Patent Application
20060065310
Not applicable.
1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to dip tube anchors and related containers in which a dip tube is disposed.
2. The Relevant Technology
Dip tubes are commonly used in association with various types of containers for withdrawing a fluid from the containers. A dip tube simply comprises a tube having a first end that is lowed into a container so as to be disposed toward the bottom of the container. A second end of the tube extends out through the top of the container. By applying one of various different types of forces, the fluid can be selectively removed from the container by entering through the first end of the dip tube and exiting through the second end of the dip tube. The first end of the dip tube is typically located near the bottom of the container so as to maximize removal of all of the fluid from the container, thereby minimizing waste of the fluid.
Although dip tubes as discussed above are commonly use, they have a number of shortcomings. For example, dip tubes are commonly formed from flexible polymeric tubing that is typically coiled upon formation. Dip tubes made from such tubing have a natural tendency to partially coil or bend when disposed within the container. As a result, the first end of the dip tube is spaced upward, away from of the bottom of container. The dip tube is thus unable to remove all of the fluid from the container without further manipulation of the container and/or the dip tube. Where the fluid is highly expensive, such as is commonly found in the biotechnology industry, this shortcoming can be a significant detriment.
In one attempt to overcome the above problem, an anchor is used to secure the dip tube to the bottom of the container. The anchor comprises a flat plate from which a tubular spout projects. A first opening is formed on the side of the spout next to the pate. A second opening is formed on the upper free end of the spout. A passageway extends between the two openings. The plate is secured on the interior surface of the floor of the container so that the stem projects up into the container. The first end of the dip tube is coupled with the upper end of the spout. As such, fluid enters through the first opening on the spout and travels up through the spout and into the dip tube.
Although use of such anchors solves some problems, it creates others. For example, many of the containers used to hold the fluid comprise a collapsible polymeric bag. An adhesive is used to secure the plate of the anchor to the floor of the bag. The use of an adhesive inside of the bag, however, is problematic in that it increases the risk that unwanted contaminates could leech from the adhesive into the fluid. Furthermore, acceptable adhesives are often found to have insufficient strength, thereby resulting in the anchor breaking free from the bag during manufacture, transport or use.
In addition, securing the plate of the anchor to interior surface of the floor of the bag is a difficult manufacturing step to automate. Thus, the process typically requires that the anchor be manually secured to the bag, thereby slowing production and increasing cost. Finally, because the spout of the anchor projects above the plate which is mounted on the floor of the bag, the first opening on the spout is still not the low point on the floor of the container. As such, the dip tube is still unable to capture a portion of the fluid within the container.
Accordingly, what is needed in the art are improved ways for enabling a dip tube to maximize the removal of fluid from a container.
Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.
Depicted in
Container 12 comprises a flexible body 14 having an interior surface 16 that bounds a chamber 18. In one embodiment, body 14 comprises a collapsible bag. In alternative embodiments, body 14 can comprise more rigid structures. Chamber 18 can be any desired volume. For example, chamber 18 can be configured to hold a volume of at least 10 liters, 50 liters, 100 liters, 500 liters, 1,000 liters or any other desired volume.
Body 14 is typically comprised of a flexible, water impermeable material such as a low-density polyethylene or other polymeric sheets having a thickness in a range between about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm with about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm being more common. Other thicknesses can also be used. The material can be comprised of a single ply material or can comprise two or more layers which are either sealed together or separated to form a double wall container. Where the layers are sealed together, the material can comprise a laminated or extruded material. The laminated material comprises two or more separately formed layers that are subsequently secured together by an adhesive.
The extruded material comprises a single integral sheet which comprises two or more layer of different material that are each separated by a contact layer. All of the layers are simultaneously co-extruded. One example of an extruded material that can be used in the present invention is the HyQ CX3-9 film available from HyClone Laboratories, Inc. out of Logan, Utah. The HyQ CX3-9 film is a three-layer, 9 mil cast film produced in a cGMP facility. The outer layer is a polyester elastomer coextruded with an ultra-low density polyethylene product contact layer. Another example of an extruded material that can be used in the present invention is the HyQ CX5-14 cast film also available from HyClone Laboratories, Inc. The HyQ CX5-14 cast film comprises a polyester elastomer outer layer, an ultra-low density polyethylene contact layer, and an EVOH barrier layer disposed therebetween.
