CLAMP SYSTEM FOR FLUID MIXER WITH PIVOTING UPPER PLATE AND METHOD FOR CLAMPING ONE OF MORE CONTAINERS

BACKGROtJM) Technical Field:

[0001] An automated clamp system for a fluid mixer is disclosed with an effective means for accurately detecting when the upper clamp plate engages the top of a container placed in the mixer and for ¹ communicating the engagement of the upper clamp plate with the container to the controller ¹ for use in carrying out a clamping algorithm.

Description oi the Related Art:

[0002] Many types of fluids need to be mixed or blended into homogenous mixtures in the same containers in which they are sold to a consumer One example of such in-container mixing results from colorants or pigments being added to base paints at a retail paint store ot paint department of a home improvement store The mixers or mixing machines may operate by vibration, roto-vibration, gyroscopic motion or rotational motion The forces exerted on the containers during the mixing process are violent

[0003] To ensure that the container or containers stay in position during the violent mixing operation, various clamping mechanisms have been employed Until recently, the amount of clamping force imposed on a conventional metal cylindrical container (e g , 1 gal ) oi plastic cylindrical container (e g , 5 gal,) was not crucial as the containers were extremely rugged, and therefore it is difficult to damage a conventional container by over-clamping

[0004] However, paint has become available in rectangular and cubical plastic containers which are not as robust as the conventional cylindrical containers Further, there is a need to blend or custom mix colors of paint in the new rectangular ¹ containers One rectangular paint container has a handle molded into one corner for the painter's convenience in pouring paint from the container Such a rectangular paint container has a rectangular or square footprint or cross section Another new type of container includes rectangular trays or trough-like buckets sized to receive a paint roller Some of the rectangular trays oi troughs may be pre- equipped with a screen or insert for engaging the roller Smaller plastic cylindrical containers are also being used instead of the traditional metal cylindrical containers

[0005] The new types of containers are fabricated fiom plastic and are less robust than the conventional counterparts Hence, an automatic clamping mechanism of a prior mixing

machine is capable of ciushing most, if not all, of the new types of containeis To avoid the problem of containeis being ciushed by the mixing machines and the spillage of paint, new and improved clamping mechanisms and automated clamping mechanisms are needed Further, such clamping mechanisms must be versatile and capable of use on the various types of containers in the marketplace, both old and new.

[0006] In that connection, one key element of any automated clamping system is deteimining when the upper clamping plate engages the top or Hd of the container or containers that has been loaded into the mixer The initial engagement of the upper plate with the container or containers loaded into the machine is a starting point for many sophisticated clamping algorithms and needs to be communicated accurately to the contiol circuit oi controller If this information is not accurately detected and communicated, the timing of the clamping algorithm may be off resulting in damage to the container or containers by the over application or under application of clamping force

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] In oidei to address the problem of applying the correct clamping pressure without crushing oi damaging the container, an improved clamping mechanism and a method for detecting when the upper clamping member engages the tops or lids of the containers loaded into a mixing apparatus ate disclosed. The clamping mechanism disclosed herein is applicable to other articles and containers in addition to paint containers and other mixing apparatuses in addition to paint, stain or varnish mixers.

[0008] A disclosed clamping mechanism comprises 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 ¹ 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 uppei 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 ¹ plate and lower cross member under ¹ movement controlled by the controller

[0009] In a refinement, the sensor is a Hall effect sensor or a proximity sensoi

[0010] In a refinement, the cross membei is coupled to a least one drive shaft that is coupled to a motoi that is coupled to and controlled by the controller

[0011] In a refinement, the controller carries out a clamping routine that begins with the signal from the sensor that the upper ¹ plate has engaged the top of article

[0012] In a refinement, the routine is stored in a memory of the controller

[001.3] In a refinement, the memory comprises a plurality of routines, each routine is for a specific type of container ¹ for ¹ fluid mixtures in need of mixing

