APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC OIL DISPENSER AND METHOD OF OPERATION

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/713,061, filed on Oct. 29, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to an apparatus for and method for dispensing oils, and more particularly to an apparatus for automatic oil dispensing that provides pre-measured amounts of customized oil blends with precise dilution ratios, ensuring hygiene and safety while allowing users to seamlessly utilize essential oils and carrier oils for various personal care and wellness applications.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of personal care and wellness, with an increasing number of individuals seeking natural and holistic practices to enhance their daily routines. Natural oils, including essential oils and carrier oils, are widely used for oral care (such as oil pulling), skincare, aromatherapy, massage therapy, hair care, and other personal wellness applications. Despite the recognized benefits of these natural oils, many people find it inconvenient, challenging, and potentially unsafe to properly dilute and dispense them for daily use. Traditional methods often require manual handling and mixing of oils, which can be messy, imprecise, unhygienic, and potentially hazardous when concentrated essential oils are not properly diluted. Furthermore, certain carrier oils such as coconut oil can solidify at room temperature (below approximately 76° F. or 24° C.), making them less accessible and more difficult to use when needed.

Users face significant challenges in measuring appropriate amounts of both essential oils and carrier oils for each session, leading to potential waste, inadequate application, or dangerous over-concentration of essential oils. Concentrated essential oils can cause skin irritation, mucous membrane damage, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects when applied undiluted or in improper concentrations. The need for a clean, hygienic, and safe method to dispense properly diluted oil blends is critical, as direct contact with concentrated oils can be harmful, and manual dilution is prone to measurement errors. Additionally, cross-contamination from repeated manual handling can introduce bacteria and contaminants, undermining the health and wellness benefits of using natural oils.

Current solutions in the market typically lack the features necessary for a safe, seamless, and user-friendly experience. Many existing dispensers do not maintain carrier oils in a liquid state, do not offer automated dilution capabilities, cannot accommodate customization options for adding essential oils at safe concentrations, or fail to prevent user contact with concentrated essential oils. Pre-made oil blends available commercially lack personalization options to accommodate individual preferences, allergies, or medication interactions, often come in single-use plastic bottles creating environmental waste, can be expensive for regular use, and still do not address the solidification problem of coconut oil and similar carrier oils. As a result, users are left with limited choices that do not fully address their needs for convenience, safety, hygiene, precise dilution, and personalization.

Therefore, there is a need for an innovative automatic oil dispensing apparatus that not only dispenses pre-measured amounts of oils but also maintains carrier oils in a liquid state, provides precise and safe dilution ratios of essential oils with carrier oils, ensures hygiene by eliminating direct contact with concentrated oils, and allows users to customize their oil blends according to their specific needs and preferences. Such an apparatus should address critical safety concerns related to improper dilution of concentrated essential oils while creating a more enjoyable and effective experience for various personal care applications. Moreover, the device should streamline the entire process from storage through dilution to dispensing, making it accessible for individuals with varying levels of experience with essential oils.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for and method for dispensing oils including precise dilution control, which may include at least one processor; at least one memory; one or more housings configured to each store at least one oil; at least one inlet channel and at least one outlet channel coupled to respective ones of the housings; the outlet channel having at least one valve; a heating element disposed in at least one of the housings; a sensing unit disposed in respective ones of the housings; and at least one collecting unit adjacent to the outlet channel.

The apparatus addresses critical safety concerns related to improper dilution of concentrated essential oils, which can cause skin irritation, mucous membrane damage, chemical burns, allergic reactions, or other adverse health effects when used undiluted or in excessive concentrations. By providing automated, precise dilution ratios and preventing direct handling of concentrated essential oils, the apparatus ensures safe delivery of essential oil blends for various personal care applications including but not limited to oil pulling, topical skincare treatments, massage preparations, hair care treatments, and aromatherapy preparations. The apparatus maintains carrier oils at optimal temperatures to prevent solidification, accurately measures and dispenses precise volumes, and allows users to select from pre-programmed safe dilution ratios appropriate for their intended use.

However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein. The above and other embodiments of the present disclosure (and aspects and features thereof) will become more apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains by referencing the detailed description of the present disclosure below.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for automatic oil dispensing with temperature control and dilution management is provided. The apparatus may include: a processor; a memory; at least one housing configured to store at least one oil; an inlet channel and an outlet channel each coupled to the housing; the outlet channel having a valve for controlling a dilution of the at least one oil; a heating element disposed in or around the housing; a sensing unit disposed in the housing; and a collecting unit placed adjacent to the outlet channel, wherein the collecting unit is configured to receive the oil when the oil is dispensed from the outlet channel. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may further include a user panel configured to receive one or more inputs from a user.

In an embodiment, the one or more inputs may include: a first input corresponding to a total volume of the oil to be dispensed; a second input corresponding to a desired dilution strength (e.g., ratio) of the oil with respect to another oil; and a third input corresponding to a time interval of a timed session during which the oil is dispensed.

In an embodiment, the valve may be configured to open for a duration of time based on at least one of the first input or second input, and a predetermined flow rate.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may further include at least one sound-generating element that may be configured to generate a sound based on the third input in response to elapsing of the time interval.

In an embodiment, the sound-generating device may be further configured to generate a second sound based on a detected oil level falling below or rising above a predetermined threshold.

In an embodiment, the heating element may be configured to maintain a temperature of the oil to within a desired range, preventing solidification of carrier oils such as coconut oil.

In an embodiment, the heating element may be configured to maintain a temperature of the oil to within 76° F. to 149° F., for an optimal range of 76° F. to 105° F. The heating element may include a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material, such as a silicone heating element, for efficient and safe operation.

In an embodiment, a heating interval for the heating element may be calculated by the processor based on at least one of a current temperature detected by a temperature sensor, a target temperature range, an ambient temperature, and a thermal property of the oil, a power rating of the heating element, and a volume of the oil, to determine optimal heating duration to reach and maintain target temperature efficiently while minimizing energy consumption.

In an embodiment, the sensing unit may include a proximity sensor configured to detect an oil level by measuring a distance from a surface of the oil; and/or a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the oil. When oil is dispensed, the proximity sensor detects the change in oil level height, which corresponds to a specific volume reduction, allowing accurate tracking of remaining oil quantity.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may further include a first oil and a second oil, wherein the first oil is an essential oil or concentrated aromatic oil and the second oil is a carrier oil selected from the group consisting of: coconut oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and other food-grade or cosmetic-grade carrier oils suitable for oral care, topical application, or aromatherapy use.

In an embodiment, the processor may be configured to calculate the volume of oil to be dispensed based on at least one of an internal geometry of the housing, a distance measurement from the proximity sensor to the oil surface, or a pre-calibrated volume-to-height relationship stored in the memory.

