A multi-axis mixing apparatus is disclosed that includes a housing and a controller operatively connected to a first motor and a second motor. The apparatus includes a frame supporting the first motor configured to selectively rotate a rotatable assembly. The rotatable assembly supports and provides an operative connection to the second motor configured to selectively rotate a rotatable sub-assembly. The rotatable sub-assembly includes a mechanism configured to receive and hold a container containing contents to be mixed, and the controller is configured to independently operate the first and second motors to mix the contents.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is directed to mixing, and is more specifically directed to multi-axis mixing, related methods, and features thereof.

It is frequently desirable to mix various substances. For example, generally liquid and/or semi-liquid with solids therein such as paint frequently start as various separate substances or colors that are then mixed into a desired mixture, such as to achieve a certain color, tone, hue, reflectivity, and the like. In order to promote more complete and/or more even mixing, various mixers can utilize more than one independent movement during mixing.

At present, mixers are complex. Often, mixers include undesirable components that can require frequent maintenance and/or repairs. Furthermore, containers with contents to be mixed are frequently heavy and/or bulky, and can be difficult to insert and/or remove from the mixing apparatus.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved mixing apparatus and related methods that provides a simplified, more reliable, and easier-to-use mixing and related container handling experience.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes shortcomings of the prior art by introducing multi-axis mixing with improved mixing, extraction, electrical, and mechanical properties.

According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-axis mixing apparatus is disclosed. According to the first embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing and a controller operatively connected to a first motor and a second motor. The apparatus also includes a frame supporting the first motor configured to selectively rotate a rotatable assembly. Also according to the first embodiment, the rotatable assembly supports and provides an operative connection to the second motor configured to selectively rotate a rotatable sub-assembly. Also according to the first embodiment, the rotatable sub-assembly includes a mechanism configured to receive and hold a container containing contents to be mixed, and the controller is configured to independently operate the first and second motors to mix the contents. Also disclosed is a method of mixing according to the first embodiment. Yet further disclosed is a paint mixer including the apparatus of the first embodiment, where the container is a paint container and the contents include paint to be mixed.

According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-axis mixing apparatus is disclosed. According to the second embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing and a controller operatively connected to at least a first motor configured to selectively rotate a rotatable assembly. Also according to the second embodiment, the rotatable assembly supports a rotatable sub-assembly. Also according to the second embodiment, the rotatable sub-assembly includes a mechanism configured to receive and hold a container containing contents to be mixed, and an extractor mechanism is configured to displace the container relative to the sub-assembly for removal of the container.

According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-axis mixing apparatus is disclosed. According to the third embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing and a controller operatively connected to at least a first motor configured to selectively rotate a rotatable assembly. Also according to the third embodiment, the rotatable assembly supports a rotatable sub-assembly. Also according to the third embodiment, the rotatable sub-assembly includes a mechanism configured to receive and hold a container containing contents to be mixed, and the sub-assembly includes at least one magnet configured to attract and hold a handle of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is an easy-to-use, multi-axis mixing apparatus and related methods that use multi-axis, gyroscopic motion to mix contents in containers ranging from roughly a quart or less to larger than five U.S. gallons. Disclosed embodiments also utilize improved operative connections, simpler and improved mechanical operation, and more reliable operation. Disclosed embodiments yet further provide for improved and assisted extraction of a container from the mixing apparatus and other improvements to container handling.

With reference toFIGS. 1-6a multi-axis mixing apparatus10(or mixer) is shown. The mixing apparatus10has a housing18supported by a support structure22that preferably includes at least one leg24, each of which can be adjustable. A movable door12is provided to selectively close the housing18when in a lowered, closed position (e.g., as inFIGS. 1-3), and to open the housing18when in a raised, open position (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 4-6). The door12is preferably hinged or slidable, and is provided with a handle14that can be grasped by a user to move the door such that it is opened or closed when desired. As shown, a container shelf16is attached to the housing18to facilitate loading/unloading of a container (e.g., a small container, a medium container94, or a large container96) into the mixing apparatus10, and a control panel20is preferably provided on the housing18. The control panel20can include various controls, such as an emergency off feature21and/or various buttons and/or screens (not shown) such that a user can input various parameters for mixing using the mixing apparatus10. Unloading and extracting can be understood to be used interchangeably in this disclosure.