Still another example of a film that can be used is the Attane film which is likewise available from HyClone Laboratories, Inc. The Attane film is produced from three independent webs of blown film. The two inner webs are each a 4 mil monolayer polyethylene film (which is referred to by HyClone as the HyQ BM1 film) while the outer barrier web is a 5.5 mil thick 6-layer coextrusion film (which is referred to by HyClone as the HyQ BX6 film). In yet other embodiments, body 130 can be made exclusively of the HyQ BM1 film or the HyQ BX6 film.
The HyQ CX5-14 cast film and the Attane type films, as discussed above, include a gas barrier layer that prevents the migration of contaminating gases into chamber 18. Forming body 14 with a gas barrier layer is useful when it is desired to maintain sterility in the fluid housed within container 12 and to keep the fluid free of any gas phase.
In one embodiment, the material for body 14 is approved for direct contact with living cells and is capable of maintaining a solution sterile. In such an embodiment, the material can also be sterilizable such as by ionizing radiation. Other examples of materials that can be used are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,587 which issued on Jul. 4, 2000 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/044,636, filed Oct. 19, 2001, which are hereby incorporated by specific reference.
In the embodiment depicted, body 14 comprises a three-dimensional bag. More specifically, body 14 comprises an encircling side wall 20 that, when body 14 is unfolded, has a substantially polygonal transverse cross section that extends between a first end 22 and an opposing second end 24. In alternative embodiments, side wall 20 can have a circular, elliptical, irregular or any other transverse cross section. First end 22 terminates at a two dimensional top end wall 26 while bottom end 24 terminates at a two dimensional bottom end wall 28. Although not required, in one embodiment a plurality of spaced apart loops 30 are formed on top end wall 26. Loops 30 enable container 12 to be lifted and supported, if desired, during filling of fluid into container 12.
Turning to
In the assembled configuration, each of panels 32-35 is folded along the intersection of the central portion and each of the end portions such that end portions combine to form top end wall 26 and bottom end wall 28. In alternative embodiments, the end portions can be used to form the sides.
Panels 32-35 are seamed together using methods known in the art such as heat energies, RF energies, sonics, other sealing energies, adhesives, or other conventional processes. It is appreciated that by altering the size and configuration of some or all of panels 32-35, body 14 can be formed having a variety of different sizes and configurations. The size and configuration of body 14 can also be altered by varying the number of panels used to make body 14.
In still other embodiments, it is appreciated that body 14 can be formed by initially extruding or otherwise forming a polymeric sheet in the form of a continuous tube. Each end of the tube can then be folded like the end of paper bag and then seamed closed so as to form a three dimension body. In still another embodiment, a length of tube can be laid flat so as to form two opposing folded edges. The two folded edges are then inverted inward so as to form a pleat on each side. The opposing end of the tube are then seamed closed. Finally, an angled seam is formed across each corner so as to form a three dimensional bag when unfolded.
In the embodiment depicted, body 14 comprises a three dimensional bag as discussed above. In an alternative embodiment, however, body 14 can comprises a two-dimensional pillow style bag wherein two sheets of material are placed in overlapping relation and the two sheets are bounded together at their peripheries to form chamber 18. Alternatively, a single sheet of material can be folded over and seamed around the periphery to form chamber 18. In yet another embodiment, body 14 can be formed from a continuous tubular extrusion of polymeric material that is cut to length and opposing ends seamed closed. In still other embodiments, it is appreciated that body 14 can comprises an open ended bag. For example, top end wall 26 of body 14 can be eliminated. The open ended configuration for body 14 can be formed as either a three-dimensional bag or a two-dimensional pillow style bag.
It is appreciated that body 14 can be manufactured to have virtually any desired size, shape, and configuration. It is appreciated that the above techniques can be mixed and matched with one or more polymeric sheets and that there are still a variety of other ways in which body 14 can be formed having a two or three dimensional configuration. Further disclosure with regard to one method of manufacturing three-dimensional bags is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/813,351, filed on Mar. 19, 2001 of which the drawings and Detailed Description are hereby incorporated by specific reference.
