Reactive reagent dispensing system and methods

Abstract

A dispensing system for dispensing a reactive coating reagent includes a frame (102), a reagent container (108) coupled to the frame, the reagent container having a first end and a second end, the reagent container storing a coating reagent within a non-reactive environment. The system also includes a first channel (114A) removably connected to the first end, the first channel for providing a non-reactive gas to the first end of the reagent container. In addition, the system includes a second channel (114B) removably connected to the second end, the second channel for dispensing the coating reagent to a receptacle. Furthermore, the system includes a pressure modulator 116 communicably attached to the first channel on one end and a pressure apparatus on another end, wherein variance in pressure through the pressure modulator changes delivery of gas through the first channel to cause a corresponding flow of coating reagent through the second channel.

Description

REACTIVE REAGENT DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHODSBACKGROUND1. Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to devices, computer-implemented methods, and systems for providing or dispensing coating reagents for eventual application.2. Background

[0002] Coating manufacturers generally provide coatings as mixed reagents in certain preset volumes that are ready to apply or ready to mix. For example, a coating manufacturer may provide a retail store with several sets of premixed coatings in sealed containers where the end user need apply the coating, or manually add another reagent such as a hardener and then apply the coating to the given object. In some cases, the user can then save the remaining, unused volume for later applications, whereas some mixtures may immediately begin to denature if not applied quickly and hence need to be discarded after completion of a project. In industrial settings, the coating manufacturer may similarly provide the coating mixed, or unmixed, and the industrial user may use various equipment to properly mix the toners and bases before applying the coating. In general, most conventional coatings in the form of basecoats, or color layers can be mixed in advance and later stored without much difficulty.

[0003] Some coatings, such as “2K coatings,” need another component, such as a hardener, catalyst, activator, crosslinker, polymerizer, or other similar reactive reagent to be mixed together before application. Unfortunately, various factors such as component selection and component amounts in a given mixture can have significant effects on the resulting coating, both in terms of function and appearance. As a result, small errors in selection and mixture can result in waste. The selection and mixing process may be particularly challenging for a less skilled worker, and such issues may be particularly acute for smaller body shops, which may be much more sensitive to the costs of waste.

[0004] Accordingly, there are a number of difficulties in the art that can be addressed.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products that enable on-demand, variable delivery of sensitive or reactive coating reagents while minimizing spoilage thereof. For example, the present disclosure provides various components that enable delivery of reagent from a reagent container while maintainingthe otherwise inert or non-reactive environment within the reagent container, where the inert environment enables long-term preservation of the reagent. This may be done in part by delivering the coating reagent with pressure provided from an inert gas, or passive delivery with atmospheric gas that has otherwise been deactivated to remove reactive elements, such as water or other moisture. The components, systems, and methods herein enable the end user to obtain precise amounts of coating reagent dispensed into a separate receptacle, while avoiding contamination of the remaining reagent in the reagent container (i.e., reagent storage container).

[0006] For example, a dispensing system for dispensing a stored reactive coating reagent from a reagent container into a receptacle while maintaining a non-reactive environment in the reagent container can include a frame, and a reagent container removably attached to the frame, the reagent container having a first end and a second end, the reagent container storing a coating reagent within a non-reactive environment. The dispensing system can also include a first channel removably connected to the first end, the first channel for providing a non-reactive gas to the first end of the reagent container. In addition, the dispensing system can include a second channel removably connected to the second end, the second channel for dispensing the coating reagent to a receptacle. Furthermore, the dispensing system can include a pressure modulator communicably attached to the first channel on one end and a pressure apparatus on another end, wherein variance in pressure through the pressure modulator changes delivery of gas through the first channel to cause a corresponding flow of coating reagent through the second channel.

[0007] Similarly, a computer-implemented method of dispensing a reactive coating reagent from a reagent container into a reagent receptacle, while maintaining a non-reactive environment in the reagent container can include receiving, via a computing system, a set of coating variables comprising: (i) data corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent a coating application area, and (ii) one or more end-user supplied application variables for applying a coating to an object. The method can also include, based upon the received coating variables, identifying, via the computing system, a reactive reagent to dispense, the reactive reagent being stored in the non-reactive environment in the reagent container, and (ii) an amount of the reactive reagent to dispense. In addition, the method can include adjusting, via the computing system, a pressure modulator to dispense a gas, such as a non-reactive or dried gas, through a first channel connected to the reagent container, wherein the released gas causes the reactive reagent to pass into a second channel connected to the reagent container. Furthermore, the method can include dispensing through the second channel the identifiedamount of the reactive reagent; and turning off the pressure modulator via the computing system upon completion of delivery of the identified amount of reactive reagent.

[0008] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the examples as set forth hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] To describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific examples which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical examples and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, examples will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a system for dispensing customized coating reagents for use with coating application apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0011] Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate a sequential schematic in which the dispensing machine in Figure 1 dispenses customized coating reagents for use in a coating application;

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates another schematic of the dispensing machine of Figures 1 and 2A-2C, in which the dispensing machine dispenses ingredients for use by a paint applicator;

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates an expanded view of an internal dispensing system for use in connection with the dispensing machine of Figures 1-3;

[0014] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of a decision tree for use in determining and delivering one or more applicable coating reagents;

[0015] Figure 6 illustrates an additional or alternative computer-implemented method for use in determining and dispensing coating reagents in response to environmental variables and user preferences; and

[0016] Figure 7 illustrates another additional or alternative computer-implemented method for dispensing a reactive reagent.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure provides systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products that enable on-demand, variable delivery of sensitive or reactive coating reagents while minimizing spoilage thereof. For example, the present disclosure provides various components that enable delivery of reagent from a reagent container while maintaining the otherwise inert or non-reactive environment within the reagent container, where the inert environment enables long-term preservation of the reagent. This may be done in part by delivering the coating reagent with pressure provided from an inert gas, or passive delivery with atmospheric gas that has otherwise been deactivated to remove reactive elements, such as water or other moisture. The components, systems, and methods herein enable the end user to obtain precise amounts of coating reagent dispensed into a separate receptacle, while avoiding contamination of the remaining reagent in the reagent container (i.e., reagent storage container).

[0018] In particular, as will be understood more fully herein from the following specification and claims, the present disclosure provides one or more solutions that enable satisfaction of different coating reagent preferences, appropriately adjusted for a local application environment, and adjusted for a given end-user without overwhelming inventory and other resource concerns. This can be accomplished at least in part though highly tailored coating reagents delivered in an essentially on-demand format, and with a wide range of available attributes in the finished product.

[0019] In one example, a coating system, such as a clearcoat or other coating system, may comprise a plurality of different types of resin / polymer reagents with favorable stability. Resin reagents, for example, can contain one or more unique resins, along with ultra-violet absorbers (UVA) / or Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALs) additives and solvents to reach viscosity around 500 centipoise (cP). The several unique resins can include a wide range of resins with differing polymer properties, including differing by Mw, Tg, functionality and reactivity. A dispensing apparatus (e.g., 110, Figure 1) can select the most appropriate resin / polymer reagents for a given situation, and provide the resin reagents in customized volumes / amounts and mixtures, as needed for a given operating condition.

[0020] In addition, the present disclosure can include providing, through the dispensing machine (110) a wide range of additional reagents for use with a polymer reagent, such as crosslinker reagents in the case of coatings in the form of clearcoats. Crosslinker reagents may contain unique types of crosslinkers along with solvents in order to similarly reach viscosities around 500 cP, or other desired attributes of application or finish. Several unique crosslinkers may be utilized to cover wide ranges of crosslinker properties, also including Mw, Tg,functionality and reactivity. A dispensing machine / apparatus (e.g., 110, Figure 1) can provide the crosslinker reagents in various volumes and mix ratios, along with any other additives. A dispensing apparatus (e.g., 110), discussed more fully herein, can hold physical containers of various types of crosslinker reagents, and dispense the crosslinkers in the relevant amounts needed.

[0021] Still further, the present disclosure can provide for the use of a number of catalyst reagents and differing types thereof. Each catalyst reagent, in turn, may comprise a solution further comprising one or more catalysts, catalyst modulators, inhibitors and solvents. The concentration of catalyst in the reagents may range from 1% to 100%. Yet still further, the present disclosure can provide a number of reducer reagents, and multiple different types thereof. Each reducer reagent likewise may comprise one or more solvents with a specific range of physical properties, such as relative evaporation rate, and Hansen solubility parameters.

