Apparatus and methods for dispensing minute amounts of liquid

摘要

A dispensing apparatus is provided that dispenses minute quantities of liquid material, such as, for example, pharmaceutical suspensions, while maintaining substantial homogeneity of the suspension. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mixing device that stirs, agitates or otherwise imparts motion to the suspension that is contained in a reservoir. For example, a mixing device is realized in the form of a magnetic impeller, mixer or stirrer that is disposed within the suspension. A series of magnets external to the reservoir are rotated to produce a rotating magnetic field that induces rotation of the impeller.