Intelligent reversible/replaceable bottom plates for fluid mixers

US7300198B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fluid Management, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Christopher Khoo · Lake in the Hills, US
• William A. Miller · Santa Fe, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 9, 2006
• Grant date: Nov 27, 2007
• Expiry date: Mar 9, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S366/605
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A fluid mixer is disclosed which alters or changes the operation of the automatic clamping mechanism for different sizes, shapes and styles of containers. Removable and replaceable bottom plates are used on the lower base. These bottom plates have indicia on the resting surfaces thereof which provides the user with a clear indication as to which type of container is used with each plate surface. Typically, both surfaces of the replaceable/reversible bottom plates are used for different styles of containers. The bottom plate provides an identification to a sensor associated with a lower base for communicating a signal to the controller. By selecting the appropriate bottom plate and installing it on the lower base, a signal is generated and sent to the controller indicative of the type of container loaded into the mixing apparatus. The controller retrieves an appropriate algorithm or routine from its memory and imposes the appropriate clamping force by way of an upper plate that is lowered down into clamping engagement with a container or containers. Thus, one mixer can be used for a variety of different types, styles and sizes of containers.