Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer system for dispensing and dispersing a liquid containing a spray compound includes a spray cloud dispersal feature that reduces the time that a residual spray cloud containing droplets including the spray compound remains suspended after spraying. A method of dispersing the residual spray cloud is implemented by a control system that causes a flow control system to deliver a non-active gas or liquid in conjunction with stopping delivery of the liquid containing the spray agent and charged with the same polarity, so that a charged cloud of the non-active gas or liquid, which may be air, displaces the suspended active fluid particles. The non-active gas or liquid may be dispensed for a predetermined time interval as determined by the control system, or the operator may control the time interval during which that the non-active fluid is dispensed.

Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer system for dispensing and dispersing a liquid containing a spray compound includes a spray cloud dispersal feature that reduces the time that a residual spray cloud containing droplets including the spray compound remains suspended after spraying. A method of dispersing the residual spray cloud is implemented by a control system that causes a flow control system to deliver a non-active gas or liquid in conjunction with stopping delivery of the liquid containing the spray agent and charged with the same polarity, so that a charged cloud of the non-active gas or liquid, which may be air, displaces the suspended active fluid particles. The non-active gas or liquid may be dispensed for a predetermined time interval as determined by the control system, or the operator may control the time interval during which that the non-active fluid is dispensed.

Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer system for spraying a liquid includes a control system that provides user certification status control and usage reporting for the electrostatic sprayer system, including authorizing the user in conformity with the user's certification status and tracking the user, material(s), locations, duration of operation and amount of material being sprayed. The sprayer system includes a sprayer head having an outlet for dispensing a liquid that has been atomized and electrically charged via an electrode of the sprayer system, a vessel containing the liquid prior to dispensing, a power supply for providing a voltage and current to the electrode, a flow controller for controlling flow of liquid emitted from an outlet of the sprayer head, and a control system for controlling the flow controller in conformity with a certification status of a user of the sprayer system and reporting usage of the sprayer system to a database.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein propose a precision spray pumping system including a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with at least one spray nozzle. The positive displacement pump includes a displaceable member, and displacement of the displaceable member corresponds to a pumping cycle of the positive displacement pump. A controller is in communication with the positive displacement pump. The controller is operable to apply an actuation parameter to direct a displacement of the displaceable member and is also operable to receive an indication of an actual position of the displaceable member. The controller is further operable to compare a predetermined actuation parameter associated with an expected displacement of the displaceable member to a measured actuation parameter associated with the actual position of the displaceable member.

Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer for spraying a liquid includes a nozzle formed from a nozzle body that has an inlet for receiving a liquid and a liquid tip having an outlet for ejection of the liquid to form a liquid spray. The nozzle also includes an electrode disposed around the outlet of the liquid tip for charging the liquid. The electrode is captive in a removable cap that is that is detachably secured, e.g., via threaded connection, to the sprayer, so that the cap is removable for servicing, cleaning or replacement of nozzle components such as the liquid tip. The nozzle includes a calibratable stop mechanism for controlling a position of the electrode with respect to the outlet of the liquid tip when the cap is installed. The stop mechanism may be provided by a locking ring around a barrel of the sprayer that stops rotation of the cap.

Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer for spraying a liquid includes a nozzle formed from a a nozzle body that has an inlet for receiving a liquid and a liquid tip having an outlet for ejection of the liquid to form a liquid spray. The nozzle also includes an electrode disposed around the outlet of the liquid tip for charging the liquid and a dielectric shroud disposed around at least a portion of the liquid tip to prevent leakage currents from reducing a potential of the electric field between the liquid and the electrode, which would otherwise reduce the effectiveness of the sprayer. A conductor that couples the electrode to a power supply may pass through a hole extending through the shroud. The shroud may include one or more vents to permit air and liquid to pass through the dielectric shroud to reduce accumulation of liquid.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein propose the controlled application of a heated spray cloud to a target surface. The spray cloud may be delivered in connection with applications of atomized (misted) sunless tanning sprays using a variety of spray systems. A formulation of the cosmetic or conditioning liquid may conduct and retain heat to allow a pleasantly warm spray to be received on the skin surface. The formula may come to temperature quickly and the heat may be retained even though a nozzle cooling effect inherently cools the spray as it leaves the nozzle.

