Alligator Microplate Tumble Stirrers

V&P Scientific, Inc. has invented and built the world’s first ALLIGATOR MICROPLATE MAGNETIC TUMBLE STIRRER (Patent #6,176,609).  Instead of spinning a magnetic stir bar about the horizontal plane like the typical magnetic flask stirrer, the Alligator Tumble Stirrer causes stir elements of all sizes and shapes to tumble vertically end-over-end inside each well, like an alligator "tumbles" its prey.  The Alligator Tumble Stirrer will stir all types of microplates (24, 48, 96, 384 and even 1536 wells).  It will also stir V and U bottom microplates, PCR plates, micro-centrifuge tubes and test tubes, bottles, syringes and special designed troughs and reservoirs.  The ability to also stir in troughs and reservoirs is useful when pipetting cells, beads or particulates into microplates as it is essential to have them resuspended evenly.   Our most cost effective version is manually operated.

We make many different models of Tumble Stirrers to fit the many varied applications and requirements of our customers.  Requirements for heating and  continuous stirring for a long period of time require special Tumble Stirrers that are resistant to heat and with motors capable of working under high loads for extended periods of time.  Please check with our knowledgeable  staff to help you make the appropriate selection for your application.

Click here for a list of published articles that cite using the products on this page.

Whatever the size, We can mix in it.

Advantages Of The System

• Complete stirring of large numbers of samples

• Can run multiple experiments in parallel

• Get more reactions per gram of starting material

• Will stir even viscous solutions (honey & glycerol)

• No cross contamination – wells do not have to be sealed

• Simple to operate

• Customizable to robotic systems

• Flexibility of stir deck alignment

• Can stir continuously for years without maintenance

CUSTOMER ENDORSEMENT 

Applications

• Rapid and efficient stirring of 24, 48, 96, 384, 1,536 well microplates, test tubes, glass vials and syringes

• Thorough mixing of 2 or more liquid solutions

• Thorough mixing of slurries, viscous solutions and oil suspensions

• Thorough mixing of substances that float on the surface of the solvent
  (Stir StiX)

• Make emulsions

• Keep particulates in suspension

• Resuspend chemical libraries after storage

• Aeration of microbial cultures to increase DNA or protein yield

• Miniaturization of fermentations & chemical reactions

• Stirring chemical reactions to speed completion

• Heat and Stir to facilitate compound synthesis

• Enables parallel synthetic development of processes

• Resuspend settled microorganisms

• Keep microorganisms suspended during gridding operations

• Break up filamentous organisms

• Dissolve solid compounds

• Resoluabilize dried extracts from large screening libraries

• Facilitate making dilutions

• Scrape tissue culture monolayers and release DNA

• Mix and immobilize reactions that use magnetic beads

The photo on the right illustrates a novel way to use our Tumble Stirrers to keep the contents of a syringe suspended while injecting the contents.   Whether it is cells or micro-bubbles here is a novel way to keep them in suspension. 

Follow this link for more information about stirring in syringes.

Follow this link to see a video of stirring in a syringe. 

We offer a large assortment of magnetic Stainless Steel Stir Elements from Stir StiXs to Discs to bars and dowels to fit into any well, vial, tube or syringe.  Check out the Stir Element page for more information on coatings and dimensions.

We also sell Alnico and Rare Earth Magnetic Stir Bars.

We also offer a complete selection of levitation  Stir Balls with various coatings.

The tumbling action of a VP 719F tumble stir disc in a glass vial is illustrated in the 3 photos to the right. As the magnetic cylinder spins the disc aligns its magnetic poles to the cylinders and tumbles vertically.  The disc can reach speeds up to 500 RPM thus creating significant movement of the liquid in the vials or wells.

  Standard Tumble Stirring Video Clip

A video clip of the Tumble Stirrer in action can be see by clicking below.  This video illustrates the vigorous stirring action of the discs.

Download Video of Tumble Stirrering in action
(mpeg movie- 560KB)

Press the play button to view the video in a flash format, flash must be installed, or click the download link to download a mpeg version.

  Tumble Stirring Viscous Solutions

The ability to stir extremely viscous solutions, slurries and emulsions is a very useful characteristic of the V&P Alligator Tumble Stirrers.  The following graphs illustrate the ability of our Tumble Stirrers and Stir Elements to mix even solutions of 100,000 centistokes or 6.6 times more viscous than honey.   The following experiments were performed with VP 710S and VP 710E Alligator Tumble Stirrers and all our stir elements at two different heights.  The first was at 1.2" off the stir deck or at position of 3 stacked microplates.  The other position was right on the stir deck.  A series of silicone viscosity standards was placed in the columns of a microplate.  The standard series viscosity was as follows: 100 cks, 1,000 cks, 5,000 cks, 10,000 cks, 12,500 cks, 30,000 cks, 60,000 cst and 100,000 cks.

For comparison 1 centistoke = 1.0760 x 10E-5 sq. ft./sec.,
water = 1 cks
molasses ~ 2,500 cks
honey ~ 15,000 cks
 

For more extensive tables on the viscosity of common compounds and an explanation of the difference between centistokes and centipoises follow this link.

The most powerful of all our Tumble Stirrers is the VP 710S.  It will tumble all the Stir Bar Elements in 100,000 cts when the plate is setting directly on the deck.  The follow graph illustrates that it will even tumble most of them when the plate is elevated 1.2" or 30 mm above the stir deck.  This equal to stacking the plates 3 high.

   Tumble Stirrers

The Alligator Tumble Stirrer Models VP 710A and VP 710ACE measure 43.2 cm wide by 43.8 cm long by 19 cm high and fit into most incubators.   The Stir deck weighs 20.4 kg.

The designation "CE" on the catalog number of stirrers indicates the international version designed to operate on 230 Volts at 50 hertz.  The international versions have passed rigorous testing and are CE compliant.  All of the motors and controls used in the Alligator Tumble Stirrer are rated for continuous rugged usage and are maintenance free.  So if you need to stir for long periods of time this system won't quit on you.

The VP 710A and VP 710ACE Rotary Tumble Stirrer models simultaneously stirs 3 layers of 9 microplates - 27 total or 2,592 specimens in 96 well microplates or 13, 824 specimens in 384 well microplates. The VP 710ACE is equipped with an 230 volt 50 hertz international motor and controller. These models are capable of spinning the stir elements at speeds up to 900 RPM.  The high speed tumbling action is great for many applications especially if you want to stir the contents of deep well microplates.  The ability to turn the stir elements over 900 RPM in the same direction, creates significant fluid movement. This fluid movement and the physical interaction with the stir elements is ideal for resuspending dried extracts, mixing viscous reagents and keeping organisms or beads in suspension in deep well microplates. 

