Abstract: A system for continuously processing materials. The system includes a continuous process vessel (CPV) and an acoustic agitator coupled to the CPV and configured to agitate the CPV along an oscillation axis. The CPV includes at least one inlet configured for introducing first and second process ingredients into an upper portion, with respect to the oscillation axis, of the CPV. The CPV includes an outlet for discharging the product of mixing the ingredients from a lower portion, with respect to the oscillation axis, of the CPV. The CPV includes a plurality of mixing regions, each defined by an upper angled surface and a lower angled surface. The surfaces of each mixing region are angled such that the distance between the surfaces is greater towards the upper portion of the continuous process vessel than the distance between the surfaces towards the lower portion of the continuous process vessel.

Abstract: Vibration systems and systems including vibration systems for filling incomplete components with slurry material are disclosed. The vibration systems may include a vibration platform, and a component retention plate releasably coupled to the vibration platform. The component retention plate may include a plurality of component holders positioned on the component retention plate. Each of the plurality of component holders may receive a distinct, incomplete component in a predetermined orientation. The vibration systems may also include a motor operatively coupled to the vibration platform to vibrate the vibration platform at a predetermined frequency. The predetermined frequency may be based on characteristic(s) of each of the incomplete components.

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 method for introducing an active compound into a soft hydrated contact lens comprising the steps of: providing a hypotonic aqueous solution having an osmolarity value less than 150 mOsm and an effective quantity of that active compound, immersing the soft contact lens in the aqueous hypotonic solution, subjecting the contact lens immersed in the aqueous hypotonic solution to mechanical vibrations having a power greater than 100 mW for a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of surface hardening a plurality of sintered bodies having a hard phase and a binder phase. The method includes the steps of placing the bodies in a container, and forming a system including the container and the bodies therein, and causing the bodies to move and collide with each other and with inside walls of the container. The container is vibrating utilizing a mechanical resonance frequency of the system.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems for adding components to materials being fluidized in a vibratory mixer by use of atomizers or sprayers. A mechanical system can fluidizes, mix, coat, dry, combine, or segregate materials. The system may comprise a vibratory mixer, mixing vessel containing a first material and a sprayer to introduce a second material. The vibratory mixer may generate a fluidized bed of a first material and the sprayer, coupled to the mixing vessel, may introduce a second material onto the fluidized bed to mix the materials in a uniform and even fashion.

Abstract: A liquid supply device according to the invention includes a container which is filled with a liquid from a liquid storage portion, and the container includes a bottom surface portion, an upper surface portion, and a stirrer which moves in the bottom surface portion and stirs the liquid. The relationship between a height Ht in the vertical direction of a central portion in the container and a height Hb in the vertical direction of the stirrer satisfy the Expression: 0.40×Ht?Hb?0.90×Ht.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment system for securing vessels to a shaker includes a base having an upper side and a lower side; a plurality of flanges on the upper side of the base, each flange having an arm that extends away from the base and engages with the vessel so that the arms retain the vessel to the base; and a magnet on the lower side of the base that magnetically attaches the base to the platform, thereby releasably retaining the vessel to the platform. Each flange may be repositioned at a common distance from the center of the base to accommodate different sizes of vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mixing system at a peak energy efficiency point, maximum response point or reduced sound generation point based on displacement, velocity, acceleration or jerk operating conditions.

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: Disclosed is a mixing device for mixing, in particular, contents of laboratory vessels. The mixing device has a receiving device for receiving mixtures, a drive for setting the receiving device in a mixing movement relative to a chassis in which the receiving device moves on a closed path, and a bearing for guiding the receiving device in the mixing movement. The bearing has at least two supports, each with two bearing areas spaced apart from each other and having at least substantially no translatory and at least two rotational degrees of freedom. One bearing area bears the support at the chassis, and the other bearing area bears the receiving device at the support. The bearing has a guidance device, which guides the rotation of the receiving device relative to the chassis during the mixing movement.

