Abstract: A magnetic stirring apparatus for achieving low rotational speeds is provided. The apparatus including a base for supporting a vessel containing a magnetic stir bar and a liquid to be stirred; a magnetic field generator for generating a rotating magnetic field to rotate the stir bar about an axis, the magnetic field generator including a plurality of coil pairs formed substantially in a circular manner, each coil of each pair being located diametrically opposite the other coil of the pair; a plurality of wedge-shaped tabs, each tab being coupled to a coil by a core, the wedge-shaped tabs forming a substantially circular plate; and a sine wave current generator for exciting each of the plurality of coil pairs by a predetermined phase shift resulting in the rotating magnetic field traveling along a circumference of the circular plate.

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: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for processing material adjacent to a barrier (e.g., a countertop or other surface), wherein the apparatus includes a container located on one side of the barrier and a stator located on an opposite side of the barrier. A rotor can be located within the container, and can be driven by the stator located on an opposite side of the barrier. In some embodiments, the rotor is free from mechanical connection to the stator, which can be controlled to generate a magnetic field driving the rotor within the container. A processing unit (e.g., one or more blades, whisks, brushes, or other elements) can extend from the rotor and be rotatable by rotation of the rotor. Accordingly, any number of different material processing devices can be driven by the rotor and stator when the rotor is brought into magnetic communication with the stator.

Abstract: A method of stirring a reaction solution in a micro reaction vessel by imparting magnetic field fluctuation from the exterior of said reaction vessel to magnetic beads contained in said reaction solution. The reaction solution in a micro reaction vessel can be efficiently stirred.

Abstract: An apparatus for the addition of a compound or compound mixture to another which includes a primary vessel adapted having at least one receptacle adapted to contain at least one primary substance. At least one secondary vessel is provided. Each secondary vessel is adapted to contain at least one secondary substance. Each secondary vessel is movably mounted within the primary vessel for movement between a stored position and at least one mixing position,. In the stored position, a peripheral edge of each secondary vessel is above a level of the at least one primary substance. In each mixing position the peripheral edge of the secondary vessel is moved below the level of the at least one receptacle containing the at least one primary substance, thereby permitting the at least one primary substance to overflow the peripheral edge into the secondary vessel with the at least one secondary substance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid mixer that mixes liquids while simultaneously promoting rapid mixing entrainment of vapor in the liquid. The device includes a vertical rotor mounted centrally on a base assembly. The rotor comprises a tube which is hollow from an open top end to a bottom closed end, having an external screw thread in a right-side configuration relative from top to bottom and one or more holes located in the sidewall of the tube at the bottom of the hollow portion of the tube, preferably located centrally between two flanking surfaces of the screw thread. The base assembly comprises a stirbar and a supporting disk which contains a ceramic magnet. The base rests on the floor of a containment vessel. A magnetic stirring motor is centrally located sufficiently close to and beneath the containment vessel as to achieve magnetic flux coupling with the base magnet. Operation of the mixer develops a liquid vortex in the liquid phase material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treatment of material in a vessel, particularly for dispersion or homogenization of liquids, or for suspension of solids in liquids. The device comprises a treatment element that is rotationally mounted in the vessel and that has an essentially tubular configuration comprising two ends. The jacket of the treatment element has a plurality of cuts formed with sharp edges, which may be drawn through the material in the vessel as the treatment element rotates, in order to transfer shearing forces to said material. The shearing forces produce the desired treatment in the vessel.

Abstract: In a process for separating impurities from a raw gallium material containing impurities, a process for refining gallium comprising progressively solidifying a raw gallium material provided in a liquid state inside a vessel while applying stirring, such that the diameter of the tubular solidification boundary gradually advances from the inner wall plane of the vessel towards the center of the vessel to reduce the diameter of the tubular solidification boundary, and separating the liquid phase remaining in the central portion of the vessel from the solidified phase before the entire raw material inside the vessel is solidified. The process above is repeated as required by using, as the raw gallium material, the solidified phase from which the liquid phase is separated. A metallic gallium favorably used for the preparation of a compound semiconductor can be obtained by analyzing the impurity concentration of the impurity-concentrated Ga separated from the solidified layer.

