PNEUMATIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR THE APPLICATION OF COSMETIC COMPOSITIONS

Abstract

PNEUMATIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR THE APPLICATION OF COSMETIC COMPOSITIONS The invention relates to pneumatic transport systems, and formulation delivery devices and systems that include pneumatic transport systems. A pneumatic transport system is configured for the controlled transport and mixing of a plurality of formulations that include at least one non-fluid formulation, such as a solid, powder, and / or salt, to produce a resulting formulation. The pneumatic transport system includes a Venturi channel that carries pressurized air, which produces a vacuum that draws the formulations into the Venturi channel, where they are mixed, and also includes an air separator configured to separate the air from the air-formulation mixture.Formulation delivery devices and systems mix and distribute the resulting formulation for application to a person's hair and / or skin. Figure for abbreviation: none.

Description

Title of the invention: PNEUMATIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR THE APPLICATION OF COSMETIC COMPOSITIONS SUMMARY

[0001] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a pneumatic conveying system configured for the controlled mixing and conveying of a plurality of formulations which includes a non-fluid formulation, the pneumatic conveying system comprising: an air compressor configured to draw in air and pump pressurized air into a Venturi channel; a plurality of formulation lines which can be fluidically connected to the plurality of formulations and are fluidically connected to the Venturi channel, wherein the connection of the plurality of formulation lines to the plurality of formulations and the passage of air from the air compressor into the Venturi channel draw the plurality of formulations into the Venturi channel so that the non-fluid formulation is mixed with a fluid formulation and air to form an aerated mixture;and an air separator configured to degas the aerated mixture to form a non-aerated mixture and to transport the non-aerated mixture from it.

[0002] In embodiments, the air compressor draws in ambient air through an inlet port and the air separator discharges air through an outlet port, and the air compressor pumps pressurized air into the Venturi channel through an air duct.

[0003] In embodiments, the air separator is a cyclone air separator configured to separate the air from the aerated mixture by vortex separation.

[0004] In embodiments, the pneumatic conveying system further comprises a plurality of registers functionally connected to a control circuitry and configured to regulate the flow of the plurality of formulations passing through them for the production of the aerated mixture from the plurality of formulations on the basis of a mixing ratio for the plurality of formulations.

[0005] In embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to receive one or more signals from one or more formulation cartridges that correspond to one or more formulations from the plurality of formulations, and to calculate the mixing ratio on the basis of the one or more signals.

[0006] In embodiments, the mixing ratio defines a relative amount of the non-fluid formulation to be mixed with a relative amount of the fluid formulation to form the aerated mixture.

[0007] In some embodiments, the non-fluid formulation is a powder.

[0008] In embodiments, the powder and the fluid formulation are components of a hair bleaching composition for bleaching a person's hair.

[0009] In embodiments, the air separator transports the unaerated mixture to a formulation mixer which mixes and homogenizes the unaerated mixture, and is configured to dispense a resulting formulation through a reciprocating nozzle assembly to be applied to a person's hair.

[0010] In embodiments, the formulation mixer is a turbulent mixing chamber which includes one or more helical mixers positioned in a fluidic path and configured to transport, mix and homogenize the unaerated mixture to produce the resulting formulation.

[0011] In embodiments, the reciprocating nozzle assembly comprises a plurality of nozzles and is driven by a motor, so that the plurality of nozzles move back and forth along a track while dispensing the resulting formulation.

[0012] In embodiments, the passage of air from the air compressor into the Venturi channel produces a vacuum which draws at least a part of the plurality of formulations into the Venturi channel on the basis of configurations of a plurality of registers configured to regulate the flow of the plurality of formulations passing through them.

[0013] In embodiments, the Venturi channel includes an air duct at a central part thereof, a first formulation duct at a first part thereof configured to carry a first formulation of the plurality of formulations, and a second formulation duct at a second part thereof configured to carry a second formulation of the plurality of formulations, in which the central part is positioned between the first part and the second part.

[0014] In embodiments, a first register is positioned in line with the first formulation duct and a second register is positioned in line with the second formulation duct, in which the first register and the second register are positioned upstream of the air separator.

[0015] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a formulation delivery device or a formulation delivery system comprising the pneumatic transport system.

[0016] The purpose of this summary is to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are described in greater detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0017] [Fig.1] Fig.1 shows a schematic view of an example formulation delivery system, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0018] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] shows a rear perspective view of an example of a formulation cartridge, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0019] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] shows a side cross-sectional view of the example formulation delivery system containing a pneumatic conveying system, according to aspects of disclosure.

[0020] [Fig. 4] [Fig. 4] shows a top cross-sectional view of an example of a Venturi channel with formulation and air ducts, according to aspects of disclosure. Dashed arrows indicate air flow, while solid arrows indicate formulation flow.

