Patent · US Expired

Electromagnetic vibratory microplate shaker

US6508582B2 · kind B2 · utility

15Cited by
28References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 21, 2000
Grant dateJan 21, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 3, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB01F2101/23
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An electromagnetic vibratory microplate shaker is disclosed of simplified design and improved mixing capability over previously known microplate shaker devices, comprising an electromagnetic drive assembly mounted within a rigid base and operatively connected to a microplate support tray. The support tray is in turn supported from below by a plurality of leaf springs which are tilted approximately 20° from vertical. During operation, an electromagnet is rapidly energized and de-energized causing an armature of the drive assembly to be pulled in and released up to 7,200 times per minute, in turn imparting a reciprocating vibration to the support platform and the microplates held thereon. Such a vibration causes eddy currents to be created within the individual microplate wells which have both horizontal and vertical components, thus ensuring thorough mixing of the contents of each microplate well irrespective of the diameter of the well, while keeping suspended solids truly suspended during the mixing cycle.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.