EP3614877B1

EP3614877B1 - Automatic dispensing and mixing apparatus for preparing hair dyes

Info

Publication number: EP3614877B1
Application number: EP18728990.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Riccardo BARNIA; Adriano LEVANTESI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-04-27
Filing date: 2018-04-24
Publication date: 2021-03-03
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-24
Also published as: IT201700045903A1; EP3614877A1; WO2018198149A1

Description

The present invention relates to the field of hair treatment, and in particular for the dyeing thereof.
In 2013, in Italy, the professional hairstyling industry had annual sales of 7.3 billion euros in 92,000 salons.
Users of the salons are 43 million and spend an average of 31 euros if they are women over 13; visits to the salon amounted to 1 million per day.
85% of Italian women rely on hair beauty professionals for a total of 23 million women. Each of them goes to the salon on average 7.4 times a year.
From these brief considerations it is apparent that the reference sector of the present invention relates to a market of great commercial interest.
Professionals working in the fashion industry must have strong artistic and handicraft skills. In particular, the hair stylist is expected to find effective, aesthetically valid, original solutions, but especially adapted to the characteristics of the customers and their expectations. To this end, he/she must be able, first of all, to identify the specific characteristics of each individual customer through their technical skills and their sensitivity, which qualities play a fundamental role for the success of the treatments and customer satisfaction.
In this regard, it is worth noting that the hair stylist profession must be carried out "in real time", in the sense that once worked on the subject's hair, one cannot go back. A haircut, a chosen color, a treatment are all the result of an analysis, a decision and an intervention consumed within a few hours but which are destined to last for a certain period of time. This range of time, although in any case limited, can sometimes be seen as very long for a customer "victim" of a wrong or unsatisfactory treatment.
Therefore, the professional must currently be able to make decisions based on an analysis made at a glance, using only the tools at his/her disposal: experience, competence, intuition and creativity.
Document EP0443741 discloses an apparatus for formulating a custom mixed cosmetic product, like shampoos, hair dyes or skin lotions, at the point of sale in response to specific input criteria.
It is apparent that not all professionals have the necessary requisites, and often risk causing damage.
It is the main object of the present invention to provide a tool capable of overcoming these problems by providing a valid tool for high profile professionals, allowing any operator in the sector to carry out their work with the comfort and guarantee of scientific and repeatable feedback results.
The above object of the invention is attained by providing an apparatus according to claim 1.
It should be noted that the present invention does not replace the professionalism, artistic skills, style, elegance which are proper and peculiar to each hair stylist: the present invention facilitates, optimizes, supports and facilitates their work.
The invention is designed for hair treatment, but the hardware and software components thereof can be easily developed and extended to all sectors of the fashion industry.
A better understanding of the invention will be obtained with the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying figures which illustrate, by way of a non-limiting example, a preferred embodiment thereof.
In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a general diagram showing the main parts of the invention;
figure 2 shows an example of recess of the base of the color collection bowl;
figure 3 is a schematic view of an example of blocking of the brush during mixing
figure 4 shows a detail of the locking example in fig. 3;
figure 5 is a diagram of an embodiment example of the suction system with activated carbon filter;
figure 6 shows the 10 natural colors and the respective levels;
figure 7 is a traditional chart of the type currently provided by the major manufacturers;
figure 8 is an example of the virtual and dynamic version of the traditional chart: VDCC (Virtual Dynamic Color Chart) according to the present invention showing straight, wavy and curly hair;
figures 9 and 10 show a hair color which is represented by a thick lock of hair which moves by modifying the reflections according to the movement (fig. 9) and the corresponding changes of light (fig. 10);
figure 11 shows a circular star-like Oswald diagram.

