Patent ID: 8017091
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: B01F

Abstract:
1. A bead agitating device comprising: a low-RPM motor wherein said motor spins a substantially flat disk; at least one peg attached to said disk; wherein said at least one peg is contiguous with said substantially flat disk and is perpendicular to a flat surface of said disk; at least one stationary semiflexible spring armature wherein said at least one peg-activates said at least one stationary semiflexible spring armature as said disk rotates; and at least one tube containing beads in a fluid positioned in a top plate wherein said at least one stationary semiflexible spring armature contacts said tube; wherein said beads are from about sub-micron to about millimeters in diameter; a soft foam top mounted on said top plate wherein said tube is inserted; and a secondary component wherein said secondary component comprises a holder into which said at least one tube is inserted and wherein said holder contains a magnet such that when said at least one tube is inserted a bottom of said at least one tube is in close proximity to said magnet and wherein said secondary component separates magnetic beads from a fluid; wherein when said disk rotates, said at least one peg draws back said at least one stationary semiflexible spring armature and releases said at least one stationary semiflexible spring armature which provides a tapping motion to said at least one tube which agitates said beads within said tube; wherein said soft foam top mounted on said top plate wherein said tube is inserted and maintained by said foam top to allow for slight motion of said at least one tube induced by said contact by said at least one stationary semiflexible spring armature; resulting in decreased bead fragmentation and increased DNA immobilization.