Abstract: Methods and devices for securing the bottom of an item of cookware to the burner of a stove top by use of magnetism. The magnet(s) may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The cookware may comprise a permanent magnet disposed on or in the base of the cookware. The burner comprises a magnetic material such as steel or iron. The magnetic material may be in the grate of the cook top, in the electric coil of an electric burners in the surface of a vitroceramic or smooth-top stove top, or other component of the cook top in close proximity to the bottom of the cookware when it is on the cooking surface. The magnetic source prevents the cookware from being accidentally knocked off the cook top.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for the reconstitution of dehydrated drinking products. More specifically, a dehydrated drinking product preparation devise is described as a fully integrated system comprising a magnetic mixer, vessel, stir bar and cap. Furthermore, methods for preparing dehydrated drinking products for human consumption are described using the devise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic mixing system comprising a mixing body, which is located in a container filled with a medium and which can be made to rotate by a rotating magnetic field that is generated by a solenoid system, and comprising an electronic controller and regulator. According to the invention, the inactivity of the mixing body can be detected and/or conclusions concerning the viscosity of the medium can be drawn and/or the height of the magnetic field can be modified in order to transfer the mixing body to a floating state and/or the electronic controller and regulator is at a location that is remote from the solenoid system. The magnetic mixing system permits the mixing of a medium in the form of a liquid, a liquid-solid mixture, a liquid-gas mixture, a gas-solid mixture or a liquid-gas-solid mixture by means of the mixing body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.

Abstract: A heat sink has a heat spreader structure containing magneto-hydrodynamic fluid. Also, the heat spreader includes a central metallic cylinder and a metal ring screen surrounding the central metallic cylinder. Electrical and magnetic fields induce the magneto-hydrodynamic fluid to undergo a swirling motion. The swirling motion acts as an MHD pump and provides efficient heat dissipation from a heat source contacting the heat spreader. A heat sink spreader has a central metallic cylinder surrounded by a metallic ring screen, and a magneto-hydrodynamic fluid.

Abstract: A fluid displacement device (100) having a homopolar motor (110). The homopolar motor includes a rotatable disk (115) with at least one fluid displacement structure (120) disposed thereon. The fluid displacement structure can be a blade. The rotatable disk can be disposed within a cavity (145) defined in a substrate (105), such as a ceramic substrate, a liquid crystal polymer substrate, or a semiconductor substrate. A closed loop control circuit (235) can be included to control the rotational speed of the rotatable disk. For example, the control circuit can control a voltage source or a current source that applies voltage across the rotatable disk. The control circuit also can control a strength of a magnet (210) that applies a magnetic field (205) substantially aligned with an axis or rotation (155) of the rotatable disk.

Abstract: A microbe testing device 10 comprises a measurement cell 1 for holding a sample liquid X, and a rotor 3 that is rotated, by magnetic force imparted from outside the measurement cell 1, along a bottom face 11b in the sample liquid X held in the measurement cell 1. The sample liquid X is stirred by rotating the rotor 3 so that only its end portions are in contact with the bottom face 11b of the measurement cell 1.

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.

Abstract: Devices and methods of enhancing mass transport proximate a surface of an electrode immersed in a liquid are disclosed. One aspect of the device comprises an electrode embedded in a sintered or bonded magnetic material. The device is contacted with a solvent containing a redox material dissolved therein. An external voltage or current is applied to the electrode, which external voltage or current is sufficient to enhance mass transport proximate the surface of the electrode. Magnetic field effects can be effectively applied to the microstirring of fluids in conjunction with microelectrochemical systems in a lab-on-a-chip format. Suitable applications include bioassays, drug discovery, and high throughput screening, and other applications where magnetohydrodynamics can enhance chemical detection and/or reagent mixing, which otherwise rely on diffusional processes.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus and method uses a disposable assembly including a closed vessel with a rotating shaft supported in the vessel. The shaft has radially extending impellers. The shaft is driven via an external magnetic drive system. The vessel can be cleaned during manufacture and discarded after use.

