CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit from United States Provisional Application No.

62/678,488 filed May 31, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a magnetic mechanical stirrer, and more particularly, to a magnetic mechanical stirrer that does not suffer from the drawbacks of conventional magnetic stirrers and mechanical stirrers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For biotech, pharmaceutical, and chemical applications, mixing of liquid (and/or solid) components is conducted within a closed environment to avoid potential contamination. Typically, one of two possible mixing systems is used; mechanical stirrers or magnetic stirrers. Mechanical stirrers utilize a mixing shaft positioned within vessel which in turn is rotatably coupled to an electric motor outside of the vessel. The mixing shaft typically has a blade or an impeller at the end of the shaft opposite from the end to be coupled to the motor. However, insertion of the blade/impeller into a vessel can be problematic because the blade/impeller will have a significantly greater cross-section (i.e., diameter) than the mixing shaft. To allow insertion and removal of the blade/impeller, the vessel must be provided with a large opening sufficiently sized for the blade/impeller. As a result, maintaining a closed, aseptic environment within the vessel can be problematic. Because of the size of the blade/impeller and the motor, mechanical stirrers also cannot be easily scaled down in size for use with small vessels such as vials. Another potential problem for mechanical stirrers is undesirable heat transfer from the motor to the liquid components of the vessel due to the close proximity of the motor. Yet another disadvantage of mechanical stirrers is the ability to maintain a straight alignment from motor to the blade/impeller.

Magnetic stirrers, as the name implies, use an elongated permanent magnetic coated with an inert material. One benefit of a magnetic stirrer is that the elongated permanent magnetic is easily dropped within the vessel allowing the vessel to be subsequently sealed to provide a closed, aseptic environment. The rotation of the permanent magnetic is induced by applying a magnetic field to the bottom of the vessel though the use of an electric magnetic base plate. The magnetic stirrer rotates around an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the magnetic and parallel to the electric magnetic base plate. However, magnetic stirrers present problems such as the limitations of scaling up the size of the mixing operation. One problem is that the vessel must be placed on a magnetic base plate thereby limiting the size of the vessel. Likewise, the size of the magnetic stirrers can also a limiting factor. Another problem associated with magnetic stirrers is high shear forces from the rotating magnetic and possible contact with the interior sides of the vessel. High shear forces can be very detrimental to sensitive mixing operations such as crystallization for spectroscopic analysis and the production of cellular products where lysis of the cell membrane is to be avoided. Since magnetic stirrers are untethered, magnetic stirrers can rotate at significantly much higher revolutions per minute (rpm) than mechanical stirrers and uncontrollably collide with inside wall of the vessel. Contact with the inside wall in the vessel may cause a grinding action whereby particulates from either the inert coating or the inside wall of the vessel are released into the reaction mixture. Such contamination can have a detrimental effect on sensitive mixing operations such as crystallization since the released particulate can have an undesirable effect on spectroscopic analysis of crystal structures.

Several attempts have been made to correct the defects commonly found with mechanical and magnetic stirrers. For example, one attempt has been made to hinge the blade/impeller to the mixing shaft, which allows the blade/impeller to rotate from a perpendicular orientation relative to the mixing shaft to a parallel orientation relative to the mixing shaft. Another attempt to provide greater control of magnetic stirrers is to tether the magnetic to the end of the mixing shaft, which provides a less cross-section differential than the cross-section differential observed for mechanical stirrers.

However, in spite of these attempts, there are still drawbacks associated with each type of stirrer. As a result, there is still a need for improved stirrer configurations that avoid the above- noted problems. Accordingly, the magnetic mechanical stirrer assembly of the present invention provides a solution to the above-noted problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a unique magnetic mechanical stirrer assembly that avoids the drawbacks of conventional mechanical and magnetic stirrers. One distinct advantage of the stirrer assembly of the present invention is the ability to scale up or scale down the size of the configuration depending on the size of the reaction vessel to be used.

