Patent Publication Number: US-2009228143-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for producing and selling paint

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a system for manufacturing a desired type and color of paint. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Paint is generally manufactured at a paint manufacturing facility and then transported in separate containers to a point of sale, wherein each container contains one type and color of paint. Different types of paint typically include different types of paint components in various amounts. The type and amount of paint components included in the paint determines its characteristics, such as drying time, quality level, sheen, finish, texture, etc. For example, some types of paint have a flat finish and others have a high-gloss finish. Consumers often desire different types of paint in different colors, so an inventory of them is maintained at the point of sale to satisfy consumer needs. 
     However, there are several problems with maintaining an inventory of different types and colors of paint. One problem is that the inventory of paint occupies a significant amount of costly storage space. Another problem is that the properties of paint degrade over time. For example, paint has a tendency to settle the longer it is stored in the inventory. Paint settles when the mixture of paint components included therein become unmixed. If the paint degrades enough, it may be unsuitable for use and discarded, which leads to waste. Hence, it is desirable to use the paint before its properties degrade. 
     It is also very costly and labor intensive to keep track of the manufacturing dates of the different types of paint in the inventory. It is necessary to keep track of the manufacturing dates to determine which paint is suitable for use and which is not, so that the likelihood of selling paint that is suitable for use is increased. The inventory is often tracked by determining the number of paint containers containing a particular type and color of paint. Since it is labor intensive and costly to keep track of changes in the inventory, it is desirable to reduce this need. 
     Further, it is costly and labor intensive to maintain retail space at the point of sale for the consumer to select and purchase the desired type of paint having the desired color. Selecting and purchasing paint at the point of sale is costly because retail space is costly. Selecting and purchasing paint at the point of sale is labor intensive because paid workers generally spend time with the consumer to help him or her make their selection. Oftentimes, the worker spends time with the consumer who chooses to not make a purchase, so this time is wasted. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention employs a paint manufacturing system for manufacturing a desired type and color of paint. The paint manufacturing system includes a computer system in communication with a computer network, wherein the computer system can be located at a point of sale. The consumer provides an indication, to the computer system through the computer network, of a desired type of paint and, in response, the paint manufacturing system dispenses a predetermined type and amount of paint components which form the desired type of paint. In some embodiments, the consumer provides an indication, to the computer system through the computer network, of a desired color of paint and, in response, the paint manufacturing system dispenses a predetermined type and amount of paint colorants which are combined with the desired type of paint. 
     In some embodiments, the consumer provides an indication, to the computer system through the computer network, of a desired additive and, in response the paint manufacturing system dispenses a predetermined type and amount of additive which is combined with the desired paint. Typically, the paint manufacturing system dispenses the paint components, colorants and/or additive after the consumer pays for the desired paint. In some situations, the consumer pays for the desired paint using the computer network. 
     The paint manufacturing system reduces the cost and amount of labor involved in providing the consumer with the desired paint because an inventory of different types of paint does not need to be maintained at the point of sale. Further, fewer workers are needed at the point of sale to help the consumer make their paint selection. Also, the consumer is more likely to make a purchase if he or she can select the type and color of paint they want. Further, the consumer is more likely to make a purchase if he or she can select the type and amount of additive they want the paint to include. 
     In one embodiment, the paint manufacturing system includes a dispenser in fluid communication with a paint component storage system and colorant storage system. The computer system is operatively coupled to the paint component and colorant storage systems because it controls the type and amount of paint components and colorants, respectively, the paint component and colorant storage systems flow to the dispenser. 
     The paint component storage system dispenses a desired type and amount of paint components in response to a paint type indication provided to the computer system through the computer network. The desired type and amount of paint components form a base paint of the desired paint. The dispenser dispenses at least two types of paint components in response to the paint type indication. The desired paint is formed in response to the paint components being dispensed. 
     The colorant storage system dispenses a desired type and amount of colorants in response to a paint color indication provided to the computer system through the computer network. It should be noted that different types of colorants have different colors. The types and amounts of colorants dispensed are chosen to drive the color of the base paint to a desired color. In this way, the desired type and color of paint is provided using a computer network. 
     In some embodiments, the paint manufacturing system includes an additive storage system in fluid communication with the dispenser. The computer system is operatively coupled to the additive storage system, because it controls the type and amount of additive(s) the additive storage system flows to the dispenser. It should be noted that the same dispenser can dispense the paint components, colorant(s) and additive(s), or the paint components, colorant(s) and additive(s) can be dispensed with separate dispensers. 
     The additive storage system dispenses a desired type and amount of additive(s) in response to a paint additive indication provided to the computer system through the computer network. In this way, the desired type and amount of additive(s) are provided using a computer network. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1   a  is a block diagram of a paint manufacturing system, in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 1   b  is a block diagram of another embodiment of a paint manufacturing system, in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view of the paint manufacturing system of  FIG. 1   a.    
         FIG. 2   b  is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the paint manufacturing system of  FIG. 2   a.    
         FIG. 2   c  is a schematic diagram of the paint manufacturing system of  FIG. 2   a,  showing a colorant storage system. 
         FIG. 2   d  is a schematic diagram of the paint manufacturing system of  FIG. 2   a,  showing an additive storage system. 
         FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dispenser, in accordance with the invention, included with the paint manufacturing system of  FIG. 2   a.    
         FIG. 3   b  is a bottom view of the dispenser of  FIG. 3   a.    
         FIG. 3   c  is a perspective view of a colorant nozzle included with the dispenser of  FIG. 3   a.    
         FIG. 3   d  is a perspective view of an additive nozzle included with the dispenser of  FIG. 3   a.    
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are perspective views of colorant and additive storage systems, respectively, in accordance with the invention, included with the paint manufacturing system of  FIG. 2   a.    
         FIGS. 4   c  and  4   d  are schematic diagrams of the colorant and additive storage systems of  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , respectively. 
         FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b ,  5   c ,  5   d  and  5   e  are block diagrams of a method, in accordance with the invention, of manufacturing a desired type of paint at a point of sale. 
         FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b ,  6   c ,  6   d  and  6   e  are block diagrams of a method, in accordance with the invention, of ordering a desired paint. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention allows the manufacture of a desired type and color of paint at a point of sale in response to a remotely provided paint type and paint color indication, respectively. In this way, the desired type and color of paint is provided without the consumer having to be at the point of sale. Further, the present invention allows one or more additives to be added to the desired type and color of paint at the point of sale in response to a remotely provided paint additive indication. In this way, the additive is provided without the consumer having to be at the point of sale. There are many different types of additives that can be included with the paint. Some examples of additives include pearle essence, metallics, mildicide, as well as other aqueous additives. 
     However, the consumer can pay for the paint at the point of sale or remotely. Further, the consumer can pick up the paint at the point of sale or have it shipped to him or her. The point of sale can be at many different locations, such as a store and warehouse. Examples of stores include paint stores, as well as hardware and home improvement stores. The store is generally a retail store which provides the sale of goods and/or services. 
     Providing the paint type, color and additive indications remotely is useful for several reasons. Providing the paint type, color and additive indications remotely is useful because it is very labor intensive and costly to maintain retail space at a point of sale for the consumer to select and purchase the desired type and color of paint having the desired additive(s). Selecting and purchasing paint at the point of sale is labor intensive and costly because paid workers generally spend time with the consumer to help them make their selection. 
