Abstract: A solar drying tunnel having a low-profile and which is transportable includes a bottom portion, a frame, a cover, and externally controlled rolling mechanism for turning grain over. The tunnel may also include a fan at one end and a chimney at another end to provide enhanced air flow.

Abstract: A disposable beverage cup, comprising: a wall, in a form of a rolled foil; a bottom; and a mixing device made of substantially the same material as the wall, the mixing device comprising: an adherent strip adhered at a relatively low portion of the wall; a movable flap, extending from the adherent strip, for mixing a beverage; and a tab, extending from the flap substantially to a top of the cup, for moving said flap, wherein a mixing capability of the movable flap disposed at a low portion of the cup is significantly larger than a mixing capability other portions of said mixing device, thereby without tearing the mixing device, mixing substantially the bottom only of the beverage, thereby not splashing thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for coloring a caulking material to match colored grout, or other construction materials. Colored grout is mixed with a caulking material, resulting in a caulk having a color and texture that closely matches the grout. The colored caulking material can be applied using an applicator bag, or using a conventional caulking gun.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing element for a flowable substance, comprising a body enclosing a cavity, wherein the cavity has at least one opening and the cavity and the opening are located relative to the body such that a fluid flow of the flowable substance out of the cavity through the opening transfers a torque to the mixing element. The invention further relates to the use of a tube or hose section as such a mixing element and a mixing device comprising such a mixing element, a container, and a sound source coupled thereto for generating an oscillating pressure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microfluid mixer includes pouring a ceramic precursor into a first mold, a second mold and a third mold. The first mold forms a base plate, the second mold forms a top plate, and the third mold forms a first plate. The ceramic precursors are gelled in the first mold, the second mold and the third mold to form a green base plate, a green top plate and a green first plate. The plates are removed from the respective molds. The green base plate, the green top plate, and the green first plate are co-fired to form a ceramic base plate, a ceramic top plate and a ceramic first plate. The ceramic base plate is interlocked with the ceramic top plate and the ceramic first plate, and a diaphragm is disposed upon one of the first plate and the top plate.

Abstract: A method includes directing first and second fluids into a plurality of first ports fluidly connected to a mixing chamber disposed between a first plate and a base plate, guiding the first and second fluids into a mixing chamber, directing the first and second fluid into a plurality of second ports fluidly connected to the plurality of first ports, guiding the first and second fluids from the plurality of second ports into another mixing chamber disposed between a second plate and the first plate and fluidly connected to the mixing chamber, activating a heating element to heat one of the first and second fluids entering the mixing chamber, creating a temperature gradient between the first and second fluids entering the mixing chamber, and operating a diaphragm operatively associated with the mixing chamber and the another mixing chamber to agitate the first and second fluids to form a fluid mixture.

Abstract: A receptacle having interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample. The detector can be used to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of the receptacle.

Abstract: Mixer for obtaining bone cement for medical applications comprising a mixing chamber in which the mixing of at least two components which form the cement is carried out, comprising means for generating and transmitting vibrations to the mixing chamber and a luer attachment through which the cement can exit.

Abstract: The cartridge can include a mixing component for mixing different solutions so as to form a product solution. A mixture of different solutions can be transported into the mixing component where they combine to form a product solution. The mixing component includes a plurality of variable volume reservoirs in liquid communication with one another. The product solution can be repeatedly transported from one of the variable volume reservoirs to another of the variable volume reservoirs until the desired degree of mixing is achieved. Once the desired degree of mixing is achieved, the product solution can be transported directly to a product chamber within the cartridge or can be treated further before being transported to the product chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micromixer biochip, comprising: a substrate having a surface; a fluidic channel layer disposed above the surface of the substrate, including a mixing chamber and a single-opening fluidic channel, wherein one end of the single-opening fluidic channel is closed and the other end of the single-opening fluidic channel connects to the mixing chamber, and a top portion of the single-opening fluidic channel is made of a flexible material; and an air chamber layer disposed above the top portion of the fluidic channel layer, including an air pore, at least one chamber, and an air channel connecting the chamber and the air pore, wherein the number and position of the air chamber correspond to the number and position of the single-opening fluidic channel of the fluidic channel layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for mixing a liquid medium, an apparatus for mixing a liquid medium, a system comprising a device and an apparatus and a method for mixing a liquid medium. The device comprises a flexible membrane (12) and a structural part (16), which device further comprises an actuation part (14) located on a first side of the membrane, which device further comprises a mixing chamber (20) located on a second side of the membrane, wherein at least a partial inclination of the membrane results from an inclination of the actuation part relative to the structural part.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mixer comprising a base plate; a top plate in intimate contact with a surface of the base plate; the intimate contact preventing a fluid loss from the bottom plate; the top plate comprising a plurality of first ports for the entry of a first fluid and a second fluid; a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the plurality of first ports; a first heating element; and an exit channel for removing an intimate mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid; and a reciprocatory device in physical contact with the mixing chamber; the reciprocatory device being operative to agitate the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes a housing, a bag and an inflatable bladder. The bag is disposed in the housing and has an interior surface defining a chamber for culturing cells. The bladder is disposed in the housing, external to the bag, and is sufficiently inflatable and expandable to exert pressure on the bag when the chamber is substantially free of fluid. The bladder may be inflated and expanded to reduce movement of the bag within the housing. Alternatively, or in addition, the bladder may be inflated and expanded to apply a mechanical stress on cells cultured within the chamber of the bag.