[0022] As before, a dispensing apparatus (e.g., 110, Figure 1) can store the various catalyst or reducer reagents in various physical containers (or reagent containers), which may comprise sealed containers in various different volumes that the dispenser accesses to dispense certain amounts to an end-user into a separate receptacle. That is, a dispensing apparatus (e.g., 110), discussed more fully herein, can hold the physical containers of catalyst or reducer reagents, and provide them in the relevant amounts needed. The dispensing machine 110 and corresponding system 100 (including a computing system 170) can manage each of these different reagents to eliminate guesswork or other errors through systems and processes that enable providing of appropriate reagents in correct amounts. This can ensure users are always using the right products and in the right amounts, thereby maximizing productivity while minimizing waste.

[0023] As an initial matter, for purposes of understanding aspects of the present disclosure, it will be understood herein that the articles “a” or “an” can include “one or more.” That is, although the disclosure may be presented in terms of ‘a’ feature, ‘an’ element, and the like, one or more of any of these components or other recited components can be used according to the present invention. In addition, as used herein, the terms “executable module,” “executable component,” “component,” “module,” or “engine” can refer to hardware processing units or to software objects, routines, or methods that may be executed on computer system 100. The different components, modules, engines, and services described herein may be implemented as objects or processors that execute on computer system 100 (e.g., as separate threads).

[0024] In general, “modules” and “components” will be understood as abstractions of generalized processing components that can be used in at least one implementation of the present invention, and there may be more or fewer than those illustrated and described, and as may be suited for a particular server and cloud operating environment. As used herein, a “module” means computer executable code that, when executed by one or more processors at a given computer system (e.g., computer system 170), cause the given computer system to perform a particular function. By contrast, a “component” means a passive set of instructions or data structures or records that store, manage, and / or otherwise provide information handled through a given module. One of skill in the art, however, will appreciate that the distinction between a different modules or components is at least in part arbitrary, and that modules or components may be otherwise combined and divided and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure. As such, the description of a component as being a “module” or a “component” is provided only for the sake of clarity and explanation and should not be interpreted to indicate that any particular structure of computer executable code and / or computer hardware is required, unless expressly stated otherwise. In this description, the terms “component,” “agent,” “manager,” “service,” “engine,” “virtual machine” or the like may also similarly be used.

[0025] Turning now to the Figures, Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a system 100 for dispensing coating reagents, particularly unmixed (or mixed) multi-component reagents in particular amounts, or otherwise delivering in response to a user request, for use with coating application apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, Figure 1 shows that system 100 comprises a dispensing machine (or dispensing apparatus) 110 having a body or frame 102, a user interface 120 (provided via computing system 170), and a delivery section 130. Figure 1 also shows that dispensing machine 110 can communicate over a network 105 via a network component 104, such as the illustrated wireless connection interface.

[0026] One will appreciate, however, that the network component 104 can additionally or alternatively be configured for hardwired network communication with an environment monitoring device 113, which in turn can comprise one or more sensors 107. In one example, the one or more sensors 107 are located on or within the dispensing machine 110, which, in turn, may also be located in, or sufficiently proximate to, the coating application area 160. Furthermore, one will appreciate that the illustrated one or more sensors 107 can comprise a number of different sensors for monitoring the physical environment of coating application area 160, such as a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, or the like. Furthermore, the environment monitoring device 113 can be configured as a standaloneunit for use in coating application area 160, or can be configured as an attachment of a spray applicator 150, or otherwise included with one or more other computing elements used in the coating application area 160. In still further aspects, the dispensing machine 110 may be located in a completely separate geographical location relative to the coating application area 160.

[0027] In the coating application area 160, a spray applicator 150 (e.g., whether robotic, or operated by a human user) can apply, or mix and apply, a given set of coating reagents to a given object, such as the illustrated vehicle 140. One will appreciate that the illustrated vehicle 140 is but one type of object that may be coated or painted in the coating application area 160. A coating applicator may, for example, spray other types of objects, or parts thereof, as needed, including body panels, original parts, replacement parts, and the like. Other objects may include boats, bicycles, industrial, commercial, or other residential equipment, doors, walls, and parts or portions thereof. Accordingly, both the terms object and vehicle will be understood to be broadly encompassing of any physical object to be coated.

[0028] Figure 1 also illustrates a schematic of a computing system 170 that can be used in connection with the system 100. The computing system 170 can be a stand-alone computing system operated by, for example, a remote user, or may be embodied within the dispensing machine 110 itself, or may comprise a set of various client and server systems that are in communication with one or more of the dispensing machine 110 and / or coating applicator 150. In addition, the illustrated computing system 170 can comprise any number of software components, and modules, as well as physical memory, physical storage, or even virtual or network-based versions of the same, as needed to effectuate the steps and mechanisms outlined herein. For example, Figure 1 shows that computing system 170 comprises a network interface component 163 that receives and delivers communications over network 105.

[0029] Figure 1 also shows that computing system 170 can comprise a database 180, having stored thereon a set of various components that comprise various data and logic for managing component amounts and mix ratios as compared with environmental data, as well as various end-user preferences and object / vehicle data. For example, Figure 1 shows that database 180 comprises a mix ratio component 185a, an environmental data component 185b, an inventory component 185c, a vehicle data component 185d, and a user preferences component 185e. The components of Figure 1 are referenced below in the discussion relevant to Figures 2A-3.

[0030] For example, Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate a sequential schematic of the dispensing machine 110 in operation. In particular, Figure 2A shows that dispensing machine110 can provide a user interface 120 through which an end-user enters various preferences and other inputs about the object, and / or the coating to be applied. As previously mentioned, the user may enter this information directly in a user interface 120 presented by the dispensing machine 110, or as may be supplied via one or more separate, stand-alone computing systems, such as a mobile device, or desktop computer system working in connection with dispensing machine 110. Thus, the display shown on dispensing machine 110 is merely for way of illustrative convenience.

[0031] Figure 2 A further shows that, through user interface 120, a user can select and provide data about the object to be coated, such as Auto ID, vehicle identification information (VIN), make / model / year of an object, or the like. For example, the user may interact with a user interface 120 on dispensing machine 110, or may interact with user interface 120 displayed through a mobile phone, or desktop computer, and select the Auto ID button (or other object identification information). The user can then enter object data, which in turn may display various color or clearcoat options that the user can then select through interface 120. Even though Figure 1 shows a separate sensor 107 communicating environmental data 115b, the user may also manually enter this information so that the dispensing machine 110 may receive the environmental data from either the end-user, the sensor 107, or some mixture thereof. For example, the user may simply read the sensor or other instrumentation from device 113, and or the user may gather other known environmental information for the coating application area 160 from public data, and enter it through a user interface. In other cases, the dispensing machine 110 may receive some environmental data directly from the one or more sensors 107, while other environmental data is provided as input from the end-user through user interface 120.

[0032] In any event, some of the user preferences entered through interface 120 may include, for example, various physical attributes of a coating when applied, or finishing speed preferences. The preferences can be entered and processed as one or more messages 115a by computing system 170, and stored in the user preference component 185e of database 180. By way of explanation, Figure 1 shows merely for purposes of illustration that the one or more messages 115a supplying user data are in transit from the dispensing machine 110 to computing system 170. One will appreciate, however, that this schematic is merely for convenience to show interaction between the user and computing system 170, which in turn may or may not be included within dispensing machine 110 or may be supplied through another one or more separate devices.

[0033] In any event, the finishing preferences 115a can include desired physical characteristics in the finished product, such as texture or color, or other visible effects in the case of general coatings, or smoothness, shine, or gloss, and so forth in the case of clearcoat. The user may be able to provide other preferences sent with the messages 115a, such as preferences to have certain curing or hardening speeds, speeds of application, and / or to avoid certain compounds among other available reagent options. For example, an end user may desire certain preferences for gloss or smoothness, or application speed, but would like to avoid the use of certain types of volatile compounds, or other reagent compounds for which a local environment may be more sensitive.

