Reciprocating mix tank agitator and process for mixing the liquid contents of the tank

摘要

An agitator for a paint mix tank is characterized by a paddle that has passages in it extending between opposite sides thereof and that is reciprocated up and down in the tank to keep the paint mixed and pigments and fillers in the paint in suspension. The paddle is reciprocated in the tank in linear directions generally along paths through its passages. Reciprocation is provided by a motor operating through a gearbox, and the speed of the motor is adjustable to control the reciprocation rate of the paddle. The passages through the paddle improve its agitation performance and enable its linear speed to be sufficiently low during agitation of the paint to eliminate foaming of and entrapment of air in the paint. A process is also dislosed for mixing the liquid contents of the tank without foaming and aeration by providing the above apparatus.