Patent Application
20240173682
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to capsules and methods of mixing multiple substances therein, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to systems and methods for mixing and preparing formulations for consumer use.
In recent years, consumers of toiletries, personal care items, food additives, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceutical compositions are expressing a growing need for custom-made, personalized, modular, and/or do-it-yourself preparations of ingredients. To meet this need, various capsules have been designed that contain separate compartments for different substances and a mechanism for mixing those substances when desired. Examples of such capsules are disclosed in International Patent Publication WO2020/105053, entitled Capsule, Device and Method for Mixing Multiple Substances, and U.S. Provisional Application 63/030,580, filed May 27, 2020, entitled Capsule, Device and Method for Mixing Multiple Substances, both of which were invented by the same inventors and are assigned to the same assignee as the present application. The contents of these applications are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
The capsules described in the above-mentioned applications generally feature a main chamber and a plurality of repository tubular chambers that are peripheral to the main chamber. The repository tubular chambers include separate ingredient substances. To prepare a custom-made composition, a user attaches the capsule to a mixing machine, uses a pushing rod from the mixing machine to displace each of the desired substances from the repository tubular chamber into the main chamber, and mixes the substances within the main chamber.
The capsules described in the above-referenced disclosures feature separate repository tubular chambers, peripheral to a central mixing chamber, for each substance. This arrangement introduces a certain degree of complexity into the design of the capsule, and also requires the capsule to have a comparatively large size. It is accordingly an object of the present disclosure to describe a capsule having a single chamber that may be used to prepare and mix custom-made formulations.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a capsule for mixing substances. The capsule includes a chamber having a first end and a second end. A piston is fitted in the chamber. The piston has a proximal end facing the first end, and a distal end facing the second end. A mixer element is arranged within the chamber between the piston and the second end. The mixer element is disposed at a distal end of a mixer rod. The piston has an aperture through which the mixer rod passes. The piston and mixer element are separately displaceable relative to the first and second ends and relative to each other. At least one ingredient receptacle is filled with an ingredient substance and configured within the chamber between the proximal end of the piston and the mixer element. Advantageously, each ingredient substance may be removed from its receptacle due to displacement of the piston and mixer element relative to each other, without requiring storage of the ingredient substances in a separate chamber.
Optionally, the piston comprises a plurality of cavities, each cavity containing a different ingredient substance. The cavities provide a location for separate storage of each ingredient substance within the chamber, prior to mixing.
More optionally, each cavity is an ingredient receptacle. In such an implementation, each ingredient substance is stored loosely within the cavity.
More optionally, each ingredient receptacle comprises a frangible container arranged within a respective cavity. The substance is released when the frangible container is burst.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a capsule for mixing substances. The capsule includes a chamber having a first end and a second end. A piston is fitted in the chamber. The piston has a proximal end facing the first end, and a distal end facing the second end. A mixer element is arranged within the chamber between the piston and the second end. The mixer element is disposed at a distal end of a mixer rod. The piston has an aperture through which the mixer rod passes. The piston and mixer element are separately displaceable relative to the first and second ends and relative to each other. The piston has a plurality of cavities within the piston, such that one cavity is separated from another cavity and filled with a different ingredient substance.
Optionally, each of the plurality of cavities is a cylindrical aperture having a proximal opening at a proximal end of the piston and a distal opening at a distal end of the piston.
More optionally, at least one of the proximal opening and the distal opening of each of the plurality of cavities is sealed by a frangible seal.
Optionally, each cavity comprises a frangible container containing an ingredient substance and arranged within the cavity.
Optionally, the mixer rod having an adapter disposed at a proximal end thereof which is adapted to connect to an arm of a mixer device and transfer motion from the mixer device to the mixer rod.
Optionally, the capsule comprises a proximal pistons arrangement closer to the first end than the piston. The proximal pistons arrangement includes a plurality of proximal pistons. Each proximal piston is aligned with a respective cavity, such that depression of the proximal pistons relative to the piston causes the proximal pistons to enter the cavities. As a result of the entering of the proximal pistons into the cavities, the ingredient substances are expelled out of the cavities and into the chamber.
More optionally, at least one sharp tip is disposed on a distal face of each proximal piston, a proximal face of the mixer element, or a proximal face of a plate arranged between the piston and the mixer element. Each sharp tip is configured to puncture a frangible container when the proximal pistons arrangement and mixer element are compressed relative to each other. Use of sharp tips allows for frangible containers that are sufficiently resilient to remain closed when the capsule is subjected to typical pressure forces.
More optionally, the proximal pistons arrangement comprises a plate, and the plurality of proximal pistons are attached the plate, such that the plurality of proximal pistons are movable in sync relative to the plurality of cavities. Advantageously, a mixing machine used to move the plate need not be configured to move individual proximal pistons separately, allowing for a simpler construction.
More optionally, the plurality of proximal pistons comprises a plurality of separate pistons. Each separate piston is separately movable relative to a respective cavity. Advantageously, separate movement of the pistons allows for greater control over which ingredients are inserted into the chamber.
Optionally, the at least one ingredient receptacle comprises a plurality of frangible containers arranged between the distal end of the piston and the mixer element. Advantageously, the frangible containers are comparatively easy to fill and insert into the chamber, and may be inserted in any orientation between the piston and the mixer element.
Optionally, the capsule further comprises a plurality of frangible containers arranged between the distal end of the piston and the mixer element, each filled with an ingredient substance.
Optionally, when the piston and mixer element are compressed relative to each other, the plurality of frangible containers burst, releasing the ingredient substances into the chamber. Advantageously, pressure may be sufficient to burst the frangible containers, without any additional piercing elements.
Optionally, the capsule further comprises at least one sharp tip disposed on a distal face of the piston, a proximal face of the mixer element, or a proximal face of a plate arranged between the piston and the mixer element. Each sharp tip is configured to puncture a frangible container when the piston and mixer element are compressed relative to each other. Use of sharp tips allows for frangible containers that are sufficiently resilient to remain closed when the capsule is subjected to typical pressure forces.
Optionally, either the piston or the mixer element comprises at least one cavity, each cavity shaped to receive a corresponding sharp tip when the piston and mixer element are compressed relative to each other. Advantageously, the cavities provide a backstop for the sharp tips, allowing for complete penetration of the frangible containers by the sharp tips.
Optionally, a protective layer is arranged between the at least one sharp tip and the plurality of frangible containers. The protective layer is pierceable by the at least one sharp tip only upon application of a predetermined pressure. Advantageously, the protective layer prevents accidental piercing of the containers.
Optionally, the plurality of frangible containers are stacked one on top of the other between the piston and the mixer element. Optionally, the plurality of frangible containers are arranged alongside one another between the piston and the mixer element. Optionally, the plurality of frangible containers comprises an accordion-shaped receptacle, and folds of the accordion-shaped receptacle demarcate between a plurality of storage pockets, each storage pocket containing a different ingredient substance. Advantageously, the frangible containers may take any such suitable shape.
Optionally, each of the frangible containers is configured to burst when subjected to a predetermined pressure, wherein the predetermined pressure is greater than an ambient pressure exerted by other contents of the capsule on the frangible containers. This requirement of a minimum bursting pressure prevents accidental bursting of the containers.