[0034] Figure 1 also shows that, in addition to the user supplied data in the one or more messages 115a, the computing system 170 can also process various environmental input via various messages 115b. The various environmental inputs 115b can be entered by the user, or taken from the local environment sensors 107, which may provide various localized data for the coating application area 160. As mentioned, the one or more messages 115b can comprise data corresponding to humidity, temperature, pressure, or other local environmental variables for the coating application area 160. The computing system 170 can compare the requests or other informational downloads from messages 115a, 115b directed to the desired result or finish, and then determine an appropriate set of coating reagents that are optimized for or otherwise dictated by the user- or sensor-supplied data. For example, determining module 175 may determine that the entered automotive information and finish information provided by the user in the one or more messages 115a involves a particular set of polymer reagents at a particular volume, as well as crosslinking reagents, and / or catalyzing reagents at a different volume and mix ratio. Each of these can take the form of one or more reagents dispensed into a user-specified volume (i.e., customized volume).

[0035] For example, dispensing machine 110 can be configured for active management of inventory, and thus may comprise several physical compartments (not shown), which are barcode-(or other machine-readable indicium)-restricted, meaning that a barcode (or other relevant machine readable indicum) scan may be needed for a particular reagent compartment of a particular size in order for the compartment door to open. Along these lines, there may be two physical locations for polymer reagent within (or otherwise accessed by) dispensing machine 110, such as a location / compartment for 1 oz containers on up to 1 liter-size containers, multi-liter containers, and different locations / compartments for volumes inbetween. Similarly, there may be physically-sized slots that limit what particular containers of certain sizes or diameters may be inserted in the slots. The dispensing machine 110 may, inturn, only unlock the relevant compartment or slot for the container and particular ingredient upon confirmation of the barcode or other machine indicia found on the given container (e.g., 133, 135). Thus, although not shown, dispensing machine 110 may comprise various machinecode readers, such as a barcode reader, a QR code reader, an infrared reader, or other form of wireless or Bluetooth protocol that computer system 170 can use to verify and / or process a given. The machine readers and machine-readable indicia can enable rapid and precise inventory management.

[0036] One will of course appreciate, however, that having such a restriction to inventory placement is not necessarily required. For example, the dispensing machine 110 may not have any sort of machine-reading requirement, but may instead have a user interface (or generic physical lock and key mechanism) that a user merely needs to enter or unlock in order to unlock a given storage compartment. In still further cases, the dispensing machine 110 may be configured for more passive management, meaning that the end-user may have such a locking mechanism disabled, or the dispensing machine 110 may generally allow a user to freely add or remove containers at will, such that the user primarily manages the inventory directly through user interface 120. Hence, the inventory component 185c of database 180 may be alternatively configured for active management and / or passive management. That is, active management involves a machine verification system for accessing a storage compartment, while the passive management avoids such requirements, or otherwise places the inventory management in the hands of user input, or other forms of separate user management.

[0037] In either case, dispensing machine 110 can be configured to store different volumes and mixtures of polymer reagents, along with any additives within various preset volumes, such as a few ounces up to multiple liters, as previously mentioned. For example, a polymer reagent storage compartment may comprise in separate physical size or volume compartments certain containers having various unique resins, along with the aforementioned ultra-violet absorbers (UVA) / Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALs) additives and solvents mixed with particular viscosities in predefined volumes in order to best manage inventory based on shelf life of the polymer solutions. The polymer compartment may include areas for storing a wide range of resins with differing polymer properties, including differing storage for polymers differing by Mw, Tg, functionality and reactivity, or to be mixed at other viscosities.

[0038] In addition, dispensing machine 110 can be configured to store different sizes and mixtures of crosslinker reagents at certain preset volumes, such as in the case of coatings in the form of clearcoats. For example, dispensing machine 110 may contain various physicalcompartments (not shown) for storing crosslinker reagents with differing crosslinkers and solvents within various preset volumes, such as few ounces to several liters, as applicable. The crosslinker storage compartments can contain physical containers having several different, unique crosslinkers that cover wide ranges of crosslinker properties, also including Mw, Tg, functionality and reactivity. Dispensing apparatus (e.g., 110, Figure 1) can then retrieve and dispense from an appropriate crosslinker physical container of an appropriate volume upon selection, or upon designation by computer system 170 if appropriate for the user-selected coating and end result properties. Moreover, dispensing machine 110 may be particularly sealed connections to crosslinker reagents (or other sensitive reagents) so that the dispensing apparatus can carefully withdraw crosslinker from the container and dispense it without ruining the remainder within the storage container, and allowing the remainder to be used at a future time.

[0039] Still further, dispensing machine 110 may comprise different physical compartments (not shown) for storing different sizes and mixtures of catalyst reagents, which may also employ sealed connections, such as in the case of the above-mentioned crosslinker reagents. In particular, dispensing machine 110 may contain various physical compartments (not shown) for storing catalyst reagents with differing modulators, inhibitors and solvents, and in given physical containers at various preset volumes, such as a few ounces to multiple liters, as applicable. The concentration of catalyst in the reagents may range from 1% to 100%, and may be stored in different physical locations in order to enable precise retrieval and delivery by the dispensing machine 110 of the given mixtures. Along similar lines, the dispensing machine 110 can also store a number of reducer reagents in various preset volumes, and in specifically designated physical compartments as similarly noted above. As previously mentioned, each reducer reagent may comprise one or more solvents with a specific range of physical properties, such as relative evaporation rate, and Hansen solubility parameters. The computing system 170 can optimize the particular delivery of different physical containers to best match the user preferences and environmental information.

[0040] Along these lines, Figures 2 A, 2B, and 2C illustrate a sequential schematic in which the dispensing machine in Figure 1 distributes physical reagent containers for use in a coating application, in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular Figure 2A shows that an end user enters various indicium via a user interface 120. As previously noted, the user interface 120 may comprise rendered instructions on a display provided by dispensing machine 110, or alternatively may comprise a rendered interface on another, separate computer system. Through the user interface 120, the end-user enters the information pertaining to the object tobe coated, such as an object or automotive ID. This may be in the form of a vehicle identification number (VIN), a make / model / year of a given vehicle, or other form of information that enables the computing system 170 to identify an amount and / or type of coating material to be used. The user may also enter in other information that indicates an amount of the object to be coated, if less than all of the vehicle. Through the user interface 120, the user may also enter various preferences for the coating, such as gloss, smoothness, shine, texture, application or curing speed, or types of component reagents to use or to be avoided as applicable.

[0041] As previously mentioned for Figure 1, the computer system 170 can take the information entered by the user via one or more messages 115a, and compares the requests with the given environmental data 115b to thereby ensure that the recommended reagents are optimized for the environment. In other cases, the computing system 170 may additionally or alternatively include public weather information that may indicate future data for temperature, pressure, and humidity, and consider such information along with current local data in the coating application area 160. Hence, the computing system 170 can consider immediate time frames, as well as eventual time frames. This may enable the computing system 170 to be used to prepare containers at a remote location that can be delivered for use within a given time frame in the coating application area 160. Such an arrangement may be particularly helpful for smaller shops that may have difficulties storing excess inventory.

[0042] Figure 2B shows that, upon review and calculation of the various inputs by the computing system 170, the dispensing machine 110 provides a corresponding set of reagents into containers, such as the illustrated physical containers 133, 135, such as via the different nozzles 112a, 112b. For example, one nozzle may deliver polymer reagent, while another nozzle may deliver another reagent that cannot be mixed until application, such as a sensitive or reactive coating regent in the form of a hardener, crosslinker or catalyst. In still further cases, the dispensing machine can be configured to delivery multiple different types of reagents through a single nozzle by operation of one or more switches internally.

[0043] However dispensed, one will appreciate that the physical containers 133, 135 will contain customized, dispensed volumes of reagent, such as a custom volume polymer and a custom volume of crosslinker, or a polymer mixture, crosslinker mixture, and / or a catalyst mixture, or other relevant combinations (not shown) that are customized to the user-entered data (e.g., from Figure 2A) in appropriately configured dosing ratios. In still further cases, the dispensing machine 110 may dispense multiple types of reagents in an unmixed state into different compartments of a single container (e.g., 137a-d, Fig 3). Because the dispensingmachine 110 can dispense the precise amounts requested by the user, or optimized for the entered parameters, the dispensing apparatus helps avoid waste to the extent possible.

