Patent Description:
Formulation applicators are used to apply formulations to skin and other biological surfaces. The ability to apply a formulation from an applicator can be especially convenient for users. Other formulation containers, such as jars, bottles, and the like, lead to waste amounts of formulation in the containers and reduced usable life of formulation from exposure to air and other environmental factors. Formulations applied to skin include makeup, personal soaps, skin care products, hair care products or any other cosmetic products.

Some formulations have been developed to be activated by light or other electromagnetic energy. These formulations, sometimes called photo-activatable formulations, are photo-activatable in some manner by exposure to electromagnetic energy of a particular character and for a particular duration. In some examples, activation of the photo-activatable formulations includes material changes of the photo-activatable formulations, reactions of the photo-activatable formulations, or any other type of action or change by the photo-activatable formulations. Material changes of the photo-activatable formulations may include changes in viscosity responsive to an electromagnetic energy stimulus. A material change or reaction may include cross-linking, controlled release, or radical generation. When the photo-activatable formulations are exposed to electromagnetic energy at the activation wavelength, the electromagnetic energy activates the photo-activatable formulations, causing the change or action. The activation wavelength may be a specific wavelength or a range of wavelengths. The photo-active formulation may include at least one of photo-active polymers, photo-active oligomers, photo-active monomers, cross-linkable polymers, or photo-curable materials.

Photo-activatable formulations may include cross-linked polymers and oligomers for foundation, lipstick, nail polish, dermal covers, dermal fillers, and other cosmetic formulations. Several examples of cross-linked polymers and oligomers include photo-radical initiated polyethylene glycol acrylates and photo-crosslinkable stilbazole (SbQ) functionalized backbones (SMA-SbQ, PVA-SbQ). Some PVA-SbQ materials may be efficiently crosslinked using ultraviolet electromagnetic energy at a wavelength of <NUM>. Other formulations are being developed that are designed to crosslink at longer wavelengths into the visible portion of the spectrum (i.e., with wavelengths greater than <NUM>).

D2 = <CIT> discloses a sterile liquid composition for filling wrinkles and is dedicated to administration into or through the skin and/or the lips, wherein said composition comprises, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one photo-crosslinkable compound, wherein said compound comprises at least one activated photo-dimerizable group having at least one activated double bond and selected from photo-dimerizable groups carrying a stilbazolium function and wherein the photo-dimerizable groups carry a styrylazolium function of formula), the photo-dimerizable group(s) being carried by a partially or totally hydrolysed poly(vinyl acetate) polymer, a polysaccharide or a polyvinyl alcohol.

D3 = <CIT> relates to a photo treatment device for use with coolants and topical substances. In D3, methods and systems are disclosed for photo treatment in which replaceable containers comprising one or more adjuvant (consumable or re-usable) substances are employed. The adjuvant substance can be, for example, a topical substance or a coolant. Systems are disclosed for using a topical substance to detect contact of a photo treatment device with a tissue, detect speed of a photo treatment device and/or to provide other benefits to the tissue such as improved skin tone ant texture, tanning, etc. Safety systems are also disclosed that ensure that a proper consumable substance and/or container is connected to a photo treatment device and/or directed to a proper target. Additionally, cooling systems and methods that utilize phase change materials for extracting heat from a light generating device are disclosed.

D4 = <CIT> relates to a method of making up with light-sensitive makeup using a photo-chromatic composition in the already developed state. In particular, D4 discloses a method of making up keratinous material with light-sensitive makeup, the method including applying on keratinous material a photochromic composition including a thermally stable photochromic agent in the already at least partially developed state.

D5 = <CIT> relates to an applicator device for cosmetic and/or medical use and in particular to an applicator device, comprising an applicator element for applying a substance present in a substance chamber to a skin section. The applicator device comprises an applicator part having an upper housing part and a vibration part having a lower housing part, wherein in the lower housing part a vibration element is provided which can be actuated by a power source and the vibrations of which can be transmitted to the upper housing part and the applicator element, and wherein an activator device for generating heating or cooling energy is provided in the upper housing part, wherein the heating or cooling energy can be transferred to the substance present in the substance chamber.

