Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable packaging item capable of being sterilised and/or depyrogenated. The invention in particular relates to the packaging of products and/or devices in the fields of medicine, pharmaceutics, chemistry, biology, food or electronics. The invention in particular relates to a disposable packaging item (1) at least partially produced with at least one thermoplastic film (10) that can withstand sterilisation and/or depyrogenation, said disposable packaging item (1) defining at least one inner enclosure (5) for receiving one or more elements (50) to be packaged, said inner enclosure (5) being under vacuum (40) and preferably sterile and/or depyrogenated, said packaging item (1) including one or more packaged elements (50).

Abstract: A system providing a sterile connection between a sensor probe and a fluid processing apparatus (e.g., a bioreactor) includes a first probe receiving element mountable to the fluid processing apparatus and a second probe receiving element having a gas-permeable contaminant barrier material and coupleable to the first probe receiving element. A sensor probe may be mounted to the second probe receiving element, with the combination being sterilized with a sterilant gas such as steam. Following such sterilization, connection between the first and second probe receiving elements is made through matable sterile couplings, and the probe is insertable through the coupled receiving elements to a position in fluid contact with the interior of the fluid processing apparatus.

Abstract: A selectively closeable drain connector includes a hollow body or plunger moveable relative to a bore-defining drain flange. A locking element may be arranged to maintain the hollow body relative to the drain flange in one or more desired positions. At least one sealed jacket may extend between exterior portions of the drain flange and the hollow body to provide a barrier arranged to inhibit passage of contaminants to sealing surfaces along which the hollow body travels relative to the drain flange. The drain connector may be joined to a container, such as a tank, bag, vessel, or other receptacle for material storage and/or processing.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus including a kinetic energy source, a mixing tank, a pivot guide, and transfer shaft is used to drive a mixing paddle through a circular path within a tank without substantial shaft rotation. Sleeved and sleeveless mixing paddles are provided in combination with sealable mixing tanks. A volumetric compensation system responsive to tank wall deflection is used to maintain the internal volume of a mixing tank within predetermined limits. One mixing apparatus includes multiple mixing shafts and paddles coupled to at least one kinetic energy source. Methods for fabricating sleeved paddle-containing mixing apparatuses are further provided.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus including a kinetic energy source, a mixing tank, a pivot guide, and transfer shaft is used to drive a mixing paddle through a circular path within a tank without substantial shaft rotation. Sleeved and sleeveless mixing paddles are provided in combination with sealable mixing tanks. A volumetric compensation system responsive to tank wall deflection is used to maintain the internal volume of a mixing tank within predetermined limits. One mixing apparatus includes multiple mixing shafts and paddles coupled to at least one kinetic energy source. Methods for fabricating sleeved paddle-containing mixing apparatuses are further provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a disposable and flexible mixing tank, configurable as a bag, having a sealed sleeve therein for arrangement of a mixing device. The volume of the mixing tank is defined by an inner wall of the mixing tank and an inner wall of the sleeve. The mixing tank may be used to mix, store, reconstitute and/or dispense materials therein. Draining of a mixture may be aided with pressurized gas. Heating or cooling of the contents of a mixing tank may be accomplished with a thermal exchange fluid disposed within a thermal exchange vessel and in thermal communication with the tank.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a disposable and flexible mixing tank, configurable as a bag, having a sealed sleeve therein for arrangement of a mixing device. The volume of the mixing tank is defined by an inner wall of the mixing tank and an inner wall of the sleeve. The mixing tank may be used to mix, store, reconstitute and/or dispense materials therein. Draining of a mixture may be aided with pressurized gas. Heating or cooling of the contents of a mixing tank may be accomplished with a thermal exchange fluid disposed within a thermal exchange vessel and in thermal communication with the tank.