[0044] The computing system 170 can likewise retrieve multiple volumes of reagent in various mixtures of container sizes for larger jobs, and dispense all or fractions thereof to the user as applicable. Hence, the two illustrate physical containers 133, 135 in Figure 2B are only by way of example, and there may be many more physical containers with different sizes provided as applicable into which the dispensing machine 110 will dispense reagent. Still further, the dispensing machine can provide mixing instructions through the user interface 120, or through a printed object provided in the dispensing location 130. For example, the computing system 170 can determine and provide specific recipe, mix, and cleanup instructions for each reagent provided, and / or for the combination of reagents added together. This could be shown on user interface 120, or printed on a label that is attached to the cup into which the machine 110 dispenses the reagent.

[0045] Figure 2C further shows that the end user can then take the dispensed reagents and supply the reagents directly to the coating applicator 150. For example, the coating applicator 150 can comprise an e-coat apparatus, a coating atomizer, a spray gun, or other form of coating application device. The physical containers 133, 135, etc., in turn, can be configured for direct application to the coating applicator 150. For example, the physical containers 133, 135 may comprise a particular physical connection interface (e.g., lid, or other interface within an upper removable lid), that interfaces physically and directly with a corresponding physical interface of the coating applicator 150. The precise physical interconnection may be employed in a number of different ways between the coating applicator 150 and the physical containers 133, 135. In one example, the physical containers 133, 135 have a particularly-shaped lid that direction connects to a receptable in coating applicator 150, which causes a release of reagent.

[0046] This may be by perforation of a membrane or bladder, or, for example, where insertion of the container 133, 135 causes a physical retraction of a sealing element, thereby allowing reagent to flow therein. In still other cases, the user may manually release a lid of the physical container 133, 135, and simply pour the particular reagent contents directly into the coating applicator 150. Similarly, the user may open and manually mix the containers in accordance with the provided mix instructions, and then provide the already mixed materials into the coating applicator 150. In still further cases, the physical containers may comprise a traditional spray cup.

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates various alternate containers (e.g., 137a, 137b, 137c, 137d) that can be used in different formats for receiving the dispensed reagents. By way ofexplanation, dispensing machine 110 can deliver reagents in either ready-to-use mixtures or ready-to-mix containers even in a single container. In other cases, dispensing machine 110 can deliver reagents into multiple containers (e.g., Figures 2A-2B) of single or multiple containers or compartments. In still other cases, dispensing machine 110 can deliver reagents into multiple containers or compartments all within the same container. For example, Figure 3 shows some example, alternate container formats 137a-137b, which include by way merely of example circular or cylindrical formats 137a-b with internal compartment divisions, while containers 137c-137d show square or rectangular containers with internal compartment divisions.

[0048] Thus, while container 137 in Figure 3 shows a single container with no extra compartments, the compartment divisions in the alternate containers 137a- 137d (or containers within containers) can be used to separate reactive components or other types of reagents that may more quickly denature upon mixing. In other cases, the given containers (whether single or multiple compartment containers) may contain a sealable bladder for one of the compartments, while the others remain open to air. In still other cases, the containers may include lids that are specifically shaped to preserve and seal containers or compartments within the containers 137a-137d. One will appreciate that other shapes and compartment configurations may be used in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0049] In addition to the foregoing, the dispensing machine 110 may itself also be specifically configured with variously aligned dosing nozzles to achieve the different delivery of reagents simultaneously or sequentially, as needed. For example, the dispensing machine 110 may be configured to deliver both a polymer reagent and a crosslinking reagent at the same time into two separate compartments of any of containers 137a-137d. In particular, one set of one or more nozzles may be connected to a crosslinker or catalyst feed line, while another set of one or more nozzles may be connected to a polymer or other reagent feed line. The dispensing machine 110 can deliver both at alternate times to avoid mixing, or at the same time through different nozzles into an appropriate compartment of the given container. The user can then seal the container 137 (or 137a-d) with an air-tight lid, and subsequently mix the reagents when ready to apply.

[0050] Figure 4 illustrates an expanded view of an internal dispensing system 106 for use in connection with (e.g., within) the dispensing machine / machine 110 of Figures 1-3. In particular, Figure 4 illustrates some of the various components that can be used to dispense a coating reagent, in particular a sensitive or reactive component, such as while maintaining an inert or low-reactive environment within the container of the sensitive or reactive reagent. Forpurposes of this specification and claims, an inert or low-reactive environment refers to the presence of any fluid or gas within the reagent container 108, which is separate from the coating reagent stored in the reagent container, and which prohibits or otherwise significantly minimizes the ability of the reagent to react with the fluid or otherwise degrade in some way. Examples of an inert environment include the presence of a non-reactive gas, such as a nitrogen gas or other gas of similar composition, or even ordinary, atmospheric air. (Further non- reactive gases could be a group VIIIA gas such as helium, neon and / or argon.) Additional examples include a fluid or gas that has been passed through a “deactivator” (118), such as a chamber comprising one or more desiccants, membranes, or dehydrators for removing water, moisture or other reactive elements from the gas, such as in the case of ordinary, atmospheric air.

[0051] Along these lines, Figure 4 shows that the dispensing apparatus / machine 110 can comprise a dispensing system 106 for dispensing a coating reagent, and which may be particularly helpful for dispensing a sensitive or reactive coating reagent, such as a crosslinker (e.g., isocyanate) or catalyst. To assist this end, Figure 4 shows that the dispensing system 106 comprises a reagent container 108 that may be connected to various first channels (114a) and second channels (114b), ultimately terminating in a delivery point, such as nozzle 112, which may comprise either nozzle 112a or 112b (generally referred to herein as 112). As understood more fully herein, the present disclosure enables the dispensing system 106 to deliver the sensitive or reactive coating reagent out of the dispenser 108 at nozzle 112 (a / b) in precise amounts, while maintaining an inert or substantially inert environment within the reagent container. That is, the remaining volume of container 108 (after dispensing the reagent) can be filled with inert or substantially non-reactive gas, including dried, atmospheric gas / air, or other forms of fluid material that maintain the environment. In other cases, the container 108 may comprise a flexible bladder that the system 106 merely collapses as it dispenses the reagent, so that no other fluid or gas enters the container.

[0052] For example, Figure 4 shows that reagent container 108 can comprise a first channel 114a that is connected to a pressure apparatus 112 via a pressure modulator 116. The pressure apparatus 122 can comprise, for example, a gas tank that provides positive outflow pressure of a gas, such as air, or an inert gas, such as nitrogen. In other cases, the pressure apparatus 122 comprises a negative pressure mechanism, such as a vacuum. In still other cases, the pressure apparatus 122 comprises a combination of both positive and negative pressure mechanism that can be used to push and pull the gas, and thereby maintain any reagent within container 108 at a steady level. In still further cases, the pressure apparatus 112 provides aconduit for ordinary, atmospheric air that can be provided to fill the container in response to a release of reagent through nozzle 112(a / b). Computing system 170 can manipulate the pressure apparatus 122 and / or pressure modulator 116 (or switch) in response to the received data / variables 115a, 115b, etc. and corresponding user selection thereof to deliver the reagent.

[0053] Figure 4 further shows that the first channel 114 can optionally comprise or otherwise optionally be connected in-line with a gas deactivator 118, which may be particularly useful in the event of drawing atmospheric air. One will appreciate that the gas deactivator 118 may not necessarily be needed with some gases that system 106 may use to push or draw out the reagent from container 108, such as nitrogen. For example, an inert gas such as nitrogen gas or argon gas may not need to be filtered, cleaned, or otherwise deactivated, but should generally be confirmed to be “dry” (i.e., devoid of water contamination). By contrast, atmospheric air and other gasses may need to have water / moisture and other reactive elements removed. Thus, should a manufacturer or end user elect instead to work with ordinary air, the gas deactivator 118 module may in some cases need to be employed to remove any or all reactive elements, such as water, or other elements known to react with a particular reagent.

[0054] For example, reactive reagents such as isocyanate crosslinkers may be particularly sensitive to water found in ordinary, atmospheric air, which can cause the crosslinker to quickly degrade into an unusable form. Thus, in one example, the gas deactivator 118 may comprise one or more desiccant components (and / or one or more membranes or dehydrators) to remove the water / moisture or other contaminants in-line with the first channel 114 before being introduced into the reagent container 108. Exemplary solid desiccants include silica gel, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, activated charcoal, activated alumina, and various other substances known in the art. In other cases, the manufacturer may employ a liquid desiccant, such as a glycol or glycol derivative, and / or lithium chloride or lithium bromide, or the like.

