Clamp system for fluid mixer with pivoting upper plate for detecting container top
US7717614B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S366/605
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A clamping mechanism and method are disclosed for a mixing machine that detects when the upper clamping member engages the tops or lids of the containers loaded into the mixing machine. The disclosed clamping mechanism includes a lower base and an upper plate defining an adjustable clamping distance disposed therebetween. At least one of the lower base and upper plate is moveable to increase or decrease the clamping distance. The upper plate is pivotally connected to a cross member so the upper plate is at least partially pivoted away from the cross member when nothing is clamped between the upper plate and lower base. At least one of the cross member and upper plate is associated with a sensor. The sensor is linked to a controller, which controls the movement of the upper plate or the lower base (or both) for clamping and unclamping articles disposed on the lower base. The sensor is activated and sends a signal to the controller when the upper plate has been pressed against the cross member by a top surface of an article clamped between the upper plate and lower cross member under movement controlled by the controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.