Patents Assigned to Fluid Management
  • Patent number: 5268849
    Abstract: An automated paint-batching system for producing paint cans of any size and color. The system includes a plurality of paint-batching cells, with each cell having a machine comprised of either one or two dispensing stations. When two dispensing stations are used, the two dispensing stations are: A first tint-station, where a small volumetric dispensing of the base, water-base or oil-base, of the paint is dispensed, in order to wet the bottom of the can, at which first station, thereafter, is dispensed all of the liquid colorants making up the formula of the paint can, at which the remainder of the base of the formula of the paint is dispensed, and a second base-dispensing station. Each of the first and second stations of the paint-batching machine of the invention has operatively associated therewith a weighing platform upon which rests the paint can during the dispensing at the respective station used in quality-control weighing of each dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignees: Dunn-Edwards Corporation, Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Philip Howlett, Larry Frederickson, Kenneth N. Edwards, Edward D. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5268620
    Abstract: A control system for mixing materials in a container. A screw-driven pressure plate clamps the container during mixing. Current of the clamping motor driving the screws is monitored and control circuitry allows multiple speed, multiple current draw, automatic switch-over operation of the clamping motor. Circuit components are automatically checked, and control over a mixing or clamping operation is assumed if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Leen Hellenberg
  • Patent number: 5203387
    Abstract: An automated paint-batching system for producing paint cans of any size and color. The system includes a plurality of paint-batching cells, with each cell having a machine comprised of either one or two dispensing stations. When two dispensing stations are used, the two dispensing stations are: A first tint-station, where a small volumetric dispensing of the base, water-base or oil base, of the paint is dispensed, in order to wet the bottom of the can, at which first station, thereafter, is dispensed all of the liquid colorants making up the formula of the paint can, at which the remainder of the base of the formula of the paint is dispensed, and a second base-dispensing station. Each of the first and second stations of the paint-batching machine of the invention has operatively associated therewith a weighing platform upon which rests the paint can during the dispensing at the respective station used in quality-control weighing of each dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Dunn Edwards Corp. & Fluid Management Ltd. Part.
    Inventors: Philip Howlett, Larry Frederickson, Kenneth N. Edwards, Edward D. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5197802
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus for pulverulent materials includes guide rods carrying a pair of opposed pressure plates having centers aligned along a common axis of rotation. A tubular frame encloses a three-dimensional volume disposed about said guide rods and pressure plates to shield the guide rods and pressure plates from inadvertent contact, and to mount an electric motor. The pressure plates are locked in position by a transmission shaft which is geared to a lead screw which engages the pressure plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventors: William A. Miller, Daniel E. Molter
  • Patent number: 5193720
    Abstract: A vehicular cart with a lifting collar is rolled over a plurality of containers located on a floor of a work site. The lifting collar is lowered onto the containers and is raised along with the containers to an operating position. Mixing and dispensing equipment carried on the cart are removably connected to each container. Computer control for the mixing and dispensing operations is provided, and interfaces with the mixing and dispensing apparatus coupled to each container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Charles C. Mayberry
  • Patent number: 5163484
    Abstract: An automated paint-batching system for producing paint cans of any size and color. The system includes a plurality of paint-batching cells, with each cell having a maching comprised of either one or two dispensing stations. When two dispensing stations are used, the two dispensing stations are: A first tint-station, where a small volumetric dispensing of the base, water-base or oil-base, of the paint is dispensed, in order to wet the bottom of the can, at which first station, thereafter, is dispensed all of the liquid colorants making up the formula of the paint can, at which the remainder of the base of the formula of the paint is dispensed, and a second base-dispensing station. Each of the first and second stations of the paint-batching machine of the invention has operatively associated therewith a weighing platform upon which rests the paint can during the dispensing at the respective station used in quality-control weighing of each dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Dunn Edwards, Corp. & Fluid Management Ltd. Part.
