Abstract: A bladeless mixer for mixing a liquid, includes a cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped receptacle having an axis A and a radius R, the radius R being the shortest distance between the axis A and a side wall of the receptacle, the liquid to be mixed being placed in the receptacle and having an exposed surface at a height H measured along axis A; a member for tilting the receptacle such that axis A forms a non-zero-degree angle of up to 30° relative to the vertical direction; a member for imparting a rotational movement to the receptacle along axis A at an angular speed of rotation ?; wherein the aspect ratio H/R of the height H to the radius R and the angular speed of rotation ? are selected such that an inherent mode of inertia of the liquid has an unstable resonance when the receptacle is tilted and rotates.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a combination of an automation system that continuously tracks the identity and positions of all of its pucks with a single sample identification station and covers/interlocks in order to provide sample chain of custody without the need to re-identify the sample at points of interaction (aspiration, de-capping, etc.). This eliminates the need to have sample identification stations at each interaction point. This reduction of hardware allows the system to be cheaper, smaller, and more reliable. It also allows not only the automation system, but also existing pre-analytical/analytical equipment connected to the automation system, to run more efficiently.

Abstract: A method (10) utilizes first, second, and third image data originating from first, second, and third digital image frames, respectively, captured sequentially in time of a sample volume containing a fluid possibly comprising moving microscopic objects while illuminating the sample volume by coherent light, each image data comprising, for a moving microscopic object of foreign object present in the sample volume, a hologram pattern (11); and comprises automatically generating first differential image data comprising the difference of the first and the second image data, (13a); automatically generating second differential image data comprising the difference of the second and the third image data (13b); automatically generating product of difference (POD) image data comprising the product of the first and the second differential image data, (14); and automatically detecting the presence of moving microscopic object(s) in the sample volume on the basis of product pattern(s) present in the POD image data (17).

Abstract: A mixer for mixing a fluid and for dispensing the fluid into another container is disclosed. The mixer includes a first container configured to receive and hold a fluid, a stand including a base portion and an upright portion, and a bracket configured to receive and support the first container. The upright portion of the stand extends vertically up from the base portion. The bracket includes two structural members connected by at least one cross bar. The bracket is rotatably attached to the stand via an axle to allow the first container to rotate relative to the stand.

Abstract: A system for positioning a rotatable vessel includes a rotatable vessel having a target block fixed thereto. A protrusion that is configured to mate with the target block is coupled to a slide plate and moveable relative to the slide plate toward the target block. The slide plate is slidably adjustable relative to a fixed base plate. The precise rotational position of the vessel can be controlled by fixing the slide plate relative to the base plate, such that when the slide plate is locked to the base plate, extension of the protrusion into engagement with the target block will rotationally position the vessel. When the protrusion and the target block are engaged, the vessel and the slide plate are linked, and the position of the slide plate may be adjusted relative to the base plate to set an adjusted desired position of the vessel.

Abstract: A system for positioning a rotatable vessel includes a rotatable vessel having a target block fixed thereto. A protrusion that is configured to mate with the target block is coupled to a slide plate and moveable relative to the slide plate toward the target block. The slide plate is slidably adjustable relative to a fixed base plate. The precise rotational position of the vessel can be controlled by fixing the slide plate relative to the base plate, such that when the slide plate is locked to the base plate, extension of the protrusion into engagement with the target block will rotationally position the vessel. When the protrusion and the target block are engaged, the vessel and the slide plate are linked, and the position of the slide plate may be adjusted relative to the base plate to set an adjusted desired position of the vessel.

Abstract: A mixing device for operating biological, chemical or biochemical materials used in an assay includes a mixing member formed with a plurality of chambers, each having a sealable port provided along an edge of the mixing member. The mixing device also includes one or more compartments that are movable along the edge of the mixing member between selected ones of the sealed chambers. This compartment is operable to receive materials from and transfer materials between the chambers. Selected ones of the chambers include associated processing elements, for example, including heating and cooling elements, magnetic elements, membranes and lateral flow devices. The mixing device is also pivotable, for example, to facilitate the application of gravity force in the transfer of materials between the chambers and one or more compartments. The mixing device may operate manually by hand-held unit. Also, this mixing device may operate automatically with at least one driving unit.