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.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for processing material adjacent to a barrier (e.g., a countertop or other surface), wherein the apparatus includes a container located on one side of the barrier and a stator located on an opposite side of the barrier. A rotor can be located within the container, and can be driven by the stator located on an opposite side of the barrier. In some embodiments, the rotor is free from mechanical connection to the stator, which can be controlled to generate a magnetic field driving the rotor within the container. A processing unit (e.g., one or more blades, whisks, brushes, or other elements) can extend from the rotor and be rotatable by rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: The contents of a vessel are mixed while the contents are being removed from the vessel. A bubble-paddle tumble stirrer having at least one linear array of rounded-edge blades is disposed horizontally in the vessel for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the array. The vessel contour defines openings at nodes between the blades for enabling the mixed vessel contents to be removed from within the openings by use of pipettes inserted into the openings. The openings extend to the bottom of the vessel. The vessel contour also defines a protrusion that closely matches the edge profile of the linear array of blades for defining a narrow duct when the edges of the blades rotate adjacent the matching vessel protrusion to thereby enhance turbulence in the vessel contents as the stirrer is being rotated.

Abstract: A system capable of pumping or mixing relatively warm fluids using a rotating magnetic element or bearing levitated by a cold superconducting element is disclosed. The magnetic element or bearing carries at least one impeller and is placed in a fluid vessel positioned external to the outer wall of a cryostat or other housing for the superconducting element. A separate cooling source thermally linked to the superconducting element provides the necessary cooling to create the desired superconductive effects and induce levitation in the magnetic element or bearing. The outer wall or housing defines a chamber around the cold superconducting element that thermally isolates it from the vessel. To ensure that the desired level of thermal isolation is provided, this chamber is evacuated or filled with an insulating material.

Abstract: The present utility model belongs to domestic appliances, especially to devices for fixing the magnetic coil of drive unit in tape recorders, video players or cameras. Two coil bobbin brackets (2) having at least one bobbin hook (2-1) on each of them are mounted on the chassis (50) in their corresponding locking slots. A magnetic coil (3) is mounted between the two coil bobbin brackets (2). A planger (1) is mounted adjacent to one end of the magnetic coil (3), and close to the other end, a magnet (6) is mounted. Moreover at least one coil positioning pin (4) is mounted on that bobbin bracket (2), close to which the magnet 6 is mounted on the magnet bracket (5). The present utility model is simple in structure, costs low, and has a high productivity. The pushing force for the planger (1) is increased, and the utility of the products is improved.

Abstract: A method for rapidly mixing a liquid solution in a sample container by causing a small magnetic mixing member to rapidly revolve or orbit the container's axis within the solution in a generally circular pattern in response to a revolving magnetic field positioned in close proximity to the sample container.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a solvent with a solute to form a solution, and for separating said solution from excess solute so that a sample of solution less excess solute can be obtained, and for synthesizing drug compounds.

Abstract: A magnetic induction drive for a rotatable driven member in a sealed housing, in particular, a shaft-mounted blade in a blender cup or a shaft-mounted blade in an ice shaver, uses a comparatively thin circular drive plate of a magnetizable material with circumferentially arrayed poles enclosed within a housing secured to a drive shaft. A brushless d.c. motor in a base separate from the housing has a rotor formed as an array of pie-shaped permanent magnet regions that interact with an electronically controlled, rotating electromagnetic field produced by a ring of stator coils. A second such permanent magnet is coupled to rotate coaxially and in unison with the rotor, with poles of opposite polarity aligned and adjacent one another. A steel disc is sandwiched between and bonded to the rotor and the second permanent magnet. The magnetic field (lines of flux) of the second magnet extends axially away from the rotor to induce magnetic poles of opposite polarity in the drive plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid mixer that mixes liquids while simultaneously promoting rapid mixing entrainment of vapor in the liquid. The device includes a vertical rotor mounted centrally on a base assembly. The rotor comprises a tube which is hollow from an open top end to a bottom closed end, having an external screw thread in a right-side configuration relative from top to bottom and one or more holes located in the sidewall of the tube at the bottom of the hollow portion of the tube, preferably located centrally between two flanking surfaces of the screw thread. The base assembly comprises a stirbar and a supporting disk which contains a ceramic magnet. The base rests on the floor of a containment vessel. A magnetic stirring motor is centrally located sufficiently close to and beneath the containment vessel as to achieve magnetic flux coupling with the base magnet. Operation of the mixer develops a liquid vortex in the liquid phase material.

