A biological production system includes a mixing vessel and an agitation device. The mixing vessel includes an outer housing, an internal mixing structure, and a reaction chamber. The mixing vessel is configured to provide low shear agitation to materials in the reaction chamber in response to force from the agitation device.

Disclosed herein are devices, apparatuses, and methods for grinding of samples. A method includes securing a sample vial in a holder attached to a connecting linkage, the sample vial having a grinding media in the sample vial. The method includes rotating a crank that is operatively coupled to a proximal end of the connecting linkage at a proximal pivot point so that the proximal pivot point undergoes rotational motion. The method includes restricting a distal pivot point of the connecting linkage to a linear path, the distal pivot point near a distal end of the connecting linkage. A result being that the sample vial undergoes a combination of rotational and linear motion.

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 microfluidic device and a system comprising such a microfluidic device or chip and a method for mixing and distributing fluids using said chip or system, wherein the microfluidic device for mixing and distributing fluids, formed by bonding of a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein open formations on bonded the first and second substrate form at least part of a microfluidic channel network comprising at least one microstructure comprising a single receiving chamber which is connected by at least one first channel extending from said single receiving chamber leading into an at least first target chamber, wherein the at least one first channel extends clockwise or counter clockwise from the single receiving chamber and is bowed in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction.

The disclosure is directed to a sample preparation apparatus for grinding or homogenizing test samples. More specifically, the disclosure relates to grinding samples using rotational and linear motion. Grinding samples can be accomplished with an apparatus with a slider-crank mechanism that is attached to an oscillating connecting linkage. The amplitude of oscillatory motion can be greater than or equal to a length of a sample processing chamber.

The disclosure is directed to a sample preparation apparatus for grinding or homogenizing test samples. More specifically, the disclosure relates to grinding samples using rotational and linear motion. Grinding samples can be accomplished with an apparatus with a slider-crank mechanism that is attached to an oscillating connecting linkage. The amplitude of oscillatory motion can be greater than or equal to a length of a sample processing chamber.

Disclosed herein are devices, apparatuses, and methods for generating a reciprocating motion for the purpose of grinding or homogenizing samples. An apparatus includes a connecting linkage that extends along a longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes a sample vial holder attached to the connecting linkage. The apparatus includes a crank operatively connected to the proximal end of the connecting linkage, the crank configured to impart rotational motion to the proximal end of the connecting linkage. The apparatus includes a sliding carriage operatively connected to the distal end of the connecting linkage, the sliding carriage configured to restrict the distal end of the connecting linkage to a linear path. The apparatus includes a motor operatively connected to the crank to rotate the crank such that the sample vial holder, in use, moves with a combination of rotational and linear motion.

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.

The present disclosure relates to an agitator unit for use with a blood product storage system, wherein the agitator unit has a movable compartment to receive blood products and a drive for movement of the compartment. The drive of the agitator unit has at least one motor and a gear system with at least one planetary gear unit, wherein the planetary gear unit has at least one planet wheel, which is eccentrically movable by means of the motor, and a planet disc, wherein the planet wheel is connected to the compartment by means of a spigot and rolls on an internal periphery of the planet disc, wherein the spigot is adjustable in its relative position. In addition, the disclosure relates to a modular blood product storage system with an agitator unit.

A method for automatic speed control of an orbital shaker device to determine one of at least two stacked orbital shaker devices operating in an out of balance condition includes the steps of a) Starting the first orbital shaker device, b) Accelerating the first orbital shaker device, and c) Determining a vibration level of the first orbital shaker device, and d) Automatically decreasing a speed of the first orbital shaker device if the vibration level determined in step c) exceeds a predefined first threshold, wherein the steps a) to d) are additionally executed for a second orbital shaker device independently from the first orbital shaker device.