Electronically controlled system, with low energetic impact, for the contemporaneous drying and modelling of the hair, and related scheme for the construction, and ways of use

Abstract

 Electronic system for the contemporaneous drying and modelling of the hair, with sensors for the automatic or semiautomatic control, composed by:
-Sensors for the automatic acquisition of the parameters that indicate the situation of the drying and modelling of the hair, with electronic means for the command and the control of the system.
-Device for the generation of air, silent, with low environmental, energetic and maintenance impact, installed far from the operator.
-Rotating diffuser connected to the generator of air, by means of ultra-light piping.
-Tools, brushes and combs, with inner air ducts and quick-change connection, for the increasing of the efficiency of the treatment, and for the reduction of the energetic consumption.
-Device for the production of the "Cold jet", for the fixing of the hair during the modelling operation.
-Programs for the drying, modelling and treating of the hair.
-Software for the memorization of technical data, i.e.: "Customer name", "Kind of the hair", "Diameter of the hair", for the creation and for the download of datasheets for the choice of the suitable program for the drying, modelling and treating of the hair, for the parallel selection on the bases of customer's names and related treatments, for the choice of "demo" programs, for the choice of programs on the bases of the kind of hair, and for the choice of programs for the training of the operators.

Description

1- DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0001] 1.1- FOREGROUND- The present invention, developed in cooperation and following the suggestions of expert hair fashion stylists, is related to a system for the production of air, necessary for the contemporaneous operation of drying and modelling of the hair. Precisely, the invention here described is not only referred to a single device, but also to a complete system arranged in a way to allow the application, the modular extension and the arrangement, to the various professional and non-professional necessities.
1.2- THE EXISTING PRODUCTS- At the state of the art, some kinds of devices and plants have been known for a long time, and the most known are inspired to the traditional hair-dryer conception 1 (fig. 1), based on the generation of blown air with an electric motor 2 (fig. 1) and a fan 3 (fig. 1); blown air that is then heated by means of an electric heater 4 (fig. 1), and directed in proximity of the hair 5 (fig. 1) at a certain distance from them, through a duct 6 (fig. 1). A point to take note of: the principle and the devices for drying hair for domestic and for professional use are substantially the same.
1.3- THE TREND OF THE TRADITIONAL MARKET- A great improvement of the performances of hairdryers has been reached thanks to the technological development, and thanks to the introduction of electronics; at the same time, a very high level of installed power has been reached (some versions reach 1500 W), and consequently the use of these devices at home or in professional sites, without specific power supply contract, became impossible, especially if contemporaneous with other traditional electrical tools. Moreover, a not completely logic path has been followed during the past technological development; in fact, the technological evolution has attempted a problematical equilibrium among the quantity of hot air, the dimensions, the lightness and the noise emissions of the hairdryers. Moreover, what came out during the development of this project, was the fact that the suggestions coming from the professional area were not seriously taken into account, and not inserted into the products. Probably for these reasons, this kind of development has now reached the top of its maturity.
1.4- NEGATIVE POINTS OF THE EXISTING PRODUCTS- The following human and technological negative points, typical of the mass market products, are generated:

1.4.1- FORMS OF POLLUTION AND PROFESSIONAL DISEASES- Powerful and heavy motors have been installed inside the most powerful hairdryers; consequently, an increase of fatigue for the professional operator has been generated, and professional diseases in the long time have appeared (i.e.: in order of importance, arthritic shoulder diseases, sinew diseases, wrist diseases). At the same time, attention about the general human impact of the new technologies has grown up for social reasons among professionals and customers; and consequently, the attention for their negative aspects (i.e.: the acoustic and electromagnetic pollutions) that in the case of the hairdryers could reach dangerous values, has grown up too. In fact, the noise generated by the electric motor and by the fan (that reach the 20000 - 30000 rpm), make it difficult for a customer to communicate with people around; this because the noise tends to isolate the persons, and reduces possibility of dialogue. At the same time, as it happened for example in the case of the first generation of portable phones, cases of diseases related with the high electromagnetic emissions appeared.

1.4.2- POOR LIFETIME OF THE COMPONENTS- For economic reason, the kind of electric motors used in the traditional hair dryers, belongs to the "with-brushes" technology 7 (fig. 1); moreover, due to the required high performances, problems of rapid consumption of these components frequently appear. Consequently, the average lifetime of a traditional professional hairdryer (costs: from 35 to 80 euros) is reduced to 6 /12 months.

1.4.3- DAMAGES TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE HAIR- In a traditional hairdryer, the movement of an important quantity of air (higher than 100 litres per min), with exit temperature higher than 100 °C (very close to the human acceptable limit) is created in consequence of the high level of electric power installed; these values, that does not seem suitable for the treatment of such delicate part of the body close to the brain, create heavy heat dissipation on the human body, and represent a waste of power. Moreover, the fact that the hair drying and modelling operation, at the moment, only depends on the professional skills of the hairdresser must be considered; and this consequently means that important damages, might be easily produced by an inexperienced hairdresser, as consequence of the excess of installed power mentioned above.

1.4.4- "COLD JET" TREATMENT- From the technical and professional point of view we have to take into account that the products on the market, at the moment do not have a good and efficient "Cold jet" device; this device, that is of secondary importance for the non-professional use, becomes very important in case of professional destination. In fact, also in the professional devices, at the moment the "Cold jet" is simply obtained by the switching-off of the electric heater 4 (fig. 1). Unfortunately, that solution does not seem efficient both under the technological and under the hair treatment points of view; in fact, the "Cold jet" should guarantee the long duration of the shape of the hair heated and modelled with brushes and combs. Practically, the "Cold jet", in the same way has happens with treatment technology of metals, would give a final "temper effect" to the hair, following an adequate "curve of temper treatment" 8 (fig. 2); treatment that obviously increases its effect, if rapidly completed in few seconds after the end of the heating operation. Consequently, the traditional hairdryers cannot give this result, because a too slow decrease of the air temperature inside the hair dryer duct is performed with this kind of operation. In fact, a longer time is required to slow down the air flowing through the hot electric heater 4 (fig. 1) from the 100 °C to the ambient temperature. Moreover, the ideal "Cold jet' air temperature to perform the "temper" of hair correctly should be lower compared to the ambient temperature, and this has been achieved and demonstrated with tests. Again the traditional technology, cannot give this kind of results for the reasons mentioned above.

1.5- TENDENCIES OF THE INNOVATION: CENTRALIZED PLANTS- In order to solve those cited problems, some proposals have been presented; but at the moment, probably for reasons of market resistance, or for economic reasons, or for reliability reasons, or for reasons connected with the difficulties of installation in the shops, these proposals have not seriously reached the goal. In the so called "Centralized hair dryer plants", the air generator is installed out of the hairdressers' shops (for example in a room aside), both for the noise and for dimensional reasons, and is connected with the hairdresser's shop with specific pipelines. In this case the final part 9 (fig. 3) of the duct, only contains the electric heater 4 (fig. 3) and the operating switches for the adjustment of speed and air temperature; the mechanical noise in the shop, generated by the electric motor 2 (fig. 3) and by the fan 3 (fig. 3), are in this way definitely suppressed.

1.5.1- THE AIRPLUS - ATOTEC SYSTEM- This system is proposed in two main versions; the first one produced by Atotec (Turin), 10 (fig. 3) - (Turin 1995, patent application no. TO 1995A000919, ref. 5 of the list). In this version (selling price: about 5000 euros), the air generator has an important size (installed power: around 10 kW - dimensions: about 0,5 cubic metres), an it is composed by one motor and one fan (placed inside a silenced box for air cooling recirculation), and can serve up to 7 different job positions.

1.5.2- THE HAIR-TECH SYSTEM- In the case of the system produced by Hair-tech s.r.l. - Trevignano (TV), 11 (fig. 4) - (patent application no. TV 2002U000007, ref. 12 of the list, that only protects the swivel joint for the air distribution into the final part of the piping), the selling price is around 700 euros, and one single motor and one single fan serve the correspondent job position; moreover, the power (600 W) adsorbed by each electrical heaters 4 (fig. 4) must be added. Consequently, the power adsorbed by each job position varies from 1800 W to 2000 W; this means that the whole system requires a total power requirement of 8 kW for a traditional hairdresser's shop with 4 job positions, which is very high. Moreover, other investments for the installation of the piping inside the building must be added.

