US20070187317A1 - Mobile filtration facility and methods of use - Google Patents
Mobile filtration facility and methods of use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070187317A1 US20070187317A1 US10/599,542 US59954205A US2007187317A1 US 20070187317 A1 US20070187317 A1 US 20070187317A1 US 59954205 A US59954205 A US 59954205A US 2007187317 A1 US2007187317 A1 US 2007187317A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- pooling bag
- bag
- filter
- pooling
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D61/00—Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
- B01D61/14—Ultrafiltration; Microfiltration
- B01D61/18—Apparatus therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/02—Blood transfusion apparatus
- A61M1/0209—Multiple bag systems for separating or storing blood components
- A61M1/0218—Multiple bag systems for separating or storing blood components with filters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
- A61M1/02—Blood transfusion apparatus
- A61M1/0209—Multiple bag systems for separating or storing blood components
- A61M1/0236—Multiple bag systems for separating or storing blood components with sampling means, e.g. sample bag or sampling port
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2202/00—Special media to be introduced, removed or treated
- A61M2202/04—Liquids
- A61M2202/0413—Blood
- A61M2202/0415—Plasma
- A61M2202/0423—Serum; Human serous fluid, i.e. plasma without fibrinogen
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2202/00—Special media to be introduced, removed or treated
- A61M2202/04—Liquids
- A61M2202/0413—Blood
- A61M2202/0462—Placental blood, umbilical cord blood
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Anesthesiology (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- External Artificial Organs (AREA)
- Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
Abstract
A mobile first housing bounds a substantially sterile clean room, a filtration room, and at least one change room communicating between clean room. A fluid filtration system is disposed within the first housing, the filtration system includes a first support container in which a disposable fill bag is disposed. A disposable fluid line extends between the fill bag and the at least one filter. A support bin is also disposed within the first housing. A disposable pooling bag is disposed within the support bin, the pooling bag being in fluid communication with the at least one filter. A disposable fill line has a first end in fluid communication with the pooling bag and an opposing second end disposed within the clean room.
Description
- 1. The Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to mobile filtration facilities used in filtering liquids derived from mammalian blood and other fluids.
- 2. The Relevant Technology
- Mammalian blood serum, such as fetal bovine serum, calf serum, and the blood serum of other mammals, is broadly used in the growth and development of cell cultures. Although serum can be derived from the blood of all animals, it has been found that serum derived from a fetus or new born has enhanced properties for cell growth. In part, this is because such serums are high in growth factors and hormones which enhance cell growth.
- Most mammalian blood serum is obtained at established slaughterhouses. For example, fetal bovine serum is typically obtained from fetuses that are removed from cattle that are slaughtered for beef. The fetuses are taken to an area of the slaughterhouse where the blood is harvested from the fetuses. The blood is then processed so as to remove the serum component. The raw unfiltered serum is then placed in bottles and quickly frozen.
- Because there are relatively few fetuses and such fetuses have a rather small amount of blood, fetal bovine serum is a precious and expensive commodity. Prior to use of the serum, the serum must be filtered under highly stringent conditions that require the use of a sterile clean room. Furthermore, most filtering processes pass the serum through different stainless steel tanks and fixed lines that must be repeatedly cleaned and certified between batches. This cleaning requires the use and disposal of hazardous cleaning chemicals. Although a clean room and the required filtering equipment can be erected at each slaughterhouse, this is generally not cost efficient. That is, because there is such a small volume of fetal bovine serum harvested at a given slaughterhouse, it is difficult for a single slaughterhouse to recoup the expense of building, operating, manning, and maintaining a sterile clean room and the filtration equipment.
- As a result, the traditional approach to filtering serum is to ship the serum to an established filtration facility. The problem with this approach, however, is that slaughterhouses are widely spaced apart throughout the world and there are relatively few filtration facilities. Because serum must remain frozen, the serum becomes relatively expensive to ship over long distances to the established filtration facilities. Furthermore, because of various blood diseases, some countries will not allow blood products to be transported into their country for filtering and/or sale.
- In addition, it is often critically important to the purchasers of filtered serum that they can establish and certify where a particular serum was derived and filtered. Acquiring a serum in one country, filtering the serum in a second country, and then attempting to sell the serum in a third country is largely prohibitive. Such movement between countries makes is difficult to obtain required import licenses and to provide sufficient assurance to the end purchasers as to the origin and history of the serum.
- Similar types of problems are also encountered in filtering blood components which are used in clinical chemistry controls. For example, human donated blood that has expired is typically processed to extract the serum, plasma, and fractions thereof which can subsequently be used in clinical chemistry controls. Again, prior to use such blood components must be filtered under highly stringent conditions that require the use of a sterile clean room and a filtration system. The expired blood is often found at blood banks and other storage facilities located at sporadic locations throughout the world. As with fetal bovine serum, filtering the blood components is cost prohibitive to the storage facilities. The blood and/or bloods products are thus typically shipped to filtration facilities. Again, however, the shipping of blood products requires refrigerated shipping which adds significant cost to the final blood products. Furthermore, attempts to transport blood products between different countries can be problematic.
- Accordingly, what is needed are methods and systems that can be used to efficiently filter and/or sterilize blood products and other types of liquids that are produced and/or collected at different facilities around the world.
- Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filtration facility including a first housing and a second housing; -
FIG. 2 is a top cross sectional plan view of the first housing shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a top cross sectional plan view of the second housing shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a front view of a filtration system disposed within the second housing shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is cross sectional side view of a fill container assembly of the filtration system shown inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pooling bag assembly of the filtration system shown inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a pooling bag of the pooling bag assembly shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional side view showing a connection of a dip tube to the pooling bag shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional top plan view of a fill line assembly of the pooling bag assembly shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the pooling bag assembly shown inFIG. 6 in a collapsed state and sealed within double bags; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support bin of the filtration system shown inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 12 is a partially disassembled top plan view of the support bin shown inFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is a partially disassembled bottom perspective view of the support bin shown inFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 14 is an elevated front view of a bracket shown inFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a retention plate of the support bin shown inFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the support bin shown inFIG. 11 with the door removed; and -
FIG. 17 is a front view of the pooling container assembly shown inFIG. 4 used in dispensing a liquid into bottles within the clean room of the second housing shown inFIG. 3 . - The present invention relates to mobile filtration facilities and methods of use. In one embodiment the mobile filtration facilities can be used in the filtration and/or sterilization of mammalian blood components such as serum, plasma, and fractions thereof. Such blood components can be derived from human and non-human mammals. For example, as used in the specification and appended claims, the term “mammalian blood serum” is broadly intended to include fetal bovine serum, calf serum, and the blood serum of other mammals such as horses, pigs, sheep, and the like. Mammalian blood serum can also comprise serum derived from donated human blood. In alternative embodiments, the mobile filtration facilities can be used in the filtration and/or sterilization of media, buffers, and regents used in the growth of cell cultures and in still other liquids which require filtration and/or sterilization.
- Depicted in
FIG. 1 is one embodiment of an inventivemobile filtration facility 8 incorporating features of the present invention.Filtration facility 8 comprises a mobilefirst housing 10 and a mobilesecond housing 12. Eachhousing front wall 14 and an opposingback wall 16 that each extend between afirst end wall 18 and an opposingsecond end wall 20. Eachhousing flat roof 22 and afloor 24. Hookingports 26 are formed on each corner of eachhousing housings - In one embodiment, each of
first housing 10 andsecond housing 12 comprises a standard metal shipping container having standard dimensions. For example, containers intended for intercontinental use typically have external standard dimensions oflength 20 feet (6.10 m), 30 feet (9.14 m), or 40 feet (12.20 m); width of 8 feet (2.44 m); and height of 8.5 feet (2.59 m) or 9.5 feet (2.90 m). These dimensions are only approximations and can vary within a few inches. For example, the 30 feet containers are typically closer to 29.9375 feet (9.125 m) in length. Other standard and non-standard dimensions can also be used. In the illustrated example of the present invention, each offirst housing 10 andsecond housing 12 has a length of 40 feet (12.20 m), a width of 8 feet (2.44 m), and height between 8.5 feet (2.59 m) to 9.5 feet (2.90 m) each within a tolerance of a few inches, such as within six inches (0.15 m). - By forming the
filtration facility 8 out of standard shipping containers,housings housings roof 22 can be pitched. - As depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 2 ,first housing 10 comprises athaw room 26 and aquick freezer room 28. Astorage room 30 houses the heating and ventilation equipment that regulates the air flow and temperature withinthaw room 26 while astorage room 32 houses the compressor andother equipment 31 needed to control the temperature withinfreezer room 28. -
Thaw room 26 is accessed through adoor 33 and is partially bounded by afirst wall 34 and an opposingsecond wall 36.First wall 34 is substantially covered with inlet vents from floor to ceiling whilesecond wall 36 is substantially covered with return vents from floor to ceiling. Heated air is uniformly blown through all of the inlet vents onfirst wall 34 and simultaneously drawn out through all of the return vents onsecond wall 36. As a result, an airflow, which is substantially uniform fromfloor 24 toroof 22, continually passes acrossthaw room 26 fromfirst wall 34 tosecond wall 36. - For purposes of illustration, the
inventive filtration facility 8 will be discussed below in terms of filtering fetal bovine serum. It is emphasized that in alternativeembodiments filtration facility 8 can be used in filtering other blood components, other types of serum, media, reagent, buffers, and other types of fluids. - Fetal bovine serum is initially harvested at a facility such as a slaughterhouse. The fetal bovine blood is collected and then processed to extract the serum. Specifically, the collected blood is clotted and then passed through a centrifuge so as to remove the clotted portion. The remaining clear fluid portion of the blood is the raw or unfiltered serum. The unfiltered serum is placed in plastic bottles and then stored within a freezer at a storage site so as to remain frozen. The storage site is typically located at or close to the harvesting facility. In one embodiment the plastic bottles hold a volume of 2 liters. Other sized bottles can also be used. When a sufficient quantity of the unfiltered serum has been collected and frozen, the
inventive filtration facility 8 is transported to the storage site.Housings alternative embodiments housings - To initiate processing, a first batch of frozen serum is placed within
