Apparatus for supplying a composition to a pressurized deposition system

Abstract

The invention provides a device for dispensing a fluid topical composition, the device comprising a reservoir (102) storing the composition and dispensing a pressurized flow of the composition. The device further comprises an accumulator (108) having an expandable chamber (109) in fluid communication with the reservoir (102). The chamber (109) is biased towards a deflated configuration such that, when filled with the composition, the chamber (109) expands against this bias to exert pressure on the composition stored therein. The device comprises a supply valve (104) regulating the flow of the composition from the reservoir (102) to the accumulator (108) and a pressure sensor (106). The device further comprises a processing arrangement (112) analyzing data from the sensor (106) to determine whether the pressure in the accumulator is above a predetermined threshold and controlling the supply valve (104) to keep the pressure within a desired pressure range. The device further comprises a deposition arrangement (110) dispensing the composition from the accumulator under control of the processing arrangement (112).

Description

[0001] This application has the international application number PCT / US2020 / 014088 and the Chinese national application number: Patent application number 202080011319.8, entitled "Apparatus for Supplying a Composition to a Pressurized Deposition System", Application for division of cases.

[0002] Priority Statement

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 798,745, filed January 30, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This invention relates to apparatus and methods for applying compositions to stratum corneum surfaces, such as human skin. More specifically, this invention relates to apparatus and methods for applying pressure-applied topical compositions (e.g., cosmetic compositions or skin treatment compositions) to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the skin. Background Technology

[0005] Topical compositions in various forms, such as powders, liquids, viscous fluids, and compacts, can be applied to keratinized surfaces, such as a user's skin, to achieve desired beneficial effects. Specifically, the composition can be applied to the user's skin to provide an improved aesthetic appearance. The composition can be applied to the desired skin area in many different ways. For example, a powder composition can be applied to the skin by manually transferring the composition with a brush. A viscous fluid composition, such as a liquid foundation composition, can be applied to a large area of ​​keratinized surface by manually spreading and applying it with the user's fingers or a sponge. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a handheld device. The device includes a reservoir configured to store a fluid-localized composition and dispense a pressurized flow of the composition. The device also includes an accumulator comprising an expandable chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir. The expandable chamber is biased toward a venting configuration such that, when filled with the composition, the chamber expands against this bias, resisting pressure applied to the composition stored therein. The device further includes a supply valve located between the reservoir and the accumulator for regulating the flow of the composition from the reservoir to the accumulator; and a pressure sensor that generates pressure data corresponding to the pressure of the composition in the accumulator. The device also includes a processing arrangement that receives the pressure data from the pressure sensor, analyzes the pressure data to determine whether the pressure in the accumulator exceeds a predetermined threshold, and controls the supply valve to maintain the pressure in the accumulator within a range between the predetermined threshold and a predetermined upper limit. Furthermore, the device includes a deposition arrangement fluidly connected to an outlet of the accumulator and dispensing the composition from the accumulator under the control of the processing arrangement.

[0007] A method for dispensing a composition for local application is also described. The method includes supplying a pressurized flow of the composition to an accumulator via a supply valve, the accumulator including an expandable chamber therein. The expandable chamber is biased toward a venting configuration such that, when filled with the composition, the chamber expands against this bias against pressure applied to the composition stored therein. The method also includes generating pressure data corresponding to the pressure of the composition in the accumulator by a pressure sensor. The method further includes analyzing the pressure data received from the pressure sensor by a processing arrangement to determine whether the pressure in the accumulator exceeds a predetermined threshold, and controlling the supply valve to maintain the pressure in the accumulator within a range between the predetermined threshold and a predetermined upper limit. The method also includes dispensing the composition from the accumulator under the control of the processing arrangement by a deposition arrangement fluidly connected to an outlet of the accumulator.

[0008] A method for purging fluid from an air-exposed area of ​​a localized sprayer is also provided. The method includes supplying a pressurized flow of a localized composition to an accumulator via a supply valve, the accumulator including an expandable chamber therein. The expandable chamber is biased toward a venting configuration such that, when filled with the composition, the chamber expands against this bias against pressure applied to the composition stored therein. The method also includes generating pressure data corresponding to the pressure of the composition in the accumulator by a pressure sensor. The method further includes analyzing the pressure data received from the pressure sensor by a processing arrangement to determine whether the pressure in the accumulator is above a cleaning threshold, and controlling the supply valve to maintain the pressure in the accumulator above the cleaning threshold. The method also includes dispensing the composition from the accumulator under the control of the processing arrangement by a deposition arrangement fluidly connected to an outlet of the accumulator until the pressure in the accumulator drops below a predetermined upper limit. The cleaning threshold is above the predetermined upper limit. The cleaning threshold is also selected such that the deposition arrangement dispenses the composition from the accumulator at a pressure sufficient to remove obstructions in the deposition arrangement.

[0009] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the invention (including the accompanying drawings and claims). Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary device for applying a composition to a user's skin according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 The image shows a container containing the composition that can be used with... Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a storage device used in conjunction with the exemplary apparatus shown.

[0012] Figure 3 The image shows a container containing the composition that can be used with... Figure 1 Alternative exemplary embodiments of the storage device used in conjunction with the exemplary apparatus shown.

[0013] Figure 4 An exemplary method for applying a composition to a user's skin according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 An exemplary method for operating an exemplary device in cleaning mode according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0015] This application provides an apparatus and method for applying a pressurized composition to a stratum corneum, such as a skin surface. Specifically, the apparatus of this application controls the delivery of a pressurized fluid composition to a stratum corneum and is usable when the apparatus is held in any orientation (including an inverted orientation). Embodiments of the apparatus receive a source of composition supply with a high initial pressure and dispense the composition under reduced pressure suitable for application to biological surfaces such as, for example, facial skin (e.g., appropriate pressure that is tolerable to a person during use without significant pain or damage to the skin). Reduced pressure can also be selected to suit the dispensing of the composition to form a thin layer of composition on the skin. Preferably, reduced pressure is selected to more controllably dispense the composition in thin layer form onto the desired skin area compared to higher pressure. Pressure can be selected to dispense the composition in multiple pulses, such that the composition layer formed on the matrix by each pulse covers an area of ​​appropriate size, thereby allowing detailed and controlled application of the composition through repeated pulses on the matrix. For example, repeated pulses of the composition on the skin allow for detailed and controlled application of cosmetic compositions to impart an aesthetic appearance. The apparatus and method of the present invention may also relate to applying a pressurized composition to biological surfaces other than human skin. Other applications include, but are not limited to, applying the pressurized composition to a person's teeth or eyes, or to mucous membranes near the eyes and ears, or to the nose, mouth, lips, vagina, urethra, or anus.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram is shown of an exemplary device 100 for applying a fluid composition, such as a fluid skin treatment composition or a fluid cosmetic composition, to a stratum corneum such as skin. The device 100 of this embodiment is sized and shaped as a handheld device designed to be held in the palm of a user's hand.

[0017] The fluid composition may contain, for example, any suitable cosmetic ingredient for modifying the appearance of the skin, such as, for example, an opaque substance, a colored cosmetic, or any other suitable composition for enhancing the appearance of the skin. The composition may also contain ingredients such as moisturizers for hydration, carriers, or beneficial agents (e.g., beneficial compounds / compositions / extracts or active ingredients) for treating and / or improving skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, eczema, urticaria, vitiligo, psoriasis, rosacea, warts, herpes zoster, cold sores, pigmentation and tinting, redness / oxidative skin stress, wrinkles, whitening, sagging / elasticity, etc. Exemplary embodiments of beneficial agents that may be incorporated into the composition are further described below.

[0018] A non-limiting list of available hydrating active agents includes hyaluronic acid and moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid can be linear, cross-linked, or a mixture of linear and cross-linked hyaluronic acid. It can be in salt form, such as sodium hyaluronate. Moisturizers are compounds designed to increase the water content of the skin's surface (e.g., hygroscopic compounds). Examples of suitable moisturizers include, but are not limited to, glycerin, sorbitol, or trehalose, or their salts or esters.

