U.S. patent application number 11/650323 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for automatic body spray system.
Invention is credited to Nicholas J. Mastandrea, Scott Thomason.
Application Number | 20070197982 11/650323 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43333220 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070197982 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomason; Scott ; et
al. |
August 23, 2007 |
Automatic body spray system
Abstract
An automatic body spray system including at least one fluid
source, an HVLP turbine air source, and at least one HVLP
atomization nozzle fluidly connected to the fluid source and the
HVLP turbine air source, where the HVLP atomization nozzle
configured to apply an atomized fluid onto a subject.
Inventors: |
Thomason; Scott; (Macedonia,
OH) ; Mastandrea; Nicholas J.; (Chardon, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BENESCH, FRIEDLANDER, COPLAN & ARONOFF LLP;ATTN: IP DEPARTMENT DOCKET
CLERK
2300 BP TOWER
200 PUBLIC SQUARE
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
43333220 |
Appl. No.: |
11/650323 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60756304 |
Jan 5, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/289 ;
132/333; 4/597; 600/21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 7/32 20130101; A45D
2200/057 20130101; B05B 7/2405 20130101; A61M 35/25 20190501; B05B
16/00 20180201; B05B 7/2497 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/289 ;
004/597; 132/333; 600/021 |
International
Class: |
A61M 35/00 20060101
A61M035/00 |
Claims
1. An automatic body spray system comprising: a spray booth
configured to at least partially enclose a subject; at least one
reservoir containing a fluid; an HVLP turbine air source; and at
least one HVLP atomization nozzle fluidly coupled to the reservoir
and the HVLP turbine air source, the HVLP atomization nozzle
configured to apply an atomized fluid onto the subject.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one HVLP nozzle is
configured to translate vertically up and down.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one HVLP nozzle is
configured to rotate back and forth about a vertical axis relative
to the ground plane.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one HVLP nozzle is
coupled to a linear slide.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one HVLP nozzle is
mounted to a rotatable column.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a sunless tanning
solution.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is at least one of:
sunscreen, suntan lotion, moisturizing lotion, sunless tanning
pre-spray, tanning accelerator, sunburn treatment, insect
repellent, skin toner, skin bleacher, skin lightener,
anti-microbial composition, exfoliants, nutriments, vitamins,
massage aide, muscle relaxant, skin treatment agent, burn treatment
agent, decontamination agent, cosmetics, wrinkle treatment, or
wrinkle remover.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one HVLP atomization
nozzle includes multiple inlet ports and check valves.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a heating source
configured to heat the air exiting the HVLP turbine air source.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a drawer configured
to hold the at least one reservoir.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one fluid
detection sensor configured to sense the solution level in the at
least one reservoir.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a controller that is
in signal communication with the at least one fluid detection
sensor and is configured to deactivate the automatic body spray
system when the solution reaches a predetermined level.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the spray booth includes: a base
configured to support the subject; at least one sidewall extending
vertically from the base; and at least one vent opening.
14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a fan configured to
draw excess spray mist present in the spray booth through the at
least one vent opening to evacuate the excess spray mist from the
spray booth.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the fan is mounted in a housing
that includes the at least one vent opening.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a filter configured
to trap excess spray mist after it passes through the at least one
vent opening.
17. The system of claim 16, further including a water supply
fluidly coupled to a nozzle that is configured to spray the filter
with water.
18. The system of claim 15, further including a water supply
fluidly coupled to a nozzle that is configured to spray the inside
and/or outside of the fan housing with water.
19. The system of claim 13, further comprising a wash down system
that includes a water supply and a hose mounted to the top of at
least one of the sidewalls, the hose being fluidly coupled to the
water supply and having a plurality of openings that are configured
to spray water on at least one of the sidewalls.
20. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface
panel and a controller in signal communication with the user
interface panel, the controller configured to operate the at least
one fluid source, the HVLP turbine air source, and the at least one
HVLP atomization nozzle.
21. The system of claim 20, further including at least one height
sensor in signal communication with the controller configured to
detect the height of the subject.
22. An automatic body spray control system comprising: at least one
fluid reservoir; at least one fluid pump fluidly coupled to the at
least one fluid reservoir an HVLP atomization nozzle; a linear
slide coupled to the HVLP nozzle and configured to move the HVLP
nozzle vertically up and down; a user interface; and a controller
for controlling the operation of the fluid pump, the linear slide,
and the user interface.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the controller has
pre-programmed parameters stored therein including fluid pump
values, linear slide speed, nozzle position, and number of spray
passes.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the pre-programmed parameters
are adjustable by the subject.
25. The system of claim 22, further including a height sensor in
signal communication with the controller and configured to
automatically adjust the nozzle position for each user.
26. The system of claim 22, wherein the user interface is
configured to allow the subject to manually adjust the nozzle
position.