Abstract: A reagent manager for a diagnostic analyzer system includes a reagent manager housing, a high-speed reagent bottle spinning device, a processor, and a memory. The reagent manager housing is for housing reagent bottles. The high-speed reagent bottle spinning device is disposed within the reagent manager housing for spinning at least one of the reagent bottles. The processor is in electronic communication with the high-speed reagent bottle spinning device. The memory is in electronic communication with the processor. The memory includes programming code for execution by the processor. The programming code is configured to spin the high-speed reagent bottle spinning device to spin the at least one reagent bottle to remove microparticles from a bottom surface of a septum of the at least one reagent bottle.

Abstract: A reagent manager for a diagnostic analyzer system includes a reagent manager housing, a high-speed reagent bottle spinning device, a processor, and a memory. The reagent manager housing is for housing reagent bottles. The high-speed reagent bottle spinning device is disposed within the reagent manager housing for spinning at least one of the reagent bottles. The processor is in electronic communication with the high-speed reagent bottle spinning device. The memory is in electronic communication with the processor. The memory includes programming code for execution by the processor. The programming code is configured to spin the high-speed reagent bottle spinning device to spin the at least one reagent bottle to remove microparticles from a bottom surface of a septum of the at least one reagent bottle.

Abstract: Creation of surgical slush having desirable mechanical properties by chilling a closed slush container with liquid saline and an air gap. The closed slush container having interior surfaces that are smooth and hydrophobic to resist adherence of ice crystals. Moving the closed slush container so the contents move in a complex set of motions rather than constant rotation around a longitudinal centerline of the slush container as the liquid saline is converted into surgical slush with a mixture of liquid saline and ice crystals. Interior surfaces of the closed slush container move into and out of an air gap to help shed any ice crystals forming on the interior surfaces. In some instances, as the orientation of the closed slush container relative to gravity changes over time, different interior surfaces shed the ice crystals. An optional method for delivering surgical slush to the sterile field is included. The full range of the disclosure exceeds the scope of this brief abstract.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein relate to fabricating and using open microfluidic networks according to methods, systems, and devices that can be used in applications ranging from home-testing, diagnosis, and research laboratories. Open microfluidic networks allow the input, handling, and extraction of fluids or components of the fluid into or out of the open microfluidic network. Fluids can be inserted into an open microfluidic channel by using open sections of the open microfluidic network. Passive valves can be created in the microfluidic network, allowing the creation of logic circuits and conditional flow and volume valves. The fluid can be presented via the microfluidic network to diagnostic and analysis components. Fluids and components of the fluid can be extracted from the open microfluidic network via functional open sections that are easily interfaced with other microfluidic networks or common laboratory tools.

Abstract: A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drum mixer wherein a drum containing a mixable product and rotatably mounted on a frame and a drive for rotating the drum about the axis of rotation thereof, wherein the mixer is provided with an extraction line which receives the mixable product from the drum by the extracting opening thereof through the front filling opening of the drum. The aim of the invention is to provide an advantageous structural design. For this purpose, the invention provides for a support connected to the frame to which the extraction line, which is projected in the mixable product of the drum is fixed, preferably rigidly, in such a way that forces are removed at least partially.

Abstract: A press-to-operate stirring container includes a container, a fixing base, a rotating device, an actuation member, and an elastic body. The rotating device is mounted in the fixing base and includes a rotor having a unidirectional rotation driving member coupled to the container so that the container is driven by the rotor to rotate unidirectionally. The actuation member is arranged vertical in the fixing base and is depressible for driving the rotating device. The elastic body helps position returning of the actuation member. As such, a user is allowed to easily control the container to rotate through a pressing-down operation so as to apply effects of stirring and reducing temperature of the substance (such as liquid) received and held in the container. Further, the actuation member can readily keep the container continuously rotating thereby achieving convenient and effective control of stirring speed of the container.

