block 424 via a pivot shaft. An actuator, e.g., a linear actuator 410, is attached to the hinge plate 416 at a second point. The linear actuator 410 can correspond to a solenoid, a screw actuator, and / or a stepper motor-operated screw actuator.

[0040] The linear actuator 410 is attached to a mount body 408 that is fixed relative to the base 404 of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400. When the linear actuator 410 is actuated, the translation rod 412 can move between a retracted state and an extended state, or vice versa. Extending the translation rod 412 can move the hinge plate 416 toward the clamp platen 420. In this extended position, the multiple tubes 124 positioned within the tube-receiving opening 128 are pinched by one or more features of the hinge plate 416 and the clamp platen 420.

[0041] The clamp platen 420 is fixed relative to the base 404. When the linear actuator 410 is actuated, the translation rod 412 can move the hinge plate 416 from an open state to a closed state, or vice versa. In the open state, at least a portion of the hinge plate 416 is spaced further from the clamp platen 420 than in the closed state. In the open state, the tubes 124 can be loaded into and / or removed from the tube receiving openings 128. In other words, the tubes 124 are not clamped or pinched in the open state. However, in the closed state, the tubes 124 are pinched between the hinge plate 416 and the clamp platen 420. Further details regarding the structure of the hinge plate 416 and the clamp platen 420 and the fluid flow control (e.g., pinching) configuration are described with reference to FIGS. 5A-5C.

[0042] In some examples, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 may include an array of valves positioned adjacent to one another. In the plan view of FIG. 4B , four valves are shown, each configured to pinch multiple tubes 124 associated therewith. Each valve of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 includes a linear actuator 410, a translation rod 412, and a hinge plate 416. While FIGS. 4A and 4B show valves with individual clamping platens 420, it should be understood that different valves may share a single clamping platen 420. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , a dual clamping platen 620 is used by two or more valves. The array of valves in the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 shown in FIG. 4B includes a first column including two valves with linear actuators 410 configured to extend from right to left, and a second column including two valves with linear actuators 410 configured to extend from left to right. Although shown with four valves, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 can include any number of valves. In some examples, the number of valves is configured to match the number of bioreactors or sets of multiple tubes 124 requiring fluid flow control. As can be appreciated, the valve array of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more valves.

[0043] 5A-5C show schematic top views of the above-described multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 operating between a closed state and an open state. In the figures, a linear actuator 410 is attached to a mount body 408 secured to a base 404. In the figures, a hinge plate 416 is pivotally attached to a hinge support block 424 secured to the base 404. A clamp platen 420 may be secured to the base 404 or another portion of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400. The hinge plate 416 includes a hinge pinch protrusion 516 extending from a surface of the hinge plate 416 toward the clamp platen 420. In some examples, the clamp platen 420 includes a tube contact portion configured to contact the plurality of tubes 124 disposed within the tube-receiving opening 128. In some examples, the tube contact portion may correspond to a flat plate surface and / or a platen pinch protrusion 520 extending from the surface of the clamp platen 420 (eg, in the direction of the hinge plate 416).

[0044] The linear actuator 410 may be attached to a mount body 408. The mount body 408 may be fixed relative to the base 404. The linear actuator 410 includes a translation rod 412 that moves relative to the mount body 408 (e.g., toward or away from the mount body 408). The translation rod 412 includes a clevis pin 504 that engages with a clevis portion of a hinge plate 416. In some examples, the hinge plate 416 includes a clevis slot 508 into which the clevis pin 504 may be positioned.

[0045] 5A shows a schematic top view of a multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 in a closed, tube-occlusion state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this state, the translation rod 412 of the linear actuator 410 is extended by a first translation vector 502A. The clevis pin 504 moving within the clevis slot 508 of the hinge plate 416 pivots the hinge plate 416 about the hinge pin 512 (e.g., pivot axis), moving the hinge pinch protrusion 516 into contact with the plurality of tubes 124, pinching the plurality of tubes 124 between the hinge pinch protrusion 516 of the hinge plate 416 and the platen pinch protrusion 520 of the clamp platen 420. Thus, as the translation rod 412 is extended, fluid flow through the plurality of tubes 124 is completely occluded at the pinched tube point 328.

[0046] 5B shows a schematic top view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 in a partially closed or partially open, tube-partially occluded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this tube-partially occluded state, the translation rod 412 of the linear actuator 410 is retracted by a second translation vector 502B from the position shown in FIG. 5A. As the translation rod 412 retracts, the clevis pin 504 moves within the clevis slot 508 of the hinge plate 416, causing the hinge plate 416 to pivot about the hinge pin 512 (e.g., pivot axis) at a first hinge plate rotation 506A. In this position, the hinge pinch protrusion 516 contacts the plurality of tubes 124, partially deforming the plurality of tubes 124 and their respective fluid flow lumens. More specifically, the plurality of tubes 124 are captured between the hinge pinch protrusions 516 of the hinge plate 416 and the platen pinch protrusions 520 of the clamp platen 420, resulting in a partially blocked flow path 324 in the plurality of tubes 124. In the partially blocked tube state, the flow rate of fluid through the plurality of tubes 124 disposed within the tube receiving openings 128 is reduced compared to the open tube state.