Optionally, the mixer rod is moving helically relative to the piston and thereby rotating the mixer element.
More optionally, the capsule further comprises a screw-like arrangement of helical grooves and helical ridges which is converting movement of an arm of a mixer device into helical movement of the mixer rod.
More optionally, helical movement of the mixer rod is created using one of helical grooves and helical ridges of the mixer rod.
More optionally, helical movement of the mixer rod is created using one of helical grooves and helical ridges rigidly connected to the mixer rod.
More optionally, the mixer rod is engaged with an arm of a mixer device, wherein the arm is moving helically and thereby causing the mixer rod to move helically.
More optionally, the aperture includes one of helical grooves, helical ridges, and at least one protrusion; and the mixer rod includes a corresponding one of helical grooves, helical ridges, and at least one protrusion; so that force applied on the mixer rod in the direction of the axis of the mixer rod causes the mixer rod to move helically inside the aperture.
More optionally, the capsule further comprises a plate disposed at the proximal end of a mixer rod which includes an adapter aligned to receive therein an arm of a mixer device and an outer screw thread on an outer edge of the plate, wherein when the arm is rotating, the outer screw thread is engaged with an internal screw thread disposed at an inner surface of the main chamber, thereby causing the plate and the mixer rod to move helically.
More optionally, when the plate is moving helically, the plate is pushing at least one elongated chamber piston into the at least one elongated chamber to extract the ingredient substance into the main chamber.
Optionally, the mixer element and the mixer rod are separately displaceable relative to each other.
In another implementation according to the first aspect, a base substance is arranged within the chamber between the distal end of the piston and the second end. The base substance may be a relatively inert material, such as a cream, into which other ingredients are mixed. Because the base substance is part of all formulations made with the capsule, it may be stored in the chamber, without requiring an additional step to insert the cream into the chamber.
In another implementation according to the first aspect, a removable cover is arranged at the first end. The removable cover has a recess that is sized to retain the mixer element therein when the piston and mixer element are removed from the chamber. Advantageously, a user may easily remove the cover and internal parts of the capsule, storing the internal parts within the cover, and access the mixed formulation within the chamber.
Optionally, the cover further comprises a central perforation aligned with the mixer rod for receiving therein a torque arm adapted to rotate the mixer rod, and a plurality of peripheral perforations, each peripheral perforation aligned to receive therein a pushing rod for pushing the piston from the first end toward the second end. The perforations are designed to allow the torque arm and pushing rods through without causing shedding of the material of the cover into the chamber.
In another implementation according to the first aspect, the capsule includes at least one proximal piston closer to the first end than the piston. The recess is further sized to retain the proximal piston when the piston, mixer element, and proximal piston are removed from the chamber. Advantageously, the cover may be configured to include all internal components of the capsule, regardless of how many internal components are present.
Optionally, the mixer rod includes a barcode disposed on the surface of the mixer rod, wherein the barcode is detected by optical sensors of a mixer device when the mixer rod is moved.
More optionally, the barcode includes circumferential stripes around the mixer rod.
More optionally, the information encoded in the barcode includes information regarding at least one of the structure of the capsule and content of the capsule.
Optionally, the capsule further comprises a detachable container attached to an exit opening of the chamber.
More optionally, the exit opening includes a screw thread for attaching the container to the exit opening.
More optionally, the container includes is flexible and has a squeeze tube shape.
More optionally, the container body includes a flexible inner part and a rigid outer shell.
Optionally, the capsule further comprises a hand-operated reciprocating pump which is extracting substance from the chamber and out of the capsule.
More optionally, the capsule further comprises a roll-on ball disposed at a distal end of the chamber which is transferring substance from the chamber onto a user's skin.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of mixing substances in a capsule. The method includes fixing a capsule to a mixer device having a linear actuator. The capsule includes a chamber having a first end and a second end. A piston is fitted in the chamber, having a proximal end facing the first end, and a distal end facing the second end. A mixer element is arranged in the chamber between a distal end of the piston and the second end. The mixer element is disposed at a distal end of a mixer rod. The piston has an aperture through which the mixer rod passes. The piston and mixer element are separately displaceable relative to the first and second ends and relative to each other. The capsule further includes a plurality of cavities within the piston, each filled with an ingredient substance. The method further includes, with the linear actuator, compressing the piston and the mixer element relative to each other to thereby extract the ingredient substances from the plurality of cavities and release the ingredient substance into the chamber.
Optionally, the capsule further comprises a proximal pistons arrangement closer to the first end than the piston, and the proximal pistons arrangement comprises a plurality of proximal pistons, each proximal piston aligned with a respective cavity. The method further comprises moving the proximal pistons and the piston relative to each other, thereby causing each of the proximal pistons to enter the respective cavity. As a result of the entering of the proximal pistons into the cavities, the ingredient substances are expelled out of the cavities and into the chamber.
More optionally, each cavity comprises a frangible container containing an ingredient substance and arranged within the cavity, and at least one sharp tip is disposed on a distal face of each proximal piston, a proximal face of the mixer element, or a plate arranged between the piston and the mixer element. The method further comprises puncturing a frangible container when a proximal piston and the mixer element are compressed relative to each other. Use of sharp tips allows for frangible containers that are sufficiently resilient to remain closed when the capsule is subjected to typical pressure forces.
More optionally, the proximal pistons arrangement comprises a plate, and the plurality of proximal pistons are attached to the plate. The method further comprises moving the plurality of proximal pistons and plurality of cavities relative to each other simultaneously Advantageously, a mixing machine used to move the plate need not be configured to move individual proximal pistons separately, allowing for a simpler construction.
More optionally, the plurality of proximal pistons comprises a plurality of separate pistons, and the method further comprises moving each separate piston separately relative to a respective cavity. Advantageously, separate movement of the pistons allows for greater control over which ingredients are inserted into the chamber.
Optionally, the compressing step comprises withdrawing the mixer element towards the first end. Advantageously, withdrawing of the mixer element towards the first end provides a greater space near the second end for collection of the released substances, without causing undue buildup of pressure in the chamber.
Optionally, the method further comprises rotating the mixer rod to thereby mix the released ingredient substances. Mixing is performed so as to provide an even distribution of ingredients in the formulation.
More optionally, the method further comprises, between the compressing and rotating steps, extending the mixer element toward the second end relative to the piston, to allow sufficient space within the chamber for mixing. The mixer element is thus extended to a central location within the chamber, allowing access to substances in the upper and lower portions of the chamber for mixing.
More optionally, the method further comprises, while rotating the mixer rod, pushing and pulling the mixer rod to move the mixer element inside the chamber. Advantageously, this pushing and pulling enables access to substances that are at the top and bottom of the chamber.
