Fluid delivery apparatus for use in systems, methods and apparatus for producing customized topical agents
A method and a system are described herein for preparing a custom cosmetic formulation. The system includes a controller in electronic communication with an order management system, wherein the order management system stores user-specific data including data related to a custom cosmetic formulation and components thereof, a plurality of valves for receiving pressurized fluid, the plurality of valves in electronic communication with the controller; a plurality of dispensers, each having a valve for metering fluid in predetermined quantities, and each having a dispensing head having a nozzle, each nozzle comprising a nozzle tip on a distal end thereof, wherein the nozzle tips are arranged so as to dispense a fluid into an inlet of a product receptacle, the dispensers in electronic communication with a data port; a measuring device in electronic communication with the controller, the measuring device capable of capturing data related to dispensed fluids from each of the plurality of dispensers and transmitting the data to the controller; a barcode scanner for reading order-specific instructions; a user interface for operator communication with the order management system and with the controller; a plurality of fluid conduits for introducing fluid to the dispensers; a fluid delivery apparatus for delivery of components of a custom cosmetic component to the dispensers; and a pressure source for pressurizing fluid in the fluid delivery apparatus for delivery of fluid from the fluid delivery apparatus to the plurality of dispensers.
1. A fluid delivery system, comprising:
a fluid delivery apparatus, comprising
a housing having an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior space, a removable lid, at least one pressure source inlet, and at least one fluid outlet;
at least one flexible fluid container arranged in the interior of the housing, wherein the at least one flexible fluid container has a puncture seal cap and a puncture seal fitting for engaging the puncture seal cap and wherein each flexible fluid container is suitable for storage and delivery of a primary component of a cosmetic formulation;
a pressure controller for regulating pressure of a pressure source through the pressure source inlet and in communication with at least one valve for receiving a pressurized fluid;
at least one fluid delivery apparatus conduit, wherein each of the at least one fluid delivery conduit has a first end in communication with the puncture seal fitting of one of the at least one flexible fluid container and has a second end for delivery of fluid through the at least one fluid outlet; and
a plurality of dispensers, each for dispensing at least one primary cosmetic component, each having a dispensing head having a nozzle, each nozzle comprising a flow control or metering valve for metering fluid in predetermined quantities, wherein each of the flow control or metering valves is in communication with one of the at least one valve for receiving pressurized fluid;
wherein the second end of the at least one fluid delivery apparatus conduit is in fluid communication with the flow control or metering valve of at least one of the nozzles
wherein the pressure source is in communication with the pressure source inlet of the housing, with the at least one valve for receiving a pressurized fluid and with the flow control or metering valve.
2. The fluid delivery apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible fluid container is positioned within an outer container.
3. The fluid delivery apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein there are two flexible fluid containers, each positioned within an outer container and the housing includes at least two fluid outlets.
4. The fluid delivery apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein there are two of the housings.
5. The fluid delivery apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the housing is generally cylindrical.
6. The fluid delivery apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the removable lid when closed is sealingly engaged so as to be capable of pressurizing the interior space.
7. The fluid delivery apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein there are two of the housings.
8. The fluid delivery apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein there are four of the housings.
9. The fluid delivery apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein there are a plurality of the flexible fluid containers, and a different primary component in each of the flexible fluid containers and in each of the dispensers.
10. The fluid delivery apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the two flexible fluid containers are situated in a longitudinally stacked configuration.
11. A fluid delivery system, comprising
a fluid delivery apparatus, comprising:
a housing having an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior space, a removable lid, at least one pressure source inlet, and at least one fluid outlet;
two flexible fluid containers arranged in the interior of the housing in a longitudinally stacked configuration, wherein each of the flexible fluid containers has a puncture seal cap and a puncture seal fitting for engaging the puncture seal cap;
a pressure controller for regulating pressure of a pressure source through the pressure source inlet in communication with at least one valve for receiving pressurized fluid;
at least one fluid delivery apparatus conduit, wherein each of the at least one fluid delivery conduit has a first end in communication with the puncture seal fitting of at least one of the flexible fluid containers and has a second end for delivery of fluid through the at least one fluid outlet;
a plurality of dispensers, each for dispensing at least one primary cosmetic component, each having a dispensing head having a nozzle, each nozzle comprising a flow control or metering valve for metering fluid in predetermined quantities, wherein each of the flow control or metering valves is in communication with one of the at least one valve for receiving pressurized fluid;
wherein the second end of the at least one fluid delivery apparatus conduit is in fluid communication with the flow control or metering valve of at least one of the nozzles;
wherein the pressure source is in communication with the pressure source inlet of the housing, with the at least one valve for receiving a pressurized fluid and with the flow control or metering valve.