1.5.3- DIFFICULTIES IN MANAGING THE VARIATION OF THE AIRFLOW AND OF THE AIR PRESSURE- The system described above gives the advantage of not stopping the whole activity of the entire hairdresser's shop in case of failures; at the same time, simplicity and equilibrium are the result under the point of view of the electronic management of the parameters by the system control. And this because the airflow and the air pressure sent toward each job position, are not influenced by the switching on or off of the other job positions. What follows is that the insertion into the system of complicated software and hardware electronic controls for the continuous corrections of the motor speed are not required. In any case, possible corrections would not arrive to the job position with the needed precision, due to the length of the piping and to the variability of the volume of the hot air, and would create delays, confusions and rejection of the new technologies.

1.5.5- DIFFICULTIES OF INSTALLATION INSIDE THE HAIRDRESSERS' SHOPS- It's important to notice that, in most of the hairdressers' shops, room for a big air generator (or for 3 or 4 little groups) is not always easy to be found; moreover, residual noises (over 60 Db), and vibrations as a consequence of the high speed (more than 20000 rpm) are emitted by this kind of air generators. At the same time, room for an adequate air-cooling exchange must be guaranteed. Please note that the "Centralized power supply" concept, has a high innovative meaning if applied in the industrial field, but not necessarily if applied in the haidressers' shops; and this because the hairdressers' shops are in general placed in traditional buildings, and in areas with high density of inhabitants. In these situations, aesthetic difficulties, or noises for the neighbours often appear; therefore, the collocation of a "centralized power supply" out of these buildings became almost impossible.

1.6- A NEW APPROACH: THE CONTEMPORANEOUS DRYING AND MODELLING OPERATION- With the aim to solve the problems connected with the weight of the hairdryers, and to reduce the waste of energy, a device 12 (fig. 5) with two innovative characteristics was invented in the sixties by an important Italian hairdresser, Simeone Filippi; as happens for the Atotec and for the Hair-tech versions, at present the motor 2 and the fan 3 (fig. 5) were placed far from the job position, and only the electric heater was installed in the diffuser 9 (fig. 5). The device was placed on a support 13 (fig. 5) near the job position, or hanged-up to the hairdresser's shoulder 14 (fig. 5), or hidden behind a wall. Moreover, series of interchangeable tools 16 (fig. 6) with inner air passages 17 (fig. 6) (brushes etc.) were arranged; in this way, it is possible to perform the modelling of the hair in a more precise way. In addition, thanks to the possibility of spreading the air close to the hair roots, air at low temperature, at low speed and in low quantity was required with reference to the invention. The device was well accepted by the hairdressers in those years, but, probably for the distance between its innovative concept and the current technology, the invention did not reach the expected success.
1.7- ROWENTA, BABYLISS: RECOVERY OF THE TECHNOLOGY OF 40 YEARS AGO-The value of Mr. Simone Filippi ideas, i.e.: the production of interchangeable tools 16 (fig. 6) with inner hot air passages 17 (fig. 6), has been indirectly and recently confirmed by some important producers, as BABYLISS and ROWENTA; in fact, 40 years later, by using the most recent miniaturization technologies, little devices with that characteristic (with micro-motor, micro-fan and micro-electric heater inside the handle) were produced. Devices in which special empty brushes 16 (fig. 7) with inner air ducts 17 (fig. 7) are connected to the end; in this way, the roots of hair are directly reached by hot air, with all the economic and handling advantages described above. Due to their tiny dimensions, these devices seems to have been created for finishing activities, because their appreciated performances look not appropriate for a continuous and professional use; at the same time, at the moment, an important diffusion on the market doesn't result.
1.8- THE EXISTING PATENTS- The patents and the patent applications found during the search activity of existing patents, are listed below with a synthetic comment:

REF.	PATENT APPLIC. NO	PATENT NO.	TITLE
1	MI 1989A019995	00221980	Suspended arm...
Telescopic turning device...
2	MI 1989A020709	----	Hairdryer...
A handle for air diffusion, with multiple exits...
3	BG 1993A000019	01268542	Electronic hairdryer...
Automatic switch that recognizes the presence of the hand, switches for variation...
4	BG 1995A000033	01281485	Electronic hairdryer...
Automatic switch that recognizes the presence of the hand, switches for variation...
5	TO 1995A000919	----	Centralized system...
System for drying, with air generator connected to a plurality of job positions...
6	FG 1996A000015	----	Brushes for hair drying...
Single heated brush, without fan, for refine operations...
7	MI 1999A000443	01308646	Ancillary equipment...
Kind of diffuser to be installed on the terminal of the hair dryer
8	TV 1993A000120	0001266103	Structure for drying...
Device for contemporaneous hair drying and water aspiration....
9	CO 1989A007216	---	Perfection apparatus...
Scheme of various kind of innovative hair dryer
10	RE 1999U000050	0000248283	Device for hairdryer...
Terminal of hair dryer air diffuser with sliding part....
11	TV 1992U000024	0000229235	Structure of device...
Hairdryer with automatic switch-off in case of prolonged not use...
12	TV 2002U000007	----	Handle...
Swivel joint for hairdryer air distribution in a centralized system....

No contrasts appear with reference to the idea here described and claimed; in fact, all of the existing patents are referred to centralized systems and ducts for air distribution (points 5, 12) already deeply examined, or to devices for suspension of hairdryers (point 1), or to different ways for closing and regulate the exit of the air, or to diffusers with double ducts, or to a little heated brush without fan, or to various schemes for the electronic control of the device.
1.9- CONCLUSIONS- The following conclusions can be resumed:

• Also in the hairdressing sector, as well as in many other sectors, both on the customer's and on the hairdresser's side, the attention for medical and aesthetic aspects are growing.
• At the same time, social attentions for other aspects like the hair health, the noise, the electromagnetic radiations, the radiation pollution due to ion, the professional diseases etc., are growing too.
• As a consequence of the negative points described, present in the traditional hairdryers, the operators in the field now require lightweight, silent, cheap hairdryers, easy to install in the shop, easy to use and easy to maintain (in the case of female hairdressers).

That said, the needs to solve or reduce the problems described, appear as outcome of the considerable evolution of the hairdressing activity; moreover, thanks to the interesting possibilities offered by the new technologies, the designing of a system that represent a great improvement has been seriously considered. In particular, the designing of an easy-to-use system, with a high degree of automation, with, for example, a continuous control of some important physical parameters is becoming possible. Accordingly, the project and the drawings described below have been developed.

Fig. n.	2- DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
1	Traditional hair dryer
2	Example of "Temper curve" for steel
3	Multi-users centralized system
4	Innovative system, version 1
5	Innovative system, version 2
6	Tools with inner air ducts
7	Rowenta and Babyliss innovative devices
8	Scheme of innovative system for contemporaneous hair drying and modelling
9	Functional scheme for system controlled by means of sensors
10	Thermograph of the hair and image of the head
11	Hair control with infrared and micro-waves sensors
12	Example of microprocessor (TAG Technology) integrated into the tools
13	"Tangential" and "Rotating cage" fans (top: view from I and from II in fig. 13)
14	Brushless motor scheme
15	Piping (bottom: section III of fig. 15 - details of the inner cables)
16	Main components of the diffuser (bottom: kind of handles)
17	Instructions for use of the diffuser (bottom: section IV of fig. 17, handling zone)
18	Series of tools in shape of brushes and combs
19	Waves modelling tool "ferro Marcel" style (bottom, section V of fig. 19)
20	Flat ironing tool (bottom: two views from VI of fig. 20, with and without rolls)
21	Spiral ironing tool
22	Curler installation tools for waves modelling
23	Cap for hair drying and modelling operation
24	Scheme of the quick-change tools connection on the diffuser
25	"Cold jet" device with cold compressed air duct inside the diffuser, with dedicated compressor and refrigerator
26	"Cold jet" device with cold compressed air duct outside the diffuser, with dedicated compressor and refrigerator
27	"Cold jet" device with cold ventilated air duct outside the diffuser, with air piping derived from the main air generator, with dedicated refrigerator
28	Multi-purpose tool, "Conca" style; bottom: section VII of fig. 28, and example of application on the hair
29	Functional scheme of "anti-stress" control principle
30	Scheme for mode of use
31	Scheme of the system in the "ceiling" version
32	Scheme of the system in the "wall" version
33	Scheme of the system in the "armchair" version
34	Scheme of the system in the "teaching fashion school" version
35	Scheme of the system in the "portable" version, for competitions and exhibitions
36	Block diagram of the Central Unit
37	Scheme of the dimensional and physical-chemical data acquisition from the hair
38	Scheme of preparation, delivery and diffusion of products on the hair
39	Scheme of work of an electronic controller (Hardware) - Example
40	Scheme of the flow chart of an electronic control program (Software) - Example
41	Possible recycling of the traditional hairdryers

3- DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 3.1- MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM- The application described here below only represents an example of the principles claimed in the patent application, and is referred to an innovative system that allows the contemporary drying and modelling of the hair; thanks to calculations, comparing actions, optimizations, iterative verifications and practical tests, the innovative characteristics described below have been obtained. Specifically, every choice has been done with the aim to get the best equilibrium among efficacy, efficiency, simplicity and general economy of the system. The main components of the system are:
The central unit 19 (fig. 8), under the control of the operator, who manages all the functions of the system; this central unit is consequently linked with the sensors 20 (fig. 8), with the high efficiency motor 130 (fig. 8), with the low pressure fan 39 (fig. 8), with the piping 42 (fig. 8), with the diffuser 50 (fig. 8), with the electric heaters 4 (fig. 8), with the tools 52 (fig. 8), with the mini-compressor 21 (fig. 8), with the air refrigerator 22 (fig. 8) and with the "Cold jet" diffuser 23 (fig. 8). In a more completed version, the touch screen 24 (fig. 8) to give inputs and / or to check the functionality of the system is provided; moreover, some of these commands are repeated on the special keyboard placed on the diffuser 50 (fig. 8).
3.2- TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SYSTEM- These are the technical characteristics of the system:

• Control of the degree of completion of the hair drying and modelling activity (i.e.: control of humidity, temperature, degree of reflection of the hair, etc.) performed by means of sensors.
• Quick-change tools and brushes with air ducts inside, to increase the quality and the efficiency of the hair treatment, and to reduce the consumption of energy.
• Air generators placed far from the operators.
• Special silent fan, designed for the production of low air pressure.
• High efficiency "Brushless" electric motor, typically used in the industrial automation field, with feedback for the speed control, electric maintenance free, silent and suitable for installation near the job positions.
• Special soft-touch ultra-light piping.
• Rotating ultra-light diffuser with electric heater inside and operation switches, easy to use, made with special fibres.
• Specific device for the efficient "Cold jet' production.
• Reduction of three times of energy consumption compared to the traditional plants.

3.3- FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SYSTEM- These are the functional characteristics of the system:

• Full control of the air generator, of the electric heater and of the sensors, thanks to a microprocessor and other electronic means of memorization.
• Acquisition of the values that measure the degree of completion of the hair drying and modelling activity by means of sensors.
• Acoustic and / or visual and / or numerical signalling of the values that measure the degree of completion of the hair drying and modelling activity.
• Automatic memorisation of the parameters in use (speed, temperature, humidity...).
• Download, modification and execution of the memorised programs for drying, modelling and treating of the hair (time, speed, temperature and their profiles of variation).
• Easy modification of the programs for drying, modelling and treating of the hair, with switches set on the diffuser.
• Memorization of the programs for drying, modelling and treating of the hair "in progress" in a database, with the definition of identification fields such as "Customer", "Kind of hair", "Diameter of the hair", "Length of the hair", "Density of the hair" etc..
• Data sheet for the download and for the selection of the suitable program for drying, modelling and treating of a specific kind of hair, or for the selection of the most suitable treatment already in memory, or for a crossed selection by name and by kind of related memorised treatments, or for the download of video "demo" (i.e.: as instruction), to be selected according to kind of hair, or to the needed final shape of the hair.

3.4- MAIN VERSIONS- The following four main versions have been considered:

• For installation into the hairdressers' shops with balanced swivel arm (in the ceiling 116 (fig. 31) or in the wall 117 (fig. 32) version), and the armchair 118 (fig. 33) version.
• For installation in hairdressing schools 124 (fig. 34).
• Portable, for professional use in competitions and exhibitions 127 (fig. 35).
• For home usage, in a simplified version.

3.5- DIRECT AND INDIRECT ADVANTAGES- Direct and indirect advantages related to the general lowering of the operating temperature appear as a consequence of the characteristics listed above; in fact, the chemical characteristics and the efficacy of the products used for hair treatment, are highly influenced by the operating temperature itself. Generally, these products are divided in two categories: products for modelling, and potions for hair and roots care; both have organic principles inside, that transfer their efficacy only if applied at a compatible temperature. As confirmed by the laboratory tests, the efficacy of their molecules decreases, to disappear, when invested by high temperature. (i.e.: 100 °C); which often happens in a non-conscious way, with traditional hair drying systems (see point 1.4.3). That said, the following advantage comes out with the new drying and modelling method that this kind of system allows:

• Low energetic impact.
• Rapidity and efficacy of the drying and modelling operation.
• General reduction of stress and noise.
• Increased efficacy of the products used for the hair treatment.

Now, the creation of a new line of products, calibrated for a correct absorption at low temperatures could be taken into account. With reference to this intention, is still remembered the case of products containing delicate organic elements sensitive to temperature (derived from the amino acid group), launched on the market few years ago; if the theoretical efficacy tested in laboratory was very high, it almost disappeared in the practical application. And this because the limit temperature of 55 °C, suggested by the producer, was often unintentionally overtaken because of the use of traditional hair dryers. After these facts, this kind of products was gradually removed from the market.
3.6- IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY - The most innovative aspect of the present project is represented by the implementation of sensors; as there is a continuous growing of the interest for health and for aesthetic physical, new highly technological solutions to facilitate the hairdressing activity can be proposed and tested; and this because the evaluation and the control of the physical and chemical parameters that indicate the hair treatment situation, were left, in the past, uniquely in the hands of the hairdresser him/herself. Instead, from now on, with the present invention essential indications that reduce the degree of subjectivity, and guarantee a better "Customer Satisfaction" are offered to the operator.
At the same time, thanks to the impressive speed of growth, and quick speed of decrease of costs of the "Nanotechnologies", new use of micro-sensors and micro-actuators for the "Sensor Control" in the system here described will be possible; that said, the present description is related to a product immediately "Ready for the market", also if more futuristic aspects are already protected with the present patent.
NOTE: FOR SIMPLICITY REASONS, ALL THE LISTED SENSORS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED WITH THE SAME NUMBER; EVEN IF THEY HAVE DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS (HUMIDITY CONTROL, TEMPERATURE CONTROL, ETC.).

3.6.1- SENSORS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE HAIR, AND TECHNOLOGY APPLIED-
As consequence of the high-speed variability and of the high variance of the data to be controlled, crossed controls and redundancy techniques have been applied in the present project; sensors 20 (fig. 8) are in dialogue with the electronic central unit 19 (fig. 8) in three complementary hierarchic modes, activated by the operator. Contemporaneous measure of the same parameters in different areas of the hair has been planned, with the aim to give back to the operator himself, a complete overview of the quality of the drying and modelling activity.

MODE 1- Control performed by sensors placed inside the terminal part of tools 52 (fig. 8).

MODE 2- Control performed by sensors placed in the special tool 26 (fig. 8) for direct contact measures with the hair, during the combing activity.

MODE 3- Control performed by the sensors 27 (fig. 8) placed near the system, and oriented on the job area, for remote measures.

