Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for balancing paint mixers including pivotably supporting a mixing frame assembly and suspending the assembly by at least one spring for mixing a liquid coating using both spin and orbital rotational movements and adjusting the lowest rotational resonant frequencies of the mixing frame assembly to be substantially below the lower of a pair of forcing function frequencies corresponding to the spin and orbit velocities. Optionally one or more dampers may be used to damp pivoting movement of the mixing frame assembly.

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.

Abstract: A method of mixing customized cosmetic products at a point of sale is disclosed. The method includes a suspension free of colorant to a container, adding one or more suspensions containing one or more colorants on top of the non-colorant containing suspension and adding one or more suspensions containing additional non-colorant ingredients on top of the one or more suspensions including the colorants, closing the container and mixing the suspension using a gyroscopic-type or rotary-type mixing apparatus. The container sidewall and bottom surface are coated with suspensions not containing colorant which prevents colorant materials from adhering to the sidewall and bottom portion of the container thereby providing for a more effective mixing of a customized cosmetic product at the point of purchase.

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.

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.

Abstract: A paint mixing machine having at least two axes for spinning either of a cylindrical or rectangular paint container to mix the paint in the container. The machine includes a stationary base frame carrying a mixing apparatus and an intermediate frame between the stationary base frame and the mixing apparatus. The intermediate frame is connected to the mixing apparatus and the stationary base frame by a plurality of vibration isolators. The intermediate frame includes damping weight to balance the deflection of the damping isolators. The base may also include one or more damping weights.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically extracting biological components from multiple distinct samples including a rotor supporting pendulous tubes and means for modifying the angular position of the tubes in a radial plane of the rotor independently of centrifugal force to cause a rocking movement of the tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mixing a fluid dispersion disposed in a container having either a cylindrical or a square shape. The apparatus includes a holding structure having a retaining structure connected to a base. The retaining structure prevents lateral movement of the container both when the container has a cylindrical shape and when the container has a generally square shape with a width substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical shape. The apparatus rotates the container about at least one axis.

Abstract: A mixer for fluid material in containers of varying sizes rotates the material continuously in one direction about a first axis and simultaneously about a second axis which is non-perpendicular to the first axis, the first axis rotating about the second axis. The mixer rotates the container simultaneously about the two axes. Desirable top to bottom circulation of the fluid within the container is achieved. The container support is capable of accommodating containers of varying lengths and diameters.

Abstract: A paint mixing machine having at least two axes for spinning either of a cylindrical or rectangular paint container to mix the paint in the container. The machine includes a stationary base frame carrying a mixing apparatus and an intermediate frame between the stationary base frame and the mixing apparatus. The intermediate frame is connected to the mixing apparatus and the stationary base frame by a plurality of vibration isolators. The intermediate frame includes damping weight to balance the deflection of the damping isolators. The base may also include one or more damping weights.

Abstract: A mixing system for mixing material includes a mixer having a housing, an arm in operable cooperation with the housing, wherein the arm is constructed and arranged to rotate about a first axis of rotation, and a basket constructed and arranged to rotate about a second axis of rotation in the opposite direction while the arm is rotating. A holder is removably received within the basket. A material container receives the material to be mixed, and the container is received within a lower half of the holder.

Abstract: To solve a problem of a height at a time of stirring a laminated tube solder by a conventional apparatus, makes it easy to keep balance at a time of rotating, and improve a stirring efficiency, a pair of circular supporting plates (7, 7) are fixed to portions near both end portions of a rotation driving shaft (2) which is horizontally supported to a stand (1), the rotation driving shaft (2) is rotated by a drive motor (3), four rotary tubes (8, 8) with opening and closing lids are supported between a pair of circular supporting plates (7, 7), and the rotary tubes (8, 8) are revolved around the rotation driving shaft (2) in a vertical direction while being made rotate around their own axes respectively.

