Duckbill nozzle assembly

Abstract

A nozzle assembly for dispensing a liquid product is disclosed herein. The nozzle assembly for dispensing includes an upper nozzle plate configured to couple with a container and a duckbill valve. The nozzle assembly also includes a lower nozzle plate coupled to the upper nozzle plate and housing the duckbill valve. The duckbill valve further includes a base fixed between the lower nozzle plate and the upper nozzle plate. The upper nozzle plate includes an aperture configured to receive a valve of the container. The upper nozzle plate includes a diverter forming part of the aperture. The product is dispensed from the container through the nozzle assembly. The duckbill valve deforms to an open position to enable dispensing of the product and returns to a closed position after dispensing stops.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 356,809, filed on June 29, 2022, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Electronically controlled hair dye dispensing systems are becoming increasingly popular in the hair salon industry, as they allow for the mechanized dispensing and mixing of hair dyes. The components used to create a hair coloring formulation are typically dispensed separately into containers such as tubes or bottles, allowing a stylist to create a custom - made mixture of hair dye for a customer. Additionally, the components of a hair coloring formulation are usually provided separately to extend their shelf life and to avoid any adverse chemical reactions that may occur when the components are combined and stored over a long period of time.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] For the purpose of summarizing the advantages achieved over the present disclosure and the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the present disclosure are described herein. In certain embodiments, not all of such objects or advantages may be achieved. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or practiced so as to achieve one advantage or group of advantages taught herein, but may not necessarily achieve other objects or advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0004] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a nozzle assembly for product dispensing, the nozzle assembly comprising an upper nozzle plate configured to couple to a container and a duckbill valve, a lower nozzle plate coupled to the upper nozzle plate and having a central through-hole through which the duckbill valve passes, the duckbill valve having a self-closing, elastic tip. In some embodiments, the upper nozzle plate comprises an aperture configured to receive the valve of the container. In some embodiments, the aperture is located within a protruding housing portion of the upper nozzle plate. In some embodiments, the upper nozzle plate comprises a diverter forming part of the aperture. In some embodiments, the duckbill valve further comprises a base fixed between the lower nozzle plate and the upper nozzle plate. In some embodiments, the base comprises an inlet that is in fluid communication with the diverter of the upper nozzle plate. In some embodiments, the nozzle assembly for product dispensing further comprises one or more hooks coupling the upper nozzle plate to the lower nozzle plate. In some embodiments, the upper nozzle plate is coupled to the lower nozzle plate by one or more of ultrasonic bonding, thermal caulking, an adhesive, or a mechanical fastener. In some embodiments, the upper nozzle plate is coupled to the lower nozzle plate by thermal caulking. In some embodiments, the shape of the lower nozzle plate is conical. In some embodiments, the lower nozzle plate further comprises an annular wall extending vertically from a portion where the cone is inverted, the annular wall housing the upper nozzle plate. In some embodiments, the lower nozzle plate comprises a rib wall. In some embodiments, the rib wall is concentric with the central through-hole and offset from the central through-hole. In some embodiments, the elastic tip comprises silicone.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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[0006] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosed invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the technology, not limitation of the technology. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the technology without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in combination with another embodiment to yield further embodiments. Accordingly, the subject matter is intended to embrace all such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0007] Embodiments relate to a dye dispensing system that dispenses dye from a container through a valve to a receiver. Such a system can operate more optimally when there are no debris or agents that could potentially interfere with the mechanical functions of the system. For example, in a system that dispenses an agent through a nozzle, there should be no residual agent in the nozzle after dispensing, as the residual agent could dry and clog the nozzle or otherwise affect the fluid flow during future use. A dirty nozzle can negatively impact the accuracy of the amount of agent dispensed and can harm the direction in which the agent is dispensed. Additionally, a dirty nozzle can contribute to the accumulation of dispensed agent in other areas of the dispensing system, which can potentially harm the mechanical functions of the entire system.

[0008] Embodiments of the dye dispensing devices, systems, and methods described herein have the ability to dispense dyes used in hair coloring and create an almost infinite number of unique color formulations. Additionally, the system can be programmed to perform various optional processes along with accurate computer-controlled dispensing. The color formulations to be blended can be created by skilled chemists, mass-produced remotely such as in a factory, and then packaged in recyclable, optionally refillable, and reusable containers. By way of example, the container may be a pressurized piston-type container, a bag-on-valve container, or an aerosol container. The dye dispensing device, system, and method can dispense dyes such as a "base tone" or "base level" which can constitute a majority of the dispensed color formulation, "pure tones" or "tonal values" which are high-concentration dyes of a particular color, and "developer" which can be hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or other additives and treatment agents of different concentrations. By combining these components, unique formulations are created. The product within the container may consist of a dye, a permanent agent, a semi-permanent agent, a demi-permanent agent, a bleach / lightener, a color refresher, a temporary agent, a co-bonder, an additive, a treatment, a toner, or a developer. The consistency of the product may vary in texture such as a liquid, granular, powder, etc. As used throughout this specification, the term "dye" or "liquid" refers to the product which may include, but is not limited to, a dye or a liquid.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the container is configured with an internal valve that allows for almost all of the dye within the container to be dispensed without contamination from other dye sources. The system may also include inventory management functions and communication functions.

[0010] The container of the system is attached to a nozzle assembly into which the dye is dispensed. Due to the shape of the nozzle and the properties of the material that allow the nozzle to deform and then return to its original shape, this nozzle assembly minimizes the residual dye that remains on and within the nozzle after dispensing. Specifically, the shape of the nozzle resembles that of a duckbill, tapering towards a slit-shaped opening that would be closed in the absence of interaction. When dispensing a liquid agent through the duckbill nozzle, the slit-shaped opening opens to allow the liquid agent to pass through, and then closes and returns to the duckbill shape when dispensing stops. Thus, when dispensing stops, the nozzle functions to substantially block the flow of the product passing through the nozzle. This substantially blocks the interior of the nozzle from the outside air and reduces the amount of product adhering to the nozzle.