[0021] [Tables 1] Reference Description 100 Formulation delivery system 102 Formulation product range 104 Formulation delivery device 106 Formulation 108 Formulation cartridge 200 Formulation cartridge 202 Handle part 203 First half 204 Second half 206 Reservoir 208 Outlet nozzles 210 Front body part 212 Refill unit 300 Pneumatic conveying system 301 Inlet orifice 302 Formulation cartridge orifice 303a Formulation line (first) 303b. Formulation line (second) 304 Air compressor 305 Air line 306a Register (first) 306b Register (second) 307 Venturi channel 308 Formulation air line (aerated mix) 309 Cyclone air separator 310 Separated air line 311 Drain outlet 312 Degassed formulation line (non-aerated mix) 313 Formulation mixer (non-aerated mix) 414 Reciprocating nozzle assembly 416 Plurality of spacing parts

[0022] The foregoing aspects and many associated advantages of the present invention will be more easily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the detailed description that follows, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed description

[0023] The preparation of at least some hair formulations may include mixing a non-fluid formulation, such as a solid, salt, or powder, with at least one fluid formulation. Using approaches such as those disclosed herein, fluid hair care formulation systems and devices, such as the Colorsonic™ device marketed by L'Oréal as a non-limiting example, can be advantageously configured to mix one or more non-fluid formulations to generate application-ready hair formulations. The disclosed approaches are capable of mixing and transporting non-fluid formulations in combination with fluid formulations by using structures that implement the Venturi effect, a reduction in fluid pressure that occurs when a moving fluid accelerates as it flows through a constricted section (or bottleneck) of a pipe or tubing.The disclosed approaches also improve formulation delivery systems that include one or more solids, such as salts or powders, as at least one component of a hair formulation, including, by way of non-limiting example, hair bleaching formulations.

[0024] A formulation dispensing system can be configured for use with any one of a plurality of formulation cartridges. By way of non-limiting example, [Fig. 1] shows a side perspective view of an example formulation dispensing system, and [Fig. 2] shows a rear perspective view of an example formulation cartridge. A formulation dispensing system 100 can include a formulation cartridge 200. The formulation dispensing system 100 shown is an example of a formulation dispensing system as described in detail in US Patent Application Publication No. US20240172858A1, published on May 30, 2024.However, it should be understood that aspects and embodiments of this disclosure may be used with any formulation delivery system for hair coloring and / or hair bleaching, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0025] The example formulation delivery system 100 shown includes a formulation product range 102, a formulation delivery device 104, and a formulation 106 (for example, within a liquid reservoir 206 of a formulation cartridge 108, shown in cross-section in Figures 1 and 2), which together enable the application of a cosmetic composition to a person's hair for a personalized hair treatment experience, such as hair coloring and / or bleaching. The formulation product range 102 includes formulation cartridges 108, and the formulation cartridges 108 can be cartridges of the same type (or common type) configured to be interchangeable and used with the formulation delivery device 104.

[0026] The formulation product range 102 may include a cosmetic composition in the form of a hair bleaching formulation, which may include a bleaching formula and a developer formula that, when mixed together by the formulation delivery device 104, form the cosmetic composition to be applied to a person's hair. In embodiments, a formulation product range 102 may include one or more cartridges that comprise: a bleaching formula and a developer, a permanent hair dye and a developer, a semi-permanent hair dye and a developer, a shampoo, a conditioner, a hair growth treatment such as minoxidil, a hair protein treatment, a hair disulfide bond repair treatment, a liquid scalp treatment, or the like.

[0027] In embodiments, a formulation product range 102 may include a cleaning cartridge containing a cleaning solution for cleaning the formulation dispensing device 104 before and / or after use. A cleaning solution may enable a person to clean the formulation dispensing device 104 by performing a cleaning routine, with the device and the cleaning solution cartridge, which passes a cleaning liquid (e.g., water, saline) from the cleaning cartridge through the fluid channels of the formulation dispensing device 104. This removes residual formulation from the formulation dispensing device 104. Advantageously, the cleaning cartridge and the cleaning routine allow a significant portion of the formulation dispensing device 104 to be reused for different formulations, thereby reducing waste and costs.The cleaning cartridge may include a refillable cleaning fluid reservoir located inside the external housing, which is fluidly connected to the plurality of outlet nozzles. Thus, a user can fill the cleaning fluid reservoir with a cleaning fluid such as water and perform a number of cycles. of cleaning programs on the formulation administration device 104 and refill the cleaning fluid reservoir.

[0028] The formulation cartridge 108 shown has an elongated shape and dimensions configured for insertion into a handle of the formulation delivery device 104, in particular into a cartridge cavity of the handle, to mix and dispense the cosmetic composition from the formulation delivery device 104. All or substantial parts of a formulation cartridge 108 may be composed of one or more recyclable elements, for example, to manage the environmental impact of the system and the product range.

