Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a cartridge comprising a nozzle, a channel, a screw, a reservoir, multiple flanges, a piston and a check valve.

In an embodiment, a cartridge is provided in accordance with independent claim <NUM>.

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:.

In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Further, as used herein, the words "a", "an" and the like generally carry a meaning of "one or more", unless stated otherwise.

Selecting cosmetic formulations, and component cosmetic materials to formulate cosmetic formulations, is a common activity often relying on subjective decision making and manual input. There are a wide variety of available cosmetic materials, and countless combinations and permutations of possible cosmetic formulations.

For each occasion where cosmetic formulations are used, subjective decisions are often made by an end user of cosmetics to produce satisfactory cosmetic formulations. Outcomes are generally the result of experimentation, perhaps requiring multiple iterations to produce a satisfactory outcome. Partly due to limited awareness of specific traits of the base cosmetic materials and necessary proportions, resulting cosmetic formulations may lack precision. The repeatability of producing a specific cosmetic formulation is thus difficult to accomplish. The below embodiments address these problems in the conventional art.

Specifically, the below description relates to an device and an accompanying cartridge for enabling a formula personalization system for use at home which is based on a specialized dispensing device that allows ingredients for a cosmetic product to be instantly blended into a user's preferred end result and then conveniently transported for portability.

<FIG> is an overall perspective view of a cosmetic dispensing device <NUM>, or a cosmetic dispenser, according to one example. The visible portion of the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> includes a base <NUM> connected to a power cord <NUM>. The base <NUM> provides a support for the dispenser body <NUM>. A compact <NUM> is disposed above the dispenser body <NUM>, a power button <NUM> may be disposed partly within the dispenser body <NUM> such that the dispenser body <NUM> secures placement of the power button <NUM>, and an indicator light and button <NUM> may be disposed partly within the dispenser body <NUM> such that the dispenser body <NUM> secures placement of the indicator light and button <NUM>. The indicator light and button <NUM> may be a mechanical or capacitive touch-type button.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the dispenser body <NUM>, according to one example. The dispenser body <NUM> is a hollow, thin-walled container that serves as a cover for much of the components of the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>. In this example the dispenser body <NUM> has a first end at the top with an approximately square cross section with rounded corners, while a second end at the bottom has a circular cross section. The dispenser body <NUM> may provide a base for the compact <NUM>, or other components that serve as a base for the compact <NUM>. The dispenser body <NUM> may also include a mounting point for the power button <NUM> and a mounting point for the indicator light and button <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> with the dispenser body <NUM> removed, according to one example. The power button <NUM>, the indicator light and button <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, a bottom plate <NUM>, an inductive plate <NUM>, and a gearhousing <NUM> are visible in this view, as are a lower body section <NUM>, a middle body section <NUM>, and an upper body section <NUM>. The power button <NUM> is electrically connected to the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> includes circuitry for distributing power received through the power cord <NUM>, controlling one or more motors <NUM> to dispense cosmetic material, detecting readings of an optical encoder <NUM>, charging one or more batteries <NUM>, operating any indicators such as the indicator light and button <NUM>, chimes, or other audiovisual signals, sensors such as for detecting availability status, type, and quantity of cosmetic material, and communicating wirelessly with external devices, including circuitry to send and receive signals and data, for example through smart phones and other wireless devices, using a variety of communication protocols, such as Radio Frequency (RF), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular.

The inductive plate <NUM> supports the bottom plate <NUM>, aside from the base <NUM> and the power cord <NUM>, the remainder of the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> is disposed atop the bottom plate <NUM>. The gearhousing <NUM> is disposed above, is connected to, and provides support to internal components of the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> that are further described by <FIG>. Further, the gearhousing <NUM> includes a plurality of gearhousing cartridge holes <NUM>, one for each cartridge <NUM> in the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>. A nozzle <NUM> of each cartridge <NUM> is disposed inside one of the gearhousing cartridge holes <NUM>. Various additional substructures and covers may be disposed between the internal components of the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> and the dispenser body <NUM>.

