Abstract: A food mixing apparatus includes a main housing, a mixing container for receiving food, and having a central axis: Y, a rotor ring surrounding the mixing container, the rotor ring being fixed to the mixing container and having a central axis: X extending at an angle to the central axis: Y of the mixing container, and a support roller mechanism attached to the main housing, the support roller mechanism supporting the rotor ring at two points only from below to rotate the rotor ring about the axis: X. An aerating tube communicating with an opening formed in a bottom surface of the mixing container extends coaxially with the axis: X of the rotor ring. The aerating tube communicates with a blast duct mounted in the main housing.

Abstract: A system for storing a container containing a mixture therein having blended constituents, includes a frame, a drive roller mounted on the frame, and a passive roller mounted on the frame, a container being received on an outer periphery of the drive roller and the passive roller. The drive roller rotates the container such that the mixture held in the container is maintained blended.

Abstract: A multi-purpose device, the device including a tube holder for holding tubes; tube driving apparatus for rotating the tubes in the tube holder, the tube holder having spaces for accommodating the tubes such that each one of the tubes can be placed in a separate one of the spaces; the spaces having shapes and sizes providing free rotation of the tubes within the spaces about longitudinal axes of the tubes; the tube driving apparatus having touching engagement with walls of the tubes and pressing the walls of the tubes against the tube holder; and friction between the tube driving apparatus and the walls of the tubes being greater then friction between walls of the tubes and the tube holder.

Abstract: An unbalanced vibrator for compacting concrete components during their manufacture has a vibrating table, unbalance shafts arranged on the vibrating table, and electronic motors allocated to the unbalance shafts in order to drive them, wherein the electronic motors have a device for the control and/or regulation of the rotational speed and/or the relative phase position of the unbalance shafts. The unbalanced vibrators of this type should be adjustable in an extremely rapid manner, in order to shorten manufacturing processes. For this purpose the electronic motors are designed as servo-motors and are provided with a device having sine-cosine transmitters, which determine the angular position and rotational speed of the unbalance shafts, such that the entire regulation/control can occur in a fully digitalized manner.

Abstract: A device for stirring bone cement includes a bone cement cartridge having a piston at one end of the cartridge and an elongate stirrer extending through the piston and along the cartridge. Bone cement powder and liquid are mixed in the cartridge by relative rotation between the cartridge and stirrer. The mixed bone cement is extruded from the cartridge by moving the piston along the cartridge and the stirrer.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the mixing of materials in a roller bottle by the introduction of controlled axial and cross-sectional flow perturbations is disclosed. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by achieving higher efficiency in cell culturing and virus propagation in roller bottles by introducing controlled flow perturbations during the process.

Abstract: A study was done to compare the performance of a conventional V-blender to a V-blender that incorporates perturbations of the particle flow by rocking the mixing vessel during its normal rotation. Mixing was investigated using glass beads with sizes from 66.mu. to 600.mu. in vessels of approximately one liter volume. Mixture uniformity was assessed qualitatively, using two different methods. One method involved a transparent mixing vessel where it was possible to see particle flow patterns and assess the state of the mixture at its surface during the entire experiment. The second method involved disposable aluminum mixing vessels, where the mixture was solidified by infiltrating the mixture with a binder. By slicing the solidified structure, it was possible to assess the entire state of the mixture including its interior structure after the completion of each experiment. Mixture uniformity was also assessed quantitatively using image analysis of the slices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved particulate mixing in which rotational motion of a mixing vessel is periodically disrupted by rocking motion. A vessel rotates around a central axis for producing the rotational motion. The vessel is rocked in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis for producing rocking motion. Mixing is enhanced when the rocking frequency is different than the rotational frequency.

Abstract: An improved containerized batch mixer is disclosed. The mixer container is loaded with particulate material and the lid assembly is locked in place. The container is then rolled onto the mixing station where left and right forks on the lower docking arm assembly slide into left and right container rails on the container assembly. The docking arm drive assembly is then activated to start the lower docking arms on their upward path. A screw jack turns to slowly raise the lower docking arms. Left and right fork guide pins engage left and right guide holes on the container support frame. The mixing container's spear point is axially aligned with an impeller drive socket by a guide stop collar. Finally, as the lower docking arms travel toward the upper docking arm, the spear point rotationally engages drive socket.

