[Problem] To provide a agitation/defoaming method and device with which both of uniformity in dispersion of object to be processed and reduction of air bubbles can be achieved with high precision.

[Solution] Provided is a agitation/defoaming method for producing orbital and spin motions of a container containing object to be processed by a device provided with orbital and spin drive motors that can independently control the velocities of the orbital and spin motions. Both defoaming and agitating treatments with high precision can be achieved by respectively performing a reverse rotation superimposition processing, wherein the rotational frequency of the spin drive motor is obtained by superimposing the first rotational frequency in a direction opposite to the direction of the orbital motion on the frequency of the orbital motion, and a same rotation superimposition processing, wherein the rotational frequency of the spin drive motor is obtained by superimposing the second rotational frequency in the same direction as the direction of the orbital motion on the frequency of the orbital motion, at least once.

Agitation mechanisms for homogenization devices for processing sample materials in tubes that are secured by tube holders to the agitation mechanisms. Each agitation mechanism includes a first rotary member having a first fixed rotational axis, a second rotary member having a second fixed rotational axis, and a connecting member that extends between them, is rotationally mounted to them at third and fourth non-fixed rotational axes, and to which the tube holder is mounted, with the first and third rotational axes defining a first offset, and with the second and fourth rotational axes defining a second offset. When the first rotary member is driven through rotation, the sample in the tube in the tube holder on the connecting member is driven through a nonlinearly reciprocating motion profile to produce a grinding shear action to better homogenize the samples. Other disclosed embodiments produce linearly reciprocating motion profiles.

Provided herein are methods and devices for identifying and/or distinguishing UCA formulations and specifically activating such formulations to produce UCA suitable for in vivo use.

Apparatus to deliver predetermined forces, containers to hold particulate material and media, media, and the associated parameters for operating such equipment along with methods and compositions provided by the apparatus and methods.

A mechanism for clamping a container, the clamping mechanism comprising a support structure on which a first clamping member and an opposing second clamping member defining an adjustable clamping distance therebetween are mounted, at least one of the first and second clamping member being controllably moveable to increase or decrease the clamping distance by an electrical actuator means, which electrical actuator means is controllable by a control means. A resilient compression means is mounted outside of the clamping distance and wherein the control means is configured to measure, in operation, an electrical characteristic of the electrical actuator means during a compression of the resilient compression means by at least one of the first and second clamping member. The mechanism also pertains to a fluid mixer for paints, colourants and the like, comprising such a clamping mechanism and to a method for calibrating a clamping mechanism.

Methods and apparatus to mitigate bubble formation in a liquid are disclosed. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a bottom wall, a first baffle cantilevered from the bottom wall, and a second baffle cantilevered from the bottom wall. The first baffle is spaced apart from the second baffle, and the first baffle and the second baffle are positioned radially relative to an axis of rotation of the apparatus.

A paint container holder for use in a paint mixer, the paint container holder capable of receiving a paint container with a square, tapered square or cylindrical shape.

The invention relates to a bag locking mechanism comprising, a fixed locking means (106), provided with a first abutment surface (116), a movable locking means (108; 208), which is movable between a locking position and a releasing position, and a second abutment surface (118; 218) arranged on the movable locking means (108; 208). The fixed locking means (106) defines by its configuration, at least partly a restricted locking space (114), in which the movable locking means (108; 208) is movable between the locking and releasing position.

An apparatus for preparing a reagent solution includes an enclosure and a container disposed within the enclosure. The container defines an internal cavity having a compressible volume and defines a passage providing fluidic communication between the internal cavity and the exterior of the container. Optionally, a compressible member is disposed within the internal cavity. A reagent is disposed within the internal cavity.

A fluid mixing system that can be used as a bioreactor or fermentor can include a stand and a support housing pivotably mounted to the stand. The support housing bounds a chamber into which a container assembly is removably disposed. The container assembly includes a flexible bag bounding a compartment adapted to hold a fluid and a mixing element disposed within the compartment. The support housing can be tilted relative to the stand for ease in insertion of the container assembly. The support housing can also be repeatedly rocked relative to the stand form mixing fluid within the container assembly.