[0019] A non-limiting list of useful and beneficial agents for acne includes benzoyl peroxide, retinoids (including retinol, retinaldehyde, retinoic acid, retinyl acetate, and retinyl palmitate), hydroxy acids (including but not limited to glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid), sulfur, zinc PCA (zinc pyrrolidone carboxylate), allantoin (5-ureidohydantoin), rosemary, 4-hexylresorcinol, N-acetylglucosamine, gluconolactone, nicotinamide, azelaic acid, and resveratrol.

[0020] A non-limiting list of useful active agents for pigmentation includes resorcinols such as nicotinamide, 4-hexylresorcinol, curcuminoids (such as Sabiwhite (tetrahydrocurcumin)), phytic acid, resveratrol, soybean oil, gluconolactone, azelaic acid, and retinoids (including retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, retinyl acetate, and retinyl palmitate), enzymes (such as laccase), tyrosinase inhibitors, melanin degrading agents, melanosome transfer inhibitors (including PAR-2 ​​antagonists), peeling agents, sunscreens, retinoids, antioxidants, tranexamic acid, cetyl tranexamic acid hydrochloride, skin bleaching agents, linoleic acid, disodium adenosine monophosphate, chamomile extract, allantoin, sunscreens, talc and silica, zinc salts, etc. Examples of suitable tyrosinase inhibitors include, but are not limited to, vitamin C and its derivatives, vitamin E and its derivatives, kojic acid, arbutin, resorcinol, hydroquinone, flavonoids such as licorice flavonoids, licorice root extract, mulberry root extract, chamomile root extract, saxifrage extract, etc., ellagic acid, salicylates and their derivatives, glucosamine and its derivatives, fullerene, physalicylic acid, diacids, acetylglucosamine, 5,5′-dipropyl-biphenyl-2,2′-diol (magnolin), 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol (4-HPB), and combinations of two or more of them. Examples of vitamin C derivatives include, but are not limited to, ascorbic acid and its salts, ascorbic acid-2-glucosinolate, sodium ascorbate phosphate, magnesium ascorbate phosphate, and natural extracts rich in vitamin C. Examples of vitamin E derivatives include, but are not limited to, α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol, β-tocotrienol, γ-tocotrienol, δ-tocotrienol, and mixtures thereof, tocopherol acetate, tocopherol phosphate, and natural extracts rich in vitamin E derivatives. Examples of resorcinol derivatives include, but are not limited to, resorcinol, 4-substituted resorcinols such as 4-alkylresorcinol (e.g., 4-n-butylresorcinol, 4-hexylresorcinol), phenethylresorcinol, 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2,4-dimethoxy-3-methylphenyl)-propane, and natural extracts rich in resorcinol. Examples of salicylates include, but are not limited to, potassium 4-methoxysalicylate, salicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, 4-methoxysalicylic acid, and their salts. In some preferred embodiments, tyrosinase inhibitors include 4-substituted resorcinols, vitamin C derivatives, or vitamin E derivatives.

[0021] A non-limiting list of useful reddening / antioxidant active agents includes water-soluble antioxidants such as thiol compounds and their derivatives (e.g., sodium metabisulfite and N-acetylcysteine), lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid, resveratrol, lactoferrin, and ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives (e.g., ascorbate palmitate and ascorbate peptides). Oil-soluble antioxidants suitable for the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, butylated hydroxytoluene, retinoids (e.g., retinol and retinyl palmitate), tocopherols (e.g., tocopheryl acetate), tocotrienols, and ubiquinone. Natural extracts containing antioxidants suitable for the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, extracts containing flavonoids and isoflavones and their derivatives (e.g., genistein and diadzein), extracts containing resveratrol, and so on. Examples of such natural extracts include extracts of grape seed, green tea, pine bark, propolis, and chamomile. The term "white chrysanthemum extract" refers to an extract from the plant "white chrysanthemum". A particularly suitable white chrysanthemum extract can be commercially available with approximately 20% active white chrysanthemum.

[0022] A non-limiting list of available wrinkle-activating agents includes N-acetylglucosamine, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, copper salts such as copper chloride, peptides such as hexapeptides, snake venom serum and those containing copper, coenzyme Q10, dill, blackberry, paulownia, carnation and chicory, resorcinols such as 4-hexylresorcinol, curcuminoids and retinoids (including retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, retinyl acetate and retinyl palmitate), and hydroxy acids including but not limited to glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid and tartaric acid.

[0023] A non-limiting list of useful whitening agents includes vitamin C and its derivatives, such as ascorbic acid 2-glucosinolate, α-hydroxy acids (such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, or any combination of the foregoing), β-hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid), and polyhydroxy acids (such as lactobionic acid and gluconic acid).

[0024] A non-limiting list of beneficial agents available for use on sagging skin includes blackberry extract, smoke tree extract, chamomile extract, pearlwort extract, and bimetallic complexes having copper and / or zinc components. Bimetallic complexes having copper and / or zinc components may be, for example, copper-zinc citrate, copper-zinc oxalate, copper-zinc tartrate, copper-zinc malate, copper-zinc succinate, copper-zinc malonate, copper-zinc maleate, copper-zinc aspartate, copper-zinc glutamate, copper-zinc glutarate, copper-zinc fumarate, copper-zinc gluconate, copper-zinc polyacrylate, copper-zinc adipic acid, copper-zinc pimecrolate, copper-zinc succinate, copper-zinc azelate, copper-zinc sebacate, copper-zinc dodecanoate, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Additional skin benefits or active ingredients may include those listed in the following paragraphs. While some of these active ingredients may have already been listed above, they are included below for a more reliable list.

[0026] Examples of suitable adjunctive beneficial agents include: skin brighteners, skin darkeners, anti-aging agents, elastin promoters, collagen promoters, anti-acne agents, oil-controlling agents, antimicrobial agents (such as anti-yeast, antifungal, and antibacterial agents), anti-inflammatory agents, antiparasitic agents, topical analgesics, sunscreens, photoprotectants, antioxidants, keratolytic agents, detergents / surfactants, moisturizers, nutrients, vitamins, energy enhancers, antiperspirants, astringents, deodorants, depilatory agents, hair growth promoters, hair growth retardants, hardening agents, moisturizers, synergists, anti-hardening agents, skin conditioning agents, anti-cellulite agents, fluorides, teeth whitening agents, anti-plaque agents, as well as plaque solubilizers, odor control agents (such as odor masking agents), or pH adjusters. Examples of suitable cosmetic-acceptable active ingredients include UV filters such as, but not limited to, avobenzone (Parsol 1789), disodium bisdisulizole (Neo Heliopan AP), diethylaminohydroxybenzoylhexylbenzoate (Uvinul A Plus), Mexoryl SX, methyl anisylate, 4-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), cinoxate, ethylhexyl triazine (Uvinul T 150), humosasulfate, 4-methylbenzyl camphor (Parsol 5000), octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, pardimethicone O (Escalol 507), phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid (Ensulizole), polysiloxane-15 (Parsol SLX), triethanolamine salicylate, and bis-ethylethoxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Tinosorb). S), benzophenone 1-12, dihydroxybenzophenone, cresoltrazol trisiloxane (Mexoryl XL), diethylhexylbutamidotriazinone (Uvasorb HEB), octocrylene, oxybenzone (Eusolex 4360), sulphone, methylene dibenzotriazole tetramethylbutanol (Tinosorb) M), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, carotenoids, free radical scavengers, spin traps, retinoids and retinoid precursors such as retinol, retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate, ceramides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors, minerals, hormones such as estrogens, steroids such as hydrocortisone, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, copper salts such as copper chloride, copper-containing peptides such as Cu:Gly-His-Lys, coenzyme Q10, amino acids such as proline, vitamins, lactobionic acid, acetyl-CoA, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, ribose, electron transporters such as NADH and FADH2, and other plant extracts (such as oat, aloe, chamomile, soybean, shiitake mushroom extracts), and their derivatives and mixtures.

