Dual dispenser

Abstract

A dye dispensing system is proposed. The system may include a controller which communicates which receives instructions from an electronic device and scale. The system may include a tray communicating with the controller and configured with at least one opening, at least one canister comprising a dye, and a container having a developer. The system may further include a first dispenser communicating with the controller, wherein the controller identifies a selected dye in a selected canister associated with a liquid formulation and wherein upon receiving instructions from the electronic device the selected dye is dispensed. The system may include a second dispenser comprising a pump communicating with the controller and the container, wherein upon receiving instructions from the electronic device, the developer is dispensed.

Description

DUAL DISPENSERINCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 584,608, filed September 22, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hair coloring compositions are used for coloring human hair. Color service is a profitable area in the salon industry and can be a significant part of the cost structure of operating a salon. The components that are used to create hair coloring compositions are generally distributed separately in containers such as tubes or bottles and allow the stylist to create custom blends per client. Additionally, the components of the hair coloring composition are provided separately to prolong their useful life and avoid adverse chemical reactions that may occur if combined together.

[0003] There is a lot of waste in the salon industry with respect to color service. To create a custom hair coloring composition, the stylist utilizes small amounts of several different components such as colorant, coloring compound, dye or coloring chemicals from one or more containers. When a small amount of the component is used, the remainder of the component in the container may become waste because once the component is exposed to oxygen, such as when the container is opened, it may degrade in as little as a few days.

[0004] Not only is the remainder of the component in the container waste, but also the container itself along with its packaging. Moreover, some stylists lack the knowledge and skills required to select and mix the components to obtain the proper color formulation ratios for the custom hair color composition. These mistakes, mixture inaccuracies such as mixing too much product, inconsistencies and “do-overs” contribute to more waste.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] For purposes of summarizing the disclosure and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the disclosure are described herein. Not all such objects or advantages may be achieved in any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0006] In a first aspect, a dye dispensing system that dispenses dye in a plurality of unique color formulations is provided. The dye dispensing system includes a controller which communicates wirelessly with a first electronic device and a scale, and receives instructions from the electronic device and scale. The dye dispensing system further includes a tray which communicates with the controller and is configured with at least one opening, at least one canister including a dye and configured to fit in the at least on opening, a container including a developer, a first dispenser including an actuator communicating with the controller, where the controller identifies a selected dye in a selected canister associated with a liquid formulation and wherein upon receiving instructions from the electronic device, the selected canister is positioned in a selected opening of the tray and aligned with a dispensing area, and the first dispenser applies a force on the exterior of the selected canister and the selected dye is dispensed, and a second dispenser comprising a pump communicating with the controller and the container, wherein upon receiving instructions from the electronic device, the developer associated with the liquid formulation is dispensed.

[0007] In some embodiments, the instructions include dispensing an amount of the selected dye and / or developer. In some embodiments, the instructions include a dispensing sequence of the selected dye and / or developer. In some embodiments, the system includes a second electronic device in wireless communication with the controller and the scale, where the controller receives instructions from the second electronic device. In some embodiments, the controller communicates with only the first or second electronic device at a given time. In some embodiments, the controller communicates with the second electronic device after dispensing the dye formulation of the fist electronic device. In some embodiments, while the dye and / or developer is dispensed, the scale sends real time weight information to thecontroller, where the controller may cause the system to stop dispensing when a desired weight is achieved. In some embodiments, the system includes an outer housing with a loading panel. In some embodiments the loading panel is removable. In some embodiments, the loading panel is attached to the housing through a hinging mechanism. In some embodiments, the system further includes one or more access doors positioned on a top surface of the outer housing. In some embodiments, the system further includes a reader which identifies an identifier positioned on the canisters or containers, wherein the identifier indicates the contents of the canister or container. In some embodiments, the system further includes a second container configured to store a second developer, wherein the second developer is dispensed by the second dispenser via a second pump. In some embodiments, the system further includes a reservoir configured to store a third developer, wherein the third developer is dispensed via a third pump. In some embodiments, the reservoir is positioned adjacent to the container. In some embodiments, the reservoir further comprises an identifier.

[0008] In a another aspect, a dye dispensing system that dispenses dye in a plurality of unique color formulations is provided. The system includes a controller configured to receive instructions relating to a liquid formulation, where the controller determines the presence of a hair dye and the amount or percent of developer solution associated with the liquid formulation, where the controller further determines an amount of the hair dye and the concentration or amount of developer needed to achieve the target liquid formulation. The system further comprises a tray communicating with the controller and configured with one or more canisters configured to hold the hair dye, a dispenser communicating with the controller and configured to dispense the hair dye from the one or more canisters associated with the liquid formulation, a first container configured to store a first developer and in fluid communication with a first pump, a second container configured to hold a second developer and in fluid communication with a second pump, a reservoir configured to hold a third developer and in fluid communication with a third pump, and where the first, second, and third pump communicate with the controller, to dispense the developer associated with the liquid formulation.

[0009] In some embodiments, the presence of the hair dye and the developer is determined by the controller via user input. In some embodiments, the presence of the hair dye and the developer is determined by the controller via a reader. In some embodiments, the readeridentifies the hair dye and developer present in the system by scanning an identifier on the canister, containers, and reservoir.