Abstract: An incubator (1) has an incubation chamber (2) and a shaking device (4) to shake receptacles (5) placed in the incubation chamber (2). A device chamber (3) adjoins the incubation chamber (2) and accommodates at least parts of the shaking device (4). The shaking device (4) has a base plate (8) that seals off the incubation chamber (2) from the device chamber 3. A shaking table (11) is on the inner face (9) of the base plate (8) and can be moved in a horizontal plane by a drive arm (10). A motor (34) is arranged on the outer face (37) of the base plate (8). The motor (34) drives a drive shaft (14) that is rotatably mounted in the base plate (8) and that is operatively connected to the drive arm (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing asymmetric oscillations to a container. The container may include a fluid, a particle, and/or a gas. A vibration driver attached to the container provides asymmetric oscillations. A controller connected to the vibration driver controls an amplitude, frequency, and shape of the asymmetric oscillations. An amplifier amplifies the asymmetric oscillations in response to the controller. A sensor disposed on the vibration driver provides feedback to the controller.

Abstract: A vibration generating device including a working platform, an opposite platform and a driving unit is provided. The working platform carries a workpiece disposed on one side of the working platform. The opposite platform is adjacent to another side of the working platform. The working platform and the opposite platform contact to each other via at least two bumps reversely protruded between the working platform and the opposite platform. The driving unit is coupled to the working platform or the opposite platform to drive the working platform or the opposite platform to move in a horizontal direction, and the working platform generates a vibration in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer supplies a sample and a reagent into a reaction container provided with an opening mixes a fluid which is to be measured and contains the sample and reagent supplied into the reaction container, measures a property of the fluid in the reaction container, and controls the drive for the mixer. The mixer has a vertical drive machine to move the mixing tool up and down. The control unit controls the vertical drive machine to move the mixing tool up and down in the fluid to be measured in the reaction container so as to cause upward and downward flow of the fluid which is to be measured and is positioned below the mixing tool.

Abstract: A method for host vibration test is disclosed in the present invention. The method includes outputting an initial power spectrum density to a testing platform by a data acquisition device so as to vibrate the testing platform according to the initial power spectrum density. A host is disposed on a supporter, and the supporter is set on the testing platform. The method further includes installing a first accelerometer on the supporter, generating a first power spectrum density according to data detected by the first accelerometer, installing a second accelerometer on the testing platform, generating a second power spectrum density according to data detected by the second accelerometer, and the data acquisition device executing the vibration test of a host according to the first power spectrum density and the second power spectrum density.

Abstract: A storage system is provided. The system may include a tray having at least one recess in which at least one syringe is disposed, the syringe including a barrel with first and second barrel ends, and a stopper fixedly disposed between the first and second barrel ends. A tool attached to the stopper through the second barrel end, the tool having a first end attached to the stopper and a second end attached to or abutting the barrel or a surface of the recess, the first end being selectively adjustable relative to the second end to vary the distance between the first and second ends of the tool. In addition or in the alternative to the tool, the system may include a motion generator attached externally to the syringe, the motion generator being one of at least a vibration generator and a rotating frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shaking sample containers, especially micro titer plates, and to a shaking apparatus, comprising an oscillating plate holding the sample containers and an exciter drive for generating the oscillating movement of the oscillating plate. The oscillating plate is made to oscillate in resonance oscillation, with the oscillating plate being connected in a flexurally rigid manner with an apparatus base preferably by at least four spring elements which consist of several individual springs and is held in an oscillating plane.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for resuspending a concentrated blood component collected in a single-use processing chamber that is mounted to a rotatable support of a centrifugal collection system. A resuspension solution is introduced to the single-use processing chamber constraining the concentrated blood component. The rotatable support with the single-use processing chamber mounted thereto is removed from the centrifugal collection system and mounted to a resuspension device. The device is then activated for a period of time sufficient to resuspend the concentrated blood component in the resuspension solution. In another aspect, the resuspension device is configured to impart a reciprocating arcuate motion to the support and its associated single-use processing chamber. A frequency of approximately 300 to 325 rpm over a period of time of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 minutes has been found effective for resuspending platelets. Reciprocation through an arc of less than 200° is provided.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for continuously reacting a combination of materials by use of an acoustic agitator and a continuous process vessel. The system can react, fluidize, mix, coat, dry, combine or segregate materials. The continuous processing system can include an acoustic agitator capable of being removably coupled to a continuous process vessel. The continuous process vessel can include a first inlet for introducing at least one process ingredient, a plurality of plates configured for directing a flow of the at least one process ingredient through the continuous process vessel and capable of transferring acoustic energy generated by the acoustic agitator into the at least one process ingredient, an outlet for discharging a product of the at least one process ingredient, and a fastener for removable coupling the continuous process vessel to the acoustic agitator.

