Systems for dispensing cosmetic compounds

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a dispenser assembly for accurately dispensing a custom cosmetic formula of a cosmetic compound. The dispenser assembly includes a dispensing motor coupled to a dispensing plunger that dispenses an accurate volume of the custom cosmetic formula of a compound according to a prescribed velocity profile.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 16 / 005,079, filed on June 11, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for dispensing a cosmetic compound. Background Art

[0004] Accurate dispensing of fluids with multiple properties is not easy in a single system. In addition, modern skin care and skin science increasingly use customized cosmetic formulations to meet the individual needs of customers. Convenient methods for accurately and efficiently producing customer-specific formulations have yet to be developed.

[0005] The foregoing "background technology" description is for the purpose of presenting the context of the present disclosure as a whole. The work of the inventors within the scope described in this background technology section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise be identified as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present invention. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for dispensing a compound of a cosmetic formulation.

[0007] Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for dispensing a compound of a cosmetic formula, the apparatus comprising a dispensing motor, a plunger assembly having a plunger, and a dispensing assembly control device having a processing circuit, the dispensing assembly control device having a processing circuit being configured to: receive electrical feedback regarding one of a plurality of characteristics of the apparatus, and modify movement of the plunger based on the electrical feedback regarding the one of the plurality of characteristics of the apparatus.

[0008] The present disclosure also relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a program stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to implement a method for moving a plunger of a plunger assembly in response to electrical feedback from a device, the method comprising: receiving electrical feedback about one of multiple characteristics of the device through a processing circuit, and modifying the movement of the plunger based on the electrical feedback about the one of the multiple characteristics of the device through the processing circuit.

[0009] The present disclosure also relates to a method for dispensing a compound of a cosmetic formula according to a velocity profile, the method comprising: receiving electrical feedback regarding one of a plurality of characteristics of a device through a processing circuit, and modifying the movement of a plunger of a plunger assembly based on the electrical feedback regarding the one of the plurality of characteristics of the device through the processing circuit.

[0010] The foregoing paragraphs are provided by way of general introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims.The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] When combined with Figure 1 A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its many additional advantages will be more readily obtained, and a better understanding of the present disclosure and its many additional advantages will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered together with the accompanying drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram of a system for cosmetic mixing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an illustration of a dispenser assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3A is a front view of an illustration of a dispenser assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3B is a side view of an illustration of a dispenser assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4A is a graphical representation of an exemplary velocity profile according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 4B is a flow chart describing an exemplary velocity profile according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5A is a front view of an illustration of a bracket assembly of a dispenser assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5B is a front view of an illustration of an uncompressed bracket assembly of a dispenser assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5C is a front view of an illustration of a compressed rear bracket assembly of a dispenser assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 is a flow chart describing a digital overload control of a dispenser assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7 is a flow chart describing a bottom sensor of a dispenser assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 8 is a flow chart describing an exemplary dispensing control scheme of a dispenser assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0024] Fig. 9 is a hardware description of a dispenser assembly control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The term "a / an" as used herein is defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality" as used herein is defined as two or more than two. The term "another" as used herein is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and / or "having" as used herein are defined as comprising (i.e., open-ended terms). References throughout this document to "one embodiment", "certain embodiments", "embodiments", "implementations", "examples" or similar terms mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, such phrases appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. In addition, specific features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

[0026] Furthermore, as described below, the terms “‘home’ optical sensor” and “‘home’ light-interruption flag” correspond to the “first optical sensor” and “first light-interruption flag”, respectively. The terms “‘contact’ optical sensor” and “‘contact’ light-interruption flag” correspond to the “second optical sensor” and “second light-interruption flag”, respectively. Similarly, the terms “‘bottom’ optical sensor” and “‘bottom’ light-interruption flag” correspond to the “third optical sensor” and “third light-interruption flag”, respectively. Furthermore, the terms “home,” “contact,” and “bottom” refer to the “first position,” “second position,” and “third position,” respectively.

[0027] Recently, there has been an increased demand for cosmetic formulations that are mixed according to the needs of the user, customer or client. Moreover, when considered in the context of dermatology, such systems introduce the possibility of creating customized cosmetic formulations combining cosmetic bases with pharmacologically active compounds. In this context, Figure 1A system 100 for dispensing cosmetic products is depicted in FIG. A dispenser assembly 101 is essential to the operation of the system 100 for dispensing cosmetic products. Figure 2 102 (a) and (b) are connected to a motor indirectly, through a processing circuit and through a threaded and screw mechanism, to translate a plunger so that the plunger contacts the piston of the can in the can housing 102. After contacting the piston, the plunger continues to translate, causing the internal volume of the can to decrease, thereby dispensing the contents of the can into a collection bottle 103. The collection bottle 103 rests on a weighing tray 104, which provides electrical feedback to the processing circuit about the mass of the contents dispensed. The processing circuit then modifies the movement of the plunger of the dispenser assembly 101 accordingly until the target mass of the cosmetic formula is reached.

[0028] As mentioned, and according to one embodiment, the processing circuitry of the system for cosmetic formulation (and specifically, the dispenser assembly) is responsible for controlling the translation of the plunger. In addition, near field communication (NFC) tags disposed on the cans within the can housing 102 and an NFC reader disposed on the system for cosmetic formulation provide the processing circuitry with can ID information, including identification information of the contents in each can, production information, expiration date, and mass of the contents in each can, thereby allowing a specific speed profile of the dispenser assembly 101 to be executed. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The above-described velocity profile of the distributor assembly 100 is described in more detail in FIG.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the weighing tray 104 can be a force sensor selected from the group including but not limited to: a strain gauge load cell, a piezoelectric crystal, or a hydraulic or pneumatic load cell. In one embodiment, the force sensor is selected so that the mass can be measured with a resolution suitable for accurately dispensing a variety of cosmetic compounds with different properties. In one example, this force resolution is 0.001 micrograms.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 12 is a perspective view of an illustration of a dispenser assembly of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispenser assembly 201 includes a dispensing motor 210 and a plunger assembly 218. The dispenser assembly 201 also includes a drive spindle 211, a conveyor belt 213, and a driven spindle 212, which is configured to transmit rotational energy from the dispensing motor 210 to the plunger assembly 218. The plunger assembly 218 includes: a lead screw 215, which is coupled to the driven spindle 212; a carriage assembly 220, which is coupled to the linear guide 216 and is concentrically arranged along the longitudinal dimension of the lead screw 215; and a plunger 217. The top carriage 228 of the carriage assembly 220 coupled to the linear guide 216 is also coupled to the lead screw 215 by a thread and screw mechanism, thereby converting the rotational energy from the lead screw 215 into translational energy through the linear guide 216. According to one embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) 214 is disposed on the housing of the dispenser assembly 201 and provides communication between the dispenser assembly controls and the plunger assembly 218. In one embodiment, the PCB 214 is coupled to a housing 218 disposed within the dispenser assembly 201. Figure 1 A system for dispensing cosmetic products is described in which a dispenser assembly is in electrical communication with a control device.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispensing motor 10 can be a motor selected from the group including, but not limited to, a brushed DC (DC) motor, a brushless DC motor (including a stepper motor), an induction motor, or a linear motor (including a voice coil motor). In one embodiment, the dispensing motor 210 can be directly coupled to the lead screw 215. The lead screw 215 can then be coupled to the plunger 217 in a variety of ways (including by direct or indirect coupling), as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the dispensing motor 210 is a linear voice coil motor and is directly coupled to the plunger assembly 218 without the lead screw 215.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the dispensing motor 210, drive spindle 211, driven spindle 212, lead screw 225 and linear guide 216 are selected so that the plunger translates linearly at a scale suitable for accurately dispensing a variety of cosmetic compounds having different properties. In one example, this linear resolution is 0.5 microns.

[0033] Figure 3A yes Figure 131 is a front view of an illustration of a dispenser assembly of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispenser assembly 301 includes a dispensing motor 310 and a plunger assembly 318. The dispenser assembly 301 also includes a drive spindle 311, a conveyor belt 313, and a driven spindle 312, which is configured to transmit rotational energy from the dispensing motor 310 to the plunger assembly 318. The plunger assembly 318 includes: a lead screw 315, which is coupled to the driven spindle 312; a carriage assembly 320, which is coupled to the linear guide 316 and is concentrically arranged along the longitudinal dimension of the lead screw 315; and a plunger 317. The top carriage 328 of the carriage assembly 320 coupled to the linear guide 316 is also coupled to the lead screw 315 by a thread and screw mechanism, thereby converting the rotational energy from the lead screw 315 into translational energy through the linear guide 316. According to one embodiment, the PCB 314 is disposed on the housing of the dispenser assembly 301 and provides communication between the dispenser assembly control device and the plunger assembly 318. In one embodiment, the PCB 314 is disposed on the housing of the dispenser assembly 301 and provides communication between the dispenser assembly control device and the plunger assembly 318. Figure 1 A system for dispensing cosmetic products is described in which a dispenser assembly is in electrical communication with a control device.

[0034] The dispenser assembly 301 also includes an 'in-situ' optical sensor 322 disposed on the PCB 314. In an exemplary embodiment, the 'in-situ' optical sensor 322 is an optical type photoelectric sensor in which a light emitting element on a first inner surface of a substantially U-shaped device is optically aligned with a light receiving element on a second inner surface of the substantially U-shaped device so that light emitted from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one example, the 'in-situ' optical sensor 322 is disposed on the PCB 314 so that when the plunger 317 is retracted, the 'in-situ' light interruption mark 321 intersects the path of light passing between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the 'in-situ' optical sensor 322, thereby causing the light to be blocked. The blockage of the light path of the 'in-situ' optical sensor 322 is an indication that the carriage assembly 320 is in the 'in-situ' or zero position.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the PCB 314 of the dispenser assembly 301 also includes a 'contact' optical sensor 324. In an exemplary embodiment, the 'contact' optical sensor 324 is a reflector-type photoelectric sensor, in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are adjacently located on the same surface of the device, so that light emitted from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element only when reflected by a target object, as will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In one example, the 'contact' optical sensor 324 is disposed on the PCB 314 so that when the plunger 317 is extended and in contact with the piston of the tank, the 'contact' light interruption mark 323 crosses the path of light emitted from the light emitting element of the 'contact' optical sensor 324, thereby reflecting the light back toward the 'contact' optical sensor 324, where the light is received by the light receiving element. The receipt of the reflected light by the 'contact' optical sensor 324 is an indication that the carriage assembly 320 is in the 'contact' position.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the plunger assembly 318 also includes a 'bottom' light interruption mark 325 disposed on the carriage assembly 320. In one exemplary embodiment, the bottom light interruption mark 325 disposed on the carriage assembly 320 is Figure 1 The 'bottom' optical sensor (not shown) on the chassis of the described system for the formulation of cosmetics is a reflector-type photoelectric sensor in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are adjacently located on the same surface of the device so that light emitted from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element only when reflected by a target object, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one example, the 'bottom' optical sensor is disposed on the chassis so that when the plunger 317 is extended to the bottom of the tank housing, the 'bottom' light-interrupting mark 325 crosses the path of light emitted from the light emitting element of the 'bottom' optical sensor, thereby reflecting the light back toward the 'bottom' optical sensor, where it is received by the light receiving element. The receipt of the reflected light by the 'bottom' optical sensor is an indication that the plunger 317 has been translated to the limit or maximum safe distance.

[0037] In one example of a 'bottom' sensor implementation, the mass of the contents in the canister to be dispensed is less than the target mass of the contents to be dispensed. As a result, it is possible that the plunger 317 may translate into the canister housing and contact the 'bottom' of the canister housing before the target mass to be dispensed is reached, thereby damaging the dispenser assembly 301 and causing the dispenser assembly 301 to be damaged. Figure 1 The system does not operate with the cosmetic formulation described. Figure 7 The 'bottom' sensor is described in more detail in .

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, the 'in-situ' optical sensor 322, the 'contact' optical sensor 324 and the 'bottom' optical sensor are selected from a group including, but not limited to, optical type photoelectric sensors and reflector type photoelectric sensors, as will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, in one example, the light sources of the 'in-situ' optical sensor 322, the 'contact' optical sensor 324 and the 'bottom' optical sensor are selected from a group including, but not limited to, infrared light emitting diodes, as will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0039] Figure 3B yes Figure 1 A side view of a diagram of a dispenser assembly. In addition, Figure 3B is a cross-section of a side view with the dispense motor removed to expose the light interrupter indicia of the carriage assembly 320 for viewing.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispenser assembly 301 includes a dispense motor and a plunger assembly 318. The dispenser assembly 301 also includes a drive spindle, a conveyor belt, and a driven spindle 312, the driven spindle 312 being configured to transmit rotational energy from the dispense motor to the plunger assembly 318. The plunger assembly 318 includes: a lead screw 315, the lead screw 315 being coupled to the driven spindle 312; a carriage assembly 320, the carriage assembly 320 including a top carriage 328 and a bottom carriage 327, coupled to a linear guide and concentrically disposed along a longitudinal dimension of the lead screw; and a plunger 317. The top carriage 328 of the carriage assembly 320 coupled to the linear guide is also coupled to the lead screw 315 by a thread and screw mechanism, thereby converting the rotational energy from the lead screw 315 into translational energy by the linear guide. According to one embodiment, the PCB is disposed on the housing of the dispenser assembly 301 and provides communication between the dispenser assembly control device and the plunger assembly 318. In one embodiment, the PCB is disposed on the housing of the dispenser assembly 301 and provides communication between the dispenser assembly control device and the plunger assembly 318. Figure 1 A system for dispensing cosmetic products is described in which a dispenser assembly is in electrical communication with a control device.

[0041] The dispenser assembly 301 also includes an 'in-situ' optical sensor disposed on the PCB. In an exemplary embodiment, as described above, the 'in-situ' optical sensor is an optical type photoelectric sensor. In one example, the 'in-situ' optical sensor is disposed on the PCB so that when the plunger 317 is retracted, the 'in-situ' light-intercepting mark 321 crosses the path of light passing between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the 'in-situ' optical sensor, thereby causing the light to be blocked. The blocking of the light path of the 'in-situ' optical sensor by the 'in-situ' light-intercepting mark 321 is an indication that the carriage assembly 320 is in the 'in-situ' or zero position.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, the 'home' optical interruption mark 321 is disposed on the surface of the top carriage 328 of the carriage assembly 320, and is arranged such that the dimension of the 'home' interruption mark 321 is parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the lead screw 315. In addition, the 'home' interruption mark 321 is arranged such that when the plunger assembly 318 is in the 'home' position, a portion of the 'home' interruption mark 321 blocks the light of the 'home' optical sensor.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the PCB of the dispenser assembly 301 further includes a 'contact' optical sensor 324. In one exemplary embodiment, as described above, the 'contact' optical sensor 324 is a reflector-type photoelectric sensor. In one example, the 'contact' optical sensor 324 is disposed on the PCB 314 so that when the plunger 317 is extended and in contact with the piston of the tank, the 'contact' light-interrupting mark 323 of the bottom carriage 327 of the carriage assembly 320 crosses the path of the light emitted from the light-emitting element of the 'contact' optical sensor 324, thereby reflecting the light back toward the 'contact' optical sensor 324, where the light is received by the light-receiving element at the 'contact' optical sensor 324. The reception of the reflected light by the 'contact' optical sensor 324 is an indication that the carriage assembly 320 is in the 'contact' position.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment, the 'contact' optical interruption mark 323 is provided on the surface of the bottom carriage 327 of the carriage assembly 320, and is arranged so that the dimension of the 'contact' interruption mark 323 is parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the lead screw 315. In addition, the 'contact' interruption mark 323 is arranged so that a portion of the 'contact' interruption mark 323 crosses the reflection plane of the reflection surface 326, thereby blocking the light of the 'contact' optical sensor when the plunger assembly 318 is in the 'contact' position.

[0045] Will be in Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C The 'contact' sensor briefly discussed above is described in more detail in .

[0046] According to one embodiment, the plunger assembly 318 also includes a 'bottom' light interruption mark 325 disposed on the bottom carriage 327 of the carriage assembly 320. In one exemplary embodiment, as described above, the bottom light interruption mark 325 is disposed on the bottom carriage 327 of the carriage assembly 320. Figure 1The 'bottom' optical sensor (not shown) on the chassis of the described system for applying cosmetic formulations is a reflector-type photoelectric sensor. In one example, the 'bottom' optical sensor is disposed on the chassis such that when the plunger 317 extends to the bottom of the tank housing, the 'bottom' light-interrupting mark 325 crosses the path of light emitted from the light-emitting element of the 'bottom' optical sensor, thereby reflecting the light back toward the 'bottom' optical sensor, where it is received by the light-receiving element in the 'bottom' optical sensor. The receipt of the reflected light by the 'bottom' optical sensor is an indication that the plunger 317 has translated to the limit or maximum safe travel distance. In one example, the contents of the tank to be dispensed are less than the target mass of the contents to be dispensed. As a result, before the target mass to be dispensed is reached, the plunger 317 translates into the tank housing and contacts the 'bottom' of the tank housing, thereby potentially damaging the dispenser assembly 301 and causing the dispenser assembly 301 to fail. Figure 1 The system does not operate with the described cosmetic formulation.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, the 'bottom' optical interruption mark 325 is disposed on the surface of the bottom carriage 327 of the carriage assembly 320, and is arranged such that the dimension of the 'bottom' interruption mark 325 is perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the lead screw 315. In addition, the 'bottom' interruption mark 325 is arranged such that when the plunger assembly 318 is in the 'bottom' position, a portion of the 'bottom' interruption mark 325 blocks the light of the 'bottom' optical sensor.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, the 'in-situ' optical sensor 322, the 'contact' optical sensor 324 and the 'bottom' optical sensor are selected from a group including, but not limited to, optical type photoelectric sensors and reflector type photoelectric sensors, as will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, in one example, the light sources of the 'in-situ' optical sensor 322, the 'contact' optical sensor 324 and the 'bottom' optical sensor are selected from a group including, but not limited to, infrared light emitting diodes, as will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0049] The optical sensor and light interruption mark described above are essential to the function of the dispenser assembly control device. Due to the different properties of each cosmetic base and pharmacological compound, the speed profile of the plunger must be changed for each can to ensure the correct dispensing of the contents, making accurate position control of the plunger essential.

[0050] Figure 4Ais a graphical representation of an exemplary velocity profile of a cosmetic compound. The terms "first stage", "second stage", "third stage", "fourth stage", and "fifth stage" correspond to "first speed", "second speed", "third speed", "fourth speed", and "fifth speed". In addition, the term "second speed" refers to "seal quality speed", the term "third speed" refers to "maximum speed", and "fifth speed" refers to "minimum speed" or "filling speed".

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary velocity profile of the cosmetic compound represents a cosmetic matrix with predetermined mechanical properties. After the contents of the container are confirmed by NFC and the can ID, the dispenser assembly control device starts the translation of the plunger through the dispensing motor and the plunger assembly according to the predetermined velocity profile. In the first stage (1), the plunger is translated at a rapid travel speed or a first speed that does not depend on the contents of the can until it contacts the piston of the can. After contacting the piston, in the second stage (2), the travel speed is reduced to the 'seal quality speed' or the second speed. The reduction in travel speed ensures that the rapid travel speed of the piston used to reach the can does not cause traumatic damage to the seal of the can, thereby causing the contents to erupt uncontrollably into the collection bottle located below the can. The plunger then continues to travel at the 'seal quality speed' (2) until the weight or the first target mass is deposited in the collection bottle located below the can. Next, in the third stage (3), the plunger travel speed is increased to the 'maximum speed' or the third speed, i.e., the maximum allowable travel speed used to dispense the contents of the can. The 'maximum speed' depends on the unique properties of each compound. According to the required recipe, a predetermined final target mass of the contents in the can is to be dispensed. In order to accurately dispense the final target mass of the contents within the tolerance range, the plunger travel speed is reduced as the target mass is approached. At the second target mass or 'mass maximum speed', in the fourth stage (4), the plunger travel speed is slowly reduced at a fourth speed until the third target mass or 'mass minimum speed' is reached. Upon reaching the 'mass minimum speed', in the fifth stage (5), the plunger travel speed is maintained at a fifth speed called 'minimum speed' or 'filling speed' until the final target mass is reached in the collection bottle.

[0052] In one embodiment, the fourth speed is a variable speed, wherein the variable speed is the derivative of the acceleration rate (positive or negative) at a given point in time between the second target mass and the third target mass. In one embodiment, the fourth speed at a given time is determined according to a predetermined deceleration rate, wherein the predetermined deceleration rate is based on the contents of the tank. In another embodiment, the fourth speed at a given time is determined according to a predetermined deceleration time specific to each tank. In one example, the predetermined deceleration time is 10 seconds. The 'maximum speed' or plunger speed at the end of the third stage is 3.5 mm / s, while the 'minimum speed' or plunger speed at the beginning of the fifth stage is 0.04 mm / s. Therefore, if the time from the third stage to the fifth stage is specified as 10 seconds, the deceleration rate is -0.346 mm / s 2 , the variable speed is calculated therefrom. Although the mass of the contents of the collection bottle is the control parameter of the above graphical representation of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that the above process may be controlled by a variety of methods, including but not limited to force and / or displacement. For example, by understanding the resolution of the dispensing motor, lead screw, linear guide, and the volumetric size of each tank, etc., the dispensing of the contents of each tank may be easily accomplished by a displacement-controlled method, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, and as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, Figure 8 Described in detail in .

[0053] Figure 4B Is a description Figure 4AFlowchart of an exemplary velocity profile of a cosmetic compound in . As described above, the exemplary velocity profile of a cosmetic compound represents a cosmetic matrix with relevant mechanical properties. First, the position of the can and the can ID are confirmed (S430). Therefore, the can ID information is received via NFC, and the position of the can is confirmed to be in the 'home' position by the co-location of the 'home' optical sensor and the 'home' light interruption mark. Once the corresponding velocity profile and the final target mass of the can are obtained, in the first stage, the plunger begins to travel toward the can at the maximum travel speed (S431). During the travel, the 'contact' optical sensor is continuously queried (S432) to determine when 'contact' with the piston of the can occurs in order to prevent traumatic damage to the seal of the can. If determined, then when data that 'contact' has been received from the 'contact' optical sensor that the piston has been 'contacted' (S433), the plunger travel stops and the second stage of the velocity profile begins. Otherwise, the plunger travels until 'contact' is determined. In the second stage, the plunger travels at the 'seal quality speed' (S434), thereby overcoming the action of the valve and starting to distribute the contents of the can into the collection bottle. During the period when the plunger travels at the 'seal quality speed', the mass of the collection bottle is continuously evaluated (S435). When it is determined that the first target mass is stored in the collection bottle according to the data received from the weighing tray (S436), the speed distribution moves to the third stage. Alternatively, the plunger continues to travel at the 'seal quality speed' until the first target mass is collected by the weighing tray and the seal is thus broken. In one embodiment, the first target mass is a positive change in mass within the resolution of the weighing tray. In the third stage, the plunger travels at the 'maximum speed' until the second target mass is reached (S437). 'Maximum speed' is defined as the maximum allowable speed that can be used to distribute the contents in a single container. For example, a slow-flowing, high-viscosity compound may be more controllable than an easily flowing, lower-viscosity compound, and therefore a higher but still controllable 'maximum speed' may be allowed. During the travel of the plunger at the 'maximum speed', the mass of the collection bottle (S438) is continuously evaluated using the data queried from the weighing tray (S439) to determine when the second target mass is reached. Once the second target mass is reached, and in order to accurately reach the exact final target mass, the fourth stage of the speed profile begins, in which the travel speed of the plunger is linearly reduced (S440) until the third target mass is reached. During the fourth stage, the mass of the collection bottle (S441) is continuously evaluated to determine when the third target mass is reached by correspondingly querying the data from the weighing tray (S442). When the third target mass is reached, and in order to accurately reach the final target mass, in the fifth stage, the plunger travel speed is reduced to the 'minimum speed' (S443). In one embodiment, the 'minimum speed' or 'filling speed' of the fifth stage is a drop-by-drop speed whose resolution is limited only by the internal cohesion of each droplet of the compound.As the mass of the collection bottle approaches the final target mass, the mass is continuously evaluated (S444) by data from the weighing tray (S445) to determine when the final target mass is reached. Once it is determined that the mass in the collection bottle is within the tolerance range of the final target mass, the plunger is retracted at the retraction speed or the maximum travel speed (S447) until the plunger assembly is determined to be in the 'home' position based on the co-location of the 'home' optical sensor and the 'home' light interruption mark.

[0054] The transition from the first phase to the second phase of each velocity profile requires a determination that contact has occurred between the plunger and the piston of the tank. In one embodiment, and in order to avoid undue forces on the piston and uncontrolled ejection of the contents of the tank, Figure 5A is a front view of a diagram of a 'touch' sensor of the present disclosure. Figure 5A , as previously described, a 'contact' optical sensor 524 is disposed on the surface of the PCB. A 'contact' optical interruption mark 523 is disposed on the bottom carriage 527 of the carriage assembly 520. A reflective surface 526 is disposed on the surface of the top carriage 528 of the carriage assembly 520. According to one embodiment, the carriage assembly 520 further comprises a pin 529. The pin 529 is coupled to the bottom carriage 527 of the carriage assembly 520, but is freely translatable through the body of the top carriage 528 of the carriage assembly 520 by a clearance fit. A pin cap 532 having a diameter greater than the diameter of the clearance fit is disposed on the end face of the pin 529 and creates a maximum translation limit for the bottom carriage 527 of the carriage assembly 520. When in the 'home' position, the spring 530 maintains the inter-bracket distance approximately equal to the maximum translation limit for the bottom carriage 527 of the carriage assembly 520. The spring 530, the 'contact' optical sensor 524 and the 'contact' light interruption mark 523 together produce the 'contact' sensor employed in the present disclosure, as in Figure 5B and Figure 5C Further described in .

[0055] Figure 5B is a front view of a diagram of a 'contact' sensor of the present disclosure in an uncompressed or non-contact state. In one example, in a first stage of a prescribed velocity profile, prior to contact with the piston of the tank, the carriage assembly travels with the plunger to maintain a predetermined carriage-to-carriage distance under zero applied load. At the same time, as Figure 4B As depicted, the 'contact' optical sensor 524 continuously emits light 531 which is reflected from the reflective surface 526. In the non-contact state, the reflected light 531 is lost into the dispenser assembly because the 'contact' light interrupter flag 523, which is attached to the bottom carriage of the carriage assembly and separated from the reflective surface 526 by the spring 530, is not in the path of the light 531.

[0056] However, if Figure 5CAs described, in a compressed or contact state. For illustrative purposes, only the 'contact' light interruption flag 523 and the associated carriage components are moved. In the compressed state, the 'contact' light interruption flag 523 crosses into the path of light 531 emitted from the 'contact' optical sensor 524. As a result, reflected light 531 is returned to the receiver of the 'contact' optical sensor 524, and 'contact' with the piston of the tank is determined. As mentioned above, this determination is crucial to preventing traumatic damage to the tank.

[0057] In one example, when initial contact is made with the piston, a reaction force of the piston is applied to the plunger and the bottom bracket of the bracket assembly attached to the plunger, usually in a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the plunger assembly. These reaction forces compress the spring 530, bringing the bottom slide into close proximity with the top slide, thereby reducing the distance between the slides. As a result, the 'contact' light interruption mark 523 is brought into the path of the light 531 emitted from the 'contact' optical sensor 524. Blocking the emitted light of the 'contact' optical sensor 524 and reflecting it back to the light receiving element of the 'contact' optical sensor generates a signal to the dispenser assembly control device that contact has been made and the subsequent stage of velocity distribution should be initiated.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the spring 530 is selected from a group of spring-like elements having suitable structural and mechanical properties, including but not limited to precision springs. Typically, the inner diameter of the spring 530 and the length of the spring 530 are determined relative to the dimensions of the lead screw, the carriage assembly, and the initial carriage distance. The spring constant of the selected precision spring is determined based on the force required to break the seal of the tank and based on Hooke's Law. In other words, when the displacement of the bottom bracket relative to the top bracket reaches the amount required to block the light 531 emitted from the 'contact' optical sensor 524 through the 'contact' interruption mark 523 and reflect it back to the light receiving element of the 'contact' optical sensor 524, the required force applied to the spring must be less than the force required to break the seal of the tank.

[0059] In addition to the electro-optical switches and mechanical elements that provide control input to the dispenser assembly controls, digital controls provide further support and protection for the dispenser assembly during operation. Figure 6is a flow chart describing the digital overload control of the dispenser assembly. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the plunger has contacted an unexpected object (e.g., the inner wall of the tank shell, a physical obstacle) and stagnates within a prescribed speed profile, the dispenser assembly control device is capable of stopping the advancement of the speed profile and returning the plunger to the 'home' position. In one embodiment, the plunger returns to the "home" position at a retracted speed. In one example, the retracted speed is equal to the first speed. The determination of stopping the advancement of the speed profile is based on the measurement of the current amperage being higher than the normal or expected amperage required to continue to move the plunger. In one example, the plunger is moving during a stage of the prescribed speed profile (S650). While in this motion, the dispensing motor is continuously evaluated (S651), wherein data of the current amperage is received in real time from the dispensing motor (S652). Based on the evaluation of the current amperage applied to the dispensing motor relative to the expected amperage required to produce the same movement, the dispenser assembly control device can stop the speed profile and return the plunger to the "home" position (S653). If an evaluation is made (S651) and it is determined that the applied amperage is substantially equal to the normally applied amperage, then the plunger movement is allowed to continue.

[0060] In addition to the above digital protection mechanisms, Figure 7 Flowchart describing an electromechanical, protective 'bottom' sensor of a dispenser assembly. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the plunger has made contact with the bottom of the tank housing and subsequent movement may damage the plunger assembly, the 'bottom' light interruption mark of the carriage assembly crosses into the light path of the 'bottom' optical sensor. The blocking of the emission light path and the subsequent reflection back to the receiver of the 'bottom' optical sensor will stop the movement of the plunger, thereby protecting the plunger assembly from physical damage. In one example, the plunger is moving in one phase of a prescribed velocity profile (S755). During the movement, an assessment of the position of the plunger relative to the tank housing is performed using data collected from the chassis-based 'bottom' optical sensor (S757) (S756). When the light emitted from the 'bottom' optical sensor is reflected back to the receiver of the 'bottom' optical sensor by the 'bottom' light interruption mark of the carriage assembly, indicating that the plunger has reached the bottom of the tank housing, a signal is transmitted to the dispenser assembly control device, thereby stopping the advancement of the plunger and causing the plunger to retract to the "home" position at a retraction speed. If an assessment is made (S756) based on the 'bottom' optical sensor and it is determined that the plunger is not at the bottom of the tank housing, then the plunger movement is allowed to continue.

[0061] As previously described, the present disclosure describes force or load controlled embodiments of various aspects of a dispenser assembly and a dispenser assembly control device. Figure 8is a flow chart describing a load-controlled dispensing control scheme for various aspects of a dispenser assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. In one example, after contact with the piston is confirmed by a 'contact' sensor, the second stage of the prescribed velocity profile continues, wherein the plunger travels into the can at a 'seal mass speed' (S860). The mass of the collection bottle is continuously evaluated (S861) via data received from a weighing tray (S862) to determine whether the can seal has been breached and the can contents have begun to flow into the collection bottle. If it is determined that the mass of the collection bottle has increased and the seal therein has been breached, the dispenser assembly control device moves to the next stage of the velocity profile (S863). Similarly, until dispensing is terminated (at which time the plunger retracts S864 to the 'home' position), the mass of the collection bottle is continuously evaluated to determine when the mass of the collection bottle reaches the target mass, and the control scheme can continue to subsequent stages.

[0062] Alternatively, when considering a displacement-controlled dispenser assembly control device solution, the advancement of the velocity profile is controlled by the known dimensions and parameters of the components of the dispenser assembly. In one example, at S860, the plunger is in the first stage of a prescribed velocity profile. Based on the known relationship between the rotation of the lead screw and the linear translation of the platform of the linear guide (i.e., the carriage assembly), as well as the known dimensions of the plunger assembly and the tank, a defined travel distance of the carriage assembly can be prescribed to move the carriage assembly from the 'home' position to the 'contact' position. While this travel is in progress, an evaluation can be made by data received from the dispense motor (S862) to determine whether the correct number of turns of rotation and the resulting linear travel (S861) have been performed to reach the 'contact' position. Once it is determined that the correct number of turns of rotation of the lead screw has been applied, the dispenser assembly control device can proceed to the next stage of the velocity profile (S863). Subsequent velocity profile stages can be completed in the context of predetermined component-derived values, including but not limited to the internal volume dimensions of the tank and the dimensions of the tank output. As with the load controlled control scheme, subsequent stages of the velocity profile may be performed in a similar manner, continuously evaluating the achieved displacement relative to the target displacement. Once the target displacement has been reached, the dispenser assembly control directs the plunger to return to the 'home' or zero position (S864).

[0063] Next, refer to Fig. 9 A hardware description of a dispenser assembly control device according to an exemplary embodiment is described. Fig. 9In the invention, the distributor assembly control device includes a CPU 980 that performs the process described above / below. Process data and instructions can be stored in a memory 981. These processes and instructions can also be stored on a storage medium disk 982 such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a portable storage medium, or can be stored remotely. In addition, the claimed progress is not limited by the form of the computer-readable medium on which the instructions of the inventive process are stored. For example, the instructions can be stored on a CD, a DVD, in a flash memory, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a hard disk, or any other information processing device (such as a server or a computer) with which the distributor assembly control device communicates.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the CPU 980 of the dispenser assembly control device is part of the CPU 980 of the cosmetic formulation system.

[0065] In one embodiment, CPU 980 provides primary control of the individual circuit components included in the system, such as the NFC interface and dispenser control circuitry (which includes optical circuitry, load sensor circuitry, and dispense motor driver circuitry).

[0066] Furthermore, the claimed advances may be provided as a utility application, a background daemon, or a component of an operating system, or a combination thereof, executed in conjunction with a CPU 980 and an operating system such as Microsoft Windows 7, UNIX, Solaris, LINUX, Apple MAC-OS, and other systems known to those skilled in the art.

[0067] In order to realize the distributor assembly control device, the hardware elements can be realized by various circuit elements known to those skilled in the art. For example, CPU 980 can be a Xenon or Core processor from Intel (Intel) of the United States or an Opteron processor from AMD of the United States, or can be other processor types that those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize. Alternatively, CPU 980 can be realized on FPGA, ASIC, PLD or using discrete logic circuits, as those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize. In addition, CPU 980 can be implemented as multiple processors that work in parallel to carry out the instructions of the above-mentioned inventive process.

[0068] Fig. 9The distributor assembly control device also includes a network controller 983 for interfacing with a network 995, such as an Intel Ethernet PRO network interface card from Intel Corporation of the United States. As can be appreciated, the network 995 can be a public network (such as the Internet) or a private network (such as a LAN or WAN network) or any combination thereof, and can also include a PSTN or ISDN subnetwork. The network 995 can also be wired, such as an Ethernet network; or it can be wireless, such as a cellular network, including EDGE, 3G and 4G wireless cellular systems. The wireless network can also be WiFi, Bluetooth or any other known wireless communication form.

[0069] The dispenser assembly controls also include a display controller 984 (such as an NVIDIAGeForce GTX or Quadro graphics adapter from NVIDIA Corporation of America) for interfacing with a display 985 (such as a Hewlett Packard HPL2445w LCD monitor). A general purpose I / O interface 986 interfaces with a keyboard and / or mouse 987 and a touch screen panel 988 on or separate from the display 985. The general purpose I / O interface also connects to a variety of peripherals 989, including printers and scanners, such as an OfficeJet or DeskJet from Hewlett Packard.

[0070] A sound controller 990 (such as the SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium from Creative) is also provided in the distributor assembly control device for interfacing with a speaker / microphone 991 to provide sound and / or music.

[0071] The general storage controller 992 connects the storage medium disk 982 to a communication bus 993 for interconnecting all components of the distributor assembly control device, which may be ISA, EISA, VESA, PCI, etc. Since the general features and functionality of the display 985, keyboard and / or mouse 987, and display controller 984, storage controller 992, network controller 983, sound controller 990, and general I / O interface 986 are known, the description of these features is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

[0072] Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

[0073] Therefore, the foregoing discussion only discloses and describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting the scope of the present invention and other claims. The present disclosure (including any easily discernible variants of the teachings herein) partially limits the scope of the aforementioned claim terms, so that no inventive subject matter is contributed to the public.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing a compound of a cosmetic formulation, comprising: Distribution motor; a plunger assembly having a plunger; as well as A dispensing assembly control device having processing circuitry, the dispensing assembly control device having processing circuitry being configured to: receiving electrical feedback regarding one of a plurality of characteristics of the device; as well as modifying the movement of the plunger based on the electrical feedback regarding the one of the plurality of characteristics of the device, wherein the dispensing assembly control having the processing circuit is further configured to: confirming a first position of the plunger based on a position of a first light-interrupting mark relative to light from a first optical sensor; translating the plunger at a first speed based on the determination of the first position of the plunger; determining a second position of the plunger based on a relative position of a second light-interrupting mark and light from a second optical sensor; translating the plunger at a second speed based on the determination of the second position of the plunger; comparing a first mass of the collecting bottle with a first target mass of the collecting bottle; translating the plunger at a third speed based on the comparison of the first mass of the collection vial and the first target mass of the collection vial; comparing a second mass of the collecting bottle with a second target mass of the collecting bottle; translating the plunger at a fourth speed based on the comparison of the second mass of the collection vial and the second target mass of the collection vial; comparing a third mass of the collecting bottle with a third target mass of the collecting bottle; as well as translating the plunger at a fifth speed based on the comparison of the third mass of the collection bottle with the third target mass of the collection bottle, Wherein the plunger is configured to contact a surface of the can. 2 . The device according to claim 1 , wherein the first optical sensor is an optical type photosensor.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second optical sensor is a reflector-type photosensor.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plunger assembly further comprises a carriage assembly having a bottom carriage and a top carriage, wherein the second light-intercepting mark is disposed on a surface of the bottom carriage.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: After contact between the plunger and the surface of the can, an inter-carriage distance, which is the distance between the top surface of the bottom carriage and the bottom surface of the top carriage, decreases.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The second light-intercepting mark provided on the surface of the bottom carriage reflects light emitted from the second optical sensor at the time of the reduction of the inter-carriage distance.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fourth speed is a variable speed that is a derivative of an acceleration rate in time between the second target mass and the third target mass.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: determining a third position of the plunger based on a relative position of a third light-intercepting mark and light from a third optical sensor; and The plunger is translated at a retraction velocity based on the determination of the third position of the plunger.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: measuring the current amperage of the distribution motor; comparing the current amperage of the dispense motor to an expected amperage of the dispense motor; and The plunger is translated at a retraction speed based on the comparison of the current amperage and the expected amperage.

10. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a program, the program, when executed by a computer, causing the computer to implement a method for moving a plunger of a plunger assembly in response to electrical feedback from a device, the method comprising: receiving, by processing circuitry, electrical feedback regarding one of a plurality of characteristics of the device; as well as modifying, by the processing circuit, the movement of the plunger based on the electrical feedback regarding the one of the plurality of characteristics of the device, the method further comprising: confirming, by the processing circuit, a first position of the plunger based on a position of a first light-interrupting mark relative to light from a first optical sensor; translating, by the processing circuit, the plunger at a first speed based on the determination of the first position of the plunger; determining, by the processing circuit, a second position of the plunger based on a relative position of a second light-interrupting mark and light from a second optical sensor; translating, by the processing circuit and based on the determination of the second position of the plunger, the plunger at a second speed; comparing, by the processing circuit, a first mass of the collecting bottle with a first target mass of the collecting bottle; translating, by the processing circuit and based on the comparison of the first mass of the collection vial with the first target mass of the collection vial, the plunger at a third speed; comparing, by the processing circuit, the second mass of the collecting bottle with the second target mass of the collecting bottle; translating, by the processing circuit and based on the comparison of the second mass of the collection vial with the second target mass of the collection vial, the plunger at a fourth speed; comparing, by the processing circuit, a third mass of the collecting bottle with a third target mass of the collecting bottle; and translating, by the processing circuit and based on the comparison of the third mass of the collection vial with the third target mass of the collection vial, the plunger at a fifth speed, Wherein the plunger is configured to contact a surface of the can. 11 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the plunger assembly further comprises a carriage assembly having a bottom carriage and a top carriage, wherein the second light-interception mark is disposed on a surface of the bottom carriage.

12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein: After contact between the plunger and the surface of the can, an inter-carriage distance, which is the distance between the top surface of the bottom carriage and the bottom surface of the top carriage, decreases.

13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12, wherein: The second light-intercepting mark provided on the surface of the bottom carriage reflects light emitted from the second optical sensor at the time of the reduction of the inter-carriage distance. 14 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the fourth speed is a variable speed that is a derivative of an acceleration rate in time between the second target mass and the third target mass.

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10, the method further comprising: determining, by the processing circuit, a third position of the plunger based on a relative position of a third light-interrupting mark and light from a third optical sensor; as well as The plunger is translated at a retraction velocity by the processing circuit and based on the determination of the third position of the plunger.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10, the method further comprising: measuring, by the processing circuit, the current amperage of the distribution motor; comparing, by the processing circuit, the current amperage of the dispense motor with an expected amperage of the dispense motor; and The plunger is translated at a retraction speed by the processing circuit and based on the comparison of the current amperage and the expected amperage.

17. A method of dispensing a compound of a cosmetic formulation according to a velocity profile, comprising: receiving, by the processing circuit, electrical feedback regarding one of a plurality of characteristics of the device; modifying, by the processing circuit, movement of a plunger of a plunger assembly based on the electrical feedback regarding the one of the plurality of characteristics of the device, The method further comprises: confirming, by the processing circuit, a first position of the plunger of the plunger assembly based on a position of a first light-interrupting mark relative to light from a first optical sensor; translating, by the processing circuit, the plunger of the plunger assembly at a first speed based on the identification of the first position of the plunger of the plunger assembly; determining, by the processing circuit, a second position of the plunger of the plunger assembly based on a relative position of a second light-interrupting mark and light from a second optical sensor; translating, by the processing circuit and based on the determination of the second position of the plunger of the plunger assembly, the plunger of the plunger assembly at a second speed; comparing, by the processing circuit, a first mass of the collecting bottle with a first target mass of the collecting bottle; translating, by the processing circuit and based on the comparison of the first mass of the collection vial with the first target mass of the collection vial, the plunger of the plunger assembly at a third speed; comparing, by the processing circuit, the second mass of the collecting bottle with the second target mass of the collecting bottle; translating, by the processing circuit and based on the comparison of the second mass of the collection vial with the second target mass of the collection vial, the plunger of the plunger assembly at a fourth speed; comparing, by the processing circuit, a third mass of the collecting bottle with a third target mass of the collecting bottle; and translating, by the processing circuit and based on the comparison of the third mass of the collection vial with the third target mass of the collection vial, the plunger of the plunger assembly at a fifth speed, Wherein the plunger is configured to contact a surface of the can.

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