Abstract: A vortex mixer which engages and produces a vortex mixing of a liquid within a liquid container by means of centrifugally activated swing-cams. A pair of vertical swing-cams acts to engage the container to the mixer and a horizontal swing-cam provides circular movement to the lower portion of the container. The upper portion of the container is slideably supported so that the container rotates in reaction to the vortex mixing action and thereby produces shear mixing of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixing apparatus and method for mixing fluent material such as paint or the like in a container. The apparatus includes a main frame and a subframe movably connected to the main frame. A drive motor is mounted on the main frame, and a container receiving and securing support is mounted on the subframe. A transmission mounted on the main frame operably connects the motor and the subframe, and converts the rotary output of the motor to a circular motion of the subframe. In operation, the circular motion agitates the fluent material in the container to mix it in a short period without producing the destructive forces leading to mechanical breakdowns associated with other mixers.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating an electrochemiluminescent test sample in a sample container having a mouth for permitting withdrawal of the electrochemiluminescent test sample therefrom and a body extending away from the mouth. The apparatus includes a base, a first member movably mounted with respect to the base and including a first engaging mechanism for engaging the body of the sample container at a first position, and a second member fixedly mounted with respect to the base and including a second engaging mechanism for engaging the body of the sample container at a second position between the first position and the mouth thereof. In this apparatus, a first motive mechanism is provided for moving the first member so that at least a portion of the sample container adjacent to the first position thereof together with the electrochemiluminescent test sample therein is agitated in response to the motion of the first member.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide apparatuses and methods for preparing fluid. In one method, a heater thermally associated with a housing for receiving fluid is operated to apply thermal energy to the housing. A second predetermined volume of a second fluid is introduced to the housing. The second predetermined volume of the second fluid is moved with the housing for a first predetermined time period. The first predetermined volume of the first fluid is introduced to the housing. The first predetermined volume of first fluid and the second predetermined volume of second fluid are moved with the housing for a second predetermined time period. The first predetermined volume of first fluid and the second predetermined volume of second fluid are removed from the housing. Another embodiment provides an apparatus comprising a first housing for containing fluid. A second housing is operatively connected with the first housing.

Abstract: A tote tank has a flexible, collapsible liner for water-based or water-borne paint. The liner when full of paint fills the tank and lines the interior walls thereof. A paint outlet from the liner extends through a wall of the tank for withdrawing paint. A paint inlet to the liner is provided for filling the line with paint and is normally closed and sealed by a closure plate. An air inlet to the tank allows the liner to collapse as paint is withdrawn. The tank is mounted on a pivot and cranks are linked to the tank to rock it back and forth to keep the paint in an agitated condition.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rapidly oscillating specimen containing vessels such as those used in an RNA recovery operation wherein small sized glass sized beads in the vessel are employed to disrupt the cell walls of an RNA component to release the RNA, includes a specimen vessel holder provided as a disc in which the containers are received. The disc is operably connected with oscillatory motion producing means that in operation oscillates the disc rapidly in an oscillatory movement up and down symmetrically of a fixed vertical axis. The disc is haltered so it cannot rotate about the fixed axis. Locking means in the form of a locking plate locks the vessels on the vessel holder and applies a clamping force thereto to prevent relative movement between the vessels and the holder to prevent generation of heat that could be of deleterious effect to the specimen material or the vessels holding same.

Abstract: A bath shaker (10) is provided for agitating liquid baths. The bath shaker (10) incorporates a "flexible parallelogram" mode of movement wherein a bath shelf (20) is attached to and supported by two, parallel opposing flexible arms (112). Present on each flexible arm (112) is a first attachment portion (124) sandwichedly held by an upright extension (120) and a first hold plate (110), the arrangement causing the first attachment portion (124) to serve as a flexible hinge. A drive mechanism (16) produces a reciprocating action of the bath shelf (20) through the use of an eccentric (80) and a pivoting lever (46) attached to both the eccentric (80) and the bath shelf (20). The flexible parallelogram arrangement defines the reciprocating motion to be substantially rectilinear and makes for an entirely noiseless mode of travel, while producing an extremely smooth transition between reciprocations.

Abstract: An oloid-shaped body is placed on, and driven by, a conveyor belt. Two embodiments of the oloid shaped body are a hollow body with a closable opening, and a skeleton body for attachment of vessels. A shaft is attached to the oloid-shaped body and has the position and direction of the longitudinal axis of the oloid-shaped body. A hollow shaft allows access to the oloid-shaped body during movement. A frame is positioned on either side of the conveyor belt, with a plurality of spring attachments connecting an oval guiding rail to each of the frames. A carriage runs around each of the guiding rails and guides an end of the shaft in an oval path. In this manner the oloid-shaped body tumbles in a stationary location on the conveyor belt. An alternative to using the combination of frames, guiding rails, and carriages, is the use of a mechanism which causes the two ends of the shaft to rotate in the same rotational path but in opposite directions.