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: Disclosed is an apparatus for mixing laboratory vessel contents. The apparatus has an accommodating adapter with a holder for accommodating laboratory vessels, e.g., laboratory vessels in an exchangeable block module, and a drive for putting the accommodating adapter into a mixing movement which essentially oscillates in a circular and translatory manner in a horizontal plane. The accommodating adapter has a vortex adapter which is accessible from the outside and has a shoulder structure on a circumference. The shoulder structure has at least one shoulder which points toward the center of the circumference and is intended to drive a vessel, e.g., a test tube, which is held and placed from the outside, into the mixing movement in a form-fitting manner.

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: A nail polish display system includes a case, which may take the form of a shelving system or platform, sized to hold and display multiple bottles of nail polish. The bottles are placed on rollers, vibration generating pads, or placed in vicinity of a magnetic disc or rod. A motor operates a drive system for spinning the rollers or magnetic disc/rod, which in turns agitates the liquid nail polish in the bottles. The drive systems may take the form of a gear train system or a pulley system. For the magnetic agitation, the magnetic disc/rod causes ferromagnetic balls within the nail polish bottle to agitate the nail polish. Additionally or alternatively, the nail polish display system may include protective sleeves or covers for the nail polish bottles. Preferably, the sleeves are contoured to permit a brand or color of the nail polish to be adequately visible when the bottles are in the display case.

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 continuous mixer/reactor and a mixing process are provided in which materials flow in an orderly fashion along the length of a channel (9) and the materials are mixed in a direction transverse to the axis of the channel (9) by the provision of agitator elements (5, 7) within the channel (9) and shaking the channel (9) so that the agitator elements (5, 7) move within the channel (9) in the radial direction of the channel (9).

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

Abstract: A kitchen shaking apparatus includes a housing, a controllable oscillating actuator contained in the housing, a platform mechanically coupled to the controllable oscillating actuator, and a plurality of adjustable coacting restraining arms operably coupled to the housing. Each of the restraining arms including a vertical segment and a horizontal segment and is positioned and configured to allow the vertical segment to contact an object on the platform. A speed control is configured to control frequency of oscillation of the actuator. A timer control is configured to control duration of operation of the actuator. A locking mechanism releasably locks at least one adjustable restraining arm at a user-selectable position. A removable pad is attached to the top surface of the platform. After shaking mixed ingredients using the apparatus, the ingredients are devoid of substantial air pockets and the consistency is improved for an enhanced processed food product.

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: A device for biochip hybridization or washing is provided, which comprises a carousel (12), a translational movement controller, a revolving movement controller, and optionally a heating chamber (13). The revolving movement controller controls the revolving movement of the carousel and allows it to move in a wobbling fashion, allowing liquid movement of the hybridization or washing boxes (11) during hybridization and/or washing of biochips on the carousel. The translational movement controller brings the carousel back to horizontal position once the revolving movement controller stops, thereby ensures that the liquid do not spill out. The heating chamber circulates hot air within the device, thereby ensures that the hybridization and washing in a thermostatic condition.

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: 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.

Abstract: Ultrasound methods and apparatus for mixing two or more different liquids are disclosed. The ultrasound methods and apparatus may mix varied components including drugs, polymers, and coatings for application to a variety of medical apparatus surfaces. The apparatus and technique can generate a proper mixture which is uninterruptedly/continuously delivered to the surface of the medical apparatus. The apparatus may include specific ultrasound transducer/tip configurations which may allow for the mixing of different liquids in a mixing camera located inside of the vibrating tip. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may mix different drugs, applying them to stent surface using different effects like ultrasound cavitation and radiation forces. Furthermore, the disclosed methods and apparatus may generate a mixture and may deliver a targeted, gentle, highly controllable dispensation of continuous liquid spray which can reduce the loss of expensive pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: An agitating device is described, a representative one of which includes: an agitating device for agitating a sample within a sample container, comprising: a base; a container holder for holding a sample container, which is provided so as to be movable relative to the base; and an agitation drive unit, which is provided on the base, for providing an agitation drive force to the container holder so as to cause the container holder to perform a agitating operation.