LEASE/OPTION TO BUY PROGRAM

The Alligator Tumble Stirrers are available on a lease/option to buy program.  This allows you to do Proof of Principle experiments to see if Magnetic Tumble Stirring will work in your application.  If it works for you, then the first month lease payment is applied to the purchase price of any of our Stirrers.  The first month lease payment is only 10% of the purchase price.  If it doesn't work in your application just send it back to us.  (We don't get many back).  The second month lease is 50% of the purchase price and is NOT applicable to the purchase price of another stirrer. 

The new inexpensive VP 710C1 and VP 710T Alligator Tumble Stirrers have a 20% of the purchase price for the first month lease payment.   The second month lease payment is 40% of the purchase price and is NOT applicable to the purchase price of another stirrer. 

Inquire about lease terms mailto:sales@vp-scientific.com

Click here for a list of published articles that cite the products on this page.

  Deck Top Stirrers

VP 710E-2 & VP 710E-2CE

In response to heavy demand for a low profile Rotary Magnetic Tumble Stirrer (7.62 cm high) that can fit on the deck of many workstations (see photo) we developed the VP 710E-2 and the VP 710E-2CE international version. This Stirrer is 97.3 cm long and 15.9 cm wide and can stir 5 microplates at time or 20 if you stack them.  The Stir deck weighs 16.33 kg.

These Stirrers, with their 900 RPM speed, are ideal for mixing in 96 deep well microplates or racks of glass vials containing chemical libraries.  This Alligator Tumble Stirrer fits comfortably on the deck of a Tecan Genesis robotic workstations and can be used to resuspend libraries of stored compounds prior to sampling.

We now offer as standard a Plate Holding Mask that attaches to the stir deck and immobilizes 5 plates that are 85 mm by 127 mm (Society for Bimolecular Screening standard).

If you have vial holders or objects of different dimensions that you wish to stir contact us for custom holding masks.

  Heating and Stirring

VP 710E-2HM

The VP 743A-1RM Heating Block with its Mica insulation replaces the VP 743A.  The VP 743A-1RM has three Mica insulation blocks on its underside that fit into pockets on the VP 710E-2HM Tumble Stirrer deck.  We also use Mica insulation on the deck of the VP 710E-2HM stirrer.  Both Mica surfaces serve to protect the tumble stirrer from the 200C heat.  The VP 743A-1RM uses an RTD probe to determine the temperature.  RTD probes are not sensitive to magnetic field sweeps and therefore are preferable for magnetic stirring operations.

The three Mica insulation blocks on the bottom of the VP 743A-1RM are shown in the figure on the right.

The VP 743A-1RM can be used to heat three polypropylene microplates, deep well plates, or racks of glass vials from 25C to 200C.  The temperature is determined +/- 1C by a Watlow controller and a thermocouple?. It requires 115 volts at 4.6 amps to power four cartridge heaters.  It will bring water to a boil in 8 minutes and the block up to 200C in 15 minutes.  The outside dimensions of the block including the insulation are 60.7cm long by 12.4 cm wide by 6.6 cm high.  With the lid in place, it is 7.3 cm high.

The three cavities of the heat block are separated by an aluminum web.  Each cavity is 12.8 cm long by 8.6 cm wide by 3.5 cm deep.  The bottoms of the wells or vials are only 2.4 cm above the stir deck for maximum magnetic coupling. The VP 743A-1RM was designed to be used with the VP 710E-2HM series of Alligator Tumble Stirrers.

Designed to meet the high temperature requirements of chemists to heat and stir reactions, the VP 743A-1RM Heating Block  is constructed of anodized aluminum and has a lid that can be screwed into place to seal cap matts onto deep well microplates.

VP 710E-2HM-1 with Heat Dividers

The VP 710E-2HM-1 Tumble Stirrer includes Mica dividers to insulate each bay from its neighbors and also to protect the magnetic cylinder from heat given off by the heat blocks.  This stirrer works well for solubility studies in which 3 different temperatures are needed while continuously mixing.

Heat blocks, such as the VP 741A-RM-B as shown here, each have an SBS-sized Mica block on the bottom.  Note that the Mica surface on the VP 710E-2HM-1 deck has SBS- sized pockets machined into it to hold the heat blocks or other SBS features such as microplates or deep well plates.    

VP 710SM4PH

The VP 710SM4PH Smart Motor Tumble Stirrer has a 30 cm magnetic stirred area and a motor that is under computer control [, 115V - 60HZ, Includes Software, ].  The deck includes Mica insulation to protect the magnetic cylinder from the 200 C heat blocks placed on the deck.  The magnetic cylinder is made from special 150 C-resistant 42 MGO magnets. 

The VP 741A-RM-B Heat Block is for heating deep well microplates, standard microplates, or racks of vials or tubes.  This heat block has a special design that minimizes the eddy current phenomena resulting from large masses of aluminum.  The Mica block on the bottom prevents heat transfer to the Tumble Stirrer.

The VP 741BW-R-MICA Heating Block is for heating standard well microplates.  This smaller heat block is compatible with robotic plate handlers.  The Mica block on the bottom prevents heat transfer to the Tumble Stirrer.

Heat blocks with SBS-sized Mica blocks on the bottom.  Note that the Mica on the
VP 710SM4PH deck has SBS-sized pockets machined into it to hold the heat blocks or other SBS features such as microplates or deep well microplates. 

  Super Magnet Tumble Stirrer

VP 710S - HEATING BLOCK VERSION

The Super Tumble Stirrer (VP 710S) was built to stir heated reactions at great distance from the stir deck.  This ability allows for the use of thick aluminum reaction blocks while maintaining the power to mix viscous solutions.  We built the strongest and largest permanent magnet imaginable and then coupled it to our rotary motor stirring assembly.  The result is a Super Tumble Stirrer that will stir the most viscous reactions and wipe out all your credit cards.  It will mix water 19.5 cm off the deck, 100% glycerol 17.5 cm off the deck and pure honey 4.5 cm off the deck.   See the graph above for stirring viscous solutions.