[0027] Examples of suitable skin-brightening agents include, but are not limited to, tyrosinase inhibitors, melanin degradation agents, melanosome transfer inhibitors including PAR-2 ​​antagonists, exfoliating agents, sunscreens, retinoids, antioxidants, tranexamic acid, cetyl tranexamic acid hydrochloride, skin bleaching agents, linoleic acid, disodium adenosine monophosphate, chamomile extract, allantoin, sunscreens, talc and silica, zinc salts, etc.

[0028] Examples of suitable tyrosinase inhibitors include, but are not limited to, vitamin C and its derivatives, vitamin E and its derivatives, kojic acid, arbutin, resorcinol, hydroquinone, flavonoids such as licorice flavonoids, licorice root extract, mulberry root extract, chamomile root extract, saxifrage extract, etc., ellagic acid, salicylates and their derivatives, glucosamine and its derivatives, fullerene, physalicylic acid, diacids, acetylglucosamine, 5,5′-dipropyl-biphenyl-2,2′-diol (magnolin), 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol (4-HPB), and combinations of two or more of them. Examples of vitamin C derivatives include, but are not limited to, ascorbic acid and its salts, ascorbic acid-2-glucosinolate, sodium ascorbate phosphate, magnesium ascorbate phosphate, and natural extracts rich in vitamin C. Examples of vitamin E derivatives include, but are not limited to, α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol, β-tocotrienol, γ-tocotrienol, δ-tocotrienol, and mixtures thereof, tocopherol acetate, tocopherol phosphate, and natural extracts rich in vitamin E derivatives. Examples of resorcinol derivatives include, but are not limited to, resorcinol, 4-substituted resorcinols such as 4-alkylresorcinol, such as 4-butylresorcinol (Russino), 4-hexylresorcinol (Synovea HR, Symoton), phenylethylresorcinol (Symwhite, Symrise), 1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2,4-dimethoxy-3-methylphenyl)-propane (nivitol, Unigen), and natural extracts rich in resorcinol. Examples of salicylates include, but are not limited to, potassium 4-methoxysalicylate, salicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, 4-methoxysalicylic acid, and their salts. In some preferred embodiments, the tyrosinase inhibitor comprises 4-substituted resorcinol, a vitamin C derivative, or a vitamin E derivative. In more preferred embodiments, the tyrosinase inhibitor comprises phenylethyl resorcinol, 4-hexylresorcinol, or ascorbic acid-2-glucosidase.

[0029] Examples of suitable melanin degrading agents include, but are not limited to, peroxides and enzymes such as peroxidases and ligninases. In some preferred embodiments, melanin inhibitors include peroxides or ligninases.

[0030] Examples of suitable melanosome transfer inhibitors include PAR-2 ​​antagonists, such as soybean trypsin inhibitors or Bowman-Birk inhibitors, vitamin B3 and derivatives such as nicotinamide, soybean extract, whole soybean, and soybean extract. In some preferred embodiments, the melanosome transfer inhibitor includes soybean extract or nicotinamide.

[0031] Examples of exfoliating agents include, but are not limited to, α-hydroxy acids such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof; β-hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid; polyhydroxy acids such as lactobionic acid and gluconic acid; and mechanical exfoliation such as microdermabrasion. In some preferred embodiments, the exfoliating agent includes glycolic acid or salicylic acid.

[0032] Examples of sunscreen agents include, but are not limited to, avobenzone (Parsol 1789), disodium phenyl dibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate (Neo Heliopan AP), hexyl diethylaminohydroxybenzoylbenzoate (Uvinul A Plus), Mexoryl SX, methyl anisylate, 4-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), cinoxate, ethylhexyl triazine (Uvinul T150), humosasulfate, 4-methylbenzyl camphor (Parsol 5000), octyl methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), octyl salicylate (Octisalate), octyl dimethylaminobenzoate (Escalol 507), phenyl benzimidazole sulfonic acid (Ensulizole), polysiloxane-15 (Parsol SLX), triethanolamine salicylate, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Tinosorb S), benzophenone 1-12, dihydroxybenzophenone, cresoltrazolium trialkoxide (Mexoryl XL), diethylhexylbutamidotriazine ketone (Uvasorb HEB), octocrylene, oxybenzophenone (Eusolex 4360), sulphone, methylene dibenzotriazole tetramethylbutanol (Tinosorb M), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc.

[0033] Examples of retinoid pigments include, but are not limited to, retinol (vitamin A alcohol), retinaldehyde (vitamin A aldehyde), retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate, retinyl linoleate, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, isotretinoin, tazolotin, besalodin, adapalene, and combinations of two or more thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the retinoid pigment is selected from: retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl acetate, retinyl propionate, retinyl linoleate, and combinations of two or more thereof. In some more preferred embodiments, the retinoid pigment is retinol.

[0034] Examples of antioxidants include, but are not limited to, water-soluble antioxidants such as thiol compounds and their derivatives (e.g., sodium metabisulfite and N-acetylcysteine, glutathione), lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid, arsenic compounds such as resveratrol and its derivatives, lactoferrin, iron and copper chelators, and ascorbic acid and its derivatives (e.g., ascorbate-2-glucoside, ascorbate palmitate, and ascorbate polypeptides). Oil-soluble antioxidants suitable for the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, butylated hydroxytoluene, retinoids (e.g., retinol and retinyl palmitate), tocopherols (e.g., tocopheryl acetate), tocotrienols, and ubiquinone. Natural extracts containing antioxidants suitable for the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, extracts containing flavonoids and isoflavones and their derivatives (e.g., genistein and diadzein), extracts containing resveratrol, and so on. Examples of such natural extracts include grape seed, green tea, black tea, white tea, pine bark, chamomile, chamomile without chamomile lactone, oat extract, blackberry extract, smoke tree extract, soybean extract, grapefruit extract, malt extract, hesperidin, grape extract, purslane extract, licorice chalcone, chalcone, 2,2′-dihydroxychalcone, primrose extract, propolis, etc.

[0035] In some preferred embodiments, beneficial agents for acne include, but are not limited to, salicylic acid, zinc PCA (zinc pyrrolidone carboxylate), allantoin (5-ureidohydantoin), rosemary, 4-hexylresorcinol, N-acetylglucosamine, gluconolactone, nicotinamide, azelaic acid, and resveratrol.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments, a list of useful pigmentation-active agents includes tetrahydrocurcumin, phytic acid, resveratrol, soybean oil, gluconolactone, laccase, 4-hexylresorcinol, N-acetylglucosamine, gluconolactone, nicotinamide, azelaic acid, and resveratrol.

[0037] In some preferred embodiments, a list of useful active agents for treating both acne and pigmentation includes 4-hexylresorcinol, N-acetylglucosamine, gluconolactone, nicotinamide, azelaic acid, and resveratrol.

[0038] In exemplary embodiments, the fluid composition may be a suspension containing particulate matter, preferably in which the particles are uniformly distributed and / or suspended in a suitable topical carrier. For example, the fluid composition may comprise a topical carrier and particles, such as, for example, a reflectance modifier (RMA) (any component that can be used to modify skin reflectance)—for example, pigments and / or high-refractive-index particles for modifying skin reflectance. Specifically, the high-refractive-index particles may comprise particles with a refractive index of 2.0 or greater. In one specific example, the RMA may comprise titanium dioxide particles. The RMA may comprise or consist of particles with an average diameter of about 0.35 micrometers to about 1.35 micrometers, about 0.5 micrometers to about 1.0 micrometers, or about 0.6 micrometers to about 0.8 micrometers. In one example, the RMA may comprise or consist of particles with an average diameter of about 0.76 micrometers. In another example, the RMA may comprise or consist of particles having a particle size distribution with a median diameter of about 0.58 micrometers. In one example, the RMA may comprise or consist of particles having a particle size distribution of less than 10% having a diameter of about or less than 0.37 micrometers, less than 50% having a diameter of about or less than 0.58 micrometers, and less than 90% having a diameter of about or less than 1.31 micrometers. Specifically, the particles may be uniformly distributed and / or suspended in a topical composition (e.g., a liquid suspension). The fluid composition is expected to have any suitable viscosity suitable for a topical formulation applied to the skin. The fluid composition may be, for example, a thin liquid or a thick viscous fluid. The viscosity of the fluid composition may be selected to be sufficiently viscous to allow the particulate matter contained in the fluid composition to remain suspended during the shelf life of the composition, thereby improving the stability of the composition during storage, while being sufficiently thin to allow the composition to be easily atomized into fine droplets for deposition onto the skin. For example, the fluid composition may have a viscosity of about 1 cP to about 1200 cP, about 5 cP to about 1000 cP, or about 8 cP to about 882 cP at room temperature. In some examples, the fluid composition may have a viscosity of less than about 300 cP at room temperature.