In each of these modes, an acoustic and / or a visual signal 28 (fig. 9) or other signals are emitted, and / or safety procedures are activated as soon as levels of attention 29 (fig. 9) is reached, which allows to the operator to identify the measurement system that originates the alarm, with the help of either of green, or yellow or red led, (30, 31, 32 fig. 9), which inform that the drying and modelling conditions are normal, near the limits, out of the normal established parameters. Moreover, inside the more evolved "Remote measure system" mode 3, the video-camera system 33 (fig. 10) for the detection of parameters like temperature, humidity etc. could be installed; for example, the company FLIR Systems produces control systems for thermo graphical infrared control, that can visualize the head image with its thermal map 34 (fig. 10) on the video 24 (fig. 8, 10). Moreover, in this way the link among different colours and different temperatures, and the monitor detection of the areas that need more or less treatment is facilitated. As to humidity, two methods for the remote control (infrared 35 (fig. 11) and microwaves 36 (fig. 11)) are known; in the first, which is even more economic, only the detection of the superficial humidity values is permitted, while in the second one the stratified detection 136 (fig. 11) of the humidity value is possible. Thanks to this second option, the continuous and stratified check of a high volume of hair can be easily performed. This system, developed for example by the company ALEPH - Modena and obviously considered safe, has been already used for the control of stratified humidity of cereals stocked in silos in great quantity.

3.6.2- SENSORS FOR THE SYSTEM CONTROL- Moreover, in combination with the sensors that control the hair, other sensors 20 (fig. 8) can be supplied for the control of the technical parameters of the entire system (temperature, speed and pressure of the air generated by the fan 39 (fig. 8), air temperature after the electric heater 4 (fig. 8), "Cold jet" air temperature" 23 (fig. 8)).

3.6.3- SENSORS FOR THE AUTOMATIC SELECTION- At the same time, other innovative advantages, for example the automatic selection of specific software (without intervention of the operator), have been designed with the aim to get a complete use of the technology of sensors; each tool could have a specific element of identification 37 (fig. 12) inside (for example, a "tag", or intelligent labels with the RFID technology inside, a microprocessor etc.). That tool, when installed on the diffuser 50 (fig. 8, 12), establishes the contact with the receiver 38 (fig. 12), and informs the system about its presence. Consequently, on the bases of the characteristics of the recognised tool, the performances of the program chosen by the operator are automatically set up by the central unit 19 (fig. 8) (for example: small brush = low air volume, normal brush = high volume of air, comb = high temperature); moreover, on the bases of the operative necessities, little alterations of these parameters can be easily produced and memorized by the operator.

3.7- CHOICE OF THE CORRECT KIND OF FAN, WITH REFERENCE TO THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TOOLS USED FOR THE MODELLING OPERATION- As already supposed by the professional operators, a second important goal has been reached with the tests; in fact, it has been demonstrated that the use of a reduced air pressure to dry the hair is possible, as a consequence of the use of brushes with the inner air ducts 52 (fig. 8). Moreover, high air pressure would have created negative consequences for the correct hair modelling. Consequently, the result is that traditional fans 38 (fig. 13) (producers: AMETEK, FISE, and others), noisy and with a high dynamic response (speed: more than 25000 rpm), have been discarded; therefore, preference has been given to "cage" fans 39 (fig. 13) or similar ones (producers: ELICENT and others), silent and with low dynamic response (speed: around 2000 rpm). The same are used in air conditioning. We noticed that the present project has been extremely influenced in an important and positive way by that decision; after that, an intrinsically silent system with transitional characteristics, ready to be placed near the hairdresser has been developed, for reasons of size, of impact on the environment, of cost, of simplicity. Moreover, compared to the existing centralized system described at point 1.5, no silencing structures are needed.
3.8- MOTOR- An important technical choice has been decided about the motor, in order to gives the system the following characteristics:

• Possible performance of the new automation concepts listed before.
• Compatibility with the market requirements.
• High level of reliability.

The decision to increase the lifetime cycle of the motor itself has been taken, in order to allow the operators to install and then "forget" the motor under the technical point of view; and this with a view to avoid maintenance activities and / or substitution of spare parts by the operator (specifically Female operators). Consequently, the high efficiency brushless motor 130 (fig. 8), developed in cooperation with a leading motor producer described below, has been chosen; in this way, all the problems connected with noise and with brushes have been cancelled. In fact, this kind of motors is widely used in industrial automation, it has very compact size, high specific power, its electrical components are maintenance free, and its lifetime is only consequential to the life of their bearings (higher than 10000 hours of work); this means that at least 5 years of lifetime is guaranteed (hypothesis of intense use of the system for 8 hours per day x 250 days x 5 years = 10000 hours). A short description of the "brushless" motors has been arranged below, with the aim to give evidence of the peculiarity that characterises the innovation of the present system:

3.8.1- "BRUSHLESS" MOTOR FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION- This kind of motor, with magnetic components made with the named "Rare hearts", produced for example by Siemens, Bosch (SE 13030 series and similar), is silent and has high and sophisticated dynamic characteristics; for example, both the control of the speed and the motor shaft position are performed by the feedback system 40 (fig. 14) (which is essential for the control of any phase of industrial automation). For these reasons the cost is very high, and, at the moment, not acceptable for the kind of system here described.

3.8.2- VARIABLE RELUCTANCE "BRUSHLESS" MOTOR- This kind of motor is considered noisier than the previous ones, especially in the starting phase, but the cost is considerably lower.

3.8.3- SILENT AND CHEAP "BRUSHLESS" MOTOR, WITH INNOVATIVE ELECTRONIC AND DRIVING SYSTEM- this kind of motor has been developed by a leading motors producer; it has the same performances as a "Universal" hairdryer motor, and, moreover, offers the advantages of the two kind of "brushless" motors described above; in this case, the motor has been personalized in cooperation with the inventors of the present project, and represents the ideal motor for the system here described. In fact, it has been dimensioned in combination with the special fan that is silent and consequently ready for the installation close to the job positions in the hairdressers' shops.