Although it was designed for heating blocks it can also be used to stir microplates.  There is space to stack 4 microplates on the deck and then stir them when they are stacked several plates high.  If you want to stir microplates we suggest you order the VP 710S1 modification which is designed to stir a foot print of 7 microplates.

The deck is insulated against heat up to 180°C  and a cooling fan keeps the motor within operating specifications.  The overall dimension of the unit are 18.4 cm wide, 71.4 cm long, 33.3 cm tall.  The dimensions of the stir deck are 18.4 cm wide, 34 cm long and 18 cm tall.

VP 710S1 - MICROPLATE VERSION

The microplate version of the Super Tumble Stirrer (VP 710S1) uses the same magnetic cylinder as the VP 710S.  It was designed to accommodate either 4 (VP 710S1M2) or 7 (VP 710S1) microplate positions on the deck.  This version is ideally suited to stirring viscous solutions in microplates.  A total of 57 standard microplates can be stacked on the deck of the VP 710S1 and stirred.  The proximity of the microplate stack to the magnetic cylinder determines the height of the stack that can be stirred.   The center 3 positions (#1, #2 and #3) are located directly over the 45 MGO magnetic cylinder and the side positions (#4,#5,#6 and #7) are farther away from the magnetic cylinder.  Position #2 will stir a stack of 13 microplates with VP 711 stir bars, positions #1 and #3 will stir a stack of 10 microplates each, positions #4, #5, #6 and #7 will stir a stack of 6 microplates each. 
 

The VP 710S1 is fitted with a series of notches in the deck that allow cable ties to be used to hold the stacks of microplates securely on the deck.
 

The overall dimensions of the unit are 34.3 cm wide, 71.4 cm long, 24.1 cm tall.

Download Video of VP 710S1 in action
(mpeg movie- 1.5MB)

Press the play button to view the video in a flash format, flash must be installed, or click the download link to download a mpeg version.

NEW VP 710S2

The new VP 710S2 is identical to the VP 710S1 in every way except the strength of the magnet (even the price is the same).  It uses a much stronger 48 MGO magnet and can stir a total of 115 standard microplates using VP 711D Stir Bars.  The center 3 positions (#1,#2 and #3) will each stir a stack of 16 microplates each and the 4 outside positions (#4, #5, #6 and #7) will each stir a stack of 16 microplates.  The VP 710S2 will replace the VP 710S, VP 710S1 and VP 710S1M2.  Contact us with your preference of deck orientation or if you want to place a heating block on the deck of a VP 710S2.

  Mini Tumble Stirrer

VP 710F & VP 710FCE & VP 710FD4

This is the smallest of our Rotary Magnetic Tumble Stirrers (VP 710F and       VP 710FCE).  It is powered by a variable speed DC motor on a 5 foot long flexible drive shaft (longer or shorter drive shafts are available).  This flexible drive model was designed to produce the smallest stir deck footprint possible (18.8 cm long, 11.0 cm deep and 5 cm tall).   The stir deck weighs only 1.8 kg.   A small footprint is a key feature for placing it on the deck of a workstation where space is at a premium. The flexible drive shaft allows us to place the bulky motor and control systems at a distance and also allows the Mini Tumble Stir Deck to be moved about on the work station with ease.  Its profile is only 5 cm high so it can be accommodated by the "z" limitations of most robotic pipetting work stations.  It can also be mounted under the deck of certain robotic work stations.  It can stir one deep well microplate or one tumble trough at a time.  Its top speed is 1000 RPM and it can fit on the deck of most workstations.  Up to 4 regular microplates can be stacked on top of each other and mixed at the same time.

  ***NEW***
  Mini "Smart Motor" Alligator Tumble Stirrer

VP 710SM

The latest in Alligator Tumble Stirrers is the VP 710SM or "Smart Motor" series.  These Tumble Stirrers are powered by a Servo Motor with a "brain" built into it.  It has an RS 232 port built into the motor and can be controlled by a computer or  programmed  and operate simple programs independent of a computer.  This flexibility of remote intelligent control as well as the small foot print makes this a very versatile stirrer.  It is provided with threaded attachment holes so it can be mounted under most robotic work stations.   This feature allows the user to make a simple modification to the work station deck in order to accommodate the Smart Alligator Tumble Stirrer.

The length of the area to be stirrer can be varied for custom applications.  The standard dimensions including motor length are 27.7 cm long, 5.7 cm wide by 7.1 tall with a stirred area of 14 cm long.  The stir deck weighs only 2.2 kg.  This stirred area is designed to stir one microplate footprint in "portrait"  or 2 microplates in "landscape".  Standard microplates can stacked on top of each other 4 high and still be stirred.  Max number of plates to be stirred is 8.

The VP 710SM can be made with longer or shorter lengths (longer or shorter area to be magnetically stirred) on a custom basis to fit your application or space requirements as demonstrated in the photo to the right.  This custom stirrer has a stirred area of 9 cm.

The VP 710SM is powered by a 28 oz-in torque motor.

Easily integrate "Smart Motor" tumble stirrers with your robotic systems and applications by using the provided software library.  The software library and documentation can be found here.

The VP 710SM has a removable microplate deck that will hold either one microplate in the portrait position or two plates in the landscape position.   See photos to the right

This version of the VP 710SM attaches to a Beckman ALP and illustrates how it will stir one of our Bubble Paddle reservoirs.

An alternate version of the deck will hold either one plate in the “portrait” position or one plate in the “landscape” position. The photos on the right illustrate the flexibility of this design.

Also note in the photo to the right that a VP 581B can be attached to the bottom of the VP 710SM making placement on a robotic deck easy. The VP 581B is the same dimension as a microplate thus facilitating the placement of the VP 710SM on the robot deck using a microplate deck position.

VP 710SM-1

The VP 710SM-1 was designed to fit into smaller spaces and to be computer controlled.

The latest in Alligator Tumble Stirrers is the VP 710SM-1 or "Smart Motor" series.  These Tumble Stirrers are powered by a Servo Motor with a "brain" built into it.  It has an RS 232 port built into the motor and can be controlled by a computer or  programmed  and operate simple programs independent of a computer.  This flexibility of remote intelligent control as well as the small foot print makes this a very versatile stirrer.  It is provided with threaded attachment holes so it can be mounted under most robotic work stations.   This feature allows the user to make a simple modification to the work station deck in order to accommodate the Smart Alligator Tumble Stirrer.

