Torsionally flexible, sealed drive
US8794821B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 2008 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12M27/08
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A simple, robust and low-cost torsionally flexible, sealed drive that allows external drives to provide agitation within a container. A torsionally flexible tube is sealed to a torsionally rigid portion of a container. A second end of the tube is sealed to a driven element within the container. The driven element is coupled to a drive-shaft that is partly contained within the tube. Motion of the protruding end of the drive shaft imparts a corresponding motion to the driven element, while maintaining a water-tight seal between container and drive-shaft. One useful motion is a rotary oscillation. A stepper motor may operate via such a drive to impart a rotary oscillation to an impellor in a bioreactor, or mixing container, suitable for agitating a cell culture in a nutrient medium or hydrating a powdered media in water. The drive is suited to use in disposable bioreactors and mixers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.