Abstract: A method for aerating wine comprises the steps of pouring wine into a container, placing the container on top of a stir plate, placing a stir bar inside the container, and changing a magnetic field within the stir plate so as to cause the stir bar to rotate within the container. The method may be used with either a flat bottomed bottle or decanter. In a preferred method, the stir plate is provided with a rotatable magnetic arm and a variable speed controller for controlling the speed at which the rotatable arm rotates.

Abstract: An appliance for preparation of heated and stirred beverages and foods has a vessel and a base, with a mixing element rotationally driven within the vessel by magnetic coupling with a driving magnet array attached to an electric motor and covered by a cap. The mixing element is mounted on a rolling contact bearing assembly which fits upon a pin which extends from the cap through an opening in the vessel bottom. The vessel bottom is preferably a cast metal piece with internal cavities in which one or more heating elements are mounted whereby a liquid in the vessel is simultaneously heated and stirred or whipped. Electrical power to a mixing motor and heating elements is controlled either by a manually resettable thermostat, or by a self-latching relay controlled switching circuit which includes a blocking diode to supply rectified AC current to the motor for low torque start ups which will not decouple the magnetic flux drive of the mixing element.

Abstract: A Revolutionary Dialysis Container for safe dialysis of biological samples is described. A handle with wide top gives a non-slippery grip to lift and carry the container by a human hand. On its bottom, the buffer reservoir possesses a Sample Saver, which is nothing but a flat top plate attached to a vertical side wall. The reservoir holds dialysis buffer and bags containing biological samples. The Sample Saver encloses a bar magnet. The flat top plate and the vertical side wall of Sample Saver have several openings for the free flow of buffer during dialysis. However, these openings eliminate physical contact between dialysis bags and the highly spinning bar magnet. Also, the flat top plate, because of special distribution of openings, suppresses the formation of vortex in buffer during mixing. This preassembled unit also provides safety to long dialysis bags. One can dialyze fast and save time. It is simple to use and practically free of maintenance.

Abstract: A magnetic induction drive for a rotatable driven member in a sealed housing, in particular, a shaft-mounted blade in a blender cup, uses a comparatively thin circular plate of a magnetizable material with circumferentially arrayed poles secured within the housing to the shaft. A brushless d.c. motor in a base separate from the housing has a rotor formed as an array of pie-shaped permanent magnet regions that interact with an electronically controlled, rotating electromagnetic field produced by a ring of stator coils. A second such permanent magnet is coupled to rotate coaxially and in unison with the rotor, with poles of opposite polarity aligned and adjacent one another. A steel disc is sandwiched between and bonded to the rotor and the second permanent magnet. The magnetic field (lines of flux) of the second magnet extends axially away from the rotor to induce magnetic poles of opposite polarity in the drive plate.

Abstract: A magnetic induction drive for a rotatable driven member in a sealed housing, in particular, a shaft-mounted blade in a blender cup, uses a comparatively thin circular plate of a magnetizable material with circumferentially arrayed poles secured within the housing to the shaft. A brushless d.c. motor in a base separate from the housing has a rotor formed as an array of pie-shaped permanent magnet regions that interact with an electronically controlled, rotating electromagnetic field produced by a ring of stator coils. A second such permanent magnet is coupled to rotate coaxially and in unison with the rotor, with poles of opposite polarity aligned and adjacent one another. A steel disc is sandwiched between and bonded to the rotor and the second permanent magnet. The magnetic field (lines of flux) of the second magnet extends axially away from the rotor to induce magnetic poles of opposite polarity in the drive plate.