     Adding the additive to the paint at the point of sale is useful for many different reasons, with one reason being that it is desirable to control the type and amount added to the paint. Presently, the additive is added to the paint by pouring it into the paint from a separate container, wherein the amount of paint poured is difficult to control. The amount of additive it is desired to add to the paint often depends on the climate of the location the paint will be used, so it is desirable to be able to accurately add different amounts of additive. 
     Another problem is that the type and amount of additive desired in the paint cannot be easily changed once the additive is added to the paint. If the additive is added to the paint prior to purchase, the consumer has less control over the type and amount of additive in the paint being purchased. Further, in some situations, the effectiveness of the additive diminishes over time by settling, break down, etc., so it is often desirable to add the additive to the paint when the paint is sold, or shortly thereafter. It is also desirable to decrease the time between when the additive is added to the paint and when the paint is used. 
     Adding the additive to the paint at the point of sale is useful because it is undesirable to expose the consumer to the additive. It is undesirable to expose the consumer to the additive because some additives, such as mildicide, are toxic, so it is undesirable to have toxic additives added to paint by the consumer. A toxic additive added to the paint by pouring will emit fumes in response to being poured. Hence, it is desirable to add the additive to the paint so the amount of fumes emitted is reduced. Further, it is undesirable to have the consumer dispose of a container which contains the toxic additive. It is also undesirable to have the consumer dispose of an empty container which used to contain the toxic additive. 
     Manufacturing the paint at the point of sale is useful for several reasons, with one being that the desired paint can be manufactured in response to the desires of the consumer. Hence, the type and color of the paint, as well as the additive(s), can be selected by the consumer before the paint is manufactured. This allows the paint retailer to provide an “inventory on demand”, wherein an inventory of paint is produced in response to an indication that the consumer wants a particular type and color of paint. If the type and color of the paint produced is desired, the consumer is more likely to purchase it. Hence, the consumer is more likely to want paint and to purchase it if the paint is manufactured at the point of sale. 
     Manufacturing the paint at the point of sale is also useful because the paint is made and sold shortly thereafter. Hence, there is no need to maintain an inventory of paint without a purchaser for it. There is also no need to keep an inventory of different types and colors of paint from which the consumer makes a selection. It is also no longer necessary to keep track of changes in an inventory of paint. Manufacturing the paint at the point of sale is also useful because the paint manufacturing system typically occupies less space than an inventory of paint. 
     Manufacturing the paint at the point of sale is useful because of the decreased time the paint is stored. This is useful because paint is more likely to degrade as the time it is stored increases. The paint can degrade in many different ways, such as by settling. The paint can also degrade if it experiences undesirable temperature and humidity changes. If the paint degrades too much, it can be unsatisfactory for use. The paint can be unsatisfactory for use for many different reasons, such as if its color undesirably changes or if the amount of paint components included therein changes. The amount of paint components in the paint can undesirably change in many different ways, such as by evaporation. The relative amounts of the paint components can undesirably change over time when a paint component evaporates faster than others. If the relative amount of the paint components changes too much, the paint may be unsuitable for its intended purpose, such as for indoor or outdoor use. Hence, it is desirable to decrease the time between manufacturing and selling the paint, as well as the time between manufacturing and using the paint. 
     It should be noted that paint can include many different types of paint components, but it generally includes two or more different types of paint components. Each paint component typically includes many different types of materials combined together. It should also be noted that the paint components can be stored separately from each other for longer periods of time than a paint composed of them will. Further, the paint components do not degrade as quickly as paint composed of them will. Hence, it is desirable to store paint components in separate containers instead of in the same container, as is done with paint composed of the paint components. 
     Examples of paint components typically used to make paint include resin, pigment composition, and a dispersant thickening agent. The resin can be a material with a high or low resin content, wherein the high resin content material includes more resin than the low resin content material. These paint components often include water as the solvent, so they are considered to be aqueous based paint components. The paint components are combined together in different amounts to provide a base paint. The base paint is often colored to provide a desired type and color of paint. The paint components can be combined together in many different ways, such as by mixing. One way paint components are combined together is by shaking them so they mix. 
     There are many different types of base paints that can be made from the paint components. In one embodiment, the types of base paints include pastel, tinting, deep tone and neutral base paints. The pastel base paint has the lightest color and the neutral base paint has the darkest color. Further, the tinting base paint is lighter than the deep tone base paint, but darker than the pastel base paint. The deep tone base paint is darker than the tinting base paint, but lighter than the neutral base paint. These base paints are generally provided with a desired quality level and sheen. It should be noted that four types of base paints are discussed here for illustrative purposes. However, another number of base paints can also be manufactured. 
     In accordance with the invention, one or more colorants are combined with the base paint to provide it with the desired color, wherein the colorant(s) are provided by the paint manufacturing system. Hence, the desired paint generally includes the base paint and one or more colorants combined therewith. The colorant(s) are combined with the base paint by combining them with the paint components included therein. In this way, the color of the base paint is driven to the desired color. The colorant(s) can be combined with the paint components in many different ways, such as by mixing. One way paint components and colorant(s) are combined together is by shaking them so they mix. In this way, a desired type of paint is manufactured and provided with a desired color at the point of sale. 
     In accordance with the invention, one or more additives are combined with the base paint, wherein the additive(s) are provided by the paint manufacturing system. Hence, the desired paint generally includes the base paint and one or more additives combined therewith. The additive(s) are combined with the base paint by combining them with the paint components included therein. The additive(s) can be combined with the paint components in many different ways, such as by mixing. One way paint components and additive(s) are combined together is by shaking them so they mix. In this way, a desired type of paint which includes one or more desired additives is manufactured and provided at the point of sale. 
     More information regarding paint manufacturing systems, as well as paint and paint components, can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/353,729, 11/757,264, 11/875,720 and 11/945,886 filed on Feb. 13, 2006, Jun. 1, 2007, Oct. 19, 2007 and Nov. 27, 2007, respectively, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Information can also be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,221,145, 6,969,190, 7,065,429 and 7,132,470 filed on Dec. 23, 1998, Nov. 1, 2002, Nov. 1, 2002 and Sep. 15, 2003, respectively, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIG. 1   a  is a block diagram of a paint manufacturing system  100 , in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, paint manufacturing system  100  includes a computer system  101  in communication with a computer network  113 . Computer system  101  can be of many different types, such as a personal computer and laptop computer, and its operation will be discussed in more detail below. Computer network  113  can be of many different types, but it is generally a network of computer systems in communication with each other, as well as computer system  101 . Examples of a computer network include the Internet, a local area network and wide area network. 
     It should be noted that computer system  101  is generally positioned at a point of sale, and computer network  113  is generally not positioned at the point of sale. In some examples, however, a portion of computer network  113  is positioned at the point of sale and is included with paint manufacturing system  100 . For example, as discussed with  FIG. 1   b,  computer network  113  can include an internet server that is positioned at the point of sale, wherein the internet server is included with paint manufacturing system  100 . An internet server is a computer system that allows other computer systems to access data files, programs, records and peripheral devices through a computer network. An internet server can also process requests for text and multimedia documents, such as hypertext mark-up language (HTML) documents, that are typically associated with a web page. 
