Semi-automated automotive paint dispensing system

A system for dispensing pourable components from their original containers into a receptacle according to a formula to form a mixture of pourable components, the dispensing system comprising:

• a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a pourable component from its original container, the dispensing apparatus including:
• a support frame;
• dispensing means, coupled to the support frame, for dispensing the pourable component from its original container into a receptacle;
• first engaging means mounted to the support frame so as to be fixed against movement, the first engaging means releasably engaging a first portion of the original container of the pourable component;
• and
• second engaging means mounted to the support frame so as to exhibit only a single-degree-of-freedom of movement, the second engaging means releasably engaging a second portion of the original container, such that the first and second engaging means can receive a first size of the original container of the pourable component or a second size of the original container of the pourable component.

A system for dispensing pourable components from their original containers into a receptacle according to a formula to form a mixture of pourable components, the dispensing system comprising:

• a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a pourable component from its original container, the dispensing apparatus including:
• a support frame;
• receiving means, coupled to the support frame, for releasably receiving the original container;
• an operating device, coupled to the support frame, for releasably engaging a movable cover element of the original container of the pourable component, the operating device being movable between a first position, wherein the cover element is in a closed state, and a second position, wherein the cover element is in an opened state and the pourable component is dispensed from the original container and into a receptacle, the operating device including:
• a cylinder member;
• a piston member coupled to the operating device, the piston member being movable within the cylinder member, such that movement of the piston member causes the operating device to move between the first and second positions;
• a fluid drive mechanism coupled to the piston member for moving the piston member relative to the cylinder member;
• and
• an automatic bleeder valve coupled to the fluid drive mechanism and the cylinder member, the automatic bleeder valve including:
• a body member defining an orifice extending through the body member from a first end to a second end;
• a valve element at the first end of the body member, the valve member being movable between a first position, wherein fluid is prevented from passing through the orifice, and a second position wherein fluid may pass through the orifice from the first end to the second end;
• and
• bleeder means coupled to the body member for moving the valve element between the first and second positions.