Optionally, the capsule further comprises a removable cover at the first end comprising a recess, the recess sized to retain the piston and mixer element therein when the cover is removed from the capsule. The method further comprises inserting the piston and mixer element into the cover, and removing the cover with the piston and mixer element retained therein. Advantageously, a user may easily remove the cover and internal parts of the capsule, storing the internal parts within the cover, and access the mixed formulation within the chamber.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of mixing substances in a capsule. The method includes fixing a capsule to a mixer device having a linear actuator. The capsule includes a chamber having a first end and a second end. A piston is fitted in the chamber, having a proximal end facing the first end, and a distal end facing the second end. A mixer element is arranged in the chamber between a distal end of the piston and the second end. The mixer element is disposed at a distal end of a mixer rod. The piston has an aperture through which the mixer rod passes. The piston and mixer element are separately displaceable relative to the first and second ends and relative to each other. The capsule further includes at least one ingredient receptacle with an ingredient substance and configured within the chamber between the proximal end of the piston and the mixer element. The method further includes, with the linear actuator, compressing the piston and the mixer element relative to each other to thereby extract the ingredient substances from the at least one ingredient receptacle and release the ingredient substance into the chamber. Advantageously, each ingredient substance may be removed from its receptacle due to displacement of the piston and mixer element relative to each other, without requiring storage of the ingredient substances in a separate chamber.
Optionally, the piston comprises a plurality of cavities, each cavity containing a different ingredient substance, and the compressing step comprises extracting the ingredient substances from the cavities. The cavities provide a location for separate storage of each ingredient substance within the chamber, prior to mixing.
Optionally, the at least one ingredient receptacle comprises a plurality of frangible containers arranged between the distal end of the piston and the mixer element, and the compressing step comprises bursting the frangible containers. Advantageously, the frangible containers are comparatively easy to fill and insert into the chamber, and may be inserted in any orientation between the piston and the mixer element.
More optionally, the method comprises, during the compressing step, applying at least a predetermined pressure onto the plurality of frangible ingredient receptacles, said predetermined pressure greater than an ambient pressure exerted by other contents of the capsule on the plurality of frangible containers. This requirement of a minimum bursting pressure prevents accidental bursting of the containers.
More optionally, the method further comprises, during the compressing step, puncturing the plurality of frangible containers with at least one sharp tip disposed on a proximal face of the miser element, a distal face of the piston, or a plate arranged between the piston and the mixer element. Use of sharp tips allows for frangible containers that are sufficiently resilient to remain closed when the capsule is subjected to typical pressure forces.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a capsule for mixing substances. The method comprises: (i) forming a chamber having a first end and a second end; (ii) inserting a mixer element disposed at a distal end of the mixer rod into the chamber; (iii) inserting at least one frangible ingredient container, each containing an ingredient substance, into the chamber, proximal to the mixer element; and (iv) inserting a piston having an aperture into the chamber, such that the piston has a proximal end facing the first end, and a distal end facing the second end, the mixer rod passes through the aperture, and each of the at least one frangible ingredient containers is configured between the proximal end of the piston and the mixer element. In a capsule formed according to this method, each ingredient substance may be removed from its receptacle due to displacement of the piston and mixer element relative to each other, without requiring storage of the ingredient substances in a separate chamber.
Optionally, the method further comprises inserting each of the at least one frangible ingredient containers into a respective cavity in the piston, and performing steps (iii) and (iv) simultaneously by inserting the piston and the at least one frangible ingredient container into the chamber. Advantageously, locating the frangible ingredient containers within the piston allows for the frangible containers to be inserted simultaneously, and to be burst when a proximal piston is depressed relative to the mixer element.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of mixing substances in a capsule. The method comprising: (i) fixing a capsule to a mixer device having an actuator, the capsule comprising a chamber having a first end and a second end, a piston fitted in the chamber and having a proximal end facing the first end, and a distal end facing the second end, and a mixer element arranged within the chamber between a distal end of the piston and the second end, wherein the mixer element is disposed at a distal end of a mixer rod, and the piston has an aperture through which the mixer rod passes, and wherein the piston and the mixer element are separately displaceable relative to the first and second ends and relative to each other, and a plurality of cavities within the piston, each filled with an ingredient substance; (ii) extracting the ingredient substances from the plurality of cavities and release the ingredient substances into the chamber; and (iii) with the actuator, moving the mixer rod helically relative to the piston to thereby rotate the mixer element and mix the ingredient substances in the chamber.
Optionally, step (iii) comprises stacking the plurality of frangible ingredient receptacles around the mixer rod. Advantageously, the receptacles may be formed separately and inserted before or after the piston is inserted.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a capsule for mixing substances. The method comprises: (i) forming a chamber having a first end and a second end; (ii) inserting a mixer element into the chamber, wherein the mixer element is disposed at a distal end of a mixer rod; (iii) filling a plurality of ingredient substances into a plurality of cavities within a piston (or into a plurality of ingredient receptacles arranged in respective cavities within a piston), wherein the piston comprises an aperture; (iv) inserting the piston in the chamber such that the piston has a proximal end facing the first end, and a distal end facing the second end, the mixer rod passes through the aperture, and the plurality of ingredient receptacles are configured between the proximal end of the piston and the mixer element; and (v) arranging a proximal pistons arrangement between the distal piston and the first end, wherein the proximal pistons arrangement comprises a plurality of proximal pistons, each proximal piston aligned with a respective cavity. Advantageously, the capsule is arranged such that the ingredients may be dispensed from the receptacles when the proximal pistons enter the cavities, and then may be subsequently mixed with the mixer element.
Optionally, the plurality of ingredient substances are filled inside frangible containers, and the filling step comprises inserting filled frangible containers into the cavities. The frangible containers store the substances separately while sealed, and allow for release of the substances when they are burst.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a container. The container comprising: a container body having a container opening; and a container closure attached to the container body via the container opening, the container closure comprising: a piston fitted in the container closure; a mixer element arranged within the container closure between the piston and the container opening, wherein the mixer element is disposed at an end of a mixer rod, and the piston has an aperture through which the mixer rod passes; and at least one ingredient receptacle filled with an ingredient substance and configured within the container closure.
Optionally, the piston and the mixer element are separately displaceable relative to the container closure and relative to each other.
Optionally, the container opening includes a screw thread for attaching the container closure to the container body.
Optionally, the container body is flexible and has a squeeze tube shape.
Optionally, the container body includes a flexible inner part and a rigid outer shell.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a capsule for mixing substances. The capsule comprising: (i) a main chamber having a first end and a second end; (ii) at least one elongated chamber filled with an ingredient substance; (iii) a main piston fitted in the chamber, the piston having a proximal end facing the first end, and a distal end facing the second end; (iv) a mixer element arranged within the chamber between the piston and the second end, wherein the mixer element is disposed at a distal end of a mixer rod, and the piston has an aperture through which the mixer rod passes; wherein the mixer rod is moving helically relative to the piston and thereby rotating the mixer element.
Optionally, the capsule further comprises a screw-like arrangement of helical grooves and helical ridges which is converting movement of an arm of a mixer device into helical movement of the mixer rod.
Optionally, helical movement of the mixer rod is created using one of helical grooves and helical ridges of the mixer rod.
Optionally, helical movement of the mixer rod is created using one of helical grooves and helical ridges rigidly connected to the mixer rod.
