(12) United States Patent
`US 8,201,288 B2
`Thomason et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`
`US008201288B2
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`AUTOMATIC BODY SPRAY SYSTEM
`
`Inventors: Scott R. Thomason, Macedonia, OH
`(US); Nicholas J. Mastandrea,
`Chardon, OH (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Sunless, Inc., Macedonia, OH (US)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 492 days.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 12/546,056
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 24, 2009
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2009/0314857 A1
`
`Dec. 24, 2009
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`6/2008 Cooper et al.
`7,387,684 B2
`2001/0030241 A1* 10/2001 Kott et al.
`......................... 239/8
`2002/0000237 A1
`1/2002 Laughlin
`2005/0279865 A1
`12/2005 Thomason
`2006/0118039 A1
`6/2006 Cooper
`2006/0207013 A1*
`9/2006 Deboer et al.
`2006/0275555 A1
`12/2006 Colizza
`2007/0107121 A1
`5/2007 Smith
`2007/0169261 A1
`7/2007 Smith
`
`.................... 4/601
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Thomason, Scott; Final Office Action in US. Appl. No. 12/623,687,
`Feb. 22, 2011.
`Thomason, Scott; OfficeAction in U.S.Appl. No. 12/623,687, Sep. 1,
`2010.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Leslie Deak
`Assistant Examiner 7 Susan Su
`
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm 7 Benesch, Friedlander,
`Coplan & Aronoff, LLP
`
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`Continuation of application No. 11/650,323, filed on
`Jan. 5, 2007, now abandoned.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Provisional application No. 60/756,304, filed on Jan.
`5, 2006.
`
`Int. C1.
`A4 7K 3/00
`A4 7K 1/04
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`A61M 35/00
`(2006.01)
`A45D 44/00
`US. Cl.
`................. 4/615; 4/619; 604/289; 132/333
`Field of Classification Search .................. 604/289;
`132/333; 239/207; 4/615, 619
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`Kruse
`King
`Parker
`Cooper
`
`4/1929
`8/1981
`10/2001
`2/2006
`
`1,708,624 A
`4,282,612 A
`6,302,122 B1
`7,004,407 B2
`
`A booth for automatic spray application of multiple liquids
`onto a human subject may include an HVLP nozzle including
`a nozzle tip, an air inlet port connected to an air pathway, a
`linear slide operably connected to a motor and to the HVLP
`nozzle, a plurality ofcheck valves, and a controller, where the
`controller is operably connected to the motor and configured
`to cause the motor to move the HVLP nozzle vertically along
`at least a portion of the linear slide thereby adjusting the
`vertical position of the nozzle tip, where the controller is
`further configured to control an air source for causing air to
`flow through the air pathway, and where the controller is
`further configured to control one or more liquid sources for
`causing the first liquid associated with the first liquid inlet
`port from the multiple liquid inlet ports to flow through the
`first liquid inlet port from the multiple liquid inlet ports and
`the second liquid associated with the second liquid inlet port
`from the multiple liquid inlet ports to flow through the second
`liquid inlet port from the multiple liquid inlet ports.
`
`20 Claims, 18 Drawing Sheets
`
`102
`
`101
`
`10'
`
`
`
`Heartland
`
`1001
`
`Exhibit
`
`1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`Sheet 1 of 18
`
`Us 8,201,288 B2
`
`106a
`
`102
`
`107
`
`108
`
`1053
`
`105b
`
`104
`
`103
`
`Figure 1
`
`2
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`

`

`US. Patent
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`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`Sheet 2 of 18
`
`US 8,201,288 B2
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`102
`
`107
`
`108
`
`30AI
`
`104
`
`105a
`
`Figure 2
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`3
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`

`

`US. Patent
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`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`Sheet 3 of 18
`
`US 8,201,288 B2
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`US. Patent
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`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`Sheet 4 of 18
`
`Us 8,201,288 B2
`
`/— 131
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`Figure 4
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`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`Sheet 5 of 18
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`US 8,201,288 B2
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`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`Sheet 6 of 18
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`US 8,201,288 B2
`
`164
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`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
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`Sheet70f18
`
`US 8,201,288 B2
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`US. Patent
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`Jun. 19, 2012
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`US. Patent
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`Jun. 19, 2012
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`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
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`Sheet 10 of 18
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`Us 8,201,288 B2
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`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`Sheet 11 0f 18
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`US 8,201,288 B2
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`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
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`Sheet 12 0f 18
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`US 8,201,288 B2
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`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`Sheet 13 of 18
`
`US 8,201,288 B2
`
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`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
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`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19,
`
`2012
`
`Sheet 15 of 18
`
`US 8,201,288 B2
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`
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`
`16
`
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`Sheet 16 of 18
`
`US 8,201,288 B2
`
`152
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`
`17
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`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`Sheet 17 of 18
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`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 19, 2012
`
`Sheet 18 of 18
`
`Us 8,201,288 B2
`
`Select Single or Multiple Spray
`Session
`
`
`Single Session Selected
`
`Multiple Session Selected
`
`
`
`Select Solution Type
`Select pro-defined multi~session
`(ex. 1,2,3...)
