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: Ingredient cartridges and associated fluid mixture dispensing devices are disclosed herein. An ingredient cartridge can include a recyclable fluid storage portion, a recyclable shell at least partially surrounding the recyclable fluid storage portion, and a sturdy portion attached to the recyclable shell and having a device mating interface for a cartridge mating interface on the fluid mixture dispensing device. The cartridge mating interface can be a sliding cartridge mating interface meant to interface with a cartridge that slides into the device. The sliding cartridge mating interface can include a first anchor for receiving a mating interface of a cartridge, a second anchor for receiving a mating interface of the cartridge, and a rail surface. The first anchor and the second anchor can extend from the rail surface. The first anchor and the second anchor can be the tallest protrusions on the rail surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an automated apparatus of cell culture having tanks of culture medium, of growth factors and of cells to be cultured, an incubator having a thermostated enclosure which houses a cell culture vessel, and control computer system. A supporting and agitation device of the culture vessel is provided in the enclosure, and the culture vessel is formed by a bag having at least one inlet port connected to the tanks and one outlet port connected devices for harvesting and storage of the cells after culture, these harvesting and storage devices and tanks being located outside the enclosure and being connected to the cell expansion bag ports by conduits which together with the cell expansion bag form a preassembled module passing through a wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: Methods, processes, apparatus, kits and systems for chilling and cooling bottled or canned beverages, desserts, and food items to selected desired temperatures by rapidly rotating and counter-rotating the bottled or canned beverages, desserts, and food items that are immersed in cooled liquids in short time spans.

Abstract: A head that can be coupled with a mixing apparatus includes a body that defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. Each of the sides includes a projection. The body is configured to receive a microplate between the sides, which is removably secured to the body by the projections. At least one vertical channel in the body is configured to removably secure a first test tube to the body so that the longitudinal axis of the tube is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. The first vertical channel has a first diameter. At least one horizontal channel in the body is configured to removably secure a second test tube so that the longitudinal axis of the tube is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. The first test tube and the second test tube can be coupled to the body at the same time.

Abstract: A portable, tabletop fluid sampling device simplifies spectral analysis to produce an accurate but inexpensive chromatic fingerprint for fluid samples. In one embodiment, the sampling device uses an array of variable wavelength LED emitters and photodiode detectors to measure Rayleigh scattering of electromagnetic energy from the fluid sample contained in a cuvette. Either the fluid itself, or particles suspended in the fluid can then be identified by performing spectral pattern matching to compare results of a spectral scan against a library of known spectra. A wide range of applications include substance identification, security screening, authentication, quality control, and medical diagnostics.

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: An apparatus is provided for accurately dispensing a powder such as powdered infant formula into a container, and pasteurizing and reconstituting the powdered formula while completely mixing the formula in the container. The apparatus includes a hopper assembly for storing powder, a dosing assembly for measuring and dispensing powder from a receptacle into the container, a dilution assembly and a mixing assembly for obtaining accurately and completely mixed formula from the dispensed powder. The hopper is shaped to promote powder bridging, and the resulting powder bridge is used in combination with the dosing assembly to provide a predetermined amount of powder using a single mechanical valve that is isolated from the powder. The mixing assembly mixes the contents of the container while holding the bottle at a fixed angle relative to the vertical. A method of providing pasteurized infant formula from an infant formula powder is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A lab rack rotator includes a motor coupled to a shaft arranged to rotate in at least one direction in response to the motor. One or more mounts are located along the surface of the shaft and are configured to receive a lab sample rack which holds a plurality of lab samples contained in lab sample containers such as test tubes. Rotation of the shaft permits inversion of the plurality of lab samples, for instance whole blood samples. The lab rack rotator increases the number of lab samples that may be agitated in an automated process while decreasing the amount of time required for necessary pre-testing agitation of samples.

Abstract: A clamp for an Erlenmeyer flask or other laboratory containers or racks uses nickel-coated, rare earth magnets to secure the clamp to a platform for a laboratory shaker. The base of the clamp has downwardly extending positioning bosses that seat in holes or indentations on the shaker platform to prevent horizontal sliding of the clamp when the shaker is in use. A removable and replaceable, elastomeric cover for the base of the flask clamp provides cushioning and prevents spinning of the flask when the shaker is in use.

