Device for trapping extraneous gas

Abstract

A device for trapping extraneous gas or bubbles is disclosed. The device is defined as having a gas collection area in a tapered neck portion such that when used as a cell culturing apparatus, extraneous gas or bubbles are trapped and isolated from the cell growth areas where cells or media reside.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. It is emphasized that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a flask.

FIG. 1B is an external top view of a flask.

FIG. 1C is an external perspective side view of a cell growth flask.

FIG. 1D is a partial cross-sectional perspective side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an external top view of a device in a vertical filling position in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the present invention in a horizontal cell growth position.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is an external top view of a device in a vertical filling position in a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional side view of the further embodiment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is an external side view of a device in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an external side view of a device in another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for trapping extraneous gas or bubbles comprising: one or more surfaces defining an internal volume;at least one opening in said one or more surfaces; anda gas collection area incorporated within said internal volume; whereby when said internal volume is substantially filled with a liquid and tilted, said gas collection area traps said extraneous gas.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said one or more surfaces include a top surface and a bottom surface connected by sidewalls and/or end walls.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said gas collection area is included in a tapered neck portion.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein said gas collection area is defined by a flange extending from said one or more surfaces within said internal volume.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein said gas collection area is defined by a flange extending from said one or more surfaces in combination with a surface of said tapered neck portion.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein said flange is positioned at an angle.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein said flange is disposed radially or circumferential to said opening.

8. The device according to claim 2, wherein said gas collection area in combination with a flange are included in a removable cap.

9. The device according to claim 2, wherein said gas collection area is defined by a recess in said one or more surfaces.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said recess confines air, gas or bubbles.

11. The device according to claim 2, wherein the device is a cell growth apparatus.

12. The cell growth apparatus of claim 11, wherein said internal volume includes a plurality of cell growth layers or chambers.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a manifold to access said plurality of cell growth layers or chambers.

14. The cell growth apparatus of claim 11, wherein a tapered neck portion in combination with said opening allows access to said internal volume.

15. The cell growth apparatus of claim 14, wherein said tapered neck portion is narrowed to incorporate said gas collection area.

16. A method of culturing cells comprising: providing a cell growth apparatus for trapping extraneous gas or bubbles comprising: one or more surfaces defining an internal volume; an opening in said one or more surfaces; and a gas collection area incorporated in said internal volume;introducing cells and/or media into said cell growth apparatus in a vertical filling position,filling said internal volume,tilting said apparatus to a horizontal cell growth position,allowing extraneous gas or bubbles to be captured in a gas collection area, andincubating said apparatus.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising a step of removing said extraneous gas.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising a step of rotating said apparatus to culture cells on an opposing surface.