Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing fluids are described. In various aspects, a fluid processing system may include a magnetic assembly that includes a plurality of magnetic structures configured to generate a magnetic field gradient within a fluid container. The magnetic structures may be formed as a plurality of electromagnets configured to be individually actuated by a controller. Each of the electromagnets may generate a magnetic field within the fluid container. The electromagnets may be differentially actuated to create a magnetic field gradient within the fluid container to agitate, mix, or otherwise influence magnetic particles disposed within the fluid container. Activation of the electromagnets of an electromagnetic structure may generate a magnetic field gradient that influences magnetic particles in an x-y direction.

Abstract: A method of enhancing penetration of a topical composition of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into tissue for photodynamic therapy includes topically applying ALA to a treatment area to be treated with photodynamic therapy. The method further includes, after the ALA is applied to the treatment area, covering the treatment area with a low density polyethylene barrier. The treatment area is covered with the low density polyethylene barrier prior to light treatment to minimize transepidermal water loss from the treatment area.

Abstract: A method of enhancing penetration of a topical composition of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into tissue for photodynamic therapy includes topically applying ALA to a treatment area to be treated with photodynamic therapy. The method further includes, after the ALA is applied to the treatment area, covering the treatment area with a low density polyethylene barrier. The treatment area is covered with the low density polyethylene barrier prior to light treatment to minimize transepidermal water loss from the treatment area.

Abstract: A mixing agitator, for industrial use in mixing processes, that overcomes disadvantages associated with glass coated mixing agitators in the prior art. In particular, the mixing agitator includes a glass coated metal hub radially symmetrical about a central axis. The hub is at least partially embedded within a fluorinated polymer. The fluorinated polymer extends beyond the hub and forms agitator blades that may be reinforced. The hub has a centrally located receiving portion for receiving a drive shaft for rotating the agitator. The agitator is lighter weight than prior art glass coated steel agitators yet still has excellent chemical resistance and good temperature resistance. The agitator of the invention reduces likelihood of glass damage and permits agitator blade shapes not useable by glass coated agitators in the prior art. The invention also includes a mixing apparatus incorporating the hub and a method for mixing using the agitator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing system, in particular a bioreactor and/or a pallet tank, for mixing a fluid and/or solid, having a container (4), wherein the fluid and/or the solid and a rotatable stirring element (3) for mixing the fluid and/or the solid are arranged in the interior of the container (4). The mixing system furthermore has a mixing device (1) for receiving the container (4) and a drive device (2) for driving the stirring element (3). The drive device (2) comprises a stator (20) of a three-phase machine (10; 11), the stirring element (3) comprises a rotor (30) of the three-phase machine (10; 11), and the rotor (30) has at least one permanent magnet (31; 31?) and/or at least one short circuit rotor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an apparatus and methods for a precise, fast and easy to use manipulation of beads. This method is particularly useful to carry out separation between the beads and the remaining supernants present in the fluid, maximizing the collection and purification efficiencies in tips for liquid handling.

Abstract: Magnetic stir bar having at least one permanent magnet to spin the magnetic stir bar when the magnetic stir bar is subjected to a rotating magnetic field. The magnetic stir bar has a chamber to store a product within the magnetic stir bar. The magnetic stir bar has a closed configuration in which the chamber is closed and an open configuration in which the chamber is open. The magnetic stir bar automatically reconfigures itself from the closed configuration to the open configuration when said magnetic stir bar is spun at or above a threshold rotational speed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to equipment utilized to manufacture chemical agents, particularly biopharmaceuticals, using Disposable Containers (DCs).

Abstract: A mixing device with a stirring element includes a container (3) for receiving fluids and/or solids, at least one rotatable stirring element (100) for mixing the fluids and/or solids, at least one bearing element for the support of the stirring element (100). The stirring element (100) has at least one non-permanently magnetized element (118) so that the stirring element (100) can be put in a rotational movement by externally induced reluctance forces. A drive device having at least two pair of coils (208) through which current flows also is provided. A mixing device system includes the mixing device and the drive device. A method also is provided for driving a stirring element in a mixing device.