In order to overcome the above discussed problems and to achieve the above discussed objectives, the present invention provides an applicator device according to independent claim <NUM>. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

Depicted in <FIG> are embodiments of an applicator <NUM> for dispensing photo-activatable formulations and activating the dispensed photo-activatable formulations. <FIG> and <FIG> depict perspective views of embodiments of the applicator <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a side cross-sectional view of embodiments of the applicator <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> depict side and perspective exploded views, respectively, of embodiments of the applicator <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dispenser end of the applicator <NUM>. <FIG> depicts an end view of an embodiment of a dispenser end of the applicator <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the applicator <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the applicator <NUM> includes a photo-active formulation assembly <NUM>. The photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> includes a dispenser portion <NUM> operable to dispense a photo-activatable formulation onto one or more regions of a biological surface (e.g., a portion of skin). In the particular embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispenser portion <NUM> is a ball dispenser. In some examples, the ball of the ball dispenser is a metal ball, a ceramic ball, or a polymer ball. In some embodiments, the dispenser portion <NUM> comprises a dispenser having a regular or irregular cross-sectional geometry. In some embodiments, the dispenser portion <NUM> comprises a dispenser having a spheroid geometric shape, a cylindrical shape, and the like. In some embodiments, the dispenser portion <NUM> comprises a textured surface. In some embodiments, the dispenser portion <NUM> comprises a surface having at least one hydrophobic coating, hydrophilic coating, and the like. In some embodiments, the dispenser portion <NUM> comprises a surface material having a coefficients of friction ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some embodiments, the dispenser portion <NUM> comprises a surface material having a coefficients of friction ranging from about <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as discussed in greater detail below, the applicator <NUM> includes one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs from which the photo-activatable formulation is dispensed onto one or more regions of a biological surface.

The applicator <NUM> also includes a photo-dose assembly <NUM> operably coupled to the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM>. As discussed in greater detail below, the photo-dose assembly <NUM> includes at least one illuminator oriented to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or more focal regions of a biological surface. The focused electromagnetic energy from the photo-dose assembly <NUM> is of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulation dispensed from the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the photo-dose assembly <NUM> includes a light ring <NUM> located substantially concentric with the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM>. The light ring <NUM> is also located such that electromagnetic energy emitted from at least one illuminator of the photo-dose assembly <NUM> passes through the light ring <NUM> and is directed toward one or more focal regions of a biological surface. In one embodiment, a spectral parameter type (e.g., a wavelength, an intensity, or a duration) of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the photo-dose assembly <NUM> is selected based on information indicative of a photo-curing composition type. In some embodiments, the light ring <NUM> is configured to focus the electromagnetic energy emitted by the at least one illuminator and includes one or more of a lens, a diffuser, or a grating.

The applicator <NUM> also includes a housing <NUM>. In one example, the housing <NUM> holds the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> and the photo-dose assembly <NUM> such that at least one illuminator of the photo-dose assembly <NUM> is oriented to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or more focal regions of a biological surface with the focused electromagnetic energy of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulation dispensed from one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs of the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the applicator <NUM> also includes features, such as an activator such as a button <NUM> or grips <NUM>, to aid in use of the applicator <NUM> by a user. For example, in one embodiment, the button <NUM> is power button on an end opposite the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> and configured to toggle power to the photo-dose assembly <NUM>. In another embodiment, the housing <NUM> also includes grips <NUM> that add to the convenience for a user to grip the applicator <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the photo-dose assembly <NUM> of the applicator <NUM> includes at least one illuminator <NUM>. Non-limiting examples of illuminators <NUM> include arc flashlamps, cavity resonators, continuous wave bulbs, electric circuits, electrical conductors, electromagnetic energy emitting emitters, electromagnetic radiation emitters, electromechanical components, electro-opto components, incandescent emitters, laser diodes, lasers, light-emitting diodes (e.g., organic light-emitting diodes, polymer light-emitting diodes, polymer phosphorescent light-emitting diodes, microcavity light-emitting diodes, high-efficiency light-emitting diodes, and the like), quantum dots, and the like.

