A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. In one application, the fluid includes one or more paint toners.

A mixing device comprising a multi-element spring system in which an eccentric load, coupled to a rotor of a motor, is located towards a first end of a first beam realising a backbone for the mixing device. One or more connections interconnect the backbone respectively to one or more other beams to produce the multi-element spring system. A load, such as a vial or other container in which is located a diluent, is located remotely from the motor. As such, the spring system supports two independent but complementary eccentric load generating subsystems arising from, respectively, the controlled rotation of the rotor (and its eccentric load) and then, in response to rotation of the connected eccentric load on the rotor, swirling of the diluent in the vial/container. Both these eccentric loads contribute to a complex multidirectional flexing of the multi-element spring system relative to a fixed anchor point, with this multidirectional flexing working to induce a swirling motion in the contents of the container.

A mixing device comprising a multi-element spring system in which an eccentric load, coupled to a rotor of a motor, is located towards a first end of a first beam realising a backbone for the mixing device. One or more connections interconnect the backbone respectively to one or more other beams to produce the multi-element spring system. A load, such as a vial or other container in which is located a diluent, is located remotely from the motor. As such, the spring system supports two independent but complementary eccentric load generating subsystems arising from, respectively, the controlled rotation of the rotor (and its eccentric load) and then, in response to rotation of the connected eccentric load on the rotor, swirling of the diluent in the vial/container. Both these eccentric loads contribute to a complex multidirectional flexing of the multi-element spring system relative to a fixed anchor point, with this multidirectional flexing working to induce a swirling motion in the contents of the container.

The present invention provides a device and a method for automated liquid exchange in a horizontally rotating container that may be applied in automated sample treatment by using chemical solutions, in sequential order. Such applications include biomolecule staining on solid support or fixed samples such as western blot or tissue slice processing. Such sequential chemical reactions are usually performed on flat surfaces. Alternatively, these reactions can be completed with much less volume of reagents in horizontally rotating containers. Yet, it is difficult to automate these processes in rotating containers since the required tubing would twist due to the continuous rotation of the container. The present invention solves the problem of twisting of tubing by leading them through a stationary tubing carrier that passes through the rotating container. Hence, the rotation of the tubing, and therefore twisting, is avoided, thus enabling automated liquid exchange of various chemical solutions in rotating containers.

An incubation device has multiple rocking platforms with each platform pivotally mounted about a respective axis. Each rocking platform has a respective receiving device for mechanically reversibly receiving a respective incubation channel. The device also has a common drive unit for common respective rocking movements of each platform from a zero position through with a specific angle range as a result of movement of the drive unit. Each rocking platform is coupled to the drive unit via a respective coupling mechanism, and each coupling mechanism elastically and resiliently couples the respective rocking platform to the drive unit, such that when the rocking platform is restrained, despite continuation of the drive movement, the rocking platform remains motionless in a fixed position. After release of the restraint on the rocking platform, the rocking platform resumes the rocking movement with the specific angle range.

An incubation device has multiple rocking platforms with each platform pivotally mounted about a respective axis. Each rocking platform has a respective receiving device for mechanically reversibly receiving a respective incubation channel. The device also has a common drive unit for common respective rocking movements of each platform from a zero position through with a specific angle range as a result of movement of the drive unit. Each rocking platform is coupled to the drive unit via a respective coupling mechanism, and each coupling mechanism elastically and resiliently couples the respective rocking platform to the drive unit, such that when the rocking platform is restrained, despite continuation of the drive movement, the rocking platform remains motionless in a fixed position. After release of the restraint on the rocking platform, the rocking platform resumes the rocking movement with the specific angle range.

Dry thawing systems and devices for thawing biological substances are provided herein. Methods for thawing biological substances are also provided.

Dry thawing systems and devices for thawing biological substances are provided herein. Methods for thawing biological substances are also provided.

A device for shaking and sampling biological liquids that is able to take a sample of a biological liquid in a tube including a shaker designed to mix a rack holding one or more tubes by performing a succession of tilting movements between two shaking positions. The shaker is also arranged to tilt beyond the shaking position furthest away from the insertion position of a rack to discharge same by gravity.

A device for shaking and sampling biological liquids that is able to take a sample of a biological liquid in a tube including a shaker designed to mix a rack holding one or more tubes by performing a succession of tilting movements between two shaking positions. The shaker is also arranged to tilt beyond the shaking position furthest away from the insertion position of a rack to discharge same by gravity.