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.

An insert for a liquid-holding container may include a body comprising a wall, an open top end and a bottom end, and a generally tubular lumen extending from the open top end to the open bottom end. The insert may include a plurality of first openings formed in the wall, the first openings being situated between the top and bottom ends, wherein each of the plurality of first openings defines an area, and wherein the plurality of first openings have substantially the same dimensions. The insert may include one or more second openings formed in the wall, the one or more second openings being situated between the top and bottom ends, wherein each of the one or more second openings defines an area that is greater than the area defined by any of the first openings, wherein the one or more second openings have substantially the same dimensions.

An insert for a liquid-holding container may include a body comprising a wall, an open top end and a bottom end, and a generally tubular lumen extending from the open top end to the open bottom end. The insert may include a plurality of first openings formed in the wall, the first openings being situated between the top and bottom ends, wherein each of the plurality of first openings defines an area, and wherein the plurality of first openings have substantially the same dimensions. The insert may include one or more second openings formed in the wall, the one or more second openings being situated between the top and bottom ends, wherein each of the one or more second openings defines an area that is greater than the area defined by any of the first openings, wherein the one or more second openings have substantially the same dimensions.

An insert for a liquid-holding container includes a body comprising a wall, open first and second ends, and a lumen extending from the open first end to the open second end. A plurality of first openings are formed in the wall, each of the first openings defining an area, and one or more second openings are formed in the wall, each of the one or more second openings defining an area that is greater than the area defined by any of the first openings. The first openings are arranged in a first row of at least three first openings in axial alignment and a second row of at least three first openings in axial alignment. At least one of the one or more second openings is situated closer to the first end than any of the first openings, and each of the first and second openings is sized to permit the passage of a liquid.

An insert for a liquid-holding container includes a body comprising a wall, open first and second ends, and a lumen extending from the open first end to the open second end. A plurality of first openings are formed in the wall, each of the first openings defining an area, and one or more second openings are formed in the wall, each of the one or more second openings defining an area that is greater than the area defined by any of the first openings. The first openings are arranged in a first row of at least three first openings in axial alignment and a second row of at least three first openings in axial alignment. At least one of the one or more second openings is situated closer to the first end than any of the first openings, and each of the first and second openings is sized to permit the passage of a liquid.

A mixing system includes a container having an encircling sidewall bounding a chamber and extending between an upper end and an opposing lower end; a support plate disposed within the chamber and secured to the encircling sidewall; an inner wall secured to the support plate and projecting within the chamber toward the upper end, an open space being formed between the inner wall and the encircling sidewall; and a first aperture extending through the encircling sidewall so as to communicate with the open space. A mixing assembly is positioned within the container and is supported on the support plate, the mixing assembly including a pliable enclosure and a mixing device.

A mixing system includes a container having an encircling sidewall bounding a chamber and extending between an upper end and an opposing lower end; a support plate disposed within the chamber and secured to the encircling sidewall; an inner wall secured to the support plate and projecting within the chamber toward the upper end, an open space being formed between the inner wall and the encircling sidewall; and a first aperture extending through the encircling sidewall so as to communicate with the open space. A mixing assembly is positioned within the container and is supported on the support plate, the mixing assembly including a pliable enclosure and a mixing device.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an organic matter processing apparatus and method for the use thereof to convert organic matter into a ground and substantially dried product. The apparatus uses a bucket assembly that can grind, paddle, and heat organic matter contained therein. The bucket assembly can include a metal housing that has a flat bottom surface with multiple support structures that hold respective impeller assemblies that rotate about respective vertical axes. The impeller assemblies each include cutting structures and other structures designed to mix and agitate matter contained in the bucket assembly. One or more blade arrays can be mounted in a vertical orientation on a side of the metal housing plate and assist in fracture cutting and grinding of contents contained in the bucket.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an organic matter processing apparatus and method for the use thereof to convert organic matter into a ground and substantially dried product. The apparatus uses a bucket assembly that can grind, paddle, and heat organic matter contained therein. The bucket assembly can include a metal housing that has a flat bottom surface with multiple support structures that hold respective impeller assemblies that rotate about respective vertical axes. The impeller assemblies each include cutting structures and other structures designed to mix and agitate matter contained in the bucket assembly. One or more blade arrays can be mounted in a vertical orientation on a side of the metal housing plate and assist in fracture cutting and grinding of contents contained in the bucket.

A liner can include a body dimensioned to fit within a cup of a blender and defining an inner volume and including an opening with a perimeter; a lip extending outward from the perimeter of the opening and dimensioned to engage a perimeter of an opening of the cup, such that when the liner is positioned within the cup, the resulting assembly is capable of being mechanically coupled with a blending assembly of the blender and provide a seal for the inner volume; and a lip-end structure configured to retain the lip of the liner relative to the perimeter of the of the opening of the cup when the liner is positioned within the cup, with the lip-end structure having a side-sectional shape that includes an inward-facing surface dimensioned to prevent inward lateral motion of the lip beyond the perimeter of the opening of the cup without a removing force.