Patent Application
20200277093
The disclosure herein generally relates to an apparatus for storing and dispensing a cosmetic fluid.
According to an embodiment, an apparatus is provided for storing and dispensing a cosmetic fluid, comprising: a body including a nozzle disposed at a first end of the body and an opening disposed at a second end of the body, the body being configured to hold a volume of a fluid; a one-way valve attached to the nozzle configured to allow a flow of the fluid in a first direction from a first end to a second end of the one-way valve, and preventing flow of the fluid in a second substantially opposite direction; and a piston, wherein the opening is configured to receive the piston; the piston forms a fluid seal with sidewalls of the body; the piston is configured to be translated along a length of the body from the second end of the body to the first end of the body; and the translation of the piston displaces and ejects a predetermined volume of fluid through the one-way valve.
According to an embodiment, a system configured to provide a cosmetic composition to a user, comprising: an apparatus configured to hold a plurality of cartridges which contain a respective plurality of cosmetic compositions and to dispense at least one cosmetic composition into a output container; and at least one of the plurality of cartridges, wherein the at least one of the plurality of the cartridges includes a body including a nozzle disposed at a first end of the body and an opening disposed at a second end of the body, the body being configured to hold a volume of a respective one of the plurality of cosmetic compositions, a one-way valve attached to the nozzle configured to allow a flow of the composition in a first direction from a first end to a second end of the one-way valve, and preventing flow of the composition in a second substantially opposite direction, and a piston, wherein, the opening is configured to receive the piston, the piston forms a fluid seal with sidewalls of the body, the apparatus includes a plunger that is configured to translate the piston along a length of the body from the second end of the body to the first end of the body, and the translation of the piston displaces and ejects a predetermined volume of fluid through the one-way valve.
The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. A more complete appreciation of the embodiments and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.
As shown in
Each cartridge has an NFC tag 330 that is initialized when the cartridge is filled. In one example, the NFC tag is adhered to a syringe within the cartridge. The cartridge is actually composed of a sheath that covers this syringe to hide visually the NFC tag and ensure it's well orientated. Every time the access panel of the apparatus 100 is opened and then closed, a scan is performed on each of the NFC tags of any cartridges inserted into the slots 210 or 212. After the NFC interface runs the scan, the apparatus will then learn for each cartridge:
Additionally, after the dispensing operation is performed, the volume will be updated by WRITING on the NFC a new volume (based on subtracting the volume dispensed from the old volume).
In an embodiment, in a closed configuration, the bill 352 forms a slit shape comprised of two “lips”. The one-way valve 350 progressively narrows from the cylindrical shape of the cuff 354 into the tapered shape of the bill 352. The one-way valve 350 adopts an open configuration when pressure from fluid flow is applied through the cuff 354 end of the one-way valve 350. In response to the applied pressure, the lips of the bill 352 part and the bill 352 opens, allowing the flow of fluid to pass through. When the pressurized fluid flow is removed from the cuff 354 end, the one-way valve 350 returns to the closed configuration. Notably, pressures applied to the bill 352 end of the one-way valve 350 result in the bill 352 sealing tighter, resulting in reduced occurrence of backflow. Moreover, the one-way valve 350 can be another type of valve allowing flow in substantially one direction. Non-limiting examples include at least one of an umbrella valve, a ball check valve, a dome valve, a swing check valve, a wafer check valve, a butterfly valve, a Belleville valve, a poppet check valve, and a cross-slit valve. The one-way valve 350 is fabricated with an elastomeric material by a heat molding process. For example, the one-way valve 350 is molded from a single piece of elastomeric material. Non-limiting examples of a material for the one-way valve 350 includes at least one of silicone, rubber, Neoprene (i.e. polychloroprene), ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, butyl rubber, and other synthetic rubbers, or any combination thereof.