Abstract: A magnetic spinner device using an impeller system to disperse heat and stir contents there-above is disclosed herein. A motor turning the impeller is offset from a center line extending vertically through the device. The impeller, however, is centered with fan blades pushing air downwards as heat rises from a heat source placed there-below, such as between legs which support the impeller and bowl of the device, the bowl being used to hold a flask and/or substances to be heated. In this manner, the electric parts (the motor) and spared the brunt of the heat by being off-center while the heat rises upwards. The simplification of parts leaves less points of potential failure compared to the prior art as does the movement of electric parts away from being above a heat source.

Abstract: A cooking assistive device comprises a portable housing configured to be disposed on or proximate a food item. The device includes a plurality of sensors situated within the housing, a dispenser, and a utensil holder. The device has a memory storing computer-readable instructions, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to: (a) obtain a wireless input from a mobile device; (b) access data stored in a remote database; (c) obtain a reading from at least one of the plurality of sensors; and (d) cause the dispenser to dispense a substance in response to the reading.

Abstract: A magnetic mixing device designed to mix fluid in a reaction chamber and remove air bubbles if present. The device comprises a holder with embedded magnets, which causes movement of a stir bar within the reaction chamber. The holder may be moved by an electric linear actuator configured to generate linear motion or an electric motor configured to generate a circular motion. When orientated so the stir bar moves vertically within the reaction chamber, the stir bar disrupts any air bubbles trapped within or below the fluid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for magnetic mixing. Particular embodiments relate to applying a magnetic field to move a magnetically responsive component in a chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system for pretreatment of sample and a method for controlling the same. The system for pretreatment of sample, including: a holder storage unit having a module holder on which a sample pretreatment module is seated; a cartridge accommodating portion for loading a cartridge therein, wherein the sample accommodated in a chamber of the sample pretreatment module is discharged and loaded into the cartridge; a magnetic force generating unit for generating a magnetic force to rotate the permanent magnet provided in the sample pretreatment module; and a penetration and discharge unit for penetrating the penetration membrane in the sample pretreatment module and discharging the sample by pressing the moving unit of the cap.

Abstract: A stirrer (2) for a stirrer vessel (20), which stirrer (2) comprises a stirrer head (1), a drive unit (4) and a magnetic coupling (3), wherein the magnetic coupling (3) has drive magnets (5) connected to the drive unit (4) and stirrer head magnets (6) connected to the stirrer head (1), wherein the stirrer head (1) has stirrer blades (7) and a bearing assembly (8) and wherein the stirrer blades (7) are connected to the stirrer head magnets (6) and the bearing assembly (8), wherein the bearing assembly (8) rotatably supports the stirrer head (1) and the bearing assembly (8) comprises a first rotational bearing (9), wherein the bearing assembly (8) comprises a second rotational bearing (10), which is arranged spaced apart from the first rotational bearing (9) in the stirrer head (1).

Abstract: A method for assembling a mixer-container intended for receiving a biopharmaceutical fluid includes providing a container with a mixing device including at least one shaft having an adjustable length, and at least one first bearing attached to a wall of the container, the shaft extending at least into the inner space from the first bearing; a rigid outer device that compresses the container; and a drive motor located outside the container, the first bearing of the container is placed so as to be spaced apart from the motor, and the length of the shaft is adjusted along the main axis by arranging the shaft opposite the motor to enable the motor to rotate the shaft.

Abstract: A frame delimits an inside space and includes a peripherally closed side wall and two transverse openings or one transverse opening and a transverse end wall. It is capable of allowing the airtight engagement of the open free edge of a side wall in film form of a receptacle that is at least partially deformable. It is specially designed for the creation of a 3D container. The frame is also able to act as a support for at least one functional port or attachment port of a functional element. Its axial size is adequate for delimiting a space of a size that is at least equal to the axial dimension of the functional element, so that the latter can be completely housed within the inside space.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically aerating drinking products, particularly wine, suitable home, business and/or industrial use is described herein. The system of the present invention is specifically designed for aerating wine for human consumption and includes a multipurpose stirring, storing and serving vessel having a removable magnetic stirring impeller coupled thereto and a programmable magnetic stir plate adapted for use therewith.

