Abstract: A blending device is shown and described. The blending device may include a blending container and a power source operatively connected to the blending container. The power source may be configured to supply power to the blending container. The blending container may also include a feature that is powered by the power source.

Abstract: A food blending appliance includes a housing with a motor therein. A food blending chamber having an inner wall surface is located proximate the housing. A wiper assembly is operably coupled to the motor and has a wiper blade that includes a tapered forward portion and a tapered rearward portion. The wiper blade includes an arced exterior surface that includes a radius of curvature that is substantially the same as a radius of curvature of the inner wall surface. The operable coupling between the motor and the wiper assembly results in rotation of the wiper blade when the motor is activated, which removes food from the inner wall surface of the food blending chamber during rotation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an motor that may be used to stir or agitate a material without the drive components of the motor making direct contact with said material. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an motor and a method of using such to stir or agitate a food material while insulating the drive components of the motor, and preventing them from coming into direct contact with the food material. The present disclosure has particular application to agitation of materials which should not come into direct contact with the drive components for safety or cleanliness purposes, such as ice cream or slushies, as well as materials with which contact is generally discouraged, such as biomedically pure substances or harsh chemicals.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a contact lens during in vitro testing includes a first support member, a second support member, an alignment rod, and a cage member. The first support member includes a first end cap and a body portion. The body portion includes grooves formed in a lateral surface extending from the first end cap. The alignment rod is configured for interconnecting the body portion and a second end cap of the second support member. The cage member is positionable about the body portion between the first and second end caps, and includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of openings between the inner surface and the outer surface. The inner surface and the lateral surface cooperatively define an annular space therebetween and a plurality of fluid flow paths between the inner space and the openings. The annular space is configured for receiving the contact lens.

Abstract: An apparatus for frothing a liquid food product is disclosed. It comprises a drive unit (1) and a frothing unit (3). The frothing unit (3) comprises a guide rod (30), which is configured along at least one section as a threaded rod (31). A frothing element (40) is in threaded engagement with the guide rod (30) and can thus be moved along a helical path on the guide rod (30). At least one dog (36, 36?) is driven by the drive unit (1) in a circular motion about the longitudinal axis of the guide rod (30) and in the process entrains the frothing element (40) such that said element is driven to perform a helical motion on the guide rod (30). In this way, the frothing element can perform an up and down motion superimposed on the rotational motion thereof along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mixing of a solution and reagents for PCR reactions having a closed cartridge reaction well, a magnetically responsive bead within the well having an optically inert coating and a secondary chemically inert coating. A heat source then heats the contents to a target temperature while oscillating magnetic fields move the bead within the well in order to mix the contents and make the contents of the reaction well homogeneous.

Abstract: A device for stirring a liquid or a granular material comprising a stirring agitator, a rotating drive shaft for rotating the stirring agitator, a rotating drive shaft for rotating the stirring agitator, a stationary axle extending in an essentially vertical direction about which the stirring agitator is adapted to rotate, and a transfer arrangement for contactless transfer of rotation of the drive shaft to the stirring agitator. The device has a center axis around which the stirring agitator and the drive shaft are adapted to rotate, and means for generating a magnetic force exerting an upwardly directed force component on the stirring agitator. The means for generating a magnetic force comprises a first element arranged in a stirring agitator and a second element associated with the stationary axle. At least one of the first element and the second element comprises a permanent magnet.

Abstract: Flexible bag includes at least a first wall, a second wall facing the first wall when the flexible bag is folded and a functional part having at least a portion protruding from the first wall inside the bag. The second wall includes protective means intended to prevent damage to the flexible bag and/or to the functional part.

Abstract: An instrument for use with fluid which includes a mixing element, and a container to hold the fluid to be mixed, characterised in that the mixing element includes a sensor that assists to measure a parameter of fluid.