Specifications:
Motor and power supply
Length = 58.42 mm
Width = 57.15 mm
Height = 77.47 mm

Tumble Stir Deck
Length = 250.90 mm
Width = 57.15 mm
Height = 57.15 mm

The photo to the right demonstrates the VP 750P-ECON-3 being used with a
VP 710SM-1.

VP 710SM-1-2

The latest in Alligator Tumble Stirrers is the VP 710SM-1-2 or "Smart Motor" series.  These Tumble Stirrers are powered by a Servo Motor with a "brain" built into it.  It has an RS 232 port built into the motor and can be controlled by a computer or  programmed  and operate simple programs independent of a computer.  This flexibility of remote intelligent control as well as the small foot print makes this a very versatile stirrer.  It is provided with threaded attachment holes so it can be mounted under most robotic work stations.   This feature allows the user to make a simple modification to the work station deck in order to accommodate the Smart Alligator Tumble Stirrer.

The VP 710SM-1-2 was designed for use in small spaces and for powering our Bubble Paddle Reservoirs.

Specifications:
Motor and power supply
Length = 58.42 mm
Width = 57.15 mm
Height = 77.47 mm
 

Tumble Stir Deck
Length = 149 mm
Width = 57.15 mm
Height = 57.15 mm

VP 710SM-1-2CE

The VP 710SM-1-2CE is our 230 volt CE compliant version of the VP 710SM-1-2.

VP 710SM3P

The  most powerful of the "Smart Motor" Tumble Stirrers is the VP 710SM3P.  It is designed to stir a 3 plate foot print and easily fits under the "Alp" microplate holders on many robot decks.  Plates can be stacked 6 high on this system so that 18 plates can be stirred at the same time.

The VP 710SM3P is powered by a rugged 210 oz-in torque motor.  If you want a heavy duty continuous stirring system on your robot deck this is the unit for you.

All of the above Smart Motor Tumble Stirrers have features that allow them to be easily mounted onto or under surfaces.
 

Easily integrate "Smart Motor" tumble stirrers with your robotic systems and applications by using the provided software library.  The software library and documentation can be found here.

  ***NEW***
  Inexpensive Alligator Tumble Stirrer

VP 710C1

The newest and least expensive of our Tumble Stirrers is the VP 710C1. 

The VP 710C1 is made by encasing the motor in ABS plastic and attaching a dual plate holder to the stir deck of a VP 710C.    It is designed to stir 1 (portrait)  or 2 (landscape) plate foot prints and easily fits directly on many robot decks.    Plates can be stacked 6 high (76 mm) in the landscape position on this system so that up to 12 Standard plates or 4 deep well microplates can be stirred at the same time.  Standard plates can be stacked 8 high (127 mm) or 3 high with deep well plates in the portrait position.  The standard dimensions are 40.1 cm long, 8.9 cm wide by 7.7 cm tall with a stirred area of 14 cm long and 11 cm wide.  The plate holder is 20.3 cm long and 13.8 cm wide. 

The skin of the stirrer is made of ABS plastic and will tolerate Heating Blocks with temperatures up to 60C.   We suggest you use the VP 710G11H when used with higher temperature Heating Blocks or contact us for custom solutions.

The VP 710C1 is powered by a 50 oz-in torque DC Brush Servo Motor.  This is designed for intermittent stirring applications.  For heavy duty, long duration stirring applications, many other models are available.

The plate holder is designed so that the customer can use it either for one microplate or two.  This is accomplished by machining pockets in the holder that accommodate both positions and securely hold the plate(s) in position. 

The photo above illustrates the "portrait position".

The plate holder is designed to maintain the plate(s) in the center of the optimal stirring area.

The photo to the right illustrates the "landscape position".

The VP 710C1 have features that allow them to be easily mounted onto or under surfaces.

The VP 710C1 stirrer is also available in a CE compliant version - VP 710C1CE.

  ***NEW***
  Robot Compatible Alligator Tumble Stirrer

VP 710C1-7

The VP 710C1-7 is a "robot friendly" version of the VP 710C1.    In order to make a more robot friendly Tumble Stirrer we needed to provide more space between the two microplates so that robotic Plate handlers could have easy access to the microplates.  This required a longer magnetic cylinder (7 inches as opposed to 6 inches) on the VP 710C1.

Plates can be stacked 6 high (76 mm) in the landscape position on this system so that up to 12 Standard plates or 4 deep well microplates can be stirred at the same time.  Standard plates can be stacked 8 high (127 mm) or 3 high with deep well plates in the portrait position.  The standard dimensions are 43 cm long, 8.9 cm wide by 7 cm tall with a stirred area of 17.8 cm long and 11 cm wide.  The plate holder is 24.8 cm long and 15.4 cm wide. 

The skin of the stirrer is made of ABS plastic and will tolerate Heating Blocks with temperatures up to 60C.   We suggest you use the VP 710G11H when used with higher temperature Heating Blocks or contact us for custom solutions.

The VP 710C1-7 is powered by a 50 oz-in torque DC Brush Servo Motor.  This is designed for intermittent stirring applications.  For heavy duty, long duration stirring applications, many other models are available.

In addition to the greater length and plate handler separation between plates, the plate holder on the VP 710C1-7 is designed with chamfered edges that are easier for a plate handler to hit.   The stir deck can also be configured to accept 2 plates in the landscape position and 1 in the portrait position.

The VP 710C1-7 have features that allow them to be easily mounted onto or under surfaces.

The VP 710C1-7 stirrer is also available in a CE compliant version - VP 710C1-7CE.

Download Video
(mpeg movie- 4.5MB)

Download Video
(mpeg movie- 4MB)

Press the play button to view the video in a flash format, flash must be installed, or click the download link to download a mpeg version.

  ***NEW***
 Rotary Magnetic Tumble Stirrer

VP 710D

The VP 710D is a versatile stirrer that can be used in many ways and measures only 6.4 x 6.4 x 17.8 cm. It can be used as a tumble stirrer to mix bubble paddles, as a lateral vortex stirrer to stir multiple containers, or simply as a very powerful conventional stirrer. The stirrer utilizes a gear-head motor driving a 1 inch 48 MGO Neodymium Iron Boron magnet, with a maximum 1400 RPM without any load.

The compact profile of the VP 710D allows for easy integration onto robotic platforms where space is limited. Additional accessories can be added to the VP 710D to enhance versatility such as adding an SBS deck or base, a rack to hold tubes, vials or bottles, or a stand for larger carboys.