In a certain embodiment, the present invention provides a magnetic mechanical stirrer assembly comprising:

a housing extending along a vertical axis, said housing at one end being configured to couple with a vessel thereby providing a closed environment between the magnetic mechanical stirrer assembly and the vessel;

a non-hinged stirring rod extending from said housing at a position proximal to said end of said housing configured to couple with the vessel, said stirring rod having a first end being rotatably received within said housing and having a second, opposite end distal from said housing; and

a first magnet disposed either (i) within said stirring rod at a position proximal to said second, opposite end of said stirring rod and distal from said housing, or (ii) within said housing and operably coupled to said stirring rod, said first magnet being diametrically magnetized.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a magnetic stirrer assembly configured to be inserted and sealed within a vessel comprising:

a housing extending along a vertical axis, said housing being sized for complete insertion with said vessel;

a non-hinged stirring rod extending from said housing, said stirring rod having a first end being coupled to said housing and having at a second, opposite end distal from said housing; and a magnet non-rotatably received within said housing, said magnet being diametrically magnetized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figs. 1A and 1B illustrate the north and south pole orientations of magnetics axially magnetized and diametrically magnetized, respectfully.

Figs. 2A and 2B are side views of the stirrer assembly of the present invention coupled to jacketed flask and a vial, respectfully.

Fig. 3 is a combined cross-sectional view and an exploded view of a first embodiment of the stirrer assembly of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a combined cross-sectional view and an exploded view of a second embodiment of the stirrer assembly of the present invention.

Figs. 5A and 5B are a cross-sectional view and a side view of an electric magnetic stirrer base of the present invention in a top side configuration.

Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the combined stirrer assembly and vial positioned near the bottom of the electric magnetic stirrer base of the present invention in the bottom side configuration as shown in Figs. 5 A and 5B. Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the combined stirrer assembly and vial positioned on top of an electric magnetic stirrer base of the present invention in a bottom side configuration.

Figs. 7A and 7B are a side view and an exploded view of a simplified stirring controller of the present invention. Fig. 7C is a perspective view of multiple stirrer assembly and vial combinations, as shown in Fig. 2B, positioned around the simplified stirring controller of the present invention as shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, positioned within a vial holder 400.

Fig. 8A is a side views of the third embodiment of the stirrer assembly of the present invention inserted and sealed within a vial. Figs. 8B and 8C are a combined cross-sectional view and an exploded view of a third embodiment of the stirrer assembly.

Figs. 9A, 9B and 9C are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view of differently sized versions of a top magnetic mechanical stirrer (MMStirrer), an example of a modified third embodiment version of the stirrer assembly of the present invention in the assembled form inserted within a vial. Fig. 9D are perspective views of an embodiment of a combined stirring controller and the assembled form of the multiple top magnet MMStirrer and vial combinations positioned within a vial holder 401 and 402.

Figs. 10A, 10B and 10C are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a l-dram (4ml) vial MMStirrer, an example of a top magnet MMStirrer of the stirrer assembly of the present invention in the assembled form inserted within a vial. Fig. 10D and 10E are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a combined adapter, stirring controller and the assembled form of the multiple l-dram (4ml) vial MMStirrer and vial combinations. Figs. 11 A, 11B and 11C are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of an MMStirrer for a l-neck flask, an example of a modified version of the first embodiment and a top magnet flask MMStirrer of the stirrer assembly of the present invention.

Figs. 12A, 12B and 12C are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of an MMStirrer for a 3 -neck flask, another example of a modified version of the stirrer assembly of the present invention.

Figs. 13A, 13B and 13C are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a flask MMStirrer with a glass rod, an example of a modified version of a top magnet flask MMStirrer of the stirrer assembly of the present invention. Fig. 13D is a perspective view of the combined stirrer assembly and a flask positioned near the side of the stirring controller of the present invention.

Figs. 14A, 14B and 14C are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a 2-dram (8ml) vial MMStirrer. This is a modified second embodiment of the stirrer assembly example of a top magnet MMStirrer of the present invention in the assembled form inserted within a vial. Fig. 14D is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a combined adapter, stirring controller and the assembled form of the multiple 2-dram (8ml) vial MMStirrer and vial combinations, positioned within a holder 403.

Figs. 15 A, 15B and 15C are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a 20ml vial MMStirrer, another example of a top magnet MMStirrer of the stirrer assembly of the present invention in the assembled form inserted within a vial.

