Methods for operating a bioreactor with impeller assembly and related bioreactors

Abstract

A method for operating a bioreactor includes passing a drive shaft into a first tubular connector and a second tubular connector projecting from the first tubular connector, the first tubular connector and the second tubular connector being at least partially disposed within a container, the first tubular connector being more flexible than the second tubular connector, the second tubular connector having a length that comprises at least 20% of a combined length of the first tubular connector and the second tubular connector. Rotating the drive shaft so as to rotate the first tubular connector and the second tubular connector within the container.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for operating a bioreactor, the method comprising:
 passing a drive shaft into a first tubular connector and a second tubular connector projecting from the first tubular connector, the first tubular connector and the second tubular connector being at least partially disposed within a container, the first tubular connector being more flexible than the second tubular connector, the second tubular connector having a length that comprises at least 20% of a combined length of the first tubular connector and the second tubular connector; and   rotating the drive shaft so as to rotate the first tubular connector and the second tubular connector within the container.   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the length of the second tubular connector comprises at least 40% of the combined length of the first tubular connector and the second tubular connector. 
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one mixing element removably disposed on the second tubular connector. 
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of mixing element removably disposed on the second tubular connector. 
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first tubular connector is comprised of an elastomeric material and the second tubular connector is not comprised of an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         6 . A method for operating a bioreactor, the method comprising:
 passing a drive shaft into a tubular member that is at least partially disposed within a container, a first mixing element being disposed on the tubular member so that first mixing element encircles the tubular member; and   rotating the drive shaft so as to rotate the tubular member and the first mixing element within the container.   
     
     
         7 . The method as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the first mixing element is removably disposed on the tubular member. 
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising a second mixing element disposed on the tubular member so that the second mixing element encircles the tubular member. 
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the tubular member comprises a first tubular connector and a second tubular connector projecting from the first tubular connector. 
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the first tubular connector is more flexible than the second tubular connector. 
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the first tubular connector is sufficiently flexible that it can be bent along its length over an angle of 180° without plastic deformation and the second tubular connector is sufficiently rigid that it cannot be bent along its length over an angle of 40° without plastic deformation. 
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the drive shaft directly engages an inner surface of the second tubular connector over at least 40% of a length of the second tubular connector. 
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the drive shaft is linear.