Patents Assigned to MicroBlend Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9211514
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for producing an aqueous paint from a plurality of premixed compositions at the point of sale wherein the apparatus is cleaned during the paint production. The premixed compositions include a pigment composition, a dispersant-thickening agent composition, a high resin content binder, and a low resin content binder. The dispersant-thickening agent, when supplied in a cleaning amount, effectively cleans the nozzles and valves, used to supply the premixed compositions to a receiving reservoir for the desired aqueous paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: MicroBlend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L Hughes, Kevin A. Newell, Michael Mowen
  • Patent number: 8936390
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for producing an aqueous paint from a plurality of premixed compositions at the point of sale wherein the apparatus is cleaned during the paint production. The premixed compositions include a pigment composition, a dispersant-thickening agent composition, a high resin content binder, and a low resin content binder. The dispersant-thickening agent, when supplied in a cleaning amount, effectively cleans the nozzles and valves, used to supply the premixed compositions to a receiving reservoir for the desired aqueous paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: MicroBlend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Kevin A. Newell, Michael Mowen
  • Patent number: 8568016
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed, which may include a vehicle having a paint production system, a spectrometer and a gloss meter. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select a value for a paint attribute on a slider; and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints. The method may also comprise storing information about the reflectance of produced paints in a local data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Microblend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Mel Sauder, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain
  • Patent number: 8403236
    Abstract: A nozzle includes a nozzle connector and nozzle filter engaged together. The nozzle connector is engaged with a tote connector of a tote which contains a paint component. A hose connector can be sealingly engaged with the tote connector if they are matched. The hose connector is restricted from being sealingly engaged with the nozzle connector if they do not match. Matching hose and nozzle connectors have the same color to indicate that they match each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: MicroBlend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Andrew B. Titus, Danny P. Boyle, Michael Mowen
  • Publication number: 20110313557
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed, which may include a vehicle having a paint production system, a spectrometer and a gloss meter. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select a value for a paint attribute on a slider; and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints. The method may also comprise storing information about the reflectance of produced paints in a local data storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: MICROBLEND TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Mel Sauder, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain
  • Patent number: 8014885
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed, which may include a vehicle having a paint production system, a spectrometer and a gloss meter. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select a value for a paint attribute on a slider; and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints. The method may also comprise storing information about the reflectance of produced paints in a local data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Microblend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Mel Sauder, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain
  • Patent number: 7951855
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having a paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select through the paint production system an interior or exterior application environment, a paint sheen, and a paint quality; automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints; and agitating the dispensed prepaints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Microblend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Trevino, III, Mel Sauder, Randall L. Hughes, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain
  • Patent number: 7919546
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile-paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having a paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select through the paint production system an interior or exterior application environment, a paint sheen, and a paint quality; automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints; and agitating the dispensed prepaints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Microblend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Trevino, III, Mel Sauder, Randall L. Hughes, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain, Mel Sauder, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7698021
    Abstract: A paint manufacturing system includes a paint component storage system and a colorant storage system. A dispenser is in fluid communication with the paint component and colorant storage systems. A spectrophotometer is operatively coupled with a computer system. The computer system controls the flow of paint components from the paint component storage system and colorants from the colorant storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Microblend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Andrew B. Titus, Danny P. Boyle, Michael Mowen
  • Publication number: 20090240363
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed, which may include a vehicle having a paint production system, a spectrometer and a gloss meter. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select a value for a paint attribute on a slider; and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints. The method may also comprise storing information about the reflectance of produced paints in a local data storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: MICROBLEND TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Mel Sauder, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain
  • Publication number: 20090228143
    Abstract: A paint manufacturing system includes a paint component storage system in fluid communication with a dispenser. A computer system is operatively coupled to the dispenser through the paint component storage system, and a computer network is in communication with the computer system. The paint component storage system flows a desired amount of at least two paint components to the dispenser in response to a paint type indication provided to the computer system through the computer network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: MICROBLEND TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Randall Hughes, Mel Sauder, Gretchen Lowery, Robert Lowery, David Philbrook
  • Publication number: 20090228367
    Abstract: A paint manufacturing system includes a paint component storage system in fluid communication with a dispenser. A computer system is operatively coupled to the dispenser through the paint component storage system. The paint component storage system flows a desired amount of at least two paint components to the dispenser in response to a paint type indication provided to the computer system. An internet may be in communication with the computer system. Alternatively, the paint manufacturing system may be configured so as to be available twenty four hours, seven days a week, dispensing paint at the time of purchase. In additional embodiments, a second computer system may be coupled to a plurality of paint manufacturing systems in order to allow large orders to be divided among multiple systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: MICROBLEND TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Randall Hughes, Mel Sauder, Gretchen Lowery, Robert Lowery, David Philbrook
  • Publication number: 20090134234
    Abstract: A nozzle includes a nozzle connector and nozzle filter engaged together. The nozzle connector is engaged with a tote connector of a tote which contains a paint component. A hose connector can be sealingly engaged with the tote connector if they are matched. The hose connector is restricted from being sealingly engaged with the nozzle connector if they do not match. Matching hose and nozzle connectors have the same color to indicate that they match each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: MicroBlend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Andrew B. Titus, Danny P. Boyle, Michael Mowen
  • Publication number: 20090099694
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having a paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select through the paint production system an interior or exterior application environment, a paint sheen, and a paint quality; automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints; and agitating the dispensed prepaints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: MICROBLEND TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Trevino, III, Mel Sauder, Randall L. Hughes, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain, Mel Sauder
  • Publication number: 20090099695
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints, colored paints and/or additive enhanced paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural, industrial and/or specialty coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having an additive integrated paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural, industrial and/or specialty coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Microblend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Trevino, III, Mel Sauder, Randall L. Hughes, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain, Mel Sauder
  • Publication number: 20080305241
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile-paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having a paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select through the paint production system an interior or exterior application environment, a paint sheen, and a paint quality; automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints; and agitating the dispensed prepaints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: MICROBLEND TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Trevino, III, Mel Sauder, Randall L. Hughes, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain, Mel Sauder
  • Patent number: 7065429
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of premixed aqueous compositions which are used to provide a paint composition of varying finish characteristics at the point of sale. Thus, the merchant distributing the paint composition made from the subject premixed compositions need only maintain inventory of four compositions. The particular compositions which are the subject of the invention exhibit stable characteristics during storage in their respective reservoirs. The compositions include a pigment composition, a dispersant thickening agent, a high resin content binder, and a low resin content binder. The compositions are combined in differing amounts to produce paint compositions being suitable for either interior or exterior use and having differing sheens, quality levels, and color bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: MicroBlend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Daniel McClain, Randall L. Hughes