Abstract: A device for biological purposes such as cell culturing, enzymatic reactions or filtering of fluid has a body with first and second surfaces. The body is delimited by a rim and an aperture in the center of the body. The aperture is covered at the first and second surface by first and second plates. The first and/or second plate has an inlet orifice allowing liquid medium into the aperture. Rotating means are arranged in the aperture between the first and second plate. At least one recessed portion is a cavity in the rim of the body having a first outlet orifice allowing the liquid medium to flow out of the body. At least one outlet channel connects the circular aperture with the recessed portion. Liquid is pumped into the aperture of the device and pumped through at least one outlet channel.

Abstract: Provided are liquid agitating systems having magnetically actuated agitating members that do not come in contact with internal surfaces of liquid holding vessels. As such, some mechanically weak materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkoxy polymer, may be used for internal surfaces of these vessels. An agitating member may be held by a supporting member that allows the agitating member to move within a vessel without touching its bottom. The supporting member effectively controls the distance between the agitating member and some supporting point. An external magnet provided under the vessel may be used for magnetic actuation. The agitating member includes an internal magnet that is magnetically coupled to the external magnet and that follows the path of the external magnet thereby moving the agitating member and agitating the liquid. In some embodiments, multiple external magnets may be used to position one or more agitating member.

Abstract: A method of mixing including providing a flexible container which comprises at least two components, assembling the components from outside the flexible container to form a centrally disposed magnetic driven shaft with at least one impeller, whereby the integrity of the flexible container is maintained, filling the flexible container having the centrally disposed magnetic driven shaft with one or more ingredients of the contents to be mixed; engaging a magnetic element of the centrally disposed magnetic driven shaft with an external magnetic drive element; analyzing the contents of the flexible container using at least one sensor or a sampling line on the flexible container; and draining the contents of the flexible container through a drain port at the bottom of the flexible container.

Abstract: A disposable mixing vessel comprising a flexible container, a centrally disposed shaft having first and second ends with one or more impellers thereon and a magnetic element associated with a first shaft end, a first flange adapted to rotatably engage the first shaft end and a second flange adapted to rotatably engage the second shaft end.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.

Abstract: Cooling apparatuses, electronic device assemblies, and cooling assemblies having a magnetic shape memory member are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling apparatus includes a first compliant member, a magnetic shape memory member, a magnetic field generating device, a second compliant member and a fan member. A first end of the magnetic shape memory member is coupled to the first compliant member. The magnetic field generating device is positioned proximate the magnetic shape memory member, and generates a magnetic field toward the magnetic shape memory member to cause the magnetic shape memory member to expand along a linear translation axis. Expansion of the magnetic shape memory member causes an actuated portion of the second compliant member to translate about an axis. The fan member is coupled to the actuated portion of the compliant member such that translation of the actuated portion translates the fan member.

Abstract: Device and methods for use of these devices to manipulate substantially non-magnetic particles dispersed inside a magnetic fluid by employing a changeable pattern of local magnetic field maxima and minima are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing contents within an enclosed container, which includes a mixing element composed of a magnetically interactive material, which is configured for placement within the enclosed container, a movable member disposed outside of the enclosed container, the movable member being magnetically engageable with the mixing element, a base member for positioning the movable member proximate the enclosed container, and a motor adapted for driving the movable member in a continuous, reciprocating or oscillating motion relative to the enclosed container, wherein the movable member interacts with and urges the mixing element to translate between a first position and a second position within the container, and one of the mixing element or an end portion of the armature is a magnet.

Abstract: A device for frothing milk with a base element including a container for receiving milk to be frothed and a removable lid including a motor for driving a circular annular spring for frothing milk, the latter being driven by a motor in the lid. To this end, electrical energy needs to be transferred to the motor. This is done using inductive coupling. This removes the need for providing bare electrical contacts thus removing disadvantages like risk of short circuit and electrical shock hazards. To achieve this, both the base element and the lid are fitted with windings for transferring electrical energy. To improve the effectiveness of inductive coupling, frequency conversion means are provided to supplying an alternating current at a relatively high frequency to the first winding. The first winding is used as an inductive element for an oscillator as well.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a device for mixing a multiphase fluid which includes a mixing chamber; a mixing element translatable along a central axis of the mixing chamber, the distance between a point of the inner surface of the mixing chamber and the central axis being occupied between 85% and 95% by the mixing element along at least one section transverse to the central axis.