Abstract: A magnetophoresis system for separation of biological particles for the purpose of analysis. A magnetic field is used to separate magnetically functionalized particles from a larger sample. Once separated, an analytic instrument analyzes the separated particles. Embodiments of the system analyze cells of interest using a microscope.

Abstract: A magnetic base for a sample plate of a sample processing system is provided comprising a first plate comprising a first top surface; a bottom surface; and a sample plate mounting cavity wall mounted to the first top surface, wherein the first plate and the sample plate mounting cavity wall define a sample plate mounting cavity configured to accommodate a sample plate of a sample processing system. The magnetic base further comprises a second plate extending parallel to the first plate, the second plate comprising a second top surface; and a magnet mounting cavity wall extending between the bottom surface of the first plate and the second top surface of the second plate, wherein the first plate, the second plate, and the magnet mounting cavity wall define a magnet mounting cavity configured to accommodate a free floating magnet.

Abstract: A mixing impeller has first and second subassemblies. A magnet is accommodated in the first subassembly and is adapted to be magnetically coupled to a drive device to be driven. The second subassembly has at least one impeller blade for mixing components when rotating the mixing impeller. The first and second subassemblies are formed as separate entities which are selectively engageable. A method of manufacturing the first subassembly and a method of assembling the mixing impeller also are provided.

Abstract: A linear reciprocating actuator for mixing, agitating, separation, continuous sampling and/or harvesting or filtration, gas mixing, and various other applications. The actuator may have a housing closed on one end, and attached to a vessel in a hermetically-sealed manner such that it is part of the fluidic envelope of the vessel. An agitation device may be attached to a shaft which is partially surrounded by the housing, or the agitation device may surround the housing where the housing protrudes into the vessel. The actuator enables agitation of the contents of a hermetically-sealed vessel without mechanical coupling from outside the fluidic envelope of the process. The agitation device is solely acted upon by a magnetic field, is contained entirely within the fluidic envelope of the process, and is not attached to the vessel in any way. The magnetic flux which drives the agitation device passes through the housing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a homogenization device for cell suspensions, comprising a first rotating magnet; a shaft on which a propeller mixer is attached which rotates around the longitudinal axis of the shaft and is movable in lateral direction of the axis of the shaft; the propeller mixer being provided with at least two propeller blades of which at least one is provided with a second magnet; wherein the propeller mixer is rotated by magnetic interaction of the second magnet with the first rotating magnet.

Abstract: A device for stirring a liquid or a granular material comprising a stirring agitator, a rotating drive shaft for rotating the stirring agitator, a rotating drive shaft for rotating the stirring agitator, a stationary axle extending in an essentially vertical direction about which the stirring agitator is adapted to rotate, and a transfer arrangement for contactless transfer of rotation of the drive shaft to the stirring agitator. The device has a center axis around which the stirring agitator and the drive shaft are adapted to rotate, and means for generating a magnetic force exerting an upwardly directed force component on the stirring agitator. The means for generating a magnetic force comprises a first element arranged in a stirring agitator and a second element associated with the stationary axle. At least one of the first element and the second element comprises a permanent magnet.

Abstract: A disposable container, such as a deformable bag, for a fluid, having one or more inlets and one or more outlets and an impeller assembly within the container to cause mixing, dispersing, homogenizing and/or circulation of one or more ingredients contained or added to the container. The region within the container that can contain liquid is funnel shaped, which allows very low fluid level mixing, dispensing while mixing, and a reduction or elimination of vortex formation.

Abstract: A breath test simulator includes a jar holding an ethyl alcohol/water solution. A heated metal top housing on the top of the jar supports a baffle plate extending over the solution. Ethyl alcohol/water vapor is flowed from the solution into a headspace between the baffle plate and the top housing. A rotary fan in the headspace circulates vapor in the headspace and moves the vapor against the housing to heat the vapor. The heated vapor is circulated and heats the jar to speed warm up of the simulator and assure the headspace vapor is maintained at a desired temperature prior to discharge to a breath test instrument to be calibrated.

