Abstract: A method and an automated system for testing liquid samples comprising a reaction vessel transferring device are presented. A first analytical unit for running a first diagnostic test comprises a rotatable first vessel holder detachably holding reaction vessels. A second analytical unit for running a second diagnostic test comprises a stationary linear second vessel holder detachably holding reaction vessels. The transferring device comprises a gripper for gripping a reaction vessel and transfers reaction vessels from the first vessel holder to the second vessel holder and/or vice versa. The device is translatable parallel to the second vessel holder and the gripper moves along a curved path between a picking position and a reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for swirling wine within a wine glass or a decanter, or for moving a liquid within a container. A driver is mounted to move a driving element with respect to a housing. A base for holding or removably attaching the glass, the decanter or the container, is moveably mounted with respect to the housing. A receiver and a connector are moveably mounted with respect to each other and with respect to the housing. When the driver moves the base, the base and thus the container follow a path defined by movement of the connector with respect to the receiver. When the glass, the decanter or the other container is mounted with respect to the base, the base moves the glass, the decanter or the container to impart a swirling motion of wine or another liquid within the glass, the decanter or the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to affect the heat transfer of a container is provided for rapidly heating or cooling the contents of a container through convective heat transfer. The apparatus includes a cylindrical sleeve which positively engages a distal end of a container, said sleeve including a can clip or bottle clip. The cylindrical sleeve is connected to a first end of a shaft having two ends, while the second end of the shaft may be connected to a rotating device. The rotating device is operated thus rotating the shaft, the cylindrical sleeve, and the container about the horizontal axis while the container is being exposed to the heating or cooling source. The cylindrical sleeve is capable of holding varying sizes of containers.

Abstract: A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating cells utilizing wave motion comprising a container, a retaining member configured to retain the container, a drive assembly for swiveling the container with respect to the substantially horizontal pivot axis and to swivel, such that during swiveling the pivot axis follows a cyclical closed-loop path.

Abstract: This document describes an advanced laboratory platform rocker. An electronic circuit controls the rotation of the shaft of a motor. The shaft is coupled to the platform, such that the angular position of the platform is controllable, as a function of time, enabling non-periodic and non-steady motion. The rotation of the platform can be used to perform other functions, such as initiating the dispensing of liquid into a tray on the platform, and dispersing of liquid from a tray on the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for mixing the contents of one or more fluid containers includes a fluid container support platform configured to hold one or more fluid containers. The fluid container support platform is configured to index the container to one or more specified locations and to be moved in an orbital path about an orbital center independently of the rotation about the central axis of rotation. The apparatus further includes an indexing drive system configured to effect indexing movement of the container support platform and a vortex drive system configured to effect powered orbital movement of the container support platform about the orbital center. An evaporation limiting insert placed within containers reduces exposure of the fluid contents of the container to atmospheric air, thereby reducing susceptibility of the fluid contents to evaporation.

Abstract: An appliance for rapidly vibrating test tubes containing samples to be ground up, the appliance comprising an electric motor (12) for driving rotation of a disk (16) that is provided with an eccentric pin (17), the appliance being characterized in that the test tubes (23) are perpendicular to the eccentric pin and are held by a clamp (21) mounted on a support (20) that is substantially parallel to the eccentric pin, being connected to a fixed baseplate via a Cardan type hinge (15) having two mutually perpendicular axes of rotation (X and Y), one of which axes (Y) is substantially parallel to the eccentric pin (17) and connects the support (20) to the other axis (X) of the hinge (15) that prevents the support (20) from moving in rotation about a perpendicular axis (Z). The support (20) is connected to the eccentric pin (17) by a link (19).