Figs. 16A, 16B and 16C are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a 20ml vial MMStirrer with a side arm, another example of the MMStirrer for a 20 ml vial of the second embodiment stirrer assembly of the present invention in the assembled form inserted within a vial. Fig. 16D is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a combined adapter, stirring controller and the assembled form of the multiple 20ml vial MMStirrer with a side arm and vial combinations, positioned within a holder 404.

Figs. 17A, 17B and 17C are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a bottom Magnet MMStirrer, another example of a modified version of the stirrer assembly of the present invention. Fig. 17D is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a combined magnetic stirring plate and the assembled form of the multiple ( e.g ., 16) bottom Magnet MMStirrer and vial combinations, positioned within a holder 405.

Figs. 18 A, 18B and 18C are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of an MMStirrer for bottles, an example of a modified version of the stirrer assembly of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a chiller 500.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a unique magnetic mechanical stirrer assembly that avoids the drawbacks of conventional mechanical and magnetic stirrers. One distinct advantage of the stirrer assembly of the present invention is the ability to scale up or scale down the size of the configuration depending on the size of the reaction vessel to be used.

Figs. 1 A and 1B show the different North-South orientations of magnets that are axially magnetized and are diametrically magnetized, respectively. Axially magnetized magnets have a conventional North-South orientation, which is an orientation typically seen in a needle of a compass always pointing North. Due to the conventional North-South orientation, a conventional magnetic stirrer (i.e., an elongated axially magnetized member) will rotate along its transverse axis with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to vertical axis“V”. Diametrically magnetized magnets have a North-South orientation that is perpendicular to the conventional North-South orientation. As a result, a similarly shaped elongated member that is diametrically magnetized will rotate along is longitudinal axis with its transverse axis perpendicular to vertical axis“V”.

As shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, MMStirrer 10 can be provided in different size configurations depending on the size of the reaction vessel being used. In Fig. 2A, magnetic mechanical stirrer 10 is provided in a first, larger configuration allowing magnetic mechanical stirrer 10 to couple with any standard flask 100 (e.g., the water-cooled, jacketed flask shown in Fig. 2A) to form a closed environment. As shown in Fig. 2B, magnetic mechanical stirrer 10 is provided in a second, smaller configuration allowing magnetic mechanical stirrer 10 to couple with vial 102 to form a closed environment.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view and an exploded view of the first embodiment of magnetic mechanical stirrer assembly 10. MMStirrer assembly 10 includes housing 12 extending along vertical axis“V”. At one end (not labelled), housing 12 is configured to couple with the reaction vessel. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the configured end of housing 12 is provided with a tapered surface (not labelled) allowing housing 12 to be inserted into and couple to the neck of jacketed flask 100 to form a closed environment. Further shown in Fig. 3, housing 12 has an inner cavity (not labelled) also extending along vertical axis“V”. Housing 12 is adapted with at least one port 12A, which is in fluid communication with the inner cavity. Port 12A allows for the introduction of material into the closed environment once stirrer assembly 10 is coupled to jacketed flask 100. For example, port 12A can be used to inject an inert gas, such as argon, if a non-oxygen environment is needed. As further shown in Fig. 3, housing 12 is adapted with cap 14 at an opposite end from the end that stirring rod 16 extends from housing 12. Removal of cap 14 provides access to the inner cavity and the inner components of stirrer assembly 10. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, housing 12 and cap 14 are provided with reciprocating threads but alternative means can easily be used for attaching cap 14 to housing 12.

Housing 12 also includes stirring rod 16 substantially centered within housing 12. Stated otherwise, the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 shows that housing 12 and stirring rod 16 extend along the same vertical axis“V”. Stirring rod 16 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic and chemically resistant polymers, and has a non-hinged structure. Stirring rod 16 extends through the inner cavity of housing 12 and away from the end of housing 12 configured to couple with the reaction vessel ( e.g ., jacketed flask 100 shown in Fig. 2A). Stirring rod 16 is rotatably received within the inner cavity of housing 12 by being constrained by ridge 16A and top magnetic holder 18. As least one bearing (e.g., concentric bushing) is positioned between ridge 16A and top magnet holder 18. As shown in Fig. 3, first and second bearing 20A and 20B are positioned between ridge 16A and top magnet holder 18. First bearing 20A is located proximal to the interior side (not labelled) of ridge 16A since first bearing 20 A abuts the interior side of ridge 16 A. Second bearing 20B is positioned proximal to top magnetic holder 18 since optional second (i.e., top) magnet 24 is positioned between second bearing 20B and top magnetic holder 24. Stirrer rod 16 is rotatably received within housing 12 by being extending through the apertures (not labelled) of first and second bearing 20 A and 20B.

