Paint Mixer Patents (Class 366/605)
  • Patent number: 6520672
    Abstract: A kit of painting accessories enabling a user to clean paint rollers and brushes by spinning them with a hand drill, and to mix paint utilizing a hand drill. The kit includes an element for grasping paint brushes, a paint roller holder, a drive adapter enabling the aforementioned kit components to be mounted on a hand drill and rotatably driven thereby, and a paint mixer having a shaft insertable into the chuck of the hand drill. The paddle of the paint mixer can be adjusted between two positions selectively enabling the mixer to mix paint and to receive a paint roller for cleaning by spinning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Mike Whitney
  • Patent number: 6511218
    Abstract: A cover assembly is disclosed for a paint can for use with automatic stirring equipment. The paint can includes a tubular cylindrical sidewall and an open top. The cover assembly has a lid dimensioned to overlie the open top of the paint can, and a spout is formed on the lid. A paint stirrer is rotatably mounted to the lid and at least one locking foot removably secures the lid to the paint can when the lid overlies the open top of the paint can. The lid includes a plurality of resilient tabs which engage the outer periphery of the paint can around the top of the paint can to center the lid relative to the paint can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Dedoes Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Keough
  • Publication number: 20020181320
    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: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: David Marshall King, Ronnald Brian King, Thomas Arnold Martin
  • Publication number: 20020145939
    Abstract: A cover assembly is disclosed for a paint can for use with automatic stirring equipment. The paint can includes a tubular cylindrical sidewall and an open top. The cover assembly has a lid dimensioned to overlie the open top of the paint can, and a spout is formed on the lid. A paint stirrer is rotatably mounted to the lid and at least one locking foot removably secures the lid to the paint can when the lid overlies the open top of the paint can. The lid includes a plurality of resilient tabs which engage the outer periphery of the paint can around the top of the paint can to center the lid relative to the paint can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: James A. Keough
  • Patent number: 6431741
    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: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventors: David Marshall King, Ronnald Brian King, Thomas Arnold Martin
  • Patent number: 6419385
    Abstract: A hand paint mixer having a one-piece lid with integral spout, vent and release tab, a one-piece shaft with integral hand crank, and a one-piece impeller having elongated Z-shaped blades. The Z-shaped blades are pivotally connected to the lower end of the shaft and have a common bottom edge of width greater than the diameter of the opening in the paint can in which the mixer is designed to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Jason Walls
  • Patent number: 6390663
    Abstract: Mixing machine (10) for mixing or amalgamating varnishes, paints and the like comprising two coaxial shafts (14, 15) each one being operated by an electric motor (18, 20), a support (36) for a rotatable lower cap (29) that can be manually moved forward to load a can of varnish and cooperating with a top support (35) carrying a rotatable upper cap (28) to secure the can. The shaft (14) transmits the motion to the upper cap to turn the container about its longitudinal axis; the shaft (15) transmits its motion to a spindle (32) provided with worms (33, 34) in the ends thereof to approach or move away the caps. A fork (39) operated by the shaft (14) turns the caps about an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the can of varnish. The can is therefore rotated about its longitudinal axis when secured between the lower cap and the upper cap and the can is turned about an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Meccanica Civardi S.r.l.