In an embodiment, the apparatus may further include a blending unit configured to blend the first oil and second oil, wherein the blended oil is disposed through the outlet channel.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for dispensing oils with precise dilution control is provided. The method may include: receiving one or more oils through an inlet channel; communicating the oils into a housing; maintaining a temperature of the oils to within a range; determining a target quantity corresponding to each of the oils based on a selected dilution strength and a total quantity of the oils to be dispensed; blending the oils based on the selected dilution ratio; and adjusting one or more valves coupled to an outlet channel to communicate the blended oils into a collecting unit.

In an embodiment, the method may further include maintaining, by a heating element, a temperature of the oils to prevent solidification and maintain optimal viscosity.

In an embodiment, the method may further include maintaining, by the heating element, a temperature of the oils to within 76° F. to 149° F. for preventing solidification and maintaining a viscosity of the oils, for an optimal range of 76° F. to 105° F.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for dispensing oils with dual-chamber dilution control is provided. The method may include: receiving a first oil (e.g., essential oil) through a first inlet channel and a second oil (e.g., coconut oil) through a second inlet channel; communicating the first oil into a first housing and the second oil into a second housing; maintaining temperature of at least the second oil to prevent solidification thereof; determining a first target quantity corresponding to the first oil and a second target quantity corresponding to the second oil; adjusting a first valve based on the first target quantity to communicate the first oil into a collecting unit; adjusting a second valve based on the second target quantity to communicate the second oil into the collecting unit; and blending the first oil and the second oil in the collecting unit.

In an embodiment, the adjusting may include opening each of the first valve and the second valve to allow a flow of each of the first oil and second oil into the collection unit, respectively.

In an embodiment, the adjusting of the first and second valves may include opening each of the first valve and the second valve for calculated durations to allow precise flows of each of the first oil and second oil into the collection unit, respectively, wherein the durations are calculated to achieve the user-selected dilution strength.

In an embodiment, the first valve may be adjusted concurrently and/or sequentially with the second valve.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for safe dispensing of essential oils is provided, wherein the apparatus includes: a processor and a memory; at least one housing configured to store essential oils and carrier oils; a heating element to maintain carrier oils in a liquid state; a user interface configured to receive inputs for selecting a dilution strength from a plurality of predetermined dilution ratios; an automated dispensing mechanism configured to provide pre-measured diluted blends; and a collecting unit, wherein the apparatus is configured to prevent a user exposure to undiluted essential oils by automatically diluting the essential oils with the carrier oils to safe concentration levels before dispensing into the collecting unit.

In an embodiment, the safe concentration levels may range from 0.5% to 5% in concentration of the essential oils in the carrier oils. The apparatus may include predetermined concentration levels corresponding to an intended use, such as a lower concentration (0.5%-2%) for oral care and sensitive skin applications, a medium concentration (2%-3.5%) for general topical use and massage, and a higher concentration (3.5%-5%) for localized treatment and aromatherapy applications where direct skin contact is limited.

Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present disclosure may be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing, in detail, embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for dispensing oils, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of a method for dispensing oils, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an apparatus for dispensing oils, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an apparatus for dispensing oils, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus for dispensing oils in FIG. 3, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of a method for dispensing oils, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of a method for dispensing oils, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

In the figures, dimensions of the various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals designate the same elements. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present invention relates to “one or more embodiments of the present invention.” Expressions, such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. Also, the term “exemplary” is intended to refer to an example or illustration. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For instance, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Similarly, the second element could also be termed the first element.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” or “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting of the described example embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure aims to address certain needs existed in existing oil dispensers by providing a modern solution that combines convenience, safety, hygiene, precise dilution control, and personalization for individuals interested in enhancing their wellness routines through the safe use of essential oils, carrier oils, or other oils. By streamlining and automating the dilution and dispensing process, the embodiments of the present disclosure encourage more people to safely adopt beneficial natural oil practices in their daily lives while protecting them from the hazards of improperly diluted essential oils.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure addresse one or more disadvantages of known oil dispensing devices/systems by providing an innovative apparatus and method for an oil delivery system that allows for sanitary, safe, and accurate delivering of natural oils with precise dilution control to be used for various personal care and wellness applications. The apparatus controls the amount, temperature, and dilution strength (e.g., ratio) of natural oils, thereby securing proper hygiene, safety through appropriate dilution of concentrated essential oils, and ease of use. By preventing direct user contact with concentrated essential oils and ensuring precise dilution to safe concentration levels, the apparatus protects users from potential adverse effects including skin irritation, chemical burns, mucous membrane damage, and allergic reactions that can result from improper handling or use of undiluted essential oils.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for dispensing oils according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one or more embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be configured to provide a predetermined (e.g., pre-measured) amount and/or a calculated amount of a customized blend of one or more oils at a precise dilution ratio, thereby ensuring hygiene, safety through proper dilution, and an optimal user experience. The apparatus 100 may be configured to allow a user to blend a first oil (e.g., essential oil, aromatic oil, or other concentrated oil) with a second oil (e.g., carrier oil such as coconut oil), thus creating a safe, pleasant, and effective oil blend for various personal care applications. In other embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be configured to allow the user to blend more than two oils of different types, e.g., three, four, etc., in accordance with the descriptions provided herein. It should be understood that any suitable types of oils may be used for blending, in addition to essential oils and coconut oil, including but not limited to: sesame oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, castor, and other food-grade or cosmetic-grade carrier oils suitable for oral care, topical application, massage therapy, hair care, or aromatherapy use. The apparatus 100 may be configured to automatically dispense the predetermined amount of the customized blend of oils at a user-selected dilution ratio, thereby ensuring a consistent, safe experience tailored to the preferences and intended use of the user.

In one or more embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include at least one housing 102, at least one inlet channel 104, at least one blending unit 106, at least one heating element 108, at least one sensing unit 110, at least one dispensing unit 112, at least one outlet channel 114, at least one collecting unit 115, at least one holding frame 117, at least one user interface 116, at least one power source 118, and at least one processor 120.

In an embodiment, the housing 102 may include a chamber that is configured to allow the user to fill the second oil (e.g., coconut oil or other carrier oil) and the first oil (e.g., essential oils or aromatic oils) through the inlet channel 104. The second oil (e.g., carrier oil) may be blended with the first oil (e.g., essential oil) at a precise dilution strength to create a safe and effective blend with added therapeutic benefits such as improved oral hygiene, freshness, soothing properties, skin nourishment, or aromatherapy effects, depending on the intended application.

