DISPENSING APPARATUS

摘要

The present invention is directed to a dispensing apparatus used in gravimetrically dispensing accurate predetermined amounts of dispersants, particulates, or a combination thereof. The apparatus includes recirculating systems though which the dispersants are recirculated to prevent settling of solid components, such as pigments that may be present in the dispersants. The apparatus includes dispensers located on a movable table positioned inside a frame assembly of the apparatus. The table is positioned to dispense a selected dispersant into a container placed atop a weighing scale through the dispenser selected in accordance with a recipe. The weight of the selected dispersant is monitored by the weighing scale and once a desired amount of the selected dispersant is dispensed, a signal is received by the apparatus from the weighing scale to switch off the dispensing of the dispersant. The table is then moved to deliver the next dispersant, required in the recipe. The process is continued until all the desired dispersants are dispensed in the container to form the composition, such as an automotive paint. The apparatus can operate under flammable conditions, such as those present during the dispensing of solvent-borne automotive paints. The apparatus can also include metering devices for delivering desired amounts of particulates, such as aluminum or mica flakes used in metallic automotive paints.