[0011] In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly interacts with a wiper assembly to further reduce the amount of residual dye remaining in the nozzle, that is, immediately inside the nozzle. The wiper assembly has a plate portion with an opening through which the liquid agent is dispensed. On both sides of the opening are wipers that are used to clean the nozzle assembly as the container moves to and from the dispensing position. These wipers function by contacting the nozzle to clean the residual liquid agent of the nozzle assembly both before and after the liquid agent is dispensed. This wiper assembly can be attached under the tray that holds the container such that the nozzle assembly contacts the wiper as the tray moves the container to the dispensing position. The wipers may be made of rubber or another elastomeric material that physically contacts the valve of the nozzle to remove excess product.

[0012] The combination of the wiper assembly and the nozzle assembly functions to remove all or substantially all of the remaining fluid on the tip of the nozzle after a dispensing cycle. When the wiper contacts the nozzle, the wiper deforms the nozzle and wipes away any product remaining on the outside or tip of the nozzle. In some embodiments, the force of the wiper extrudes some or all of the product remaining in the nozzle. By wiping away any remaining product at the tip of the nozzle assembly and / or deforming the nozzle to remove any remaining product inside, the wiper prevents the product from drying and clogging the nozzle in future dispensing. This keeps the dispensed fluid within the dispensing range and prevents the fluid from spreading throughout the system. As a result, this ensures that the system remains clean and operates optimally.

[0013] Furthermore, by compressing and deforming the nozzle to remove excess fluid, the wiper and nozzle assembly ensure optimal fluid dispensing, as there is no fluid left on or in the nozzle to dry and harden and potentially distort future fluid flow. Additionally, the wiper assembly and nozzle assembly simplify system cleaning, as when the user cleans the system, it is sufficient to clean one component, namely the wiper assembly. The user may instruct the system to initiate a self-cleaning process where one or more containers dispense a small amount of fluid and then it is wiped away. Additionally, during normal operation, all nozzles may be periodically wiped even when no fluid is being dispensed from the nozzles, as multiple containers are rotated in the system. This ensures that the nozzles are periodically wiped to prevent clogging between usage periods.

[0014] Dye dispensing devices, systems, and methods can monitor individual containers and transmit the actual dispensed amounts to a network or central server (e.g., a cloud-based application, a stand-alone server device, etc.), and as a result, it can automate inventory management by initiating automated direct replenishment shipments of the containers. The dye dispensing system can be operated by a stylist using a control panel or an app on a mobile device such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or web browser. Commands can be sent to the system from software operating on an online server or from a central server.

[0015] Figure 1A is a simplified schematic diagram of a dye dispensing system 110 environment incorporating an apparatus 100 according to some embodiments. For example, the apparatus 100 can communicate with one or more mobile devices 112 via a network 114. The apparatus 100 includes a controller 116. The controller 116 can be housed within the housing 102 or located remotely from the apparatus 100 and communicate with the system 110 via a network 114 such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), etc. Thus, the controller 116 can be a microcontroller unit incorporated into the apparatus 100, a separate stand-alone remote controller or computer, a cloud-based application, or other suitable device or combination of devices. The controller 116 can include one or more CPUs or processor boards, a computer display, a touch screen, and interface hardware. Communication or transmission can be performed wired or wireless (or a hybrid combination thereof) and can be realized by a Wi-Fi system, Bluetooth® wireless technology, Ethernet, a router, cellular phone communication, satellite communication, etc. The system may also be able to function as a Wi-Fi access point. In various embodiments, the controller 116 is a mobile device such as a laptop, a computer, or a tablet or a cellular phone. In another embodiment, the user interface may be part of the controller 116, as in the case where the controller 116 is configured as a laptop, a computer, a tablet, or a mobile device 112, and can capture inputs for communication with the apparatus 100 or the system 110 or be used as an information center.

[0016] A dye formulation specifies at least one dye and the amount of the dye. Typically, a dye formulation contains the respective amounts of various dyes and other developers or agents used to create an appropriate mixture for dyeing a customer's hair to an exact target color. This dye formulation may be a recipe for creating a hair coloring composition for a coloring or treatment service performed on a customer. In certain embodiments, the dye formulation is composed of data 117 from an internal database, an external database, or input from a user. In certain embodiments, the database contains files or records associated with the containers and / or trays of the system.

[0017] Requests, instructions, responses, and data can be sent via network 114. In certain embodiments, device 100 and system 110 may assist in DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) assignment of internal IP addresses, receive input, and initiate communication by network 114. Network 114 may utilize Ethernet and Internet protocols such as TCP / IP, UDP, HTTP, or HTTPS, and data formats such as HTML, JSON, or XML for these transactions. In various embodiments, these communications may include user interface interactions, periodic timeouts of device 100, events of system 110 such as a container being inserted or removed, or completion of a dispensing sequence. Communication between device 100 and controller 116 can occur via network 114, either directly or through independent access channels. If the primary network connection becomes unavailable, a backup system can be used, which can report GPS coordinates and assist in communication operations.

[0018] Figures 1B-1C show perspective views of a hair dye dispensing device 100 or system according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1C shows the device 100 without the housing 102. Here, the wiper assembly 200 is shown coupled to the tray 118 and the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 is shown disposed in the container 120.

[0019] According to this embodiment, the dye dispensing device 100 has a housing 102 that can be made of metal, plastic, composite material, or combinations thereof. For example, the door 104 is disposed in the upper region of the housing 102 to provide access to the interior of the housing 102, to address stacking of containers or any potential issues that may arise. The door 104 may have a locking option (not shown). The panel 106 on the front of the dispensing device 100 may include a screen or display for obtaining inputs for communication with the dye dispensing device 100 or for functioning as an information center. For example, the screen or display on the panel 106 may display power mode, login function, queue for dispensing, and system messages. Hair color, i.e., dye, can be dispensed in a dispensing area 108 disposed in the lower region of the housing 102.