[0010] In another aspect, a method of dispensing a hair dye formulation from a hair dye dispensing system is provided. The method includes receiving, in a controller, a liquid formula including an identification of one or more hair dyes, an amount of each of the one or more hair dyes, a concentration of developer in the formulation, and an amount of the developer to dispense to meet the target concentration. The method further includes checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of one or more canisters containing the one or more hair dyes, dispensing, via a dispenser, the one or more hair dyes from the one or more canisters to achieve the amount of hair dye in the liquid formula, checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of a first container with a first concentration of developer, checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of a second container with a second concentration of developer, checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of a reservoir configured with a third concentration of developer, determining, via the controller, an amount of developer to dispense from one or more of the first container, second container, and reservoir to achieve the amount and concentration of developer in the liquid formula, dispensing, via one or more pumps, the developer from one or more of the first container, second container, and reservoir to achieve the amount and concentration of developer in the liquid formula, and mixing the dispensed hair dye and dispensed developer to achieve the liquid formulation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dispensing system, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dispensing system with the housing removed, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of the dispensing system with the housing removed, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the dispensing system with the housing removed, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a bottom up view of the dispensing system with the housing removed, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment dispensing system with accessible panels, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment dispensing system with accessible panels and upright containers, according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the dispensing system with accessible panels and upright containers, according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a dispensing system with a reservoir, according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram showing an example server for use in the dye dispensing system, in accordance with some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosed invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present technology, not as a limitation of the present technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers all such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0022] Embodiments relate to a dye dispensing system which utilizes a two-part dispensing method. A first part of the dispensing system involves dispensing a first fluid or fluid combination from one or more canisters stored within a housing. In one example, the canisters may be located onto a rotating platter or tray which aligns the proper canister over a receptable for dispensing its contents into the receptacle. A second part of the dispensing system involves dispensing a second fluid or fluid combination from one or more relatively larger containers by a pump or other fluidic system. An example system is one with one or more hair dye canisters configured to dispense a calculated color, and additional one or morerelatively larger containers containing developer that is pumped into the receptacle. This allows for precise dispensing of both developer and hair dye in a single system. Since the developer may be common with every dispense, no matter what color of dye is created by the system, a relatively large container of developer may be used within the system so that developer bottle changes are less frequent. The dye may be dispensed by an actuator whereas the developer may be dispensed by a pump in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a third fluid or fluid combination may be stored in a reservoir within the system. This fluid may include a specific type or concentration of colorant, developer, peroxide, or hair fixer. This fluid may also be dispensed by a pump.

[0023] Developer is typically used in larger amounts in comparison to hair dye. The developer may be stored in 250ml, 500ml, IL, 2L, 3L, 4L, or larger fluid containers whereas the dye may be typically dispensed from pressurized canisters. Storing and dispensing the dye and developer in the associated canisters and containers results in reduced waste and less loading / unloading of spent canisters or containers. In one embodiment, the developer is stored in a reservoir within the system and dispensed into a bowl as part of the dispensing process. In another embodiment, varying concentrations of developer are stored in different containers within the system. For example, the system may have three developer containers, each having a different concentration of developer. The developer concentrations may be anywhere between 0.5%- 15%, or more. For example, each canister may hold a solution of a developer having a concentration of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, or 15% or more.

[0024] The dye dispensing apparatus, system and method may monitor the individual canisters and containers and transmit actual dispensed amounts to the network or central server (e.g., a cloud-based application, a standalone server device, etc.), either directly with its own internet connection, or via an intermediate device such as a stylist’s mobile device using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The dye dispensing system may be operated by stylists using control panels or software applications on mobile devices such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone or Web browser. Commands may be transmitted to the system from software operating on a mobile device, on an online server, or from the central server. A mobile device may also directly connect to the dispensing apparatus via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, eliminating the need for the dispensing apparatus needing its own internet connection. Commands may also be transmittedto the dispensing apparatus visually via a QR code displayed on a stylist’s mobile device, where the dispenser is outfitted with a camera or scanner to read the information off of the mobile device. This method eliminates the need for the dispensing apparatus to have a display / touchscreen, reducing cost and complexity. This can also improve the workflow by not requiring the stylist to have to select which formula they want to dispense from a dispenser touchscreen, which in some embodiments needs to be password protected to prevent stylists from using other peoples’ formulations. Instead, from the software running on their mobile device, they can simply choose which formula to dispense, the mobile app can then securely encode the dispensing plan into the data contained within a QR code, and they can display that QR code to the camera on the dispensing apparatus, and the dispenser will then read that in and know what to dispense. The same concept could be accomplished with other types of wireless communication such as Near Field Communication (NFC), where the dispensing apparatus has an NFC reader. The dispenser can then transmit back the dispensing results to the mobile device via a wireless connection to the mobile device (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC), or via its own internet connection if it is configured to be connected to the internet.

[0025] A hair stylist using the dispensing system may use an electronic device such as a cellular phone to select a hair dye or dye formulation to be used. The system may receive instructions from the mobile device and dispense the selected hair dye formulation into a receptacle. The system may be able to receive instructions from any number of electronic devices and dispense formulations accordingly. The system may organize the instructions received based on priority or by time received.

[0026] Some embodiments of the system and method disclosed herein measure, record and track the unused product so that based on at least some collected data, a recommendation for a desired amount of the formulation is generated. The dispenser of the dye dispenser apparatus may be controlled by the controller of the dye dispenser apparatus based on the recommended desired amount of the formulation. In this way, the amount unused product is minimized or eliminated, which saves the salon money in inventory, reduces costs and increases profits.

[0027] The waste created from the used containers of the product and the associated packaging is decreased, which helps the environment. By using the system and method, the stylist has minimal input on the amount of product mixed, thereby, eliminating the mistake ofmixing too much product. The dye dispensing apparatus, system and method described herein dispenses dye for hair coloring with the ability to produce a relatively large number (c.g., approximately 4,000) unique color formulations, and a suite of optional treatments with computer controlled, precision dispensing.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dispensing system 100. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dispensing system 100 with the housing removed. FIG. 3 is a front view of the dispensing system 100 with the housing removed. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the dispensing system 100 with the housing removed. FIG. 5 is a bottom up view of the dispensing system 100 with the housing removed. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the dispensing system 100 with accessible panels.

