Abstract: A glide bearing for guiding axial movement between inner and outer telescoping columns may include first and second spaced apart contact surfaces, and a resilient wall extending therebetween and having an outer convex surface defining an apex. A span between the apex and a plane defined between the first and second contact surfaces is greater than a width of a space between the outer surface of the inner column and the inner surface of the outer column. The glide bearing is configured to be disposed within the space with the first and second contact surfaces contacting the outer surface of the inner column, with the apex contacting the inner surface of the outer column and with the resilient wall deflecting inwardly toward the plane to accommodate the space in response to a force of the inner surface of the outer column acting against the apex.

Abstract: A length-adjustable support having a telescopic column assembly that includes a rotatable spindle rod configured to telescope an interior tube into and out of an exterior tube, or vice versa, of the telescopic column assembly in order to adjust the length of the length-adjustable support. The column assembly is illustratively attached to a motor housing containing a motor that rotates the spindle rod. In illustrative embodiments, a portion of the spindle rod is attached to the motor housing via a bushing member comprising two complimentary bushing components that surround the spindle rod and support a spindle plate that mates with the spindle rod to rotate therewith. The motor assembly is configured to substantially float within the motor housing and is attached to a flange of the housing by a clip or grommet that retains an attachment arm of the motor assembly.

Abstract: A glide bearing for guiding axial movement between inner and outer telescoping columns may include first and second spaced apart contact surfaces, and a resilient wall extending therebetween and having an outer convex surface defining an apex. A span between the apex and a plane defined between the first and second contact surfaces is greater than a width of a space between the outer surface of the inner column and the inner surface of the outer column. The glide bearing is configured to be disposed within the space with the first and second contact surfaces contacting the outer surface of the inner column, with the apex contacting the inner surface of the outer column and with the resilient wall deflecting inwardly toward the plane to accommodate the space in response to a force of the inner surface of the outer column acting against the apex.

Abstract: A length-adjustable support having a telescopic column assembly that includes a rotatable spindle rod configured to telescope an interior tube into and out of an exterior tube, or vice versa, of the telescopic column assembly in order to adjust the length of the length-adjustable support. The column assembly is illustratively attached to a motor housing containing a motor that rotates the spindle rod. In illustrative embodiments, a portion of the spindle rod is attached to the motor housing via a bushing member comprising two complimentary bushing components that surround the spindle rod and support a spindle plate that mates with the spindle rod to rotate therewith. The motor assembly is configured to substantially float within the motor housing and is attached to a flange of the housing by a clip or grommet that retains an attachment arm of the motor assembly.

Abstract: A paint dispensing apparatus having a housing with a turntable rotatably mounted to the housing about a vertical axis. A plurality of stations on the turntable are circumferentially spaced from each other and each station is adapted to receive a paint dispenser having a plunger in which movement of the plunger dispenses paint from the paint dispenser. An indexing drive, upon activation, rotates the turntable to sequentially position the stations at a dispensing position. When at the dispensing position, an actuator mounted to the housing mechanically engages the plunger of the paint dispenser positioned at the dispensing station. A receptacle is mounted to the housing beneath the turntable and aligned with the dispensing position.

Abstract: A paint dispensing apparatus having a housing with a turntable rotatably mounted to the housing about a vertical axis. A plurality of stations on the turntable are circumferentially spaced from each other and each station is adapted to receive a paint dispenser having a plunger in which movement of the plunger dispenses paint from the paint dispenser. An indexing drive, upon activation, rotates the turntable to sequentially position the stations at a dispensing position. When at the dispensing position, an actuator mounted to the housing mechanically engages the plunger of the paint dispenser positioned at the dispensing station. A receptacle is mounted to the housing beneath the turntable and aligned with the dispensing position.

Abstract: A paint formulation and dispensing apparatus for mixing paint from a can having an open top and to a receiving can. The apparatus includes a dispensing lid attached to the paint can so that the lid overlies the open top of the paint can. The lid includes a spout and a reservoir having a plunger slidably disposed in it such that the position of the plunger determines the volume of the reservoir. A valve is disposed in a passageway in the lid and is movable between a first position in which the valve fluidly connects the passageway to the reservoir, and a second position in which the valve fluidly connects the reservoir to the spout. A weight scale is positioned below the spout and the receiving can is positioned on the weight scale. The weight scale generates an electronic signal to a programmed processor which generates output signals to control both the position of the valve as well as the position of an actuator which engages the plunger.

Abstract: A lid for a paint can having a lid base which is threadably mounted to a mating ring dimensioned to overlie the can chime on the paint can. A seal constructed of a flexible and compressible material is carried by the mating ring and, upon rotation of the mating ring relative to the lid base between an open and a closed position, the mating ring compresses the sealing ring against the can chime to complete a fluid seal.

Abstract: A dispenser for a paint container having an access opening. The dispenser includes a main lid which is attachable to the paint can access opening and includes a threaded stem. A flow restrictor is threadably mounted to the threaded stem so that rotation of the flow restrictor relative to the stem axially displaces the flow restrictor along the stem. A turret is rotatably mounted to the main lid and includes a dispensing opening. The turret is mounted to the main lid so that the turret is locked against axial movement but freely rotatable relative to the main lid. The turret includes at least one axially extending slot which slidably receives an outwardly extending tab from the flow restrictor so that rotation of the turret axially displaces the flow restrictor along the stem.

Abstract: A paint formulation and dispensing apparatus for mixing paint from a can having an open top and to a receiving can. The apparatus includes a dispensing lid attached to the paint can so that the lid overlies the open top of the paint can. The lid includes a spout and a reservoir having a plunger slidably disposed in it such that the position of the plunger determines the volume of the reservoir. A valve is disposed in a passageway in the lid and is movable between a first position in which the valve fluidly connects the passageway to the reservoir, and a second position in which the valve fluidly connects the reservoir to the spout. A weight scale is positioned below the spout and the receiving can is positioned on the weight scale. The weight scale generates an electronic signal to a programmed processor which generates output signals to control both the position of the valve as well as the position of an actuator which engages the plunger.

Abstract: A container for water-based paint. The container includes a housing having an open top with a seal surface extending around the open top. The housing defines a chamber and includes a vent opening open to that chamber. A flexible bag is disposed in the chamber and the bag includes an open top with a seal formed around the open top. This seal abuts against the seal surface on the housing. A lid is attached to the housing so that the lid covers the open top of the housing and compresses the seal against the seal surface. A dispensing opening is formed in the lid.

Abstract: A dispenser for a paint container having an access opening. The dispenser includes a main lid which is attachable to the paint can access opening and includes a threaded stem. A flow restrictor is threadably mounted to the threaded stem so that rotation of the flow restrictor relative to the stem axially displaces the flow restrictor along the stem. A turret is rotatably mounted to the main lid and includes a dispensing opening. The turret is mounted to the main lid so that the turret is locked against axial movement but freely rotatable relative to the main lid. The turret includes at least one axially extending slot which slidably receives an outwardly extending tab from the flow restrictor so that rotation of the turret axially displaces the flow restrictor along the stem.