The picture to the right shows the VP 710D with additional bracket accessories (not included) to strap a bottle in place for mixing.

Download video of VP 710D
(mpeg movie-21MB)

  ***NEW***
 Magnetic Tumble Stirrer

VP 710D-1

The VP 710D-1 is a robotic version of the VP 710D that utilizes the compact size (measures 6.4 x 6.4 x 17.8 cm) of the VP 710D with an SBS footprint and deck. Because of the compact size, it can be easily integrated with robotic platforms where space is limited. The VP 710D-1 is ideal for mixing bubble paddle reservoirs for keeping cells, beads, or slurries in uniform suspension while pipetting. It is compatible with our 8, 12, 96, and 384 format bubble paddles

VP 710D2

The Multi Stirrus™ is a versatile stirrer that is compact (20 x 5 x 5 cm) and can be used in many ways. As a Tumble Stirrer, it powers Bubble Paddle Reservoirs for keeping cells, beads, and other particulates in suspension. When stood upright it becomes a powerful conventional Stir Plate, or it can stir multiple containers such as bottles, tubes, and vials as a Lateral Vortex Stirrer. The Multi Stirrus™ utilizes a 48 MGO Neodymium Iron Boron drive magnet that spins up to 1400 RPM.

The compact profile of the stirrer allows easy integration on robotic platforms where space is limited. Accessories are provided so you can choose the type of stirring needed for your application, or buy all for maximum versatility. Accessories currently include an SBS Reservoir holder, other holders for non-SBS Reservoirs, and a stand to hold the stirrer upright.

Applications:

• Keep beads, cells, or particulates in suspension while pipetting
• Stir viscous liquids or make emulsions
• Stir multiple containers simultaneously
• Thoroughly stir solutions with powerful vortex

Features:

• Versatile, economical, and compact Stirrer
• Use as Tumble Stirrer for Bubble Paddle Stirring
• Use as Lateral Vortex Stirrer to stir multiple bottles, tubes, or vials
• Use as a powerful Conventional Stir Plate Similar to our Mini Stirrus™
• Fits easily on robotic workstations
• Available in CE compliant format

Click here to Download Video of VP 710D2
(mpeg movie - 288MB)

Accessories for Multi Stirrus™ Magnetic Stirrer

The SBS feature and compact size of the Multi Stirrus™ allows for easy integration on robotic platforms. It is ideal for mixing our Bubble Paddle Reservoirs for keeping cells, beads, or other particulates in uniform suspension while pipetting. These Reservoirs allow pipetting in single channel, 8 channel, 12 channel, 96 well, and 384 well formats. The accessories provided allow use in multiple ways for maximum versatility in every lab.

VP 710D2-1

Accessory holder for the VP 756A series Bubble Paddle Reservoirs. Similar holders can be made for any of our Bead/Cell Bubble Paddle Reservoirs.

Bead/Cell Mixing Bubble Paddle Reservoirs
For precision distribution, our Bubble Paddle Reservoirs keep resins, SPA beads, glass beads, and cells in suspension while being pipetted to multiple locations such as wells of microplates. Use of these Reservoirs also results in the smallest dead volume possible, an important factor when reagents are expensive. The V&P Scientific Bubble Paddle Reservoir mixing systems provide a simple and economical way to keep your particulates in suspension when used with the versatile Multi Stirrus™.

VP 710D2-2

Accessory holder to hold SBS-dimensioned reservoirs (127.7 mm X 85.5 mm). Also, an accessory SBS feature attached beneath the Stirrer facilitates adaptation to robot decks.

VP 581D

Accessory SBS feature attached beneath the Stirrer facilitates adaptation to robot decks.

For more information on the VP 710D2 please see the Multi Stirrus™ page.

  ***NEW***
  Convert Alligator Tumble Stirrer to Vortex Lateral Tumble Stirrer

VP 708-CON

This video demonstrates VP 708-CON and how to turn a VP 710C1 tumble stirrer into a vortex stirrer with it.  Just remove the microplate deck from a a VP 710C1 and place it in the VP 708-CON and you are ready to mix by vortex stirring.
 

Download video of Tumble Stirrer to Vortex Stirrer using VP 708-CON
(mpeg movie- 21MB)

The photo to the right illustrates how easy it is to reconfigure the decks to accommodate standard microplates, deep well microplates or test tube racks.

The photo to the right demonstrates the vast diversity of containers the VP 708-CON is able to accommodate.

The photo to the right shows the large mixing area around the VP 708-CON.  This allows for the mixing many vessels at once.
 

This video demonstrates the VP 708-CON and its wide variety of mixing capabilities.

Download Video VP 708-CON
(mpeg movie- 16MB)

Press the play button to view the video in a flash format, flash must be installed, or click the download link to download a mpeg version. 

  Alligator Tumble Stirrer For The Beckman FX

VP 710C1-ALPFX

One of our customers wanted use our VP 750 Bubble Paddle Stirrer on his FX and asked us how we could make that happen.  The photo on the right illustrates how we made some simple modifications to a VP 710C1 and mounted it on its side under one of our FXALP-PM plate holders for the FX and placed the VP 750-PTFE on top.  An easy instillation that does not take away other plate positions.  Depending upon your application a variety of other Bubble Paddle Reservoirs, microplates with Stir Elements or  syringes with Stir Elements could be placed on the FXALP.

One of the advantages of the FXALP-PM is that Bubble Paddles reservoirs can be locked into a fixed position.

The new designation for the modified Tumble Stirrer is the VP 710C1-ALPFX.  It is made by encasing the motor in ABS plastic and placing mounting holes and bracket on the sides instead of the top.    It is designed to stir 1 (portrait) position.    Plates can be stacked 4 high (48 mm) in this position.  The standard dimensions are 40.1 cm long, 7.7 cm wide by 8.9 cm tall with a stirred area of 14 cm long and 11 cm wide.

The skin of the stirrer is made of ABS plastic and will tolerate Heating Blocks with temperatures up to 60C.   We suggest you use the VP 710G11H when used with higher temperature Heating Blocks or contact us for custom solutions.

The VP 710C1-ALPFX is powered by a rugged 50 oz-in torque DC Brush Servo Motor.  If you want a utility duty intermittent stirring system under your FX ALP this is the unit for you.

