| Disposable pumping apparatus based on flexible vessels in pressurized containers -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Disposable pumping apparatus based on flexible vessels in pressurized containersRelated Patent Categories: Pumps, Motor Driven, Fluid Motor, Common Pumping And Motor Working Member, With Additional Unitary Common Pumping And Motor Working MemberDisposable pumping apparatus based on flexible vessels in pressurized containers description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070201993, Disposable pumping apparatus based on flexible vessels in pressurized containers. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. Ser. No. 60/777,376, filed Feb. 28, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates generally to fluid pumping and, more particularly, to a disposable pumping apparatus. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A number of applications in the bioprocessing industry exist where process fluids must be pumped from one location or vessel to another in a sterile, non-invasive and measured fashion. Such pumping must occur in multiple upstream and downstream applications. Typical upstream pumping applications include: buffer preparation, media preparation, bioreactor media feed and supplement addition. Typical downstream applications include pumping the cell suspensions, protein solutions or buffers to or through purification devises such as centrifuges, filters, membranes, chromatography columns or formulation and fill vessels. [0004] It is advantageous to use disposable pumps in the above pumping applications in an effort to eliminate cross contamination risks between the batches, as well as to reduce cleaning and validation downtime and overall manufacturing cost for biopharmaceuticals. One popular disposable pumping technology in the bioprocess industry is a peristaltic pump. In one form, such as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,737,251 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present teachings), such a pump uses a flexible tube as a pumping chamber, as well as the pumping line to move the fluid from one location to another. Compressing the tube with a driving head produces the desired pumping action. [0005] Despite the number of advantages of the peristaltic pump which include simplicity, low cost and sterility, limitations restrict the usage of such a pump in a number of important bioprocessing steps. These include relatively low pressure, low flow rate and pulsations of the transported liquid. For these reasons, such pumps are rarely used in applications such as cross flow filtration or chromatography columns. [0006] Accordingly, a need is identified for a pumping apparatus that addresses and overcomes the foregoing limitations, while still being disposable and usable under sterile conditions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for intended use in pumping a fluid under sterile conditions is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first rigid container having an interior capable of being pressurized (either positively or negatively). A first flexible vessel is positioned at least partially within the interior of the first rigid container, and includes an outlet for discharging the fluid. At least one pressure source, such as a gas cylinder, compressor, or even a vacuum pump, is provided for pressurizing the interior of the rigid container to cause the fluid to move through the outlet of the flexible vessel. [0008] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a feed vessel connected to an inlet of the first flexible vessel, as well as a pump for delivering the fluid from the feed vessel to an inlet of the first flexible vessel. A filter may also be provided for receiving fluid from the outlet of the first flexible vessel, along with a return line for delivering fluid from the filter to the feed vessel. Preferably, the pressure created in the interior of the first rigid container comprises hydrostatic pressure to create a substantially constant flow of fluid through the outlet of the first flexible vessel. [0009] In this or another embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a second container having an interior capable of being pressurized by the pressure source, as well as a second flexible vessel for positioning at least partially within the second container. The second flexible vessel further includes an outlet for discharging the fluid to a line in common with the outlet of the first flexible vessel. Preferably, the pressure source alternately pressurizes the first and second containers, such as through the use of valves. [0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for intended use in pumping a fluid is provided. The apparatus comprises at least two containers, each having an interior capable being pressurized. A flexible vessel is positioned at least partially within the interior of each container and is capable of receiving and holding the fluid. Each flexible vessel further includes an outlet. At least one pressure source is provided for selectively pressurizing the interiors of the containers to cause the fluid to move through the outlets of the corresponding flexible vessels. [0011] Preferably, the pressure source alternatively pressurizes the containers. The apparatus may further include a common line connected to the outlets of the flexible vessels, or a feed vessel for feeding fluid to the inlets of the flexible vessels. In the latter case, a filter may receive fluid from the outlet of one or both of the flexible vessels, and a return line may be provided for returning fluid from the filter to the feed vessel. Alternatively, a chromatography column may be provided for receiving fluid from the outlets of the flexible vessels. [0012] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a method of pumping a fluid is disclosed. The method comprises providing the fluid in a first flexible vessel positioned at least partially within a first rigid container, and pressurizing an interior of the first rigid container to pump the fluid from the first flexible vessel. The method may further include the steps of at least partially relieving the pressure in the first rigid container, allowing fluid to enter the first flexible vessel through an inlet, and then pressurizing the interior of the first rigid container. Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include the steps of delivering the fluid to a second flexible vessel positioned at least partially within a second rigid container, and pressurizing an interior of the second rigid container to pump the fluid from the second flexible vessel. [0013] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention, a method of pumping a fluid is disclosed. The method comprises delivering the fluid to a first flexible vessel positioned at least partially within an interior of a first rigid container; pressurizing the interior of the first rigid container to move fluid through an outlet of the first flexible vessel; delivering the fluid to a second flexible vessel positioned at least partially within an interior of a second rigid container; and pressurizing the interior of the second rigid container to move fluid through an outlet of the second flexible vessel. [0014] Preferably, the step of delivering the fluid to the second flexible vessel is concurrent with the step of pressurizing the first rigid container. The delivering step may comprise delivering step comprises delivering fluid from a common feed vessel. The method may further include the step of delivering the fluid from the outlet of the first or second flexible vessel to a filter, and then delivering the fluid to a vessel for feeding either the first or second flexible vessel. Preferably, the pressurizing steps are performed to create a substantially constant flow of fluid along a common line associated with the outlets of the flexible vessels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one pumping apparatus forming one aspect of the invention; [0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a pumping apparatus forming another aspect of the invention; [0017] FIGS. 3a and 3b are graphical illustrations of the flow rate versus time created from the use of a pumping apparatus of FIG. 1 or 2; [0018] FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 schematically illustrate various configurations usable with the disclosed pumping apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0019] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the general nature of the proposed pumping apparatus comprises a container capable of being pressurized, such as for example with a periodically oscillating internal pressure. The pressure is of a hydrostatic nature and maybe created by introducing gas or fluid media to the interior of the pressure container. A hermetically closed or scaled collapsible container, such as a flexible bag, is placed at least partially and preferably entirely inside the pressure container. When used in connection with pumping sterile fluids or fluids under sterile conditions, the outer surface of the flexible vessel is in contact with pressure transferring media and need not be sterile, but the inner surface of the flexible vessel may be in contact with the pumped sterile fluid so it must also be sterile. Continue reading about Disposable pumping apparatus based on flexible vessels in pressurized containers... Full patent description for Disposable pumping apparatus based on flexible vessels in pressurized containers Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Disposable pumping apparatus based on flexible vessels in pressurized containers patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Disposable pumping apparatus based on flexible vessels in pressurized containers or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Infusion pump system, an infusion pump unit and an infusion pump Next Patent Application: Bearing protection for inverter-driven motor Industry Class: Pumps ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Disposable pumping apparatus based on flexible vessels in pressurized containers patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.136 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Canon USA , Celera Genomics , Cephalon, Inc. , Cingular Wireless , Clorox , Colgate-Palmolive , Corning , Cymer , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