3.9- ELECTRONIC MOTOR CONTROL- Thanks to the motor feedback system 40 (fig. 14), a quick and gradual adaptation of the airflow to the operator needs is achieved; thanks to the general electronic control 19 (fig. 8, 14), that includes the electronic motor control 41 (fig. 14) too, the full control of the system itself is achieved.
3.10- PIPING- The decision to install the air generator close to each job position, has been taken in order to get a quick mechanical response of the air generator to the needs of the operator; with the intention to improve the whole operative aspects, a compact easy-to-handle air duct 42 (fig. 8, 15) has been provided, with adequate diameter (about 30 mm) and good resistance to the low pressures, and lightness (weight: lower than 100 gr/metre). This kind of piping derives from the VENA types concept, distributed by the ANGST + PFISTER company, and is composed by the corrugated thin silicon sheet 43 (fig. 15), rolled on the plastic wire spiral 44 (fig. 15) (for electrical insulating reasons), and is also used for the passage of the electric cables 45 (fig. 15) of the electric heater 4 (fig. 8), for the signal cables 46 (fig. 8) of the sensors 20 (fig. 8, 15), for the cables 47 (fig. 8, 15) which connect the control switches 25 (fig. 8) placed on the diffuser 50 (fig. 8), and serves as passage for the "Cold jet" air duct 48 (fig. 15) described later; for obvious reasons of speed, a system of connections "quick-change" type 134 (fig. 15) has been used to allow the connection of the piping 42 (fig. 15) as well as of the cable terminals 45, 46, 47 (fig. 8, 15), easy-to-use for inexperienced people, and derived from similar devices already on the market.
3.11- THE ROTATING DIFFUSER AND THE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS- Thanks to the adoption of innovative characteristics already included into the device invented in the 60ies by Mr. Simeone Filippi, (point 1.6), the diffuser 50 (fig. 16) has been re-designed in cooperation with the professional users, with an eye to the ergonomic criteria. It includes tools 52 (fig. 16) able to rotate 51 (fig. 16) around the axis 60 (fig. 16), by the action of the hand that holds the diffuser 50 (fig. 16) itself. It is built with ultra-light materials (carbon fibre, etc.), and contains the electric heater / heaters 4 (fig. 16) (with sensor for the temperature control and the automatic safety switch); it also contains the operation switches 25 (fig. 16) (ON / OFF), and the switches for temperature of the electric heater 4 (fig. 16) and for the adjustment of the air speed, together with the sensors 20 (fig. 16) for the control of the air temperature at the exit of the diffuser itself. With the aim of contrasting the rotation 51 (fig. 16) of the tools 52 (fig. 16) during the modelling, and counterbalancing the tilting momentum created by the piping 42 (fig. 16), the terminal side 54 (fig. 16) has been oriented of about 75 degrees. To facilitate the operator's personal response, series of curved pipes 55 (fig. 16) inclined in different ways (45°, 60°, 90°) to be chosen during the installation of the system has been provided; at the same time, the special deformable version 56 (fig. 16) that allows the desired inclination has been also supplied. The cross section of the first area 57 (fig. 17), has been modelled to the print 58 (fig. 17) of the hand naturally wrapped on it; in fact, that part of the diffuser is seized with the part of the palm of the hand 59 (fig. 17) placed near the root of the thumb, and held by pressure with the ring finger and the little finger 61 (fig. 17). Consequently, the rotation of tools 52 (fig. -16, 17) results from the combined movement of the thumb and of the ring finger 64 (fig. 17) on the rotating ring 62 (fig. 17). In order to avoid the described fatigue and torsion to the wrist, the rotating flanges 63 (fig. 16) are placed among the piping 42 (fig. 16) and the diffuser 50 (fig. 16); flanges have mechanical stops, to avoid absolute rotations over 330°, and to avoid dangerous torsions to the inner electric cables.
3.12- QUICK-CHANGE INTERCHANGEABLE TOOLS WITH INNER AIR DUCTS- To facilitate quick connection and removing of the tools, a special shape of the tip 65 (fig. 16) of the diffuser has been arranged; some of the tools here described, are already known on the market as tools for a single and independent use ("Marcel" tool, flat and spiral ironing tool). In this case, a specific electric heater, or the hot air coming from the traditional hairdryer is used to heat them; unfortunately, the defects already explained generally appear with this heating method. For these reasons, in the invention here described, the tools have been highly improved; for example, they now can turn and / or oscillate around the axis 60 (fig. 16, 18), and specific inner ducts 17 (fig. from 18 to 23) for the hot air passage have been designed. Therefore, a new and more efficient modelling method is now possible. And these tools are:

3.12.1- BRUSHES FOR MODELLING 67 (fig. 18)- Built in appropriate diameters and lengths calculated on the bases of the modelling operational requirements, with the inner airflow ducts 66 (fig. 18).

3.12.2- SPECIAL COMBS 68 (fig. 18)- With the inner airflow ducts 66 (fig. 18) for the diffusion of air during the combing operations.

3.12.3- TOOL FOR MODELLING OF WAVES, "FERRO MARCEL" STYLE 69 (fig. 19)-The lock of hair 72 (fig. 19) is trapped and pressed between the cylindrical portion 70 (fig. 19) and the semi-cylindrical portion 71 (fig. 19); in this way, thanks to the direct hot air 66 (fig. 19) blown among the hair through the inner ducts 17 (fig. 19), a high efficacy modelling operation is obtained. And this especially if compared with the traditional "Ferro Marcel" tool, heated by means of an electric heater and without air inside.

3.12.4- FLAT IRONING TOOL 73 (fig. 20)- The lock of hair 72 (fig. 20) is trapped and pressed between two plates 74 (fig. 20) with the inner ducts 17 (fig. 20) for hot air 66 (fig. 20); the lock of hair are aligned by the bristles 75 (fig. 20) and are pinched by the rollers 76 (fig. 20) to perform the flat ironing modelling operation.

3.12.5- SPIRAL IRONING TOOL 77 (fig. 21)- The lock of hair 72 (fig. 21) is wrapped around a helicoids profile 78 (fig. 21) with the inner ducts 17 (fig. 21); thanks to the airflow 66 (fig. 21), the modelling operation is completed and fixed.

3.12.6- TOOL FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE CURLER FOR WAVES MODELLING 79 (fig. 22)- Curler 81 (fig. 22) is placed and held by the retaining device 82 (fig. 22) on a cylindrical hollow profile 80 (fig. 22) with the inner ducts 17 (fig. 22); in this way, axial and rotational movements of the curler are avoided. At the end of the modelling operation, the button 83 (fig. 22) is pushed by the operator to disengage the diffuser 50 (fig. 22), which leaves the curler just arranged free on the head. With the aim of reducing the installation time, the tool with increased length 84 (fig. 22) for the contemporaneous installation of the series of curler 81 (fig. 22) has been designed; in this way, other curlers could be preinstalled and pre-heated on the tool by the airflow 66 (fig. 22), while the previous installation goes on.

3.12.7- CAP FOR DRYING AND MODELLING 85 (fig. 23)- The bag 86 (fig. 23), shaped to be dressed on the head and on the hair 5 (fig. 23) is connected to the diffuser 50 (fig. 23); this diffuser supplies the air 66 (fig. 23) for the drying and modelling operation.

3.12.8- QUICK-CHANGE TOOLS SYSTEM 87 (fig. 24)- The quick-change connection system is performed by the combination of the following two mechanisms:

• The male-female conic coupling system 88 (fig. 24) (special conic profile has been calculated with reference to the friction coefficient between the two parts in touch (preferably "Techno polymer" for medium temperatures)).
• The safety stud 89 (fig. 24) with release button 90 (fig. 24), for the correct coupling among the diffuser 50 (fig. 24) and the tools 52 (fig. 24).

Couplings have been studied to guarantee the correct equilibrium among:

• Robustness of manipulation during the modelling operations.
• Necessity to avoid wastes of air.
• Easy handling during installation of the tools and the removing operations.

If the detection sensors 20 (fig. 8, 24) are installed on such kind of devices, as planned at point 3.6, the necessary quick-change electric connection 91 (fig. 24) for the signal transmission at low voltage from the sensor, or from the sensors 20 (fig. 8, 24) to the central process unit 19 (fig. 8), will be set up consequently on board.

3.13- "COLD JET" TOOL AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENTS- As detailed at point 1.4.4, due to the importance of this kind of tool, and to the different ways of use, three different solutions have been designed with a view to:

• The technologic quality degree.
• The cost.
• The frequency of use.
• The professional result.
• The kind of drying system used (see point 3.20 - versions).

3.13.1- VERSION 92 (fig. 25) WITH COMPRESSED COLD AIR PIPING PLACED INSIDE THE DIFFUSER, WITH SPECIFIC AIR COMPRESSOR- The components are:

The air compressor 21 (fig. 25), the optional air cooling system 22 (fig. 25) (liquid nitrogen tech., or electric refrigerator tech., etc.), the compressed air piping (diameter: 5 mm) 93 (fig. 25) placed inside or in parallel to the main piping 42 (fig. 15, 25), the on / off switch 94 (fig. 25) installed on the diffuser 50 (fig. 16, 25).

3.13.2- VERSION 95 (fig. 26) WITH COMPRESSED COLD AIR PIPING PLACED OUTSIDE THE DIFFUSER, WITH SPECIFIC AIR COMPRESSOR- The basic components are the same as for the previous version, with the addition of the specific diffuser 96 (fig. 26), that can be included inside the tool 26 (fig. 8, 26) already used for the measurement of humidity.

3.13.3- VERSION 97 (fig. 27) WITH VENTILATED COLD AIR PIPING PLACED OUTSIDE THE DIFFUSER, AND WITH DERIVATION OF THE AIR FROM THE MAIN GENERATOR OF AIR - The components are:

The system 98 (fig. 27) with piping (diameter: 20 mm) derived from the main ventilated air duct 99 (fig. 27), the optional air cooling system 22 (fig. 27) (liquid nitrogen technology, or electric refrigerator technology, etc.), the specific diffuser 96 (fig. 27) and the on / off switch 94 (fig. 27).