[0047] 5C shows a schematic top view of the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 in an open, tube-open state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this tube-open state, the translation rod 412 of the linear actuator 410 is retracted by a third translation vector 502C from the position shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. As the translation rod 412 is retracted, the clevis pin 504 moves within the clevis slot 508 of the hinge plate 416, causing the hinge plate 416 to pivot about the hinge pin 512 (e.g., pivot axis) at a second hinge plate rotation 506B. In this open position, the hinge pinch protrusion 516 is released from deformation contact with the plurality of tubes 124. In some examples, in this state, the plurality of tubes 124 returns to an undeformed state, and the fluid flow lumens of each of the plurality of tubes 124 are open. When the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 is in the open tube state, multiple tubes 124 can be removed from or loaded onto the clamp platen 420. Although described as moving from a closed state to an open state, it should be understood that the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 can be moved from an open state to a closed state by reversing the order and movements described above.

[0048] 6A and 6B show perspective views of a multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 in an array configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the array of valves includes multiple linear actuators 410 and a hinge plate 616 similar, but not identical, to the hinge plate 416 described above. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400 and array includes two immediately adjacent valves sharing a dual clamp platen 620. The dual clamp platen 620 includes a first platen pinch protrusion 520 extending from a first surface toward the first hinge plate 616 and a second platen pinch protrusion 520 extending from an opposite second surface toward the second hinge plate 616. Among other things, this arrangement allows for a more compact arrangement of valves in the array of valves that make up the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400.

[0049] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a multi-tubing pinch valve assembly 700 in an array configuration, for example, in a multi-bioreactor system. In some examples, the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly 700 may correspond to the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly 400 described in FIGS. 4A-6B. In FIG. 7, a bioreactor support frame 744 includes a plurality of recesses 142 configured to receive and hold bioreactors 704A-704E. As shown in FIG. 7, the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly 700 includes five bioreactors 704A-704E. In this example, the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly 700 has a valve array including one valve for each bioreactor 704A-704E, for a total of five valves. Each valve in the valve array of the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly 700 is configured to pinch a plurality of tubes 124 of each bioreactor 704A-704E. For example, each bioreactor 704A-704E includes at least four tubes. A first pair of these four tubes may be associated with the inner capillary loop of the respective bioreactor 704A-704E, and a second pair of these four tubes may be associated with the outer capillary loop of the respective bioreactor 704A-704E. In particular, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 700 can enable independent opening and closing of the multiple tubes 124 of each bioreactor 704A-704E.

[0050] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a hydraulic layout for a cell growth system having a single bioreactor 704A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the bioreactor of Figure 8 includes a capillary inner circulation (IC) loop 810 and a capillary outer circulation (EC) loop 812. In a single bioreactor, these loops are opened and closed by one or more valves. The attachment point for the cell inlet bag is 820. The cell inlet line extends through a cell inlet valve 822 to an IC inlet pump 824. From the pump 824, a line extends to an air removal chamber / level detector 826. From the air removal chamber / level detector 826, a line branches to waste 828 and an IC circulation valve 830. From valve 830, a line extends into the bioreactor 704A. From the bioreactor 704A, a line branches to waste 828, an IC circulation pump 832, and a harvest 836. Harvest valve 892 controls the flow to harvest 836. From pump 832, a line goes to IC inlet pressure sensor 834 and then to IC circulation valve 830.

[0051] The reagent attachment point is 838. The reagent lines run to the cell inlet lines through reagent valves 840. The IC media attachment point is 842. The IC media lines run to the reagent lines through IC media valves 844.

[0052] EC medium attachment point 850. From EC medium attachment point 850, an EC line extends through EC medium valve 852. Rinse attachment point 854 and rinse valve 856 are located along the line connecting EC loop 812 and IC loop 810. EC loop 812 includes an EC inlet pump 870 downstream of an EC fluid detector 872. EC loop 812 further includes a GTM chamber 880, an EC inlet pressure sensor 882, an EC circulation pump 884, and an EC outlet pressure sensor 886. EC waste valve 888 is located on the EC waste line extending to waste 828. IC waste valve 890 and IC outlet pressure sensor 894 are located upstream of waste 828 on the IC side.

