Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sample preparation apparatus for grinding or homogenizing test samples. More specifically, the disclosure relates to grinding samples using rotational and linear motion. Grinding samples can be accomplished with an apparatus with a slider-crank mechanism that is attached to an oscillating connecting linkage. The amplitude of oscillatory motion can be greater than or equal to a length of a sample processing chamber.

Abstract: A method of grinding large sample quantities using a bead beater homogenizer includes steps of loading a sample material into a vial having a size of 500 ml or greater having a chamber enclosed by two end walls and a cylindrical sidewall defining a central vial axis, loading a plurality of balls into the vial with the sample material, securing the vial to a movable platform of the homogenizer, and oscillating the platform in a back-and-forth motion isolated to a movement axis, thereby causing the balls to move in a circular motion along the cylindrical sidewall, wherein the central vial axis is perpendicular to the movement axis. A system of a cylindrical vial and a bead beater homogenizer is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, apparatuses, and methods for grinding of samples. A method includes securing a sample vial in a holder attached to a connecting linkage, the sample vial having a grinding media in the sample vial. The method includes rotating a crank that is operatively coupled to a proximal end of the connecting linkage at a proximal pivot point so that the proximal pivot point undergoes rotational motion. The method includes restricting a distal pivot point of the connecting linkage to a linear path, the distal pivot point near a distal end of the connecting linkage. A result being that the sample vial undergoes a combination of rotational and linear motion.

Abstract: A bead beater homogenizer includes a shaft having a main body extending along a main axis and a distal connection body extending along a connection axis that is acutely angled with respect to the main axis, a motor configured to rotate the shaft about the main axis, a head rotatably connected to the distal connection body of the shaft, and a clamp secured to the head and configured to secure a sample vial holder configured to hold one or more sample vials therein, wherein rotational motion of the shaft about the main axis is translated into motion of the head in directions normal to the main axis. A sample vial holder having an internal network of channels defined within the housing through which a coolant can be passed to control a temperature of a vial disposed therein is also provided.

Abstract: It is possible to reduce a burden on a user in performing a spectroscopic analysis of a liquid sample. There is provided an analysis cell that is detachable and replaceable with respect to an analysis unit and accommodates a liquid sample, the analysis cell including a first wall surface pair that is made of a material transmitting a light, and a second wall surface pair for propagating an ultrasonic wave to the accommodated liquid sample, in which a first wall surface and a second wall surface forming the second wall surface pair and facing each other, are formed of materials having different acoustic impedances.

Abstract: An inner core assembly for a vibration mixer, includes a motor assembly and a compression assembly located above the motor assembly, wherein the motor assembly comprises a vibration motor, a rotor shaft of the vibration motor is connected to the compression assembly by using an eccentric structure, the compression assembly comprises a stage, the stage is connected to a pressure plate mounting bracket by using a guiding shaft, the pressure plate mounting bracket is capable of sliding along the guiding shaft, the rotor shaft of the vibration motor rotates and drives, by using the eccentric structure, the compression assembly to perform reciprocating motion.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is configured to be used with a container having contents to permit mixing of the contents of the container. The apparatus includes a main body having a geometrical shape having an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinally extending bore or opening extending from the open end to the closed end. The opening or bore is configured to receive at least a portion of a container. A shaft is generally orthogonally positioned from a portion of the closed end. The shaft is configured to be received by a rotational device. The mixing apparatus can be used to mix various sized containers containing contents having one or more materials to be mixed. The container is not attached to any portion of the main body and the container is configured to rotate freely and independently of the main body during an operation of the rotational device.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for transport and incubation of a medical sample in a blood culture flask includes a sealable container having a thermally insulated compartment for receiving the blood culture flask and a heater for heating the medical sample to a temperature suitable for pre-culturing of the sample. An agitator is provided for agitating the sample in the blood culture flask.

Abstract: A vibration device for generating various vibration signatures or characteristics is provided. This various vibration signatures or characteristics allow a single vibration device to be used to test and replicate failures in a subject device across a broad range of vibration signatures or characteristics transferring to the subject device. The vibration devices includes a pair of spaced-apart plates, each defining a slot therein. An adjustable fastener connects the upper and lower plates and extends through the upper and lower elongated slots. A vibrator is fastened to the upper plate via the upper elongated slot. To enable the vibration signatures or characteristics to be varied, the fastener is adjustable in a vertical direction to alter the distance between the lower plate and the upper plate, and is adjustable in a horizontal direction along the upper and lower slots. The motor can also translate along the upper elongated slot.