[0029] According to the embodiments shown herein, the dispensing system 100 includes a housing 102 which encloses the internal components of the system. Here, the housing 102 is rectangular in shape and does not contain a graphical user interface. Communications and control of the system 100 are handled by connected wireless devices. In some embodiments, the shape may resemble any one of a variety of polyhedrons or spherical shapes. The housing 102 may be made from metal, plastic, composites or a combination thereof.

[0030] The housing 102 features an aperture on its front surface whereby a dispensing cage 108 is accessible by a user. The dispensing cage 108 resembles a rectangular prism which is opened on one end. The dispensing cage 108 includes a scale 110 which is disposed on or connected to a bottom surface of the dispensing cage 108. A receptacle 112, such as a bowl, may be positioned within the dispensing cage 108 and on the scale 110.

[0031] The housing 102 includes an indicator light 104A which is disposed on the front surface. In some embodiments, the housing includes a second indicator light 104B positioned adjacent the indicator light 104A. These lights may indicate when the dispensing system 100 is performing a particular function, such as dispensing a particular fluid, completion of dispensing, processing, etc. In some embodiments, the indicator lights indicate when user intervention is needed such as when the system has jammed or malfunctioned, when fluids within the system need to be replaced, or when the system needs to be serviced. In some embodiments, the indicator lights 104A,B function as a dispensing button such that when pressed, a fluid of the system may be dispensed.

[0032] The housing 102 includes a reader 101 located on or behind the front surface. The reader 101 (c.g. a camera or scanner) is configured to receive commands via an identifier (e.g. QR code, BAR code, serial number etc.) presented on a mobile device. Such commands may determine the formula to be dispensed by the system 100. For example, according to some embodiments, a stylist would not need to physically interact with the dispenser in order to dispense a particular dye formula. Rather, the stylist may open a mobile application and select which formula they want to dispense. The stylist may choose to dispense the formula and the mobile device may then be prompted with the identifier. The stylist may then place their phone near the reader 101 and the system would scan the identifier and proceed with dispensing the desired formula. In some embodiments, the mobile device would communicate with the system 100 and send dispensing instructions via Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID, or NFC technology.

[0033] FIGS. 2-5 show the dispensing system 100 with the housing 102 removed. As shown, the dispensing cage 108 is coupled to an underside of a central platform 114. The central platform 114 extends across a horizontal plane of the dispensing system 100 and may be attached to the housing 102. A rotating canister tray 128 is mounted on the central platform 114 via a mount 136 which extends vertically from a top surface of the central platform 114. The mount 136 allows the canister tray 128 to rotate around a central axis. The canister tray 128 is circular in shape and contains several openings (not shown) which extend through a thickness of the canister tray 128. The openings are configured to accommodate a nozzle of a canister 126. Each canister 126 contains a fluid or dye. As depicted, the canister tray 128 is configured with 8 openings and can accommodate 8 canisters 126. In some embodiments, the canister tray 128 may be configured with 5 or less openings. In some embodiments, the tray may include up to 50 canisters. In some embodiments, the canister tray 128 may contain at least one opening.

[0034] The central platform 114 includes a dispensing opening 132 that is positioned front and central along the central platform 114. The dispensing opening 132 is positioned above the receptacle 112. The canister tray 128 is positioned such that each opening of the canister tray 128 may be rotated into position above the dispensing opening 132.

[0035] An actuator is positioned adjacent the canister. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a lever arm 130 positioned above the canister 126 which is positioned abovethe dispensing opening 132. The lever arm 130 is pivotally attached to one or more mounting brackets 131 such that one end of the lever arm 130 is fixed and the other end is free to move. The one or more mounting brackets 131 may be attached to an inside surface of the housing 102. A motor 122 is coupled with the mounting brackets and / or inside surface of the housing 102. A rotating arm 123 is rotatably attached to the motor 122. The rotating arm 123 includes one or more side arms that extend radially from the rotating arm 123.

[0036] Upon activation, the motor 122 causes the rotating arm 123 to rotate and actuate the lever arm 130 in a downward direction. This in turn causes a force to be applied to the canister 126 and the canister 126 nozzle which causes the canister 126 to dispense a fluid. In some embodiments, the lever arm, rotating arm, and motor may be positioned beneath the canister such that the lever arm is actuated in an upward direction.

[0037] The central platform 114 includes a first inlet opening 125A and a second inlet opening 125B which extends through the central platform 114. A first and / or second fitting 127A,B may be inserted into each inlet opening 125A,B. A first and / or second container 124A,B are fluidly and removably attached to a top side of each fitting 127A,B. A first and / or second upstream tube 118A,B are fluidly attached to an underside of each fitting 127A,B. Each upstream tube 118A,B connects to a first and / or second pump 116A,B. Each pump 116A,B is fluidly attached to a first and / or second downstream tube A,B which exits into the dispensing cage 108 above the receptacle 112. Fluid is pumped separately from each container 124A,B and into the receptacle 112. Each pump 116A,B and associated tubes may be positioned adjacent the dispensing cage 108.

[0038] According to some embodiments, each of the first and second pumps 116A,B may be a peristaltic pump. In some embodiments, the first and second pumps 116A,B may be one of a centrifugal pump or a diaphragm pump.

