MIXER APPARATUS

• US 3,595,531 A
• Filed: 11/04/1969
• Issued: 07/27/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/1969
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Alan J. Williams, Charles J. Starnes
• Original Assignee: Alan J. Williams, Charles J. Starnes
• Inventors: Williams, Alan J., Starnes, Charles J.
• Application Number:
  US04/873,806
• Time in Patent Office: 630 Days
• US Class Current: 366/273
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/452 using independent floating stirring elements
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2030/347 mixers
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 30/84 Preparation of the fraction to be distributed

Abstract

This invention relates to apparatus for use in indicating the presence of substances in a small stream of liquid, and particularly to mixing apparatus for use in connection with chromatographic apparatus utilizing microcolumns. The apparatus is a spherical chamber having a close-fitting ball therein, a pair of inputs and an output. The ball is nonreactive with the materials to be mixed and has a magnet embedded therein. The sphere is in two parts to permit easy cleaning and/or replacement of the ball. External magnetic means cause rotation of the ball.

Claims

1. Apparatus for mixing very small volumes of fluids, comprising a two part body which, when the parts are joined in operative relationship, has a spherical chamber therein, a spherical element having magnetic means incorporated therein, said element having a diameter such that it fits closely but loosely slidably within said spherical chamber, said element being made of a material which is nonreactive with materials to be mixed in said apparatus, means for introducing materials to be mixed to said chamber, means remote from said means for introducing materials for withdrawing mixed materials from said chamber, means for joining said body parts together in a fluidtight manner, and means for imposing a moving magnetic field on said spherical element to induce rotation thereof.

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said body is made of a vitreous material.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said body parts having mating ends with a hemispherially shaped surface extending inwardly therefrom, said parts being joined at said mating ends.

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for imposing a moving magnetic field comprises a rotatable magnet disposed adjacent to said body part.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said magnetic means in said spherical element is a bar magnet.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for joining said body parts together comprises a fluid impervious tightly adhering tapelike element.