    Inventors: Philip Howlett, Larry Frederickson, Kenneth N. Edwards, Edward D. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5137367
    Abstract: An automated apparatus for mixing ingredients stored in closed containers includes two or more mixing mechanisms. A diverter gate upstream of the mixing mechanisms guides containers to one or the other mechanism, as desired. Powered conveyors move the containers past the diverter gate and retractable pusher arm assemblies load the containers onto the mixing mechanisms. After a mixing operation is completed, the pusher arm assemblies discharge the containers onto an exit conveyor for transport to a remote packaging station. Sensors are disposed along the path of travel of the pusher arm assemblies to control operation thereof, providing a ready indication that a container is properly positioned on a mixing mechanism, and that the mixing operation can be initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Madonia, Niles M. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 5119973
    Abstract: Dispenser actuating apparatus includes guide rails carrying a valve actuator at one end. A pump actuator is mounted for sliding along the guide rails, and the guide rails are mounted for sliding along their central axes. Separate motors and drive belts reciprocate the valve and pump actuators with independent movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventors: William Miller, Leen Hellenberg
  • Patent number: 5116134
    Abstract: An automated apparatus for mixing ingredients stored in closed containers includes a gyroscopically mounted frame with a clamping arrangement for clamping a container therein. A shuttle moves back and forth between a conveyor and the frame carrying containers to and from the frame. An injection arm carried on the shuttle moves the container into the frame, and an ejection arm moves the container from the frame to the shuttle, for return to the conveyor. A braking alignment mechanism orients the frame to receive a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kenneth N. Edwards, Edward D. Edwards, Philip C. Howlett, Niles M. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 5083591
    Abstract: An automated paint-batching system for producing paint cans of any size and color. The system includes a plurality of paint-batching cells, with each cell having a machine comprised of either one or two dispensing stations. When two dispensing stations are used, the two dispensing stations are: A first tint-station, where a small volumetric dispensing of the base, water-base or oil-base, of the paint is dispensed, in order to wet the bottom of the can, at the first station, thereafter, is dispensed all of the liquid colorants making up the formula of the paint can, and a second base-dispensing station at which the remainder of the base of the formula of the paint is dispensed. Each of the first and second stations of the paint-batching machine of the invention has operatively associated therewith a weighing platform upon which rests the paint can during the dispensing at the respective station used in quality-control weighing of each dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Dunn Edwards, Corp., & Fluid Management Ltd. Part.
    Inventors: Kenneth N. Edwards, Edward D. Edwards, Philip Howlett, Larry Frederickson
  • Patent number: 5078302
    Abstract: Apparatus for sealing the colorant-dispensing nozzles of machines adapted for coloring paint base material. Container assemblies of the machine provide storage of the colorants and may include metering apparatus to discharge preselected amounts of colorant through the nozzle into a quantity of paint base material. Flow control valves on the container assemblies block the discharge of colorant material from the metering apparatus. A sealing valve is attached to each nozzle to block the free end of the nozzle against air intrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Leen Hellenberg
  • Patent number: 4967938
    Abstract: Apparatus for coloring paint base material comprises a plurality of container assemblies mounted for indexing movement along a path of travel. A dispensing station is provided adjacent the path of travel. The container assemblies include metering apparatus to discharge preselected amounts of colorant into a container of paint base material. Valves on the container assemblies block the discharge of colorant material from the metering apparatus. Meter actuating and valve actuating apparatus is provided at the dispensing station for automatically dispensing metered colorants into passing containers of paint base material, according to formulae stored in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Leen Hellenberg
  • Patent number: 4953985
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing liquid paint colorant in a plurality of containers. Flexible cables are rotated about their length by a drive motor to rotate agitators in each container. The cable ends which drive the agitators are aligned with the rotational axes of the agitators. Each container has an open upper end which is closed by a cover having an attached mechanism for imparting rotation from the cables to the agitators. The agitators are disabled by disengaging one end of the cable from the drive motor, disengaging the other end of the cable from the mechanism on the container cover, or removing the cover with the cable intact to separate the mechanism from the agitator. The cables are bowed in an inverted U-shape between the drive motor and container covers. A lid extends over the bowed cables and has a rim that bears against the container covers to maintain them in closed position on the container during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventor: William A. Miller
  • Patent number: 4830218
    Abstract: A controlled fluid delivery system comprising a pump and electric drive apparatus which provides precise metering of the fluid, and includes an error correction apparatus by which the system errors may be compensated and calibrated to provide a precisely controlled fluid flow at a continuous speed or small quantities of the fluid by intermittent system operations. Furthermore, the apparatus is modular and may accommodate a variety of mechanical pumps. The controlled fluid delivery system communicates with other apparatus such as measurement devices and process control equipment through standard binary communication lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Fluid Management Systems
    Inventor: Hamid Shirkhan
  • Patent number: D327695
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Gene K. Edstrom
  • Patent number: D327895
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Fluid Management Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Gene K. Edstrom