Abstract: An apparatus for separating cell suspension material into centrate and concentrate, includes a single use structure (178, 240, 250, 370, 414) releasably positioned in a cavity in a solid wall rotatable centrifuge bowl (172). The bowl and portions of single use structure rotate about an axis (174, 428). A stationary inlet feed tube (184, 430), a centrate discharge tube (212, 436) and a concentrate discharge tube (230,448) extend along the axis of the rotating single use structure. A centrate centripetal pump (208, 438) is in fluid connection with the centrate discharge tube. A concentrate centripetal pump (216, 450) is in fluid connection with the concentrate discharge tube. At least one concentrate channel (380, 454) and a concentrate centripetal pump chamber (376,452) have configurations in the structure that facilitate the flow of cell concentrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating cell suspension material into centrate and concentrate, includes a single use structure (178, 240, 250) releasably positioned in a cavity in a solid wall rotatable centrifuge bowl (172). The bowl and portions of single use structure rotate about an axis (174). A stationary inlet feed tube (184), a centrate discharge tube (212) and a concentrate discharge tube (230) extend along the axis of the rotating single use structure. A centrate centripetal pump (208) is in fluid connection with the centrate discharge tube. A concentrate centripetal pump (216) is in fluid connection with the concentrate discharge tube. A controller (274) operates responsive to sensors (264, 270) in respective centrate and concentrate discharge lines (262, 268), to control flow rates of a concentrate pump (272) and a centrate pump (266) to produce output flows of cell concentrate and generally cell free centrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating cell suspension material into centrate and concentrate, includes a single use structure (178, 240, 250) releasably positioned in a cavity in a solid wall rotatable centrifuge bowl (172). The bowl and portions of single use structure rotate about an axis (174). A stationary inlet feed tube (184), a centrate discharge tube (212) and a concentrate discharge tube (230) extend along the axis of the rotating single use structure. A centrate centripetal pump (208) is in fluid connection with the centrate discharge tube. A concentrate centripetal pump (216) is in fluid connection with the concentrate discharge tube. A controller (274) operates responsive to sensors (264, 270) in respective centrate and concentrate discharge lines (262, 268), to control flow rates of a concentrate pump (272) and a centrate pump (266) to produce output flows of cell concentrate and generally cell free centrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating cell suspension material into centrate and concentrate, includes a single use structure (178, 240, 250) releasably positioned in a cavity in a solid wall rotatable centrifuge bowl (172). The bowl and portions of single use structure rotate about an axis (174). A stationary inlet feed tube (184), a centrate discharge tube (212) and a concentrate discharge tube (230) extend along the axis of the rotating single use structure. A centrate centripetal pump (208) is in fluid connection with the centrate discharge tube. A concentrate centripetal pump (216) is in fluid connection with the concentrate discharge tube. A controller (274) operates responsive to sensors (264, 270) in respective centrate and concentrate discharge lines (262, 268), to control flow rates of a concentrate pump (272) and a centrate pump (266) to produce output flows of cell concentrate and generally cell free centrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating cell suspension into centrate and concentrate includes a solid wall rotatable centrifuge bowl (82). A single use rotatable core (88) is positioned in the bowl and bounds a cavity (90) which serves as a separation chamber. The bowl rotates about an axis (84). An inlet tube (92) and an outlet tube (102) extend along the axis in the bowl cavity. The centripetal pump (98) in the cavity is in connection with the outlet tube. The centrate discharge pump (120) is in connection with the outlet tube. A pressure damping reservoir (122) is fluidly connected between the outlet tube and the discharge pump. At least one control circuit (142) is operative to control the apparatus to maintain a positive pressure above atmospheric pressure within the cavity, so as to maintain the cell suspension away from at least one seal (106) that bounds the interior of the cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating cell suspension into centrate and concentrate includes a solid wall rotatable centrifuge bowl (82). A single use rotatable core (88) is positioned in the bowl and bounds a cavity (90) which serves as a separation chamber. The bowl rotates about an axis (84). An inlet tube (92) and an outlet tube (102) extend along the axis in the bowl cavity. The centripetal pump (98) in the cavity is in connection with the outlet tube. The centrate discharge pump (120) is in connection with the outlet tube. A pressure damping reservoir (122) is fluidly connected between the outlet tube and the discharge pump. At least one control circuit (142) is operative to control the apparatus to maintain a positive pressure above atmospheric pressure within the cavity, so as to maintain the cell suspension away from at least one seal (106) that bounds the interior of the cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating cell suspension into centrate and concentrate includes a solid wall rotatable centrifuge bowl (82). A single use rotatable core (88) is positioned in the bowl and bounds a cavity (90) which serves as a separation chamber. The bowl rotates about an axis (84). An inlet tube (92) and an outlet tube (102) extend along the axis in the bowl cavity. The centripetal pump (98) in the cavity is in connection with the outlet tube. The centrate discharge pump (120) is in connection with the outlet tube. A pressure damping reservoir (122) is fluidly connected between the outlet tube and the discharge pump. At least one control circuit (142) is operative to control the apparatus to maintain a positive pressure above atmospheric pressure within the cavity, so as to maintain the cell suspension away from at least one seal (106) that bounds the interior of the cavity.