thaw room 26. Althoughfiltration facility 8 can operation in a continuous flow manner, the serum is typically processed on a batch basis so that an entire batch can be certified as having common defined properties. For example, as will be discussed below in greater detail, once a batch of serum is filtered, the filtered serum is bottled and marked with a specific lot number. End purchasers and users will understand that all filtered serum having a common lot number has substantially identical properties. As such, use of serum from different bottles having the same lot number should produce substantially the same results. The batch size can be any desired volume such as 50 liters, 500 liters, 1,000 liters, 2,000 liters or the like. It is noted that the initial batch of unfiltered serum can comprise bottles of unfiltered serum derived under different conditions, i.e., different processing facilities and or different herds of animals. - In the present example, the batch size is 1,000 liters. As such, five hundred of the 2 liter bottles containing the frozen unfiltered serum are placed on wire shelves of
transportable carts 38.Carts 38 are wheeled intothaw room 26 so as to substantially fillthaw room 26 from floor to ceiling. Each 2 liter bottle is spaced apart oncart 38 so that air can freely flow around all side of each bottle. Sizingcarts 38 so that the bottles uniformly extend between the floor and ceiling ofthaw room 26 forces the air to flow between the bottles as opposed to simply flowing over top of or below the carts and bottles. The air blowing intothaw room 26 is set at approximately 32° C. so that the frozen unfiltered serum gradually thaws in approximately 10 hours. Other temperatures and thaw rates can also be used. - Once the unfiltered serum is thawed,
select carts 38 containing the thawed unfiltered serum are wheeled fromthaw room 26 to astaging room 40 ofsecond housing 12. As depicted inFIG. 3 ,second housing 12 comprises stagingroom 40 which is accessed through afirst door 42 and asecond door 43 each onfirst end wall 18.First door 42 is made of a heavy gauge metal that provides protection forsecond door 43 during shipping and transport. In alternative embodiments,first door 42 can be eliminated.Staging room 40 communicates with anon-sterile filtration room 44 through adoor 46. As will be discussed below in greater detail, substantially disposed withinfiltration room 44 is afiltration system 50. -
Staging room 40 andfiltration room 44 combine to form a filtration area. Accessible fromfiltration room 44 through adoor 53 is afirst change room 52.First change room 52 accesses asecond change room 54 through adoor 55. Fromsecond change room 54, aclean room 58 is accessed through adoor 56. Disposed withinclean room 58 is alaminar hood 62. In one embodiment,laminar hood 62 comprises a Federal Standard Class 100 (ISO Class 5) laminar air flow hood. In alternative embodiments, depending largely upon the type of material being filtered,laminar hood 62 can have a more stringent or less stringent classification. Awall 60 is formed betweenclean room 58 andfiltration room 44. As discussed below in greater detail, a pass-throughopening 63 is formed onwall 60. Awindow 65 is slidable mounted within pass-thoughopening 63 so as to selectively open and close pass-throughopening 63. -
Second housing 12 also comprises apacking room 64 which is accessed through an exteriorfirst door 66 and asecond door 67 onfront wall 14. Again,first door 66 provides protection forsecond door 67 and can be eliminated. Apartition wall 68 separatesclean room 58 from packingroom 64. A small pass-throughportal 70 extends throughpartition wall 68 so as to allow bottles of filtered serum to be passed betweenclean room 58 andpacking room 64. Mounted on opposing ends of pass-throughportal 70 is a first slidingdoor 72 and a second slidingdoor 74. - In one embodiment each of the rooms of
second housing 12 are designed with conventional clean room standards. For example, all of the wall are formed from steel panels having powdered coated paint. The joints of intersecting panels are sealed by caulking. All doors are also steel panel doors. The window and door frames are also designed to be flush with the walls so as to minimize any ledges. In alternative embodiments the walls and doors can be made from other materials or have different configurations. - As depicted in
FIG. 1 , a modularair filtration system 76 is positioned outside ofsecond housing 12 afterhousing 12 is positioned for operation. Anair inlet duct 77 and anair outlet duct 78 are positioned so as to extend betweenair filtration system 76 andhousing 12. Specifically,ducts roof 22 ofsecond housing 12 such thatair filtration system 76 filters the air withinclean room 58 andchange rooms Air filtration system 76 can also be used to filter the air within the other rooms ofsecond housing 12 such asfiltration room 44. To further facilitate air filtration, in one embodiment 99.995% HEPA filters are located at each air inlet vent for each room ofsecond housing 12. The HEPA filters can be limited to justclean room 58 and/or can have a lower particle removal percentage for other applications. - It is noted that
second housing 12 is configured so thatair filtration system 76 creates a positive air pressure withinclean room 58 relative to all other adjacent rooms. In one embodiment this is accomplished by restricting the air return vents ofclean room 58 relative to the air inlet vents thereof so as to produce a positive air pressure withinclean room 58. As a result, any leaks between the rooms results in air flowing fromclean room 58 to the adjacent room, thereby preventing contaminated air from enteringclean room 58. For examples,doors portal 70,FIG. 3 , are designed to be loose fitting so that filtered air withinclean room 58 is continually flowing fromclean room 58, through pass-throughportal 70, and intopacking room 64. Likewise, air flows fromclean room 58 through any leaks in pass-thoughopening 63 intofiltration room 44. - In one embodiment,
housing 12 with the rooms thereof andair filtration system 76 are designed so thatclean room 58 meets Federal Standard Class 1000 (ISO Class 6) requirements. In other embodiments, depending on what is being filtered,clean room 58 can be designed to meet more stringent, i.e., ISO Class 5, or less stringent Class requirements. Depending on the desired Class forclean room 58, it is appreciated that one ofchange rooms first change room 52 can be designed to be directly accessed from stagingroom 40, from packingroom 64, or from the exterior. In the depicted design, an operator enters throughstaging room 40 and then subsequently passes throughfiltration room 44,first change room 52,second change room 54, and then intoclean room 58. Each room is entered by a door and each room is designed to be increasingly clean. - Turning to
FIG. 4 ,filtration system 50 generally comprises afill container assembly 80, afilter assembly 82, and a poolingcontainer assembly 84. As depicted inFIG. 5 , fillcontainer assembly 80 comprises arigid support container 86 having an open top, single-use fill bag 88 disposed therein.Support container 86 is disposed withinfiltration room 44 and can be secured tosecond housing 12 such as by straps or other conventional techniques so as to prevent shifting during transport.Support container 86 comprises a substantiallycylindrical side wall 90 that extends from anupper end 92 to an opposinglower end 94. Afloor 96 is formed inside ofsupport container 86 at a position betweenupper end 92 andlower end 94.Floor 96 comprises a flat,circular base 98 having anaperture 100 extending therethough. A substantiallyfrustoconical shoulder 102 encirclesbase 98 and extends frombase 98 toside wall 90. - In the embodiment depicted
side wall 90 comprises anouter wall 104 that extends between opposing ends 92 and 94 and aninner wall 106 that extends fromshoulder 102 offloor 96 tolower end 94. Anannular transition 108 connectsouter wall 104 andinner wall 106 atlower end 94. Abovetransition 108,outer wall 104 andinner wall 106 are spaced apart so as to form anannular gap 110. Anannular seal 112 is disposed withingap 110 so as to form a bridge betweenouter wall 104 andinner wall 106 at the location whereinner wall 106 connects withshoulder 102 offloor 96.Seal 112 combines withshoulder 102 to form a portion offloor 96. In part, seal 112 functions to preventfill bag 88 from sliding intogap 110 which could cause failure offill bag 88. - In the embodiment depicted,
support container 86 is molded so thatouter wall 104,inner wall 106,transition 108, andfloor 96 are all integrally formed as a single molded item. In alternative embodiments,inner wall 106 and seal 112 can be eliminated. This can be accomplished by integrally moldingfloor 96 directly toouter wall 104 or by having adiscrete floor 96 that is connected toouter wall 104 such as by welding, fasteners, or the like. -
Shoulder 102 offloor 96 is sloped so as to function in part as a funnel that directs all material towardaperture 100. In alternative embodiments,floor 96 can be flat, cupped, irregular, or other desired configurations. -
Side wall 90 ofsupport container 86 has aninterior surface 116 disposed abovefloor 96.Interior surface 116 andfloor 96 bound afirst chamber 118 formed inupper end 92 ofsupport container 86.First chamber 118 can be sized to have any desired volume. For example,first chamber 118 can be sized to hold 50 liters, 100 liters, 200 liters, or other desired volumes. In the present example,first chamber 118 is sized to hold approximately 100 liters.Upper end 92 ofsupport container 86 terminates at anupper edge 120 that bounds an opening tofirst chamber 118. An optional annular lid can be removably disposed overupper edge 120 so as to selectively close the opening. -
Side wall 90 also has aninterior surface 122 formed belowfloor 96.Interior surface 122 andfloor 96 bound asecond chamber 124 disposed atlower end 94 ofsupport container 86. Anaccess port 126 extends throughside wall 90 atlower end 94 ofsupport container 86 so as to provide side access tosecond chamber 124. In alternative embodiments, the portion ofside wall 90 extending belowfloor 96 can be replaced with one or more spaced a part legs or other supports that elevatefloor 96 off of the floor. - In the embodiment depicted,
support container 86 comprises a barrel molded from a polymeric material. In alternative embodiments,support container 86 can be comprised of metal, fiberglass, composites, or any other desired material. Furthermore, althoughsupport container 86 is shown as having a substantially cylindrical configuration,support container 86 can be substantially boxed shaped or have a transverse configuration that is polygonal, elliptical, irregular, or any other desired configuration. - Fill
bag 88 is removably disposed withinfirst chamber 118 ofsupport container 86. Fillbag 88 comprises a flexible bag-like body 130 having aninterior surface 132 that bound acompartment 134. More specifically,body 130 comprises aside wall 135 that, whenbody 130 is unfolded, has a substantially circular or polygonal transverse cross section that extends between afirst end 136 and an opposingsecond end 138.First end 136 terminates at anopen perimeter edge 140.Perimeter edge 140 bounds amouth 142 tocompartment 134.Second end 138 terminates at abottom end wall 144. -
Body 130 is comprised of a flexible, water impermeable material such as a low-density polyethylene or other polymeric sheets having a thickness in a range between about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm with about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm being more common. Other thicknesses can also be used. The material can be comprised of a single ply material or can comprise two or more layers which are either sealed together or separated to form a double wall container. Where the layers are sealed together, the material can comprise a laminated or extruded material. The laminated material comprises two or more separately formed layers that are subsequently secured together by an adhesive. - The extruded material comprises a single integral sheet which comprises two or more layer of different material that are each separated by a contact layer. All of the layers are simultaneously co-extruded. One example of an extruded material that can be used in the present invention is the HyQ CX3-9 film available from HyClone Laboratories, Inc. out of Logan, Utah. The HyQ CX3-9 film is a three-layer, 9 mil cast film produced in a cGMP facility. The outer layer is a polyester elastomer coextruded with an ultra-low density polyethylene product contact layer. Another example of an extruded material that can be used in the present invention is the HyQ CX5-14 cast film also available from HyClone Laboratories, Inc. The HyQ CX5-14 cast film comprises a polyester elastomer outer layer, an ultra-low density polyethylene contact layer, and an EVOH barrier layer disposed therebetween. Still another example of a film that can be used is the Attane film which is likewise available from HyClone Laboratories, Inc. The Attane film is produced from three independent webs of blown film. The two inner webs are each a 4 mil monolayer polyethylene film (which is referred to by HyClone as the HyQ BM1 film) while the outer barrier web is a 5.5 mil thick 6-layer coextrusion film (which is referred to by HyClone as the HyQ BX6 film). In yet other embodiments,
body 130 can be made exclusively of the HyQ BM1 film or the HyQ BX6 film. - In one embodiment, the material is approved for direct contact with living cells and is capable of maintaining a solution sterile. In such an embodiment, the material can also be sterilizable such as by ionizing radiation. Other examples of materials that can be used are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,587 which issued on Jul. 4, 2000 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/044,636, filed Oct. 19, 2001 which are hereby incorporated by specific reference.