[0053] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram 900 of a hydraulic layout for a cell growth system having multiple bioreactors and multi-tubing pinch valve assemblies 100, 400, 700, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in schematic block diagram 900, the tubing associated with the IC and EC loops of each of the five bioreactors is controlled by valves in a valve array. These valves may correspond to any of the valves shown in the multi-tubing pinch valve assemblies 100, 400, 700 described herein. In some examples, the valve array shown in schematic block diagram 900 may correspond to valve arrays 148A-148E described with reference to FIGS. 1A-3C. In one example, each valve in the valve array shown in schematic block diagram 900 may correspond to hinge plate 416 and clamp platen 420 of multi-tubing pinch valve assembly 400 described with reference to FIGS. 4A-5C and / or hinge plate 616 and dual clamp platen 620 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0054] 10-13 illustrate a multi-tube pinch valve assembly 1100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The assembly 1100 generally includes a base 1110 and a bioreactor support frame 1310. With particular reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the base 1110 includes multiple hinge plates 1112A-1112E. Any suitable number of hinge plates may be included. In the illustrated example, five hinge plates 1112A, 1112B, 1112C, 1112D, and 1112E are included. Each of the hinge plates 1112A-1112E includes a hinge pinch protrusion 1114. The hinge plates 1112A-1112E are individually actuated by any suitable actuation mechanism. In the illustrated example, each of the hinge plates 1112A-1112E is actuated by a different actuation mechanism 1120A, 1120B, 1120C, 1120D, 1120E, respectively. Each of the actuation mechanisms 1120A-1120E may include any suitable linear actuator, such as, for example, any suitable solenoid, linear stepper motor, pneumatic actuator, etc.

[0055] The base 1110 further includes a plurality of support posts 1150. The support posts 1150 are configured to cooperate with the bioreactor support frame 1310 to support the bioreactor support frame 1310 above the hinge plates 1112A-1112E on the base 1110, as described below. Straps 1152 are included to hold the bioreactor support frame 1310 on the base 1110.

[0056] The multi-tube pinch valve assembly 1100 further includes a rocker assembly 1160. The rocker assembly 1160 includes a rocker rod 1162 that cooperates with the base 1110 at an opening 1164 defined by the base 1110. The rocker assembly 1160 includes a motor configured to rotate the rocker rod 1162. The rocker rod 1162 is attached to the base 1110 in any suitable manner such that rotation of the rocker rod 1162 rocks the base 1110 and the bioreactors 704A-704E attached to the base 1110. In some configurations, the rocker assembly 1160 may be configured to invert the bioreactors 704A-704E.

[0057] With particular reference to FIG. 13 , the bioreactor support frame 1310 is configured to support five bioreactors 704A, 704B, 704C, 704D, and 704E, or any other suitable number of bioreactors. The number of bioreactors included in the bioreactor support frame 1310 is typically equal to or less than the number of hinge plates 1112A-1112E. The support frame 1310 includes a tube platen 1320. The tube platen 1320 includes a plurality of tube-receiving openings 1322 configured to secure the tubes 124 of the bioreactors 704A-704E to the tube platen 1320. The tubes 124 extend generally parallel to the length of the bioreactors 704A-704E. In some applications, the tubes 124 may extend perpendicular to the bioreactors 704A-704E or at any other suitable angle.

[0058] The bioreactor support frame 1310 further includes a plurality of receptacles 1340, each configured to cooperate with a support post 1150 of the base 1110. The support posts 1150 support the bioreactor support frame 1310 on the base 1110 and position the support frame 1310 so that the tubes 124 are positioned opposite the hinge pinch protrusions 1114 of the hinge plates 1112A-1112E and extend perpendicularly across the hinge pinch protrusions. In a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrating the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400, actuation of the different hinge plates 1112A-1112E causes the hinge pinch protrusions 1114 to move toward the tubes, pinching the tubes 124 and restricting fluid flow through the tubes 124 toward the bioreactors 704A-704E. When actuated upward, the hinge pinch protrusions 1114 contact the tube 124 on either side of either opening of the receiving opening 1322, bending and closing the tube 124. Bending and closing the tube 124 reduces the amount of pinching force required from the actuation mechanisms 1120A-1120E compared to when the pinch protrusions 1114 directly contact the opposing platen pinch protrusions. In some applications, the tube platen 1320 may include platen pinch protrusions aligned with the hinge pinch protrusions 1114.

[0059] 14-18 illustrate yet another multi-tube pinch valve assembly 1500 in accordance with the present disclosure. The assembly 1500 generally includes a base 1510 and a bioreactor support frame 1710. With particular reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the base 1510 includes a latch 1512 that is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, a rail 1520 on the base 1510 is accessible. The rail 1520 extends the entire length of the base 1510 and is configured to cooperate with the bioreactor support frame 1710, as described herein. The rail 1520 can include a flat underside or a pinch protrusion similar to the platen pinch protrusion 1330.

