Paint Mixer Patents (Class 366/605)
  • Patent number: 7165879
    Abstract: An improved paint mixer of the type rotating a paint container about a tumbling axis and a perpendicular spin axis, the improvements of a clamp assembly and lock, splash guards protecting a range-of-travel of upright clamp portions, low friction guide plates, an adjustable height strike plate and roller, a rigid gear assembly, an offset in the clamp to return the paint container to an upright position after mixing, and a relief in a raised portion on a lower plate of the clamp for assisting loading and unloading of the paint container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Midas, Brent Thomas Harrold, William O. Gran
  • Patent number: 7160022
    Abstract: A paint stirring machine of the type driven by stirrer lids, on each of which is mounted a paint can, the stirrer lids being suspended by supports with lateral slide-rails on shelves (3) of the machine and individually driven by a front meshing pinion engaged on a rotating endless screw of the shelf, the machine including two vertical posts (1) supporting the shelves, one of the posts including, enclosed in a housing, the assembly of pulleys and belt driving the closed lids in a housing, the assembly of pulleys and belts driving the endless screws of the shelves. Furthermore, the endless screw bearings (19) and the assembly of pulleys and belts driving the endless screws are pre-assembled adjusted on the corresponding post (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Fillon Technologies
    Inventors: Alain Krzywdziak, Yannick Tanchoux
  • Patent number: 7112904
    Abstract: In order to provide a magnetic rotation transmitting device capable of obtaining a large transmitting torque without using a large-sized permanent magnet, in an axial-type magnetic rotation transmitting device, which includes a driving rotation body having one or plural magnetic line(s) in which plural first magnets (10A) are disposed in a circumferential direction on a first disk (11A) at almost equal intervals, a drive source rotationally driving a drive shaft of the driving rotation body, and a driven rotation body having one or plural magnet line(s) in which second magnets (20A) of the same number as the first magnets (10A) are disposed in the circumferential direction on a second disk (21A) at almost equal intervals, symmetrically disposed to, and magnetically coupled with the driving rotation body with a magnetic coupling gap and, which utilizes a magnetic operation and which allows the driven rotation body to rotate by rotationally driving the drive shaft by means of the drive source, the first magnet
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Maguneo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7086776
    Abstract: The present invention provides a paint container and colorant injector apparatus that includes a paint container that retains a base paint therein and provides an opening allowing access to the base paint. An injector assembly couples with the paint container and is operable to locally disperse colorant into the base paint. Such an apparatus is employed in a method for dispersing a colorant throughout a base paint. The method includes providing a base paint in a container, locally dispersing colorant in the base paint, thereafter sealing the container and shaking the container to further disperse the colorant in the base paint throughout the remainder thereof to effect uniform coloring of the base paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Roger W. Adams
  • Patent number: 7083322
    Abstract: Coating production systems and methods which include ultrasonic dispersion and active cooling. The system includes a mixing reservoir and an ultrasonic disperser for ultrasonically dispersing an additive with another coating component within the mixing reservoir. The system also includes a heat exchanger in communication with the mixing reservoir to receive a mixture of the additive and another coating component from the mixing reservoir. The mixture is cooled by thermal energy transfer from the mixture to the heat exchanger. The cooled mixture is returned to the mixing reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Stephen G. Moore, Kevin R. Malone, James C. McGarvey
  • Patent number: 7070317
    Abstract: The present invention is a mixing device and a method of mixing viscous fluids with a mixing device. The mixing device includes a shaft and a support mounted for rotation with the shaft. A plurality of vanes extend from the support and are mounted for rotation with the shaft, the vanes extending generally parallel to the shaft and positioned radially outward from the shaft. The vanes have a sloping inner edge which is positioned closer to the shaft at a first portion of the vane than a second portion of the vane. In use, the mixing device is located in a viscous fluid and the shaft is rotated, thereby effecting rotation of the vanes, causing fluid to move through the vanes and mix the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Site-b Company
    Inventor: Ronnald B. King
  • Patent number: 7059763
    Abstract: A gyroscopic mixer is disclosed which features a direct drive connection to a motor and a clamping mechanism which enables the mixer to accommodate containers of various sizes and configurations. The motor is connected to a drive shaft which is connected to a first bracket. The motor imparts rotation to the bracket about a first axis. An annular gear and single pulley belt is utilized to impart rotation about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis for a gyroscopic mixing motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignees: Fast & Fluid Management, S.R.I., Fluid Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Paolo Sordelli, Sergio Szabo Miszenti