Abstract: A reactor system suitable in particular for a model of a gastrointestinal tract comprises one or more units (1), each having two or more pressure chambers (2, 3) and in each of the pressure chambers a hose (5) made of flexible material and open at both ends, which hoses are fixed with their ends sealed in such a way that the spaces (6) between the wall of the pressure chambers and the hoses are closed. Connectors (8, 9) are also present for supplying a gas or liquid to and discharging it from the spaces (6) between the wall of the pressure chambers and the hoses, and couplers are present for coupling the pressure chambers to each other and/or to end pieces or intermediate pieces (4). Finally, connectors (10, 11) are present in the end pieces or intermediate pieces for supplying constituents to and discharging them from the hoses.

Abstract: A multiple rotation materials processor for trituration or mixing of materials comprises a first and second coupled differential gear assemblies rotatingly positioned on a mount, and an outer container rotatingly coupled to a first differential gear assembly containing an inner container in which processants to be triturated or mixed are stored. A first motor fixed to the mount rotates the coupled gear assemblies about a first axis wherein the outer container revolves thereabout. A second motor fixed to an opposite side of the mount, and cylinder container mounted on the rotating second gear assembly and effected by a second axis perpendicular to the coupled rotation of the gear assemblies. A gas conduit leads into a space within the outer container surrounding the inner container whereby the ambient temperature and pressure of the processant can be controlled.

Abstract: A tumbler body with an oloid hollow body (7) is positioned on two free-moving, endless conveyor belts (8). A strip (10) runs around and is attached to the hollow body (7) limited by two profiles (9). The strip (10) maintains a positive connection to a driving element in form of an endless belt. The profiles (9) sink into the area of the guiding and driving system (11) in between the conveyor belts (8). The system contains and combines a guide for guiding the profiles (9) and a drive for driving the driving elements. The conveyor belts (8) glide on the low-friction tables (12) supported by a frame (14) which is also the attachment point for the guiding and driving system. The frame (14) is supported by a base (15).

Abstract: An oloid-shaped body is placed on either a roller carpet or a free moving conveyor belt. The embodiments of the oloid-shaped body are a hollow body with a closeable opening and a skeleton body for attachment of vessels. A shaft is attached to the oloid-shaped body and has the position and direction of the longitudinal axis of the oloid-shaped body. A hollow shaft allows access to the oloid-shaped body during movement. A frame is positioned on either side of the conveyor belt, with a plurality of spring attachments connecting an oval guiding rail to each of the frames. A carriage runs around each of the guiding rails and guides an end of the shaft in an oval path. Drive units have drive chains which run around a path in each of the guiding rails and attaches to each of the carriages. In this manner, the drive units cause the carriages to move the shaft, thereby causing the oloid-shaped body to tumble in a stationary manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accelerating at least one definitive biological reaction including increasing the accuracy of determinations made therefrom. The reaction involves selected viable biological cells which are prepared in a small sample volume and rapidly mixed with microspheres having antibody specific at least to specific ones of the cells bound thereto. The microspheres can be magnetic and the bound cells can be magnetically removed to analyze the remaining blood cell populations. The microspheres can be introduced sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and rapidly, retrieving, counting and/or analyzing at least one selected white blood cell population and/or subset thereof of a whole blood sample or portion thereof. A volume of a biological sample containing the white blood cells is prepared and at least one reactant specific or preferential at least to some selected biological cells is introduced thereto and rapidly mixed for a short period of time. The opacity and/or volume parameter of the cells can be modified and the mixture is then counted and analyzed in one or more steps to obtain the desired white blood cell population analysis.The biological sample can be a whole blood sample and the reactant can include or be a lyse or a monoclonal antibody bound to microspheres, which will bind to specific ones of the cells or a combination of lyse and microspheres with antibody bound thereto.

Abstract: The apparatus for producing a combination of rotating, tumbling and shaking movements of material in a container has a closed and constrained invertible kinematic link-work of which at least one link serves as receptacle for the container; and motive power for driving the link-work is provided by imparting thrusting power, rather than rotating power.