[0029] The formulation cartridge 108 may include a plurality of liquid outlet nozzles, which are shaped and positioned at a distal (front) end of the formulation cartridge 108 in a configuration that connects fluidically to a corresponding plurality of liquid inlets (e.g., first formulation inlets) of the formulation delivery device 104. In some embodiments, the liquid outlet nozzles are valves of formulation containers (e.g., pouches or packets) arranged in the formulation cartridge 108.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a formulation cartridge 200 that is compatible with any of the formulation delivery systems, formulation delivery devices, and formulation product ranges described herein. However, the formulation delivery systems, formulation delivery devices, and formulation product ranges described herein are not required to use the durable formulation cartridge 200 shown in Figure 2.

[0031] In some embodiments, the formulation cartridge 200 is durable and designed to reduce waste and environmental impact while providing a user-friendly experience. It comprises two main components: a handle portion 202 and a disposable formulation cartridge refill unit 212 (hereafter referred to simply as the refill unit 212) configured to slide reversibly into the handle portion 202. The formulation cartridge 200 is constructed so that the handle portion 202 can be reused indefinitely and the refill units 212 can be easily replaced after the formulation they contain is depleted. Furthermore, the refill unit 212 is configured to be disassembled into smaller components, at least some of which can be recycled in some embodiments and others disposed of.Thus, the Formulation 200 cartridge uses an innovative structure to reduce waste and improve the user experience.

[0032] In some embodiments, the handle portion 202 is shaped, dimensioned, and constructed to be repeatedly inserted into the cartridge cavity of the formulation delivery device. Therefore, the handle portion 202 may be formed of a plastic or similar rigid polymer or other material and includes a hollow handle portion 202 configured to receive the refill unit 212. The refill unit 212 includes a refill pack comprising a shell enclosing at least one formulation container (e.g., a pack, a pouch, or other container), for example, a first formulation pouch and a second formulation pouch, and a valve frame coupled to the refill pack, for example, a front body portion 210. In some embodiments, at least one formulation container is a liquid reservoir 206.The first formulation pouch and the second formulation pouch can contain, respectively, a first formulation (for example, a bleaching formula) and a second formulation (for example, a developer formula). The refill unit 212 can include a packet sleeve. In some embodiments, a formulation container can include a formulation packet and an outlet nozzle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first and second formulation pouches of the formulation cartridge 200 may each have a volume of approximately 40 ml to approximately 70 ml, approximately 50 ml to approximately 60 ml, approximately 40 ml to approximately 65 ml, approximately 40 ml to approximately 60 ml, approximately 40 ml to approximately 55 ml, approximately 40 ml to approximately 50 ml, approximately 45 ml to approximately 70 ml, approximately 50 ml to approximately 70 ml, approximately 55 ml to approximately 70 ml, approximately 60 ml to approximately 70 ml, or approximately 55 ml. In some embodiments, the first and second formulation pouches may have different volumes. In some embodiments, the refill unit 212 stores only one formulation container.

[0034] In embodiments, the first and second formulations may be independently selected from any of the formulations described herein, or their equivalents in the art, and may include at least one non-fluid formulation, for example, a bleaching formula, a permanent hair dye, a semi-permanent hair dye, a developer formula, a conditioner, a hair growth treatment such as minoxidil, a hair protein treatment, a hair disulfide bond repair treatment, a liquid hair treatment, a liquid scalp treatment, and any combination thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, the first and second formulations are different. For example, in some embodiments, the first formulation is a bleaching formula and the second formulation is a developer. In other embodiments In production, the first formulation and the second formulation are identical (for example, a conditioner or a scalp treatment formulation).

[0035] In embodiments, the formulation pouches include a package containing a formulation and a valve-forming means comprising outlet nozzles 208 enabling selective fluidic coupling of the refill unit to a dispensing nozzle unit of a formulation delivery device when the formulation cartridge 200 is received in the portable formulation dispensing device. A representative valve-forming means includes a valve through which the formulation exits the package containing the formulation. Examples of formulation containers are described in International Patent Application Publication WO2019067336A2, published April 4, 2019, and US Patent Application Publication US20210196021A1, published July 1, 2021.

[0036] In some embodiments, the casing (i.e., the external part) of the cartridge refill unit 212 has an elongated shape designed to fit into the reusable handle portion 202. The casing surrounds and protects the first and second formulation bags and engages with the valve frame (described below). Thus, the casing acts as a protective container for the formulation bags during handling before loading into the formulation dispensing device.