  • Patent number: 7044632
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting paint containers into and out of paint mixers of the type supported by a generally horizontal surface and including at least one side, the lifting apparatus having a pair of rigidly connected arms, each including a proximal end pivotably connected to a support structure and a distal end extending from the support structure, a mechanical link in the form of a strap and hook connected to a cross member connecting each of the pair of arms for lifting and lowering a paint bucket into and out of the paint mixer and a pair of gas springs connected between the support structure and the lifting arms for urging the lifting attachment upwards. The support structure may be separate from the paint mixer and may include sliding as well as pivoting movement between the arms and the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Midas
  • Patent number: 7018090
    Abstract: A device for holding a container (bucket) containing material to be mixed without the need for an operator to hold the container comprises a frame having multiple rings. An upper ring and a lower ring are attached to vertical connectors. Horizontal connectors extend from the lower ring across the diameter to position the bottom of a bucket. The vertical connectors are attached on one edge to the lower ring and on another edge to the horizontal connectors connecting the lower ring. The vertical supports are attached on one upper edge to the upper ring with one free edge that forms a fin that extends into the interior diameter of the device. Supports extend from the vertical connectors below the lower ring. Each support has a tapered side terminating in a point. The device sits on the supports. A bucket of material to be mixed is held within the frame of the device. Means for mixing is applied to the material for mixing the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Ken Moore
  • Patent number: 6988824
    Abstract: An improved adapter bucket for a mixing apparatus adapted for mixing paints or other fluids can selectively receive either conventional cylindrical containers or non-conventional, non-cylindrical containers therein and restrain either of such container types on the apparatus during mixing operations. The adapter bucket is configured to properly register either of such containers types so that its center of gravity axis is colinearly aligned with the rotation axis of the bucket and the mixing apparatus, regardless of whether the containers' center of gravity axes and central geometric axes are coincident and colinear with each other or laterally offset with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ultrablend Color, LLC
    Inventors: Joanne Santospago, Carlos P. Salas
  • Patent number: 6969190
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of premixed aqueous compositions which are used to provide a paint composition of varying finish characteristics at the point of sale. Thus, the merchant distributing the paint composition made from the subject premixed compositions need only maintain inventory of four compositions. The particular compositions which are the subject of the invention exhibit stable characteristics during storage in their respective reservoirs. The compositions include a pigment composition, a dispersant thickening agent, a high resin content binder, and a low resin content binder. The compositions are combined in differing amounts to produce paint compositions being suitable for either interior or exterior use and having differing sheens, quality levels, and color bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Coatings Management Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Daniel McClain, Randall L. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6960012
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of for mixing a tinting concentrate disposed in a container. The container is held inside a larger bucket by a base insert and a top insert. The bucket with the container secured therein is clamped to a table of a mixing apparatus. The table is then vibrated, thereby mixing the tinting concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventor: Joseph N. Biber
  • Patent number: 6945690
    Abstract: A holder for mixing a container of paint is disclosed. The system comprising a body having a cover and a base. The system also comprises an aperture in the cover of the body. The system also comprises a cavity in the body and accessible through the aperture and configured to receive the container. The density of the body corresponds to the density of the container of paint. A system for holding and mixing a container of paint having a lid secured to a first body is also disclosed. A system for holding and mixing a first container of paint having a first volume and a second container of paint having a second volume less than the first volume is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Masterchem Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Armendariz, David Armendariz, John A. Heiser, Christopher E. Jones
  • Patent number: 6945689
    Abstract: A system for mixing paint and for holding a container of paint having a cover engaging a body is disclosed. The system comprises a rotary mixer comprising a holder configured for receiving the container. The system also comprises a clamp comprising an arm configured to pivot from a first position to a second position and a plate configured for positioning between a first linear position and a second linear position. The plate in the second linear position maintains the engagement of the cover of the container to the body by compression to inhibit leakage of the paint. A method of mixing paint with a rotary mixer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Masterchem Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Armendariz, David Armendariz, John A. Heiser, Christopher E. Jones