Abstract: A mixing unit and various applications of the mixing unit are described herein. The mixing unit includes: a stacked member in which three or more mixing elements are stacked; and a first plate and a second plate between which the stacked member is sandwiched and which are arranged opposite each other. In the mixing unit, the mixing elements have a plurality of first through holes, the second plate has an opening portion communicating with at least one of the first through holes in the mixing elements and the mixing elements are arranged such that part or all of the first through holes in one of the mixing elements communicate with other first through holes in the adjacent mixing element to allow fluid to be passed in a direction in which the mixing elements extend.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming particles from a liquid, including a rotor assembly having at least one surface sized and shaped so as to define at least one capillary. Each capillary has an inner region adjacent an axis of rotation of the rotor assembly, an outer region distal from the axis of rotation, and an edge adjacent the outer region. The rotor assembly is configured to be rotated at an angular velocity selected such that when the liquid is received in the inner region of the at least one capillary, the liquid will move from the inner region to the outer region, adopt an unsaturated condition on the at least one surface such that the liquid flows as a film along the at least one surface and does not continuously span the capillary, and, upon reaching the edge, separates from the at least one surface to form at least one particle.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser and a method for using the fluid dispenser with a syringe barrel holding a fluid including a distribution of composite materials. The fluid dispenser includes a dispensing valve operable to dispense the fluid and a coupling for fluidly connecting the syringe barrel to the dispensing valve. The fluid dispenser also includes a support frame for rotatably supporting the syringe barrel and a motorized drive unit configured to rotate the syringe barrel. The syringe barrel rotates via the motorized drive unit to distribute the composite materials uniformly within the fluid for dispensing the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for microfluidic mixing in a “lab-on-a-chip” environment. The methodology focuses on constant acceleration and deceleration about a mean angular speed with a rotating disk serving as the mixing platform. The methodology results in good mixing between different fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus for production of a fuel cell catalyst layer forming a catalyst layer by a catalyst paste, the apparatus including a device for removal of water to obtain a polyelectrolyte solution by reducing, to a predetermined value or less, the concentration of water in a pre-solution in which a polyelectrolyte having a side chain including a hydrophilic functional group is dissolved in a solvent; and an agitator means for obtaining the catalyst paste by mixing a pre-paste obtained by mixing a catalyst with water and the polyelectrolyte solution.

Abstract: Mixing drum (3) for a blast furnace including a body and adapted to accommodate Materials (1) for mixing, said drum having suitable lining system, said lining system including liners of polyurethane with ceramic blocks impregnated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing device, comprising a vessel for receiving material for mixing, which can be rotated abut a vessel axis and has a discharge opening disposed in the base thereof, a mixing tool disposed in the interior of the vessel, and a closure lid for closing the discharge opening, where the vessel base and/or the closure lid are provided with a wear-resistant lining on the side facing the interior of the vessel. In order to provide a mixing device having a wear-resistant lining which is less prone to wear, and in the event of wear can be replaced more easily and above all more cost-effectively, according to the invention the wear-resistant lining consists of a main lining part and a wear element, wherein the wear element is disposed closer to the vessel axis than the main lining part.

Abstract: Mixer systems with pivoting mixer bowl arrangements are provided.

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 for making, storing, and transporting frozen confections includes a first housing member. A second housing member fits within such first housing member. A mixing member is engageable within such second housing member for mixing predetermined ingredients. A first lid member having an aperture disposed therethrough for receiving a first predetermined end of such mixing member releasably covers such second housing. A motor, connectable to at least one of such first housing member, such second housing member, such first lid member, such mixing member, and a combination thereof, enables at least one of such second housing member and such mixing member to rotate such that such predetermined ingredients are mixed. A securing mechanism secures such motor member to such apparatus. A power source is operably connected to such motor.

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: 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 churn for processing food products, comprising a rotating drum with an opening for loading and unloading the products, further comprising a hatch provided with elements for detachable coupling to the opening of the drum and comprising ports adapted to allow the outflow of water deposited on the bottom of the drum, elements being provided which are adapted to arrange themselves selectively in a position for opening and closing the ports.