- In one embodiment,
body 130 comprises a two-dimensional pillow style bag wherein two sheets of material are placed in overlapping relation and the two sheets are bounded together at their peripheries to forminternal compartment 134. Alternatively, a single sheet of material can be folded over and seamed around the periphery to forminternal compartment 134. In another embodiment,body 130 can be formed from a continuous tubular extrusion of polymeric material that is cut to length and one end seamed closed. In still other embodiments,body 130 can comprises a three-dimensional bag which not only has an annular side wall but also a two dimensionalbottom end wall 144. The formation of three-dimension bags will be discussed below in greater detail. - It is appreciated that
body 130 can be manufactured to have virtually any desired size, shape, and configuration. For example,body 130 can be formed havingcompartment 134 sized to hold 50 liters, 100 liters, 200 liters, or other desired amounts. In the present example,body 130 is sized to hold approximately 100 liters. During use, however, significantly less than 100 liters of serum is typically withinbody 130 at any given time, thereby avoiding any potential for spilling. Althoughbody 130 can be any shape, in oneembodiment body 130 is specifically configured to be complementary or substantially complementary tofirst chamber 118 ofsupport container 86. - In any embodiment, however, it is desirable that when
body 130 is received withinfirst chamber 118,body 130 is uniformly supported byfloor 96 andside wall 90 ofcontainer support container 86. Having at least generally uniform support ofbody 130 bysupport container 86 helps to preclude failure ofbody 130 by hydraulic forces applied tobody 130 when filled with serum or other liquids. - Mounted on
bottom end wall 144 ofbody 130 is aport 150.Port 150 comprises a barbedtubular stem 152 having aflange 154 outwardly projecting from an end thereof. During assembly, a hole is formed throughbody 130 andport 150 passed therethrough. Conventional welding or other sealing techniques are then used to sealflange 154 tobody 130. It is appreciated that any number of ports can be formed onbody 130 and that a variety of different types and sizes of ports can be used depending on the type of material to be dispensed intocompartment 134 and how the material is to be dispensed therefrom. - Fill
bag 88 is disposed withinfirst chamber 118 ofsupport container 86 so thatstem 152 passes throughaperture 100 onfloor 96 ofsupport container 86. Afirst end 158 of afirst fluid line 160 is coupled withstem 158. Firstfluid line 160 passes out throughaccess port 126 and couples withfilter assembly 82 as will be discussed below in greater detail.Perimeter edge 140 offill bag 88 is outwardly folded over theupper edge 120 ofsupport container 86 SO as to openmouth 142 offill bag 88 and support fillbag 88 withinsupport container 86. Next, anannular screen tray 154 is seated overupper edge 120 ofsupport container 86 so as to span acrossopen mouth 142 offill bag 88. Finally, aninitial filter 156 is laid overscreen tray 154.Initial filter 156 is typically comprised of cheese cloth having a desired porosity. Other types and sizes of filters can also be used. - As depicted in
FIGS. 3 and 4 ,filter assembly 82 comprises afilter rack 164 rigidly mounted to backwall 16 ofsecond housing 12 withinfilter room 44. As depicted inFIG. 4 , plurality ofdisposable filters 166A-E and afinal filter 167 are mounted onrack 164 and fluid connected together in series so as to form a filter train. As will be discussed below in greater detail,final filter 167 forms a portion of poolingcontainer assembly 84. If desired, to avoid down time in changing filters, two or more filter trains can be formed in parallel. As one or more filters of one filter train are being changed, the fluid can be routed through the second filter train. - Each
filter 166 and 167 comprises acapsule 168 bounding acompartment 169. Aninlet port 170 and anoutlet port 172 communicate withcompartment 169. Disposed withincompartment 169 is a filter membrane 174. Filter membrane 174 is disposed such that fluid entering throughinlet port 170 must pass through filter membrane 174 before exiting throughoutlet port 172. Ableed valve 173 is mounted on the top ofcapsule 168 to enable the removal of air fromcompartment 169. Bleedvalve 173 communicates withcompartment 169 on the inlet side of filter membrane 174. Similarly, adrain valve 171 is mounted on the bottom ofcapsule 168 so as to communicate withcompartment 169 on the inlet side of filter membrane 174. As discussed below in greater detail,drain valve 171 is used to remove residual serum fromcapsule 168. - The number, type, and size of
filters 166A-E depends on the amount, type, and speed at which the material is to be processed. For example, in one embodiment the filter train can comprise two prefilters having a filter membrane 174 with porosity in a range between about 0.2 μm to about lom followed by three sterilizing filters each having a filter membrane 174 with a porosity of 0.1 m. If desired, filters having a porosity down to 0.04 μm or smaller can be used to remove viruses. In other embodiment, only one or more filters may be required. - Filters which can be used in the present invention are available from the Pall Corporation. Examples of prefilters from the Pall Corporation that can be used include the Profile prefilter which is a polypropylene depth filter with tapered pore structure and a pore size of 5 μm; the Profile Star which is a polypropylene filter with a star shaped pleat structure and a pore size of 5 μm; the Ultipor GF Plus prefilter which is a bonded glass fiber filter with positive Zeta potential and a pore size of 20/2 μm; and the Preflow UUA prefilter which is a resin bonded glass fiber filter having a pore size of 0.2 μm.
- The three final filters are designed for mycoplasma removal. Examples of such final filters available from the Pall Corporation include the Posidyne NGZ01 filter and the Fluorodyne II DJLP filter each having a pore size of 0.1 μm. The Posidyne NGZ01 filter incorporates charge-modified Nylon 6,6 membranes, which exhibit a positively charged Zeta potential in aqueous solutions. A positively charged filter provides adsorption-enhanced retention of particles smaller than the filter rating. The Posidyne NGZ01 filter provides high protein recovery from sera and most protein solutions, and has a Acholeplasma laidlawii mycoplasma titer reduction rated at >106/cartridge.
- The Fluorodyne II DJLP filter has two layers of PVDF membrane with a built-in 0.2 micron prefilter layer and a final 0.1 micron layer. The DJLP filter has a flow rate comparable to the flow rate of traditional 0.2 micron filter, which allows for economical 0.1 micron filtration.
-
Filters 166 and 167 come in a variety of different sizes such as 10 inch, 20 inch, 30 inch or the like. Increasing the length offilters 166 and 167 increases the surface area of filter membrane 174, thereby increasing flow rate and the amount of material that can be processoed. In one embodiment eachcapsule 168 is translucent. This features allows visual assurance that compartments 169 have been properly bled of air so that complete utilization of the filter membrane is achieved. Completion of filtration can also be confirmed by observing fluid in the filters. - A
pressure gauge 176 is mounted on eachcapsule 168 so as to measure the pressure of the fluid withincompartment 169 prior to passing through the corresponding filter membrane 174. The pressure drop between twoadjacent pressure gauges 176 is a result of the fluid having to pass through the filter member 174 between the two pressure gauges 176. As filter membrane 174 becomes increasingly occluded by filtering out unwanted material, the pressure drop increases. Accordingly, by continually monitoring the pressure differential betweenpressure gauges 176, an operator can select the optimal time to replace clogged filters. - The replacement procedure can comprise shutting down the filtration process and then replacing the clogged filter. Alternatively, it is appreciated that parallel routing paths can be formed for one or more of the filters. Accordingly, as a filter becomes clogged, one or more valves are activated so that the fluid is routed around the clogged filter while the clogged filter is being replaced. This configuration eliminates the need to shut down the filtering process. During most operations, it is typically only necessary to replace the
first filter 166A, if any. - As mentioned above, in one embodiment filters 166 and 167 are completely disposable. In such embodiments, filter membrane 174 is typically sealed within a
polymeric capsule 168. In an alternative embodiment,capsule 168 can comprise a stainless steel reusable housing in which filter membrane 174 is removably disposed. Of course, this latter embodiment requires cleansing of the housing between each use. - As also depicted in
FIG. 4 ,first fluid line 160 hasfirst end 158 fluid coupled withfill bag 88 as discussed above and asecond end 159 that is fluid coupled to an inlet side of apump 178. Asecond fluid line 161 has afirst end 162 fluid coupled to an outlet side ofpump 178 and asecond end 163 fluid coupled toinlet port 170 offirst filter 166A. Pump 178 draws the fluid fromfill bag 88 and passes it throughfilters 166 and 167. In the depictedembodiment pump 178 comprises a conventional diaphragm pump having an air regulator. By adjusting the air regulator, pump 178 can be set to operate so as not to exceed a defined pressure. That is, asfilters 166 and 167 become increasingly occluded, the fluid pressure increases. The pressure, however, needs to stay below a predefined level to prevent failure of the system, i.e., rupturing of a fluid line or seal. Although other pressures can be used, in oneembodiment pump 178 is set not to produce a fluid pressure in excess of about 60 psi (41 N/m2). - Because the unfiltered serum actually passes through
pump 178, pump 178 is one of the few items that must be cleaned between the processing of each separate batch. In an alternative embodiment, pump 178 can comprise a peristaltic pump. In this embodiment,first fluid line 160 andsecond fluid line 161 comprise a single integral line that passes through the peristaltic pump. Because the peristaltic pump does not actually contact the unfiltered serum but merely constricts the fluid line to advance the serum therein, the peristaltic does not need to be cleaned between different batches. It is sufficient merely to replace the fluid line. The downside with using a peristaltic pump, however, is that they typically have a lower flow rate and are typically not configured so as to prevent exceeding a desired fluid pressure. Other conventional pumps can also be used. - Pooling
container assembly 84 as depicted inFIG. 4 comprises a poolingbag assembly 186 as depicted inFIG. 6 and arigid support bin 184 as depicted inFIG. 11 . Turning toFIG. 6 , poolingbag assembly 186 comprises a poolingbag 256. Poolingbag 256 comprises aflexible body 258 having aninterior surface 260 that bounds achamber 262. Althoughchamber 262 can be any desired volume, in the present example,chamber 262 is configured to hold a volume of at least 1,000 liters so that the entire batch of serum can simultaneously be held withinchamber 262.Body 258 is comprised of a flexible, water impermeable material such as the various polymeric sheets as previously discussed with regard to fillbag 88. - In contrast to fill
bag 88, however, which has an open mouth,body 258 of poolingbag 256 is sealed closed. As such, it is desirable thatbody 258 be comprised of a gas barrier layer that prevents the migration of contaminating gases intochamber 262. Examples of materials that include a gas barrier layer include the HyQ CX5-14 cast film and the Attane type films, as previously discussed. A gas barrier layer is desirable inbody 258 to maintain sterility in the filtered serum downstream offinal filter 167 and to keep the filtered serum free of any gas phase. When the volume offill bag 88 is smaller than the volume of poolingbag 256, the serum spends less time (and is typically colder) infill bag 88 than in poolingbag 256. - Furthermore, although
body 258 can comprise a two-dimensional pillow style bag, in the depicted embodiment,body 258 comprises a three-dimensional bag. More specifically,body 258 comprises anencircling side wall 264 that, whenbody 258 is unfolded, has a substantially circular or polygonal transverse cross section that extends between afirst end 266 and an opposingsecond end 268.First end 266 terminates at a two dimensionaltop end wall 270 whilebottom end 268 terminates at a two dimensionalbottom end wall 272. A plurality of spaced apartloops 273 are formed ontop end wall 270.Loops 273 enable poolingbag 256 to be lifted and supported, if desired, during filling of filtered serum into poolingbag 256. - Turning to
FIG. 7 , threedimensional body 258 is comprised of four discrete panels, i.e., afront panel 274, aback panel 275, afirst side panel 276, and asecond side panel 277. Each panel 274-277 has a substantially square or rectangularcentral portion 278.Front panel 274 andback panel 275 each have afirst end portion 280 and asecond end portion 282 projecting from opposing ends ofcentral portion 278. Each ofend portions side panels first end portion 284 and an opposing triangularsecond end portion 286 at the opposing ends ofcentral portion 278. As depicted inFIG. 6 , corresponding perimeter edges of each panel 274-277 are seamed together so as to formbody 258 having a substantially box shaped configuration. In this assembled configuration, each of panels 274-277 is folded along the intersection of the central portion and each of the end portions such that end portions combine to formtop end wall 270 andbottom end wall 272. - Panels 274-277 are seamed together using methods known in the art such as heat energies, RF energies, sonics, other sealing energies, adhesives, or other conventional processes. It is appreciated that by altering the size and configuration of some or all of panels 274-277,
body 258 can be formed having a variety of different sizes and configurations. The size and configuration ofbody 258 can also be altered by varying the number of panels used to makebody 258. - In still other embodiments, it is appreciated that
body 80 can be formed by initially extruding or otherwise forming a polymeric sheet in the form of a continuous tube. Each end of the tube can then be folded like the end of paper bag and then seamed closed so as to form a three dimension body. In still another embodiment, a length of tube can be laid flat so as to form two opposing folded edges. The two folded edges are then inverted inward so as to form a pleat on each side. The opposing end of the tube are then seamed closed. Finally, an angled seam is formed across each corner so as to form a three dimensional bag when unfolded. - It is appreciated that the above techniques can be mixed and matched with one or more polymeric sheets and that there are still a variety of other ways in which