  • Patent number: 6926436
    Abstract: A lifting attachment for lifting paint containers into and out of paint mixers of the type supported by a generally horizontal surface and including at least one side, the lifting attachment having a pair of rigidly connected arms, each including a proximal end pivotably connected to a paint mixer and a distal end extending beyond the side of the paint mixer, a mechanical link in the form of a strap and hook connected to a cross member intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the arms for lifting and lowering a paint bucket into and out of the paint mixer and a pair of gas springs connected between the paint mixer and the lifting arms for urging the lifting attachment vertically upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Midas
  • Patent number: 6896402
    Abstract: A safety device for stirring assemblies to be applied to shelf paint vessels and the like, which includes a top portion including a coupling tooth for coupling to a top portion of the shelf, a driving screw mechanism, guide elements for arranging and centering a stirring cover, and a further coupling tooth for coupling to a bottom portion which is provided for covering an element for supporting a stirring assembly and all the driven elements of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Carlo Desinano
  • Patent number: 6886974
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for mixing particles in fluid is provided. The system includes a container defining a chamber. The chamber has a narrowing region and is operable to be pressurized. The system also includes an agitator that has one or more flexible edges positioned in contact with the surface of the narrowing region. The agitator is operable to sweep the surface of narrowing region using the one or more flexible edges to agitate the particles. The system also includes an opening that is positioned at the narrowing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge A. Millan, Glen S. Abad, Arnold J. Comproni, John P. Inks
  • Patent number: 6883956
    Abstract: A windshield primer mixing device includes a housing having a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall extending between the top and bottom walls. A guide is mounted on the housing. A mounting is slidably positioned on the guide. A motor is adapted for selectively urging the mounting upwardly on the guide. A power supply is operationally coupled to the motor. A pair of coupling assemblies selectively couples a pair of containers to the mounting. The containers are removably coupled to the mounting and the mounting moved up and down until the contents of the containers are effectively mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: John C. Hildreth
  • Patent number: 6883955
    Abstract: An improved method of detecting the height of, and clamping, a paint or other liquid-containing can relies upon a subtractive comparison of a current draw of a clamping motor to a baseline reference current draw in order to detect the can height. Because the baseline reference current draw accounts for anomalous current draw readings, periodic manual adjustment of the current draw level considered to indicate a can height is unnecessary. The method further includes advanced detection and elimination of gaps developing between the can and the clamping apparatus. A system for agitating a liquid-containing can includes apparatus to carry out can-height detection, clamping, and gap detection and correction using current draw, can height, and clamping plate position data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Ultrablend Color, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Miguel Salas, Peter Markus Tenz
  • Patent number: 6863430
    Abstract: A mixing rod of an integral metal construction from a single piece provides a unitary unit having a power chuck engaging attachment end and a stirring end. The stirring end includes a pair of lobes defined by rod segments integral with an elongated shaft, wherein the lobes outwardly project 180° from one another. Each of the respective lobes terminates at its outer ends with rounded corners and a lower terminating segment joins the opposite lobes together. The lobes have height which insures that a substantial portion of the product being stirred will be engaged by the lobes in order to develop a proper product flow insuring efficient and proper mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: George A. Berube
  • Patent number: 6848823
    Abstract: A method of mixing viscous fluids is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mixing apparatus (20) in a container (42) of fluid (44). The mixing apparatus comprises a cage (21) located at the end of the shaft (22). The cage (21) comprises a central circular disc (24) with an outer edge (43) and top (38) and bottom (40) sides. A number of vanes (26) extending from each side of the disc (24), the vanes (26) spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The free ends of the vanes (26) are connected by a hoop (38,40) to maintain their spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Site-b Company
    Inventors: David Marshall King, Ronnald Brian King, Thomas Arnold Martin
  • Patent number: 6850020
