A 5-liter bioreactor vessel enables a substantial increase in the volume of biological media that can be cultivated in the vessel compared to conventional designs. Moreover, when agitated at 1.5 the shaking frequency of a conventional 3-liter bioreactor (i.e., 90 rpm versus 60 rpm), the 5-liter vessel achieves a 19% increase in cell aeration without exceeding the maximum shear stress limit for cell viability. The 5-liter vessel optionally includes a plurality of internal baffles configured to disrupt the liquid vortex and reduce the maximum shear stress transferred to biomedia contained within the vessel.

An anti-segregation mixer for a bed of material, the anti-segregation mixer comprising: an elongate and substantially cylindrical shell having an inner surface; and a plurality of independent lifting means provided within the shell, wherein the plurality of lifting means each comprise a vane with a leading end and a trailing end, and are arranged with respect to the cylindrical shell such that the vane is spaced apart from the inner surface and the entire lifting means may pass through the bed of material.

An asphalt processing system is formed from a heating drum and an induction heating system. Flights move asphalt through the heating drum, which concurrently heat the asphalt along with the heating drum wall. A mixing drum can be connected to the heating drum, and include paddles or flights to move the asphalt, while concurrently mixing the material to ensure consistent temperatures through the asphalt cement. The asphalt is heating using one or more induction heating systems to quickly heat the asphalt to between 275 F. and 750 F., followed by moving the asphalt to between 275 F. and 350 F. The system can include a convection system that heats recirculated air through the heating drum. A water condenser can be employed to remove moisture during air recirculation, and reduce asphalt moisture content. The asphalt cement is optionally modified by addition of one or more rejuvenation oils. This system is particularly useful for recycled asphalt pavement, but can be used for all asphalt products.

Method and apparatus to agitate a liquid are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a carrier having a base that includes a ridge extending from the base and a collar extending from the base. The example apparatus also includes a container supported on the base, the container movable between (A) a locked positon in which the ridge fixedly engages the container to non-rotatably couple the container to the base and (B) an unlocked position in which the container is disengaged from the ridge and the container is rotatable about the collar.

A wine decanter pedestal system includes a base supported above a surface, the base having a base center axis and a ledge extending outward from its top surface to support a bottom surface of a decanter placed on the top surface. A wireless receiver receives wireless commands from a wireless device to control a rotary motor operably coupled to the base at an attachment point off-center from the base center axis such that rotation of the rotary motor causes the base center axis to orbit about the rotary drive in a circular orbital motion and in a circular spin motion. A weight sensor measures a weight of a decanter placed upon the base, and a controller automatically adjusts the torque of the rotary drive in response to the weight measured by the weight sensor to increase torque for heavier weights measured and decrease torque for lighter weights measured.

An improved blending apparatus for manufactured wood products with a rotating blending drum or cylinder with a pattern of alternating flights of different configurations extending from the interior of the drum. The flights lift the strands as the drum rotates to different heights before the strands free-fall back to the bottom of the drum. One flight is shorter, and may be trapezoidal in cross-section. The second flight is taller, and may have a bull-nose configuration with substantially vertical sides. During operation, the design of the bull-nose flight tends to hold more strands and to carry them closer to the top of the drum before the strands drop and fall. In contrast, the shorter height and angled sides of the trapezoidal flight tends to hold fewer strands and to not carry them as high along the side before strands drop and fall. The alternating pattern causes a more consistent and dispersed fall of strands as the drum rotates, resulting in a significantly larger and more consistent amount of the sprayed adhesives and waxes being applied to the strands, and not passing through gaps to build up on the drum wall.

Provided herein are apparatuses and systems for mixing liquids and suspensions that include vessels with structures that improve mixing while not contacting liquid delivery components. The apparatuses and systems can include a motor drive that allows speed and directional control of rotation of the vessel. The apparatuses and systems can include one or more magnets for separating magnetic beads in a suspension. Also provided are methods using said apparatuses and systems for mixing and separation processes.

Method and apparatus to agitate a liquid are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a carrier having a base that includes a ridge extending from the base and a collar extending from the base. The example apparatus also includes a container supported on the base, the container movable between (A) a locked positon in which the ridge fixedly engages the container to non-rotatably couple the container to the base and (B) an unlocked position in which the container is disengaged from the ridge and the container is rotatable about the collar.