Abstract: A method of mixing a liquid composition that includes microparticles dispersed in an aqueous liquid carrier may involve a first premixing step and a second premixing step. During the first premixing step a receptacle is oscillated about a longitudinal axis clockwise and counter-clockwise from a first reference point through a first angle of rotation for a first period of time and at a first angular velocity. During the second premixing step the receptacle is oscillated about the longitudinal axis clockwise and counter-clockwise from a second reference point through a second angle of rotation for a second period of time and at a second angular velocity. In examples, the first angle of rotation is smaller than said second angle of rotation, and the first period of time is shorter than the second period of time.

Abstract: A cosmetics mixing device for homogenizing suspensions of cosmetics includes a housing that defines an interior space. The housing is open-topped, and a block is positioned in the interior space. A plurality of recesses extends into the block from an upper face of the block. Each recess extends from proximate to a first endpoint to proximate to a second endpoint of the block. Each of a plurality of couplers is coupled to the block and is positioned in a respective recess. The coupler is configured to couple to a respective tubular container to retain the respective tubular container within the respective recess. A shaking module that is coupled to the housing and positioned in the interior space is operationally coupled to the block. The shaking module is positioned to shake the block to mix a cosmetic that is positioned in the respective tubular container.

Abstract: A hydraulic body mount includes a first support member that defines a first support surface that is adapted to engage the body of a vehicle and a second support member that defines a second support surface that is adapted to engage the frame of the vehicle. The hydraulic body mount includes a hydraulic damping system disposed between the first support surface and the second support surface and a travel-limiting cup disposed outside of the region between the first support surface and the second support surface. The travel-limiting cup includes an elastomeric limiting member adapted to limit the travel of the first support surface relative to the second support surface.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes a motor. A first plate is connected to the motor. The first plate includes a spiral groove. A second plate is disposed on the first plate. The second plate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second plate is disposed on the first plate. A plurality of clamping posts is disposed on the second plate. Each of the plurality of clamping posts is connected to the spiral groove through the second surface of the second plate, and the plurality of clamping posts is configured to guide and secure a vessel to a center of the first surface of the second plate, by rotating the first and second plates with respect to each other. A content of the vessel is mixed by rotating the first plate, the second plate, and the vessel about their respective centers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioreactor including at least one reactor vessel in form of a plastic bag, a tray (4) for holding said at least one bag, a rocking device for limited rocking motions of the tray (4) around a rocking axis (2). According to the invention the bioreactor comprises a device (6,7,8,9) for enabling swinging of the tray (4) around a second axis (7) parallel to and distanced from the rocking axis (2).

Abstract: A method for reducing microorganisms (sterilization) in a free-flowing product in a container. The product in the container is radiated with non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation at an energy density sufficient to achieve commercially sterile temperature and is manipulated in a manner to distribute heat and ensure that the product and the container reach a temperature sufficient to commercially sterilize the product and the interior surfaces of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for swirling wine within a wine glass or a decanter, or for moving a liquid within a container. A driver is mounted to move a driving element with respect to a housing. A base for holding or removably attaching the glass, the decanter or the container, is moveably mounted with respect to the housing. A receiver and a connector are moveably mounted with respect to each other and with respect to the housing. When the driver moves the base, the base and thus the container follow a path defined by movement of the connector with respect to the receiver. When the glass, the decanter or the other container is mounted with respect to the base, the base moves the glass, the decanter or the container to impart a swirling motion of wine or another liquid within the glass, the decanter or the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating cells utilizing wave motion comprising a container, a retaining member configured to retain the container, a drive assembly for swiveling the container with respect to the substantially horizontal pivot axis and to swivel, such that during swiveling the pivot axis follows a cyclical closed-loop path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in the biopharmaceutical and chemical industries to facilitate the temporary attachment of standard laboratory glassware to vibratory mixers and other types of aggressive shaking equipment. The container holder couples the entire flask or container to the mixing equipment in a secure fashion. The technology may be used with conventional glass flasks, or with plastic flasks that can be configured for either single-use or multiple-use. The invention allows for single handed, low force insertion of the flaskware as well as the incorporation of sensors into the container holder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analyzing apparatus including a first drive part (71) for rotating a turntable (101) on which an analyzing device is set, a second drive part (72) selectively engaged with the first drive part (71) to reciprocate the analyzing device, and a third drive part (73) for relatively moving the first drive part (71) and the second drive part (72) a position where the first and second drive parts are engaged with each other and a position where the first and second drive parts are not engaged with each other. Thus in the mixing and agitation of a small amount of fluid, necessary acceleration can be obtained even in a short time.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for microfluidic mixing in a “lab-on-a-chip” environment. The methodology focuses on constant acceleration and deceleration about a mean angular speed with a rotating disk serving as the mixing platform. The methodology results in good mixing between different fluids.