Optionally, the mixer rod is engaged with an arm of a mixer device, wherein the arm is moving helically and thereby causing the mixer rod to move helically.
Optionally, the aperture includes one of helical grooves, helical ridges, and at least one protrusion; and the mixer rod includes a corresponding one of helical grooves, helical ridges, and at least one protrusion; so that force applied on the mixer rod in the direction of the axis of the mixer rod causes the mixer rod to move helically inside the aperture.
Optionally, the capsule further comprises a plate disposed at the proximal end of a mixer rod which includes an adapter aligned to receive therein an arm of a mixer device and an outer screw thread on an outer edge of the plate, wherein when the arm is rotating, the outer screw thread is engaged with an internal screw thread disposed at an inner surface of the main chamber, thereby causing the plate and the mixer rod to move helically.
Optionally, when the plate is moving helically, the plate is pushing at least one elongated chamber piston into the at least one elongated chamber to extract the ingredient substance into the main chamber.
Optionally, the at least one elongated chamber is peripheral to the main chamber.
Optionally, the main piston comprises a plurality of cavities, each cavity is one of the at least one elongated chambers.
Optionally, the mixer element and the mixer rod are separately displaceable relative to each other.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a device for mixing multiple substances in a capsule. The device comprising: (i) a fixture for a single capsule, the capsule having at least one elongated chamber filled with an ingredient substance; (ii) at least one pushing rod adapted to linearly push a main piston fitted in the capsule; and (iii) a torque arm for transferring helical movement to a mixer rod of the capsule along an axis of the mixer rod, wherein the mixer rod passes through an aperture of the main piston; wherein the mixer rod is rotating a mixer element disposed at an end of the mixer rod, thereby mixing the ingredient substance in a main chamber of the capsule.
Optionally, the at least one pushing rod is adapted to push at least one piston sealing the at least one elongated chamber, thereby extracting the ingredient substance into the main chamber.
Optionally, the device further comprises a motor which is driving the torque arm and the at least one pushing rod.
Optionally, the torque arm and the at least one pushing rod are moving simultaneously.
Optionally, the device further comprises a leadscrew which is converting rotational motion of a motor into a linear component of the helical movement.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
Some embodiments of the present disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced.
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to capsules and methods of mixing multiple substances therein, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to systems and methods for mixing and preparing formulations for consumer use.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a capsule is provided for mixing substances. The capsule includes a chamber. A mixer element for mixing fluids in the chamber is disposed at a distal end of a mixer rod. At least one piston is fitted in the chamber, having an aperture through which the mixer rod passes. The capsule also includes at least one ingredient receptacle, each containing a substance. The ingredient receptacles contain different substances that are ingredients of a formulation. The ingredient receptacles may be cavities within the piston and/or frangible containers arranged between the piston and the mixer element. The cavities are separated from one another, and each is filled with a different ingredient substance. Advantageously, the capsule includes all of the ingredient receptacles within the chamber, without requiring any peripheral chambers for storing the ingredients, enabling the capsule to be compact.
The capsule is fixable to a mixer device. According some embodiments, the mixer device includes a torque arm configured for linear and rotational movement. The torque arm may include a clamp or other connection mechanism for connecting with the mixer rod. When the clamp is engaged, the torque arm is capable of moving the mixer rod, both linearly and rotationally. The mixer device also comprises one or more pushing rods, which are configured to engage with the piston. Using the torque arm and pushing rods, the mixer device is capable of displacing the piston and mixer element relative to each other. This, in turn causes removal of the ingredients from the ingredient receptacles. Specifically, the ingredients are removed through extracting of the ingredients from the cavities, and/or through bursting the frangible containers. Once the ingredients are within the chamber, they are mixed with the mixer element, to form a formulation. The formulation may either be extracted from an exit opening of the chamber, may be accessed via removal of the piston/s from the chamber, or may be extracted via a dispensing mechanism.
According some embodiments, the mixer rod is moving helically relative to the piston and thereby rotating the mixer element. The rotational movement may be created by helical movement of an arm of the mixer device connected to the mixer rod, may be created by rotational movement of the arm which is converted to helical movement by a screw-like arrangement of helical grooves and helical ridges within the capsule, or may be created by linear movement of the torque arm which is converted to helical movement by a screw-like arrangement of helical grooves and helical ridges within the capsule. Optionally, the mixer device also comprises one or more pushing rods which are moving simultaneously to the arm of the mixer device. Optionally, the mixer device does not include pushing rods, and the ingredients are extracted from the ingredient receptacles by an element inside the capsule, which may be moving helically or linearly. These embodiments allow an implementation of a mixer device which includes only two or only one engine. Such a mixer device may be more compact and less expensive, which is significant for consumer use. Also, the operation of such a mixer device may be more reliable, produce less noise, and/or include simpler control mechanism(s).
Personalization of any type of preparation and/or customized mixture may be set-up by user preferences (manually or automatically by diagnosis) or may be set-up by an integrated diagnostic tool recommendation. For example, a capsule may contain 9 different raw substances that are stored separately and hermetically. In such examples, 8 substances are stored in the ingredient receptacles and a base substance is stored in the chamber. The final product that is produced may be any one of thousands of different final compositions of formulation, made from the same capsule.
Since the capsule provides, in exemplary embodiments, hermetic storage and full separation between the ingredients with sealed containers (prevention of exposure to oxygen nor light before use and between uses), many kinds of ingredients that are unstable and regularly may not be used in such preparations (since they are not functional and practically do not give any value), may be used effectively with the capsule's fresh preparation. Users may personalize and determine mixture-ratios of any supportable mixable raw-materials (powder, liquid and gas).
Unlike pre-prepared mixtures, in which the exact ratios are undisclosed, the formulation may be transparent to customers and may be viewed (when applicable) on the capsule or by platform-application.
The capsule design supports a wide range of raw materials and ingredients, liquids, semisolids (gels), gases and solids (powders), some of which are potentially unstable or incompatible. For example, these ingredients are sensitive to oxidation (air), to light (photosensitive) or may react and/or alter solubility of each other.
In some embodiments, the capsule design supports changeable quantities of raw materials inside each ingredient receptacle. It is also possible to partially fill in advance tubes with smaller quantities of ingredients. The capsule and mixer device design supports flexible and changeable feed-tube dimensions (even without seale-up or seale-down considerations). In some embodiments, the device allows preparation of small fresh batches (continuously) by mixing each time only part of each ingredient according to a user's parameters, and/or creation of different preparation types by selectively using only some of the ingredients. The mixer device allows one-time preparation or multiple preparations per capsule.
Since the capsule contains all ingredients inside the receptacles and not separately, there is no need for the user to manage ingredients separately and to level his supplies for specific optional formulas. Since the capsule contains an integral mixer inside, and since the capsule is external to the mixer device, the mixer device may be used repeatedly with no need of cleaning in between capsules. The mixer device may not require any setup by the user. The device may provide ready preparations within a very short time. Most of the mixture types may be ready within 30 to 60 seconds from turning on the device.