Abstract: A mixer for capsule for dental restoration material to mix a powder component and a liquid component within a mixing compartment of a capsule having an air-permeable filter without passing the powder and liquid components placed in a site connecting the inside of the mixing compartment to the outside into a mixture without air bubbles quietly, quickly and efficiently, includes a capsule holding compartment for holding the capsule such that the air within the mixing compartment can be discharged out from the air-permeable filter, a rotating unit of capsule holding compartment for subjecting the capsule holding compartment itself to a circular motion in the state that the longitudinal direction of the capsule holding compartment is kept in a constant direction, a driving unit for driving the rotating unit of capsule holding compartment, and a vacuum device connected to the capsule holding compartment.

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.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing liquid, flowable or powdery materials comprises a pivoted first component, with a second component pivoted on the first component, with a drive mechanism for generating a rotational movement of the first component, and with a reversing device for transmitting and reversing a rotational movement of the first component to the second component, in such a way that the direction of rotation of the first component is opposite to the direction of rotation of the second component, the reversing device having at least one axial reversing element and at least one radial reversing element which are operatively connected to one another and with the frame and the second component via a flexible belt element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting on-line the homogeneity and constituent concentration of pharmaceutical compositions comprising a rotatable mixer, a plurality of spectroscopic detection means disposed on the mixer, and at least one control means for controlling the plurality of spectroscopic detection means.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mixing a fluid dispersion disposed in a container having either a cylindrical or a square shape.

Abstract: A mixing system for mixing material includes a mixer having a housing, an arm in operable cooperation with the housing, wherein the arm is constructed and arranged to rotate about a first axis of rotation, and a basket constructed and arranged to rotate about a second axis of rotation in the opposite direction while the arm is rotating. A holder is removably received within the basket. A material container receives the material to be mixed, and the container is received within a lower half of the holder.

Abstract: A mixer for fluid material in containers of varying sizes rotates the material continuously in one direction about a first axis and simultaneously about a second axis which is non-perpendicular to the first axis, the first axis rotating about the second axis. The mixer rotates the container simultaneously about the two axes. Desirable top to bottom circulation of the fluid within the container is achieved. The container support is capable of accommodating containers of varying lengths and diameters.

Abstract: A food mixing apparatus includes a mixing container for receiving food, a first support frame for supporting the mixing container to be rotatable about a first axis: X, a first drive mechanism disposed in the first support frame for rotating the mixing container, a second support frame for supporting the first support frame to be variable in posture relative to the second support frame, and a second drive mechanism for displacing the first support frame from one posture to another.

Abstract: A support platform for handling fermentation tanks, particularly alcoholic fermentation tanks, characterised in that it comprises a fixed bedplate (10), preferably of stainless steel, a swingable frame (11) mounted upon said bedplate (10) and hinged on a horizontal axle (12), a turnable frame (13) that may be turned on a vertical central axis, said turnable frame being connected to said swingable frame by means of a conventional center plate (14), as well as means for swinging said swingable frame (11) and means for turning said turnable frame (13).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mixing a fluid dispersion disposed in a container having either a cylindrical or a square shape. The apparatus includes a holding structure having a retaining structure connected to a base. The retaining structure prevents lateral movement of the container both when the container has a cylindrical shape and when the container has a generally square shape with a width substantially equal to the diameter of the cylindrical shape. The apparatus rotates the container about at least one axis.

Abstract: A mixer for capsule for dental restoration material to mix a powder component and a liquid component within a mixing compartment of a capsule having an air-permeable filter without passing the powder t and liquid components placed in a site connecting the inside of the mixing compartment to the outside into a mixture without air bubbles quietly, guickly and efficiently, is constituted of a capsule holding compartment for holding the capsule such that the air within the mixing compartment can be discharged out from the air-permeable filter, a rotating unit of capsule holding compartment for subjecting the capsule holding compartment itself to a circular motion in the state that the longitudinal direction of the capsule holding compartment is kept in a constant direction, a driving unit for driving the rotating unit of capsule holding compartment, and a vacuum device connected to the capsule holding compartment.

Abstract: To solve a problem of a height at a time of stirring a laminated tube solder by a conventional apparatus, makes it easy to keep balance at a time of rotating, and improve a stirring efficiency, a pair of circular supporting plates (7, 7) are fixed to portions near both end portions of a rotation driving shaft (2) which is horizontally supported to a stand (1), the rotation driving shaft (2) is rotated by a drive motor (3), four rotary tubes (8, 8) with opening and closing lids are supported between a pair of circular supporting plates (7, 7), and the rotary tubes (8, 8) are revolved around the rotation driving shaft (2) in a vertical direction while being made rotate around their own axes respectively.