[0020] In some embodiments, each container 120 is labeled with a unique identifier 128, such as a barcode, QR code, catalog number, or icon code. The identifier 128 may be scanned, read, and recognized by a device such as reader 136. Reader 136 may be a stand-alone unit or part of controller 116 and may be disposed within the housing. Reader 136 may be coupled to a sidewall or top wall of the housing and may be located on the dispenser or anywhere that can directly view container 120. In certain embodiments, other technologies such as RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology, NFC (near-field communication) technology, etc. may be used to uniquely identify container 120. In some embodiments, identifier 128 confirms the presence of container 120 in device 100 and identifies specific contents in container 120, such as the color of the dye. Identifier 128 may include other information such as product name, date the container 120 was filled with a specific dye, amount of dye remaining in container 120, lot number or batch number, and other notations the manufacturer may wish to include.

[0021] Reader 136 communicates with controller 116. Reader 136 is configured to scan, read, and recognize identifier 128 labeled on container 120 and communicate that information to controller 116. Controller 116 may recognize information embedded in identifier 128, such as product name, amount remaining in container 120, and lot number or batch number. In another embodiment, there may be two or more readers 136 designed to identify container 120 disposed in a specific area of tray 118. For example, one reader 136 may identify container 120 in the inner row of tray 118, and another reader 136 may identify container 120 in the outer row of tray 118.

[0022] The tray 118 within the housing 102 can be coupled to the housing 102 and is configured to hold at least one container 120. The bearing 170 can be coupled to the tray 118 and enables the tray 118 to rotate. The tray 118 can have any shape, such as a circular, circular conveyor configuration, and can be operated by a drive mechanism 124 such as a motor. The tray 118 communicates with the controller 116. In other embodiments, the tray 118 is fixed. The tray 118 is configured with at least one opening 126 to hold the container 120.

[0023] In some embodiments, as shown, there can be rows of multiple openings 126, such as two concentric rows. In some embodiments, the tray 118 can include up to 50 openings 126 arranged in two rows, with 20 openings 126 in the inner row and 30 openings 126 in the outer row. In some embodiments, the tray 118 can include 35 openings 126 with 14 openings 126 in the inner row and 21 openings 126 in the outer row. In other embodiments, the tray 118 can be square-shaped with 40 openings 126 arranged in four rows. In yet another embodiment, the tray 118 can be octagon-shaped with 40 openings 126 arranged in a block. The shape of the tray 118 and the arrangement of the openings 126 can be customized according to the application. Since the dimensions, shapes, and numbers of the openings can be changed, it is possible to reduce the overall dimensions of the apparatus 100 and accommodate space constraints in a salon. Further, if only a small number of containers 120 are required for a particular application, the overall dimensions of the apparatus 100 can be reduced. For example, in a salon, only a limited amount of color formulations may be provided, so only 10 containers 120 may be required instead of up to 50 containers 120.

[0024] In this configuration, the shaft 166 has an extension 168. The shaft 166 can be coupled to the tray 118, such as at the center of the tray 118. A plate 150 with the device 152 is coupled to the shaft 166. The device 152 may be a strain gauge. The receiver 154 is coupled to the plate 150 in the dispensing area 108. Aligning the selected container 120 with the dispensing area 108 is done by the drive mechanism 124. Since the drive mechanism 124 is configured to rotate the shaft 166, the extension 168 and the plate 150 also rotate, while the tray 118 remains stationary. The drive mechanism 124 may be a motor coupled to a gear, and the bearing 170 can enable the rotation of the shaft 166 by being coupled to the shaft 166 or the tray 118.

[0025] For example, the reader 136 can be coupled to the shaft 166, the extension 168, or the plate 150. In this way, when the shaft 166 is rotated by the drive mechanism 124, the reader 136 can identify the selected container 120. Once the selected container 120 is identified, the selected container 120 is aligned with the dispensing area 108. The controller 116 aligns the selected container 120 with the dispensing area 108 by communicating with the drive mechanism 124. The controller 116 also communicates with the actuator 144. The actuator 144 actuates the lever arms 146a, 146b with the protrusions 148a, 148b and positions them above the selected container 120. The protrusions 148a, 148b or additional dispenser components within the device can apply a downward force to the selected container 120 while the protrusions 148a, 148b are in direct contact with the upper surface of the container 120. This opens the valve 130 of the container 120 and allows the dye to flow out through the nozzle assembly 500 attached to the container 120. This can be received at the receiver 154. This can be repeated until all of the contents of the dye formulation are dispensed. The nozzle assembly 500 on the container 120 can be cleaned of residues by the wiper 400. When the shaft 166 rotates, the wiper 400 contacts the nozzle assembly 500 to remove the residues.

[0026] Note that other dispensing configurations may also be used. For example, the dispenser plate may be configured to rise from directly below the nozzle assembly 500 and dispense the dye by pushing the nozzle from below. Any method or system that results in pressure being applied to the nozzle or container to dispense the dye so that the dye is dispensed is within the scope of this system.

[0027] According to one exemplary embodiment, the system 110 can be used to dispense the dye as follows. The container 120 is aligned with the dispensing area 108, and the protrusions 148a, 148b apply a force to the container 120 to dispense the dye. For example, the controller 116 communicates with the reader 136. Based on the identifier 128, the reader 136 identifies the selected dye in the selected container 120 associated with the dye formulation. The selected container 120 is aligned with the dispensing area 108. The controller 116 communicates with the protrusions 148a, 148b. The protrusions 148a, 148b apply a downward force to the selected container 120 while the protrusion 148 is in direct contact with the upper surface of the container 120. This opens the valve of the container 120 and allows the dye to flow out through the nozzle 132 of the container 120. The dye 134 is dispensed in an amount such as 0.01 grams - 140.00 grams and within any programmed range.

