111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US 20050279865Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Thomason et al.
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0279865 Al
`Dec. 22, 2005
`( 43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) FLUID SPRAYING SYSTEM
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Scott Thomason, Macedonia, OH (US);
`Nicholas Mastandrea, Newbury, OH
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`BENESCH, FRIEDLANDER, COPLAN &
`ARONOFFLLP
`ATTN: IP DEPARTMENT DOCKET CLERK
`2300 BP TOWER
`200 PUBLIC SQUARE
`CLEVELAND, OH 44114 (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Innovative Developments, LLC
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`11/151,995
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 14,2005
`
`100
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/581,219, filed on Jun.
`18, 2004.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl? ............................ EOlH 3/02; EOlC 19/16;
`AOlG 25/09; BOSE 9/03;
`A62C 13/62; A62C 13/66;
`BOSE 7/02; BOSE 9/01
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................... 239/526; 239/302; 239/525
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A sunless tanning system is provided that includes a base
`unit and a handheld sprayer assembly fluidly coupled to each
`other via at least one hose. The base unit includes at least one
`fluid reservoir configured to contain a sunless tanning solu(cid:173)
`tion. The handheld sprayer assembly includes an activation
`device configured to activate the sunless tanning system and
`a nozzle in fluid communication with the at least one fluid
`reservoir. The nozzle is configured to eject tanning solution
`onto an application surface upon activation of the activation
`device.
`
`110
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 1 of 11
`
`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`100
`
`~
`
`104~
`
`106
`
`110
`
`108
`
`112
`
`102
`
`FIGURE 1
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 2 of 11
`
`104
`
`114
`
`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`112
`
`FIGURE 2
`
`3
`
`

`

`Ft
`
`F2
`
`Solution
`Container
`120a
`
`Solution
`Container
`120b
`
`PI
`
`<
`
`I
`
`Pumpl
`130a
`
`102
`
`104
`
`.-------
`
`I
`I
`
`p2
`
`106
`
`I
`I
`
`r---------'
`
`I
`I
`I
`I , - - - - - - -
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`I
`r--- -•
`
`Input/Output
`Device
`148
`
`---
`
`Controller
`146
`
`:----------- -'
`
`Air
`Compressor
`142
`
`Air Tank
`140
`
`100
`
`/
`
`l
`
`Input
`Device
`150
`
`L
`
`I
`
`----·
`
`138
`
`Mixing
`Chamber
`136
`
`(')
`
`~ .....
`
`""C
`~ .....
`~ = .....
`~ 't:l -....
`.... 0 =
`~
`0' -....
`.... 0 =
`
`(')
`
`~ .....
`
`~
`~
`!"l
`N
`~N
`
`N c c
`
`Ul
`
`'JJ. =(cid:173)~
`~ .....
`~
`0 ......,
`'"""'
`'"""'
`
`Cj
`'JJ.
`
`N c c
`~ c
`
`N
`-..J
`'0
`QoO
`0'1
`
`Ul >
`'"""'
`
`A
`
`145
`
`Activation
`Device
`148
`
`Figure 3
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 4 of 11
`
`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`122
`
`121
`
`124
`
`128
`
`FIGURE 4
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 5 of 11
`
`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`FIGURE 5
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 6 of 11
`
`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`156
`
`130a
`
`130b
`
`FIGURE 6
`
`7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 7 of 11
`
`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`/104
`
`155c
`155d
`
`FIGURE 7A
`
`8
`
`

`

`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`/104
`
`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 8 of 11
`
`160
`
`162
`
`FIGURE 78
`
`9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 9 of 11
`
`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`200
`
`/205
`
`Receive
`
`210
`
`Store solution
`ratio in memory
`
`Yes
`
`220
`
`215
`
`Store intensity
`level in memory
`
`Yes
`
`225
`
`No
`
`230
`
`235
`
`240
`
`245
`
`Activate air compressor
`
`Open air solenoid valve
`
`Activate solution pumps
`
`Open fluid solenoid valve
`
`Figure SA
`
`10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 10 of 11
`
`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`255
`
`Adjust intensity
`level of solution
`pumps
`
`Yes
`
`265
`
`270
`
`275
`
`280
`
`No
`
`Deactivate solution pumps
`
`Close fluid solenoid valve
`
`Deactivate air compressor
`
`Close air solenoid valve
`
`Figure 8B
`
`11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 22, 2005 Sheet 11 of 11
`
`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`310
`
`320
`
`330
`
`340
`
`300
`
`/
`
`Select a desired mixture
`
`Select an intensity via controls
`disposed on the sprayer assembly
`
`Actuate an activation device
`disposed on the sprayer assembly
`
`Move the sprayer assembly
`relative to the body of a person 1+-----,
`
`Adjust intensity
`via controls on
`sprayer assembly
`
`360
`
`No
`
`Select an air-only spray via
`controls disposed on the sprayer assembly
`
`Move the sprayer assembly relative
`to the body of a person to dry the skin
`
`Deactivate the fluid spraying system
`
`Figure 9
`
`380
`
`390
`
`400
`
`12
`
`

`

`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`Dec. 22, 2005
`
`1
`
`FLUID SPRAYING SYSTEM
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of
`U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/581,219 filed on Jun.
