Abstract: An appliance for processing food including a vessel with walls that defines chamber in which foods to be processed are received, and a working part arranged in the chamber, which can be driven to process the foods, wherein the chamber defined by the walls has a form which is substantially a spherical segment at least in part, wherein the spherical segment form surrounds the working part.

Abstract: Included are systems, methods and devices for cooling beverages, comprising an upper insulated basin sized to allow placement of cooling fluid and beverage containers; a separator device sized to restrain the beverage containers such that during agitation, each of the beverage containers does not impact any other of the beverage containers or the side surface of the upper insulated basin and allows for cooling fluid to contact an exterior surface of each of the beverage containers; and an agitation section placeable in physical communication with the upper basin that can provide, when activated, motion to the upper insulated basin.

Abstract: A method for mixing fluids in containers may include performing a mixing procedure on a plurality of containers on a container support, at least a portion of the plurality of containers being differently sized. The mixing procedure may include a plurality of mixing phases, wherein in each mixing phase the container support may be subjected to a mixing motion at a single rate for a period of time of about 5 seconds or longer, and wherein the single rate for at least one mixing phase of the plurality of mixing phases may differ from the single rate for at least one other mixing phase of the plurality of mixing phases. The mixing procedure also may include at least one non-mixing phase, wherein the container support may not be subjected to the mixing motion.

Abstract: An agitation/defoaming device is provided, which can independently control revolving and rotational motion and can change a rotational direction relative to a revolving direction without a two-system rotary drive. The apparatus includes a rotary driving source, a braking device for rotary motions; first and second rotors revolved around revolving shaft, and first and second rotational bodies and container holders pivotally supported by the first rotor. A braking force is applied to the second rotor revolving along with the first rotor, generating a rotational motion, which is transmitted to either the first or second rotational body according to the revolving direction of the first rotor. The rotational motion is then transmitted from the first or second rotational body to the container holder through the first rotational body, thereby transmitting to the object the rotational motion according to the revolving direction while revolving the object.

Abstract: The adapter connects an aerosol or similarly shaped can to a power tool for the purpose of mixing the contents within the can. The adapter preferably connects a reciprocating power tool, such as a reciprocating saw, to a spray paint can that is necessarily shaken before use. To secure the can to the power tool, the adapter has multiple fingers that grasp the end of an aerosol can with respective tabs. The tabs catch on a ring on the topside of the spray paint can to prevent it from breaking away from the reciprocating tool during operation. To secure the adapter to the can, a collar surrounds the fingers and tightens around the fingers to securely fasten them to the can. Accordingly, the can is held in place until the collar is released and the tabbed fingers can be pulled away from the can.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to agitate a liquid are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a carrier having a base that includes a ridge extending from the base and a collar extending from the base. The example apparatus also includes a container supported on the base, the container movable between (A) a locked positon in which the ridge fixedly engages the container to non-rotatably couple the container to the base and (B) an unlocked position in which the container is disengaged from the ridge and the container is rotatable about the collar.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a homogenous particulate material composition, including at least one particulate material M, at least one additive Z, and at least one binding agent B, the method including providing at least one particulate material M, at least one additive Z, and at least one binding agent B; producing a homogenous mixture G1 from the at least one particulate material M and the at least one additive Z in a gravity mixer; producing a mixture G2 from the mixture G1 and the at least one binding agent B, with the introduction of shear forces; and removing dispersed gases from the mixture G2.

Abstract: A rotor (10) of a dual centrifuge which can be rotated about a drive axis (A) in a centrifuge, which rotor comprises at least two rotary units (26) that are arranged symmetrically to one another and have a bearing (32) and a rotary head (30) which is connected to the bearing (32) and which is mounted in the bearing (32) so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis (R1, R2), which rotary head (30) can be driven about the rotational axis (R1, R2) relative to the rotor by another rotary mechanism (46) of the centrifuge and has a rotary head receiving unit (80) for at least one sample container or at least one sample container receptacle (100, 110), with the rotational axis (R1, R2) of the rotary head (30) being inclined relative to the drive axis (A) of the rotor, the rotary head receiving unit (80) being designed to receive an elongated sample container receptacle (100, 110) or an elongated sample container, and the longitudinal axis of the sample container receptacle (100, 110) introduced into the rotary head