`ex: (solution 1-level 2, solution 3-
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Select Solution Intensity Level
`(ex. 1,2,3.)
`
`Client press start button to initiate
`session
`
`System applies selected solution at
`selected level
`
`System dries client
`
`Session complete
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Client press start button to initiate
`session
`
`System applies solution 1 at level 2
`intensnty
`
`System dries client
`
`System applies solution 3 at level 3
`intensity
`
`System dries client
`
`Session Complete
`
`Figure 18
`
`19
`
`19
`
`

`

`US 8,201,288 B2
`
`1
`AUTOMATIC BODY SPRAY SYSTEM
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`This application is a continuation of US. Non-Provisional
`application Ser. No. 11/650,323 filed on Jan. 5, 2007, which
`claims priority from US. Provisional Application Ser. No.
`60/756,304 filed on Jan. 5, 2006, the disclosures of which are
`hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`There are many lotions and products applied to the human
`body for cosmetic purposes. These products include moistur-
`izers, sunscreens, anti-aging treatments, UV tanning accel-
`erators, sunless tanning products and much more. There are
`numerous forms of artificial tanning products are currently
`available, including lotions, creams, gels, oils, and sprays.
`These products are typically mixtures of a chemically-active
`skin colorant or a bronzer, in combination with moisturizers,
`preservatives, anti-microbials, thickeners, solvents, emulsifi-
`ers,
`fragrances,
`surfactants,
`stabilizers,
`sunscreens, pH
`adjusters, anti-caking agents, and additional ingredients to
`alter the color reaction.
`
`2
`
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the nozzle arms 128a,!) and
`fluid solenoid valves 115a,b,c located in the spray column
`102;
`FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of one embodiment
`of an HVLP nozzle assembly 124;
`FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the HVLP turbine 118,
`CPU controller 122, and user interface 117 located in the
`spray column 102 of the spray system 100;
`FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the backside of the
`mist extraction column 103 with the rear cover removed;
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a mist extraction fan
`142, a mist extraction filter 140, a filter compartment 141, a
`filter wash down nozzle 146, and an internal column wash
`down nozzle 147 of the spray system 100;
`FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the mist extraction
`filter 140 removed from the mist extraction column 103 and
`also showing the mist extraction column 103 inlet vents 145;
`FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of
`a waterfall wash-down hose 149;
`FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of
`a sump pump 150 waste water removal system and sump
`pump filter 152;
`FIG. 17 is a side section view showing the sump pump 150
`incorporated into a sump pump basin 151 that is integrated
`into the base 104 with a sump pump filter 152;
`FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating one method for operating
`the automatic body spray system 100 to coat the human body
`that can be employed by a controller;
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate left and right perspective views,
`respectively, of on embodiment of an automatic body spray
`system 100. The system 100 includes a base 104 configured to
`support a human body 109. Extending vertically from the
`perimeter of the base 104 are a spray column 102, a mist
`extraction column 103, and partial side walls 105a, 105b,
`which together defined a spray booth to house the user
`therein. These partial sidewalls 105a,!) contact the spray col-
`umn 103 and continue in a curved pattern toward the spray
`column 102 (see also FIG. 15). The partial sidewalls 105a,b
`also seat against the base 104 at the bottom of the system 100.