[0028] The controller 116 enables starting and stopping the dispensing of the dye and changing the rate of dispensing. For example, the dispensing may start slowly, increase, level off, and then decrease as the required amount of dye is approached. The rate of dispensing may be customized according to the amount of dye being dispensed and the time required for the apparatus 100 to make up the dye formulation.

[0029] The user may input various instructions into the dye dispensing system 110. One such instruction may request the apparatus 100 to perform a cleaning process. This process initializes the apparatus 100, dispenses a small amount of dye from each container 120, and then wipes each duckbill nozzle assembly 500 against the wiper assembly 200. Alternatively, the cleaning device may request the apparatus 100 to clean a single container. Further, the dye dispensing system 110 may track when and how often each container 120 is wiped and dispensed. Additionally, the dye dispensing system 110 may track how full each container 120 is.

[0030] If one or more containers 120 are not dispensed or wiped within a particular time period, the dye dispensing system 110 can prompt the user to initiate a cleaning process. This time period may be a set number of hours, days, or weeks. The dye dispensing system 110 may prompt the user to initiate a cleaning process at the start or end of each day. The dye dispensing system 110 may prompt the user to initiate a dye process when the dye in the container 120 runs low. Additionally, the prompt may be displayed before or after the container 120 is replaced.

[0031] In other embodiments, the dye dispensing system 110 may prompt the user to initiate a cleaning process based on the operation of the apparatus 100. For example, the prompt may be sent after a certain number of dispenses of the apparatus 100. The dye dispensing system 110 may set a threshold for the number of dispenses, such as every 50 or 100 dispenses, before the user is notified of the prompt.

[0032] In addition to, or instead of, prompting the user to initiate the cleaning process, the dye dispensing system 110 may notify the user to remove and clean the wiper assembly 200. Similar to the notification of the cleaning process, the notification for cleaning the wiper assembly 200 may be based on either the use of the container or the time since the last cleaning. In certain embodiments, the dye dispensing system 110 may be configured to track inventory and generate reports. For example, the identifier 128 of each container 120 may be read during installation, whereby the dye dispensing system 110 may monitor, track, and reorder inventory. Self-diagnostic scans may be performed by the controller 116 or the reader 136, or a combination of the two, to monitor the current operating state, position errors, warnings, or faults.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the dye dispensing system 110 may automate the reorder process of the containers 120 and the payment process of the salon. For example, an inventory management system may initiate a replacement order. Since the order may be executed by a supplier that provides automatic delivery, the inventory maintenance cost and management labor of the salon owner can be saved. To track information from order to delivery, inventory items may be audited based on shipping data. Containers 120 containing the dye 134 may be automatically billed and purchased electronically and automatically, thus minimizing the payment hassle and streamlining the processing of the accounts payable system implemented in the salon. In some embodiments, the method has a hierarchical marketing strategy that offers direct sales to high-end salons and manufacturer representatives to lower-tier salons. In other embodiments, shipping costs and packaging are reduced by shipping the containers directly from the factory.

[0034] In further embodiments, the apparatus 100 and the system 110 may dispense other liquids such as, for example, developers, shampoos, conditioners, lighteners, additives / treatments, or any combination thereof.

[0035] Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wiper assembly 200 that is not attached to the tray 118. The wiper assembly includes a wiper plate 300 and wipers 400a-d attached to the plate at four different positions. In this embodiment, there are four wipers, namely wipers 400a-d, attached to the wiper plate 300.

[0036] The wiper plate 300 may be made of a single material and has a flat surface 301 with two openings, a first opening 214 and a second opening 216. The openings are bounded by boundary walls 208 and 210 that extend vertically from the flat surface 301. Here, the first boundary wall 208 surrounds the first opening 214, and the second boundary wall 210 surrounds the second opening 216. The dimensions and shapes of the openings may vary. In this embodiment, the shape of the openings is elliptical. In other embodiments, the openings may be square, rectangular, circular, or any other orthogonal shape. During use, the container may wipe the nozzle with one of the wipers 400a-d before or after dispensing the dye through one of the openings.

[0037] Separating the boundary walls is a partition wall 212 that extends between the first boundary wall 208 and the second boundary wall 210. Perpendicular to the partition wall 212 are protrusions 206a-b indicated by a first protrusion 206a and a second protrusion 206b. The partition wall 212 spans the distance of each protrusion 206a,b and contacts their respective inner surfaces 207. The inner surfaces of the protrusions 206a,b are the surfaces facing one or more openings. The protrusions 206a,b are spaced apart such that their respective openings and corresponding boundary walls fit between the protrusions 206a,b. The respective outer surfaces 209 of the protrusions 206a,b face away from the openings.

[0038] The wipers 400a-d can be coupled to the convex portions 206a,b of the wiper plate 300. As shown, the first wiper 400a and the second wiper 400b are coupled to the second convex portion 206b, and the third wiper 400c and the fourth wiper 400d are coupled to the first convex portion 206a. All the wipers 400a-d are coupled parallel to each other and perpendicular to the partition wall 212. Further, each of the wipers 400a-d is arranged substantially in a line with one or more openings. For example, the second wiper 400b and the fourth wiper 400d are in line with the opening defined by the first boundary wall 208, and the third wiper 400c and the first wiper 400a are in line with the opening defined by the second boundary wall 210.

[0039] Thus, in order to dispense the dye, the container is wiped by the wipers 400a-d when it is in a state facing the opening and when it deviates from the facing state. For example, in order to dispense the dye, when the container is moved through the second opening 216 surrounded by the second boundary wall 210, the container can first be wiped by the third wiper 400c or the first wiper 400a. After the container has dispensed the dye and is in a state deviated from the second opening 216, the container can be wiped a second time by either the third wiper 400c or the first wiper 400a. Note that it is possible to wipe the nozzle in both directions. By doing so, there is an additional advantage that the interval for cleaning the wiper can be made longer because different angles for performing the wiping operation are provided and the remaining product can be spread over a wider area.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the wipers 400a-d are respectively coupled to the convex portions 206a,b by grooves that fix the wipers 400a-d in place. In other embodiments, with or without the use of grooves, the wipers 400a-d are magnetically coupled to the convex portions 206a,b. In still other embodiments, the wipers 400a-d are coupled to the convex portions 206a,b using adhesion, friction, or welding.