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixing device for mixing, in particular, contents of laboratory vessels. The mixing device has a receiving device for receiving mixtures, a drive for setting the receiving device in a mixing movement relative to a chassis in which the receiving device moves on a closed path, and a bearing for guiding the receiving device in the mixing movement. The bearing has at least two supports, each with two bearing areas spaced apart from each other and having at least substantially no translatory and at least two rotational degrees of freedom. One bearing area bears the support at the chassis, and the other bearing area bears the receiving device at the support. The bearing has a guidance device, which guides the rotation of the receiving device relative to the chassis during the mixing movement.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing device has structures in which a storage container housing a material is supported such as to rotate freely by a revolving body with a rotating shaft therebetween, and that applies revolution force and rotation force of the storage container to the material by rotating the storage container while revolving the storage container. Rotating shafts and are supported by the revolving body such as to intersect a revolving body center line of the revolving body.

Abstract: A stirring device according to an aspect is provided with a holder which holds a specimen container accommodating a specimen in an upright position and a rotation mechanism section configured to rotate the specimen container, thereby stirring the specimen therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor driven in an oscillatory-rotary manner about its fixed, preferably vertical, axis, for preferably biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. By means of its process-intensifying properties for mixing, suspension, gaseous material transport, heat transfer, irradiation and particle retention, the applicability on the industrial scale is ensured. The reactor which succeeds without a shaft seal permits particularly robust production with respect to sterile technique with avoidance of cleaning and cleaning validation required when the reactor is constructed as a single-use reactor.

Abstract: A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.

Abstract: A sample stirring device of the present invention includes a driving roller and two follower rollers for coming into contact with a sample container including a cylindrical portion for containing a sample to be stirred. The driving roller is driven for rotation to stir the sample contained in the sample container. The two follower rollers have rotation axes inclined with respect to an axial direction of the cylindrical portion. This arrangement allows the sample container such as a blood collection tube to be rotated stably.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for mixing a heterogeneous solution containing at least two different liquids and, optionally, at least one solid entity, so as to obtain a homogeneous solution, the process comprising the following steps: a) all or part of the heterogeneous solution is placed in at least one vessel having a longitudinal axis; b) the vessel is positioned on a support driven about a rotation axis, the longitudinal axis being inclined to the rotation axis; and c) the support is made to undergo a movement so as to subject the solution contained in the vessel to successive accelerations and decelerations of sinusoidal intensity, thereby stirring said heterogeneous solution, which becomes homogeneous. The invention also relates to a device for implementing the above process. A preferential application of said invention is in the field of medical diagnostics.

Abstract: A test vessel agitator assembly that agitates test vessels and the contents therein within an immunoassay automated analyzer system. The test vessels are transported along an element that is comprised of ridges and troughs such that the test vessel is moved in a directions that is approximately perpendicular to the direction of transportation.

Abstract: A method according to Claim 25, wherein essentially homogeneous material mixtures are achieved or maintained in these liquid containers.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with testing of inhalers used for medicament delivery. Such devices are often intended to be first shaken by a user to prepare them, and then fired by operation of some mechanical mechanism. In order to automate testing, the invention provides a shake device having a carriage 14 for receiving and releasably mounting one or more inhalers. The carriage is mounted upon a guideway for linear movement upon it. A linear motor 26 is operatively coupled to the carriage to reciprocally drive it to shake the mounted inhaler(s). A system embodying the invention may further comprise a fire device having a movable firing member 54, 56 for engaging with an inhaler mounted in the carriage and actuating its firing mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for agitating pouched products traveling along a conveyor belt to facilitate heat transfer, blending, mixing and/or stirring of the contents thereof. An agitation station is located along the conveyor belt, and includes an agitator secured to one end of an arm, the arm being pivotally secured to the frame supporting the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A salad mixing apparatus includes a first bowl having an inner surface, an interior area, and a plurality of mixing ribs in the first bowl interior area and at least one partition configured for removable attachment to the mixing ribs to form a plurality of compartments. The apparatus includes a lid extending across the partitions whereby the inner surface, the at least one partition, and the lid selectively enclose the plurality of compartments. A second bowl having an interior area is configured for selective attachment to the first bowl whereby the first bowl interior area and the second bowl interior area collectively form a unitary interior area when the at least one partition is separated from the mixing ribs and the second bowl is attached to the first bowl.

