Orbital platform stirring system

摘要

A platform or tray for holding laboratory containers such as test tubes is driven in orbital motion by an eccentric drive mechanism housed in a cabinet. First and second pairs of tracks are mounted respectively beneath the tray and to the top of the cabinet. An intermediate plate holds four disc-shaped, low-friction bearing elements, each coupled to and guided by an upper and a lower track to maintain said tray in the same disposition during its orbital motion. An electronic circuit controls orbital speed in a continuous manner over the operating range, even at low speeds. The system operates in either a continuous mode or timed mode under control of a switch. The motor which drives the platform also drives a dc motor, the terminal voltage of which is displayed as a signal representing the speed of operation. Both the speed and the time (in timed mode of operation) may be controlled by the operator. A vibration-free mounting system is used to secure the main motor and drive train within the cabinet.