Abstract: A mixer supports a cradle holding an inlet component for a cascade impactor, and has sealing caps to close open ends of the component to trap a solvent in the component. The cradle is rotated by a motor for dissolving particles in the inlet component.

Abstract: A combined centrifugal force (X+Y) is produced in a container (8) when the container on a distal end of an arm (3) circles around a main rotary shaft (2) of the arm and simultaneously rotates on its own rotary shaft (6) in harmony with the circling motion thereof. The starting ingredients for a food/beverage product are received in the container and subjected to the combined centrifugal force, so that the ingredients are processed into the food/beverage product. Various types of elements such as a sieve-like capsule member (10) detachably mounted in the container (8), a small concave-convex portion provided in an appropriate inner surface of the container (8), and/or a raised floor member (15) provided with a pair of a radial blade (12) and its corresponding radial slot (14) detachably mounted in the container are used to enhance the processing operation.

Abstract: A mixer supports a cradle holding an inlet component for a cascade impactor, and has sealing caps to close open ends of the component to trap a solvent in the component. The cradle is rotated by a motor for dissolving particles in the inlet component.

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.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a centrifuge rotor that rotates to provide supergravity conditions and tilt rotors that provide for sample agitation under the supergravity conditions. The centrifuge rotor is integral with a hollow centrifuge drive shaft. A tilt-drive shaft extends through the hollow and rotates coaxially of the centrifuge rotor. The tilt-drive shaft has a pinion that engages the tilt rotors, which thus are made to rotate about tilt axes that are spaced from and parallel to the centrifuge axis. A centrifuge motor is mechanically coupled to the centrifuge drive shaft to rotate the centrifuge rotor. A tilt motor is mechanically coupled to the tilt drive shaft for imparting a rocking motion of the tilt rotors (and thus of mounted sample reaction cells) relative to the centrifuge rotor.

Abstract: A food mixing apparatus includes a mixing container for receiving food, a first support frame for supporting the mixing container to be rotatable about a first axis: X, a first drive mechanism disposed in the first support frame for rotating the mixing container, a second support frame for supporting the first support frame to be variable in posture relative to the second support frame, and a second drive mechanism for displacing the first support frame from one posture to another.

Abstract: A mixer for granular materials has a mixing container consisting of a first mixing container portion and a second mixing container portion detachably connected to one another. The mixing container has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. A support frame is provided in which the mixing container is supported so as to be pivotable about the transverse axis and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The mixing container has a first position in which mixing is performed and in which the second mixing container portion is positioned above the first mixing container portion. The mixing container has a second position in which the second container portion, after completion of mixing, contains the mixed material and is detachable from the first mixing container portion.

Abstract: A mixing system for mixing and dispensing viscous material comprising a mixer, cartridge assembly, and dispenser. This timesaving mixing and dispensing system utilizes a self-contained cartridge assembly that can be transferred directly from the mixer to the dispenser without exposing the reactive materials to the external environment. The cartridge assembly includes a cup having a nipple where a nozzle may be attached for dispensing, a plunger, a cap for the cup, and a removable seal over the opening of the dispensing nipple.

Abstract: A mill for grinding and/or mixing a material. In one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mill includes a first container rotatably mounted at a first end of a gyration arm. The container rotates about a first axis, and the gyration arm rotates about a second axis. The mill may further include a second container mounted at a second end of the gyration arm. The second container is rotatable about a third axis. As the gyration arm rotates about the second axis, the containers move with the gyration arm. In addition, the containers themselves rotate about their own respective axes thereby greatly enhancing the forces within the containers effecting the grinding and/or mixing. A first motor may be used to rotate the gyration arm, and a second motor may be used to rotate the containers about their respective axes. The mill may be operated in a continuous mode or in a batch mode.