[0041] The set of attachment clips 202a-d is located on the flat surface 301 of the wiper plate 300 and is disposed near the outer surface 209 of the respective protrusions 206a,b. The clips 202a-d consist of a part of the flat surface 301 that, by protruding, exposes a recess extending through the flat surface 301. The protruding portion of the flat surface 301 and the associated recess are rectangular in shape. The protruding portion of each clip is connected to the flat surface 301 by a vertical member 211. In this embodiment, there are four clips 202a-d near each of the protrusions 206a,b. The first clip 202a and the second clip 202b are disposed near the outer surface 209 of the second protrusion 206b, and the third clip 202c (not shown) and the fourth clip 202d are disposed near the outer surface 209 of the first protrusion 206a. The clips 202a-d can be used to couple the wiper plate 300 to the remainder of the hair dye dispensing device 100.

[0042] The protrusion 204 is located on the flat surface 301 of the wiper plate 300. As shown, the protrusion 204 is located in the middle of the group of protrusions 206 and near the end of the flat surface 301. In various embodiments, the position of the protrusion 204 can be disposed anywhere on the flat surface 301. When the wiper plate 300 is attached to the dispensing system or device 100, the protrusion 204 can notify the dye dispensing system 110 by engaging with a sensor. The protrusion 204 can have a curved or wedge shape on one side to enable smooth engagement with the sensor, but once installed, it is fixed in place and does not easily come off. In some embodiments, the protrusion 204 can engage with a switch sensor, a microswitch sensor, or an optical sensor, or can include a magnet for engaging with a magnetic sensor. In other embodiments, the protrusion 204 can be an identifier that implements RFID (radio frequency identification), NFC (near field communication), or other technologies to notify the dye dispensing system 110 that the wiper plate 300 has been installed.

[0043] The wiper plate 300 can be removed from the apparatus 100, and the wiper group 400 can be removed from the wiper assembly 200 for cleaning or replacement. In certain embodiments, since the wiper plate 300 moves slidingly on the apparatus 100, the attachment and removal of the wiper plate assembly 200 can be performed horizontally. In some embodiments, the wiper plate assembly 200 is attached and removed vertically from the apparatus 100.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the wiper plate 300 without the wipers 400a-d attached. Here, the wiper group (e.g., 400a-d, not shown) is inserted into the grooves 302a-d. Each of the grooves 302a-d consists of a groove inlet 303a-d and a groove body 305a-d. The shape of the grooves 302a-d is uniform, but the groove inlets 303a-d and the groove bodies 305a-d extend along the length of the grooves 302a-d, showing differences in the dimensions and shapes of the vertical openings that allow the wipers 400a-d to protrude from the grooves 302a-d. The groove inlets 303a-d have wide, vertical openings that allow the wipers 400a-d to be easily inserted into the grooves 302a-d. The groove bodies 305a-d have narrow, vertical openings that hold the wipers 400a-d in place. Further, each of the groove inlets 303a-d has a tail portion 304a-d. This tail portion 304a-d helps to fix the wipers 400a-d in place and prevents the wipers 400a-d from slipping out after insertion into the grooves 302a-d.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the grooves 302a-d may have a wiper sensor. This sensor notifies the dye dispensing system 110 of the presence or absence of the wiper 400. In certain embodiments, this sensor is a switch sensor, a microswitch sensor, an optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor.

[0046] The wiper blade 300 may be made of a single material or a combination of materials. Further, the wiper blade 300 may be a single integral part or may be assembled from separate parts. In some embodiments, the convex portions 206a,b, the flat surface 301, and / or the boundary walls are all separate parts. In some embodiments, the material of the wiper blade 300 is plastic, rubber, or polymer-based. In other embodiments, the wiper blade 300 is made of a metal such as aluminum, steel, or an alloy. The wiper blade 300 may be made of a fiber-based material such as carbon fiber or glass fiber.

[0047] In some embodiments, the wiper blade 300 may be injection molded, milled, or 3D printed.

[0048] Figure 4 is an isometric view of a wiper plate 300 according to an embodiment that utilizes magnetic connection. This wiper plate 300 is similar to the wiper plate described in FIGS. 2-3 and has many of the same features (i.e., inner surface 207, first boundary wall 208, outer surface 209, second boundary wall 210, partition wall 212, first opening 214, second opening 216, first protrusion 206a, second protrusion 206b, grooves 302a-d, groove entrances 303, and root portions 304a-d). One notable difference is that the wiper plate 300 does not include either a clip or a corresponding recess. Further, the protrusion 204 may not be tapered and may be symmetric with respect to all sides. The positioning posts 308a-c protrude from the flat surface 301 and are located near the left and right corners on the side closest to the protrusion 204 of the wiper plate 300 and also at the center on the opposite side of the protrusion 204. These posts 308a-c may be cylindrical in shape and serve to ensure the correct orientation when attaching the wiper plate to the device 100. In one embodiment, the wiper plate 300 can be vertically mounted and magnetically attached to the device 100. In some embodiments, the wiper plate 300 may be made of a magnetic material. In some embodiments, a magnet can be attached to the wiper plate 300. In a particular embodiment, when mounted, the wiper plate 300 is magnetically attached to the device 100, and the positioning posts 308a-c ensure that the wiper plate 300 is oriented in the correct direction and prevent the wiper plate 300 from deviating from the facing state when it is bumped or moved.