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically determining which of at least two forces to apply to a paint container in a mixing apparatus that is capable of clamping various sized paint containers. A clamp motor drives a clamping apparatus toward a paint container and a current rise signals engagement of the clamp with the container, whereupon a selection is made from a predetermined set of forces to apply to the container based on the time of energization and voltage applied to the clamp motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Midas, Daniel Schulz
  • Patent number: 6834989
    Abstract: A vertical mixer has plexi-glass sight windows located in a side wall of the mixing chamber. The windows extend generally vertically between a top and bottom of the mixing chamber and provide visual access to an interior of the chamber from outside the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Jacob R. Tamminga
  • Patent number: 6827478
    Abstract: A method of automated preparation and characterization of liquid multicomponent systems comprising at least two, preferably three components comprises the automated preparation of a mixture by combining at least two, preferably three components in a vessel, at least one component being metered in an automated fashion into the vessel, and the automated homogenization of the mixture with subsequent automated measuring and evaluation. The apparatus for conducting this method comprises at least one metering station, one closing station, one homogenizing station, one measuring station for determining formulation properties, and one evaluation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dietmar Becker, Georg Beck, Stefan Bentz, Wolfgang Best, Peter Erk, Günter Etzrodt, Martin Könemann, Reinhold Rieger, Klaus Unterforsthuber
  • Publication number: 20040228209
    Abstract: A container (10) includes a drum (12) and an agitator (14) positioned within the drum (12) for the mixing of the paint or other liquid contained therein. A one-piece conversion device (16) is installed in the drum's central opening (30), which is defined by a flange (32) having internal threads (34) of a certain pitch (e.g., 2 inches). The plug (16) comprises an annular base portion (70) and a hollow elongated portion (72), which together define a passageway (74). The annular base portion (70) has external threads (78) corresponding to the flange's internal threads (34) and internal threads (76) having a different pitch (e.g., 1½ inches) corresponding to a motor mounting component (54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: James R. Bielozer
  • Publication number: 20040218466
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting paint containers into and out of paint mixers of the type supported by a generally horizontal surface and including at least one side, the lifting apparatus having a pair of rigidly connected arms, each including a proximal end pivotably connected to a support structure and a distal end extending from the support structure, a mechanical link in the form of a strap and hook connected to a cross member connecting each of the pair of arms for lifting and lowering a paint bucket into and out of the paint mixer and a pair of gas springs connected between the support structure and the lifting arms for urging the lifting attachment upwards. The support structure may be separate from the paint mixer and may include sliding as well as pivoting movement between the arms and the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Red Devil Equipment
    Inventor: Thomas J. Midas
  • Publication number: 20040218467
    Abstract: A paint shaker and motor therefor. A yoke has at a first end a clamp for clamping a paint can and at a second end, is pivotally connected to a linkage assembly that converts the linear motion of a reciprocating linear motor to an arcing motion of the yoke. The motor includes a cylinder and a piston that is spring biased toward an inlet end of the cylinder. Compressed air enters the inlet end and a passageway through the piston for conducting the compressed air to a valve having a displaceable stopper, wherein the compressed air seats the stopper in the valve and thereby closes the valve, so that air pressure moves the piston toward an outlet end of the cylinder. The outlet end of the cylinder includes a projection against which the piston drives the stopper so as to unseat the stopper in the valve and thereby open the valve, permitting the spring bias to return the piston toward the inlet end of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Harold D. Kopkie
  • Publication number: 20040190370
    Abstract: A lifting attachment for lifting paint containers into and out of paint mixers of the type supported by a generally horizontal surface and including at least one side, the lifting attachment having a pair of rigidly connected arms, each including a proximal end pivotably connected to a paint mixer and a distal end extending beyond the side of the paint mixer, a mechanical link in the form of a strap and hook connected to a cross member intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the arms for lifting and lowering a paint bucket into and out of the paint mixer and a pair of gas springs connected between the paint mixer and the lifting arms for urging the lifting attachment vertically upwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Midas
  • Patent number: 6796706
    Abstract: A food mixer 10 having a turntable 22 that receives a bowl 23. Projecting into a bowl 23 are beaters 24 that are driven by means of a motor 13. The turntable 22 is driven by means of a motor 25. A common speed control member in the form of a dial 29 operates a pair of potentiometers 31 that control the motors 13 and 25 so that there is a correlation between the speeds thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Sunbeam Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Ian Wilson
  • Patent number: 6779915
