Abstract: A system for forming a fluid connection includes a first connector and a second connector. Both connectors include a tubular body having a membrane mounted on a distal end thereof. A support member facilitates the coupling of the connectors together so that the membranes are abutted together. Radiant energy is applied to the abutted membranes so as to first sterilize the membranes and then melt the membranes so that a passage is formed therethrough.

Abstract: A method for inactivating a fluid culture includes inserting a collapsible bag within a chamber of a tank assembly. A fluid is dispensed into a compartment of the collapsible bag, the fluid including a culture containing live cells or microorganisms. A lid is positioned over an opening of the tank assembly so that the collapsible bag is substantially enclosed within the tank assembly. The fluid within the collapsible bag is heated to an inactivation temperature that is sufficiently high to kill all of the live cells or microorganisms within the fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid within the flexible bag is mixed while the fluid is being heated to the inactivation temperature.

Abstract: A quick coupling for a shaft includes a male coupling having a locking portion with a locking groove formed thereon. A female coupling includes a female body having an interior surface bounding a socket. A tapered port is formed on the female body and extending from the exterior surface to the interior surface thereof. The locking portion of the male coupling is received within the socket so that the tapered port is aligned with the locking groove. A ball bearing is disposed within the tapered port so that a portion of the ball bearing can project into the socket and into the locking groove. A locking sleeve is slidably mounted along the female body so as to cover and interact with the ball bearing.

Abstract: A fluid heating system includes a tank assembly having an interior surface bounding a chamber, the tank assembly including a sidewall and a lid. A collapsible bag is removably disposed within the chamber of the tank assembly, the collapsible bag bounding a compartment adapted to hold a fluid. A boiler can be used for pumping heated fluid through the wall of the tank assembly for heating the fluid within the collapsible bag. An impeller is disposed within the compartment of the collapsible bag. An elongated drive shaft is removably coupled with the impeller such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the impeller within the compartment of the collapsible bag. A drive motor assembly is coupled with the drive shaft, the drive motor assembly being adapted to rotate the drive shaft when the lid is in an open or closed position.

Abstract: A method for mixing includes releasably coupling a first container station to a docking station, the first container station having a shipping vessel bounding a compartment, the docking station having a stand and a drive motor assembly adjustably mounted to the stand. The vertical or horizontal position of the drive motor assembly is adjusted relative to the stand so that the drive motor assembly is in a first position. A drive shaft is advanced through the drive motor assembly and into a chamber of a first collapsible bag disposed within the compartment of the shipping vessel. The drive motor assembly is activated so that the mixer rotates the drive shaft causing mixing of the fluid within the first collapsible bag.

Abstract: A fluid heating system includes a tank assembly having an interior surface bounding a chamber, the tank assembly including a sidewall and a lid. A collapsible bag is removably disposed within the chamber of the tank assembly, the collapsible bag bounding a compartment adapted to hold a fluid. A boiler can be used for pumping heated fluid through the wall of the tank assembly for heating the fluid within the collapsible bag. An impeller is disposed within the compartment of the collapsible bag. An elongated drive shaft is removably coupled with the impeller such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the impeller within the compartment of the collapsible bag. A drive motor assembly is coupled with the drive shaft, the drive motor assembly being adapted to rotate the drive shaft when the lid is in an open or closed position.

Abstract: A quick coupling for a shaft includes a male coupling having a locking portion with a locking groove formed thereon. A female coupling includes a female body having an interior surface bounding a socket. A tapered port is formed on the female body and extending from the exterior surface to the interior surface thereof. The locking portion of the male coupling is received within the socket so that the tapered port is aligned with the locking groove. A ball bearing is disposed within the tapered port so that a portion of the ball bearing can project into the socket and into the locking groove. A locking sleeve is slidably mounted along the female body so as to cover and interact with the ball bearing.

Abstract: A system for forming a fluid connection includes a first connector (12) and a second connector (14). Both connectors include a tubular body (18,18?) having a membrane (19,19?) mounted on a distal end (27) thereof. A support member (16) or other fastener (214,220) facilitates the coupling of the connectors together so that the membranes are abutted together. Radiant or other form of energy is applied to the abutted membranes so as to sterilize the membranes and melt the membranes so that a passage is formed therethrough.

Abstract: A mixing system includes a housing and a motor mount disposed on the housing and having a passage extending therethrough. A dive motor is coupled with the motor mount for selectively rotating the motor mount relative to the housing. A rotational assembly includes a hub having a passageway extending therethrough and a casing at least partially encircling the hub, the hub being rotatable to the casing. The rotational assembly is removably coupled to the housing so that the passageway of the hub aligns with the passage of the motor mount.