The invention uses some existing technologies, modifying and implementing them according to specific needs and assembling them in a single complete and efficient structure which will be referred to as "automatic mixer" for preparing the dye.
A particularly delicate stage is the color treatment to be defined on the basis of various data, including: hair health conditions, type of hair color, base color, shine, etc.
Currently, the color is prepared manually, with doses established on the basis of the experience of the artisan and without any protection - even if some of the substances used are toxic - and often in small spaces not adequately ventilated.
The automatic mixer for preparing the dye according to the present invention consists of an automatic color mixer, capable of dosing and mixing the colors and additives with very high precision through the information supplied, on the basis of the data collected and choices set by the professional based on the customer's requests.
The entire preparation cycle takes place inside a sealed container of soundproofing material and provided with seals to limit the noise, so that the operators are not in contact with the substances and the cleaning and disposal activities are fully respectful of the environment.
The automatic mixer described is provided with:

Access door to a bowl containing the color to be applied to the hair, which can be operated manually or by an electric control.
Connection interface/housing for a tablet or high-resolution mobile display, which also serves as a battery charger.
A plurality of light indicators or LEDs providing all information required for the proper functioning of the machine.
A general power button, also illuminated
An electronic card with microprocessor for managing the apparatus and for implementing the software for the preparation of the dye mixture to be applied to the hair.

EXTERNAL COLOR LEVEL INDICATORS

Once the data has been entered and the dispensing order has been sent, the mixer performs, by means of specific control means, a check of the color level of each container and, in the event that the color contained in the various tanks is not sufficient to achieve the required amount of color, the LED lights corresponding to insufficient color are lit. In addition, the display shows a diagram with the numerical values for the levels of each individual color container.
According to the present invention, it is also possible that, below a certain level, the computer connected to the mixer makes new orders to the pre-set supplier company.
The dispensing apparatus described can also include, alternatively or in addition to the tablet, a touch-screen and/or a manual interface keyboard for the management of the formulas.
An input for the INTERNET connection cable, digital connection sockets and an access door to the container for disposal are also provided.
With reference to the above figures, the automatic mixer described will also be described with reference to a preferred embodiment which is merely exemplary and non-limiting.
It comprises:

1-2 1-5 liter containers for 40 Vol peroxide
1-2 1-5 liter containers for distilled water
1-2 1-5 liter containers of diluent to dilute the blends
3 to 14 containers for colors
connecting pipes and respective joints which connect the containers of the various liquids to the mixing means
nozzles provided with a sealed dispensing valve, adjustable to values ranging from 0.001 ml to 500 ml
a disposal container
a control unit provided with a processor and mass memory for data storage.

