Laboratory shaker with spill control

Abstract

A laboratory shaker having a shaker platform and a shaker mechanism operably connected to the shaker platform. The shaker mechanism is configured to oscillate the shaker platform and at least one liquid containing vessel supported on the platform. An overflow tray is positioned below the shaker platform having at least one aperture extending through the overflow tray. The at least one aperture is configured to permit operable connection of the shaker mechanism with the shaker platform through the aperture, wherein the overflow tray is configured to contain overflow liquid from the at least one liquid containing vessel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to laboratory shakers, and more specifically to thermostatic shakers, including platform shakers and track shakers. Background Technology

[0002] Thermostatic shakers, also known as heated shakers, are well-known in the art for providing automated mechanisms for mixing or agitating liquids in one or more containers under predetermined heating or refrigeration conditions within a thermostatic shaking chamber. These liquids are typically contained in beakers, flasks, and other containers placed on a horizontally oscillating shaking platform, commonly referred to as a platform shaker; or alternatively, moved in a circular shaking motion, commonly referred to as a track shaker. This rotation of the platform in a track shaker allows the platform to move in a circular motion, such that any point on the platform shares a common radius of rotation. Through this rotation, the thermostatic track shaker can uniformly agitate or mix liquids in multiple containers, regardless of the containers' position on the platform.

[0003] The movement of the platform within the shaker is provided by a shaking mechanism designed to move the platform with the desired motion and at the desired speed. The shaking mechanism is typically supported in the lower portion of the shaker housing and operatively connected to the shaking platform.

[0004] The shaking mechanism is typically controlled by a controller that receives various setting parameters for the shaking process from the user via a user interface. These setting parameters may include, for example, the shaking speed (RPM), the temperature of the thermostatic shaking chamber, and the shaking duration.

[0005] In some cases, a stirred or mixed liquid may leak from one or more containers and fall onto a portion inside the shaker during oscillation or orbital motion within the shaker. This may include situations where liquid spills from its container while the shaker platform is oscillating or rotating; liquid spills from a ruptured container or accidentally becomes loose from its clamps; or spills due to improper container operation when the shaker platform is stationary.

[0006] Due to the nature of the liquids being handled, it is important to remove all spills promptly and thoroughly to avoid potential contamination during future use of the shaker. For example, in some shakers, liquid spills may enter crevices within the shaker housing, making it difficult to ensure complete removal. This problem can be further complicated if spilled liquid contaminates non-removable parts of the shaker, making it difficult to thoroughly wipe and clean those parts.

[0007] Furthermore, releasing liquids into the environment inside the shaker may cause potential leaks in the mechanical and electrical aspects of the shaker, thereby introducing potential corrosion and a shortened subsequent usable lifespan of the shaker.

[0008] Therefore, in view of the aforementioned problems, there is a need for a laboratory shaker that allows for the efficient containment and removal of spilled liquid within the shaker. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention overcomes the aforementioned and other disadvantages and deficiencies of laboratory shakers known to date. While the invention will be discussed in conjunction with certain embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a laboratory shaker is provided, having a shaking platform and a shaking mechanism operatively connected to the shaking platform. The shaking mechanism is configured to oscillate the shaking platform and at least one liquid-containing container supported on the platform.

[0011] The principle aspect of the invention involves an overflow tray located below a shaking table platform, the overflow tray having at least one hole extending through it. The at least one hole is configured to allow operable connection between the shaking mechanism and the shaking table platform via the hole, wherein the overflow tray is configured to receive overflow liquid from at least one liquid container.

[0012] In one embodiment, the laboratory shaker is configured to oscillate with a circular shaking motion, but other rocking movements of the shaker platform may also be considered.

[0013] A laboratory shaker may include an insulated shaker chamber, in which the shaker platform and the overflow plate are each located within the insulated shaker chamber.

[0014] In one embodiment, a platform support is operatively connected to the shaking table mechanism, wherein the platform support is located below and operatively connected to the shaking table platform.

[0015] In one embodiment, during the oscillating movement of the shaking table platform, the platform support completely covers at least one hole extending through the overflow tray. Alternatively, during the oscillating movement of the shaking table platform, the platform support may at least partially cover at least one hole extending through the overflow tray.