In one example, the at least one illuminator <NUM> is a source of electromagnetic energy, such as a light emitting diode (LED). In the depicted example, the at least one illuminator <NUM> includes six LEDs; however, the at least one illuminator <NUM> may include any number of illuminators, such as a single illuminator or a plurality of illuminators. The at least one illuminator <NUM> is arranged to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or more focal regions of a biological surface of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulation dispensed from one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs of the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM>. In one example, the at least one illuminator <NUM> includes a patterned illuminator having a plurality of spaced-apart electromagnetic energy emitting elements.

In one embodiment, one or more spectral parameters of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the at least one illuminator <NUM> (e.g., a wavelength of the electromagnetic energy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, a duration of the electromagnetic energy, and the like) are selected based on a particular photo-activatable formulation. In one embodiment, the at least one illuminator <NUM> includes at least one LED that includes III-V semiconductor materials or III-N semiconductor materials. With III-V and III-N LED technology, wavelengths are available from the ultraviolet range (i.e., from about <NUM> to about <NUM>), through the visible range (i.e., from about <NUM> to about <NUM>), and into the infrared range (from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) of the electromagnetic spectrum. The power density and dimensions of these devices also cover a wide range.

In an embodiment, a plurality of illuminators are configured to emit radiation having one or more peak emission wavelengths in the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet spectrum, or combinations thereof. For example, during operation, at least illuminator <NUM> comprises a peak emission wavelength ranging from about <NUM> nanometers to about <NUM> millimeter. In an embodiment, at least one illuminator <NUM> comprises a peak emission wavelength ranging from about <NUM> micrometers to about <NUM> micrometers. In an embodiment, at least on illuminator <NUM> comprises a peak emission wavelength ranging from about <NUM> nanometers to about <NUM> nanometers.

In an embodiment, the photo-dose assembly <NUM> includes circuitry configured to vary one or more of emission intensity, emission phase, emission polarization, emission wavelength (e.g., a peak emission wavelength, a radiation wavelength, an average emission wavelength, or the like), pulse frequency, and the like.

In the particular embodiment shown in <FIG>, the photo-dose assembly <NUM> also includes at least one waveguide structure <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the at least one illuminator <NUM> is arranged to emit electromagnetic energy toward the at least one waveguide structure <NUM>. The at least one waveguide structure <NUM> is configured to transmit the electromagnetic energy from the at least one illuminator <NUM>.

In the particular embodiment shown in <FIG>, the at least one waveguide structure <NUM> includes six electromagnetic energy pipes. In some examples, the at least one waveguide structure <NUM> is formed from segmented glass, polymer, or any other material that can transmit electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment, the number of at least one waveguide structure <NUM> is equal to a number of the at least one illuminator <NUM>; however, differing numbers of the at least one illuminator <NUM> and the at least one waveguide structure <NUM> are possible. In one embodiment, the numbers of the at least one illuminator <NUM> and the at least one waveguide structure <NUM> are selected based on based on a size of the applicator <NUM>, light flux requirements of photo-activatable formulations, or any other factor.

In the depicted embodiment, the source of electromagnetic energy also includes the light ring <NUM>. The at least one waveguide structure <NUM> are configured to transmit the electromagnetic energy from the at least one illuminator <NUM> to the light ring <NUM>. One or both of the at least one waveguide structure <NUM> or the light ring <NUM> is configured to focus the electromagnetic energy and the photo-dose assembly <NUM> is oriented to direct the focused electromagnetic energy to one or more focal regions of a biological surface to photo-activate photo-activatable formulation dispensed from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs.

In some embodiments, the applicator <NUM> also includes a controller <NUM>, such as control circuitry, for the at least one illuminator <NUM>. In one example, the controller <NUM> controls power to the at least one illuminator <NUM>. In another example, the controller <NUM> modifies a spectral parameter of the electromagnetic energy emitted from the at least one illuminator <NUM> (e.g., wavelength, intensity, duration, and the like) based on information indicative of a photo-curing composition type, photo-curing protocol, and the like. In another example, the controller <NUM> modifies a parameter associated with an illumination temporal pattern, an illumination spaced-apart pattern, and the like based on information indicative of a photo-curing protocol.

