Patent ID: 7399111
Filing Date: 2008-07-15
Classification: B01F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for mixing a fluid dispersion, said apparatus comprising: a container containing a fluid dispersion; a table upon which the container may be disposed; a clamp assembly disposed above the table so as to define a holding space therebetween, said clamp assembly comprising an upper bar and being movable between an uppermost position and a lowermost position, wherein when the clamp assembly is in the uppermost position, the holding space has a maximum height and when the clamp assembly is in the lowermost position, the holding space has a minimum height; a first electric motor connected to the clamp assembly for moving the clamp assembly toward and away from the table so as to change the height of the holding space; a second electric motor connected to the table for vibrating the table, thereby mixing the fluid dispersion in the container; a control system electrically connected to the first electric motor and operable to control the first electric motor so as to move the clamp assembly downward into clamping engagement with the container and maintain a clamping pressure that does not exceed a predetermined maximum amount; at least one blocking structure comprising a top contact surface, wherein said blocking structure is disposed between the table and the clamp assembly to limit the downward movement of the clamp assembly and thereby establish the lowermost position of the clamp assembly, wherein the blocking structure is positioned to provide that the minimum height of the holding space is at least 30% of the maximum height of the holding space, wherein said blocking structure is detached from the container; and wherein the lowermost position of the clamp assembly is defined by contact of the upper bar with the contact surface of the blocking structure.