    Abstract: A five gallon bucket holder platform for mixing a variety of compounds and/or painting mixtures is a substantially rectangular box structure having a top, a bottom and four sides made perpendicular to the bottom and top surfaces. The top surface portion has disposed therein a substantially central circular aperture for frictionally retaining a bucket containing material to be mixed therein. In operation the user mounts the platform and inserts a bucket with mixing material within the aperture for subsequent manual or motor-tool driven mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Charles D. Foster, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040160854
    Abstract: The present invention is a mixing device and a method of mixing viscous fluids with a mixing device. The mixing device includes a shaft and a support mounted for rotation with the shaft. A plurality of vanes extend from the support and are mounted for rotation with the shaft, the vanes extending generally parallel to the shaft and positioned radially outward from the shaft. The vanes have a sloping inner edge which is positioned closer to the shaft at a first portion of the vane than a second portion of the vane. In use, the mixing device is located in a viscous fluid and the shaft is rotated, thereby effecting rotation of the vanes, causing fluid to move through the vanes and mix the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Ronnald B. King
  • Patent number: 6767125
    Abstract: A keyed paint container holder for paint mixers having a pivoting interlock key movable with respect to a paint container receptacle of the holder for orienting a rectangular footprint paint container to have a handle of the paint container in a corner of the holder adjacent the interlock key. The interlock key has first and second portions and is pivotable with respect to the holder to at least first and second positions and, optionally, to a third position. The holder accepts a cylindrical paint container as an alternative to the rectangular footprint paint container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Midas, Aaron Curtis, Daniel Schulz
  • Patent number: 6745664
    Abstract: A paint shaker and motor therefor. A yoke has at a first end a clamp for clamping a paint can and at a second end, is pivotally connected to a linkage assembly that converts the linear motion of a reciprocating linear motor to an arcing motion of the yoke. The motor includes a cylinder and a piston that is spring biased toward an inlet end of the cylinder. Compressed air enters the inlet end and a passageway through the piston for conducting the compressed air to a valve having a displaceable stopper, wherein the compressed air seats the stopper in the valve and thereby closes the valve, so that air pressure moves the piston toward an outlet end of the cylinder. The outlet end of the cylinder includes a projection against which the piston drives the stopper so as to unseat the stopper in the valve and thereby open the valve, permitting the spring bias to return the piston toward the inlet end of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Harold D. Kopkie
  • Patent number: 6729754
    Abstract: A lifting attachment for lifting paint containers into and out of paint mixers of the type supported by a generally horizontal surface and including at least one side, the lifting attachment having a pair of rigidly connected arms, each including a proximal end pivotably connected to the paint mixer and a distal end extending beyond the side of a paint mixer, a mechanical link in the form of a strap and hook connected to a cross member intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the arms for lifting and lowering a paint bucket into and out of the paint mixer and a pair of gas springs connected between the paint mixer and the lifting arms for urging the lifting attachment vertically upwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Midas
  • Patent number: 6719453
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a liquid concentrate for use in the manufacture of plastic parts (including without limitation, as part of the sampling, evaluation and approval process before a plastic part goes into production) comprising: (a) preparing one or more liquid intermediates, wherein the liquid intermediates comprise a liquid vehicle and at least one additive (which may include a pigment, dye or other additive); (b) standardizing the liquid intermediates; (c) transferring the standardized liquid intermediates to a remote location; and (d) dispensing the liquid intermediates to produce a liquid concentrate, wherein the quantity of each liquid intermediate dispensed is controlled according to a predetermined formula for the liquid concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Chroma Injecta Color Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Cosman, Bruce Parker, Douglas A. Thompson, Keith Grandbois, Barry Scott Walker, Marshall Mullins
  • Publication number: 20040066704
    Abstract: A paint stirring device comprises an elongate handle having an attachment end and a free end and defining a main longitudinal axis, and a stirring member mounted on the elongate handle adjacent the attachment end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas K. Hong
  • Patent number: 6688764
    Abstract: The present invention is a mixing device and a method of mixing viscous fluids with a mixing device. The mixing device includes a shaft and a support mounted for rotation with the shaft. A plurality of vanes extend from the support and are mounted for rotation with the shaft, the vanes extending generally parallel to the shaft and positioned radially outward from the shaft. The vanes have a sloping inner edge which is positioned closer to the shaft at a first portion of the vane than a second portion of the vane. In use, the mixing device is located in a viscous fluid and the shaft is rotated, thereby effecting rotation of the vanes, causing fluid to move through the vanes and mix the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Site-b Company