3.13.4- INTERCHANGEABLE QUICK-CHANGE AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT- As for the diffuser 50 (fig. 16), due to the similarity of the job operations to be performed or supported, the integration of the "Cold jet" 96 (fig. 26, 27) into the tools 26 (fig. 8) could be arranged (i.e.: Rotating tools with the inner ducts 17 (fig. 28), similar to the ones used for the main diffuser may be provided); at the same time, the quick-change connection system 141 (fig. 28) similar to the described one 87 (fig. 24) could be designed. In case of use of compressed air, a quick-change connection system could be build, by means of the traditional connection systems for compressed air already on the market (produced by companies such as LEGRIS, FASTER etc.). In this case, the necessary quick-change electric connection 91 (fig. 28) for the transmission (at low voltage) of signals from the sensor, or from the sensors 20 (fig. 28) to the central process unit will be also mounted on board consequently.

3.13.5- MULTI PURPOSE MODELLING TOOL (NAMED "CONCA") 26 (fig. 28)- By means of the multi-purpose modelling tool named "conca" 26 (fig. 28), a complete and coordinated use of the whole system is achieved; this kind of tool, has been studied both to cover the brushes 67 (fig. 28) to avoid the spreading of hot air 66 (fig. 18) during the modelling operations, and to the contemporaneous measure of the humidity of the hair by means of the sensors 20 (fig. 28). This apparent technical redundancy, can be used in two cases:

• When the operator, because of the high variability of the parameters to be checked, and for the reasons explained at point 3.17 (choice between continuous or periodic check), does not prefer to use the other forecasted methods of measurement.
• When the operator needs to acquire more data on a critical area of the hair.
  This important tool, also includes the other sensors 20 (fig. 28) on the upper side 100 (fig. 28), and is used on this side for instantaneous measurements, when the covering of the brushes 67 (fig. 28) is not required. With the aim of facilitating the operations, a series of teeth 101 (fig. 28) has been placed on the tool; as already said, the "Cold jet' system 93 (fig. 25, 28) can also be contained into the named "Conca" tool too.

3.14- SCHEME OF THE WORKING OF THE SYSTEM- In the new kind of system here described (that can also be considered safer and more efficient with respect to the traditional ones), the traditional concept of hair drying and modelling has been re-designed and turned upside-down; in fact, the control of the main parameters as humidity and temperature has been guaranteed. The same for other parameters, such as the light reflection of hair, measured with optical devices. Consequently, the care for the health of the hair has been privileged. Moreover, suggestions or variations about the functionality of the system, related to the quality of the drying and modelling operation, are automatically executed by the system. As already said, the automatic sensors 20 (fig. 8) govern the system for the acquisition of the parameters that indicate the degree of drying of the hair. In these situations there may often be typical mistakes and psychological rejection of automatic devices. In order to reduce this kind of reactions, special attention has been paid to the problem; for example, the full control of the system has been assigned to the operator, who can decide in any moment if, how and when to gradually use the potentiality offered by the system itself. In the phases of "learning and familiarizing" with the new performances offered by the system, the operator can decide (by means of simple selections on the touch-screen, or by means of selectors keys) how to use the system itself; for example, the operator can decide to use the system as a normal hairdryer, with all the technical consequential advantaged already described. After this first phase, the operator will gradually decide about the use of all the possibilities offered by the electronic automation, placed inside the new "friendly" and a "humanized" system.
3.15- HEALTH OF THE HAIR- The care of the health of the hair is guaranteed by the sensors 20 (fig. 8), that read the humidity values 102 (fig. 8), the temperature value 103 (fig. 8) etc., in the interested area of the hair 5 (fig. 8), and send them back to the central unit 19 (fig. 8). Those values are compared to one or more of the pre-alarm limits 29 (fig. 9), previously fixed on the panel on the bases of the physical data and professional experience; consequently, adequate electric parameters are sent to the motor 130 (fig. 8) or to the electric heaters 4 (fig. 8), with the aim to maintain the humidity degree 102 (fig. 8), the temperature degree 103 (fig. 8) etc., inside the said pre-alarm limits. If, despite the automatic corrections, this condition does not occur, some acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 9) are first of all launched to the operator; to avoid damages to the hair, the electricity that feeds the electric heater 4 (fig. 8) is cut off by the system within a calculated time, and the entire system is stopped if the alarm persists. Moreover, details about the reasons of that anomaly are finally launched on the video. If the humidity and / or the temperature of the hair etc., remain inside the pre-fixed limits, the drying operation goes on, till the correct humidity degree is reached; the acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 9) are launched to the operator, to inform about the end of the treatment.
3.16- INTEGRATED ANTI STRESS CONTROL- At the same time, a control is made about the speed of variation of the parameters monitored by the sensors 20 (fig. 8); in fact, physical - chemical reaction and micro-pathologic stress into the keratin contained in the hair could happen during a traditional activity of drying and modelling, as a result of the too rapid variation of temperature, humidity etc. (see the analogy with the technology of the steel treatment, point 1.4.4. - "Cold jet" treatment). In order to avoid this situation, the sensors 20 (fig. 8) perform a continuous sampling of the variation 142 (fig. 29) of humidity 102 (fig. 8, 29), of temperature 103 (fig. 8, 29) etc., in the unit of time, comparing the trend to the normal values 104, 105 (fig. 29) pre-set before and memorized in the central unit. Acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 9) and / or invitations to modify the job rhythms and / or to modify the operative parameters are launched to the operator, if values 102, 103 etc. (fig. 29), result too high respect to the ones considered as normal.
3.17- CHOICE BETWEEN CONTINUOUS OR PERIODIC CONTROL- Three kinds of contemporaneous crossed controls (see point 3.6.1), are offered by the system of sensors 20 (fig. 8); in function of the presumed kind of needed help, the best combination among them can be chosen by the operator. This because the hairdressing activity is composed by a wide sequence of different operations, that are significantly influenced by the professional experience, by the intuition, by the speed of manipulation and by the acquired personal skills. Global and continued information on the trend of the temperature, of the humidity etc., referred to the extended area 5 (fig. 8) or to the whole head, are supplied by the remote control sensors 27 (fig. 8); at the same time, the data referred to a restricted job area, can be supplied by the sensors located inside the tools 52 (fig. 8) and 26 (fig. 8). Moreover, measurements not strictly connected with the progress of the modelling activity can be carried out with the sensors placed on the single tool "Conca", to be used with the second (free) hand. In order to decide how to go ahead, it might be useful to know immediately the drying degree of a zone not yet included into the current job area. At the same time, thanks to the high level of repetition of the modelling operations, an experienced operator can easily reach high personal capability of discrimination; in this sense, in order to avoid the repetition of useless and boring controls, such degree of flexibility has been implemented. For example, quick responses about the evolving of the operations can be read easily with a rapid touch of the "measuring comb" tool 26 (fig. 28), held by the second (free) hand.
3.18- "FUZZY LOGIC" AND AUTOMATIC SELF-LEARNING- The most recent criteria of development of software, and the peculiarity of the measurements to be executed, have required the application of the so called "Fuzzy" logic to develop the software (that includes flexibility and self adapting characteristics); and this because is necessary to take into account:

• The possibility, for the temperature and for the humidity parameters etc., to deeply influence each other.
• The different and specific style of manipulation of each operator.
• The high variability of the starting condition of each modelling cycle.
• The different response to the treatment, due to the different kinds of hair.
  For these reasons, as specified later, the use of the self-learning function is considered, in parallel with the pre-defined "drying and modelling" software; and this with a view to memorize and use the specific ways of use invented time after time by each operator.

3.19- HOW TO USE THE SYSTEM- With a simple selection on the "non-contact" touch-screen 24 (fig. 8, 30) (similar to the ones used in the medical sector), or with a selector key 107 (fig. 30), the following pre-settled modes can be uploaded and sent to the system:

3.19.1- "MANUAL" MODE 108 (fig. 30)- The operator simply uses the system like a traditional hairdryer; in this way, adequate and safe values of temperature and humidity are guaranteed by the technology of the sensors. Acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 9) are launched to the operator when the right values of humidity are reached.

