US 2024/0149231 A1 · APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MIXING VISCOUS FLUIDS THROUGH ROTATIONAL AND SHAKING MOTIONS

Abstract

An apparatus for mixing viscous fluids in a container through applied rotational and oscillation motions is provided. The apparatus has a sample carrier platform mounted to a shaft along a longitudinal axis with a first mechanism imparting oscillating motion to the shaft and a second mechanism imparting rotational motion to the shaft and carrier platform along the axis simultaneously or sequentially. Couplings to the shaft allow the shaft to freely rotate at the same time as it can be pushed or pulled along the longitudinal axis. Sequence, duration and frequency of oscillations and rotations are controlled with a programmable controller.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus for mixing fluids, comprising:

(a) a carrier configured to retain one or more containers of fluids to be mixed;
(b) a mechanism configured to oscillate the carrier along a longitudinal axis;
(c) a mechanism configured to rotate the carrier around the longitudinal axis;
and
(d) a controller configured to control rotation and oscillation of the carrier.

2 more elements

An apparatus for mixing viscous fluids through rotational and oscillating motions, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a carrier platform with top and bottom surfaces with clamps configured to retain enclosed trays containing a plurality of containers with fluids to be mixed on said top and bottom surfaces of said carrier platform;
(b) a mechanism configured to impart rotational motion to the carrier platform around a longitudinal axis for rotation of the carrier platform;
(c) a mechanism configured to impart oscillating motion to the carrier platform along the longitudinal axis;
and
(d) a controller configured to control degree of rotational and oscillating motions of the carrier;
(e) wherein the controller is programmable to oscillate and rotate the carrier platform in various desired sequences, durations and frequencies.

3 more elements

An apparatus for mixing viscous fluids through rotational and oscillating motions, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a carrier configured to retain a plurality of containers with liquid samples to be mixed;
(b) a shaft with a central longitudinal axis, said carrier mounted to said shaft;
(c) a rotation coupling operably connected to a first end of said shaft and to a rotational motor output, said rotation coupling configured to rotate said shaft around its central longitudinal axis;
(d) a translation coupling operably connected to a second end of said shaft and to a translation motor output, said translation coupling configured to oscillate said shaft along said longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position;
and
(e) a controller configured to control rotational and oscillating motions of the shaft;
(f) wherein said rotation coupling is configured to rotate said shaft while it oscillates between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal axis;
and
(g) wherein said translation coupling is configured to oscillate said shaft while the shaft rotates around said longitudinal axis.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

18/528,266Filed 4 Dec 2023

Priority

8 Jun 2021

Published

9 May 2024

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

B01F 29/33
Mixing the contents of individual packages or containers, e.g. by rotating tins or bottles: by imparting a combination of movements to two or more…
B01F 29/34
Mixing the contents of individual packages or containers, e.g. by rotating tins or bottles: constructional details of holders for the individual…
B01F 29/60
Mixers with rotating receptacles: rotating about a horizontal or inclined axis, e.g. drum mixers
B01F 31/24
Mixing the contents of independent containers, e.g. test tubes: the containers being submitted to a rectilinear movement

Apparatus and methods for mixing viscous fluids through rotational and shaking motions

Life of this patent

Apparatus and methods for mixing viscous fluids through rotational and shaking motions

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20