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: Disclosed is a linear shaker apparatus capable of effectively mixing a wide variety of large volume liquid samples that provides a near linear mixing motion so as to allow for the easy break up of solids suspended in the fluid sample. The longer shaking distances and slower operating speeds employed by the linear shaker described herein, which resembles the motion a scientist or lab technician might employ when shaking such a vial by hand, does not lend itself to the electromagnetic technique employed in various prior art shakers. The linear shaker described herein employs an electric motor and linkage that allows varying the speed and stroke of the mixing operation to accommodate different laboratory protocols.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a clinical instrument analyzer system for the automated analysis of patient samples. In one embodiment, the analyzer may be used to analyze bodily fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid, for example. Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method for suspending magnetic particles accumulated on the floor of a mixing tube and depositing the magnetic particles in bodily fluid samples.

Abstract: A motorized beverage mixing device having a housing adapted to accommodate a beverage mixing container. The housing is adapted to removably-retain the mixing container while the housing is rotated in an oscillating motion. The housing is preferably adapted to rotate the mixing container to or past a horizontal orientation in at least one rotational direction.

Abstract: A low-cost, easy to operate, three-phase tilting agitator for microarrays, including large area microarrays, provides experimentally verified improvements in hybridization intensity and uniformity. Motion is coupled from a single motor to a sample holder via three suspension tethers. The microarrays may be immersed in a water bath during agitation to maintain a temperature for the hybridization reaction. The use of traditional cover slips for the microarrays minimizes the volume requirement for target sample solution.

Abstract: The device (10) comprises a substantially stationary outer frame (14) and a movable inner frame (18) supported by the outer frame (14). The inner frame (18) is provided with a lower support plate (26) for a receptacle (C) containing the product to be mixed and with an upper clamping plate (30) which can be moved towards the inner plate (26) to clamp the receptacle (C). The lower and upper plates (26, 30) are both rotatably mounted about a vertical axis (Z). The device comprises a first electric motor (32), first driving means (38, 40, 42, 44, 45) arranged to impart a vertical oscillation movement to the receptacle (C) and second driving means (38, 40, 42, 58, 60, 56, 54, 52, 48, 26) arranged to impart a rotational movement about a vertical axis (Z) to the receptacle (C) at the same time as the vertical oscillation movement. The first and second driving means are both operated by the first electric motor (32).

Abstract: A motorized beverage mixing device having a housing adapted to accommodate a beverage mixing container. The housing is adapted to removably-retain the mixing container while the housing is rotated in an oscillating motion. The housing is preferably adapted to rotate the mixing container to or past a horizontal orientation in at least one rotational direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for non-invasively mixing ingredients in closed containers. Mixing is performed by inducing waves in the liquid to be mixed. This is achieved by rocking the container in precise phase so as to produce resonance. With the waves moving back and forth in resonance, it is possible to mix with very low energy requirements compared to prior art. Mixing ingredients with resonant waves in a closed container eliminates the need for an invasive mixer and has obvious advantages in minimizing contamination. This makes the device ideal for biological processing that typically require sterile operation.

Abstract: A rocker for extended, refrigerated storage or transport of fish sperm comprising a platform for sperm containers, drive mechanism, a power supply with an on/off switch or rheostat, and water resistant housing. This device imparts continuous rocking motion to the sperm containers so that the sperm is continuously oxygenated, thus increasing the viability of the sperm.