Abstract: Novel dispenser means are provided for mixing and dispensing two-part curable compositions wherein the mixer elements are isolated from the curable components.

Abstract: Novel dispenser means are provided for mixing and dispensing two-part curable compositions wherein the mixer elements are isolated from the curable components.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a fluid including a storage vessel including a hollow portion for holding the fluid, the hollow portion including at least one access port, the at least one access port adapted to at least one of receive and expel fluid and a diaphragm pump in fluid communication with and removeably coupled to the vessel, the pump adapted to move fluid into and/or out of the hollow portion. Either the vessel or the pump can be disposable. Also, at least one portion of the vessel can be made of a flexible material that takes shape in relation to the contents of the hollow portion. Also, the fluid can be moved between the vessel and the pump by natural or artificial pressure.

Abstract: Novel dispenser means are provided for mixing and dispensing two-part curable compositions wherein the mixer elements are isolated from the curable components.

Abstract: The cartridge can include a mixing component for mixing different solutions so as to form a product solution. A mixture of different solutions can be transported into the mixing component where they combine to form a product solution. The mixing component includes a plurality of variable volume reservoirs in liquid communication with one another. The product solution can be repeatedly transported from one of the variable volume reservoirs to another of the variable volume reservoirs until the desired degree of mixing is achieved. Once the desired degree of mixing is achieved, the product solution can be transported directly to a product chamber within the cartridge or can be treated further before being transported to the product chamber.

Abstract: The present invention uses one or more bags that are capable of being selectively pressurized and deflated in conjunction with a disposable bio bag such as a fermenter, mixing bag, storage bag and the like. The pressure bag(s) may surround a selected outer portion of the bag or may be contained within an inner portion of such a bag. By selectively pressurizing and deflating the pressure bag(s), one is able to achieve fluid motion in the bag thereby ensuring cell suspension, mixing and gas transfer within the bag without damaging shear forces or foam generation.

Abstract: A device for blending materials and a bag for use in such devices. The device has at least one paddle for acting on a sample and a carrier against which a sample may be crushed by the paddle. The device is arranged to allow adjustment of the spacing between the paddle and carrier during operation. The bag is suitable for use in such a device but can be used in other devices.

Abstract: A vessel (10) and a method for agitating a liquid (50) in a main cavity (16) of t he vessel (10), are provided. The vessel (10) includes a dividing member (40), extending deformable pump cavity (20). To agitate the liquid (50), a user presses a flexing wall (26) of the pump cavity (20), in pumping cycles, to discharge liquid from the pump cavity (20) through nozzles (42,44) into the main cavity (16). The dividing member (40) has a sloping upper surface, which causes additives (38) to collect in the region of the nozzles (44), to be agitated more effectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration for tooling in a structure, such as, for example, a fuselage. In one implementation, the tooling comprises at least two conductors that create a force to vibrate the media in the tooling, which improves the compaction of the media in the tooling and the extraction of the media from the tooling. Other implementations may be used for compaction and/or extraction of the media in the tooling.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for mixing a liquid medium, an apparatus for mixing a liquid medium, a system comprising a device and an apparatus and a method for mixing a liquid medium. The device comprises a flexible membrane (12) and a structural part (16), which device further comprises an actuation part (14) located on a first side of the membrane, which device further comprises a mixing chamber (20) located on a second side of the membrane, wherein at least a partial inclination of the membrane results from an inclination of the actuation part relative to the structural part.