Abstract: A chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) apparatus includes a filtering apparatus for filtering slurry. The filtering apparatus includes an input aperture located at the top of the filter housing and connected to a slurry supplying machine. An output aperture located at the side of the filter housing is connected to a polishing pad. The filtering apparatus also includes a filter attached to the top of the filter housing and a stirring objected located below the filter. A stirrer is located below the filter housing for driving the stirring object without a mechanical contact. The stirring object is preferably bar-shaped and enclosed with PTFE.

Abstract: A magnetic induction drive for a rotatable driven member in a sealed housing, in particular, a shaft-mounted blade in a blender cup, uses a comparatively thin circular plate of a magnetizable material with circumferentially arrayed poles secured within the housing to the shaft. A brushless d.c. motor in a base separate from the housing has a rotor formed as an array of pie-shaped permanent magnet regions that interact with an electronically controlled, rotating electromagnetic field produced by a ring of stator coils. A second such permanent magnet is coupled to rotate coaxially and in unison with the rotor, with poles of opposite polarity aligned and adjacent one another. A steel disc is sandwiched between and bonded to the rotor and the second permanent magnet. The magnetic field (lines of flux) of the second magnet extends axially away from the rotor to induce magnetic poles of opposite polarity in the drive plate.

Abstract: A stirring device is adaptable for use in microwave ovens with turntables. The stirring device includes a gear train assembly that increases the normal rate of revolution of a microwave turntable by several fold. A driving head coupler is connected to a driving end of the gear train assembly and engages a turntable driving head, so that rotation of the driving head during use of the microwave oven causes rotation of the driving head coupler. A magnetic stirring actuator is connected to a driven end of the gear train assembly for rotation therewith. A magnetic stirring device is positioned in a container along with the contents to be heated and stirred. During use of the microwave oven, the turntable driving head rotates at a first rate of revolution and thereby causes a corresponding rotation of the actuator at a second rate of revolution greater than the first rate to thereby simultaneously heat and stir the contents situated in the container at the second rate of revolution.

Abstract: In an ampoule for a medicament the space accommodating the medicament is defined by an ampoule wall (1) a pierceable seal (5) closing one end of the ampoule and a piston (7) closing the other end of the ampoule. A metal containing fixation element (8) is secured to one of the parts defining the medicament accommodating space. A mixing element (9, 10) also containing a metal and having a density larger than 1,0 g/cm.sup.3 is movable in medicament accommodating space. At least one of the elements, the fixation element (8) and the mixing element (9, 10), can be attracted by a magnet, and at least one of these elements is a magnetic element, the magnetic strength being so that the mixing element (9, 10) can during normal handling of the ampoule be fixed relative to this ampoule by the magnetic attraction between the fixation element (8) and the mixing element (9, 10) but may be released from its fixed position by manual operation.

Abstract: A method for producing a silver halide emulsion is disclosed, which comprises:supplying a water-soluble silver salt aqueous solution and a water-soluble halide aqueous solution from solution-feeling ports provided in a closed type stirring tank of a mixing vessel,controlling the stirring condition of the mixture of aqueous solutions supplied by rotation-driving at least one pair of stirring blades having no rotary shaft protruding the wall of the stirring tank, which are disposed in said stirring tank;discharging silver halide fine grains which are formed with the completion of the stirring process from a solution-discharging port provided in a closed type stirring tank; andsupplying said silver halide fine grains to a reaction vessel where nucleation and/or grain growth of silver halide grains are conducted, and further a silver halide photographic emulsion comprising a dispersion medium and silver halide grains produced by the above method is disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for preparing and delivering frozen beverages, such as water-ices, comprises a tank (12) for holding and refrigerating the beverage, in which there is an evaporator (16) of a refrigerating circuit and a mixing propeller (18) the rotation axis (19) of which is magnetically coupled, through a tank wall (28), with the rotation axis of an electric reduction motor (21). The magnetic coupling is formed of a first magnetic set (22) external to the tank and driven in rotation by the rotation axis of the reduction motor, and a second magnetic set (23) internal to the tank and connected to the propeller rotation axis. The first and second sets face each other on opposite faces of the tank wall to be magnetically coupled through said wall, the first set (22) thereby driving in rotation the second set (23).