[0060] A plurality of actuation plates 1540A, 1540B, 1540C, 1540D, and 1540E are seated within the housing 1530 opposite the rail 1520. In the illustrated example, five actuation plates 1540A-1540E are included. However, the base 1510 may include any suitable number of actuation plates. Each of the actuation plates 1540A-1540E includes a pinch protrusion 1542.

[0061] Actuation plates 1540A-1540E can be individually actuated by any suitable actuation mechanism. In the illustrated example, each of actuation plates 1540A-1540E is actuated by a different actuation mechanism 1550A, 1550B, 1550C, 1550D, 1550E, respectively. Actuation mechanisms 1550A-1550E can include any suitable linear actuator, such as any suitable solenoid, linear stepper motor, pneumatic actuator, etc. Actuation mechanisms 1550A-1550E are individually actuated to control fluid flow through tubing 124 of bioreactors 704A-704E.

[0062] 18, the bioreactor support frame 1710 includes a tube platen 1730. The tube platen 1730 has a plurality of tube receiving openings 1732 formed therein that are configured to secure the tubes 124 of the bioreactors 704A-704E to the tube platen 1730. The tube receiving openings 1732 are configured to support the tubes 124 such that the tubes 124 extend parallel to the length of the bioreactors 704A-704E.

[0063] The tube platen 1730 further defines a central channel 1740 configured to receive the rails 1520 therein. A rear opening 1742 is defined at the rear of the central channel 1740. The central channel 1740 extends perpendicular to the length of the bioreactors 704A-E and perpendicular to the tubes 124 supported by the tube receiving openings 1732. The rear end of the tube platen 1730 defines a rear tab 1750. The front end of the tube platen 1730 defines a front tab 1752.

[0064] To connect the bioreactor support frame 1710 to the base 1510, the latches 1512 are folded down and the tube platen 1730 is positioned so that the rails 1520 pass through the rear openings 1742. The tube platen 1730 is then slid over the rails 1520 so that the rails 1520 extend along the central channel 1740. The tube platen 1730 is slid along the rails 1520 until the rear tabs 1750 seat within the rear openings 1560 of the base 1510. The latches 1512 are then closed over the front tabs 1752, causing the front tabs 1752 to seat within the recesses 1562 formed in the inner surface of the latches 1512, locking the tube platen 1730 in place. The rear tabs 1750 and front tabs 1752 improve alignment of the tubes 124 relative to the pinch protrusions 1542, preventing backward loading of the bioreactor. Additionally, if the assembly 1500 includes a rocker, the tabs 1750, 1752 maintain the correct position of the bioreactors 704A-704E and tubes 124 relative to the rod 1520. The tube platen 1730 is positioned so that the pinch protrusions 1542 are perpendicular to the tubes 124. Actuation of the different actuation plates 1540A-1540E moves the pinch protrusions 1542 toward and into the central channel 1740, pinching the tubes 124 between the pinch protrusions 1542 and the rail 1520 and restricting fluid flow through the tubes 124 in substantially the same manner as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrating the multi-tube pinch valve assembly 400. In some applications, material may be present between the tubes 124 and the rail 1520. The actuation plates 1540A-1540E can be individually actuated by actuation mechanisms 1550A-1550E to selectively pinch the tubes 124, thereby selectively controlling flow through different tubes 124 and through different bioreactors 704A-704E.

[0065] While the above operations and steps have been described and illustrated with reference to a particular sequence of events, it should be understood that modifications, additions, and omissions to this sequence can be made without substantially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects.

[0066] Exemplary systems and methods of the present disclosure have been described in connection with pinch valves and multiple-tube systems. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the foregoing description omits certain known structures and devices. This omission should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways other than the specific details set forth herein.

[0067] Many variations and modifications of the present disclosure may be employed: some features of the present disclosure may be provided without other features.

[0068] References herein to “one embodiment,” “embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” “some embodiments,” etc., mean that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, it should be noted that when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, the description of such feature, structure, or characteristic may apply to any other embodiment, unless otherwise stated and / or unless it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the detailed description. The present disclosure, in its various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems, and / or apparatus substantially as illustrated and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and / or subsets thereof. After understanding the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand how to make and use the systems and methods disclosed herein. In various embodiments, configurations and / or aspects, the present disclosure includes providing apparatus and processes in the absence of items not shown and / or described herein, or in various embodiments, configurations and / or aspects thereof, including the absence of items that may have been used in previous apparatuses or processes, for example, to improve performance, ease of use, and / or reduce implementation costs.

[0069] The foregoing description of the present disclosure has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, and / or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. Features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the present disclosure may be combined in alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those described above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Accordingly, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Furthermore, while the description of the present disclosure includes a description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects, and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure, e.g., may be within the skill and knowledge of a person skilled in the art after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to entitle, to the extent permitted, the inclusion of other embodiments, configurations, and / or aspects that include alternative and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps in place of those set forth in the claims, regardless of whether such alternative and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps are disclosed herein, and without any intention to offer any patentable subject matter to the public.