Abstract: A sample processing arrangement for processing a fluidic sample, the sample processing arrangement including a sample holder for accommodating the fluidic sample, an apparatus having a rotor mechanism and being configured for selectively operating the sample holder in an orbital motion mode for sample mixing, particularly for shaking, or in a rotary motion mode for sample separation, particularly for centrifuging, a mounting platform having a central portion on which the apparatus and the sample holder are mounted and having a surrounding portion circumferentially surrounding the central portion, and a plurality of module accommodation positions circumferentially distributed in the surrounding portion to surround the rotor mechanism and the sample holder, wherein each of the module accommodation positions is configured for detachably accommodating a selectable one of a plurality of sample processing modules, each being configured for fulfilling an assigned sample processing task, by accommodating the respecti

Abstract: A liquid analyzing device includes a carrier, a driving unit, a rotating plate and a transmission mechanism. The driving unit is adapted to drive the carrier to rotate. The rotating plate is rotatably disposed on the carrier and adapted to support an analyzing cassette. The transmission mechanism is connected between the carrier and the rotating plate. When the driving unit drives the carrier to rotate to enable a rotation speed of the carrier to be changed and cross a predetermined rotation speed, the rotating plate rotates relatively to the carrier.

Abstract: A centrifugal mixing device can include a shaft assembly that is operably coupled to a motor such that the motor rotates the shaft assembly about a first axis. The devices can further include a turret that is rotatably coupled to the shaft assembly such that the turret rotates about the first axis relative to the shaft assembly. The turret can include a first support, a first canister rotatably coupled to the first support such that the first canister rotates about a second axis, and a second canister rotatably coupled to the first support such that the second canister rotates about a third axis. The turret is configured to rotate about the first axis in a first rotational direction and each of the first and second canisters is configured to rotate about the second and third axes, respectively, in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A blending machine, for homogenizing materials deposited within an intermediate bulk container (IBC), includes: a frame; a drive motor; a clamp disk rotatably supported by the frame and coupled to the drive motor to drive disk rotation; first and second jaw clamps movably mounted to the frame; and a drive mechanism to drive the jaw clamps to translate toward each other and rotatably secure the IBC's boom to the rotatable clamp disk. A clutch, a torque limiter, and a limit switch limit the pressure applied by the clamps, and the extent of their travel to optimize clamping and rotatability. The blending machine is moveably mounted to a pedestal, and elevated by an actuator. A blending bar within the IBC is coupled through the boom to the clamp disk, and driven to rotate to blend the materials, in addition to mixing by rotation of the ICB.

Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing products such as ice cream, iced beverages or granita comprises a removable product-containing tank which is provided at its front end with a tap for dispensing the product and which, via its rear opening, sealingly houses a cooling element with a substantially horizontal axis and a motor-driven mixer element. The tank is removable from the machine by means of extraction from its operating position in a disassembly direction which is substantially parallel to the axis of the cooling element, and snap-engaging means for locking the movement of the tank are provided between the tank and its seat on the base of the machine, said means being able to be manually released by means of operation of at least one operating lever.

Abstract: A machine for producing and dispensing products such as ice cream, frozen beverages or granita has a transparent product container which is provided with a tap for dispensing the product and which contains an evaporator of a refrigerating circuit or cooling the product in the container and a mixer element for stirring the product. The machine is configured for diffusing a thin stream of moving air over the outer walls of the container. The machine may have a fan which emits an air flow inside a diffuser element which is arranged above the container and which defines a mouth around the top of the container and blows downwards the thin stream of air onto the outer walls of the container. The diffuser element may be advantageously formed in the lid the container.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is configured for attachment to an aerosol can to permit mixing of contents therein. The apparatus includes a generally flat base portion coupled to a drive shaft orthogonally oriented relative to the base portion, and a securing strap attached to the base portion. The securing strap is configured to engage or grip a cylindrical end portion of an aerosol can to secure the aerosol can to the apparatus, whereby the drive shaft is configured to be mounted within a drill chuck to permit the mixing apparatus to rotate an aerosol can attached thereto for mixing contents within the aerosol can.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (0) for stirring or storing paint contained in at least one cylindrical container (1). The system (0) includes at least one series (2×1; 2×2) of cylindrical rollers (2a1, 2b1; 2a2, 2b2) regularly aligned on at least one mounting (31, 32), wherein the cylindrical rollers (2a1, 2b1; 2a2, 2b2) have mutually parallel, inclined axes. At least one cylindrical roller (2a1; 2a2) from two adjacent cylindrical rollers (2a1, 2b1; 2a2, 2b2) is rotated about its axis by a drive system (4), the distance (d1, d2) between two adjacent cylindrical rollers (2a1, 2b1; 2a2, 2b2) being less than or equal to the diameter of a cylindrical container (1), such that the cylindrical surface of said container can bear on the cylindrical surface of two adjacent cylindrical rollers (2a1, 2b1; 2a2, 2b2).