[0039] The device 100 according to this embodiment includes a reservoir 102 that holds a supply source of a fluid composition to be dispensed by the device 100. The reservoir 102 in this embodiment includes a storage chamber containing a pressurized supply source of the composition; however, as those skilled in the art will understand, multiple storage containers may also be provided, for example, if the composition to be applied is more effective when multiple components are mixed immediately before application. For example, the reservoir 102 may initially contain the supply source of the composition, and the amount and / or pressure of the supply source contained in the reservoir 102 gradually decreases as the device 100 applies the composition to the skin. In some embodiments, the reservoir 102 is a removable container that can be replaced when one or more of its contents are depleted.

[0040] In one exemplary implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the reservoir 102 includes a rigid container defining a storage chamber 150 for containing composition 152 and propellant 154, and a dispenser 159, such as a valve or nozzle, for dispensing a pressurized flow of composition 152 when the device is activated. In this embodiment, the storage chamber 150 is rigid and its size or shape does not change as the pressure within the chamber 150 changes over time (i.e., when the composition is dispensed). For example, the volume of the storage chamber 150 may be about 30 mL or less, about 20 mL or less, or about 15 mL or less. The storage chamber 150 may contain any suitable amount of composition 152, such as, for example, about 10 mL or less, about 8 mL or less, or about 5 mL or less of composition 152 and propellant 154. More specifically, the reservoir 102 may be any suitable container having an inner surface that does not cause undesirable interactions between composition 152 and the container. For example, the reservoir 102 may be a metal aerosol can, and preferably an aluminum aerosol can, coated with a continuous film of a protective coating that does not react with the composition 152. This film forms a barrier against undesirable interactions between the composition 152 and the can (e.g., the formation of gray alumina particles from the aluminum can that could decolorize the composition 152). The protective coating may be a polymer coating, such as an epoxy phenolic coating, as those skilled in the art will understand.

[0041] When dispenser 159 is activated, propellant 154 in reservoir 150 pressurizes composition 152 to generate a propulsive force for dispensing a pressurized flow of composition 152 from reservoir 150. Reservoir 150 may contain any suitable amount of propellant 154 to pressurize composition 152 to a desired pressure, such as, for example, in the range of about 5 psi to about 50 psi, about 10 psi to about 40 psi, or about 12 psi to about 30 psi. Propellant 154 may be any suitable gaseous propellant 154 that does not react with composition 152 and is suitable for local application, preferably compressed air or nitrogen. In this exemplary embodiment, reservoir 102 also includes an immersion tube 156 having a first end immersed in composition 152 and a second end operatively connected to dispenser 159 for drawing composition 152 from the first end to the second end and dispensing a pressurized flow via dispenser 159 when dispenser 159 is activated.

[0042] In another exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 102 includes a valve-on-bag system, one exemplary embodiment of which is shown in Figure 3The valve-on-bag system includes a flexible bag 172 that houses a portion of composition 152 within an internal cavity defined therein. The size and shape of bag 172 change with variations in pressure applied outward from its contents (and / or pressure applied to the outer surface of bag 172) during use (e.g., as the contents of bag 172 are dispensed). Bag 172 is preferably formed of a non-elastic material suitable for storing composition 152. In one exemplary embodiment, bag 172 is formed of two pieces of polymer-laminated aluminum sealed together along the outer edge of the internal cavity. An opening of bag 172 is operatively connected (e.g., via a dip tube 177) to dispenser 176 for dispensing a pressurized flow of composition 152 from the internal cavity when dispenser 176 is activated. The valve-on-bag system also includes an external rigid can 174 that does not change size or shape in response to varying internal pressures during operation of device 100. The size and shape of external can 174 are suitably designed to receive bag 172 therein. In this embodiment, a bag 172 is inserted into an outer canister 174, which also contains a propellant 154. The propellant 154 within the outer canister 174 applies pressure to the outer surface of the bag 172 to deform the size and shape of the bag 172 and / or pressurize the internal chambers of the bag 172. Therefore, even though the composition 152 and the propellant 154 remain in separate chambers within the bag system and do not mix, the composition 152 stored in the internal chambers can be pressurized by the propellant 154 in the outer canister 174. Specifically, when the dispenser 176 is activated, the pressure from the propellant 154 pushes the bag 172 radially inward, thereby compressing the composition 152 therein to generate a propulsive force for dispensing a pressurized flow of the composition 152 from the internal chambers of the bag 172 via the dispenser 176.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the outer can 174 may include a biasing mechanism therein (e.g., a spring controlled by the processing arrangement 112 or an electronically controlled actuator to bias a piston toward an emptying configuration) for pushing against and applying pressure to the outer surface of the bag 172 to deform the size and shape of the bag 172. Similar to the propellant 154 discussed above, when the dispenser 176 is activated, the pressure applied by the biasing mechanism pushes the bag 172 inward against it, thereby compressing the composition 152 therein to generate a propulsive force for dispensing a pressurized flow of the composition 152 from the internal chamber of the bag 172 via the dispenser 176.

[0044] The device 100 also includes an accumulator 108 defining an expandable chamber 109 for receiving composition 152 from the reservoir 102. In this embodiment, the reservoir 102 is fluidly connected to the accumulator 108 via a series of conduits 103 and / or valves (e.g., including a supply valve 104, as further described below) to deliver a pressurized flow of composition 152 to the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108. The expandable chamber 109 is biased toward a relaxed, vented configuration in which it is at its minimum size and expands in response to forces applied to the inner surface of the chamber, thereby increasing its internal volume as pressurized material enters the expandable chamber 109. For example, the expandable chamber 109 is relaxed to a vented configuration when unfilled. However, the expandable chamber 109 expands as it is filled with more and more composition and / or as increasing pressure from the reservoir 102 applies force to its inner surface. As the composition and / or pressure is discharged from the expandable chamber 109, the force applied to its inner surface dissipates, and the chamber 109 contracts to return to its vented configuration. The stiffness of the expandable chamber 109 according to this embodiment is selected to allow the expandable chamber 109 to expand when material from the reservoir 102 is supplied to the expandable chamber, such that the bias of the expandable chamber 109 applies the desired pressure of the material to be dispensed to the material therein. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, the expandable chamber 109 is formed of a material with a certain rigidity, such that when the expandable chamber 109 is filled with the composition 152 by a pressurized flow dispensed from the reservoir 102, the volume of the expandable chamber 109 expands at a rate of about 1 kPa / μL to about 10 kPa / μL or about 3 kPa / μL to about 5 kPa / μL. The capacity of the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108 is preferably significantly smaller than the capacity of the reservoir 102. For example, within the operating pressure of the device 100, the accumulator 108 may have a maximum filling capacity of about 1 μL to about 50 μL, about 2 μL to about 30 μL, or about 5 μL to about 25 μL. Those skilled in the art will understand that the accumulator 108 and the expandable chamber 109 allow the device to maintain the pressure of the dispensed composition within a desired range, even if the pressure in the reservoir 102 changes during use.