For example, the upper body section <NUM> is disposed above the middle body section <NUM>, and the lower body section <NUM> disposed below the middle body section <NUM>. When connected, the dispenser body <NUM> attaches to outside of at least one of the lower body section <NUM>, the middle body section <NUM>, and the upper body section <NUM>. The bottom plate <NUM> is disposed below and connected to the lower body section <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective views of certain internal components of the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>, according to one example. The internal assembly includes a plurality of dispensing assemblies <NUM>, disposed above the bottom plate <NUM> and the inductive plate <NUM>. Each dispensing assembly <NUM> comprises a cartridge <NUM>, a cartridge gear <NUM>, a motor <NUM>, a motor gear <NUM>, an ejector <NUM>, an ejector index ring <NUM>, an ejector spring <NUM>, an ejector spring pin <NUM>, a detent plunger <NUM>, and a detent spring <NUM>. The controller <NUM> controls the operation of each of the dispensing assemblies <NUM>. The cosmetic dispenser <NUM> includes at least one dispensing assembly <NUM>. The examples described herein contain three dispensing assemblies <NUM>, though a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a cosmetic dispenser <NUM> may have any number of dispensing assemblies <NUM>.

Further, a plurality of batteries <NUM> inside the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> are electrically connected to the plurality of dispensing assemblies <NUM> to provide electrical power for the operation of the controller <NUM>, the dispensing assembly <NUM>, the motor <NUM>, and various indicators, such as the indicator light and button <NUM> (further described in <FIG>), chimes, and other audiovisual signals.

The controller <NUM> and a connected device <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) allow a user to operate the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> wirelessly. Cosmetic material formulation and recipe commands to the controller <NUM> may be received from the connected device <NUM>, such as a smart phone, tablet, or personal computer, configured to communicate with the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>. Further, dispensing of cosmetic material may also be triggered by the user by touching the indicator light and button <NUM> on the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> also has a flanges (acting as a "key") disposed on or near the nozzle <NUM> as will be described in more detail below, is connected near a first end to the cartridge gear <NUM>, is connected near a second end to the bottom plate <NUM>, with a motor gear <NUM> connected to the motor <NUM>, and the motor gear <NUM> drivingly connected to the cartridge gear <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> and the cartridge gear <NUM> are held in position by the gear housing <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The cartridge <NUM> may be disposed inside the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>, and secured in place by the ejector <NUM> connected to an ejector spring <NUM>, the ejector spring pin <NUM> connected at a first end to the ejector spring <NUM> and rigidly connected at a second end to an inside surface of at least one of the dispenser body <NUM>, the lower body section <NUM>, the middle body section <NUM>, the upper body section <NUM>, and other internal structure.

Additionally, a detent plunger <NUM> may be disposed substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge <NUM> and connected near the second end of the cartridge <NUM>, providing a lateral pressure to a circumferential groove circumferential groove <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, keeping the cartridge <NUM> in place along the vertical Y-axis, counteracting an opposite force applied by tension to the cartridge <NUM> by the ejector <NUM>, the ejector spring <NUM>, and an ejector spring pin <NUM>. The ejector <NUM> is disposed within the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> and may move substantially parallel to the cartridge <NUM>, and is connected to the ejector spring <NUM> that is further connected to the ejector spring pin <NUM>. As the cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>, an edge of the ejector <NUM> contacts an edge near the first end of the cartridge <NUM>. The ejector <NUM> applies a pressure to the cartridge <NUM> as the ejector spring <NUM> stretches with the increasing distance between the stationary ejector spring pin <NUM> and the ejector <NUM>, as the ejector <NUM> moves with the cartridge <NUM> further into the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>. Once the cartridge <NUM> is inserted to the point that a first end of the detent plunger <NUM> makes contact with the circumferential groove <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, the motion of the cartridge <NUM> along the Y-axis is restricted, holding the cartridge <NUM> in place.

The detent plunger <NUM> is a mechanism for holding the cartridge <NUM> in place. The detent plunger <NUM> moves along an axis substantially perpendicular to that of the major axis of the cartridge <NUM>. A first end of the detent plunger <NUM> is disposed to make contact with the cartridge <NUM>. A second end is connected to a first end of a detent spring <NUM>, the second end of the detent spring <NUM> in contact with an inside surface of at least one of the dispenser body <NUM>, the lower body section <NUM>, the middle body section <NUM>, the upper body section <NUM>, or other internal structure. Insertion of the cartridge <NUM> into the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> displaces the detent plunger <NUM> against the detent spring <NUM>, compressing the detent spring <NUM>. Because the contour of the cartridge <NUM> varies over the length of the cartridge <NUM>, the detent plunger <NUM>, and the detent spring <NUM> are displaced by varying amounts depending on the position of the cartridge <NUM> relative to the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>. At a point where the detent plunger <NUM> contacts the circumferential groove <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, the first end of the detent plunger <NUM> is able to lock the cartridge <NUM> in place due to pressure of the detent spring <NUM> and the geometric relationship between the detent plunger <NUM> and the circumferential groove <NUM>.