[0055] In addition, Figure 4 shows that the dispensing system 106 can comprise a second channel 114b connecting the reagent container 108 to the dispensing nozzle 112(a / b). Figure 4 also shows that the second channel 114b can comprise a switch 192 communicably connected in line with second channel 114b. Figure 4 further shows, in turn, that switch 192 can be connected to second channel 114b with a third channel 114c. In one example, the third channel 114c may connect to another optional reagent, such as a solvent or other cleaning solution in the illustrated container 190. In at least one example, container 190 holds a solvent, and third channel 114c is configured to provide solvent to the second channel 114b via the switch 192. For example, at the end of a dispensing sequence, computer system 170 can adjustswitch 192, and push or draw (e.g., via pressure apparatus 122) solvent 190 from the third channel 114c into the second channel 114b, and through the nozzle 112(a / b) to flush out any residual reagent from second channel 114b.

[0056] In one method of operation, therefore, computing system 170 determines an amount of reactive reagent to dispense in response to the received variables 115a, 115b. In response to a confirmation to dispense provided by the user (e.g., through user interface 120), the computing system 170 can then activate the pressure apparatus 122 in connection with pressure modulator 116, switch 192, and nozzle 112(a / b). That is, computing system 170 can open / close switch 192, or another mechanism in nozzle 112(a / b) sufficient to enable egress of reagent through the nozzle 112b. Computing system can also adjust modulator 116 to allow a fluid element such as an inert gas or dried gas (e.g., atmospheric air) through the first channel 114, including passing air through the optional gas deactivator 118 (if present). The inert or otherwise dried gas then flows through the first channel 114 toward reagent container 108 to accommodate any volume of reagent leaving nozzle 112. Thus, the system may actively push or passively draw reagent from the container while providing a compensatory amount of gas within the reagent container 108, thereby maintaining an inert environment within the reagent container 108.

[0057] In one example, therefore, the gas flows directly into the reagent container 108, and applies pressure to the reagent, filling space adjacent the reagent on one end, and causing the reagent to flow into the second channel 114b an another end. The computing system 170 can continually maintain the pressure modulator 116 to ensure that the appropriate amount of gas flows therein to provide a corresponding amount of reagent (e.g., isocyanate) into the second channel. That is, the computing system 170 can moderate positive or negative pressure from pressure apparatus 122 in connection with modulator 116 to draw an appropriate amount and flowrate of reagent through the second channel 114b, or to slow it or pull it back using negative pressure (reverse flow of any gas). More specifically, at least one action involves pushing dried gas via first channel 114 into reagent container 108, which builds pressure within reagent container 108 at one end, and causing the reagent to flow out of an opposing end into second channel 114b. In still another example, the computing system 170 merely opens switch 192 to enable reagent in reagent container 108 to flow out, and further opens switch 116 to receive atmospheric air through gas deactivator 118 and into the reagent container.

[0058] The system may further be configured for precise dispensing of coating reagent. For example, the reagent container 108 may be connected to a weight scale, or to a volumetric meter that also in turn is coupled to the computing system 170. In this way, the weight scaleand volumetric meter can continually signal changes in weight or volume to the computing system, enabling the computing system to adjust the pressure modulator 116, switch 192, and / or pressure apparatus 122 as needed to enable precise delivery of reagent. Accordingly, the present disclosure allows for both gravimetric and volumetric delivery of coating reagents.

[0059] In still another example, the gas flowing through first channel 114 activates one or more mechanical apparatus (not shown) to mechanically push reagent through the reagent container 108. For example, reagent container 108 may comprise one or more flexible bladders (not shown) contained therein. A manufacturer, rather than connecting the internal cavity of the bladder with the first channel to fill the bladder with inert gas or dried air, may instead operably connect a pressure activated drive, bladder actuator, or other form of pressure applying apparatus. The pressure activated drive (not shown) may then push or squeeze the flexible bladder at one end to thereby apply pressure to container 108, particularly to any flexible bladder therein. In still further examples, as previously noted, the system may apply a negative pressure at an opposing end of reagent container 108 to, in essence, draw reagent in connection with any other positive pressure applied through the first channel 114a into second channel 114b.

[0060] As previously noted, the system can perform a cleaning step by activating pressure apparatus 122 and switch 192 in order to pass a solvent or other cleaning reagent from element 190 through third channel 114c and into second channel 114b and nozzle 112b. For example, computing system 170 can activate pressure apparatus 122 (or pumps for drawing reagent from nozzle 112a / b) and switch 192 after every dispensing action, or periodically as needed to properly flush out residual reagent from second channel 114b. Similar to the passive delivery of coating reagent, however, the system can also be configured to passively draw solvent through the first and / or second channels (114a- 114b). That is, the solvent may be actively driven or passively drawn through the illustrated channels and / or reagent container in some cases to enable reuse.

[0061] One will appreciate that the dispensing machine 110 can contain still further apparatus (not shown) that may assist with post / shelf life of reagents and mixtures thereof stored within the machine 110. For example, the dispensing machine 110 may container one or more agitation devices operably connected to any of the one or more reagent containers 108 stored therein. The dispensing machine 110 may further include on or more stirrers operably connected to any of the one or more reagent containers. The computing system 170 can be configured to send instructions to the agitators, stirrers, or the like on a periodic (e.g., a few times a day, a few times an hour, or however desired) or even continual basis to ensure thatreagents remain in an optimized, unsettled form, or continually mixed form. The agitation devices and / or mixing units can thus ensure that the coating reagent dispensed at any given time is homogeneously mixed, and hence immediately ready to apply, or mix and apply, as applicable.

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates an example flowchart 200 of a decision tree for use in dispensing one or more applicable coating reagents for use in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, Figure 5 shows that a decision tree can begin with an act 205, in which a user enters object details. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2A, the end-user can enter in various object details, such as vehicle identification number, make, model, year, color, and so forth. Moreover, the object is not limited to automobiles, but can represent other types of objects, including but not limited to aerospace, recreational vehicles (e.g., boats), or other consumer objects (e.g., bicycles) for which a coating is needed.

[0063] Figure 5 further illustrates in a next act 210 that the user can enter desired coating properties. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2A, the user can enter data through a user interface 120 that indicates preferred finishes or other physical properties of the final look and feel of the coating. For example, in a clearcoat environment, the end user may specify gloss, smoothness, texture, or other types of variables for achieving a particular look and feel. This can have implications to the type of crosslinker or other catalysts, inhibitors, solvents, reducers, and so forth that may be needed in the mixture to attain particular properties (e.g., viscosity) for particular applications, or to achieve a final end appearance.

[0064] Along these lines, Figure 5 shows that a next step in the decision tree 200 can include an act 215 of calculating the repair size. For example, computing system 170 (Figure 1) can take the user inputs 115a, which may include an option to either use user specifications, or to use the computer-generated reagents. If the user selects its own reagents without optimization, the decision tree flows to acts 225 and 230, in which the dispensing machine 110 identifies and dispenses the requested reagents into a given container (e.g., 133, 135, 137a-d, Figures 2A-3). That is the dispensing machine can deliver the various reagents in a mixed, or unmixed state into one or more containers (or one or more compartments of a single container - e.g., 137a-d). If the user selects an optimization, such as “optimized coating,” the computing system 170 may then optimize the user inputs in connection with user preferences, and environmental variables.

[0065] For example, Figure 5 shows that, in view of the selected optimization, the computing system 170 can also take into account local environmental variables. As previously noted, this may be accomplished by computing system 170 receiving and processing one ormore messages 115b from one or more sensors 170, and / or similar data directly from the enduser. The one or more sensors 107 can be included or attached to the coating applicator 150, and / or may be located in one or more separate standalone devices, such as may the illustrate environment monitoring device 113. The computing system 170 can then coordinate with various rules / components in database 180 to determine an optimum volume and type of reagents.