[0039] According to some embodiments, each canister 126 may include a fluid such as a unique dye formulation. In some embodiments, each container 124A,B may include a fluid such as a developer and / or dye and / or peroxide. In some embodiments, the first container 124A may contain developer with peroxide. In some embodiments, the second container 124B may contain developer without peroxide. In some embodiments, one or more of the containers contain developer with 12% hydrogen peroxide. In some embodiments, one or more of the containers contain developer with 0% hydrogen peroxide. In someembodiments, one or more of the containers contain developer with greater than 0% and less than 12% hydrogen peroxide. In some embodiments, one or more of the containers contains 30 volume developer. In some embodiments, one or more of the containers contains 40 volume developer. In some embodiments, the dispensing system 100 may dispense fluid from both containers at the same time. In some embodiments, the dispensing system 100 only dispenses fluid from one container. In some embodiments, the dispensing system 100 dispenses a disproportionate amount of fluid from the first container 124A when compared to the second container 124B. In some embodiments, the amount of developer dispensed from each container is a function of a desired combined developer strength. For example, the first container 124 A with 12% peroxide developer may dispense an amount of developer into the receptacle 112 and the second container 124B with 0% peroxide developer may dispense an equal amount of developer into the receptacle 112 to achieve a combined strength of 6% peroxide developer.

[0040] In some embodiments, the dye dispensing system may dispense dye in a plurality of unique color formulations. In some embodiments, the system may include a controller (not shown) which communicates wirelessly with a first electronic device and scale 110. The first electronic device may be a phone, tablet, computer or personal computing device. In some embodiments, the controller may receive instructions from the electronic device and scale 110. In some embodiments, the tray 128 may communicate with the controller. In some embodiments, a first dispenser may include the actuator communicating with the controller. In some embodiments, the controller may identify a selected dye in a selected canister associated with a liquid formulation. In some embodiments, upon receiving instructions from the electronic device, the selected canister may be positioned in a selected opening of the tray and aligned with the dispensing area, and the first dispenser may apply a force on the exterior of the selected canister to dispense the selected dye. In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a second dispenser including pumps 116A,B and tubes 120A,B communicating with the controller, where upon receiving instructions from the electronic device, the developer is dispensed from the containers 124A,B. The dispensing system 100 is configured to determine and dispense the proper ratio of developer from each of the containers 124A,B to reach a desired developer volume or peroxide strength.

[0041] In some embodiments, the instructions received by the controller may include an amount of the dye and / or developer to be dispensed. In some embodiments, theinstructions received by the controlled may include a sequence of dispensing the selected dye and / or developer. In some embodiments, the controller and / or scale 110 may receive instructions from a second electronic device. In some embodiments, the controller may be prevented from communicating with the second electronic device until after completing instructions received from the first electronic device. In some embodiments, as the dye and / or developer is dispensed, the scale 110 may send real time weight information to the controller, where the controller may cause the system 100 to stop dispensing when a desired weight is achieved.

[0042] According to some embodiments, each canister 126 and / or each container 124A,B is labeled with a unique identifier 155 such as a barcode, QR code, color code, catalog number or icon code. The identifier 155 may be scanned, read and recognized by a device such as the reader 101 which may include a camera or scanner. The identifier may be duplicated or wrapped around the container such that it can be read regardless of the orientation or rotation of the container in the system. According to some embodiments, the reader may be a standalone unit, or part of the controller and located within the housing. In some embodiments, the reader may be a mobile device such as a smart phone or tablet. The reader may be coupled to the side wall or top wall of the housing, on the dispenser or any location with a direct view of the canisters. Other technologies may be used for uniquely identifying the canisters and containers such as by RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology, NFC (near-field communication) technology or the like. In some embodiments, the identifier 155 verifies the presence of the canisters and containers in the system 100 and identifies the particular contents in each of the canisters or containers such as the color of the dye, strength of developer. Other information may be included in the identifier 155 such as the product name, date the canister or container was filled, the amount of the dye or developer remaining in the canister container, a lot or batch number and any other notes the manufacturer may wish to include.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the reader communicates with the controller. The reader is configured to scan, read and recognize the identifier 155 labeled on the canister or container and communicates the information to the controller. The controller may recognize the information embedded in the identifier 155 such as product name, quantity remaining in the canister or container and lot or batch number. In another embodiment, there may be two ormore readers designed to identify the canisters located in particular areas of the tray and the containers located in the front of the housing.

[0044] The embodiments described herein are not limited to the figures as described in this application. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the dispensing system 100 may be configured such that the selected canister is actuated from an upward or sideways direction. In some embodiments, the dispensing system 100 may be larger than it is depicted and may include a more or fewer canisters than illustrated above.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a dispensing system with loading panels. As shown, the dispensing system 200 includes a first loading panel 238 A and / or a second loading panel 238B disposed on the front surface of the housing 202. Each loading panel is rectangular in shape and may be removably attached to the housing 202 such that each panel 238A,B covers an aperture 242A (242B not shown) within the front surface of the housing 202. The aperture is substantially the same shape as the loading panels. Each panel 238A,B includes one or more latches 240 disposed on an interior surface of panel. Each container 224A,B is attached to the interior surface of each panel 238A,B via the latches 240. In some embodiments, such as in FIG. 6, the panels 238A,B may support the containers 225 A, B. Each container is connected directly to the upstream tube (i.e. 218A). An additional vent tube may also be connected to each container and serve to provide a path for air to flow into the container as product is pumped out of it, which is necessary to prevent the container from forming a vacuum and collapsing on itself. The other end of the vent tube would then be elevated such that backflow into the vent tube is minimized, or alternatively connected to an air source to pump air into the container as liquid product is pumped out. In some embodiments, a door 245 is positioned on the top surface of the housing 202 which allows access to the internal components of the dispensing system 200. This door 245 may be used to load or unload containers or canisters, or to clean or service the system. The housing 202 includes a reader 201 located on or behind the front surface.