[0049] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a wiper 400 according to an embodiment. The wiper 400 has a two-dimensional front face 406 that is extruded to form a three-dimensional wiper 400. An axis 408 that bisects the front face 406 is shown. The front face 406 is symmetric about this axis 408, and the following description pertains to the front face 406. The wiper 400 has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the wiper 400 has a tapered wiping blade 410, a trapezoidal flange 420, a bending groove 412, and a stabilizer bar 414. The lower portion of the wiper 400 has a mounting groove 416 and a bottom flange 418. The lower portion ensures that the wiper 400 is fixed within the groove 302, and the upper portion is used to both secure the wiper 400 and clean the duckbill nozzle assembly 500.

[0050] The tapered wiping blade 410 is narrowest at the uppermost portion that contacts the upper surface 402 and widest at the lowermost portion that contacts the trapezoidal flange 420. The trapezoidal flange 420 resembles an upright trapezoid, where the legs of the trapezoid are angled away from the axis 408 as the distance from the upper surface 402 increases until they contact the bending groove 412. The bending groove 412 resembles a horizontally rectangular recess in the front face 406, where the bottom surface of the trapezoidal flange 420 and the upper surface of the stabilizer bar 414 form parallel sides that are rectangular and spaced apart. The stabilizer bar 414 resembles a horizontally rectangular shape and extends away from the axis 408. Below the stabilizer bar 414 is a mounting groove 416 that is surrounded by the bottom flange 418. The bottom flange 418 extends horizontally away from the axis 408 and at its ends, bulges vertically.

[0051] The tapered wiping blade 410 and the bending groove 412 allow the wiper 400 to bend and flex during wiping. When the tapered wiping blade 410 bends, the bending groove 412 absorbs any deviation of the trapezoidal flange 420.

[0052] Furthermore, the tapered wiping blade 410 and the trapezoidal flange 420 are angled so that substances such as dispensed dye can flow off the wiper 400 without clogging the bending groove 412.

[0053] The lower part of the wiper 400 fits within the groove 302, and the upper part of the wiper 400 extends from the vertical opening of the groove 302. When coupled to the wiper plate 300 of FIGS. 1-2, the bottom flange 418 fits within the groove 302. The mounting groove 416 of the wiper 400 accommodates a part of the protrusions 206a,b that form the narrow vertical opening of the groove body 305. The bending groove 412 of the wiper 400 extends vertically from the groove 302 and lies on the upper surface of the groove body 305. Thus, the wiper 400 ensures that the wiper 400 is fixedly arranged by maintaining a plurality of contact points with the protrusions 206a,b both within and above the groove.

[0054] In some embodiments, the wiper 400 is made from a single material, or a combination of distinct materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the material of the wiper 400 is silicone. In another embodiment, the material is rubber, polymer, plastic, or elastomer. In other embodiments, the material is made from a fiber-based compound. In other embodiments, the upper part of the wiper 400 is made from a different material than the lower part of the wiper 400. In one such embodiment, the lower part of the wiper 400 is made from a rigid material and the upper part of the wiper 400 is made from an elastomeric material.

[0055] FIG. 6 is an isometric top view of a duckbill nozzle assembly 500 with a container 120, according to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 7 is an isometric bottom view of the duckbill nozzle assembly 500. The container 120 has a valve 130 that is inserted into the duckbill nozzle assembly 500. In use, the substance in the container 120 flows into the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 through this valve 130. The duckbill nozzle assembly 500 is composed of three separate parts. There are an upper nozzle 600, a lower nozzle 800, and a duckbill nozzle 700.

[0056] The upper nozzle 600 has a valve housing 606, a lock plate 608 having an upper surface and a lower surface, hooks 602a-c, and a raised edge 604. Both the valve housing 606 and the lock plate 608 are cylindrical in shape and concentric with each other. The valve housing 606 projects from the flat upper surface of the lock plate 608 and extends in the direction of the container 120. The upper nozzle 600 has an upper aperture 622 that extends through the centers of the valve housing 606 and the lock plate 608. The lock plate 608 has hooks 602a-c that extend radially from the outer periphery of the lock plate 608. On the lower surface of the lock plate 608, a raised edge 604 is provided that extends in a direction perpendicular to the flat lower surface and away from the container 120. This raised edge 604 surrounds the upper aperture 622 that passes through the upper nozzle 600.

[0057] The valve housing 606 is configured to be attached to the container 120 such that the valve 130 is inserted into the valve housing 606 and the valve housing 606 grips the container 120.

[0058] The lower nozzle 800 has a conical shape and has a flat plate 804 forming the base of the cone and an opposite end 802 extending in a direction away from the flat plate 804. The lower aperture 812 extends through the center of the flat plate 804. The annular wall 808 extends from the upper part of the opposite end 802 towards the container 120 and forms a ring around the lower nozzle 800. The annular wall 808 is concentric with the opposite end 802 and has a smaller diameter than the opposite end 802, so the end of the opposite end 802 is offset from the annular wall 808. The rib wall 810 extends from the inner surface of the flat plate 804 towards the container 120. Since this rib wall 810 is concentric with the lower aperture 812, as a result, it forms a ring around the lower aperture 812. Further, the rib wall 810 may extend radially from the ring so as to contact the inside of the opposite end 802. As shown in FIG. 6, the rib wall 810 extends radially at three points arranged at equal intervals around the concentric ring portion of the rib wall 810. Since the concentric ring portion of the rib wall 810 has a larger diameter than the lower aperture 812, as a result, a stop edge 806 exists between the lower aperture 812 and the rib wall 810. This stationary portion has a cylindrical shape.

[0059] The duckbill nozzle 700 has a base portion 710, a central portion 704, a tip portion 706, and a flat slit 702. The base portion 710 has a cylindrical shape and is adjacent to the central portion 704. The central portion 704 also has a cylindrical shape but has a smaller diameter than the base portion 710 to which it is in contact. The tip portion 706 is adjacent to the end on the opposite side of the central portion 704. The shape of the tip portion 706 is most appropriately expressed as being similar to the shape of a duckbill. The tip portion 706 is cylindrical at the portion in contact with the central portion 704 but tapers towards the flat slit 702. It is shown that a duckbill aperture 712 extends through the duckbill nozzle 700.