The containers inserted in the appropriate housings inside the equipment are the same as those which will be put on the market with the different products and are provided with a special valve for safety closing. This special valve is required to prevent the containers from being filled manually with unforeseen or non-original products which, moreover, could damage the equipment itself. It is also possible to provide a remote online control of the levels of consumption of liquids inside the containers themselves. On each of the containers it is possible to install a microchip adapted to communicate with the control unit to check if it is an original product and only in this case, the dispensing of the color from that container will be enabled.
It is also possible to provide a control system which, through constant monitoring, measures the congruity between the frequency of use of the equipment and the amount of color used. In the event that the results are clearly conflicting, the equipment will be blocked remotely.
The system for dispensing the various liquids to be mixed comprises one or more dispensing pumps, preferably, but not exclusively, peristaltic, connected to the nozzles by means of said pipes of suitable diameter and made of materials such as silicone, PVC or other polymers.
Each container, whether of color or other liquids, includes its own connection to the respective nozzle which, along with the other nozzles, is grouped in a single dispensing bundle.
A sensor, located under the support plate/grid of the dye mixture collection bowl ready for application, is adapted to prevent the start of the color dispensing program without the bowl itself. The latter is located in a compartment provided with a motorized door controlled by the control unit
According to one of the peculiar features of the invention, a suction pump of the fumes from the blend is provided, connected to a venting pipe or alternatively, to a suction device with activated carbon filter. In both cases, the invention is configured to allow all the salons to position the mixer in any place, even in the absence of a dedicated separate room with an adequate level of ventilation.
The equipment is preferably powered by an uninterruptible power supply, with which it is possible to continue working even in the event of power failure.
In case of breakage of mechanical parts, the software will provide the formulas to allow manual mixing of the different color combinations, moreover the mixing device will be able to dispense the color using standard emergency codes, in case of malfunctioning of the software.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention which is described, the door allows access to a compartment where the collection bowl of the dispensed color is accommodated, which bowl is placed on a rotating grid or plate connected to a motor located below the grid itself.
According to a peculiar feature of the invention, the shaft of the motor is mounted eccentric with respect to the axis of the rotating plate, in order to produce a decentralized rotation of the bowl and thus allow mixing the color homogeneously, by means of the brush which acts as a spatula.
To this end, when the door is open, a common brush for applying the dye is fixed to a locking magnetic hook placed at the height of the dispensing system.
When the door is closed, the bowl rotation is automatically activated. Once the mixing process in the sealed compartment has been completed and the toxic fumes are aspirated, the door is opened, the magnetic hook is released, thus releasing the brush and a warning light indicates that it is possible to access the compartment to take the bowl with the application brush ready for use.
It is also possible to provide means for washing brushes and bowls, which must be connected to the water supply or to a washing water tank. In this case a rack (dishwasher type) is provided under the rotating support grid for the cup. A first drawer is designed to accommodate the brushes used for the application of color, while the rest of the rack is specially shaped to accommodate the dirty bowls with precision and ease.
Two pressure water jets, controlled by a pump, automatically wash both the bowls and the blades. In addition to or instead of washing water, a diluent can also be used.
When washing is provided, the cleaning water falls by gravity into a disposal container located in the lower part of the equipment.
Furthermore, the access door to the compartment where the color collection bowl is accommodated could also be motorized and provided with a magnetic hook (figs. 2, 3, 4).
Once the mixing is complete - in a sealed environment and the toxic fumes have been aspirated - a warning light indicates that it is possible to open the door and take the bowl, containing the perfectly mixed dye product in the right amount.
By removing the bowl from the support grid, a mechanism triggers the hook which opens automatically, thus dropping the brush into the bowl.
As for the mixer management software, it is worth noting that the melanin pigment contained in the cortex determines the natural color of the hair, which ranges from black to platinum blonde and related nuances.
All the different colors originate from just three types of pigment, Eumelanin, Tricosiderin and Pheomelanin, the first one is responsible for brown and black colors, the second one for red and the third for blonde.
By combining the three pigments in different percentages, all the shades of color capable of being found in nature are obtained.
Currently, the manufacturers place on the market from 40 to more than 100 colors (and related packaging), thus deceiving the operator to be able to obtain the color exactly as shown on the company's catalog by the direct application of those preparations.
It should however be noted that the correct outcome of the final color depends largely on the type of hair and, in a smaller percentage, on the quality and features of the product prepared.
The natural base of the hair is in fact defined by the different levels of Eumelanin, Tricosiderin and Pheomelanin and by the percentage of white hair present.
To date, the hair stylist must visually evaluate, on the basis of his/her experience, these features and, only subsequently, he/she can intervene by mixing and diluting the dye to obtain, with a good approximation, the desired color.
The highly innovative aspects of the present invention can therefore be found not only in the precision technology for defining the amounts and in the color dispensing and mixing system, but in the "revolutionary" nature of the color management software.
In fact, the mixer described is designed to use only very few colors. The combinations managed by the software will give rise to all the possible nuances. In addition, the program, based on the features of the hair of the subject, indicated according to a list of predefined types, will calculate with extreme precision the amounts of substances required to obtain the correct final result.
The data to be processed can be entered manually, directly from electronic detection instruments (spectrometers, microcamera, 3D scanner, etc.), or in a semi-automatic mode to give the artisan the possibility to make some choices in complete autonomy.
Therefore, the data will be entered into the software which manages and operates the mixer in three different modes:

manual
semi-automatic
automatic.

