Abstract: A reciprocating laboratory shaker (10) includes a platform (12) driven by a motor (62) which is constrained to move in a reciprocating fashion by a pair of flexible bands (30, 32) located on opposite sides of the platform (12). A frame (24), which preferably supports the drive motor (62), includes a pair of upright supports (28) which are attached to a pair of wide, but thin, flexible plastic bands (30, 32) at least at two locations. Each of the two flexible bands (30, 32) includes a pair of rollers (34, 36, 38, 40) attached to the inside surface (50) of the bands (30, 32). The laboratory platform (12) is attached to the remaining outside face (52) of the bands and is driven by the drive motor (62) having an appropriate crank mechanism (54). The two flexible bands (30, 32) constrain the motion of the platform (12) to substantially a single direction, x, while preventing it from moving in either the y or z directions.

Abstract: A rotary shaker employs two pairs of straps which lie in planes perpendicular to each other to constrain the orbital motion of the shaker. A motor and an eccentric drive are mounted on a base plate. The base plate also supports a first or lower pair of flexible straps located on opposite sides of the base plate. Four posts attach the ends of the lower pair of straps to the four corners of the base. A first center plate is located above the base and is attached by a first pair of tabs connecting the intermediate section of opposite sides of the first plate to the intermediate sections of said lower pair of flexible straps. A pair of apertures in the first plate permits the motor and the eccentric drive to pass through. A drive belt connects a pulley on the motor to a pulley on the eccentric drive on the side of the first plate opposite from said base. A second or upper plate is located above the first plate and is attached in the center thereof to a support plate mounted on the shaft of the eccentric drive.

Abstract: A shaker apparatus having a platform for carrying a load, a supporting base disposed beneath said platform, drive means carried by the base and operatively connected with the platform to provide horizontal shaking of the platform in an orbital motion with respect to the base, eccentric idler devices connecting the base to the platform for maintaining the platform in a substantially planar orbit substantially parallel to the base during the horizontal shaking of the platform and to eliminate backlash, and alignment elements associated with the eccentric idler devices to prevent the transmission of rigid, non-yielding force loadings between the platform and the base through one of the eccentric idler devices when the force loadings are generated at another of the eccentric idler devices or by the drive means. A second embodiment includes alignment and support structure to prevent transmission of rigid, non-yielding force loadings and to support the platform.

Abstract: A water bath shaker having a water bath, a vessel-mounting shelf and a triple-eccentric drive, whereby the shelf is subjected to orbital gyratory motion via a drive shaft consisting of a single post that extends into the center of the bath via a standpipe. The drive shaft also acts as a mount that can removably receive and support any one of a variety of dedicated and universal shelves. A microprocessor control performs self-correcting feedback control of temperature and shaker speed. A push-button means is used to input set points.

Abstract: Retaining means and method for use with multi-leaf spring clamps used to secure culture flasks, bottles or the like during imposed orbital, reciprocating or vibratory motion, a resilient encircling member which has adjustable engagement with the leaves of the spring clamp to prevent relative movement between the flask and the clamp. The resilient encircling member is provided with internal annular ribs or threads to engage the spring clamp leaves and may have a deformation-resistant annular flange for insertion and removal of the encircling member and for control of engagement pressure and holding power.