[0037] In some embodiments, the casing has a total length between 150 and 250 mm (for example, 175 to 225 mm, 185 to 215 mm, 195 to 205 mm, or 200 mm) and a maximum cross-sectional dimension of 25 to 50 mm (for example, 30 to 45 mm, 35 to 40 mm, or 36 mm). The casing has a rear body portion and a slender front body portion 210, for example, a neck portion, extending away from the body portion. The body portion and the slender front body portion 210 are generally aligned in a common longitudinal direction to allow assembly with the reusable handle portion 202, and to allow insertion into the cartridge cavity of the formulation delivery device. In some embodiments, the shell is constructed at least partially from a recyclable or recycled material, for example a paper material such as an injection-molded paper material or a die-cut structured paper (for example, cardboard).In some embodiments, the shell is formed from a single piece of injection-molded paper material. In embodiments where the shell is formed from paper, the paper has a weight between 8 and 12 points (for example, 8.5 points, 9.0 points, 9.5 points, 10.0 points, 10.5 points, 11.0 points or 11.5 points), to provide sufficient rigidity without introducing an excess of disposable material.

[0038] In some embodiments, the rear body part of the hull has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the front body part 210 when it is observed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the formulation cartridge 200. A bump or bulge provides the largest cross-sectional area of ​​the rear body portion relative to the slender front body portion 210. Advantageously, the bump or bulge allows the use of larger formulation pouches. Furthermore, the bump or bulge forms a stop that butts against a corresponding inner face of the handle portion 202 and fixes the longitudinal position of the casing during use, for example, by a tight fit.

[0039] In some embodiments, the slender front body portion 210 of the shell is shaped to fit into the handle portion 202 and to project into the cartridge cavity of the formulation delivery device during use. The front body portion 210 couples to the valve frame. To facilitate secure connection and alignment with the valve frame, the front body portion 210 includes a valve frame coupling means, for example, at least one coupling tab configured to selectively engage with the valve frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the front body portion 210 includes a single coupling tab extending away from one of its front ends. The coupling tab includes an engagement element, for example, a notch or a raised protrusion, shaped and dimensioned to engage with a complementary opening in the valve frame.

[0040] In some embodiments, the shell may have different configurations. For example, the shell may be a double-shell configuration formed by at least two partial shells (in this embodiment, the first half 203 and the second half 204) coupled in an articulated manner. In other embodiments, the shell includes a different number of partial shells, for example, three or four partial shells that come together to enclose the formulation pouches. In still other embodiments, the shell comprises a single piece forming an open-ended tube into which the formulation pouches can be inserted. The alignment of the first half 203 and the second half 204 allows the front body portion 210 to be correctly attached to the valve frame.

[0041] Although the illustrated hull is formed from injection-molded paper material, this construction is an example and not a limitation. In some embodiments, the hull is formed from a single piece of die-cut paper, which is folded to give a three-dimensional structure from which the rear body portion and the slender front body portion 210 deviate. In some embodiments, this folded construction creates a polygonal cross-section in the rear body portion and a polygonal cross-section in the front body portion 210 (for example, octagonal and hexagonal cross-sections, respectively). For To facilitate assembly, some embodiments of the shell include one or more grooves or guide lines that ensure correct folding. Some embodiments have a triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal shape in cross-section.

[0042] In some embodiments, a package sleeve can slide over the front body portion 210 and offer several important advantages. First, it provides additional structure to the charging unit 212 by sliding over the front body portion 210 and reinforcing it. Consequently, in some embodiments, the package sleeve has a greater thickness or weight than the material forming the casing, although this is not necessary. In some embodiments, the package sleeve is made of a recyclable material, which may be the same material as the casing. In some embodiments, the package sleeve couples to the valve frame. For example, the package sleeve may include a plurality of coupling recesses configured to couple reversibly to the couplings of the valve frame. The package sleeve can facilitate the disassembly of the charging unit 212.

[0043] In some embodiments, the valve frame provides a rigid structure that aligns the outlet nozzles 208 for proper fluid connection with the fluid lines of the formulation delivery device. Therefore, the valve frame can be made of ABS plastic, HDPE, or another rigid polymer or other material. In some embodiments, the valve frame is formed from the same material as the casing. Thus, the casing, the formulation pouches, the valve frame, and the optional package sleeve form the refill unit 212. During use, the refill unit 212 can be reversibly coupled to the handle portion 202, for example, by attaching means such as coupling tabs to the casing or by a tight fit between the refill unit 212 and the handle portion 202.

[0044] As shown in [Fig. 3], an example of a formulation delivery device 104 containing a pneumatic conveying system 300 is configured for the controlled mixing and conveying of a plurality of formulations, including a non-fluid formulation. A pneumatic conveying system 300 includes an air compressor 304 configured to draw in air (e.g., from an inlet port 301) and pump pressurized air into a Venturi channel 307 (e.g., via an air duct 305), a plurality of formulation ducts (e.g., the first and second formulation ducts 303a, 303b) that can be fluidically connected to the plurality of formulations and are fluidically connected to the Venturi channel 307. The connection of the plurality of formulation ducts 303a, 303b to the plurality of formulations (e.g., via a connection to the outlet nozzles 208 of [Fig. 2]), and the passage of air from the air compressor 304 into the Venturi channel 307 draws the plurality of formulations from the cartridges through the formulation cartridge orifice 302 and into the Venturi channel 307, so that the non-fluid formulation is mixed with a fluid formulation and the air inside the Venturi channel 307 to form an aerated mixture. An air separator (for example, a cyclone air separator 309) degasses the aerated mixture to form a non-aerated mixture and conveys the non-aerated mixture from there to a formulation mixer 313 by passing the non-aerated mixture through a degassed formulation conduit 312.