`19, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
`entirety herein.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Numerous forms of artificial tanning products are
`currently available, including lotions, creams, gels, oils, and
`sprays. These products are typically mixtures of a chemi(cid:173)
`cally-active skin colorant or a bronzer, in combination with
`moisturizers, preservatives, anti-microbials, thickeners, sol(cid:173)
`vents, emulsifiers, fragrances, surfactants, stabilizers, sun(cid:173)
`screens, pH adjusters, anti -caking agents, and additional
`ingredients to alter the color reaction.
`
`[0003] Automated systems for applying artificial tanning
`products often include a booth provided with a spraying
`system. The user selects a tanning shade and intensity before
`the process begins, then steps inside the booth. Once the user
`is inside, the spraying system is activated and the user is
`uniformly coated.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0004]
`In the accompanying drawings and descriptions
`that follow, like parts are indicated throughout the drawings
`and description with the same reference numerals, respec(cid:173)
`tively. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one
`element can be designed as multiple elements or that mul(cid:173)
`tiple elements can be designed as one element. An element
`shown as an internal component of another element can be
`implemented 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.
`
`[0005] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of one
`embodiment of a fluid spraying system 100;
`
`[0006] FIG. 2 is a simplified reverse perspective view of
`the fluid spraying system 100;
`
`[0007] FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic view of one
`embodiment of the internal components of the fluid spraying
`system 100;
`
`[0008] FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a fluid
`container 120;
`
`[0009] FIG. 5 is a simplified perspective view of one
`embodiment of the fluid spraying system 100 with a door
`removed from the base unit 102 to expose the fluid contain(cid:173)
`ers;
`
`[0010] FIG. 6 is a simplified perspective view of the
`interior of the base unit 102 of one embodiment of the fluid
`spraying system 100;
`
`[0011] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the sprayer
`assembly 104;
`
`[0012] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the sprayer
`assembly 104 and an optional attachment accessory 160;
`
`[0013] FIGS. SA and 8B are flow charts illustrating one
`method 200 for operating the fluid spraying system 100 that
`can be employed by a controller; and
`
`[0014] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating one method 300
`for applying a solution to a human body that can be
`employed by an operator of the fluid spraying system 100.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate front and rear perspective
`views, respectively, of one embodiment of a fluid spraying
`system 100. The system 100 includes a base unit 102
`configured to house fluid containers or reservoirs (not
`shown) and a handheld sprayer assembly 104 in fluid
`communication with the fluid reservoirs or containers via a
`hose 106. The system 100 is configured to spray a fluid onto
`an application surface.
`
`In a preferred embodiment, the fluid spraying sys(cid:173)
`[0016]
`tem 100 can be employed as a sunless tanning spraying
`system where it is configured to spray a sunless-tanning
`solution onto a human body. Exemplary sunless-tanning
`solutions include one or more colorants, such as dihydroxy(cid:173)
`acetone, crotonaldehyde, pyruvaldehyde, glycolaldehyde,
`glutaraldehyde, othophthaldehyde, sorbose, fructose, eryth(cid:173)
`rulose, methylvinylketone, food coloring, or any other avail(cid:173)
`able colorant. The sunless-tanning solutions can additionally
`or alternatively include one or more bronzers, such as
`lawsone, juglone, or any other available bronzer. It will be
`appreciated that the sunless-tanning solutions can include
`additional ingredients, such as moisturizers and scents, to
`make the solution more appealing to a user.
