Abstract: A magnetic stirrer comprises a shell, which defines a cavity. The shell has at least one hole in its uppermost surface, the surface closest to the surface of the liquid to be mixed. The stirrer also has a plug disposed inside the cavity defined by the shell The plug further comprises a channel running along its uppermost surface and its sides, so that the channel is in fluid communication with both the hole and the cavity. Embedded in the plug is a magnetic element, such as a permanent bar magnet. When an external magnetic field is rotated beneath a container containing the stirrer, the stirrer also rotates. As the stirrer rotates, liquid is impelled through the channel and downward through the cavity, creating a vortex above the stirrer and causing the stirrer to float off the bottom of the container and hover as it rotates.

Abstract: A magnetic stirrer comprises a shell, which defines a cavity. The shell has at least one hole in its uppermost surface, the surface closest to the surface of the liquid to be mixed. The stirrer also has a plug disposed inside the cavity defined by the shell. The plug further comprises a channel running along its uppermost surface and its sides, so that the channel is in fluid communication with both the hole and the cavity. Embedded in the plug is a magnetic element, such as a permanent bar magnet. When an external magnetic field is rotated beneath a container containing the stirrer, the stirrer also rotates. As the stirrer rotates, liquid is impelled through the channel and downward through the cavity, creating a vortex above the stirrer and causing the stirrer to float off the bottom of the container and hover as it rotates.