Abstract: A cold brew coffee extraction device for adjusting the sonic vibration based on the sound signal includes: a current support extended in one direction and configured to apply an alternating current in a tangential direction of an outer peripheral portion; a magnetic vibrator accommodating one end of the current support therein, and configured to generate a magnetic field in a direction of crossing over the current support to be vibrated in a longitudinal direction of the current support due to a change in a polarity of the alternating current; a plate coupled to the magnetic vibrator to transmit the vibration to a fluid including a particulate matter; and a vibration adjustment circuit configured to, in a first mode, adjust the vibration only based on setting information inputted through a user interface, and in a second mode, to adjust the vibration based on the setting information and an external sound source.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the identification of compounds which bind to a target component of a biochemical system or modulate the activity of the target, comprising the steps of: a) compartmentalising the compounds into microcapsules together with the target, such that only a subset of the repertoire is represented in multiple copies in any one microcapsule; and b) identifying the compound which binds to or modulates the activity of the target; wherein at least one step is performed under microfluidic control. The invention enables the screening of large repertoires of molecules which can serve as leads for drug development.

Abstract: A unit for grinding biological samples, comprising a grinding device including at least two tubes having different volumes, suitable for being mounted on a support of the grinding device, each tube comprising an inner space having a height (h) along the axis of the corresponding tube, and being intended to contain samples to be ground, means for driving the support in a precession movement, the support having an axis the position of which varies by describing a cone, each tube being subjected to a movement (d) defined by the projection, onto the axis of said cone, of the distance between the extreme positions of a same point of the tube during the precession movement.

Abstract: A system for conducting a maximum specific gravity test includes a sealable container for receiving and holding an asphalt mixture sample, a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the container for evacuating the container, a valve in fluid communication with the container, a shaker for shaking the container, and a controller. The controller can operate the system in a test mode by: (i) turning on the vacuum pump; (ii) automatically monitoring a vacuum pressure in the container with the vacuum pump on; (iii) automatically turning on the shaker when the monitored vacuum pressure reaches a target vacuum pressure value; (iv) automatically opening or closing the valve such that the monitored vacuum pressure in the container is maintained within a target vacuum pressure range for a predetermined period of time with the shaker on; and (v) automatically turning the shaker off at the end of the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Methods, processes, apparatus, devices, kits and systems for crystallizing liquid to form slush inside of supercooled to below 32 F closed beverage bottles or cans, beverages in fountain dispensers, desserts, and food items by transmitting ultrasonic signals in short time spans, while allowing for optional illuminating the effects when the supercooled liquid is crystallized into slush.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to a device for incubating a sample. The present disclosure provides an incubator for shaking and/or heating at least one sample. The device comprises at least one inductor placed below an induction heating plate. A heat conducting plate is mounted onto the induction heating plate. The device further comprises a moving arrangement for placing the sample onto the heat conducting plate.

Abstract: A shaking device for a fully-automatic instant check meter, which is used for shaking blood in a test tube uniformly. The shaking device comprises a frame body, a barcode printer, a first bracket, a second bracket, a rotating mechanism, a vacuum blood vessel shaking mechanism and a peripheral blood vessel shaking mechanism, wherein a first sliding rail, a first motor and a second motor are provided on the frame body; the rotating mechanism is connected to the first sliding rail in a sliding manner via a first sliding block and is connected to the first motor via a first synchronous belt; the vacuum blood vessel shaking mechanism is connected to the first sliding rail in a sliding manner via a second sliding block and is connected to a second motor via a second synchronous belt; the peripheral vessel shaking mechanism is arranged below the vacuum blood vessel shaking mechanism; and the barcode printer is arranged at one side of the frame body.

