Cyclone Technology for Bioreactor Gas Stream Separation
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept applies the core technology of cyclones to separate particles from gas streams in bioreactors, enhancing efficiency and reducing contamination risks.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent described cyclone technology for surface cleaning apparatuses, which have limitations in terms of scalability, complexity, and contamination risks. The new inventive concept addresses the need for efficient and sterile particle separation in bioreactors, which is critical for maintaining a healthy cell culture environment.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves adapting the cyclone technology to operate in a sterile environment, specifically designed for bioreactors. The cyclone chamber is modified to accommodate a gas stream inlet, and the vortex finder is optimized for particle separation in a gas stream. The first end wall provides a first end surface of the cyclone chamber, ensuring efficient particle collection. The cyclone is connected to a particle collection chamber, allowing for efficient separation and collection of particles from the gas stream.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces the novel application of cyclone technology to bioreactors, providing a sterile and efficient means of separating particles from gas streams. The inventive step lies in adapting the cyclone design to operate in a sterile environment, addressing a previously unmet need in the bioreactor industry.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modifying the cyclone chamber shape, adjusting the vortex finder design, or integrating additional features such as sensors or automation systems to optimize particle separation. Variations could include applying the cyclone technology to other industries, such as food processing or pharmaceuticals, where sterile particle separation is critical.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the bioreactor industry, where efficient and sterile particle separation is essential for maintaining a healthy cell culture environment. The target market includes bioreactor manufacturers, biotechnology companies, and research institutions, with potential applications in vaccine development, cell therapy, and regenerative medicine.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47L9/1666 |
| A | A47 | A47L9/165 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Particle separation technologies, specifically cyclone separation systems for air and gas streams in cleaning and industrial applications, requiring mechanical engineering expertise with knowledge of fluid dynamics and separation techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with expertise in fluid separation technologies, familiar with cyclone design principles, industrial filtration systems, and cross-industry adaptation of separation technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core cyclone separation principles from the surface cleaning apparatus can be readily adapted to bioreactor gas stream separation by applying known fluid dynamics principles. The fundamental cyclone chamber structure, vortex finding mechanism, and particle collection principles remain substantially unchanged across different application contexts. The sterile environment modification represents a predictable design variation within the skill set of an ordinary practitioner in particle separation technologies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,140 |
|---|---|
| Title | Cyclone such as for use in a surface cleaning apparatus |
| Assignee(s) | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. |