[0071] An exemplary embodiment is a multi-tube pinch valve assembly including a camshaft, a platen, and an anvil assembly, the camshaft extending a length along a longitudinal axis of the camshaft, the camshaft including at least one cam disposed on the length, the at least one cam including a cam profile shape formed about the longitudinal axis and on an outer periphery of the camshaft, and the platen being configured to at least partially define a space capable of receiving a plurality of fluid flow tubes. and an anvil assembly having a cam contact portion disposed on a first side of the anvil assembly and a pinch edge disposed on a second side of the anvil assembly, the anvil assembly being movable between a retracted state in which the pinch edge is disposed outside the space and an extended state in which the pinch edge is disposed inside the space adjacent the platen, the anvil assembly moving between the retracted state and the extended state by rotation of the cam shaft and the at least one cam.

[0072] In any one or more of the above aspects, the cam profile shape includes at least one cam lobe and at least one cam heel, the anvil assembly being in the extended state when the cam lobe is disposed in contact with the cam contact portion, and the anvil assembly being in the retracted state when the cam heel is disposed in contact with the cam contact portion. In any one or more of the above aspects, the cam contact portion includes at least one cam follower. In any one or more of the above aspects, the space includes a plurality of tube receiving openings arranged side by side along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cam shaft. In any one or more of the above aspects, each tube receiving opening of the plurality of tube receiving openings extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cam shaft. Any one or more of the above aspects may further include a plurality of tubes removably engaged with the plurality of tube receiving openings such that a portion of each tube of the plurality of tubes is disposed within the space adjacent to the platen, wherein in the retracted state, a lumen of each tube of the plurality of tubes is open at the portion of each tube of the plurality of tubes and in the extended state, the lumen of each tube of the plurality of tubes is closed at a location at the portion of each tube of the plurality of tubes. Any one or more of the above aspects may further include a motor having an output shaft, a driver attached to the output shaft of the motor, and a cam driver attached to the cam shaft, wherein rotation of the output shaft of the motor transmits power from the driver to the cam driver to rotate the cam shaft relative to the anvil assembly. Any one or more of the above aspects may further include a support frame having a plurality of recesses, each recess of the plurality of recesses configured to hold a bioreactor, each tube of the plurality of tubes associated with the bioreactor.In any one or more of the above aspects, the anvil assembly translates along a plane perpendicular to a plane along which the plurality of tubes run as it moves between the retracted state and the extended state, and in the extended state, the pinching edge of the anvil assembly contacts and occludes each tube of the plurality of tubes. Any one or more of the above aspects further include an array of valves disposed along the length of the longitudinal axis of the camshaft, each valve in the array of valves having a plurality of tube-receiving openings, and each valve in the array of valves includes an anvil assembly movable between the retracted state and the extended state by rotation of the camshaft and the at least one cam. In any one or more of the above aspects, the anvil assembly of each valve in the array of valves is movable between the retracted state and the extended state based on the position of the cam connected to the camshaft. In any one or more of the above aspects, a first valve in the array of valves occludes a tube received in a first set of tube receiving openings associated with the first valve at the same time or at a different time as a second valve in the array of valves occludes a tube received in a second set of tube receiving openings associated with the second valve. In any one or more of the above aspects, at a first point in time as the camshaft rotates, a first valve in the array of valves occludes a tube received in a first set of tube receiving openings associated with the first valve, and at a second point in time as the camshaft rotates, a second valve in the array of valves occludes a tube received in a second set of tube receiving openings associated with the second valve.In any one or more of the above aspects, at a third time as the camshaft rotates, a third valve in the array of valves occludes a tube included in a third set of tube receiving openings associated with the third valve, at a fourth time as the camshaft rotates, a fourth valve in the array of valves occludes a tube included in a fourth set of tube receiving openings associated with the fourth valve, and at a fifth time as the camshaft rotates, a fifth valve in the array of valves occludes a tube included in a fifth set of tube receiving openings associated with the fifth valve. In any one or more of the above aspects, the first set of tube receiving openings, the second set of tube receiving openings, the third set of tube receiving openings, the fourth set of tube receiving openings, and the fifth set of tube receiving openings each comprise four tube receiving openings.