Abstract: A method and device comprising a cooling chamber and a rotating portion located inside said chamber whereby a beverage container is attached frictionally to said rotating portion and is spun inside the cooling chamber whereby ice and water or other cooling means are employed to chill the exterior walls of a beverage container. Rotation is achieved by a manual operation of a spring-plunger spinning means and causes suitable chilling in a reasonable period of time without electrical power.

Abstract: A method of distributing a plurality of cells in a bioreactor of a cell expansion system includes manipulating an orientation of the bioreactor such that a net impulse due to gravity acting on the plurality cells in the bioreactor is reduced. One method includes (a) rotating the bioreactor at an angular velocity ? about an axis of rotation and through an angular displacement ?, the bioreactor rotating from a first orientation to a second orientation; (b) holding the bioreactor still at the second orientation for a first period of time t1, wherein t1 substantially equals 2/?; (c) rotating the bioreactor at the angular velocity ? about the axis of rotation and through the angular displacement ?; and (d) holding the bioreactor still for a second period of time t2, wherein t2 substantially equals t1.

Abstract: A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. In one application, the fluid includes one or more paint toners.

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 attached to coupling devices, such as clamps, sleeves, magnetic couplers, etc. to an agitator, which preferably takes the form of a rotatable rod. A motor operates the agitator to move, rotate or otherwise agitate the bottles and therefore sufficiently and continuously mix the nail polish within the bottles. The system may include one or more sensors configured to detect the presence of a patron, configured to detect a position of the motor or agitator, and/or configured to detect when a door to the case is being opened. Further, the motor may be programmable and receive instructions from either a controller or control logic using input from one or more of the sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus for the delivery of fluid products comprising a base, a base support associated thereof, a plurality of dispensing units to dispense the fluid products contained in containing receptacles. The dispensing units are disposed on a platform rotatable with respect to the base support so as to assume at least a first position in which the fluid products can be delivered from the receptacles toward a container. The apparatus also comprises sliding means which allow the rotation of the platform. Rapid connection means are provided so as to achieve the connection of the base support with the base and/or with the sliding means in order to achieve a selective stable coupling and to prevent a reciprocal vertical movement.

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 attached to coupling devices, such as clamps, sleeves, magnetic couplers, etc. to an agitator, which preferably takes the form of a rotatable rod. A motor operates the agitator to move, rotate or otherwise agitate the bottles and therefore sufficiently and continuously mix the nail polish within the bottles. The system may include one or more sensors configured to detect the presence of a patron, configured to detect a position of the motor or agitator, and/or configured to detect when a door to the case is being opened. Further, the motor may be programmable and receive instructions from either a controller or control logic using input from one or more of the sensors.

Abstract: An adaptor for a vortex paint mixer. The adaptor includes a pair of semi-cylindrical holding structures pivotably connected together by a pair of pivot links. Each of the halves has a depression formed therein. When the holding structures are placed together, the two depressions form a cavity having first and second regions adapted to hold a conventional cylindrical quart paint container and a rectangular quart paint container, respectively.

Abstract: An adaptor for a vortex paint mixer. The adaptor includes a pair of semi-cylindrical holding structures pivotally connected together by a pair of pivot links. Each of the halves has a depression formed therein. When the holding structures are placed together, the two depressions form a cavity having first and second regions adapted to hold a conventional cylindrical quart paint container and a rectangular quart paint container, respectively.

Abstract: An Apparatus for mixing, comprising a tumble-blender adapted to receive and tumble a container to mix the contents of the container. The apparatus includes a drive means for driving a mixer of the container. The drive means is adapted to dock with the mixer when the container is received by the tumble-blender to enable operation of the mixer by the drive means. The drive is movably mounted, relative to the tumble-blender, to facilitate docking of the drive means with the mixer.