body 258 can be formed having a two or three dimensional configuration. Further disclosure with regard to one method of manufacturing three-dimensional bags is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/813,351, filed on Mar. 19, 2001 of which the drawings and Detailed Description are hereby incorporated by specific reference. - Pooling
bag 256 further comprises a plurality of tubular ports mounted onbody 258 so as to communicate withchamber 262. As depicted inFIG. 7 , afilter port 288 and twocirculation ports first end portion 280 offront panel 274 ofbody 258. Asingle outlet port 294 is formed onsecond end portion 282 offront panel 274 ofbody 258. Poolingbag assembly 186 also comprises various fluid lines being fluid coupled with the above referenced ports. For example, as depicted inFIG. 6 , athird fluid line 298 has afirst end 300 fluid coupled withoutlet port 172 offinal filter 167 and an opposingsecond end 302 fluid coupled withfilter port 288. - Likewise, a
dip tube 304 is disposed withinchamber 262 of poolingbag 256 and has afirst end 306 disposed atcirculation port 290 and asecond end 308 disposed towardbottom end wall 272 of poolingbag 256. In turn, acirculation line 310 has afirst end 312 fluid coupled withcirculation port 290 and asecond end 314 fluid coupled withcirculation port 292. As depicted inFIGS. 4 and 6 , apump 316 is coupled withcirculation line 310. Pump 316 functions to draw filtered serum or other fluid located at the bottom of poolingbag 256 up throughdip tube 304, throughcirculation line 310 and then back into the top of poolingbag 256 thoughcirculation port 292. The operation ofpump 316 thus functions to mix the filtered serum within poolingbag 256 so that the filtered serum becomes and remains homogenous. Although any type of pump can be used, in oneembodiment pump 316 comprises a peristaltic pump. Because the peristaltic pump does not directly contact the fluid, the peristaltic pump can be repeatedly used for different batches without cleaning or risk of contamination. - Depicted in
FIG. 8 is one embodiment of howdip tube 304 is mounted to poolingbag 256. Specifically,circulation port 290 comprises a tubular,barbed stem 320 that bounds achannel 322 extending therethrough.Stem 320 has afirst end 321 and an opposingsecond end 323. Aflange 324 is mounted onsecond end 323 ofstem 320 and is secured tofront panel 274 of poolingbag 256. - A
diptube connector 328 is partially disposed withincirculation port 290.Diptube connector 328 comprises a tubular,barbed stem 330 having afirst end 334 and an opposingsecond end 336. Anannular flange 338 encircles and outwardly projects fromsecond end 336 ofstem 330.Flange 338 has a maximum diameter that is larger than or equal to thefirst end 321 ofcirculation port 290. During assembly,first end 334 ofdiptube connector 328 is secured by frictional engagement withinfirst end 306 ofdip tube 304.Second end 308 ofdip tube 304 is then advanced throughcirculation port 290 untilflange 338 ofdiptube connector 328 seats onfirst end 321 ofcirculation port 290. - To enable
diptube connector 328 to fit withincirculation port 290,circulation port 290 is typically made of an increased size. In one embodiment, anadapter 340 is used to reduce the size of the tube that extends fromcirculation port 290.Adapter 340 comprises atubular body 342 that bounds a channel extending between a barbedfirst end 346 and an opposing barbedsecond end 348.First end 346 ofadapter 340 has a configuration and size similar tofirst end 321 ofcirculation port 290. Atransition tube 350 is fluid coupled with and extends betweenfirst end 321 ofcirculation port 290 andfirst end 346 ofadapter 340. In contrast,second end 348 ofadapter 340 is smaller thanfirst end 346 and thus is sized to fit within atube 352 that is smaller thantransition tube 350. - In one embodiment,
circulation ports circulation line 310 can have a constant size extending therebetween. In an alternative embodiment,circulation port 292 can be smaller thancirculation port 290. In this embodiment,circulation line 310 comprisestransition tube 350,adapter 340, andtube 352. Further disclosure with regard todiptube connector 328 andadapter 340 is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,574, issued Jul. 11, 2000, which is incorporated herein by specific reference. - Finally, as depicted in
FIG. 6 , poolingbag assembly 186 also includes afill line assembly 356 coupled withoutlet port 294. As depicted inFIG. 9 , fillline assembly 356 comprises a tee connect 358 fluid coupled withoutlet port 294 by way of aflexible transition tube 360. In oneembodiment transition tube 360 is comprised of silicone tubing having a inside diameter (ID) of 0.875 inches (2.22 cm). Fluid coupled to the two remaining ports of tee connect 358 are twofill lines 362A and B. Asfill lines 362A and B are identical, only one of the fill lines will be discussed herein. - Fill
line 362A comprises aflexible tube 364 extending fromtee connector 358 to anelbow connector 366. Aflexible tube 368 extends fromelbow connector 366 to a first reducingcoupling 370. Aflexible tube 372 extends from first reducingcoupling 370 to a second reducingcoupling 374.Flexible tube 372 has an ID of 0.375 inches (0.95 cm). Ahose clamp 373 is mounted ontube 372 so that the flow of fluid throughtube 372 can be selectively stopped. Aflexible tube 376 extends from second reducingcoupling 374 to athird coupling 378.Tube 376 has an ID of 0.312 inches (0.79 cm). Aflexible tube 380 extends fromthird coupling 378 to afilling bell 382.Tube 380 has an ID of 0.375 inches (0.95 cm). Fillingbell 382 comprises ashroud 384 having anozzle 386 mounted thereon so that the free end ofnozzle 386 is disposed withinshroud 384.Nozzle 386 also includes a tubular stem (not shown) that extends outside ofshroud 384 and is coupled withtube 380. Finally, fillingbell 382 is positioned within apolymeric bag 388 which is sealed aroundtube 380 by acable tie 390.Bag 388 thus sealsnozzle 386 in a closed environment. - In one embodiment,
tubes bell 382 is molded as a single integral unit that is comprised of polycarbonate.Tube 380 is comprised of a medical grade PVC. By formingtube 380 out of PVC, as opposed to silicone,tube 380 can be secured to fillingbell 382 using an adhesive. In alternative embodiments, the tubes can be made of different materials and can have different sizes. Furthermore, in other embodiments, fillline assembly 356 can comprise one fill line or three or more fill lines. - In one embodiment, pooling
bag assembly 186, includingfinal filter 167, is preassembled as a discrete unit. In this preassembled state, as shown inFIG. 10 , poolingbag 256 is folded and collapsed with substantially all of the air removed therefrom. Fillline assembly 356 is coil and placed within apolymeric bag 392 which is tied closed around or adjacent tooutlet port 294. The entirepooling bag assembly 186, includingfinal filter 167, is then sealed within afirst packaging bag 394 which is then sealed within asecond packaging bag 396, eachbag pooling bag assembly 186 with the packaging bags is then gamma-irradiated so as to sterilize poolingbag assembly 186 and any air trapped therein. - Turning to
FIG. 11 ,support bin 184 comprises anencircling side wall 188 that includes afront panel 190, an opposingback panel 191, and a pair of spaced apartside panels upper end 194 and an opposinglower end 196. Extending between each of panels 190-193 atlower end 196 is a floor 198 (FIG. 12 ). - A
support leg 200 is mounted at the intersection of each of panels 190-193 with eachsupport leg 200 extending belowfloor 198. As a result,legs 200 elevatefloor 198 off the ground or support surface so as to provide access to the bottom surface offloor 198. Any structure that enables access to the bottom surface offloor 198 can also be used to replacelegs 200. A pair of spaced apart forklift channels 202A and B extend between twoadjacent legs 200 alongside panels opening 203 adapted to receive a fork from a fork lift. A motorized or hand operated fork lift can thus be used to easily lift and movesupport bin 184.Support bin 184 is periodically moved so as to allow cleaning therebehind. -
Support bin 184 has aninterior surface 204 which bounds achamber 206.Upper end 194 ofside wall 188 terminates at anupper edge 208.Upper edge 208 bounds anopening 210 which communicates withchamber 206. A lid can be used to selectively cover opening 210 tochamber 206. Horizontally and vertically staggeredslots 212 extend throughfront panel 190 and allow visual determination of a fluid level withinchamber 206.Chamber 206 can be any desired volume. By way of example,support bin 184 can be formed havingchamber 206 with a volume of 500 liters, 1,000 liters, 1,500 liters or other desired volumes. In the present example,chamber 206 is configured to hold a volume of at least 1,000 liters. -
Front panel 190 comprises a fixedpanel 214 and adoor 216.Fixed panel 214 bounds a doorway 219 (FIG. 13 ) which is selectively opened and closed bydoor 216. Specifically,door 216 is mounted to fixedpanel 214 byhinges 217.Latches 218 mounted on the opposing side ofdoor 216 selectively lockdoor 216 to fixedpanel 214. As will be discussed below in greater detail, opening ofdoor 216 enables easy access tochamber 206 andfloor 198 ofsupport bin 184 throughdoorway 219.Support bin 184 can be comprised of metal, such as stainless steel, fiberglass, composites, plastic, or any other desired material. Furthermore, althoughsupport bin 184 is shown as having a substantially box shaped configuration,support bin 184 can be any desired configuration or have a transverse configuration that is polygonal, elliptical, irregular, or any other desired configuration. - As depicted in
FIG. 12 and 13 (FIG. 13 being shown without door 216),floor 198 comprises a substantiallyflat base floor 220 having atop surface 221 and an opposingbottom surface 222.Base floor 220 is centrally disposed alongfront panel 190 and projects fromfront panel 190 towardback panel 191.Base floor 220 has anouter edge 224 and aninner edge 225.Floor 198 further comprises afirst side floor 226 that downwardly slopes fromside panel 192 tobase floor 220, asecond side floor 228 that downwardly slopes fromside panel 193 tobase floor 220, and aback floor 229 that downwardly slopes fromback panel 191 tobase floor 220. As a result, floor sections 226-228 are sloped to direct or funnel material tobase floor 220. In an alternative embodiment, all offloor 198 can be substantially flat.Inner edge 225 ofbase floor 220bounds slot 230 which extends throughbase floor 220.Inner edge 225 includes aback edge 232, an opposing side edges 233 and 234. Asemi-circular notch 223 is formed onback edge 232. Depicted inFIG. 13 , opposing side edges 233, 234 and slot 230 also extend along fixedpanel 214 offront panel 198 so as to intersect withdoorway 219. As such,slot 230 has a substantially L-shaped configuration. - Depicted in
FIGS. 13 and 14 , mounted onbottom surface 222 ofbase floor 220 along side edges 233 and 234 arebracket assemblies 236A and B. Each bracket assembly 236 includes a flatelongated spacer 235 that is disposed directly onbottom surface 222 ofbase floor 220 but at a distance back fromside edge stop plate 229 extends betweenspacers 235 at a distance back fromback edge 232. Mounted on top ofspacer 235 is an elongated substantiallyflat slide rail 237.Slide rail 237 extends alongspacer 235 but also outwardly projects therefrom so as to freely project out towardside edge channel 238 is formed betweenslide rail 237 andbase floor 220 along side edges 233 and 234 ofbase floor 220. -
Spacer 235 andslide rail 237 can each comprise multiple discrete members or can each be a single integral member. Furthermore,spacer 235 andslide rail 237 can be formed as a combined integral member. Bolts, welding, or other types of fasteners can be used to securespacer 235 andslide rail 237 tobase floor 220. A plurality of securingfasteners 239 each include a threadedshaft 240 having aknob 241 mounted on an end thereof. For reasons as will be discussed below in greater detail, eachshaft 240 threadedly engages with acorresponding slide rail 237 and passes therethrough so as to communicate with acorresponding channel 238. - Depicted in
FIG. 15 ,support bin 184 also comprises a substantially L-shapedretention plate 242.Retention plate 242 comprisesbase plate 252 having ariser 253 upwardly projecting therefrom. Specifically,base plate 252 has afront edge 243, aback edge 245 and opposing side edges 246 and 247. Arounded notch 244 is formed onfront edge 243 while ahandle 248 downwardly projects fromback edge 245.Riser 253 upwardly projects fromback edge 245. A Substantially L-shapedoverlay 420 is mounted onbase plate 252 andriser 253.Overlay 420 includes abase section 422 which extends onbase plate 252 fromnotch 244 toriser 253.Overlay 420 also includes atongue 424 which extends alongriser 253 and then freely projects aboveriser 253.Overlay 420 has a width substantially equal to the width ofslot 230 such thatoverlay 420 can be received withinslot 230. - As depicted in
FIG. 16 ,retention plate 242 is mounted tobase floor 220 by slidingside edges FIG. 15 ) into correspondingchannels 238 of brackets 23 6A and B (FIG. 14 ). Usinghandle 248,retention plate 242 is advanced withinchannels 238 untilretention plate 242 contacts stopplate 229. In this position,rounded notches circular portal 250 which extends throughbase floor 220. The remainder ofslot 230 onfloor 198 andfront panel 190 is covered byretention plate 242.Overlay 420 is received withinslot 230 so as to substantially fill inslot 230, thereby forming a smooth transition with the remainder ofinterior surface 204. It is noted thattongue 424 ofretention plate 242 is disposed inside ofdoor 216 whendoor 216 is closed. As a result,retention plate 242 is supported bydoor 216 when a load is applied againstretention plate 242 from withinsupport bin 184. Finally,retention plate 242 is secured in position by manually tighteningfasteners 239 so thatshafts 240 bear againstretention plate 242. - It is appreciated that
support bin 184 can have a variety of different configurations. For example, in contrast to havingdoor 216 hingedly mounted,door 216 can be mounted on rails so as to selectively slide up or down. Furthermore, slot 230 can be designed to only extend throughfloor 198 and not pass through fixedpanel 214. In yet other embodiments,base plate 252 ofretention plate 242 can comprise two or more discrete plates having notches which combine to form two or more portals that receive corresponding ports on poolingbag 256. Examples of alternative embodiments forsupport bin 184 are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/810,156, filed on Mar. 26, 2004 in the names of Gregory P. Elgan et al. and entitled Fluid Dispensing Bins and Related Methods which application is incorporated herein by specific reference. - During assembly, pooling