Abstract: An emulsification equipment is revealed. The emulsification equipment includes an atmospheric pressure container, a stirring unit arranged over the atmospheric pressure container, a temperature control unit disposed outside the atmospheric pressure container, and an ultrasonic vibrating unit set on the bottom of the atmospheric pressure container. Thereby, through the ultrasonic vibration energy generated by the ultrasonic vibrating unit being transferred to liquid, together with stirring of the stirring unit as well as temperature control by the temperature control unit, an emulsion formed by the emulsification equipment is with better refinement and stability.

Abstract: A kitchen shaking apparatus includes a housing, a controllable oscillating actuator contained in the housing, a platform mechanically coupled to the controllable oscillating actuator, and a plurality of adjustable coacting restraining arms operably coupled to the housing. Each of the restraining arms including a vertical segment and a horizontal segment and is positioned and configured to allow the vertical segment to contact an object on the platform. A speed control is configured to control frequency of oscillation of the actuator. A timer control is configured to control duration of operation of the actuator. A locking mechanism releasably locks at least one adjustable restraining arm at a user-selectable position. A removable pad is attached to the top surface of the platform. After shaking mixed ingredients using the apparatus, the ingredients are devoid of substantial air pockets and the consistency is improved for an enhanced processed food product.

Abstract: A system, which may be used to perform simultaneous grinding and intimate mixing of edible fat-based slurries or emulsions, may include a cylindrical drum having a central longitudinal axis and a curved inner surface and mounted on springs, and a motor and tuned mass coupled to the cylindrical drum to vibrate the cylindrical drum about a center of vibration that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical drum. The system includes at least one pair of partition plates disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical drum to divide the cylindrical drum into at least two process zones, the partition plates of the at least one pair having matching apertures and moveable relative to each other between alignment and misalignment. The system may be used, for example, in chocolate manufacture.

Abstract: A powered test-tube agitation device includes a small plate having a rest for a test tube to be agitated and operated in agitation by a powered mechanism. The powered mechanism is started by optical detection of the entry of an object into a predetermined zone above the small plate. Advantageously the detector is a photoelectric infrared reflection detector.

Abstract: An experimental mixing device may comprise a driving source, an eccentric member, a control member and a mixing member. The control member may be selective installed in the experimental mixing device and be configured to adjust the mixing member, thereby providing various operational motions of the mixing member, for example an orbital motion, a see-saw motion, a 3-D twist motion, or a crank motion. The use of the control member may eliminate the need of separating the mixing member from the experimental mixing device. Thereby, the experimental mixing device may have adjustable patterns and quantity of the mixing motion and lead to easy usage and manufacture.

Abstract: A dual-axis mixing device having a rotatable main support and one or more attached offset supports such as turntables is provided. The main support and offset rotational supports can be controlled independently of one another to reduce or prevent dead zone formation in materials mixed in the centrifuge. An operator can specify various rotation procedures depending on the materials to be mixed and the operator's observation of the materials during the mixing process.

Abstract: The agitation machine is installed either independently or in a conveyor line to shake, vibrate, oscillate, and/or agitate a container or containers in order to compact and settle the contents thereof. The machine includes at least one (and preferably two) elongate rotating bar or rod of non-circular cross section, or of eccentric circular cross section. The bars extend beneath the containers in the direction of their travel across or through the machine, with rotation of the bars resulting in the shaking or oscillating of the containers and resulting settling and compaction of the contents of the containers. The rotating oscillator bars may be adjusted so that their high edges are either in phase or out of phase with one another, respectively producing an alternating lifting and lowering action or a rocking action of the container resting thereon. The rotational speed of the bars may be adjusted as desired, as well.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a head on a beverage using ultrasonic energy, the apparatus (10) including an hydrating means (20) such that a layer of water is provided to keep a platform (19), which is in turn coupled to an ultrasonic transducer, maintained in conductive contact with the, base (B) of a glass (G) of beverage. The water layer improves the transfer of ultrasonic energy to the beverage in the glass. Preferably the water layer is provided through a pump means coupled to a reservoir (30).