[0045] After degassing the mixture to form the unaerated mixture, the unaerated mixture may not be completely homogenized and may benefit from further mixing by the formulation mixer 313. Thus, the formulation mixer 313 mixes and homogenizes the unaerated mixture and dispenses a resulting formulation through a reciprocating nozzle assembly 414, from which it is expelled and applied to a person's hair. In the illustrated embodiment, the formulation mixer 313 is a turbulent mixing chamber comprising one or more helical mixers positioned in a fluidic path, and conveys, mixes, and homogenizes the unaerated mixture to produce the resulting formulation. However, other types of formulation mixers may be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.In the illustrated embodiment, the reciprocating nozzle assembly 414 comprises a plurality of nozzles (e.g., spaced and separated by a plurality of spacing parts 416), and is driven by a motor, so that the plurality of nozzles move back and forth along a track while dispensing the resulting formulation; however, alternative nozzle assembly designs can be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0046] The operation of the Venturi channel 307 to create a Venturi effect relies on the movement of air through the system to create a vacuum force that moves the formulas from the cartridges through the formulation delivery device 104 for mixing and expulsion. During operation of the illustrated embodiment, the air compressor 304 draws in ambient air through the inlet port 301 and the cyclone air separator 309 discharges the air through an outlet port 311, and the air compressor 304 pumps pressurized air into the Venturi channel 307 via the air duct 305; however, alternative configurations for the air movement can be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the passage of air from the air compressor 304 through the Venturi channel 307 produces a vacuum that draws in at least part of The plurality of formulations in the Venturi channel 307 is determined by the configurations (e.g., open, degree of opening, closed) of a plurality of registers (e.g., registers 306a, 306b) configured to regulate the flow rate of the plurality of formulations passing through them. The disclosed design example, particularly with the use of the Venturi channel 307, enables the generation of very strong vacuum forces that rapidly and efficiently move and mix solids and liquids within the device for application to the hair. The Venturi effect produced by the Venturi channel 307 is particularly advantageous compared to other approaches, such as pumps, for moving non-fluid formulations through the device.With the use of the Venturi 307 channel, the number of moving mechanical parts interacting with the non-fluid formulation is limited, preventing the internal tubing of the device from becoming clogged by solids or powder clumps. Consequently, the device can operate reliably for extended periods without requiring frequent, high-frequency cleaning and maintenance, as would be the case with peristaltic pumps.

[0048] Since the Venturi channel 307 mixes a non-fluid formula with a fluid formula using air displacement, the blended formulas can produce an aerated mixture that can advantageously be degassed before being applied to the hair. Therefore, an air separator can be included. In the illustrated embodiment, the air separator is a cyclone air separator 309 that is configured to separate the air from the aerated mixture by vortex separation and drain the non-aerated mixture into the degassed formulation conduit 312 under the effect of gravity. However, other types of air separators can be implemented to degas the aerated mixture, including embodiments usable without the need for gravity to displace the degassed formulation, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0049] Controlling the mixing ratio between the non-fluid and fluid formulations can advantageously contribute to various properties of the resulting cosmetic composition, such as its effectiveness and, consequently, the time required to apply the composition to the hair to achieve the desired effect. Therefore, in some embodiments, the pneumatic conveying system 300 further comprises a plurality of registers (for example, the first and second registers 306a, 306b), positioned in line with the formulation conduits 303a, 303b and upstream of the Venturi channel 307 and the cyclone air separator 309, which are functionally connected to a control circuitry and configured to regulate the flow rate of the plurality of formulations passing through them for the production of the aerated mixture from the plurality of formulations based on a mixing ratio for the plurality of formulations.The control circuitry can. The operation and configuration of registers 306a and 306b can be electronically controlled, for example by means of an electric motor and / or actuator, to open and / or close registers 306a and 306b to allow a defined quantity of a first formulation through the first register 306a and to allow a defined quantity of a second formulation through the second register 306b. In this way, the mixing ratio can define a relative quantity of the non-fluid formulation to be mixed with a relative quantity of the fluid formulation to form the aerated mixture.Non-limiting examples of registers that may be used for registers 306a, 306b include, but are not limited to, one or more rotary butterfly valves, one or more ball valves, one or more needle valves, one or more deformable sleeve valves, one or more guillotine valves, one or more diaphragm valves, one or more check valves, one or more solenoid valves, and any combination thereof.