Further, the cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> through a cartridge through hole of the bottom plate <NUM>.

The motor gear <NUM> may be a spur gear that includes a cutout <NUM> (<FIG>) that fits the cartridge key <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> contains and dispenses an amount of cosmetic material into the compact <NUM> as needed. The cartridge <NUM> dispenses cosmetic material by rotation of the cartridge gear <NUM> while the cartridge <NUM> remains in place substantially vertically along the Y-axis. The cartridge gear <NUM> is driven by the motor gear <NUM> that is turned by the rotation of the motor <NUM>. The magnitude of rotation of the motor <NUM> is controlled by the controller <NUM>.

An amount of cosmetic material is released from the cartridge <NUM> through the nozzle <NUM> by a first rotational motion of the first end with respect to the second end of the cartridge <NUM>. Rotational motion of the first end of the cartridge <NUM> in a second direction, opposite of the first rotational motion, may close the nozzle <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>.

The cartridge gear <NUM> actuates the nozzle <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> that is attached to a hollow cartridge lead screw <NUM> within the cartridge <NUM>. Rotation of the cartridge lead screw <NUM> proportionately displaces a cartridge piston <NUM> that forces an amount of cosmetic material through the cartridge lead screw <NUM> and out the nozzle <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. The amount of cosmetic material released during an opening and closing operation of the nozzle <NUM> is a function of the displacement of the cartridge lead screw <NUM>, which is dependent upon the rotational displacement of the cartridge gear <NUM>. Rotation of the motor <NUM> rotates the respective motor gear <NUM> and the cartridge gear <NUM>. The controller <NUM> detects the relative motion of the cartridge gear <NUM> using the optical encoder <NUM> to count a number of cartridge gear slots <NUM> that pass the optical encoder <NUM> as the cartridge gear <NUM> rotates, and the direction of rotation of the cartridge gear <NUM>. A specific unit of measure of cosmetic material is a dose unit dose unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the cartridge gear <NUM>, according to one example. The cartridge gear <NUM> may be a spur gear that includes a cutout <NUM> that corresponds to the shape and arrangement of the flanges of the cartridge <NUM> which will be discussed below.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the bottom plate <NUM>, according to one example. The bottom plate <NUM> is connected to the dispenser body <NUM> and/or the lower body section <NUM>, restrains the plurality of cartridges <NUM> disposed inside the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>, and connects the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> to the inductive plate <NUM> disposed below the bottom plate <NUM>.

The bottom plate <NUM> has a plurality of cartridge through holes <NUM> to allow for the insertion, removal, and securement of the plurality of cartridges <NUM>. Each cartridge through hole <NUM> includes a base key cutout <NUM>, and the shape of the base key cutout <NUM> corresponds to the shape of the base key <NUM> of each cartridge <NUM> to prevent rotational motion of the second end of the cartridge <NUM>, the portion in contact with the bottom plate <NUM>, when the cartridge <NUM> is installed in the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>.

