Apparatus for dispensing paint and stain samples and methods of dispensing paint and stain samples

An improved fluid dispenser specially adapted to provide sample-size amounts of a fluid mixture is shown and described. An automated closure and seal system is provided for the manifold that moves, on command from a controller, from a closed or sealed position thereby limiting exposure of the manifold and fluid outlet nozzles from the ambient atmosphere, to a dispense system where a sample-size container is held up against and engaging a lower end of the manifold for a sealing element disposed on a lower portion of the manifold. When the dispense is complete, the system automatically moves back toward a closed position where the filled container is held open and ready to be removed by a technician before it is capped and labeled. An improved shelving system is also provided for housing a large quantity of different ingredients conveniently within a relatively compact cabinet thereby making the system suitable for a retail environment. An improved method of preparing a sample quantity of a fluid mixture is also disclosed.