[0060] During the assembly of the duckbill nozzle assembly 500, the duckbill nozzle 700 can be inserted into the lower aperture 812 of the lower nozzle 800. The base portion 710 of the duckbill nozzle 700 contacts the stop edge 806 of the lower nozzle 800, the central portion 704 extends through the lower aperture 812, and the tip portion 706 protrudes from the lower surface of the lower nozzle 800. The stop edge 806 holds the duckbill nozzle 700 so that it does not fall out of the lower aperture 812 of the lower nozzle 800, and the rib wall 810 fixes the duckbill nozzle 700 so as to maintain a concentric state with the lower aperture 812. Thereafter, the upper nozzle 600 is disposed on the uppermost part of the duckbill nozzle 700. As a result, the raised edge 604 of the upper nozzle 600 contacts the base portion 710 of the duckbill nozzle 700. This fixes the duckbill nozzle 700 in place, preventing it from shifting in the vertical direction or the product from leaking from the side during dispensing. Further, the lower surface of the lock plate 608 contacts the rib wall 810. Thus, the upper nozzle 600 fits inside the annular wall 808 of the lower nozzle 800. The periphery of the lock plate 608 including the hooks 602a-c can contact the inside of the annular wall 808 in the assembled state.

[0061] The upper nozzle 600 and the lower nozzle 800 can be joined in various ways. In some embodiments, the joining can be achieved by ultrasonic bonding or heat caulking. In another embodiment, the joining can be achieved by press fitting or friction fitting. In other embodiments, the joining can be achieved by the use of an adhesive. In some embodiments, the joining can be achieved by using the hooks 602a-c to clip or hook onto the annular wall 808. In some embodiments, the number of hooks may exceed the three shown in the figure. In some embodiments, the upper nozzle 600 may have no hooks at all.

[0062] The upper nozzle 600 and the lower nozzle 800 may be made of a plastic, rubber, or polymer-based material. In other embodiments, this material may be made of a metal such as aluminum, steel, or an alloy. In other embodiments, this material may be a fiber-based material such as carbon fiber or glass fiber.

[0063] The duckbill nozzle 700 may be made of a silicone, rubber, polymer, plastic, or elastomer material. In some embodiments, the duckbill nozzle 700 may be made of Teflon or coated with a non-stick material. The dimensions of the duckbill nozzle 700 may vary. For example, the inner diameter, or the duckbill aperture 712, and / or the opening of the flat slit 702 may be 2.8 mm in some products, but may vary from 1.4 mm to 9.6 mm depending on the clay of the product and the needs of the dispensing accuracy. The smaller the nozzle dimensions, the slower the dispensing speed but the higher the accuracy, while the larger the nozzle dimensions, the faster the dispensing speed but the lower the accuracy. The upper nozzle and the lower nozzle may be injection molded, milled, or 3D printed.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 in an assembled state.

[0065] As shown, the portions of the tip 706 and the central portion 704 of the duckbill nozzle 700 extend beyond the smooth plate 804 of the lower nozzle 800. Further, the valve housing 606 of the upper nozzle 600 extends from behind the annular wall 808 of the lower nozzle 800. The lock plate 608 is not visible as it is behind the annular wall 808.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 in an assembled state. As shown, the hook 602 and the locking plate 608 of the upper nozzle 600 are in contact with the annular wall 808 of the lower nozzle 800. The valve housing 606 extends from the locking plate 608 and surrounds the upper aperture (e.g., 622) of the upper nozzle 600. Further, the duckbill nozzle 700 is visible within the upper aperture 622, and the flat slit 702 is visible.

[0067] FIG. 10 is an exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional view of the upper nozzle 600. As shown, the valve housing 606 extends from the upper surface of the locking plate 608. The upper aperture 622 changes in diameter as it passes through the valve housing 606 and locking plate 608 portions of the upper nozzle 600. The upper aperture 622 is defined by various features of the valve housing 606 and the locking plate 608. These features include the valve funnel 614, the valve rest 612, the flow path 618, and the diffuser 620. The valve funnel 614 is disposed near the upper surface of the valve housing 606 and is shaped as a funnel surrounding the upper aperture 622. The valve rest 612 is adjacent to the valve funnel 614. The valve rest 612 is cylindrical in shape and vertically defines a portion of the upper aperture 622. The flow path 618 is adjacent to the valve rest 612 and is also cylindrical in shape but is substantially smaller in diameter than the valve rest 612. Thus, the flow path 618 substantially narrows the diameter of the upper aperture 622 compared to the valve rest 612. The diffuser 620 is adjacent to the flow path 618 and widens the dimensions of the upper aperture 622 that terminates at the raised edge 604.

[0068] The valve funnel 614 serves to guide a valve (e.g., 130) to the valve rest 612. The valve rest 612 serves to accommodate the valve 130 when the valve 130 is inserted into the valve housing 606. The valve rest 612 also prevents the valve 130 from advancing into the aperture. By way of the flow path 618, the liquid agent can pass from the valve 130 of the container 120 to the diffuser 620. The diffuser 620 slows down the speed of the liquid agent before the liquid agent enters the duckbill nozzle 700. By using flow paths 618 or diffusers 620 of different dimensions, the flow rate of the product can be controlled to accommodate a wide variety of different clays and types of products.

[0069] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the duckbill nozzle 700 assembled with the lower nozzle 800. As shown, the duckbill nozzle 700 fits within the ribbed wall 810 of the lower nozzle 800. When assembled with the upper nozzle 600, the raised edge 604 contacts the duckbill nozzle 700 so that the diffuser (e.g., 620) of the upper aperture (e.g., 622) can be in fluid communication with the duckbill aperture 712.