Further, the bottom plate <NUM> has contact pins <NUM> (shown in FIG. 7B) that contact the inductive plate, providing electricity to the bottom plate <NUM>, allowing the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> to charge the plurality of batteries <NUM> through contact or induction.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the bottom plate <NUM>, viewed from the bottom, according to one example. The bottom plate <NUM> includes three cartridge through holes <NUM> disposed within the plate, and contact pins <NUM>. When the bottom plate <NUM> is disposed within the cosmetic dispenser and upon the base <NUM>, the contact pins <NUM> can conduct electricity from the base <NUM> to the bottom plate <NUM>. The bottom plate <NUM> can then inductively charge the plurality of batteries <NUM> disposed above the bottom plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the base <NUM>, according to one example. A power cord <NUM> is connected at a first end to the base <NUM>. The power cord <NUM> is connected at a second end to a power source (not shown), providing power for the operation of the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> and for charging the plurality of batteries <NUM>. The base <NUM> includes a base indentation <NUM> for placement of the inductive plate <NUM> and other portions of the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>. The base indentation <NUM> may have the ability to inductively charge the plurality of batteries <NUM> using power supplied by the power cord <NUM>. Further, it may also charge the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> through contact pins <NUM> disposed inside the bottom plate <NUM> when the bottom plate <NUM> is disposed within the base indentation <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the compact <NUM>, disposed above a manifold <NUM>, according to one example. The compact <NUM> includes a top lid <NUM>, a compact base <NUM>, and a bottom lid <NUM>. The top lid <NUM> is disposed above the compact base <NUM>, which is disposed above or within the bottom lid <NUM>. The top lid <NUM> is secured to the compact base <NUM> by magnets, as described further by <FIG>. The compact base <NUM> includes a plurality of compact base through holes <NUM>. In this example, there is one compact base through hole <NUM> for each cartridge <NUM> in the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>. The bottom lid <NUM>, having a plurality of bottom lid through holes <NUM>, is disposed underneath the compact base <NUM>. In this example there is one bottom lid through hole <NUM> for each cartridge <NUM> in the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>, and the bottom lid <NUM> is disposed such that each bottom lid through hole <NUM> corresponds to and is connected to a compact base through hole <NUM> of the compact base <NUM>.

The compact <NUM> is connected to the manifold <NUM>, the manifold <NUM> connected to and disposed above the gearhousing <NUM>, further disposed within the dispenser body <NUM> of the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>, and the compact <NUM> is disposed above both the manifold <NUM> and the dispenser body <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> includes one manifold through hole <NUM> for each cartridge <NUM> in the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>, and the manifold <NUM> is disposed such that each manifold through hole <NUM> corresponds to and is connected to a compact base through hole <NUM> of the bottom lid <NUM>. Further, each manifold through hole <NUM> of the manifold <NUM> corresponds to and is disposed above a gearhousing cartridge hole <NUM> of the gearhousing <NUM>, providing a passage by which cosmetic material can be dispensed from the nozzle <NUM> of each cartridge <NUM> through the manifold <NUM>, the bottom lid <NUM>, and into the compact base <NUM>.

The compact <NUM> may have a form such that there is only one orientation by which the compact <NUM> can connect to the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>. In another example, it may be that the form of the compact <NUM> can connect to the compact <NUM> in more than one orientation.

Further, cosmetic material dispensed into the compact <NUM> may be prevented from flowing back out by use of a one way duckbill valve <NUM> (not shown) disposed within each of the compact base through holes <NUM> in the bottom lid <NUM> of the compact <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the compact <NUM> in an open position, according to one example. The compact <NUM> includes a top lid <NUM>, a compact base <NUM>, a bottom lid <NUM>, a plurality of hinge magnets 186a, 186b, 186c, and 186d, a plurality of lid magnets 188a, 188b, 188c, and 188d, and a plurality of mounting magnets 196a, 196b, and 196c.

In one example, the compact base <NUM>, the plurality of mounting magnets 196a-196c, a first half of the plurality of lid magnets 188b and 188d, and a first half the plurality of hinge magnets 186b and 186d, are disposed within the bottom lid <NUM>, with the compact base <NUM> disposed above. The plurality of mounting magnets 196a-196c are disposed to magnetically connect the compact <NUM> to the cosmetic dispensing device <NUM>, for example by connecting to the manifold <NUM> (<FIG>). The manifold <NUM>, or portions of the surface of the manifold <NUM>, may be formed of a ferrous material or contain corresponding magnets to magnetically attach to the plurality of mounting magnets 196a-196c.

A second half of the plurality of lid magnets 188a and 188c are disposed within a side of the top lid <NUM>, and a second half of the plurality of hinge magnets 186a and 186c are disposed within a side of the top lid <NUM>. The hinge magnets 186b and 186d are disposed within a side of the bottom lid <NUM> such that they may be in contact with corresponding hinge magnets 186a and 186c in at least two planes, depending on a relative position between the top lid <NUM> and the bottom lid <NUM>. The hinge magnets 186a and 186b have opposite magnetic polarity, as do the respective pairs of hinge magnets 186c and 186d, the lid magnets 188a and 188b, and the lid magnets 188c and 188d.

The plurality of <NUM> and the plurality of lid magnets 188a-188d may be disposed such that the plurality of bottom lid through holes <NUM> disposed in the compact base <NUM> are unobstructed to allow cosmetic material to flow from each of the cartridges <NUM> into the compact <NUM> as cosmetic material is dispensed.