[0050] The control circuitry of the formulation dispensing device 104 can be configured based on a software application, executed by at least one process of the formulation dispensing device 104 or another computing device, such as a smartphone, which defines the relative quantities of two or more formulas to be mixed for a particular hair treatment. Therefore, in some embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to receive one or more signals from one or more formulation cartridges that correspond to one or more formulations from the plurality of formulations, and to calculate the mixing ratio based on the one or more signals.Signals can be received by the circuitry via any connection to the formulation cartridges, including, but not limited to, a wired connection, or a wireless connection, such as a wireless request from a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip of a formulation cartridge, for example.

[0051] As shown in [Fig. 4], the Venturi channel 307 comprises an air duct 305 in a central portion thereof, a first formulation duct 303a in a first portion thereof configured to carry a first formulation of the plurality of formulations, and a second formulation duct 303b in a second portion thereof configured to carry a second formulation of the plurality of formulations. The central portion is positioned between the first and second portions. When air (dashed arrows) flows through the central portion, it creates a vacuum force that extracts the formulations from the first and second portions where they are mixed with air, and the aerated mixture is transported to a cyclone air separator 309.Depending on the configuration of registers 306a, 306b, the vacuum force at formulation conduits 303a, 303b may be higher or lower, which increases or decreases the formulation flow rate. through these for controlling the mixing ratio between at least two formulations. Because the air moves at a relatively high speed, the formula and the mixture do not become too trapped inside the device or the Venturi 307 channel, which reduces the frequency of cleaning and maintenance operations.

[0052] In one aspect, the disclosure proposes a formulation delivery device or a formulation delivery system comprising the pneumatic conveying system. While an example of a formulation delivery device 104 and a system 100 are shown in [Fig. 1], alternative designs and configurations that implement the pneumatic conveying system can be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, while an example of a pneumatic conveying system 300 is shown in [Fig. 3], alternative designs and configurations of the pneumatic conveying system can be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0053] In the claims and for the purposes of this disclosure, the terms "a", "an", "the", "the", "the" and similar refer to the singular and plural forms of the object or element referred to.

[0054] This application may include references to directions, such as "vertical", "horizontal", "front", "back", "left", "right", "up" and "down", etc. These references, and other similar references in this application, are intended to help describe and understand the particular embodiment (such as when the embodiment is positioned for use) and are not intended to limit this disclosure to those directions or locations.

[0055] This application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise specified, these quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but rather as examples of the possible quantities or numbers associated with this application. Similarly, in this respect, this application may use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In this respect, the term "plurality" is understood to mean any number greater than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about," "approximately," etc., mean within 5% of the stated value. The term "based on" means "based at least partially on."

[0056] As used herein, “system” and “computing system” refer to one or more computing devices that are configured to perform all or part of any disclosure process, in any order or sequence of steps, optionally in combination with one or more other computing devices that are configured to perform all or part of any disclosure process, in any order or sequence of steps. In at least some cases, a process may be performed by two devices. One or more calculations that together form at least part of a computing system, and in such cases, the steps performed by a first computing device may be complementary to the steps performed by a second computing device. In other cases, a process may be carried out by a computing device that forms at least part of a computing system.

[0057] As used herein, "computing device" means a physical hardware computing device that is configured to perform all or part of any disclosure process, in any order or sequence of steps, optionally with human input. In some embodiments, the circuitry of such a computing device is configurable with a processor and processor-executable instructions stored on a machine-readable, non-transient medium of the computing device, by way of non-limiting example, but other approaches to configuring the circuitry of the computing device may be implemented in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the computing device includes a processor for executing instructions stored on a machine-readable, non-transient medium, to enable the processor to perform all or part of a disclosure process.Therefore, in some embodiments, a computing device includes a software application configured to perform all or part of one or more disclosure methods or processes, in any order or combination. However, in some embodiments, a computing device includes dedicated hardware circuitry. Additional circuitry configuration of the computing device may include networking circuitry, for example, circuitry configured for a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), and / or Wi-Fi® connection, and / or a wired connection. The networking circuitry, in combination with the circuitry of the computing device, may be used to request, retrieve, and / or receive data from a remote server, for example.In some embodiments, the circuitry may include an operational connection of one or more sensors with the processor, or other circuitry, to perform logical operations and / or processes based on data received from one or more sensors, for example.

[0058] Although various types of computing devices useful for the systems of the disclosure are discussed herein or otherwise contemplated, an example of a computing device may be implemented as a device on a network. Examples may include servers, personal computers, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, embedded computing devices, and other devices that may be used to implement parts of the embodiments of this disclosure. Inventions of a computing device may be implemented in or include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or some other custom device. Furthermore, those skilled in the art and others will recognize that the computing device may be any one of a number of devices currently available or yet to be developed.

[0059] In its most basic configuration, the computing device includes at least one processor and system memory connected by a communication bus. Depending on the exact configuration and type of device, the system memory may be volatile or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), EEPROM, flash memory, or similar memory technology. Those skilled in the art and others will recognize that system memory typically stores data and / or program modules that are immediately accessible to the processor and / or currently being used by it. In this respect, the processor can act as the computing center of the device by handling the execution of instructions.