[0066] Accordingly, Figure 5 shows that the decision tree can further include an act 235 of determining a particular set of reagents to dispense. For example, for a job that needs 2.0 liters of polymer reagent, and 0.5 liters of crosslinker and / or catalyst, the computing system 170 may dispense the same into relevant separate containers (or multiple containers / compartments within a container) in specified amounts, and print or display relevant mixing instructions. The computing system 170 may adjust these requirements upward or downward based on current environmental variables, and / or anticipated environmental variables based on other public data about regional temperature, pressure, and humidity. For example, in alternative environments, even one mixture of polymer reagent might normally be specified in a standard environmental condition (e.g., ambient temperature, pressure, etc.), the computing system 170 might determine that an alternate ratio of polymer reagent instead might be needed to complete the job in correlation with non-standard environmental conditions (e.g., higher temperature, pressure, or humidity). This may result in ana substitution of a type of reagent, or even a reduction or increase of otherwise expected amount of given reagents within the volume, or other mix ratio parameters. One will also appreciate that the number or amount of reagents within the volume can be optimized based on given inventory. For example, the computing system 170 may base the number or amount of reagents to dispense based on the number of reagents held in a given storage compartment. Alternatively, the computing system 170 may prepare a list of physical reagents of given sizes based on expected future inventory, such as based on expected shipments of particular reagents.

[0067] Figure 5 further shows that the decision tree can then move to steps 240 and 245, in which the dispensing machine 110 dispenses the reagents determined by the computing system 170. The dispensing machine 110 (and / or computer system 170) can then send one or more messages to an inventory component 185c of database 180, indicating which reagents have been retrieved and / or amounts dispensed (act 245) and need to be restocked (e.g., at decision 250). Thus, the inventory is automatically added and deleted by the dispensing machine 110 / computing system 170 with each receipt and storage of reagents as well as with each delivery. In particular, as inventory is close to depletion, the decision tree in Figure 5further moves to acts 250 and 255. In act 250, the computing system 170 coordinates with the aforementioned inventory component 185c to determine what remains in storage in the dispensing machine 110, what components are in excess or close to depletion, and hence what needs to be reordered. The dispensing system can automatically send out a restocking request in act 255 to a warehouse system, or display an alert to the user prompting the same. Figure 5 shows that the decision tree completes at this point, i.e., step 260.

[0068] The present disclosure can also be described in terms of methods comprising a series of acts for accomplishing a particular result. For example, Figure 6 provides a flowchart of a method of dispensing coating reagent to an end-user through a dispenser apparatus. The acts of Figure 6 are discussed below in the context of the components, modules and diagrams of Figures 1-3.

[0069] Figure 6 illustrates that an additional or alternative method 300 for use in determining and delivering one or more applicable coating reagents can comprise an act 310 of receiving a set of coating variables. Act 310 includes receiving a set of coating variables comprising: (i) data corresponding environmental input corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent a coating application area, and (ii) one or more end-user supplied application variables for applying the coating to an object. For example, an end-user provides various details about an object to be coated, as well as variables relevant to final look and appearance, through a user interface 120. The user interface 120 may be presented directly at the dispensing machine 110, or may be presented through a mobile or other standalone computing device serving as computing system 170, upon which the relevant data are sent to the dispensing machine 110.

[0070] Figure 6 also illustrates that method 300 can comprise an act 320 of identifying a ratio of reagents to use. Act 320 includes based upon the received coating variables, identifying (i) a subset of reagents, including at least a polymer reagent for applying a coating to an object, (ii) one or more additional reagents, (iii) a dosing ratio for each identified reagent in the subset. For example, computing system 170, in connection with dispensing machine 110, can use the user supplied variables 115a and potentially also one or more environmental variables in message 115b to determine an amount of different types of reagents to complete the task. The determination includes an appropriate ratio (or dosing ratio) for the end mixture to be applied for each reagent, or each type of reagent determined.

[0071] In addition, Figure 6 shows that method 300 can comprise an act 330 of determining a volume of reagents to dispense. Act 330 includes determining a volume of the subset of reagents to dispense, wherein the volume depends on the received environmental datafor the paint application area, and the one or more end-user supplied application variables. For example, in addition to determining the ratios from act 320, computing system 170 can also determine a various volumes of reagents to dispense, which may be based on various object properties (size, make model, type of application), or variously desired physical attributes of the applied coating.

[0072] Furthermore, Figure 6 shows that method 300 can comprise an act 340 of dispensing the identified reagents. Act 340 includes, upon receipt of user confirmation through the dispenser apparatus, dispensing an effective amount of each identified reagent of the subset and in the determined volume. For example, Figure 2B and 2C shows that dispensing machine delivers the determined reagents into physical containers 133, 135 or 137(a-d), and can further provide relevant mixing or other end-use instructions.

[0073] Such instructions can further include various MSDS (material safety data sheet) information needed to properly work with the given reagents. Such instructions can still further include computer-oriented instructions to execution by a separate computing device, such as a mobile device, tablet, watch, or personal computer that provides various timing alerts regarding expiration of given reagents or mixtures from the point of delivery, or from other variables measured from an application start / stop top received from the coating applicator 150. The computing system 170 can determine a sequence of steps for adding the reagents, when to add them and in what amounts into a coating applicator 150. The computing system 170 can also determine and provide instructions relevant to the pot life of the given reagents upon mixture with another reagent, and / or upon exposure to a reactive environment that begins to degrade the reagent. For example, the computing system 170 may provide instructions that a mixture of polymer reagent and crosslinking reagent has approximately two hours to be applied before the mixture needs to be discarded due to degradation, or otherwise due to other curing or setting the prohibits wet application.

[0074] Additional aspects of the present disclosure include one or more novel compositions that the dispensing machine 110 can provide. For example, a coating composition mixed or otherwise dispensed by the dispensing machine 110 can include a volume in a determined amount, the volume having a plurality of reagents. In one example, the plurality of reagents dispensed can include: one or more types of polymer reagent to use, and an effective amount thereof. As used herein, an “effective amount” means an amount or ratio of reagent that either by itself or in combination with one or more other determined reagents accomplishes a desired result in the end mixture when applied to an object. For example, an effective amount of polymer and / or effective amount of crosslinker may varydepending on environmental variables and in connection with user preferences for smoothness, or gloss, as described herein.

[0075] For example, the volume to be dispensed can further include a determined (e.g. , by computer system 170 in response to environmental input and user preferences) one or more types of crosslinker reagent to use, and an effective amount thereof. As noted before, the volume amount and effective amounts of each of the plurality of reagents is determined by computing system 170 from the end-user supplied coating application variables (message 115a), and the environmental data (message 115b) in the form of temperature, pressure, and humidity data received from one or more environmental sensors. In additional or alternative configurations, the composition can also include one or more types of catalyst reagent to use, and an effective amount thereof, as well as one or more types of reducer reagent to use, and an effective thereof. Again, these amounts may be determined by computing system 170 from a wide variety of options, or otherwise optimize from specific user entries. For example, a user may desires a particular brand or type of crosslinking reagent or catalyst, which may cause the computing system 170 to adjust the use or amount of the polymer reagents (or types thereof) or amount / type of other additional reagents.

[0076] In still further examples, the one or more types of polymer reagent can also include a plurality of additives where the one or more types of polymer reagents and the plurality of additives mixed in a polymeric reagent solution. The polymers and reagents can be adjusted for examples in which the coating is a clearcoat, or whether the coating is meant as a multilayer coating a monocoat, a top coat, a base coat, a primer, or an adhesion promoter, or other forms of coatings. Thus, depending on the type and volume of the resulting coating mixture, the computing system 170 may also determine the addition of one or more additives including any one or more of (i) an ultra-violet light absorber, and (ii) a hindered-amine light stabilizer. The coating composition as recited can further be adjusted with respect to the polymeric reagent solution for a desired viscosity to be dispensed.

[0077] As previously noted, the coating composition can include a crosslinker reagent, where the crosslinker comprises a solution that includes the effective amount of crosslinker and one or more solvents. The crosslinker reagent solution may similarly be adjusted by for a desired viscosity to be dispensed. Further along these lines, the composition can include a catalyst reagent, which includes a solution having effective amounts of catalyst and one or more solvents. The catalyst reagent solution can include any one or more of: (iii) a catalyst modulator; or (iv) a catalyst inhibitor; and the effective amount of each catalyst reagent depends on the environmental sensor data and user-defined coating application variables. Stillfurther, the composition dispensed through machine 110 can include a reducer reagent that has a solution that includes a plurality of solvents where the plurality of solvents differ by evaporation rate. As such, one will appreciate that the composition to be mixed and dispensed in a wide number of ways through use of a select, relatively small number of reagents maintained in inventory.