`The partial sidewalls 105a,!) stop short of the spray column
`103 to allow for user access into the system 100. The partial
`sidewalls 105a,!) can be of any shape or size and can be
`modified to provide the desired amount of mist containment.
`A partial top 180 can also be provided to keep any excess mist
`from escaping out the top of the system 100. In an altemative
`embodiment, the system 100 can include full-size side walls,
`instead of partial walls.
`the system 100 can be
`In a preferred embodiment,
`employed to apply sunless tanning solutions as well as other
`solutions onto a human body 109. Exemplary sunless-tanning
`solutions include one or more colorants, such as dihydroxy-
`acetone, crotonaldehyde, pyruvaldehyde, glycolaldehyde,
`glutaraldehyde, otho-phthaldehyde, sorbose, fructose, eryth-
`rulose, methylvinylketone, food coloring, or any other avail-
`able colorant. The sunless-tanning solutions can additionally
`or alternatively include one or more bronzers, such as law-
`sone, juglone, or any other available bronzer. It will be appre-
`ciated that the sunless-tanning solutions can include addi-
`tional ingredients, such as moisturizers and scents, to make
`the solution more appealing to a user.
`While the system 100 can be employed as a sunless tanning
`spray system, it can also be employed to spray other fluids
`onto the human body. For example, the system 100 can be
`configured to spray sunscreens, suntan lotions, moisturizing
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`20
`
`
`
`There exist many automated systems for applying artificial
`tanning products anc often include a closed booth provided
`with a spraying system. The spraying systems typically use
`high pressure comp ‘essed air nozzles, along with a fluid
`supplied to the nozz e to create an atomized spray directed
`towards the body. CL rrently, these booths are mostly closed,
`are limited to apply'ng only one product per session, and
`create a foggy closec environment for the user.
`
`BRIEF DESC {IPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In the accompany'ng drawings and descriptions that fol-
`low, like parts are irdicated throughout the drawings and
`description with the same reference numerals, respectively.
`One of ordinary skil
`in the art will appreciate that one ele—
`ment can be designed as multiple elements or that multiple
`elements can be designed as one element. An element shown
`as an internal component of another element can be imple-
`mented as an external component and vice versa. The figures
`are not drawn to scale and the proportions of certain parts
`have been exaggerated for convenience of illustration.
`FIG. 1 is a front-right perspective view of one embodiment
`of an automatic body spray system 100;
`FIG. 2 is a front-left perspective view of the automatic
`body spray system 100;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spray
`column 102 showing one embodiment of a slide out drawer
`108 holding multiple solution containers 16011-0;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rotat-
`ing nozzle column 131;
`FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view ofthe slide out drawer
`108 holding multiple solution containers 160a,b,c for use in
`the spray system 100;
`FIG. 6 is a side view ofone embodiment ofa fluid container
`160;
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the backside of the slide out
`drawer 108 holding multiple solution containers 160a,b,c
`showing fluid pumps 113a-c;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
`spray column 102 with the back cover removed to expose the
`internal components;
`
`20
`
`

`

`US 8,201,288 B2
`
`3
`lotions, sunless tanning pre-spray treatments, tanning accel-
`erators, sunburn treatments, insect repellants, skin toners,
`skin bleaches, skin lighteners, anti-microbial compositions,
`exfoliants, nutriments or Vitamins, massage aides, muscle
`relaxants, skin treatment agents, burn treatment agents,
`decontamination agents, cosmetics, or wrinkle treatments or
`removers, or any other solution or lotion desired to be applied
`to the human body.
`As shown in FIG. 3, the spray column 102 includes two
`high volume,
`low pressure (HVLP) atomization nozzles
`106a,!) fluidly connected to an HVLP turbine (not shown)
`with an air supply hose and also fluidly connected to at least
`one fluid container 160. With the assistance of the HVLP
`
`turbine, the HVLP nozzles 106a,!) are configured to eject an
`atomized mist of fluid. In alternative embodiments (not
`shown), the spray column 102 may include one HVLP nozzle
`or more than two HVLP nozzles. In another embodiment (not
`shown), a high pres sure fluid pump may be employed, instead
`of the HVLP turbine.
`
`Each HVLP nozzle 106a,!) is coupled to a linear slide (not
`shown) that is configured to move the HVLP nozzles 106a,!)