[0046] In some embodiments, the loading panels 238A,B do not attach to the containers 224A,B but instead are used solely as access points to load or unload containers or canisters from the system. In some embodiments, the loading panels 238A,B may be connected to the housing 202 though a hinge or other swivel-type mechanism.

[0047] The dispensing system 200 includes similar features to those described in FIGS. 1-5, including but not limited to indicator lights 204A,B, a dispensing cage 208, a scale 210, a receptacle 212, a canister tray 228 containing canisters and identifiers 255 as labeled.

[0048] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiments of a dispensing system with containers 324A,B configured to be placed upright instead of upside down. As shown, the dispensing system 300 includes a first loading panel 338A and / or a second loading panel 338B disposed on the front surface of the housing 302. Each loading panel is rectangular in shape and is removably attached to the housing 302 such that each panel 338A,B covers an aperture 342B (342A not shown) within the front surface of the housing 302. The aperture is substantially the same shape as the loading panels. Each panel 338A,B includes one or more door closed flags 348A,B disposed on an interior surface of panel which interact with a door closed sensor 346A,B mounted within the interior of the front surface of the housing 302. The door closed sensor may be a mechanical switch, optical interrupt, or proximity sensor. A magnetic push-to-release latch 344A,B is also be mounted inside the housing 302 and serves to hold the panels closed, while providing an easy way to open them without the need for an exterior pull handle.

[0049] A panel 305 with a screen or display is disposed on the front of the housing 302. The panel 305 may be used to enter inputs for communication with the overall dispensing system, or to serve as an information center. For example, the panel 305 may display a power mode, a login function, a queue for dispensing, and system messages. The housing 302 includes a reader 301 located beneath the panel 305.

[0050] The dispensing system 300 includes similar features to those described in FIGS. 1-5, including but not limited to a dispensing cage 308, a scale 310, a receptacle 312, a canister tray containing canisters, and container identifiers. The dispensing system 300 further includes a door 345 for external access.

[0051] FIG 8 shows the dispensing system with one panel 338B open and the upright container removed 324B. A tilt-out bottle alignment cover cap 352A,B is positioned within each aperture 342A,B. Each cover cap 352 A, B is coupled to a dip tube 354A,B which may be rotated outward to load or unload the containers 324A,B. When loading a container, the dip tube 354A,B is inserted into an opening of the container and a container neck coupled to the cover cap 352A,B. According to some embodiments, the cover cap 352A,B screws ontothe container neck. The container 352A,B, dip tube 354A,B,ar|d cover cap 352A,B may be rotated into place to sit upright within the dispensing system. The mechanical clearances arc designed such that if the container is not properly aligned, it will not rotate into place, making the process of loading containers easy. This embodiment simplifies the container insertion process, reduces complexity and leak risk by eliminating the vent tube, the upside down bottle seal, and latching mechanism, and is generally a more intuitive of a process for stylists. The dip tube 354A,B extends down into the bottom of the container and is shaped in such a way that the pump is able to pump out substantially all of the product, leaving just a small amount remaining on the bottom surface of the container. According to some embodiments, a reader may be positioned within each aperture 342A,B and configured to read a unique identifier 355 on each container 324A,B.

[0052] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiments of a dispensing system 400 with a reservoir, according to some embodiments. As shown, a housing 402 of the dispensing system 400 has been partially removed for illustrative purposes.

[0053] A reservoir 449 is positioned within the housing 402 adjacent to container 424B. According to some embodiments, the reservoir 449 may be positioned adjacent either the first container 424 A or the second container 424B. According to some embodiments, the reservoir 449 is positioned opposite the containers 424A,B near a back side of the housing 4O2.The reservoir 449 is externally accessed by an access door or panel in the housing 402. In some embodiments, the reservoir may be positioned external to the housing 402.

[0054] A third pump (not shown) is fluidly connected the reservoir 449. The pump is further connected to a third downstream tube which dispenses into a receptacle. This third pump and third downstream tube acts as a third dispenser. According to some embodiments, the third pump is instead fluidly connected to the first and second downstream tubes (i.e. 120A,B).

[0055] The reservoir 449 may contain a fluid (e.g. hair fixer, dye, peroxide, developer etc.) that is not provided for in the canisters or containers 424A,B. For example, the fluid in the reservoir 449 may be a developer with a highly diluted peroxide content. By dispensing and mixing the developer in the reservoir 449 with the developer in the containers 424A,B, a broader range of a final dispensed developer may be achieved.According to some embodiments, the liquid in the reservoir is 2% developer. According to some embodiments,the liquid in the reservoir ranges from 0.5% to 15% developer. In some embodiments, the fluid in the reservoir 449 has a different viscosity than the fluid contained in the containers 424A,B. This fluid may prevent adhesion of hair dye or developer to the receptacle when dispensed. Similar to the containers and canisters, the reservoir 449 may also be marked with a unique identifier which may be identified by the dispensing system 400.

[0056] The reservoir 449 is connected to a tube which receives fluid from a user. The reservoir 449 has a lid section with a central opening for receiving fluid from the tube. The central opening has a retaining area to prevent any miscellaneous items from falling into the opening. The lid section may be configured with angled or sloped sides to reduce aeration of the developer as it enters the reservoir. The lid section empties into a reservoir which stores the fluid. Both the retaining area and the fid section help to prevent aeration of the fluid by decreasing fluid velocity and turbulence. According to some embodiments, the retaining area is cross-shaped.

[0057] The reservoir 449 enables the system to dispense a separate fluid (e.g. another developer) without the addition of a third container and third loading area which would change the size and layout of the system. A third container would also be difficult to access as it would need to be positioned on the side or back of the housing. Further, the reservoir 449 allows for a greater storage capacity compared to that of the containers. An increased storage capacity reduces the frequency of refills and also the possibility of overfilling. Bubbles tend to form when a developer or other fluid is poured quickly, or from a large drop height, thus an increased reservoir size allows the bubbles formed upon refill to disperse before being dispensed. According to some embodiments, the storage capacity of the reservoir 449 is 1 liter. According to some embodiments, the storage capacity of the reservoir 449 is 2.5 liters. However, the reservoir may have any convenient storage capacity, such as 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5 liters.