In a case where the compact <NUM> is in an open position, the top lid <NUM> and the bottom lid <NUM> are positioned approximately in perpendicular planes, the hinge magnets 186a and 186c magnetically connected to the hinge magnets 186b and 186d, respectively. The magnetic force between each pair of the hinge magnets 186a and 186b and the hinge magnets 186c and 186d is sufficient to hold the top lid <NUM> in position relative to the bottom lid <NUM>.

In a case where the compact <NUM> is in a closed position, the top lid <NUM> and the bottom lid <NUM> are positioned approximately in parallel planes, the hinge magnets 186a and 186c magnetically connected to the hinge magnets 186b and 186d, respectively, and the lid magnets 188a and 188c are disposed in corresponding positions, and magnetically connected with the lid magnets 188b and 188d, respectively, the magnetic connection between the pairs of hinge magnets 186a and 186b and the hinge magnets 186c and 186d, and between the pair of lid magnets 188a and 188b, and the pair of lid magnets 188c and 188d, sufficient to keep the top lid <NUM> connected to the bottom lid <NUM> in a closed position.

Since the top lid <NUM> is connected to the bottom lid <NUM> magnetically, the top lid <NUM> may be entirely removable from the bottom lid <NUM>. Further, it may also be able to connect with the bottom lid <NUM> in a closed position in more than one orientation about the x-z plane, depending on the disposition of the plurality of the hinge magnets 186a-186d and the lid magnets 188a-188d within the top lid <NUM> and the bottom lid <NUM>. Further, the top lid <NUM> may be able to pivot about the bottom lid <NUM>, or vice versa, opening or closing about more than one axis, such as about the x-axis or the z-axis.

Alternatively, the plurality of mounting magnets 196a-196c may be substituted by one mounting magnet <NUM> of sufficient strength to secure the compact <NUM> to the cosmetic dispensing device <NUM>.

Alternatively, the plurality of hinge magnets 186a-186d may be substituted by one hinge magnet 186a of sufficient strength in the top lid <NUM> and by one hinge magnet 186b of sufficient strength in the bottom lid <NUM> to secure one side of the top lid <NUM> to the bottom lid <NUM> with the compact <NUM> in an open or a closed position.

Alternatively, the plurality of lid magnets 188a-188d may be substituted by one lid magnet 188a of sufficient strength in the top lid <NUM> and by one lid magnet 188b of sufficient strength in the bottom lid <NUM> to secure one side of the top lid <NUM> to the bottom lid <NUM> with the compact <NUM> in a closed position.

<FIG> is a diagram representing an example sequence of primary processes of a cosmetic formulation method <NUM>, according to one example. The examples provided herein each have three cartridges, though the same process may be used by cosmetic dispenser <NUM> equipped with any number of cartridges <NUM>. The cosmetic formulation method <NUM> includes a detecting process S920, a selecting process S940, and a dispensing process S960. An additional mixing process S980 may be performed by a user. The detecting processes S920, the selecting process S940, and the dispensing process S960 are performed by the cosmetic device <NUM> based on commands received from the controller <NUM>, the controller <NUM> sending data to and receiving input from the user through the smart device <NUM> or by indicators on the cosmetic device <NUM> itself, as described in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram representing an example of a connected cosmetic dispensing system, according to one example. A system <NUM>, which implements the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> described above, includes at least the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> and a connected device <NUM>. Optionally, the system may further include one or more external servers <NUM> which are implemented as part of a cloud-computing environment. Furthermore, the system may optionally include a cosmetic material inventory <NUM> which is an inventory of possible cosmetic material that may be inserted into the cosmetic device <NUM>.

The connected device <NUM> may be a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a smart phone, a tablet device, a UMPC (Ultra Mobile Personal Computer), a net-book, or a notebook type personal computer. In the below examples, the connected device <NUM> is assumed to be a tablet device, such as an Apple iPad.

The connected device <NUM> is capable of performing wireless communication with the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> by way of a wireless communication interface circuitry <NUM> on the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>. However, connected device <NUM> is also capable of having a wired connection to the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> by way of a USB interface <NUM> on the apparatus <NUM>. Additionally, each device, including the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>, may communicate with each other and the external one or more devices through an internet connection via an <NUM> wireless connection to a wireless internet access point, or a physical connection to the internet access point, such as through an Ethernet interface. Each connected device <NUM> is capable of performing wireless communication with other devices, such as through a Bluetooth connection or other wireless means as well.

