Paint storage and mixing system

Abstract

A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. In one application, the fluid includes one or more paint toners.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A paint storing and mixing system comprising:
 a receiving assembly rotatable about a longitudinally extending axis of rotation;   a paint canister including a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end; and   wherein the receiving assembly stores the paint container in a position where the sidewall is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal axis of rotation extends through the sidewall. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal axis of rotation extends adjacent the sidewall. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  comprising:
 a control system operably coupled to the receiving assembly that rotates the receiving assembly about the longitudinal axis. 
 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , where the control system operates to move the receiving assembly in an agitation mode or in a presentation mode. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , where the first end includes a handle for removing the canister from the receiving assembly, and where in the presentation mode the control system moves the first end to a position where the handle is accessible by a user. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , where during the agitation mode, the control system rotates the canister about the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         8 . A paint storing and mixing system comprising:
 a receiving assembly rotatable about a longitudinally extending axis of rotation, including a plurality of receiver cells;   a plurality of paint canisters, each paint canister including a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end; and   wherein the receiving assembly stores the paint containers in a position where the paint containers each have a sidewall generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , including a first paint canister having a first sidewall, where the longitudinal axis of rotation extends through the first sidewall. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , including a first paint canister having a first sidewall, where the longitudinal axis of rotation extends adjacent the sidewall. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8  comprising:
 a control system operably coupled to the receiving assembly that rotates the receiving assembly including the plurality of paint canisters about the longitudinal axis. 
 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , where the control system operates to move the receiving assembly in an agitation mode or in a presentation mode. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , where the control system includes an actuation mechanism comprising a gear assembly mechanically coupled to a drive. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , where the actuator includes one of a hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, or a motor. 
     
     
         15 . A paint mixing and storage system comprising:
 a first shelf comprising:
 a receiving assembly rotatable about a longitudinally extending axis of rotation; 
 a plurality of paint canisters, each paint canister including a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end; and wherein the receiving assembly stores the paint containers in a position where the paint containers each have a sidewall generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; and 
   a second shelf stacked on the first shelf.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , comprising:
 an actuation mechanism comprising that rotates the receiving assembly about the longitudinally extending axis of rotation.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , the actuation mechanism including a drive coupled to a gear assembly, the gear assembly rotatably coupled to the receiving assembly. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , the second shelf including a second gear assembly coupled to a second receiving assembly having a second plurality of canisters positioned therein, the second gear assembly being mechanically coupled to the first gear assembly. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , the second shelf comprising:
 a second receiving assembly rotatable about a second longitudinally extending axis of rotation;   a second plurality of paint canisters, each paint canister including a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end; and wherein the second receiving assembly stores the second plurality of paint containers in a position where the second plurality of paint containers each have a sidewall generally orthogonal to the second longitudinal axis of rotation.