[0078] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of an additional or alternative computer- implemented method 400 of dispensing a reactive coating reagent while maintaining a non- reactive environment for a container. For example, Figure 7 shows that method 400 can comprise an act 410 of receiving a set of coating variables. Act 410 includes receiving, via a computing system, a set of coating variables comprising: (i) data corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent a coating application area, and (ii) one or more end-user supplied application variables for applying a coating to an object. For example, as shown with respect to Figure 1, computing system 170 receives various messages 115a and 115b corresponding to user-supplied coating information about the object (140) to be coated, other preferences, and sensor-supplied environmental data related to a coating application area 160.

[0079] Figure 7 also shows that method 400 can comprise an act 420 of identifying a reactive reagent to dispense. Act 420 includes, based upon the received coating variables, identifying, via the computing system, a reactive reagent to dispense, the reactive reagent being stored in the non-reactive environment in the reagent container, and (ii) an amount of the reactive reagent to dispense. For example, computing system 170 determines from the messages 115a, 115b that a particular type of crosslinker or other catalyst needs to be provided as part of the eventual coating mixture to be applied.

[0080] In addition, Figure 7 shows that method 400 can comprise an act 430 of adjusting a pressure modulator to dispense gas. Act 430 includes, adjusting, via the computing system, a pressure modulator to dispense a gas through a first channel connected to the reagent container, wherein the released gas causes the reactive reagent to pass into a second channel connected to the reagent container. For example, Figure 4 shows that the computing system 170 interacts with dispensing system 106 to operate pressure modulator 116. In further examples, computing system 170 operates pressure apparatus 122 and switch 192 to provide pressure through first channel 114a, such as by providing positive or negative outflow of gas through first channel 114a.

[0081] Furthermore, Figure 7 shows that method 400 can comprise an act 440 of dispensing the reactive reagent. Act 440 includes dispensing through the second channel the identified amount of the reactive reagent. For example, computing system 170 operatespressure apparatus 122, switch 192, and pressure modulator 116 in concert to dispense precise, on-demand amounts of the reactive reagent from reagent container 108 through second channel 114b and out through nozzle 112(a / b). Along these lines, Figures 2A-3 also show the dispensing apparatus / machine 110 dispensing reagent into a container for eventual use through sprayer 150.

[0082] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a number of systems, components, compositions, and methods that enable a number of advantages over the present art. For example, when customers need to repair and paint cars, the proper ready-to-use or ready-to- mix product is provided to them on-demand. This can allow coating applicators to focus on spraying paint or other coating formulations without an accompanying need to make precise selections and mix them in a precise ratio. This simplifies the work process for end-users and addresses several conventional difficulties. Because a coating manufacturer providing the solutions outlined herein are providing not only paint, but also services that are beneficial to end-users, coating manufacturers can expand the way they connect with end-users. The connection can be facilitated by delivering ready-to-use products that best fit the end-user’ s needs on-demand. That is, both large and small shops can order reagents on demand, and apply them precisely as needed in a timely fashion without error.

[0083] The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the present disclosure may be implemented. Although not required, the present disclosure will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by computers in network environments. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The present disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where local and remote processing devices perform tasks and arelinked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0085] The present disclosure may comprise or utilize a special-purpose or general-purpose computer system that includes computer hardware, such as, for example, a processor and system memory, as discussed in greater detail below. The scope of the present disclosure also includes physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computerexecutable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions and / or data structures are computer storage media. Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions and / or data structures are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, the present disclosure can comprise two distinctly different kinds of computer- readable media: computer storage media and transmission media.

[0086] Computer storage media are physical storage media that store computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Physical storage media include computer hardware, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid state drives (“SSDs”), flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage device(s) which can be used to store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, which can be accessed and executed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system to implement the disclosed functionality of the present disclosure.

[0087] Transmission media can include a network and / or data links which can be used to carry program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, and which can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. A “network” is defined as data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer system, the computer system may view the connection as transmission media. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0088] Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be transferred automatically from transmission media to computer storage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module, and then eventually transferred to computer system RAM and / or to less volatile computer storage media at a computer system. Thus, it should be understood that computer storage media can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

[0089] Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which, when executed at a processor, cause a general-purpose computer system, specialpurpose computer system, or special-purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Computer-executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, reagent format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. The present disclosure may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network, both perform tasks. As such, in a distributed system environment, a computer system may include a plurality of constituent computer systems. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the present disclosure may be practiced in a cloud-computing environment. Cloud computing environments may be distributed, although this is not required. When distributed, cloud computing environments may be distributed internationally within an organization and / or have components possessed across multiple organizations. In this description and the following claims, “cloud computing” is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The definition of “cloud computing” is not limited to any of the other numerous advantages that can be obtained from such a model when properly deployed.

[0092] A cloud-computing model can be composed of various characteristics, such as on- demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measured service, and so forth. A cloud-computing model may also come in the form of various servicemodels such as, for example, Software as a Service (“SaaS”), Platform as a Service (“PaaS”), and Infrastructure as a Service (“laaS”). The cloud-computing model may also be deployed using different deployment models such as private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and so forth.

[0093] A cloud-computing environment, or cloud-computing platform, may comprise a system that includes a host that is capable of running virtual machines. During operation, virtual machines emulate an operational computing system, supporting an operating system and perhaps other applications as well. Each host may include a hypervisor that emulates virtual resources for the virtual machines using physical resources that are abstracted from view of the virtual machines. The hypervisor also provides proper isolation between the virtual machines. Thus, from the perspective of any given virtual machine, the hypervisor provides the illusion that the virtual machine is interfacing with a physical resource, even though the virtual machine interfaces with the appearance (e.g., a virtual resource) of a physical resource. Examples of physical resources including processing capacity, memory, disk space, network bandwidth, media drives, and so forth.

[0094] Aspects of the present disclosure can be described in terms of various different configurations and alternates thereof. For example, in a first aspect, a dispensing system for dispensing a coating reagent stored into a receptacle while maintaining a non-reactive environment, may include: a frame; a reagent container removably attached to the frame, the reagent container having a first end and a second end, the reagent container storing a coating reagent within a non-reactive environment; a first channel removably connected to the first end, the first channel for providing a non-reactive gas to the first end of the reagent container; a second channel removably connected to the second end, the second channel for dispensing the coating reagent to a receptacle; and a pressure modulator communicably attached to the first channel on one end and a pressure apparatus on another end; wherein adjustment of the pressure modulator changes delivery of the coating reagent from the reagent container through the second channel while maintaining the non-reactive environment within the reagent container.

[0095] In a second aspect, in the dispensing system as recited in the first aspect, the pressure modulator comprises a gas tank for delivering a gas to the first channel via the pressure modulator. In a third aspect, in the dispensing system as recited in any of the preceding first through second aspects, the gas comprises nitrogen. In a fourth aspect, the dispensing system as recited in any of the preceding first through third aspects may further include a gas deactivator attached in line with the first channel. In a fifth aspect, in the system as recited inany of the preceding first through fourth aspects, the gas deactivator comprises one or more desiccants, membranes, or dehydrators for removing water or moisture from the gas. In a sixth aspect, in the dispensing system as recited in any of the preceding first through fifth aspects: the gas provided via the first channel apparatus comprises air; and the gas deactivator dries the air before the air enters a connection from the first channel to the reagent container. In a seventh aspect, in the system as recited in any of the preceding first through sixth aspect, the gas comprises dried air. In an eighth aspect, in the system as recited in any of the preceding first through seventh aspect, the reagent container comprises a rigid material. In a ninth aspect, in the system as recited in any of the preceding first through eighth aspects, the reagent container comprises a flexible bladder.

[0096] In a tenth aspect, the system as recited in of the first through ninth aspects may further include: a bladder actuator coupled to the reagent container; wherein the bladder is configured to: apply pressure to the bladder upon actuation; and cause the bladder to deliver reagent through the second channel. In an eleventh aspect, in the system as recited in any of the preceding first through tenth aspects, the reagent comprises a crosslinker or catalyst reagent. In a twelfth aspect, in the system as recited in any of the preceding first through eleventh aspects, the reagent comprises isocyanate. In a thirteenth aspect, the system as recited in any of the preceding first through twelfth aspects may further include: a solvent container connected to the reagent container; wherein activation of the pressure modulator or a switch causes the solvent to be dispensed through the second channel. In a fourteenth aspect, the system as recited in any of the preceding first through thirteenth aspects may further include: a third channel connected to the second channel via a switch, wherein: the solvent container is connected to the third channel; and activation of the switch causes the third channel to supply an end of the second channel with solvent for flushing out residual reagent.

