Particulate tester with mixer for analytical application

Abstract

A mixer for analytical application mixes a container of fluid without a magnetic stir bar. A device for testing a liquid for particles can use the mixer. The mixing can occur in a sealed container, and liquid can be transmitted to the device from the sealed container.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for testing, for particulate content, a liquid in a container, comprising:
 a receptacle configured to receive the container;   a particulate-detecting sensor; and   a drive apparatus capable of stirring liquid in the container, the stirring comprising:   swirling the receptacle in a non-circular path of motion for the container that results in a smooth helical vortex that substantially uniformly mixes the liquid and particles contained in the liquid while it holds a container; and   a conduit capable of transmitting stirred liquid from a container at the receptacle to the sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the particulate-detecting sensor in a light obscuration sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the container is closed; and   the conduit comprises an end capable of penetrating the container.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the end is a needle. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the particulate-detecting sensor is a light obscuration sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which: the container comprises a narrow end; and the receptacle is configured to receive the container so that the narrow end is in downward position and so that the conduit withdraws fluid from the narrow end.