초록 ▼

A plurality of magnetic field generating, electrical coils are preferably arranged in a circle, in one embodiment. Digitally controlled, recurring switching pulses are generated for sequentially defining a plurality of discrete time periods. During each of these time periods, a separate magnetic fie

A plurality of magnetic field generating, electrical coils are preferably arranged in a circle, in one embodiment. Digitally controlled, recurring switching pulses are generated for sequentially defining a plurality of discrete time periods. During each of these time periods, a separate magnetic field is generated responsive to each switching pulse. The pulses are applied to the coil, in turn, for sequentially stepping a magnetic field in a rotary motion about the circle of coils. In other embodiments, the pole pieces may be arranged in another geometry. For example, they could be linearly positioned to slide a stirrer or to lift a stirrer member up a test tube. A substance which is to be stirred is placed in a non-magnetic container positioned within the stepping magnetic field. A stir rod of magnetic material is placed in the container and within the stepping magnetic field, so that the stir rod couples into and rotates or otherwise moves with the rotary magnetic field. The invention is particularly artractive when used with electronic controllers, such as counters, sequences, sensors, electronic controllers, or the like, since it is much easier for such a electronic devices to control digital pulses than to control analog currents.

대표청구항 ▼

A digitally controlled motorless stirrer comprising means for generating cyclically recurring pulses, electronically controlled means for establishing a stepping magnetic field responsive to said recurring pulses, a container, a magnetic stir rod positioned in said container and against a surface th

A digitally controlled motorless stirrer comprising means for generating cyclically recurring pulses, electronically controlled means for establishing a stepping magnetic field responsive to said recurring pulses, a container, a magnetic stir rod positioned in said container and against a surface thereof made from a non-magnetic material, and means for supporting said surface of said container within said magnetic field in a position where said magnetic stir rod follows the stepping of said magnetic field.