[0045] In some embodiments, only a portion of the accumulator 108 is formed of an elastic material, while in other embodiments, the entire accumulator 108 is formed of an elastic material. When the force applied to the elastic material is released, for example, when material in the elastic chamber is expelled and thus the pressure within the expandable chamber 109 decreases, the elastic material returns to its undeformed configuration under its natural bias. Suitable elastic materials may include, for example, natural or synthetic rubber, saturated or unsaturated rubber, elastomers such as silicone elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, etc.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the accumulator 108 includes a piston forming part of the inner surface of an expandable chamber 109, and a biasing mechanism attached to the piston that biases the piston toward an empty configuration in which the piston is fully advanced, such that the expandable chamber 109 is at its minimum size. The biasing mechanism may include a spring, compressed air pressurizing the piston, and / or an electronically controlled actuator controlled by a processing arrangement to bias the piston toward the empty configuration. The piston is reversibly operable to advance or retract in response to changes in the amount of composition and / or the level of pressure within the expandable chamber 109. For example, the biasing mechanism may retract in response to a force applied to the piston by increasing the amount of composition and / or increasing the pressure within the expandable chamber 109, thereby increasing the size of the expandable chamber 109. When the force applied to the piston is released, for example, by discharging the composition and / or pressure from the accumulator 108, the biasing mechanism extends and returns to the piston empty configuration.

[0047] The apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a supply valve 104 disposed between a reservoir 102 and an accumulator 108, the supply valve reversibly opening and closing to regulate the pressurized flow from the reservoir 102 to the accumulator 108. The supply valve 104 opens to allow the pressurized flow to enter the accumulator 108, and closes to prevent the pressurized flow from entering the accumulator 108. In some embodiments, the supply valve 104 is adjustable in predetermined increments. For example, the supply valve 104 can be reversibly opened and closed in predetermined increments to incrementally increase or decrease the flow rate and / or pressure of the pressurized flow entering the accumulator 108 through the supply valve 104.

[0048] The apparatus 100 according to this embodiment also includes a pressure sensor 106 for monitoring the pressure of the composition 152 in the accumulator 108. The pressure sensor 106 can be positioned at any location suitable for detecting the fluid pressure of the composition in the accumulator 108; for example, the pressure sensor 106 can be located inside the accumulator 108 or outside the accumulator 108 (e.g., monitoring pressure by detecting the expansion level of the expandable chamber 109). More specifically, the pressure sensor 106 can be mounted on the inner wall of the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108. The pressure sensor 106 detects changes in pressure and generates pressure data corresponding to the pressure of the composition in the accumulator 108. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 106 can continuously monitor (at any desired frequency and / or rate) and generate pressure data corresponding to the pressure of the composition in the accumulator 108 for any desired time period.

[0049] The device 100 also includes an orientation detector 158 that monitors the orientation of the device 100 when held by a user (e.g., relative to a vertical orientation). The orientation detector 158 may include any suitable means for detecting the orientation of the device 100, such as an accelerometer, to determine, for example, when the device 100 remains in a flow-limited configuration during which (depending on the reservoir design) the opening of the immersion tube 156 may not be within the fluid in the reservoir 102. At this time, as those skilled in the art will understand, the device 100 may be unable to supply fluid to the accumulator 108, and therefore, composition dispensing may be temporarily unavailable if the expandable chamber 109 is emptied before the device 100 returns to an upright position. The orientation detector 158 can detect changes in the position and / or orientation of the device relative to gravity and generate orientation data corresponding to the positioning and / or orientation of the device 100. As those skilled in the art will understand, the data from the orientation detector 158 can be used to control composition dispensing, provide feedback to the user to suggest repositioning of the device 100, etc.

[0050] Pressure sensor 106, orientation detector 158, and / or supply valve 104 are operatively connected to a processing arrangement 112 that executes instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium 114. In this embodiment, the processing arrangement 112 receives and analyzes pressure data received from pressure sensor 106 and controls supply valve 104. The processing arrangement 112 may also receive and analyze orientation data received from orientation detector 158 to further control supply valve 104. It is contemplated that the processing arrangement 112 and computer-accessible medium 114 may be located anywhere inside or outside device 100. The processing arrangement 112 may be, for example, all or part of a computer / processor, or may include, but is not limited to, a computer / processor that may include, for example, one or more microprocessors and uses instructions stored on computer-accessible medium 114 (e.g., a memory storage device). Computer-accessible medium 114 may, for example, be a non-transitory computer-accessible medium containing executable instructions. The storage arrangement may be provided separately from the computer-accessible medium 114, which may provide instructions to the processing arrangement 112 to configure the processing arrangement 112 to execute certain exemplary programs, processes, and methods.

[0051] The device 100 also includes a deposition arrangement 110 for dispensing the composition as a pressurized spray from the accumulator 108. The deposition arrangement 110 is fluidly connected to the accumulator 108 via a series of conduits 103 and / or valves to obtain and dispense the composition from the accumulator 108. In this embodiment, the deposition arrangement 110 may include, for example, a sprayer (e.g., an electro-sprayer or a brush sprayer), a droplet control device, or any other suitable application device for dispensing the pressurized composition via the deposition arrangement 110. In one example, the deposition arrangement 110 includes one or more suitable nozzles (and / or valves, atomizers, etc.) for dispensing the composition as a pressurized droplet spray from the accumulator 108 to form a uniform or substantially uniform covering layer on the skin. In some embodiments, the deposition arrangement 110 is operatively connected to the accumulator 108 to dispense the composition as a pressurized spray from the accumulator 108 without any pressure source between the accumulator 108 and the deposition arrangement 110. In this exemplary embodiment, the pressurized spray is propelled by the pressure of the composition obtained from the accumulator 108, and no additional pressure source is required before it is distributed via the deposition arrangement structure 110.

[0052] As those skilled in the art will understand, the nozzle can be any suitable device for dispensing droplets of composition under pressure. In some embodiments, the deposition arrangement 110 includes a plurality of nozzles. Using a plurality of nozzles can increase the overall rate at which the device 100 can apply the composition to the skin. For example, the deposition arrangement 110 may include 2 to 10 nozzles, 3 to 8 nozzles, or 4 to 6 nozzles, each targeting a different area, such that the composition can be applied simultaneously to multiple areas on the skin. In one exemplary embodiment, the deposition arrangement 110 includes 5 nozzles. Each nozzle may include a valve operatively connected to the processing arrangement 112 for dispensing the composition by rapidly opening and closing the valve to release pressurized spray droplet pulses of the composition. In an exemplary embodiment, the deposition arrangement 110 is operatively connected to the processing arrangement 112, which executes instructions stored on a computer-accessible medium 114. The processing arrangement 112 may be further configured to guide and control the dispensing of the composition from the accumulator 108 and through the deposition arrangement 110.

[0053] The device 100 also includes a power source (not shown) that provides power to control and operate the device 100. The power source is contemplated to be located anywhere within the device 100 or alternatively external to the device 100. In one exemplary embodiment, the power source is operatively connected to the supply valve 104, pressure sensor 106, orientation detector 158, processing arrangement 112, and / or deposition arrangement 110. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various known suitable power sources can be used. For example, the power source may include a battery or a connection to an external power source. Specifically, the power source may include a rechargeable battery device.

[0054] This patent application also describes a method for dispensing a pressurized fluid composition. Exemplary method 200 in... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. When device 100 is initially activated, accumulator 108 may initially be unfilled and in a relaxed, unexpanded configuration. Steps 202 to 206 illustrate the initial activation phase of filling accumulator 108 with a pressurized supply of composition from reservoir 102. In this embodiment, an initial supply of composition is provided to fill accumulator 108 with composition until the desired pressure within accumulator 108 is reached. For example, in step 202, a pressurized flow of composition is provided to the expandable chamber 109 of accumulator 108 via supply valve 104. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the pressurized flow is distributed from reservoir 102 containing a pressurized supply of composition. Supply valve 104, disposed between reservoir 102 and accumulator 108, reversibly opens and closes to control the supply of composition flowing through it to accumulator 108. Processing arrangement 112 is operatively connected to supply valve 104 and directs the supply valve to open and / or close, as determined by processing arrangement 112, to achieve and maintain a desired state of accumulator 108. In this initial step 202, processing arrangement 112 directs supply valve 104 to open, thereby allowing pressurized flow from reservoir 102 to fill the expandable chamber 109 of accumulator 108 to a desired level.