In an embodiment, the user interface 116 may be configured to allow the user to provide one or more inputs to activate and control the apparatus 100, including selection of desired dispensing volume (e.g., 5 mL to 50 mL), of dilution/concentration levels (e.g., 0.5% to 5% concentration), and of an optional timer duration (e.g., 5 to 30 minutes).

In an embodiment, the blending unit 106 may be configured to blend the second oil (e.g., carrier oil) with the first oil (e.g., essential oil) upon activation to obtain blended oil 122 at the precise dilution ratio selected by the user.

In an embodiment, the heating element 108 may be integrated into the chamber of the housing 102 to maintain the blended oil 122 at an optimal temperature for preventing the blended oil 122 from solidifying, thereby ensuring consistent viscosity and ease of use. The heating element 108 may include (e.g., be made from) a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material, such as a silicone heating element, for efficient and safe operation. The heating element 108 may be configured to maintain the oil temperature within a range of 76° F. to 149° F., for an optimal range of 76° F. to 105° F.

In an embodiment, the heating intervals may be calculated by the processor 120 based on one or more factors. The one or more factors may include at least one of a current temperature of the blended oils 122 detected by the temperature sensor of the sensing unit 110; a target temperature range (e.g., 76° F. to 105° F.); an ambient temperature of the blended oils 122; a thermal property of at least one of the first oil, the second oil, and/or the blended oil 122; a power rating of the heating element 108; and a quantity (e.g., volume) of the blended oil 122 remaining in the housing 102.

In an embodiment, the processor 120 may employ a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control algorithm or similar control method to determine optimal heating duration and timing to reach and maintain the target temperature efficiently while minimizing energy consumption and preventing overheating.

In an embodiment, the sensing unit 110 may be configured to determine the precise quantity of the blended oil 122 remaining in the housing 102 and to be dispensed from the housing 102, thereby ensuring accurate and consistent portions for each use. The sensing unit 110 may include a capacitive proximity sensor configured to determine the quantity of the blended oil 122 within the housing 102 by measuring the distance from the proximity sensor to a surface of the blended oil 122. The processor 120 may be configured to determine (e.g., calculate) the quantity of the blended oils 122 based on at least one of a predetermined (e.g., known) internal geometry and/or dimension(s) of the housing 102; a distance measurement from the proximity sensor to the oil surface; and a predetermined (e.g., pre-calibrated) volume-to-height relationship stored in a memory. When oil is dispensed, the sensing unit 110 detects the change in oil level height, which corresponds to a specific volume reduction, allowing accurate tracking of the remaining oil quantity and ensuring precise dispensing amounts.

The dispensing unit 112 may be configured to release the blended oil into the collecting unit 115 through the outlet channel 114, based on the user input(s) provided via the user interface 116 and/or data related to the pre-measured amount and desired dilution ratio of the customized blend. The dispensing unit 112 includes electronically controlled solenoid valves that are operated by the processor 120. The processor 120 calculates a duration for opening the valve based on at least one of the desired output volume of the blended oil 122 selected by the user and the predetermined flow rate of the blended oil 122 through an opening of the valve. The predetermined flow rate may be measured in units of mL/second at the maintained temperature.

In an embodiment, the duration for opening the valve may be calculated based on the formula Open Time=Desired Volume/Flow Rate, where Open Time corresponds to a duration for opening the valve, Desired Volume corresponds to the output volume selected by the user, and Flow Rate corresponds to the predetermined flow rate. In an illustrative example, if the flow rate is 5 mL/sec and the desired volume is 15 mL, the processor may determine that the duration for opening the valve is 3 second, and in response, may open the valve for 3 seconds. The apparatus 100 may include timed calibration data stored in the memory to ensure accuracy.

In an embodiment, instead of a valve, a peristaltic, gear and/or diaphragm pump may control the volume of the blended oils 122 using calibrated flow-per-revolution (or time). The processor 120 may actuate a pump based on the equation tE=VB/Q, where tE corresponds to the time interval that the pump releases the blended oil 122, VB corresponds to the volume of the blended oil 122 to be dispensed, and QB corresponds to the temperature-compensated flow rate of the blended oil 122. The apparatus 100 may optionally include an in-line static mixer.

In an embodiment, the collecting unit 115 may be disposed (e.g., positioned) on the holding frame 117. The holding frame 117 may be affixed to the housing 102.

In an embodiment, the dispensing unit 112 may be integrated with a timer 113 to assist users in maintaining a recommended duration for their sessions (e.g., approximately 20 minutes for oil pulling, or other durations for different applications). The timer 113 may include preset options, for example, of 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes, thereby enabling the users to select durations appropriate for their specific use, offering flexibility for both beginners and experienced users across various applications.

In an embodiment, the user interface 116 may be configured to enable the user to select the desired time and trigger an audio and visual notification to indicate when the selected time has elapsed. This feature encourages proper practice timing for applications such as oil pulling, helping users achieve maximum benefits, such as improved oral hygiene, reduced plaque, and fresher breath. The timer 113 enhances user convenience by allowing hands-free timing, so users can comfortably perform other tasks while the apparatus 100 tracks the session. An alert at the end of the selected time notifies (e.g., by generating a sound through a sound-generating element such as a buzzer, or a visual signal through an LED indicator) the user when the session is complete, creating an effortless experience that promotes regular use and adherence to recommended timing for optimal results.

In an embodiment, the processor 120 may be configured to communicate with the heating element 108, the blending unit 106, the sensing unit 110, and/or the dispensing unit 112, to operate the apparatus 100 based on the user input(s) provided by the user via the user interface 116. The user interface 116 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 120. The power source 118 may be configured to supply electrical power to the automatic oil dispensing apparatus 100. In a preferred embodiment, the power source 118 may include an AC/DC converter connected to a standard wall outlet, as the heating element 108 requires significant continuous power that exceeds practical battery capacity. Power regulators down-convert the high voltage from the wall outlet to low voltage levels suitable and safe for the internal device electronics.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a customizable blend option, thereby allowing users to add oils (e.g., essential oils) directly into the dispenser at user-selected dilution ratios. This feature enhances the user experience by enabling personalized concentration levels and therapeutic benefits during various personal care applications while maintaining safety through automated dilution control.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may be equipped with a hygienic dispensing system that prevents direct contact with concentrated oils, particularly preventing user exposure to undiluted essential oils, thereby promoting safety, cleanliness and convenience. The apparatus may further include a nozzle designed to minimize contamination. In this way, the apparatus 100 may be designed to encourage regular use of essential oil practices by providing users with a simple, safe, and effective way to incorporate natural oil care practices into their daily routines across multiple applications.

FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of a method 1000 for dispensing oils according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments, the method 1000 may include, at step S1050, filling the chamber (e.g., the housing 102) of the apparatus 100 with carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and any desired essential oils or aromatic oils through the inlet channel 104. In this case, the carrier oil serves as the primary base oil for safe dilution, while the essential oils provide additional therapeutic benefits such as improved oral hygiene, soothing properties, aromatherapy effects, or skin nourishment, depending on the intended application. At step S1100, the user interface 116 enables the user to provide the one or more inputs to activate the apparatus 100, including selection of desired dispensing volume, dilution strength, and optional timer duration. At step S1150, the processor 120 activates the blending unit 106 to blend the carrier oil with the essential oils upon activation to obtain blended oil 122 at the precise dilution strength.

In an embodiment, at step S1200, the processor 120 activates the heating element 108 to maintain the blended oil 122 at an optimal temperature based on a type of application of the blended oil 122 by the user. For example, the heating element 108 may determine a different optimal temperature based on whether the user is using the blended oil 122 for oil pulling, topical skincare application, massage therapy, hair care treatment, or aromatherapy. The heating intervals and duration may be calculated by the processor 120 using a control algorithm based on current temperature, target temperature, ambient conditions, oil thermal properties, heating element specifications, and/or remaining oil volume. At step S1250, the sensing unit 110 determines the precise quantity of the blended oil 122 to be dispensed from the container of the housing 102, thereby ensuring accurate and consistent portions for each use. The proximity sensor measures the distance to the oil surface, and the processor 120 calculates volume based on housing geometry and pre-calibrated volume-to-height relationships.

In an embodiment, at step S1300, the processor 120 activates the dispensing unit 112 to release the blended oil into the collecting unit 115 through the outlet channel 114, based on the user inputs provided via the user interface 116 and data related to the pre-measured amount and desired dilution ratio of the customized blend, thereby ensuring hygiene and safety while allowing users to seamlessly engage in their chosen personal care application. The valve open duration is precisely calculated using the formula: Open Time=Desired Volume/Flow Rate, ensuring accurate dispensing of the selected volume at the selected dilution strength. At step S1350, the processor 120 activates the timer 113 (if selected by the user) to assist the users in maintaining the desired duration according to the time selected by the user via the user interface 116, thereby triggering an audio and visual notification to indicate when the selected time has elapsed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an apparatus for dispensing oils according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, according to one or more embodiments, the apparatus 100 for dispensing oils may receive one or more oils through the inlet channel, and the apparatus 100 may be configured to communicate the oils into the housing of the apparatus 100

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, according to one or more embodiments, the apparatus 100 for dispensing oils may receive one or more oils through the inlet channel, and the apparatus 100 may be configured to communicate the oils into the housing of the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may be configured to maintain a temperature of the oils and determine a target quantity corresponding to each of the oils based on user-selected dilution ratio and desired volume. The apparatus 100 may be configured to adjust at least one valve coupled to the outlet channel to communicate the oils into the collecting unit at the precise volumes required to achieve the desired dilution strength.

The apparatus 100 may be configured to maintain the temperature of the oils through the heating element and detect the temperature of the oils through the sensing unit, for example, a temperature sensing unit. The apparatus 100 may be configured to maintain a temperature of the oils to be within a certain range. In one embodiment, the range may be from 76° F. to 105° F., where 76° F. represents the melting point of coconut oil, 105° F. represents a safe maximum temperature for user contact and oral use. An optimal range of 98° F. to 100° F. may be maintained for best viscosity characteristics and user comfort. In other embodiments, any suitable range of temperature may be maintained by the apparatus 100. For example, a suitable range of temperature may be determined based on one or more characteristics of the specific oil or oils being used, such as melting point, viscosity temperature relationship, and intended application. Because the temperature of the oils is (or can be) maintained and/or controlled while the oils are in the housing, the temperature and the viscosity of the oils may be controlled. As such, the accuracy with which the oils are dispensed and the effectiveness of the oils during application may be improved, while also ensuring user safety and comfort.

The apparatus 100 may be configured to adjust or control the operation of a valve coupled to the outlet channel. In an embodiment, the operation of the valve may be controlled based on a value of an output quantity of oil or oils that may be calculated based on one or more user inputs corresponding to at least one of: a target quantity of total oil blend to be dispensed (e.g., 5-50 mL), a target strength or dilution ratio (e.g., 0.5% to 5% concentration of essential oil in carrier oil), and/or a time interval for a timed session. The quantity of the oils corresponding to the calculated value of the output quantity may be released by adjusting or controlling the operation of the valve based on precise timing calculations.

For example, if the valve is opened then the oils are released through the outlet channel, and if the valve is closed then the oils are maintained in the housing. The valve opening duration is calculated using the formula of Open Time=Desired Volume/Flow Rate, where the flow rate (measured in mL/second) is predetermined based on valve specifications, pipe diameter, and oil viscosity at the maintained temperature. In an illustrative example, if the user selects a total volume of the bended oils 122 to be 15 mL at 2.5% dilution with essential oils, the volume of the essential oils to be blended with the carrier oil (e.g. coconut oil) may be determined to be a product of the total volume and the value of dilution (e.g., 15 mL×0.025), to yield 0.375 m. The volume of coconut oil is determined by subtracting the determined volume of the essential oils from the output volume of the blended oil 122 (e.g., 15 mL−0.375 mL), to yield 14.625 mL. Further, if the predetermined flow rate of the essential oils is 0.5 mL/sec, the time interval for opening a valve for dispensing the essential oil may be determined to be 0.75 seconds. If the predetermined flow rate for coconut oil is 5 mL/sec, the valve for dispensing the coconut oil is determined to be 2.93 seconds. Because the quantity (e.g., volume) and strength of the oils released by the valve through the outlet channel can be precisely controlled and maintained by the apparatus 100 based on inputs from the user, manual handling or delivery of concentrated oils can be eliminated, protecting users from exposure to potentially harmful undiluted essential oils. Therefore, the accuracy of dispensing the oil blend at safe dilution ratios can be improved, and the risk of contamination of the dispensed oils and harm from improper dilution can be reduced.

In an embodiment, the inlet channel 104 may be configured to receive the coconut oil (or other carrier oil) and/or the essential oil therethrough to form the blended oil 122. The inlet channel 104 may be disposed at an end of the housing 102, and may further be coupled thereto (see FIG. 1). In a case that the blended oils 122 includes a mixture of two or more oils (e.g., a mixture of essential/fragrance oils and coconut oil or other carrier oil), each of the oils may be received by (i.e., poured into) the inlet channel 104. The inlet channel 104 may be configured to communicate each of the oils received therethrough to the housing 102, such that the blended oils 122 are deposited in the housing 102. The apparatus 100 may further include the blending unit 106 disposed within the housing 102, wherein the blending unit 106 is configured to further blend the oils 122 to improve the uniformity thereof and ensure consistent dilution strength throughout the blend.

