A dispensing system (2000), includes a container (900) containing a flowable base formulation (910) to be dispensed, an additive mixing device (2004), and an actuable pump engine (2002) which draws the flowable base formulation from the container and pumps it through the mixing device. The additive mixing device includes a body (2022) with an internal cavity (2052), an additive ingredient (2054) within the cavity, and a flow path/mixing chamber (2058) between an input and an output. With each pump of the device (2004) the additive ingredient is introduced into, and mixed with, a flow of the base formulation traveling through the mixing device. Multiple additive mixing devices (2004) may be interchangeable for different formulations, and the mixing devices may be refillable.

A paint applicator, kit and methodology for using the same is disclosed. For example, a paint applicator that allows a user to load a desired amount of paint, such as a water based or other low VOC paint, into the paint applicator and an advancement mechanism that dispenses paint at a rate controllable by the user is disclosed. The advancement mechanism can include a system that translates a rotational force applied to an end cap of the applicator into a linear force that advances a piston which in turn applies paint to an applicator portion. The paint applicator may be reusable or may include a ratchet system that allows for only one time use. The methodology and kit can incorporate a syringe for loading paint into the paint applicator, thus reducing the loss of paint through spilling.

A paint applicator, kit and methodology for using the same is disclosed. For example, a paint applicator that allows a user to load a desired amount of paint, such as a water based or other low VOC paint, into the paint applicator and an advancement mechanism that dispenses paint at a rate controllable by the user is disclosed. The advancement mechanism can include a system that translates a rotational force applied to an end cap of the applicator into a linear force that advances a piston which in turn applies paint to an applicator portion. The paint applicator may be reusable or may include a ratchet system that allows for only one time use. The methodology and kit can incorporate a syringe for loading paint into the paint applicator, thus reducing the loss of paint through spilling.

A dispensing system includes a container containing a flowable base formulation to be dispensed, an additive mixing device, and an actuable pump engine which draws the flowable base formulation from the container and pumps it through the mixing device. The additive mixing device includes a body with an internal cavity, an additive ingredient within the cavity, and a flow path/mixing chamber between an input and an output. With each pump of the device the additive ingredient is introduced into, and mixed with, a flow of the base formulation traveling through the mixing device. Multiple additive mixing devices may be interchangeable for different formulations, and the mixing devices may be refillable.

Described herein is a dispenser for dispensing fluid that, integrated into one hand piece, comprises a variable volume chamber with a plunger disposed within the chamber and a chamber inlet and outlet. The inlet and outlet communicate directly with a common chamber volume and the plunger translates in a linear direction relative to the chamber along a common longitudinal axis to expel fluid from the chamber (expel stroke) and/or draw fluid into the chamber (drawing stroke). The plunger is linked to a controller, a power source and a motor that drives translation movement of the plunger. The dispenser described herein offers a variety of advantages over the art including accurate dosing without the user having to manually regulate the dose amount—the amount to be dosed is related to the volume of fluid in the chamber which can be pre-set or varied automatically using sensors and controllers.

An apparatus for dispensing a medium includes a cartridge in which a piston is movably receivable. An outlet is arranged in an outlet face of the cartridge for conveying the medium into a storage chamber of the cartridge. The piston includes a conveying side, a drive side disposed opposite the conveying side and at least one seal arranged at a side wall of the piston for providing a fluid-tight sealing between the piston and an inner cartridge wall. The cartridge includes a protrusion or a recess. The protrusion or the recess and the piston are arranged such that they can engage in such a way that, when the piston is arranged in a filling position, substantially no gas can be trapped between the outlet face, the conveying side of the piston and the seal facing the outlet face.

A dispensing system includes a container containing a flowable base formulation to be dispensed, an additive mixing device, and an actuable pump engine which draws the flowable base formulation from the container and pumps it through the mixing device. The additive mixing device includes a body with an internal cavity, an additive ingredient within the cavity, and a flow path/mixing chamber between an input and an output. With each pump of the device the additive ingredient is introduced into, and mixed with, a flow of the base formulation traveling through the mixing device. Multiple additive mixing devices may be interchangeable for different formulations, and the mixing devices may be refillable.

A dispensing system includes a container containing a flowable base formulation to be dispensed, an additive mixing device, and an actuable pump engine which draws the flowable base formulation from the container and pumps it through the mixing device. The additive mixing device includes a body with an internal cavity, an additive ingredient within the cavity, and a flow path/mixing chamber between an input and an output. With each pump of the device the additive ingredient is introduced into, and mixed with, a flow of the base formulation traveling through the mixing device. Multiple additive mixing devices may be interchangeable for different formulations, and the mixing devices may be refillable.

A paint applicator, kit and methodology for using the same is disclosed. For example, a paint applicator that allows a user to load a desired amount of paint, such as a water based or other low VOC paint, into the paint applicator and an advancement mechanism that dispenses paint at a rate controllable by the user is disclosed. The advancement mechanism can include a system that translates a rotational force applied to an end cap of the applicator into a linear force that advances a piston which in turn applies paint to an applicator portion. The paint applicator may be reusable or may include a ratchet system that allows for only one time use. The methodology and kit can incorporate a syringe for loading paint into the paint applicator, thus reducing the loss of paint through spilling.

A system for finishing surfaces with a finishing material includes a handle assembly with proximal and distal ends. A material reservoir is mounted on the handle distal and includes an inlet and an outlet. A material applicator tool is mounted on the reservoir and receives material from the reservoir outlet. A discharge mechanism includes an extendable-retractable component or linear actuator connected to the reservoir for discharging or reloading material. Multiple embodiments utilizing different linear actuators are disclosed. An alternative embodiment includes a push-to-open valve mechanism. Additional embodiments include an adjustment mechanism on the push-to-open valve mechanism accommodating adjustment of flow of finishing compound when the push-to-open valve is engaged.