Abstract: The planetary centrifugal mixer comprises a fixed axis (4) on which is rotatably mounted an arm (10) carrying a fixed rod (11) extending upwardly. The arm (10) is rotated about the axis (4) by means of a drive pinion (9), and at the same time a mixing bowl (22) fitted on the rod (11) is rotated about the rod, the drive pinion (16) of the bowl (22) being coupled by an intermediate pinion (18) to a pinion (19) integral with the fixed axis (4). The side wall (24) of the bowl (22) has at least two segments (28), the curvature radius being greater than that of the remaining segments (27). A central guide (29) projects from the bottom (23) of the bowl (22), its outer shape being matched to the shape of the lateral wall (24).

Abstract: A method for deodorization of cork accomplished by applying steam volatilization to remove substances originating offensive odor in the cork is disclosed. The method has a first step of putting the cork into a container, a second step of supplying steam generated in a steam generator to the container, and a third step of discharging the steam along with the substance originating the offensive odor from the container. An apparatus for deodorization of cork by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing propellant charge powder rods. The apparatus comprises a flexible band (1) which is suspended freely in a loop between two paraxial, radially spaced drums (2,3) and is movable back and forth between the drums (2,3) by drive motors (6,7). The band (1) is finite or endless and movable in reciprocation between two winding drums (4,5) each adapted to be driven in either direction of rotation by the drive motors (6,7). The propellant charge powder rods (30) are placed in the suspended loop of the flexible band (1)--transversely of the longitudinal direction of the band--and are mixed together by moving the band (1) back and forth. The length of the loop is increased and decreased periodically during this process.

Abstract: A shaker/incubator (10) comprising an even number of shaking planes (11) placed one on top of the other, which can be brought into a shaking motion by means of a rotating shaft (15) with eccentrics (20) attached thereto. Every second shaking plane is in the same phase of the shaking motion. The shaking planes are connected to each other by three vertical shafts (14, 15, 16) or by one vertical shaft (15) disposed in the middle so that the shaking plane connected to a toothed gear (24) rolls along a toothed rim (26) formed in the body (25).

Abstract: A continuously-operating kneading machine for food products includes a channel-shaped element along which the mixture is advanced and a plurality of kneading tools disposed in the channel-shaped element so that the product advancing along the channel-shaped element encounters them in succession. The kneading tools are rotatable about axes substantially transverse the direction of advance of product along the channel-shaped element.

Abstract: A clamping fixture slides between a pair of guide rails and includes a pressure plate between the guide rails. Lock plates with internal openings for receiving the guide rails are held captive on the pressure plate. An operating bar with stepped ends, one adjacent each locking plate, is deflected by a cam mechanism to incline the lock plates relative to the guide rails, thus wedging the lock plates to prevent further sliding along the guide rails. Return springs are provided to urge the lock plates to an unlocked position when pressure on the operating bar is released. A mixing apparatus using the clamping fixture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for mixing propellant charge powder rods utilizes a flexible band (1) which is suspended freely in a loop between two paraxial, radially spaced drums (2,3) and is movable back and forth between the drums (2,3) by drive motors (6,7). The band (1) is finite or endless and movable in reciprocation between two winding drums (4,5) each adapted to be driven in either direction of rotation by the drive motors (6,7). The propellant charge powder rods (30) are placed in the suspended loop of the flexible band (1)--transversely of the longitudinal direction of the band--and are mixed together by moving the band (1) back and forth. The length of the loop is increased and decreased periodically during this process.

Abstract: This invention involves a cylinder of circular section, with one end raised about 5 degrees above the other, and capable of being rolled back and forth through an arc of approximately 210.degree., 105.degree. in either direction from a central position, or in some cases for complete revolutions, into which trash, garbage, and possibly septage are introduced repeatedly through a hole in the top of the high end when the cylinder is in the central position, and then the cylinder is rocked from one extreme position to the other so that the material inside is tumbled upon itself and aerated and randomly dispersed, and by repeatly falling tends to progress from the high, input end toward a discharge opening in the low end as digested compost. These units can be built by any reasonably competent mechanic. The smaller ones require a cold chisel, electric drill, and ideally a saber-saw or acetylene torch. The larger ones will require some welding.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting a blotting process comprises a support member, a first electric motor for rotating the support member about a vertical plane, a tube holder having a substantially flat surface for magnetically mounting at least one tube, a second electric motor for rotating the tube holder and a control for controlling the second electric motor. The tube holder is mounted for rotation on the support member. The tube is secured within the tube holder, the support member is rotated at a predetermined angle and the tube holder is rotated at a predetermined speed blotting reagent onto a filter.