[0058] In use, a user fills the reservoir 449 using a refill bottle. The refill bottle may include a unique identifier which provides information related to the contents of the refill bottle. The unique identifier is scanned by a reader. Upon scanning the unique identifier, the system may electronically allow access to the reservoir via the access door. According to some embodiments, the system may unlock the access door after scanning the unique identifier which indicates the type of fluid being dispensed into the reservoir. By scanning the uniqueidentifier, the system is able to track the type of liquid, such as the developer concentration, being added to the reservoir 449. By scanning unique identifiers on the reservoir, containers, and canisters, the system is able to track the inventory.

[0059] In use, the dispensing system (i.e. any of 100, 200, 300, 400) is configured to dispense one or more fluids from one or more canisters, containers 424A,B, and the reservoir 449 to achieve a desired formula. This formula may be manually input into the dispensing system 400 itself, or via an electronic device in communication with the dispensing system 400. The formula may further be developed based on algorithms which take into account a starting hair color or hair characteristic and a desired target hair color. These algorithms may also factor in empirical data and trends identified from data related to prior customers with similar stalling hair color or hair characteristics and / or similar desired hair color. The dispensing system 400 takes inventory of the canisters, containers, and reservoir currently present in the system, and the fluid contained in each in order to determine specific amounts and ratios of each fluid to dispense to reach the desired formula. According to some embodiments, the dispensing system 400 takes into account the amount of fluid remaining in each of the canisters, containers, and reservoir in determining the proper amounts / ratios of fluid to dispense from each. The dispensing system 400 uses a scale to determine that proper amounts of each fluid have been dispensed.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic diagram showing an example server 1800 (representing any combination of one or more of the servers, e.g., the central controller) for use in the dye dispensing system(e.g. 100, 200, 300, 400), in accordance with some embodiments. Other embodiments may use other components and combinations of components. For example, the server 1800 may represent one or more physical computer devices or servers, such as web servers, rack-mounted computers, network storage devices, desktop computers, laptop / notebook computers, etc., depending on the complexity of the dye dispensing system. In some embodiments implemented at least partially in a cloud network potentially with data synchronized across multiple geolocations, the server 1800 may be referred to as one or more cloud servers. In some embodiments, the functions of the server 1800 are enabled in a single computer device. In more complex implementations, some of the functions of the computing system are distributed across multiple computer devices, whetherwithin a single server farm facility or multiple physical locations. In some embodiments, the server 1800 functions as a single virtual machine.

[0061] In some embodiments, wherein the server 1800 represents multiple computer devices, some of the functions of the server 1800 are implemented in some of the computer devices, while other functions are implemented in other computer devices. For example, various portions of the dye dispensing system 100 can be implemented on the same computer device or separate computer devices. In the illustrated embodiment, the server 1800 generally includes at least one processor 1802, a main electronic memory 1804, a data storage 1806, a user I / O 1809, and a network I / O 1810, among other components not shown for simplicity, connected or coupled together by a data communication subsystem 1812, within the dye dispensing system 100.

[0062] The processor 1802 represents one or more central processing units on one or more PCBs (printed circuit boards) in one or more housings or enclosures. In some embodiments, the processor 1802 represents multiple microprocessor units in multiple computer devices at multiple physical locations interconnected by one or more data channels. When executing computer-executable instructions for performing the above described functions of the server 1800 in cooperation with the main electronic memory 1804, the processor 1802 becomes a special purpose computer for performing the functions of the instructions.

[0063] The main electronic memory 1804 represents one or more RAM modules on one or more PCBs in one or more housings or enclosures. In some embodiments, the main electronic memory 1804 represents multiple memory module units in multiple computer devices at multiple physical locations. In operation with the processor 1802, the main electronic memory 1804 stores the computer-executable instructions executed by, and data processed or generated by, the processor 1802 to perform the above described functions of the server 1800.

[0064] The data storage 1806 represents or comprises any appropriate number or combination of internal or external physical mass storage devices, such as hard drives, optical drives, network-attached storage (NAS) devices, flash drives, etc. In some embodiments, the data storage 1806 represents multiple mass storage devices in multiple computer devices at multiple physical locations. The data storage 1806 generally provides persistent storage (e.g.,in a non-transitory computer-readable or machine-readable medium 1808) for the programs (c.g., computer-executable instructions) and data used in operation of the processor 1802 and the main electronic memory 1804.

[0065] In some embodiments, the programs and data in the data storage 1806 include, but are not limited to, a receiver 1820 for receiving an identification; a receiver 1822 for receiving information; an associate 1824 for associating the information with the identification; a recorder 1826 for recording collected data comprising the information, the measured dispensed amount, and the measured unused amount, to a file in the database; a recommender 1828 to calculate and recommend a second desired amount of the formulation based on at least some of the collected data from at least one file in the database; an event scheduler 1830 for coordinating the scheduling of dispensing; a calculator 1832 for preforming calculations; one or more parsing routines 1834 for parsing data; a searching routine 1836 for searching through the various types of information stored in the main electronic memory 1804 or the data storage 1806; a reading routine 1838 for reading information from the data storage 1806 into the main electronic memory 1804; a storing routine 1840 for storing files and information into the main electronic memory 1804 or the data storage 1806; a network communication services program 1842 for sending and receiving network communication through the network 114; a gateway services program 1844 for serving as a gateway to communicate information between servers and users; among other programs and data. Under control of these programs and using this data, the processor 1802, in cooperation with the main electronic memory 1804, performs the above described functions for the server 1800.