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a plurality of fluid samples at elevated temperatures or pressures, while providing for simultaneous stirring of the fluid samples to simulate desired fluid flow regimes. The apparatus comprises a stirrer compartment disposed within an adjustable temperature controlled and insulated enclosure. A plurality of magnetic stirring shaft assemblies are rotatably disposed within the temperature controlled and insulated enclosure in close proximity to the stirrer compartment. A plurality of pressurized sample cells containing fluid samples to be tested and magnetic stir bars can be placed on the test platform. The fluid samples can be continuously stirred in synchronized fashion by motivating the magnetic stir bars by means of synchronized rotation of the magnetic stirring shaft assemblies. Various flow regimes can be simulated by adjusting the rotational speed of the stirring shaft assemblies.

Abstract: An improved cell separator is provided that includes apparatus for automatically controlling the cell separation process. Particularly, a plurality of valves are responsive to a data processor assembly for controlling the path of fluid flow through the cell separator. A plurality of sensors are provided for providing sensor signals indicative of the density of fluid flowing through the cell separator. The microprocessor is responsive to the sensor signals for controlling the flow and operation of the cell separator. A parastaltic pump is responsive to the microprocessor assembly for controlling the speed and direction of fluid flow through the system. A stirplate assembly is responsive to a drive signal from the data processor assembly for controllably agitating the contents of a column. The data processor assembly is further responsive to the sensor input to provide the valve control signals and pump control signal to control the concentration of selected cells that are collected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing materials such as reactants in a container which reduces or eliminates vortexing and swirling, improves mixing and eliminates degradation of the container and/or impeller comprises a container for holding liquids, a magnetic impeller coupled to a drive magnet located outside the container, where the impeller is suspended from a baffle assembly and located above the bottom of the container, a baffle assembly containing at least two vertical baffle elements with a horizontal cross member connecting the baffle elements, a portion or all of each of the baffle elements spaced from the wall of the container and a tube for providing liquid addition to the vicinity of the highly turbulent mixing around the impeller.

Abstract: A magnetic stirrer wherein a relatively weakly magnetised disposable stirrer bar inside a closed container, for example a stirrer bar moulded wholly of non-isotropic ferrite, is moved with a stirring action from outside the container by a relatively powerful magnetic driver, preferably consisting of a pair of permanent magnets of neodymium boron driven in rotation as an assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing immunoassays employs a microtiter tray having wells coated with a specific binding partner in conjunction with an array of magnets disposed below the tray. A device for providing relative circular motion of the tray and magnetic array so as to provide a magnet field to the well walls for attracting magnetic particles and subsequent movement of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A laboratory apparatus, in particular a magnetic stirrer (1) or a shaker, has a receptacle (2) for a stand rod (3), the receptacle being provided in a separate stand-rod holder (4) which can be fastened to the laboratory apparatus in such a way that it is adjustable and can be fixed into position. As a result, the stand rod (3) can be fixed at various locations on the apparatus, so that each of the accessory devices connected to it, in particular sensors, dosing devices, or tubes, can be better fixed in their desired position. In addition, several stand-rod holders (4) with one stand rod each can be fastened at various locations on the laboratory apparatus at the same time, so that even in the case of complex experimental set-ups there are sufficient fastening options available for the accessory devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically stirring foodstuffs in a kitchen environment are provided. The apparatus and method use a stove top having a plurality of cooking locations, the stove top having a top surface to support a plurality of cooking vessels and a means for heating in operable association with each of the cooking locations, and a driver means for driving an agitator device wherein the driver means is positioned in axial alignment with at least one of the cooking locations.

