Abstract: A gyroscopic mixer is disclosed which features a direct drive connection to a motor and a clamping mechanism which enables the mixer to accommodate containers of various sizes and configurations. The motor is connected to a drive shaft which is connected to a first bracket. The motor imparts rotation to the bracket about a first axis. An annular gear and single pulley belt is utilized to impart rotation about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis for a gyroscopic mixing motion.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of powders, such as colorants for paint, caulking or grout or components of cosmetics, comprising a plurality of containers for holding the powders, a plurality of metering powder pumps, connected to a container or having a connector for releasably connecting a container to the respective powder pump, wherein the capacity of the metering powder pump is selectable.

Abstract: A sanitizable piston pump for dispensing ingredients of cosmetic preparations and other sanitary mixtures is shown and described. The pump includes a valve block including an inlet port threadably connected to a nipple which is detachably connected to an outlet port of a flexible package. The valve block further includes a piston port threadably connected to cylinder and an outlet port that sealably receives a valve stem. The inlet port, the outlet port and the piston port are in fluid communication with one another upon removal of the valve stem from the valve block. The valve stem includes an intake passage and an output passage. The cylinder slidably receives a piston. Both the piston and valve stem are connected to separate actuators. The actuator connected to the valve stem moves the valve stem into one of either an intake position for withdrawing fluid into the cylinder or a dispense position for pumping fluid out of the cylinder and out the outlet of the valve stem.

Abstract: An improved cosmetics dispensing system that includes a controller, a plurality of mutating pumps, a plurality of reservoirs of cosmetics ingredients, a plurality of nozzles, a manifold for concentrically supporting the nozzles, a turntable rotatably connected beneath the manifold wherein the turntable includes a through opening for permitting the passage of fluid from one of the nozzles through the turntable, a motor for rotating the turntable, and wherein the controller is linked to each of the mutating pumps and the motor and each pump is in fluid communication with one of the reservoirs and vice versa and each pump is connected to one of the nozzles and vice versa. The system is computer operated whereby the turntable can rotate in either of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions and the turntable is equipped with a container holder that can accommodate containers of varying sizes.

Abstract: A paint colorant dispenser for dispensing colorants into both large and small containers includes a cabinet for accommodating a plurality of color and canisters in fluid communication with a common dispense outlet. A container shelf unit is disposed in front of the cabinet and below the dispense outlet. The shelf unit includes a horizontal base disposed below the dispense outlet upon which large containers can rest. The shelf unit also includes a pivoting shelf which can pivot upward and provide a horizontal resting surface closer to the dispense outlet for smaller containers. A controller, keyboard and monitor are contained in a second modular cabinet that can be disposed on either side of the first cabinet. An additional modular cabinet can be provided for accommodating additional colorant canisters. A drip containment system is disposed in the modular shelf unit.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid dispenser includes a housing having at least a first opening and a second opening, and a valve member fitted in the housing, the valve member being rotatable about an axis and including a first channel, extending along said axis and communicating with the first opening in the housing, and at least two outlet channels radially extending from the first channel to the circumference of the valve member, wherein each of the radially extending outlet channels can be brought into registry with the second opening by rotating the valve member.

Abstract: A mixer for fluid material in containers of varying sizes rotates the material continuously in one direction about a first axis and simultaneously about a second axis which is non-perpendicular to the first axis, the first axis rotating about the second axis. The mixer rotates the container simultaneously about the two axes. Desirable top to bottom circulation of the fluid within the container is achieved. The container support is capable of accommodating containers of varying lengths and diameters.

Abstract: A fluid dispense system having a computer control system that operatively controls a stepper motor driving a pump. The stepper motor actuates the pump piston through partial revolutions. The computer control system determines the number of stepper motor steps required to pump a desired amount of fluid by the pump by rotating the piston through segments which are less than a full revolution. Further, the controller varies the speed of the stepper motor to avoid splashing of the dispense fluid and motor stalling.

Abstract: An improved paint mixer is disclosed which includes a base and an upper cabinet pivotally connected to the base. The upper cabinet can be pivoted from a first rearward position which provides access to a front section of the base and a second forward position which provides access to a rear section of the base. As a result, both the front and rear section of the base are easily accessible for service, maintenance, and cleaning. A support system that includes three adjustable legs provides improved support and stability. Casters disclosed at the rear end of the bottom of the base along with a recessed wall of the base and a handle disposed at the front of the base make it easier to move and/or relocate the mixer. Non-stick coatings in the form of a paint-resistant coating or an anti-graffiti coating to the inside surfaces of the mixer facilitate the removal of accumulated paint.

Abstract: A gear pump having a housing with an inlet and an outlet. First and second gears are provided with meshing gear teeth. The gears are ceramic rotor gears which are journaled within the housing. A drive shaft drives the first gear in order to move it relative to the second gear, such as to pump a fluid from the inlet to the outlet of the housing. The housing includes an opening for the passage of the drive shaft and a seal surrounding the opening. The seal includes a first seal part rotating with the first gear, and a second seal part forming part of the housing. The first and second seal parts have facing sealing surfaces, are made of ceramic material and are loaded towards each other by a biasing member parallel to the drive shaft. In this way, a mechanical seal is created between the gear and the housing obviating the need for a seal between the drive shaft and the housing.

Abstract: A fluid dispense system having a computer control system that operatively controls a stepper motor driving a nutating pump. The stepper motor actuates the nutating pump piston through partial revolutions. The computer control system determines the number of stepper motor steps required to pump a desired amount of fluid by the nutating pump by rotating the piston through segments which are less than a full revolution.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for securely holding a lid on a container. The device includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. An expanding means projects upward from the upper surface of the base. The expanding means contacts both the base and part of the container and can be arranged for applying a downward pressure to the base:for pressing the lid against the container. A method utilizing the device includes the step of placing the lower surface of the base against the lid of a container. A portion of the expander means then engages a portion of the container. The lid is then pressed against the container by forcing the base against the lid using the expander means.

Abstract: A fluid dispense system having a computer control system that operatively controls a stepper motor driving a pump. The stepper motor actuates the pump piston through partial revolutions. The computer control system determines the number of stepper motor steps required to pump a desired amount of fluid by the pump by rotating the piston through segments which are less than a full revolution. Further, the controller varies the speed of the stepper motor to avoid splashing of the dispense fluid and motor stalling.

Abstract: A fluid dispense system having a computer control system that operatively controls a stepper motor driving a nutating pump. The stepper motor actuates the nutating pump piston through partial revolutions. The computer control system determines the number of stepper motor steps required to pump a desired amount of fluid by the nutating pump by rotating the piston through segments which are less than a full revolution.

Abstract: A fluid dispense system having a computer control system that operatively controls a stepper motor driving a nutating pump. The stepper motor actuates the nutating pump piston through partial revolutions. The computer control system determines the number of stepper motor steps required to pump a desired amount of fluid by the nutating pump by rotating the piston through segments which are less than a full revolution.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing viscous fluids includes a turntable rotatable around an axis of rotation. A plurality of pumps are attached to and distributed around the axis of the turntable. The pumps each have a connector for releasably connecting a fluid package thereto for dispensing fluid therefrom and have associated first positioning members. A plurality of removable rigid holders is adapted to receive a flexible fluid package therein in a predetermined position. The holders include second positioning members adapted to coact with the first positioning members to enable placement of the holders onto the turntable such that the package received therein is connected to the respective connector.