[0066] The user I / O 1809 represents one or more appropriate user interface devices, such as keyboards, pointing devices, displays, etc. In some embodiments, the user I / O 1809 represents multiple user interface devices for multiple computer devices at multiple physical locations. A system administrator, for example, may use these devices to access, setup and control the server 1800.

[0067] The network I / O 1810 represents any appropriate networking devices, such as network adapters, etc. for communicating through the dye dispensing system 100. In some embodiments, the network I / O 1810 represents multiple such networking devices for multiple computer devices at multiple physical locations for communicating through multiple data channels.

[0068] The data communication subsystem 1812 represents any appropriate communication hardware for connecting the other components in a single unit or in a distributed manner on one or more PCBs, within one or more housings or enclosures, within one or more rack assemblies, within one or more geographical locations, etc.

[0069] The dye dispensing system includes a memory 1804 storing executable instructions (loaded from the data storage 1806) and a processor 1802. The processor 1802 is coupled to the memory 1804 and executes instructions stored in the memory 1804. The non- transitory computer readable medium 1808 includes instructions that, when executed by the processor 1802, cause the processor 1802 to perform operations including the methods as described herein.

[0070] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features can include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which can be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0071] These computer programs, which can also be referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logical programming language, and / or an assembly / machine language. As used herein, the term “machine -readable medium” (i.e., non-transitory computer-readable media) refers to any computer program product, apparatus and / or device, such as for example magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), used to provide machineinstructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a machine- readable medium. The machine-readable medium can store such machine instructions non- transitorily, such as for example as would a non-transient solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any similar storage medium. The machine-readable medium can alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions in a transient manner, such as for example as would a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0072] To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as for example a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, such as for example a mouse, a touchpad or a trackball, by which the user may provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as for example visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including, but not limited to, acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Other possible input devices include, but are not limited to, touch screens or other touch- sensitive devices such as single or multi-point resistive or capacitive trackpads, voice recognition hardware and software, optical scanners, optical pointers, digital image capture devices and associated interpretation software, and the like.

[0073] In a first aspect, a dye dispensing system that dispenses dye in a plurality of unique color formulations is provided. The dye dispensing system includes a controller which communicates wirelessly with a first electronic device and a scale, and receives instructions from the electronic device and scale. The dye dispensing system further includes a tray which communicates with the controller and is configured with at least one opening, at least one canister including a dye and configured to fit in the at least one opening, a container including a developer, a first dispenser including an actuator communicating with the controller, where the controller identifies a selected dye in a selected canister associated with a liquid formulation and wherein upon receiving instructions from the electronic device, the selected canister ispositioned in a selected opening of the tray and aligned with a dispensing area, and the first dispenser applies a force on the exterior of the selected canister and the selected dye is dispensed, and a second dispenser comprising a pump communicating with the controller and the container, wherein upon receiving instructions from the electronic device, the developer associated with the liquid formulation is dispensed.

[0074] In some embodiments, the instructions include dispensing an amount of the selected dye and / or developer. In some embodiments, the instructions include a dispensing sequence of the selected dye and / or developer. In some embodiments, the system includes a second electronic device in wireless communication with the controller and the scale, where the controller receives instructions from the second electronic device. In some embodiments, the controller communicates with only the first or second electronic device at a given time. In some embodiments, the controller communicates with the second electronic device after dispensing the dye formulation of the fist electronic device. In some embodiments, while the dye and / or developer is dispensed, the scale sends real time weight information to the controller, where the controller may cause the system to stop dispensing when a desired weight is achieved. In some embodiments, the system includes an outer housing with a loading panel. In some embodiments the loading panel is removable. In some embodiments, the loading panel is attached to the housing through a hinging mechanism. In some embodiments, the system further includes one or more access doors positioned on a top surface of the outer housing. In some embodiments, the system further includes a reader which identifies an identifier positioned on the canisters or containers, wherein the identifier indicates the contents of the canister or container. In some embodiments, the system further includes a second container comprising a second developer, wherein the second developer is dispensed by the second dispenser via a second pump. In some embodiments, the system further includes a reservoir comprising a third developer, wherein the third developer is dispensed via a third pump. In some embodiments, the reservoir is positioned adjacent to the container. In some embodiments, the reservoir further comprises an identifier.

[0075] In a another aspect, a dye dispensing system that dispenses dye in a plurality of unique color formulations is provided. The system includes a controller configured to receive instructions relating to a liquid formulation, where the controller determines the presence of a hair dye and developer associated with the liquid formulation, where thecontroller further determines an amount of the hair dye and the developer needed to achieve the liquid formulation. The system further comprises a tray communicating with the controller and configured with one or more canisters comprising the hair dye, a dispenser communicating with the controller and configured to dispense the hair dye from the one or more canisters associated with the liquid formulation, a first container comprising a first developer and in fluid communication with a first pump, a second container comprising a second developer and in fluid communication with a second pump, a reservoir comprising a third developer and in fluid communication with a third pump, and where the first, second, and third pump communicate with the controller, to dispense the developer associated with the liquid formulation.

[0076] In some embodiments, the presence of the hair dye and the developer is determined by the controller via user input. In some embodiments, the presence of the hair dye and the developer is determined by the controller via a reader. In some embodiments, the reader identifies the hair dye and developer present in the system by scanning an identifier on the canister, containers, and reservoir.