1. Manual: means the input of commonly used color codes, required for the production of the color, without the software calculating the counter-color and other values detected by the electronic detection instruments.
Currently, hair stylists choose the dyes and the related substances to be mixed using products marked with international codes (which are stored in the software). However, the mixer described has the task of measuring and mixing the color with maximum precision and in complete safety.
2. Semi-automatic: the software, based to the data related to the characteristics of the subject (manually entered) and the desired end result, processes only the amount, the volumes of oxygen and the counter-color obtained from the percentage of melanins calculated in a colorimetric table for each of the 10 natural levels (Fig. 6).
3. Automatic: the data of the subject are directly acquired by the instruments, and after this acquisition the software calculates the type and amount of the counter-color, of the amount and quality of oxygen, and takes into account all the values collected by the electronic instruments on the hair and on the skin. The values expressed in this mode are calculated with numerical precision and not defined within ranges, although the latter are already capable of ensuring an approximation far greater than that currently entrusted to the experience of the professional.

CONTROL SCREEN and VIRTUAL DYNAMIC COLOR CHART

The subject will be able to choose the desired color with the certainty of seeing exactly the chosen nuance applied to his/her hair, without having the data falsified by the synthetic material with which traditional charts are made (Fig. 7), currently supplied by the major manufacturers to beauty salons.
The VDCC (Virtual Dynamic Color Chart) is, in fact, the virtual and dynamic version of the traditional chart. It can contain 10 basic levels and an infinite range of nuances.
The subject (i.e. the customer) is shown the VDCC in the three versions: straight, wavy, curly hair (Fig. 8). Said virtual chart is shown to the subject through the tablet supplied with the mixer or using a special display or a high-definition screen connected to the mixer itself, which in any case is preferably provided with a small display to allow the configuration and communication (interface) thereof with the equipment.
The selection can thus take place initially based on the customer's characteristics and then based on the choice, among the three types.
Each color is represented by a thick lock of hair which will be animated by moving and modifying the shades according to the movement (Fig. 9) and the corresponding light changes (Fig. 10). Advantageously, there can be no errors on the final evaluation.
Thereafter, after the selection, the dynamic image relative to the chosen lock will occupy the entire surface of the screen.
According to the present invention, a second option is provided in which the program allows combining primary, secondary, tertiary colors and so on up to reproduce and define a highly sophisticated tone of nuance with extreme precision. Based on the most advanced colorimetric theories, the software will allow the professional to visually verify the different combinations.
The colors present in the VDCC will in fact also be placed in a circular star-like Oswald diagram (Fig. 11).
Through the touchscreen, with the simple movement of the finger on the color range displayed on the monitor (or using the keyboard), he/she can check and change the chosen color in real time. The formula for the final nuance will be automatically entered in the general database and in the customer's personal sheet.
The program which manages and operates the described mixing device provides for the correct procedure for achieving a certain objective (chosen color and type) from the peculiar features of the subject who wishes to color his/her hair.
The melanin pigment contained in the cortex determines the natural color of the hair, which ranges from black to platinum blonde and related nuances.
As already mentioned, all the different colors originate from just three types of pigment, Eumelanin, Tricosiderin and Pheomelanin, the first being responsible for brown and black colors, the second for red and blonde.
By combining the three pigments (RYB as neutralizing melanins) in different percentages, all the shades of color which can be found in nature are obtained.
The values expressed in the table also serve to calculate the percentage and features of the counter-color.

SOFTWARE STRUCTURE

In a first step, the starting data to be entered in the database are as follows:

A. Type:
1. smooth - 2. Wavy - 3. curly
B. Level:
1. 1. black
2. 2. deep brown-black
3. 3. dark brown
4. 4. brown
5. 5. light brown
6. 6. dark blonde
7. 7. blonde
8. 8. light blonde
9. 9. extra light blonde
10. 10. platinum blonde
C. Nuances: (starting from the following bases, combined with the different levels, an endless range of nuances can be obtained:
1. 1. ash
2. 2. purple
3. 3. golden
4. 4. copper
5. 5. mahogany
6. 6. red
D. White:
means the average percentage of the presence of white hair on the mass of hair and on the regrowth divided into three areas.
E. Mass:
means the amount of hair per cm² calculated in three divisions: low, medium, high.
F. Size:
means the size of the hair and therefore the color absorption capacity, expressed in three sectors. Also in this case, it is expressed in three sectors: large, medium, thin.