In an embodiment, the housing 102 may be configured to store the oils 122. The housing 102 may further include the sensing unit 110. The sensing unit may be disposed on a surface of the housing 102. The sensing unit 110 may be disposed of in an interior of (e.g., inside) the housing 102. The sensing unit 110 may include a temperature sensor and/or a capacitive proximity sensor (not shown). The temperature sensor and the proximity sensor may be disposed adjacent to each other. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the temperature sensor and the proximity sensor may be spaced apart from each other. The temperature sensor and the proximity sensor may be placed at any suitable location in or within the housing.

In an embodiment, the temperature sensor may be disposed within the housing 102 such that the temperature sensor may be configured to detect a temperature of the blended oils 122 within the housing 102. The temperature sensor may be configured to operatively connect to the processor 1 (see FIG. 3), and the processor 120 may be configured to cause the temperature sensor to initialize in order to detect the temperature of the blended oils 122. The temperature sensor may be further configured to operatively connect to a memory 2 (see FIG. 3) to communicate (e.g., via wired and/or wireless interfaces or networks) the detected temperature of the blended oils 122 to the memory 2.

The temperature sensor may be configured to detect a plurality of temperatures of the blended oils 122. For example, the temperature sensor may be configured to detect a first temperature of the blended oils 122 at a first level and detect a second temperature of the blended oils 122 at a second level. The first level may correspond to an initial quantity of the blended oils 122 prior to an additional quantity of the blended oils 122 being deposited to and/or removed from the housing 102, and the second level may correspond to the total quantity of the blended oils 122 after an additional quantity of oils is deposited to and/or removed from (e.g., dispensed from) the oils 122 within housing 102. The plurality of temperatures, such as the first temperature and the second temperature, may be communicated to the memory 2. The memory 2 may be configured to store the communicated plurality of temperatures in a form of data or dataset. The plurality of temperatures (e.g., data) stored in the memory 2 may then be communicated to the processor 1 for processing (see FIG. 3).

The proximity sensor may be configured to detect a quantity (e.g., measured quantity) of the blended oils 122 within the housing 102. The proximity sensor may be disposed within the housing 102 such that the quantity of the blended oils 122 may be accurately detected and measured. The capacitive proximity sensor determines oil quantity by measuring the distance from the sensor to the oil surface within the housing 102. The processor 120 may calculate the volume based on at least one of (a) the known total volume capacity and internal geometry/dimensions of the housing 102 (e.g., stored in the memory during manufacturing calibration); (b) the distance measurement from the proximity sensor to the oil surface; and (c) a pre-calibrated volume-to-height relationship stored in memory 2 that correlates sensor distance readings to remaining oil volume. For example, if the housing has a cylindrical chamber with a 6 cm diameter and the sensor detects the oil surface is 10 cm below the sensor, the processor can calculate the volume of oil present. When oil is dispensed, the sensor detects the increase in distance to the oil surface, which corresponds to a specific volume reduction based on the chamber geometry. In the case that the blended oils 122 have decreased opacity or are transparent, the capacitive proximity sensors may measure the quantity of the blended oils 122 more accurately than light-based or laser-based sensors, which rely on opacity differences.

Similar to the temperature sensor described herein, the proximity sensor may also be configured to detect a plurality of quantities corresponding to the blended oils 122, and communicate the plurality of quantities (e.g., data) to the processor 1 and/or the memory 2. In an embodiment, the proximity sensor may be configured to detect a first quantity of the blended oils 122 at a first point in time and detect a second quantity of the blended oils 122 at a second point in time different from the first point in time (e.g., at a later point in time after dispensing has occurred). The proximity sensor may be configured to communicate the first quantity and the second quantity to the processor 1 for processing, and to the memory 2 for being stored therein (see FIG. 3).

In an embodiment, the heating element 108 may be configured to maintain the temperature of the blended oils 122 within the housing 102. The heating element 108 may be disposed within or around the housing 102, for example, circumferentially around the exterior of the housing 102 or integrated into the walls of the housing 102. Because the blended oils 122 may include oils (e.g., coconut oil and/or other carrier oils) that experience decreased viscosity and may solidify at room temperatures, becoming difficult to handle and dispense accurately, the heating element 108 may be used to heat the blended oils 122 to maintain optimal viscosity of the blended oils 122, and improve handling, flow characteristics, and application of the blended oils 122.

The heating element 108 may be configured to heat the blended oils 122 at predetermined and/or calculated time intervals. The heating intervals and duration are calculated by the processor 120 based on one or more factors, including at least one of (a) a current temperature detected by the temperature sensor; (b) a target temperature range (76° F. to 105° F.); (c) an ambient room temperature (e.g., temperature of the surroundings); (d) one or more thermal properties of the specific oil or oil blend, including specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity; (e) a power rating of the heating element (e.g., in watts); (f) volume of oil remaining in the chamber as detected by the proximity sensor; and (g) rate of heat loss through the housing walls based on insulation properties. The processor 120 may employ a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control algorithm or similar feedback control method to determine optimal heating duration and timing intervals to efficiently reach and maintain the target temperature while minimizing energy consumption and preventing overheating that could degrade oil quality or create safety hazards. The heating element 108 may include silicon (such as a silicone heating pad or mat), however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the heating element may include any material suitable for safe, efficient heating, such as Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heating elements that provide inherent temperature regulation.

In an embodiment, the outlet channel 114 may be configured to communicate (e.g., dispense) the blended oils 122 from the housing 102 to the collecting unit 115. In this case, the processor 1, based on inputs received from a user corresponding to at least one of a target total quantity of the blended oils 122 to be dispensed and a target dilution strength or concentration ratio/level of the blended oils, such as from the user panel 116 (see FIG. 3), may be configured to calculate individual quantities (e.g., output quantities) of each oil component. In an illustrative example, if the user selects a quantity of 15 mL of the blending oil 122 to be dispensed at a level of dilution at 2.5%, the output quantity of the essential oil is determined to be 0.375 mL, while the output quantity of the coconut oil is determined to be 14.625 mL. The outlet channel 114 may be configured to dispense these calculated quantities of blended oils 122 based on the selected and/or calculated output quantities.

In an embodiment, the outlet channel 114 may include a valve 7 (not shown in FIG. 1) configured to be adjusted (e.g., opened for a calculated duration) to release the blended oils 122, and allow the blended oils 122 to pass through the outlet channel 114 into the collecting unit 115. The valve 7 may be operatively connected to the processor 1, and may be caused by the processor 1 to be adjusted based on inputs from the user and/or the calculated output quantity of the blended oils 122. The valve 7 may include a plurality of valves (e.g., valves 7A and 7B in FIG. 3) when the apparatus includes separate chambers for different oil types.