Abstract: A system and method for agitating pouched products traveling along a conveyor belt to facilitate heat transfer, blending, mixing and/or stirring of the contents thereof. An agitation station is located along the conveyor belt, and includes an agitator secured to one end of an arm, the arm being pivotally secured to the frame supporting the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A mixing bowl-tilt system for a horizontal mixer includes a multi-stage gear reduction unit having an input and an output, wherein the input is connected to be rotated by a motor and the output is operatively connected to rotate a mixing bowl. Rotation of the input results in rotation of the mixing bowl. The multi-stage gear reduction unit is non-back driving and self locking and includes a first stage reduction and a second stage reduction.

Abstract: A device for biochip hybridization or washing is provided, which comprises a carousel (12), a translational movement controller, a revolving movement controller, and optionally a heating chamber (13). The revolving movement controller controls the revolving movement of the carousel and allows it to move in a wobbling fashion, allowing liquid movement of the hybridization or washing boxes (11) during hybridization and/or washing of biochips on the carousel. The translational movement controller brings the carousel back to horizontal position once the revolving movement controller stops, thereby ensures that the liquid do not spill out. The heating chamber circulates hot air within the device, thereby ensures that the hybridization and washing in a thermostatic condition.

Abstract: A shaker is disclosed which is driven by a motor through a swing mechanism so as to swing a wine bottle, for example, drink within the bottle such as wine. The shaker comprises a base, a container, and a bottle seat disposed at a bottom in the container for receiving a bottle body, characterized in that the drink shaker further comprises a swing mechanism disposed in the base and driven by the motor through a conversion mechanism, and the swing mechanism is capable of driving the bottle seat to swing rightward and leftward in a plane or in different planes.

Abstract: An agitation/deaeration apparatus is provided which causes a container containing a viscous to-be-kneaded object to be rotated and revolved simultaneously, to agitate and deaerate the to-be-kneaded object, wherein piping (wiring) connecting the container and an external device is prevented from twisting even when the container rotates.

Abstract: A device consisting of a low-RPM motor wherein the motor spins a flat disk, a peg is attached to the disk, a stationary spring armature wherein the peg can activate the stationary spring armature as the disk rotates, and a tube containing beads in a fluid positioned in a top plate wherein the spring armature can contact the tube. This device can further include a soft closed-cell foam top mounted on the top plate wherein the tube is inserted and maintained by the foam in such a way as to allow for slight motion of the tube induced by the contact by the spring armature.

Abstract: A holder and system for mixing a volume of material within a closed container in a mixing machine. Holders and systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may permit mixing of fluids in containers that are otherwise ill-suited for conventional mixing machines. The holder may include a receptacle or bucket into which a first insert or adapter is placed to receive and hold one end of the closed container. A second insert may also be inserted into the bucket to receive and hold a second end of the closed container. The bucket may include a tapered inner sidewall surface and one or both adapters may include side surfaces that generally conform to the sidewall surface.

Abstract: An agitating device for agitating a blood sample in a sample container is disclosed. The agitating device includes a base comprising a horizontally-supported shaft, a container holder including a first hand and a second hand, the first hand having a first hole at one end and a first hold portion at other end, the second hand having a second hole at one end and a second hold portion at other end, the first and second holes through which the shaft is inserted, the first and second hands being rotatable relative to the shaft and the first and second hold portions faced each other, and an agitation drive unit including a contact member for contacting the container holder and a drive source for reciprocating the contact member contacting the container holder between a lower position and an upper position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing saline slush for surgical applications. Producing surgical saline slush in a slush bottle that is a rigid or semi-rigid, high integrity, sturdy container that resists punctures and leaks to better maintain a sterile barrier and does not rely on having an external object placed in the fluid to mix the slush. Slush is agitated by rotating the slush bottle within a slush bottle carriage around an axis of rotation. Agitation of the slush may be increased by including an agitation feature such as at least one fin in one or more sidewalls of the slush bottle. The rotating slush bottle is chilled. One variation is to keep the sterile saline in a flexible container and tumble the flexible container in a rotating slush bottle. Other variations are suggested.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.