The contents of a container can be liquid, and one example is paint components to be mixed within a sealed container. As used herein, a container can include any size vessel, bucket, paint can, or any other suitable container for any suitable contents. The container can include a handle98attached to the various sized containers via a handle mount100, as described below. The handle98can be a bail bar, or any other suitable type of handle. In other embodiments, the handle98can be omitted.

As shown inFIGS. 4-6, supported within and by the housing18is a mounting frame30for supporting operative mixing features28, which can include various frames, motors, mechanical extraction features, and the like.

The operative mixing features28include an upper plate40and a lower plate50that are adjustably positionable relative to each other, and can be used to securely clamp a container in place for mixing. Preferably, the upper plate40and lower plate are substantially parallel to each other at various and/or all positions. Generally speaking, components of the mixing apparatus10contained within the housing18are the operative mixing features28, although not every feature is necessarily directly or indirectly used for mixing. A cross-sectional side view of the mixing apparatus10is shown inFIG. 6, which provides additional detail of certain operative mixing features28within the housing18of the mixing apparatus10.

FIG. 7shows the operative mixing features28of the mixing apparatus in greater detail. The operative mixing features28provide for controlled rotational, mixing movement in two different axes, as shown. Mixing with mixing apparatus10can occur by “gyroscopic” or multi-axis motion. Multi-axis motion means that a container is rotated according to two (or more) axes. The two axes can include a first, spin axis54and a second, tumble axis52. As shown, a tumble motor36mounted to the mounting frame provides rotation about the tumble axis52and a spin motor38(indirectly mounted to the mounting frame) provides rotation about the spin axis54. The tumble motor36can be a direct drive, electric motor operatively connected to a controller (not shown). Example controllers can include a hardware processor operatively coupled to at least a memory.

Also with reference toFIG. 7, the operative mixing features28can be variously characterized as being comprised within a rotatable tumble assembly32attached to tumble drive components34. More specifically, the tumble motor36of the tumble drive components34is fixedly attached on one end to the mounting frame30via a stationary tumble motor frame26, and attached on another end to a tumble frame42of the rotatable tumble assembly32via an attachment flange68. The tumble motor36can rotate the tumble frame42of the rotatable tumble assembly32rotate according to the tumble axis52. The spin axis54and tumble axis52can be perpendicular to each other. Preferably, the spin axis54is perpendicular to the lower plate50of the mixing apparatus10. The orientation and positioning of the axes52,54can affect where the contents travels inside the container and the velocity and shear in the contents, affecting mixing. During mixing, it is generally preferable that a center of mass of the container and contents thereof are substantially balanced according to each axis of rotation, e.g., the tumble and spin axes52,54.

Comprised within the rotatable tumble assembly32and rotated by the spin motor38is a spin sub-assembly37, itself comprising the spin motor38. The spin motor38can be a direct drive, electric motor operatively connected to a controller (not shown). The spin motor38is configured to provide independent rotation about the spin axis54relative to the tumble motor36. The spin motor38can be operatively connected to the controller and/or a power source, among other components, via one or more slip ring (not shown) and/or any other suitable electrical connections that allow for rotation while maintaining an operative connection. The spin motor38is attached to the tumble assembly32via a spin motor support frame58. The upper plate40and the lower plate50can each be generally planer and circular and centered for rotation according to the spin axis54. The lower plate50preferably comprises one or more openings and/or graduated, stepped indentations for receiving various sizes of containers, as described in greater detail below.

According to embodiments, separate motors36and38are provided, one for each axis52,54of rotation within the mixing apparatus10. Preferably, no gears or drive belts are used to effect rotation according to the spin and tumble axes52,54. For example, direct drive electric motors preferably provide simple construction and wiring. Direct drive electric motors preferably eliminate the need for gears or belts in order to impart rotation of the various components. Direct drive motors can also reduce noise and wear during motor operation. Furthermore, direct drive motors can provide an improved and simpler ability to independently control rotational speed (RPM) of both the spin and tumble movements. The tumble36and/or spin motors38as used herein can be alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) electric motors, among any other type of suitable motor. The motors preferably operate at between about 12 and 64 Volts, AC or DC, and preferably are rated for between 100 and 2,000 Watts, each. The motors36,38can be operated at substantially the same speed, different speeds, or at various changing speeds and/or power levels during a mixing process, among various other combinations. Furthermore, the controller (not shown) can be configured to selectively control at least one of the motors36,38to be selectively operated as a brake mechanism, e.g., short various electrical connections, or operate as a generator or the like, if and when it is desirable to slow or stop the mixing process.