bag assembly 186 is brought intofiltration room 44 ofsecond housing 12.Packing bags 194 and 196 (FIG. 10 ) are removed from around poolingbag assembly 186.Door 216 onsupport bin 184 is opened and poolingbag assembly 256 is passed thoughdoorway 219 intochamber 206. Fillline assembly 356, still retained withinbag 392, is slid withinslot 230 so that fillline assembly 356 extends belowfloor 198 ofsupport bin 184. In this position,outlet port 294 is positioned withinnotch 223 onfloor 198.Retention plate 242 is then mounted onfloor 198 as discussed above so thatslot 230 is substantially closed byretention plate 242 except forportal 250 through whichoutlet port 294 of poolingbag 256 extends. Poolingbag 256 is thus supported onfloor 198 andretention plate 242. -
Fill lines 362A and B are now removed frombag 392 and extended throughopening 63 in wall 62 (FIG. 3 ). Notches are formed onwindow 65 so thatwindow 65 can be closed with thefill lines 362A and B passing through the notches.Window 65 need only loosely boundfill lines 362A and B in that the air flow is always fromclean room 58 tofiltration room 44. Each fillingbell 382 is then positioned withinlaminar hood 62 located withinclean room 58. In the embodiment depicted, fillline assembly 356 tees into the twoseparate fill lines 362A and B prior to passing throughopening 63. In an alternative embodiment,transition tube 360 can be extended to pass through opening 63 prior to teeing into the two fill lines. Again, where only one fill line is desired, no tee is required. -
Final filter 167 of poolingbag assembly 186 is lifted out ofsupport bin 184 and mounted to filterrack 164.Final filter 167 is then fluid coupled with the precedingfilter 166D. Finally,circulation line 310 of poolingbag assembly 186 is connected to pump 316 as discussed above. In alternative embodiments, it is appreciated that poolingbag assembly 186 need not be preassembled and sterilized. For example, the various lines and components can be assembled on site and the sterilized by steam, vapor, chemical, or local radiation. - During operation, the bottles of thawed unfiltered serum are manually opened and poured into
compartment 134 offill bag 88 through filter 156 (FIG. 5 ). Pump 178 draws the unfiltered serum out offill bag 88 and passes it though the train of filters 166, throughfinal filter 167, and intochamber 262 of pooling bag 256 (FIGS. 4 and 6 ). However, prior to passing the now filtered serum into poolingbag 256, the air within filters 166 is first removed. This is accomplished by initially clampingclosed fluid line 298 which extends betweenfinal filter 167 and poolingbag 256. Thebleed valve 173 for each filter 166 is opened and a flask positioned below eachbleed valve 173. When thepump 178 is initially activated, the serum flowing into the filters pushes the air out through thebleed valves 173. The air does not pass between adjacent filters because filter membrane 174 does not allow air to pass therethrough. Once serum starts passing through acorresponding bleed valve 173, the bleed valve is closed. The serum collected in the flask below the bleed valve is then poured back intofill bag 88. When all of the air is removed from each of filters 166,fluid line 298 is opened. As such, the only air that passes into poolingbag 256 is the air withinfinal filter 167 andfluid line 298. This air, however, was already sterilized with the sterilization of poolingbag assembly 186. - As the unfiltered serum is pumped out of
fill bag 88, additional unfiltered serum is poured intofill bag 88. Becausefill bag 88 does not function to pool the batch of unfiltered serum, fillbag 88 can be significantly smaller than poolingbag 256. In an alternative embodiment, however, fillbag 88 can also be sized to simultaneously hold and pool the entire batch of unfiltered serum. During filtering of the serum, hose clamps 373 onfill lines 362A and B are closed (FIG. 9 ). As a result, all of the serum passing throughfilters 166 and 167 is collected within poolingbag 256. Because poolingbag 256 is empty and collapsed at the time of placement, poolingbag 256 slowly inflates as the filtered serum passes therein. - The above filtration process is continued until all of the first batch of serum has passed through
fill bag 88 andpump 178. Once pump 178 runs dry, the flow of fluid throughfilters 166 and 167 stops. However, depending on the size offilters 166 and 167, several liters of serum can be retained withinfilters 166 and 167. Part of the serum is held withincapsule 168 of the filter on the inlet side of filter membrane 174 while the remainder of the serum has passed through membrane 174 and is thus held on the outlet side of membrane 174. - To recoup the serum remaining within
filters 166 and 167,first end 162 of secondfluid line 161 is disconnected frompump 178. Pressurized air is then delivered intosecond fluid line 161 throughfirst end 162. The air forces the serum withinsecond fluid line 161 and withincapsule 168 on the inlet side of filter membrane 174 to pass through filter membrane 174 offirst filter 166A. In so doing, a corresponding volume of serum is displaced downstream throughfilters 166 and 167 and dispensed into poolingbag 256.First filter 166A is then disconnected fromsecond filter 166B. Any serum remaining withinfirst filter 166A on the inlet side of filter membrane 174 is removed throughdrain valve 171 into a collection container. The serum withinfirst filter 166A on the outlet side of filter member 174 is also dispensed into the collection container. This can be accomplished by invertingfirst filter 166A and pouring the serum out thoughoutlet port 172. Alternatively, each filter 166 can be made with a drain port that is fluid coupled with the outlet side of filter membrane 174. The serum dispensed into the collection container is termed residual serum. - Once
first filter 166A is disconnected fromsecond filter 166B, pressurized air is applied toinlet port 170 ofsecond filter 166B. Again, the air forces the serum on the inlet side of filter membrane 174 ofsecond filter 166B to pass through the filter membrane 174, thereby displacing more filtered serum into poolingbag 256.Second filter 166B is then disconnected fromthird filter 166C. The residual serum withinsecond filter 166B is then also drained into the collection container. The above process is then repeated for the remainder of filters 166. Finally, the pressured air is applied tofinal filter 167 so as to force the fluid throughfilter membrane 154 thereof.Final filter 167, however, is not disconnected from poolingbag 256 until all of the filtered serum is drained from poolingbag 256.Final filter 167 is then removed and any residual serum therein drained into the collection container. The residual serum for each different batch is collected and then subsequently filtered and pooled as a separate batch that is specially labeled. - As a result of the above processing, substantially all of the original 1,000 liters of the first batch of serum, after filtration, is simultaneously disposed within pooling
bag 256. This isolated collection of the filtered serum produces a true pool of the filtered serum.Pump 316 is then activated so that the filtered serum within poolingbag 256 is continually mixed. As a result, the filtered serum becomes and remains homogeneous. - It is appreciated that in alternative embodiments two or more different types of liquids can be poured into
fill bag 88 for a given batch. For example, two or more different types of serum, such as calf and fetal bovine serum, can be added intofill bag 88 for a single batch. In still other embodiments, one or more liquids and/or one or more dissolvable solids can be introduced intofill bag 88 for a given batch. Conventional mixing systems can be used to mix the contents withinfill bag 88 to dissolve the solids. Here it is noted that because the batch is pooled within poolingbag 256, the different liquids and/or dissolvable solids can be added at any time or concentration withinfill bag 88. For example, if desired, different growth factors can be added to the serum withinfill bag 88 at any time in the batch process. - It is also noted that in some processes there are desirable benefits in being able to add certain components late in the process. For example, media is typically prepared by mixing a powder component with purified water. During the mixing process, oxygen from the surrounding air is absorbed into the solution. The oxygen alters the pH of some mixtures by striping carbon dioxide from the liquid which reduces the bicarbonate concentration of the media. By using the present invention, the bicarbonate can be added last within
fill bag 88 and then uniformly mixed within poolingbag 256. Because the bicarbonate is added last, the bicarbonate is subject to minimal mixing, thereby minimizing the reduction in bicarbonate and thus maintaining the desired pH. - Turning to
FIG. 17 , eachfill line 362A and B operates with aseparate dispensing system 400. As each dispensingsystem 400 is the same, dispensingsystem 400 will only be discussed with regard to fillline 362A. Specifically,laminar hood 62 includes atable top 401. Astand 402 is disposed withinlaminar hood 62 ontable top 401. Anelectronic pinch valve 404 is mounted onstand 402. The end offill line 362A is mounted onpinch valve 404 so that fillingbell 382 suspends fromstand 402. - Although not required, in one embodiment a
retainer 430 has afirst end 431 mounted onstand 402 and an opposingsecond end 432 secured toshroud 384 of fillingbell 382.Second end 432 ofretainer 430 can be selectively rotated so that fillingbell 382 is tipped at a select angle and retained at that position. By tipping fillingbell 382, the serum dispensed from fillingbell 382, as discussed below in greater detail, can be directed to pass through the mouth of a bottle and then hit against the side interior surface of the bottle near the top of the bottle. The serum then flows down along the side interior surface of the bottle to the bottom of the bottle where the serum is collected. This processes minimizes foaming of the serum within the bottle. That is, if the serum is dispensed directly to the bottom of the bottle as opposed to the side interior surface thereof, the serum entering the serum collected at the bottom of the bottle can cause air to become entrained within the collected serum and thus cause foaming. - A
scale 406 is positioned ontable top 401 directly below fillingbell 382. Fillline 362A is also coupled with aperistaltic pump 408 disposed withinclean room 58. Hose clamps 373 are released on fill lines 362 such that operation ofperistaltic pump 408 causes the filtered serum to be drawn out of poolingbag 256 and passed through fill lines 362. Finally, afoot pedal 410 is disposed belowtable top 401. Each ofpinch valve 404,scale 406,peristaltic pump 408, andfoot pedal 410 are in electrical communication with a central processing unit (CPU) 412. - During dispensing, an operator sits in front of
table top 401 and places apresterilized bottle 414 onscale 406. The open mouth ofbottle 414 is disposed belownozzle 386 and is covered byshroud 384.Shroud 384 prevents any unwanted material that might be floating withinlaminar hood 62 from falling into or being drawn intobottle 414 during filling. As discussed above,shroud 384 can be tipped. In oneembodiment bottle 414 is comprised of PETE or PETG although other materials can also be used.Bottle 414 is typically sized to hold 125 ml, 500 ml or 1 liter. Other sizes can also be used.CPU 412 is inputted with the desired fill volume forbottle 414 and the known density of the serum. The operator steps onfoot pedal 410 which in turn causesCPU 412 to instructperistaltic pump 408 to rotate a set number of times so as to dispense a predetermined first volume of filtered serum intobottle 414. Once the first volume is dispensed,pinch valve 404 is then activated so as to pinchfill line 362A closed, thereby preventing any serum from leaking out ofnozzle 386. - The first volume of filtered serum dispensed into
first bottle 414 is slightly more than the desired fill volume. Once the first volume is dispensed, scale 406 measures the weight ofbottle 414 containing the first volume of filtered serum. Based on the weight of the first volume and the known density of the serum,CPU 412 is able to determine how many timesperistaltic pump 408 should rotate so as to dispense the desired fill volume into the next bottle. The number of timesperistaltic pump 408 rotates to dispense the desired fill volume varies slightly during the filling process due to the head pressure on the filtered serum withinfill line 362A. That is, the head pressure withinfill line 362A is highest when poolingbag 256 is filled with serum and decreases as the level of serum decreases within poolingbag 256. In turn, as the head pressure decreases, the number of turns needed to dispense the desired fill volume incrementally increases. It is noted that the diameter offill line 362A is decreased, as discussed above, in thatperistaltic pump 408 can more accurately measure and dispense fluids when it operates with smaller tubing. - Once
first bottle 414 is filled and weighed, the operator removesfirst bottle 414 fromscale 406 and screws a cap thereon. Asecond bottle 414 is then placed onscale 406. Again, based on the weight of the serum infirst bottle 414,CPU 412 instructsperistaltic pump 408 to rotate a select number of times so as to fillsecond bottle 414 with the desired fill volume.Scale 406 then weighs the volume of serum withinsecond bottle 414. In turn, this weight is used byCPU 412 to determine how many timesperistaltic pump 408 need to rotate to dispense the desired fill volume into the next bottle. As such, the weight of the serum in aprior bottle 414 is used to adjust the rotation ofperistaltic pump 408 so that the desired fill volume is dispensed into each bottle, within acceptable tolerances, as the head pressure within fill line 362 drops. The process is continually repeated to fill empty bottles until all of the serum is removed from poolingbag 256. - In one embodiment of the present invention, means are provided for dispensing a predetermined quantity of fluid through fill line 362. One example of such means includes the system as discussed above which includes the scale, CPU, and pump. It is appreciated, however, that a variety of other systems can also be used. For example, in one alternative the scale can be eliminated. Alternative types of pumps can then be used that can precisely measure the desired fill volume. In yet other embodiments, various sensors can be used to measure the actual head pressure. The CPU can thus use the known fluid pressure when activating the peristaltic pump. In still other embodiments, the dispensing can be based on weight. That is, the CPU can instruct the pump to stop when the scale measures a predefined weight. Other techniques known in the art can also be used.