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.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing free flowing masses in a container includes: a rotating carrier defining a mixing side, a balancing side disposed opposite the mixing side, and a direction of rotation about the rotational axis of the mixing device; a container carrier for carrying the container, the container carrier being disposed on the mixing side of the rotating carrier and further being adapted to rotate counter to the direction of rotation of the rotating carrier; a housing defining a housing center of gravity and being effective as an active balancing weight for the container carrier for balancing moments on the mixing side and on the balancing side; and a counterweight defining a counterweight center of gravity and disposed on the rotating carrier, the counterweight further having a weight matching a tare weight of the housing. The housing and the counterweight are displaceable radially with respect to the rotational axis of the mixing device on the balancing side of the rotating carrier.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing at least one flowable mass includes a rotatable support (2), a container carrier (1) and container (4) and a separate housing (3). The container carrier (1) and housing (3) each has a central axis inclined relative to the axis of the rotatable support (2). The container carrier (1) can be driven around its axis opposite to the rotational direction of the rotatable support (2). The apparatus is balanced by an equalizing mass (3a) in the housing (3) disposed diametrically opposite the container carrier (1).

Abstract: An agitator for mixing or blending various products, in particular paints, varnishes or the like, disposed in a container, has a fixed support structure which is resiliently connected to a first framework which in turn supports a second framework in a generally oscillatory manner. An upper plate and a lower plate, rotatable about a vertical axis and mounted on the second framework, hold the container. When the machine is in use, an electric motor, mounted on the first framework, rotates a shaft provided with pins which are eccentric relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft and are connected to the second framework. The actuation of the motor gives rise to an orbital oscillatory motion of both frameworks together and the intermittent and unidirectional rotation of the lower plate about a substantially vertical axis. This promotes quick and homogeneous mixing of paints, varnishes or other such products in a broad range of quantities.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for providing gyroscopic movement to a mixing container via a direct drive system including a fixed ring gear, a planetary gear engaging the ring gear and a mechanism for rotating the container both about a center drive axis and an orbiting axis which is angularly displaced from the center drive axis. The invention also relates to a mechanism for facilitating insertion and removal of the container from the mixing apparatus including a mixer chassis and a top lid and lid closure assembly which are pivotally connected to a portion of the mixer chassis.

Abstract: A hybridization incubator assembly (10) is provided for incubation of samples contained in elongated sample bottles (16) and short sample bottles (60). The incubator (10) includes and oven body (18) which encloses a rotisserie assembly (14) adapted for carrying and agitating the sample bottles. The rotisserie assembly (14) includes a pair of bottle support wheels (43) mounted eccentrically on a drive shaft (40). The first wheel (44) and the second wheel (46) are mounted at different degrees of eccentricity and are axially separated on the drive shaft (40) by a distance slightly less than the length of the elongated bottles (16). Each support wheel (43) includes a plurality of grasping clamps (60) affixed about the rim portion (56) for holding the bottles (16), with each the grasping clamps (60) being paired with another on the opposing wheel (43) such that a bottle (16) may be supported by both wheels (43). The perimeter surface (58) of each wheel is beveled to facilitate agitation.

Abstract: A clamping fixture slides between a pair of guide rails and includes a pressure plate between the guide rails. Lock plates with internal openings for receiving the guide rails are held captive on the pressure plate. An operating bar with stepped ends, one adjacent each locking plate, is deflected by a cam mechanism to incline the lock plates relative to the guide rails, thus wedging the lock plates to prevent further sliding along the guide rails. Return springs are provided to urge the lock plates to an unlocked position when pressure on the operating bar is released. A mixing apparatus using the clamping fixture is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting samples in crucibles above burners while moving the crucibles to mix the contents. The crucibles are supported by movable shafts on a movable subframe. The shafts can oscillate in a horizontal plane to mix the contents of the crucible. The subframe can also oscillate vertically to mix the contents of the crucible. The crucible mixing pattern is the sum of the horizontal and the vertical motion applied to the crucible. The crucible can be moved back away from the burner to add additional material to the crucible. The crucible can be moved forward, away from the burner, to pour the melted sample into either a heated casting dish or a container containing a solution. Nothing is added to or poured from the crucible while over the burners.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for providing gyroscopic movement to a mixing container via a direct drive system including a fixed ring gear, a planetary gear engaging the ring gear and a mechanism for rotating the container both about a center drive axis and an orbiting axis which is angularly displaced from the center drive axis. The invention also relates to a mechanism for facilitating insertion and removal of the container from the mixing apparatus including a mixer chassis and a top lid and lid closure assembly which are pivotally connected to a portion of the mixer chassis.