[0014] In a refinement, the container is a paint container selected from the group consisting of five gallon cylindrical plastic pails, five gallon cylindrical metal pails, one gallon cylindrical metal pails, one gallon cylindrical plastic pails, one gallon cylindrical combination plastic/metal pails, one gallon cubically shaped plastic container with a round lid and integrated handle, one and one-half gallon cubically shaped plastic container with a round lid and integrated handle, one and one- half gallon rectangular plastic trough with rectangular lid, one gallon rectangular plastic trough with rectangular lid, one quart cylindrical metal pails, one quart cylindrical plastic pails, one quart cylindrical combination plastic/metal pails, one quart cubically shaped plastic container with a round lid and integrated handle, one quart rectangular plastic trough with rectangular Hd, one pint cylindrical metal pails, one pint cylindrical plastic pails, one pint cylindrical combination plastic/metal pails, one pint cubically shaped plastic container with a round lid and integrated handle, and one pint rectangular plastic trough with rectangular lid Of course, various metric sizes are available as well and adaptable to the disclosed machines

[0015] In a refinement, a plurality of like containers can be placed on the lower base and clamped between the lower base and upper plate.

[0016] In a refinement, the like containers have like vertical heights

[0017] In a refinement, the memory includes routines that are dependent upon a number of containers clamped as well as the type of like containers clamped

[0018] A disclosed fluid mixer comprises a controller having a memory with a plurality of clamping routines stored therein for controlling a clamping mechanism The routines are each designed for a different type of container ¹ containing a mixable fluid mixture The clamping mechanism comprises a lower base and an upper plate that define an adjustable clamping distance disposed therebetween The upper plate is moveable under direction of the

controller to increase or' decrease the clamping distance. The υpper plate is pivotally connected to a cross member ¹ so the upper plate is at least partially pivoted away fiom the cross member when nothing is clamped between the upper plate and the lower base. At least one of the cross member and upper plate is associated with a sensor The sensor is linked to the controller ¹ . 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 ¹ base under movement controlled by the controller The signal received by the controller comprising an input used in a selected routine.

[0019J A method is disclosed for clamping one or more containers in place in a fluid mixing apparatus prior to carrying out a mixing operation. The disclosed method comprises placing one or more containers on a lower base, lowering an upper plate pivotally connected to a horizontal cross member towards the container ¹ or containers using a motor controlled by a controller, the lower ¹ plate is at least partially pivoted away fiom the cross member before a lower side of the upper plate engages a container to be clamped, sensing when the upper plate engages the one or more containers be sensing when the upper plate pivots into abutting engagement with the cross member ¹ and sending a first signal to the controller, reducing the motor ¹ speed after the first signal is received by the controller, after the motor speed is reduced, measuring any additional downward movement of the upper plate and measuring any increase in current or voltage drawn by the motor, and if the additional downward movement reaches a first predetermined value, reducing the motor speed again to maintain a holding pressure, or if the current or ¹ voltage draw reaches a second predetermined value, adjusting the motor speed to maintain a holding pressure.

[0020] Other advantages and features will be apparent fiom the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] For a more complete understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses, reference should be made to the embodiment illustrated in greatei detail on the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Fig. l is a perspective view of a mixing machine made in accordance with this disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 2 is a right front perspective view of the internal shaker frame of the shaker - type mixing machine of Fig 1 ;

[0024] Fig 3 A is a front perspective view of the internal shaker frame of the shaker-type mixing machine of Figs. 1 and 2, with the front lip of the upper ¹ plate removed for clarity and the uppeT plate shown pivoted upward by way of engagement of the upper plate with a five gallon containei that has been loaded into the mixer ¹ ;

[0025] Fig 3B is another front perspective view of the internal shaker frame of the shaker- type mixing machine of Figs. 1 and 2, with the front lip of the upper plate removed for ¹ clarity and the upper plate pivoted downward prior to engagement of the upper ¹ plate with the one gallon containers loaded into the mixer ¹ ;

[0026] Fig 4 is a top perspective view of the upper ¹ clamping assembly that includes the upper plate pivotally connected to a u-shaped cross beam that includes a sensor and a retainer as shown in Figs 1 through 3B;

[0027] Fig, 5 is an end view of the upper clamping assembly shown in Fig. 4; [0028] Fig 6 is a front plan view of the upper clamping assembly shown in Fig 4;