In preferable embodiments, at least one slip ring is utilized to provide an operative connection between a controller and at least one motor, and/or a motor and another motor within the mixing apparatus10. As used herein, a slip ring has at least one sliding electrical contact that rotates with a moving structure or contact relative to another structure or contact. Contemplated wiring arrangements herein also account for the upper and lower plate40,50moving toward and away from each other, and provide flexible and/or movable wiring such that an operative connection is maintained during movement of various parts of the mixing apparatus10before, during, and/or after mixing operation. Typical arrangements that utilize gears and/or belts typically mean that the ratio of spin and tumble are fixed and cannot be changed. By employing separate tumble and spin motors36,38, embodiments of the present disclosure allow for change in ratios of the two motors any time during a mixing process.

Various container clamping features can provide linear movement of the upper plate40relative to the lower plate50such that a container can be held securely for mixing using the mixing apparatus10. The rotatable tumble assembly32preferably comprises the clamping features, which together rotate according to the tumble axis52during mixing operation. A linear clamping mechanism65is preferably generally symmetrical and can be spin balanced with or without a container clamped thereby, and comprises a clamp screw66, held to the tumble frame42by a clamp screw mount67. The clamp screw66is operatively rotatable by a clamp screw motor (see, e.g.,73ofFIG. 12) such that one or more carriers are moved during operation of the linear clamping mechanism65. The container can be held by the linear clamping mechanism65by the two plates40and50as they move and clamp on the container containing contents to be mixed at the start of a mixing cycle.

The upper plate40, spin motor38, spin motor support frame58, and various other upper components can be movably attached to an upper carrier60that is linearly moveable according to the tumble frame42, which can comprise one or more rails, by actuation of the clamp screw66. Likewise, the lower plate50, and various extraction components comprised within the rotatable tumble assembly32can also be movably attached to a lower carrier62that can be similar to the upper carrier60. The lower carrier can also be linearly movable according to the tumble frame42by actuation of the clamp screw66, preferably in a direction opposite a linear movement of the upper carrier60.

According to various embodiments, the mixing apparatus10described herein can automatically and securely hold a container of various sizes when a user input is received. The user input can be received by depressing a button or turning a knob, among various other controls of the control panel20of the mixing apparatus10. As shown, the control panel20of the mixing apparatus10optionally includes the emergency off feature21, which can be located in any location of the mixing apparatus10. The user input can include a selection of a mixing cycle, speed of rotation, etc. Based on the user selection and/or automatic or detected settings, the mixing apparatus10preferably mixes the container for a predetermined time and according to a predetermined mixing cycle, such as including a mixing time and/or mixing programming. The mixing time and/or programming are preferably selected according to predetermined stored settings. In some embodiments, the user can adjust an automatically set time and/or mixing cycle using the control panel20.

Prior to and during mixing, the container can be securely held for mixing by the linear clamping mechanism65. More specifically, upon a determination that the mixer door12is closed, the upper40and lower plate50will move linearly toward each other, and clamp and securely hold the container to be mixed. The user can place the container to be held and mixed within the mixing apparatus10prior to the cycle. Alternatively an automated machine, which can be programmed to operate similarly to a human user, can be configured to automatically place the container in the mixing apparatus10before the container is also clamped automatically.

The container is preferably inserted into the mixing apparatus10in a certain preferred orientation. For example, it may be preferable that the container is placed in the mixing apparatus10in an orientation such that a handle98of the container is movable in a dihedral arc toward an opening in the mixing apparatus10, e.g., toward the position of the door12. In some embodiments, the container is placed in the mixing apparatus10such that a front label is facing out, or toward the point of entry. Preferably, before loading and/or removing the container relative to the mixing apparatus10, the linear clamping mechanism65is latched or locked in place so the lower plate50supporting the container is in a lowered position and the container is face or label forward. Upon a mixing process ending, the mixing apparatus10can return the container to an upright and face-out position, and rotate the container until the handle98is facing forward.