    Inventor: Luigi Civardi
  • Patent number: 6336740
    Abstract: A cover for a paint can for use with automatic paint stirring equipment is disclosed in which the paint can has a tubular cylindrical sidewall with an open top and a radially inwardly protruding chime around the open top of the can. The cover assembly includes a lid dimensioned to overlie the open top of the paint can and having a spout along its outer periphery. A paint stirrer is rotatably mounted to the lid and at least one locking foot removably secures the lid to the paint can. The locking device includes a stem pivotably mounted to the lid, a radially outwardly extending foot secured to one end of the stem and a handle secured to the opposite end of the stem. The stem is pivotal between a locked position in which the foot extends underneath the can chime, and an unlocked position in which the foot is spaced radially inwardly from the can chime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Dedoes Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Keough
  • Patent number: 6325532
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for mixing viscous fluids. The mixing apparatus comprises a cage located on or along a shaft. The cage comprises a support with top and bottom sides. A number of vanes extend from one or both sides of the support. In one embodiment, the vanes are generally located near an outer edge of the support. The method comprises rotating the mixing apparatus in a container of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Site-b Company
    Inventors: Ronnald B. King, David Marshall King
  • Publication number: 20010046180
    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: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: David Marshall King, Ronnald Brian King, Thomas Arnold Martin
  • Patent number: 6315441
    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: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ronnald B. King
  • Patent number: 6290386
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile apparatus for the production of water based liquid paints from pulverulent constituents and water. The apparatus comprises a traveling frame, a mixing container, a mixing unit for mixing the pulverulent constituents and water, a metering unit for metering the pulverulent constituents into the mixing container, and a switching unit for controlling the metering and the mixing. The dissolver comprises a shaft and a dissolver disc having a ratio d/D of the diameter d of the dissolver disc to the diameter D of the mixing container of about 0.3 to 0.5, with the shaft being dimensioned so that during the mixing operation, the dissolver disc can be lowered to a distance b from the bottom of the mixing container of about 0.3 d to about 0.7 d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Wacker-Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Baumgartl, Detlev Berner
  • Patent number: 6286989
    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 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Ronnald B. King
  • Patent number: 6280077
    Abstract: A liner for use in a mixing container which is adapted to receive a mixing shaft having an open tubular distal end and having mixing members mounted thereon for mixing materials disposed in the container, includes a tubular sleeve substantially closed at a first end thereof by an end wall and open at a second end thereof, and an elongated substantially rigid protrusion fixed to the interior of the sleeve end wall centrally of the sleeve end wall, extending toward the second end of the sleeve, and adapted to receive thereon the open tubular distal end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: CDF Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph J. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010010658
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for mixing viscous fluids. The mixing apparatus comprises a cage located at the end of a shaft. The cage comprises a central circular disc with an outer edge and top and bottom sides. A number of vanes extend from one or both sides of the disc, the vanes spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The method comprises rotating the mixing apparatus in a container of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventor: Ronnald B. King
  • Patent number: 6257753
    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 a 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) extend 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: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventors: David Marshall King, Ronnald Brian King, Thomas Arnold Martin
  • Patent number: 6193405
    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 a 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) extend 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: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: David Marshall King, Ronnald Brian King, Thomas Arnold Martin
  • Patent number: 6193410
