I think you're thinking of a mini-vortexer. We use ours all the time
to mix tooth and rock powders with various reagents in preparation
for IRMS, especially when the samples have previously been
centrifuged. I have occasionally used it to homogenize powders. Ours
is like the one at this link:
http://www.vwrsp.com/catalog/product/index.cgi?catalog_number=58816-121&inE=1&highlight=58816-121
It came with both a flat pad and a cup-shaped top. We chose the
variable speed model. Very handy. Saves a lot of elbow pain.
~Penny
At 02:21 PM 9/5/2006, you wrote:
>Isogeochemists:
>
>I have a somewhat off the wall question. I am looking for a device
>that looks like a small rubber pad that vibrates to help mix samples
>in small tubes like microcentrifuge tubes. I've seen these used in
>TV shows like "CSI" but don't know what they are called and haven't
>had any luck finding them in catalogs. Although we are interested
>in homogenizing 200-1000 micrograms of dry powder once the powder is
>already in microcentrifuge tubes, I have seen these vibrating pads
>used on these shows to mix liquid samples or some "DNA-containing
>material" in what appears to be a solvent of some sort. Does anyone
>know what I'm talking about? Any help would be much appreciated.
>
>Steve
*******************************************************************
Dr. Pennilyn Higgins
Research Associate
"SIREAL"
Stable Isotope Ratios in the Environment Analytical Laboratory
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of Rochester
227 Hutchison Hall
Rochester, NY 14627
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Office: 209b Hutchison Hall Lab: 209 Hutchison Hall
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