Abstract: A powered test-tube agitation device (10) includes a small plate (12) having a rest (13) for a test tube (14) to be agitated and operated in agitation by a powered mechanism (15). The powered mechanism (15) is started by means (17, 117) of optical detection of the entry of an object into a predetermined zone above the small plate. Advantageously the detection means are photoelectric infrared reflection detection means (17).

Abstract: The agitation machine is installed either independently or in a conveyor line to shake, vibrate, oscillate, and/or agitate a container or containers in order to compact and settle the contents thereof. The machine includes at least one (and preferably two) elongate rotating bar or rod of non-circular cross section, or of eccentric circular cross section. The bars extend beneath the containers in the direction of their travel across or through the machine, with rotation of the bars resulting in the shaking or oscillating of the containers and resulting settling and compaction of the contents of the containers. The rotating oscillator bars may be adjusted so that their high edges are either in phase or out of phase with one another, respectively producing an alternating lifting and lowering action or a rocking action of the container resting thereon. The rotational speed of the bars may be adjusted as desired, as well.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mixing a fluid dispersion disposed in a container. The apparatus includes a table upon which the container may be disposed. A clamp assembly is disposed above the table so as to define a holding space therebetween. The clamp assembly is movable between an uppermost position and a lowermost position, wherein when the clamp assembly is in the uppermost position, the holding space has a maximum height and when the clamp assembly is in the lowermost position, the holding space has a minimum height. At least one blocking structure is disposed between the table and the clamp assembly to limit the downward movement of the clamp assembly and thereby establish the lowermost position of the clamp assembly, wherein the blocking structure is positioned to provide that the minimum height of the holding space is at least 30% of the maximum height of the holding space.

Abstract: A combination of a durable base and a disposable bowl for mixing of ingredients by a cosmetician. The base provides for the base and bowl to be free-standing so that the cosmetician can conveniently mix ingredients for hair coloring preparation, for example, and can also access the mixed hair coloring preparation using only one hand, and without having to hold the bowl or base in position on a countertop. An integrally molded, radially, outwardly extending planar lip around the periphery of the top of the disposable bowl provides rigidity to the bowl, while cooperating features such as a radially extending key and divot respectively defined by the base and bowl insure that the bowl is non-rotational relative to the base. The bowl may be a light push-fit or snap-fit into the base to further maintain the desired secure attachment of the bowl to the base during use. On the other hand, a notch or recess in the base provides for convenient removal of the bowl from the base for disposal.

Abstract: Dry ice pellets in a container are compacted by beginning the filling of a container with dry ice pellets, vibrating the container for a short duration when the container is partially filled, and continuing vibrating the container for short durations at periodic intervals until the container is filled.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus and method for settling the contents of a container. The vibratory apparatus includes a base and a load table located above the base. A plurality of resiliently flexible vertical support members attach the load table to the base. A pneumatic linear vibrator is attached to the load table and is adapted to the vibrate the load table along a line of stroke that is generally linear and generally horizontal. One or more vacuum cups are attached to the top of the load table to releasably secure the container to the load table for vibration. The vibrator can independently vary the amplitude and the frequency of the vibration of the container to maximize settling of wllthe contents of the container.

Abstract: A resonant shaker includes a support tray for supporting a target carrier. A sensor generates an electrical signal that is related to an acceleration of the support tray. A linear drive motor includes an armature that is coupled to the support tray. The linear drive motor provides an oscillating drive force to the support tray in response to a drive current applied to the linear drive motor. The resonant shaker also includes a controller. The controller receives the electrical signal from the sensor and a drive signal that is related to the drive current. The controller transmits a modified drive current to the linear drive motor in response to a predetermined phase relationship between the electrical signal and the drive signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing fluids and/or solids in a manner that can be varied from maintaining the integrity of fragile molecular and biological materials in the mixing vessel to homogenizing heavy aggregate material by supplying large amounts of energy. Variation in the manner of mixing is accomplished using an electronic controller to generate signals to control the frequency and amplitude of the motor(s), which drive an unbalanced shaft assembly to produce a linear vibratory motion. The motor may be a stepper motors a linear motor or a DC continuous motor. By placing a sensor on the mixing vessel platform to provide feedback control of the mixing motor, the characteristics of agitation in the fluid or solid can be adjusted to optimize the degree of mixing and produce a high quality mixant.