Abstract: A windshield primer mixing device includes a housing having a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall extending between the top and bottom walls. A guide is mounted on the housing. A mounting is slidably positioned on the guide. A motor is adapted for selectively urging the mounting upwardly on the guide. A power supply is operationally coupled to the motor. A pair of coupling assemblies selectively couples a pair of containers to the mounting. The containers are removably coupled to the mounting and the mounting moved up and down until the contents of the containers are effectively mixed.

Abstract: An improved method of detecting the height of, and clamping, a paint or other liquid-containing can relies upon a subtractive comparison of a current draw of a clamping motor to a baseline reference current draw in order to detect the can height. Because the baseline reference current draw accounts for anomalous current draw readings, periodic manual adjustment of the current draw level considered to indicate a can height is unnecessary. The method further includes advanced detection and elimination of gaps developing between the can and the clamping apparatus. A system for agitating a liquid-containing can includes apparatus to carry out can-height detection, clamping, and gap detection and correction using current draw, can height, and clamping plate position data.

Abstract: A holder containing a mixing vessel is rotatable about its longitudinal axis by a drive configured to rotate the holder alternately in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. A programmable control unit is configured to regulate an angular excursion (&agr;) of the holder in the clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. The control unit includes instructions for a mixing sequence to be carried out in which the holder carries out first angular excursions of a first angle in a first cycle and second angular excursions of a second angle in a second cycle. The process includes placing liquids and/or solids into the mixing vessel, and then inserting the mixing vessel into the holder. The holder is subsequently alternately rotated by the drive through the first angular excursions and then the second angular excursions.

Abstract: A paint shaker and motor therefor. A yoke has at a first end a clamp for clamping a paint can and at a second end, is pivotally connected to a linkage assembly that converts the linear motion of a reciprocating linear motor to an arcing motion of the yoke. The motor includes a cylinder and a piston that is spring biased toward an inlet end of the cylinder. Compressed air enters the inlet end and a passageway through the piston for conducting the compressed air to a valve having a displaceable stopper, wherein the compressed air seats the stopper in the valve and thereby closes the valve, so that air pressure moves the piston toward an outlet end of the cylinder. The outlet end of the cylinder includes a projection against which the piston drives the stopper so as to unseat the stopper in the valve and thereby open the valve, permitting the spring bias to return the piston toward the inlet end of the cylinder.

Abstract: A device and method for efficiently synthesizing diverse molecular products on substrates. A parent vessel 200 contains a suspension of substrates. The suspension is pressurized with argon and transferred to a plurality of reaction vessels 201-209 in one or more reaction vessel banks where monomer addition reactions take place. Optionally, the substrates may be tagged with a tag monomer. A vortexing motor 300 vortexes the contents of reaction vessels 201-209 during monomer addition reactions to enhance synthesis. After the desired monomer and/or tag monomer addition reaction, the suspension is pressurized with argon and transferred back to parent vessel 200 for mixing. Thereafter, the suspension may be pressurized with argon and reallocated among reaction vessels 201-209 for further synthesis.

Abstract: A combined rotator and rocker for agitating contained materials includes a base having opposite sides, a drum having at least one object supporting side surface, a pair of opposite end surfaces, and a central axis passing through the end surfaces. The drum is rotatably coupled to the opposite side portions of the base. The drum is laterally movable along the central axis such that (i) in a first lateral position, the drum is continuously rotatable about the central axis; and (ii) in a second lateral position, the drum swings through an arc about the central axis. The drum is adapted to receive the contained materials in a plurality of different orientations to permit many different mixing motions.

Abstract: A reagent pack for keeping fluids with or without suspensions mixed or suspended upon rocking. The reagent pack has at least one chamber divided into separate sub-chambers with a throat region between them defined by baffles for agitation of suspended reagent during rocking of the reagent pack. A continuous lid sealable to the pack has membrane sealed apertures in the lid for allowing access to the underlying chambers and sub-chambers by withdrawal needles. A tray is configured to hold multiple side-by-side reagent packs on respective slides that slide in and out for insertion and withdrawal of the packs. During operation, the tray and associated packs are rocked such as by being periodically inclined with respect to horizontal, providing reagent agitation.