[0016] The overflow tray can be removed from the laboratory shaker, allowing it to be sterilized separately.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the overflow tray includes a bottom collection region configured to receive overflow liquid from at least one liquid container. In one embodiment, the overflow tray may include a bottom wall defining the bottom collection region and an upright boss with a top wall formed in the bottom wall of the overflow tray. At least one hole extends through the top wall of the upright boss, and the upright boss may be at least partially surrounded by the bottom collection region.

[0018] In one embodiment, the upright boss includes a raised lip portion defining at least one hole extending through the top wall of the upright boss.

[0019] Other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily understood after reading the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a thermostatic shaker according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the pivot cover of the shaker in the closed position.

[0022] Figure 2 It is similar to Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the pivot cover of the shaker in the open position and a partial sectional view of the track-mounted shaker platform located within the thermostatic shaker chamber of the shaker.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the thermostatic shaker.

[0024] Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 2 However, the view shows the shaker housing assembly, pivot cover, and shaker platform disassembled, illustrating the overflow disk of the shaker according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Disassembly perspective view of a thermostatic shaker.

[0026] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of the overflow disk according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5B It is similar to Figure 5A A portion of the overflow pan's sidewall was disassembled to show a detailed view.

[0028] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the shaking table mechanism and platform support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The bottom perspective view of the shaking table mechanism shown.

[0030] Figure 8A yes Figure 7The image shows a bottom front view of the shaking mechanism, with arrows indicating the direction of the belt of the shaking mechanism when driven by the electric motor.

[0031] Figure 8B It is similar to Figure 8A The image shows a view of a shaking table platform that moves around a track in an increasing distance in a counterclockwise direction.

[0032] Figure 8C It is similar to Figure 8B The image shows a view of a shaking platform that moves around the track in an increasingly counterclockwise direction.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a thermostatic shaker according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Disassembly perspective view of the thermostatic shaker with the shaker housing assembly and pivot cover removed.

[0035] Figure 10A yes Figure 10 The perspective view of the overflow disk shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Now refer to the diagram, and specifically refer to it. Figures 1 to 4 This illustration shows a thermostatic shaker 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary shaker 10 includes a housing assembly 14 and a pivot cover 16, the pivot cover 16 being able to... Figure 2 The opening position shown is similar to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The shown closed positions are movable relative to housing assembly 14.

[0037] When in the closed position, the shaker 10 defines a thermostatic shaker chamber 18 enclosed within the housing assembly 14 and the pivot cover 16. For example... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the shaking table platform 20 is supported in a temperature-controlled chamber 18, and in one embodiment, includes a mounting configuration via threaded fasteners (not shown) such as... Figure 2 and Figure 9 The threaded hole or hole 22 of the container support of the spring bias clamp 24 shown in the figure Figure 2 An array of threaded fasteners, wherein the threaded fasteners extend downward from the clamp 24 and can be screwed into threaded holes 22 provided in the shaking table platform 20. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 9 As shown, the spring-biased clamp 24 is configured to removably secure a liquid-containing container, such as the flask 26 shown in the figure, to the platform 20 during a shaking process, which will be described in more detail below.

[0038] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the container 26 supported within the thermostatic chamber 18 may comprise flasks, beakers, bottles, test tubes and / or vials, or any other suitable container configured to contain liquid and typically used with a thermostatic shaker. Furthermore, it should be understood that the construction of the shaker platform 20 and / or container supports such as the spring-biased clamps 24 may be modified as generally understood by those skilled in the art for a particular shaking application without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0039] In order to make the pivot cap 16 in the open position ( Figure 2 ) and closing position ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 The cover 16, which is movable between the two positions, includes a handle 28 and a pair of opposing parallel links 30, which allow the user to move the cover 16 up and down by means of a spring mechanism (not shown). To ensure a proper seal when the cover 16 is moved to the closed position, a sealing gasket, such as a silicone rubber gasket 32, is disposed around the free peripheral edge of the cover 16, wherein the gasket 32 ​​is configured to engage in a sealing engagement with the opposing surface of the housing assembly 14 in the closed position.