Abstract: The disclosure provides macrolide particulates including a macrolide therapeutic agent such as rapamycin at high concentration in the particulate. In one method the particulates are made by adding a composition containing an polyoxyethylene sorbitan n-acyl ester, poly(ethyleneimine), or alkylated quaternary ammonium salt to a composition including macrolide dissolved in an alcohol such as ethanol. In another method the particulates are made by adding a non-solvent composition to a composition including macrolide and an alkyl-substituted chromanol dissolved in an alcohol such as ethanol. The formed macrolide particulates have one or more desirable properties including sizes in the range of 0.1 ?m to 10 ?m, spherical or near spherical shapes, low polydispersity, and/or stability. The macrolide particulates can be used for therapeutic compositions, or in association with an implantable or insertable medical device, such as associated with a polymeric coating on a device.

Abstract: An apparatus for substantially horizontally oscillating one or more vessels containing a liquid, a solid, or a mixture thereof that operates to thoroughly disrupt and mix solid and liquid substances in vessels, like test tubes. The apparatus provides superior mixing through oscillation of the vessels both horizontal and vertical directions through the use of one or more springs and rotating mechanical components. The apparatus includes a circular rotating ring having a toothed circumference that rotates horizontally, at least one vessel support having a compartment configured to hold the one or more vessel vessels and a spring attached to the housing and in constant contact with each of the one or more vessel supports.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to agitate a liquid are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall substantially parallel to the first sidewall. The example apparatus also includes a top wall coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The example apparatus further includes a bottom wall opposite the top wall and coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The bottom wall has a first side to define a cavity to hold a liquid. The example apparatus also includes a protrusion extending from the first side of the bottom wall toward the top wall.

Abstract: An analyzer comprises a container supplying unit which supplies a container, an agitating unit which agitates liquid in the container, and a measurement unit which performs a measurement using the liquid agitated by the agitating unit. The agitating unit comprises a base which is configured to move relative to the container supplying unit, a driving source which is mounted on the base, a container catcher which is configured to catch the container at one side, a transmitting member which transmits the power of the driving source to the other end side of the container catcher, and a supporting member which supports the container catcher at a position between one end and the other end of the container catcher.

Abstract: A beverage container for a blender includes one or more vibrating mechanisms coupled to a bottom portion of the beverage container or integrated within one or more walls of the beverage container. After a beverage has been blended, the one or more vibrating mechanisms are activated as the beverage is being poured. Vibrations from the one or more vibrating mechanisms are mechanically transmitted to the beverage container, thereby promoting the pourability of the beverage from the beverage container, including dislodging ingredients in the beverage that became lodged or trapped in crevices of the beverage container during the prior blending process, and freeing up beverage ingredients that accumulated at the bottom of the beverage container during the prior blending process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for mixing a heterogeneous solution containing at least two different liquids and, optionally, at least one solid entity, so as to obtain a homogeneous solution, the process comprising the following steps: a) all or part of the heterogeneous solution is placed in at least one vessel having a longitudinal axis; b) the vessel is positioned on a support driven about a rotation axis, the longitudinal axis being inclined to the rotation axis; and c) the support is made to undergo a movement so as to subject the solution contained in the vessel to successive accelerations and decelerations of sinusoidal intensity, thereby stirring said heterogeneous solution, which becomes homogeneous. The invention also relates to a device for implementing the above process. A preferential application of the invention is in the field of medical diagnostics.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing infant formula to be supplied to a bottle, and methods and circuits for operating the same, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a shape for integrating together components of the apparatus. A fluid reservoir for holding fluid and configured to be coupling to the housing is provided. Further provided is a formula disc disposed at a first location of the housing. The first location defined above a dispense location of the bottle, and the formula disc having a top end and a dispense end, the formula disc further includes a plurality of slots for holding the infant formula in a powder state. The apparatus has an end plate that is coupled to the dispense end of the formula disc, and the end plate has a dispense hole, such that the end plate is rotatable relative to the formula disc.

Abstract: A device for agitating a canister of material to mix the material therein. A housing in which the canister is inserted has a ball mounted to the bottom end of the housing. The ball is mounted on an axle driven by an external rotary power drill. The ball is located offset with respect to a main axis of the housing and is also mounted offset with respect to the axle of rotation thereby causing rotation of the canister as well as reciprocal motion of the canister.