`
`[0017] While the preferred embodiment can be employed
`as a sunless tanning spray system, the system 100 can also
`be employed to spray other fluids onto the human body. For
`example, the system 100 can be configured to spray sun(cid:173)
`screens, suntan lotions, tanning accelerators, sunburn treat(cid:173)
`ments, insect repellants, skin toners, skin bleaches, skin
`lighteners, anti -microbial compositions, moisturizers, exfo(cid:173)
`liants, nutriments or vitamins, massage aides, muscle relax(cid:173)
`ants, skin treatment agents, burn treatment agents, decon(cid:173)
`tamination agents, cosmetics, or wrinkle treatments or
`removers.
`
`In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
`[0018]
`base unit 102 can be in the form of a mobile cart that
`includes a support platform (not shown), a housing 108, and
`a door 110 configured to allow a user to access the fluid
`containers (not shown) housed in the base unit 102. Option(cid:173)
`ally, the mobile cart can include a plurality of wheels 112, a
`push handle 114, and a holder tray 116. The holder tray 116
`can be contoured, as shown in FIG. 2, to hold the sprayer
`assembly 104 in either a sideways or downward orientation.
`An input/output device 118 such as an LCD touchpad
`display can be located on the top portion of the mobile cart
`to provide information to and accept commands from the
`user.
`
`[0019] FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic depicting the
`internal components of one embodiment of the fluid spray(cid:173)
`ing system 100. In this embodiment, the system 100 includes
`first and second fluid containers 120a,b provided in the base
`unit 102. The first and second fluid containers 120a,b are
`each configured to hold a fluid. For example, the first and
`second fluid containers 120a,b hold a first fluid F1 and a
`
`13
`
`

`

`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`Dec. 22, 2005
`
`2
`
`second fluid F2 , respectively. It will be appreciated that the
`base unit 102 can house a single fluid container or more than
`two fluid containers.
`In one embodiment, the fluid containers 120a,b can
`[0020]
`hold sunless-tanning solutions as described above. For
`example, each fluid container 120a,b can hold a different
`sunless-tanning solution. The different tanning solutions can
`have different chemical compositions which effect the hue of
`the resulting tan. Alternatively, one fluid container (e.g., the
`first fluid container 120a) can contain water or another
`dilution agent to dilute the tanning solution contained in the
`second solution container (e.g., the second fluid container
`120b ). The contents of the different fluid containers can be
`mixed in various combinations to provide a range of shades,
`thereby allowing the user to select a preferred tanning shade.
`It will be appreciated that the fluid containers 120a,b can the
`same sunless-tanning solution.
`[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of one embodiment
`of a fluid container 120. In this embodiment, the fluid
`container 120 includes a handle 121, a male quick discon(cid:173)
`nect valve 122 at an opening located at one end portion of
`the fluid container 120, and a vent 124 provided at the other
`end portion of the fluid container 120. The fluid container
`120 can also include a check valve 128 to ensure that fluid
`flows in only one direction such that, when the fluid con(cid:173)
`tainer 120 is empty, the check valve 128 will prevent any
`residual solution from leaking out when the fluid container
`120 is removed. It will be appreciated that the fluid container
`120 can be configured differently in shape and size from the
`one illustrated in FIG. 4. Also, it will be appreciated that
`different fittings such as interchange couplings, poppet cou(cid:173)
`plings, or threaded couplings, can be used to dispense
`solution from the fluid container 120.
`In one embodiment, the fluid containers 120a,b are
`[0022]
`removable. Alternatively, the base unit 102 can house fixed
`fluid containers that can be filled with a fluid while still in
`the base unit 102 when the fluid level falls below a prede(cid:173)
`termined threshold.
`[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified perspective view of
`the fluid spraying system 100 with the door 110 removed to
`expose the fluid containers 120a,b. As shown in FIG. 5,
`each fluid container 120a,b is inverted such that the male
`quick disconnect valve 122 mates with a female quick
`disconnect fitting 126 disposed in the base unit 102. When
`a new fluid container 120 is added to the system 100, the
`male quick disconnect valve 122 of the fluid container 120
`is snapped into the female quick disconnect fitting 126 in the
`base unit 102. The vent 124 on the fluid container 120 can
`then be opened to equalize the air pressure inside the fluid
`container 120, allowing fluid to flow freely.