3.19.2- "MANUAL" MODE WITH SELF-LEARNING FUNCTION 109 (fig. 30)- The memorisation of technical data 110 (fig. 30) (time, air generator speed and acceleration profiles, electric and temperature data of the electric heaters, etc., performed during the job operations) is added to the functions listed in the previous point. With the intention to use them in the future as trace for similar jobs, we suggest the choice of this option for the memorization of peculiar kinds of hair modelling. A specific code 111 (fig. 30) ("Customer name", "Kind of hair", "Length of the hair", "Density of hair" etc.) can be assigned to the memorized programs.

3.19.3- "DRYING AND PRE-MODELLING" MODE 112 (fig. 30)- In this case, a program compatible with the limits of non-damaging of the hair, has been studied to privileges the sending of high volume of air at high temperature 113 (fig. 30); at the same time, the consequential optimum air generator speed profile and the optimum electric heater (or electric heaters) heating profile is applied. Furthermore, acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 9) are launched to the operator at the end the program, when the value of humidity compatible with the next modelling phase is reached.

3.19.4- "HAIR TREATMENT AND FINAL MODELLING" MODE 114 (fig. 30) - Again, a program compatible with the limits of non-damaging of the hair, but that privileges the sending of low volume of air at low temperature 115 (fig. 30) has been studied; contemporaneously, the consequential optimum speed profile of the air generator and the optimum heating profile of the electric heater (or electric heaters) is applied. At the same time, acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 9) are launched to the operator at the end of the program, when the pre-calculated ideal value of humidity is reached.
NOTE: Both the previous options, if necessary, can be previously modified by the selection of a more specific appropriate program memorized in advance; in this case, the temperature and the velocity of the air can be slightly modified by the operator, following the aspects listed below, and previously measured and / or memorised:

• The thickness of the hair.
• The chemical composition of the hair.
• The structure of the hair (hair with glass structure, porous structure or compact structure).
• The form of the hair (plain, rich, curled).
  On the bases of these data, indications about the more appropriate lotions and treatments are suggested to the operator on the screen; if no alterations are signalled, for simplicity reasons the memorized standard program is carried out. In any case, if necessary, job parameters as the speed of the air generator and / or the temperature of the electric heater (or electric heaters) can be modified, memorized and re-numbered by the operator into the system. For what concern the selection and the diffusion of lotions and products for the care of the hair, the installation of an appropriate dispenser 147 (fig. 8, 38) of products 148 (fig. 38) has been provided; thanks to the data acquired on the hair, the preparation and the diffusion of the appropriate product can be done through a specific piping, possibly installed inside the air ducts of the diffusers 26, 50 (fig. 8).

3.19.4- "IDENTIKIT" MODE (fig. 37) - This option has been designed with the aim of inserting the technology derived from the "Identikit" methods into the system; the image of the face 185 (fig. 37) of the customer can be acquired by means of a camera or video camera 186 (fig. 8, 36, 37), and some new kind of shapes 184 (fig. 37) can be overlapped and proposed to the customer, with the intent to help the customer herself (or himself) to choose the more suitable one.

3.20- VERSIONS- The proposed versions are the following:

3.20.1- FOR HAIRDRESSERS' SHOPS- Three kind of sub-versions are available: THE CEILING STYLE 116 (fig. 31), THE WALL STYLE 117 (fig. 32), THE ARMCHAIR STYLE 118 (fig. 33); as shown in fig. 31, 32, 33, the standard component (this means: the same components but installed in different ways) of a hypothetical equipment version, are the motor air generator 119, the balanced swivel arm and support 120, the rigid piping 121, the flexible piping 42, the diffuser 50, the drying and modelling tools 52, the system of sensors 20 (fig. 8), the "Cold jet" system 23, the electronic control 19 (fig. 8), the screen and the operative terminal 24 (fig. 8).
NOTE 1- For simplicity reasons, the "Cold jet" system is here represented in the version 95 (fig. 26), described at point 3.13.2.
NOTE 2- The armchair version 118 (fig. 33) has been worked out for the installation inside modern armchairs and very large armchairs; in this case the motor air generator 119 (fig. 33) is hidden inside the base of the armchair 122 (fig. 33) and the rigid piping components 121 are not required. Moreover, is required a wrapping device 123 (fig. 33) to collect the flexible piping.

3.20.2- TEACHING VERSION FOR FASHION SCHOOLS 124 (fig. 34)- This version has been studied for the rapid and efficient installation of modular and non-fixed plants, as the ones for use in teaching; a modular welded rigid structure 125 (fig. 34) with the preassembled connection for the energy supply 126 (fig. 34) has been designed as function of main support, as a substitute of the rigid piping 121.

3.20.3- PORTABLE VERSION FOR COMPETITIONS AND EXHIBITIONS 127 (fig. 35)-
This version is composed by a portable structure, and contains a modified selection of the main components already listed above; for example, for reasons of transportation, the screen 24 (fig. 8) for the management of the job programs has been changed with a hand-held terminal 128 (fig. 35), while the control with sensors is only performed by the manual tool named "conca" 26 (fig. 8, 28).

3.20.4- SIMPLIFIED DOMESTIC VERSION- This version derives directly from the "Version for hairdressers' shops", and can be worked out in different ways (with sensors for direct control, with a simplified electronic control for the remote control with sensors etc.), according to the professional degree required.

3.21- REDUCTION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION- The consumption of energy of the present innovative drying system, compared to the other kind of drying technologies is listed in detail in the following data-sheet:

KIND OF HAIR DRYER OR KIND OF SYSTEM	POWER MOTOR	POWER ELECTRIC HEATER	TOTAL INSTALLED POWER	MINIMUM INSTALLED POWER
PROFESSIONAL HAIR DRYER	100 w	1800 w	1900 w	1900 w
CENTRALIZED SYSTEM 7 PLACES "ATOTEC" STYLE	/	/	1500 w	10000 w
CENTRALIZED SYSTEM 1 PLACE "HAIR-TECH" STYLE	1300 w	600 w	1900 w	1900 w
PRESENT INNOVATIVE SYSTEM	200 w	400 w	600 w	600 w

From the energetic point of view, the best configuration is represented by the present patent application; the goal has been reached because, step after step, each aspect of the present project has been optimized, as resumed below, with an eye to these important aspects:

• The most modern and reliable typology of motor technologies has been used.
• The fan with the best degree of efficiency and efficacy has been tested and then chosen.
• The device for the final diffusion of the air has been strongly improved; hot air is now directly blown near the surface of the scalp. Consequently, wastes of hot air have been reduced.
• The control of the technical parameters of the system has been attributed to a system of sensors, and the human influence on their evaluation has been reduced.
  For the development of the present innovation, the use of up to date, reliable, ready for the market and relatively cheap technologies has been taken into account since the beginning; for example, the apparent high cost of brushless motors is quickly compensated by:

• The general low consumption of energy (three times less that what is consumed in the standard hairdressing devices).
• The long motor lifetime (five times higher that the traditional non-brushless motors).
• The absence of electric servicing (no periodical changes of deteriorated brushes are required).
  At the same time, high job uniformity and high operative safety for customer and operator come out as a consequence of the implementation of an efficient electronic supervisor system, and as a result of the implementation of the system of sensors too. At first sight this usage of technology may appear like a mere addition of costs; on the contrary, in the opinion of the inventors they represent a clever choice of long-term investment.

3.22- BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE CENTRAL UNIT OF THE SYSTEM- A scheme of the main components of the system is listed below (fig. 36):

• Central unit for control and command 19 (fig. 8, 36).
• Devices for the acquisition of the data 106 (fig. 36).
• Instruments for the treatment and the memorizing of the data 131 (fig. 36).
• Software for the treatment of the data 132 (fig. 36).
• Internal data-sheets 133 (fig. 36).

The central unit 19 (fig. 8, 36) performs the following jobs:

• Governs the whole system 129 (fig. 8, 36) thanks to the means 106 and 131 (fig. 36).
• Acquires and / or memorizes the values read by means of the sensors 20 (fig. 8) and / or acquires and / or memorizes the data inserted by means of the operator etc..
• Makes use of these values, thanks to the means 132 (fig. 36).
• Compares these values with the internal data sheets 133 (fig. 36) etc..
• Maintains the general working conditions of the system inside the pre-settled limits of safety, thanks to the continuous dialogue with the sensors 20 (fig. 8).