The preparations that may be made using the capsules and mixer device include, for example, Toiletries—personal hygiene for washing and preventing unpleasant smells such as soap, shampoo, deodorants and perfumes, Personal care—for beautification use (skin care, hair care, cosmetics) and/or preparations for dermatology (derma-cosmetics), Food additives—such as substances added to food to preserve flavor or enhance its taste, appearance, or other qualities, Nutritional supplements—for example taken orally, and usually contains one or more dietary ingredients (vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes), Pharma—such as medications or drugs, homeopathy, oral care, or dental preparations and Drinks—such as a cocktail made from different alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic liquids.
For example, the device may be used to create hair dyes that are made in specifically selected colors and/or shades. A hair dye capsule may include ingredients in different colors that are sealed inside the receptacles of the capsule. According to the selected color, a specific amount of each ingredient is inserted into the main chamber to create the desired color. The device may be used at home by the end user to create a different color of hair dye according to the user's choice, or may be used for example at a hair salon, to provide a different color of hair dye for each costumer.
For another example, the device may be used to create personalized medication for a patient. A medication capsule may contain several active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and/or supplements, each stored inside one of the receptacles of the capsule. A medication and/or a mix of medications may be prepared for a patient, based for example on specific physician prescription and/or real-time measurements of a patient's medical data. A mix with the right doses and combination of drugs may be prepared for a specific patient at a specific time, and may be optimized and/or modified accordingly, by adjusting the quantity extracted from each receptacle into the chamber. This provides personalized, precise, on-demand medications, and/or a medication mix which is easier to take than multiple separate medications, and may also improve adherence of patients.
For another example, the device may be used to create a preparation (such as a cream) from pre-formulation ingredients. Each of the ingredient receptacles of a capsule may contain one pure ingredient or a mix of ingredients and/or additives, which are only raw materials and not formulations by themselves. When combined and mixed, the ingredients are turned into a formulation. For example, a water-based ingredient and an oil-based ingredient may be mixed to create a cream. In addition to modularity and personalization, this may reduce the required regulatory requirements, as the ingredients are not considered a formulation, such as cosmetic products, and potentially reduce cost.
Use of the capsules and mixer device may provide solutions to several needs of consumers. Users may want to have products that are self-prepared in real time, for example for reasons of freshness by mixing their ingredients just before use, minimizing the use of preservations and/or sensitive active raw materials that must be stored in sealed tubes with no contact with air/light for preventing oxidation or other instability reaction (for example antioxidants and/or vitamins). The capsule preserves chemical freshness by preventing instability on a molecular level (molecular change), physical freshness by preventing phase separation (such as with oil & water), biological freshness by preventing active ingredient loss of activity, and microbiological freshness (vegan ingredients and/or saving preservatives) by preventing product contamination and microorganisms growth. Users may want to choose ingredients having specific characteristics, for example, vegan (doesn't contain any animal products and/or doesn't contain products that were tested on animals) and/or organic (certified by an authorized certification organization). Users may want to use the capsules to mix ingredients that otherwise have to be mixed manually, such as baby formulas. Users may want to use products that have a “green” product life-cycle (no disposables). Users may want to have products that are custom made and/or personalized specifically for them. Users may want to control color, odor level, active ingredients ratios, sunscreens addition (and other personal care products) and/or any self-determined desired ratio of raw ingredients. Users may want to choose between available preparations formulas, define new formulas for their own use, use social network or the Internet to download a formula, use diagnostic tools with interfaces that support recommended formulas according to the user's special needs (such as skin analysis by camera scan) and/or use artificial intelligence (AI) which may provide deeper level of formulas recommendations and deeper insights about the user's needs.
The application may provide the user with the ability to use other users' data, insights and recommendations of formulas and treatments' results that are shared in large seale through social media and web-based communities and/or to connect and exchange data, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world to other users, resulting in efficiency improvements and economic benefits.
Referring now to
As used in the present disclosure, the “first end” is the end that engages with the mixer device, and the “second end” is the end adjacent to the mixer element and through which a mixed formulation may be dispensed. As used in the present disclosure, the terms “top” and “bottom” are used to refer to the orientation of the first end 112 and second end 111, relative to a floor, when the capsule 100 is engaged with the mixer device. For example, in the capsule of
Capsule 100 may be made of any material, for example, acrylic glass (methyl methacrylate), polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polypropylene, acrylonitrile styrene (acrylate), polystyrene, aluminum, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene, terephthalate, or glass. Different preparations and different raw ingredients require different storage materials, such as chemical resistant materials to acids or bases, bio-safe materials especially for medical and/or nutritional supplements preparations and/or antioxidants or vitamins that need an oxygen barrier to preserve stability. The mixing and preparing process may also require specific material characteristics, for example thermal resistance. Optionally, an internal face of chamber 101 and internal components of capsule 100 may be produced from various materials according to specifications and requirements for storing certain ingredients. In addition, the structure of chamber 101 and internal components of the capsule 100 may be designed to withstand internal forces without deformation, for example when viscosity of the substances is high or increased, for example during refrigeration.
Capsule 100 includes a flat cover 115. Cover 115 includes a central aperture 116 for receiving therein a torque arm of a mixer device. Cover 115 also includes peripheral apertures 128 for receiving therein one or more pushing rods of the mixer device. The central aperture 116 and peripheral apertures 128 may be sealed with a perforated seal. For example, the seal may include scored lines arranged in an “x” configuration, such that the seal breaks easily upon application of pressure from pushing rods or a torque arm of a mixer device, and without causing chipping of the material of the cover 115 into the chamber 101.
Capsule 100 further includes a piston 105 fitted in the chamber 101. The piston 105 has a proximal end facing the first end 112 and a distal end facing the second end 111. The piston 105 is generally cylindrical, seating in a fluid-tight fashion against the walls of chamber 101, and has an aperture 125 through which a mixer rod 106 passes. Piston 105 includes a plurality of receptacles 102. Capsule 100 further includes a proximal pistons arrangement 122. Proximal pistons arrangement 122 includes a plurality of proximal pistons 103, with each proximal piston 103 arranged corresponding to a receptacle 102. Proximal pistons arrangement 122 also optionally includes plate 109, to which proximal pistons 103 are optionally secured.
Mixer element 107 is arranged within chamber 101 between the piston 105 and the second end 111, and includes a plurality of blades. Mixer element 107 may be of any shape or type, structure, or material, as needed for different types of preparations. The mixer element 107 is disposed at a distal end of mixer rod 106. Mixer rod 106 includes a torque adapter 108 for connecting to a linear and rotational actuator of a mixer device.
Capsule 100 further includes an exit opening 113, for dispensing mixed substances from the capsule. Exit opening 113 may be sealed, for example with a membrane or any other type of seal. Alternatively, the seal may be a bottom piston, such as that described in
Optionally, the number of proximal pistons 103 and cavities 102 is the same as the number of pushing rods of the mixer device, and each pushing rod is aligned with a respective piston 103 and cavity 102. In this case, each pushing rod is pushing the respective piston 103 directly without a plate 109. To ensure alignment between the pushing rods and the respective pistons 103, the capsule 100 may include an alignment element that forces the piston 105 into one orientation, or one of several orientations. The alignment element may be, for example, elongated protrusions on the inside surface of the main chamber 101, which compatible with depressions on the outer part of the piston 105.