After receiving this input data, the software takes into account the additional values detected by the electronic precision instruments, such as the hair shininess, skin color, skin shininess, scalp and hair anomalies correction, implant, etc.
Once the definitive color and type of hair has been chosen, the software processes the qualitative and quantitative data previously acquired and the processing begins for calculating and adding to the formulation the volume of oxygen and the type and amount of compensation counter-color, which elements are required to achieve the final formulation.
Finally, based on the data present in the archive contained in the central memory of the mixer device - which comprises the personal color tabs of each subject/customer - the software defines and dispenses the final dye in the required amount, so as to avoid waste or, conversely, not to risk producing insufficient amounts. Advantageously, the data which are gradually stored in said database, which becomes increasingly large, allows a continuous optimization of the colors processed by the software.
The highly innovative aspects of the present invention can therefore be found not only in the precision technology for defining the amounts and in the color dispensing and mixing system, but also in the "revolutionary" nature of the color mixer management software.
In fact, the invention is designed to use, preferably but not exclusively, from 3 to 14 colors altogether, precisely due to the fact that the combinations managed by the software allow obtaining all the possible infinite shades of color.
According to the present invention, the software has the possibility of applying different combinations to reproduce the full range of possible shades. Below is a list of two of the possible combinations:

1. THREE COLORS + BLACK + NEUTRAL + 40 VOL. OXYGEN + 1 VOL. OXYGEN (OR DISTILLED WATER) (total 7 containers)

1. RED COLOR
2. YELLOW COLOR
3. BLUE COLOR
4. NEUTRAL COLOR
5. BLACK COLOR
6. 1 VOLUME OXYGEN (OR DISTILLED WATER)
7. 40 VOLUME OXYGEN

The three primary RYB colors (RED YELLOW BLUE) combined with each other in the same amount, with the addition of NEUTRAL and BLACK, used to dilute and darken, will make all 10 levels plus the relative nuances.
In this case, the balanced mixtures of the three primary colors - yellow, red and blue - form the natural and white covering levels which, appropriately diluted with NEUTRAL or reinforced with BLACK, are able to form the 10 levels.
The excess quantity of one or more of the three primary colors will determine the chosen nuance and/or counter-color required to balance the formulation. At this point, it will suffice to combine the amount of oxygen at the right level - obtained from the combination of a percentage of 1 volume oxygen (or distilled water) with that at 40 volumes - to achieve the desired shade of color.

2. FOUR COLORS + BLACK + NEUTRAL + 40 VOL. OXYGEN + 1 VOL. OXYGEN (OR DISTILLED WATER) (total 8 containers)

1. COLOR LEVEL 5 ASH
2. COLOR LEVEL 5 GOLDEN
3. COLOR LEVEL 5 RED
4. COLOR LEVEL 5 MAHOGANY
5. BLACK COLOR
6. NEUTRAL COLOR
7. 1 VOLUME OXYGEN (OR DISTILLED WATER)
8. 40 VOLUME OXYGEN

From the dilution of the natural basic BLACK color with a NEUTRAL color, the natural levels from 1 to 5 are obtained. The other 4 colors, always level 5 - i.e. 5 ASH, 5 GOLDEN, 5 RED and 5 MAHOGANY - also appropriately diluted with NEUTRAL and/or reinforced with BLACK, will be used to determine and produce the other 5 levels, from 6 to 10, with the respective nuances and the respective counter-colors. Also in this case, it will suffice to combine the amount of oxygen in the correct percentage of volumes - suitably dosing the 1 volume oxygen (or distilled water) with the 40 volume one - to achieve the desired shade of color.
According to the invention, it is possible to initially enter data manually via the interface, but then this data can be stored to a database specifically provided in the mixing device.
It is also possible to provide the final product (i.e. the color already mixed for application to the hair) in special containers intended for the sale of the product for "do-it-yourself" use, for example in perfumeries, herbalists, pharmacies, etc.
To this end, there are two variants:

1. the first variant provides for the mixer being provided with a function which allows splitting the dispensing in two steps (oxygen and color) directly into two separate containers so that the two components can be combined only at the time of application to the hair.
2. the second variant involves the use of specially made bottles, already divided internally into two separate sectors: one for oxygen and the other for color. When applied to the hair, through a mechanical process, the two elements will come into contact with each other and the color will be ready for use.