Container 12 further comprises a plurality of tubular ports mounted on body 14 so as to communicate with chamber 18. As depicted in
Container assembly 10 also comprises a tubular delivery line 56 and a tubular drain line 62. Delivery line 56 has a proximal end 58 fluid coupled with fill port 50 and an opposing distal end 60 that terminates at a distal tip 61. Drain line 62 has a proximal end 64 fluid coupled with drain port 52 and an opposing distal end 66 that terminates at a distal tip 68. In the embodiments depicted, distal tips 61 and 68 are each removably sealed within a corresponding sterile bag 70. Once container assembly 10 is completely assembled, the assembly can be sterilized such as by radiation. Bags 70 seal access to chamber 18 through lines 56 and 62 so as to ensure that chamber 18 remains sterile prior to use. Where the fluid being processed need not be sterile, the sterilization process and the use of bags 70 can be eliminated.
As depicted in
A diptube connector 90 is partially disposed within drain port 52. Diptube connector 90 comprises a tubular, barbed stem 92 having a first end 94 and an opposing second end 96. An annular flange 98 encircles and outwardly projects from second end 96 of stem 92. Flange 98 has a maximum diameter that is larger than or equal to the first end 84 of drain port 52. During assembly, first end 94 of diptube connector 90 is secured by frictional engagement within first end 76 of dip tube 74. Second end 78 of dip tube 74 is advanced through drain port 52 until flange 98 of diptube connector 90 seats on first end 84 of drain port 52.
To enable diptube connector 90 to fit within drain port 52, drain port 52 is typically made of an increased size. In one embodiment, an adapter 100 is used to reduce the size of the tube that extends from drain port 52. Adapter 100 comprises a tubular body 102 that bounds a channel 103 extending between a barbed first end 104 and an opposing barbed second end 106. First end 104 of adapter 100 has a configuration and size similar to first end 84 of drain port 52. A transition tube 108 is fluid coupled with and extends from first end 84 of drain port 52 to first end 104 of adapter 100. In contrast, second end 106 of adapter 100 is smaller than first end 104 and thus is sized to fit within proximal end 62 of drain tube 62 that is smaller than transition tube 108.
In one embodiment, ports 50 and 52 can be the same size and lines 56 and 62 can be the same size. In this embodiment, the same assembly as discussed above that is used to fluid couple drain line 62 to drain port 52 can be used to fluid couple delivery line 56 to fill port 50. In an alternative embodiment, fill port 50 can be smaller than drain port 52. In this embodiment, delivery line 56 can fluid couple directly to fill port 50. It is also appreciated that drain line 62 can be sized to fluid couple directly to drain port 52. Further disclosure with regard to diptube connector 90 and adapter 100 is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,574, issued Jul. 11, 2000, which is incorporated herein by specific reference.
In the embodiment depicted in
Specifically, container assembly 110 comprises a container 112. Container 112 includes body 14 having fill port 50 and two circulation ports 114 and 116 mounted on first end portion 40 of front panel 32. A drain port 118 is mounted on bottom portion 42 of front panel 32. Proximal end 58 of delivery line 56 is fluid coupled with fill port 50 while distal end 60 of delivery line 56 is coupled with a filter 120. Filter 120 can be coupled with delivery line 56 at the initial manufacturing stage. The entire container assembly 110, including filter 120, line 60 and container 112, can then be simultaneously sterilized. Filter 120 thus prevents any unwanted contaminates from entering chamber 18.
Container assembly 110 further comprises a circulation line 122 having a first end 124 fluid coupled with port 114 and a second end 126 fluid coupled with port 116. A pump 128 is coupled with circulation line 122. Pump 128 functions to draw fluid a located at the bottom of container 112 up through dip tube 74, through circulation line 122 and then back into the top of container 112 though port 116. The operation of pump 128 thus functions to mix or circulate the fluid within container so that the fluid becomes and/or remains homogenous. Although any type of pump can be used, in one embodiment pump 128 comprises a peristaltic pump. Because the peristaltic pump does not directly contact the fluid, the peristaltic pump can be repeatedly used for different batches or fluids without cleaning or risk of contamination.
Container assembly 110 further includes a drain line 130 having a proximal end 132 fluid coupled with drain port 118 and an opposing distal end 134 that terminates at a distal tip 136. Distal tip 136 is also sealed within a bag 70.
It is appreciated that the various features of container assembles 10 and 110 can be mixed and matched and that still other alternative features and designs can be incorporated therein. For example, it is appreciated that delivery line 56 can also be coupled with a dip tube 74 extending into container 12. The use of this second dip tube can be used to help minimizing aeration or foaming of the fluid as the fluid is delivered to container 12. In like manner, second end 126 of circulation line 122 can also have a dip tube 74 extending therefrom. In each case, a separate dip tube anchor assembly 140, discussed below, can be mounted on the lower end of each dip tube.
In still other embodiments, it is appreciated that delivery line 56 can be eliminated from container assembly 10. In this embodiment, drain line 62 can be used to both deliver fluid into container 12 and remove fluid from container 12. It is further appreciated that the various dip tubes and anchor assembly 140 can also be used for delivering one or more gases to container 12 such as in sparging. For example, air or oxygen can be passed down through the dip tube and out anchor assembly 140 so that the air or oxygen can oxygenate the fluid within container 12.
In both container assemblies 10 and 110, second end 78 of dip tube 74 is coupled with a dip tube anchor assembly 140. As depicted in
It is appreciated that well 142 can come in a variety different sizes and shapes and can be comprised of a variety of different components. For example, in the embodiment depicted in
Mounting flange 152 encircles and radially outwardly projects from exterior surface 170 at first end 162 of stem 158. Mounting flange 152 has a front face 172 and an opposing back face 174. It is appreciated that mounting flange 152 can have a variety of different sizes and configurations. Furthermore, as opposed to radially, outwardly projecting in a single plane, it is also appreciated that flange 152 can be sloped so as to form a frustoconical configuration.
As also illustrated in
Here it is noted that because stem 158 projects outside of container 12, as opposed to into container 12, conventional automated manufacturing techniques can be used weld mounting flange 152 to container 12. This increases manufacturing and eliminates the need for using adhesives. Alternatively, however, adhesives can still be used to secure mounting flange 152 to container 12.
Returning to
As depicted in
In the embodiment depicted in
Turning to
Returning to
Base 208 of anchor 144 has an exterior surface 226 extending between a first end 228 and a second end 230. Spout 206 upwardly projects from first end 228 of base 208. Spout 206 has an outer diameter that is small than the outer diameter of base 208. As such, a shoulder 236 is formed therebetween. A second shoulder 238 centrally encircles base 208. Encircling and radially outwardly projecting from second end 230 of base 208 is a retention lip 232. A socket 234 is formed within base 208 and is accessed through second end 230.
As depicted in
To complete the assembly, second end 78 of dip tube 74 is coupled with anchor 144 by being advanced over first end 202 of spout 206 until dip tube 74 engages against retainer 222. It is appreciated that spout 206 can project up into chamber 18 as shown in
The attachment of dip tube 74 to anchor 144 can be accomplished either before or after anchor 144 is received within stem 158. For example, second 78 of dip tube 74 can be connected to anchor 144 outside of container 12. First end 76 of diptube 74 can then be advanced up though stem 158 until anchor 144 is received within stem 158. Alternatively, second end 78 of dip tube 74 can be advanced down from drain port 52 to well 142. Second end 78 can then be connected to anchor 144 either before or after anchor 144 is received within stem 158.
In the assembled configuration shown in
The fluid which exits through dip tube 74 must pass from chamber 18 to second port opening 218 by passing through the area between interior surface 188 of stem 158 and the exterior surface of anchor 144. As such, this area should be designed to accommodate the desired flow rate for dip tube 74. That is, the area should be large enough so that the flow rate passing through the area and reaching second port opening 218 can at least match the desired flow rate for dip tube 74. Furthermore, in some embodiments, large particles may be present in the fluid. As such, the opening between interior surface 188 of stem 158 and the exterior surface of anchor 144 should be sufficiently large to allow the particles to pass through the opening and reach second port opening 218. The size of this opening can be varied by changing the size of stem 158 and/or spout 206.
In addition to optimizing the removal of fluid from container 12, dip tube anchor assembly 140 has the additional benefit of that it can be incorporated or retrofitted into existing bag designs. That is, port 154 of anchor assembly 140 is a standard port found on the floor of different bottom drain bags. In bottom drain bags, the port is traditionally coupled with a drain line such as depicted in
It is appreciated that the dip tube anchor assembly can have a variety of other configurations. For example, depicted in
An anchor 262 has a first end 266 and an opposing second end 268. First port opening 216 is formed at first end 266 while second port opening 218 transversely extends through second end 268. Fluid passageway 220 extends between port openings 216 and 218. In this embodiment, anchor 262 is integrally formed with plug 258 so that anchor 262 is secured to well 264. Alternatively, anchor 262 can be connected to plug 258 or spaced part retainers can be formed projecting from anchor 262 so as to bias against stem 158, thereby preventing anchor 262 from completely passing through port 154. It is also noted in this embodiment that a supplemental second port opening 218′ is formed on anchor 262. It is appreciated that the various port openings can come in any desired size, shape or number.
