Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the integrity testing of objects. One apparatus comprises a container forming a test chamber for receiving the vessel and a spacer for separating the vessel from a surface of the test chamber while constraining the ability of the vessel to inflate. Another apparatus comprises a connector including a film for connecting to a port. The use of a base level of a detectable gas in a test chamber is also proposed. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: In one aspect, a disposable centrifuge includes a container including an interior compartment for receiving the liquid and solids. The container is capable of rotating to urge the solids toward the periphery of the interior compartment. A fixed extraction conduit may be provided for extracting at least a portion of the solids from adjacent the periphery of the interior compartment of the container. A motive device may also be provided for forming a non-contact coupling with the container, which may rotate and/or levitate the container. A relatively low, continuous flow rate (about 250 ml/min to about 500 ml/min) may also be utilized. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various alignment systems, devices, and related methods are for use in associated with the mixing of fluid in a vessel, such as a flexible bag, using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device.

Abstract: A vessel receives and agitates a fluid using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device. In one aspect, the vessel is a bag including a first receiver for receiving and holding a fluid-agitating element at a home location. The first receiver may be in the form of an inwardly-projecting post having an oversized portion for capturing the fluid-agitating element, but various other forms are disclosed. Use of this feature in completely rigid vessels where the fluid-agitating element is free of direct attachment from a first receiver having an oversized portion is also disclosed. In another aspect, the vessel or bag further includes a second receiver for receiving a portion of an external structure, such as a motive device, and aligning the vessel relative thereto.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for intended use in pumping a fluid under sterile conditions. In one embodiment, a first rigid container is internally pressurized to pump fluid through a first flexible vessel within the rigid container. In another embodiment, first and second containers are provided, each for receiving flexible vessels that create independent pumping chambers upon the selective or periodic internal pressurization of the containers. Related aspects and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a rotating pumping or mixing element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed.

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a vessel, such as a flexible bag, a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device and supported by a bearing, such as a roller bearing.

Abstract: A kit for assisting in the set-up of a fluid pumping or mixing system including a superconducting element capable of reaching a transition temperature during a field cooling process is disclosed. In one embodiment, the kit comprises at least one pumping or mixing element including a levitation magnet and at least one charging magnet substantially corresponding in size, shape, and magnetic field distribution to the levitation magnet. The presence of the charging magnet adjacent the superconducting element during the field cooling process enables stable levitation of the pumping or mixing element, including when in a fluid-filled vessel positioned adjacent the superconducting element.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a levitating, rotating magnetic element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The magnetic element is placed in a vessel or container that can be positioned in close proximity to a superconducting element. The vessel or container may be sealed with the magnetic element and a product therein, with the fluid being introduced after sealing. Preferably, the vessel or container is capable of holding fluid volumes greater than 10 liters.

Abstract: A vessel in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluidagitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. In one aspect, the vessel is a bag including a first receiver for receiving and holding a fluid-agitating element at a home location. The first receiver may be in the form of an inwardly projecting post having an oversized portion for capturing the fluid-agitating element, but various other forms are disclosed. Use of this feature in completely rigid vessels where the fluid-agitating element is free of direct attachment from a first receiver having an oversized portion is also disclosed. In another aspect, the vessel or bag further includes a second receiver for receiving a portion of an external structure, such as a motive device, and aligning the vessel relative thereto. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mixing bag usable in chemical and bioprocessing procedures that is hermetically sealed about a tube that is closed within the bag but extends out through a seal and adapted to receive a rotatable rigid rod of a predetermined shape for mixing the materials in the bag.

Abstract: A mixing bag usable in chemical and bioprocessing procedures that is hermetically sealed about a tube that is closed within the bag but extends out through a seal and adapted to receive a rotatable rigid rod of a predetermined shape for mixing the materials in the bag.