[0060] A computer device may include a network interface comprising one or more components for communicating with other devices on a network. Embodiments of this disclosure may access basic services that use the network interface to perform communications using common network protocols. The network interface may also include a wireless network interface configured to communicate via one or more wireless communication protocols, such as Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, and / or similar protocols. As a person skilled in the art will understand, the network interface may represent one or more wireless interfaces or physical communication interfaces described and illustrated above in relation to particular components of the computer device.

[0061] The computer system also includes a storage medium. However, it is possible to access services using a computer system that does not include means of data persistence on a local storage medium. Therefore, the storage medium may be optional. In any case, the storage medium may be volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable, implemented using any technology capable of storing information such as, but not limited to, a hard disk drive, an SSD, a CD-ROM, a DVD or any other disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage and / or the like.

[0062] Appropriate implementations of computer devices that include a processor, system memory, a communication bus, and a storage medium and a network interface are known and commercially available. For ease of illustration, and because it is not important for understanding the subject matter claimed, the disclosure does not show some of the typical components of many computing devices. In this regard, the computing device may include input devices, such as a keyboard, numeric keypad, mouse, microphone, touch input device, touchscreen, tablet, and / or the like. These input devices may be coupled to the computing device by wired or wireless connections, including RF, infrared, serial, parallel, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, USB, or other suitable connection protocols using wireless or physical connections. Similarly, the computing device may also include output devices, such as a display, speakers, a printer, and the like.Since these devices are well known in art, they are not illustrated or described in more detail here.

[0063] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of this disclosure have been described in the preceding description. However, aspects of this disclosure that are intended to be protected should not be interpreted as being limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be understood that variations and changes may be made by other means, and equivalents may be used, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as claimed. NON-EXHAUSTIVE METHODS

[0064] Although general features of the disclosure are described and shown, the following non-limiting embodiments relate to features, and combinations of features, that are explicitly contemplated as forming part of the disclosure. The following non-limiting embodiments contain elements that are modular and can be combined with each other in any number, order, or combination to form a new non-limiting embodiment, which can itself be further combined with other non-limiting embodiments.

[0065] Embodiment 1. A pneumatic conveying system configured for the controlled mixing and conveying of a plurality of formulations, including a non-fluid formulation, the pneumatic conveying system comprising: an air compressor configured to draw in air and pump pressurized air into a Venturi channel; a plurality of formulation conduits that may be connected fluidically to the plurality of formulations and are connected fluidically to the Venturi channel, in which the connection of the plurality of formulation conduits to the plurality of formulations and the passage of air from the air compressor into the Venturi channel draw the plurality of formulations into the Venturi channel so that the non-fluid formulation is mixed with a fluid formulation and air to form an aerated mixture; and an air separator configured to degas the aerated mixture to form a non-aerated mixture and transport the non-aerated mixture from it.

[0066] Embodiment 2. The pneumatic transport system according to embodiment 1, in which the air compressor draws in ambient air through an inlet port and in which the air separator discharges the air through an outlet port, and the air compressor pumps pressurized air into the Venturi channel through an air duct.

[0067] Embodiment 3. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 and 2 or any other embodiment, wherein the air separator is a cyclone air separator configured to separate the air from the aerated mixture by vortex separation.

[0068] Embodiment 4. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3 or any other embodiment, further comprising a plurality of registers functionally connected to a control circuitry and configured to regulate the flow of the plurality of formulations passing through them for the production of the aerated mixture from the plurality of formulations on the basis of a mixing ratio for the plurality of formulations.

[0069] Embodiment 5. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3 or any other embodiment, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive one or more signals from one or more formulation cartridges that correspond to one or more formulations of the plurality of formulations, and calculate the mixing ratio on the basis of the one or more signals.

[0070] Embodiment 6. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5 or any other embodiment, wherein the mixing ratio defines a relative amount of the non-fluid formulation to be mixed with a relative amount of the fluid formulation to form the aerated mixture.

[0071] Embodiment 7. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6 or any other embodiment, wherein the non-fluid formulation is a powder.

[0072] Embodiment 8. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7 or any other embodiment, in which the powder and the fluid formulation are components of a hair bleaching composition for bleaching a person's hair.

[0073] Embodiment 9. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8 or any other embodiment, wherein the air separator conveys the unaerated mixture to a formulation mixer which mixes and homogenizes the unaerated mixture, and is configured to dispense a resulting formulation through a reciprocating nozzle assembly for application to a person's hair.

[0074] Embodiment 10. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9 or any other embodiment, wherein the formulation mixer is a turbulent mixing chamber which includes one or more helical mixers positioned in a fluidic path and configured to convey, mix and homogenize the unaerated mixture to produce the resulting formulation.