[0055] When a pressurized flow is supplied to the accumulator 108, the pressure sensor 106 monitors and generates pressure data corresponding to the fluid pressure of the composition in the accumulator 108 (step 204). When the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108 is filled with the composition, the pressure sensor 106 provides real-time or near-real-time feedback on the pressure within the accumulator 108. In step 206, the processing arrangement 112 receives the pressure data from the pressure sensor 106 and analyzes the pressure data to determine whether the accumulator 108 has been filled with the composition to the desired pressure. More specifically, the processing arrangement 112 analyzes the pressure data to determine whether the pressure within the accumulator 108 has reached or exceeded a predetermined threshold. If the pressure within the accumulator 108 is below the predetermined threshold, the processing arrangement 112 instructs the supply valve 104 to remain open to continue supplying pressurized flow to the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108 (step 202). If the pressure within the accumulator 108 has reached or exceeded a predetermined threshold, the processing arrangement 112 directs the supply valve 104 to a closed configuration to stop the pressurized flow filling of the accumulator 108. The predetermined threshold is preferably selected as a pressure lower than the pressure at which the composition is contained in the reservoir 102. More specifically, the predetermined threshold is selected as a pressure suitable for application to the biological surface (after passing through one or more nozzles of the deposition arrangement). For example, the predetermined threshold can be selected from a range of about 3 psi to about 9 psi, about 4 psi to about 7 psi, or preferably about 5 psi. This initial activation phase (steps 202 to 206) can be performed continuously or can be repeated at a predetermined frequency or rate. For example, steps 202 to 206 can be repeated every 5 seconds, every 3 seconds, or every 1 second until the pressure within the accumulator 108 reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0056] Once the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108 has been filled to the desired level, the device 100 is fully infused for dispensing the composition via the deposition arrangement 110. The deposition arrangement 110 dispenses the composition in the form of, for example, pressurized pulses or a continuous pressurized flow of the composition. In step 208, the processing arrangement 112 receives an instruction (e.g., based on user interaction with an actuator or other controller) and activates the deposition arrangement 110 to deliver the composition to the skin. The deposition arrangement 110 obtains the composition from the accumulator 108 and dispenses the composition as a pressurized spray via one or more nozzles, valves, and / or atomizers. In some embodiments, the deposition arrangement 110 dispenses the composition from the accumulator 108 to the skin without using any additional pressure source, as discussed above. In this exemplary embodiment, the deposition arrangement 110 dispenses the composition at a pressure substantially the same as the internal pressure of the accumulator 108. When multiple nozzles, valves, and / or atomizers are used, the pressure of the composition dispensed by each nozzle, valve, and / or atomizer may be the same or substantially the same as each other. Those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on the geometry and number of nozzles, the pressure of the composition exiting the nozzle may be higher or lower than the pressure of the composition exiting the accumulator 108, so that the pressure of the composition exiting the accumulator 108 can be controlled to achieve the desired pressure exiting the nozzle.

[0057] As discussed above, the deposition arrangement 110 may include one or more nozzles, each nozzle having a valve operatively connected to the processing arrangement 112 for dispensing the composition by rapidly opening and closing the valve to release pressurized spray droplet pulses of the composition. The valve of the deposition arrangement 110 may rapidly open and close within 0.5 ms, 0.3 ms, 0.2 ms, or 0.1 ms to release the pressurized spray of the composition. Preferably, the pressurized spray has a pressure of about 3 psi to 20 psi, about 4 psi to about 15 psi, or about 5 psi to about 10 psi. The accumulator 108 may be suitably configured (e.g., having a certain size, shape, stiffness, and / or pressure) such that a desired amount of composition is dispensed during each pulse without the use of any additional pressure source. For example, each nozzle or all nozzles within the deposition arrangement 110 may collectively dispense about 1 nanoliter to about 50 nanoliters, 2 nanoliters to about 25 nanoliters, about 3 nanoliters to about 10 nanoliters, or about 5 nanoliters of composition during each pulse.

[0058] As the deposition arrangement 110 distributes pressurized pulses of the composition from the accumulator 108 to the keratin matrix, the pressure within the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108 slowly dissipates. The device 100 can regulate the supply of the composition from the reservoir 102 to maintain the pressure in the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108 within a desired range, as further described below in steps 210 to 214. In steps 210 to 214, the processing arrangement 112 controls the supply valve 104 and pressure sensor 106 in the feedback loop to maintain the pressure within the desired range, regardless of changes in altitude or temperature of the surrounding environment in which the device 100 is used.

[0059] In step 210, as the deposition arrangement 110 dispenses the composition from the accumulator 108 onto the skin, the pressure sensor 106 continues to monitor the pressure in the expandable chamber 109. In step 212, the processing arrangement 112 receives the pressure data from step 210 and analyzes the pressure data to determine whether the pressure within the accumulator 108 is within a desired pressure range, specifically, between the predetermined threshold and the predetermined upper limit discussed above. In this embodiment, the predetermined upper limit is less than the pressure in the accumulator 102. Furthermore, the predetermined upper limit is preferably selected within a predetermined error range, where the difference is not significant when applied to the user's skin and does not affect the aesthetic appearance of the coverage provided by the composition applied to the skin. For example, the predetermined upper limit may be within 1 psi to 5 psi from the predetermined threshold. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined threshold may be about 5 psi and the predetermined upper limit may be about 7 psi. If the pressure within the accumulator 108 is within the range between the predetermined threshold and the predetermined upper limit, the accumulator 108 does not require adjustment. However, if the pressure inside the accumulator 108 drops below a predetermined threshold, the processing arrangement 112 guides the supply valve 104 to reopen to resupply pressurized flow to the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108 (step 214) and maintains the pressure of the accumulator 108 within the range between the predetermined threshold and the predetermined upper limit.

[0060] This patent application also includes a method for operating the device 100 in cleaning mode. Figure 5An exemplary method 300 for cleaning device 100 is illustrated. Device 100 can operate in cleaning mode at any suitable time. For example, device 100 can operate in cleaning mode when it is initially activated for use in a session or when a session is completed. Device 100 can also operate in cleaning mode in response to manual input from a user. Device 100 can deviate from normal operation (as illustrated in method 200), enter cleaning mode (as illustrated in method 300), and resume normal operation (i.e., continue in method 200) after device 100 has completed cleaning mode. In one exemplary embodiment, device 100 starts in cleaning mode when it is initially activated, as shown in method 300. Figure 5 As shown. Specifically, the exemplary method 300 of the cleaning mode replaces steps 202 to 206 of method 200. After step 310 is completed, the device 100 may continue to step 208 within method 200, as described above.

[0061] Steps 302 and 304 are substantially similar to steps 202 and 204 described above. However, in step 306, the processing arrangement 112 receives pressure data from the pressure sensor 106 and analyzes the pressure data to determine whether the accumulator 108 has been adequately filled with the composition to reach a cleaning threshold. The cleaning threshold is selected as a pressure above a predetermined threshold and / or a predetermined upper limit. The cleaning threshold is preferably selected as a pressure below the pressure of the accumulator 102, such that an additional pressure source is not required for operating the device 100 in cleaning mode. In some embodiments, the cleaning threshold is selected such that the deposition arrangement 110 dispenses the composition from the accumulator 108 at a pressure sufficient to remove obstructions (such as, for example, dried and agglomerated compositions) from the deposition arrangement 110. For example, the predetermined threshold may be selected from a range of about 5 psi to about 20 psi, about 6 psi to about 15 psi, or preferably about 10 psi. Steps 302 to 306 may be performed continuously or may be repeated at a predetermined frequency or rate increment. For example, steps 302 to 306 can be repeated every 5 seconds, every 3 seconds, or every 1 second until the pressure inside the accumulator 108 rises sufficiently to exceed the cleaning threshold.