Abstract: Provided herein is a clamp and method of use thereof for agitating, mixing, or shaking a fluid container using a mechanical agitator, such as a hand motion shaker. The clamp includes: at least one grip adapted to attach to at least a portion of a fluid container; at least one base comprising a high friction portion configured to contact a bottom portion of the fluid container; a supporting member extending between the grip and the base; and a mounting structure for connecting the support member to a mechanical agitator. The fluid container may be a flask including an elongated narrow neck portion extending from a bulbous portion, which has a larger inner diameter than the narrow neck portion. A method of clamping a fluid container and an assembly including a clamp and a mechanical agitator are also provided.

Abstract: A bottle warmer and mixing apparatus comprises a mixing unit (50) arranged to agitate a bottle (3) to mix contents therein. A heating unit is arranged to heat the contents of the bottle. The heating unit is at least partially decoupled from the agitation generated by the mixing unit (50).

Abstract: Device for shaking, within a rigid container, a powder and liquid, for conducting a test on the shaken content, includes: a frame; a first plate assembled thereto; a second plate assembled indirectly to the frame, arranged close to the first plate and movable relative to the frame and first plate; and a drive unit for moving the second plate relative to the frame and first plate. The container is carried by the second plate and is movably mounted relative thereto; the first plate includes a stop fixedly mounted on the first plate; and the second plate is moved relative to the first plate by the drive unit, in an alternating and periodic translational and/or rotational motion between a proximal position and a distal position, to move the container relative to the second plate and cause a series of impacts between the container and the stop to achieve a non-periodic shaking.

Abstract: A device and a process for mixing a liquid sample in an automated analysis instrument comprises a support arm, a holder for a liquid container, a flexible intermediate element, arranged between the support arm and the holder for the liquid container, a shaking apparatus, and a coupling apparatus arranged on the holder for the liquid container, wherein the coupling apparatus can establish a detachable connection between the shaking apparatus and the holder for the liquid container.

Abstract: An appliance for rapidly vibrating test tubes containing samples to be ground up, the appliance comprising an electric motor (12) for driving rotation of a disk (16) that is provided with an eccentric pin (17), the appliance being characterized in that the test tubes (23) are perpendicular to the eccentric pin and are held by a clamp (21) mounted on a support (20) that is substantially parallel to the eccentric pin, being connected to a fixed baseplate via a Cardan type hinge (15) having two mutually perpendicular axes of rotation (X and Y), one of which axes (Y) is substantially parallel to the eccentric pin (17) and connects the support (20) to the other axis (X) of the hinge (15) that prevents the support (20) from moving in rotation about a perpendicular axis (Z). The support (20) is connected to the eccentric pin (17) by a link (19).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a hand held pipette for aspirating and dispensing liquids including, a stirring device assembly, including a vibration inducing unit, a power source for the vibration inducing unit, and a control for the vibration inducing unit. Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a microplate stirring device including, an orbital plate module having a proximal and distal side; at least one vibration inducing unit attached to the proximal side of said orbital plate module; and a base plate for receiving the microplate. Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid handling system used for aspirating and dispensing liquids including, a stirring module assembly. Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a manual stirring device including, a vibration inducing unit; a power source for the vibration inducing unit; and a control for the vibration inducing unit.

Abstract: Sonication of a medium for example in an immunoassay is provided by applying sound waves from a transducer to a vessel in which the medium is held by a sonotrode coupled between the transducer and the vessel. The sonotrode has a recess in which the vessel is held, the recess being formed by facing surfaces of a plurality of protruding portions of the sonotrode separated by slits and arranged around the recess. The sonotrode is coupled to the vessel by dry contact with the vessel without any coupling layers therebetween. The use of such a sonotrode provides the advantages of allowing effective sonication with relatively low energy loss and with a low temperature elevation.