As further shown in Fig. 3, a first (i.e., bottom) diametric magnet 22 is disposed within stirring rod 16 at the end of the stirring rod distal (i.e., furthest removed) from the end of housing 12 configured to couple with vessel 100 as shown in Fig. 2A. To facilitate positioning of first magnet 22, stirring rod 16 is provided in the form of elongated tubular member sealed at the end opposite from housing 12. As shown in Fig. 3, the exterior surface (not labelled) of stirring rod 16 is continuous in that wall of stirring rod 16 does not contain any apertures/holes. First magnet 22 can easily be dropped into the inner cavity of the elongated tubular member serving as stirring rod 16. Use of a diametric magnetic provides a distinct advantage in that first magnet 22 can be positioned within stirring rod 16 with the longitudinal axis of first magnet 22 inline (i.e., centered) with vertical axis“V” extending through stirring rod 16 and housing 12. This positioning of first magnet 22 allows, if desired, the cross-section of stirring rod 16 to be substantially the same for most of the stirring rod extending from housing 12 except for the distal end of stirring rod 16 adapted with fins 16C on its exterior surface. Stated otherwise, first magnet 22 does not have to result, if desired, in a cross-section differential between the tubular section containing first magnet 22 and the remainder of stirring rod 16 extending from housing 12 excluding the portion equipped with fins 16C on the exterior surface of stirring rod 16.

One distinct advantage of first magnet 22 being positioned within stirring rod 16 is greater control of the magnet during rotation since the magnet is tethered to the stirring rod. As a result, the magnetic mechanical stirrer assembly will induce less shear than the conventional magnetic stirrers. Likewise, contact with the inside surfaces of the reaction vessel is inhibited due to the limited deflection of the stirring rod during rotation as compared to a conventional magnet.

Also shown in Fig. 3, stirring rod 16 is coupled to top-magnet holder 18 within housing 12. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, top-magnet holder 18 is in the form a cap with a centrally positioned stem (not labelled) extending from the interior side (not labelled) of the cap. Stirring rod 16 and top-magnet holder 18 are operably coupled since they are adapted with reciprocating threads 16B and 18 A, respectively. However, one skilled in the art will immediately recognize that other suitable coupling methods can be used. Due to their coupling, stirring rod 16 and top- magnet holder 18 rotate as a single unit within housing 12. Top-magnet holder 18 can also adapted with optional, top (i.e., second) diametric magnet 24. In a different embodiment not shown in Fig. 3, top magnet 24 is retained but bottom magnet 22 is omitted. As further shown in Fig. 3, the interior side is adapted with an annular groove (not labelled) sized to receive second (i.e., top) magnet 24, which is in the form of a concentric ring (i.e., a circular band) whereby the stem of top- magnet holder 18 is disposed ( e.g ., centrally positioned) within the center aperture of the concentric ring. Although not shown, one skilled in the art will appreciate that an elongated diametric magnet like first (i.e., bottom) magnet 22 could be positioned within the stem of top- magnet holder 18. In either case, top magnet 24 is centered on the vertical axis“V” ending through housing 12 and stirring rod 16.

One advantage of the optional, second magnet 24 is the ability to rotate stirring rod 16 from the top of stirrer assembly 10, which is not possible with conventional magnetic stirrers. As a result, stirring rod 16 can be rotated from both ends of stirrer assembly 10. Such an ability is particularly useful when the reaction vessel is wrapped in an insulating blanket that can interfere with a magnetic base plate situated at the bottom of the reaction vessel.