Abstract: A beverage mixing system/method allowing faster mixing/blending of frozen beverages is disclosed. The system/method in various embodiments utilizes inductive coupling to introduce heat into the frozen beverage during the mixing/blending process via a rotating driveshaft and attached mechanical agitator to speed the mixing/blending process. Exemplary embodiments may be configured to magnetically induce heat into the driveshaft and/or mechanical agitator mixing blade to affect this mixing/blending performance improvement. This heating effect may be augmented via the use of high power LED arrays aimed into the frozen slurry to provide additional heat input. The system/method may be applied with particular advantage to the mixing of ice cream type beverages and other viscous beverage products.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and method of, containing, transferring and electromagnetically stirring an electrically conductive fluid is provided. A vessel is formed from spaced-apart annular structural elements, or hoops, that are bound together by a high-temperature electrical insulating material, which also forms the interior surface of the vessel. Reinforcing members are embedded in the high-temperature electrical insulating material and passed through the hoops. The vessel is disposed within an electrical stator having multiple electrical poles. Each pole is wound with a separate coil. Current can be supplied to each coil winding, with a suitable phase shift between currents to all coil windings, to achieve an electromagnetically induced stirring and heating of the electrically conductive fluid. The vessel may be removably disposed in the electrical stator so that the vessel can be transported to and from the electrical stator for induced stirring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the creation and dispensing of a custom formulation within a package at a retail point of sale. In one aspect, the invention includes an automated dispensing apparatus including at least a two-axis robot arm. In another aspect, the invention includes an automated mixer adapted to mix the dispensed custom formulation within the package.

Abstract: A reaction unit containing a bottom part and a top part for pipetting a liquid, wherein the bottom part contains a reaction cavity with a permeable filter grid insert and the top part contains a reaction cavity which can be fixed on said bottom part and contains a cavity or covering for receiving a magnet.

Abstract: A system for mixing a formation fluid sample obtained in a downhole sampling chamber. The system includes a mixing element disposed in the downhole sampling chamber. A support stand is operable to receive the downhole sampling chamber. A magnetic field generator is operably associated with the downhole sampling chamber such that when the magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field, the mixing element moves through the formation fluid sample responsive to the magnetic field, thereby mixing the formation fluid sample.

Abstract: A device for manipulating and mixing magnetic particles (3) in a surrounding liquid medium, comprises at least one couple of magnetic poles (1,1?) facing each other across a gap, the facing poles diverging from a narrow end of the gap to a large end of the gap, the poles (1,1?) forming part of an electromagnetic circuit and being arranged to provide a magnetic field gradient in the gap region; and a reaction chamber (2) that is a part of a fluidic network for containing the said magnetic particles in suspension and placed in the gap of the said electromagnets poles (1,1?). The reaction chamber (2) preferably has at least one part which has a diverging cavity, arranged co-divergently in the diverging gap between the poles.

Abstract: A system for at least one of homogenization and lysis of a sample includes one or more walls forming an enclosed chamber, a permanent magnet within the enclosed chamber, a magnet guide, and one or more magnets located outside the chamber. The enclosed chamber has an inlet and one or more fluidic connections configured to introduce at least the sample into the chamber. The permanent magnet has a positive pole and a negative pole. The magnet guide is configured to laterally guide the permanent magnet between a first position and a second position and maintain a substantially constant orientation of the permanent magnet during the movement. Movement of the magnets outside the chamber changes a magnetic field between the one or more magnets and the permanent magnet. The permanent magnet moves between the first and second positions in response to the changing magnetic field.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating foam are disclosed. The inventions can be used for generating foam for sclerotherapy. A foaming element can be agitated within a foaming chamber by a drive unit that does not touch the foaming element, but actuates it from outside the foaming chamber. The foaming element and drive unit can be magnetically coupled. A syringe can be used to form a foaming chamber.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a closed presterilized bag having a disposable mixing element within it, a drive mechanism outside of the bag for rotating the mixing element without voiding sterility and a vortex breaker in the torm of one or more plastic sheet materials that are attached to various inner surfaces of the bag and disrupt the formation of vortices within the bag. Preferably the sheet(s) are formed of the same material as the bag and are sealed to the bag surfaces. More preferably, the sheet(s) extend across a diameter of the bag. Most preferably, the sheet(s) are perforated with one or more slits or openings to allow for good flow and mixing without a vortex being formed.