Abstract: In an apparatus for mixing components in a mixing chamber, those parts of the mixing chamber which will come into contact with the components are defined by a foil material which can be renewed between two successive mixing/processing operations. The mixing chamber may be defined between two co-operating mould parts. The mixing/processing chamber also may be defined by the foil material itself. In a method for mixing components in a mixing chamber such a foil material is renewed between two successive mixing operations. Further there is provided a pre-shaped elongate web of foil material for use in an apparatus.

Abstract: A cell/tissue culture apparatus is suitable for a culture of a cultivated object of a cell or tissue adapted for a prescribed portion of a living body of a breast and so on, a culture chamber (18, a culture vessel 10) which accommodates a cell or tissue to be cultivated and also makes a culture fluid (34) circulate is formed by a flexible material (flexible films 12, 14), and the culture chamber is immersed in a fluid (water 8). A pressure or an oscillation is given to the culture chamber installed in the fluid, and a physical stimulation due to the pressure from the fluid or the oscillation of the fluid is given to a cell or tissue under a culture.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for mixing liquids involves pumping a first liquid into a first pump chamber of a pumping apparatus through a channel of the pumping apparatus and pumping a second liquid from a second pump chamber of the pumping apparatus into either the channel or the first pump chamber, preferably while the first liquid is being pumped into the first pump chamber, so that the two liquids are mixed within the pumping apparatus. The second liquid is preferably pumped in a pulsatile mode in which small quantities of the second liquid are pumped at intervals. The quantity and/or the interval can be dynamically adjusted to result in a predetermined concentration of the two liquids. The contents of the first pump chamber are pumped to a receptacle.

Abstract: A mixing system and method for forming bone cement by mixing liquid monomer methyl methacrylate (MMA) with a powder component comprising polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). A container of MMA is received in a bag. The MMA is emptied from the container into the bag, and a syringe is connected to the bag in substantially leak-free manner to receive the MMA from the bag. The syringe is disconnected from the bag and thereafter connected to a receptacle housing the powder component. The MMA is then transferred into the receptacle in substantially leak-free manner.

Abstract: The present invention uses one or more bags that are capable of being selectively pressurized and deflated in conjunction with a disposable bio bag such as a fermenter, mixing bag, storage bag and the like. The pressure bag(s) may surround a selected outer portion of the bag or may be contained within an inner portion of such a bag. By selectively pressurizing and deflating the pressure bag(s), one is able to achieve fluid motion in the bag thereby ensuring cell suspension, mixing and gas transfer within the bag without damaging shear forces or foam generation.

Abstract: Novel dispenser means are provided for mixing and dispensing two-part curable compositions wherein the mixer elements are isolated from the curable components.

Abstract: The present invention uses one or more bags that are capable of being selectively pressurized and deflated in conjunction with a disposable bio bag such as a fermenter, mixing bag, storage bag and the like. The pressure bag(s) may surround a selected outer portion of the bag or may be contained within an inner portion of such a bag. By selectively pressurizing and deflating the pressure bag(s), one is able to achieve fluid motion in the bag thereby ensuring cell suspension, mixing and gas transfer within the bag without damaging shear forces or foam generation.

Abstract: Low-volume mixing includes introducing a sample into a container having at least one elastimeric section. The container is configured to leave a layer of gas between the sample and the elastomeric section. A portion of the elastomeric section is then urged into the layer of gas. The change in pressure of the gas layer thereby causes mixing of the sample. In various example embodiments, inner and outer surfaces of the elastomeric section have one or more convex portions and/or concave portions.

Abstract: A method and device for treating sludge and slime to enable reuse in soil upgrading and in building material systems. Hydrophilic sludge and slime having a water content not less than 70% are continuously treated in a manner which enables colloid removal, dehydration, oxidation, sanitation, stabilization, mineralization, filtration and porosification. The device for treatment includes a hollow caisson traversed in the longitudinal direction by the treated product and provided with at least an intake for the product to be treated and at least an outlet for the treated product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration for tooling in a structure, such as, for example, a fuselage. In one implementation, the tooling comprises at least two conductors that create a force to vibrate the media in the tooling, which improves the compaction of the media in the tooling and the extraction of the media from the tooling. Other implementations may be used for compaction and/or extraction of the media in the tooling.

Abstract: A valve which has a structure with at least one opening and a member which has a fixed static charge and also has a first position exposing the opening and a second position sealing the opening. A method for making the valve includes providing a structure with at least one opening and providing a member having a fixed static charge where the member has a first position exposing the opening and a second position sealing the opening. An agitator includes a base with at least one trench, a structure with at least one opening, and a membrane with a fixed static charge. The structure is connected to the base over the trench with the opening in the structure extending through to the trench in the base. The membrane is connected to the base across at least a portion of the trench. A pump includes a base with at least one trench, a structure with at least two openings, a membrane with a fixed static charge, a first cantilever arm having a fixed static charge, and a second cantilever arm having a fixed static charge.