Turning to Fig. 4, Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of stirrer assembly 10 configured to couple and form a closed environment with a smaller reaction vessel such as vial 102. The components of stirrer assembly 10 in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 4 are basically the same as the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3 with two immediately apparent differences. First, the length of housing 12 along vertical axis“V” is truncated (i.e., shortened) in the second embodiment. Second, the end of housing 12 in the second embodiment is adapted with internal threads allowing housing 12 to fasten to the external threads of vial 102. Operation of stirrer assemblies 10 in both embodiments are basically same.

Figs. 5 A and 5B show a cross-section and front plan view of stirring controller 200 in a top side configuration where the stirrer assembly 10 is placed adjacent to the bottom of stirring controller 200. As shown in Fig. 5 A, stirring controller 200 has a housing 202 with an inner cavity (not labelled). At the top of housing 202, a microcontroller 204 is positioned where rpm is controlled by knob 206 operably linked to circuit board 208. Microcontroller 204 is operably linked to battery/motor 210, which in turn rotates magnet 214 via drive shaft 212. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5A, magnet 214 is a diametrically magnetized element since it is configured to rotate along its longitudinal axis, which is co-linear with the vertical axis extending through housing 202. As shown in Fig. 5B, housing 202 is equipped with LCD display 216 configured to display rpm due to being operably linked to microcontroller 204.

Fig. 6A shows stirring controller 200 in the top side configuration for use with stirrer assembly 10 and vial 102 positioned below the bottom portion of stirring controller 200. This configuration allows magnet 214 (not shown) to rotates optional, top magnet 24 disposed in housing 12 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 6B shows the second embodiment of stirrer assembly 10 coupled to vial 102 where vial 102 sits on the side of stirring controller 200. Stirring controller

200 is in a bottom side configuration just like conventional magnetic base plates used in the prior art. In accordance with the present invention, stirring controller 200 can use an axially magnetized magnet or diametrically magnetized magnet. A diametrically magnetized magnet is preferred since it has been found that a diametrically magnetized magnet provides better control of the mixing process.

Figs. 7A and 7B show a side view and an exploded view, respectively, of a simplified embodiment of stirring controller 200. In the simplified embodiment, no housing is provided. There is just a battery/motor 210 with drive shaft 212 coupled to magnet holder 218. Magnetic holder 218 comprises a top portion 220 that couples to corresponding bottom potion 222. Top portion 220 is coupled to drive shaft 212. As shown in Fig. 7B, magnet 214 is disposed within holder 218.

As shown in Fig. 7C, the simplified stirring controller 200 can induce rotation of multiple stirrer assemblies 10 placed within the magnetic field of magnet 214. For example, multiple stirrer assemblies 10 coupled to their respective vials 102 can be concentrically arranged around simplified stirring controller 200 whereby stirring controller 200 induces rotation of each stirring rod 16 for each of the assemblies 10. While Fig. 7C show just three (3) stirrer assembly/vial combinations, one skilled will appreciate that number of stirrer assembly/vial combinations can be easily scaled up or down in the number. Stirrer assemblies 10 just need to be placed within range of the magnetic field of magnet 214.

Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view of the third embodiment of magnetic stirrer assembly 300 of the present invention. Unlike the prior embodiments, stirrer assembly 300 is configured to be inserted into and sealed within vial 102. Stirrer assembly 300 includes housing 302 extending along vertical axis“V”. Housing 302 is not configured to couple with the reaction vessel since stirrer assembly 300 is configured to be inserted into and sealed with vial 102. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8B, housing 302 is adapted with stirring rod 304 substantially centered with housing 302. Stated otherwise, the embodiment shown in Fig. 8B shows that housing 302 and stirring rod 304 extend along the same vertical axis “V”. Stirring rod 304 is made of a rigid material, such as plastic and other chemically resistant polymers, and has a non-hinged structure just like the stirring rods of the first and second embodiments. Just like stirring rods 16 of the first and second embodiments, the end of stirring rod 304 distal to (i.e., furthest removed from) housing 302 can also adapted with fins 306 on the exterior surface of stirring rod 304. As further shown in Fig. 8B, housing 302 is composed of two (2) parts; lower housing part 302 A integral with stirring rod 304, and top magnet holder 302B. While lower housing part 302 A is shown being integral with stirring rod 304, one skilled in the art will clearly recognize that lower housing part 302A and stirring rod 304 can also be separate elements. If provided as separate elements, lower housing part 302 A and stirring rod 304 are configured to couple to each other thereby providing the functional equivalent of an integral structure.