[0040] In one embodiment, the thermostatic shaker 10 includes a front panel 34 with a user control display 36, which can be used by a user to set or program various parameters of the shaking process. The user control display 36 may include, for example: Figures 1 to 3 The illustrated flat panel touchscreen, or any other suitable device, such as a manual button or knob, or a wireless communication configured to receive various setting parameters from the user, may be used. These setting parameters may include, for example, but not limited to, the shaking speed (RPM), the temperature of the thermostatic shaker chamber, and the duration of the shaking process.

[0041] In one embodiment, the shaker 10 includes a controller (not shown) electrically connected to a user control display 36, and supports such as Figure 5 The rocking mechanism 38 in the lower part of the housing assembly 14 shown Figure 3 and Figure 5 (See Figure 8) and a temperature control system (not shown) supported in the rear portion of the thermostatic shaker 10. The temperature control system (not shown) includes heating and / or cooling components (not shown) that operate according to temperature parameters set by the user to maintain the thermostatic shaker chamber 18 at a desired temperature during the shaking process, which will be described in more detail below. A toggle power switch 40 is provided. Figure 1 The power supply to the thermostatic shaker 10 is controlled in a conventional manner.

[0042] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the shaking mechanism 38 is operatively coupled to a platform support 42, which supports the rotation of the track within the thermostatic shaking chamber 18. According to one embodiment, the shaking mechanism 38 and the platform support 42 are operatively coupled together by mechanical fasteners (not shown).

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the shaking platform 20 is mounted to the platform support 42 via mechanical fasteners (not shown), wherein the shaking platform 20 is positioned above the platform support 42 and at least partially covers or alternatively completely covers the platform support 42. In this way, rotation of the track of the platform support 42, applied by the shaking mechanism 38, causes a corresponding rotation of the track of the shaking platform 20, and the liquid container 26 is supported on the shaking platform 20, as will be described in more detail below.

[0044] For details, please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 7 The exemplary shaking mechanism 38 includes a drive motor 44 fixed to a motor mounting plate 46. The drive motor 44 meshes with a toothed belt 48, which drives a gear 50 fixed to the central shaft of a main eccentric bearing assembly 52. ​​The main eccentric bearing assembly 52 transmits its rotational movement to secondary eccentric bearing assemblies 54 and 56 via a triangular link 58. The main eccentric bearing assembly 52 and the secondary eccentric bearing assemblies 54 and 56 are attached to a drive cylinder bearing 60 located on the triangular link 58 via a cylindrical member 62 offset from the rotational axes of the main eccentric bearing assembly 52 and the secondary eccentric bearing assemblies 54 and 56. Through this linkage, the main eccentric bearing assembly 52 and the secondary eccentric bearing assemblies 54 and 56 rotate together in response to the operation of the drive motor 44. To reduce vibration in the shaking mechanism, a counterweight 64 is placed on the main eccentric bearing assembly 52.

[0045] The rotational movement of the triangular link 58 is transmitted to the platform support 42 via the connection with the partition 66. The partition 66 is fastened to both the platform support 42 and the triangular link 58 via fasteners (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the size of the partition 66 can be adjusted to accommodate other thermostatic shaker models.

[0046] Figures 8A to 8C This demonstrates the rotational movement of the shaking table mechanism 38 relative to the shaking table platform 20. (Example) Figure 8A As shown, the arrow indicates the direction of the belt 48 that drives the shaking table platform 20 in a counterclockwise direction. Figure 8B It is similar to Figure 8A A view showing the shaking table platform 20 rotating counterclockwise by an increasing distance. In this view, the rotation of the counterweight 64, the triangular connecting rod 58, the main eccentric bearing assembly 52, and the secondary eccentric bearing assemblies 54 and 56 can be seen. Similarly, Figure 8C Showing something similar Figure 8B The view shows the shaking platform 20 rotating counterclockwise by an additional incremental distance. In this way, the orbital rotation of the shaking platform 20 is achieved by the shaking mechanism 38, which applies a circular shaking motion to the container 26 to gently mix, blend, or agitate the liquid contained in the respective container 26.

