Apparatus for mixing reclaimed and virgin powder for use in spray booths

An automatic mixing apparatus, comprising:

• a first source of a first powder;
• a second source of a second powder;
• a mixing chamber comprising, a sensor for detecting whether said powders in said mixing chamber have reached a preselected level, said mixing chamber being connected to an outlet and said first and second sources,
• first means connected to the mixing chamber for controlling the rate of flow of said first powder from said first source,
• second means connected to the second side of said mixing chamber for controlling the rate of flow of said second powder from said second source,
• means for mixing said first and second powders flowing into said mixing chamber such that said outlet contains a powder comprising a preselected ratio of said first powder to said second powder,
• whereby when said powder reach said preselected level, said sensor will close off the connection between said mixing chamber and said first and second sources.

An automatic powdered paint mixing apparatus comprising:

• a mixing unit connected to a source of reclaimed powder and connected to a source of virgin powder;
• a reservoir unit comprising (1) a first reservoir connected to said mixing unit, near the top thereof, through a first overplow pipe for directing overflowing reclaimed powder to said first reservoir, and connected to the bottom of said mixing unit, though a first dump line, for controllably transferring reclaimed powder to said first reservoir;
• and (2) a second reservoir connected to said mixing unit, near the top thereof, through a second overflow pipe for directing overflowing virgin powder to said second reservoir, and connected to the bottom of said mixing unit, through a second dump line, for controllably transferring virgin powder to said second reservoir;
• first and second filling means connected respectively between the bottom of said first and second reservoir and mixing unit, for moving reclaimed powder and virgin powder respectively, into said mixing unit from said respective first and second reservoirs;
• said first and second overflow pipes and said first and second dump lines and said first and second filling means being easily decoupled from said reservoir unit;
• and
• said reservoir unit being mounted on wheels whereby said reservoir unit is quickly and easily replaceable by an identical reservoir unit containing powder of a different color, thereby permitting a rapid change of color of said powders.