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.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for pastes comprises a mount (18) for a mixing container (19) supported on a rotor (10) for rotation relative to the rotor about an axis (16) which is eccentric with respect to the rotor axis (15). During a mixing phase, a transmission (20 . . . 22) causes the mount (18) to rotate about its eccentric axis (16) so that the mixing container (19) executes an overall circulatory reciprocation and the container contents (29) are subjected to a shaking motion. For a subsequent compression phase, the transmission (20 . . . 22) is switched-over while the rotor (10) continues to rotate, so that the mount (18) is now free to assume an orientation that is fixed with respect to the rotor (10) and in which the mixed paste is forced against a dispensing piston (55) provided in the container (19) and is thereby degassed.

Abstract: A hollow forming machine capable of rotating moulds in both horizontal and vertical directions wherein a motor is used to drive sleeves to rotate in both vertical and horizontal directions, and through the engagement of outer gears of the sleeves and the drive gear shaft, a horizontal mandrel is driven to rotate in the same direction as the sleeves, and through the engagement of two bevel gears, the rotation of the horizontal rotation of a vertical mandrel to drive a mould seat to rotate in both horizontal and vertical directions. An air pipe is disposed in hollow pipes of the horizontal and vertical mandrels to communicate an air extractor and the mould for performing air extracting and air blowing so that the molded product has fine quality and uniform wall thickness without bubbles on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing the content of a closed package, such as a paint can. The apparatus comprises a frame and a substantially vertically oriented package holder which is movably mounted in the frame. The package holder includes a device for releasably clamping a package so that the axis of the package is parallel with the axis of the holder. The apparatus also includes a device for driving the holder in a closed movement path relative to the frame. The drive device comprises a rotatable shaft which is substantially vertically oriented and which is mounted centrally on the frame. The drive shaft carries a crank having a substantially vertical pin. The pin is centrally connected to the lower portion of the holder and is journalled at one of its ends into a rolling bearing. Stabilizing devices connect the holder and the frame and are arranged to prevent relative rotation between the holder and the frame around the drive shaft axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing gyratory motion to a paint can for mixing the contents of the paint can. The paint can is clamped between an upper and lower clamping plate of a clamping mechanism, which clamping mechanism is fixed to a rotatable disc rotatable in a vertical plane. The lower clamping plate is rotatable independently of the rotation of the mounting disc. The upper and lower clamping plates are moveable toward and away from each other simultaneously via a pair of threaded rods. The lower clamping plate is also provided with a plurality of angularly spaced-apart vertically pivotal, clamping fingers, the upper portions of which extend through slots formed in the circumference of the lower clamping plate, which fingers help to clamp and automatically center the lower rim of a paint can being clamped and mixed. The fingers are urged upwardly before the upward sliding movement of the lower clamping plate via a strike plate slidingly mounted with respect to the drive shaft of the lower clamping plate.

Abstract: An orbital barrel finishing machine employs rotatable drums which are removable from the machine. A coupling member mounting a plurality of angularly spaced axially extending pins engages slots of a second coupling member to provide a rotational drive engagement for the removable drums. The drums are uncoupled from the drive engagement by axially displacing the drums. A releasable latch assembly is employed to secure the drums in the coupled drive position. The orbital barrel finishing machine is employed as a component of an integrated automatic finishing system wherein the rotatable drums may be automatically removed from the machine, unloaded, loaded and returned to the machine.

Abstract: An orbital barrel finishing machine employs rotatable drums which are removable from the machine. A coupling member mounting a plurality of angularly spaced axially extending pins engages slots of a second coupling member to provide a rotational drive engagement for the removable drums. The drums are uncoupled from the drive engagement by axially displacing the drums. A releasable latch assembly is employed to secure the drums in the coupled drive position. The orbital barrel finishing machine is employed as a component of an integrated automatic finishing system wherein the rotatable drums may be automatically removed from the machine, unloaded, loaded and returned to the machine.