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 multi-dimensional rotary mixer includes a stand, a frame mounted to the stand, and a mixing vessel mounted to the frame. The frame is rotatable around a first axis of rotation and the mixing vessel is rotatable around a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation being substantially orthogonal to the first axis of rotation. The mixer also includes a first drive motor coupled to the frame to rotate the frame about the first axis of rotation and a second drive motor mounted to the frame and coupled to the mixing vessel to rotate the mixing vessel about the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A mixing and degassing apparatus includes: a supporting member 14; a rotating base 16 supported on the supporting member so as to be rotatable on a first rotational axis Y1; a first rotating mechanism 18 for rotating the rotating base on the first rotational axis; a container 20 which is fixed to a peripheral portion of the rotating base and which is rotatable with the rotating base around the first rotational axis; a shearing stress applying member 40 having a shearing stress applying portion 40a which is arranged in the vicinity of a maximum centrifugal force applying region on the inner wall surface of the container and which is rotatable on a second rotational axis Y2; and a second rotating mechanism 46 for rotating the shearing stress applying portion of the shearing stress applying member on the second rotational axis to apply a shearing stress to a material to be treated in the container, wherein if the rotating base rotates on its own axis to revolve the container, the shearing stress applying portion

Abstract: A metering and dispensing closure for a container wherein two rotatable disks rotate in conjunction with a stationary cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The disks and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.

Abstract: An in-shell-scrambled-egg is disclosed. The scrambled egg is comprised of a natural poultry natural egg wherein the nested layers of the egg are scrambled and the shell of the egg is unbroken. In addition an in-shell egg scrambler is also disclosed and comprises of a rotation unit operatively connected to an egg retention portion designed adapted to rotate the egg retention portion such that an egg retained therein is scrambled without breaking the shell thereof. The egg rotation can be controlled by a controller and a sensor can recognize that the egg is scrambled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining various components of a multi-component material. Generally, a component of a whole blood sample may be concentrated from a patient and re-introduced to the same patient. For example, a clotting component, such as thrombin, from a whole blood sample may be extracted and concentrated in an apparatus and collection to be reapplied or reintroduced into a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a chemical analysis apparatus which easily agitates and warms up. A chemical analysis apparatus has a motor, a retaining disc which can be rotated by the motor, a plurality of inspection cartridges which are arranged on the retaining disc, a punching machine for punching the inspection cartridges, a warming apparatus and a detection apparatus. The inspection cartridge includes a container formed by a concave portion and a base plate having a flow path. A cover covering the container and the flow path is installed to the base plate. A liquid solution is moved to the container in an outer peripheral side with respect to a rotation axis from the container in an inner peripheral side with respect to the rotation axis via the flow path, by utilizing a centrifugal force generated on the basis of the rotation of the retaining disc.

Abstract: A rotatable vessel includes a rotary member secured to a vessel body and drivable to rotate the vessel about a central axis. The rotary member may be supported by a bearing at a dissolution test apparatus at which the vessel is mounted. The dissolution test apparatus may include a drive system coupled to the rotary member for driving the rotation of the vessel at a desired speed or according to a desired speed profile. The rotation of the vessel agitates media contained in the vessel, thus eliminating the need for a stirring element operating within the vessel.

Abstract: A churn for processing food products, comprising a rotating drum with an opening for loading and unloading the products, further comprising a hatch provided with elements for detachable coupling to the opening of the drum and comprising ports adapted to allow the outflow of water deposited on the bottom of the drum, elements being provided which are adapted to arrange themselves selectively in a position for opening and closing the ports.

Abstract: A pourable cooking receptacle construction (10) that includes an open framework member (20) having a base (21) and a pair of support arms (24) wherein, each support arm is provided with a mounting post (40) and a cooking pot member (30) having a pair of cylindrical collar members (50) connected on opposite sides of the cooking pot member (30) by axle elements (51) wherein, the collar members (50) are further provided with locking levers (54) that engage the mounting posts (40) so that the cooking pot member (30) can be raised and lowered relative to the mounting posts (40) and pivoted about the axle elements (51).