The same can be said for the bleaching product consisting of bleaching powder + oxygen + mixing + possible compensation counter-color. To this end, the mixer device described includes a manual or automatic powder dispenser (such as a bar coffee machine dispenser) for preparing and dispensing the bleaches.
Finally, it should be noted that the colors which can be used according to the present invention can advantageously be liquid or powder, of chemical or natural origin.
Among the natural dyes are dyeing herbs extracted from the leaves or roots of plants, which contain a pigment commonly called "henna", which term indicates, in the common language, a mix of different dyeing herbs.
The best known is Lawsonia Inermis which gives a red copper color, but there are also Katam (brown - violet reflections), Indigo (dark brown - black), Cassia (golden reflections), etc.
Dyeing herbs are collected seasonally and sieved several times until they have the consistency of talc. The fine powder obtained can be dissolved in hot water until it becomes a creamy paste, ready to be applied.
To this end, in addition to or alternatively to the nozzles already described for liquid dyes, the invention includes suitable powder dispensers for dispensing the right amount of powder dyes, which are contained in respective containers for powder products.
Larger containers should contain oxygen (still required for bleaching) and natural or distilled water, respectively. Other tanks will contain powder dyeing herbs and the bleaching powder and the dispensers will be capable, as mentioned, of delivering precise amounts of powder, based on the instructions received from the "expert" software.
The dye can be dispensed through a suction system with a high prevalence at low flow which can ensure that the original humidity of the dye is retained, and/or through a system (gravimetric or volumetric - with a preferably electronic measuring system) capable of ensuring a high and constant accuracy of the dispensing of the amounts, even minimal.
To the final mixture thus obtained, some natural substances can be added in order to make it more performing. The best known are: yogurt, vinegar and lemon, which as acid carriers are very useful for the complexation of vegetable pigments with the hair, increasing the yield of the product and fixing the color. In addition, yogurt provides softness, vinegar is effective on greasy skin/hair, lemon accentuates light colors.
Therefore, the supply and dispensing of such acid or alkaline substances, inserted in the remaining tanks, also managed by the management software, is made directly in the bowl intended to contain the final formulation.
The application of the dyeing herbs must also be done taking into account the features of the hair of the subject to be colored - which condition also applies to all types of substances used. The software must therefore be instructed to process the data provided by the detection tools with appropriate variants.
In particular, it must take into account the pH values, which are particularly important in the use of dyeing herbs and must be detected both on the hair of the subject and on the same herbs. A too acid or too alkaline value can cause a significant change in color compared to that desired as the final objective.
The creamy paste obtained by mixing the mixes of powders with hot water does not produce toxic fumes but, rather, a pleasant smell which will also have a relaxing and preparatory function during the application step to the hair.
Therefore, if the apparatus according to the present invention is intended to be used only with natural powder colors, providing an internal and sealed automatic mixing system will not be required. In fact, the powder deposited by the dispenser in the bowl, together with the right dose of hot water, will be mixed outside directly by the operator who will have the task of applying it to the subject's hair.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

1. Display
2. Color containers
3. Suction system and activated carbon filter
4. Door motor
5. Hydrogen peroxide containers
6. Control unit
7. Nozzles for dispensing liquids and/or dispensers of powders
8. Dispensing system pump
9. Brush locking system
10. Eccentric rotating plate
11. Support plate
12. Bowl for the color mixture
13. Brush
14. Disposal container
21. Clean air outlet
22. Suction pump motor
23. Activated carbons
24. Suction hood
31. Dispensing unit
32. Relay control
33. Brush locking pin
33'. Brush locking hole
34. Color dispensing holes

Claims

An automatic dispensing and mixing apparatus for preparing hair dyes, comprising dispensing means for dosing dyes and additives with high precision through information provided and/or on the basis of the data collected, as well as depending on the choices set by a professional on the basis of the requests of a subject/customer who must dye his/her hair; the apparatus further comprising:
- an access door to a compartment for a collection bowl (12) adapted to contain the color to be applied on the hair, which can be operated manually or electrically