In some examples, the controller <NUM> modifies a spectral parameter of the electromagnetic energy emitted from the at least one illuminator <NUM> such that the emitted electromagnetic energy is configured to photo-activate the dispensed photo-activatable formulation on the one or more regions of a biological surface.

In some embodiments, the applicator <NUM> also includes a power source <NUM>, such as a rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the applicator <NUM> includes one or more power sources <NUM>. Non-limiting examples of power sources include one or more button cells, chemical battery cells, a fuel cell, secondary cells, lithium ion cells, micro-electric patches, nickel metal hydride cells, silver-zinc cells, capacitors, super-capacitors, thin film secondary cells, ultra-capacitors, zinc-air cells, or the like. Further non-limiting examples of power sources include one or more generators (e.g., electrical generators, thermo energy-to-electrical energy generators, mechanical-energy-to-electrical energy generators, micro-generators, nano-generators, or the like) such as, for example, thermoelectric generators, piezoelectric generators, electromechanical generators, or the like. In an embodiment, the power source includes at least one rechargeable power source. In an embodiment, the power source includes one or more micro-batteries, printed micro-batteries, thin film batteries, fuel cells (e.g., biofuel cells, chemical fuel cells, etc.), and the like.

The power source <NUM> is configured to provide power to the at least one illuminator <NUM>. In one embodiment, the applicator includes a power controller <NUM>. In some examples, the power controller <NUM> includes one or more of a charging coil, a charging circuit, or an actuator for the power button <NUM>. In the embodiment where the power controller <NUM> includes a charging coil, the charging coil permits the power source <NUM> to be recharged inductively. In one example, the applicator <NUM> is recharged when placed in a cradle configured to inductively recharge the power source <NUM> of the applicator <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the applicator <NUM> also includes one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs <NUM> that hold photo-activatable formulation <NUM>. The photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> is arranged to dispense the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> to a one or more regions of a biological surface. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> is a roller assembly for dispensing the photo-activatable formulation onto the one or more regions of a biological surface. As the roller assembly is rolled over one or more regions of a biological surface, an amount of the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> is dispensed to the one or more regions of a biological surface. In one embodiment, the roller assembly is a waveguide that guides electromagnetic energy from the photo-dose assembly <NUM>. In another embodiment, photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> dispenses the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs <NUM> onto one or more regions of a biological surface at rate commensurate with a photo-curing rate of the photo-activatable formulation <NUM>. In another embodiment, the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> includes at least one photo-activatable formulation nebulizer. In one example, the photo-activatable formulation nebulizer delivers the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> in the form of a mist when the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> dispenses the photo-activatable formulation <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs <NUM> are configured to limit exposure of the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> to electromagnetic energy prior to the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> being dispensed to the one or more regions of a biological surface. Limiting exposure of the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> to electromagnetic energy prior to being dispensed reduces the possibility that the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> will be activated before it is dispensed. In one embodiment, the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs <NUM> are formed integrally with the applicator <NUM>. In another embodiment, as discussed below, the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs <NUM> are removable from the applicator <NUM>.

In the embodiments depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM>, including the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs <NUM> and the photo-activatable formulation <NUM>, are contained within a replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM>. In one embodiment, the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> is removably couplable to the applicator <NUM>. In the example where the at least one illuminator <NUM> is fixed in the applicator <NUM>, the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> is also removably couplable to the photo-dose assembly <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> includes external threads that engage internal threads of a structural member <NUM> of the applicator <NUM>. In other embodiments, the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> is removably couplable to the applicator <NUM> by other mechanisms, such as a snap connector, a magnetic coupling, or any other releasable coupling mechanism.

This interchangeability of formulation cartridges allows a user to couple the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> to the source of electromagnetic energy, dispense the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> from the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> to a one or more regions of a biological surface, and focus electromagnetic energy onto one or more focal regions of a biological surface (e.g., by the at least one illuminator <NUM>) to activate the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> dispensed on the one or more regions of the biological surface. The replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> can then be removed from the applicator <NUM> and then a different formulation cartridge can be coupled to the applicator <NUM>. This interchangeability of formulation cartridges allows different photo-active assemblies to be used with the photo-dosing assembly <NUM>. In practice, a user is able to dispense different photo-activatable formulations from different formulation cartridges and activate the different photo-activatable formulations using the same photo-dosing assembly <NUM> of the applicator <NUM>. It also allows the formulation cartridges to be disposable items while the other portions of the applicator <NUM> are used over a longer period of time. In one embodiment, focused electromagnetic energy from the photo-dose assembly <NUM> comprises electromagnetic energy at multiple wavelengths where the multiple wavelengths are operable to photo-activate multiple coatings of photo-activatable formulations.