Abstract: A sample stirring device of the present invention includes a driving roller and two follower rollers for coming into contact with a sample container including a cylindrical portion for containing a sample to be stirred. The driving roller is driven for rotation to stir the sample contained in the sample container. The two follower rollers have rotation axes inclined with respect to an axial direction of the cylindrical portion. This arrangement allows the sample container such as a blood collection tube to be rotated stably.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for mixing a substance such as tattoo ink or nail polish may comprise a rotor rotatable about a fixed axis, one or more holders on the rotor for receiving a container containing the substance and disposing the container perpendicular to the fixed axis, and a motor for applying a force to rotate the rotor around the fixed axis at less than about 120 revolutions per minute (RPM). The method may comprise receiving a container containing the substance into one or more holders on a rotor, in which the rotor is rotatable about a fixed axis, and applying a force to rotate the rotor about the fixed axis at less than about 120 RPM.

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: The invention relates to a device for agitating media (1), which are located on a platform (3). Said device consists of a housing (2) with an agitation mechanism, which is used to agitate the platform (3) and at least one sensor (4, 5), which is connected to a control unit (7) that is equipped with an electronic sensor system (6). According to the invention, the sensor(s) (4, 5) and the electronic sensor system (6) are located on the platform (3) and communicate in a wireless manner with the fixed control unit (7).

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: 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: An apparatus for shaking a plurality of vessels, for example in an incubator, has at least one rotatable support 10 (101,102) defining a plurality of support locations for vessels 50 at predefined positions 12 around an upright axis and the support or supports 10 are rotatable around the upright axis to move the vessels between a number of positions about the axis for insertion and removal of the vessels onto and from the support(s) respectively. A drive transmission system 38,381 (39,391) connects the support to a drive motor 382 (392), whereby the support can be rotated to a desired position for loading or unloading of a vessel to or from a respective support location 12. A drive mechanism 33, 36 (37). 35 is operable to move each support location eccentrically about an axis independently of the rotation of the support about the upright axis, so that vessels disposed on the support can be shaken.

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: An agitating retort (100) includes an outer shell (102) within which the drum structure (112) is disposed for rotation within the shell while supporting a number of baskets (114) for holding products to be processed within the retort. Processing fluid is applied to the interior of the shell (102) through a rotary coupling (115) disposed within the shell. The coupling routes processing fluid to a distribution system (116) to outlet holes or nozzles (118) positioned within the drum structure (112).

Abstract: A riddling machine for intensification of depositing dead yeast cells (lees) in wine. One embodiment comprises a platform housing an engine and a transmission; supporting means, including rigid ribs, bearings on their tops, rotatably supporting a shaft; two discs mounted at the shaft's ends. A plurality of discs' holes holds cylindrical cases angularly placeable therein. The cases contain bottles with wine and lees, immovably and reversibly inserted therein. The discs are turned, revolving the cases intensifying the lees depositing to the bottlenecks. Some embodiments include vibrators actuating vibrations of the bottles, intensifying the depositing. Other embodiments have a modified expandable shaft to place the cases into the disc's holes at a predetermined angular direction common for all cases, thus tilting the platform orients all the bottles closer to the vertical, intensifying the depositing.

Abstract: A method and a system for holding and mixing a first container of paint having a first volume and a second container of paint having a second volume less than the first volume. The system comprises a holder comprising a clamp having a plate configured to apply pressure to the first container. A motor is configured to move the holder about at least one axis. The platform is configured for being removably placed within the holder and configured to hold the second container. Another embodiment of the system includes a stop placed proximate an edge of the platform.

Abstract: A device for mixing, homogenization, resuspension, disintegration, disruption, or centrifugation of media placed in test tubes, including: a rotor having a replaceable closure; a driver having a substantially vertical shaft; a sleeve having a spiral groove and a bush moveable along the sleeve, moving the rotor up and down; and a stationary ring with extended teeth faced toward the rotor. When the rotor is in its lower position the tubes engage the teeth and receive strikes which induce vigorous motion and effective mixing of media inside the tube. When the rotor is in its upper position the tubes are disengaged with the teeth and rotation of the rotor provides centrifugation of the media.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices, systems and methods for mixing of fluids, such as biological fluids. One exemplary device comprises is particularly adapted for holding at least one cartridge having a chamber containing a biological fluid, with the chamber having a generally planar face. The device comprises a rotatable body having a rotational axis. The rotatable body includes at least one mounting element which is adapted to mount the rotatable body such that the face of the chamber is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A method and system for circulating sample solution within a reaction chamber containing a microarray. The reaction chamber contains, on each side, a shallow vertical and a deep vertical well at the corners of the microarray. The vertical wells having a gap between the active surface of the microarray and the bottom of the reaction chamber are filled with sample solution. As the reaction chamber is rotated, sample solution from the deep vertical well displaces sample solution in the gap between the active surface of the microarray and the bottom of the reaction vessel, and sample solution from that gap is, in turn, displaced into the shallow vertical well, from which it flows along the inner surface of a cover strip above the microarray back to the deep vertical well.