[0073] An exemplary aspect is a multi-tube pinch valve assembly including a motor, a driver, a camshaft, a cam driver, a platen, and an anvil assembly, wherein the motor has an output shaft, the driver is attached to the output shaft of the motor, the camshaft extends a length along a longitudinal axis of the camshaft, the camshaft includes at least one cam disposed on the length, the at least one cam having a cam profile shape formed about the longitudinal axis and on an outer periphery of the camshaft, the cam driver is attached to the camshaft, and the platen has a space at least partially defined therein that is capable of receiving a plurality of fluid flow tubes. and the anvil assembly is offset a distance from the longitudinal axis so as to form a space between the anvil assembly and the platen, the anvil assembly comprising at least one cam follower disposed on a first side of the anvil assembly and a pinch edge disposed on a second side of the anvil assembly, wherein rotation of the output shaft of the motor transmits power from the driver to the cam driver, rotating the cam shaft relative to the anvil assembly and moving the anvil assembly between a retracted state in which the pinch edge is disposed outside the space and an extended state in which the pinch edge is disposed inside the space adjacent the platen, the anvil assembly moving between the retracted state and the extended state by rotation of the cam shaft and the at least one cam.

[0074] An exemplary embodiment is a multi-tube pinch valve assembly comprising a hinge plate, a platen, and an actuator, wherein the hinge plate extends a length from a first point to a second point, the hinge plate having a pivot axis disposed adjacent the first point of the hinge plate, and a pinch protrusion disposed between the first point and the second point and extending from a surface of the hinge plate, the platen having a body offset a distance from the hinge plate and a pinch protrusion disposed on the surface of the platen. and a tube contact portion attached to the hinge plate, wherein the actuator is operably connected to the hinge plate adjacent the second point, the actuator being movable between a retracted state and an extended state, wherein in the retracted state the hinge plate is pivoted about the pivot axis such that the second point of the hinge plate is spaced a first distance from the platen, and in the extended state the hinge plate is pivoted about the pivot axis such that the second point of the hinge plate is spaced a second distance from the platen, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

[0075] In any one or more of the above aspects, in the extended state, the pinch protrusions of the hinge plates are adjacent to the tube contact portions of the platen, and in the retracted state, the pinch protrusions of the hinge plates are offset from the tube contact portions of the platen to form a receiving space between the hinge plates and the platen. In any one or more of the above aspects, in the retracted state, the pinch protrusions of the hinge plates are offset from the tube contact portions of the platen by a first distance to form a receiving space capable of receiving multiple tubes. In any one or more of the above aspects, in the extended state, the pinch protrusions of the hinge plates are offset from the tube contact portions of the platen by a second distance to form a pinch receiving space sized to pinch the multiple tubes disposed between the hinge plates and the platen. In any one or more of the above aspects, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly further includes the tubes disposed between the hinge plate and the platen, wherein in the retracted state, the tubes provide a fluid flow path, and in the extended state, the fluid flow path is restricted by the pinch protrusions of the hinge plate and the tube contact portions of the platen. In any one or more of the above aspects, in the extended state, the pinch protrusions of the hinge plate and the tube contact portions of the platen completely restrict fluid flow in the tubes. In any one or more of the above aspects, the multi-tube pinch valve assembly further includes a clevis portion disposed adjacent the second point of the hinge plate, and a clevis pin engaged with the clevis portion, the clevis pin being connected to an end of a translation rod of the actuator. In any one or more of the above aspects, the tube contact portion includes a platen pinch protrusion extending from a surface of the platen, the surface of the platen facing the hinge plate. In any one or more of the above aspects, the pivot axis is formed by a hinge pin engaged with the hinge plate and a hinge support block.In any one or more of the above aspects, the actuator is one of a solenoid, a screw actuator, and a stepper motor operated screw. In any one or more of the above aspects, the clevis pin engages with a slot in the clevis portion.

[0076] An exemplary embodiment is a multiple tube pinch valve assembly comprising an array of valves disposed adjacent to one another, each valve in the array of valves comprising a hinge plate, a tube contact portion, and an actuator, the hinge plate extending a length from a first point to a second point, the hinge plate having a pivot axis disposed adjacent the first point of the hinge plate, and a pinch protrusion disposed between the first point and the second point and extending from a surface of the hinge plate, the tube contact portion being in contact with the hinge plate. a second point of the hinge plate offset from the tube contact portion by a distance, the actuator operably connected to the hinge plate adjacent the second point, the actuator movable between a retracted state and an extended state, in which in the retracted state the hinge plate is pivoted about the pivot axis such that the second point of the hinge plate is spaced a first distance from the tube contact portion, and in the extended state the hinge plate is pivoted about the pivot axis such that the second point of the hinge plate is spaced a second distance from the tube contact portion, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

[0077] In any one or more of the above aspects, in the extended state, the pinch protrusions of the hinge plates are adjacent to the tube contact portions, and in the retracted state, the pinch protrusions of the hinge plates are offset from the tube contact portions, forming a receiving space between the hinge plates and the tube contact portions. In any one or more of the above aspects, each valve in the array of valves is configured to receive multiple tubes in the receiving space. In any one or more of the above aspects, each valve in the array of valves is configured to pinch the multiple tubes in the receiving space in the extended state of the actuator. In any one or more of the above aspects, each valve in the array of valves is independently operable such that the hinge plates of the valves are independently movable between the retracted state and the extended state. In any one or more of the above aspects, a first valve in the array of valves is operable together with and / or independently of a second valve in the array of valves. Any one or more of the above aspects may further include a support frame having a plurality of recesses, each recess of the plurality of recesses configured to hold a bioreactor, and each tube of the plurality of tubes associated with the bioreactor.