[0062] In step 308, the deposition arrangement 110 discharges the composition from the accumulator 108 via one or more nozzles, valves, and / or atomizers in pressurized pulses or streams to distribute the composition. The deposition arrangement 110 may initially distribute the composition from the accumulator 108 at a pressure that reaches or exceeds a cleaning threshold, but this pressure dissipates slowly as the pressurized pulses distributing the composition from the accumulator 108 by the deposition arrangement 110 dissipate the composition. Preferably, the deposition arrangement 110 distributes the composition from the accumulator 108 at the same pressure as within the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108, without any additional pressure source. In cleaning mode, the deposition arrangement 110 may discharge the composition in the form of a continuous pressurized stream or in the form of pressurized pulses that are distributed at a predetermined frequency or rate (e.g., every 5 seconds, every 3 seconds, or every 1 second) until the pressure within the accumulator 108 returns to a range between a predetermined threshold and a predetermined upper limit. For example, in step 310, as the deposition arrangement 110 dispenses the composition from the accumulator 108, the pressure sensor 106 continues to monitor the pressure in the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108. In step 312, the processing arrangement 112 receives the pressure data from step 310 and analyzes the pressure data to determine whether the pressure within the accumulator 108 is within the desired pressure range for applying the composition to the keratin matrix, specifically, between the predetermined threshold and the predetermined upper limit discussed above. If the pressure within the accumulator 108 still exceeds the predetermined upper limit, the device 100 continues to discharge the composition from the accumulator 108 via the deposition arrangement 110 until the desired pressure is reached, for example, the pressure drops below the predetermined upper limit. Once the pressure in the accumulator 108 drops below the predetermined upper limit, the device 100 resumes operation within method 200, specifically, continues to steps 208 to 214, as discussed above. In some embodiments, the deposition arrangement 110 may include a plurality of nozzles, each of which may be individually activated by repeating steps 308 to 312 each time. For example, the processing arrangement 112 may guide the deposition arrangement 110 to discharge the composition via a series of rotating, individually activated nozzles until the pressure within the accumulator 108 returns to a range between a predetermined threshold and a predetermined upper limit. The total amount of composition continuously dispensed by the deposition arrangement 110 in cleaning mode may include a small fraction of the total amount of composition initially loaded into the reservoir 102, thus preventing excessive waste of composition by the device 100 when operating in cleaning mode. Preferably, the accumulator 108 is suitably configured (e.g., having suitable size, shape, stiffness, and / or pressure) such that the total amount of composition dispensed by the device 100 in cleaning mode is a small fraction of the total amount of composition initially loaded into the reservoir 102 (e.g., less than 1%, less than 0.5%, less than 0.3%, or less than 0.1%).For example, the deposition arrangement structure 110 dispenses a total amount of the composition of about 1 μL to about 50 μL, about 3 μL to about 25 μL, or about 5 μL to about 20 μL in clean mode.

[0063] The increased cleaning pressure used in method 300 allows device 100 to dispense the composition at elevated pressure to help unblock and / or remove residual composition from the air-exposed portions of the deposition arrangement structure from previous use. Purge fluid from the air-exposed portions of the deposition arrangement structure 110 removes old, air-exposed residual amounts of composition previously used on the deposition arrangement structure 110, which can accumulate dirt, bacteria, mold, and / or other undesirable contaminants during storage between uses of device 100. However, during normal operation within method 200, the increased cleaning pressure is preferably selected to be within the same operating pressure range before continuing to use device 100 to apply the composition to the keratin matrix.

[0064] In one exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 102 is a pressurized canister filled with the composition and propellant. The pressurized canister may initially contain approximately 5 mL of the composition, which is gradually depleted as the device 100 continues to be used. In this embodiment, the propellant is nitrogen, and the composition within the pressurized canister is pressurized to a pressure of approximately 12 psi to approximately 30 psi. Specifically, when the canister is filled to 5 mL, the nitrogen pressurizes the composition to approximately 30 psi. As the composition is discharged from the canister, the pressure gradually decreases to approximately 12 psi when the composition is completely emptied from the canister. Thus, this exemplary pressurized canister can provide a pressurized flow of the composition with a pressure of at least 12 psi to the accumulator 108. As discussed above, the first step in clean mode is to supply a pressurized flow of the composition to the accumulator 108. Specifically, the processing arrangement 112 directs the supply valve 104 to open and allow a pressurized flow of the composition through it to fill and expand the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108. Processing arrangement 112 monitors the pressure in expandable chamber 109 via pressure sensor 106 and directs supply valve 104 to close once the desired pressure within expandable chamber 109 is reached. In this example, supply valve 104 remains open until a pressure of approximately 12 psi is reached within expandable chamber 109. In this embodiment, deposition arrangement 110 may include multiple nozzles, preferably five nozzles. In cleaning mode, processing arrangement 112 directs deposition arrangement 110 to discharge the composition by activating individual nozzles for each repetition of steps 308 and 312 discussed above and individually cyclically passing through each of the multiple nozzles. Each of these nozzles includes a valve that rapidly opens and closes to release pulses of pressurized spray droplets of the composition. Specifically, each valve may open and close within approximately 0.2 ms to dispense approximately 5 nanoliters of the composition during each pulse. As the composition is discharged through each of these nozzles, the pressure within expandable chamber 109 of accumulator 108 progressively decreases. The processing arrangement 112 continues to circulate the composition through the nozzle until the desired pressure for normal operation of the device 100 is reached. In this example, the desired operating pressure is approximately 5 psi, and a total volume of approximately 15 microliters of composition can be dispensed in clean mode.

[0065] The device 100 is capable of dispensing pressurized composition from the deposition arrangement 110 when held in any orientation, whether it is held in an upright or flow-limited configuration, as long as the composition remains within the accumulator 108. The ability to operate the device 100 in any configuration (including the flow-limited configuration) allows for flexible manual manipulation of the device over different skin areas on the user's face to reach areas where the composition is difficult to apply.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 102 includes a storage chamber 150, a dispenser 159, and an immersion tube 156 having a first end 157 immersed in and open to the composition 152 and a second end 161 operatively connected to the dispenser 159 for drawing the composition from the first end 157 to the second end 161 and distributing a pressurized flow via the dispenser when the dispenser 159 is activated. However, when the reservoir 102 is inverted or angled relative to the vertical direction such that the first end 157 of the immersion tube 156 is no longer immersed in the composition 152, the immersion tube 156 cannot draw the composition from the first end 157 to the second end 161. As discussed above, orientation (i.e., whether the device 100 is upright or inverted) can be detected by an orientation detector 158. The orientation detector 158 generates orientation data corresponding to the positioning and / or orientation of the device 100 relative to a vertical position. The processing arrangement 112 receives and analyzes orientation data to determine whether the device 100 is held in an orientation where the first end 157 is no longer immersed in the composition (e.g., inverted), and closes the supply valve 104 when the orientation data indicates that the device 100 is in such an orientation. Those skilled in the art will understand that the orientation detector 158 may employ any number of mechanisms other than or equivalent to an accelerometer to detect the condition where the first end 157 is not immersed in the composition 152, including monitoring the fluid level in the reservoir 102 and calculating a critical angle based on the amount of the first end 157 exposed, monitoring flow through the immersion tube 156, etc. The orientation detector 158 monitors the positioning and / or orientation of the device 100 throughout its operation (including during methods 200 and 300) and provides orientation data to the processing arrangement 112. In this exemplary embodiment, when the processing arrangement 112 determines that the device 100 is in a flow-limiting configuration (e.g., when the first end 157 of the immersion tube 156 is not immersed in the composition 152 within the reservoir 102), the supply valve 104 is closed, overriding steps 202, 214, and 302 discussed above. When the processing arrangement 112 determines that the device 100 is no longer in a flow-limiting configuration (e.g., the device 100 returns to an upright configuration where the first end 157 is immersed in the composition within the reservoir 102), the supply valve 104 is reopened as described above (as determined in steps 202, 214, and 302) to refill the accumulator 108.