Abstract: A fluidic dispensing device includes a housing having an exterior wall and a chamber. The exterior wall has a chip mounting surface defining a first plane and has an opening. The chamber has a port coupled in fluid communication with the opening. An ejection chip is mounted to the chip mounting surface and is oriented along the first plane, and is in fluid communication with the opening. The ejection chip has a fluid ejection direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first plane. A stir bar is located in the chamber, and has a rotational axis. The rotational axis of the stir bar is oriented in an angular range of perpendicular, plus or minus 45 degrees, relative to the fluid ejection direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the creation and dispensing of a custom formulation within a package at a retail point of sale. In one aspect, the invention includes an automated dispensing apparatus including at least a two-axis robot arm. In another aspect, the invention includes an automated mixer adapted to mix the dispensed custom formulation within the package.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms described herein facilitate adaptive fuzzy fallback stratified sampling. According to various embodiments, an actual or estimated minimum vertex cover of a feature dependency graph representing a dataset may be determined. The dataset may include a plurality of feature vectors and a plurality of features. Each feature vector may include a plurality of feature values that correspond with the features. The feature dependency graph may represent a plurality of conditional dependencies between the features. The minimum vertex cover may designate a subset of the features for strata selection. The feature vectors may be partitioned into a plurality of strata based on the designated subset of features. Each stratum may include one or more of the feature vectors. Each feature vector may be assigned to a corresponding stratum based on the values of the designated subset of features for the feature vector.

Abstract: Particulate matter is dispersed in a fluid material. A sample including a first material in a fluid state and second material comprising particulate matter are placed into a chamber. The second material is spatially dispersed in the first material utilizing EMAT force. The dispersion process continues until spatial distribution of the second material enables the sample to meet a specified criterion. The chamber and/or the sample is electrically conductive. The EMAT force is generated by placing the chamber coaxially within an induction coil driven by an applied alternating current and placing the chamber and induction coil coaxially within a high field magnetic. The EMAT force is coupled to the sample without physical contact to the sample or to the chamber, by another physical object. Batch and continuous processing are utilized. The chamber may be folded within the bore of the magnet. Acoustic force frequency and/or temperature may be controlled.

Abstract: Photobioreactors according to embodiments of the present invention deliver nutrient gas intermittently to the photobioreactor media. In some embodiments, one or more gases are delivered according to a duty cycle or timing pattern. According to some embodiments, algae is grown in a photobioreactor using intermittent introduction of carbon dioxide. In other embodiments, carbon dioxide is supplied to algae grown in a photobioreactor in whole or in part from a head space above the media of the photobioreactor.

Abstract: A vessel receives and agitates a fluid using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device. In one aspect, the vessel is a bag including a first receiver for receiving and holding a fluid-agitating element at a home location. The first receiver may be in the form of an inwardly-projecting post having an oversized portion for capturing the fluid-agitating element, but various other forms are disclosed. Use of this feature in completely rigid vessels where the fluid-agitating element is free of direct attachment from a first receiver having an oversized portion is also disclosed. In another aspect, the vessel or bag further includes a second receiver for receiving a portion of an external structure, such as a motive device, and aligning the vessel relative thereto.

Abstract: A mixing container includes a flexible container, mixing elements and an upper bearing having a rigid flange. The flange is provided with an insertion passage that fluidically communicates with the inside space on one end and with the outside of the container on the other end. The flange is fixed in a rigid and sealing manner to the upper part of the wall of the container around an insertion opening, the insertion passage and the insertion opening communicating fluidically. The flange also supports, on the inside thereof, an upper bearing that is arranged inside, adjacent to the insertion passage, without preventing the fluidic communication between the insertion passage and the insertion opening. The mixing container is used to receive a biopharmaceutical content to be mixed.