Abstract: A vessel in which a fluid is received and agitated by using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by a non-contact coupling with a motive device external to the vessel. 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. 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. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic stirring system includes a stir-mantle and a magnetic stirring apparatus used for stirring/mixing materials in a flask. A rare-earth magnet is mounted on the magnetic stirring apparatus and is driven in rotation by a pneumatic motor. The rare-earth magnet is coupled to a magnetic stir bar in the flask for conjoint rotation so that the stir-bar stirs/mixes the materials in the flask. An exhaust is included to channel air from the motor to the rare-earth magnet and to direct the air to flow over the magnet to control the temperature of the magnet.

Abstract: An improved system and method for stirring suspended solids in a liquid media to enhance sample growth and improve sample detection results. The system and method employs a sample vessel holder which adapted to receive at least one sample vessel which contains the solids and liquid media and a stirrer, such as a ferrous metal filled stirrer, and maintain the sample vessel in a position such that the longitudinal axis of the sample vessel extends at an angle substantially less than 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal, such as within the range of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal. The system and method further employs a magnet driver, adapted to move a magnet, such as a rare earth magnet, proximate to an outer surface of the sample vessel to permit the magnet to impose a magnetic influence on the stirrer to move the stirrer in the sample vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.

Abstract: A water agitation system is configured to be positioned within a water retention structure. The system includes a main body positionable within a water retention area of the water retention structure, a magnet assembly housed within the main body, and an agitation ring loosely mounted over a portion of the main body. The agitation ring is magnetically attracted to, or repelled by, the magnet assembly so that a movement of the magnet assembly causes a corresponding movement of the agitation ring in order to circulate water retained within the water retention structure.

Abstract: A mixer and mixer assembly for turbulent mixing and enhancing a chemical reaction is provided. A method for using a mixer and mixer assembly for treatment of fluids is also provided. The mixer generally includes a first and second end, a surface configured for turbulent mixing, a catalyst supported thereon, and surface structure configured to increase interaction of catalyst and reactant. The mixer assembly generally includes a mixer inserted inside a fluid container or a tube and may also include a catalytic sleeve for enhancing interaction between catalyst and reactant.

Abstract: The contents of a two-dimensional array of vessels are mixed by a vortex created by continuous lateral tumbling of a magnetic stir element against the interior side wall of each vessel. The system includes a drive magnet having oppositely polarized sides, and a carousel including receptacles at different heights and at different positions about the carousel's axis of rotation for receiving a plurality of arrays of vessels. The magnet's vertical physical axis is aligned with the carousel's axis of rotation so that the magnet is disposed to one side of each of the receptacles. The magnet provides magnetic flux lines that rotate horizontally through 360 degrees within the received vessels when the magnet is rotated about its vertical physical axis to thereby cause magnetic stir elements in the vessels to continuously tumble laterally against the interior side wall of the vessel and thereby create the vortexes.

Abstract: A vessel in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluidagitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. 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. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which three or more permanent or electromagnets are mounted in a support structure on rotatable axes in spaced relationship to each other such that the magnetic lines of force of the same magnetic polarity continuously repel each other to generate a field in “opolarity.” The magnets are focused to a generally central spherical shell-like space and upon continuous synchronous rotation generate a magnetic vortex. Magnetic materials or materials that can be made susceptible to the effects of a magnetic field are placed in a material processing portion of a material containment vessel that is positioned in the magnetic vortex where upon continuous synchronous rotation of the magnets, the material is subjected to the quantum and wave mechanical effects of the magnetic vortex so as to be compacted, aggregated, separated, reaggregated, manipulated, tumbled, and levitated and in the process the physical, chemical, and magnetic properties and chemical composition of the material is changed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out the affinity separation of a target substance from a liquid test medium by mixing magnetic particles having surface immobilized ligand or receptor within the test medium to promote an affinity binding reaction between the ligand and the target substance. The test medium with the magnetic particles in a suitable container is removably mounted in an apparatus that creates a magnetic field gradient in the test medium. This magnetic gradient is used to induce the magnetic particles to move, thereby effecting mixing. The mixing is achieved either by movement of a magnet relative to a stationary container or movement of the container relative to a stationary magnet. In either case, the magnetic particles experience a continuous angular position change with the magnet.

Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is partially withdrawn and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. Once the chamber is isolated, the hydraulic piston is further withdrawn in order to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a rotating pumping or mixing element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined pressure is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.

Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.

Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.

Abstract: The contents of a two-dimensional array of vessels are mixed by a vortex created by continuous lateral tumbling of a magnetic stir element against the interior side wall of each vessel. The system includes a drive magnet having oppositely polarized sides, and a carousel including receptacles at different heights and at different positions about the carousel's axis of rotation for receiving a plurality of arrays of vessels. The magnet's vertical physical axis is aligned with the carousel's axis of rotation so that the magnet is disposed to one side of each of the receptacles. The magnet provides magnetic flux lines that rotate horizontally through 360 degrees within the received vessels when the magnet is rotated about its vertical physical axis to thereby cause magnetic stir elements in the vessels to continuously tumble laterally against the interior side wall of the vessel and thereby create the vortexes.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for agitating a sample during dissolution or other in vitro testing, a movable component is disposed in a container for reciprocating or rotating a sample carrier such as a dosage form or stent through a medium in the container. The apparatus can include a closure member to seal the container for substantially preventing loss of contents during movement of the sample carrier. The movable component can be actuated by a driving source in a non-contacting manner. The movable component can include a magnet drivable by a source external to the container. The container can include first and second container sections having different volumes, in which case actuation of the movable component causes agitation of the sample carrier through a medium contained in one of the container sections. The container can include a hole at or near the bottom for filling the container, using instruments, and the like.

Abstract: In a magnetically-coupled liquid mixer of the type having a drive mount secured to and extending into a mixing vessel, an external first magnet array adjacent to the drive mount, a stub shaft extending from the drive mount into the vessel and having a first thrust bearing surface, and a driven portion rotatably-mounted on the stub shaft and having a second thrust bearing surface and a second magnet array, the improvement wherein the first and second arrays are positioned with respect to one another such that the first and second thrust bearing surfaces are spaced apart at least in the absence of above-threshold fluid dynamic thrust forces on the driven portion.

Abstract: A flexible container is used in conjunction with a magnetic mixer. The flexible container is in the form of a bag, and is designed to rest on top of a magnetic mixer. The bag is comprised of a flexible, but impermeable-film material. A stand may be used in conjunction with bag to support larger volume flexible containers when filled with solution, permitting the exterior body of the flexible container to rest against the sides of the stand. A baffle may be interposed between the stand and bag. The baffle contacts, and thereby deforms (indents) the flexible film membrane of the container, when the container is filled with solution. So, when a stir bar of the mixer spins and fluid circulates, the baffle causes fluid to circulate erratically around a protrusion caused by the baffle, and imparts turbulence when fluid mixes around it. This prevents backflow from occurring.

Abstract: A flexible container is used in conjunction with a magnetic mixer. The flexible container is in the form of a bag, and is designed to rest on top of a magnetic mixer. The bag is comprised of a flexible, but impermeable-film material. The bag is flat with no seams on the bottom. A stir bar is encapsulated in a nonabrasive and soft material, such as silicone. The non-abrasive material around the stir bar permits the stir bar to directly touch the flexible film material, and prevents scratching or deteriorating of the film, as the stir bar rotates on the bottom of the flexible container.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a cell culture stirring vessel and associated impeller. More particularly, it relates to a fully integrated, disposable spinner flask vessel having a suspended impeller assembly permanently integrated therein. The invention is particularly suitable for use in applications where cells are suspended within a liquid medium with minimal shear forces.

Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.

Abstract: A method for forming and imploding stabilized cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. A hydraulically actuated piston is withdrawn to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. At least one impeller is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities, the impeller being located within the cavitation chamber and magnetically coupled to an external drive system.

Abstract: A fluid displacement device (100) having a homopolar motor (110). The homopolar motor includes a rotatable disk (115) with at least one fluid displacement structure (120) disposed thereon. The fluid displacement structure can be a blade. The rotatable disk can be disposed within a cavity (145) defined in a substrate (105), such as a ceramic substrate, a liquid crystal polymer substrate, or a semiconductor substrate. A closed loop control circuit (235) can be included to control the rotational speed of the rotatable disk. For example, the control circuit can control a voltage source or a current source that applies voltage across the rotatable disk. The control circuit also can control a strength of a magnet (210) that applies a magnetic field (205) substantially aligned with an axis or rotation (155) of the rotatable disk.