Abstract: A machine used for maximizing the extraction of otherwise wasted material in diverse containers by shaking and vibrating the inverted containers consequently causing the material to flow to the caps of the containers for use. All the embodiments described use a motor to shake and/or vibrate the opening and the container so the contents flow to the cap. They are composed of an opening within a housing to allow for container insertion, a housing to elevate the opening and container off of a surface to allow movement, a holding assembly to keep the container in place during a cycle, a motor or motors, and the necessary components to energize and control the motor(s). With the exception of the vibration only embodiment (FIGS. 7-7G) which simply vibrates the container, the other embodiments (FIGS. 1-6H and FIGS. 8-12A) use the motor and cam assembly to shake and vibrate the opening and the container causing the remaining material in the container to flow to the cap. All the embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A three-door structure suitable for rotation type coating mixer may include an upper lid cover, symmetrically arranged front doors, a door movement support frame, and linear straight guide rails. The upper lid cover may be located at the top of the machine casing and fixedly arranged on the door movement support frame. The front doors may be symmetrically arranged on the front side of the machine casing. The linear straight guide rails may be installed on the housing of the machine casing through a guide rail fixing base. The door movement support frame may be symmetrically connected on two sides to sliding blocks arranged on the guide rails. The front doors may be connected to two sides of the door movement support frame. The lower ends front doors may be engaged with a fixing base at the bottom of the machine casing through a joining part.

Abstract: A stirring container in which liquid is contained is used in an analyzer for measuring a property of the liquid. The stirring container includes a recessed portion in which the liquid is held so that a meniscus is formed; and a sound wave generating unit disposed outside of a wall portion forming the recessed portion, and generates surface sound waves for stirring the liquid. The wall portion is configured so that a rising of the meniscus is lower than a rising of the meniscus formed by the liquid held in an assumed container whose cross section in a direction orthogonal to a depth direction of the recessed portion is the same as that of a circumscribed rectangle. The circumscribed rectangle is circumscribed about a portion, made of a same material as a part of the wall portion where the meniscus is formed, where the meniscus is formed in the relevant direction.

Abstract: A device for mixing a bottle of baby formula preferably includes a device housing, a motor, a drive linkage and a bottle retainer. The drive linkage includes an eccentric drive disk, a drive arm, a pivoting arm and a pivot mounting base. The pivot mounting base includes a bottle drive shaft. The eccentric drive disk pivots the bottle drive shaft through the drive arm and the pivoting arm. The pivot mounting base is secured to the device housing. The bottle retainer preferably includes a bottle housing, a locking door and a bottle drive shaft boss. The locking door is pivotally retained on an open end of the bottle housing. The bottle drive shaft is retained in the bottle drive shaft boss. The motor rotates the eccentric drive disk, which causes the bottle to shake back and forth. A second embodiment replaces the device housing with a support member.

Abstract: A user interactive custom nail polish color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business, including for both point of sale and remote (e.g., via internet) transactions.

Abstract: A solder paste mixer includes a housing, a vibration mechanism, a rotating mechanism, and a fixture for fixing a solder paste jar. The housing defines a receiving space, and the vibration mechanism and the rotating mechanism are retained within the receiving space. The fixture can be vibrated by the vibration mechanism and rotated by the rotating mechanism.

Abstract: A reaction system and a reactor which comprises of two or more reaction cells wherein said cells are separated by inter cell conduits and having a means of causing agitation within the cells which does not require a mechanical connection of the agitating mechanism within the cell to a drive mechanism which is outside the cell.

Abstract: An agitator by vibrations includes an annular resonator to which is applied a vibratory stress by piezoelectric transducers. A preferred stress shape is a bending of the ring perpendicularly to its plane to excite inherent modes at relatively low frequencies. Use of a solid annular transmitter enables the vibrations to be satisfactorily controlled to maintain satisfactory transmission to the sample to be agitated, and to focus them on it. Excitation frequencies are frequencies inherent to the ring or to the tank.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a small bottle shaker with a housing unit that contains a variable speed motor that is attached to a rotary drive unit. The rotary drive unit is attached to a bottle holder that has a lid with a positive retention device that keeps the lid closed when a bottle is being shaken. The bottle holder also has a bottle retention assembly that holds a bottle being shaken in position and protects it from damage.

Abstract: Sonication of a medium for example in an immunassay is provided by applying sound waves from a transducer to a vessel in which the medium is held by a sonotrode coupled between the transducer and the vessel. The sonotrode has a recess in which the vessel is held, the recess being formed by facing surfaces of a plurality of protruding portions of the sonotrode separated by slits and arranged around the recess. The sonotrode is coupled to the vessel by dry contact with the vessel without any coupling layers therebetween. The use of such a sonotrode provides the advantages of allowing effective sonication with relatively low energy loss and with a low temperature elevation.