[0078] An exemplary embodiment relates to a multi-bioreactor assembly comprising the multi-tubing pinch valve assembly of any of the above embodiments.

[0079] Any one or more of the above aspects / embodiments substantially as disclosed herein.

[0080] Any one or more of the above aspects / embodiments substantially as disclosed herein may optionally be combined with any one or more of the other aspects / embodiments substantially as disclosed herein.

[0081] One or more means configured to carry out any one or more of the above aspects / embodiments substantially as disclosed herein.

[0082] Any one or more of the foregoing features disclosed herein.

[0083] Any one or more of the foregoing features substantially as disclosed herein.

[0084] Any one or more of the features substantially as disclosed herein may be combined with any one or more of the other features substantially as disclosed herein.

[0085] Combinations of any one of the above aspects / features / embodiments with any one or more of the other aspects / features / embodiments.

[0086] Use of any one or more of the above aspects or features disclosed herein.

[0087] It should be understood that any feature described herein may be claimed in combination with any other feature(s) described herein, regardless of whether the features are from the same described embodiment.

[0088] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that as used herein, the terms "include," "including," "includes," "comprise," "comprises," and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0089] The term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" (one or more), and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," and "having" can be used interchangeably.

[0090] The terms "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B, and / or C" each mean A only, B only, C only, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or all of A, B, and C. Where A, B, and C in the above expressions each refer to a single element such as X, Y, and Z, or a class of elements such as X1 to Xn, Y1 to Ym, and Z1 to Zo, the expression is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, or a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X1 and X2), and a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y1 and Zo).

[0091] As used herein, the term "automatic" and variations thereof refer to any process or operation that occurs (usually continuously or semi-continuously) without material human input as the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic even if the performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if that input is received before the performance of the process or operation. Human input is considered material if such input affects how the process or operation is performed. Human input that implies consent to the performance of a process or operation is not considered "material."

[0092] As used herein, the terms "determining," "calculating," and "computing," as well as variations thereof, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation, or technique.

[0093] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure.

[0094] It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include, in the alternative, every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include, in the alternative, every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include, in the alternative, every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

Claims

1. a multi-tube pinch valve assembly comprising a camshaft, a platen, a plurality of anvil assemblies, a multi-tube valve array, a bioreactor support frame, a plurality of bioreactors, and a plurality of tubing sets; the camshaft extends a length along a longitudinal axis of the camshaft, the camshaft comprising a plurality of cams arranged along the length in a rotationally offset manner, each of the plurality of cams comprising a cam profile shape formed about the longitudinal axis and on an outer periphery of the camshaft; the platen is offset a distance from the longitudinal axis to at least partially define a space capable of receiving a plurality of fluid flow tubes; the platen extends along the longitudinal axis; each of the plurality of anvil assemblies includes a cam contact portion and a pinch edge disposed opposite the cam contact portion, and each of the plurality of anvil assemblies is movable between a retracted state in which the pinch edge is disposed outside the space and an extended state in which the pinch edge is disposed inside the space adjacent the platen, and each of the plurality of anvil assemblies moves between the retracted state and the extended state by rotation of the cam shaft and each of the plurality of rotationally out-of-phase cams; the multi-tube valve array extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the camshaft and includes a plurality of multi-tube valves, each of the plurality of multi-tube valves having an anvil assembly of the plurality of anvil assemblies movable by one of the plurality of rotationally out-of-phase cams; the bioreactor support frame is disposed adjacent the platen and defines a plurality of recesses; an opening direction of at least one of the plurality of recesses is different from an opening direction of at least one other of the recesses; the plurality of bioreactors are mounted on the bioreactor support frame so as to accommodate one of the plurality of bioreactors in each of the plurality of recesses; each of the plurality of tubing sets is connected to each of the plurality of bioreactors and extends through each of the plurality of multi-tubing valves; rotation of the camshaft and the plurality of cams causes each of the plurality of anvil assemblies to move between the retracted state and the extended state to open and close the plurality of multi-tube valves at different times; Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

2. 2. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly of claim 1, the cam profile shape comprises at least one cam lobe and at least one cam heel, the anvil assembly being in the extended state when the cam lobe is disposed in contact with the cam contact portion, and the anvil assembly being in the retracted state when the cam heel is disposed in contact with the cam contact portion. Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