- When desired,
CPU 412 can be programmed to fillbottles 414 of a variety of different sizes for a given batch of pooled filtered fluid. By way of example and not by limitation, for a given batch of one thousand liters, the fluid can be dispensed into five hundred 1 liter bottles, five hundred 500 ml bottles and two thousand 125 ml bottles. The 125 ml bottles can then be used for quality control, retention, and quality assurance purposes. - Returning to
FIG. 3 , to advance filledbottle 414 the operator withinclean room 58 opensfirst door 72 of pass-throughportal 70 and places bottle 414 within pass-throughportal 70.First door 72 is then closed. An operator withinpacking room 64 then openssecond door 74 and removes filledbottle 414 from pass-throughportal 70.Second door 74 is then closed. As previously discussed,clean room 58 is placed under a positive air pressure relative topacking room 64 so that air always flows fromclean room 58, through pass-throughportal 70, to packingroom 64, thereby preventing contamination from enteringclean room 58 through pass-throughportal 70. Within packingroom 58, the operator uses a screw device to torque down the cap onbottle 414. The operator then heat shrinks a seal around the cap and places a label onbottle 414. - Once sealed,
bottle 414 is placed on atransportable cart 416 withinpacking room 64. Whencart 416 is filled with bottles of filtered serum,cart 416 is transported tofreezer room 28 offirst housing 10 through anouter door 426 and an inner door 428 (FIG. 2 ). Again,outer door 426 provides protection forinner door 428 during transport and can be eliminated. It is desirable to quickly freeze the filtered serum so as to prevent separation or settling of the filtered serum withinbottles 414. As such, it is desirable to freeze the filtered serum within a 12 hour period. To accomplish this,freezer room 28 is held at a temperature of −20° C. Other temperatures and freezing periods can also be used. Once frozen,bottles 414 are removed to a separate long term storage facility for subsequent sale. - In one embodiment, particularly where there is a significant delay being filtering the first batch and a second batch, once all of the first batch of serum is bottled, used pooling
bag assembly 186, filters 166, fillbag 88 andfluid lines new bag assembly 186, filters 166, fillbag 88 andfluid lines diaphragm pump 178. - In alternative embodiments, where a second batch of serum has been thawed so as to be processed directly after the first batch, it is envisioned that each of used pooling
bag assembly 186, filters 166, fillbag 88 andfluid lines bag assembly 186 and/or filters 166 could be replaced between different batches. - In the illustrated embodiment where the liquid being filtered is fetal bovine serum, it is generally not necessary to take samples for in-process testing or quality control or for retention and quality assurance at any point upstream of the
dispensing system 400. In other embodiments, however, especially when more than a single liquid is introduced intofill bag 88, a port for withdrawing such samples can be provided either upstream offilters 166,167, such as onfluid line fluid line 298. The port allows samples to be taken and tested. - In some applications, operation of the
pump 178, and/or other fluid flows, can be stopped or reduced to a subnormal rate until the test results have been completed and, if appropriate, additional materials added to fillbag 88 to bring the tested parameter into a desired range or value. In some instances, fillbag 88 holds at any one time no more than a fraction (e.g., one third or one quarter) of the fluid for an entire batch. Each sub-batch of unfiltered fluid withinbag 88 is tested before being pumped bypump 178 through the filtration system.Pump 316 is operated to create and maintain homogeneity within poolingbag 256 as soon as the first batch of filtered fluid has reached an appropriate partially-full level within poolingbag 256. - The depicted embodiment is primarily directed towards a system that minimizes cleaning between processing of different batches. In alternative embodiments, however, it is appreciated that some or all of the disposable components can be replaced with corresponding reusable components that require cleaning between uses. For example, pooling
bag 256 and/or fillbag 88 can be replaced with stainless steel containers. Likewise, the various fluid lines can be replaced with fixed stainless steel lines while the disposable cartridges for filters 166 can be replaced with reusable stainless steel housing. - Furthermore, in the depicted embodiment, because pooling
bag assembly 186 is presterilized, no in situ sterilization of components and/or connections is required. In alternative embodiments, however, it is appreciated that the various components of poolingbag assembly 186 can be assembly withinfilter room 44 and then sterilized by conventional process such as steam, vapor, chemical, or local radiation. - It is also appreciated that in alternative
embodiments filtration facility 8 need not include both ofhousings housing filtration facility 8 may only comprisesecond housing 12 because all of the required elements for filtering and pooling the fluid to achieve and maintain homogeneity are contained withinsecond housing 12. As such, onlysecond housing 12 needs to be transported to the storage facility to filter the serum or other fluids. In yet other embodiments where a storage facility has a large supply of serum or other fluids that must be filtered quickly, duplicates ofhousing 10 and/or 12 can be transported to the storage facility to expedite filtering. It is also appreciated that each ofhousing housing - Furthermore, when the mobile filtration facility of the present invention is used to filter and pool other fluids such as human blood serum or plasma or fractions, appropriate temperature controls can be built into
second housing 12. As such, there would be no need for the thawing or refreezing steps associated withfirst housing 10. Thus, for example,staging room 40 insecond housing 12 can receive individual bags of human blood serum which had previously been collected for transfusion purposes and stored cold, but were beyond their expiration dates for use in transfusion purposes. The blood could still be pooled, adjusted with various components and used as clinical chemistry control materials or various other in vitro diagnostics or research purposes. - Once all of the serum has been processed at the storage facility,
filtration facility 8 can be transported to a next storage facility for processing the serum thereat. In this regard,filtration facility 8 can be transported to a variety of different locations within a given country and/or to a variety of different countries around the world.Filtration facility 8 thus provides a quick, efficient and economical way of filtering serum or other fluids at locations around the world while eliminating the need to build, operate, and maintain a fixed filtration facility. Because the serum or other fluids can be maintained at or proximate to the location where the fluid was initially harvested or produced, use of theinventive filtration facility 8 eliminates the need to obtain import licenses and provides greater ease in documenting origin and history of filtered serum or other fluid. - In still other embodiments, it is envisioned that
filtration facility 8 can be shipped to a designated location and permanently maintained thereat. For example, this can be done at a remote location or in third world countries where it may be difficult to build a clean room. It is also appreciated that the above disclosure of the present invention comprises a number of discrete inventions that can be used independently or in combination with other systems. For example,filtration system 50 or the discrete components thereof are not limited to being used in a mobile filtration facility but can also be used in a conventional fixed facility having a clean room and/or filtration system. - The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims (13)
1-39. (canceled)
40. A disposable pooling bag assembly comprising:
a flexible pooling bag bounding a compartment, the pooling bag having an inlet port and an outlet port communicating with the compartment;
a filter in fluid communication with the inlet port of the pooling bag; and
a circulation line projecting outside of the compartment of the pooling bag and having opposing ends in fluid communication with the compartment of the pooling bag, wherein the flexible pooling bag, the filter and the circulation line are concurrently sterilized as a preassembled, closed system.
41. The disposable pooling bag assembly as recited in claim 40 , wherein the compartment of the pooling bag has a volume of at least 500 liters.
42. The disposable pooling bag assembly as recited in claim 40 , wherein the filter has a filter membrane with a porosity in a range from about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm.
43. The disposable pooling bag assembly as recited in claim 40 , further comprising a dip tube at least partially disposed within the compartment of the pooling bag, the dip tube being in fluid communication with the circulation line.
44. The disposable pooling bag assembly as recited in claim 40 , further comprising a peristaltic pump coupled with the circulation line outside of the compartment of the pooling bag.
45. The disposable pooling bag assembly as recited in claim 40 , further comprising an elongated fluid line in fluid communication with the outlet port on the pooling bag, the fluid line being concurrently sterilized with the pooling bag.
46. A method for pooling a fluid solution, the method comprising:
delivering a fluid through at least one filter and into a compartment of a sterile, flexible pooling bag so that the fluid is pooled within the pooling bag, portions of the fluid having a different composition so that the fluid is not homogeneous as the fluid first enters the compartment of the pooling bag;
mixing the pooled fluid within the compartment of the pooling bag so that the pooled fluid becomes homogeneous; and
dispensing the homogeneous, pooled fluid from the compartment of the pooling bag.
47. The method as recited in claim 46 , wherein the step of delivering the fluid through at least one filter comprises delivering the fluid through a filter train comprised of a plurality of interconnected filters.
48. The method as recited in claim 46 , wherein the step of delivering the fluid through at least one filter comprises delivering the fluid through a filter having a filter membrane with a porosity in a range from about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm.
49. The method as recited in claim 46 , further comprising:
depositing a first volume of the fluid into a fill container, the fill container being fluid coupled with the pooling bag though the at least one filter, the fill container bounding a compartment having a volume smaller than the volume of the chamber of the pooling bag and smaller than the volume of the fluid pooled within the pooling bag; and
progressively adding more of the fluid into the fill container as the fluid is delivered from the fill container to the pooling bag.
50. The method as recited in claim 49 , further comprising adding one or more additives into the fluid within the fill container after a portion of fluid has already been delivered into the pooling bag.