The advantages of the one-way valve 350 are summarized as follows. The shape and material choice for the one-way valve 350 allows for adjustment of a threshold for the fluid pressure to open the bill 352. For example, the one-way valve 350 comprised of a more elastic material open in response to a lower fluid pressure as compared to the one-way valve 350 comprised of a stiffer. Concomitantly, an ejection velocity of the fluid exiting the one-way valve 350 is faster for the one-way valve 350 comprised of a stiffer material. Similarly, the material choice also allows for adjustment of a time for opening (and closing) of the bill 352, wherein a more viscoelastic material results in a longer opening (and closing) time. An elastic material for the one-way valve 350 results in a shorter opening (and closing) time, leading to more accurate volume dispensing and cleaner nozzle 344 area due to less residual fluid adhering to the bill 352. Lastly, an elongated shape for the bill 352 decreases the contact angle for fluid at the tip of the bill 352, which allows for less residual fluid adhering to the bill 352.
In one example, one of the cartridges 520 is detected to be moved into a proper position beneath the dispenser 140 by using a sensor 502 shown in
In one example, the inductive sensor on the carousel 510 only detects an original position of the carousel (the “HOME” position), and the motor step count on the drive gear 506, driven by the motor 508 and moving around a bearing 512, is reliable and repeatable enough to precisely move to booster/base positions from the HOME position. In another example, there is a variation, or hole, in the metal plate representing when each booster or base has moved into the dispensing area or at a point of detection of the NFC interface. A sensitivity of the sensor 502 may be adjusted by sensitivity adjustment screw 514.
The CPU is configured to detect when a target volume is reached with a closed loop using a load cell. The load cell (not shown) is disposed under the container holder 152. The load cell measures the actual volume dispensed by weighing the container holder being filled and causes a signal to be transmitted to the dispensing motor to cause the plunger to retract as soon as volume is reached. Additionally, the plunger will travel quickly down until it reaches the cartridge then slow down because there is a sensor (not shown) on the plunger able to detect a metal ring placed on the cartridge.
On the mixing side, the carrier 610 is a rotating carrier which is driven by way of a drive shaft 650 shown in
The mixer is attached to the platform 140 by connectors 670 and platform 680.
In an embodiment, circuitry includes, among other things, one or more computing devices such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a quantum processor, qubit processor, etc.), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, or any combinations thereof, and can include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronics, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, a module includes one or more ASICs having a plurality of predefined logic components. In an embodiment, a module includes one or more FPGAs, each having a plurality of programmable logic components.
In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more components operably coupled (e.g., communicatively, electromagnetically, magnetically, ultrasonically, optically, inductively, electrically, capacitively coupled, wirelessly coupled, or the like) to each other. In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more remotely located components. In an embodiment, remotely located components are operably coupled, for example, via wireless communication. In an embodiment, remotely located components are operably coupled, for example, via one or more communication modules, receivers, transmitters, transceivers, or the like.
In an embodiment, any of the CPU 710 or other components shown in
In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more computer-readable media drives, interface sockets, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, memory card slots, or the like, and one or more input/output components such as, for example, a graphical user interface, a display, a keyboard, a keypad, a trackball, a joystick, a touch-screen, a mouse, a switch, a dial, or the like, and any other peripheral device. In an embodiment, a module includes one or more user input/output components that are operably coupled to at least one computing device configured to control (electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented, firmware-implemented, or other control, or combinations thereof) at least one parameter associated with, for example, determining one or more tissue thermal properties responsive to detected shifts in turn-ON voltage.
In an embodiment, circuitry includes a computer-readable media drive or memory slot that is configured to accept signal-bearing medium (e.g., computer-readable memory media, computer-readable recording media, or the like). In an embodiment, a program for causing a system to execute any of the disclosed methods can be stored on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium, a signal-bearing medium, or the like. Non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include a recordable type medium such as a magnetic tape, floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), Blu-Ray Disc, a digital tape, a computer memory, or the like, as well as transmission type medium such as a digital or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., receiver, transmitter, transceiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.). Further non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include, but are not limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-ROM, Super Audio CD, CD-R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD-RW, Video Compact Discs, Super Video Discs, flash memory, magnetic tape, magneto-optic disk, MINIDISC, non-volatile memory card, EEPROM, optical disk, optical storage, RAM, ROM, system memory, web server, or the like.