     Computer system  101  and computer network  113  can be in communication with each other in many different ways. In this embodiment, computer system  101  and computer network  113  are in communication with each other through a communication link  114 , which allows the flow of signals between computer network  113  and computer system  101 . Communication link  114  can be of many different types, such as a wireless or wired communication link. An example of a wireless communication link is a wireless modem and an example of a wired communication link is an Ethernet cable. The signals can be of many different types, such as those corresponding to digital data. 
     In this embodiment, paint manufacturing system  100  includes a dispenser  106  which is operatively coupled to computer system  101 . More information regarding dispenser  106  is provided below with  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  and  3   d . In accordance with the invention, dispenser  106  dispenses a predetermined combination of paint components in response to a paint type indication being provided to computer system  101  through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . Dispenser  106  dispenses at least two paint components in response to the paint type indication being provided to computer system  101 . A desired paint  121  is formed in response to the paint components being dispensed by dispenser  106 . In this way, computer system  101  is operatively coupled to a dispenser. 
     Dispenser  106  can dispense the paint components in response to the paint type indication being provided to computer system  101  in many different ways. In one embodiment, computer system  101  is operatively coupled to a paint component storage system (not shown), which is in fluid communication with dispenser  106 . The paint component storage system flows the paint components to dispenser  106  in response to computer system  101  receiving the paint type indication through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . In this way, computer system  101  is operatively coupled to a dispenser through a paint component storage system, and paint components are dispensed by paint manufacturing system in response to a paint type indication. More information regarding one embodiment of a paint component storage system is provided below with  FIG. 2   a  and  2   c.    
     In some embodiments, paint manufacturing system  100  includes a colorant storage system (not shown) operatively coupled to computer system  101 , wherein the colorant storage system is in fluid communication with dispenser  106 . More information regarding one embodiment of a colorant storage system is provided below with  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   c . The colorant storage system flows a predetermined combination of colorant(s) to dispenser  106  in response to a paint color indication being provided to computer system  101 . The paint color indication can be provided to computer system  101  in many different ways. In one embodiment, the paint color indication is provided to computer system  101  through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . In this way, computer system  101  is operatively coupled to a dispenser through a colorant storage system, and one or more colorant are dispensed by paint manufacturing system in response to a paint color indication. 
     In some embodiments, paint manufacturing system  100  includes an additive storage system (not shown) operatively coupled to computer system  101 , wherein the additive storage system is in fluid communication with dispenser  106 . More information regarding one embodiment of an additive storage system is provided below with  FIGS. 4   b  and  4   d . The additive storage system flows a predetermined combination of additive(s) to dispenser  106  in response to a paint additive indication being provided to computer system  101 . The paint additive indication can be provided to computer system  101  in many different ways. In one embodiment, the paint additive indication is provided to computer system  101  through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . In this way, computer system  101  is operatively coupled to a dispenser through an additive storage system, and one or more additives are dispensed by paint manufacturing system in response to a paint additive indication. 
       FIG. 1   b  is a block diagram of a paint manufacturing system  100   a,  in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, paint manufacturing system  100   a  includes computer system  101  and computer network  113  in communication with each other through communication link  114 . As discussed above, computer system  101  is operatively coupled to dispenser  106 , which dispenses the desired type and color of paint, as well as an additive, if desired. In this embodiment, computer network  113  includes Internet  113   a  and an internet server  113   b  in communication with each other through a communication link  114   a , wherein communication link  114   a  can be the same or similar to communication link  114 . 
     As mentioned above, computer system  101  is positioned at the point of sale. Further, in this embodiment, internet server  113   b  is also positioned at the point of sale. In this way, a portion of computer network  113  (i.e. internet server  113   b ) is positioned at the point of sale and another portion (i.e. Internet  113   a ) is not. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, internet server  113   b  is positioned so it is not at the point of sale. Further, in some embodiments, another portion of Internet  113   a , other than internet server  113   b , is positioned at the point of sale. 
     In operation, the consumer uses Internet  113   a  to access, through communication link  114   a , a web page hosted by internet server  113   b  and selects the desired type and color of paint he or she desires, as well as any additives. When the paint is selected, internet server  113   b  provides this information to computer system  101  through communication link  114  and, in response, dispenser  106  dispenses the paint components and colorants, as well as the additives, to form desired paint  121 . 
     It should be noted that the consumer can pay for desired paint  121  in many different ways. For example, the consumer can pay for desired paint  121  using Internet  113   a  to access, through communication link  114   a , the web page hosted by internet server  113   b . The consumer can also pay for desired paint  121  when he or she goes to the point of sale to pick it up. The consumer can pay for desired paint  121  after it is shipped to a desired location, such as his or her home or place of business. 
     In some situations, the consumer pays for desired paint  121  before its paint components are dispensed by dispenser  106  and, in other situations, the consumer pays for desired paint  121  after its paint components are dispensed by dispenser  106 . In some situations, the consumer pays for desired paint  121  before its colorant(s) are dispensed by dispenser  106  and, in other situations, the consumer pays for desired paint  121  after its colorant(s) are dispensed by dispenser  106 . In some situations, the consumer pays for desired paint  121  before its additive(s) are dispensed by dispenser  106  and, in other situations, the consumer pays for desired paint  121  after its additive(s) are dispensed by dispenser  106 . 
       FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view of paint manufacturing system  100 , in accordance with the invention, and  FIG. 2   b  is a close-up perspective view of paint manufacturing system  100 .  FIGS. 2   c  and  2   d  are schematic diagrams of paint manufacturing system  100  showing a colorant storage system  104  and additive storage system  134 , respectively. In this embodiment, paint manufacturing system  100  includes computer system  101  in communication with computer network  113  through communication link  114 , as described above. Computer system  101  includes a monitor  101   a  and an input device  101   b , wherein monitor  101   a  is embodied as a touch-screen monitor and input device  101   b  is embodied as a keyboard. Computer system  101  operates software that allows it to communicate with computer network  114  and allows it to control the operation of several paint manufacturing system components, such as a paint component storage system  130  ( FIG. 2   a ), colorant storage system  104  ( FIG. 2   c ) and additive storage system  134  ( FIG. 2   d ). Paint component storage system  130 , colorant storage system  104  and additive storage system  134  can be positioned at many different locations, but, in this embodiment, they are positioned at the point of sale. In this way, paint manufacturing system  100  is capable of providing the desired type and color of paint, as well as any additives, at the point of sale. 
     As mentioned above, the paint components, colorant(s) and/or additive(s) are predetermined in response to one or more indications provided to computer system  101 . In some situations, the indications are provided to computer system  101  through monitor  101   a  and/or input device  101   b . However, in accordance with the invention, the indications are provided to computer system  101  through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . More information regarding the flow of information between computer system  101  and computer network  113  is provided above with  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b.    
     As mentioned above, paint manufacturing system  100  includes dispenser  106 , wherein the material dispensed by dispenser  106  is controlled by computer system  101 , as will be discussed in more detail below. Dispenser  106  dispenses materials which form desired paint  121  and provide it with the desired color and additives. 
     In this embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 2   b , dispenser  106  includes paint component nozzles  118  supported by a nozzle support structure  124 . Nozzles  118  are connected to paint component storage system  130  through a paint component plumbing system  115 , and dispense pre-selected paint components in response to an indication from computer system  101 . Nozzles  118  dispense pre-selected paint components in response to the paint type indication being provided to computer system  101 . 
