Patent ID: 7717614
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: B01F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A clamping mechanism comprising: a lower base and an upper plate defining an adjustable clamping distance disposed therebetween, at least one of the lower base and upper plate being moveable to increase or decrease the clamping distance; a horizontal cross member pivotally connected to the upper plate so the upper plate least partially pivots downward and away from the horizontal cross member when nothing is clamped between the upper plate and lower base; and a sensor coupled to at least one of the upper plate and the horizontal cross member and being linked to a controller, the controller controlling the movement of said at least one of the upper plate and lower base for clamping and unclamping articles disposed on the lower base, the sensor being activated and sending a signal to the controller when the upper plate has been pivoted upward and pressed against the horizontal cross member by a top surface of an article clamped between the upper plate and lower base under movement controlled by the controller, the signal received by the controller comprising an input used in a selected routine.