Also shown inFIG. 7are various extraction and/or loading components of the mixing apparatus10. It may be desirable to provide assistance to a user or other automated machine for extraction of a container after mixing, or during loading before mixing. Specifically, a rolling component such as a loading roller48is shown adjacent to the lower plate50, at a point where a container would be initially placed in the mixing apparatus10to assist in loading or unloading a heavy container. Also shown is a pusher mechanism that includes a pusher frame44with a pusher tab64attached to a crossbar portion of the pusher frame44such that a container can be contacted and pushed by the pusher tab64when the pusher frame is moved. Yet further shown is another rolling component, a vertical extraction roller46, that is moveable such that it penetrates an opening (see75ofFIG. 12) in the lower plate50when desired for extraction of a container. In some embodiments, the front panel of the machine comes off to make the machine ready and/or accessible for automation. As used herein, a rolling component is a general term that can denote a roller, a roller bearing, or any other type of rolling or bearing configuration.

With reference now in particular toFIGS. 8-11, various specific parts of the operative mixing features28of the mixing apparatus10are shown. As shown inFIG. 8, on the upper plate40of the spin sub-assembly37are one or more fasteners71, which can be used to secure various components of the spin sub-assembly together during assembly. With reference now toFIG. 9, the upper plate also comprises one or more magnets70positioned around a perimeter of the upper plate40. The magnets70can be any suitable type of magnet, (e.g., permanent or electromagnet) and are attached to the upper plate40directly or indirectly. The magnets70are positioned to attract and secure a handle98(see, e.g.,FIG. 13), such as a metal handle98of a container during mixing. A flexible connection90is also shown that preferably provides an operative connection to various components of the rotatable sub-assembly32and allow for linear movement of the various carriers60,62while maintaining the operative connection. As shown, the flexible connection90is a semi-flexible chain-style connection that provides a controlled bending of various cables and/or connection without unduly pinching or stressing the various connections.

In previously existing configurations, an elastomeric cord or a spring with a hook on an end were manually attachable to a bail or handle of a container for holding during mixing. The cord or spring was for example located a rear portion of the mixer interior. These manual arrangements have had drawbacks, such as generally requiring that the handle be at the rear of the container. This made it inconvenient to grasp the handle when inserting and removing the container. As the existing configurations were manual, extra time was required for attachment and it was also possible for a user to forget to attach the bail or handle of the container to the cords or spring such that unwanted bail or handle movement during mixing were avoided.

In this disclosure, it is contemplated that the container is inserted into the mixing apparatus10with the handle98facing forward or outward. Once the container is inserted into the mixing apparatus10, and as the container approaches the upper plate40, the magnets70automatically attract and hold the handle98before mixing. In some examples, the magnets70attract and hold the handle98after the container is clamped by the linear clamping mechanism65. Holding the handle98during mixing can reduce undesirable noise since the handle98would not move relative to the container, and would not strike other components as the container is moved and mixed.

The magnets70can provide a handle98holding feature for various container sizes and configurations. By automatically holding the handle98during mixing, the effort and time expended by a user can be reduced, and there is no longer a need to apply a hook to hold the handle98in place. The bail or handle98-holding function also improves the user experience by reducing or eliminating the likelihood that a user disadvantageously neglects to secure the handle98prior to mixing. The handle holding magnet70also assists automation since the handle98position is predictable and controlled. The magnets70automatically let go of the handle98when the linear clamping mechanism65is opened, thus pulling the handle98out of the effective reach of magnets70.

Carriers60,62provide smooth, controlled movement of the plates40and50of the linear clamping mechanism65, among other components of the rotatable tumble assembly32. Each carrier60,62comprises multiple carrier wheels76that are configured to roll along the tumble frame42in a controlled, linear manner when the linear clamping mechanism65is operated. Preferably, and as shown, the carriers60,62are provided with carrier wheels76on at least two sides of the tumble frame42, and preferably on three or more sides of the tumble frame in order to guide the carriers60,62predictably and smoothly. Also as shown, the carrier wheels76are provided in tandem pairs, such that stability is yet further improved. The carrier wheels76can utilize roller bearings in order to provide smooth, consistent, and long-lasting performance. Preferably, rolling components such as sealed roller bearings are used.