[0029] Fig 7 is a front perspective view of a typical five gallon bucket that can be accommodated by the disclosed mixing machine;

[00.30] Fig 8 is a top perspective view of a typical one gallon cylindrical metal, plastic or combination plastic/metal container that can be accommodated by the disclosed mixing machine and that can be provided in one and one-half gallon, quart, pint and various metric sizes as well;

[0031] Fig 9 is a top perspective view of a typical square oi rectangular plastic container with a built-in handle that can be accommodated by the disclosed mixing machine and that

can be piovided in a variety of sizes (one gallon, one and one-half gallon, quait, pint, various metric sizes, etc );

[0032] Fig 10 is a top perspective view ofa typical rectangular plastic container equipped to receive a iollei that can be accommodated by the disclosed mixing machine and that can be provided in a variety of sizes (one gallon, one and one-half gallon, quart, pint, various metric sizes, etc ); and

[0033] Fig 11 is a top perspective view of a typical trough-type plastic container that can be accommodated by the disclosed mixing machine and that can be piovided in a variety of sizes (one gallon, one and one-half gallon, quart, pint, various metric sizes, etc )

[0034] It should be understood that the drawings aie not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatically and in partial views In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted It should be understood, of course, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Referring first to Fig 1, a mixing apparatus 10 is shown having an outer enclosure 12 The outer enclosure 12 includes a front panel 14 having a controls panel 16 in which may be provided input devices (such as switches and knobs) and output devices (such as a timer) for controlling and monitoring operation of the mixer A controller is shown at 1 7 for controlling the clamping mechanism 19 shown in Figs 2 and 3 The front panel 14 also includes an access window or door 18 through which a user may access an interior of the enclosure 12

[0036] An agitator frame assembly 20 is disposed inside the enclosure 12 for securing a container and for generating a reciprocating force that agitates the container and its contents As best illustrated in Figs 2 , the agitator frame assembly 20 includes spaced frist and second side supports 22, the top ends of which are connected by a cross member 24

[0037] A stationary lower base 26 is attached to and extends between bottom portions of the side supports 22 The lower base assembly 26 also includes two side panels 32, a front wail 34, and a rear ¹ wall 36 depending therefrom

[0038] An uppei clamping plate 42 is disposed above the lowei base 26 and is movable in a vertical direction to adjust the spacing between the lower base 26 and upper plate 42, to thereby accommodate containers of various sizes and to exeit the desired clamping force on the container lid As best shown in Fig 2, the upper plate 42 includes having a generally rectangular shape and a u-shaped cioss beam 46 is attached to a top surface of the plate 42 A threaded coupling 48 is attached to each end of the u-shaped cross beam 46 and is sized to receive a threaded rod 49 A motor 50 is opeiably coupled to the threaded rods 49 by way of a pulley mechanism for rotating the rods 49 in eithet the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, thereby raising or lowering the upper plate 42 with respect to the lower base 26 The upper plate 42 may also include a front lip 52 attached to the plate 42

[0039] The lower base 26 and upper ¹ plate 42 form an adjustable clamp for ¹ securely holding containers during operation of the mixer 10 A clamping area or space is defined between the lower base 26 and upper plate 42 Accordingly, a height of the clamping area will vary with the position of the upper clamp member 42 with respect to the clamp base 26, thereby allowing the adjustable clamp to accommodate containers of various heights In addition, the open Same construction of the agitator frame assembly 20 accommodates various container sizes and shapes

[0040] An eccentric drive 56 is coupled to a bottom of the agitator frame assembly 20 for driving the frame assembly 20 in a reciprocating motion As illustrated in Figs 2 and 3, the eccentric drive 56 includes a drive shaft 58 supported for rotation by two inner bearings 60a and a pair of stub shafts 68, 70 supported by outer bearings 60b The bearings 60a may be pillow block bearings that are coupled to the stationary outer enclosure 12 A counterweight 62 is coupled to the drive shaft 58, A pulley 64 is attached to one end of the drive shaft 58 adapted to be rotatably driven, such as be a belt coupled to a motor (not shown). A coupling 66 is coupled to the end of the drive shaft 58 opposite the pulley 64 The stub shafts 68, 70 are coupled to the pulley 64 and coupling 66, respectively The stub shafts 68, 70 are aligned to have substantially the same axis, but are offset from an axis of the drive shaft 58, so that the stub shafts 68, 70 are eccentrically mounted with iespect to the drive shaft 58 Outer ends of the stub shafts 68, 70 are rotatably received by the pillow block bearings 60b, coupled to the bottom ends of the side supports 22, As a result, rotation of the drive shaft 58 causes the stub shafts 68, 70 to revolve about an axis of the drive shaft 58, thereby driving the frame assembly 20 in a reciprocating motion The maximum displacement, or stroke, of the