Abstract: A salad mixing apparatus includes a first bowl having an inner surface, an interior area, and a plurality of mixing ribs in the first bowl interior area and at least one partition configured for removable attachment to the mixing ribs to form a plurality of compartments. The apparatus includes a lid extending across the partitions whereby the inner surface, the at least one partition, and the lid selectively enclose the plurality of compartments. A second bowl having an interior area is configured for selective attachment to the first bowl whereby the first bowl interior area and the second bowl interior area collectively form a unitary interior area when the at least one partition is separated from the mixing ribs and the second bowl is attached to the first bowl.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for mixing paint disposed in either a conventional one gallon paint container or a square paint container having a body with a handle passage extending therethrough. The apparatus includes a square bucket for holding the container. A rocker is pivotably mounted to a side wall of the bucket and includes a pair of heads aligned over a pair of openings in the side wall. A floor of the bucket has a plurality of support structures extending upwardly therefrom. When the conventional one gallon paint container is disposed in the bucket, the container rests on the floor, the vertical axis of the container is offset from the central axis of the bucket, and both heads of the rocker are disposed against the container inside the bucket.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: The agitation machine is installed either independently or in a conveyor line to shake, vibrate, oscillate, and/or agitate a container or containers in order to compact and settle the contents thereof. The machine includes at least one (and preferably two) elongate rotating bar or rod of non-circular cross section, or of eccentric circular cross section. The bars extend beneath the containers in the direction of their travel across or through the machine, with rotation of the bars resulting in the shaking or oscillating of the containers and resulting settling and compaction of the contents of the containers. The rotating oscillator bars may be adjusted so that their high edges are either in phase or out of phase with one another, respectively producing an alternating lifting and lowering action or a rocking action of the container resting thereon. The rotational speed of the bars may be adjusted as desired, as well.

Abstract: A cocktail shaker uses a motor to cause a container to be shaken. The shaker includes a following member coupled to a following device that is engaged in a directional mechanism, such as a slot or rod. The directional mechanism defines the path and angle of the motion imparted to the container. The throw is defined by the mechanism that transforms rotational motion of a motor to a shaking motion of the container. A mechanism for transforming rotational motion to a shaking motion may include a rotational member and an attachment member pivotally coupled to the rotational member on one end and coupled to the device holding the container on the other end. A combination of throw, path, and motor speed are capable of providing a mechanism for shaking the container that is similar to shaking the container by hand. For example, the motor speed and duration of shaking may be continuously variable or discretely selectable, which may be selected by the user.

Abstract: A vortex mixer and method for forming an emulsion wherein the mixer is adapted to form an emulsion with a desired droplet size and having a desired volume. The vortex mixer provides improved uniformity in emulsion preparation and may be used to create multiple emulsions simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods and mechanisms for shaking containers are disclosed. The shaking motion can be made to vary in a dynamic fashion so that the different components within the container are not made to separate, as if subjected to the processing of a centrifuge. Such dynamic motion can appear to be random. A cantilevered base plate or other type of based place can be coupled to a base. A motor can be coupled to the base plate and configured to rotate a generally vertical shaft. A cam or other type of wheel can be coupled to the shaft and configured to eccentrically rotate about the shaft, wherein the wheel is configured to rotate within a bearing. A container base is coupled to the bearing such that the container base is configured to translate or otherwise move is general accordance with the eccentric rotation of the cam. The container base can be configured to tilt based at least in part on the translation of the container base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaking incubator with at least one specimen storage device comprising several superposed specimen storage spaces. A shaking unit comprising a specimen storage position, a shaking platform and a base unit is arranged in at least one specimen storage space. The invention makes it possible to shake different specimens, located in the same specimen storage device, individually and independently of each other under incubator conditions.