Abstract: Vertical electromagnetic stirring is used to produce low shear, stress, turbulent and chaotic mixing of a liquid material or suspension in a container regardless of the volume or container geometry. Movement of a magnetic stir bar is controlled by multiple magnetic fields. The magnetic fields are produced by a series of sequentially or non-sequentially activated inductor coils which produce asymmetrical stirring dynamics and random motions of the stir bar, causing the liquid material to be gently and effectively mixed throughout the container. Moving the stir bar in random and irregular patterns during the stirring operation creates turbulent and chaotic mixing dynamics. The stir bars used for supporting vertical magnetic stirring are specifically designed to optimize the effectivity of the mixing process by maximizing the length of the stir bar to quickly and gently mix the materials.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a levitating, rotating magnetic element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The magnetic element is placed in a vessel or container that can be positioned in close proximity to a superconducting element. The vessel or container may be sealed with the magnetic element and a product therein, with the fluid being introduced after sealing. Preferably, the vessel or container is capable of holding fluid volumes greater than 10 liters.

Abstract: Methods and devices for securing the bottom of an item of cookware to the burner of a stove top by use of magnetism. The magnet(s) may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The cookware may comprise a permanent magnet disposed on or in the base of the cookware. The burner comprises a magnetic material such as steel or iron. The magnetic material may be in the grate of the cook top, in the electric coil of an electric burner, in the surface of a vitroceramic or smooth-top stove top, or other component of the cook top in close proximity to the bottom of the cookware when it is on the cooking surface. The magnetic source prevents the cookware from being accidentally knocked off the cook top.

Abstract: This invention provides a device and method for rotating magnetically inducible particles suspended in a fluid by rotating a multidirectional magnetic field through the suspended particles. A rare earth magnet is positioned adjacent to the suspended particles and oriented such that the axis of a magnetic field generated by the magnet passes through the suspension. The magnetic flux lines of the magnet's field radiate in multiple directions through the suspended particles, them to form long multidirectional chains. The magnet and the chains of suspended particles are rotated with respect to one another, the axis of the rotation being approximately parallel to the magnetic axis of the multidirectional magnetic field. This causes the particle chains to rotate about the magnetic axis, thus mixing the fluid.

Abstract: A stirrer for stirring a substance, the stirrer comprising a stirring device and a powering device, the stirring device being adapted to be submerged in the substance for making a stirring movement, the powering device by a first field contactlessly applying a force onto the stirring device for powering the stirring movement of the stirring device, whereby the stirring device comprises a sensing device for measuring at least one parameter of the substance. Further, the invention comprises a stirring device for use in such stirrer, a stirring apparatus and a module for measuring a parameter of a substance surrounding the module. Still further, the invention comprises a use of such stirring device and a method for measuring a parameter of a substance being stirred by a stirring device.

Abstract: An automatic motor-driven blender cup with a leakage-free stirring apparatus includes a blender cup, an internal chamber, a mounting frame, a stirring shaft, a magnetic disk and a motor with a dry battery; wherein, said mounting frame and stirring shaft are disposed at the central position of the inside base wall of said blender cup; said magnetic disk is correspondently fixed inside of the bottom space of said internal chamber with central axial line in alignment with that of said stirring shaft without any physical link or contact each other; the stirring propeller on said stirring shaft will be magnetically inducted by said corresponding magnetic disk to simultaneously rotate in said internal chamber when said magnetic disk is driven by the output shaft of said motor; thus, not only the stirring effect of liquid or fluid in said internal chamber can be achieved, but also said liquid or fluid can be prevented from leakage and seepage out of the base wall of said blender cup so as to insure said motor free f

Abstract: An improved magnetic drive for a mixing system and method, wherein stagnation or collection of material in the region of the containment shell and any magnetic rotor are alleviated by the provision of pitched blades provided as radially extending spokes in the inner magnetic rotor. This bladed rotor design may be particularly advantageous in the case of a side entry mixer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.