The connected device <NUM> is configured to receive information from a user for use in generating a cosmetic formulation that will be used by the cosmetic dispenser <NUM> to dispense cosmetic material into the compact <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram representing circuitry of the controller <NUM> and the cosmetic dispenser <NUM>, according to one example. A central processing unit (CPU) <NUM> provides primary control over the separate circuitry components included in the apparatus, such as a dispenser control circuity <NUM> (which may include control circuitry for the motors <NUM>, circuitry for the optical encoder <NUM>, and inductive sensor circuitry). The CPU <NUM> may also control an optional input/output device <NUM> (such as a keyboard or mouse), a memory <NUM>, the wireless communication interface circuitry <NUM>, the universal serial bus (USB) controller <NUM>, an LED driver <NUM>, and a display module <NUM>. The LED driver <NUM> controls the pulsing of one or more indicator lights <NUM>.

In an example, circuitry includes, among other things, one or more computing devices such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a quantum processor, qubit processor, etc.), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, or any combinations thereof, and can include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronics, or combinations thereof.

In an example, a module includes one or more ASICs having a plurality of predefined logic components.

In an example, a module includes one or more FPGAs, each having a plurality of programmable logic components.

In an example, circuitry includes one or more components operably coupled (e.g., communicatively, electromagnetically, magnetically, ultrasonically, optically, inductively, electrically, capacitively coupled, wirelessly coupled, or the like) to each other.

In an example, circuitry includes one or more remotely located components.

In an example, remotely located components are operably coupled, for example, via wireless communication, such as with a connected device <NUM>.

In an example, remotely located components are operably coupled, for example, via one or more communication modules, receivers, transmitters, transceivers, or the like.

In an example, any of the CPU <NUM> or other components shown in FIG. <NUM> may be substituted with alternative circuitry elements. Examples of circuitry include memory that, for example, stores instructions or information. Non-limiting examples of memory include volatile memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), or the like), non-volatile memory (e.g., Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), or the like), persistent memory, or the like. Further non-limiting examples of memory include Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), flash memory, or the like.

In an example, memory is coupled to, for example, one or more computing devices by one or more instructions, information, or power buses.

In an example, circuitry includes one or more computer-readable media drives, interface sockets, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, memory card slots, or the like, and one or more input/output components such as, for example, a graphical user interface, a display, a keyboard, a keypad, a trackball, a joystick, a touch-screen, a mouse, a switch, a dial, or the like, and any other peripheral device.

In an example, a module includes one or more user input/output components that are operably coupled to at least one computing device configured to control (electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented, firmware implemented, or other control, or combinations thereof) at least one parameter associated with, for example, determining one or more tissue thermal properties responsive to detected shifts in turn-ON voltage.

In an example, circuitry includes a computer-readable media drive or memory slot that is configured to accept signal-bearing medium (e.g., computer-readable memory media, computer-readable recording media, or the like).

In an example, a program for causing a system to execute any of the disclosed methods can be stored on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium, a signal-bearing medium, or the like. Non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include a recordable type medium such as a magnetic tape, floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), Blu-Ray Disc, a digital tape, a computer memory, or the like, as well as transmission type medium such as a digital or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., receiver, transmitter, transceiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.). Further non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include, but are not limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-ROM, Super Audio CD, CD-R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD-RW, Video Compact Discs, Super Video Discs, flash memory, magnetic tape, magneto-optic disk, MINIDISC, non-volatile memory card, EEPROM, optical disk, optical storage, RAM, ROM, system memory, web server, or the like.

In an example, circuitry includes acoustic transducers, electroacoustic transducers, electrochemical transducers, electromagnetic transducers, electromechanical transducers, electrostatic transducers, photoelectric transducers, radio-acoustic transducers, thermoelectric transducers, or ultrasonic transducers.

In an example, circuitry includes electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.).

In an example, circuitry includes electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, or electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit.

