An automatic chemical solution formulating device combines and mixes stored solids and liquids into user specified formulations and dispenses those formulations into containers. Chemical solids are stored in cartridges of material separated into predetermined dosages (for example in reeled blister packs), avoiding the need for weighing during formulation. Elements include user interface, computer-controlled automated loading and unloading port for reagent-containing cartridges, cartridge conveyor system, reader for identifying cartridges, blister-pack strip drive system, punching mechanism to release reagents, portioning chamber to mix solvent with solids or liquids with optional portioning, accommodating formulation delivery port, position sensors, liquid flow measuring devices, liquid and gas pumps and valves, and label printer. The combination of these elements allows high-speed formulation and dispensing of user-specified formulations.

An automatic chemical solution formulating device combines and mixes stored solids and liquids into user specified formulations and dispenses those formulations into containers. Chemical solids are stored in cartridges of material separated into predetermined dosages (for example in reeled blister packs), avoiding the need for weighing during formulation. Elements include user interface, computer-controlled automated loading and unloading port for reagent-containing cartridges, cartridge conveyor system, reader for identifying cartridges, blister-pack strip drive system, punching mechanism to release reagents, portioning chamber to mix solvent with solids or liquids with optional portioning, accommodating formulation delivery port, position sensors, liquid flow measuring devices, liquid and gas pumps and valves, and label printer. The combination of these elements allows high-speed formulation and dispensing of user-specified formulations.

A mixer base assembly is provided comprising: (a) a body having an upper end including a mating face for mixing vessel connection; a lower end including a cavity; a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall; an inlet port arranged in the first side wall; an outlet port arranged in the third side wall; a sampling port arranged in the fourth side wall; a probe port arranged in the third side wall; and, a fluid mixing chamber having a bottom wall; (b) an impeller seat arranged in the cavity in the lower end of the body; and, (c) a levitating magnetic impeller arranged in the impeller seat, the impeller comprising a magnet, a base, and at least two blades, wherein the at least two blades extend above the bottom wall of the fluid mixing chamber into the fluid mixing chamber.

A mixer base assembly is provided comprising: (a) a body having an upper end including a mating face for mixing vessel connection; a lower end including a cavity; a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall; an inlet port arranged in the first side wall; an outlet port arranged in the third side wall; a sampling port arranged in the fourth side wall; a probe port arranged in the third side wall; and, a fluid mixing chamber having a bottom wall; (b) an impeller seat arranged in the cavity in the lower end of the body; and, (c) a levitating magnetic impeller arranged in the impeller seat, the impeller comprising a magnet, a base, and at least two blades, wherein the at least two blades extend above the bottom wall of the fluid mixing chamber into the fluid mixing chamber.

System and method for dispensing a flowable product are provided. The system includes a mixing chamber having a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet. The mixing chamber of the system contains a mixing element capable of motion. The system also includes a paste located in an enclosure configured to flow into the mixing chamber via a first channel connected to the first inlet, and a flowable medium configured to flow into the mixing chamber via a second channel connected to the second inlet. The mixing chamber is configured to mix the paste and the flowable medium using the mixing element, thus, producing the flowable product that may be output via the outlet.

A hotplate device has a body with a platform for receiving a vessel that contains a sample to be heated. A heating element, arranged under the platform, provides heat to the platform, based on a set temperature and a measured temperature as sensed by at least one temperature sensor, proximate to the platform. A controller located in the body directs electrical power to the heating element. As a safety feature, a wireless communication feature allows a user to enter set temperature instructions from a mobile device when communication with the mobile device is enabled and established. A proximity feature, when enabled, allows the user to enter instructions only as long as the user remains in a predetermined proximity of the hotplate device.

A mixer base assembly comprises (a) a body having an upper end including a mating face for mixing vessel connection; a lower end including a cavity; a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall; an inlet port arranged in the first side wall; an outlet port arranged in the third side wall; a sampling port arranged in the fourth side wall; a probe port arranged in the third side wall; and, a fluid mixing chamber including a baffle and having a bottom wall; (b) an impeller seat arranged in the cavity in the lower end of the body; and, (c) a levitating magnetic impeller arranged in the impeller seat, the impeller comprising a magnet, a base, and at least two blades, wherein the blades extend above the bottom wall of the fluid mixing chamber into the fluid mixing chamber.

A mixer base assembly comprises (a) a body having an upper end including a mating face for mixing vessel connection; a lower end including a cavity; a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall; an inlet port arranged in the first side wall; an outlet port arranged in the third side wall; a sampling port arranged in the fourth side wall; a probe port arranged in the third side wall; and, a fluid mixing chamber including a baffle and having a bottom wall; (b) an impeller seat arranged in the cavity in the lower end of the body; and, (c) a levitating magnetic impeller arranged in the impeller seat, the impeller comprising a magnet, a base, and at least two blades, wherein the blades extend above the bottom wall of the fluid mixing chamber into the fluid mixing chamber.

An apparatus, vortex generator assembly and method for automated cell lysis and nucleic acid purification and processing. The vortex generator assembly includes sample holder having a lysis well, at least one wash well, and an elution well. The vortex generator assembly also includes a sample holder cover having a plurality of vibration rods for creating a vortex in the wells of the sample holder. The apparatus includes motor operating a rotating cam to cause the vibration rods to vibrate and create the vortex in a well holding fluid and magnetic beads, wherein the vortexing speed is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the beads and disperse the beads in solution, to collect nucleic acids such as DNA.

An apparatus, vortex generator assembly and method for automated cell lysis and nucleic acid purification and processing. The vortex generator assembly includes sample holder having a lysis well, at least one wash well, and an elution well. The vortex generator assembly also includes a sample holder cover having a plurality of vibration rods for creating a vortex in the wells of the sample holder. The apparatus includes motor operating a rotating cam to cause the vibration rods to vibrate and create the vortex in a well holding fluid and magnetic beads, wherein the vortexing speed is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the beads and disperse the beads in solution, to collect nucleic acids such as DNA.