Abstract: A spray nozzle system for skin treatments includes separate air outlets moving over the skin surface to deliver one or more streams of supplemental air for the purpose of warming or drying the skin surface to improve efficacy and comfort of the spraying experience. The drying air from the auxiliary ports may be applied while spray is emitted from the nozzle to increase the spray cloud temperature, or may be applied before or after the spray application, with the spray turned off, to warm or dry the skin. A heating source is provided to warm the air directed through one or more heated air ports. In the case of air-atomizing nozzles, the heated air is delivered through low pressure ports separately from the air emitted through the nozzle's higher pressure atomizing and pattern shaping orifices to minimize the expansion cooling effect inherent with the spray nozzle ports.

Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer for spraying a liquid includes a nozzle formed from a nozzle body that has an inlet for receiving a liquid and a liquid tip having an outlet for ejection of the liquid to form a liquid spray. The nozzle also includes an electrode disposed around the outlet of the liquid tip for charging the liquid. The electrode is captive in a removable cap that is that is detachably secured, e.g., via threaded connection, to the sprayer, so that the cap is removable for servicing, cleaning or replacement of nozzle components such as the liquid tip. The nozzle includes a calibratable stop mechanism for controlling a position of the electrode with respect to the outlet of the liquid tip when the cap is installed. The stop mechanism may be provided by a locking ring around a barrel of the sprayer that stops rotation of the cap.

Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer for spraying a liquid includes a nozzle formed from a a nozzle body that has an inlet for receiving a liquid and a liquid tip having an outlet for ejection of the liquid to form a liquid spray. The nozzle also includes an electrode disposed around the outlet of the liquid tip for charging the liquid and a dielectric shroud disposed around at least a portion of the liquid tip to prevent leakage currents from reducing a potential of the electric field between the liquid and the electrode, which would otherwise reduce the effectiveness of the sprayer. A conductor that couples the electrode to a power supply may pass through a hole extending through the shroud. The shroud may include one or more vents to permit air and liquid to pass through the dielectric shroud to reduce accumulation of liquid.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein propose a precision spray pumping system including a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with at least one spray nozzle. The positive displacement pump includes a displaceable member, and displacement of the displaceable member corresponds to a pumping cycle of the positive displacement pump. A controller is in communication with the positive displacement pump. The controller is operable to apply an actuation parameter to direct a displacement of the displaceable member and is also operable to receive an indication of an actual position of the displaceable member. The controller is further operable to compare a predetermined actuation parameter associated with an expected displacement of the displaceable member to a measured actuation parameter associated with the actual position of the displaceable member.

Abstract: Embodiments according to the present disclosure provide a system that includes a reservoir with an inlet and an outlet wherein the inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a source of a skin treatment solution. At least one spray nozzle is fluidly coupled to the outlet of the reservoir and is configured to spray the skin treatment solution. A vent valve is operable to open and close based on the level of the skin treatment solution in the reservoir. When the vent valve is open, a cavity of the reservoir is exposed to at least atmospheric pressure. The vent valve may be configured to control liquid flow to the reservoir from the container for refilling the reservoir and to aid in the operation of changing containers and/or purging the system.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein propose controlling the application of a skin treatment solution spray using data obtained from a machine readable tag associated with a container filled with the skin treatment solution. A skin treatment sprayer system includes at least one container receptacle configured to receive a container of with skin treatment solution. An interrogator is coupled to the container receptacle and is operable to communicate with the machine readable tag associated with the container. A controller includes a processor and is in communication with the interrogator. At least one nozzle is operable to emit a spray of skin treatment solution and is in fluid communication with the container. The controller is operable to control a spray parameter associated with the emission of the skin treatment solution based on data received from the machine readable tag.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein propose a bag-in-box container. The bag-in-box container includes a bag configured to contain a liquid. The bag also includes a rigid neck. A box encloses the bag with the neck protruding through the top of the box. The neck is secured in position through the opening in the box by a clip handle. The clip handle includes a handle portion configured to receive at least a fingertip of a hand.