In an example, circuitry includes electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical or other analogs.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a specific embodiment of the cartridge <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the invention. The cartridge <NUM> has a round, cylindrical body with a housing <NUM> and a nozzle <NUM> at a first end. When not inserted into the dispensing device, the cartridge <NUM> may be covered by a cap <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> is further disposed near four or eight of flanges <NUM> attached to a flange base <NUM>. The flange <NUM> fits inside the opening of the cartridge gear <NUM>, corresponds to the shape of the cutout <NUM> of the cartridge gear <NUM>, and locks the rotational motion of the portion near a first end of the cartridge <NUM> with that of the cartridge gear <NUM>. As the cartridge gear <NUM> is driven by the motor gear <NUM> and the motor <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> further includes a blocking portion <NUM> which marks a region that abuts against the cartridge gear <NUM> when the flanges are inserted into the opening of the cartridge gear.

The cartridge <NUM> further includes a hollow channel <NUM> which leads to the nozzle <NUM>, a spring <NUM>, a piston <NUM>, and a check valve <NUM>. There is also a screw <NUM> surrounding the channel <NUM> along which the piston <NUM> moves. A reservoir <NUM> surrounds the channel <NUM> and screw <NUM>, and which holds the cosmetic solution to be dispensed.

The channel <NUM> may allow flow of the cosmetic solution from an end of the cartridge close to the base to the other end of the channel near the nozzle. The channel may be attached such that a rotation of the flanges <NUM> may rotate the channel. The piston <NUM> may be a ring shape with a screw thread in an interior of the piston <NUM> matching the screw thread of the screw <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> may be a predetermined volume of empty space in an interior of the cartridge configured to hold a solution.

The piston <NUM> may form a seal with the reservoir <NUM> and push any overfilled solution in the reservoir <NUM> into the hollow channel volume of the channel <NUM> and cause dispensing at the nozzle <NUM> when the gear <NUM> rotates the flanges <NUM>.

In the system, cartridges are equipped with a smart chip or an electronic device configured to perform data storage, transmission/reception, and authentication. (such as NFC, RFID, or a contact chip). In the following description an NFC (Near Field Communication or Radiofrequency identification - RDI) tag <NUM> is included toward the base of the cartridge. Each cartridge has a different cosmetic attributes and a unique formula identifier that can identify attributes such as Shade/finish, Texture, and Skin/hair benefits. Attributes are stored on the integrated circuit at production and signed with an asymmetrical cryptographic algorithm.

The NFC tag applied to the cartridges ensures the management of color universe for the user, multi device use cases, and traceability. The NFC tag <NUM> is protected by a cap <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross section of the openings (cutout) in the gear to accommodate a nozzle that has two flanges (not an embodiment according to the invention). According to the invention, four or eight openings are provided in the gear as shown in <FIG> (<NUM> flanges) and 13C (<NUM> flanges).

Claim 1:
A cartridge (<NUM>) that contains a cosmetic material and configured to be inserted into a dispensing device (<NUM>) configured to dispense a specified amount of the cosmetic material from the cartridge (<NUM>) into a receiving area, the cartridge (<NUM>) comprising:
a nozzle (<NUM>) configured to dispense the cosmetic material into the dispensing device;
a channel (<NUM>) coupled to the nozzle (<NUM>);
a screw (<NUM>) surrounding the channel (<NUM>),
a reservoir (<NUM>) surrounding the channel (<NUM>) and the screw (<NUM>) coupled to the channel (<NUM>) toward an end of the screw (<NUM>)that is opposite to the nozzle (<NUM>), the reservoir (<NUM>) comprising the cosmetic material;
four or eight flanges (<NUM>) surrounding the nozzle (<NUM>) and configured to be inserted into a cutout (<NUM>) having a corresponding shape of a rotatable gear of the dispending device (<NUM>), wherein the rotable gear (<NUM>) has openings for four or eight flanges;
a piston (<NUM>) presenting a screw thread in an interior of the piston (<NUM>) matching the screw thread of the screw (<NUM>) configured to move along the screw (<NUM>) away from the nozzle (<NUM>) in response to a rotation of the flanges (<NUM>) which are configured to rotate the channel (<NUM>) in response to a rotation of the rotatable gear of the dispensing device (<NUM>) to push the cosmetic material within the reservoir (<NUM>) into the channel (<NUM>) and cause dispending the cosmetic product at the nozzle (<NUM>)
the cartridge (<NUM>) comprising a check valve (<NUM>) and a spring (<NUM>) maintaining the check valve (<NUM>) in a closure configuration of the channel (<NUM>) without movement of the piston (<NUM>), the check valve (<NUM>) and the spring (<NUM>) within the channel (<NUM>) and being spaced from the nozzle (<NUM>).