Abstract: A magnetic stirrer (1) has a two-part housing (2), wherein the lower part (3) contains a drive motor (5) and its controlling, while the upper part (4) forms the mounting surface for a stirring container that holds the stirring magnet, and wherein the separating surface of the two parts (3) and (4) runs approximately horizontal when in the working position. The upper part (4) of this housing (2) is made of glass and the edge (8) of this upper part (4), when in its working position, is tightly pressed against an opposing surface (9) of the lower part (3), and is possibly even bonded thereto. The edge (8) can have a widening (10) that engages into a corresponding undercut (11) of the lower part (3). This provides a very simple and economical design for the magnetic stirrer (1), but one which is nevertheless also tightly sealed and impervious to aggressive vapors.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of stock solutions for use in medical treatments such as dialysis including the steps of providing a flexible bag containing powder components of the stock solution, supplying water to the flexible bag to provide the stock solution, and dissolving the powder in the water within the flexible bag by stirring the powder by application of a magnetic field to a magnetic stirrer disposed within the bag.

Abstract: A magnetic stirrer (1) with a magnet (3) driven in a rotating fashion by an electric motor (2) for the activation of a stirring bar magnet (7) inside a container (5) filled with a medium (6) has a digitally operated regulator (8), implemented with software, that is a software regulator. With this regulator, the rotational drive speed of the motor (2) can be held constant. At the same time, the change in the regulated quantity of this regulator (8) is detected and, in the event of a change in load, is reported to or displayed for the user as a trend or tendency of the viscosity change of the medium (6). In this way, the regulation of a constant rotational motor speed can be used at the same time for detecting changes in viscosity of the stirred medium (6).

Abstract: A magnetic stirring device which also provides for simultaneous heating/cooling of samples. The magnetic stirring apparatus comprises a plurality of wells into which respective vessels can be placed and continuously stirred by motivating a magnetic stirring bar therein with a three phase frequency controller. Simultaneously, the temperature of the vessels can be maintained at a predetermined temperature either above or below room temperature by means of thermoelectric elements in contact with a heat conducting block within which the wells are located.

Abstract: An orbital shaking device (56) for use with a magnetic stirring device having a driving magnet (52) mounted on the motor shaft of an electric motor (54). The orbital shaking device comprises a base structure (58, 60) and a outer plate (62) arranged in parallel alignment and each of which is provided with support means on opposing faces thereof. The support means (96, 102) on the opposing faces are adapted to allow orbital movement of the outer plate (62) relative to the stationary base plate (60) in its own plane. The outer plate (60) is also associated with a driven magnet (66) and orbital movement of the outer plate is effected by magnetic coupling of the driven magnet (66) on the outer plate to the driving magnet (52) of the magnetic stirring device. A reduction gearing means (76) is provided through which the outer plate (62) is driven by the driven magnetic field means (66) to increase torque applied thereto.

Abstract: An agitator tank with a magnetically coupled mixer. The mixer includes a drive magnet that is connected to a drive shaft. The drive magnet and drive shaft are both located within a drive housing that is fastened to the tank in a sealess fashion. The housing separates the drive magnet from a driven magnet that is attached to an impeller. The magnets are magnetically coupled so that rotation of the drive magnet induces a rotation of the driven magnet and impeller. The drive shaft is coupled to a motor which rotates the shaft and the drive magnet. The magnets are oriented so that the coupling surface of each magnet is essentially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, preferably in a circular pattern around the center of the shaft.

Abstract: An orbital shaking attachment can be fitted or removed from a magnetic stirrer thereby giving the stirrer the extra function of orbital shaking in addition to its primary function of magnetic stirring. The principal of he invention could also be used to make a dedicated orbital shaker for other applications such as in an over, incubator or liquid filled tank. The orbital shaking attachment includes a top-plate/platform with a circular magnet attached centrally to its underside and a base-plate with a central circular hole. The two plates are separated by ball bearings which are able to roll around orbitally in bearing cups on both plates. When operated the base-plate is static and the top-plate/platform moves orbitally. The device is constructed mainly from nonferrous material except for the circular magnet and ball bearings.