`[0024] With reference back to FIG. 3, the system 100 can
`include first and second pumps 130a,b provided in the base
`unit 102. The first pump 130a is configured to pump the first
`fluid F 1 held in the first fluid container 120a along a fluid
`flow path P 1 through the hose 106 to the sprayer assembly
`104, while the second pump 130b is configured to pump the
`second fluid F2 held in the second fluid container 120b along
`a fluid flow path P 2 through the hose 106 to the sprayer
`assembly 104. In one embodiment, the pumps 130a,b are
`positive displacement pumps. It will be appreciated, how(cid:173)
`ever, that any other type of fluid pump may suffice.
`[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified perspective view of
`the interior of the base unit 102 in one embodiment of the
`
`fluid spraying system 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the first and
`second pumps 130a,b are positioned adjacent to the first and
`second fluid containers 120a,b, (not shown) respectively. It
`will be appreciated, however, that one or both of the pumps
`130a,b can be positioned anywhere in the base unit 102.
`
`[0026] With reference back to FIG. 3, the fluid spraying
`system 100 can include first and second solution valves
`132a,b provided in the sprayer assembly 104. The first valve
`132a is provided along the fluid flow path P 1 upstream from
`the first pump 130a, while the second valve 132b is provided
`along the fluid flow path P 2 upstream from the second pump
`130b. The valves 132a,b are configured to control fluid flow
`along their respective fluid flow paths P 1 , P 2 . For example,
`when the valves 132a,b are in an "open" position, fluid is
`permitted to flow therethrough. When the valves 132a,b are
`in a "closed" position, fluid is not permitted to flow there(cid:173)
`through. In one embodiment, the valves 132a,b are solenoid
`valves. It will be appreciated, however, that any other type
`of controllable valve may be utilized.
`
`[0027] As discussed above, the hose 106 couples the base
`unit 102, which contains the pumps 130a,b, to the sprayer
`assembly 104, which contains the valves 132a,b. Specifi(cid:173)
`cally, the hose 106 contains first and second hoses or tubes
`135a,b that fluidly couple the first and second pumps 130a,b
`to the first and second valves 132a,b, respectively, as shown
`in FIG. 3.
`
`[0028] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the fluid
`spraying system 100 can further include a mixing chamber
`136 and a nozzle 138 provided in or on the sprayer assembly
`104. The mixing chamber 136 is provided along the fluid
`flow paths P 1 , P 2 upstream from the first and second solenoid
`valves 134a,b, while the nozzle 138 is provided upstream
`from the mixing chamber 138. The mixing chamber 136 is
`configured to permit the first and second fluids F 1 , F2
`flowing along the fluid flow paths P 1 , P 2 , respectively, to
`combine and/or mix therein. For example, if the first and
`second fluids F 1 , F2 employed in the system 100 are different
`fluids, the two fluids can combine and/or mix in the mixing
`chamber 136 before entering the nozzle 138. The nozzle 138
`is configured to eject the fluid, which is combined in the
`mixing chamber 136, onto an application surface.
`
`In one embodiment, the fluid spraying system 100
`[0029]
`can include an air tank 140 and an air compressor 142
`provided in the base unit 102, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The
`air compressor 142 is configured to compress the air stored
`in the air tank 140 to provide a pressurized source of air
`along an air flow path A, which extends from the air
`compressor 142 through the hose 106 to the sprayer assem(cid:173)
`bly 104. This air can then be used to atomize the first and
`second fluids F1 , F2 that is ejected from the nozzle 138.
`[0030] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the fluid
`spraying system 100 can include an air valve 144 provided
`in the base unit 102. The valve 144 is configured to control
`air flow along the air flow path A For example, when the
`valve 144 is in an "open" position, air is permitted to flow
`therethrough. When the valve 144 is in a "closed" position,
`air is not permitted to flow therethrough. In one embodi(cid:173)
`ment, the valve 144 can be a solenoid valve, although any
`other type of controllable valve may suffice.
`
`[0031] As discussed above, the hose 106 couples the base
`unit 102, which contains the air tank 140, the air compressor
`
`14
`
`

`

`US 2005/0279865 Al
`
`Dec. 22, 2005
`
`3
`
`142, and the air valve 144, to the sprayer assembly 104,
`which contains the nozzle 138. Specifically, the hose 106
`contains a hose or tube 145 that fluidly couples the air
`compressor 142 to the nozzle 138.