Abstract: A centrifuge may include a bowl operative to rotate with respect to a stationary portion. The centrifuge may include at least one vibration sensor operative to generate vibration data representative of vibrational movement of portions of the centrifuge. The processor may monitor the vibration data as the bowl is being filled with a fluid. The processor may cause a drive device to increase the rotational speed of the bowl responsive to determining from the vibration data that the bowl has becoming substantially filled with a fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cell harvest of production scale quantities of cell cultures using single use components comprising a flexible membrane mounted on a rigid frame and is supported within a multiple use rigid centrifuge bowl, such single use components including a core with an increased diameter and an internal truncated cone shape in order to permit the system to maintain a sufficiently high angular velocity to create a settling velocity suited to efficiently processing highly concentrated cell culture streams. Features which minimize feed turbidity, and others which permit the continuous or semi-continuous discharge of cell concentrate, increase the overall production rate over the rate which can be achieved using current intermittent processing methods for large cell culture volumes. Injection of a diluent during the cell concentrate removal process permits more complete removal of viscous cell concentrates.

Abstract: A fastening system and method to removably attach change part components to a capping or filling machine in order to adapt a general purpose machine for use with a specific size or shape container. The fastening system and method uses magnetic forces to pull component parts into alignment and to interlock portions of interchangeable components. In addition, a blocking component is interposed between two other interchangeable component parts or within mushroom slots, securing the components in place, aided by biasing magnets. This system and method relies on a combination of mechanical and magnetic forces by using mechanical forces to reinforce or supplement biasing magnetic forces, and vice versa, creating a durable connection that will withstand the rigors of the filling and capping process, yet which is simple to assemble and disassemble without tools. The less intricate component parts are less prone to damage during assembly, use, or disassembly.

Abstract: The apparatus, system, and method provides an instrumented container with a contour similar to that of a production container which includes two portions spaced apart and joined by a torque sensor. The instrumented container also includes a processor which directs the periodic sampling of data measured by the torque sensor during the capping process, and a memory which stores a plurality of data values. The apparatus, system, and method provides a reusable instrumented container form to which a portion of an actual production container may be attached. The instrumented container is indistinguishable, for purposes of the capping line, from a regular production container. It may thus be used to test individual spindles, randomly test application torque, verify set application torques, and provide accurate information as to the impact of a particular dye or other variable on bottle capping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cell harvest of production scale quantities of cell cultures using single use components comprising a flexible membrane mounted on a rigid frame and is supported within a multiple use rigid centrifuge bowl, such single use components including a core with an increased diameter and an internal truncated cone shape in order to permit the system to maintain a sufficiently high angular velocity to create a settling velocity suited to efficiently processing highly concentrated cell culture streams. Features which minimize feed turbidity, and others which permit the continuous or semi-continuous discharge of cell concentrate, increase the overall production rate over the rate which can be achieved using current intermittent processing methods for large cell culture volumes. Injection of a diluent during the cell concentrate removal process permits more complete removal of viscous cell concentrates.