Abstract: Provided is a method of mixing fluids including introducing at least two kinds of fluids to a chamber of a substrate including a microchannel structure; and alternately rotating the substrate clockwise and counter-clockwise until the at least two kinds of fluids are mixed, wherein the rotation is changed from one direction to the opposite direction before a vortex created in the mixing chamber by the one direction rotation disappears.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of producing a gel negative electrode for an alkaline battery for preparing a gel negative electrode in which a zinc powder, a gelling agent and an electrolyte are disposed uniformly, by means of an agitator comprising a cylindrical agitation container disposed so that the center axis X of the cylinder is parallel to the horizontal direction, the agitation container is rotated around the center axis X and the left and right portions of the agitation container are swung around an axis Y, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the agitation container, thereby agitating and mixing the alkaline electrolyte and the dry mixture.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a conduit. The apparatus also includes two or more flexible compartments. Each of the two or more flexible compartments has an interior wall defining a storage area configured to house a substance. Each of the two or more flexible compartments includes a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal ends of the two or more flexible compartments are coupled to the conduit such that the conduit defines a passageway between the two or more flexible compartments. A diameter of the storage area at the proximal end is less than a diameter of the storage area at the distal end.

Abstract: A dual bowl ice cream maker and method for selectively driving one or two mixing bowls, each mixing bowl in a separate mixing compartment, without requiring manipulation of either mixing bowl.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a device with a simple structure which can uniformly mix bulk materials. A device comprises a rotary shaft 6 to be rotated by a driving means 3, a container outer shell 7 fixed to the rotary shaft 6 to tilt relative to the rotary shaft 6, and an inner shell 9 fixed inside the container outer shell 7. Bulk materials are put into a receiving space 13 formed between the container outer shell and the inner shell and are then agitated and mixed.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing asphalt in the field is described. The apparatus includes a motor for rotatively driving a chamber containing the asphalt to be tested. The chamber is rotated while cooler, ambient air is circulated through the asphalt particulate. After cooling the particles of the asphalt, the asphalt particles are separated by tumbling action.

Abstract: Aiming to eliminate the need to use an external stir in most hot beverage cups, the present invention of a rotating cup mechanism includes: an outer cup, an inner cup and an outer cup base driving module while the inner cup is normally inset in the outer cup and interlocked with the driving module where the driving module leads to a push button exposed on the side. When the push button is repeatedly pressed, the driving module moves its gear wheel to start relative rotating motion between the outer and inner cups, generating liquid flows in the cup to achieve a more equilibrium mix of the liquid content. A secondary purpose of the present invention is the provision of a detachable inner cup that is can be easily removed for cleaning and then reassembled.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention particularly provides microsystem platforms for achieving efficient mixing of one or a plurality of fluids on the surface of the platform when fluid flow is motivated by centripetal force produce by rotation.

Abstract: An improved waste treatment chamber which comprises a first substantially, cylindrically shaped chamber portion, a first tapered end portion and a second tapered end portion, the cylindrical body and first and second end portions further comprising a plurality of components which may be transported individually and assembled to one another via bolting or the like so as to define an enclosed treatment chamber therewith, the assembled chamber mountable on bearings for rotation during the treatment process. Further, there is provided an improved container opening for placing waste therein or removing waste therefrom, which further comprises a rotatable locking system so that when the lid is in the open position, the lid is rotated and locked in place along the wall of the chamber to provide the necessary opening to avoid the lid from being loosely connected to the chamber during disposal of the waste therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.

Abstract: A drum cooker for cooking granular products comprises a vessel mounted to rotate about an axis. At least two nozzle groups are provided opening into said vessel. One of said nozzle groups is arranged in that it opens into a first area of said vessel covered by that granular product. A second nozzle group opens into a second area of said vessel not covered by said granular product. For enhancing the quality of the cooking process, a control means is provided for supplying said gaseous heat-carrying medium at any time to said nozzle group only that opens into that first area covered by said product.