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

Abstract: The present invention consists of a closed presterilized bag having a disposable mixing element within it, a drive mechanism outside of the bag for rotating the mixing element without voiding sterility and a vortex breaker in the form of one or more plastic sheet materials that are attached to various inner surfaces of the bag and disrupt the formation of vortices within the bag. Preferably the sheet(s) are formed of the same material as the bag and are sealed to the bag surfaces. More preferably, the sheet(s) extend across a diameter of the bag. Most preferably, the sheet(s) are perforated with one or more slits or openings to allow for good flow and mixing without a vortex being formed.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.

Abstract: An electronically controlled, brushless DC, electromagnetic induction drive apparatus for use in a paintball marker active loader capable of directly driving the feeder element in the active loader while providing independently user selectable torque transfer capability and rotational speed whether used to continuously or intermittently rotate the loader feeder element. A plurality of selectively polarity reversible electromagnets are disposed in the loader housing and act to move a plurality of magnetic drive elements disposed on the rotating feed cone to rotate the feed cone a predetermined amount for each polarity cycle and cause paintballs to be fed into the paintball marker via a feed tube. A controller linked to the marker firing sequence manages the number and frequency of the sequential polarity changes of the electro-magnets to cause the feed cone to rotate in response to sensed movement of paintballs in the feed tube.

Abstract: A microbe testing device includes a measurement cell for holding a sample liquid, and a rotor that is rotated, by magnetic force imparted from outside the measurement cell, along a bottom face in the sample liquid held in the measurement cell. The sample liquid is stirred by rotating the rotor so that only its end portions are in contact with the bottom face of the measurement cell.

Abstract: Mixing system comprising: a flexible bag (28) with a mixing device (1) comprising a magnetic impeller; and an alignment facilitation device adapted to facilitate alignment between the magnetic impeller and a magnetic driver (36) located external to the system. Specific flexible bag and hardware therefore.

Abstract: Flexible bag comprising at least a first wall, a second wall facing the first wall when the flexible bag is folded and a functional part having at least a portion protruding from the first wall inside the bag, wherein the second wall comprises protective means intended to prevent damage to said flexible bag and/or to said functional part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for mixing two or more solutions. Provided is an integrated system for generating a homogeneous solution from two or more input solutions, comprising: a mixer chamber containing a magnetic stir bar; a means for rotating the magnetic stir bar; and an user interface for input a chosen flow rate. The mixer chamber comprises a mixer chamber body including a movable upper part which defines a mixer chamber volume; one or more solution inlets; an solution outlet; the magnetic stir bar; and a means for adjusting the mixer chamber volume. In response to the input flow rate, the mixing chamber volume is adjusted to an optimal volume, by the movement of the movable upper part, controlled by the means for adjusting the mixer chamber volume. Also provided are methods of using the system to achieve homogeneous mixing of two or more solutions.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.

Abstract: Device and methods for use of these devices to manipulate substantially non-magnetic particles dispersed inside a magnetic fluid by employing a changeable pattern of local magnetic field maxima and minima are provided.

Abstract: A method for suspending or re-suspending magnetically attractable particles is provided. In the present method at least a mixing vessel (10) is provided filled at least partially with a mixture (30) containing magnetically attractable particles (40) at least partially precipitated at the bottom (11) of the mixing vessel (10). An effective magnetic field acting at least in the front end area (3) of the mixing bar (1) is switched on by the magnetic field generating apparatus (4) while the mixing bar (1) is immersed in the mixture (30). Subsequently, the magnetic field is moved away from the bottom (11) of the mixing vessel (10) along with the mixing bar, whereby the movement of the magnetic field along with the mixing bar is carried out such that at least a part of the magnetically attractable particles (40) is raised from the bottom (11) of the mixing vessel (10) and the portion of the particles sticking to the bar is minimized.

