Abstract: An apparatus for mixing material in a container includes a platform mounted for simultaneous movement on at least two axes and for supporting a container containing material to be mixed. A motor can be operatively associated with the platform to move the platform on the two axes. A container holding assembly having a vertical extent can be carried by the platform, and is moveable between a closed position in which the holding assembly is positioned proximate the container to retain the container on the platform during mixing operations, and an open position in which the holding assembly is positioned away from the container so that the container can be removed from the platform without lifting the container over the vertical extent of the holding assembly. The platform can be contained within a housing having a low profile opening such that the container can be removed without elevating the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing vapor to at least one liquid dispensing nozzle to prevent liquid at the nozzle tip from drying out between uses. The apparatus comprises a water source, a reservoir, a vapor generating source for generating vapor from water, a chamber for maintaining the vapor, and an opening defined through a chamber wall for exposing the at least one nozzle to the vapor when the at least one nozzle is in a storage position between uses.

Abstract: A closer for pressing a lid onto a container includes a presser foot mounted for reciprocating movement into and out of force applying engagement with the lid; an actuator moveable between retracted and extended positions; and a force multiplying assembly disposed in operative relationship intermediate the presser foot and the actuator for multiplying an input force from the actuator to a predetermined maximum lid pressing force at the extended position.

Abstract: A closer for pressing a lid onto a container includes a presser foot mounted for reciprocating movement into and out of force applying engagement with the lid; an actuator moveable between retracted and extended positions; and a force multiplying assembly disposed in operative relationship intermediate the presser foot and the actuator for multiplying an input force from the actuator to a predetermined maximum lid pressing force at the extended position.

Abstract: A fluid tinting method includes: determining a preselected quantity of a colorant to be dispensed into a container to achieve a desired final color; determining a time required to dispense the preselected quantity of the colorant based on a flow characteristic of a dispensing apparatus; and operating the dispensing apparatus for the time determined. An apparatus for carrying out the tinting method includes one or more colorant sub-systems each including an apparatus for creating a flow of a colorant and a colorant valve which receives the colorant. The colorant valve is moveable between a first position which prevents colorant flow to a container, and a second position which allows colorant flow to the container. A control system is operable to move the colorant valve to the second position for a preselected period of time based on a preselected quantity of colorant to be dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing material in a container includes a platform mounted for simultaneous movement on at least two axes and for supporting a container containing material to be mixed. A motor can be operatively associated with the platform to move the platform on the two axes. A container holding assembly having a vertical extent can be carried by the platform, and is moveable between a closed position in which the holding assembly is positioned proximate the container to retain the container on the platform during mixing operations, and an open position in which the holding assembly is positioned away from the container so that the container can be removed from the platform without lifting the container over the vertical extent of the holding assembly. The platform can be contained within a housing having a low profile opening such that the container can be removed without elevating the container.