In preferable embodiments, the mixing apparatus10can be entirely or substantially free of grease for lubrication of various mechanisms. For example, the upper and lower carriers60,62can move on a set of rails of the tumble frame42using rolling components such as bearings within wheels76, such as roller bearings as described herein. In existing mixers, it is typical to use bronze against steel, which typically requires greasing. Friction of a roller bearing is generally lower than a corresponding arrangement using greased bronze. Clamp force is also generally more constant over time when greasing of various parts is avoided, as grease can spread, dissipate, or otherwise become less functional over time. For example, instead of grease, examples of carriers (such as60,62) and/or nuts (e.g., extraction hook carrier106) that rides on various screws (e.g., leadscrews) can be made of a lubricated engineered plastic, preferably avoid periodic maintenance and lubrication.

Various sized and shaped indentations in the lower plate50configured to receive various sized containers for mixing. The various indentations are shown best atFIGS. 10, 14, and15, and can provide a tiered, stepped-type arrangement. As shown, a small indentation82for receiving a small container (not shown) is lowest positioned and narrowest in diameter, a medium indentation84for receiving a medium container94is positioned higher (shallower) and wider than the small indentation, and a large indentation86is positioned higher (yet shallower) and widest for receiving a large container96. Although certain shapes and sizes of indentations are shown, different, fewer, additional, or any other configuration of the lower plate50is also contemplated. The various indentations can instead take the form of posts, notches, or any other protrusions without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

With reference now in particular toFIGS. 12 and 13, various sizes of containers are shown as they are clamped by the upper and lower plates40,50of the spin sub-assembly37. Specifically,FIG. 12shows the medium container94located on the lower plate50and fitted into the medium indentation84.FIG. 13shows the large container96located on the lower plate50and fitted into the large indentation86.

The medium container94as shown inFIG. 12has a handle mount100, although no bail or handle is shown. InFIG. 13, a handle98is shown mounted to the handle mount100of the large container96. Also as shown, the handle98(or handle) is movable along a dihedral angle as it is rotatably mounted at two ends to bail mounts100. Also as shown inFIG. 13, the handle98can be composed of a metal, and more specifically of a ferromagnetic metal, that can be attracted to one or more bail magnets70of the upper plate40when the container (e.g., large container96) is placed on the lower plate50and clamped by the linear clamping mechanism65.

FIGS. 14 and 15show isometric views of an example extractor mechanism102of the mixing apparatus10at various stages in an extraction procedure. More specifically,FIG. 14shows a retractable extractor mechanism102in a retracted position, such as it would be during a mixing process.FIG. 15shows the extractor mechanism102in an extracting position as a container would be extracted, e.g., after mixing. In other embodiments, the extractor mechanism utilizes an extractor arm that does not pivot or retract for operation, e.g., a “fixed,” or non-pivoting style extractor arm (not shown). It is to be understood that the shown embodiment is merely one possible example of an extractor mechanism and that a different types of extractor and extractor arm configurations are also contemplated within the present disclosure.

The extractor mechanism102is preferably configured to displace a container relative to the lower plate50of the spin sub-assembly37.FIG. 14shows the extractor mechanism102in a retracted position, andFIG. 15shows the extractor mechanism102in an extracting position. As shown inFIG. 15, the extractor mechanism102comprises a lifting or lever extractor arm74attached at arm connection89and that pivots at bolt108such that extraction roller46selectively passes through the opening75in the lower plate50. As shown, the extractor mechanism102also comprises a pan78positioned below the lower plate50. The pan78comprises a linear slot79configured to permit an extractor hook80to selectively penetrate the pan78when the hook80is moved during container extraction. Operatively connected to the pusher frame44is a hook catch bar81. As the hook80is moved during extraction, the hook80contacts and pushes on the hook catch bar81, thus moving the pusher frame44and the container to be extracted. In some embodiments, the pan78under the rotating frame is removable, thus facilitating easy cleaning of any spilled, leaked, or otherwise collected contents. Extractor mechanism, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, also includes the opening75, the extraction roller46, various indentations (e.g., small indentation82), and the pusher tab64.

Containers, and in particular a large container96, can be beneficially extractable with the assistance of the extractor mechanism102. Ledges in the lower plate50, such as of the various indentations, may catch on various portions of containers of varying sizes. In various embodiments, the shape of a supporting lower plate50can allow for automatic or assisted extraction of containers. Large and/or heavy containers benefit particularly from assisted extraction after mixing.