[0067] Although the supply valve 104 is closed when the device 100 is in the flow-limiting configuration, the device 100 continues to dispense the pressurized composition from the accumulator 108 via the deposition arrangement 110, so that the use of the device 100 is not interrupted when the device 100 is inverted. The size of the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108 can be suitably set to store a certain amount of composition therein, sufficient to allow the device 100 to continue dispensing the composition from the accumulator 108 via the deposition arrangement 110 for a predetermined time period or a predetermined number of pressurized pulses, even if the accumulator 108 does not receive any additional supply of composition from the storage tank 102 during this period. Preferably, the accumulator 108 has a capacity to store a sufficient amount of composition to continuously dispense the composition from the accumulator 108 via the deposition arrangement structure 110 over a predetermined time period or a predetermined number of pressurized pulses, without the pressure in the expansion chamber of the accumulator 108 dropping below a predetermined threshold or within a predetermined error range, within which the difference is not noticeable when applied to the skin and does not affect the aesthetic appearance of the coverage provided by the composition. For example, the predetermined error range may be less than 2 psi, or preferably less than 1 psi. For example, the device 100 is capable of dispensing the composition from the accumulator 108 via the deposition arrangement structure 110 without any additional supply source or pressure source from the reservoir 102 for at least 15 seconds, at least 30 seconds, or at least 1 minute. For example, the size of the expandable chamber 109 of the accumulator 108 can be set to allow the composition to be dispensed from the accumulator 108 via the deposition arrangement structure 110 without the need for an additional supply source of at least 50, at least 100, or at least 300 pressurization pulses from the reservoir 102, while maintaining the pressure of the expandable chamber 109 within a predetermined error range above a predetermined threshold.

[0068] The invention will be further understood with reference to the following embodiments, which are illustrative examples of the composition, form, and method of the invention. It should be understood that various modifications to the composition, form, and method of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments are merely illustrative, and all parts and percentages are by weight.

[0069] Example

[0070] Example I

[0071] Example I provides an exemplary embodiment of a device 100 for applying a fluid composition, particularly a pressurized fluid composition, as described above and Figure 1As shown. A suitable fluid composition has a viscosity of 1 cP or about 1 cP at room temperature (e.g., water). It is also contemplated that the exemplary device of Example I can be used with fluid compositions that are more viscous than water. The exemplary device of Example I includes a constant-pressure liquid source, set to 30 psi, serving as a reservoir 102, for the fluid composition to be dispensed by the device. The liquid source feeds the fluid composition via a rigid tubing serving as an exemplary conduit 103 to a microvalve (e.g., G300-G3001000, commercially available from TechElan, LLC) serving as a supply valve 104. The microvalve is fluidly connected via a T-connector to an exemplary embodiment of a pressure sensor transducer serving as a pressure sensor 106 and an accumulator 108. The T-connector is connected to the pressure sensor transducer via additional rigid tubing. In Example I, the pressure sensor transducer is a piezoresistive silicon pressure sensor, such as a plate-mounted pressure sensor (e.g., a sensor named SSCMLNT060PGAA5) commercially available from Honeywell International Inc. The exemplary accumulator of Embodiment I is an elastomeric tube, particularly a silicone tube. The exemplary accumulator has an elastic portion of a predetermined length that is not structurally supported by any other components connected to it. The silicone tube includes commercially available silicone rubber hoses, such as those having a hardness of, for example, 50A or approximately 50A. Suitable silicone rubber hoses are commercially available from McMaster-Carr, designated 2124T3, with an inner diameter of approximately 1 / 16 inch, an outer diameter of approximately 1 / 8 inch, and a wall thickness of approximately 1 / 32 inch. The elastomeric tube is directly connected to a deposition valve, such as a micro-dispensing valve (e.g., G300-150300, commercially available from TechElan, LLC), as an exemplary embodiment of the deposition arrangement 110. The elastomeric tube is cut to a length such that a length of approximately 3.75 mm constitutes the elastic portion of the elastomeric tube, which is not structurally supported by a T-connector or the deposition valve. The exemplary supply valve and deposition valve in Example I are connected to and operatively controlled by the exemplary processing arrangement (e.g., a LabVIEW system commercially available from National Instruments) according to the following steps:

[0072] A) Begin. Open the deposition valve for 1 microsecond.

[0073] B) Assess the pressure detected by the pressure sensor:

[0074] If the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is less than 5 psi, close the deposition valve and open the supply valve for 1 microsecond. Wait 1 microsecond and return to "Start" in step A.

[0075] If the pressure is greater than 5 psi, return to "Start" in step A.

[0076] A prototype of the exemplary device of Example I was constructed and its full functionality of applying a pressurized fluid composition to a matrix was demonstrated at a constant or substantially constant pressure of about 5 psi.

[0077] The scope of the invention described herein and protected by the claims is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, as these embodiments are intended to be examples of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention. In fact, various modifications of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description, in addition to those shown and described herein. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A hand-held device comprising: a reservoir configured to store a fluid topical composition and to dispense a pressurized flow of the composition, the composition including particulate matter for altering the appearance of a keratinous surface; an accumulator including an expandable chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir, the expandable chamber biased toward a deflated configuration such that, when filled with the composition, the chamber expands against this bias to exert pressure on the composition stored therein; a supply valve between the reservoir and the accumulator for regulating the flow of the composition from the reservoir to the accumulator; a pressure sensor generating pressure data corresponding to the pressure of the composition in the accumulator; a processing arrangement receiving the pressure data from the pressure sensor, analyzing the pressure data to determine whether the pressure in the accumulator is above a predetermined threshold, and controlling the supply valve to maintain the pressure of the accumulator within a range between the predetermined threshold and a predetermined upper limit; a deposition arrangement fluidly connected to an outlet of the accumulator and dispensing the composition therefrom under the control of the processing arrangement, the deposition arrangement dispensing the composition from the accumulator in a pressurized droplet spray that forms a thin layer of the composition overlying a region of the surface; and an orientation detector detecting the orientation of the hand-held device to produce orientation data corresponding to the orientation of the hand-held device, wherein the processing arrangement also receives the orientation data from the orientation detector and controls the dispensing of the composition in accordance with the orientation data.

2. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of a wall of the expandable chamber is formed from an elastomeric material.

3. The hand-held device of claim 2, wherein the elastomeric material includes a silicone elastomer.

4. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein the accumulator includes a piston forming a portion of an inner surface of the chamber and a spring biasing the piston toward the deflated configuration.

5. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein an increase in the pressure of the accumulator causes the volume of the chamber to expand at a rate of 3 KPa / µL to 5 KPa / µL.

6. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein the predetermined upper limit is less than the pressure of the reservoir.

7. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein the pressure of the reservoir is in a range of 12 psi to 30 psi.

8. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir includes a storage chamber containing the composition and a propellant, and a dip tube through which the composition is dispensed from the storage chamber.

9. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir has a volume of no more than 15 ml.

10. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold is 5 psi. ​ 11. The hand-held device of claim 10, wherein the predetermined upper limit value is 7 psi.

12. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein the processing arrangement controls operation of the device in a cleaning mode during which the processor controls the supply valve to maintain the pressure in the accumulator above a cleaning threshold value that is higher than the predetermined upper limit value and directs the deposition arrangement to dispense the composition from the accumulator until the pressure in the accumulator falls below the predetermined upper limit value.

13. The hand-held device of claim 12, wherein the cleaning threshold value is selected so that the deposition arrangement dispenses the composition from the accumulator at a pressure that provides a force sufficient to dislodge obstructions in the deposition arrangement.

14. The hand-held device of claim 13, wherein the cleaning threshold value is 10 psi.

15. The hand-held device of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the deposition arrangement includes at least one nozzle configured to dispense pressurized pulses of the composition from the accumulator.

16. The hand-held device of claim 15, wherein each pressurized pulse is discharged from the accumulator by pressure.

17. The hand-held device of claim 15, wherein the nozzle is an atomizing nozzle configured for dispensing pressurized droplet sprays of the composition from the accumulator.

18. The hand-held device of claim 15, wherein the nozzles each include a valve that is operatively connected to the processing arrangement, the processing arrangement dispensing the composition by directing each of the valves to open and close rapidly to release pressurized droplet sprays of the composition.

19. The hand-held device of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the deposition arrangement dispenses the composition from the accumulator in pressurized pulses at a predetermined frequency, each pressurized pulse depositing a blanket of the composition on a region of the surface.

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