Abstract: Assembly for dispensing a liquid, in particular a colorant for paint, comprising a container for holding a liquid, a pump, a valve, at least one dispense opening, and comprising or associated with a controller arranged to operate the pump and the valve to withdraw liquid from the container and to dispense liquid via the opening and to operate the pump and the valve to purge liquid from the pump to the container via the dispense opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively dispensing liquids, such as paint colorants. The apparatus comprises container assemblies with a container and a pump. A pump conduit connects the pump to a valve assembly. A recirculation conduit connects the container to the valve assembly bypassing the pump. The valve assembly is configured to be switched between a dispensing position and a recirculation position closing off the dispense conduit. Method of preventing segregation of a multiphase liquid in a pump conduit between a container and a dispense conduit. A valve assembly between the pump conduit and the dispense conduit closes off the dispense conduit while it opens a recirculation conduit between the container and the valve assembly. The liquid is circulated via a circuit formed by the container, the pump conduit, the valve assembly and the recirculation unit.

Abstract: A valve assembly for dispensing a plurality of flowable materials, such as viscous fluids or powders, comprising a valve member having a plurality of inlets for the plurality of flowable materials and dispense outlets communicating with the inlets and a closure having one or more openings in a pattern that corresponds to the pattern of at least some of the outlets. The valve member and the closure are movable relative to each other between a closed position in which the outlets are closed and at least one dispensing position in which one or more openings in the closure are at least partially in register with the dispense outlets thus clearing the latter.

Abstract: A valve assembly for dispensing a plurality of flowable materials, such as viscous fluids or powders, comprising a valve member having a plurality of inlets for the plurality of flowable materials and dispense outlets communicating with the inlets and a closure having one or more openings in a pattern that corresponds to the pattern of at least some of the outlets. The valve member and the closure are movable relative to each other between a closed position in which the outlets are closed and at least one dispensing position in which one or more openings in the closure are at least partially in register with the dispense outlets thus clearing the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of fluids, comprising a plurality of pumps, having a connector for releasably connecting, to the respective pump, a container, which holds a fluid and comprises a connector-counterpart, and at least one actuator for releasing a container from a connector, which the actuator is adapted to operatively engage the connector-counterpart and, upon engaging this counterpart, pull the same onto the connector and establish a fluid connection between the respective pump and the container.