Abstract: A vortex mixer may have a vortex mixing chamber having a first wall, a second wall, and a side wall connecting the first wall and the second wall. At least two inlet ports may be configured along the side wall, each inlet port having an inlet channel connected thereto. The at least two inlet ports may be approximately equally spaced around the vortex mixing chamber and configured tangentially to the vortex mixing chamber. An exit port may have an exit channel connected thereto. The exit port may be configured at a radial center of the second wall, and the exit channel may extend from the exit port and away from the vortex mixing chamber.

Abstract: A small-volume sample handling system includes a chamber with first and second portions. A conduit having a flow control valve may be fluidly coupled to the first portion. A pressure in the second portion may be adjusted so that liquid samples can be aspirated and dispensed in a needle coupled to the valve in response to opening of the valve. The first and second portions of the chamber may be separated by a diaphragm.