Shown best with reference toFIGS. 16-18, the hook80is operatively connected to an extractor motor unit88that moves the hook using a linear actuator, such as a rotatable extractor screw104that when rotated by the extractor motor unit88causes an extraction hook carrier106attached to the hook80to move linearly during extraction. The extractor motor unit88output shaft126is operatively connected to the extractor screw104by a drive coupling110as shown. The extractor screw104can be rotatably held in place by a stationary motor side mount116and a stationary distal mount114, as shown.

In some embodiments, a user or an external automated mechanism (not shown) can insert and/or remove the container from the mixing apparatus10before or after mixing. The automated mechanism would potentially have difficulty properly positioning the handle98. The extractor mechanism102described herein can assist such automated mechanism by automatically removing a container from the mixing apparatus10, such as with a press of a button. The loading and/or extraction rollers48,46under the front edge of the container lifts and/or supports the container. This lifts and/or facilitates movement of the container over any ledge that may be present. A ramp can also be provided for roller vertical movement. The combination of extractor mechanism102features therefore makes manual and/or automatic loading or unloading of containers easier than before.

FIGS. 16-18show various example steps of the extractor mechanism102as it operates.FIG. 16shows a first step in an extraction process of a container for use with the mixing apparatus10. As shown,FIG. 16shows an embodiment where an optional flip up hook80is used, that retracts when not being operatively used.FIG. 16shows the extraction mechanism in a default, retracted position, andFIGS. 17 and 18show sequential extraction positions as the container is extracted and where the hook80extends through the pan78for use in extraction.FIG. 17shows an intermediate extraction position, andFIG. 18shows a more fully extracted position of the extraction mechanism102.

In preferable embodiments, various sensor components determine a position of the hook carrier106. For example, it may be desirable to assure that the hook carrier106and hook80are retracted before starting a mixing process. As shown best inFIG. 17, a magnet111is coupled to the hook carrier106and a magnet sensor112is coupled to the motor side mount116. When the magnet111is proximate the sensor112a signal can be sent to a controller to indicate that the hook80and carrier106are retracted. Other suitable forms and examples of sensors and arrangements are also contemplated herein.

The hook80preferably is either always vertically oriented (e.g., fixed embodiments) or the hook springs cause the hook80to rotate up from a more horizontal position to a more vertical, latching position to push the hook catch bar81during operation. The pusher tab64of the pusher frame44slides the container forward on the lower plate50and roller(s)46, and/or48until the container is easily removed. In embodiment where the pusher frame44is pulled by a flip up hook80, one or more biasing element such as a spring24can retract the hook80when not being used to extract the container. The spring24can be any form of biasing element, such as a leaf spring, clock spring, coil spring, etc. A bearing ramp122can protrude downward, thus applying pressure on a hook bearing120of the hook80when the hook80is retracted. The shape of the bearing ramp122can provide a certain amount of hook80movement and/or rotation as the hook80is retracted.

In various embodiments, including where the hook80is pivotable such that it flips or rotates up or down or is fixed in a vertical orientation, the linear (e.g., horizontal) position of the hook80can be motivated by the extractor motor unit88. In the example when the hook80is pivotable, a hook pivot bolt118can provide a pivot axis to the hook80. The hook spring124can provide a bias to the hook80, for example, such that it is in a flipped up position by default unless a contact between a hook bearing120and a bearing ramp122causes the hook to be flipped down when retracted.

According to some embodiments, at a lower portion of the mixing apparatus10, the extractor motor unit88rotates the extractor screw104that pushes the hook80attached to the extraction hook carrier106forward. In other embodiments, a belt or other drive or linear actuator can be used to move the hook80.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, time periods, and physical properties are to be understood as being modified by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

The present invention has now been described with reference to several embodiments thereof. The entire disclosure of any patent or patent application identified herein is hereby incorporated by reference. The detailed description and examples have been given for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes can be made in the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the structures described herein, but only by the structures described by the language of the claims and the equivalents of those structures.

Selected examples of the present disclosure are provided below:

A first example includes a multi-axis mixing apparatus, comprising: a housing; a controller operatively connected to a first motor and a second motor; a frame supporting the first motor configured to selectively rotate a rotatable assembly; and the rotatable assembly supporting and providing an operative connection to the second motor configured to selectively rotate a rotatable sub-assembly, wherein the rotatable sub-assembly comprises a mechanism configured to receive and hold a container containing contents to be mixed, and wherein the controller is configured to independently operate the first and second motors to mix the contents.