     In this embodiment, paint component storage system  130  includes paint component storage containers  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c ,  130   d ,  130   e  and  130   f  ( FIG. 2   a ). It should be noted that six paint component containers are shown in this embodiment, but there are generally two or more. The number of paint component storage containers corresponds to the number of paint components system  100  is capable of providing. In one particular example, containers  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c  and  130   d  each contain the pigment composition, dispersant thickening agent, high resin content binder and low resin content binder, respectively. In this way, each paint component storage container contains a material which consists essentially of a paint component. Further, in general, each paint component storage container of system  130  contains a material which consists essentially of a single type of paint component. 
     In this embodiment, paint component storage system  130  is in fluid communication with plumbing system  115  through a paint component mass flow controller system  131 . Mass flow controller system  131  includes paint component mass flow controllers  131   a ,  131   b ,  131   c ,  131   d ,  131   e  and  131   f . As shown in  FIG. 2   c , paint component containers  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c ,  130   d ,  130   e  and  130   f  are in fluid communication with paint component hoses  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c ,  115   d ,  115   e  and  115   f,  respectively, through mass flow controllers  131   a ,  131   b ,  131   c ,  131   d ,  131   e  and  131   f , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 2   c , plumbing system  115  includes hoses  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c ,  115   d ,  115   e  and  115   f  which allow paint components to flow between paint component storage system  130  and paint component nozzles  118  in response to the paint type indication being provided to computer system  101 . 
     Computer system  101  controls the operation of mass flow controllers  131   a - 131   f  to control the amount of paint components which are allowed to flow through hoses  115   a - 115   f,  respectively. The operation of mass flow controllers  131   a - 131   f  can be controlled by computer system  101  in many different ways, such as by providing the paint type indication to system  101  through monitor  101   a  and/or input device  101   b . In accordance with the invention, however, the operation of mass flow controllers  131   a - 131   f  is controlled by computer system  101  in response to the paint type indication being received by computer system  101  through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . In this way, computer system  101  is operatively coupled to dispenser  106  through a paint component storage system, and paint components are dispensed by dispenser  106  in response to a paint type indication. 
     The paint components are dispensed through paint component nozzles  118  and into a paint container  110 . Paint container  110  can be of many different types, such as a paint bucket, which allows the paint to be contained and carried away from the point of sale. In this embodiment, paint container  110  is supported on a paint weight scale  111 , which determines the weight of paint container  110  combined with the weight of the material, such as the paint components, colorants and/or additives, dispensed through dispenser  106 . Scale  111  can be of many different types, such as the PANTHER and PANTHER PLUS weighing terminals made by Mettler Toledo of Toledo, Ohio. 
       FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view of one embodiment of dispenser  106 , in accordance with the invention, and  FIG. 3   b  is a bottom view of dispenser  106  looking in a direction  123  of  FIG. 3   a . In this embodiment, paint component nozzles  118  includes six paint component nozzles, denoted as nozzles  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d ,  118   e  and  118   f . Nozzles  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d ,  118   e  and  118   f  are supported by nozzle support structure  124  and are in fluid communication with paint component storage system  130  through hoses  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c ,  115   d ,  115   e  and  115   f,  respectively, of plumbing system  115 . In this way, nozzles  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c ,  118   d ,  118   e  and  118   f  are in fluid communication with paint component containers  130   a ,  130   b ,  130   c ,  130   d ,  130   e  and  130   f , respectively. It should be noted that hoses  115   a - 115   f  terminate at paint component openings  125   a ,  125   b ,  125   c ,  125   d ,  125   e  and  125   f,  respectively, as shown in  FIG. 3   b . Openings  125   a - 125   f  extend through a bottom surface of nozzle support structure  124  so that the respective paint components are outputted through them and into paint container  110 . 
     In this embodiment, dispenser  106  includes a colorant nozzle  127 , as shown in a perspective view in  FIG. 3   c , carried by nozzle support structure  124 . Colorant nozzle  127  is connected to colorant storage system  104  through a colorant plumbing system  128  ( FIG. 3   a ). Plumbing system  128  allows colorant components to flow between colorant storage system  104  and colorant nozzle  127 . Plumbing system  128  includes six colorant hoses, denoted as hoses  128   a ,  128   b ,  128   c ,  128   d ,  128   e  and  128   f , which extend through nozzle  127  and terminate at colorant openings  129   a ,  129   b ,  129   c ,  129   d ,  129   e  and  129   f , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 3   b . It should be noted that the number of hoses in plumbing system  128  typically corresponds to the number of colorants included in colorant storage system  104 . The colorant components are dispensed through openings  129   a - 129   f  and into paint container  110  wherein they are combined with the paint components. As will be discussed in more detail below with  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   c , the flow of colorants through plumbing system  128  is controlled by computer system  101 . In particular, the colorants are flowed through plumbing system  128  in response to the paint color indication being provided to computer system  101 . In this way, computer system  101  is operatively coupled to dispenser  106  through a colorant storage system. 
     In this embodiment, dispenser  106  includes an additive nozzle  137 , as shown in a perspective view in  FIG. 3   d , carried by nozzle support structure  124 . It should be noted that additive nozzle  137  is shown as extending through colorant nozzle  127  for illustrative purposes. However, additive nozzle  137  can be positioned at other locations of nozzle support structure  124 . Additive nozzle  137  is connected to additive storage system  134  through an additive plumbing system  138  ( FIG. 3   a ). Plumbing system  138  allows additives to flow between additive storage system  134  and colorant nozzle  137 . Plumbing system  138  includes four additive hoses, denoted as hoses  138   a ,  138   b ,  138   c  and  138   d  ( FIG. 3   d ), which extend through nozzle  137  and terminate at nozzle openings  139   a ,  139   b ,  139   c  and  139   d , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 3   b . It should be noted that the number of hoses in plumbing system  138  typically corresponds to the number of additives included in additive storage system  134 . The additives are dispensed through openings  139   a - 139   f  and into paint container  110  wherein they are combined with the paint. As will be discussed in more detail with  FIGS. 4   b  and  4   d , the flow of additives through plumbing system  138  is controlled by computer system  101 . In particular, the additives are flowed through plumbing system  128  in response to the paint additive indication being provided to computer system  101 . In this way, computer system  101  is operatively coupled to dispenser  106  through an additive storage system. 
       FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are perspective views of one embodiment of colorant storage system  104  and additive storage system  134 , respectively, in accordance with the invention. Further,  FIGS. 4   c  and  4   d  are schematic diagrams of colorant storage system  104  and additive storage system  134 , respectively. It should be noted that colorant storage system  104  and additive storage system  134  are typically housed by paint manufacturing system  100  in a colorant storage cabinet  109 , as shown in  FIG. 2   b , although they can be housed elsewhere. 
     In this embodiment, colorant storage system  104  is connected to plumbing system  128  through a colorant mass flow control system  112 . Colorant storage system  104  includes colorant storage containers  104   a ,  104   b ,  104   c ,  104   d ,  104 e and  104   f  and mass flow control system  112  includes colorant mass flow controllers  112   a,    112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d ,  112 e and  112 f. Colorant storage containers  104   a ,  104   b ,  104   c ,  104   d ,  104 e and  104   f  are connected to colorant hoses  128   a ,  128   b ,  128   c ,  128   d ,  128   e  and  128   f , respectively, through mass flow controllers  112   a,    112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d ,  112   e  and  112   f,  respectively. 