`up and down vertically, thereby adjusting the vertical position
`of the HVLP nozzle 10611, b. In this configuration, the HVLP
`nozzles 106a,!) are moveably mounted to the spray column
`102, such that the spray pattern of the HVLP nozzles 106a,!)
`is suflicient to completely coat the human body 109 with a
`desired fluid, solution, or lotion.
`In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, a verti-
`cally standing column 13 1 that rotates back and forth about its
`vertical axis can be employed. One or more HVLP nozzles
`106 can be mounted to the rotating column 131 and be con-
`nected to an HVLP turbine with an air supply hose and also
`fluidly connected to at least one fluid reservoir or container
`160. This column can be automatically rotated back and forth
`to automatically coat the human body.
`With reference back to FIG. 3, the system 100 includes
`three fluid containers 160a-c contained in the drawer 108. In
`
`alternative embodiments, the system 100 can include two or
`less containers or more than three containers provided in the
`drawer 108.
`As shown in FIG. 3, a start button 110 and an LCD user
`interface panel 107 are also provided. The start button 110 is
`used to initiate a session. The LCD user interface is used to set
`
`up a session and also to perform other functions including, but
`not limited to, defining the system parameters, turning on a
`wash down function, turning on a light, and viewing session
`counts.
`
`FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the fluid container
`drawer 108 with the drawer 108 opened to expose the fluid
`containers 160a,b,c. The drawer 108 provides for a simple
`method of accessing the containers 160. The drawer 108
`includes a pull handle 111 and a key lock 112 for security
`purposes. In this embodiment, the drawer 108 is attached to
`the spray column 102 with two slide rails 11311, b. The drawer
`108 can also be attached to the spray column using a rotating
`mount or any other type of mount.
`As discussed in more detail above, the fluid containers
`160a-c can hold sunless-tanning solutions or other types of
`fluids. In one embodiment, each fluid container 160a-c can
`hold a different sunless-tanning solution. The different solu-
`tions can have different chemical compositions which affect
`the hue of the resulting tan. Alternatively, one fluid container
`(e. g., the first fluid container 160a) can contain water or
`another dilution agent to dilute a solution contained in the
`second solution container (e.g., the second fluid container
`160b). The contents of the different fluid containers can be
`mixed in various combinations to provide a range of shades,
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`
`thereby allowing the user to select a preferred tanning shade.
`Also, the fluid containers can hold other types of solutions to
`be applied to the human body. One control method for apply-
`ing the solutions can be to apply a first atomized solution, dry
`the body with air only coming from the HVLP nozzles, apply
`a second atomized solution, dry the body with air only com-
`ing from the HVLP nozzles, apply a third atomized solution
`and then dry the body with air only coming from the HVLP
`nozzles.
`FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a fluid
`container 160. In this embodiment, the fluid container 160
`includes a handle 164, a male quick disconnect valve 161 at
`an opening located at one end portion of the fluid container
`160, and a vent 162 provided at the other end portion of the
`fluid container 160. The fluid container 160 can also include
`a check valve 163 to ensure that fluid flows in only one
`direction such that, when the fluid container 160 is empty, the
`check valve 163 will prevent any residual solution from leak-
`ing out when the fluid container 160 is removed. It will be
`appreciated that the fluid container 160 can be configured
`differently in shape and size from the one illustrated in FIG. 6.
`Also,
`it will be appreciated that different fittings such as
`interchange couplings, poppet couplings, or threaded cou-
`plings, can be used to dispense solution from the fluid con-
`tainer 160.
`In one embodiment, the fluid containers 160a-c are remov-
`able. Alternatively, the spray column 102 can house fixed
`fluid containers that can be filled with solution while still in
`
`spray column 102 when the solution level falls below a pre-
`determined threshold.
`As shown in FIG. 4, each fluid container 160a-c is inverted
`such that the male quick disconnect valve 161 mates with a
`female quick disconnect fitting 165a-c disposed in the drawer
`108. When a new fluid container 160 is added to the system
`100, the male quick disconnect valve 161 of the fluid con-
`tainer 160 is snapped into the female quick disconnect fitting
`165a-c in the drawer 108. The vent 162 on the fluid container
`
`160 can then be opened to equalize the air pressure inside the
`fluid container 160, allowing fluid to flow freely.