Abstract: A method is described herein which provides for mixing of fluent materials enclosed in a flexible bag. The bags are conveyed in sequence along a conveying member which is vibrated to effect bag motion and turning thereof during the advance. Advance is blocked by one or more low baffles but turning of each blocked bag continues, but when a succeeding bag engages the blocked bag, it turns in the opposite direction so as to ride over the blocking baffle and continue in its advance. Apparatus for automatically carrying out the method steps is also described.

Abstract: A mixing container is mounted for rotation about two or more distinct axes of rotation. A random generator is applied to drive the container for rotation about one or more of the axes at a speed and/or in a direction of rotation such that the container tumbles with a constantly irregular mixing movement and with a constantly changing Froude number.

Abstract: A test tube handling assembly has an elongate member with an end for engaging a test tube and an end opposite thereto driven about an axis of the member for orbital movement with its axis. The member is a slender rod with a spherical bearing about a center part thereon between the ends thereof and along its axis. An arm extends from a support to carry the spherical bearing and permit limited motion of the rod relative to the support. A gripping means on the end for engaging the test tube holds the test tube and its contents during movement of the rod relative to the axis. A drive located on the support near the end opposite causes the test tube to swing about the center part. Contacting means with a seal for closing the open end of the test tube is part of an inflatable bladder which holds the open end of the test tube by fitting in the open end of the test tube. The drive has a motor for providing orbital motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a continuous solution gradient wherein solutions of differing concentrations are layered in a tube and the tube disposed at an angle with respect to the vertical and is rotated for a predetermined period of time thereby to generate a continuous solution gradient, i.e. continuous variation in concentration between the concentration of the initial solutions.

Abstract: The apparatus for the moving of articles, vessels or of liquid, pasty and/or pourable media has an articulated system with at least six links (1 to 6), each of which is connected to two neighboring links (1 to 6) in each case so as to swivel about axes of articulation (A12 to A61) to form a closed articulated chain. The swivel axes (A12 to A61) of each element (1 to 6) form fixed angles of articulation (W1 to W6). At least one link (2) is connected to an article, the vessel or a means of moving the media.

Abstract: A water bath shaker having a water bath, a vessel-mounting shelf and a triple-eccentric drive, whereby the shelf is subjected to orbital gyratory motion via a drive shaft consisting of a single post that extends into the center of the bath via a standpipe. The drive shaft also acts as a mount that can removably receive and support any one of a variety of dedicated and universal shelves. A microprocessor control performs self-correcting feedback control of temperature and shaker speed. A push-button means is used to input set points.

Abstract: A test tube handling assembly has an elongate member with an end for engaging a test tube and an end opposite thereto driven about an axis of the member for orbital movement with its axis. The member is a slender rod with a spherical bearing about a center part thereon between the ends thereof and along its axis. An arm extends from a support to carry the spherical bearing and permit limited motion of the rod relative to the support. A gripping means on the end for engaging the test tube holds the test tube and its contents during movement of the rod relative to the axis. A drive located on the support near the end opposite causes the test tube to swing about the center part. Contacting means with a seal for closing the open end of the test tube is part of an inflatable bladder which holds the open end of the test tube by fitting in the open end of the test tube. The drive has a motor for providing orbital motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing powdered or granular materials wherein a mixing vessel having a vertical axis is rotated 180.degree. about a horizontal axis from an initial upright position to an inverted mixing position, then rotated to an intermediate position angularly spaced from the initial position by an acute angle, and then returned to the initial position. The movement of the vessel from the initial position to the mixing position is faster than its movement from the mixing position to the intermediate position so that, when the vessel reaches the intermediate position, the surface of the material forms an angle to the vertical that is less than the acute angle. The vessel is maintained in the intermediate position for such a period of time that, when the vessel returns to its initial position, the surface of the material is substantially horizontal.

Abstract: An automatic vortexing drive is described in which a rotatable coupling has a cuplike recess positioned off of and opening radially outward from the axis of rotation of the coupling. The coupling is positioned to intercept the lower and reaction vessels in the recess. Selective rotation of the coupling permits the vessels to pass the coupling or be engaged by the coupling and nutated.

Abstract: A receptacle for retaining a material comprising, a bottle having a flat base for placement of the bottle on a support surface, and sidewalls defining a chamber increasing in inner dimensions from the base toward an upper location of the bottle, with the portion of the sidewalls of increasing dimension including at least half of the total size of the chamber. The receptacle has a thixotropic material received in the chamber.