51. The method as recited in claim 46 , wherein the method of mixing the pooled fluid comprises using a peristaltic pump to pump the fluid through a circulation line projecting from the pooling bag, the circulation line having opposing ends in fluid communication with the compartment of the pooling bag.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/599,542 US20070187317A1 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2005-03-28 | Mobile filtration facility and methods of use |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US55819604P | 2004-03-31 | 2004-03-31 | |
US10/929,275 US7326355B2 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2004-08-30 | Mobile filtration facility and methods of use |
US10/599,542 US20070187317A1 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2005-03-28 | Mobile filtration facility and methods of use |
PCT/US2005/010102 WO2005097620A1 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2005-03-28 | Mobile filtration facility and methods of use |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070187317A1 true US20070187317A1 (en) | 2007-08-16 |
Family
ID=35053136
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/929,275 Expired - Fee Related US7326355B2 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2004-08-30 | Mobile filtration facility and methods of use |
US10/599,542 Abandoned US20070187317A1 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2005-03-28 | Mobile filtration facility and methods of use |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/929,275 Expired - Fee Related US7326355B2 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2004-08-30 | Mobile filtration facility and methods of use |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7326355B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005231721A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2558032A1 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ548916A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005097620A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070119121A1 (en) * | 2005-11-28 | 2007-05-31 | Pdc Facilities, Inc. | Filling machine |
US20080184889A1 (en) * | 2007-02-05 | 2008-08-07 | Niagara Industrial Finishes Inc. | Mobile airborne contaminant control chamber |
US20080196943A1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2008-08-21 | Ketil Botnmark | Condition Checking Apparatus and Method |
US20090134234A1 (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2009-05-28 | Microblend Technologies, Inc. | Nozzle for use with a tote |
US20100300988A1 (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2010-12-02 | Clausen Michael D | Priming method for filter |
US20110277628A1 (en) * | 2010-05-14 | 2011-11-17 | General Electric Company | Method and associated kit utilizing international organization for standardization container filter house |
Families Citing this family (46)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2007522801A (en) * | 2004-01-07 | 2007-08-16 | リーブテック,インコーポレイテッド | Mixing bag with integral sparger and sensor receptacle |
US7488302B1 (en) * | 2004-03-29 | 2009-02-10 | Robert Helm | Device allowing serial use of clean and alternative blood filters during blood filtration |
US8603805B2 (en) | 2005-04-22 | 2013-12-10 | Hyclone Laboratories, Inc. | Gas spargers and related container systems |
KR100745362B1 (en) * | 2006-03-14 | 2007-08-02 | 세원셀론텍(주) | A cell therapy product facility use method and network franchise market business method |
JP5378208B2 (en) * | 2006-07-06 | 2013-12-25 | アーケマ・インコーポレイテッド | Flexible multilayer vinylidene fluoride tube |
WO2008097641A2 (en) * | 2007-02-08 | 2008-08-14 | Meissner Filtration Products, Inc. | Multilayer film, method of making the same and containers formed from the same |
US9090398B2 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2015-07-28 | Emd Millipore Corporation | Disposable processing bag with alignment feature |
EP2016992B1 (en) * | 2007-07-16 | 2012-05-30 | KRONES Aktiengesellschaft | Device and method for purifying cleaning fluids used in breweries |
WO2009045483A2 (en) | 2007-10-02 | 2009-04-09 | Meissner Filtration Products, Inc. | Radio frequency weldable multilayer tubing and method of making the same |
KR101660852B1 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2016-09-28 | 조마 (유에스) 엘엘씨 | Flexible manufacturing system |
WO2010080149A1 (en) * | 2009-01-08 | 2010-07-15 | Helm Jr Robert E | Device allowing serial use of clean and alternative blood filters during blood filtration |
FR2941385B1 (en) | 2009-01-23 | 2011-04-01 | Millipore Corp | METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CIRCUIT FOR BIOLOGICAL LIQUID AND CIRCUIT OBTAINED |
ES2665972T3 (en) * | 2009-08-16 | 2018-04-30 | G-Con Manufacturing Inc. | Modular autonomous mobile white room |
US9795957B2 (en) | 2009-08-16 | 2017-10-24 | G-Con Manufacturing, Inc. | Modular, self-contained, mobile clean room |
FR2955119B1 (en) | 2010-01-13 | 2012-12-28 | Millipore Corp | CIRCUIT FOR BIOLOGICAL LIQUID |
FR2960795B1 (en) * | 2010-06-08 | 2012-07-27 | Millipore Corp | DEVICE FOR A PLANT FOR TREATING BIOLOGICAL LIQUID |
FR2960796B1 (en) | 2010-06-08 | 2014-01-24 | Millipore Corp | DEVICE FOR A PLANT FOR TREATING BIOLOGICAL LIQUID |
FR2960794B1 (en) * | 2010-06-08 | 2012-07-27 | Millipore Corp | DEVICE FOR A PLANT FOR TREATING BIOLOGICAL LIQUID |
FR2961711B1 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2012-08-17 | Millipore Corp | POCKET FOR CIRCUIT OF A BIOLOGICAL LIQUID TREATMENT FACILITY |
FR2961713B1 (en) | 2010-06-23 | 2012-08-10 | Millipore Corp | POCKET FOR CIRCUIT OF A BIOLOGICAL LIQUID TREATMENT FACILITY |
FR2963573B1 (en) | 2010-08-03 | 2012-08-31 | Millipore Corp | PUMPING TROLLEY FOR A BIOLOGICAL LIQUID TREATMENT FACILITY |
DE102010035522A1 (en) * | 2010-08-25 | 2012-03-01 | Hochland Se | Device for the production of processed cheese portions |
US20120102883A1 (en) * | 2010-11-03 | 2012-05-03 | Stokely-Van Camp, Inc. | System For Producing Sterile Beverages And Containers Using Electrolyzed Water |
FR2973396B1 (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2013-05-10 | Millipore Corp | FACILITY FOR TREATING BIOLOGICAL LIQUID |
US9376655B2 (en) * | 2011-09-29 | 2016-06-28 | Life Technologies Corporation | Filter systems for separating microcarriers from cell culture solutions |
IN2014DN02477A (en) | 2011-09-30 | 2015-05-15 | Life Technologies Corp | |
FR2993572B1 (en) | 2012-07-23 | 2016-04-15 | Emd Millipore Corp | CIRCUIT FOR BIOLOGICAL LIQUID COMPRISING A PINCH VALVE |
WO2014042827A2 (en) | 2012-09-17 | 2014-03-20 | Hyclone Laboratories, Inc. | Fluid manifold system with rotatable port assembly |
US9936596B2 (en) * | 2012-09-19 | 2018-04-03 | Deka Products Limited Partnership | Apparatus, system and method for resource distribution |
KR101751149B1 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2017-06-26 | 게이츠 코포레이션 | Transportable hose-test containers, systems and methods |
KR101920129B1 (en) * | 2013-10-14 | 2018-11-19 | 지-콘 메뉴팩츄어링 인코포레이티드 | Unit for connecting modular mobile rooms |
US9079690B1 (en) | 2014-06-26 | 2015-07-14 | Advanced Scientifics, Inc. | Freezer bag, storage system, and method of freezing |
KR20170040255A (en) | 2014-07-11 | 2017-04-12 | 지-콘 메뉴팩츄어링 인코포레이티드 | Modular parts that supply utilities to cleanroom, isolation or containment cubicles, pods, or modules |
USD786855S1 (en) | 2015-06-23 | 2017-05-16 | Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture Llp | Kiosk |
ITUB20152618A1 (en) * | 2015-07-30 | 2017-01-30 | Sinteco Impianti Srl | PREFABRICATED WHITE ROOM STRUCTURE |
EP3144428A1 (en) * | 2015-09-18 | 2017-03-22 | Security Holding ApS | Mobile access control system |
CN105298158A (en) * | 2015-10-14 | 2016-02-03 | 中建钢构有限公司 | Maritime green habitation system and modularized construction method of same |
CN208684945U (en) | 2016-12-01 | 2019-04-02 | 生命科技股份有限公司 | Filter bag assembly and filtration system |
BR202017027731U2 (en) * | 2017-12-21 | 2019-07-09 | Elizabeth Regina Maccariello E Outros | CONSTRUCTIVE PROVISION INTRODUCED IN CONTAINER |
US20190277016A1 (en) * | 2018-03-09 | 2019-09-12 | Xtreme Cubes Corporation | System and method for modular building cubes spine |
CN110173132A (en) * | 2019-05-28 | 2019-08-27 | 美魁医疗器械(上海)有限公司 | One kind having discharge CO2Sealing high pressure gas cabin |
WO2021030568A1 (en) | 2019-08-15 | 2021-02-18 | G-Con Manufacturing, Inc. | Removable panel roof for modular, self-contained, mobile clean room |
CN111255077B (en) * | 2020-01-18 | 2022-01-04 | 傲通环球环境控制(深圳)有限公司 | Inflatable modular clean room and building method thereof |
US11408165B2 (en) * | 2020-06-23 | 2022-08-09 | Kurtis Kolisnek | Modular protective enclosure for outdoor equipment |
US11492795B2 (en) * | 2020-08-31 | 2022-11-08 | G-Con Manufacturing, Inc. | Ballroom-style cleanroom assembled from modular buildings |
WO2024063111A1 (en) * | 2022-09-21 | 2024-03-28 | テルモ株式会社 | Collecting kit jig |
Citations (39)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3710454A (en) * | 1971-02-22 | 1973-01-16 | E Mellor | Portable apparatus for operating or simulating operation of artificial kidneys or the like |
US3939623A (en) * | 1973-12-21 | 1976-02-24 | Baxter Laboratories, Inc. | Plasma collection system |
US3986506A (en) * | 1974-09-03 | 1976-10-19 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Apparatus for separation of cryoprecipitate from blood plasma and method |
US4095658A (en) * | 1976-11-22 | 1978-06-20 | Iso Ab, Inc. | Fluid measurement device |
US4754786A (en) * | 1986-09-05 | 1988-07-05 | Roderick Roberts | Sterile fluid storage and dispensing apparatus and method for filling same |
US5033649A (en) * | 1990-03-19 | 1991-07-23 | Ecolab Inc. | Chemical solution dispensing and handling system |
US5350080A (en) * | 1993-02-10 | 1994-09-27 | Hyclone Laboratories | Multi-access port for use in a cell culture media system |
US5362642A (en) * | 1993-02-10 | 1994-11-08 | Hyclone Laboratories | Methods and containment system for storing, reconstituting, dispensing and harvesting cell culture media |
US5403272A (en) * | 1992-05-29 | 1995-04-04 | Baxter International Inc. | Apparatus and methods for generating leukocyte free platelet concentrate |
US5431599A (en) * | 1990-08-29 | 1995-07-11 | Intelligent Enclosures Corporation | Environmental control system |
US5584327A (en) * | 1994-07-06 | 1996-12-17 | Ecolab Inc. | Method and apparatus for storing and dispensing chemical solutions |
US5656491A (en) * | 1992-06-09 | 1997-08-12 | Snamprogettibiotecnologie S.P.A. | Mobile-module plant for the development and the production of biotechnological products on a pilot scale |
US5941635A (en) * | 1997-06-11 | 1999-08-24 | Hyclone Labortories, Inc. | Mixing block for resuspension system |
US5941867A (en) * | 1997-07-15 | 1999-08-24 | Kao; Ti | Formulation of pharmaceutical solutions in free fall |
US6071005A (en) * | 1996-06-11 | 2000-06-06 | Merck & Co., Inc. | Disposable storage, transport and resuspension system |
US6083587A (en) * | 1997-09-22 | 2000-07-04 | Baxter International Inc. | Multilayered polymer structure for medical products |
US6086574A (en) * | 1997-11-21 | 2000-07-11 | Hyclone Laboratories, Inc. | Fluid delivery systems with diptube connector |
US6168718B1 (en) * | 1996-11-08 | 2001-01-02 | Pall Corporation | Method for purifying blood plasma and apparatus suitable therefor |
US6186932B1 (en) * | 1998-07-16 | 2001-02-13 | Stedim, Z. I. Des Paluds | Sachets for bio-pharmaceutical fluid products |
US6251295B1 (en) * | 1998-01-08 | 2001-06-26 | Nexell Therapeutics Inc. | Method for recirculation washing of blood cells |
US6302299B1 (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 2001-10-16 | The Coca-Cola Company | Bulk fountain syrup delivery and storage system |
US6450215B1 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2002-09-17 | Charter Medical, Ltd. | Apparatus and method for filling bags |