It is again noted that well 264 which bounds compartment 190 extends below bottom end wall 28 of container 12. Likewise, second port opening 218 is disposed within compartment 190 below bottom end wall 28 of container 12. Second end 78 of dip tube 74 is fluid coupled with first end 266 of anchor 262 such that fluid can be drawn out of chamber 18 by passing through compartment 190, second port opening 218, fluid passageway 220 and dip tube 74. Although generally less preferred, it is also appreciated that second port opening 218 can be positioned outside of compartment 190 above bottom end wall 28. For example, this design may be used when it is desired to secure dip tube 74 but not remove the very bottom layer of fluid which may comprise unwanted sediment or other materials.
Depicted in
Anchor assembly 270 further comprises a dish 278. Dish 278 comprises a floor 280, a side wall 282 upwardly projecting from floor 280, and a second clamping flange 284 outwardly projecting from side wall 282. Clamping flanges 276 and 284 are removably secured together by a clamp 286 with a gasket 288 disposed between flanges 276 and 284. Port 272 and dish 278 combine to form a well 290 that bounds compartment 190. In one alternative, side wall 282 can be eliminated so that dish 278 is flat.
An anchor 294 is attached to or is integrally formed with floor 280 so as to upwardly project therefrom. First port opening 216 is formed at the upper end of anchor 294 while second port opening 218 transversely extends through the bottom end of anchor 294 adjacent to floor 280. Fluid passageway 220 extends between port openings 216 and 218. Second end 78 of dip tube 74 is fluid coupled with the upper end of anchor 294. Again, compartment 190 is disposed below bottom end wall 28 and second port opening 218 is disposed within compartment 190 below bottom end wall 28.
Depicted in
An anchor 308 is attached to or is integrally formed with floor 304 so as to upwardly project therefrom. First port opening 216 is formed at the upper end of anchor 308 while second port opening 218 transversely extends through the bottom end of anchor 308 adjacent to floor 304. Fluid passageway 220 extends between port openings 216 and 218. The upper end of anchor 308 is configured to be secured in fluid communication with second end 78 of dip tube 74. If desired, a barb or other engaging feature can be formed at the upper end of anchor 308 to help secure this coupling. Again, compartment 190 is disposed below bottom end wall 28 and second port opening 218 is disposed within compartment 190 below bottom end wall 28.
Depicted in
In alternative embodiments, it is appreciated that clip 324 can be replaced with a variety of alternative structures for securing anchor 318 to well 302. Likewise, anchor 318 can be integrally formed with well 302 or secured thereto such as by welding, adhesive or the like.
Because container 12 is generally flexible, container 12 is typically disposed within a rigid or semi-rigid support housing during use. For example, depicted in
It is generally desirable that when container 12 is received within compartment 336, container 12 is uniformly supported by floor 332 and side wall 334 of support housing 330. Having at least generally uniform support of container 12 by support housing 330 helps to preclude failure of container 12 by hydraulic forces applied to container 12 when filled with a fluid.
Extending through floor 332 is an opening 338. Floor 332 is configured such that when bottom end wall 28 of container 12 is disposed on floor 332, the well, such as well 142 or the other wells disclosed herein, projects down through opening 338 on floor 332. As result, the well is able to project below bottom end wall 28 of container 12 so that the well remains a low point on container 12. Furthermore, positioning the well within opening 338 prevents the well from producing any unwanted stress on container 12.
It is appreciated that support housing 330 can come in a variety of different sizes, shaped and configuration to accommodate different containers. Further disclosure with regard to support housing 330 and alternative support housings which can be used in association with container 12 and the various dip tube anchors disclosed herein are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/810,156, filed Mar. 26, 2004, which application is incorporated herein by specific reference.
It is also appreciated that other conventional support housings that are used in association with bags or containers having a bottom drain line can also be used in association with container assembly 10 of the present invention. Alternatively, in contrast to having an opening formed on the floor of a support housing through which the well projects, a support housing can be custom build having a closed recess formed on the floor thereof which receives the well. In one embodiment, it is also noted that the floor of the support housing can be sloped so as to assist in directing all fluid toward the well. For example, the floor could be frustoconical.