In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the at least one illuminator <NUM> is located at an end of the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> opposite the dispenser portion <NUM>. This positioning places the at least one illuminator <NUM> away from the area where the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> is inserted into and coupled to the applicator <NUM> so that the at least one illuminator <NUM> is not damaged or misaligned by the coupling or decoupling of the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM>. This positioning also places the at least one illuminator <NUM> closer to the power source <NUM>. While the at least one illuminator <NUM> is located at an end of the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> opposite the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM>, the at least one waveguide structure <NUM> and the light ring <NUM> are arranged to transmit the electromagnetic energy from the at least one illuminator <NUM> and emit the focused electromagnetic energy toward the one or more regions of a biological surface where the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> has been dispensed.

In one embodiment, where the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> is removably couplable to the applicator <NUM>, the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> includes an identifier. In some examples, the identifier identifies one or more of the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM>, the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> inside the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM>, an activation wavelength of the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> inside the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM>, an activation power of the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> inside the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM>, or any other information about the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> or the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM>. In some examples, the identifier has the form of one or more of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a color on the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM>, a barcode on the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM>, printed information on the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM>, or any other kind of identifier.

In some embodiments, one or more spectral parameters of the source of electromagnetic energy are variable. In one example, the at least one illuminator <NUM> includes a plurality of illuminators having different wavelengths that can be powered separately. In another example, the at least one illuminator <NUM> is capable of being powered at different levels of power. In yet another example, the controller <NUM> controls the one or more spectral parameters of the at least one illuminator <NUM>. In one embodiment, where the characteristics of the source of electromagnetic energy are variable and the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> includes an identifier, one or more spectral parameters of the source of electromagnetic energy are modified based on the identifier of the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM>. For example, the identifier may indicate that the photo-activatable formulation <NUM> has an activation wavelength of <NUM> and the source of electromagnetic energy is adjusted to emit electromagnetic energy at about <NUM> when the replaceable formulation cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the applicator <NUM>.

In the end view of the applicator <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, the dispenser portion <NUM> of the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> is shown as being located substantially concentrically with the light ring <NUM>. In this arrangement, the electromagnetic energy emitted from the light ring <NUM> surrounds the area of the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM>. This increases the likelihood that any photo-activatable formulation dispensed by the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> will be exposed to focused electromagnetic energy emitted from the light ring <NUM>. The proximity of the light ring <NUM> to the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> also decreases the time between the dispensing of the photo-activatable formulation by the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> and the exposure of the dispensed photo-activatable formulation to the focused electromagnetic energy emitted by the light ring <NUM>.

The benefits of the embodiments of the applicator <NUM> described herein include that the photo-activatable formulation is dispensed from and activated by a single, self-contained unit. Conventional formulation applicators dispense formulations but do not include sources of electromagnetic energy. Thus, even if a conventional formulation applicator was used to dispense a photo-activatable formulation, a separate light device would be required to expose the photo-activatable formulation to the appropriate electromagnetic energy. The two-step process of applying the photo-activatable formulation with an applicator and activating the photo-activatable formulation with a separate light source is cumbersome for the user and risks improper application and/or activation of the photo-activatable formulation. In contrast to the issues with conventional formulation applicators, the embodiments of the applicator <NUM> described herein limit exposure of the photo-activatable formulation to electromagnetic energy before the photo-activatable formulation is dispensed, reduce the time period between applying the photo-activatable formulation to the one or more regions of a biological surface and activating the photo-activatable formulation using electromagnetic energy, and emit activating electromagnetic energy in close proximity to the location where the photo-activatable formulation is dispensed.