- Connection interface/housing for a tablet and/or mobile display, or a screen and an input keyboard, or a touch-screen for managing formulations

- A plurality of light indicators or LEDs providing all information required for the proper functioning of the machine

- A plurality of containers/tanks for basic colors, either in liquid and/or powder form, and for dilution liquids

- An electronic card with microprocessor for managing the apparatus and for implementing software for the management and operation of the apparatus itself and for the preparation of the dye mixture to be applied to the hair;
characterized in that
a control screen is provided for displaying a "Virtual Dynamic Color Chart" or VDCC, by means of which the subject can choose the color he/she wants with the certainty of seeing exactly the selected nuance applied to his/her hair; wherein the management software includes a function showing each color by means of a thick lock of hair which moves, thus changing the reflections as a function of the movement and the corresponding light changes.
An apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the whole cycle of preparation takes place inside a container or compartment, sealed against the fumes of mixed substances, wherein means are provided for mixing and blending the dyes and the additives.
An apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises dedicated control means for checking, after having entered the data and having activated the dye dispensing command, the liquid level in each container and communicating it the to the management software so that, if the amount contained in the various containers is not sufficient to obtain the required amount of dye, it turns on the LED indicators corresponding to the insufficient liquid and notifies this condition.
An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that it includes an input for an INTERNET connection cable and connection sockets.
An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises:
• 1 or 2 1-5 liter containers for 40 Vol hydrogen peroxide

• 1 or 2 1-5 liter containers of at least 1 volume distilled water or hydrogen peroxide

• 1 or 2 1-5 liter containers of neutral color to dilute the blends

• 3 to 14 containers for colors, having a capacity of from 0.5 to 2 liters each

• connecting pipes and respective joints which connect the containers of the various liquids to the mixing means

• nozzles provided with a sealed dispensing valve, adjustable to values ranging from 0.001 ml to 500 ml

• a control unit provided with a processor and mass memory for data storage.
An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said software includes a control system which, through constant monitoring, measures the congruity between the frequency of use of the machine and the amount of color used; remote communication and control means being provided for locking the apparatus in case the results are clearly conflicting.
An apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the dispensing means of the liquids to be mixed comprise one or more dispensing pumps connected to the nozzles by means of said connecting pipes with suitable diameter.
An apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that each container, whether of color or other liquids, is provided with its own connection to the respective nozzle which, along with the other nozzles, is grouped in a single dispensing bundle.
An apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that a suction pump of the fumes from the blend is provided, connected to a venting pipe or to a suction device with activated carbon filter.
An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bowl for collecting the color dispensed is placed on a rotating grid or plate which is mounted eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation thereof, in order to produce a decentralized rotation of the bowl and thus allow mixing the color evenly; a common brush being provided for the application of the dye, which acts as a mixing spatula.
An apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it includes a magnetic hook placed at the height of the dispensing system, for the temporary attachment of said brush for applying the dye when the compartment door is open.
An apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said rotating grid or plate is provided with temporary anchoring means of the collection bowl, such as a recess mating the base of the bowl.
An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said software is designed to use only a few colors, combining them to create all possible nuances; in addition, said software, based on the specific characteristics of the subject's hair, listed according to a predefined list of types, accurately calculates the amounts of substances needed to obtain the correct final result; wherein the data to be processed can be entered manually, directly from the electronic detection means, such as spectrometers, microcamera, 3D scanners, pH meters, etc., or with a semi-automatic mode to give the possibility to the artisan to make some choices in complete autonomy.
An apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said software which manages and operates the apparatus itself has at least one of the following three distinct modes of operation:
• manual

• semi-automatic

• automatic;
where:
- "Manual" means the input of the color codes commonly used, required to prepare the dye, without the software calculating the counter-color and other values detected by the electronic detection means; in this case, the apparatus has the task of dispensing and mixing the color accurately and safely;

- "Semi-automatic" means that the software, based on the manually entered data concerning the characteristics of the subject and the desired end result, processes only the amount, the volumes of oxygen and the counter-color obtained from the percentage of melanins calculated in a colorimetric table for each of the 10 natural levels;

