A perfusion cell culture method and system are provided to filter cellular biomolecules in a perfusion operation. The method involves pumping the contents of a bioreactor or vessel containing cells into the inlet of a multi-outlet pump. The multi-outlet pump pumps the fluid containing the cells into a plurality of hollow fiber filters. The hollow fiber filters are coupled to a secondary pump such as a peristaltic pump to apply vacuum or negative pressure to the exterior or extra-capillary space located outside of the fibers of the hollow fiber filters. Waste and/or product passes from the interior, luminal space of the fibers into the exterior or extra-capillary space. This filtrate fluid containing the waste or product is then pumped out of the hollow fiber filters where it is captured. The fluid containing the cells, i.e., the retentate, is recirculated back to the bioreactor or vessel.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Designing of bioprocess systems in the nature of filtration systems, chromatography systems, viral inactivation systems, bulk aliquoting and fluid dispensing systems for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and biologics
Systems for yield intensification comprising bioreactors for use in manufacturing biopharmaceuticals and biological products in the nature of cells, proteins, antibodies, and viruses
41 - Education, entertainment, sporting and cultural services
Goods & Services
Providing online, non-downloadable instructional videos in the fields of pharmaceutical product and drug development that feature pharmaceutical pumps and mixing devices of others
A pump or combination pump/mixer device uses moving diaphragms in combination with check valves to pump and/or mix fluid. A main inlet is located at the top of the pump and is fed by a vessel or container that contains fluid. The fluid, in response to the moving diaphragms, passes through an outer chamber into a plurality of lower chambers and then into a central chamber where the fluid then exits via one or more outlets. A series of check-valves are used to ensure one-way flow of fluid through the chambers. The drive shaft of a motor or drive unit drives a nutating disk or wobble plate that actuates the diaphragms to drive fluid through the device. In the pump/mixer configuration, one or more additional inlets are provided to input additional fluids into the device for mixing within the inside of the pump/mixer.
F04B 1/18 - Multi-cylinder machines or pumps characterised by number or arrangement of cylinders having cylinder axes coaxial with, or parallel or inclined to, main shaft axis having stationary cylinders having self-acting distribution members, i.e. actuated by working fluid
F04B 43/00 - Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members
F04B 43/02 - Machines, pumps, or pumping installations having flexible working members having plate-like flexible members, e.g. diaphragms
F04B 1/20 - Multi-cylinder machines or pumps characterised by number or arrangement of cylinders having cylinder axes coaxial with, or parallel or inclined to, main shaft axis having rotary cylinder block
F04B 49/22 - Control of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups by means of valves
A bioprocess vessel includes a flexible bag or substantially rigid container that defines an interior volume and having a bottom surface, the bottom surface being open or containing an aperture therein for the passage of fluid. A pump is secured to the bottom surface of the flexible bag or substantially rigid container. In some embodiments is secured directly to the flexible bag or substantially rigid container. In other embodiments, the pump is secured indirectly the flexible bag or substantially rigid container using, for example, a port that extends through the aperture on the bottom surface. The port or flanged surface may also be integrated into the pump, which is secured to the vessel. An optional mixing adaptor may be provided inside the interior volume of the flexible bag or substantially rigid container and at least partially covers the inlet that leads to the pump.
One or more ball joints are incorporated into a device or component that is integrated in a pharmaceutical, biological process, or other hygienic process. The ball joint is located in a rigid housing and includes a socket or cavity that includes a ball that rotates, articulates, or moves within the socket. A flexible conduit passes through the rigid housing and the ball and, in some embodiments, terminates at connecting end (e.g., flanged end, barbed end, disposable aseptic connector end, or the like). Another device may be coupled to the connecting end. The ball joint enables angular and/or axial movement to accommodate misalignment with the connecting components or devices.
F16C 11/06 - Ball-jointsOther joints having more than one degree of angular freedom, i.e. universal joints
F16L 11/18 - Articulated hoses, e.g. composed of a series of rings
F16L 27/04 - Universal joints, i.e. with mechanical connection allowing angular movement or adjustment of the axes of the parts in any direction with partly-spherical engaging surfaces
F16K 7/06 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of a screw-spindle, cam, or other mechanical means
F16K 7/07 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of fluid pressure
A valve assembly with a multidirectional flow path includes a valve body that includes respective hinged portions defining respective passageways extending through the valve body when in a closed state. A flexible conduit or tubing having a loop portion and a plurality of branches extending from the loop portion is at least partially positioned within the valve body. Portions of the loop that extend beyond the valve body are encapsulated by respective rigid jackets. Multiple valves are situated on the valve body and are used to selectively pinch the loop portion in different pinching configurations to direct fluid to or from the particular branches. The valve assembly may be integrated into a manufacturing or other production process with optional additional jackets used to encapsulate the flexible conduit branches.