     Computer system  101  controls the operation of colorant mass flow controllers  112   a - 112   f  to control the amount of colorants which are allowed to flow through corresponding colorant hoses  128   a - 128   f . The operation of mass flow controllers  112   a - 112   f  can be controlled by computer system  101  in many different ways, such as by providing the paint color indication to system  101  through monitor  101   a  and/or input device  101   b.  In accordance with the invention, however, the operation of colorant mass flow controllers  112   a - 112   f  is controlled by computer system  101  in response to the paint color indication being received by computer system  101  through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . In this way, computer system  101  is operatively coupled to dispenser  106  through a colorant storage system, and colorants are dispensed by dispenser  106  in response to a paint color indication. 
     Colorant containers  104   a - 104   f  each contain a type of colorant which can be flowed into paint container  110  through colorant hoses  128   a - 128   f  and corresponding openings  129   a - 129   f  ( FIG. 3   b ), as discussed above, wherein they are combined with the paint components contained in container  110 . In this way, the color of the paint components contained in container  110  is driven to the desired color. 
     It should be noted that, in this embodiment, colorant storage system  104  is shown as including six colorant containers for illustrative purposes, so it can provide six colors, as well as their corresponding color combinations. A color combination is two or more colors combined together to provide a shade of color. The two or more colors can be combined together in many different ways, such as by mixing. In other embodiments, however, colorant storage system  104  includes fewer or more colorants. For example, in one particular embodiment, colorant storage system  104  includes twelve colorant containers, so it can provide twelve colors, as well as their corresponding color combinations. In general, the number of colorant containers included in colorant storage system  104  determines the number of different colors and shades of colors that can be provided. The number of different colors and shades of colors that can be provided increases with the number of colorant containers. Further, the number of different colors and shades of colors that can be provided decreases with the number of colorant containers. The amount and colors of colorants flowed into paint container  110  can be determined in many different ways, a few of which will be discussed in more detail below. 
     In this embodiment, additive storage system  134  is connected to additive plumbing system  138  through an additive mass flow control system  132 . Additive storage system  104  includes additive storage containers  134   a ,  134   b ,  134   c  and  134   d  and mass flow control system  132  includes additive mass flow controllers  132   a,    132   b ,  132   c  and  132   d . Additive storage containers  134   a ,  134   b ,  134   c  and  134   d  are connected to hoses  138   a ,  138   b ,  138   c  and  138   d , respectively, through mass flow controllers  132   a,    132   b ,  132   c  and  132   d , respectively. 
     Further, computer system  101  controls the operation of mass flow controllers  132   a - 132   d  to control the amount of additives which are allowed to flow through corresponding hoses  138   a - 138   d . The operation of mass flow controllers  132   a - 132   d  can be controlled by computer system  101  in many different ways, such as by providing the paint additive indication to system  101  through monitor  101   a  and/or input device  101   b . In accordance with the invention, however, the operation of mass flow controllers  132   a - 132   d  is controlled by computer system  101  in response to the paint additive indication being received by computer system  101  through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . In this way, computer system  101  is operatively coupled to dispenser  106  through an additive storage system and additives are dispensed by dispenser  106  in response to a paint additive indication. 
     Additive containers  134   a - 134   d  each contain a type of additive which can be flowed into paint container  110  through hoses  138   a - 138   d  and corresponding openings  139   a - 139   d  ( FIG. 3   b ), as discussed above, wherein they are combined with the paint components contained in container  110 . The additive(s) can be combined with the paint components in many different ways, such as by mixing. 
     It should be noted that, in this embodiment, additive storage system  134  is shown as including four additive containers for illustrative purposes, so it can provide four types of additives, as well as combinations thereof. In other embodiments, however, additive storage system  134  can include fewer or more additive containers. For example, in one particular embodiment, additive storage system  134  includes six additive containers, so it can provide six additives, as well as combinations thereof. In general, the number of additive containers included in additive storage system  134  determines the number of different additives and combinations of additives that can be provided. The number of different additives that can be provided increases with the number of additive containers. Further, the number of different additives that can be provided decreases with the number of additive containers. The type and amount of additives flowed into paint container  110  can be determined in many different ways, a few of which will be discussed in more detail presently. 
     In operation, computer system  101  has access to a paint data file, which generally includes paint color and paint type information. In this embodiment, the paint color and paint type information are included in the same data file. However, the paint color and paint type information can be included with a paint color data file and a paint type data file, respectively, so that the paint data file includes separate data files. Further, computer system  101  has access to a paint additive date file which corresponds to a desired type of additive to be added to the paint components. The additive data file can be included with the paint data file which includes the paint color and/or paint type information, or the additive data file can be a separate data file. 
     The paint color and paint type information can be read and changed, if desired, by computer system  101 . In some situations, the paint color and paint type information can be changed in response to a signal received by computer system  101  through monitor  101   a  and/or input device  101   b . However, in accordance with the invention, the paint color and paint type information can be changed in response to a signal received by computer system  101  through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . In one particular embodiment, the paint color and/or paint type information are changed in response to a signal received by computer system  101  through internet server  113   b  and communication link  114 . 
     The paint data file can be an existing data file, or it can be created or changed in response to the paint type, paint color and/or paint additive indications provided to computer system  101 . The changes to the paint data file can be made by sending one or more signals to computer system  101  through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . Further, the paint color, paint type and/or paint additive data files can be existing data files, or they can be created or changed in response to the paint color, paint type and paint additive indications, respectively. The paint data file, color data file, paint type data file and/or paint additive data file can be stored internally with computer system  101  or externally to it, such as with internet server  113   b.    
     In some embodiments, the paint color, paint type and/or paint additive indications are stored by the consumer on internet server  113   b . In these embodiments, the consumer can create a user account on internet server  113   b  and store information corresponding to the paint color, paint type and paint additive indications for later use. This is useful when the consumer desires to purchase paint corresponding to the same type and color of paint they previously purchased, wherein the paint includes the same type and amount of additive. 
     The color data file includes paint color information which corresponds to the desired color of the paint manufactured with paint manufacturing system  100 . The paint color information often represents the desired color in terms of a particular color scale. There are many different color scales that can be used to represent the desired color, with one being the Hunter color scale. The Hunter color scale represents colors with three color values, denoted as L, a and b. Hence, the paint color information can include L, a and b values corresponding to the desired color. 
     The paint type data file includes paint type information which corresponds to the desired type of the paint manufactured with paint manufacturing system  100 . It should be noted that the desired type of paint includes a base paint, and the base paint typically depends on the desired color of paint. This is because the colorants are combined with the base paint to provide the paint with a desired shade of color. For example, if a dark color is desired, the paint type indication generally corresponds to a neutral base paint. If a light color is desired, the paint type indication generally corresponds to a pastel base paint. Colorants are combined with the base paint to provide a shade of color between pastel and neutral. Hence, the paint color indication depends on the paint type indication and the color data file depends on the paint type data file. 