Abstract: A mixing system has a container with flexible walls (1), a fluid-tight drive space (6) and a mixing device. The container with flexible walls (1) has at least one head plate (5). The fluid-tight drive space (6) is outside of the container interior (2), and is enclosed by the head plate (5) and a cap (7) attached to the head plate (5). The mixing device has a stirrer shaft (3), onto which stirrer elements (4, 4?) are attached. The stirrer shaft (3) is guided from the container interior (2) through an opening in the head plate (5) and the section of the stirrer shaft (3) in the drive space (6) is guided by bearings (9, 10). A seal (8) is fit into the opening of the head plate, and encloses the stirrer shaft (3) and seals the container interior (2) from the drive space (6).

Abstract: A device for stirring a liquid or a granular material comprising a stirring agitator, a rotating drive shaft for rotating the stirring agitator, a rotating drive shaft for rotating the stirring agitator, a stationary axle extending in an essentially vertical direction about which the stirring agitator is adapted to rotate, and a transfer arrangement for contactless transfer of rotation of the drive shaft to the stirring agitator. The device has a centre axis around which the stirring agitator and the drive shaft are adapted to rotate, and means for generating a magnetic force exerting an upwardly directed force component on the stirring agitator. The means for generating a magnetic force comprises a first element arranged in a stirring agitator and a second element associated with the stationary axle. At least one of the first element and the second element comprises a permanent magnet.

Abstract: A machine for the homogenization and thermal treatment of liquid and semi-liquid food products, for example ice creams, whipped cream, creams, chocolate, yogurt and the like, comprises a containment tank for the mixture and a centrifugal pump put in fluid communication with the bottom of the containment tank for drawing mixture from the tank and putting it back into the tank, heating and cooling means acting at the pump for heating and cooling the mixture in transit in the pump. The heating and cooling means comprise a thermal machine with reversible thermodynamic cycle and using carbon dioxide as refrigerant.

Abstract: A mixing process and system can include a plurality of magnetic particles within a fluid such as a liquid or solid to be mixed. The fluid to be mixed is dispensed within a mixing zone that may include a mixing tube. Two or more opposing electromagnets are independently activated out of sync to affect a travel path of the magnetic particles to form a turbulence within the fluid to provide an effective mixing of the fluid. The magnetic particles may be removed from the fluid, for example by filtering, or may remain within the fluid.

Abstract: A device (1) that is used to disperse or homogenize according to the flow-through principle, that includes at least one tool having a rotor (2) and a stator (3), expediently, several tools of this type that are arranged in an axial manner behind one another, that are arranged in a chamber (4) through which a medium that is to be treated flows. The rotor(s) is/are driven by a motor (6) via a magnetic coupling (5) and the magnetic coupling (5) has a stationary separating can (9) between a drive-sided, rotationally-driven drive coupling part (7) and a driven coupling part (8), such that expensive cooled shaft seals can be avoided. The drive coupling part (7) that is on the drive side engages in a recess-shaped or hollow cylindrical driven coupling part (8) that is on the driven side and the separating can (9) is arranged between the coupling parts. As a result, the driven coupling part (8) and the separating can are cooled by the medium that is processed.

Abstract: A system for mixing a formation fluid sample obtained in a downhole sampling chamber. The system includes a mixing element disposed in the downhole sampling chamber. A support stand is operable to receive the downhole sampling chamber. A magnetic field generator is operably associated with the downhole sampling chamber such that when the magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field, the mixing element moves through the formation fluid sample responsive to the magnetic field, thereby mixing the formation fluid sample.

Abstract: A fluid mixing assembly comprising a fluid agitating element adapted to reciprocate within a fluid between a first position and a second position. The fluid agitating element having an internally disposed magnetic member adapted to couple with an external drive device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved magnetic mixing assemblies and mixing system. The magnetic mixing assemblies can provide improved mixing action, ease of use, and low friction. The mixing assemblies can be adapted for use with a wide variety of containers including narrower neck containers and flexible containers.