<FIG> depicts an embodiment of a method <NUM> of applying a photo-activatable formulation, which can be performed using embodiments of applicators capable of dispensing and photo-activating photo-activatable formulations described herein. At block <NUM>, photo-activatable formulation is dispensed by a dispenser portion of a photo-active formulation assembly from one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs onto one or more regions of a biological surface. At block <NUM>, electromagnetic energy is focused by a photo-dose assembly operably coupled to the photo-active formulation assembly from at least one illuminator onto one or more focal regions of the biological surface. The focused electromagnetic energy is of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulation dispensed from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs. In one embodiment, the method <NUM> includes the steps depicted in blocks <NUM> and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> includes generating an electromagnetic energy stimulus responsive to one or more inputs indicative of a photo-curing composition type. For example, during operation the applicator <NUM> is operable to detect information about a formulation within a reservoir, cartridge, and the like, and to adjust one or more photo-curing parameters (e.g., a wavelength of the electromagnetic energy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, a duration of the electromagnetic energy, and the like) based on the detected information.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> includes varying in real time one or more photo-curing parameters (e.g., a peak emission wavelength of the electromagnetic energy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, a duration of the electromagnetic energy, and the like) based on a detected measurement indicative of a curing rate.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> includes varying one or more photo-curing parameters (e.g., a peak emission wavelength of the electromagnetic energy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, a duration of the electromagnetic energy, and the like) based on a detected measurement indicative of a photo-activatable formulation dispensing rate.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> includes varying one or more photo-curing parameters (e.g., a peak emission wavelength of the electromagnetic energy, an intensity of the electromagnetic energy, a duration of the electromagnetic energy, and the like) based on a detected measurement indicative of which cartridge is dispensing photo-activatable formulation.

In an embodiment, the method <NUM> includes generating the focused electromagnetic energy responsive to one or more inputs indicative of a photo-curing protocol associated with a formulation within a reservoir, cartridge, and the like.

The method <NUM> optionally includes the steps depicted in blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the replaceable formulation cartridge is removed from an applicator that includes the photo-dose assembly. At block <NUM>, a second replaceable formulation cartridge is coupled to the applicator. At block <NUM>, a second photo-activatable formulation is dispensed from the second replaceable formulation cartridge onto the one or more regions of the biological surface. The steps depicted in blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> permit the applicator that includes the photo-dose assembly to be used with multiple replaceable formulation cartridges. In one example, this ability permits a user to dispense and photo-activate multiple photo-activatable formulations using the same applicator. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the applicator is configured to modify one or more spectral parameters of the electromagnetic energy from the photo-dose assembly based on the different replaceable formulation cartridges coupled to the applicator and/or the different photo-activatable formulations dispensed from the replaceable formulation cartridges.

Referring to <FIG>, additional elements will be discussed that may be added to any of the embodiments of the applicator <NUM>. Although the elements of <FIG> are shown in combination with other elements, any one or more elements may be omitted, such that elements can be provided singly or in combination with one or more elements in embodiments of the applicator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the applicator <NUM> includes a proximity sensor <NUM> that controls activation and deactivation of the illuminator <NUM> so that the illuminator <NUM> is activated when the dispenser portion <NUM> is within a certain distance to the user's skin, and the illuminator <NUM> is deactivated when the dispenser portion <NUM> is outside of the certain distance from the user's skin. The proximity sensor <NUM> can be placed on the inside or the outside of the applicator <NUM>. In an embodiment, the proximity sensor <NUM> is placed on the outside of the applicator <NUM>. The proximity sensor <NUM> may be an infrared sensor in order to detect when the dispenser portion <NUM> has moved a threshold amount away from the skin surface. Non-limiting examples of proximity sensors <NUM> include acoustic sensors (e.g., ultrasound sensors, acoustic transduces, and the like) conductance sensors, dielectric sensors (e.g., capacitance sensors), electrochemical sensors, fluorescence sensors, force sensors, heat sensors (e.g., thermocouples, thermistors, and the like), interdigital sensor, optical sensors, physiological sensors, proximity sensors (e.g., inductive proximity sensors, non-contact electronic proximity sensors, and the like), and the like.