[0075] Embodiment 11. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10 or any other embodiment, wherein the reciprocating nozzle assembly comprises a plurality of nozzles and is driven by a motor, such that the plurality of nozzles move back and forth along a track while dispensing the resulting formulation.

[0076] Embodiment 12. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11 or any other embodiment, wherein the passage of air from the air compressor into the Venturi channel produces a vacuum which draws at least a part of the plurality of formulations into the Venturi channel on the basis of configurations of a plurality of registers configured to regulate the flow of the plurality of formulations passing through them.

[0077] Embodiment 13. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12 or any other embodiment, wherein the Venturi channel comprises an air duct at a central part thereof, a first formulation duct at a first part thereof configured to convey a first formulation of the plurality of formulations, and a second formulation duct at a second part thereof configured to convey a second formulation of the plurality of formulations, wherein the central part is positioned between the first part and the second part.

[0078] Embodiment 14. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13 or any other embodiment, wherein a first register is positioned in line with the first formulation conduit and a second register is positioned in line with the second formulation conduit, in in which the first register and the second register are positioned upstream of the air separator.

[0079] Embodiment 15. Formulation delivery device or formulation delivery system comprising the pneumatic conveying system of any of embodiments 1 to 14 or any other embodiment.

[0080] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that various changes can be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

Demands

1. Pneumatic conveying system (300) configured for the controlled mixing and conveying of a plurality of formulations (106) which include a non-fluid formulation, the pneumatic conveying system (300) comprising: an air compressor (304) configured to draw in air and pump pressurized air into a Venturi channel (307); a plurality of formulation conduits (303a, 303b) which can be fluidically connected to the plurality of formulations (106) and are fluidically connected to the Venturi channel (307), wherein the connection of the plurality of formulation conduits (303a, 303b) to the plurality of formulations (106) and the passage of air from the air compressor (304) into the Venturi channel (307) draw the plurality of formulations (106) into the Venturi channel (307) so that the non-fluid formulation is mixed with a fluid formulation and air to form an aerated mixture;and an air separator (309) configured to degas the aerated mixture to form a non-aerated mixture and to transport the non-aerated mixture from it.

2. Pneumatic transport system (300) according to claim 1, wherein the air compressor (304) draws in ambient air through an inlet port (301) and wherein the air separator (309) discharges air through an outlet port (311), and the air compressor (304) pumps pressurized air into the Venturi channel (307) through an air duct (305).

3. Pneumatic conveying system (300) according to claim 1, wherein the air separator (309) is a cyclone air separator configured to separate air from the aerated mixture by vortex separation.

4. A pneumatic conveying system (300) according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of registers (306a, 306b) functionally connected to a control circuit and configured to regulate the flow rate of the plurality of formulations (106) passing through them for the production of the aerated mixture from the plurality of formulations (106) based on a mixing ratio for the plurality of formulations (106); and wherein the control circuit is configured to receive one or more signals from one or more formulation cartridges (200) that correspond to one or more formulations from the plurality of formulations (106), and calculate the mixing ratio based on one or more signals.

5. Pneumatic conveying system (300) according to claim 1, wherein the non-fluid formulation is a powder; and wherein the powder and the fluid formulation are components of a hair bleaching composition for bleaching a person's hair.

6. Pneumatic conveying system (300) according to claim 1, wherein the air separator (309) conveys the unaerated mixture to a formulation mixer (313) which mixes and homogenizes the unaerated mixture, and is configured to dispense a resulting formulation through a reciprocating nozzle assembly (414) for application to a person's hair.

7. Pneumatic conveying system (300) according to claim 1, wherein the formulation mixer (313) is a turbulent mixing chamber which includes one or more helical mixers positioned in a fluidic path and configured to convey, mix and homogenize the unaerated mixture to produce the resulting formulation.

8. Pneumatic transport system (300) according to claim 1, wherein the passage of air from the air compressor (304) into the Venturi channel (307) produces a vacuum which draws at least a part of the plurality of formulations (106) into the Venturi channel (307) on the basis of configurations of a plurality of registers (306a, 306b) configured to regulate the flow of the plurality of formulations (106) passing through them;and wherein the Venturi channel (307) comprises an air duct (305) at a central part thereof, a first formulation duct (303a) at a first part thereof configured to carry a first formulation of the plurality of formulations (106), and a second formulation duct (303b) at a second part thereof configured to carry a second formulation of the plurality of formulations (106), wherein the central part is positioned between the first part and the second part.

9. Pneumatic transport system (300) according to claim 1, wherein a first register (306a) is positioned in line with the

10. first formulation duct (303a) and a second register (306b) is positioned in line with the second formulation duct (303b), in which the first register and the second register (306a, 306b) are positioned upstream of the air separator (309). Formulation delivery device (104) or formulation delivery system comprising the pneumatic conveying system (300) according to claim 1.

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