US20020131654A1 (en) * | 2001-03-19 | 2002-09-19 | Smith Sidney T. | Large volume flexible container |
US6494613B2 (en) * | 2001-02-06 | 2002-12-17 | Levtech, Inc. | Apparatus and method for mixing materials sealed in a container under sterile conditions |
US20030077466A1 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2003-04-24 | Smith Sidney T. | Multilayered polymer structure |
US20030144646A1 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2003-07-31 | Erik Se | Method and apparatus for collecting and transporting liquid |
US6670171B2 (en) * | 2001-07-09 | 2003-12-30 | Wheaton Usa, Inc. | Disposable vessel |
US20040027912A1 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2004-02-12 | Hynetics Llc | Mixing tank assembly |
US6695803B1 (en) * | 1998-10-16 | 2004-02-24 | Mission Medical, Inc. | Blood processing system |
US6709862B2 (en) * | 1998-09-01 | 2004-03-23 | The Penn State Research Foundation | Growing cells in a reservoir formed of a flexible sterile plastic liner |
US20040062140A1 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2004-04-01 | Cadogan David Phillip | Bioprocess container, bioprocess container mixing device and method of use thereof |
US20040159616A1 (en) * | 2003-02-13 | 2004-08-19 | Cohee Donald R. | Flexible disposable vessel |
US20040190372A1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2004-09-30 | Hyclone Laboratories, Inc. | Container systems for mixing fluids with a magnetic stir bar |
US6808638B1 (en) * | 1998-09-21 | 2004-10-26 | Throwleigh Technologies, L.L.C. | Methods and apparatus for processing temperature sensitive materials |
US20040221897A1 (en) * | 2003-05-09 | 2004-11-11 | Stedim | Disposable container for use in fluid processing |
US20040261889A1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2004-12-30 | Elgan Gregory P. | Fluid dispensing bins and related methods |
US6994790B2 (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2006-02-07 | Gambro, Inc. | Whole blood collection and processing method |
US20070064519A1 (en) * | 2003-07-04 | 2007-03-22 | Stedim S.A. | Closed single-use system for mixing, storing and homogenizing liquids in clean or sterile conditions |
US7264608B2 (en) * | 2001-12-05 | 2007-09-04 | Fenwal, Inc. | Manual processing systems and methods for providing blood components conditioned for pathogen inactivation |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE8630050U1 (en) | 1986-11-11 | 1987-01-15 | Slee Semiconductor-Technik Gmbh, 6500 Mainz, De | |
US5195922A (en) * | 1990-08-29 | 1993-03-23 | Intelligent Enclosures Corporation | Environmental control system |
-
2004
- 2004-08-30 US US10/929,275 patent/US7326355B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-03-28 US US10/599,542 patent/US20070187317A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-03-28 WO PCT/US2005/010102 patent/WO2005097620A1/en active Application Filing
- 2005-03-28 CA CA002558032A patent/CA2558032A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-03-28 NZ NZ548916A patent/NZ548916A/en unknown
- 2005-03-28 AU AU2005231721A patent/AU2005231721A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (40)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3710454A (en) * | 1971-02-22 | 1973-01-16 | E Mellor | Portable apparatus for operating or simulating operation of artificial kidneys or the like |
US3939623A (en) * | 1973-12-21 | 1976-02-24 | Baxter Laboratories, Inc. | Plasma collection system |
US3986506A (en) * | 1974-09-03 | 1976-10-19 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Apparatus for separation of cryoprecipitate from blood plasma and method |
US4095658A (en) * | 1976-11-22 | 1978-06-20 | Iso Ab, Inc. | Fluid measurement device |
US4754786A (en) * | 1986-09-05 | 1988-07-05 | Roderick Roberts | Sterile fluid storage and dispensing apparatus and method for filling same |
US5033649A (en) * | 1990-03-19 | 1991-07-23 | Ecolab Inc. | Chemical solution dispensing and handling system |
US5431599A (en) * | 1990-08-29 | 1995-07-11 | Intelligent Enclosures Corporation | Environmental control system |
US5403272A (en) * | 1992-05-29 | 1995-04-04 | Baxter International Inc. | Apparatus and methods for generating leukocyte free platelet concentrate |
US5656491A (en) * | 1992-06-09 | 1997-08-12 | Snamprogettibiotecnologie S.P.A. | Mobile-module plant for the development and the production of biotechnological products on a pilot scale |
US5350080A (en) * | 1993-02-10 | 1994-09-27 | Hyclone Laboratories | Multi-access port for use in a cell culture media system |
US5362642A (en) * | 1993-02-10 | 1994-11-08 | Hyclone Laboratories | Methods and containment system for storing, reconstituting, dispensing and harvesting cell culture media |
US5584327A (en) * | 1994-07-06 | 1996-12-17 | Ecolab Inc. | Method and apparatus for storing and dispensing chemical solutions |
US6071005A (en) * | 1996-06-11 | 2000-06-06 | Merck & Co., Inc. | Disposable storage, transport and resuspension system |
US6168718B1 (en) * | 1996-11-08 | 2001-01-02 | Pall Corporation | Method for purifying blood plasma and apparatus suitable therefor |
US5941635A (en) * | 1997-06-11 | 1999-08-24 | Hyclone Labortories, Inc. | Mixing block for resuspension system |
US5941867A (en) * | 1997-07-15 | 1999-08-24 | Kao; Ti | Formulation of pharmaceutical solutions in free fall |
US6083587A (en) * | 1997-09-22 | 2000-07-04 | Baxter International Inc. | Multilayered polymer structure for medical products |
US6086574A (en) * | 1997-11-21 | 2000-07-11 | Hyclone Laboratories, Inc. | Fluid delivery systems with diptube connector |
US6251295B1 (en) * | 1998-01-08 | 2001-06-26 | Nexell Therapeutics Inc. | Method for recirculation washing of blood cells |
US6186932B1 (en) * | 1998-07-16 | 2001-02-13 | Stedim, Z. I. Des Paluds | Sachets for bio-pharmaceutical fluid products |
US6709862B2 (en) * | 1998-09-01 | 2004-03-23 | The Penn State Research Foundation | Growing cells in a reservoir formed of a flexible sterile plastic liner |
US6808638B1 (en) * | 1998-09-21 | 2004-10-26 | Throwleigh Technologies, L.L.C. | Methods and apparatus for processing temperature sensitive materials |
US6695803B1 (en) * | 1998-10-16 | 2004-02-24 | Mission Medical, Inc. | Blood processing system |
US6302299B1 (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 2001-10-16 | The Coca-Cola Company | Bulk fountain syrup delivery and storage system |
US20030144646A1 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2003-07-31 | Erik Se | Method and apparatus for collecting and transporting liquid |
US6450215B1 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2002-09-17 | Charter Medical, Ltd. | Apparatus and method for filling bags |
US6494613B2 (en) * | 2001-02-06 | 2002-12-17 | Levtech, Inc. | Apparatus and method for mixing materials sealed in a container under sterile conditions |
US20020131654A1 (en) * | 2001-03-19 | 2002-09-19 | Smith Sidney T. | Large volume flexible container |
US6670171B2 (en) * | 2001-07-09 | 2003-12-30 | Wheaton Usa, Inc. | Disposable vessel |
US20030077466A1 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2003-04-24 | Smith Sidney T. | Multilayered polymer structure |
US7264608B2 (en) * | 2001-12-05 | 2007-09-04 | Fenwal, Inc. | Manual processing systems and methods for providing blood components conditioned for pathogen inactivation |
US6994790B2 (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2006-02-07 | Gambro, Inc. | Whole blood collection and processing method |
US20040027912A1 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2004-02-12 | Hynetics Llc | Mixing tank assembly |
US20040062140A1 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2004-04-01 | Cadogan David Phillip | Bioprocess container, bioprocess container mixing device and method of use thereof |
US20040159616A1 (en) * | 2003-02-13 | 2004-08-19 | Cohee Donald R. | Flexible disposable vessel |
US20040190372A1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2004-09-30 | Hyclone Laboratories, Inc. | Container systems for mixing fluids with a magnetic stir bar |
US20040261889A1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2004-12-30 | Elgan Gregory P. | Fluid dispensing bins and related methods |
US7153021B2 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2006-12-26 | Hyclone Laboratories, Inc. | Container systems for mixing fluids with a magnetic stir bar |
US20040221897A1 (en) * | 2003-05-09 | 2004-11-11 | Stedim | Disposable container for use in fluid processing |
US20070064519A1 (en) * | 2003-07-04 | 2007-03-22 | Stedim S.A. | Closed single-use system for mixing, storing and homogenizing liquids in clean or sterile conditions |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7879227B2 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2011-02-01 | 2K Tech As | Screen condition checking apparatus and method |
US20080196943A1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2008-08-21 | Ketil Botnmark | Condition Checking Apparatus and Method |
US7484345B2 (en) * | 2005-11-28 | 2009-02-03 | Pdc Facilities, Inc. | Filling machine |
US20070119121A1 (en) * | 2005-11-28 | 2007-05-31 | Pdc Facilities, Inc. | Filling machine |
US20080184889A1 (en) * | 2007-02-05 | 2008-08-07 | Niagara Industrial Finishes Inc. | Mobile airborne contaminant control chamber |
US7806951B2 (en) | 2007-02-05 | 2010-10-05 | Nif Solutions Corp. | Mobile airborne contaminant control chamber |
US20090134234A1 (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2009-05-28 | Microblend Technologies, Inc. | Nozzle for use with a tote |
US20100300988A1 (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2010-12-02 | Clausen Michael D | Priming method for filter |
KR20120030084A (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2012-03-27 | 파커-한니핀 코포레이션 | Priming method for filter |
CN102448509A (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2012-05-09 | 帕克-汉尼芬公司 | Priming method for filter |
US8440088B2 (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2013-05-14 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Priming method for filter |
KR101703334B1 (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2017-02-06 | 파커-한니핀 코포레이션 | Priming method for filter |
US20110277628A1 (en) * | 2010-05-14 | 2011-11-17 | General Electric Company | Method and associated kit utilizing international organization for standardization container filter house |
US8500838B2 (en) * | 2010-05-14 | 2013-08-06 | General Electric Company | Method and associated kit utilizing international organization for standardization container filter house |
US8580014B1 (en) | 2010-05-14 | 2013-11-12 | General Electric Company | Method utilizing international organization for standardization container filter house |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NZ548916A (en) | 2009-07-31 |
US20050218075A1 (en) | 2005-10-06 |
WO2005097620A1 (en) | 2005-10-20 |
CA2558032A1 (en) | 2005-10-20 |
AU2005231721A1 (en) | 2005-10-20 |
US7326355B2 (en) | 2008-02-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7326355B2 (en) | Mobile filtration facility and methods of use | |
US20230415108A1 (en) | Methods and apparatus for processing fluids | |
KR102381460B1 (en) | Gas filter systems for fluid processing systems | |
US8961875B2 (en) | Methods for inactivating fluid cultures through heating | |
US11717768B2 (en) | Condenser bag for processing a fluid | |
US20230381389A1 (en) | Mobile medical fluid generation system | |
US20240001013A1 (en) | Mobile medical fluid generation system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HYCLONE LABORATORIES, INC., UTAH Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GRAETZ, GARY H.;ZILLES, TRACY;REEL/FRAME:018328/0839;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060911 TO 20060925 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |