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.

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: 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: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a levitating, rotating pumping or mixing element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The pumping or mixing element is placed in a fluid-containing vessel in close proximity to a superconducting element. A cooling source thermally linked to the superconducting element provides the necessary cooling to induce levitation in the pumping or mixing element. The superconducting element may be thermally isolated, such that the pumping or mixing element, the vessel, and any fluid contained therein are not exposed to the cold temperatures required to produce the desired superconductive effects and the resulting levitation. By using means external to the vessel to rotate and/or stabilize the pumping or mixing element levitating in the fluid, including possibly rotating the superconducting element itself or moving it relative to the vessel, the desired effective pumping or mixing action may be provided.

Abstract: A stirring hot plate for simultaneously heating and stirring a mixture includes a phase controlled motor that spins magnets which couple to, and thereby spin, a stir bar within the mixture. In addition to spinning the magnets, the motor includes an operational mode in which the motor is rapidly braked thereby quickly spinning down the stir bar. The stirring hot plate also includes a visual indicator to the user that the platform is hot-to-the-touch that is especially effective when the stirring hot plate is not in use.

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 capable of pumping or mixing fluids using a rotating magnetic element or bearing levitated by a cold superconducting element is disclosed.

Abstract: This practical new type deals with water treatment technology. It is applied to the field of human health care and to the water supply system for living beings that depend on water. Its features are: Thermostat Sleeve 2 is installed between Outer Casing 1 and Inner Flask 6. Along the circumference of Thermostat Sleeve 2, a number of rectangular slots are made perpendicular to the circumferential plane. Permanent Magnet 5 and Magnetic Conductor 4 are installed in the rectangular slots of Thermostat Sleeve 2. Electric Motor 9 is mounted on Outer Cover Base 18. Mounted on the shaft of Electric Motor 9, there is Worm 19 and Worm Gear with Shaft 20; Stirrer 22 is installed on Worm Gear with Shaft 20. The advantages of this device include the fresh structure and the evident effect: Drinking the active water in hospitals resulted in a total effective rate 100%, and applying to plant growing increased the production by 40˜103%.

Abstract: A cover slip mixing apparatus having a support and a flexible cover slip positioned over and forming a chamber between the support and the cover slip. A device is positioned with respect to the support and cover slip for applying a force on the cover slip and flexing the cover slip toward the support, the flexing cover slip providing a mixing action of a material located in the chamber. A microfluidic device includes a substrate with a fluid path disposed in the substrate. A flexible cover is positioned over the substrate and the fluid path, and a device is positioned with respect to the substrate and the cover. The device is operable to apply forces to the cover and flex the cover to act on fluid in the fluid path.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid cleaning system and method comprising mainly a pressure chamber, a closable lid, a substrate support for holding at least one substrate, a rotable shaft extending outward from within the chamber, an external rotary power source coupled magnetically or otherwise to the shaft, and a rotable component or impeller attached to the chamber end of the shaft in close proximity to the substrate holding position, and baffles located close to the rotable component. The rotable component is con|figured for rotation within the supercritical phase fluid in the chamber close to the surface of the wafer for causing agitation and turbulent fluid flow against the surface of the substrate, and increased intra-chamber fluid circulation.

Abstract: A reaction station for performing parallel synthesis with magnetic stirring. The device is capable of accommodating a plurality of reaction vessels being specifically adapted so that when placed in a magnetic field, such as that generated by a laboratory magnetic stirrer, any reaction vessel accommodated by the device is in an effective position for stirring with respect to the magnetic field.

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: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are 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: 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 liquid crystal dispensing apparatus includes a needle sheet formed as a unitary piece for dispensing liquid crystal material contained within a liquid crystal container through a nozzle by selectively contacting a needle. The needle sheet includes a needle contacting portion for contacting the needle and a coupling portion for coupling the liquid crystal container to the nozzle. Therefore liquid crystal material is prevented from remaining within the needle sheet and the needle sheet can be easily cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vessel for cell culture and methods for its use. The vessel of the present invention comprises a collapsible bag with an inner surface, an outer surface and a top periphery and a headplate having a circumferential edge wherein the top periphery of the bag is sealed to the edge of the headplate. The present invention also relates to an impeller for use with the vessel and a method for culturing cells.

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: A device for mixing and homogenizing materials, especially infectious or chemically aggressive materials, which can be inserted into a laboratory test container. A disposable lid is provided to hermetically seal said laboratory test container. A stirring element is provided in the disposable lid for processing the material that is introduced into the laboratory test container. Said stirring element is fitted with a cutting element that rotates about the longitudinal axis of the laboratory test container, said cutting element processing the material together with additional cutting edges. Complete homogenization of tissue fragments can be securely achieved by hermetically closing the laboratory test container.

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 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: 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 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: A mixing apparatus comprises a plurality of reactors/reaction vessels controlled by a single graphical user interface. Each of the reactor modules is independent and may be used as such. A magnetic impeller is located inside each reaction vessel, the impeller having a magnet integrated into the profile. External magnets are located radially outside of the wall of each reaction vessel. Rotational motion is provided to these external magnets thereby inducing the internal magnetic impellers to rotate and induce mixing/agitation to the reaction vessel contents. The usage of strong external magnets enables strong magnetic coupling to the internal impeller enabling mixing of normally difficult to mix contents. The ability to adjust the vertical location of the external magnets further enhances functional ability enabling optimized location of the internal magnet for the specific volume/vessel content mixtures combinations.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing magnetic particles including a well plate for receiving an array tube holder having x rows of tubes, each tube containing magnetic particles, the well plate having (x+1) rows of wells for enabling the array tube holder to be shifted from a first position to a second position. The apparatus also includes ((x/2)+1) rows of magnets asymmetrically positioned within the well plate adjacent to the rows of wells. Placing the array tube holder in the first position causes magnetic fields produced by each magnet to attract the magnetic particles in the x rows of tubes to one side of each tube, and shifting the array tube holder to the second position reverses the magnetic fields, causing the magnetic particles to stream across to the other side of each tube. The array tube holder may be a 96 tube array tube holder (8 rows by 12 columns) in which case, the well plate includes 108 wells (9 rows by 12 columns) for simultaneously washing 96 tubes.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of magnetic or magnetizable particles, and, in particular, to methods of mixing magnetic or (super)paramagnetic particles efficiently with a fluid and the separation of the magnetic particles from a fluid, optionally followed by resuspension of the particles in another fluid. The present invention provides a method of mixing, in one or more container(s), magnetic or (super)paramagnetic particles with a fluid, using more than one magnets, whereby the containers are subjected to magnetic fields with different and changing directions by moving the magnets with respect to the position of the container(s) and/or by moving the containers with respect to the positions of the magnets. The invention further provided a device for doing the same.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a levitating, rotating magnetic bearing and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The magnetic bearing is placed in a fluid-containing vessel in close proximity to a superconducting element. A separate cooling source thermally linked to the superconducting element provides the necessary cooling to induce levitation in the magnetic bearing. The superconducting element may be thermally isolated, such that the bearing, the vessel, and any fluid contained therein are not exposed to the cold temperatures required to produce the desired superconductive effects and the resulting levitation. By using means external to the vessel to rotate and/or stabilize the magnetic bearing levitating in the fluid, including possibly rotating the superconducting element itself or moving it relative to the vessel, the desired effective pumping or mixing action may be provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for mixing fluids.

Abstract: A workpiece holder for processing a workpiece in a chamber of a liquified fluid. In one embodiment, the workpiece holder includes a cylindrically shaped rotator having an exterior wall and at least one fluid guide on the exterior wall. The rotator is adapted to rotate and provide fluid flow across a first end of the rotator, and is adapted to provide fluid flow and mixing perpendicular to a surface of the first end of the rotator. A fixture is coupled to the first end of the rotator for securing the workpiece to the first end of the rotator.

Abstract: The magnetic stirring apparatus (1) comprises an agitator (1a), at least one permanent magnet (1d, 1e) and a float body (1f), which are connected to one another.

Abstract: A mixer for an aseptic liquid in a vessel having a wall comprising a weldment post having a distal extremity inside the wall and having a proximal extremity outside the wall. The weldment post has a bore therein extending out through the proximal extremity of the weldment post. A motor driven magnet drive assembly is disposed in the bore in the weldment post. A hub carrying impellers is rotatably mounted on the weldment post. A magnet driven assembly is mounted in the hub and is disposed in close proximity to the magnet drive assembly but is separated therefrom by a liquid-tight seal. The magnet drive assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart driven permanent magnets which are caged by bars to prevent movement of the driven permanent magnets with respect to the hub.

Abstract: A bioprocess container consists of a flexible container, placed inside a heat exchanger. By providing a disposable agitation device inside the sealed container, a filled container can be stirred without having to open the container. Possible agitation elements include traditional stirrers, rotating magnetic rods, bladder devices integral with the structure of the container, as well as different devices for manipulating the shape of the sealed container. Finally, a containment disk is used to ensure that the magnetic rod is maintained in the magnetic field.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a levitating, rotating pumping or mixing element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The pumping or mixing element is placed in a fluid-containing vessel in close proximity to a superconducting element. A cooling source thermally linked to the superconducting element provides the necessary cooling to induce levitation in the pumping or mixing element. The superconducting element may be thermally isolated, such that the pumping or mixing element, the vessel, and any fluid contained therein are not exposed to the cold temperatures required to produce the desired superconductive effects and the resulting levitation. By using means external to the vessel to rotate and/or stabilize the pumping or mixing element levitating in the fluid, including possibly rotating the superconducting element itself or moving it relative to the vessel, the desired effective pumping or mixing action may be provided.

