A device for mixing liquids and solids in liquids using vibration includes an electromagnetic drive, a drive shaft arranged coaxially with the electromagnetic drive, with drive shaft having a mixing member and either a permanent magnet or a magnetisable element excited by the electromagnetic drive to cause vibration for transmission to the mixing member, and a system of flat spring elements including a first spring element arranged parallel to the drive shaft and a second spring element arranged perpendicularly to the drive shaft and connected to the permanent magnet or the magnetisable element.

Samples in an array of containers are processed by mounting the containers on a sample stage, moving magnets into proximity with bottoms of the containers of a first column of containers to apply a magnetic field, moving the magnets into proximity with bottoms of the containers of a second column, and moving heater elements into proximity with the container bottoms of the first column. While the magnetic field is applied to the containers of the second column, heat energy may be applied to the containers of the first column. The process may be repeated for additional columns. The containers may also be shaken to agitate the samples. A single apparatus may perform heating, shaking, and magnetic field application, without needing to transport the containers to different stations.

A mixing apparatus includes a well plate assembly including a fixed support, and a well movable with respect to the fixed support. A fixed sensor mount has a first portion disposed above the well and a second portion disposed within the well. A plurality of electromagnets are operable to move the well plate assembly vertically with respect to the fixed sensor mount and the fixed support.

Samples in an array of containers are processed by mounting the containers on a sample stage, moving magnets into proximity with bottoms of the containers of a first column of containers to apply a magnetic field, moving the magnets into proximity with bottoms of the containers of a second column, and moving heater elements into proximity with the container bottoms of the first column. While the magnetic field is applied to the containers of the second column, heat energy may be applied to the containers of the first column. The process may be repeated for additional columns. The containers may also be shaken to agitate the samples. A single apparatus may perform heating, shaking, and magnetic field application, without needing to transport the containers to different stations.

A shaker includes a base, a holder and a drive assembly. The holder is movably disposed on the base. The drive assembly includes a first eccentric shaft, a second eccentric shaft, a drive shaft, plural magnetic members and a power source. The first eccentric shaft includes a first part and a second part which are non-coaxial. The first part is pivoted on the holder. The second eccentric shaft includes a third part and a fourth part which are non-coaxial. The third part is pivoted on the holder. Two ends of the drive shaft respectively correspond to the second and the fourth parts. The magnetic members are respectively disposed on the second, the fourth parts and the two ends of the drive shaft. The power source is used for rotating the first eccentric shaft, and rotating the second eccentric shaft through the magnetic members and the drive shaft.

A shaker includes a base, a holder and a drive assembly. The holder is movably disposed on the base. The drive assembly includes a first eccentric shaft, a second eccentric shaft, a drive shaft, plural magnetic members and a power source. The first eccentric shaft includes a first part and a second part which are non-coaxial. The first part is pivoted on the holder. The second eccentric shaft includes a third part and a fourth part which are non-coaxial. The third part is pivoted on the holder. Two ends of the drive shaft respectively correspond to the second and the fourth parts. The magnetic members are respectively disposed on the second, the fourth parts and the two ends of the drive shaft. The power source is used for rotating the first eccentric shaft, and rotating the second eccentric shaft through the magnetic members and the drive shaft.

A microtiter plate mixing control system is disclosed. The system includes a frame, a suspension system attached to the frame, and a magnetically responsive horizontal platform supported on the frame by the suspension system. A solenoid is adjacent the platform for moving the platform on the suspension system. A proximity sensor is adjacent the platform for determining the position of the platform with respect to the frame. A controller is in communication with the proximity sensor and the solenoid for driving the solenoid and moving the platform in response to the proximity sensor.