[0047] During use of the thermostatic shaker 10, it is not uncommon for liquid to spill from one or more containers 26 during shaking operations. This may be due to the liquid overflowing from its container 26 while it is oscillating or rotating on the shaker platform 20. Liquid spillage within the thermostatic shaker 10 can also occur, for example, due to a broken container 26 or accidental loosening of its clamp 24, or due to improper operation of the container 26 when the shaker platform is stationary.

[0048] According to an aspect of the invention, the thermostatic shaker 10 includes an overflow disc 68 mounted within the thermostatic shaker chamber 18. Optionally, the overflow disc 68 may be detachable from the shaker 10 and may be made of corrosion-resistant metal or comprise a molded assembly made of a suitable synthetic material, wherein the overflow disc 68 is configured to contain overflow liquid to prevent the overflow liquid from submerging the lower portion of the housing assembly 14 or contacting the shaker mechanism 38 or any electronic components located within the thermostatic shaker 10.

[0049] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As best shown, the overflow tray 68 according to an exemplary embodiment includes a bottom wall 70 defining a bottom collection area 72, a pair of opposing and parallel side walls 74, a rear wall 76, and a front mounting portion 78 and a rear mounting portion 80. The bottom collection area 72 acts as a reservoir for receiving overflows that may pass through the orifice 22 of the shaker platform 20 or other overflows that may occur within the thermostatic shaker chamber 18. In one embodiment, the bottom collection area 72 may receive and contain up to 0.25 L (250 ml) of liquid. In an alternative embodiment, the bottom collection area 72 may receive and contain more than 0.5 L (500 ml) of liquid.

[0050] To prevent spillage from reaching the shaking mechanism 38, the bottom collection area 72 includes a recessed depression or trap (see...). Figure 3 The recess or well is surrounded by a continuous upright wall portion 82 around its entire perimeter. For example... Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the bottom wall 70 narrows upward into an upright boss 84, the upright boss 84 including a raised lip portion 86 defining a hole 88 extending through a top wall 89 of the boss 84. In one embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, all sides of the boss 84 are surrounded by the bottom collection area 72. Alternatively, the boss 84 may be at least partially surrounded by the bottom collection area 72.

[0051] In one embodiment of the invention, the aperture 88 is configured to allow operable connection between the shaking mechanism 38 and the shaking platform 20 via the aperture 88. In other words, the mechanical connection between the shaking mechanism 38 and the shaking platform 20 is adjusted via the aperture 88. The aperture 88 provides an opening through which the mechanical connection between the shaking mechanism 38 and the shaking platform 20 can be realized, and provides sufficient clearance for movement of the operable connection between the shaking mechanism 38 and the shaking platform 20 within the opening during the shaking process.

[0052] In such Figure 3 In one embodiment shown, the size of the aperture 88 is set and shaped such that it is configured to allow at least a portion of the shaking mechanism 38 to extend through the aperture 88, while also allowing the platform support 42 to extend over the entire aperture 88. Figure 3 As shown, the outer periphery of the platform support 42 includes a lower lip 90 that extends beyond the outer periphery of the raised lip portion 86 defining the aperture 88 throughout the entire rocking movement of the shaker platform 20. In this way, the platform support 42 completely covers the aperture 88 throughout the entire rocking movement of the shaker platform 20. Alternatively, the platform support 42 may partially cover the aperture 88 throughout the entire rocking movement of the shaker platform 20.

[0053] In the event of liquid spilling onto the platform support 42, the lower lip 90 of the platform support 42, in conjunction with the upright boss 84 and the raised lip portion 86, helps to redirect the liquid back into the bottom collection area 72 and out of the hole 88.

[0054] Although Figure 3 , Figure 5A as well as Figure 5B A single hole 88 is shown, but it should be understood that more than one hole may be provided, which extends through the bottom wall 70 of the overflow disk 68 and allows for operable connection between the shaker mechanism 38 and the shaker platform 20.