VP OK21 & VP OK22 Kits

The VP OK21 and VP OK22 differ in that the VP OK22 is the CE version which allows for use with countries that use 230volt electricity.

These kits consist of:

  VP 710C1-ALPFX or VP 710C1-ALPFXCE
  FXALP-PM

  VP 750PTFE

  VP 581B (modified to attach to VP 750PTFE)

VP 710C1-FXALP2W

One of our customers wanted use both our VP 750 and VP 756A Bubble Paddle Stirrers on his FX and asked us how we could make that happen.   Because the long axis of the Bubble Paddles has to be parallel to the long axis of the Tumble Stirrer in order for the Bubble Paddles to spin it is essential to be able to change the Tumble Stirrer axis of orientation to match each Bubble Paddle reservoir.  The photos on the right illustrate how we made some simple modifications to a VP 710C1-FXALP and to our FXALP-PM plate holders (FXALP-PM2W) for the FX so the stirrer can be mounted either in the x or y axis of the FXALP-PM2W and all of our bubble paddle reservoirs can be accommodated.   It is an easy operation to change the Tumble Stirrer orientation.  

Another advantage of the FXALP-PM2W is that Bubble Paddles reservoirs or their SBS blocks can be locked into a fixed position.

The new designation for the modified Tumble Stirrer is the VP 710C1-FXALP2W.  It is made by encasing the motor in ABS plastic and placing mounting holes and bracket on the sides instead of the top.    The standard dimensions are 40.1 cm long, 7.7 cm wide by 8.9 cm tall with a stirred area of 14 cm long and 11 cm wide.

The skin of the stirrer is made of ABS plastic and will tolerate Heating Blocks with temperatures up to 60C.   We suggest you use the VP 710G11H when used with higher temperature Heating Blocks or contact us for custom solutions.

The VP 710C1-FXALP2W is powered by a rugged 50 oz-in torque DC Brush Servo Motor.  If you want a utility duty intermittent stirring system under your FX ALP this is the unit for you.

VP 710C1-M

Also available in a CE compliant format as the VP 710C1-MCE

VP 710C1-M-KIT

The VP 710C1-M-KIT is built around the versatile VP 710C1-M Rotary Magnetic Tumble Stirrer.  The kit comes with 3 different accessories to attach the Tumble Stirrer to various robotic decks.   One element of the kit is the VP 581B-2 which when attached to the bottom of the VP 710C1-M allows the Tumble Stirrer to precisely positioned on the deck of many different robot platforms (including the Tecan Evo, Caliper Sciclone, Hamiliton Microlab, Star and many others).

The VP 581-PE shown in the photo to the right, when attached to the bottom of the VP 710C1-M allows the Tumble Stirrer to be precisely positioned on the deck of the PerkinElmer EP3 and Janus Robots using the same pins as the deck tiles of these Robots. 

The VP 710C1-M also comes equipped with a microplate holder that will accommodate one plate in portrait and two in landscape position.

The FXALPS-PMS shown in the photo to the right, when attached to the VP 710C1-M allows the Tumble Stirrer to be precisely positioned on the deck of the Beckman FX and NX Robots using the same pins as the ALPs of these Robots. 

In cases where the Tumble Stirrer needs to be balanced we have provided a leveling  glide (arrow).

Also available in a CE compliant format as the VP 710C1-MCE-KIT

  **NEW**
  Tumble Stirrer For High Temperature Heating Blocks

VP 710G6HHT

The VP 710G6HHT is equipped with a tachometer to determine RPM and made using a heat resistant PEEK, Torlon and polycarbonate casing to protect the stirrer from the temperature of a 200 C heating block (VP 741A).  The stirrer is equipped with a fan to cool the motor.  The PEEK deck is further protected by an insulating ceramic barrier on the bottom of the heat block.  The deck contains two locating pins that hold a VP 741A heating block in place.   Vials or microplates can be heated and stirred in this system.     The outside deck dimensions are 55.9 cm long, 12.7 cm wide by 6 cm tall with a stirred area of 15.3 cm long and 11 cm wide.

The VP 710G6HHT is powered by a rugged 50 oz-in torque DC Brush Servo Motor using a 5:1 gear head.  If you want a utility duty intermittent stirring system that can stir a 200C heat block, this is the unit for you.

The photo to the right illustrates that this stirrer can also be used to stir 2 microplates in the landscape position, without the heat block being present.

The VP 710G6HHT comes equipped with a tachometer to  accurately determine the speed of stirring in RPM up to 9999.  Top speed for the VP 7106GHHT with no load is 1050 RPM.

Also available in a CE compliant format as the VP 710G6HHTCE
 

VP 710G6HHTCE

The VP 710G6HHTCE is our 230 volt CE compliant version of the VP 710G6HHT.

The photo on the right shows a VP 710G6HHT retrofitted to work with an air motor.  One of our customers required a non-electrical solution to mixing and heating microplates.  Therefore, we developed this tumble stirrer which can be used in a hazardous environment and is explosion proof. 

Another advantage of the air motor is they are more rugged than the brush motors used in the VP 710G6HHT and can be operated 7/24/365.  

The VP 710G11HM Tumble Stirrer provides a number of important features:

• Rugged motor that allows stirring against sigificant resistant forces.
• Protection from heat up to 200°C.
• Longer drive magnet so that 2 SBS-dimensional labware items, such as V&P's Heating and Chilling Blocks, as well as microplates and tube/vial racks, can be stirred.

The VP 710G11HM’s stirring zone is 25.4 cm (10 inches) in length. Its stirring deck is made of Mica insulation, which protects the magnetic cylinder from the V&P Heating Blocks used for simultaneous stirring and heating. Mica insulation itself is capable of withstanding temperatures greater than 500°C and thus is an excellent insulator.

The Mica deck also has SBS-sized pockets similar to theVP 710SM4PH. These pockets are designed to hold the SBS-sized Mica blocks attached to the underside of V&P Heating Blocks both in the VP 741A series and VP 741B series. Other items with SBS dimensions such as standard microplates, deepwell plates and tube/vial racks can also be placed in the Mica pockets.

The VP 710G11HM is powered by the same motor used in our VP 710G6 stirrer, a rugged 50 oz-in torque DC brush servo motor using a 5:1 gear head. This motor will work against significant resistant forces such as highly viscous samples and in locations nearby to large iron or aluminum objects.