27. The system of claim 22, wherein the user interface is
configured to allow the subject to input spray variables, such
spray variables comprising: entire body spray or a portion of the
body to be sprayed; and the desired solution or combination of
solutions to be sprayed.
28. The system of claim 1, further including a pump fluidly coupled
to at least one reservoir configured to pump the fluid to the
nozzle.
29. The system of claim 13, further including a partial top,
wherein the at least one sidewall extends to the partial top.
30. A method of spray coating at least one portion of a subject,
the method comprising: spraying an atomized mixture of HVLP air and
a solution onto at least one selected portion of the subject; and
spraying air onto the selected portion of the subject to at least
partially dry the solution thereon.
31. The method of claim 30, further including the step of selecting
the portion of the subject to be sprayed.
32. The method of claim 30, further including the step of selecting
the solution or combination of solutions to be sprayed.
33. The method of claim 30, further including repeating the step of
spraying an atomized mixture of HVLP air and a solution onto at
least one selected portion of the subject using a different
solution.
34. The method of claim 33, further including the step of spraying
air onto the selected portion of the subject after each solution is
sprayed to at least partially dry the solution thereon.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/756,304 filed on Jan. 5, 2006, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There are many lotions and products applied to the human
body for cosmetic purposes. These products include moisturizers,
sunscreens, anti-aging treatments, UV tanning accelerators, 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, emulsifiers, fragrances,
surfactants, stabilizers, sunscreens, pH adjusters, anti-caking
agents, and additional ingredients to alter the color reaction.
[0003] There exist many automated systems for applying artificial
tanning products and often include a closed booth provided with a
spraying system. The spraying systems typically use high pressure
compressed air nozzles, along with a fluid supplied to the nozzle
to create an atomized spray directed towards the body. Currently,
these booths are mostly closed, are limited to applying only one
product per session, and create a foggy closed environment for the
user.
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, respectively. One of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate that one element 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 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 front-right perspective view of one embodiment
of an automatic body spray system 100;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a front-left perspective view of the automatic
body spray system 100;
[0007] 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 160a-c;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rotating
nozzle column 131;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the slide out
drawer 108 holding multiple solution containers 160a,b,c for use in
the spray system 100;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of a fluid container
160;
[0011] 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;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the spray
column 102 with the back cover removed to expose the internal
components;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the nozzle arms 128a,b and
fluid solenoid valves 115a,b,c located in the spray column 102;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of one embodiment of
an HVLP nozzle assembly 124;
[0015] 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;
[0016] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the backside of the
mist extraction column 103 with the rear cover removed;
[0017] 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;
[0018] 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;
[0019] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a
waterfall wash-down hose 149;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a
sump pump 150 waste water removal system and sump pump filter
152;
[0021] 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;
[0022] 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
[0023] 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,b contact
the spray column 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,b stop short of the spray column 103 to
allow for user access into the system 100. The partial sidewalls
105a,b 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 alternative embodiment, the system 100 can
include full-size side walls, instead of partial walls.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the system 100 can be 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 dihydroxyacetone, crotonaldehyde,
pyruvaldehyde, glycolaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, otho-phthaldehyde,
sorbose, fructose, erythrulose, methylvinylketone, food coloring,
or any other available 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.
[0025] 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 lotions, sunless
tanning pre-spray treatments, tanning accelerators, 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.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the spray column 102 includes two high
volume, low pressure (HVLP) atomization nozzles 106a,b 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,b
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 pressure fluid pump may be employed, instead of the
HVLP turbine.
[0027] Each HVLP nozzle 106a,b is coupled to a linear slide (not
shown) that is configured to move the HVLP nozzles 106a,b up and
down vertically, thereby adjusting the vertical position of the
HVLP nozzle 106a,b. In this configuration, the HVLP nozzles 106a,b
are moveably mounted to the spray column 102, such that the spray
pattern of the HVLP nozzles 106a,b is sufficient to completely coat
the human body 109 with a desired fluid, solution, or lotion.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, a
vertically standing column 131 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 connected 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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 113a,b. The drawer 108 can also be attached to the spray
column using a rotating mount or any other type of mount.
[0032] 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 solutions 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, 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 applying 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 coming
from the HVLP nozzles, apply a third atomized solution and then dry
the body with air only coming from the HVLP nozzles.
[0033] 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 leaking 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
couplings, can be used to dispense solution from the fluid
container 160.
[0034] In one embodiment, the fluid containers 160a-c are
removable. 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
predetermined threshold.
[0035] 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 container 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.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inside of the drawer 108
containing three fluid pumps 113a-c positioned below the female
quick disconnect fittings 165a-c. The first pump 113a is configured
to pump the solution held in the first fluid container 160a along a
fluid flow path F.sub.1 through the hose assembly 116 to the HVLP
nozzle assemblies 106a,b. The second pump 113b is configured to
pump the solution held in the second fluid container 160b along a
fluid flow path F.sub.2 through the hose assembly 116 to the HVLP
nozzle assemblies 106a,b. the third pump 113c is configured to pump
the solution held in the second fluid container 160c along a fluid
flow path F.sub.3 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 anywhere in the drawer 108.