    Abstract: The invented apparatus can be used to agitate the liquid contents of paint balls to mix and evenly distribute their liquid contents so that the paint balls will fly in a true trajectory when shot from a paint ball gun. The invented apparatus also helps to remove or prevent the formation of dimples on the outer shell of the paint balls caused by sitting for extended periods of time in storage boxes, for example. The invented apparatus can thus be used to repair defective paint balls and to extend the useful life of such paint balls. The apparatus includes a support member, a motor, and a container. The motor is mounted to the support member, and the container is supported for rotation by the support member and the motor's drive shaft. Paint balls are placed in the container which is rotated by the motor during operation of the apparatus to move the paint balls to agitate their liquid contents. The invention also includes a related method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Puckett, II
  • Patent number: 6186056
    Abstract: A machine tool for processing products, such as food products. The tool includes a tube-envelope (2) fixed to the tool with a cage (6) at one end of the tube-envelope. In one embodiment of the invention, the tube-envelope and the cage are formed as two separate parts. The cage (6) receives a product processing unit (7). The product processing unit (7) is, for example, a blade, which is driven by a shaft (9) releasably coupled to a drive shaft (12) of the machine. The shaft (9) is guided and centered in the tool. The shaft is sealed in the machine with, for example, a ring, and the ring can be screwed into the tube-envelope, or secured to the machine by bayonets. The ring is formed so that it is removable with a tool. This allows for the shaft (9) and processing unit (7) to be demounted from the tool for maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dito Sama
    Inventors: Babut Bruno, Musseau Joël
  • Patent number: 6146009
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lid member for an original container of a liquid paint component. The lid member is useable with a plurality of different pourable component mixing systems. The lid member includes a base portion that is adapted to releasably engage an open top of the paint component container. The base portion has a pour spout through which the paint component can be dispensed and a movable cover element. The cover element is movable between a closed state, and an opened state, wherein the pour spout is uncovered and the paint component can be dispensed from its original container. A stirring device for mixing the pourable component within the original container is rotatably mounted to the base portion. The stirring device includes a shaft member, at least one mixing paddle mounted to a first end of the shaft member, and a plurality of different paddle actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Arie Boers
  • Patent number: 6079870
    Abstract: The invention relates to a height locating washer for the stirrer shaft of a stirrer lid for a paint stirring machine. This washer comprises a truncated annular body (11) with an opening (13) of slightly smaller dimensions than the diameter of the shank of the stirrer shaft (3), and comprises a central pin (15) in its annular plane for insertion into at least one diametrical machined hole (17) in the shank of the stirrer shaft (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: F.A.S.
    Inventor: Alain Krzywdziak
  • Patent number: 6062721
    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 a 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) extend 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: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: David Marshall King, Ronnald Brian King, Thomas Arnold Martin
  • Patent number: 6039557
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making vesicles suitable for use as contrast agents in which a container containing an aqueous suspension phase and a separate gas phase is shaken using reciprocating motion. The reciprocating motion is produced by a shaker arm that moves the container in two, substantially perpendicular directions, with the motion in the first direction being along an arcuate path. The overall path of the motion occurs in a figure-8 eight pattern. The frequency of shaking is at least approximately 2800 RPM, the length of the shaker arm is at least approximately 6 cm, and the angle through which the shaker arm rotates in the first direction is at least approximately 3.degree.. The total length of travel around the figure-8 pattern is at least 0.7 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: ImaRx Pharmaceutical Corp.
    Inventors: Evan Unger, Thomas McCreery, David Yellowhair, Terrence R. Barrette
  • Patent number: 6033106
    Abstract: A torque limiter driving head for paint cans with a stirrer is arranged in a storage cabinet for the paint cans. A number of rotatably driven pulleys and a matching number of stirring shafts are provided. The pulleys have a hub and the stirring shafts are inserted into the hubs. The hubs have elastic, radially inwardly projecting tabs. The stirring shafts have a non-circular portion engaged by the elastic, radially inwardly projecting tabs. The stirring shafts comprise a transverse pin-and-blade arrangement for driving stirrers of the paint cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Fillon Pichon Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Michel Denis Lesimple, Jacky Emile Gaulupeau
  • Patent number: 6012447
    Abstract: A heated kettle for melting and mixing a thermoplastic resin into a homogeneous mixture has a helically-formed agitator which rotates about a central shaft in close proximity to the internal wall of the kettle. Fixed to the shaft at approximately the center of the kettle is a cluster of radially extending paddles. The paddles and agitator have opposite pitch when the agitator and paddles are rotated, the resin circulates along the wall of the kettle and thence through a central region of the kettle. The circulation action serves to thoroughly melt and mix the resin into a homogeneous liquid mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Stimsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Waxler, Russell W. Clark