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inside ofthe drawer 108
`containing three fluid pumps 113a—c positioned below the
`female quick disconnect fittings 165a-c. The first pump 11311
`is configured to pump the solution held in the first fluid
`container 160a along a fluid flow path Fl through the hose
`assembly 116 to the HVLP nozzle assemblies 106a,b. The
`second pump 11319 is configured to pump the solution held in
`the second fluid container 1601? along a fluid flow path F2
`through the hose assembly 116 to the HVLP nozzle assem-
`blies 10611, b. the third pump 1130 is configured to pump the
`solution held in the second fluid container 1600 along a fluid
`flow path F3 through the hose assembly 116 to the HVLP
`nozzle assemblies 106a,b. In one embodiment, the pumps
`130a,b,c are positive displacement pumps. Any other type of
`fluid pump may suffice. It will be appreciated, however, that
`one or more of the pumps 113a,b,c can be positioned any-
`where in the drawer 108.
`
`FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified perspective view of the inte-
`rior ofthe spray column 102. FIG. 9 is a close up view ofFIG.
`8 showing the HVLP nozzle mounting arms 128a,!) in one
`embodiment of the system 100. The nozzle mounting arms
`128a,!) also hold fluid solenoid valves 115a-c. These solenoid
`valves 115a-c turn on or off the fluid flow through fluid paths
`F1, F2, and F3 between fluid pumps 113a-c and the HVLP
`nozzle assemblies 10611, b. The solenoid valves are controlled
`by the controller 122. The valves 115a-c can also be any type
`of suitable control valve. The hose assembly 116 holds the
`fluid paths F1, F2, and F3 as well as the air path A1. The three
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`fluid paths F1, F2, F3 route to each solenoid valves 115a-c,
`respectively, and than to each nozzle assembly 10611, b. The air
`path Al routes to each nozzle assembly 10611,!) from the
`HVLP turbine 118 and through hose assembly 116.
`FIG. 10 shows a detailed perspective view of an HVLP
`nozzle 106 and mounting arm assembly 124. The top of
`nozzle body 126 mounts to the bottom side of the nozzle
`mounting bracket 129. The nozzle mounting bracket 129
`mounts to the moveable nozzle arm 12811 or 12819. The HVLP
`
`air supply line Al enters the nozzle body 126 from the back-
`side and the three fluid lines F1, F2, F3 all enter the nozzle
`body 126 from one of the other sides. The fluid paths for F1,
`F2, F3 all merge toward the center of the nozzle body 126
`internally and exit at nozzle tip 127. The HVLP air supply
`from the air path Al also exits the nozzle body 126 at the
`nozzle tip 127. In this embodiment, the HVLP air and the fluid
`are externally atomized at the nozzle tip 127. It can be appre-
`ciated that any number of fluid paths may enter the nozzle
`body 126. Also shown in FIG. 10 are check valves 133a-c.
`The nozzle body 126 with multiple inlet ports and the check
`valves 133a-c allow multiple solutions to enter the nozzle
`body 126 and eliminate any cross contamination of different
`fluids.
`
`FIG. 11 is a close up view of FIG. 8 showing the HVLP fan
`118 mounted inside the spray column 102. The hose assembly
`116 carries the air path Al from the HVLP fan 118 to the
`nozzle assemblies 106a,b. The HVLP fan 118 can be con-
`trolled on or off by use of a relay or other type of electronic
`switch. The relay or switch is controlled by the main control-
`ler 122. This HVLP fan 118 acts as the air source to atomize
`
`any desired solution or fluid. Another embodiment is to have
`a heating source that the HVLP air passes through to provide
`a warmer spray and dry session to the user. This heating
`source can be controlled by the controller 122.
`In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 122 is config-
`ured to control the operation of the system 100. Specifically,
`the controller 122 is configured to operate the HVLP nozzles,
`HVLP turbine, pumps, valves, and other electrical or electro-
`mechanical devices in the system 100. Suitable controllers
`can include a processor, a microprocessor, a control circuit, a
`PLC, or any other appropriate control device.