The proximal pistons arrangement 122a, 122b includes a central aperture 124a, 124b through which mixer rod 106 passes. Similarly, piston 105a, 105b includes a central aperture 125a, 125b through which the mixer rod 106 passes. As a result, the mixer element 107, proximal pistons arrangement 122, and piston 105 are all separately displaceable relative to each other along the axis of mixer rod 106.
Piston 105a, 105b may also include a gasket 123a, 123b, on a lateral edge thereof, for maintaining a fluid seal between the lateral edge of the piston and the interior face of chamber 101.
Optionally, the proximal pistons 103 and cavities 102 are arranged in two or more concentric circular arrangements around the central aperture 125 of the piston 105. Each circular arrangement may be pushed separately by a respective plate 109. This provides more control over the insertion of the ingredient substances into the main chamber 101. For example, when ingredient substances stored inside cavities 102 of one circular arrangement need to be mixed before ingredient substances stored inside cavities 102 of another circular arrangement, the plate 109 of one circular arrangement is pushed first, and the plate 109 of the other circular arrangement is pushed later.
Mixer element 107 includes blades 140. Mixer element 107 may also include a sharp tip 142. The sharp tip 142 may be used, in certain embodiments, to penetrate a seal closing opening 113 (shown in
Mixer element 107 may also include sharp tips 126, which are piercing a seal of the receptacles 102 and/or frangible containers as described below, allowing ingredient substances to be released. The sharp tips may be of any shape and size, as exemplified below. The sharp tips may pierce foil sealing the receptacles 102 by an upward motion of the mixer element 107 and/or cut the foil by a turning motion of mixer element 107.
When proximal pistons 103 are depressed downward relative to piston 105, the proximal pistons 103 optionally burst the foil 130, and expel the ingredient substances 118 out of the cavities 102 and into the chamber 101. Subsequently, the mixer element 107 is rotated, to mix the expelled ingredient substances 118 with each other and/or with the base substance 120.
Referring now to
Typically, when foils 130 or frangible containers 119 are burst, the ingredient substances 118 contained in receptacles 102 are released in their entirety into chamber 101. Because capsule 100 is oriented with the first end 112 at the top and the second end 111 at the bottom, once the receptacles 102 are open, the force of gravity may operate on the ingredient substances 118 to release the ingredient substances into the chamber 101. Thus, the embodiments of capsule 100 are particularly suited to formulations in which all ingredients are measured and included in the capsule 100 in their desired quantities in advance.
Referring now to
Sharp tips 226 may be shaped in any suitable fashion for piercing containers 219. Similarly, various mechanisms for piercing may be employed. For example, the tips 226 may penetrate the containers 219 or foils 230 with a vertical movement. In addition, the tips 226 may penetrate containers 219 or foils 230 while turning, for example, in a scratching motion.
Optionally, plate 225 further includes alignment rods 231, and piston 205 includes alignment slots 233. The piston 205 and mixer element 207 are compressible relative to each other only when the alignment rods 231 are aligned with alignment slots 233, and thus the sharp tips 226 are aligned with the conical cavities 227.
Sharp tips 226 may alternatively be located on any other surface that comes into contact with frangible containers 219. For example, as shown in
Capsule 400 differ from the prior embodiments in that only a single piston is included in the capsule. Taking the example of
When piston 405 and mixer element 407 are compressed relative to each other, the plurality of frangible containers 419 burst, releasing ingredient substances into the chamber 401. Specifically, each of the frangible containers 419 may be configured to burst when subjected to a predetermined pressure, which is greater than an ambient pressure exerted by the other contents of the capsule 400 on the frangible containers 419.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In exemplary embodiments, in the process of assembling any of capsules 100-800, components arranged near the second end are inserted before components arranged near the first end. Taking capsule 100 as an example, the capsule body 117 is first provided, with chamber 101 defined therein. Optionally, opening 113 is then sealed for example by foil. Mixer element 107 and mixer rod 106 are then inserted into the chamber 101 from the first end 112 and positioned next to the second end 111. Optionally, at least one frangible ingredient container 119 is inserted in the chamber 101 proximal to the mixer element 107. Optionally, a plurality of frangible containers 119 are stacked around the mixer rod 106, as illustrated in
At step 901, a user places the capsule to be fixed into the mixer device 1000. The fixing may include, for example, a movement of a tray with the capsule into a position within the mixer device. In some embodiments, the engagement of the mixer rod by the torque arm 1002 may be considered as the fixing of the capsule.
Mixer device 1000 is shown acting on a capsule having the external features of capsule 100. Mixer device 1000 includes two linear actuators 1006 and 1008, which move up and down along axis A. Linear actuator 1006 adjusts the height of torque arm 1002, which is attachable to the torque adapter of the mixer rod. Once the torque arm 1002 is attached to the mixer rod, rotation of the torque arm causes corresponding rotation of the mixer element. Linear actuator 1008 adjusts the height of pushing rods 1004. Each pushing rod 1004 is aligned with a peripheral aperture 128, and is configured to push a proximal piston and/or a piston within the capsule. Mixer device 1000 also includes a rotational actuator 1010 for rotating the torque arm 1002.
Notably, pushing rods 1004 are substantially co-radial relative to a center of a capsule, and they are the only type of pushing rods that are used in mixer device 1000. Because the capsules used with mixer device 1000 do not have any peripheral chambers, there is no need to have inner pushing rods and peripheral pushing rods.
At step 902, the mixer device 1000 extracts ingredient substances from the ingredient receptacles and release the ingredient substances into the chamber. Depending on the type of capsule that is used, this step may be performed in multiple sub-steps and in different ways.
For example, at step 902a, mixer device 1000 compresses the piston and mixer element relative to each other. The piston may be moved toward the second end by pushing rods 1004 while the mixer element remains stationary, held in place by torque arm 1002. Alternatively, the mixer element may be withdrawn toward the first end with torque arm 1002 while the piston remains stationary. In certain embodiments of capsules, this compressing is sufficient to extract the ingredient substances, for example, when the ingredient substances are stored in frangible containers between the piston and the mixer element.
In addition or in the alternative, at step 902b, the mixer device 1000 compresses the proximal pistons assembly having a plate and proximal pistons, and/or separate proximal pistons, relative to the piston. The proximal piston may be moved toward the second end by pushing rods 1004 while the piston remains in place, held in place by the mixer element, which is in turn held in place by the torque arm 1002. In certain embodiments, the pushing rods 1004 push a plate to which proximal pistons are connected, causing all of the proximal pistons to be simultaneously compressed relative to the piston. Alternatively, one or more pushing rods 1004 may separately push individual proximal pistons relative to the piston. An example of such alternative embodiments is illustrated in
As in step 902a, step 902b may alternatively be performed with a withdrawing action. For example, the mixer element may be withdrawn toward the first end and press against the piston, causing withdrawal of the piston relative to the proximal piston.
During the extracting step 902, at step 902c, the mixer device 1000 may burst or puncture ingredient receptacles. The ingredient receptacles may be burst with pressure or may be punctured with sharp tips, as discussed above.
