An apparatus configured for mixing the contents of one or more fluid containers includes a fluid container support platform configured to hold one or more fluid containers. The fluid container support platform is configured to index the container to one or more specified locations and to be moved in an orbital path about an orbital center independently of the rotation about the central axis of rotation. The apparatus further includes an indexing drive system configured to effect indexing movement of the container support platform and a vortex drive system configured to effect powered orbital movement of the container support platform about the orbital center. An evaporation limiting insert placed within containers reduces exposure of the fluid contents of the container to atmospheric air, thereby reducing susceptibility of the fluid contents to evaporation.

A method is provided for processing an object with the aid of a planar drive system. The planar drive system comprises at least one stator assembly, each having a plurality of coil groups for generating a stator magnetic field, a stator surface above the stator assembly, and at least one rotor comprising a plurality of magnet units for generating a rotor magnetic field. The planar drive system further comprises at least one rotational position, where the rotor is rotatable about a rotational axis perpendicular to the stator surface in the rotational position. The rotational position is determined based on a point of contact of four stator assemblies. The method comprises energizing the coil groups in such a way that the rotor moves to the rotational position, energizing the coil groups in such a way that the rotor rotates, and processing of the object with the aid of the rotor rotation.

A method is provided for processing an object with the aid of a planar drive system. The planar drive system comprises at least one stator assembly, each having a plurality of coil groups for generating a stator magnetic field, a stator surface above the stator assembly, and at least one rotor comprising a plurality of magnet units for generating a rotor magnetic field. The planar drive system further comprises at least one rotational position, where the rotor is rotatable about a rotational axis perpendicular to the stator surface in the rotational position. The rotational position is determined based on a point of contact of four stator assemblies. The method comprises energizing the coil groups in such a way that the rotor moves to the rotational position, energizing the coil groups in such a way that the rotor rotates, and processing of the object with the aid of the rotor rotation.

A flight assembly comprising a flight with a curved outer edge portion and a support supporting the flight at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the flight assembly, wherein the curved outer edge portion when rotated about the longitudinal axis describes a cylinder. The flight assembly is configured to cooperate in a system for blending flowable solid materials, comprising a cylindrical drum body, a drum roller apparatus arranged support and rotate the cylindrical drum body at an angle of inclination and a flight assembly as previously described. Associated methods are also disclosed.

An apparatus configured for mixing the contents of one or more fluid containers includes a fluid container support platform configured to hold one or more fluid containers. The fluid container support platform is configured to index the container to one or more specified locations and to be moved in an orbital path about an orbital center independently of the rotation about the central axis of rotation. The apparatus further includes an indexing drive system configured to effect indexing movement of the container support platform and a vortex drive system configured to effect powered orbital movement of the container support platform about the orbital center. An evaporation limiting insert placed within containers reduces exposure of the fluid contents of the container to atmospheric air, thereby reducing susceptibility of the fluid contents to evaporation.

A method of heating and mixing contents is disclosed that combines heating and agitating of a bottle and its contents in order to achieve even warming, as well as, mixing the contents of the bottle.

An apparatus configured for mixing the contents of one or more fluid containers includes a fluid container support platform configured to hold one or more fluid containers. The fluid container support platform is configured to index the container to one or more specified locations and to be moved in an orbital path about an orbital center independently of the rotation about the central axis of rotation. The apparatus further includes an indexing drive system configured to effect indexing movement of the container support platform and a vortex drive system configured to effect powered orbital movement of the container support platform about the orbital center. An evaporation limiting insert placed within containers reduces exposure of the fluid contents of the container to atmospheric air, thereby reducing susceptibility of the fluid contents to evaporation.

A mixer is provided for mixing a substance in a container. The mixer includes a motor; a frame configured to be controlled by the motor to rotate on an axis; a carrier disposed at a first end of the frame and configured to hold the container; a counterweight disposed at a second end of the frame opposite to the carrier, wherein the counterweight position relative to the axis is adjustable. The mixer may be a stand-alone unit, or it may be disposed in an apparatus for dispensing a cosmetic composition.

An apparatus, system, and method to maintain a suspended state of particles in an ink, liquid, or paste. The system includes one or more cartridge caddies to hold cartridges containing the particles in the ink, liquid, or pastes therein, and a drive roller and support roller configuration operable to rotatingly support the one or more cartridge caddies at predetermined speeds. Each caddy includes a shaft and at least two plates disposed on the shaft, each plate including one or more corresponding sockets configured to hold the cartridge therebetween.

An apparatus is provided which comprises a barrel having a substantially cylindrical configuration. The barrel comprises an exterior surface and defines an interior volume. A base unit comprises a drive motor being configured to rotate the barrel by interfacing with the exterior surface of the barrel. The barrel comprises a thermoelectric heat pump attached thereto and being controllable for at least one of transferring heat out of the interior volume and transferring heat into the interior volume.