Abstract: A method for removing bubbles from a container made of synthetic resin filled with solution comprises adding movement of inclination or reverse to the container made of synthetic resin filled with solution gradually so as to contact the surface of solution with whole round of the inner-wall of the container without any shock from outside, and changing the condition of the container so as to discharge bubbles attaching to the inner-wall of the container to outside of the solution and to remove bubbles in the container completely.

Abstract: For passing stepwise bottles (F, F') in front of different stations, in order to more particularly take liquid samples, the bottles are placed in receptacles formed on a plate (24). The rotation of the plate is ensured by a lifting support action using compressed air delivered by injectors (18). Immediate rotation stoppage is obtained when a hole (38) formed in plate (24) faces the end of an optical fiber, whereof the opposite end issues onto an optical detector. Associated with an automatic sampling and dilution system, the assembly can be advantageously installed in a glove box or shielded enclosure in the nuclear industry.

Abstract: An elongate, horizontally upwardly opening particulate material storing receptacle with vertical front and end walls, upwardly projecting side walls, a longitudinally extending bottom wall, a material discharge opening at the front end of the receptacle, an elongate auger extending longitudinally within the receptacle from the rear wall to the discharge opening, a driven shaft on the auger and projecting rearwardly from the receptacle; and, a drive motor unit drivingly coupled with the driven shaft, the improvements comprise: mounting structure pivotally supporting the upper rear end of the receptacle about a horizontal transverse turning axis spaced vertically from the axis of the shaft, a cam plate with circumferentially spaced, rearwardly disposed lobes and recesses positioned rearward of the receptacle and carried by the shaft; and, a forwardly disposed reaction pose mounted rearward of the plate and in reacting driving engagement therewith to sequentially pivot the receptacle about the turning axis when

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing the content of a closed package, such as a paint can. The apparatus comprises a frame and a substantially vertically oriented package holder which is movably mounted in the frame. The package holder includes a device for releasably clamping a package so that the axis of the package is parallel with the axis of the holder. The apparatus also includes a device for driving the holder in a closed movement path relative to the frame. The drive device comprises a rotatable shaft which is substantially vertically oriented and which is mounted centrally on the frame. The drive shaft carries a crank having a substantially vertical pin. The pin is centrally connected to the lower portion of the holder and is journalled at one of its ends into a rolling bearing. Stabilizing devices connect the holder and the frame and are arranged to prevent relative rotation between the holder and the frame around the drive shaft axis.

Abstract: The viability of a pack of stored blood platelets is monitored by gripping the pack between two plates (6) and (7) which are closed to pinch together the walls of the bag (10) along an L-shaped seal (14), leaving a channel (17), squeezing a part (15) of the bag by means of a reciprocating plunger (19), so that the platelets continually flow to and fro between the part (15) and the part (16), through the channel (17), and passing a beam of light from an LED (27) through the channel (17), to a photoresistor (29). The AC signal from the photoresistor corresponds to the fluctuations in the intensity of the light passing through the channel (17) and the amplitude of this signal is representative of the viability, and hence the clinical acceptability, of the platelets.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing gyratory motion to a paint can for mixing the contents of the paint can. The paint can is clamped between an upper and lower clamping plate of a clamping mechanism, which clamping mechanism is fixed to a rotatable disc rotatable in a vertical plane. The lower clamping plate is rotatable independently of the rotation of the mounting disc. The upper and lower clamping plates are moveable toward and away from each other simultaneously via a pair of threaded rods. The lower clamping plate is also provided with a plurality of angularly spaced-apart vertically pivotal, clamping fingers, the upper portions of which extend through slots formed in the circumference of the lower clamping plate, which fingers help to clamp and automatically center the lower rim of a paint can being clamped and mixed. The fingers are urged upwardly before the upward sliding movement of the lower clamping plate via a strike plate slidingly mounted with respect to the drive shaft of the lower clamping plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing two substances under sanitary conditions in which a solid particulate substance is introduced into an inlet chamber with radial and downward velocity components and is mixed with a second substance in a mixing chamber below the inlet chamber by rotating a vertical shaft with mixing blades thereon in the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is formed with a flexible wall which is deformed as the shaft rotates to prevent accumulation of mixed product on the wall. The vertical shaft is rotatably supported by bearings outside the inlet and mixing chambers so as not to contaminate the substances being mixed so that mixing takes place under sanitary conditions and the mixture of substances is discharged from below the mixing chamber. When the second substance is a liquid, the mixed product is an agglomeration of particles, a paste, a slurry or a solution.