Abstract: A nail polish mixing apparatus for stirring the mixing balls and nail polish contained with a nail polish bottle comprises a base, a vertical support column having an opening defined by a slot, and a motor in connection with a first end of a shaft. A linkage includes a top end that is rotatably fixed to a guide pin sized and configured to move up and down within the slot, and a bottom end that is rotatably fixed to a peripheral edge of a wheel that is in connection with a second end of the shaft. A ring on the linkage is provided for securing the nail polish bottle. Upon activation, the motor rotates the wheel, causing the bottom end of the linkage to move in a circular motion and the top end of the linkage to move up and down, thereby mixing the contents in the nail polish bottle.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprising a controller; an agitating section configured to agitate a sample in a sample tube; and a processing section configured to process the agitated sample, wherein the controller is configured to control the agitating section to agitate a sample in a first type of sample tube under a first agitation condition, and to control the agitating section to agitate a sample in a second type of sample tube, which contains a sample of lower volume than the first type of sample tube, under a second agitation condition different from the first agitation condition.

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 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: The invention relates to a reactor driven in an oscillatory-rotary manner about its fixed, preferably vertical, axis, for preferably biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. By means of its process-intensifying properties for mixing, suspension, gaseous material transport, heat transfer, irradiation and particle retention, the applicability on the industrial scale is ensured. The reactor which succeeds without a shaft seal permits particularly robust production with respect to sterile technique with avoidance of cleaning and cleaning validation required when the reactor is constructed as a single-use reactor.

Abstract: A method of mixing a formation fluid sample obtained in a downhole sampling chamber. The method includes positioning the downhole sampling chamber having a longitudinal axis in a rotary stand and rotating the downhole sampling chamber generally about the longitudinal axis. The method also includes imparting angular momentum to the formation fluid sample in the downhole sampling chamber, thereby mixing the formation fluid sample.

Abstract: An adaptor for a vortex paint mixer. The adaptor includes a pair of semi-cylindrical holding structures pivotably connected together by a pair of pivot links. Each of the halves has a depression formed therein. When the holding structures are placed together, the two depressions form a cavity having first and second regions adapted to hold a conventional cylindrical quart paint container and a rectangular quart paint container, respectively.

Abstract: An adaptor for a vortex paint mixer. The adaptor includes a pair of semi-cylindrical holding structures pivotally connected together by a pair of pivot links. Each of the halves has a depression formed therein. When the holding structures are placed together, the two depressions form a cavity having first and second regions adapted to hold a conventional cylindrical quart paint container and a rectangular quart paint container, respectively.

Abstract: A diagnostic system with a handling system that has a loading bay to receive and hold a plurality of carriers. An identification device is configured to identify an identifying feature of the carriers to determine the type of contents loaded on each carrier. A transporter transports the carriers from the loading bay to a first or second location depending on the determined type of contents on each carrier. The transporter has random access to the plurality of carriers in the loading bay. A diagnostic process is conducted using the contents. A carrier, such a for reagents, has one or more holding portions, at least one of which can be moved or rotated with respect to the body of the carrier for mixing or stirring the contents of a container coupled therewith. Also, a retention member can be associated with a positioning device, such as a carousel, to lock and unlock the carrier with respect thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixer for mixing the contents of a paint pot, the mixer comprising pressing means (5 to 8, 12) for pressing the paint pot (1) in the direction of its longitudinal axis between two support surfaces (5, 6), and means (12) for rotating the paint pot pressed between these support surfaces about its longitudinal axis and a shaft (2) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, whereby the pressing means and the rotating means are combined to form a mechanism (5 to 8, 12) arranged to be operated by one drive.

Abstract: An Apparatus for mixing, comprising a tumble-blender adapted to receive and tumble a container to mix the contents of the container. The apparatus includes a drive means for driving a mixer of the container. The drive means is adapted to dock with the mixer when the container is received by the tumble-blender to enable operation of the mixer by the drive means. The drive is movably mounted, relative to the tumble-blender, to facilitate docking of the drive means with the mixer.

Abstract: A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.