     As mentioned above, the paint type, paint color and paint additive indications can be provided to computer system  101  in many different ways. In accordance with the invention, the paint type, paint color and paint additive indications are provided to computer system  101  by computer network  113  through communication link  114 . In other situations, the paint type, paint color and paint additive indications are provided to computer system  101  by providing corresponding input through monitor  101   a  and/or input device  101   b . The paint type, paint color and paint additive indications are generally provided to computer system  101  in response to an indication that a consumer desires a particular type and color of paint, which includes the desired additive. The paint type, paint color and paint additive data files are selected in response to the paint type, paint color and paint additive indications, respectively, provided to computer system  101 . 
     In one situation, the paint type and paint color indications are provided to computer system  101  in response to one or more inputs provided to computer system  101  through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . A paint type data file is selected in response to the paint type indication. The selected paint type data file corresponds to a base paint having a color associated with the color indicated by the paint color indication. A color data file is selected in response to the desired paint color indication. The selected color data file corresponds to the type and amount of colorants that will drive the color of the base paint, when combined therewith, to the desired color. In this way, the desired type of paint having the desired color is manufactured, by using a paint manufacturing system, in response to a remote indication that a consumer wants a desired paint. 
     If desired, the additive can be added to the base paint, as described in more detail above. For example, the additive can be added to the base paint by providing the paint additive indication to computer system  101  through computer network  113  and communication link  114 . Further, the additive can be added to the base paint by providing the paint additive indication to computer system  101  through monitor  101   a  and/or input device  101   b.    
     In another situation, the paint type and paint color indications are provided to computer system  101  in response to one or more inputs provided to computer system  101  through monitor  101   a  and/or input device  101   b . A paint type data file is selected in response to the paint type indication. The selected paint type data file corresponds to a base paint having a color associated with the color indicated by the paint color indication. In response to the desired paint color indication, a color data file is selected. The selected color data file corresponds to the type and amount of colorants that will drive the color of the base paint, when combined therewith, to the desired color. In this way, the desired type of paint having the desired color is manufactured, by using paint manufacturing system  100 , in response to an indication that a consumer wants a desired paint. In other situations, however, the paint color indication is provided to computer system  101  with a colorant signal, as will be discussed in more detail below. If desired, the additive can be added to the base paint by providing the paint additive indication to computer system  101  through monitor  101   a  and/or input device  101   b.    
     In one situation, the paint type, paint color, and paint additive indications are provided to computer system  101  in response to one or more inputs provided to computer system  101  through monitor  101   a  and/or input device  101   b . A paint type data file is selected in response to the paint type indication. The selected paint type data file corresponds to a base paint having a color associated with the color indicated by the paint color indication. In response to the desired paint color indication, a color data file is selected. The selected color data file corresponds to the type and amount of colorants that will drive the color of the base paint, when combined therewith, to the desired color. Further, a paint additive data file is selected in response to the paint additive indication. The selected paint additive indication corresponds to the desired type and amount of additive to be added to the paint components. In this way, the desired type of paint having the desired color and additive is manufactured, by using paint manufacturing system  100 , in response to an indication that a consumer wants a desired paint. In other situations, however, the paint color indication is provided to computer system  101  with a colorant signal, as will be discussed in more detail presently. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2   b , paint manufacturing system  100  includes a spectrophotometer  102  in communication with computer system  101 . Spectrophotometer  102  can be in communication with computer system  101  in many different ways, but a cable  103  is used here. In this way, computer system  101  and spectrophotometer  102  are operatively coupled together so signals can flow between them. Spectrophotometer  102  can be of many different types, such as those available from Greta Macbeth, MatchRite and Datacolor. Examples of spectrophotometers are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,002,488 and 6,198,536. 
     Spectrophotometer  102  includes a sample holder  119  for holding a color sample  122 . Color sample  122  can be of many different types, but it is often a color card corresponding to the desired color. In this way, the color of color sample  122  corresponds to the desired color of paint to be manufactured using paint manufacturing system  100 . 
     In operation, spectrophotometer  102  flows a colorant signal S Colorant  to computer system  101  through cable  103 , wherein colorant signal S Colorant  corresponds to the reflectance of color sample  122 . The reflectance of color sample  122  corresponds to its paint color information. In response to colorant signal S Colorant , computer system  101  stores the paint color information. The paint color information can be stored in many different locations, such as with the paint data file or an existing or created color data file. In this way, computer system  101  has access to paint color information corresponding to the color of color sample  122 . 
     Once computer system  101  has access to the desired paint type and color information, computer system  101  determines the paint components and colorants needed to drive the color of the paint components to match the desired color. In this way, computer system  101  determines the paint components and colorants needed to drive the color of the base paint to match the desired color. It should be noted that, in accordance with the invention, the paint components and colorants are determined before they are dispensed. However, in some embodiments, the paint components and colorants can be determined after one or more of them are dispensed. For example, the paint components can be dispensed before the colorants are determined. It should be noted that it is generally desirable to decrease the amount of time between when the paint components and colorants are dispensed to preserve the quality of the paint. 
     After the paint type and colorants have been determined, computer system  101  provides an indication to mass flow control system  131  so that paint component storage system  130  dispenses the selected paint components. More information regarding the mass flow control system and paint component storage system is provided with  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   c . The selected paint components are dispensed by dispenser  106  to form the base paint, which is contained by container  110 . Computer system  101  also provides an indication to mass flow control system  112  so that colorant storage system  104  dispenses the selected colorants. The selected colorants are dispensed by dispenser  106  into container  110  to drive the color of the base paint to match the desired color. If the color indication is provided by selecting the color data file, the color is driven to match the color corresponding to the paint color information included therein. If the color indication is provided by signal S Colorant , the color is driven to match the color of color sample  122 . In this way, the paint color indication can be provided to computer system  101  by using a spectrophotometer and a color sample. 
     It should be noted that the colorants can be selected in many different ways. For example, they can be selected to provide a desired accuracy in matching the color of the paint to the color of color sample  122 . The colorants can also be selected based on cost. This is useful because some colorants are more expensive than others. Hence, the colorants can be selected to reduce costs, as well as the accuracy in color matching. The colorants can also be chosen in response to a desired use. For example, some colorants are better suited for outdoor use and other colorants are better suited for indoor use. 
     The program operated by computer system  101  determines the type of paint components, as well as their amounts, necessary to make the desired type of paint. In response to the determination of the type of paint components, computer system  101  operates flow control system  131  so that paint component storage system  130  flows the amount and type of paint components to dispenser  106  through plumbing system  115 . The paint components are dispensed by nozzles  118  into paint container  110 , as described above, to form desired paint  121 . In this way, nozzles  118  dispense pre-selected paint components in response to an indication from computer system  101 . The amount of paint components dispensed can be determined in many different ways, such as by volume and weight. In this embodiment, however, the paint components are dispensed by weight, as determined by paint weight scale  111 . 
     As discussed above, desired paint  121  can be provided with a desired color by using color sample  122  and spectrophotometer  102  or by using a color data file. In the situation in which color sample  122  and spectrophotometer  102  are used, color sample  122  is held by sample holder  119  and spectrophotometer  102  flows colorant signal S Colorant  to computer system  101  through cable  103 . Computer system  101  receives signal S Colorant  and determines the amount and color of the colorants needed to drive the color of the paint component combination contained by container  110  to match the color of color sample  122 . The amount of paint colorants dispensed can be determined in many different ways, such as by volume and weight. In this embodiment, however, the colorants are dispensed by volume, as determined by colorant mass flow control system  112 . 