    Inventor: Ronnald B. King
  • Publication number: 20040017728
    Abstract: A method of automated preparation and characterization of liquid multicomponent systems comprising at least two, preferably three components comprises the automated preparation of a mixture by combining at least two, preferably three components in a vessel, at least one component being metered in an automated fashion into the vessel, and the automated homogenization of the mixture with subsequent automated measuring and evaluation. The apparatus for conducting this method comprises at least one metering station, one closing station, one homogenizing station, one measuring station for determining formulation properties, and one evaluation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Dietmar Becker, Georg Beck, Stefan Bentz, Wolfgang Best, Peter Erk, Gunter Etzrodt, Martin Konemann, Reinhold Rieger, Klaus Unterforsthuber
  • Publication number: 20040013031
    Abstract: An improved method of detecting the height of, and clamping, a paint or other liquid-containing can relies upon a subtractive comparison of a current draw of a clamping motor to a baseline reference current draw in order to detect the can height. Because the baseline reference current draw accounts for anomalous current draw readings, periodic manual adjustment of the current draw level considered to indicate a can height is unnecessary. The method further includes advanced detection and elimination of gaps developing between the can and the clamping apparatus. A system for agitating a liquid-containing can includes apparatus to carry out can-height detection, clamping, and gap detection and correction using current draw, can height, and clamping plate position data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Ultrablend Color, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Miguel Salas, Peter Markus Tenz
  • Patent number: 6634785
    Abstract: A mixer assembly is disclosed having a container with a closed sidewall, a closed bottom and a rim which forms an open top. The container is adapted to contain a product, such as roofing sealant, plaster or the like, to be mixed. A cover overlies the open top while a clamp detachably secures the cover to the container rim. A tubular conduit is attached to the cover so that the opposite ends of the conduit are open to the opposite sides of the cover. A stirrer assembly having a driven shaft and an agitator secured to one end of the shaft is then positioned within the container so that the agitator is solely contained within the container while the shaft extends exteriorly through the conduit and above the cover. A rotary drive, such as a drill, is then secured to the upper end of the shaft to rotatably drive the agitator and mix the product within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald French, Richard French
  • Publication number: 20030189873
    Abstract: A device for holding a container (bucket) containing material to be mixed without the need for an operator to hold the container comprises a frame having multiple rings. An upper ring and a lower ring are attached to vertical connectors. Horizontal connectors extend from the lower ring across the diameter to position the bottom of a bucket. The vertical connectors are attached on one edge to the lower ring and on another edge to the horizontal connectors connecting the lower ring. The vertical supports are attached on one upper edge to the upper ring with one free edge that forms a fin that extends into the interior diameter of the device. Supports extend from the vertical connectors below the lower ring. Each support has a tapered side terminating in a point. The device sits on the supports. A bucket of material to be mixed is held within the frame of the device. Means for mixing is applied to the material for mixing the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Ken Moore
  • Patent number: 6612732
    Abstract: An improved paint mixer is disclosed which includes a base and an upper cabinet pivotally connected to the base. The upper cabinet can be pivoted from a first rearward position which provides access to a front section of the base and a second forward position which provides access to a rear section of the base. As a result, both the front and rear section of the base are easily accessible for service, maintenance, and cleaning. A support system that includes three adjustable legs provides improved support and stability. Casters disclosed at the rear end of the bottom of the base along with a recessed wall of the base and a handle disposed at the front of the base make it easier to move and/or relocate the mixer. Non-stick coatings in the form of a paint-resistant coating or an anti-graffiti coating to the inside surfaces of the mixer facilitate the removal of accumulated paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fluid Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Blakeman, II, William A. Miller, John Martin Kossel
  • Patent number: 6582117
    Abstract: Mixing apparatus includes a container for liquid and semi-liquid materials such as paint, and a mixing device in the container, the device having a planar mixing head disposed substantially parallel to the bottom wall of the container and a limb which extends substantially perpendicularly from a peripheral edge region of the mixing head adjacent to the container side wall. A coupling, located in the container, provides releasable connection to an external handle by which the mixing device is reciprocated vertically to agitate and mix the contents of the container. The mixing head may be of triangular, square, substantially circular, with opposed flanges, Y-shaped, or cruciform configuration, and the handle may have a flattened end for use in removing a lid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher Roy Rogers, Richard Tipton Smith