  • Patent number: 5988868
    Abstract: An improvement in automatic paint stirring equipment is disclosed of the type having a rack adapted to removably receive and support a plurality of paint cans. Each paint can includes a cover, a stirring element contained within the can and a driven member positioned above the cover and mechanically connected to the stirring element. The driven member is rotatable about a predetermined axis and includes two upwardly extending pins spaced apart from each other by a preset distance. A drive shaft is rotatably mounted to the rack and rotatably driven by a motor about a generally vertical axis. A drive member is secured to the lower end of the shaft and rotates in unison with the shaft. The improved drive member includes two outer legs and a central leg. Each leg is substantially planar and the outer legs intersect the central leg at an obtuse angle such that the outer legs are substantially parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Dedoes Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Dedoes
  • Patent number: 5984518
    Abstract: A method of mixing viscous fluids is disclosed. The method comprises rotating a mixing apparatus in a container of fluid. The mixing apparatus comprises a cage located at the end of a shaft. The cage comprises a central circular disc with an outer edge and top and bottom sides. A number of vanes extend from each side of the plate, the vanes spacedly located near the outer edge of the plate. The free ends of the vanes are connected by a hoop to maintain their spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: David Marshall King, Ronnald Brian King, Thomas Arnold Martin
  • Patent number: 5947598
    Abstract: Automatic paint stirring equipment having a rack with a plurality of vertically spaced drive units wherein each drive unit has an interior. A closed loop belt is rotatably mounted within the interior of each drive unit and this belt has longitudinally spaced teeth on one side of it. A motor rotatably drives the drive belts in the drive units in unison with each other. The shelves support one or more paint cans in a side by side relationship with each can having a cover disposed across its open top. A stirring element is disposed within the interior of the paint can while a shaft is connected to the stirring element and rotatably mounted to the cover so that a portion of the shaft protrudes upwardly from the cover. A gear wheel is coaxially secured to the upwardly protruding portion of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Dedoes Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Dedoes
  • Patent number: 5906433
    Abstract: A mixer for products generally disposed in containers, such as, for example, varnishes, paints and the like, comprises a support structure to which a unit, generally movable selectively along a predetermined path, for supporting and clamping at least one container, is connected. The support unit comprises two clamping plates which are mounted on linear sliding guides and are rotatable about a common vertical axis in the operative condition. A plurality of idle wheels roll along an annular path on a surface of each plate in order to withstand loads perpendicular to the plates. The upper support plate can be driven along an axis parallel to the common axis by means of driving screws and is mounted on linear sliding guides and the lower support plate is slidable selectively along an axis perpendicular to the common axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Corob S.r.l.
    Inventor: Leopoldo Mazzalveri
  • Patent number: 5904420
    Abstract: An improved frame is disclosed for automatic paint stirring equipment of the type which stirs cans of paint in a side-by-side relationship. Each can includes a cover having a stirring element rotatably mounted to the cover and a driven member secured to the stirring element. The improved frame includes a plurality of substantially identical drive assemblies wherein each drive assembly includes a drive mechanism for engaging and rotatably driving the drive members on the paint can covers. Each drive assembly furthermore includes an elongated planar top having two ends and which forms a shelf for supporting the paint cans. At least one, and preferably two, connectors are secured to each end of each drive assembly. Each connector has an upper and lower cylindrical portion which extend respectively above and below its associated drive assembly. A plurality of elongated tubular cylindrical supports then secure the drive assemblies together in a spaced apart and parallel relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Dedoes Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Dedoes
  • Patent number: 5897205
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for shaking aerosol spray paint cans. It comprises a flexible membrane (1) capable of forming a suction bond with an aerosol can (4), the membrane (1) being attachable to a power tool having a reciprocal motion output, for example a jig-saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Sinsteden
  • Patent number: 5857772