Referring back to
At steps 904-907, the mixed substances are extracted out of the capsule. Depending on the type of capsule that is used, this process is performed differently.
For capsules with removable covers, such as capsule 600, each of the internal components of the capsule 600—namely, the piston 605, mixer element 607, and proximal pistons arrangement (when present) may optionally be withdrawn into a recess of the rounded cover 615. This removal is indicated at step 904. Then, at step 905, the cover 615 with the piston 605, mixer element 607, and proximal piston stored therein is removed from the capsule 600. A view of the cover 615 and capsule 600 following this removal is illustrated in
For capsules with exit openings, the mixed substances are extracted through the exit opening. This extraction is indicated at step 907, and is illustrated in
Mixer device 1100 includes a controller (not shown). The controller may include a processing circuitry which executes software that includes instructions for performing a method according to some embodiments of the present invention. The processing circuitry may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. The computer readable storage medium may be a tangible device that may retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the processing circuitry, partly on the processing circuitry, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the processing circuitry and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the processing circuitry through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.
In exemplary embodiments, the controller includes a communication module, which may connect via a network to a computing device operated by the user, such as a mobile phone. The user may provide instructions to the controller via a user interface of the computing device, for example by a software application installed on the mobile phone. The user may select the properties of the desired mixture, and the application and/or controller may calculate the correct movements of components of mixer device 1100 to create the desired mixture.
As seen in
Tray 1101 has an open position, shown in
Optionally, capsule 100 fixed in tray 1101 is identified by the controller, for example by scanning a barcode printed on the capsule 100, such as a quick response (QR) code. This may be done, for example, by an imaging sensor (not shown) included in mixer device 1100. Optionally or alternatively, capsule 100 is identified by device 1100 using a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip included in the capsule, and an RFID reader included in device 1100.
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Mixer device 1200, similar to device 1100, further includes a torque arm 1202, with an adapter 1203, for example a clamp or pins, adapted to be attached to torque adapter 808 of capsule 800. The torque arm 1202 is movable linearly by actuator 1206 and rotationally by actuator 1210. Mixer device 1200 also includes pushing rods 1204. In the illustrated embodiment, two pushing rods 1204a and 1204b are shown, each actuated by its own respective linear actuator 1208a and 1208b. In addition, mixer device 1200 has a controller similar to that described in connection with mixer device 1100.
Capsule 800 further includes proximal pistons 803a, 803b, which are separately movable relative to receptacles 802a, 802b in piston 805. While only two proximal pistons 803 and receptacles 802 are visible in the cross-section view of
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Capsule 700 may be used with a mixer device similar to any of the mixer devices described above, for mixing ingredient substances into a formulation mixture and extracting the mixture out of the capsule 700.
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Optionally, the mixer rod includes a barcode which may be detected by optical sensor(s) of the mixer device.
In this example, the barcode is a linear barcode, wherein the barcode lines are circumferential stripes around the mixer rod 2106. The stripes may be printed on the mixer rod 2106, may be made of material inserted into grooves on the surface of the mixer rod 2106, or may be applied or created in any other way.
The information encoded in the barcode may include information regarding the structure and/or content of the capsule (the ingredient substances). For example, the barcode may include information regarding the length and/or orientation of the capsule, which may be used by the mixer device 1300 to determine the length of movement of the torque arm 1302.
Optionally, the capsule and the mixer device may be operating horizontally.
The horizontal mixer device 1400 also includes a shoulder 1401.
Alternatively, other mechanisms for fixing the capsule 2200 in place may be used, for example, rails on device 1400 on which capsule 2200 may slide, a locking mechanism using half or quarter rotation, screw threads, protrusions, clamps, and/or any other mechanism. Also, the capsule 2200 may be inserted into the mixer device from a side opening or a top opening.
Capsule 2200 may also include an exit opening 2213, for dispensing mixed formulation from the capsule. The exit opening 2213 may have any shape, for example may be structured as a cut on the edge of the capsule 2200. Optionally, the capsule 2200 may be fixed in a specific orientation so the exit opening 2213 is located on the bottom side, to allow direct dropping of the mixed formulation from the capsule. Exit opening 2213 may be sealed, for example with a membrane or any other type of seal. Optionally, the seal may be broken by the blades of the mixer element when the mixer rod is rotating and pushed by the torque arm 1402. Optionally, the blades of the mixer element are serrated, to easily break the seal.
Optionally, the capsule includes a detachable container into which the mixed formulation is pushed. The container is attached to the exit opening of the capsule, so the container is filled with the mixed formulation, and may be then dispensed as needed by a user. The detachable container may be of any size or shape, and may be made of any material, such as plastic, metal, and/or any other material. The detachable container may be flexible and/or rigid.
When the container is flexible, the container may be squeezed and empty of air in an initial state, before being filled with the mixed formulation. This provides a way to avoid a situation where the container is initially filled with air that may push against the mixed formulation. Optionally, the detachable container may include a flexible inner part which air-sealed, for example a plastic bag, and a rigid outer part which is not air-sealed.
Alternatively, some of these embodiments may also be described as a container having a closure (a capsule) which includes
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mixer rod of the capsule moves helically, so the mixer rod moves linearly (optionally in sync with pushing rods), and simultaneously rotating the mixer element to mix the ingredient substances inside the main chamber. Several exemplary embodiments are presented herein, having different mechanisms, and different ways to create the helical movement of the mixer rod. The helical movement is generally created by an arrangement of a leadscrew, screw thread(s), helical grooves and ridges, and/or protrusion(s), which is combining a linear component and a rotational component of the helical movement. Combinations of these embodiments are possible, as well as other structures of capsules and methods of mixing and extracting formulations using the capsules.
Optionally, the linear actuator 11006 also moves a tray pushing rod, simultaneously to the movement of the torque arm 11002 and the pushing rods 11004. The tray pushing rod is pressed against a tray of the mixer device 11000 and preventing the tray from being opened. This locking of the tray may be performed when a capsule 10100 is inside the mixer device 11000, or when the tray is empty.
The capsule 10100 is similar in most respects to the previous embodiments of capsules, and includes a main chamber 10101, a main piston 10105 with cavities 10102, inner pistons 10103, plate structure 10109, and a mixer rod 10106 with a mixer element 10107. The mixer rod 10106 includes a mixer tube 10126 which is adapted to incorporate an exit tube 10144 positioned around the exit opening 10113. Inside the mixer tube 10126 is a sharp tip 10142 which is adapted to break the seal 10145 of the exit tube 10144 and be inserted into exit tube 10144. Optionally, the exit tube 10144 includes a screw thread for connecting a detachable container into which the mixed formulation is pushed, as described above.