Abstract: A storage container is provided, which includes carbon dioxide containing a functional material and a container body in which carbon dioxide has been hermetically contained. Accordingly, a method for molding a resin, a method for forming a plating film, and the storage container for carbon dioxide, which are excellent in the mass productively at low cost, are provided without using any special high pressure apparatus for producing a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: The electrolytic reaction of a solution supplemented with oxidation-reduction substances is caused in a magnetic field. Lorentz force generated by the interaction between an electrolytic current and the magnetic field is utilized. As a result, the effective stirring or transfer of a solution as well as the detection of a biologically relevant substance with high precision can be achieved without causing the aggregation or uneven distribution of magnetic beads or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispersing rotor for homogenizing free-flowing media. According to the invention, the rotor-toothing formation forms a labyrinth toothing formation for a medium passing radially outward. The invention allows effective homogenization of free-flowing media by this rotor alone, without interaction with a stator-toothing formation being necessary.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an motor that may be used to stir or agitate a material without the drive components of the motor making direct contact with said material. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an motor and a method of using such to stir or agitate a food material while insulating the drive components of the motor, and preventing them from coming into direct contact with the food material. The present disclosure has particular application to agitation of materials which should not come into direct contact with the drive components for safety or cleanliness purposes, such as ice cream or slushies, as well as materials with which contact is generally discouraged, such as biomedically pure substances or harsh chemicals.

Abstract: An electronically controlled, brushless DC, electromagnetic induction drive apparatus for use in a paintball marker active loader capable of directly driving the feeder element in the active loader while providing user selectable torque transfer capability and rotational speed whether used to continuously or intermittently rotate the loader feeder element. A plurality of selectively polarity reversible electromagnets are disposed in the loader housing and act to move a plurality of magnetic drive elements disposed on the rotating feed cone to rotate the feed cone and cause paintballs to be fed into the paintball marker via a feed tube. A controller linked to the marker firing sequence manages the sequential polarity changes of the electro-magnets to cause the feed cone to rotate in response to movement of paintballs in the feed tube.

Abstract: A vessel receives and agitates a fluid using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device. In one aspect, the vessel is a bag including a first receiver for receiving and holding a fluid-agitating element at a home location. The first receiver may be in the form of an inwardly-projecting post having an oversized portion for capturing the fluid-agitating element, but various other forms are disclosed. Use of this feature in completely rigid vessels where the fluid-agitating element is free of direct attachment from a first receiver having an oversized portion is also disclosed. In another aspect, the vessel or bag further includes a second receiver for receiving a portion of an external structure, such as a motive device, and aligning the vessel relative thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stirring mechanism with magnetic force. It has a central rotary arm with permanent magnet, as well as a plurality of lever arms, each having one respective permanent magnet. A track disk rotates synchronously with the central rotary arm. An elliptic track slot in the track disk traps the lever arms to swing forward and backward. The lever arms exhibit alternate motions of approaching and leaving, thereby causing a stirring effect.

Abstract: Flexible bag includes at least a first wall, a second wall facing the first wall when the flexible bag is folded and a functional part having at least a portion protruding from the first wall inside the bag. The second wall includes protective means intended to prevent damage to the flexible bag and/or to the functional part.

Abstract: Food processing apparati including magnetic drives are described herein. According to one exemplary embodiment, a food processing apparatus may include a motor having a motor shaft, a rotor rotatably mounted on the motor shaft, and a stator producing an electromagnetic field for interacting with the rotor. The rotor may magnetically drive a drive plate coupled to an impeller inside a food-contact chamber.

Abstract: Mixing system comprising: a flexible bag with a mixing device comprising a magnetic impeller; and an alignment facilitation device adapted to facilitate alignment between the magnetic impeller and a magnetic driver located external to the system. Specific flexible bag and hardware therefore.