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 seal-less magnetically driven scraped-surface heat exchanger is provided that is particularly useful for aseptic processing. The heat exchanger comprises an elongated generally cylindrical heat transfer tube having an inlet, an outlet, and a sidewall defining a chamber between the inlet and the outlet. An elongated media tube is provided in surrounding relation to the heat transfer tube. A rotary shaft is mounted axially within the heat transfer tube. The rotary shaft has an outer surface and one or more scraper blades extending from the outer surface of the rotary shaft. A drive end containment shroud is mounted at an axial end of the heat transfer tube. The drive end containment shroud has a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall defining a drive chamber in open communication with the interior chamber of the heat transfer tube through the open end of the containment shroud.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vessel for cell culture and methods for its use. The vessel of the present invention comprises a collapsible bag with an inner surface, an outer surface and a top periphery and a headplate having a circumferential edge wherein the top periphery of the bag is sealed to the edge of the headplate. The present invention also relates to an impeller for use with the vessel and a method for culturing cells.

Abstract: An agitator assembly for agitating a substance in a container comprises a container, a magnetic drive device, and an agitator element. The magnetic drive device is disposed adjacent to an outside surface of a lateral wall of the container. The agitator element is disposed in the container and is magnetically coupled with the magnetic drive device for self-supported rotation about a central longitudinal axis. The agitator element includes an agitator body, a first magnet mounted at the agitator body, and a second magnet mounted at the agitator body and circumferentially spaced from the first magnet. The agitator element substantially centered about the central longitudinal axis and supported at a substantially constant axial position within the container by the magnetic drive device.

Abstract: In a reaction chamber is located a platform for receiving individual samples and sample racks. The reaction chamber can be heated, cooled and evacuated. The samples are then radiation heated. The sample platform is shaken by magnetic coupling. The individual sample containers/reaction containers may be filled or emptied in use thorough ducts. The system has applications in the field of chemical combinatory synthesis, as evaporator or for related applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stirring a molten thixotropic aluminum alloy comprising a first solid particulate phase suspended in a second liquid phase so as to maintain its thixotropic character by degenerating forming dendritic particles into spheroidal particles while simultaneously equilibrating the melt temperature by quickly transferring heat between the melt and its surroundings. The melt is stirred by a magnetomotive force field generated by a stacked stator assembly. The stacked stator assembly includes a stator ring adapted to generate a linear/longitudinal magnetic field positioned between two stator rings adapted to generate a rotational magnetic field. The stacked stator rings generate a substantially spiral magnetomotive mixing force and define a substantially cylindrical mixing region therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating specimens in wells of a metallic specimen carrier. The specimen carrier is heated by applying resistive heating directly to the carrier. An AC source and transformer may be used where the specimen carrier is in series with a single turn secondary winding of the transformer. A magnet may be placed in each well and excited by the heating current to provided a stirring effect.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided that dispenses minute quantities of liquid material, such as, for example, pharmaceutical suspensions, while maintaining substantial homogeneity of the suspension. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mixing device that stirs, agitates or otherwise imparts motion to the suspension that is contained in a reservoir. For example, a mixing device is realized in the form of a magnetic impeller, mixer or stirrer that is disposed within the suspension. A series of magnets external to the reservoir are rotated to produce a rotating magnetic field that induces rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: A rotating processing vessel and a method of using a magnetically coupled agitator which does not penetrate the vessel walls to mix dry or moist powders within the rotating processing vessel.

Abstract: This invention is a magnetically coupled microorganism culture apparatus used in the expansion culture of microorganisms, especially in the expansion culture conducted for test tube microorganisms. In one example, the culture apparatus is powered by a micro motor, rotation of the micro motor is transferred to the air impeller by virtue of a magnetically coupled device, causing the air impeller to rotate at a high speed. Under the effect of centrifugal force, the air in the air impeller is sprayed into the culture medium liquid in the container for the growth of microorganisms. This invention is substantially different from the shaker being used today, thus achieving the purpose of reducing cost and saving energy.

Abstract: The magnetic stirring apparatus (1p ) comprises an agitator (1a), at least one permanent magnet (1d, 1e) and a float body (1f), which are connected to one another.

Abstract: A portable breath test simulator including a case having a jar support arm extending to one side of the top of the case. A jar containing a known water-alcohol solution is mounted on the bottom of the arm. The case and jar support the simulator. A magnetic power drive located in the case to one side of the jar rotates a magnetic stirrer in the jar. Breath blown into the jar forms an effluent having a known concentration of alcohol and is flowed to a breath test analyzer to be tested.

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: The stirrer comprises a driving magnetic portion (13) and a driven magnetic portion (14). The driven portion is for placing on the bottom of a receptacle (51) containing a liquid to be stirred. The driving portion (13) is controlled so as to drive the driven portion (14) in rotation about a predetermined axis of rotation (81) by means of magnetic coupling with the driving portion. The stirrer is characterized in that the driving and driven portions are configured in such a manner as to encourage the field lines (15) that result from the magnetic coupling to extend substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation in the vicinity of the driven portion. Axial attraction between the driving and driven portions is thus considerably reduced for given torque transmission to the driven portion, such that the driven portion (14) and the bottom of the receptacle (51) are subject to less wear during rotation of the driven portion.