[0077] In another aspect, a method of dispensing a hair dye formulation from a hair dye dispensing system is provided. The method includes receiving, in a controller, a liquid formula including one or more hair dyes, an amount of each of the one or more hair dyes, a concentration of developer, and an amount of the developer. The method further includes checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of one or more canisters containing the one or more hair dyes, dispensing, via a dispenser, the one or more hair dyes from the one or more canisters to achieve the amount of hair dye in the liquid formula, checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of a first container comprising a first concentration of developer, checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of a second container comprising a second concentration of developer, checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of a reservoir comprising a third concentration of developer, determining, via the controller, an amount of developer to dispense from one or more of the first container, second container, and reservoir to achieve the amount and concentration of developer in the liquid formula, dispensing, via one or more pumps, the developer from one or more of the first container, second container,and reservoir to achieve the amount and concentration of developer in the liquid formula, and mixing the dispensed hair dye and dispensed developer to achieve the liquid formulation

[0078] In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one” or “one or more” may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and / or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and / or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and / or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” In addition, use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

[0079] While the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those skilled in the ail, without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims.

[0080] Reference has been made in detail to embodiments of the disclosed invention, one or more examples of which have been illustrated in the accompanying figures. Each example has been provided by way of explanation of the present technology, not as a limitation of the present technology. In fact, while the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers all such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may he practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention.

Claims

WHAT TS CLAIMED TS:

1. A dye dispensing system that dispenses dye in a plurality of unique color formulations, the system comprising: a controller which communicates wirelessly with a first electronic device and a scale, wherein the controller receives instructions from the electronic device and scale, a tray communicating with the controller and configured with at least one opening; at least one canister comprising a dye; a container configured to store a developer, a first dispenser comprising: an actuator communicating with the controller; and wherein the controller identifies a selected dye in a selected canister associated with a liquid formulation and wherein upon receiving instructions from the electronic device, the selected canister is positioned in a selected opening of the tray and aligned with a dispensing area, and the first dispenser applies a force on the exterior of the selected canister and the selected dye is dispensed; and a second dispenser comprising a pump communicating with the controller and the container, wherein upon receiving instructions from the electronic device, the developer associated with the liquid formulation is dispensed.

2. The dye dispensing system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions comprise dispensing an amount of the selected dye and / or developer.

3. The dye dispensing system of claim 2, wherein the instructions further comprise a dispensing sequence of the selected dye and / or developer.

4. The dye dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising a second electronic device in wireless communication with the controller and the scale, wherein the controller receives instructions from the second electronic device.

5. The dye dispensing system of claim 4, wherein the controller communicates with only the first or second electronic device at a given time.

6. The dye dispensing system of claim 5, wherein the controller cannot communicate with the second electronic device until after dispensing the dye formulation of the fist electronic device.

7. The dye dispensing system of claim 1, wherein as the dye and / or developer is dispensed, the scale sends real time weight information to the controller, wherein the controller may cause the system to stop dispensing when a desired weight is achieved.

8. The dye dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising an outer housing with a loading panel.

9. The dye dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the loading panel is removable.

10. The dye dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the loading panel is attached to the housing through a hinging mechanism.

11. The dye dispensing system of claim 8, further comprising one or more access doors positioned on a top surface of the outer housing.

12. The dye dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising a reader which identifies an identifier positioned on the canisters or containers, wherein the identifier indicates the contents of the canister or container.

13. The dye dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising a second container configured to store a second developer, wherein the second developer is dispensed by the second dispenser via a second pump.

14. The dye dispensing system of claim 1, further comprising a reservoir configured to store a third developer, wherein the third developer is dispensed via a third pump.

15. The dye dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the reservoir is positioned adjacent to the container.

16. The dye dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the reservoir further comprises an identifier.

17. A dye dispensing system that dispenses dye in a plurality of unique color formulations, the system comprising: a controller configured to receive instructions relating to a liquid formulation, wherein the controller determines the presence of a hair dye and developer associated with the liquid formulation, wherein the controller further determines an amount of the hair dye and the developer needed to achieve the liquid formulation;a tray communicating with the controller and configured with one or more canisters configured to store the hair dye; a dispenser communicating with the controller and configured to dispense the hair dye from the one or more canisters associated with the liquid formulation; a first container configured to store a first developer and in fluid communication with a first pump; a second container configured to store a second developer and in fluid communication with a second pump; a reservoir configured to store a third developer and in fluid communication with a third pump; and wherein the first, second, and third pump communicate with the controller, to dispense the developer associated with the liquid formulation.

18. The dye dispensing system of claim 17, wherein the presence of the hair dye and the developer is determined by the controller via user input.

19. The dye dispensing system of claim 17, wherein the presence of the hair dye and the developer is determined by the controller via a reader.

20. The dye dispensing system of claim 19, wherein the reader identifies the hair dye and developer present in the system by scanning an identifier on the canister, containers, and reservoir.

21. A method of dispensing a hair dye formulation from a hair dye dispensing system comprising: receiving, in a controller, a liquid formula comprising: one or more hair dyes; an amount of each of the one or more hair dyes; a concentration of developer; and an amount of the developer; checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of one or more canisters containing the one or more hair dyes; dispensing, via a dispenser, the one or more hair dyes from the one or more canisters to achieve the amount of hair dye in the liquid formula;checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of a first container comprising a first concentration of developer; checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of a second container comprising a second concentration of developer; checking, via the controller, the presence within the dispensing system of a reservoir comprising a third concentration of developer; determining, via the controller, an amount of developer to dispense from one or more of the first container, second container, and reservoir to achieve the amount and concentration of developer in the liquid formula; dispensing, via one or more pumps, the developer from one or more of the first container, second container, and reservoir to achieve the amount and concentration of developer in the liquid formula; and mixing the dispensed hair dye and dispensed developer to achieve the liquid formulation.

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