`FIG. 11 also shows the controller 122 and the LCD user
`
`interface panel 107. The main controller 122 can pro-
`grammed many ways to operate the system 100 for its desired
`function. For example, in one embodiment, the controller has
`pre-programmed parameters such as fluid pump values (these
`control the speed of each fluid pump 113a-c via pulse width
`modulation which in turn controls how much fluid is applied
`over a period of time therefore controlling the intensity level
`ofthe fluid being sprayed), linear slide speed (this can control
`the speed of a linear slide that moves the nozzles 106a,!)
`vertically up and down; this will also control the amount of
`solution applied over time and also the length of each appli-
`cation session), number of spray passes (this parameter con-
`trols how many times the body is sprayed).Any other variable
`that controls the operation of the machine can be stored and
`modified with the LCD interface display 107 and main con-
`troller 122.
`With continued reference to FIG. 7, the LCD interface
`display 107 and main controller 122 can be programmed and
`configured to perform many unique application sessions. In
`one embodiment, a linear slide that moves nozzles 106a,!) up
`and down vertically can be controlled with a motor drive
`system and any type of position encoding device. The encod-
`ing device can be connected to the main controller 122 so that
`the controller always knows the position of the nozzle arm
`12811, b. This encoding system allows a user to select a partial
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`body spray application. For example, the user can select to
`spray just their face, input their head height, and the system
`100 will spray just their face with the desired solution or
`combination of solutions at the selected levels. Another
`
`example is that the user selects to just spray their legs or their
`whole body, excluding their legs or face or both. A height
`monitoring sensor can also be added to the control system so
`that it automatically adjusts the nozzle 106a,!) positions for
`each user. This can also be used for full body sprays where the
`starting height ofthe nozzles 106a,!) are adjusted to the height
`of each user, thereby reducing the amount of solution sprayed
`for bodies shorter than the maximum height of the nozzles
`106a, b.
`With reference back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 100 also
`includes a mist extraction column 103 a described above. The
`mist extraction column 103 can be mounted to the base 104 in
`
`a relative position opposite the spray column 102. The mist
`extraction column is used to capture any excess mist during
`spray sessions.
`FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the internal compo-
`nents of the mist extraction column 103. The mist extraction
`
`fan 142 will be turned on by the controller 122 during a spray
`session to draw air flow and excess spray mist through vent
`openings 145 through a filter assembly 140 that is supported
`by a filter compartment 141. The mist is captured in the filter
`141 and clean air is passed through the fan 142 and out the
`back ofthe mist extraction column 103. The size and CFM of
`
`the mist extraction fan 142 can be adjusted to provide the
`required amount of air flow to contain the mist generated by
`the HVLP nozzles 106a,b.
`FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the internal com-
`ponents of the mist extraction column 103. Provided in a
`position relative to filter 140 is a filter wash down nozzle 146.
`The filter 140 in this embodiment is oriented in a horizontal
`position parallel to the ground plane.
`The mist extraction column 103 also provides for an inter-
`nal column wash down nozzle 147. This column wash down
`nozzle 147 can be used to clean the inside of the mist extrac-
`
`tion column 103 to eliminate the buildup of any spray residue
`that may occur. This internal column wash down nozzle 147
`can have a water supply line connected to it with a solenoid
`valve (not shown). This solenoid valve can be activated by the
`controller 122 to provide for a mist extraction column 103
`cleansing cycle after each spray session or at desired inter-
`vals. In another embodiment, a manual valve could be used to
`control the water supply to the internal column wash down
`nozzle 147. The number of fans, filters, and nozzles or orien-
`tation of the fans, filters, and nozzles can be modified as
`needed.
`FIG. 14 shows how the filter is inserted and removed from
`the mist extraction column 103. The filter 140 slides in a
`
`direction perpendicular to the front of the mist extraction
`column 103 and allows for easy removal. The wash down
`nozzle 146 can have a water supply line connected to it with
`a solenoid valve (not shown). This solenoid valve can be
`activated by the controller 122 to provide for an automatic
`filter cleansing cycle after each spray session or at desired
`intervals The horizontal position of the filter 140 in this
`embodiment allows for the filter cleansing water to be passed
`through the filter 140 and emptied at the bottom of the mist
`extraction column 103. In another embodiment, a manual
`valve could be used to control the water supply to the filter
`wash down nozzle 146.