According to some embodiments of the first example, the first motor causes a rotation about a first axis, and the second motor causes a rotation about a second axis. According to some embodiments of the first example, the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis. According to some embodiments of the first example, at least one of the first motor and second motor is a direct drive motor. According to some embodiments of the first example, the mechanism of the rotatable sub-assembly is a linear clamping mechanism. According to some embodiments of the first example, the linear clamping mechanism comprises a first plate that is adjustably positionable relative to a second plate that is substantially parallel to the first plate at various positions. According to some embodiments of the first example, at least one of the first plate and the second plate has at least one indentation for receiving a portion of the container.

According to some embodiments of the first example, the apparatus further comprises an extractor mechanism configured to displace the container relative to the sub-assembly. According to some embodiments of the first example, the sub-assembly comprises an opening through which a lifting extractor arm of the extractor mechanism can pass. According to some embodiments of the first example, the lifting extractor arm is fully withdrawn from the opening when the apparatus is in use. According to some embodiments of the first example, the extractor mechanism comprises a linear actuator and an extractor hook that is caused to be selectively extended and rotated by movement of the linear actuator such that the extractor hook contacts the container indirectly or directly upon operation of the linear actuator, and selectively displaces the container from the sub assembly. According to some embodiments of the first example, the linear actuator comprises a leadscrew mechanism.

According to some embodiments of the first example, at least one of the first and second plates comprises at least one magnet configured to attract and hold a handle of the container. According to some embodiments of the first example, the handle is composed of metal. According to some embodiments of the first example, the at least one magnet is configured to attract the handle of the container when the apparatus is in use. According to some embodiments of the first example, the container is a paint container and the contents include paint to be mixed. According to some embodiments of the first example, the apparatus further comprises a power supply unit operatively connected to at least the first motor and the second motor. According to some embodiments of the first example, at least one connection comprises a slip ring connection. According to some embodiments of the first example, the controller selectively operates the first motor at a different speed than the second motor during a mixing process. According to some embodiments of the first example, the controller selectively operates the first motor at substantially the same speed as the second motor during a mixing process. According to some embodiments of the first example, the controller selectively operates the first motor and the second motor at various changing speeds and/or power levels during a mixing process.

According to some embodiments of the first example, the first motor is a tumble motor and the second motor is a spin motor. According to some embodiments of the first example, at least one of the first and second plates of the sub-assembly comprises a rolling component configured to operatively support the container during a container extraction process. According to some embodiments of the first example, the controller is configured to selectively control at least one of the first motor and the second motor is to selectively operate the first motor and/or the second motor as a brake mechanism. According to some embodiments of the first example, the apparatus is substantially free of grease for lubrication of various mechanisms. According to some embodiments of the first example, the apparatus comprises lubricated engineered plastic for lubrication of at least one component. According to some embodiments of the first example, the apparatus comprises at least one roller bearing.

Also disclosed is a method of mixing according to the operation of the apparatus of the first example. Also further contemplated is a paint mixer, comprising the apparatus of the first example, where the container is a paint container and the contents include paint to be mixed.

A second example includes a multi-axis mixing apparatus, comprising: a housing; a controller operatively connected to at least a first motor configured to selectively rotate a rotatable assembly; and the rotatable assembly supporting a rotatable sub-assembly, wherein the rotatable sub-assembly comprises a mechanism configured to receive and hold a container containing contents to be mixed, and an extractor mechanism is configured to displace the container relative to the sub-assembly for removal of the container.

A third example includes a multi-axis mixing apparatus, comprising: a housing; a controller operatively connected to at least a first motor configured to selectively rotate a rotatable assembly; and the rotatable assembly supporting a rotatable sub-assembly, wherein the rotatable sub-assembly comprises a mechanism configured to receive and hold a container containing contents to be mixed, and wherein the sub-assembly comprises at least one magnet configured to attract and hold a handle of the container.

A fourth example includes a multi-axis mixing apparatus, comprising: a housing; a controller operatively connected to at least a first motor configured to selectively rotate a rotatable assembly; and the rotatable assembly supporting a rotatable sub-assembly, wherein the rotatable sub-assembly comprises a mechanism configured to receive and hold a container containing contents to be mixed, the mechanism comprising at least one roller track and at least two sealed bearings connector to a carrier, the carrier configured to move linearly along the roller track such that the mechanism operates to move linearly to clamp the container for mixing.