Abstract: A fluid mixing device provides a gentle rotating and concurrent back and forth motion to agitate a fluid. The device has a receptacle with a shaft extending downwardly from a location off center of its bottom to a link arm which is pivotally attached to a reciprocating drive means. A second embodiment of the invention adds a back and forth rotation of the receptacle about its center by attaching a gear to the bottom of the receptacle about its center and providing a partial inside ring gear along which the gear on the receptacle moves pursuant to the reciprocating movement of the shaft. The device is particularly useful for the mixing of biological solutions from lyophilized materials without creating undesirable foams.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently circulating and moving a fluid across a workpiece. The apparatus can provide for the automated handling of the fluids used, and is well suited for use in the staining and fixing of biological assays such as electrophoresis gels. The tray of the invention includes first and second side walls, first and second end walls, a first curved wall portion connecting the first side wall and the first end wall, and a second curved wall portion connecting the second side wall and the second end wall. The inclusion of the curved surface in the combination causes mixing to occur efficiently when the tray is "rocked" from side to side as in the conventional apparatus. Thus, the apparatus of the invention may also include a motor for alternately raising and lowering each end wall of the tray in a rocking motion, thereby causing the fluid to alternately flow towards and away from each end wall.

Abstract: A device for agitating and taking samples of blood products from tubes which are closed by stoppers and grouped together in a rack. The device includes a rack support adapted for holding at least one rack, at least one rack held by the rack support which is capable of holding a plurality of tubes with each tube being held in a selected position, a sampling station from which a sample of blood product can be withdrawn from a tube, a gripping device which is capable of taking hold and withdrawing from the rack one of the tubes at a selected position, bringing the tube to the sampling station and back to the selected position without agitation and replacing the tube in its selected position, and a drive device for displacing the gripping device. The device of the invention further includes a device for agitating the rack support and the rack which is operable during operation of the device for bringing and a device for withdrawing.

Abstract: An autoclave (1) is provided with an internal table (1) upon which articles to be sterilised can be placed. The autoclave is provided with a mechanism (2, 3, 5) for shaking or vibrating the table, and thereby shaking or vibrating the liquid undergoing sterilization, resulting in a more even temperature distribution within the liquid, thereby reducing the length of time for sterilization and reducing the occurrence of flash evaporation of the culture medium. The shaking or vibration may, for example, be induced by a shaft (2) which passes sealingly through a wall of the autoclave or may be induced by a number of magnets (41) located on a ring (38) around the autoclave which magnetically attract associated magnets (35) on the table within the autoclave.

Abstract: A reagent pack for keeping fluids with or without suspensions mixed or suspended upon rocking. The reagent pack has at least one chamber divided into separate sub-chambers with a throat region between them defined by baffles for agitation of suspended reagent during rocking of the reagent pack. A continuous lid sealable to the pack has membrane sealed apertures in the lid for allowing access to the underlying chambers and sub-chambers by withdrawal needles. A tray is configured to hold multiple side-by-side reagent packs on respective slides that slide in and out for insertion and withdrawal of the packs. During operation, the tray and associated packs are rocked such as by being periodically inclined with respect to horizontal, providing reagent agitation.

Abstract: A device for transferring, agitating, and sampling blood products sealed in tubes which are grouped together in cassettes wherein each cassette containing sample tubes is extracted from a storage receptacle by a moving loading and ejection carriage which shifts and positions it, using a retractable finger, in the cavity of a rotary carriage. The rotary carriage mixes the samples and stops so that sampling of tubes in the cassette can be performed by a sampling station which is movable in relation to the tubes temporarily immobilized in a vertical position with plugs facing downwards. The device is usable as a hematological analyzer.

Abstract: A system for filling containers with a prescribed medication includes a support head for receiving a disposable syringe which allows the syringe to be pumped to transfer liquid to an from the syringe. A robot arm is also provided to carry medication and diluent containers to the syringe for withdrawing diluent to the syringe and injecting it into the medication container for mixing. In order to ensure alignment of the containers with the syringe, there is provided on the support head an additional needle grasping system which grasps and locates the needle for penetration of the membrane of the container. The support head includes a weigh scale as an integral element thereof so that the syringe is weighed after each step of the process.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing at least one liquid container of nail polish or other liquid comprising a housing to operatively house a container support to support the liquid container thereon disposed in the lower portion thereof coupled to a rotational drive to selectively rotate the container support, a lower container limit to selectively engage the lower portion of the liquid container and an upper container limit to selectively engage the upper portion of the liquid container such that as the container support is rotated about the vertical axis both the lower portion and upper portion of the liquid container translate laterally from the vertical axis to engage the lower container limit and upper container limit respectively creating a wobbling motion to shake and spin the liquid container to thoroughly and rapidly mix the liquid therein.