In an embodiment, circuitry includes acoustic transducers, electroacoustic transducers, electrochemical transducers, electromagnetic transducers, electromechanical transducers, electrostatic transducers, photoelectric transducers, radioacoustic transducers, thermoelectric transducers, or ultrasonic transducers.
In an embodiment, circuitry includes electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.) In an embodiment, circuitry includes electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, or electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit. In an embodiment, circuitry includes electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical or other analogs.
The information processing apparatus 1210 may be a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a smart phone, a tablet device, a UMPC (Ultra Mobile Personal Computer), a net-book, or a notebook type personal computer. In the below examples, the information processing apparatus 1210 is assumed to be a tablet device, such as an Apple iPad.
The printer 1220 may be any type of printing device or image forming device as understood in the art which has the capability of printing a label. In the below examples, the printing device is assumed to be a label printer, such as the Wireless Brother PTP750W.
Each of the information processing apparatus 1210 and the printer 1220 are capable of performing wireless communication with the apparatus 100 by way of the Bluetooth interface on the apparatus 100. However, each of the information processing apparatus 1210 and the printer 1220 are also capable of having a wired connection to the apparatus 100 by way of the USB interface on the apparatus 100. Additionally, each device, including the apparatus 100, may communicate with each other and the external one or more devices through an internet connection via an 802.11 wireless connection to a wireless internet access point, or a physical connection to the internet access point, such as through an Ethernet interface. Each of the information processing apparatus 1210 and the printer 1220 are capable of performing wireless communication with each other through a Bluetooth connection or other wireless means as well.
The information processing apparatus 1210 is configured to receive information about a user for use in generating a recipe that will be used by the apparatus 100 to dispense a composition into the output container. The information processing apparatus 1210 may be operated by a “beauty advisor” (BA) working at the retail store that sells the dispensed composition to the customer user. However, the information processing apparatus 1210 can also be operated directly by the customer user.
A process performed by the system 1200 is shown on
In a non-limiting example, the information processing apparatus 1210 is configured to output a series of questions to the user to collect information about the user for generating the recipe. However, alternative embodiments are also available in which the user enters information directly into appropriate fields displayed on the information processing apparatus 1210 without being prompted by displayed questions in order to input the information into the information processing apparatus 1210.
The information processing apparatus 1210 collects biographical information about the user, such as name, age, skin tone, or any other information which may be used to generate a profile of the user. For generating a recipe of the user, a series of questions or fields are presented to the user to generate preferences on types of skin conditions the user would like to address through the composition dispensed by the apparatus 100.
In addition to a questionnaire, an optional skin diagnosis may be performed by a skin diagnosis application as is known in the art.
Based on the responses to these questions, field entries, or skin diagnosis, the information processing apparatus 1210 will generate the recipe of booster and base compositions to be dispensed by the apparatus 100.
A three tiered weighting system is shown in
Each area of concern will then be available for selection to be addressed in the recipe. In the embodiment shown in
In a non-limiting example, there are five different booster compositions available for inclusion into the recipe.
A first booster composition is an “anti-aging” booster which addresses concerns such as skin sagging, lack of firmness, lines and wrinkles. Examples of such an anti-aging booster include retinol, retinol derivatives, ANOGEISSUS LEIOCARPUS BARK EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED RHODOPHYCEA EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED LINSEED EXTRACT, PSEUDOALTEROMONAS FERMENT EXTRACT, MANILKARA MULTINERVIS LEAF EXTRACT, LAVANDULA HYBRIDA OIL, GRIFOLA FRONDOSA FRUITING BODY EXTRACT, PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA LEAF EXTRACT, CYATHEA MEDULLARIS LEAF EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, MALUS DOMESTICA FRUIT CELL CULTURE EXTRACT, RESVERATROL, SALICYLOYL PHYTOSPHINGOSINE).
A second booster composition is an “oily skin and imperfections booster which addresses concerns such as clogged pores, acne, blackhead, and shiny or greasy skin. Examples of such a booster include LENS ESCULENTA (LENTIL) SEED EXTRACT, SARCOSINE, PEUMUS BOLDUS LEAF EXTRACT, CRITHMUM MARITIMUM EXTRACT, NIACINAMIDE, SALICYLIC ACID, HYDROXYETHYLPIPERAZINE ETHANE SULFONIC ACID, SPIRAEA ULMARIA EXTRACT, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE).