Abstract: A spray nozzle system includes separate air outlets to deliver one or more streams of supplemental warming or drying air. The air may be applied while spray is emitted from the nozzle to increase the spray cloud temperature, or may be applied for warming or drying before or after the spray application, with the spray turned off. In the case of air-atomizing nozzles, the air is delivered through low pressure ports separately from the atomizing or pattern shaping air to minimize the expansion cooling effect. In another implementation, the air is redirected from the nozzle using a control valve which proportions the amount of airflow directed for atomization, pattern shaping and drying.

Abstract: A nozzle includes a body having a first bore and a first liquid inlet. A liquid tip assembly, including a second bore and second liquid inlet, is inserted into the first bore with the first and second liquid inlets axially aligned. Sealing rings between the liquid tip assembly and first bore define an annular fluid path coupling the first and second liquid inlets. The liquid tip assembly further includes a liquid opening that is sealed by an axially moveable fluid tip positioned in the second bore. A slidable seal is formed between the fluid tip and second bore. A front of the body includes an aperture configured to receive an air cap secured to the body by a retaining ring. The air cap includes an air opening associated with the liquid opening to provide atomizing air. The nozzle may be easily assembled and disassembled from a front of the nozzle.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein propose the controlled application of a heated spray cloud to a target surface. The spray cloud may be delivered in connection with applications of atomized (misted) sunless tanning sprays using a variety of spray systems. A formulation of the cosmetic or conditioning liquid may conduct and retain heat to allow a pleasantly warm spray to be received on the skin surface. The formula may come to temperature quickly and the heat may be retained even though a nozzle cooling effect inherently cools the spray as it leaves the nozzle.

Abstract: A container for holding a spray or coating material that is adapted to and operates with a spray system for spraying or coating operations. The container may include an auxiliary port capable of maintaining pressure in the system and does not need to be removed from the system to be filled or refilled with the spray or coating material. The container may be filled or refilled during operation. The auxiliary port is continuous with the container. The container does not require a separable layer or liner. The container may be non-collapsible. The container is adapted to the spray system through a separate aperture that does not require a valve for closing the separate aperture. The spray system may further comprise a mechanism for heating the material in the container and/or before exiting the spray system.

Abstract: A gantry tower spraying system with a cartridge/receptacle assembly includes a gantry and a spray assembly coupled to the gantry to allow for translational movement of the spray assembly along the gantry. The spray assembly includes a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing a cosmetic liquid for skin treatment, and a spray nozzle coupled to the receptacle for receiving the cosmetic liquid and dispensing the cosmetic liquid in a spray. The receptacle has an inner surface of a size and shape to generally conform to a size and shape of a portion of an outer surface of the cartridge. The spraying system can further be provided with an oscillation mechanism adapted to cause oscillation of the spray nozzle. The bottle can be provided with a keying mechanism for engaging a corresponding key structure of the receptacle.

Abstract: A system for controlling a hand held skin treatment sprayer includes a base unit that is operable to control an air source. The base unit is also operable to control a heating unit that is associated with the hand held skin treatment sprayer. The air source is coupled to a nozzle of the hand held skin treatment sprayer by an air conduit, and the heating unit is disposed within that air conduit. Air flowing through the air conduit is heated by the heating unit. This heated air may be applied while spray is emitted from the nozzle to increase the spray cloud temperature, or may be applied before or after the spray application, with the spray turned off, to warm or dry the skin.