Top magnet holder 302B has a similar construction as top magnet holder 24 of the first and second embodiments. Housing 302 is also provided with diametric magnet 308, which is similar in construction to top magnet 24 of the first and second embodiments. Magnet 308 is positioned between lower housing part 302A and top magnet holder 302B. The interior sides of lower housing part 302 A and top magnet holder 302B are each adapted with an annular groove (not labelled) sized to receive magnet 308, which is in the form concentric ring (z.e., a circular band) whereby the stem of top-magnet holder 302B is disposed ( e.g ., center positioned) within the center aperture of the concentric ring. Although not shown, one skilled in the art will appreciate that an elongated diametric magnet like first (z.e., bottom) magnet 22 of the first and second embodiments could be positioned within the stem of top magnet holder 302B. In either case, top magnet 308 is centered on the vertical axis“V” ending through housing 302 and stirring rod 304.

Since housing 302 is not designed to couple to a vessel provide a closed environment, housing 302 does not require bearings like the first and second embodiments of the stirrer assembly. Stated otherwise, magnet 308 is non-rotatably received within housing 302. This is achieved by magnet 308 being positioned in an abutting relationship (z.e., is in direct contact with) the interior surfaces of lower housing part 302A and top magnet holder 302B. This configuration prevents magnet 308 from rotating within housing 302 in contrast to top magnet 24 of the first and second embodiments. As a result, magnet 308 rotates stirring assembly 300 within vial 102 upon application of a magnetic field with the one of the stirring controllers described above.

Figs. 9A and 9B show perspective views, and a cross-sectional view of differently sized versions of a top magnet MMStirrer, an example of a modified version of the stirrer assembly of the present invention in the assembled form inserted within a vial. Fig. 9C shows an exploded view of differently sized versions of a top magnet MMStirrer, an example of a modified version of the stirrer assembly of the present invention in the assembled form. Fig. 9D shows perspective views of an embodiment of a combined stirring controller and the assembled form of the multiple top magnet MMStirrer and vial combinations.

The top magnetic MMStirrer as shown by Figs. 9A-9D is configured for the MMStirrer for insertion designed and manufactured suitable for each volume of reaction vials of sizes ranging e.g ., from 2 ml to 40 ml to be placed into the vials, closed with vial cap 102B, and used. It shows a new way to overcome the disadvantages of mechanical stirrers, which cannot be used in a small reaction vessel, by stirring through rotating the top magnet of the stirring rod with a stirring controller.

The top magnet MMStirrer as shown by Fig. 9D can perform three or four reactions simultaneously by using a triple, quadruple stirring controller as well as a single vial reaction, depending on the stirring controller. Activating the stirring controller with a potable battery allows the reaction to be proceeded at low temperatures in the refrigerator or freezer.

Figs. 10A, 10B and 10C show a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a l-dram (4ml) vial MMStirrer, an example of a top magnet MMStirrer of the stirrer assembly of the present invention in the assembled form inserted within a vial. Fig. 10D and 10E show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a combined adapter, stirring controller and the assembled form of the multiple l-dram (4ml) vial MMStirrer and vial combinations.

The l-dram (4ml) vial MMStirrer as shown by Figs. 10A-10E is an example of a modified version of the top magnet MMStirrer for insertion designed and manufactured suitable for the volume of l-dram reaction vials. As a top magnet is positioned inside a stirring rod made of Teflon material and covered with Teflon rod cap 304B, the MMStirrer can be used as an integral top magnet MMStirrer in most chemical reactions. In this example, the stirring rod is adapted with flat stirring fins 306B.