- "Automatic" means that the subject's data are directly acquired through said electronic detection means and, after such acquisition, the software calculates the type and amount of counter-color, the amount and quality of the oxygen, and takes into account all the values measured by the electronic means regarding the hair and skin; the values expressed in this mode being calculated with numerical precision and not defined within a range, though they are already able to ensure an accuracy far greater than that currently entrusted to the professional's experience.
An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said software includes a second option where primary, secondary, tertiary colors, and so on, can be combined up to reproduce and define a highly sophisticated shade of nuances with extreme accuracy; a feature being also provided which allows the professional to visually check the different combinations.
An apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that through the touch-screen, with the simple movement of a finger over the range of colors displayed on the screen using an Oswald star, or using the keyboard, it is possible to check and change the selected color in real time; a feature being provided to automatically add the formula of the final selected nuance to the general database and in the subject/customer's personal tab.
An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said software provides for:
a first step in which the starting data to be entered in the database are as follows:
A. Type: 1. smooth - 2. wavy - 3. curly

B. Level: 1. black - 2. dark - 3. dark brown 4. brown - 5. light brown - 6. dark blonde - 7. blonde - 8. light blonde - 9. extra light blonde - 10. platinum blonde

C. Nuances: starting from the following bases, combined with the different levels, an endless range of nuances can be obtained: 1. Ash - 2. purple - 3. Golden - 4. Copper - 5. Mahogany - 6. Red

D. White: means the average percentage of the presence of white hair on the mass of hair and on the regrowth divided into three areas

E. Mass: means the amount of hair per cm² calculated in three divisions: low, medium, high

F. Size: means the size of the hair and therefore the color absorption capacity, expressed in three sectors: large, medium, thin,

a second step in which the additional values detected by the electronic precision instruments are taken into account, such as the hair shininess, skin color, skin shininess, scalp and hair anomalies correction, implant, etc.,

a third step in which the final hair color and type are selected,

a fourth step in which the qualitative and quantitative data previously acquired are processed and the processing begins for calculating and adding to the formulation the volume of oxygen and the type and amount of compensation counter-color, elements necessary to achieve the final formulation,

a fifth step in which, based on the data present in the archive contained in the central memory of the apparatus - which comprises the personal color tabs of each subject/customer - the final dye is defined and dispensed in the necessary amount, so as to avoid waste or, conversely, not to risk producing insufficient amounts.
An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said software provides for the possibility of applying different color combinations to reproduce the full range of possible nuances:
A. The three primary colors RYB (RED YELLOW BLUE) combined with each other

B. The suitably diluted basic natural black color yields the 10 levels combined in percentage with RYB

C. The neutral basic natural color to dilute the black color

D. 1 volume oxygen or distilled water

E. 40 volume oxygen.
An apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that said software provides for the possibility of applying different color combinations to reproduce the full range of possible nuances:
A. Ash color level 5

B. Golden color level 5

C. Red color level 5

D. Mahogany color level 5

E. The suitably diluted basic natural black color yields the 10 levels combined in percentage with RYB

F. The neutral basic natural color to dilute the black color

G. 1 volume oxygen or distilled water

H. 40 volume oxygen.
An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes dedicated containers intended for the sale of the product for DIY use, in which the final product, i.e. the color already mixed for the application on the hair, is dispensed; wherein means are provided for dividing the dispensing into two steps: oxygen and color, directly into two separate containers, so as to combine the two components only when they are to be applied to the hair; or wherein specially made bottles are provided, already divided internally into two separate sections: one for the oxygen and the other for the color; wherein at the time of application to the hair, through a mechanical process, the two components come into contact with each other and the dye is ready for use.
An apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that, in order to use a bleaching product consisting of bleaching powder + oxygen + mixing, it is provided with a manual or automatic powder dispenser to prepare and dispense the bleaches.
An apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that said bleaching product also comprises a compensation counter-color.
An apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that in addition to or alternatively to said nozzles (7), it includes with suitable powder dispensers for dispensing the right amount of powder dyes, which are contained in respective containers for powder products.