Abstract: An impeller for stirring has an impeller head having a central hollow chamber with an opening, a stirring tool provided on the impeller head, and a driving pin received in the opening. The stirring tool is formed as a propeller having a rotary direction which produces an upwardly directed flow and provided in a lower region with flow producing surfaces which form an additional flow directed opposite to the flow produced by the propeller.

Abstract: An impeller for stirring sterile liquids has a plurality of stirring plates, an impeller head supporting the stirring plates and having an outer surface, a central hollow chamber with an opening, a conduit connecting the central hollow chamber with the outer surface, and a driving pin received in the opening. The impeller head has a lower region provided with a plurality of grooves which during rotation of the impeller head provide an effect of pumping the liquids.

Abstract: A transporter which allows a single motor/magnetic coupler assembly to be coupled to one of a plurality of agitator tanks. The transporter includes an arm which is pivotally connected to a frame. The arm supports a motor and an outer magnetic mixer assembly that can be coupled to an inner magnetic mixer assembly located within the inner cavity of an agitator tank. The arm is adapted so that an operator can move the outer magnetic mixer assembly between a first position and a second position. The outer assembly is coupled to the inner assembly when in the second position and decoupled from the inner assembly when in the first position. The transporter has wheels so that the operator can move the outer assembly and motor from one agitator tank to another agitator tank.

Abstract: A magnetic coupled mixer which contains a drive magnet that can be remotely coupled to a driven magnet. The drive magnet is coupled to a motor shaft assembly by a yoke. The yoke is adapted to translate relative to the motor shaft assembly and move the drive motor between a first position and a second position. The magnets are decoupled when the yoke and drive magnet are in a first position. When the yoke is moved into the second position the drive magnet is magnetically coupled to the driven magnet, such that rotation of the drive magnet rotates the driven magnet. The yoke has an annular groove that is adapted to receive a lever. The lever can be rotated by the operator to move the yoke and drive magnet between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting blood samples within a capillary tube using a rigid plate member to protect the capillary tube during transport. A magnet is magnetically coupled with and thereby moves a ferrous metal flea within the capillary tube to promote mixing of the blood sample and an anticoagulant chemical coating on the inside of the capillary tube. The magnet is slid along the length of a recessed guide track or guide members to assure that the magnet does not come in contact with the capillary tube with sufficient force to break the capillary tube. The magnet has a central archway through which the capillary tube extends to increase the magnetic coupling between the magnet and the flea and yet prevent contact with the capillary tube. The capillary tube is held within an alignment groove in the rigid plate member. In one embodiment, a holder holds the capillary tube against the rigid plate.

Abstract: A capillary mixing device, comprising a liquid impervious housing; an interior space in the housing comprising a chamber in the housing having capillary spacing in one dimension and non-capillary spacing in other dimensions; and a plurality of magnetic or magnetically inducible particles in the chamber. The chamber is normally accessed through one or more capillary passageways leading to a surface of the housing and is adapted to be retained by a magnetic device that comprises means for generating a moving magnetic field and means for retaining the chamber device in an orientation so that the magnetic field has a field vector that intersects the capillary chamber perpendicular to the dimension having capillary spacing.

Abstract: A microwave heating system which is especially useful for rapidly, uniformly and positively sterlizing biological media, such as broths and gels used as incubation or growth media for bacteria, includes a source of microwave radiation, a microwave chamber, a container or a plurality of containers in the chamber, and a mixer for mixing the contents of the container or containers during heating. The mixer is at least partially external to the container and is capable of operating when the container is positively sealed to prevent contamination of the contents, and the mixer is preferably a combination of an external magnet and a mixing element which is at least in part of magnetic material and is moved by changes in the magnetic field set up by the magnet, as the container and contained mixing element are moved with respect to the magnet, as on an oscillating turntable.