Abstract: A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.

Abstract: A holder for mixing a container of paint is disclosed. The system comprising a body having a cover and a base. The system also comprises an aperture in the cover of the body. The system also comprises a cavity in the body and accessible through the aperture and configured to receive the container. The density of the body corresponds to the density of the container of paint. A system for holding and mixing a container of paint having a lid secured to a first body is also disclosed. A system for holding and mixing a first container of paint having a first volume and a second container of paint having a second volume less than the first volume is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically extracting biological components from multiple distinct samples including a rotor supporting pendulous tubes and means for modifying the angular position of the tubes in a radial plane of the rotor independently of centrifugal force to cause a rocking movement of the tubes.

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: In this invention we describe a shaking device that is used to shake, stir, mix, rotate or agitate samples in containers attached to the shaking device. The shaking device, herein referred to as the shaker, is used to mix the solid, liquid or gaseous components of the sample in the container. The shaker described in this invention has a flexible arm to which the containers containing samples are attached. Due to the flexibility of the arm, its shape can be changed such that the speed and type of sample shaking can be varied based on the shape of the arm and based on where on the arm a sample container is attached. In this manner, orbital, linear, circular and other two or three-dimensional shaking, mixing, agitation and stirring of the sample can be achieved. The present invention provides an easy new method for shaking samples in containers of different shapes and volumes, at different speeds and in different orientations in space.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices, systems and methods for mixing of fluids, such as biological fluids. One exemplary device comprises is particularly adapted for holding at least one cartridge having a chamber containing a biological fluid, with the chamber having a generally planar face. The device comprises a rotatable body having a rotational axis. The rotatable body includes at least one mounting element which is adapted to mount the rotatable body such that the face of the chamber is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices, systems and methods for mixing of fluids, such as biological fluids. One exemplary device comprises is particularly adapted for holding at least one cartridge having a chamber containing a biological fluid, with the chamber having a generally planar face. The device comprises a rotatable body having a rotational axis. The rotatable body includes at least one mounting element which is adapted to mount the rotatable body such that the face of the chamber is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: An electromagnetic vibratory microplate shaker is disclosed of simplified design and improved mixing capability over previously known microplate shaker devices, comprising an electromagnetic drive assembly mounted within a rigid base and operatively connected to a microplate support platform. The support platform is in turn supported by a plurality of horizontally arrayed leaf springs. During operation, an electromagnet is rapidly energized and de-energized causing an armature of the drive assembly to be pulled in and released up to 7,200 times per minute, in turn imparting a vertical reciprocating vibration to the support platform and the microplates or multi-tube racks held thereon.

Abstract: A juice blender includes a container having a horizontal partition formed with a skirt, a hat positioned in the skirt of the container, and a bearing fitted in the hat. A rotor is housed in the container and provided with a pair of spaced, diametrically-opposite blades. The rotor is formed with a shaft extending downward and rotatably supported in the bearing. An upper gasket is received in the hat and mounted around the shaft above the bearing, while a lower gasket is mounted around the shaft but below the bearing. In addition, a coupler is coaxially attached to a distal end of the shaft. The rotor and the coupler are so configured to accommodate respective weights for dynamically balancing the inertial moment produced from the spaced, diametrically-opposite blades of the rotor.

Abstract: A mixing system, apparatus and/or method. Pathogen reduction of and/or mixing storage solutions into blood or blood components are useful purposes for these. Squeezing or clapping devices may be used to activate the mixing process, as may rotational devices or laterally movable, rotational and/or orbital devices. Constriction elements may also be used to create useful vortex mixing actions. Photoradiation may be provided while the components continue to be mixed together for pathogen reduction of blood or blood components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mount for a container, e.g., a cell culture flask or a reactor with supply connections, for instance a bioreactor, that is chiefly designed for treatment in a rolling cabinet or in a chamber having rolling devices. The device has one or several locating elements for containers or reactors and an outlet form capable of rolling. This makes it possible to treat a container or reactors not capable of rolling in the rolling cabinet. An appropriate form of the mount makes it possible to rotate the mount in additional spatial directions during treatment in the rolling cabinet. The reactor can be supplied with liquid media and the temperature can be adjusted inside the mount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybridization oven or incubator, and more particularly to a rotisserie and carousel/retainer system for use therein. The rotisserie includes a spindle that is readily removable from the oven, having a first end received in an annular bracket and a second end received annular bracket with an upper slot for passage of the spindle into the bracket. The carousel clip system includes a thin metal carousel plate preferably formed of a stainless steel and having a plurality of ears bent perpendicular to the carousel plate and having a detent aperture therein.

Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices, systems and methods for mixing of fluids, such as biological fluids. One exemplary device comprises is particularly adapted for holding at least one cartridge having a chamber containing a biological fluid, with the chamber having a generally planar face. The device comprises a rotatable body having a rotational axis. The rotatable body includes at least one mounting element which is adapted to mount the rotatable body such that the face of the chamber is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A mixing system comprises an elongate rotatable shaft having a rotational axis. A plurality of holding members extend radially outward from the shaft and are configured to rotate with the shaft. The system further includes a plurality of carriers that are insertable between two of the holding members. Each of the carriers includes a plurality of grooves, pairs of which are adapted to receive a cartridge having a chamber for holding a liquid.

Abstract: A device for stirring, mixing, and agitating liquids includes a vessel 1 having vertical supporting elements (2, 5) to support at least part of the weight of the vessel, rotational holding elements (7, 8) for positioning and guiding the vessel as it rotates around its essentially vertical symmetrical axis, and driving elements (3, 4) for rotating the vessel. The rotational holding elements are provided with centering and stabilizing devices (9, 10) which exert in a clearance S between the rotational holding devices and an outer wall of the vessel, centering and stabilizing forces acting on the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously processing a plural number of samples, each of the samples including a fluid containing particulate matter. The apparatus is useful in cytology to collect a uniform monolayer of cells from a biological fluid. Each of a plural number of processing assemblies (corresponding to the plural number of samples) comprises a container, an agitator rotatable relative to the container for contacting and dispersing particulate matter in the fluid, a filter assembly including a filter for collecting particulate matter, and a pump for moving the fluid through the filter. Each container is supported on a separate container receiver, and each pump is engaged by a separate pump engagement. A rotary driver effects relative rotation of the agitators and their respective containers simultaneously to mix the samples in the containers.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices, systems and methods for mixing of fluids, such as biological fluids. One exemplary device comprises is particularly adapted for holding at least one cartridge having a chamber containing a biological fluid, with the chamber having a generally planar face. The device comprises a rotatable body having a rotational axis. The rotatable body includes at least one mounting element which is adapted to mount the rotatable body such that the face of the chamber is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis.

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 rotator for agitating materials disposed within a sealed container incls a base having opposite ends, first and second opposite spaced apart side portions extend up from the base, a substantially triangular shaped drum having first, second and third side surfaces, a pair of opposing end surfaces, and a central axis passing through the end surfaces. At least one side surface receives the sealed container. The drum is rotatably coupled to the side portions and is rotatable about the central axis.

Abstract: In a multi-station machine (10) each station (23,24,25,26) is configured to receive through a gate (90) of a drum encircling holder (50) a sealed 55 gallon drum (200) full of hot cooked food which is supported about its periphery at its midpoint (203) between its two central ribs (201,204) on a plurality of vertical padded (58) stanchions (55,71,84,91) affixed to the drum encircling holder. The holder is rotatably supported (52,81) at its sides in a support frame (40). A variety of pulley drives (110,130,150,160) connect to a central drive (100,105) to rotate each holder (and drum) independently of all others, or in linked fashion, as desired. Cold water (306,307) is sprayed (300) on each rotating drum from individual overhead sprayers (302,303,304) for each station.

Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.

Abstract: This invention provides a pressurizable zero-headspace extractor vessel useful in preparing mixtures of solid- and liquid-phase material for constituent analysis, for example for preparing environmental samples for analysis of toxic contaminants. The inventive extractor vessel has a sample chamber pressurizable either by gas or mechanical means. The sample chamber is constructed with a removable liner of polytetrafluorethylene to be resistant to both organic an metallic contaminants and has a more robust pressure-resistant support housing, in which the liner is a snug fit, formed of a structural material such as high-density polyethylene. The invention also provides a rotary agitation apparatus for rotating such extractors or bottles end-over-end, in which apparatus the bottles are mounted in a manner which automatically centers them on the axis of rotation.