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The arm 12002 includes an adapter 12003 adapted to engage, but not lock, an adapter 10208 of the mixer rod 10206. The mixer device adapter 12003 and the capsule adapter 10208 are structured to allow the mixer rod 10206 to freely rotate relative to the arm 12002, but be linearly locked to the arm 12002, so that the mixer rod 10206 moves linearly with the arm 12002. The engagement between the mixer device adapter 12003 and the capsule adapter 10208 may be done in any way. In this example, the adapter 12003 includes a wide cavity 12051 and a narrow cavity 12052 which are compatible with a wide round element 10251 and a narrow round element 10252. When the capsule 10200 is inserted into the mixer device 12000, the capsule 10200 moves horizontally (as shown by an arrow in
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When the capsule 10200 is extracted from the mixer device 12000, the capsule 10200 moves horizontally, while simultaneously, the arm 12002 moves upward (together with the pushing rods 12004). This creates a disengagement action between the mixer device adapter 12003 and the capsule adapter 10208, which is reversed to the engagement action described above, wherein the wide round element 10251 is pulled out of the wide cavity 12051 and the narrow round element 10252 is pulled out of the narrow cavity 12052.
When the torque arm 13002 is rotating clockwise, the outer screw thread 10310 is engaged with the internal screw thread 10311, thereby causing the plate and the mixer rod to move helically, similar to the motion of a screw. As shown at
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Optionally, the torque arm 13002 is rotating in both directions sequentially, counterclockwise and clockwise, thereby rotating the mixer rod 10306 and the mixer element 10307 to mix the ingredient substances inside the main chamber 10301, while still not breaking the seal 10345.
Then, the torque arm 13002 further rotates clockwise causing two simultaneous actions. One, the sharp tip 10342 is pushing against the seal 10345 and breaking the seal 10345, thereby allowing mixed formulation to exit from exit opening 10313. Two, the plate 10309 is pushing the inner pistons 10303 and the main piston 10305 downward, thereby pushing the mixed formulation through the exit opening 10313.
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Unlike the mixer device 1100, the mixer device 14000 includes a linear actuator 14008 which is linearly moving both the torque arm 14002 and inner pushing rods 14004 simultaneously, via lateral arm 14014. The torque arm 14002 is also rotated by a rotary actuator 14010, so the combined movement of the torque arm 14002 is helical, as described above for the torque arm 11002. A second linear actuator 14006 is moving a set of outer pushing rods 14005 via lateral arm 14016.
Torque adapter 14003 is attached to the lower end of torque arm 14002, and is configured to engage with a torque adapter 10408 of capsule 10400. The mixer device 14000 may also include a controller, a tray, motor(s), and/or any other part not shown in the figures, for example as described for mixer device 1100.
The capsule 10400 includes repository tubular chambers 10402, each containing an ingredient substance and sealed by a repository tubular piston 10403. Passages 10404 are fluidly connecting each repository tubular chamber 10402 to a main chamber 10401.
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Optionally, the capsule also includes cavities each containing additional ingredient substance, and sealed by inner pistons. The ingredient substances are extracted from the cavities by the pushing rods 14004, as described above for mixer device 11000 and capsule 10100.
According to some embodiments the mixer device includes only a linear actuator for mixing ingredient substances in a capsule, and the linear actuator moves the mixer rod of the capsule upward and downward. In such embodiments, the capsule may optionally include a mixer element that is mixing ingredient substances with linear movement, without rotation. The mixer element may include, for example, one or more plate(s) and/or net(s) which include holes wherein the ingredient substances may be pushed through when the plate(s) and/or net(s) are moved against the main piston, the bottom of the main chamber and/or each other.
According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the capsule includes a dispensing mechanism to extract the mixed formulation by a user. The dispensing mechanism may be used instead of the extraction of the mixed formulation performed by the mixer device by pushing of the main piston. The dispensing mechanism may include pump(s), roll(s), valve(s), plunger(s) screw(s) and/or any type of mechanism for extracting material out of a container, such as. Below are described capsules having different dispensing mechanisms. The capsules are described at a state wherein a finished mixed formulation is at the main chamber, ready to be dispensed and used by a user, and the capsule is out of the mixer device.
Optionally, the dispensing mechanism is comprised of a hand-operated reciprocating pump. The reciprocating pump may be of any kind, for example airless pump, lotion or cream pump, spray pump, atomizer pump, trigger pump, foam pump, crimp pump, treatment pump, dosing pump, foundation pump push down pump and/or any other dispensing pump.
Optionally, the main piston 10505 includes a one-way locking element 10516. The locking element 10516 may be moved in the direction of the airless pump 10510, but cannot move in the other direction. For example, the locking element 10516 may be made of metal and include locking teeth 10517 which are pressing on an inner surface of the main chamber 10501. When the main piston 10505 is moved in the direction of the airless pump 10510 the flexibility of locking teeth 10517 causes the locking element 10516 to slide on the inner surface of the main chamber 10501. However, when the main piston 10505 is pushed in the direction away from the airless pump 10510, the locking teeth 10517 are cutting into the inner surface of the main chamber 10501 and preventing any movement.
When the formulation is mixed, the capsule is inside the mixing device in an orientation wherein the pump 10610 is at the bottom. When the user is ready to use the mixed formulation, the capsule is held by the user in an orientation wherein the pump 10610 is at the top. In this orientation, the mixed formulation may flow from the main chamber 10601 via the passages 10643 into the now-lower end of the mixer rod 10606.
When a user presses down on the actuator 10612 of the pump 10610, the pump piston 10613 moves to compress the spring 10614 and an upward air pressure draws the ball 10615 upwards, and also the draws mixed formulation into the tube 10611 and subsequently into the pump chamber 10616. This also causes the gasket 10617 to move, allowing air to flow into the main chamber 10601 to replace the mixed formulation. When the user releases the actuator 10612, the spring 10614 returns the pump piston 10613 and the actuator 10612 into the starting position, and the ball 10615 is returned to the resting position wherein it is sealing the pump chamber 10616 and preventing the mixed formulation from flowing back down into the main chamber 10601. When the user presses down on the actuator 10612 again, the mixed formulation that is already inside the pump chamber 10616 is drawn from the pump chamber 10616, through the pump piston 10613 and the actuator 10612, and dispenses out. As mixed formulation is extracted, the mixed formulation which is still in the main chamber 10601 continues to flow into the lower end of the mixer rod 10606, where it is then pulled into the tube 10611, until the capsule is empty of mixed formulation.
Optionally, the cover of the capsule and/or the main piston of the capsule include a screw-like arrangement which is creating helical movement relative to the body of the capsule, when the cover and/or main piston is rotated by a user. The helical movement created by the rotation causes the main piston to move towards the exit opening, while pushing the mixed formulation out of the capsule.
It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant motors, clamps, and actuators will be developed that are suitable for the functions described herein, and the scope of the terms motor, clamp, and actuator is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.
As used herein the term “about” refers to +10%.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.
The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.
As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.
The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.
Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents and patent applications referred to in this specification are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 113652 | Feb 2022 | WO | international |
| 113663 | Feb 2022 | WO | international |
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/163,990 filed on 22 Mar. 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/167,691 filed on 30 Mar. 2021, International Design Application No. WIPO113663 filed 16 Feb. 2022 and International Design Application No. WIPO113652 filed 16 Feb. 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2022/050320 | 3/22/2022 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63163990 | Mar 2021 | US | |
| 63167691 | Mar 2021 | US |