3. 3. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly of claim 2, the cam contact portion comprises at least one cam follower; Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

4. 3. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly of claim 2, The space includes a plurality of tube-receiving openings arranged side by side along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the camshaft. Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

5. 5. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly of claim 4, Each tube receiving opening of the plurality of tube receiving openings extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the camshaft. Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

6. 6. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly of claim 5, The multi-tube pinch valve assembly comprises: a plurality of tubes removably engaged with the plurality of tube-receiving openings such that a portion of each tube of the plurality of tubes is disposed within the space adjacent the platen; In the retracted state, a lumen of each of the plurality of tubes is open at the portion of each of the plurality of tubes, and in the extended state, the lumen of each of the plurality of tubes is closed at a location at the portion of each of the plurality of tubes. Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

7. 7. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly of claim 6, The multi-tube pinch valve assembly comprises: a motor having an output shaft; a driver attached to the output shaft of the motor; a cam driver attached to the camshaft; Furthermore, rotation of the output shaft of the motor transfers power from the driver to the cam driver, rotating the camshaft relative to the anvil assembly; Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

8. 8. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly of claim 7, the plurality of anvil assemblies translate along a plane perpendicular to a plane along which the plurality of tubes extend as they move between the retracted state and the extended state, and in the extended state, the pinching edges of the plurality of anvil assemblies contact and occlude each of the plurality of tubes. Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

9. 2. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly of claim 1, At a first time during rotation of the camshaft, a first valve in the multi-tube valve array blocks tubes received in a first set of tube receiving openings associated with the first valve, and at a second time during rotation of the camshaft, a second valve in the multi-tube valve array blocks tubes received in a second set of tube receiving openings associated with the second valve. Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

10. 10. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly of claim 9, At a third time during the rotation of the camshaft, a third valve in the multi-tube valve array blocks a tube contained within a third set of tube receiving openings associated with the third valve, at a fourth time during the rotation of the camshaft, a fourth valve in the multi-tube valve array blocks a tube contained within a fourth set of tube receiving openings associated with the fourth valve, and at a fifth time during the rotation of the camshaft, a fifth valve in the multi-tube valve array blocks a tube contained within a fifth set of tube receiving openings associated with the fifth valve. Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

11. 11. The multi-tube pinch valve assembly of claim 10, the first set of tube receiving openings, the second set of tube receiving openings, the third set of tube receiving openings, the fourth set of tube receiving openings, and the fifth set of tube receiving openings each comprise four tube receiving openings. Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

12. a multi-tube pinch valve assembly comprising a motor, a driver, a camshaft, a cam driver, a platen, a plurality of anvil assemblies, a multi-tube valve array, a bioreactor support frame, a plurality of bioreactors, and a plurality of tubing sets; the motor has an output shaft; the driver is attached to the output shaft of the motor; the camshaft extends a length along a longitudinal axis of the camshaft, the camshaft comprising a plurality of cams arranged along the length in a rotationally offset manner, each of the plurality of cams comprising a cam profile shape formed about the longitudinal axis and on an outer periphery of the camshaft; the cam driver is attached to the camshaft; the platen is offset a distance from the longitudinal axis to at least partially define a space capable of receiving a plurality of fluid flow tubes; the platen extends along the longitudinal axis; each of the plurality of anvil assemblies includes a cam follower and a pinch edge disposed on an opposite side of the cam follower; rotation of the output shaft of the motor transmits power from the driver to the cam driver, rotating the cam shaft relative to the plurality of anvil assemblies and moving each of the plurality of anvil assemblies between a retracted state in which the pinch edge is disposed outside the space and an extended state in which the pinch edge is disposed inside the space adjacent the platen; and each of the plurality of anvil assemblies moves between the retracted state and the extended state by rotation of the cam shaft and each of the plurality of rotationally out-of-phase cams; the multi-tube valve array extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the camshaft and includes a plurality of multi-tube valves, each of the plurality of multi-tube valves having an anvil assembly of the plurality of anvil assemblies movable by one of the plurality of rotationally out-of-phase cams; the bioreactor support frame is disposed adjacent the platen and defines a plurality of recesses; an opening direction of at least one of the plurality of recesses is different from an opening direction of at least one other of the recesses; the plurality of bioreactors are mounted on the bioreactor support frame so as to accommodate one of the plurality of bioreactors in each of the plurality of recesses; each of the plurality of tubing sets is connected to each of the plurality of bioreactors and extends through each of the plurality of multi-tubing valves; rotation of the camshaft and the plurality of cams causes each of the plurality of anvil assemblies to move between the retracted state and the extended state to open and close the plurality of multi-tube valves at different times; Multi-tube pinch valve assembly.

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