Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for mixing is provided that features a drive system that is removable from a bearing housing that supports the impeller shaft in the vessel. Some versions of the system and method use a magnetic drive system having a canister projecting outward from the bearing housing. The drive system has a lower shell that engages with the bearing housing and is quickly releasable and/or detachable to facilitate mounting and dismounting of the drive system from the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus and method uses a disposable assembly including a closed vessel with a rotating shaft supported in the vessel. The shaft has radially extending impellers. The shaft is driven via an external magnetic drive system. The vessel can be cleaned during manufacture and discarded after use.

Abstract: A hub for removable mounting onto a shaft has an inner sleeve having a first end and a second end, and having a substantially cylindrical inner diameter and having an outer surface having a threaded region and a tapered conical surface located substantially near the first end. An outer hub has an inner surface with a threaded region threadably engagable with the threaded region of the inner hub, and a inner tapered conical surface configured to cam along the tapered outer surface of the inner hub. The hub can be locked at a desired axial location or the shaft by engaging the threads to cause the cam surfaces to constrict the diameter of the first end so it frictionally locks onto the shaft.

Abstract: A coupling assembly that can be used to quickly connect and disconnect an impeller shaft to and from a drive output shaft. A portion of the coupling assembly can be used to secure the impeller shaft inside a mixing vessel so that the impeller shaft can remain secure inside the mixing vessel when the drive is disconnected. The coupling assembly has a first and a second coupling half, a first group of locking pens that extend from the first coupling half and can pass through openings formed in the second coupling half, and second group of locking pins that extend from the first coupling half and can pass through openings formed in the top region of the mixing vessel.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for mixing is provided that features a drive system that is removable from a bearing housing that supports the impeller shaft in the vessel. Some versions of the system and method use a magnetic drive system having a canister projecting outward from the bearing housing. The drive system has a lower shell that engages with the bearing housing and is quickly releasable and/or detachable to facilitate mounting and dismounting of the drive system from the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A hub for removable mounting onto a shaft uses a locking ring having an inner diameter that surrounds the shaft and frictionally engages the shaft to fix the locking ring against the shaft axially and rotationally, a first annular hub component that is mounted to the locking ring, and a second annular hub component that is mounted to the first annular hub component.