In the case that the processor 1 causes the valve 7 to be adjusted based on the calculated output quantity of the blended oils 122, the valve 7 may be adjusted or opened to a level (e.g., a degree, such as fully open) and for a period of time (duration) corresponding to the calculated output quantity of the blended oils 122. The valve opening duration is precisely calculated using the formula: Open Time=Desired Volume/Flow Rate, where the flow rate is predetermined and stored in memory based on: (a) valve specifications including orifice diameter; (b) oil viscosity at the maintained temperature; (c) gravitational flow characteristics; and (d) calibration testing performed during manufacturing. For example, if the desired output is 0.375 mL of essential oil and the calibrated flow rate for essential oil through the valve at operating temperature is 0.5 mL/second, the valve opens for 0.75 seconds (0.375 mL÷0.5 mL/sec=0.75 sec). Any suitable electronically controlled valve may be implemented in this embodiment to allow the processor 1 to control the duration of the valve's opening, such as one or more solenoid valves that provide rapid and precise on/off control. The valve may open fully (e.g., to its maximum orifice size) for the calculated duration. In, other embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be capable of variable opening levels for additional flow control. In this manner, the calculated output quantity of the blended oils 122 at the precise dilution strength may be accurately dispensed.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 may further include a sound-generating element 6 (e.g., a speaker or buzzer) operatively connected to the processor 1. The sound-generating element 6 may be configured to be caused, by the processor 1, to generate a sound after a time interval selected by the user has elapsed. In an embodiment, the processor 1 may, based on the inputs from the user via the user interface 116, determine the time interval at when the sound-generating element 6 is to generate sound. For example, if the processor 1 determines that the inputs from the user indicate a time interval of ten minutes, the processor 1 may be configured to cause the sound-generating element 6 to generate the sound once the time interval of ten minutes is determined to have elapsed. In another embodiment, the processor 1 may be configured to cause the sound-generating element 6 to generate the sound during the time interval of ten minutes, and may stop generating the sound once the time interval of ten minutes has elapsed. In other embodiments, any suitable time interval, other than ten minutes, may be implemented, such as 5, 15, or 20 minutes, depending on the intended application and user preference.

The sound-generating element 6 may be configured to play the same or different sounds at the end of subsequently occurring time intervals. For example, the sound-generating element 6 may generate a first sound for a first interval and a second sound for a second interval different from the first interval. In another embodiment, the sound-generating element 6 may be configured to generate the same sound at each of the first interval and the second interval. In another embodiment, the sound-generating element 6 may be configured to generate a plurality of different sounds, each configured to be generated for a time interval that corresponds to each of the sounds.

The sound-generating element 6 may also be configured to generate the sound in response to a measured quantity of the blended oils 122 within the housing 102 being less than or above a threshold value. For example, the sound-generating element 6 may be configured to generate a sound if the measured quantity of the blended oils 122 detected by the proximity sensor is above a threshold value that is predetermined (e.g., stored in the memory 2 or determined by the processor 1 based on the maximum safe fill level of the housing). Because a sound is generated in this manner, the user may be alerted by the generated sound when refilling the housing 102 of the apparatus 100 with additional oils, thereby avoiding spillage and overfilling. In the embodiment in which the sound-generating element 6 generates the sound upon the measured quantity of the blended oils 122 being below the threshold level (e.g., such as 10% remaining capacity), the user is conveniently alerted when the apparatus 100 needs refilling, preventing the device from running empty during use.

The apparatus 100 may further include the user panel 116 configured to receive one or more inputs (e.g., the first input 3A, the second input 3B, and/or the third input 3C in FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the user panel 116 may be configured to include one or more buttons (either physical or capacitive touch buttons), a touchscreen display, a keyboard, or other input mechanisms. It should be understood that any suitable user interface may be configured as the user panel 116 to allow the user to provide the one or more inputs for purposes of operating and/or controlling the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may further include a plurality of indicators (not shown), for example a first indicator, a second indicator, and/or a third indicator. The first indicator may include a light source (such as an LED) that is configured to emit light based on an initialization of the apparatus 100 by the user (e.g., powering on the apparatus 100). The second indicator may represent a power status or connection status of the apparatus 100 (e.g., indicating the device is plugged in and receiving power). The third indicator may indicate the selected dispensing parameters such as volume amount, dilution strength, and time interval selected by the user. In FIG. 1, as illustrated, the user interface may display the selected parameters to provide visual confirmation to the user.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an apparatus 200 for dispensing oils according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus 200 for dispensing oils according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an apparatus 200 for dispensing oils may include: a frame 230 having a first housing 223A configured to store a first oil 221A (e.g., essential oil, fragrance oil, or other concentrated aromatic oil), the first housing 223A being coupled to a first inlet 222A and a first outlet 224A; and a second housing 223B configured to store a second oil 221B (e.g., coconut oil or other carrier oil), the second housing 223B being coupled to a second inlet 222B and a second outlet 224B, wherein the first outlet 224A has a first valve 229A and the second outlet 224B has a second valve 229B.

The embodiment of apparatus 200 is different from the embodiment of the apparatus 100 described above in that the apparatus 200 allows for the separate storage and independent processing of a plurality of oils, for example, oils 221A and 221B, by also including separate inlet channels 222A and 222B, separate outlet channels 224A and 224B, and separate housings 223A and 223B. This dual-chamber configuration enables more precise control over dilution ratios and prevents cross-contamination between concentrated essential oils and carrier oils during storage.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 200 may be configured to receive the first oil 221A (e.g., essential oil) through the first inlet channel 222A and the second oil 221B (e.g., coconut oil or other carrier oil) through the second inlet channel 222B. The first inlet channel 222A and the second inlet channel 222B may be separate and may be spaced apart from each other. The first inlet channel 222A may be configured to communicate the first oil 221A into the first housing 223A, and the second inlet channel 222B may be configured to communicate the second oil 221B into the second housing 223B.

The first inlet channel 222A may further include a coupling mechanism (e.g., threading) such that an oil bottle or the like may be coupled to the first inlet channel 222A. For example, a standard essential oil bottle containing the oil 221A may be coupled (e.g., screwed into) the first inlet channel 222A such that the oil 221A is communicated from inside the oil bottle to pass through the first inlet channel 222A into the first housing 223A. This design allows for convenient refilling and the ability to easily switch between different essential oils.