In an embodiment, the proximity sensor <NUM> may be contact-based and will only permit the illuminator <NUM> to be active when the dispenser portion <NUM> is sensed to contact the skin surface. The contact may be sensed using any number of mechanisms known in the art. Non-limiting examples of this type of proximity sensor <NUM> include acoustic sensors (e.g., ultrasound sensors, acoustic transduces, and the like) conductance sensors, dielectric sensors (e.g., capacitance sensors), electrochemical sensors, fluorescence sensors, force sensors, and pressure sensors.

In another embodiment shown in <FIG>, the dispenser portion <NUM> is a light transparent ball <NUM> and the illuminator <NUM> is configured to project images onto the skin surface of the user. In an embodiment, the images travel through the waveguides <NUM> from the illuminator <NUM> to the end of the applicator <NUM>. The images may be used to display instructions for a treatment method using the applicator <NUM>, to display a target or guide for where to direct the applicator for treatment, or to display notifications such as when the formulation needs to be replaced or the battery is running low on power. In an embodiment, an acquisition camera <NUM> may be disposed behind proximate to the dispenser portion <NUM> to take images of the user's skin. Such images may be used locally or transmitted to a remote device for diagnosing a condition of the user's skin. Such images are used to inform the targeting or guiding of the user to apply formulation to a particular area of the skin, either through the illuminator <NUM> or the external device display.

In another embodiment shown in <FIG>, the dispenser portion ball <NUM> may have a transparent or bio-compatible conductor coating <NUM>. The transparent or bio-compatible conductor coating <NUM> encircles the entirety of the exterior of the dispenser portion ball <NUM>. The transparent or bio-compatible conductor coating <NUM> is electrically connected to circuitry for performing any number of purposes. Suitable transparent, biocompatible, conductive electrode materials for the ball dispenser portion <NUM> include, but are not limited to, polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) and nano-composites thereof (e.g., nano composites of PEDOT and grapheme). In an embodiment, the dispenser potion conductor coating <NUM> is coupled to a power supply and may be used to perform iontophoresis, wherein the dispenser portion <NUM> is operable as an electrode. Iontophoresis is a technique that uses a small electric current to deliver charged species across a membrane, in most cases an agent through the skin. By creating an electric field between at least two electrodes contacting the skin, active transport of an ion (charged molecule) through the skin can be achieved. The ion in an appropriate formulation is repelled by the source electrode that carries the same charge as the ion, driving it through the stratum corneum and towards the return electrode. Many active ingredients in skin care have ionic forms, so iontophoresis can improve penetration of these ingredients into the epidermis. A more complete description of a technique to use iontophoresis to deliver therapeutic agents to the user's skin is described in<CIT>, which is incorporated herein by reference. In this case, the dispenser portion <NUM> itself acts as the repelling electrode. That is, the charge applied at the dispenser portion <NUM> is the same charge of the ionic species that is to be delivered.

In another embodiment shown in <FIG>, the removable formulation cartridge <NUM> may be configured to have only a specific orientation in which it can be inserted into the applicator device in order to avoid mistakes in inserting the cartridge by the user. For example, referring to <FIG>, the proximate end of the formulation cartridge <NUM> has a narrower diameter than the distal end (toward the dispenser portion <NUM>), therefore, the formulation cartridge <NUM> can only be inserted into the applicator <NUM> when the proximate end is inserted first. In an embodiment, the cartridge <NUM> may have threads at one end only that thread onto the photo-does assembly. A plurality of different cartridges may be available in which each cartridge includes one of the specific formulations described above.

In another embodiment shown in <FIG>, a shield <NUM> may be disposed behind the dispenser portion <NUM> which allows transmission of light from the illuminator <NUM> towards the dispenser portion <NUM>, but blocks light from being reflected back towards the reservoir that stores the formulation <NUM>. In an embodiment, this shield <NUM> may act like a one-way mirror and prevents reflected light from curing the formulation <NUM> inside the reservoir. In an embodiment, the shield <NUM> is a one way hemispherical mirror <NUM> provided behind the dispenser portion ball <NUM>, wherein the hemispherical mirror <NUM> allows focusing of light from the illuminator <NUM> in one direction, but blocks light from returning to the interior of the cartridge <NUM>.