    Abstract: A lid has a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The lid is adapted to cover an opening of a paint can such that the second side faces an inside of the paint can. An internally threaded first shaft is mounted to the lid such that the first shaft is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof with respect to the lid. A paddle is connected to the first shaft on the second side of the lid. An externally threaded second shaft is partially received within the first shaft and extends generally perpendicularly outward from the first side of the lid. The first shaft is rotated when the second shaft is translated along the first shaft. In another embodiment, the second shaft is not externally threaded, but is formed from an elongated planar member coiled about a longitudinal axis thereof, and the first shaft has a coiled internal slot configured to receive the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Booker T. Washington
  • Patent number: 5842784
    Abstract: The invention consists of a paint mixer attachment for a standard wooden paint stirrer consisting of a plastic or metal casing having a slot beginning from the top to a point inside the casing near the bottom and a plurality of bristles formed on the bottom. A first embodiment is rectangular and a second embodiment is elliptical. The elliptical embodiment has stiff bristles formed on a round bottom and up the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Sam Contrasto
  • Patent number: 5839825
    Abstract: An agitator lid for a can of coloring substance on paint-agitation machines of the type including an agitator spindle (7) mounted so as to be free in translation relative to the lid, provided with an axial rod (13) which is driven in rotation and with a lower agitation blade (15), the agitator spindle (7) being suitable for butt-type application on the base (17) of the can under the thrust of the blade during agitation. The agitator spindle (7) includes, at its lower end, an end piece (31) for application on the base of the can, this end piece being mounted so as to be free in rotation on the agitator spindle (7) and being provided with at least three lower projecting elements (39) suitable for coming into contact via one and the same plane perpendicular to the spindle with the surface of the base (17) of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: F.A.S.
    Inventor: Alain Krzywdziak
  • Patent number: 5813760
    Abstract: An agitator for a paint mix tank is characterized by a paddle that has passages in it extending between opposite sides thereof and that is reciprocated up and down in the tank to keep the paint mixed and pigments and fillers in the paint in suspension. The paddle is reciprocated in the tank in linear directions generally along paths through its passages. Reciprocation is provided by a motor operating through a gearbox, and the speed of the motor is adjustable to control the reciprocation rate of the paddle. The passages through the paddle improve its agitation performance and enable its linear speed to be sufficiently low during agitation of the paint to eliminate foaming of and entrapment of air in the paint. A process is also dislosed for mixing the liquid contents of the tank without foaming and aeration by providing the above apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Binks Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Christopher L. Strong
  • Patent number: 5800057
    Abstract: A driving head for a stirrer can is provided. The stirrer can includes a cover with a rotatable plate having upwardly projecting fingers and further includes a stirrer inside the stirrer can. The driving head is mounted beneath a hollow shelf, includes a driven shaft and a blade fixedly connected to the driven shaft. The blade engages the fingers for driving the stirrer inside the stirrer can. A swan-neck shaped body having an upper portion, connected to the shelf, and a lower portion is provided. The lower portion of the body comprises a grip for engaging the rotatable plate of the stirrer can. The driven shaft projects through the upper portion of the body. A device for preventing rotation of the stirrer can is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Fillon Pichon Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Michel Lesimple
  • Patent number: 5791561
    Abstract: A hand-held spray gun assembly (10) for spraying paints and other suspensions has a container (12) with a cover (14) sealingly covering the container (12). A motor (70) is attached to the cover (14) and has a piston rod (48) that reciprocates inside a piston assembly (68). A metal bellows (56) has a first end (62) coupled to the piston assembly (68) to form a seal. A shaft assembly (40) has a first end (46) extending through the metal bellows (56) and attached to the piston rod (68). The shaft assembly (40) has a circular flange (52) coupled to a second end (58) of the metal bellows (56) to form a second seal. A second end (39) of the shaft assembly (40) is attached to the paddle (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas
    Inventors: Jon Dean Beckmann, Gary Norman Karsten
  • Patent number: 5788371
    Abstract: A paint mixing machine in which the paint container is loaded into a can housing having a conical spring at the bottom of the housing which causes the paint container to engage spring locking devices thereby holding same in place as the machine rotates the can housing and paint container therein through the horizontal and vertical planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Fast America, Incorporated