Abstract: A microarray assay system using an array-of-arrays plate mounted on the top surface of a vacuum fixture, and an automatic handling system that handles the plate and fixture assembly. The A2 plate includes a tray formed of a flexible material and a rigid frame for mounting on the fixture. The fixture has a plurality of orifices opening at the top surface and connected to a vacuum source to create a negative pressure to hold the flexible plate against the top surface of the fixture. The automatic handling systems that can be used with the plate and fixture assembly include a microarray printing machine, liquid handling robot, hybridization and incubation devices, and microarray imaging devices.

Abstract: A cover slip mixing apparatus having a support and a flexible cover slip positioned over and forming a chamber between the support and the cover slip. A device is positioned with respect to the support and cover slip for applying a force on the cover slip and flexing the cover slip toward the support, the flexing cover slip providing a mixing action of a material located in the chamber. A microfluidic device includes a substrate with a fluid path disposed in the substrate. A flexible cover is positioned over the substrate and the fluid path, and a device is positioned with respect to the substrate and the cover. The device is operable to apply forces to the cover and flex the cover to act on fluid in the fluid path.

Abstract: A mixing device includes a mixing chamber, inlet and outlet paths, and circulators adapted to change shape or temperature in response to electric current. The change in shape or temperature causes substances to circulate within the mixing chamber to form a mixture. The circulators include heating elements such as resistors, and/or piezoelectric devices or other devices. Mixing systems and methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: A bioprocess container consists of a flexible container, placed inside a heat exchanger. By providing a disposable agitation device inside the sealed container, a filled container can be stirred without having to open the container. Possible agitation elements include traditional stirrers, rotating magnetic rods, bladder devices integral with the structure of the container, as well as different devices for manipulating the shape of the sealed container. Finally, a containment disk is used to ensure that the magnetic rod is maintained in the magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing vibrations into a vessel having: (a) a vessel capable of receiving a fluid medium; (b) a flexible membrane located at a bottom end of the vessel; (c) an upper pressure chamber located adjacent to an outer surface of the flexible membrane; (d) a lower pressure chamber located below the upper pressure chamber; (e) a linkage member; (f) vibrating means connected to the linkage member; and (g) a rod member rigidly connected to both the linkage member and the flexible membrane for transmitting vibrations into the vessel, the rod member being axially located within both the upper and lower pressure chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating small batches of septic waste material contained in a processing tank into sludge material and waste water using an oxidizing agent and a flocculating agent. The apparatus includes at least one agitator with a non-rotating mixing implement that extends into the waste material. The mixing implement has a plurality of sections that sequentially move inward and outward to gently mix the oxidizing and flocculating agents into the waste material. The mixing implement element includes an elongated shaft with sealed, flexible hose coaxially aligned thereover. Attached to the elongated shaft is at least one lateral arm perpendicularly aligned to the elongated shaft's longitudinal axis. Attached to the distal end of the lateral arm is a rotatable wheel transversely aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lateral arm. Coaxially aligned over the elongated shaft is a flexible hose designed to collapse inward when disposed inside the waste material.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing articles made of polyurethane that includes a mold assembly in communication with a mix chamber. The mix chamber is positioned below the mold assembly. The mix chamber includes a propeller for mixing the liquid polyurethane chemicals. The mix chamber further includes a pneumatically actuated bladder that causes the mixed chemicals to move from the mix chamber to the mold assembly. The chemicals expand to take on the shape of the mold. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) selecting polyurethane chemicals having certain specific weights; (b) placing said chemicals in a mix chamber wherein chemicals stratify according to their specific weights to prevent detrimental reaction among the chemicals until final mixing; and (c) allowing the chemicals to expand to form an article.

Abstract: The present invention is a compost apparatus that is simple, economical, reliable and may be transportable, yet contains all odorous emissions. Odorous materials are handled in a fully enclosed manner using containers which may be capable of providing in-vessel agitation using pressurized air. The container consists of side walls and a bottom wall. A cover may also be included. A perforated second floor is positioned above the bottom wall for supporting organic waste. The container is capable of allowing pressurized air to be introduced between the perforated second floor and the bottom floor for aerating the organic waste. The container is further capable of allowing odorous gases collected within the container to be exhausted. A bladder may be positioned within the container to agitate the organic waste load.