In contrast to using container assembly 12 within a support housing having an opening or recess formed on the floor thereof to receive the dip tube anchor assembly, conventional support housings having a solid floor without an opening or recess can be used. For example, depicted in
It is appreciated that anchor support 350 can have a variety of different configurations. For example, bottom wall 352 and top wall 354 need not be circular but could have a polygonal, irregular or any other desired configuration. Likewise side wall 356 can be oriented at a variety of different angles and can be concave, convex, or have an irregular flow. Furthermore, passage 358 can be modified to form a closed end socket. As will become more apparent from the below discussion, anchor support 350 merely needs to provide a stable platform for the dip tube anchor assembly and should not have any sharp points or edges that could potentially damage container 12.
In one embodiment, anchor support 350 is made from a compressible polymeric foam such as polyethylene foam. One specific type of foam is F-ETHA polyethylene foam 1.7 PCF. In alternative embodiments, anchor support 350 can be comprised of rigid or flexible materials such as plastics, metals, composites or other materials.
Turning to
Anchor support 350 functions to vertically support dip tube anchor assembly 140 so that it does not tip. Anchor support 350 is also designed to provide generally uniform support to the portion of container 12 that extends over anchor support 350. By making anchor support 350 out of a compressible foam, dip tube anchor assembly 140 can be easily secured within passage 358 by forming a tight friction fit with anchor support 350. This enables anchor support 350 to be secured to dip tube anchor assembly 140 while container is freely disposed outside of support housing 364. Once anchor support 350 is connected, container 12 can be lowed down into compartment 336 of support housing 364 until anchor support 350 comes to rest on floor 362. In alternative embodiments, it is appreciated that anchor support 350 can be integrally formed as part of dip tube anchor assembly 140 or that other fastening techniques such as mechanical fasteners, press fitting, welding, adhesives or the like can be used to secure dip tube anchor assembly 140 to anchor support 350.
In yet other embodiments, such as where support housing 364 has a side access that can be selectively opened and closed, dip tube anchor assembly 140 can be received within passage 358 of anchor support 350 after container 12 is received within support housing 364. In this embodiment, dip tube anchor assembly 140 can be freely disposed within passage 358 of anchor support 350 so that there is no fixed connection between dip tube anchor assembly 140 and anchor support 350. It is also appreciated that anchor support 350 can be connected to or integrally formed with floor 362 of support housing 364.
Anchor support 350 can be used in any situation where container 12 and dip tube anchor assembly 140 are used. That is, dip tube anchor assembly 140 still works in substantially the same way as discussed above even when anchor support 350 is used. Specifically, the fluid within chamber 18 of container 12 passes through second port 118 of anchor 144 and then travels out through dip tube 74.
Anchor support 350, however, is particularly useful where the support housing does not have an opening or recess formed on the floor thereof to receive dip tube anchor assembly 140. Anchor support 350 also has unique advantages when it is used with a container 12 that is not configured to vent. For example, container 12 can be configured so that no gases or fluids are allowed into container 12 while fluid is being drawn out of container 12. As a result, a vacuum produced within container 12 causes container 12, particularly when in the form of a flexible bag, to radially inwardly constrict or collapse as fluid is drawn out of container 12. This radial constriction begins at the top of container 12 and continues down toward the bottom of container 12 as the fluid level within container 12 drops.
Turning to
To prevent vertical collapse of container 12 within support housing 364, various structures can be used to secure or maintain top end wall 26 of container 12 (
As previously discussed, anchor support 350 enables the use of container 12, dip tube anchor assembly 140 and the other dip tube anchor assemblies disclosed herein to be used with conventional support housings that do not have an opening or recess formed on the floor thereof. As such, container assembly 10 be used with existing inventors of such support housings without modifications. In some cases, such as where the fluid being handled is hazardous, it is desired that support housings be used which do not have an opening on the floor thereof in case there is a leak in container 12.
In one embodiment of the present invention means are provided for forming a compartment that extends below bottom end wall 28 of container 12 and communicates with chamber 18 of container 12. Examples of such means include the various well configurations as depicted in
One embodiment of the present invention also provides means for securing end 78 of dip tube 74 to a well so that dip tube 74 can draw in fluid located in the compartment of the well at a location below at least a portion of the interior surface of bottom end wall 28 of container 12. Examples of such means includes the various anchors as depicted in
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