Abstract: A vortexer that includes a base, a plurality of electromagnets mounted in the base, a holder having a body formed, at least in part, of magnetic material pivotably supported on the base and spaced above the electromagnets, a power source and a device in communication with the electromagnets and the power source for selectively activating and deactivating each electromagnet with power from the power source, whereupon the holder pivotably moves toward at least one of the electromagnets when activated.

Abstract: A orbital shaker for cell extraction includes a digestion chamber and structure for translating the digestion chamber. Structure is also provided for rotating the digestion chamber. A method of performing cell extraction is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mixing a fluid dispersion disposed in a container having either a cylindrical or a square shape.

Abstract: A test vessel agitator assembly that agitates test vessels and the contents therein within an immunoassay automated analyzer system. The test vessels are transported along an element that is comprised of ridges and troughs such that the test vessel is moved in a directions that is approximately perpendicular to the direction of transportation.

Abstract: A holder for mixing a container of paint is disclosed. The system comprising a body having a cover and a base. The system also comprises an aperture in the cover of the body. The system also comprises a cavity in the body and accessible through the aperture and configured to receive the container. The density of the body corresponds to the density of the container of paint. A system for holding and mixing a container of paint having a lid secured to a first body is also disclosed. A system for holding and mixing a first container of paint having a first volume and a second container of paint having a second volume less than the first volume is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically determining which of at least two forces to apply to a paint container in a mixing apparatus that is capable of clamping various sized paint containers. A clamp motor drives a clamping apparatus toward a paint container and a current rise signals engagement of the clamp with the container, whereupon a selection is made from a predetermined set of forces to apply to the container based on the time of energization and voltage applied to the clamp motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically extracting biological components from multiple distinct samples including a rotor supporting pendulous tubes and means for modifying the angular position of the tubes in a radial plane of the rotor independently of centrifugal force to cause a rocking movement of the tubes.

Abstract: a method for separating particulate matter from a fluid, using apparatus which includes a container and cover, a filter assembly positioned in a housing atop the cover and suitable for collecting particulate matter in the fluid on a collection surface, and a dispersing element fixed relative to the cover. The cover has a portion that is fixed in a first position and freely rotatable in a second position. The specimen is placed in the container, and a mixer apparatus rotates the container in relation to the cover to disperse the particulate matter throughout the fluid. Upon deactivation of the mixer apparatus, a fluid sample including dispersed particulate matter is drawn through the filter assembly to capture a substantially uniform layer of particulate matter on the collection surface. The housing is then opened to expose the layer of particulate matter, which is then transferred to a microscope slide.

Abstract: An insert for a container includes an outer wall, a upstanding spout, and a bottom wall. The outer wall is configured to fit within an opening of the container and defines the periphery of the insert. The outer wall has a lower edge and an upper edge that is disposed at a first elevation. The upstanding spout is located within the outer wall and includes at least one substantially straight portion. The straight portion has a lower edge as well as a substantially straight upper edge that is disposed at a second elevation less than the first elevation. The bottom wall connects the lower edge of the outer wall and the lower edge of the spout to form a channel between the outer wall and the spout.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaking incubator with at least one specimen storage device comprising several superposed specimen storage spaces. A shaking unit comprising a specimen storage position, a shaking platform and a base unit is arranged in at least one specimen storage space. The invention makes it possible to shake different specimens, located in the same specimen storage device, individually and independently of each other under incubator conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting on-line the homogeneity and constituent concentration of pharmaceutical compositions comprising a rotatable mixer, a plurality of spectroscopic detection means disposed on the mixer, and at least one control means for controlling the plurality of spectroscopic detection means.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mixing a fluid dispersion disposed in a container having either a cylindrical or a square shape.