[0097] In addition to the foregoing, a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a dispensing machine configured to dispense a coating reagent, comprising: a processor; the dispensing system as recited in claim 1 ; and a computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions stored that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the following: receive a set of coating variables comprising: (i) data corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent a coating application area, and (ii) one or more end-user supplied application variables for applying a coating to an object; based upon the received coating variables, identify a coating reagent in the form of a reactive reagent to dispense, the reactive reagent being stored in the non-reactive environment in the reagent container, and an amount of the reactive reagent to dispense; adjust the pressure modulator to dispense a gasthrough the first channel, wherein the released gas causes the reactive reagent to pass into the second channel; and dispense through the second channel the identified amount of the reactive reagent.

[0098] In a sixteenth aspect, the dispensing machine as recited in the preceding fifteenth aspect may further include: a gas deactivator attached in line with the first channel; wherein gas passed through the gas deactivator maintains the non-reactive environment when passed into the reagent container. In a seventeenth aspect, in the dispensing machine as recited in any of the preceding fifteenth through sixteenth aspects, the gas deactivator comprises one or more desiccants, membranes, and / or dehydrators for removing water or moisture from the gas. In an eighteenth aspect, the dispensing machine as recited in any of the preceding fifteenth through seventeenth aspects may further include: a measurement component in the form of a weight scale or volumetric component connected to or in line with the reagent container; wherein the dispensing machine is further configured to slow or stop dispensing of reagent in response to a signal received from the weight scale or volumetric component.

[0099] In a still further configuration, a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure may include a computer-implemented method of dispensing a reactive coating reagent while maintaining a non-reactive environment for a container comprising the reactive coating reagent, comprising: receiving, via a computing system, a set of coating variables comprising: (i) data corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent a coating application area, and (ii) one or more end-user supplied application variables for applying a coating to an object; based upon the received coating variables, identifying, via the computing system, a reactive reagent to dispense, the reactive reagent being stored in the non-reactive environment in the reagent container, and (ii) an amount of the reactive reagent to dispense; adjusting, via the computing system, a pressure modulator to dispense a gas through a first channel connected to the reagent container, wherein the released gas causes the reactive reagent to pass into a second channel connected to the reagent container; and dispensing through the second channel the identified amount of the reactive reagent.

[0100] In a twentieth aspect, the computer-implemented method as recited in the preceding nineteenth aspects may further include: turning off the pressure modulator via the computing system upon completion of delivery of the identified amount of reactive reagent. In a twenty-first aspect, the computer-implemented method as recited in any of the preceding nineteenth through twentieth aspects may further include: dispensing a polymer reagent. In a twenty-second aspect, in the computer-implemented method as recited in any of the preceding nineteenth through twenty-first aspects, the reagent comprises a sensitive or reactive reagent inthe form of a crosslinker or catalyst. In a twenty-third aspect, in the computer-implemented method as recited in any of the preceding claims nineteenth through twenty-second aspect, the crosslinker comprises isocyanate. In a twenty-fourth aspect, in the system, machine or method as recited in any of the preceding first through twenty-third aspects, the non-reactive gas is a gas that is non-reactive with respect to the reagent. In a twenty-fifth aspect, in the system, machine or method as recited in any of the preceding first through twenty-fourth aspects, the reactive coating reagent is sensitive to the presence of water or hydrogen. In a twenty-sixth aspect, in the system, machine or method as recited in any of the preceding first through twentyfifth aspects, the non-reactive gas before entering the reagent container has a water content less than 1.5%, particularly less than 1%, more particularly less than 0.5% and most particularly non-reactive gas before entering the reagent container is free of water.

[0101] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described examples are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A dispensing system for dispensing a coating reagent stored into a receptacle while maintaining a non-reactive environment, comprising: a frame; a reagent container removably attached to the frame, the reagent container having a first end and a second end, the reagent container storing a coating reagent within a non-reactive environment; a first channel removably connected to the first end, the first channel for providing a non-reactive gas to the first end of the reagent container; a second channel removably connected to the second end, the second channel for dispensing the coating reagent to a receptacle; and a pressure modulator communicably attached to the first channel on one end and a pressure apparatus on another end; wherein adjustment of the pressure modulator changes delivery of the coating reagent from the reagent container through the second channel while maintaining the non-reactive environment within the reagent container.

2. The dispensing system as recited in any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure modulator comprises a gas tank for delivering a gas to the first channel via the pressure modulator.

3. The dispensing system as recited in claim 2, wherein the gas comprises nitrogen.

4. The dispensing system as recited in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a gas deactivator attached in line with the first channel.

5. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein the gas deactivator comprises one or more desiccants, membranes, or dehydrators for removing water or moisture from the gas.

6. The dispensing system as recited in claim 5, wherein: the gas provided via the first channel apparatus comprises air; and the gas deactivator dries the air before the air enters a connection from the first channel to the reagent container.

7. The system as recited in any of the preceding claims, wherein the gas comprises dried air.

8. The system as recited in any of the preceding claims, wherein the reagent container comprises a rigid material.

9. The system as recited in any of the preceding claims, wherein the reagent container comprises a flexible bladder.

10. The system as recited in claim 9, further comprising: a bladder actuator coupled to the reagent container; wherein the bladder is configured to: apply pressure to the bladder upon actuation; and cause the bladder to deliver reagent through the second channel.1 1. The system as recited in any of the preceding claims, wherein the reagent comprises a crosslinker or catalyst reagent.

12. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein the reagent comprises isocyanate.

13. The system as recited in any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a solvent container connected to the reagent container; wherein activation of the pressure modulator or a switch causes the solvent to be dispensed through the second channel.

14. The system as recited in claim 13, further comprising: a third channel connected to the second channel via a switch, wherein: the solvent container is connected to the third channel; andactivation of the switch causes the third channel to supply an end of the second channel with solvent for flushing out residual reagent.

15. A dispensing machine configured to dispense a coating reagent, comprising: a processor; the dispensing system as recited in claim 1; and a computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions stored that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the following: receive a set of coating variables comprising: (i) data corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent a coating application area, and (ii) one or more end-user supplied application variables for applying a coating to an object; based upon the received coating variables, identify a coating reagent in the form of a reactive reagent to dispense, the reactive reagent being stored in the non-reactive environment in the reagent container, and an amount of the reactive reagent to dispense; adjust the pressure modulator to dispense a gas through the first channel, wherein the released gas causes the reactive reagent to pass into the second channel; and dispense through the second channel the identified amount of the reactive reagent.

16. The dispensing machine as recited in claim 15 , further comprising: a gas deactivator attached in line with the first channel; wherein gas passed through the gas deactivator maintains the non-reactive environment when passed into the reagent container.

17. The dispensing machine as recited in any of the preceding claims 15- 16, wherein the gas deactivator comprises one or more desiccants, membranes, and / or dehydrators for removing water or moisture from the gas.

18. The dispensing machine as recited in any of the preceding claims 15-17, further comprising: a measurement component in the form of a weight scale or volumetric component connected to or in line with the reagent container; wherein the dispensing machine is further configured to slow or stop dispensing of reagent in response to a signal received from the weight scale or volumetric component.

19. A computer-implemented method of dispensing a reactive coating reagent while maintaining a non-reactive environment for a container comprising the reactive coating reagent, comprising: receiving, via a computing system, a set of coating variables comprising: (i) data corresponding to local environmental data located adjacent a coating application area, and (ii) one or more end-user supplied application variables for applying a coating to an object; based upon the received coating variables, identifying, via the computing system, a reactive reagent to dispense, the reactive reagent being stored in the non- reactive environment in the reagent container, and (ii) an amount of the reactive reagent to dispense; adjusting, via the computing system, a pressure modulator to dispense a gas through a first channel connected to the reagent container, wherein the released gas causes the reactive reagent to pass into a second channel connected to the reagent container; and dispensing through the second channel the identified amount of the reactive reagent.

20. The computer-implemented method as recited in claim 19, further comprising: turning off the pressure modulator via the computing system upon completion of delivery of the identified amount of reactive reagent; and dispensing a polymer reagent; wherein: the reactive reagent comprises a crosslinker or catalyst; andthe gas before entering the reagent container has a water content less than 1.5% before entering the reagent container is free of water.

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