Abstract:
A dynamic mixer in which two members (1,2) are rotated relative to each other about a predetermined axis (XX), the members having facing surfaces (15, 16) which extend axially and between which is defined a mixing chamber through which a flow path extends between an inlet (7) for material to be mixed and an outlet (8). An array of two or more mixing formations is defined on at least one of the facing surfaces (15, 16) which extend radially towards the facing surface of the other element (15, 16) and which act to mix material within the mixing chamber, and which extend axially generally parallel to the axis. A mixing formation thus defined is configured to provide a constricting flow passage followed by an expanding flow passage to material present in the mixing chamber as the first and second members are relatively rotated, with the mixing formations located around the axis on any plane perpendicular to the axis so as to provide a generally net balance of the radial loads imparted by material present in the space between the surfaces. The material within the mixing chamber is subjected to high extensional and or shear stresses arising from the circumferential drag flow induced between the closely separated facing surfaces, while being permitted to flow axially between the widely separated flowing surfaces. Dispersive mixing and distributive mixing effects are thereby obtained.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates methods for analyzing agricultural and/or environmental samples using liquid bridges. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for analyzing an agricultural sample for a desired trait including obtaining a gene or gene product from an agricultural sample, in which the gene or gene product is in a first fluid; providing a liquid bridge for mixing the gene or gene product with at least one reagent to form a mixed droplet that is wrapped in an immiscible second fluid; and analyzing the mixed droplet to detect a desired trait of the agricultural sample.
Abstract:
A control drip mixer attachment is in combination with a hub type food mixer. The control drip mixer attachment includes a container with a side wall and a bottom wall forming an interior of the container. A shaft is connected to the container, with the shaft being adapted and arranged to be removably inserted into a hub section of the mixer. An outlet opening is in fluid communication with the interior of the container near the bottom wall and is located vertically above the bowl of the mixer.
Abstract:
A microfluidic mixing assembly includes at least first and second liquid sources, a microfluidic manifold, a first capillary valve between the first liquid source and the manifold, and a second capillary valve between the second liquid source and the manifold, wherein the first capillary valve is configured to open and provide a first liquid flow to the microfluidic manifold in response to an external force and the second capillary valves is configured to be opened by the first liquid flow.
Abstract:
A centrifugal microfluidic device includes a substrate configured for rotation about an axis, the substrate having a start chamber disposed therein, the start chamber configured to hold a liquid. The device includes an output chamber disposed in the substrate and located radially outward of the start chamber. A fluid transfer channel connects the start chamber to the output chamber. A ventilation channel connects the output chamber to the start chamber, the ventilation channel connecting at one end to a radially inward portion of the start chamber and at an opposing end to a junction point on the output chamber. A vent hole is provided in the substrate that is operatively connected to the output chamber. The location of the junction between the ventilation channel and the output chamber is located radially outward with respect to the level of fluid in the start chamber so as to prevent cross-contamination.
Abstract:
Acoustic energy is used to control motion in a fluid. According to one embodiment, the invention directs acoustic energy at selected naturally occurring nucleation features to control motion in the fluid. In another embodiment, the invention provides focussed or unfocussed acoustic energy to selectively placed nucleation features to control fluid motion. According to one embodiment, the invention includes an acoustic source, a controller for controlling operation of the acoustic source, and one or more nucleation features located proximate to or in the fluid to be controlled.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a dynamic mixer for mixing at least two paste components of different volume proportions. Said mixer comprises a housing with at least two inlet openings and at least one outlet opening, a mixer element being rotatably mounted in a mixing chamber of said housing. The housing has at least one delay chamber comprising a limiting wall that blocks the paste stream in the direction of flow and at least one opening that opens into the mixing chamber, said opening(s) being set back in relation to the limiting wall. The mixer is particularly suitable for mixing paste components with a relatively high viscosity of, for example, greater than 800 Pas.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for conducting multiple simultaneous micro-volume chemical and biochemical reactions in an array format. In one embodiment, the format comprises an array of microholes in a substrate. Besides serving as an ordered array of sample chambers allowing the performance of multiple parallel reactions, the arrays can be used for reagent storage and transfer, library display, reagent synthesis, assembly of multiple identical reactions, dilution and desalting. Use of the arrays facilitates optical analysis of reactions, and allows optical analysis to be conducted in real time. Included within the invention are kits comprising a microhole apparatus and a reaction component of the method(s) to be carried out in the apparatus.
Abstract:
A rotatable sample disk configured for samples of biological material. The sample disk may include a fill chamber for storing a first biological material, a plurality of first sample chambers positioned in the sample disk farther from the rotational axis of the sample disk than the fill chamber, a plurality of second sample chambers, and a plurality of circumferential fill channels. Each of the second sample chambers may be configured to permit fluid communication with a respective first sample chamber. The plurality of circumferential fill conduits may be configured to permit transfer of the first biological material from the fill chamber to the plurality of first sample chambers upon a first rotation of the sample disk about the rotational axis. Methods of loading a plurality of sample chambers in a sample disk are also provided.