Abstract: A feed bag includes a body bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a feed material. The body has a first end with an outlet formed thereat and an opposing second end. A vent port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. In one embodiment a filter is coupled with the vent port. A fluid port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. The fluid port is adapted to receive a fluid line for delivering a fluid into the compartment of the body.

Abstract: A method for mixing a solution includes positioning a collapsible container within a chamber of a substantially rigid tank. The collapsible container bounds a compartment. A mixer is disposed within the compartment of the container. Two or more components are fed into the compartment of the container. At least one of the components is a liquid. The mixer is raised and lowered within the compartment of the container so as to mix the components.

Abstract: A mixing tank assembly includes a side wall having an interior surface at least partially bounding a chamber. A floor is disposed within or at the base of the chamber. The floor can be either fixed to the side wall or movably disposed within the chamber thereof. A collapsible container is disposed within the chamber so as to rest on the floor. The collapsible container bounds a compartment. A mixer is disposed within the compartment of the container.

Abstract: A mixing system includes a flexible mixing bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a liquid solution. A mixer is disposed within the compartment of the mixing bag. A shaft has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the shaft is connected to the mixer within the compartment of the mixing bag. The second end of the shaft is disposed outside of the compartment. A seal is formed between the mixing bag and the shaft or the mixer to enable the shaft to raise and lower the mixer within the compartment of the mixing bag while preventing leaking of the liquid solution.

Abstract: A mixing tank assembly includes a side wall having an interior surface at least partially bounding a chamber. A floor is disposed within or at the base of the chamber. The floor can be either fixed to the side wall or movably disposed within the chamber thereof. A collapsible container is disposed within the chamber so as to rest on the floor. The collapsible container bounds a compartment. A mixer is disposed within the compartment of the container.

Abstract: A mixing system includes a flexible mixing bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a liquid solution. A mixer is disposed within the compartment of the mixing bag. A shaft has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the shaft is connected to the mixer within the compartment of the mixing bag. The second end of the shaft is disposed outside of the compartment. A seal is formed between the mixing bag and the shaft or the mixer to enable the shaft to raise and lower the mixer within the compartment of the mixing bag while preventing leaking of the liquid solution.

Abstract: A method for forming a sterile fluid connection includes inserting a dispensing end of a fill tube into a cavity of a sterilizer. A sterilizing field is generated within the cavity of the sterilizer. A cap mounted on the end of the fill tube is removed from the fill tube while in the cavity. A fill port is disposed within the cavity. The fill tube is fluid coupled with the fill port in the cavity of the sterilizer while the dispensing end of the fill tube and the fill port are exposed to the sterilizing field. A fluid is passed from the fill tube to the fill port.

Abstract: A feed bag includes a body bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a feed material. The body has a first end with an outlet formed thereat and an opposing second end. A vent port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. In one embodiment a filter is coupled with the vent port. A fluid port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. The fluid port is adapted to receive a fluid line for delivering a fluid into the compartment of the body.

Abstract: A pattern former/loader system for bakery products includes a pair of carriages (94) positionable along first guideways (92) and a second carriage (112) positionable along a second guideway (110) supported by the carriages (94). The second carriage (112) supports an actuator (130) which in turn supports a transfer head (132). The carriages (94, 112) position the transfer head (132) longitudinally and transversely, the actuator (130) functions both to rotate the transfer head and to move the transfer head vertically. The transfer head (132) comprises a plurality of vacuum ports (142) each comprising an elastomeric vacuum cup and a relatively rigid vacuum cup insert which serves both to retain the shape of the vacuum cup and to limit the flow of air therethrough.