SYSTEMS USING A LEVITATING, ROTATING PUMPING OR MIXING ELEMENT AND RELATED METHODS
A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a rotating pumping or mixing element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed.
1 . A mixing apparatus comprising a flexible bag including an interior compartment for receiving a fluid, said bag including a cavity bounded by a wall projecting into the interior compartment, a mixing element in the interior compartment of the bag adjacent to the wall of the cavity, and a motive device adapted for insertion into the cavity for moving the mixing element.
2 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the motive device comprises a rotating shaft.
3 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the mixing element forms a non-contact coupling with the motive device.
4 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the mixing element comprises at least one magnet.
5 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the wall comprises a flexible sleeve.
6 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the motive device is adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source.
7 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the mixing element comprises at least one blade.
8 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , further including a rigid container for supporting the bag.
9 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a surface on the wall in the interior compartment is adapted for engaging a matching surface of the mixing element
10 . A mixing apparatus, comprising: a container having a transparent sidewall at least partially defining an interior compartment for the mixing of media, said container including a cavity bounded by a wall projecting into the interior compartment, a mixing element in the container adjacent to the wall of the cavity, and a motive device for moving the mixing element.
11 . The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the wall projects into the interior compartment from other than a floor of the container.
12 . The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the wall projects into the interior compartment from an upper portion of the container.
13 . The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the container comprises a flexible bag.
14 . The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the mixing element comprises an opening for receiving the wall forming the cavity.
15 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the mixing element comprises an inner surface adapted for engaging a surface of the wall.
16 . A mixing apparatus comprising a container including an interior compartment for receiving a fluid, a mixing element in the interior compartment of the container and capable of spinning about an axis, and a tubular shaft projecting into the interior compartment and adapted for moving the mixing element, said tubular shaft including a cavity having a rigid rod positioned therein.
17 . The mixing apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the container comprises a flexible bag.
18 . The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the tubular shaft comprises a flexible sleeve.
19 . The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the tubular shaft is adapted to rotate relative to the flexible bag.
20 . The apparatus of claim 16 , further including a motor for rotating the tubular shaft.
21 . The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the tubular shaft is associated with at least one bearing.