Flexible mixing bag for mixing solids, liquids, and gases

Abstract

In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a disposable and flexible mixing tank, configurable as a bag, having a sealed sleeve therein for arrangement of a mixing device. The volume of the mixing tank is defined by an inner wall of the mixing tank and an inner wall of the sleeve. The mixing tank may be used to mix, store, reconstitute and/or dispense materials therein. Draining of a mixture may be aided with pressurized gas. Heating or cooling of the contents of a mixing tank may be accomplished with a thermal exchange fluid disposed within a thermal exchange vessel and in thermal communication with the tank.

1 . A mixing container comprising:
 a plurality of walls bounding an interior of the mixing container;   a flexible sleeve located on or attached to any wall of the plurality of walls, the sleeve having a closed end protruding into the interior, and defining a cavity adapted to receive at least one mixing element, wherein the sleeve serves as an isolation barrier between the interior and at least one mixing element when located within the cavity; and   at least one mixing element disposed within the cavity, wherein the at least one mixing element is arranged to vibrate within the sleeve.   
     
     
         2 . The mixing container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mixing element comprises a piezoelectric actuator. 
     
     
         3 . The mixing container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mixing element comprises an ultrasonic generator. 
     
     
         4 . The mixing container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mixing element comprises a rod or shaft arranged to engage a kinetic energy source disposed outside the cavity and arranged to cause movement of the rod or shaft and the sleeve within the interior. 
     
     
         5 . The mixing container of  claim 1 , wherein the mixing element comprises a paddle having a widened portion that is wider than a nominal diameter or width of an associated support rod. 
     
     
         6 . The mixing container of  claim 5 , wherein the support rod is arranged to engage a kinetic energy source disposed outside the cavity and arranged to cause movement of the support rod and sleeve within the interior. 
     
     
         7 . The mixing container of  claim 1 , wherein at least one wall of the plurality of walls comprises a polymeric film. 
     
     
         8 . The mixing container of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve comprises a polymeric film. 
     
     
         9 . A mixing container comprising:
 a plurality of walls bounding an interior of the mixing container;   a flexible sleeve located on or attached to any wall of the plurality of walls, the sleeve having a closed end protruding into the interior, and defining a cavity adapted to receive a vibrating element, wherein the sleeve serves as an isolation barrier between the interior and a vibrating element when located within the cavity; and   a vibrating element arranged within the cavity.   
     
     
         10 . The mixing container of  claim 9 , wherein the vibrating element comprises a piezoelectric actuator. 
     
     
         11 . The mixing container of  claim 9 , wherein the vibrating element comprises an ultrasonic generator. 
     
     
         12 . The mixing container of  claim 9 , comprising a rod or shaft within the sleeve and arranged to engage a kinetic energy source disposed outside the cavity. 
     
     
         13 . The mixing container of  claim 9 , comprising paddle having a widened portion that is wider than a nominal diameter or width of an associated support rod, wherein the paddle is arranged within the sleeve and arranged to engage a kinetic energy source disposed outside the cavity. 
     
     
         14 . The mixing container of  claim 9 , wherein at least one wall of the plurality of walls comprises a polymeric film. 
     
     
         15 . The mixing container of  claim 9 , wherein the sleeve comprises a polymeric film.