`
`[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the air flow path A terminates
`at the mixing chamber 136 or at nozzle exit 138. In the
`mixing chamber 136 or at the nozzle exit 138, the pressur(cid:173)
`ized air combines and/or mixes with at least one fluid when
`one or both of the valves 132a,b and the valve 144 are in the
`open position. The combination and/or mixture of pressur(cid:173)
`ized air and fluid creates an atomized mist of fluid that is
`ejected from the nozzle 138.
`
`In one embodiment, the fluid spraying system 100
`[0033]
`can include a controller 146 provided in the base unit 102 as
`shown in FIG. 3. The controller 146 is configured to control
`the operation of the fluid spraying system 100. Specifically,
`the controller 146 is configured to operate the pumps 130a,b,
`the solution valves 132a,b, the air compressor 142, and the
`air valve 144. Suitable controllers can include a processor, a
`microprocessor, a control circuit, a PLC, or any other
`appropriate control device.
`
`[0034] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the fluid
`spraying system 100 can include an activation device 148
`provided on the sprayer assembly 104. The activation device
`148 is configured to activate the sprayer assembly 104 to
`eject fluid from the nozzle 138. The activation device 148 is
`in signal communication with the controller 146 via elec(cid:173)
`tronic cables or wires provided in the hose 106. Alterna(cid:173)
`tively, the activation device 148 can communicate with the
`controller 146 through radio signals, infrared signals, or
`other wireless communication means. The activation device
`148 can be in the form of a trigger switch, a dial, a toggle
`switch, a lever, a knob, a button, or any other appropriate
`device.
`
`In one embodiment, the fluid spraying system 100
`[0035]
`can include an input device 150 provided on the sprayer
`assembly 104 as shown in FIG. 3. The input device 150 is
`configured to control the spray intensity of the fluid through
`the nozzle 138. The input device 150 is in signal commu(cid:173)
`nication with the controller 146 via electronic cables or
`wires provided in the hose 106. Alternatively, the input
`device 150 can communicate with the controller 146 through
`radio signals, infrared signals, or other wireless communi(cid:173)
`cation means. The input device 150 can take the form of one
`or more dials, toggle switches, levers, knobs, buttons, or any
`other appropriate control device.
`
`[0036] Alternatively, the sprayer assembly 104 would not
`include an input device. Instead, the activation device 148
`can be further configured to adjust spray intensity. For
`example, the activation device 148 can be a trigger switch
`configured such that the intensity of the spray is increased as
`the trigger is further depressed. In another embodiment, the
`sprayer assembly 104 can employ a dial (not shown) con(cid:173)
`figured to activate the sprayer assembly 104 and control the
`intensity of the spray. In this embodiment, a user can rotate
`the dial to a first position to activate the fluid spraying
`system 100 at a low intensity level, then further rotate the
`dial to increase the spray intensity.
`
`[0037] FIG. 7A illustrates a detailed perspective view of
`one embodiment of the sprayer assembly 104. In one
`embodiment, the activation device 148 can take the form of
`
`a trigger switch and the input device 150 can take the form
`of four pushbuttons 155a-d disposed along the side of the
`sprayer assembly 104 as shown in FIG. 7A. In the exem(cid:173)
`plary embodiment, each pushbutton 155a-d can be config(cid:173)
`ured to transmit a selection of a pre-set intensity level to the
`controller 146. For example, a first pushbutton 155a can be
`activated to select a low intensity level, a second pushbutton
`155b can be activated to select a medium intensity level, a
`third pushbutton 155c can be activated to select a high
`intensity level, and a fourth pushbutton 155d can be acti(cid:173)
`vated to select an intensity level of zero. If the user selects
`an intensity level of zero, the controller 146 will not operate
`the pumps 130a,b, but will operate the air compressor 142
`so that only air is sprayed through the nozzle 138. Addi(cid:173)
`tionally, the pushbuttons can be programmable by the user.
`
`[0038] With reference back to FIG. 3, the fluid spraying
`system 100 can include an input/output device 118 such as
`an LCD touchpad display provided on the base unit 102 to
`allow a user to select a ratio of solutions to create a desired
`solution mixture. In one embodiment, the LCD touchpad
`display can also be configured to allow a user to select a
`spray intensity level or can be used to program the push
`buttons 155a-d provided on the sprayer assembly 104 for
`spraying intensity level. The LCD touchpad display is in
`signal communication with the controller 146. It will be
`appreciated that in addition to, or instead of, the LCD
`display, an input device can be provided on the sprayer
`assembly 104 to allow a user to select a desired solution
`mixture.