Abstract: A container system includes a substantially rigid container having a floor and a side wall upstanding therefrom. The side wall and floor bound a chamber. A magnetic mixer is disposed below the floor of the container. A mixing bag assembly is disposed within the chamber of the container. The mixing bag assembly includes a collapsible body having a first end and an opposing second end. The collapsible body bounds a compartment. A mixing dish is disposed at the second end of the collapsible body so as to communicate with the compartment thereof. A magnetic stir bar is disposed on the mixing dish.

Abstract: A kit for assisting in the set-up of a fluid pumping or mixing system including a superconducting element capable of reaching a transition temperature during a field cooling process is disclosed. In one embodiment, the kit comprises at least one pumping or mixing element including a levitation magnet and at least one charging magnet substantially corresponding in size, shape, and magnetic field distribution to the levitation magnet. The presence of the charging magnet adjacent the superconducting element during the field cooling process enables stable levitation of the pumping or mixing element, including when in a fluid-filled vessel positioned adjacent the superconducting element.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an automatic motor-driven blender cup with stirring apparatus of leakage-free comprising a blender cup, an internal chamber, a mounting frame, a stirring shaft, a magnetic disk and a motor with a dry battery; Wherein, said mounting frame and stirring shaft are disposed at the central position of the inside base wall of said blender cup; said magnetic disk is correspondently fixed inside of the bottom space of said internal chamber with central axial line in alignment with that of said stirring shaft without any physical link or contact each other; The stirring propeller on said stirring shaft will be magnetically inducted by said corresponding magnetic disk to simultaneously rotate in said internal chamber when said magnetic disk is driven by the output shaft of said motor; Thus, not only the stirring effect of liquid or fluid in said internal chamber can be achieved, but also said liquid or fluid can be prevented from leakage and seepage out of the base wall of said blende

Abstract: An improved system and method for stirring suspended solids in a liquid media to enhance sample growth and improve sample detection results. The system and method employs a sample vessel holder which adapted to receive at least one sample vessel which contains the solids and liquid media and a stirrer, such as a ferrous metal filled stirrer, and maintain the sample vessel in a position such that the longitudinal axis of the sample vessel extends at an angle substantially less than 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal, such as within the range of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal. The system and method further employs a magnet driver, adapted to move a magnet, such as a rare earth magnet, proximate to an outer surface of the sample vessel to permit the magnet to impose a magnetic influence on the stirrer to move the stirrer in the sample vessel.

Abstract: A fuel processing device has a magnetic coupling that transfers rotational energy from a motor to a fuel homogenizer. The magnetic coupling has magnetic members that may be isolated from contact with fuel.

Abstract: A water agitation system configured to be positioned within a water retention structure configured to receive and retain water, includes a housing having a drive shaft extending downwardly therefrom; at least one upright member connected to a cross beam that is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft; and at least one buoyant stirrer that slidably engages an upright member. The buoyant stirrers are configured to move relative to the upright members in response to a level of water within the water retention structure.

Abstract: An impeller apparatus for use with a magnetically coupled mixer includes in one embodiment an axial-pumping impeller spaced axially apart from a driven magnet by a shaft. In another embodiment the impeller apparatus includes an up-pumping impeller spaced axially apart from a magnetic element by a shaft, the magnetic element cooperates with a superconducting element for levitating the impeller apparatus away from the bottom of the tank and cooperates with a motive device to rotate the impeller.

Abstract: A system for detachably coupling a mixer drive to a mixer in a portable tank, the system comprising a portable tank having a mixer mounted therein and a docking station adapted to receive the tank in an engaged configuration and to have no connection to the tank in a disengaged configuration. The mixer comprises a coupling, such as a magnetic coupling, having a first portion attached to a shaft for driving the mixer, and the docking station comprises a mixer drive having a second portion of the coupling for mating with the first portion. The tank may have one or more components for facilitating and/or maintaining engagement of the tank with the docking station. The docking station may comprise a linkage for converting engagement motion transmitted by the tank in a first direction into engagement motion of the coupling second portion in a second direction.