  **NEW**
  "Smart Motor" Tumble Stirrer For High Temperature Heating Blocks

VP 710SM-HT

The VP 710SM-HT is powered by a rugged 210 oz-in torque Smart Motor.  If you want a heavy duty continuous stirring system that is insulated for heat heating block applications this is the unit for you.  The stirrer body is made using heat resistant  Torlon.  The deck area under the heat block has an additional insulating ceramic barrier and a clear polycarbonate "roof" is used to protect the motor from heat radiating from the heat block.  This system will protect the magnets, deck, housing and motor from 200C heat blocks (VP 741A or VP 741BWR). 

The deck area is designed with a pocket of SBS dimensions that allows you to secure the heat block into pocket via 4 locking thumb screws.  See arrows in the photo to the right.
 

Easily integrate "Smart Motor" tumble stirrers with your robotic systems and applications by using the provided software library.  The software library and documentation can be found here.

The VP 710SM-HT also comes in a CE complaint 230 volt 50 HZ version the
VP 710SM-HTCE.

The VP 710SM-HT also comes with our standard stirrer microplate deck holder for none heat block applications.  See the first photo and the photo to the right.

 
  **NEW**
  Inexpensive Tumble Stirrer With
  More Torque And Greater Speed Control

VP 710G6

The VP 710G6 is a powerful Tumble stirrer used to work against significant resistant forces.  We combine the utility of the VP 710C1 with an efficient 5 to 1 gear head to produce the force to spin the magnetic cylinder even when it is in close proximity to a  large iron object or a large aluminum block.   The added gear torque results in great control of the speed.

It is designed to stir 1 (portrait)  or 2 (landscape) plate foot prints and easily fits directly on many robot decks.    Plates can be stacked 6 high (76 mm) in the landscape position on this system so that up to 12 Standard plates or 4 deep well microplates can be stirred at the same time.  Standard plates can be stacked 8 high (127 mm) or 3 high with deep well plates in the portrait position.  The dimensions are 47.2 cm long, 8.9 cm wide by 7.1 cm tall with a stirred area of 14 cm long and 11 cm wide.  The plate holder is 20.3 cm long, 13.8 cm wide and 6.6 cm tall. 

The skin of the stirrer is made of ABS plastic and will tolerate Heating Blocks with temperatures up to 60C.

The VP 710G6 is also available in a CE compliant version for sale to Europe, VP 710G6CE

VP 710G6

This VP 710G6 has been modified by adding a VP 581A (an SBS microplate dimensioned polypropylene block) and screwing it to the bottom so the stirrer can be located on a robot deck title.  Note that we have also added another piece of polypropylene to the motor end of the stirrer to provide balance.  Note that when one plate is in the portrait position that that plate is exactly aligned with the deck title.

Specifications:
Overall
Length = 495 mm
Width = 89.50 mm
Height = 71 mm

Tumble Stir Deck
Length = 171.70 mm
Width =  127.70 mm
Height = 6.35 mm

  **NEW**
  Tumble Stirrer With Low Speed Control And Tachometer

VP 710MXL7T

The VP 710MXL7T is a powerful Tumble stirrer used to work against significant resistant forces at ultra low speeds.  We use a powerful Maxon motor with an efficient 74 to 1 gear head to produce a powerful low speed rotation that is necessary when stirring very viscous liquids or solids.  The gear ratio is designed to stir as low as 10 RPM and as high as 89 RPM.  A digital Tachometer and a digital display allow you to precisely control the speed of mixing.

It is designed to stir 1 (portrait)  or 2 (landscape) plate foot prints and easily fits directly on many robot decks.    Plates can be stacked 6 high (76 mm) in the landscape position on this system so that up to 12 Standard plates or 4 deep well microplates can be stirred at the same time.  Standard plates can be stacked 8 high (127 mm) or 3 high with deep well plates in the portrait position.  The dimensions are 47.0 cm long, 10.2 cm wide by 5.8 cm tall with a stirred area of 16.5 cm long and 13.5 cm wide.  The plate holder is 23.1 cm long, 13.8 cm wide and 7.5 cm tall. 

The skin of the stirrer is made of ABS plastic and will tolerate Heating Blocks with temperatures up to 60C.

The VP 710MXL7T is also available in a CE compliant version for sale to Europe, VP 710MXL7TCE

The Photo to right illustrates the "landscape" position which will accommodate two microplates.

  Vial Mixing on Tumble Stirrers

In addition to mixing in microplates our Tumble Stirrer also do a very good job mixing in vials and test tubes of every size.  We also make vial and test tube racks of polypropylene, PTFE. UHMW, HDPE, PVC, Delrin, ABS and aluminum. 
Link to vial racks.

  **NEW**
  Profile Table Mounted Tumble Stirrer

VP 710T

The VP 710T is the latest development in the Alligator Tumble Stirrers.  For Customers who want to incorporate the Magnetic Cylinder into their work station deck, simply attach the mounting brackets right to the Profile Table.  With many work stations there is ample room to accommodate even our largest motors.  The photo to the right illustrates the mounting system we used on a Tecan workstation.

The photo to the right illustrates how easy it is to mount the VP 710T to standard Profile Table aluminum extrusions or struts.

The photo to the right illustrates the simplicity of the VP 710T design with mounting brackets attaching the Stirrer Frame to a profile table.  One of our customers has even used this design to attach to a wooden table which was supporting their robot.

The photo to the right illustrates the simplicity of the VP 710T design as seen from the top.

The photo to the right illustrates the simplicity of the VP 710T design when viewed from the end.  Most robot platforms are hollow under the deck and our adjustable standoff feature allows the magnetic cylinder to be positioned into this hollow space just under the deck for maximum stirring efficiency.

The photo to the right shows the protective covering over the motor.

The photo to the right shows the protective covering over the motor.

The photo to the right shows a custom VP 710T with a 15inch magnetic cylinder.

The photo to the right show the VP 710T installed under a robotic deck.

  Tumble Stirrer For Chemspeed Robot

VP 710J

The VP 710J was designed to operate in Chemspeed Robot work station.  We have modified the design so the Stirrer will "hang" from the two side mounting rails on the Chemspeed's deck.  See photos below.  This design provides a very compact footprint that takes advantage of the narrow and deep space available within the robot deck.  The outer shell of the VP 710J is constructed of durable heat resistant polycarbonate and is compatible with our VP 741BW low profile robot deck heating block (see photos below).