`
`[0039] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the LCD
`touchpad display can perform additional functions. For
`example, the LCD touchpad display can be used to track an
`operator name, spray time, and solution usage and store this
`data in memory. The LCD touchpad display can also moni(cid:173)
`tor all output functions including, but not limited to, air
`pressure, solution pressure, pump currents, and solenoid
`valve operation.
`
`It will also be appreciated that the fluid spraying
`[0040]
`system 100 can include additional input or output devices
`disposed on the base unit 102. For example, as shown in
`FIG. 6, fluid pressure gauges 152 are provided at the top of
`the base unit 102 to indicate the fluid pressure of each fluid
`in the fluid containers 120a,b. Also, an air pressure gauge
`154 can be provided at the top of the base unit 102 to
`indicate the air pressure. Additionally, an air pressure regu(cid:173)
`lator 156 can be provided at the top of the base unit 102 to
`allow the user to regulate the air pressure.
`
`In an alternative embodiment not illustrated in the
`[0041]
`drawings, an atomized spray of fluid can be created without
`the use of compressed or pressurized air. In this embodi(cid:173)
`ment, the fluid spraying system 100 would not include the
`air tank 140, the air compressor 142, or the air valve 144.
`Instead, the system 100 would include a high pressure pump
`(not shown) for each fluid container 120a,b and the sprayer
`assembly 104 would employ a hydraulic atomizing nozzle
`(not shown) to create an atomized mist of fluid. It will be
`appreciated that this embodiment be used with a single fluid
`container or more than two fluid containers.
`
`In an alternative embodiment not illustrated in the
`[0042]
`drawings, an atomized spray of fluid can be created without
`the use of compressed air. In this embodiment, the fluid
`spraying system 100 would not include the air tank 140 or
`
`15
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`the air compressor 142. Instead, the system 100 may include
`an HVLP (high velocity/low pressure) fan (not shown) in
`connection with the air valve 144 (optional in this embodi(cid:173)
`ment). The air flow from this fan would be in fluid com(cid:173)
`munication with the nozzle 138. This air flow may be used
`to atomize the fluid at the nozzle 138.
`
`[0043] The fluid spraying system 100 can include addi(cid:173)
`tional components without departing from the scope of the
`present application. For example, the system 100 can
`include fluid detection sensors 158 disposed near the bottom
`of each fluid container 120a,b as shown in FIG. 6. The fluid
`detection sensors 158 are configured to sense the solution
`level in each fluid container 120a,b. When the solution level
`falls below a predetermined threshold, the fluid detection
`sensors 158 can be configured to transmit a signal to the
`controller 146. Upon receipt of the signal, the controller 146
`can deactivate the fluid spraying system 100 to prevent air
`from being pulled into one or both of the fluid flow paths P 1 ,
`P2 . Exemplary fluid detection sensors that can be employed
`include capacitive solution detection switches, optical sen(cid:173)
`sors, or piezoelectric sensors.
`
`[0044] Also, the fluid spraying system 100 can include a
`heating element (not shown), such as a heating coil or other
`heating device, that can be placed around or adjacent to the
`first and/or second fluid tubes 135a,b to heat the fluid flow
`paths P 1 , P 2 , thereby creating a warm, atomized mist of fluid
`that can be ejected from the nozzle 138. Additionally, a
`heating element can be placed around or adjacent to the air
`tube 145 to heat the air flow path A Alternatively, heating
`elements can be placed around or adjacent to one or both of
`the fluid containers 120a, b.
`
`In yet another embodiment, the base unit 102 can
`[0045]
`include a power switch (not shown) to activate the controller
`146. The power switch can be of the form of a toggle switch,
`a dial, a knob, a pushbutton, or any other appropriate device.
`In one embodiment, the power switch can be further con(cid:173)
`figured to activate the air compressor 142. Therefore, in this
`embodiment, the activation of the trigger switch 146 would
`not cause the activation of the air compressor 142, nor would
`the release of the trigger switch cause the deactivation of the
`air compressor 142.