eccentric drive is determined by the distance between the drive shaft axis and the stub shaft axis

[0041] The top of the agitator frame assembly 20 is secured to the outer enclosure 12 by a flexible link. For example, a slat 74 may have a first end attached to the cross member 24 (Fig. 2) and a second end coupled to the enclosure 12 The slat 74 may be flexible to act like a leaf spring, thereby to accommodate movement of the frame assembly 20 during operation of the mixer 10, Accordingly, the bottom end of the frame assembly 20 is secured to the enclosure 12 by the bearings 60 which receive the drive axis 58 and the top end of the frame assembly 20 is secured to the enclosure 12 by the slat 74, thereby maintaining the frame assembly 20 in an upright orientation.

[0042] A sensor ¹ 100 is disposed or associated with the upper plate 42 and/or cross member 46 for detecting when the upper plate 42 makes contact with a top of a container disposed on the lower base 26, A home sensor 101 is used to keep track of the position of the upper plate 42 and the distance traveled by the upper plate 42. Both sensors 101, 102 are linked to the controller 1 7 or control circuit board

[0043] As shown in Figs. 3A- 3B, the upper plate42 is pivotally connected to the cross member 46 by the bracket 110 and pin 111. Thus, as shown in Fig 3B _; the plate 42 is pivoted away from the cross member 46 under the force of gravity when no container or article is being clamped between the upper plate 42 and lower base 26 (compare Fig 3B with Fig., 3A) As shown in Fig. 3B, as the plate 42 and cross member 46 moves downward towards the containers 81 in the direction of the arrow 112 under the direction of the controller 17, the plate 42 is at least partially pivoted away from the cross member 46. When the plate 42 engages a container, like the one shown at 80 in Fig. 3A, the plate 42 engages the cross member 46 and the sensor 100 is activated by the plate 42 or by way of an additional element 100a. The plate 42 may also carry the sensor instead of the cross member 46

[0044] The engagement of the plate 42 with the cross member 46 and the ensuing signal to the controller 17 is an important starting point of many clamping algorithms As noted below, in the moments after ¹ the engagement of the upper plate 42 with the tops of the containers, the controller 1 7 determines whether the container(s) being clamped is a sturdy conventional container or a less robust new plastic container ¹ . The clamping routine or algorithm is selected in these moments and if a delay in the top of container ¹ determination occurs, a plastic container can be crushed or damaged in the ensuing moments after ¹ the delay.

[0045] Details of the uppei clamping plate 42 and cross member 46 are shown in Figs 4-6 The υppei plate 42 is covered by a pad 120 on its underside 121 . The pad 121 selves as a cushion and prevents mailing or damage to the containers during the mixing process. The cross member 46 is u- shaped and accommodates the sensor ¹ 100 in its trough 122 As shown in Fig 5, the fiont bracket 110 may be accompanied by a real bracket 11 Oa

[0046] Returning to Figs 3A-3B, the upper plate 42 may be equipped with a retainer 125 to limit the downward movement of the upper plate 42 prior to engagement with a container The hinge mechanism provided by the brackets 1 10, 1 10a and pin 111 may also include such a movement restriction element

[0047] One problem addressed herein is how to use an automated clamping system for the mixer 10 with the variety of cuπently available containers shown in Figs 7-1 1 . Turning to Figs 7-11 ₃ five different fluid containers, in particular ¹ paint containers, are illustrated which are in current use or will be used in the near future The containers shown in Figs. 7- 11 are available in a variety of sizes including five gallon, one and one-half gallon, one gallon, one quart, one pint and various metric sizes as well