    Inventors: Sergio P. Neri, Dennis H. Le, Barbara Ann Radzki
  • Patent number: 5749652
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mixing apparatus and method for mixing fluent material such as paint or the like in a container. The apparatus includes a main frame and a subframe movably connected to the main frame. A drive motor is mounted on the main frame, and a container receiving and securing support is mounted on the subframe. A transmission mounted on the main frame operably connects the motor and the subframe, and converts the rotary output of the motor to a circular motion of the subframe. In operation, the circular motion agitates the fluent material in the container to mix it in a short period without producing the destructive forces leading to mechanical breakdowns associated with other mixers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Randy J. Brunn, William O. Gran, James P. Junk
  • Patent number: 5727878
    Abstract: A flexible liner for use with a mixing container of the type having a bottom wall and a post extending inwardly of that bottom wall. The liner comprises a sleeve closed at its bottom end and open at its top end, and has a configuration generally complementary to the interior configuration of the container. The bottom end wall of the liner carries a fitment that has a tubular portion which has a closed top end and an open bottom end, and which has a configuration generally complementary to the configuration of the post. The bottom end of the sleeve has a hole in alignment with the tubular portion of the fitment. The liner is insertable into the container and conforms generally to the interior of the container, and the fitment fits over and receives the post. The tubular portion of the fitment receives a shaft that carries mixing blades for mixing fluids in the container. The flexible liner constitutes a barrier between the container and a fluid substance mixed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: CDF Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph J. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5711601
    Abstract: Mixing apparatus develops a clamping pressure on a container to be mixed by bringing a pair of pressure plates together through the application of driving force developed by cranking a crank arm. A pawl and rachet arrangement prevents rotation of the crank arm in a direction which would loosen clamping pressure, unless a pawl unlocking knob is activated. Clamping pressure is limited by a clutch plate arrangement. Mixing apparatus is enclosed within a cabinet having a door interlock system which also automatically activates a brake for positively stopping further movement of the mixing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Fluid Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward George Thomas, William Albert Miller, Margaret Mary Lowan
  • Patent number: 5697703
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for automatic paint stirring equipment of the type having a housing and a plurality of spaced apart and parallel shafts rotatably mounted to the housing. Each shaft is adapted for detachable driving connection with a stirring assembly associated with a lid on a paint can supported on the housing. The drive mechanism includes a gear wheel secured to an upper end of each of the shafts and an elongated rigid gear rack which meshingly engages a plurality of the gear wheels on the shafts. The gear rack is reciprocally longitudinally driven through a wheel and link assembly to simultaneously reciprocally drive the shafts in alternating rotational directions. This alternating rotational movement is, in turn, transferred to the stirring assembly associated with the paint can for each of the drive shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Dedoes Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David Lucchetti
  • Patent number: 5695281
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing paint by mixing a dry paint powder with water has a paste mixing zone for mixing dry paint powder with water to a paint paste. The paste mixing zone has an inlet for the dry paint powder. The paste mixing zone further has a mixing and conveying member and a water inlet for supplying water to the dry paint powder. A grinding zone is positioned downstream of the paste mixing zone for grinding the dry paint powder contained in the paint paste and producing finished paint from the paint paste. An exit zone is positioned downstream of the grinding zone for removing the finished paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Inotec GmbH Transport- und Fortersysteme
    Inventors: Hans Weber, Anton Muller
  • Patent number: 5676463
    Abstract: A paint mixing system includes a paint can lid having a mixing paddle that can be rotated by a power drill or the like. The paint mixing system is preferably constructed entirely of plastic (e.g. molded high density polyethylene), except for a self-lubricating washer. The paint mixing system includes a plastic lid having an integral bore, a coupler that is secured for rotation within the lid bore, and a mixing paddle attached to the coupler below the lid. The coupler has a cylindrical upper portion and a cylindrical lower portion that has a smaller diameter than the upper portion. Likewise, the integral bore has a cylindrical upper portion that is larger than a lower cylindrical portion. The coupler fits closely within the lid bore, but not snugly so that the coupler can rotate freely within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Paul R. Larsen