Abstract: An orbital shaker apparatus is provided, including a first shaft connected to a first bearing assembly at a first end and a mounting portion at the other. The first shaft is rotatable about a first shaft axis, and is connected to a motor. The second shaft has a bearing assembly on the mounting portion at one end and a platform at the other, and is aligned parallel to and offset from the first shaft by a distance. A counterweight rotor assembly is coupled to the mounting portion, and rotated by a belt driven by a pulley connected to the rotating shaft of a counterweight motor. The counterweight assembly includes two counterweight bearings, each having a counterweight wedge. The platform also includes supports for objects to be secured thereto. In use, as the counterweight rotor rotates, the second shaft, second bearing assembly, and platform describes a circular orbit with diameter 2R.

Abstract: An appliance for rapidly vibrating test tubes containing samples to be ground up, the appliance comprising an electric motor (12) for driving rotation of a disk (16) that is provided with an eccentric pin (17), the appliance being characterized in that the test tubes (23) are perpendicular to the eccentric pin and are held by a clamp (21) mounted on a support (20) that is substantially parallel to the eccentric pin, being connected to a fixed baseplate via a Cardan type hinge (15) having two mutually perpendicular axes of rotation (X and Y), one of which axes (Y) is substantially parallel to the eccentric pin (17) and connects the support (20) to the other axis (X) of the hinge (15) that prevents the support (20) from moving in rotation about a perpendicular axis (Z). The support (20) is connected to the eccentric pin (17) by a link (19).

Abstract: A biocontainer. The biocontainer includes a first flexible wall, a second flexible wall opposite the first flexible wall, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a third end extending between the first and second ends, a fourth end extending between the first and second ends and opposite the third end, and a first relief section extending from the first end.

Abstract: A method according to Claim 25, wherein essentially homogeneous material mixtures are achieved or maintained in these liquid containers.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with testing of inhalers used for medicament delivery. Such devices are often intended to be first shaken by a user to prepare them, and then fired by operation of some mechanical mechanism. In order to automate testing, the invention provides a shake device having a carriage 14 for receiving and releasably mounting one or more inhalers. The carriage is mounted upon a guideway for linear movement upon it. A linear motor 26 is operatively coupled to the carriage to reciprocally drive it to shake the mounted inhaler(s). A system embodying the invention may further comprise a fire device having a movable firing member 54, 56 for engaging with an inhaler mounted in the carriage and actuating its firing mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus which axially stirs solid and/or liquid and/or gaseous substances jointly or individually, characterized by the use of a linear motor or linear servo motor, which enables to select the amplitude, frequency, acceleration, application time of said movement and selection of stirring and rest cycles. The stirring produced by this apparatus can be applied for mixing and/or homogenizing substances and/or extracting the constituent elements of the stirred substances.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprising a hopper (20) provided with a sieve at a bottom portion thereof, the hopper defining a powder-containing zone above the sieve which in use contains powder to be dispensed therefrom through the sieve, a support (25) for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container into which the dispensed powder is to be received, at least one actuator (30) for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, and an element which is adapted to permit controlled vertical movement of the hopper relative to the support.

Abstract: A device consisting of a low-RPM motor wherein the motor spins a flat disk, a peg is attached to the disk, a stationary spring armature wherein the peg can activate the stationary spring armature as the disk rotates, and a tube containing beads in a fluid positioned in a top plate wherein the spring armature can contact the tube. This device can further include a soft closed-cell foam top mounted on the top plate wherein the tube is inserted and maintained by the foam in such a way as to allow for slight motion of the tube induced by the contact by the spring armature.

Abstract: A rack for holding containers containing liquids used in clinical chemistry analyzers. The rack comprises (a) a frame having two or more sections, each section being adapted for receiving a liquid containing component, at least one of the sections of the frame being adapted for receiving a first liquid containing component which is adapted for being removably but tightly mechanically connected to said frame, (b) at least one movable part adapted to be removably coupled to a shaker device, the movable part being adapted for receiving and holding a second liquid containing component, at least one of the sections of the frame being adapted for receiving the movable part and allowing motion of the movable part within predetermined limits.