Systems using a levitating, rotating pumping or mixing element and related methods

Abstract

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.