     In response to the determination of the colorants, computer system  101  operates colorant mass flow control system  112  so that colorant storage system  104  flows the amount and color of colorants to dispenser  106  through plumbing system  128 . The colorants are dispensed by colorant nozzle  127  into paint container  110  so that desired paint  121  is provided with a desired color. In this way, plumbing system  128  allows colorant components to flow between colorant storage system  104  and colorant nozzle  127  in response to an indication from computer system  101 . 
     In the situation in which the color data file is used, the color data file is selected and it provides data to computer system  101  that corresponds to the desired color. The color data file can be selected using an input device such as monitor  101   a  and/of keyboard  101   b . However, in accordance with the invention, the color data file can be selected using computer network  113 . Colorant storage system  104  dispenses the colorants so, when combined with the paint components, the combination has a color driven to match the color represented by the color data file. Hence, the paint color indication can be provided to computer system  101  by selecting the color data file that corresponds with the desired color. 
     If desired, one or more additives can be added to the paint components, as discussed in more detail above. For example, in response to the paint additive indication, computer system  101  operates additive mass flow control system  132  so that additive storage system  134  flows the type and amount of additive(s) to dispenser  106  through additive plumbing system  138 . The additive(s) are dispensed by additive nozzle  137  into paint container  110  so that desired paint  121  is provided with the desired additive(s). In this way, additive plumbing system  138  allows one or more additives to flow between additive storage system  134  and additive nozzle  137  in response to an indication from computer system  101 . 
     In the situation in which the additive data file is used, the additive data file is selected and it provides data to computer system  101  which corresponds to the desired type and amount of additive(s) to be added to desired paint  121 . The additive data file can be selected using an input device such as monitor  101   a  and/of keyboard  101   b . However, in accordance with the invention, the additive data file can be selected using computer network  113 . Additive storage system  134  dispenses the additive(s) so they are added to the paint components and combined therewith. Hence, the paint additive indication can be provided to computer system  101  by selecting the additive data file that corresponds with the desired type and amount of additive(s). 
       FIG. 5   a  is a block diagram of a method  150 , in accordance with the invention, of manufacturing paint. In this embodiment, method  150  includes a step  151  of providing at least two paint components in response to an indication from a computer network, and a step  152  of manufacturing a paint by combining the paint components at a point of sale. In accordance with the invention, the paint components are provided by a paint manufacturing system. Further, the paint components are contained in separate paint component containers before they are combined. The paint components can be combined in many different ways, such as by mixing. In accordance with the invention, the paint components are selected from a group that includes a pigment composition, a dispersant thickening agent, and a resin content binder. It should be noted that the resin content binder can be a material with a high or low resin content, wherein the high resin content material includes more resin than the low resin content material. In one particular embodiment, the paint components include a resin content binder, and a pigment composition and/or dispersant thickening agent. 
       FIG. 5   b  is a block diagram of a method  155 , in accordance with the invention, of manufacturing a desired type of paint. In this embodiment, method  155  includes a step  156  of providing a paint manufacturing system, which includes a computer system in communication with a computer network, and a dispenser operatively coupled to the computer system. It should be noted that the dispenser and computer system are typically located at the point of sale. Further, a portion of the computer network, such as an internet server, can be located at the point of sale. 
     Method  155  includes a step  157  of dispensing, through the dispenser, a predetermined combination of paint components in response to a paint type indication being provided to the computer system through the computer network. The desired paint is formed in response to the paint components being dispensed. The dispenser dispenses at least two paint components in response to the paint type indication. It should be noted that the paint components are dispensed at the point of sale. 
       FIG. 5   c  is a block diagram of a method  160 , in accordance with the invention, of manufacturing a desired type of paint. In this embodiment, method  160  includes a step  161  of providing a paint manufacturing system, which includes a computer system in communication with a computer network, and a dispenser and paint component storage system operatively coupled to the computer system. It should be noted that the computer system, dispenser and paint component storage system are typically located at the point of sale. Method  160  includes a step  162  of flowing, from the paint component storage system, a predetermined combination of paint components in response to a paint type indication being provided to the computer system through the computer network. Method  160  includes a step  163  of dispensing the predetermined combination of paint components through the dispenser. The desired paint is formed in response to the paint components being dispensed. The dispenser dispenses at least two paint components in response to the paint type indication. 
       FIG. 5   d  is a block diagram of a method  165 , in accordance with the invention, of manufacturing paint. In this embodiment, method  165  includes a step  166  of providing a paint manufacturing system which includes a computer system and computer network in communication with each other, and a dispenser. Method  165  includes a step  167  of providing a paint type indication to the computer system through the computer network. Method  165  includes a step  168  of dispensing a predetermined combination of paint components in response to the paint type indication being provided to the computer system through the computer network. The desired paint is formed at the point of sale in response to the paint components being dispensed. 
     In some embodiments, the paint manufacturing system of method  165  includes a colorant storage system operatively coupled to the computer system, wherein the colorant storage system is in fluid communication with the dispenser. In these embodiments, method  165  can include flowing a predetermined combination of colorants from the colorant storage system to the dispenser in response to a paint color indication. The paint color indication is provided to the computer system through the computer network. The colorants are dispensed by the dispenser and combined with the paint components. 
     In some embodiments, the paint manufacturing system of method  165  includes an additive storage system operatively coupled to the computer system, wherein the additive storage system is in fluid communication with the dispenser. In these embodiments, method  165  can include flowing a predetermined additive from the additive storage system to the dispenser in response to a paint additive indication. The paint additive indication is provided to the computer system through the computer network. The predetermined additive is dispensed by the dispenser and combined with the paint components. 
       FIG. 5   e  is a block diagram of a method  170 , in accordance with the invention, of manufacturing a desired type and color of paint. In this embodiment, method  170  includes a step  171  of providing a paint manufacturing system, which includes a computer system in communication with a computer network, and a dispenser and paint component and colorant storage systems operatively coupled to the computer system. It should be noted that the computer system, dispenser and paint component and colorant storage systems are typically located at the point of sale. Further, a portion of the computer network, such as an internet server, can be located at the point of sale. 
     Method  170  includes a step  172  of flowing, from the paint component storage system, a predetermined combination of paint components in response to a paint type indication being provided to the computer system through the computer network. Method  170  includes a step  173  of dispensing the predetermined combination of paint components through the dispenser. The desired paint is formed in response to the paint components being dispensed. The dispenser dispenses at least two paint components in response to the paint type indication. Method  170  includes a step  174  of flowing, from the colorant storage system, a predetermined combination of colorants in response to a paint color indication provided to the computer system through the computer network. Method  170  includes a step  175  of dispensing the predetermined combination of colorants through the dispenser. The colorants are combined with the paint components. The combination of colorants drives the color of the paint components to match the desired color. 
     In some embodiments, the paint manufacturing system of method  170  includes an additive storage system operatively coupled to the computer system, wherein the additive storage system is in fluid communication with the dispenser. In these embodiments, method  170  can include flowing a predetermined combination of additive(s) from the additive storage system to the dispenser in response to a paint additive indication. The paint additive indication is provided to the computer system through the computer network. The additive(s) are dispensed by the dispenser and combined with the paint components. It should be noted that the predetermined combination of additive(s) can be one or more additives. 