  • Patent number: 5662416
    Abstract: An automatic clamping apparatus for paint mixers which applies a direct downward force on a paint container to prevent movement during the mixing operation, includes a clamping plate, a linear actuator, and a current sensor. The clamping plate is secured to the moving end of a vertically aligned linear actuator which moves the clamping plate up and down onto a paint container. The current sensor detects when the clamping plate is pushing against the top of the paint container and the power to the actuator is adjusted accordingly to maintain securing force on the paint container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Edward Jefferson Dwigans, II
  • Patent number: 5630666
    Abstract: A paint can comprising a container having an upper portion formed in cylindrical configuration and a lower portion formed in an inverted cone shaped configuration, the lower portion having an aperture with internal female threads at its lower central extent; a plurality of downwardly extending legs secured at their upper ends to the container adjacent to the lower end of the upper portion and the upper end of the lower portion to maintain the threaded opening at an elevated location for the dispensing of paint; and a threaded bolt threadedly received in the opening with a knurled knob at its lower extent and an inverted cone-shaped stopper at its upper extend positionable in bearing contact with the interior surface of the container and for rotation by a user between a lower orientation to maintain paint within the container and an upper orientation to allow the dispensing of paint from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Ernesto Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5622289
    Abstract: A cover assembly as provided for a paint can having an open top and a tubular cylindrical sidewall. The cover assembly includes a lid dimensioned to overlie the open top of a paint can and having a spout for dispensing paint from the can. A closure assembly is also provided for selectably opening and closing the spout, and a paint stirrer is rotatably secured to the lid. An annular skirt extends downwardly from the lid and includes a portion which overlies the sidewall when the lid is positioned on top of the can. The skirt is compressed against the sidewall by a locking mechanism to thereby attach the lid to the can. A removable closure cover is provided for both the portion of the closure overlying the spout as well as a spout cover which overlies both the spout and the adjacent portion of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Dedoes Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Dedoes
  • Patent number: 5613775
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for mixing liquid products, in particular to prepare coloring substances for paints and the like. The apparatus includes a base supporting a substantially horizontal table with supports, on the top face thereof, a plurality of vessels for the liquid products to be mixed. Inside each vessel is applied a stirring element which projects by its driving end portion from the vessel. The apparatus further includes a coupling element for coupling the driving end portions of the stirring elements to a driving device which can be actuated to simultaneously drive the stirring elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Fast S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Neri
  • Patent number: 5586822
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stirrer lid for color cans of stirring machines.This stirrer lid, of the type including a sealing element having a shutter (13) or having a pull flap closing the pouring lip (7), operated into the open position for pouring the color by a respective opposed operating lever (15) mounted on the body part of the lid, is characterized in that it includes at least one helical spring (25) for returning the said sealing element of the lip into the closed position, arranged laterally relative to the lip and oriented downward, toward the outside of the lid, this spring being connected by its ends to a fixing element (27) on the sealing element, a lug or fastener, and likewise to the lower part of the lip. FIG. 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: F.A.S.
    Inventor: Alain Krzywdziak
  • Patent number: 5584326
    Abstract: Apparatus for the storage, delivery and mixing of fluid substances. The aratus consists of a compact, pre-assembled, movable operative unit, enabling the storage of a large number of substances and the management of a large number of delivery points in an extremely small area. The apparatus comprises a conveyor and at least one set of storage tanks on a support frame along one or both sides of the conveyor; pumping device and a multi-valve delivery head are provided for supplying metered quantities of the substances to be mixed, in a container positioned on a conveyor section above an electronic scale. The electronic scales and corresponding section of the conveyor are laterally translatable on a vertically movable shelf to selectively position a mixing container under a multi-valve unit according to an operative program governed by a programmable control unit; a mixer is provided at the end of the conveyor which is opposite the multi-valve unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: I.A.S. Industrial Automation Systems S.A.S.di Dino Galli & C.
    Inventor: Dino Galli