`
`In yet another embodiment, the fluid spraying
`[0046]
`system 100 can include an attachment accessory 160 as
`shown in FIG. 7B. The attachment accessory 160 is con(cid:173)
`figured to be removably attached to the nozzle 138 of the
`sprayer assembly 104 via a threaded connection. The attach(cid:173)
`ment accessory 160 includes an auxiliary fluid reservoir 162
`that is configured to contain an auxiliary fluid. The attach(cid:173)
`ment accessory 160 is configured to channel air from the
`sprayer assembly through the tip of the nozzle 138 and
`adjustably siphon the auxiliary fluid from the auxiliary fluid
`reservoir 162 so that the auxiliary fluid can be sprayed onto
`an application surface. Exemplary auxiliary fluids include
`temporary tattoo dye, paint, other tanning solutions, or any
`other media that can and is desired to be sprayed.
`
`[0047] FIGS. SA and 8B illustrate a flow chart diagram of
`an exemplary method 200 for operating the fluid spraying
`system 100 employed by the controller 146. The controller
`initially waits for a user to input a desired fluid ratio (step
`205). If the user selects a fluid ratio via an input device, the
`input device transmits a signal to the controller, and the
`controller stores the selected fluid ratio in a memory (step
`
`210). The controller also waits for a user to input an intensity
`level (step 215). If the user selects an intensity level via an
`input device, the input device transmits a signal to the
`controller, and the controller stores the selected intensity
`level in a memory (step 220). It will be appreciated that the
`fluid spraying system can employ a single input device, such
`as an LCD touchpad, to receive input related to the fluid ratio
`and spray intensity. Alternatively, the fluid spraying system
`can employ separate input devices, such as an LCD touch(cid:173)
`pad disposed on the base to receive input related to the fluid
`ratio and pushbuttons disposed on the sprayer assembly to
`receive input related to the spray intensity.
`
`[0048] The controller also waits for the user to activate the
`fluid spraying system (step 225). When the user activates an
`activation device, the activation device transmits a signal to
`the controller. Upon receipt of the signal from the activation
`device, the controller activates the air compressor (step 230)
`and opens the air solenoid valve (step 235) to allow air to
`spray from the air tank through the nozzle of the sprayer
`assembly via a hose. The controller then activates the pumps
`(step 240). If the user has selected a fluid ratio and/or an
`intensity level, the controller operates the pumps according
`to the levels stored in the memory. If the user has not made
`a selection prior to activation, the controller can be pro(cid:173)
`grammed to operate the pumps at default levels or at the
`levels last stored during a prior operation of the fluid
`spraying system. The controller then opens appropriate fluid
`solenoid valves (step 245). However, it will be appreciated
`that steps 230-245 can be performed in any order.
`
`If the user has selected a fluid ratio that includes
`[0049]
`both fluids, the two fluids and the compressed air mix in a
`mixing chamber in the sprayer assembly to create an atom(cid:173)
`ized mist that sprays through the nozzle of the sprayer
`assembly. If the user has selected a single fluid, the single
`fluid and the compressed air mix in the mixing chamber in
`the sprayer assembly to create an atomized mist that sprays
`through the nozzle of the sprayer assembly.
`
`[0050] During operation of the sprayer assembly, the user
`can select a different intensity level (step 250). If the user
`inputs a new intensity level, the input device will transmit a
`signal to the controller, and the controller will adjust the
`intensity level of the pumps (step 255). The fluid spraying
`system will continue to spray fluid for as long as the user
`activates the activation device (step 260). When the trigger
`switch is released, or the activation device is otherwise
`deactivated, the controller deactivates the pumps (step 265)
`and closes the fluid solenoid valves (step 270). The control(cid:173)
`ler then deactivates the air compressor (step 275) and closes
`the air solenoid valve (step 280) to stop the spraying. It will
`be appreciated that steps 265-280 can be performed in any
`order.
`
`[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart diagram of one
`method 300 for applying a solution (such as a sunless
`tanning solution) to a human body that can be employed by
`an operator of the fluid spraying system 100. In the illus(cid:173)
`trated method of operation, the operator can transport the
`fluid spraying system to a recipient's home or any other
`location. The operator or recipient selects a solution ratio
`according to the recipient's preference by using an LCD
`touchpad display or other appropriate input device (step
`310). The operator or recipient then selects a spray intensity
`level by pressing an appropriate pushbutton on the sprayer
`
`16
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`US 2005/0279865 Al
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`Dec. 22, 2005
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`5
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`assembly or using another appropriate inpu