Patent ID: 6109780
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: B01F,C12M

Abstract:
An apparatus for mixing a liquid culture media containing cells for a selected period of time at a controlled rate comprising:a container having a substantially cylindrical wall, a top opening at one end of the wall, a bottom surface distal to the top opening and a central axis extending from the top opening to the bottom surface;a baffle having a baffle surface and a baffle axis mounted to an interior surface of the cylindrical wall, wherein the baffle axis is substantially parallel to the central axis of the container;a hump having an apex, the hump being mounted on the bottom surface of the container, wherein the central axis of the container extends through the apex of the hump;a top plate having a peripheral wall, the top plate being mounted in the top opening of the container at the peripheral wall;a shaft mounted to the top plate and extending along at least a portion of the central axis of the container;a paddle rotatably mounted to the shaft and having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having outer edges, the lower portion having side edges extending from the outer edges of the upper portion and slanting outward from the central axis near the bottom surface of the container;wherein the bottom edge of the lower portion of the paddle extends closer to the bottom surface than the apex of the hump; andmeans for rotating the paddle about the central axis.