Abstract: Problem: A mixing device is provided which can solve problems resulting from friction between a vessel and a stirrer, which can generate a circulatory flow even below the stirrer, and which allows a desired number of stirrers to be arranged at desired positions. A discharge device provided with the mixing device, and a discharge method are also provided. Solution: The mixing device includes a stirrer incorporating a magnet, a stirrer holding mechanism that specifies a position of the stirrer by exerting a magnetic force on the stirrer from the lateral side, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the stirrer holding mechanism, wherein the rotation mechanism rotates the stirrer holding mechanism, thereby rotating the stirrer. The discharge device includes the mixing device, and the discharge method is carried out using the discharge device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mixing of a solution and reagents for various reactions and/or testing having a closed cartridge reaction well, a magnetically responsive bead within the well having a chemically inert coating. A heat source then heats the contents to a target temperature while oscillating magnetic fields move the bead within the well in order to mix the contents and make the contents of the reaction well homogeneous.

Abstract: Provided herein is a magnetic agitator, comprising a magnet, a body having a central axis; and a plurality of spines, each spine having a shaft and a termination, wherein the shaft smoothly transitions from the body; wherein the body and spines are adapted to enhance mixing when the agitator is stirred in a vessel.

Abstract: A cup device for heating, stirring and foaming liquid foods comprises a cup, a cup lid, a handle, a stirrer, a motor drive disk, a plurality of magnets, an electric motor, a hot plate, a boil dry thermostat, a thermostat, a micro switch, a transformer, a controller, a heating base, a button, a button circuit board, connecting wires and bolts. The controller controls the work of the hot plate and the stirrer to input air into liquid foods, and therefore producing a lot of foams. The cup can be separated from the heating base, which enables it to be cleaned by a dishwasher. The stirrer turns along with the electric motor by magnetic attraction. The stirrer of removed cup will not naturally get off. The heating base only supplies power when the cup is put on it and it automatically cuts off power supply when the cup is removed.

Abstract: A magnetic beverage dispenser and mixer apparatus including a container and a magnetic motor to drive a stir bar in the container. The stir bar is rotated by an external magnetic drive motor to stir the liquid in the container. The container includes a bottom base which may have a mechanical retainer that retains the magnetic stir bar in the base in an operative rotating position relative to the motor to provide stirring access of the stir bar to liquid in the container. The container can have a spigot for dispensing the liquid. The base portion can be shaped to effect/enhance the mixing/tornado action of the liquid. A controller can control the motor using information from the user and/or information concerning properties/conditions of the fluid and/or the stir bar detected by sensors.

Abstract: A device for manipulating and mixing magnetic particles (3) in a surrounding liquid medium, comprises at least one couple of magnetic poles (1,1?) facing each other across a gap, the facing poles diverging from a narrow end of the gap to a large end of the gap, the poles (1,1?) forming part of an electromagnetic circuit and being arranged to provide a magnetic field gradient in the gap region; and a reaction chamber (2) that is a part of a fluidic network for containing the said magnetic particles in suspension and placed in the gap of the said electromagnets poles (1,1?). The reaction chamber (2) preferably has at least one part which has a diverging cavity, arranged co-divergently in the diverging gap between the poles.

Abstract: A method and system for magnetic actuated mixing which use magnetic particles and magnetic field to facilitate the mixing for preparing latex emulsion. In embodiments, a suitable process includes dissolving a resin in an organic solvent, optionally adding a surfactant, adding a neutralization agent and water, adding magnetic particles, and subjecting the mixture to a magnetic actuated mixing to form a latex emulsion. In embodiments, the latex emulsion thus produced may be utilized to form a toner.

Abstract: A method and system for magnetic actuated mixing which use magnetic particles and electromagnetic field to facilitate the mixing. The method and system use magnetic particles and a generated electromagnetic field to facilitate the milling as well. The method and system can be used in any application that requires the preparation of small-sized particles at either the micro or nano scale, including for example, preparing toners, inks, wax, pigment dispersions and the like.

Abstract: A method for preparing a pigment dispersion includes a) adding a pigment, a surfactant, and a solvent into a vessel, b) adding magnetic particles into the vessel; and c) applying a varying magnetic field to move the magnetic particles to mill down pigment particle size. A system for preparing a pigment dispersion includes a) a vessel for holding a solution comprising pigment particles, a surfactant and a solvent, b) magnetic particles added to the solution, c) a source for applying a varying magnetic field to move the magnetic particles to mill down pigment particle size, and d) a collector for collecting the magnetic particles for re-using at a later time.