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified perspective view of the
interior of the spray column 102. FIG. 9 is a close up view of FIG.
8 showing the HVLP nozzle mounting arms 128a,b in one embodiment of
the system 100. The nozzle mounting arms 128a,b also hold fluid
solenoid valves 115a-c. These solenoid valves 115a-c turn on or off
the fluid flow through fluid paths F.sub.1, F.sub.2, and F.sub.3
between fluid pumps 113a-c and the HVLP nozzle assemblies 106a,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 F.sub.1, F.sub.2, and
F.sub.3 as well as the air path A.sub.1. The three fluid paths
F.sub.1, F.sub.2, F.sub.3 route to each solenoid valves 115a-c,
respectively, and than to each nozzle assembly 106a,b. The air path
A.sub.1 routes to each nozzle assembly 106a,b from the HVLP turbine
118 and through hose assembly 116.
[0038] 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 128a
or 128b. The HVLP air supply line A.sub.1 enters the nozzle body
126 from the backside and the three fluid lines F.sub.1, F.sub.2,
F.sub.3 all enter the nozzle body 126 from one of the other sides.
The fluid paths for F.sub.1, F.sub.2, F.sub.3 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 A.sub.1 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 appreciated 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.
[0039] 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 A.sub.1 from the HVLP fan 118 to the nozzle
assemblies 106a,b. The HVLP fan 118 can be controlled on or off by
use of a relay or other type of electronic switch. The relay or
switch is controlled by the main controller 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.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 122 is
configured 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
electromechanical devices in the system 100. Suitable controllers
can include a processor, a microprocessor, a control circuit, a
PLC, or any other appropriate control device.
[0041] FIG. 11 also shows the controller 122 and the LCD user
interface panel 107. The main controller 122 can programmed 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 of the fluid being sprayed), linear
slide speed (this can control the speed of a linear slide that
moves the nozzles 106a,b vertically up and down; this will also
control the amount of solution applied over time and also the
length of each application session), number of spray passes (this
parameter controls 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 controller
122.
[0042] 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,b up and down
vertically can be controlled with a motor drive system and any type
of position encoding device. The encoding device can be connected
to the main controller 122 so that the controller always knows the
position of the nozzle arm 128a,b. This encoding system allows a
user to select a partial 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,b positions for each user.
This can also be used for full body sprays where the starting
height of the nozzles 106a,b 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the internal
components 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 of the
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.
[0045] FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the internal
components 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.
[0046] The mist extraction column 103 also provides for an internal
column wash down nozzle 147. This column wash down nozzle 147 can
be used to clean the inside of the mist extraction 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 intervals. 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
orientation of the fans, filters, and nozzles can be modified as
needed.
[0047] 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.
[0048] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a wash down system hose
149 used for this open system design. Because the system is open,
care has to be taken when providing for an automatic wash down
system so that excess wash down water 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 waterfall
wash down hose 149 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 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.
[0049] 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 respective
components to be cleaned over the top surface of the 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.
[0050] The fluid spraying system 100 can include additional
components 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 container
160a,b,c. When the solution level falls below a predetermined
threshold, the fluid detection sensors can be configured 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 F.sub.1, F.sub.2, and F.sub.3. Exemplary fluid detection
sensors that can be employed include capacitive solution detection
switches, optical sensors, or piezoelectric sensors.
[0051] 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 and/or third fluid flow paths F.sub.1, F.sub.2, F.sub.3
thereby creating a warm, atomized mist of fluid that can be ejected
from the nozzles 106a,b. Additionally, a heating element can be
placed around or inside the air flow path A.sub.1. Alternatively,
heating elements can be placed around or adjacent to one or all of
the fluid containers 160a,b,c.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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. 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.
[0054] The system 100 described above and illustrated in the
figures provides one or more of the 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 of
the lack of fog 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 environment, (4) the user is not
subjected to breath or be surrounded by excess fog or mist, and the
transfer efficiency of the atomized fluid onto the human body is
much higher than with compressed air systems, (5) the system allows
many different types of products to be applied to the human body in
one application session, (6) the system employs the use of a
convenient slide out drawer to access the solution containers for
multiple products to be applied, and (7) the system can be
programmed to apply a fluid to only user specified areas of the
body
[0055] While the present application has been illustrated by the
description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have
been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of
the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited
to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
can be made from such details without departing from the spirit or
scope of the applicant's general inventive concept. The system is
not designed solely for sunless tanning products or for the purpose
for spraying a human body. It can accommodate almost any type of
product being sprayed.
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