Abstract: A driving device for a vortex mixing apparatus comprises holders for holding a mixing unit of a type having at each opposite end a pumping diaphragm for imposing a pulsatile flow on a liquid passing through a primary channel in the unit. Two pistons are each arranged to cooperate with a respective one of the diaphragms and to reciprocate between a retracted position clear of the unit and an extended position in which it extends into a housing of the unit and compresses the respective diaphragm. Driving mechanisms are normally arranged to reciprocate the pistons in phase at the same frequency such that when one piston is moving from its retracted position to its extended position the other is moving from its extended position to its retracted position and vice versa. Control mechanisms are arranged, upon stopping of the driving mechanisms, to cause both pistons to adopt retracted positions so that the unit may be inserted into, and removed from the holders without interference from the pistons.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical mixing container for storing a liquid having at least two factions which tend to separate during storage. A housing has an inner volume and is closed at one end by a septum arrangement. An extendable mixing element is slidably and sealingly positioned within the inner volume, the mixing element including a base member having a longitudinally extending through bore, a flexible bellows element secured to the base member and an actuating rod slidingly received within the through bore and coupled to the central portion of the bellows element. The bellows element is an axially symmetric member having convoluted concentric wall portions, and the actuating rod is coupled to the central region of the bellows element. By manipulating the actuating rod in opposite directions, the bellow is alternately extended and retracted to create general gentle agitation for any liquid and miscible component contained within the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mixing or agitating fluids using vortex rings in which a tube of inside diameter d is inserted into the fluid with an open end in the fluid. Fluid is drawn into the tube, and a slug of fluid is propelled a distance L down and out of the tube to create a vortex ring at the exit of the tube for propagation through the fluid. The ratio of L/d is between 0.8 and 3.8. The propelling means preferably involves a pulser cylinder communicating with the tube and a piston positioned in the pulser cylinder for reciprocating motion towards and away from the fluid to be mixed or agitated, or a bellows serving a similar function. The propelling means provides a generally square wave pressure impulse to the fluid to eject it from the tube in the form of a vortex ring.

Abstract: A mixer includes an elongated flexible sleeve that is supported in a housing in a vertical orientation and has a mixing shaft extending therein with a plurality of blade holders supported on the shaft and each blade holder supports a plurality of blades. A deforming means extends around the flexible sleeve and is rotatable about a vertical axis by suitable reciprocating or rotating drive members to prevent accumulation of materials on the inner surface of the sleeve. The blade holders are preferably formed as an integral part of a mixing apparatus and each mixing blade is preferably individually supported on a holder to be infinitely adjustable and effect the mixing capabilities of the assembly. The flexible sleeve can be tensioned between upper and lower ends.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing two fluids, which could be a gas and a liquid or two liquids, comprises a planar distribution outlet for the gas or one of the two liquids closing an otherwise airtight chamber and a vibrating membrane as a wall of the chamber. Tbe distribution outlet may itself be a vibrating perforated membrane.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes two compartments which are interconnected by conduits of two different types. The conduit or conduits together of the first type present a lower resistance of flow from one compartment to the other than do the conduit or conduits together of the second type. The conduit or conduits together of the second type present a lower resistance to flow from the other compartment to the one compartment than the conduit or conduits of the first type. Fluid is caused to flow between the compartments through the noted conduits. A method includes providing apparatus as above-described and causing fluid to flow between compartments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for thoroughly mixing the liquid contents of first and second containers without exposing either the liquid contents or the resultant mixture to outside contamination. The device features a movable pumping diaphragm which traverses a pumping chamber so that the pumping chamber is divided into an upper and lower chamber. In a first position, the diaphragm causes the upper chamber to have a reduced volume while the lower chamber has an increase volume. In a second position, the pumping diaphragm causes the lower chamber to have a decreased volume while the upper chamber has an increased volume. Valving assemblies are utilized in conjunction with both the upper and lower chamber to selectively allow for the ingress and egress of fluids from these chambers dependent upon the position of the pumping diaphragm.

Abstract: A tubular chamber is divided by a rigid annular partition into two sections. Each section comprises a resilient membrane installed co-axially with the chamber shell with a certain gap relative to the shell to form a cavity communicating with a gas medium source. This cavity accommodates a stationary perforated rigid member installed coaxially with the membrane and the chamber wall to bear the membrane in its extreme expanded state, when no gas medium is supplied into the cavity. When the gas medium is delivered from the source into the cavity, the membranes contract and expand alternately, causing the liquid to move and agitate. An installation for treatment of loose materials is proposed, which is constructed with the use of these liquid-stirring devices.