A method for mixing a fluid includes: dispensing a first volume of a fluid into a flexible container, the flexible container being at least partially disposed within the chamber of a support housing; repeatedly moving the support housing and the flexible container contained therein so as to mix the first volume of fluid within the flexible container; adding further fluid into the flexible container after moving the support housing to form a second volume of fluid; and manipulating a mixing element within the flexible container so as to mix the second volume of fluid.

The present disclosure relates to blood sample preparation devices and methods. In some embodiments, a method for preparing a blood sample comprises: receiving at a sample preparation machine a sample container containing the blood sample; scanning an identifier of the sample container, the identifier containing information indicative of a characteristic of at least one of the sample container or the blood sample contained therein, actuating, after the scanning, and based on the information, the sample container to repeatedly change a position of the sample container; determining, based on the information, whether the sample container should be centrifuged; and transporting the sample container to a centrifuge to be centrifuged and then to a storage compartment when the determining indicates that the sample container should be centrifuged, and to the storage compartment without entering the centrifuge when the determining indicates that the sample container should not be centrifuged.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to a vessel support apparatus and to uses of the vessel support, such as in the laboratory setting. Apparatus of this disclosure may secure a vessel thereto, such as when the apparatus is in operation or use. Vessel support apparatus will comprise a vessel supporting means and one or more means for securing the vessel to the supporting means.

Device for shaking, within a rigid container, a powder and liquid, for conducting a test on the shaken content, includes: a frame; a first plate assembled thereto; a second plate assembled indirectly to the frame, arranged close to the first plate and movable relative to the frame and first plate; and a drive unit for moving the second plate relative to the frame and first plate. The container is carried by the second plate and is movably mounted relative thereto; the first plate includes a stop fixedly mounted on the first plate; and the second plate is moved relative to the first plate by the drive unit, in an alternating and periodic translational and/or rotational motion between a proximal position and a distal position, to move the container relative to the second plate and cause a series of impacts between the container and the stop to achieve a non-periodic shaking.

A centrifuge (1) includes: a motor (4) having a rotor (3); an imaging system (2) torsionally connected to the rotor; a sample holder torsionally connected to the imaging system; and a light source (7) for illuminating the sample holder. The imaging system includes: a image sensor in optical communication with the sample holder; and a data link for transmitting image data. A centrifuge test includes: spinning a reservoir core sample in a sample holder of a rotor, wherein an imaging system is torsionally connected to the rotor; and collecting image data of the sample holder with the imaging system while spinning.

An automated sample mixing and centrifuging apparatus capable of mixing the contents of one or more centrifuge sample tubes and then centrifuging the sample tubes in the same apparatus is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises an electric slip ring, one or more mixing actuators, a device motor, and a rotor.

A cylindrical or annular polymeric bioreactor is disclosed which provides enhanced mixing and aeration of the growth medium while simultaneously offering reduced mechanical shear force.

A centrifuge (1) includes: a motor (4) having a rotor (3); an imaging system (2) torsionally connected to the rotor; a sample holder torsionally connected to the imaging system; and a light source for illuminating the sample holder. The imaging system (2) includes: a image sensor in optical communication with the sample holder; and a data link for transmitting image data. A centrifuge test includes: spinning a reservoir core sample in a sample holder of a rotor, wherein an imaging system is torsionally connected to the rotor; and collecting image data of the sample holder with the imaging system while spinning.

A temperature control device and method are provided for an analytical system for performing laboratory protocols. The device includes a well within a housing configured to receive a biological specimen according to a predetermined sample process. The specimen is suspended by a holding device in the well. A thermal element is provided in heat exchange communication with fluid in the well. A temperature sensor is located in the well at a location to be covered and uncovered by rocking motion of fluid in the well. A controller, in communication with the thermal element, the temperature sensor, and an agitation system, is operative to control the thermal element in correlation with temperature data, for example, peak temperature data, from the temperature sensor.

A mixing and paint-making device and method for making paint are described. Embodiments of the paint-making device include a first and second palette hingedly coupled to a base. The base includes a paint pot shaking component configured to agitate and/or translate a paint pot. The paint pot shaking component includes a series of gears and pistons that interact to produce a shaking motion for a paint pot coupled to the paint pot shaking component. In one embodiment, the paint pot shaking component includes a crank gear adjacent a combination gear that contacts a slide crankshaft. The slide crankshaft is coupled to a slide crank arm that is secured by slide bracket coupled to the base. A paint pot harness holds a paint pot during agitation and moves in an upward and downward motion corresponding to the motion of the slide crank arm.