`
`FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a wash down system
`hose 149 used for this open system design. Because the sys-
`tem is open, care has to be taken when providing for an
`automatic wash down system so that excess wash down water
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`does not leak out of the system. This embodiment shows the
`wash down hose 149 having holes along its length pointed
`toward its mounting surface. In this embodiment, the wash
`down hose 149 mounts along both side walls 105a,b and the
`mist extraction column 103. This configuration allows a
`waterfall-type wash down where the rinsing water is softly
`directed in a many small streams toward its relative mounting
`surface and runs down the surface to be cleaned. This water-
`
`fall wash down hose 149 can have a water supply line con-
`nected to it with a solenoid valve (not shown). This solenoid
`valve can be activated by the controller 122 to provide for
`system 100 cleansing cycle after each spray session or at
`desired intervals. In another embodiment, a manual valve
`could be used to control the water supply to the water fall
`wash down hose 149.
`FIG. 16 shows a simplified perspective view of a waste
`water sump pump 150 mounted in base 104. FIG. 17 shows a
`side section view of a waste water sump pump 150 mounted
`in base 104. The base 104 has an integral drain basin 151 to
`catch waste water from the various wash down systems
`described above, including the filter wash down waste water,
`the internal column wash down waste water, and the system
`wash down waste water. The waste water from the above
`
`mentioned wash down systems flow down from their respec-
`tive components to be cleaned over the top surface ofthe base
`104 and towards the sump pump basin 151. The waste water
`also passes through a filter screen 152 to keep debris from
`entering the sump pump 150. The sump pump 150 will then
`pump out the waste water when its float switch activates the
`pump.
`The fluid spraying system 100 can include additional com-
`ponents without departing from the scope of the present
`application. For example, the system 100 can include fluid
`detection sensors (not shown) disposed near the bottom of
`each fluid container 160a,b,c. The fluid detection sensors can
`be configured to sense the solution level in each fluid con-
`tainer 160a,b,c. When the solution level falls below a prede-
`termined threshold, the fluid detection sensors can be config-
`ured to transmit a signal to the controller 122. Upon receipt of
`the signal, the controller 122 can deactivate the fluid spraying
`system 100 to prevent air from being pulled into one or all of
`the fluid flow paths F1, F2, and F3. Exemplary fluid detection
`sensors that can be employed include capacitive solution
`detection switches, optical sensors, or piezoelectric sensors.
`Also, the fluid spraying system 100 can include a heating
`element (not shown), such as a heating coil or other heating
`device, that canbe placed around or adjacent to the first and/or
`second and/or third fluid flow paths F 1, F2, F3 thereby creating
`a warm, atomized mist of fluid that can be ejected from the
`nozzles 10611, b. Additionally, a heating element can be placed
`around or inside the air flow path A1. Alternatively, heating
`elements can be placed around or adjacent to one or all of the
`fluid containers 1600,b,c.
`FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing one example of a control
`process. This process shown is for a full body session and a
`choice between a single solution spray or a multiple solution
`spray. The multiple solution spray shown in this example is
`for a two solution multi-spray but can be configured for any
`number of multi-session sprays. This flow chart can also
`apply for face only sprays, leg only sprays, or any other height
`adjustable spray session.
`In one specific method to coat the human body, the method
`can include spraying can the atomized mixture of HVLP air
`and fluid onto the body and then turning off the fluid supply
`and moving the nozzles up and down with the HVLP air still
`on to dry the body. The speed, volume, and temperature
`natural to the HVLP air source is ideal for drying the body.
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`Hence, the same nozzles that apply the atomized solution can
`also be used as a drying source when the solution is turned off
`and the air is turned on.
`
`The system 100 described above and illustrated in the
`figures provides one or more ofthe following benefits: (1) the
`system does not require a large external air compressor for air
`delivery method, (2) the atomized spray using an HVLP air
`supply does not produce a lingering fog of mist and over
`spray, because ofthe lack offog and over spray, (3) the system
`does not need to be completely enclosed to capture excess
`mist and keep it from escaping into the surrounding environ-
`ment, (4) the user is not subjected to breath or be surrounded
`by excess fog or mist, and the transfer efliciency of the atom-
`ized fluid onto the human body is much higher than with
`compressed air syst