[0048] Fig 7 illustrates a five gallon plastic pail 80 that is sturdy or robust enough to withstand clamping forces by currently available mixer designs, such as that shown at 10 in Figs 1-3B The pail 80 may also be fabricated from metal, Because of the sturdiness of this container 80, clamping pressure is not normally an issue. Turning to Fig 8, a typical metal cylindrical pail 81 is disclosed. The metal walls and top provide a sturdy construction. The typical volume is one gallon Like the five gallon container 80 shown in Fig 7, the pail 81 is sturdy and over-lamping or crushing for a conventional clamping apparatus is normally not a problem The pail 81 may also be fabricated from plastic or a combination of plastic and metal and it is envisioned that these types of containers will be provided in plastic, plastic/metal in combination as well as metal embodiments in the future The clamping pressure for a plastic embodiment of the pail 81 may need to be less than that for a metal pail 81

[0049] Turning to Fig 9, a new plastic container 82 is disclosed that has a generally cubical body 83 with a built-in handle shown at 84 The plastic container 82 includes a plastic round top 85 and a bail 86 The container 82, because of its plastic and lightweight construction, is not as strong or robust as the containers shown at 80, 81 in Figs, 7 and 8, respectively Therefore, any clamping pressure applied to the container 82 must be

substantially less than that applied to the containers 80, 81 Further, because of its plastic construction, the structure of the container ¹ 82 can be somewhat compressed by a clamping mechanism One way to control clamping pressure will be to allow only a certain and limited amount of downward travel of the upper plate 42 after the upper ¹ plate 42 engages the top 85 of the container 82 This strategy will be discussed in greater detail below Other strategies would be to limit the amount of clamping force imposed by the upper plate 42 on the container 82, limiting the cuπent increase experienced by the motor 50 after the upper ¹ plate 42 engages the top 85 of the container 82 or ¹ simply measuring clamping or holding pressure and limiting the value of the pressure or force imposed on the container 82.

[0050] Similar ¹ strategies would need to be employed for the rectangular container 88 shown in Fig 10 which has a rectangular body with a built-in screen or mesh 89 for receiving a roller shown at 90, The container 88 includes a rectangular top and is typically made of plastic Hence, the container 88 could be crushed or ruptured if the same force were imposed on the container 88 as that needed to secure a larger container 80 in place Thus, the container 88, like the container 82 of Fig 9, requires reduced clamping force Similarly, the trough-like container 91 of Fig 11 may also be fabricated from plastic and would therefore require a reduced clamping force.

[0051] Thus, paint containers are available in two general types First, the traditional, metal cylindrical, quart, gallon and five gallon containers are robust in construction and can withstand a high clamping force. These containers are shown at 80 and 81 in Figs. 7-8 Crushing of these containers is not normally an issue for a mixer that is operating properly, The second broad category includes newer plastic quart, gallon, one and one-half gallon and a variety of containers that can be used with paint rollers These containers, shown by way of example at 82, 88 and 91 in Figs 9-1 1 are less rigid and can be damaged or ¹ caused to leak by a high clamping force required to hold the heavier conventional five gallon plastic bucket or metal cylindrical containers in place

[0052] To avoid crushing a newer plastic container, the disclosed system and method takes advantage of the compressibility of these less rigid plastic containers It has been found that plastic containers can be compressed without structural damage if the compression amount or compression distance is limited to a predetermined value or range By way of example only, it has been found that a plastic paint container can be safely clamped in place without structural damage if the clamp plate travel after engagement with the top of the container is

limited to a certain value, foi example, about 5/16" (-0 3125" or -7 94mm). When the compiession amount if limited or controlled, the containei will not move oi will move veiγ little during a three minute violent shake cycle, Also the clamping foice causing such a controlled compiession of the containei would not cause permanent damage oi leaks.

