Computer-controlled single manufacturing system for generating individualized mixtures
AssigneeeSalon.com, LLC
InventorsRabih Zaouk, Erik Napoles
Life of this patent
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Abstract
There is disclosed a computer-controlled dispenser system. The system includes a first set of repositories for fluid components suitable for combination into different mixtures, a second set of repositories for viscous components suitable for combination into different mixtures, and a dispensing nozzle where the fluid and viscous components are dispensed. The system further includes a set of valves and pumps for moving fluid and viscous components to a dispensing nozzle and a scale for measuring an amount of fluid and viscous components dispensed from the dispensing nozzle. The system enables computer control to ensure accurate output of both fluid and viscous components according to the instructions received for their creation.
Claims20
A computer-controlled dispenser system comprising:
- a plurality of repositories for fluid components and viscous components suitable for combination into different mixtures;
- a dispensing nozzle from which the fluid and the viscous components are dispensed;
- at least one set of tubing connecting the series of repositories to the dispensing nozzle;
- at least one valve interposed between the series of repositories and the dispensing nozzle for fluidly controlling the fluid components through the at least one set of tubing to the dispensing nozzle as controlled by opening and closing the at least one valve;
- at least one pump coupled to the at least one set of tubing for controlling flow of the viscous components of the series of repositories through the at least one set of tubing to the dispensing nozzle as controlled by a control computer;
- a scale for measuring the amount of the fluid and the viscous components dispensed from the dispensing nozzle;
- and
- wherein a control computer receives instructions to dispense the fluid and the viscous components in desired amounts to create a mixture according to the instructions, the control computer causes the at least one pump and the at least one valve to combine at least one of each of the fluid and the viscous components to create the mixture.
A computer-controlled dispenser system comprising:
- a first set of repositories for fluid components joined to at least one pressurization source for moving the fluid components to a dispensing nozzle, the fluid components suitable for combination into different mixtures;
- a second set of repositories for viscous components joined to at least one pump for pumping the viscous components to a dispensing nozzle, the viscous components suitable for combination into different mixtures;
- the dispensing nozzle where the fluid and viscous components are dispensed;
- at least one valve interposed between the first set of repositories and the dispensing nozzle for controlling flow of the fluid components;
- the at least one pump coupled to the second set of repositories for controlling the flow of the viscous components;
- and
- a control computer for controlling the at least one pump to move at least one of the viscous components through the dispensing nozzle and controlling the at least one valve to dispense at least one of the fluid components through the dispensing nozzle according to instructions for a desired mixture.
A method for operating a computer-controlled dispenser system, the method comprising:
- receiving instructions for the creation of a desired mixture of fluid components and viscous components;
- operating an at least one valve coupled with a pressurization source to move the fluid components from a first set of repositories through a dispensing nozzle into a container;
- controlling an at least one pump to move the viscous component from a second set of repositories through the dispensing nozzle into the container;
- weighing each of the fluid components and the viscous components as they are dispensed to ensure that a desired amount has been dispensed using a scale;
- mixing the fluid components and the viscous components in the container to create the desired mixture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.