A third booster composition is a “dullness and dryness” booster which addresses concerns such as rough, dull, and dry skin. Examples of such a booster include HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN, OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS ROOT EXTRACT, CHENOPODIUM QUINOA SEED EXTRACT, TAMARINDUS INDICA SEED GUM, XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE (and) ANHYDROXYLITOL (and) XYLITOL, CERAMIDE derivatives, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES, MYRISTYL MALATE PHOSPHONIC ACID, MANNOSE, 2-OLEAMIDO-1,3-OCTADECANEDIOL).
A fourth booster composition is a “tone” booster which addresses concerns such as uneven tone, spots, and pigmentation. Examples of such a booster include ACETYL TRIFLUOROMETHYLPHENYL VALYLGLYCINE, Ascorbic acid and derivatives, PHENYLETHYL RESORCINOL, DIOSCOREA VILLOSA (WILD YAM) ROOT EXTRACT, HYDROXYPHENOXY PROPIONIC ACID, HYDROXYPALMITOYL SPHINGANINE, FERULIC ACID, SUCROSE DILAURATE (and) PISUM SATIVUM (PEA) EXTRACT, SACCHAROMYCES/XYLINUM/BLACK TEA FERMENT, NELUMBO NUCIFERA FLOWER EXTRACT).
A fifth booster composition is a “sensitive skin” booster which addresses concerns such as redness, blotchy skin, and allergies. Examples of such a booster include MADECASSOSIDE, SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE, PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-8, PANTHENOL, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) LEAF EXTRACT, MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) EXTRACT, LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM EXTRACT, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, ACETYL DIPEPTIDE-1 CETYL ESTER, ACETYL TETRAPEPTIDE-15, BOSWELLIA SERRATA EXTRACT, SODIUM PALMITOYL PROLINE (and) NYMPHAEA ALBA FLOWER EXTRACT).
If two skin concerns are given top priority, then there are two cases depending on the relative weight given to each of the two skin concerns. If the two skin concerns have the same weight, then a single 3% shot each of booster will be added to the recipe while an additional 3% shot of the base composition will be added as well. If one of the two skin concerns has a higher weight, then 6% (2*3%) will be used for the booster corresponding to the higher weighted skin concern, and 3% will be used for the booster corresponding to the lower weighted skin concern.
If three skin concerns are given top priority, then a single 3% shot of each booster corresponding to each skin concern will be added to the recipe.
In step 2010, the circuitry receives a selection of the base composition and the fragrance booster and allocates predetermined percentages of the overall blended composition recipe to each of these selections respectively. In the set of rules shown in
In step 2012, the circuitry receives the number N of top priority skin concerns of the user, and also optionally receives a weight corresponding to each of the top priority skin concerns, such as high, medium, or low. If the number of top priority skin concerns is one, then the process proceeds to step 2014, where the circuitry determines that all of the remaining percentage of the blended composition recipe, after subtracting the percent already allocated to the base composition and the fragrance booster, is to be allocated to the booster composition which corresponds to the one top priority concern. As shown in the example set of rules in
Alternatively, if N=3, the process proceeds to step 2016. In this step, the circuitry determines that the remaining percentage of the blended composition recipe, after subtracting the percent already allocated to the base composition and the fragrance booster, is to be divided equally to the booster composition corresponding to each of the three top priority concerns. As shown in the example set of rules in
Alternatively, N=2, the process proceeds to step 2018, where a further determination is made as to whether one of the two top priority concerns has a higher weight than the other top priority concern.