[0053] Preferably, but not essentially, a predetermined compiession distance can be used for all of the current types of plastic containers including cubical with built-in handle 82 (Fig. 9), rectangular trough 88 with built-in screen for use with roller (Fig 10), iectangulai trough- type 91 (Fig 11) and one gallon plastic cylindrical (see 81 of Fig 8). The same value can also be used regardless of how many containeis weie in the clamping mechanism For example, four of the cubical plastic containers 82 with built-in handles can fit on many mixer ¹ platforms. Howevei, one restriction is that multiple containers be of the same height for an accurate compiession distance to be measured

[0054] Preferably, the compiession distance upper limit is set to about 5/16" oi about 0 3125 in for the currently available plastic containeis and anticipated containeis, less preferably to about 0 32 in The value may vary as materials of construction and/oi government regulations change, A compression distance iange can also be set, for example, from about 0 30 to about 0 32in.

[0055] Of couise, some conventional containeis 80, 81 are not readily compressible, such a metal cans, drums oi the Iaiger (five gal ) plastic buckets or pails To address the issue of these containers being used with the same machine as the new plastic containers, a second limit on clamping foice is needed, In the disclosed system and method, an increase in current oi voltage drawn by the clamping motor 50 is monitored after initial contact with the top(s) of the container(s), and if the increase teaches a threshold value, the motion of the upper clamping plate is stopped.

[0056] The upper clamping plate 42 may include a downwardly facing lip 52 to prevent forward movement of the clamped containeis and the fixed lower base 26 may include an upward facing lip 36 on its iear edge to prevent containeis falling out in a rearward fashion The lead screws 49 are rotated by the motor 50, preferably by a DC motor The speed (ipm) and direction is controlled by the controller 17 oi one or more control ciicuit boards A sensor 102 on the motor shaft preferably sends a pulse to the conti oiler every revolution of the motor By way of example, one revolution of the motor may be equivalent to a fraction of a revolution (e g, l/25 ^th ) of the lead screw thereby producing a short movement of the

uppei clamp plate (e g , 0394") and enabling accurate monitoiing of the uppei plate 42 position

[0057] The motor 50 cuπent is measiued by the controller 17 Voltage may also be measure or monitored instead of or ¹ in addition to motor cuπent The current is related to the toique exerted by the motor 50 and hence to the pressure exerted by the ciamp plates 26, 42 on the container (s)

[0058] A home sensor 101 detects the position of the upper plate 42 and acts as a reference which together with the sensor 102 on the motor shaft allows the controller 17 to calculate where the upper plate 42 is at all times

[0059] In operation, the upper plate 42 is raised (if necessary) to load the containei(s) The operator will close the door 18, select a mix time and press a start switch. The upper plate 42 will be lowered by the motor 50 at full oi high speed The sensor 100 on the upper ¹ clamp plate 42 or ¹ cross member 46 will send a signal to the controller 17 when the plate engages the top of the container(s) At this point, the power supplied to the motor 50 will be reduced to slow the motoi 50 The timing of the container contact signal to the controller 17 is crucial as a delay or signal failure can result in a plastic paint container or containers being crushed oi damages prior to mixing or shaking, which could result in a time consuming clean-up process

[0060] The motor 50 will be operated at reduced power until either of two things happen; (1) the upper plate 42 travels a predetermined distance (compression distance) below the point of contact with the top(s) of the container (s) or (2) the motor current or voltage increases above a predetermined level related to the maximum required clamp pressure of an incompressible (conventional) container Power supplied to the motor 50 is then further reduced to a holding level sufficient to maintain whatever pressure the clamp is exerting but without driving the upper plate 42 further downward At this point, the shake motor ¹ (not shown) is activated for the duration of the selected mix time, When the mix time has elapsed, the shake motor is switched off and, after a slow down time, the upper clamp plate 42 is raised and the door ¹ lock released so the operator can remove the containei(s)

[0061] Additional refinements may include adjustments to the compression distance and holding current or voltage level depending on the height of the upper plate (i e height of the container(s)) Another refinement may include adjusting the holding power according to whether (1) or (2) occuπed above.

[0062] Thus, disclosed herein is a system and method foi adequately seeming the currently available paint containers 80, 81, 82, 88, 91 and others in an automated fashion without crushing or damaging the containers, without using any special adapters and without operator intervention

[0063] While only certain embodiments have been set foith, alternatives and modifications will be apparent from the above description to those skilled in the art These and other alternatives are considered equivalents and within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the appended claims