The second housing 223B may include a heating element 225, and the sensing unit 226B within the housing 223B may be configured to detect a temperature of the second oil 221B therein. If the temperature of the second oil 221B is determined or measured to fall below a target range (e.g., below 76° F.), then the apparatus 200 (or the processor 1 in FIG. 3) may be configured to cause the heating element 225 to begin heating the second oil 221B for a calculated period of time. In an embodiment, the calculated period of time is determined by the processor 1 based on at least one of (a) current temperature; (b) target temperature (76° F. to 105° F.); (c) volume of oil present; (d) heating element power rating; (e) ambient temperature; and (f) thermal properties of the specific carrier oil. The processor may employ a PID control algorithm to optimize heating efficiency. In another embodiment, the apparatus 200 (or the processor 1 in FIG. 3) may be configured to heat the second oil 221B until a temperature of the oil 221B is detected or measured to be within the target range, at which point heating is suspended until the temperature drops below a lower threshold, implementing a temperature maintenance cycle. Because the temperature of the second oil 221B is maintained to be within the target range, the viscosity of the second oil 221B can be controlled and kept consistent, ensuring accurate and repeatable dispensing through predictable flow rates.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 200 may be further configured to determine a plurality of target quantities for dispensing. For example, the apparatus 200 may be configured to determine a first target quantity corresponding to the first oil 221A and a second target quantity corresponding to the second oil 221B based on user-selected inputs. The processor 1 calculates these target quantities based on the total desired volume and desired dilution strength. For example, if the user selects a total volume of 15 mL at a dilution strength of 2.5%, the first target quantity (e.g., of the essential oil) is determined to be 0.375 mL (e.g., 15 mL×0.025), and the second target quantity (e.g., of the coconut oil) is determined to be 14.625 mL (e.g., 15 mL-0.375 mL). These calculations ensure that when both oils are dispensed into the collecting unit 227, they combine to create the precise dilution strength requested by the user, protecting the user from exposure to improperly diluted essential oils.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 200 may include a user panel 228 configured to receive one or more inputs from a user, such as the first input 3A corresponding to a desired total volume of oil blend to be dispensed (e.g., 5-50 mL), the second input 3B corresponding to a desired dilution strength (e.g., concentration or proportion) of the first oil 221A with respect to the second oil 221B (e.g., 0.5% to 5%), and the third input 3C corresponding to a desired time interval (e.g., the time interval for using the oils 221A and 221B in a timed session, such as 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes) (see FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the user panel 228 may be configured to include one or more capacitive touch buttons, physical buttons, a touchscreen display, a keyboard, or other input mechanisms. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any suitable user interface may be configured as the user panel 228 to allow the user to provide one or more inputs for purposes of controlling the apparatus 200 (or the apparatus 100).

In an embodiment, the apparatus 200 may allow the user to select from among a plurality of predetermined dilution strengths each corresponding to an intended use, such as a lower concentration (0.5%-2%) for oral care and sensitive skin applications, a medium concentration (2%-3.5%) for general topical use and massage, and/or a higher concentration (3.5%-5%) for localized treatment and aromatherapy applications where direct skin contact is limited.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 200 may be configured to, by the processor 1, respectively calculate the first target quantity of the first oil 221A and the second target quantity of the second oil 221B based on at least one of the first input 3A, second input 3B, and/or third input 3C using the dilution strength formula. The apparatus 200, by the processor 1, may store the calculated target quantities, and may control the valve opening durations for precise dispensing of the first oil 221A and the second oil 221B.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 200 may be further configured to adjust, by the processor 1, the first valve 229A based on the first target quantity to communicate the first oil 221A into a collecting unit 227, and/or the second valve 229B based on the second target quantity to communicate the second oil 221B into the collecting unit 227. The valve adjustment (opening duration) is calculated using the formula: Valve Open Time=Target Quantity/Flow Rate. Using the example above: If the essential oil flow rate through valve 229A is 0.5 mL/second, then valve 229A opens for: 0.375 mL÷0.5 mL/sec=0.75 seconds. If the carrier oil flow rate through valve 229B is 5 mL/second, then valve 229B opens for: 14.625 mL÷5 mL/sec=2.925 seconds. The flow rates are predetermined during manufacturing calibration and stored in memory 2, taking into account valve specifications, oil viscosity at maintained temperature, and gravitational flow characteristics.

As described above with respect to the operation of valve 7, each of the valves 229A and 229B may be independently adjusted to allow the first oil 221A to flow through the outlet channel 224A, and separately allow the second oil 221B to flow through the outlet channel 224B. The valves 229A and 229B may be electronically controlled solenoid valves that open fully for the calculated duration. The released first oil 221A and the second oil 221B are collected within the collecting unit 227 where they mix to form the desired dilution strength for application by the user. Once the first oil 221A and the second oil 221B are within the collecting unit 227, the user may then interact with the collected mixture of oils for various uses, including oil pulling, topical skincare application, massage therapy, hair care treatment, or aromatherapy. Because precise quantities of each of the first oil 221A and the second oil 221B are released based on user input and calculated using the dilution strength formula, the user receives a consistently safe and effective blend at the exact concentration selected. The processor 1 may operate the valves 229A and 229B either concurrently (simultaneously) or sequentially (one after the other), depending on the design implementation, with concurrent operation providing faster dispensing. In this way, the user may enjoy an improved and safe experience when using different oils that are to be mixed together at precise dilution ratios, while being protected from exposure to undiluted concentrated essential oils.

FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of a method 2000 for dispensing oils according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one or more embodiments, at step S2050, one or more oils (e.g., coconut oil or other carrier oil, and/or essential oil) are received through at least one inlet channel (e.g., inlet channel 104 in FIG. 1 or inlet channels 222A and 222B in FIGS. 4 and 5).

In an embodiment, at step S2100, the one or more oils may be communicated through the inlet channel into a housing (e.g., the housing 102 in FIG. 1 or the housings 223A and 223B in FIGS. 4 and 5).

In an embodiment, at step S2150, a temperature of the one or more oils within the housing may be maintained within a target range. As discussed herein, a heating element (e.g., the heating element 108 in FIG. 1 or the heating element 225 in FIGS. 4 and 5) may be configured to heat the oils within the housing upon determination that a measured temperature of the oils is below a predetermined threshold temperature (e.g., below 76° F., stored in the memory 2 in FIG. 3). The heating duration and intervals are calculated by the processor based on current temperature, target temperature range (76° F. to 105° F.), oil volume, heating element specifications, ambient temperature, and oil thermal properties, using a control algorithm such as PID control. Because coconut oil and similar carrier oils experience a significant decrease in viscosity proportional to an increase in temperature, and solidify below 76° F., heating the carrier oil allows the maintenance of a consistent liquid viscosity during dispensing, ensuring accurate flow rates and predictable dispensing volumes during use.