[0055] In one embodiment, the sidewall 74 of the overflow tray 68 includes an inclined portion extending generally from the middle portion of the overflow tray 68 and connecting to the rear wall 76. The sidewall 74 allows the gasket 32 ​​of the pivot cap 16 to seal against the opposing surface of the housing assembly 14. The rear wall 76 of the overflow tray 68 includes a pair of elongated slots 92 with end openings that allow movement of the parallel link 30 of the pivot cap 16 when the pivot cap 16 is moved between an open position and a closed position.

[0056] The rear wall 76 further includes an opening 94 sized to be covered by a ventilation panel 95 fixed to the rear wall 76, which allows regulated air (heated or cooled) to be transferred into and out of the thermostatic shaker chamber 18 from the temperature control system (not shown). To aid temperature regulation, an overflow tray 68 may include an insulating tray 96 attached to the side wall 74. Furthermore, a bottom insulating portion 98 may be attached below the overflow tray 68 via fasteners 100 secured by holes 102 provided in the front mounting portion 78 and the rear mounting portion 80 of the overflow tray 68. In addition to temperature regulation, the bottom insulating portion 98 also serves to mount the shaker mechanism 38 in place while reducing noise and mechanical vibration emanating from the shaker mechanism 38.

[0057] In the event of an overflow, the user can first remove the shaking table platform 20 by loosening the fasteners (not shown) used to secure the shaking table platform 20 to the platform support 42.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, using the shaker platform 20, which is separate from the platform support 42 and detached from the thermostatic shaker 10, the user can wipe the inner surface of the overflow tray with a suitable cloth, for example, moistened with a non-corrosive cleaner or 70% ethanol.

[0059] If further access to the lower portion of the thermostatic shaker 10 is required to access the shaker mechanism 38 and / or any internal electronic components, the user may first loosen the fasteners (not shown) securing the platform support 42 to the shaker mechanism 38. The user may then remove the platform support 42 from the thermostatic shaker 10.

[0060] In one embodiment, advantageously, the overflow tray 68 can be removed from the thermostatic shaker 10 by the user first removing the fasteners 100 located at the front mounting portion 78 and the rear mounting portion 80 of the overflow tray 68. With the overflow tray 68 now loosened from the housing assembly 14, the user can remove the overflow tray 68 from the thermostatic shaker 10 to access the lower portion of the housing assembly 14 previously located below the bottom wall 70 of the overflow tray 68. If desired, the removed overflow tray 68 can be suitably sterilized outside the thermostatic shaker 10 by any suitable method.

[0061] Now refer to Figures 9 to 10A According to another embodiment of the present invention, a thermostatic shaker 110 including an overflow plate 112 is shown.

[0062] Thermostatic shaker 110 of this embodiment includes a number of elements that are the same as or similar to those described in previous embodiments of thermostatic shaker 10, and similar reference numerals have been provided for these elements using a series of “100” to “200”, wherein the elements are substantially the same as or similar to the corresponding elements described in the embodiment of thermostatic shaker 10.

[0063] For example, the thermostatic shaker 110 of this embodiment includes a housing assembly 114, a pivot cover 116, a front panel 134, a user control display 136, a power switch 140, a thermostatic shaker chamber 118, a handle 128, a pair of parallel links 130, a silicone gasket 132, a shaker platform 120, a platform support 142, and a shaker mechanism (not shown).

[0064] refer to Figure 10A In this embodiment, the overflow tray 168 includes a bottom collection area 172, a side wall 174, a rear wall 176, a front mounting portion 178 and a rear mounting portion 180, a fastener 200, and a hole 202. Although some of these elements have slightly modified shapes or outlines in this embodiment, the thermostatic shaker 110 and its elements generally function as described above, except where the differences are further outlined in detail below (detailed descriptions of these identical or substantially similar elements are largely not repeated herein for the sake of brevity).

[0065] The main differences between thermostatic shakers 10 and 110 are as follows: In this embodiment, the rear wall 176 now includes two separately defined openings 194a, 194b and a pair of elongated slots 192 with closed ends. Each of the openings 194a, 194b is sized to be covered by a ventilation panel 195, which allows regulated air (heated or cooled) to be transferred into and out of the thermostatic shaker chamber 118 located in the rear portion of the thermostatic shaker 110 from a temperature control system (not shown). The pair of elongated slots 192 allows movement of the parallel link 130 when the pivot cover 116 is moved between an open and closed position.