Abstract: An instrument and system for the preparation of a sample for analysis provides a crucible holder which improves the holding and control of a melting crucible during operation of the device for agitating a powdered sample and flux while being heated. The crucible holder is coupled to an agitation assembly which provides independently controlled operation on two different axes using separately adjustable variable frequency and amplitude motion along each of the two operating axes to provide an finite number of agitation patterns for the crucible. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the heating flame is controlled by controlling the supply of compressed air and a combustion gas. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a pilot burner is provided which both ignites the main burner located under the crucible and preheats the casting dish to a temperature which is substantially the same as the crucible.

Abstract: A shaker apparatus is provided for laboratory testing. The apparatus comprises a base that is reciprocally movable relative to a sub-base. A frame is mounted to the base and includes spaced apart vertical supports with a horizontal support assembly rotatably mounted therebetween. A plurality of test vessels are mounted to the horizontal support assembly and can be rotated with the horizontal support assembly 180.degree. relative to the base. The vessels may be subjected to simultaneous shaking for identical periods of time. The horizontal frame assembly to which the vessels are mounted can be inverted between adjacent periods of shaking to permit selected refilling of the vessels, escape of gases therefrom and drainage of material from the vessels.

Abstract: A paint shaker apparatus utilizing a typically hand held pneumatic random orbital sanding tool (14) as motor and crankshaft. A base housing (10) is adapted to receive and support a pneumatic random orbital sanding tool (14) with the sanding pad removed. The base housing (10) is adapted to be supported on a supporting surface and further includes a container cradle assembly (62) to receive and support a container to be shaken. The container cradle assembly (62) provides a clamp mechanism for holding a container to be shaken and is secured to a main shaft (40) rotatably mounted on the base housing (10) for oscillation about a vertical axis. A crank arm (44) is attached to the main shaft (40) and is connected to the sanding pad spindle (60) by a connecting rod (48).

Abstract: A contact lens cleaner includes a base, a vibrating plate mounted swingably on the base, a container mounted removably on the vibrating plate so as to receive an amount of a cleaning liquid and a contact lens therein, a motor disposed on the base so as to swing the vibrating plate, a cam member mounted rotatably on the base and having a cam surface which is engaged with the free end of the vibrating plate, and a resilient element biasing the free end of the vibrating plate toward the cam member. When the motor is started so as to rotate the cam member, the cam surface of the cam member pushes the free end of the vibrating plate to move in one direction, while the resilient element moves the free end of the vibrating plate in the opposite direction to engage with the cam surface of the cam member, so as to swing the vibrating plate, thereby rinsing the contact lens with the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser has a cradle for holding a container of liquid to be agitated before dispensing in a downwardly inclined position towards the dispensing outlet and includes an arrangement for causing a wave-like motion to the contents of the container. The arrangement can include a rocking mechanism for the end of the cradle remote from the dispensing end or an arrangement for intermittently applying pressure to the wall of the container adjacent the dispensing end. The diminishing contents of the container may be compensated for.

Abstract: Automatic biological sample mixing apparatus for use in flow cytometry, wherein a sample container is secured loosely at its top by means of a multi-reagent dispensing head; and the container is mounted at its bottom on a resilient support disposed on an elliptically rotated member, to cause reagents introduced into the container to be thoroughly mixed with a sample in the container in a fast, efficient, gentle, and accurately repeatable manner.

