Fluid processing based on inflatable bags, mixing system, and method of use thereof
Inventors
CAMISANI, Julien Pierre • WARIDEL, Olivier
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11918541-B2
Publication Date
2024-03-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device and a method for mixing a fluid in a specimen bag is provided herein. In one embodiment, the device includes a mechanism for creating a first vortex and a second vortex. The first vortex is on a first side of a bag containing the fluid, and the second vortex is on a second side of the bag. The mechanism includes a first inflatable airbag and a second inflatable airbag. The first inflatable airbag is configured to create the first vortex when inflated and the second inflatable airbag is deflated. The second inflatable airbag is configured to create the second vortex when inflated and the first inflatable airbag is deflated.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an automated specimen-fluid mixing system for mixing biological specimens in a flexible specimen bag. The system applies pressure to the specimen bag using pneumatically driven inflatable/deflatable air-bags that alternately inflate on opposite sides, and the alternating inflation/deflation creates a vortex effect and contributes to homogeneous mixing through distributed pressure applied via a narrow path formed by squeezing lips.
The system includes a base plate and a cover that pivots between an open position and a closed position to support the specimen bag during pressure application. Pneumatic air-bags are arranged to impart displacement to the specimen bag, with solenoid valves and pressure sensors associated with the pneumatic control, and a central processing unit together with control electronics is described for regulating operation based on pressure-related control.
The described system further includes thermal control to stabilize the temperature of the biological specimen during mixing, using thermal sensors and Peltier elements. For biological specimens that require addition of biological additives, the system includes peristaltic pumps and an entry tube/connective tube for pumping the additive into the specimen bag, and the document also describes adaptability to different bag sizes, including small and large bags, multiple bags, and alternative configurations using single or dual small compartments, and optional removable lips.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims: one device claim and one method claim. Across these independent claims, the coverage centers on alternating pressure/displacement applied by two opposing elements contacting opposite sides of a specimen bag in a manner perpendicular to a base plate, with a pivoting cover in a support structure.
Pivoting cover and base plate support structure
A support structure comprising a base plate configured to support the specimen bag thereon; and a cover that fits over top of the support structure, wherein the cover is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position.
Direct bag-contact displacement with alternating pressing and pulling perpendicular to the base plate
Means for imparting a displacement to a specimen in the specimen bag and configured to directly contact the specimen bag, wherein the means for imparting the displacement comprises a first element configured to press against and pull away from a first side of the specimen bag in a manner that is perpendicular to the base plate and a second element configured to press against and pull away from a second side of the specimen bag in a manner that is perpendicular to the base plate, the first and second elements configured to alternate pressing and pulling on and away from the specimen bag.
Mixing method using alternating pressing and pulling on opposite sides perpendicular to the base plate
Providing a support structure comprising a base plate configured to support the specimen bag thereon; providing a cover that fits over top of the support structure, wherein the cover is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position; providing means for imparting a displacement to the specimen in the specimen bag by directly contacting the specimen bag, comprising a first element and a second element; pressing against a first side of the specimen bag with the first element; pulling away from the first side of the specimen bag with the first element; pressing against a second side of the specimen bag with the second element; and pulling away from the second side of the specimen bag with the second element, wherein the first and second elements alternate pressing and pulling on and away from the specimen bag in a manner that is perpendicular to the base plate.
Overall, the independent claims cover a specimen-bag support structure with a pivoting cover and mixing/pressure application achieved by two direct-contact elements that alternately press and pull on opposite sides of the specimen bag, with the alternating motion occurring perpendicular to the base plate.
Stated Advantages
Homogeneous mixing through distributed pressure applied via a narrow path formed by squeezing lips.
Creates a vortex effect.
Stabilize the temperature of the biological specimen during mixing.
Documented Applications
Mixing biological specimens in a flexible specimen bag.
Pumping biological additives into the specimen bag.
Interested in licensing this patent?