In an embodiment, at step S2200, output quantities corresponding to the one or more oils deposited in the housing are determined, for example, by the processor 1 (see FIG. 3). The output quantities may represent the precise quantities of each type of oil that is to be dispensed into the collecting unit (e.g., the collecting unit 115 in FIG. 1 or the collecting unit 227 in FIGS. 4 and 5) to achieve the user-selected total volume and dilution strength. The processor calculates these output quantities based on user inputs for total desired volume (first input 3A) and desired dilution strength (second input 3B) through the formula described herein, where the quantity of essential oil to be dispensed is determined based on a product of the total output of the blended oils to be dispensed and the level of dilution. Thus, the quantity of the carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil) to be dispensed is determined based a product of the total output of the blended oils to be dispensed and the level of dilution subtracted from 1.

In an embodiment, at step S2250, based on the output quantities determined at step S2200, at least one valve (e.g., the valve 7 in FIG. 3, or valves 229A and 229B in FIG. 5) within an output channel (e.g., the output channel 114 in FIG. 1, or output channels 224A and 224B in FIG. 5) may be opened for a calculated duration to allow the oils within the housing to pass through the output channel and through the valve opening, such that the volume dispensed through the output channel corresponds to the determined output quantity for each oil type. The valve opening duration is calculated using the formula of Open Time=Output Quantity/Flow Rate, where the flow rate (in mL/second) is predetermined based on valve specifications, oil viscosity at maintained temperature, and calibration testing. For example, if the essential oil output quantity is 0.375 mL and flow rate is 0.5 mL/sec, the valve opens for 0.75 seconds. If the carrier oil output quantity is 14.625 mL and flow rate is 5 mL/sec, the valve opens for 2.925 seconds. This precise control ensures accurate dispensing of the exact dilution strength selected by the user.

FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of a method 3000 for dispensing oils with dual-chamber dilution control according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, in one or more embodiments, at step S3050, a first oil 221A (e.g., essential oil or concentrated aromatic oil) may be received through the first inlet channel 222A, and a second oil 221B (e.g., coconut oil or other carrier oil) may be received through the second inlet channel 222B.

In an embodiment, at step S3100, the first oil 221A may be communicated through the first inlet channel 222A into the first housing 223A. The second oil 221B may be communicated through the second inlet channel 222B into the second housing 223B. This dual-chamber configuration maintains separation of the concentrated essential oil from the carrier oil during storage, preventing premature mixing and allowing independent temperature control of each oil type.

In an embodiment, at step S3150, a first target quantity corresponding to the first oil 221A disposed in the first housing 223A may be determined by the processor 1 (see FIG. 3). A second target quantity corresponding to the second oil 221B disposed in the second housing 223B may be determined by the processor 1. The first target quantity and the second target quantity are calculated based on user inputs for total desired volume (first input 3A) and desired dilution strength (second input 3B) using the formulas: First target quantity (essential oil)=Total Volume×Dilution Percentage; Second target quantity (carrier oil)=Total Volume×(1−Dilution Percentage). For example, if the user selects 15 mL total volume at 2.5% dilution: First target quantity=15 mL×0.025=0.375 mL of essential oil 221A; Second target quantity=15 mL×0.975=14.625 mL of carrier oil 221B.

The proximity sensor of sensing unit 226A may determine the current quantity of first oil 221A by measuring the distance between the sensor and the surface of the first oil 221A within the first housing 223A. The processor 1 calculates the volume based on the known internal geometry of the first housing 223A and pre-calibrated volume-to-height relationships stored in memory. Similarly, the proximity sensor of sensing unit 226B determines the quantity of second oil 221B in the second housing 223B. This information is used both to verify sufficient oil is available to fulfill the dispensing request and to track remaining quantities for refill alerts

In an embodiment, at step S3200, based on the first target quantity determined at step S3150, a first valve 229A coupled to the first outlet channel 224A may be opened for a calculated duration to allow the first oil 221A to be dispensed from the housing 223A through the first outlet channel 224A such that the dispensed quantity of the first oil 221A corresponds to the first target quantity to be communicated (e.g., dispensed) into the collecting unit 227. The valve opening duration is calculated using the formula of Open Time=Target Quantity/Flow Rate. For the example above, if the essential oil flow rate through valve 229A is 0.5 mL/second: Valve 229A open time=0.375 mL÷0.5 mL/sec=0.75 seconds. The flow rate is predetermined during manufacturing calibration based on valve orifice size, oil viscosity, and gravitational flow characteristics, and is stored in memory 2. The processor 1 controls the electronically actuated solenoid valve 229A to open fully for precisely 0.75 seconds, then close, thereby dispensing exactly 0.375 mL of essential oil 221A. This precise control ensures the concentrated essential oil is dispensed at the exact quantity needed to achieve the safe dilution strength when combined with the carrier oil.

In an embodiment, at step S3250, based on the second target quantity determined at step S3150, a second valve 229B coupled to the second outlet channel 224B may be opened for a calculated duration to allow the second oil 221B to be dispensed from the housing 223B through the second outlet channel 224B such that the dispensed quantity of the second oil 221B corresponds to the second target quantity to be communicated (e.g., dispensed) into the collecting unit 227. Similar to the first valve operation, the second valve opening duration is calculated using the formula: Open Time=Target Quantity/Flow Rate. For the example above, if the carrier oil flow rate through valve 229B is 5 mL/second: Valve 229B open time=14.625 mL÷5 mL/sec=2.925 seconds. The processor 1 controls the solenoid valve 229B to open fully for precisely 2.925 seconds, then close, thereby dispensing exactly 14.625 mL of carrier oil 221B. The flow rate for carrier oil is higher than essential oil due to the larger valve orifice size appropriate for the larger volumes typically dispensed. The processor may operate valves 229A and 229B either concurrently (simultaneously opening both valves) or sequentially (opening one valve, allowing it to complete dispensing, then opening the second valve), depending on the design implementation and whether the oils are to mix during dispensing or after both have been fully dispensed into the collecting unit 227.

In an embodiment, at step S3300, the first oil 221A and the second oil 221B may be blended in the collecting unit 227. Because the apparatus 200 is configured to independently control the precise quantity of the first oil 221A and the second oil 221B that is dispensed into the collecting unit 227, a desired dilution strength of the first oil 221A and the second oil 221B may be achieved within the collecting unit 227. The collecting unit 227 may include features to promote mixing, such as baffles or mixing structures, or the oils may naturally mix through the turbulence of dispensing and gravity. The result is a precisely diluted oil blend at the exact concentration selected by the user (e.g., 2.5% essential oil in carrier oil), which is safe for the intended application and protects the user from exposure to undiluted concentrated essential oils. This automated dilution process eliminates the risks associated with manual measurement and mixing, including measurement errors, contamination, and accidental exposure to harmful concentrations of essential oils.

In concluding the detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments of the disclosure are to be understood in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.