Abstract: A paint shaker (1) for use in in-store paint tinting operations comprising a platform (2) and clamping member (4) for accommodating a paint container (3) which is to be shaken wherein the shaker is provided with means for sensing resistance to downwards movement of the clamping member (4a or 34) and clamping member detection means (34) which do not allow the shaking operation to start until the container is clamped and the clamping member is in a pre-selected position chosen because it is a position that the clamping member must occupy if it is to clamp a container properly either directly or via a capsule from which colorant has been expelled.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for clarifying bottled wine by riddling in which the bottles of wine are positioned in generally neck-down inverted position and are subjected to abrupt limited generally vertical force capable of dislodging sediment and solids from adherence to the interior surfaces of the bottles. The apparatus accomplishes the abrupt limited generally vertical force by either lifting and dropping a platform upon which cases of bottles are positioned, or bumping the platform from below. Control means automatically cycles the jouncing action, and supplementary vibratory action, through periods of timed duration and at desired frequencies and amplitudes, the bottles being allowed to remain quiescent for desired periods of time between jouncing actions.

Abstract: A photographic tray agitator is set forth wherein an oscillating arm is cycled to maintain a photographic tray of chemicals constantly agitated for enhancing photographic development. A coil spring is wound within a housing to operate a clockwork that effects a cammed oscillation of an extending arm wherein the arm is adjustable in time of pivotment by means of a first friction adjustment bearing directly on the arm and a second friction adjustment adjusting tension on a drive gear of the clockwork mechanism.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for dispensing beverages which include a drive device, a disturbing device and a holder for holding a container from which fluid is to be dispensed. The drive device and disturbing device operate to rock or agitate the holder to cause liquid in the container to mix with itself. This prevents the liquid from stratifying and from solids settling. Preferably the container is in the form of a collapsible bag which collapses as liquid is dispensed. An outlet from the container is controlled by a dispensing device.

Abstract: A painter shaker having a base housing with a double acting pneumatic piston and cylinder motor horizontally mounted within said housing. The motor includes a cylinder and a reciprocable piston in the cylinder having a piston rod slidably and sealably extending through one end wall of said cylinder. A clamp mechanism for holding a container to be shaken is secured to a vertical shaft rotatably mounted on said housing for oscillation about a vertical axis. A crank arm connects the vertical shaft to the piston rod. A disc type bistable control valve is mounted transversely directly on the lower side of the air cylinder. The bistable valve includes outlet ports communicating with inlet ports on the cylinder at the rod end and compressed air is supplied to said valve through a check valve, the control disc controlling the flow of air to the outlet ports.

Abstract: A shaker particularly adapted for mixing the components of a liquid base material in a miniature size container includes a housing which carries a low voltage, high speed rotary output electric motor. The motor may be energized by batteries or by a domestic power source through an adaptor. An eccentrically offset bearing member attached to the motor rotates to reciprocate a connecting rod which in turn oscillates a cradle about its vertical axis. To mix the contents of the container, the container is set in the cradle in a horizontal orientation and held in such by a strap. This orientation not only promotes mixing by placing the contents in a gravitationally unstable position but subjects the contents to centrifugal and horizontal accelerating and deaccelerating forces during oscillation. Within a short time period the components are mixed to a homogeneous consistency.

Abstract: A body (1) serving for accommodating material to be processed is movable in gimbal suspensions (35-40) around two mutually spaced axes (39,40) extending in different directions. The body (1) carries out a rotary and tumbling movement by oppositely rotating two parallel shafts (21,22) of which each is connected with one of the gimbal suspensions. For balancing torque fluctuations, a pair of discs (26,27) is arranged on each shaft (21,22) of which the driving-side disc (26) is rotatable relative to the shaft and is connected with a drive wheel (23) while the driven-side disc (27) is fixedly connected with a shaft. In an annular channel (262,272) between the discs (26,27) energy stores in the form of coil compression springs (53) and balls (52) are alternatingly and successively arranged. These elements bear against respective abutments of both discs projecting into the channel.

Abstract: An agitator for use in developing photographic film has an upright oscillatable shaft with a platform at its upper end for supporting a developing tank, spring means urging the upright shaft to a neutral position, a motor-driven shaft normal to the upright shaft, a pair of radial arms carried by the motor-driven shaft, and a pair of vertically spaced arms carried by the upright shaft and extending across the path of movement of the radial arms. Upon rotation of the motor-driven shaft a first radial arm contacts a first spaced arm and rotates the upright shaft from its neutral position. When the first radial arm passes by the first spaced arm the spring means returns the upright shaft toward its neutral position until the first spaced arm strikes the second radial arm. The second radial arm then acts on the first spaced arm to rotate the upright shaft away from the neutral position.