F16K 11/20 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with two or more closure members not moving as a unit operated by separate actuating members
12.
FLEXIBLE TUBING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PHARMACEUTICAL, BIOPROCESS APPLICATIONS, AND FOOD/DAIRY APPLICATIONS
A system for managing flexible conduit or tubing used in pharmaceutical, bioprocess, or food/dairy applications includes a segment of flexible conduit or tubing and a plurality of conduit tracks, each conduit track including a conduit channel disposed on a first side thereof and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and dimensioned to receive the segment of flexible conduit or tubing therein, each conduit track further including a connector channel disposed on a second, opposing side and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and containing the one or more connectors that connect adjacent conduit tracks. The conduit tracks can be connected to each other or other process components.
A61M 39/28 - Clamping means for squeezing flexible tubes, e.g. roller clamps
F16L 3/02 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets partly surrounding the pipes, cables or protective tubing
F16L 3/08 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
F16L 3/10 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing divided, i.e. with two members engaging the pipe, cable or protective tubing
F16L 3/12 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing comprising a member substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
F16L 3/26 - Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting the pipes all along their length, e.g. pipe channels or ducts
13.
FLUID PLUG FOR STERILE PROCESSES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME
A fluid plug for use with sterile processes such as the manufacture or production of pharmaceuticals and biologics is disclosed. The fluid plug is made of a material or materials that will tolerate sterilizing processes such as gamma irradiation. The fluid plug is used to selectively plug the ends of flexible polymer conduits that may be connected to fluids, reagents, or products used or generated as part of the manufacturing process. Also disclosed is the use of the plugs in combination with a series of valves in a block-and-bleed arrangement to enable the sterile transfer and connection of fluids, reagents, or products within a process flow.
B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers
B65D 1/32 - Containers adapted to be temporarily deformed by external pressure to expel contents
B65D 39/12 - Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers expansible, e.g. inflatable
C12N 15/10 - Processes for the isolation, preparation or purification of DNA or RNA
F16L 55/132 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially deforming the packing
A fluid monitoring assembly for measuring the flow rate of a fluid includes a flexible conduit comprising a wall that defines a lumen through which the fluid passes. In one embodiment, a flow sensor is removably secured around the outside of the flexible conduit, the flow sensor having one or more transducer/receiver pairs. The assembly includes a housing having first and second portions connected to one another at a hinge, the first and second housing portions each defining respective recessed interior portions that define a cavity that is configured to encapsulate and retain the flow sensor and flexible tubing contained therein. In an alternative embodiment, the flow sensor is directly embedded or integrated into the housing.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
15.
ENCAPSULATED SYSTEM FOR PRESSURIZED FLUID PROCESSES
Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.
F16K 7/04 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force
16.
FLUID MONITORING ASSEMBLY WITH SENSOR FUNCTIONALITY
A fluid monitoring assembly includes a conduit having a wall defining a lumen for carrying fluid. A sensor mount is integrally formed with the wall of the conduit and extends generally transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis of the conduit, the sensor mount including an aperture defining an inner surface extending to the lumen. The assembly includes a sensor configured to be removably secured within the sensor mount, the sensor having an elongate body terminating at one end thereof in a sensing portion, the elongate body having a male projection on a portion thereof and configured to rest within the inner surface of the sensor mount. The assembly further includes a housing having first and second portions connected to one another, the housing defining an interior portion configured to encapsulate the conduit, at least a portion of the elongate body of the sensor, and the sensor mount.
G01N 11/02 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material
17.
FLUID MONITORING DEVICE WITH DISPOSABLE INNER LINER WITH SENSOR INTEGRATION
A fluid monitoring assembly includes a segment of tubing having a wall defining a lumen through which the fluid passes and a sensor at least partially embedded within a wall of the tubing. The assembly includes a housing having first and second portions connected to one another at a hinge, the housing defining an interior portion configured to hold the segment of tubing and the sensor. The housing may be opened and closed as needed using a fastener.
A fluid management assembly includes a connector having at least one inlet and at least one outlet and a lumen extending there between, wherein the connector comprises a plastic material. The assembly includes a first tubing portion connected to the at least one inlet at a first interface and a second tubing portion connected to the at least one outlet at a second interface. The assembly includes a polymer-based overmolding surrounding the connector, the first interface, and the second interface, wherein the polymer-based overmolding comprises a UV-curable material. In one embodiment, the polymer-based overmolding includes a UV-curable silicone or silicone-containing material.