[0070] FIG. 12 shows the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 in use, according to an exemplary embodiment. Here, the liquid agent 900 being dispensed from the duckbill nozzle 700 is shown. The flat slit 702 of the duckbill nozzle 700 is shown in an open state capable of dispensing the liquid agent 900. When dispensing stops, the flat slit 702 returns to a closed state, sealing the inside of the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 to prevent the inner product from drying out or clogging. The flat slit 702 can be opened and closed by the material properties of the duckbill nozzle 700 and the shape of the duckbill nozzle 700.

[0071] Figure 13 shows the wiper assembly 200 and the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 during cleaning. Here, it is shown that the duckbill nozzle 700 is in contact with the wiper 400 supported by the wiper plate 300. This is effectively useful for cleaning the duckbill nozzle 700 before and after the liquid agent is dispensed from the nozzle.

[0072] Here, the wiper 400 contacts the duckbill nozzle 700 to remove any excess liquid agent from the tip of the duckbill nozzle 700. The wiper 400 also removes any excess liquid agent by contacting the smooth plate 804 of the lower nozzle 800. Alternatively, the wiper 400 and the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 can be arranged such that the tolerance between the wiper 400 and the smooth plate 804 is 0.001 meter. In some embodiments, this tolerance may be in the range of 0.0005 meter - 0.0015 meter. In some embodiments, the wiper 400 may partially overlap the duckbill nozzle 700 by about 1 mm. In some embodiments, this overlap may be in the range of 0.5 mm - about 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the position of the wiper plate 300 relative to the tray 118 or the container 120 is adjustable, and as a result, the distance between the wiper 400 and the duckbill nozzle 700 can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the user may manually perform this adjustment, or input commands into the dye dispensing system 110 that can automate this adjustment. In some embodiments, the system may choose to perform these adjustments based on firmware. The amount of overlap can be adjusted so that the duckbill nozzle 700 is not over-wiped and the product is not soiled across other components of the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 or the device 100, and so that the duckbill nozzle 700 is not under-wiped.

[0073] After the liquid agent 900 is dispensed from the duckbill nozzle 700, there may be remaining liquid agent that drips from the duckbill nozzle 700 or remains inside the duckbill nozzle 700. If not properly cleaned, this can be a problem as the residual liquid agent 900 may spread throughout the entire dye dispensing device 100. This not only causes a cumbersome situation but also may prevent the mechanical functions of the system. Furthermore, the residual liquid agent 900 in the duckbill nozzle 700 may harden and affect the distribution of the liquid agent 900 from the duckbill nozzle 700 during future use. By utilizing the functions of both the duckbill nozzle 700 and the wiper 400, a large amount of the liquid agent can be removed from the duckbill nozzle 700. Additionally, any remaining liquid agent is sealed from the outside air within the duckbill, thereby helping to prevent it from drying out or clogging.

[0074] The wiper assembly 200 and the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 function together to remove excess dispensed liquid agent from the device 100. The duckbill nozzle assembly 500 reduces the amount of dispensed liquid agent adhering to the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 by the automatic sealing performance of the duckbill nozzle 700. Furthermore, the design of the duckbill nozzle 700 keeps the flow of the liquid agent from the duckbill nozzle 700 constant and laminar so as to dispense in a uniform direction. The wiper 400 can remove any excess liquid agent adhering to the duckbill nozzle 700 or the lower nozzle 800 by wiping the duckbill nozzle assembly 500. Additionally, due to the material properties of the duckbill nozzle 700, the duckbill nozzle 700 temporarily deforms when it comes into contact with the wiper 400, and as a result, any excess liquid agent within the duckbill nozzle 700 can be extruded from the flat slit 702 by the wiper 400.

[0075] In some embodiments, the wiper assembly 200 may be raised and lowered relative to the duckbill nozzle assembly 500. The user may do this manually or may instruct the dye dispensing system 110 to perform this task.

[0076] By using the wiper assembly 200 and the duckbill nozzle assembly 500 together, clogging in the nozzle is prevented, so that the liquid, i.e., the dye, is directly dispensed into the receiver, and the dye dispensing system is kept clean without residues of the dispensed liquid.

[0077] Although specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail herein, those skilled in the art should understand that, upon understanding the foregoing content, it is easy to conceive of modifications, variations, and equivalents of these embodiments. These modifications and variations to the present invention, as well as other modifications and variations, can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, the subject matter of the present invention is intended to cover such modifications and changes.

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly for product dispensing, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises: An upper nozzle plate configured to connect with the container and the duckbill valve, A lower nozzle plate is coupled to the upper nozzle plate and has a central through-hole through which the duckbill valve passes, Equipped with, The aforementioned duckbill valve has a self-closing, elastic tip. Nozzle assembly.

2. The upper nozzle plate is provided with an aperture configured to receive the valve of the container. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1.

3. The aperture is located within the protruding housing portion of the upper nozzle plate. The nozzle assembly according to claim 2.

4. The upper nozzle plate includes a diverter that forms part of the aperture. The nozzle assembly according to claim 2.

5. The duckbill valve further comprises a base fixed between the lower nozzle plate and the upper nozzle plate. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1.

6. The base is provided with an entrance, The aforementioned inlet is in fluid communication with the diverter of the upper nozzle plate. The nozzle assembly according to claim 5.

7. The upper nozzle plate is further provided with one or more hooks for connecting it to the lower nozzle plate. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1.

8. The upper nozzle plate is joined to the lower nozzle plate by one or more of the following: ultrasonic bonding, heat scribing, adhesive, or mechanical fasteners. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1.

9. The shape of the lower nozzle plate is conical. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1.

10. The lower nozzle plate further comprises an annular wall extending vertically from the inverted portion of the cone, The annular wall houses the upper nozzle plate. The nozzle assembly according to claim 9.

11. The lower nozzle plate is provided with a rib wall. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1.

12. The rib wall is concentric with the central through-hole and offset from the central through-hole. The nozzle assembly according to claim 11.

13. The aforementioned elastic tip is made of silicone. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1.

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