By using an adapter and a stirring controller designed and manufactured suitable for 1- dram vials, maximum 8 reactions can be stirred simultaneously. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that number of stirrer assembly/vial combinations can be easily scaled up or down in the number. In the embodiment shown by Fig. 10E, top magnet 214B placed inside the adapter is rotated by the controller, and bottom magnet 214A rotates the MMStirrers of each reaction vial, thereby stably stirring the reaction. The embodiment is adapted with top and bottom bearings 230B and 230 A. Figs. 1 1 A, 11B and 11C show a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of an MMStirrer for a l-neck flask, an example of a modified version of the first embodiment and a top magnet flask MMStirrer of the stirrer assembly of the present invention. Figs. 11 A, 11B and 11C show stirrer assembly 10 where fins 16C are replaced with hinged blade 16D at the distal end of stirring rod 16. Hinged blade 16D allows stirring rod 16 to be inserted into vessels with small openings such as one-neck flask 104 shown in Fig. 11B since the blade pivots around the hinge (not labelled) resulting in the blade being substantially parallel with stirrer rod 16. As a result of this hinged movement, the diameter at the distal end of stirring rod 16 is significantly reduced allowing for insertion into narrow neck vessels such as one-neck flask 100. Unlike the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the embodiment shown in Figs. 11A-11C omits bottom magnet 22 but retains top magnet 24 within housing 12. Due to the omission of bottom magnet 22, stirrer assembly 10 is operated using stirring controller200 in the topside configuration. The reaction in the flasks of which size ranges, e.g ., from 25ml to 10L can be done in a simple, convenient, and enclosed environment with the same effect as mechanical stirring. It can stir without difficulties of installation, in the absence of the large motor used so far for a mechanical stirrer.

Figs. 12A, 12B and 12C show a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of an MMStirrer for a 3 -neck flask, another example of a modified version of the stirrer assembly of the present invention. The MMStirrer for a 3-neck flask as shown by Figs. 12A-12C is an example of a modified version of an MMStirrer with the same stirring rod as used in the l-neck flask above, and does not need a side arm, because it is for a 3-neck flask.

Figs. 13A, 13B and 13C show a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a flask MMStirrer with a glass rod, an example of a modified version of a top magnet flask MMStirrer of the stirrer assembly of the present invention. Fig. 13D is a perspective view of the combined stirrer assembly and a flask positioned near the side of the stirring controller of the present invention. When a main body is made of Teflon material, the MMStirrer with a glass stirring rod can be safely used in most chemical reactions. It can stir from the top of the MMStirrer using a stirring controller or from the side by using an adapter as shown in Fig. 13D, because it has a top magnet inside a stirring rod. This embodiment is adapted with magnet 21 and releasing nut 17 (e.g, black Dekrub releasing nut). In addition, the rod is adapted with rod cap 16E and bottom rod support 16F. Figs. 14A, 14B and 14C show a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a 2-dram (8ml) vial MMStirrer, another example of a top magnet MMStirrer of the stirrer assembly of the present invention in the assembled form inserted within a vial. Fig. 14D shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a combined adapter, stirring controller and the assembled form of the multiple 2-dram (8ml) vial MMStirrer and vial combinations. The 2-dram (8ml) vial MMStirrer as shown by Figs. 14A-14D is an example of a modified version of the top magnet MMStirrer for insertion designed and manufactured suitable for the volume of 2-dram reaction vials. For the 2-dram (8ml) vial MMStirrer, a top magnet 24 is positioned inside a stirring rod 16 and covered with a rod cap 16E. By using an adapter and a stirring controller designed and manufactured suitable for the 2-dram (8ml) vial MMStirrer, maximum 8 reactions can be stirred simultaneously. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that number of stirrer assembly/vial combinations can be easily scaled up or down in the number. At this time, the stirring controller placed on the adapter stably stirs the reactions simultaneously by rotating the vial MMStirrer from the side, not directly above the vial MMStirrer. In this example in Fig. 14A, the stirring rod is adapted with 3-blade stirring fins 16C.

Figs. 15 A, 15B and 15C show a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a 20ml vial MMStirrer, another second embodiment example of a top magnet MMStirrer of the stirrer assembly of the present invention in the assembled form inserted within a vial. The 20ml vial MMStirrer as shown by Figs. 15A-15C is an example of a modified version of the top magnet MMStirrer designed and manufactured suitable for the volume of 20ml reaction vials. As a top magnet is positioned inside a stirring rod made of Teflon material and covered with a Teflon rod cap, this MMStirrer can be used in most chemical reactions.

