Tinting method and apparatus

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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.