       FIG. 6   a  is a block diagram of a method  180 , in accordance with the invention, of ordering paint. In this embodiment, method  180  includes a step  181  of using a computer network to select a desired type of paint. The desired type of paint is generally selected using a web browser. Method  180  includes a step  182  of providing a paint type indication, which corresponds with the desired type of paint, to a computer system included in a paint manufacturing system. The paint type indication is provided by the computer network to the computer system through a communication link. 
     Method  180  includes a step  183  of dispensing, with the paint manufacturing system, at least two paint components to form the desired type of paint. The paint components are dispensed at the point of sale. The paint components are combined together, such as by mixing, at the point of sale. In accordance with the invention, the paint components are selected from a group that includes a pigment composition, a dispersant thickening agent, and a resin content binder. In one particular embodiment, the paint components include a resin content binder, and a pigment composition and/or dispersant thickening agent. In accordance with the invention, the paint components are contained in separate containers before they are combined together. 
     It should be noted that method  180  can include many other steps. For example, in some embodiments, method  180  includes a step of paying for the paint using the computer network. It should be noted, however, that the paint can be paid for at the point of sale, and in many other ways. Method  180  can also include a step of shipping the paint, such as to his or her house or business. It should be noted, however, that the paint can be picked-up at the point of sale. For example, the consumer can go to the point of sale and retrieve the paint. 
       FIG. 6   b  is a block diagram of a method  185 , in accordance with the invention, of ordering a desired type of paint. In this embodiment, method  185  includes a step  186  of using a computer network to select the desired type of paint. Method  185  includes a step  187  of providing a paint type indication, which corresponds with the desired type of paint, to a computer system included in a paint manufacturing system. In one embodiment, the paint type indication is provided to the computer system through the computer network. The paint manufacturing system also includes a dispenser operatively coupled to the computer system. It should be noted that the dispenser and computer system are typically located at the point of sale. 
     Method  185  includes a step  188  of dispensing, with the dispenser, a predetermined combination of paint components in response to the paint type indication being provided to the computer system through the computer network. The desired paint is formed in response to the paint components being dispensed. The dispenser dispenses at least two paint components in response to the paint type indication. It should be noted that the paint components are typically dispensed at the point of sale. 
       FIG. 6   c  is a block diagram of a method  190 , in accordance with the invention, of ordering a desired type of paint. In this embodiment, method  190  includes a step  191  of using a computer network to select the desired type of paint. Method  190  includes a step  192  of providing a paint type indication, which corresponds with the desired type of paint, to a computer system included in a paint manufacturing system. The computer system is typically in communication with the computer network through a communication link. The paint manufacturing system also includes a dispenser and paint component storage system operatively coupled to the computer system. It should be noted that the computer system, dispenser and paint component storage system are typically located at the point of sale. 
     Method  190  includes a step  193  of flowing, from the paint component storage system, a predetermined combination of paint components in response to a paint type indication being provided to the computer system through the computer network. Method  190  includes a step  194  of dispensing the predetermined combination of paint components through the dispenser, wherein the paint components are dispensed at the point of sale. 
       FIG. 6   d  is a block diagram of a method  195 , in accordance with the invention, of ordering paint. In this embodiment, method  195  includes a step  196  of using a computer network to select the desired type of paint. Method  195  includes a step  197  of providing a paint type indication, which corresponds with the desired type of paint, to a computer system included in a paint manufacturing system. In this embodiment, the paint manufacturing system also includes a dispenser and a computer network in communication with the computer system. Method  195  includes a step  198  of dispensing a predetermined combination of paint components in response to the paint type indication being provided to the computer system through the computer network. The desired paint is formed in response to the paint components being dispensed. 
     In some embodiments, the paint manufacturing system of method  195  includes a colorant storage system operatively coupled to the computer system, wherein the colorant storage system is in fluid communication with the dispenser. In these embodiments, method  195  can include using the computer network to select a desired color of paint and a step of flowing a paint color indication to the computer system. In response to the paint color indication, a predetermined combination of colorants from the colorant storage system are flowed to the dispenser. The colorants are dispensed by the dispenser and combined with the paint components. 
     In some embodiments, the paint manufacturing system of method  195  includes an additive storage system operatively coupled to the computer system, wherein the additive storage system is in fluid communication with the dispenser. In these embodiments, method  195  can include flowing a predetermined additive from the additive storage system to the dispenser in response to a paint additive indication. The paint additive indication is provided to the computer system through the computer network. The predetermined additive is dispensed by the dispenser and combined with the paint components. 
       FIG. 6   e  is a block diagram of a method  200 , in accordance with the invention, of ordering a desired type and color of paint. In this embodiment, method  200  includes a step  201  of using a computer network to select the desired type and color of paint. Method  200  includes a step  202  of providing a paint type indication and paint color indication to a computer system included in a paint manufacturing system. In accordance with the invention, the paint type and color indications are provided to the computer system through the computer network. The paint type indication corresponds with the desired type of paint and the paint color indication corresponds with the desired color of paint. 
     In this embodiment, the paint manufacturing system also includes a dispenser in fluid communication with the paint component and colorant storage systems. Further, the paint component and colorant storage systems are operatively coupled to the computer system. It should be noted that the computer system, dispenser and paint component and colorant storage systems are typically located at the point of sale. Further, a portion of the computer network, such as an internet server, can be located at the point of sale. 
     Method  200  includes a step  203  of dispensing a predetermined combination of paint components in response to the paint type indication being provided to the computer system through the computer network. The desired paint is formed in response to the paint components being dispensed. In step  203 , the paint components are flowed from the paint component storage system to the dispenser in response to the paint type indication being provided to the computer system through the computer network. 
     Method  200  includes a step  204  of dispensing a predetermined combination of colorants in response to the paint color indication being provided to the computer system through the computer network. The colorants drive the color of the paint components to match the desired color. The colorants drive the color of the paint components to match the desired color when the colorants are combined with the paint components. In step  204 , the colorants are flowed from the colorant storage system to the dispenser in response to the paint color indication being provided to the computer system through the computer network. 
     In some embodiments, the paint manufacturing system of method  200  includes an additive storage system operatively coupled to the computer system, wherein the additive storage system is in fluid communication with the dispenser. In these embodiments, method  200  can include flowing a predetermined combination of additive(s) from the additive storage system to the dispenser in response to a paint additive indication. The paint additive indication is provided to the computer system through the computer network. The additive(s) are dispensed by the dispenser and combined with the paint components. It should be noted that the predetermined combination of additive(s) can be one or more additives. 
     It should be noted that the steps in the methods discussed in  FIGS. 5   a - 5   e  and  6   a - 6   e  can be carried out in many different orders other than the ones described here. Further, the steps in the different methods can be combined together in many ways. It should also be noted that, in any of the embodiments of the methods discussed in  FIGS. 5   a - 5   e  and  6   a - 6   e , the paint type and color indications can be provided to the computer system through an input device, such as a keyboard or touch-screen display. However, in accordance with the invention, the paint type and color indications are provided to the computer system through the computer network. In this way, the paint type and color indications are provided remotely. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.