Sensor probe seal

摘要

A sealing system is provided for preventing leakage of a fluid from a fluid-containing chamber when a sensor probe for measuring fluid conditions within the chamber is inserted into the chamber. The sealing system has at least one port in fluid communication with the fluid-containing chamber. The port has a stem projecting outwardly from the chamber, a tapered flange, and a stem passageway in fluid communication with the chamber interior. A probe seal which is adapted to attach to the stem forms a seal between the port and the sensor probe and prevents fluid in the processing chamber from leaking past the probe seal. The probe seal has spaced-apart inner and outer skirts. The inner skirt forms a seal passageway which is in fluid communication with the chamber, and an inner end disposed to enter the stem passageway when the probe seal is attached to the stem. The inner skirt has a seal member disposed near the inner end for sealably compressing against the probe sensor and the stem passageway to form a leak-tight seal in response to insertion of the sensor probe into the seal passageway. The inner and outer skirt also form a skirt channel adapted to receive the tapered flange of the stem when the inner skirt is inserted into the stem passageway.

主权项

1. A biological processing system comprising:
a chamber having an interior for receiving and processing fluids; a sensor assembly having a sensor probe for measuring conditions in the chamber; at least one port disposed on the chamber for receiving the sensor probe and permitting the sensor probe to access the chamber interior, wherein the port comprises a stem projecting outwardly from the chamber, and the stem comprises a tapered flange and an interior wall forming a stem passageway disposed between interior and outer openings and in fluid communication with the chamber interior; a probe seal for forming a seal between the port and the sensor probe and preventing fluid in the chamber from leaking past the probe seal, wherein the probe seal comprises spaced-apart inner and outer skirts, the inner skirt having a wall forming a seal passageway for receiving the sensor probe and permitting the sensor probe to enter the chamber interior when the probe seal is attached to the stem; wherein the inner skirt has a seal member for sealably compressing against the probe sensor and the stem passageway to form a leak-tight seal; and wherein the inner and outer skirt form a skirt channel adapted to receive the tapered flange of the stem when the inner skirt is inserted into the stem passageway.