If each of the top priority concerns has an equal weight (such as both having a “medium” weight), then the process proceeds to step 2020, where the circuitry determines that the remaining percentage of the blended composition recipe, after subtracting the percent already allocated to the base composition and the fragrance booster, is to be allocated in equal portions to the booster composition corresponding to each of the two top priority concerns and the base composition. As shown in the example set of rules in
If one of the two top priority concerns from step 2018 has a higher weight than the other top priority concern, then the process proceeds to step 2022, where the circuitry determines that that the remaining percentage of the blended composition recipe, after subtracting the percent already allocated to the base composition and the fragrance booster, is to be allocated such that a predetermined majority of portion amounts is allocated to the higher priority booster, and a predetermined lesser amount is allocated to the lower priority booster. In the example of
After the final allocated percentages of the selected base composition, selected fragrance booster, and one or more booster compositions corresponding to the user's top priorities are determined, the process ends and a final recipe has been determined. The final recipe can then be transmitted and/or stored to the blend apparatus 100. As mentioned above, the circuitry of the information processing apparatus, the external server, or the blend apparatus 100 may perform the process shown in
Additionally, a different algorithm may be utilized than the algorithm of
At this point, the blend apparatus performs the process shown in
A detailed flowchart is shown in
A first sub-process 2101 is performed by the Beauty Advisory (BA) on the tablet device 1210 in which the BA will input registration information if the BA is logging in for the first time, otherwise the BA will input pre-existing login information. Then, a sub-process 2102 will be performed on the tablet 1210 in which the customer will input registration information if the customer is logging in for the first time, otherwise the customer will input pre-existing login information. Next, the a choice of a type of blend will be inputted into the tablet 1210 at step 2103. Either an automatic blend will be generated, a manual blend will be inputted, or a pre-existing recipe will be selected. When an automatic blend is selected, the process moves to 2104, where a skin diagnosis is performed. The skin diagnosis is performed by any one of the tools discussed above to identify areas of concern for the user as described above. After the results of the skin diagnosis are outputted, the BA will question the customer at step 2015 to determine the top skin concerns (priorities). Based on the top skin priorities, the recipe for the blend will be determined at step 2106. If the manual blend or a pre-existing recipe is selected at sub-process 2103, then these selections proceed directly to step 2106.
After the recipe for the blend is determined, the recipe is sent to the Apparatus/Machine 100 where the ingredients for the recipe are checked at step 2107. If the ingredients are ok, then the apparatus/machine 100 prompts the BA to put the jar (output container) into the dispensing area (2108), and then at step 2109 the process of blending and dispensing the ingredients into the output container is performed. If there is an error in the ingredient checking process, such as an incorrect base or booster cartridge being inserted in the apparatus 100, a low volume in one of the base or booster cartridges, an expired base or booster cartridge, or a missing base or booster cartridge, then the apparatus/machine 100 prompts the BA to correct the error at step 2110.
At step 2111, the dispensing process is underway. At step 2112, the dispensing may undergo an error due to a lock-up in one of the processes, or the primary lid being open. If there is an error during the dispensing process, the apparatus/machine 100 will prompt the BA to correct the error at step 2113. If the dispensing process proceeds without an error (OK at 2112), then the BA will be notified that dispensing is complete and the BA will be prompted to close the jar/output container and place the jar into the mixer at step 2114. Once the output container is placed into the mixer, and after the access panel is closed, the BA will start the mixer at step 2115. Simultaneously, or after the mixing step is completed, the tablet 1210 will retrieve consumer information (2116), such as an e-mail address, and transmit an instruction to the printer (2117) to print a label for the jar/output container.
At step 2118, the dispensing process is underway. At step 2119, the mixing may checked to determine if there is an error due to the primary lid being open. If there is an error during the mixing process, the apparatus/machine 100 will prompt the BA to correct the error at step 2120. If the mixing process proceeds without an error (OK at 2119), then the mixing is complete and the output container is ready.
At step 2121, the printing may checked to determine if there is an error due to a failed connection to the printer, the printer being off, the printer is low on ink, or there is no printing medium (such as labels) inserted. If there is an error during the printing process, the apparatus/machine 100 will prompt the BA to correct the error at step 2122. If the printing process proceeds without an error (OK at 2121), then the printing is complete.
When both the mixing and the printing is complete, then the final product is considered to be ready (2123). At this point, the tablet 1210 transmits an e-mail (or a text message) to the user based on the retrieved consumer information to notify the user that the final product is ready for pick-up. Additionally, a record of the final product in association with the consumer is transmitted to external device 1230 (i.e., posted to the “cloud”), and the process is complete.
Numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the claimed invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