The deck of the VP 710J is configured so it can hold microplates in either portrait or landscape orientations. Plates can be stacked 4 high (48 mm) in the landscape position on this system so that up to 8 Standard plates or 4 deep well microplates can be stirred at the same time.  Standard plates can be stacked 6 high (127 mm) or 3 high with deep well plates in the portrait position.

The VP 710J can also be used on a flat surface simply by placing it on its side and mounting the microplate deck on the side as illustrated in the photo to the right.

The photos to the right were taken with the VP 710J in a Chemspeed robot work station with one of our VP 741BW low profile heating blocks.  The ability to accommodate a heat block provides the capability to heat and stir samples at the same time on the robot deck.

VP 710J-1

The VP 710J-1 is a re-designed VP 710J which lowers the deck and allows for taller plates and or heat blocks to be used with the Stirrer/Chemspeed Robot.   This design provides a very compact footprint that takes advantage of the narrow and deep space available within the robot deck.  The outer shell of the VP 710J is constructed of durable heat resistant polycarbonate and is compatible with our VP 741BW low profile robot deck heating block (see photo to the right and below).
 

The VP 710J-1 also is available as a CE compliant version the 230 V, 50HZ
VP 710J-1CE.
 

VP 710J-1CE

The VP 710J-1CE was designed to fit on a Chemspeed robot and stir one heated microplate.  The VP 710J-1CE is illustrated in the photo on the right with a VP 741BW heating block to regulate the temperature in the microplates from ambient to 100C.  Also in the photo is our VP 700 smart switch for turning the power to accessories on and off. 

The VP 710J-1CE can stir 2 microplates in the landscape position.

VP 710CS

The VP 710CS was designed to fit into a Chemspeed robot deck enclosure and stir a rack of test tubes uniformily.

Download video of Tumble Stirrer to Vortex Stirrer in action
(mpeg movie- 14MB)

Press the play button to view the video in a flash format, flash must be installed, or click the download link to download a mpeg version. 

  **NEW**
  Air Motor Tumble Stirrer

  Magnetic Cylinders

  Dispensing Stir Elements Into Microplates

Stir elements are easily placed into microplates with our Dispenser Systems. See our pages on drop dispensers and flip dispensers. The stir elements can also be easily removed from the wells in a sterile procedure using a Magnetic Replicator and Loading/Unloading System. This ability also facilitates non-sterile applications where the stir elements need to be removed from the wells without contaminating neighboring wells. In addition, for those who wish to stir long term cultures and are concerned about evaporation of liquid from the edge wells we have developed a Humidity Box for the Microplate Magnetic Tumble Stirrer.

"The Scientist" published an article in the March 2, 1998 issue about the "truly unique" mixing features of the Alligator Tumble Stirrer.  The ability to stir in microplates facilitates the miniaturization of many different processes that were confined to test tubes simply because the process required physical mixing.  Previous attempts to physically mix in microplates using orbital shakers or vibratory means failed because of the small size of the wells.  Moreover when the mixing actions were increased, the liquid was often shaken from the wells.  The ability to simultaneously stir the contents of 3,456 wells in 96 well microplates or 13,104 wells in 384 well microplates on one stirrer opens the possibility of significantly increasing throughput by miniaturization of many different processes from synthesis to micro fermentations.  These new possibilities are also discussed in an article published in the March 1998 issue of American Laboratory News Edition, Volume 30 #7, page 10. 

All of the above applications done in deep well 384 microplates are most efficiently performed in the Magnetic Levitation Stirrers - VP 707A series or 707B series.

Tumble speed variable from 5 to 1000 revolutions per minute.

Operates on 115 volts and 1 amp current for USA models and 230 volts and .5 amp for international models.

  RPM Meter

VP 710-RPM

The VP 710-RPM is a battery powered hall sensor RPM Meter, which is useful in monitoring the speed of a tumble stirrer.  By placing it near any of V&P Scientific's Tumble Stirrers the current RPM speed of the stirrer will be displayed on the readout.

  Computer Controlled Operation

VP 710-3

Another optional feature for the VP 710 Rotary series of Tumble Stirrers is the ability and software to control on/off, speed, acceleration and timer function via a RS 232 Serial Port connection to a PC.  This optional feature must be installed at the factory as we are building the Tumble Stirrer.

VP 700A and VP 700A-4 - Programmable Smart Switch

A cost effective way to automate any of our Tumble Stirrers is to use one of our new Programmable Smart Switchs, VP 700A or VP 700A-4. Follow this link to see the VP 700A and VP 700A-4 webpage for more information.

  Heating Blocks

Several of our customers wanted to heat as they stirred their samples.  The commercially available heating blocks are not compatible with magnetic stirring because they position the samples too far above the stir deck or they contain ferrite elements that block the magnetic flux.  We have built robust Heating Blocks that have a very low profile with no ferrite materials.  This design minimizes the distance from the samples to the magnetic drive thus maximizing the stirring power.  

VP 741A

VP 741BW

VP 743A-1

  Endorsement

The following is the body of an e-mail sent to us by a very satisfied Tumble Stirring customer.
 

"Patty and Patrick-

There is a long, official process (read: involves Legal department) for allowing endorsements of products with _______'s and/or my name. However, I would be happy to share my personal feedback to you.  If you would like to refer this to anyone as unofficial information (ie, "It came from someone in Process R&D in major Pharma."), that would be great. At the least, you'll see exactly why I love these stirrers.

Feedback for the Tumble Stirrers is this: enabling technology. I am now enabled to create reaction blocks and customize them to robotic systems with great ease.  Why? The narrow deck height of the Tumble stirrers (even my larger strength units) combined with flexibility of alignment for the stirrers to the reaction vessels means I can use them almost anywhere.

The fact that I can use the same stirrer deck with any type/size of reactor simply by changing a mounting plate atop the stirrer deck gives me the kind of flexibility I require for parallel synthetic development of processes. That flexibility enables access to a wider range of projects (smaller scale) and a wider range of reaction conditions. I get more reactions per gram of starting material for evaluation of more diverse conditions, and I generate results faster because I run more of the experiments in parallel using the same amount of starting material. In one word, Tumble Stirring is enabling.

Oh, and the quality of agitation is fantastic for liquid-liquid mixes, slurries, or even oil suspensions.

Thanks again for this terrific product.

D____."

Click here for a list of published articles that cite using the products on this page.