[0066] In this embodiment, the bottom collection area 172 of the overflow tray 168 includes a raised portion 204 positioned near the lateral midpoint of the bottom collection area 172 extending to the upright boss 184. This raised portion 204 facilitates adaptation to different structural designs of the thermostatic shaker 110.

[0067] For example, although a thermostatic laboratory shaker has been described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments, the overflow disc of the present invention can also be used with other types of laboratory shakers, such as platform shakers. The overflow disc of the present invention can be used with laboratory shakers that are not thermostatic and / or whose platform movement is not tracked, but rather whose platform oscillates horizontally according to non-tracked movement.

[0068] While the invention has been described in considerable detail through various embodiments, the applicant does not intend to limit or restrict the scope of the appended claims to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific details shown and described, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples. Consequently, changes to such details may be made without altering the spirit or scope of the applicant's overall inventive concept.

Claims

1. A laboratory shaker, comprising: Shaking bed platform; A shaking mechanism operably connected to the shaking platform and configured to oscillate the shaking platform and at least one liquid-containing container supported on the platform; An overflow disk, located below the shaking table platform, has at least one hole extending through the overflow disk and configured to allow operable connection between the shaking table mechanism and the shaking table platform through the hole; as well as A platform support component, operably connected to the shaking table mechanism, The overflow tray is configured to contain overflow liquid from the at least one liquid container, and the platform support is located below and operably connected to the shaking table platform. During the oscillating movement of the shaking table platform, the platform support at least partially covers the at least one hole extending through the overflow disk. The overflow tray includes a bottom collection area configured to receive overflow liquid from the at least one liquid container. The overflow disk includes: The bottom wall defines the bottom collection area; as well as An upright boss is formed in the bottom wall of the overflow disk and has a top wall. The upright protrusion is at least partially surrounded by the bottom collection area. The at least one of the holes extends through the top wall of the upright boss.

2. The laboratory shaker of claim 1, wherein the shaker mechanism is configured to oscillate with a circular shaker motion.

3. The laboratory shaker according to claim 1, further comprising: Thermostatic shaker chamber, The shaking platform and the overflow plate are each located within the thermostatic shaking chamber.

4. The laboratory shaker of claim 1, wherein during the oscillating movement of the shaker platform, the platform support completely covers the at least one hole extending through the overflow disk.

5. The laboratory shaker of claim 1, wherein the overflow plate is detachable from the laboratory shaker.

6. The laboratory shaker of claim 1, wherein the upright boss includes a raised lip portion defining the at least one hole extending through the top wall of the upright boss.

7. A laboratory shaker, comprising: Thermostatic shaker chamber, A shaking platform, located within the constant-temperature shaking chamber; A shaking mechanism operably connected to the shaking platform and configured to oscillate the shaking platform and at least one liquid-containing container supported on the platform; An overflow plate, located within the temperature-controlled shaker chamber and below the shaker platform, has at least one hole extending through the overflow plate and configured to allow operable connection between the shaker mechanism and the shaker platform via the hole; as well as A platform support component, operably connected to the shaking table mechanism and located below and operably connected to the shaking table platform. The overflow tray is configured to contain overflow liquid from the at least one liquid container. During the oscillating movement of the shaking table platform, the platform support at least partially covers the at least one hole extending through the overflow disk. The overflow tray includes a bottom collection area configured to receive overflow liquid from the at least one liquid container. The overflow disk includes: The bottom wall defines the bottom collection area; as well as An upright boss is formed in the bottom wall of the overflow disk and has a top wall. The upright protrusion is at least partially surrounded by the bottom collection area. The at least one of the holes extends through the top wall of the upright boss.

8. The laboratory shaker of claim 7, wherein during the oscillating movement of the shaker platform, the platform support completely covers the at least one hole extending through the overflow disk.

9. The laboratory shaker of claim 7, wherein the overflow plate is detachable from the laboratory shaker.

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