Figs. 16A, 16B and 16C show a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a 20ml vial MMStirrer with a side arm, another example of the MMStirrer for a 20 ml vial of the stirrer assembly of the present invention in the assembled form inserted within a vial. Fig. 16D shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a combined adapter, stirring controller and the assembled form of the multiple 20ml vial MMStirrer with a side arm and vial combinations.

The 20ml vial MMStirrer with a side arm as shown by Figs. 16A-16D is an example of a modified version of the MMStirrer with side arm for insertion designed and manufactured suitable for 20ml reaction vials. The sidearm 12A having a septum, the MMStirrer enables reactions under an inert gas by inserting an inlet-outlet needle, injection of a liquid sample or withdrawal of a reaction sample with a syringe or monitor of the temperature during the reaction. The MMstirrer has a top magnet 24 and a bottom magnet 22 positioned inside a stirring rod 16 and covered with a rod cap 16E. Reactions using the MMStirrer can be stirred from the top and/or from the bottom of the vial. In addition, by using an adapter and a stirring controller designed and manufactured suitable for the 20 ml vial MMStirrer, maximum 4 reactions can be stirred simultaneously. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that number of stirrer assembly/vial combinations can be easily scaled up or down in the number. The stirring controller placed on the adapter stably stirs the reactions simultaneously by rotating the vial MMStirrers from the side, not directly above the vial MMStirrer. In the stirring rod, the bottom magnets placed on the stirring plate that rotates from the bottom and the top magnets without their interaction enable multiple vial reactions. In this example, the stirring rod is adapted with 2-blade stirring fins 16D.

Figs. 17A, 17B and 17C show a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of a bottom Magnet MMStirrer, another example of a modified version of the stirrer assembly of the present invention. Fig. 17D shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a combined magnetic stirring plate and the assembled form of the multiple ( e.g ., 16) bottom Magnet MMStirrer and vial combinations.

The bottom Magnet MMStirrer as shown by Figs. 17A-17D is an example having only a bottom magnet 22 and stirs very stably, because the impeller of the stirring rod does not touch the bottom of the reaction vial and mimics the effect of mechanical stirring. In this embodiment, the stirring rod is held by stirring rod-holder 18. The 4x4 block reaction vials with the MMStirrer can simultaneously stir all 16 reaction vials at the same speed on a magnet stirring plate conventionally used in the laboratory. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that number of stirrer assembly/vial combinations can be easily scaled up or down in the number.

Figs. 18 A, 18B and 18C show a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded view, respectively, of an MMStirrer for bottles, an example of a modified version of the stirrer assembly of the present invention. The MMStirrer for bottles as shown by Figs. 18A-18C is an example that can be used for bottles with any sizes, in addition to vials and flasks, by matching the size of the opening of the reaction bottle. As the magnets are positioned at the top and the bottom of the stirring rod, it can stir from the top and/or from the bottom. Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a chiller. A chiller is a machine that removes heat from a liquid or air via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. This liquid can then be circulated through a heat exchanger to cool equipment, or another process stream (such as air or process water). The chiller as shown by Fig. 19 is an example that can adjust the temperature of the vial reaction and the flask reaction (-20°C to l20°C) within the chiller bath, which is liquid or air. It is inconvenient to use conventional chillers because they are too big and very expensive. However, the newly developed chillers are manufactured with such a practically small size that multiple chillers can be used simultaneously in the hood and can be conveniently operated. In addition to the stable temperature control, the newly developed chillers enable to simultaneously carry out multiple reactions with a small volume scale, particularly by using the MMStirrer.

In the conventional assembly with either conventional magnetic stirrer or mechanical stirrer, the stirring function was limited for the chilled reactions due to the alignment of the magnetic force and the stirrer or the control of the mechanical stirrer. The MMStirrer of the present invention provides a facile and advantageous tool using the chiller without the conventional limitations as the stirring function is controlled from the top, not under the chillder.

While the present invention has been described above with examples to specific embodiments thereof, it is impossible to cover all scope of the invention. Many changes, modification and variations with the process and compositions of the invention will thereof be obvious to those skilled in the art, all of which are within the spirit and scope of this invention without desertion of the inventive concept disclosed herein.