Abstract: A filler product supply system (5) and method using two or more conduits (120, 130) to deliver filler product under pressure from product reservoirs (200, 210) to in fluid isolation to a supply manifold (58). Filler product is further delivered in fluid isolation from supply manifold (58) through conduits (170, 171) to two or more filling heads (180, 190). Downstream from filling heads (180, 190), the previously isolated fluid lines are combined to introduce two or more distinct filler products into a single container without creating a homogenous mixture.

Abstract: A centrifuge may include a bowl operative to rotate with respect to a stationary portion. The centrifuge may include at least one vibration sensor operative to generate vibration data representative of vibrational movement of portions of the centrifuge. The processor may monitor the vibration data as the bowl is being filled with a fluid. The processor may cause a drive device to increase the rotational speed of the bowl responsive to determining from the vibration data that the bowl has becoming substantially filled with a fluid.

Abstract: An improved centrifuge system having a single means for both feeding and collecting liquid streams aseptically from rotating components is provided. Also methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation of cells from cell culture media of large cell culture batches by processing a large volume within a few hours, using pre-sterilized, single-use fluid path components. The apparatus uses a sealing approach that improves reliability while avoiding air contamination as well as shedding from mechanical seals. The risk of process liquid leaks is minimized.

Abstract: A seaming lever containing a micro adjusting seaming element. When used in a seaming lever, the micro adjusting element permits both a coarse and a fine adjustment of the position of the seaming roll with respect to the chuck. This micro adjusting element may be retrofitted into any existing seaming lever which uses a worm gear for rotational adjustment of the seaming roll. It may also be incorporated as a design element of newly manufactured seaming levers.

Abstract: A double seam forming apparatus for applying end units to can bodies includes a can seamer (12) with a seaming cam (46). Seaming cam (46) includes a high dwell portion (56) which deforms responsive to force encounterred by tooling during forming of a can seam. A reinforcing pin (72) limits deformation of the high dwell portion to prevent damage. The high dwell portion of the cam includes a force sensor (20) which generates a signal responsive to strain of the high dwell portion due to applied force. The apparatus further includes a monitor apparatus (28). The monitor apparatus includes a controller (30) which includes a processor and a data store (32), and a host station (38). The monitor apparatus is operative to identify seam fault conditions and to store data concerning seamer conditions. The monitor apparatus also operates a can ejector (26) to divert cans identified as having defective seams.

Abstract: A capping machine (10) and method for installing a cap (12) having a threaded portion onto a container (14) having a threaded portion, the threaded portion of the cap corresponding to the threaded portion of the container, the capping machine having a rotatable turret (20) and a rotatable cap chuck (16) which grips the cap and positions the cap on the container. The cap chuck is rotated by a spindle (22) driven by a servo motor (24) at adjustable and reversible rotational velocities independent of the rotational velocity of the turret. The number of rotations of the cap is determined by monitoring the number of rotations of the servo motor compared to the number of rotations of the turret and is transmitted to a spindle drive control(70). The torque imparted to the cap is monitored by a torque monitor (50) and is transmitted to the spindle drive control. The rotational velocity of the cap is adjustable in response to the compared monitored number of rotations and monitored torque.

Abstract: A filler product supply apparatus (10) and method has one or more conduits (17) for delivering filler product under pressure to a manifold (30). Filler product is delivered through manifold (30) to one or more filling heads (18, 28) integral with the manifold. The filling heads (18, 28) deliver the filler product directly from the manifold into containers.

Abstract: A chuck (10) has a jaw bell (20), a lower bell portion (22) surrounding a plurality of jaws (40) and a hub (28) surrounding an upper portion of a jaw stem (60). A second portion of the jaw stem extends beyond a jaw bell hub (28) and is surrounded by a compressed jaw stem spring (76). The jaw stem spring is retained between a bell hub collar (34) and a jaw stem collar (70). The force of the jaw stem spring holds the jaw bell around the jaws, holding the jaws in a closed position. A stripper (80) has an upper end (82) carried within the jaw stem. A stripper spring (90) located above the upper end of the stripper is compressed and surrounded by the jaw stem. The lower end of the stripper has a disk (84) with a frusto-conical cross-section in slidable contact with the jaws. The jaw stem spring exerts more force downward on the jaw bell than the stripper spring exerts downward on the stripper to hold the jaw bell around the jaws and the jaws closed.