Abstract: A shaker is disclosed which is driven by a motor through a swing mechanism so as to swing a wine bottle, for example, drink within the bottle such as wine. The shaker comprises a base, a container, and a bottle seat disposed at a bottom in the container for receiving a bottle body, characterized in that the drink shaker further comprises a swing mechanism disposed in the base and driven by the motor through a conversion mechanism, and the swing mechanism is capable of driving the bottle seat to swing rightward and leftward in a plane or in different planes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for overturning containers (2), particularly roller bottles intended for cell cultures, characterized in that it comprises a rotation actuator (3) associated by means of a transmission shaft (13) to a reducer (4) and a dynamic brake (5), a support (17) and rods (7) gripping the container (2), said support (17) being joined to the rotation actuator (3) by means of a shifter (16) of the transmission shaft (13) of the mentioned rotation actuator (3), the rotation actuator (3) being actuated by means of a pneumatic foot pedal (18), and the mentioned rotation actuator (3) in turn being associated to a timer (19) indicating the end of the overturning time of the container (2).

Abstract: In some aspects, an apparatus and method churning butter out of multi-component raw material are provided. The movement of the raw material develops energy that churns the raw material into butter.

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: An apparatus for mixing and distributing sauce is disclosed. The apparatus may include a mixing-pump device coupled a linear arm for distributing sauce over a rotating turntable. The turntable may include an improved gripping device for coupling to a pan. The apparatus may also include a self-expelling concentrated sauce vat which couples to the mixing-pump device. The apparatus may also include a self-expelling concentrated sauce cassette which couples to the mixing-pump device.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device for a gripping member of a mixing machine for fluid products contained in a closed container. The mixing machine comprises a fixed structure and the gripping member comprises a supporting structure rotary with respect to the fixed structure and on which two gripping elements are mounted, able to be selectively moved nearer to or farther from each other by means of a screw, in order to determine the temporary clamping of the container with respect to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A low pulsatility syringe pump including a duplex bearing set rotatingly supporting a lead screw, and a transmission having a first drive train configured to increase a number of motor rotations required for a single rotation of the lead screw, and a second drive train configured to reduce the number of motor rotations required for a single rotation of the lead screw as compared to the first drive train. Another embodiment also includes a motor configured to rotate the syringe about its own axis, independent of the motion of the lead screw. In this other embodiment, the fluid in the syringe barrel includes objects (such as cells, latex beads, etc.) entrained in the fluid. The rate of rotation (e.g., about three revolutions per second) is chosen such that each object traces a substantially circular pathway in the syringe barrel and remains in suspension.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. A container with a liquid and magnetic particles therein is positioned between two plates with magnets thereon. The plates are fixed to a common shaft. Either the container or the plates are rotated to impart a relative angular movement of the particles relative to a magnet. The shaft is horizontally orientated and the plates can be hexagonal shaped.

Abstract: An undulating mixing device for precise, controlled agitation of sensitive biological and chemical solutions provides a base and a platform connected by four flexible connectors, a spring loaded motor mount assembly pivotally attaching a motor to the base, a turntable rotatably attached to the base, a tilt assembly pivotally and rotationally attached to the turntable and rigidly affixed to the platform, and a motor shaft that engages a groove on the turntable for causing rotation thereof. The tilt assembly includes an adjustable collar which controls the tilt or yaw movement of the platform as the motor effects rotation of the turntable. A selectively adjustable speed control switch sets the desired rotational speed of the motor via a microprocessor. The device functions without modification on a plurality of selected voltages and frequencies for achieving the desired rotational speed.

Abstract: A vortexer that includes a base, a plurality of electromagnets mounted in the base, a holder having a body formed, at least in part, of magnetic material pivotably supported on the base and spaced above the electromagnets, a power source and a device in communication with the electromagnets and the power source for selectively activating and deactivating each electromagnet with power from the power source, whereupon the holder pivotably moves toward at least one of the electromagnets when activated.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a conduit. The apparatus also includes two or more flexible compartments. Each of the two or more flexible compartments has an interior wall defining a storage area configured to house a substance. Each of the two or more flexible compartments includes a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal ends of the two or more flexible compartments are coupled to the conduit such that the conduit defines a passageway between the two or more flexible compartments. A diameter of the storage area at the proximal end is less than a diameter of the storage area at the distal end.

Abstract: A device for holding and rotating cylindrical sample containers for use in analytical instrumentation. The device maintains the surface of material in the container at a constant location during rotation by using a series of fixed contact points. The drive wheel is tension to secure the sample container to the fixed supports and to automatically accommodate different size containers without adjustment.