  • Publication number: 20030112700
    Abstract: A method of mixing viscous fluids is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mixing apparatus (20) in a container (42) of fluid (44). The mixing apparatus comprises a cage (21) located at the end of the shaft (22). The cage (21) comprises a central circular disc (24) with an outer edge (43) and top (38) and bottom (40) sides. A number of vanes (26) extending from each side of the disc (24), the vanes (26) spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The free ends of the vanes (26) are connected by a hoop (38,40) to maintain their spaced relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: David Marshall King, Ronnald Brian King, Thomas Amold Martin
  • Publication number: 20030095469
    Abstract: The present invention is a mixing device and a method of mixing viscous fluids with a mixing device. The mixing device includes a shaft and a support mounted for rotation with the shaft. A plurality of vanes extend from the support and are mounted for rotation with the shaft, the vanes extending generally parallel to the shaft and positioned radially outward from the shaft. The vanes have a sloping inner edge which is positioned closer to the shaft at a first portion of the vane than a second portion of the vane. In use, the mixing device is located in a viscous fluid and the shaft is rotated, thereby effecting rotation of the vanes, causing fluid to move through the vanes and mix the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Ronnald B. King
  • Publication number: 20030086334
    Abstract: A safety device for stirring assemblies to be applied to shelf paint vessels and the like, comprises a top portion including coupling means for coupling to a top portion of the shelf, comprising driving means, means for arranging and centering a stirring cover, and means for coupling to a bottom portion which is provided for covering an element for supporting the stirring means and all the elements being driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Carlo Desinano
  • Patent number: 6543927
    Abstract: A method of mixing viscous fluids is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mixing apparatus (20) in a container (42) of fluid (44). The mixing apparatus comprises a cage (21) located at the end of the shaft (22). The cage (21) comprises a central circular disc (24) with an outer edge (43) and top (38) and bottom (40) sides. A number of vanes (26) extending from each side of the disc (24), the vanes (26) spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The free ends of the vanes (26) are connected by a hoop (38,40) to maintain their spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: David Marshall King, Ronnald Brian King, Thomas Arnold Martin
  • Patent number: 6543490
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for custom blending spray paints. A customer provides a sample (S) of a color to be matched. The sample is tested on a spectrophotometer to determine the colors needed to match the sample; or if the paint formula is known, it is entered into the apparatus. A computer control (16) causes metered quantities of each colorant to be pumped from a reservoir (50) to a manifold (68). From the manifold, paint is injected through a filling head (46) into a discharge valve (V) and dip tube (P) of a precharged aerosol container (C) to be filled. Solvent from a tank (74) is used between a final injection of colorant to flush out the manifold and a dip tube (P) of the container. After the colors have been injected into the container, the container is shaken so that the colors intermix with each other to produce a paint of the desired custom color which is readily sprayed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: United States Can Company
    Inventor: Edward F. Owens
  • Publication number: 20030053838
    Abstract: The present invention sets forth a painting implement which enables the user to mix paint and to clean conventional paint rollers utilizing a hand drill. The painting implement is selectively adjustable to be configured to mix paint and to support a paint roller for cleaning, thereby being capable of providing several functions. Implements of different diameters may be provided, for cleaning and using an assortment of sizes of paint rollers. The implement is provided with a paddle member that is perforated and of a geometric wave-like form to enhance mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Mike Whitney
  • Publication number: 20030048692
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for mixing, atomizing, and applying liquid coatings onto a surface. The apparatus includes a housing and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid as the liquid passes through the housing. The housing includes a premixing chamber adapted to receive multi-component liquid under pressure, a mixing chamber in communication with the premixing chamber, an inlet adapted to supply the premixing chamber with the pressurized liquid, and an exit orifice adapted to pass the liquid out of the housing. When the means for applying ultrasonic energy is excited, it applies ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid contained within the mixing chamber without mechanically vibrating the tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Bernard Cohen, Lamar Heath Gipson, Lee Kirby Jameson