In another embodiment of the applicator <NUM>, different ranges of UV light wavelength may be used based on the formulation. Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> includes an RFID or any other machine readable feature <NUM> encoded with information, such as the wavelength, time, amplitude, or a combination for activating the formulation <NUM>, and the photo-dose assembly <NUM> includes an RFID reader or reader <NUM>, such that when the photo-active formulation assembly <NUM> is inserted into photo-dose assembly <NUM>, the reader <NUM> is in proximity to the machine readable feature <NUM> and can read the information provided on the machine readable feature <NUM>. In an embodiment, based on the information obtained from the machine readable feature <NUM>, the photo-dose assembly <NUM> controls the wavelength of the electromagnetic energy delivered by the illuminator <NUM>, the time the illuminator <NUM> is on, the amplitude of the electromagnetic energy produced by the illuminator <NUM>, or any combination. This way, the characteristics of the electromagnetic energy are automatically set into the applicator <NUM> to avoid any entry errors. In an embodiment, "machine readable feature" is used broadly to mean any type of storage device that has information which can be read electronically, such as RFID tags, magnetic chips, barcodes, <NUM>-D barcodes, other electronically readable chips, marks, and the like.

In another embodiment shown in <FIG>, the waveguide structures <NUM> may be placed outside of the cartridge <NUM>. In an embodiment, the waveguide structures <NUM> are actually integrated with the cartridge <NUM> itself, but positioned on the outer surfaces of the cartridge <NUM>, rather than through the middle of the applicator <NUM>. For example, in an embodiment, the structural member <NUM> shown in <FIG> is eliminated and the waveguides <NUM> are fastened directly to the exterior surface of the cartridge <NUM> (the photo-active formulation assembly).

In another embodiment shown in <FIG>, the applicator <NUM> is configured to allow free space propagation in a cavity <NUM> around the cartridge <NUM>, whereby the light source illuminator <NUM> is located in the housing beyond the end of the inserted dispenser cartridge <NUM>, with circumferential clearance around the cartridge <NUM> to allow light propagation from the illuminator <NUM> to the dispensing end of the cartridge <NUM>. For instance, the cavity <NUM> may be configured as an elliptical reflector. In an embodiment, the cavity <NUM> is covered by a reflective surface <NUM> on the inside of the applicator <NUM> walls, and the cartridge <NUM> has a reflective surface <NUM> on the outside of the cartridge <NUM>. Thus, forming the elliptical reflector.

In another embodiment shown in <FIG>, the ball dispenser portion <NUM> has a flexible outer surface <NUM> that encases a fluid or gel, such that the outer surface <NUM> can deform to adjust to the contours of the user's skin. In an embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> can be an elastomer, such as latex, rubber, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, or silicone. In an embodiment, the dispenser portion <NUM> contains a fluid or a gel within the flexible outer surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the dispenser portion ball <NUM> is slightly malleable and elastic, allowing it to conform to the skin while dispensing, but still be able maintain its shape within the bearing surface of the applicator <NUM>.

It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "inwardly," "outwardly," "inner," "outer," "front," "rear," etc., should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted" and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings.

Claim 1:
An applicator device (<NUM>), comprising:
a photo-active formulation assembly (<NUM>) including one or a plurality of dispenser portions (<NUM>) and one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs containing a photo-activatable formulation (<NUM>), the photo-active formulation assembly being operable to dispense the photo-activatable formulation (<NUM>) from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs onto one or more regions of a biological surface; and
a photo-dose assembly (<NUM>) operably coupled to the photo-active formulation assembly, the photo-dose assembly including at least one illuminator (<NUM>) oriented to focus electromagnetic energy onto one or more focal regions of a biological surface, the focused electromagnetic energy is of a character and for a duration sufficient to photo-activate the photo-activatable formulation dispensed from the one or more photo-activatable formulation reservoirs;
wherein
the photo-dose assembly includes a light ring located substantially concentric with the photo-active formulation assembly, wherein the light ring is located such that electromagnetic energy emitted from the at least one illuminator of the photo-dose assembly passes through the light ring and is directed toward the one or more focal regions of a biological surface, characterized in that the light ring includes a lens, a diffuser, or a grating to focus the electromagnetic energy.