Moreover, data coherent with the input of the operator, and / or data coherent with the needed technical result of drying and / or modelling, are sent to the specific electronic controllers of each components (i.e.: the controller 151 (fig. 36) for the motor air generator 119 (fig. 36), the controller 152 (fig. 36) for the electric heater 4 (fig. 36), the controller 153 (fig. 36) for the compressor 21 (fig. 36), the controller 154 (fig. 36) for the refrigerator 22 (fig. 36) etc.)).
3.23- EXAMPLE OF AN ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER (HARDWARE) IN OPERATION- The electronic management of each component of the system is performed by each single controller 151, 152, 153, 154 (fig. 36, 39) etc.; the controller 151 (fig. 36, 39) here described as an example, governs the motor air generator 39 (fig. 39), etc.. Data are received by the sensors and by the other input units 20, 24, 107, 128 (fig. 36, 39) etc. by means of the interface device 155 (fig. 39). The generator of the motion profile 156 (fig. 39) placed inside the controller 151 (fig. 39) sends the data of the movement to the adding node 157 (fig. 39) for elaborations and comparisons. Then the elaborated data are sent to the P.I.D. filter 158 (fig. 39) (Proportional-Integral-Derivate), and consequently, the drive stage 160 (fig. 39) of the motor 39 (fig. 39) is informed through the digital / analogic converter 159 (fig. 39). At that moment, adequate values of electricity are sent to the motor 39 (fig. 39) by the drive stage 160 (fig. 39), to get the required profile of motion. Simultaneously, in real time, through the real speed / position processor 161 (fig. 39), the adding node 157 (fig. 39) is informed by the speed / position transducer 40 (fig. 39), about the speed of the motor 39 (fig. 39); in this way, the continuous control and, if necessary, the continuous variation of the motor speed profile is granted.
3.24- EXAMPLE OF FLOW CHART FOR THE ELECTRONIC PROGRAM (SOFTWARE)-The attached flow chart 187 (fig. 40), reports the logical procedure of the software that governs the system; during the phases 163, 164, 165, 166 etc. (fig. 40) the values of humidity, temperature 162 (fig. 40) etc., read by means of the sensors 20 (fig. 8, 40), are compared to the related reference values previously memorized.
For example, in case the values of humidity 102 (fig. 40) etc., come out from the data of reference, a second control 167 (fig. 40) during the phase 163 (fig. 40) is activated; if the data are high 168 (fig. 40), the lowering operation 170 (fig. 40) of the values of the electric current sent to the electric heater 4 (fig. 40) is carried out by the central unit 19 (fig. 8). On the contrary, the increasing operation 171 (fig. 40) of the values of the current sent to the electric heater 4 (fig. 40) is performed by the central unit 19 (fig. 8) in case of low data 169 (fig. 40).
Further and parallel controls: the values of air speed result different from the reference data during the phase 164 (fig. 40); in this case a second control 172 (fig. 40) is activated: when the data are high 173 (fig. 40), then the lowering operation 174 (fig. 40) of the values of the current sent to the motor 130 (fig. 40) is activated by the central unit 19 (fig. 8). On the contrary, the increasing operation 176 (fig. 40) of the values of the current sent to the motor 130 (fig. 40) is executed by the central unit 19 (fig. 8) if the data are low 175 (fig. 40).
One further example: during the phase 165 (fig. 40), the speed of variation 142 (fig. 29, 40) of the value of humidity 102 (fig. 29, 40), and / or of the value of temperature 103 (fig. 29) etc., is high 177 (fig. 40); then the data of reference are read, and the lowering operation 178 (fig. 40) of the values of the current sent to the electric heater 4 (fig. 40) is carried out by the central unit 19 (fig. 8). Each anomaly is signalled to the operator by means of acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 8, 40); moreover, according to its importance, yellow 182 (fig. 40) or red 183 (fig. 40) signals are lighted up. In case of coherent data 179 (fig. 40), the choice 180 (fig. 40) is made by the program, and the control procedure is repeated with a pre-defined sampling frequency (i.e.: 100 ms); in this case, the lighting up of a green signal 181 (fig. 40) informs about the correct evolution of the drying operation.
NOTE: The description reported above has been arranged with a view to correctly inform about the general application of the basic principle expressed with the present invention. More specific integrations can be arranged, following of the expansion of the experience in the technology concerning applications of sensors control.
3.25- RE-USE OF TRADITIONAL HAIR DRYERS (fig. 41)- Fig. 41 implies the realistic possibility of connecting the traditional hairdryer 1 (fig. 1, 41) to the piping 42 (fig. 8, 41), to the diffuser 50 (fig. 8, 41), to the tools 52 (fig. 8, 41); and that would make it possible to recycle a great number of existing hairdryers as portable air generators, or armchair installations (fig. 32, 33, 34, 35). In this case, the old electrical connection with the existing electric heater should be interrupted, in order to respect the existing laws about the products (CEI, IMQ etc..).

Claims

1. - Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, characterized by the fact that:

there is at least a motor group 130 (fig. 8), at least a fan 39 (fig. 8), at least the device 4 (fig. 8) for the heating of the air, at least a piping 42 (fig. 8) for the connection, at least an air diffuser for the drying and modelling 50 (fig. 8) of the hair, at least one or a plurality of tools 52 (fig. 8) with specific inner ducts 17 (fig. 8) for the distribution of the air 66 (fig. 8, 18), in case of necessity able to turn and / or to oscillate around the axis 60 (fig.16), programmed for the quick connection and quick removing of the diffuser 50 (fig. 8), if necessary at least a device 23 (fig. 8) for produce and distribute cold air (named "Cold jet" device) functionally independent from the airflow used for the drying and modelling operation,

SENSORS- as described at point 3.6, there are sensors 20 (fig. 8) that measure, for example, physical - chemical values near and / or inside the tools 52 (fig. 8), and / or

there are sensors 20 (fig. 8) that measure, for example, physical - chemical values near and / or on the surface and / or inside the hair 5 (fig. 8), and / or

there are sensors 20 (fig. 8) that measure, for example, physical - chemical values into the system, and / or

there are sensors 20 (fig. 8) that detect the characteristics of the tools 52 (fig. 8), as, for example, the typology of tool, and / or,

there are sensors 186 (fig. 8, 36, 37) that acquire the image of the face 185 (fig. 37), and allow the virtual overlapping on the screen of various kinds of hair modelling 184 (fig. 37), to allow the choice of the one that satisfies the needs of the customer,

INTERFACE MEN - MACHINE- there is at least a device for commands and controls 24, 25, 107 (fig. 8, 30, 36), used for the dialogue between the operator and the system 129 (fig. 8), in order to measure and / or to command, for example, the measure of chemical - physical - mineral values on the hair through the devices 143 (fig. 8, 37), and / or for the memorization, and / or to perform the search of data, and / or for the starting of job programs and / or for the control of the job programs, and / or to chose the more suitable operative mode, or suggested as more suitable by the central unit,

ELECTRONIC CONTROL- there is at least an electronic central unit for the commands and controls 19 (fig. 8, 36), that governs the whole system 129 (fig. 8, 36), central unit 19 (fig. 8, 36) that includes electronic means 106 (fig. 36) for data acquisition, that includes electronic means for data treatment and memorization 131 (fig. 36) (volatile and stable memorizations), that includes software for data elaboration 132 (fig. 36) etc., central unit 19 (fig. 8, 36) that acquires and / or memorises the values read by the sensors 20 (fig. 8) and / or the values inserted by the operator etc., that treats these data, that compares these data with inner data sheets 133 (fig. 36) etc., and consequently sends operative data (in coherence with the indications of the operator, and / or in coherence with the desired technical result of the drying and / or the modelling operation), to the other components of the system (as for example the motor or the motors, the electric heater or the electric heaters, etc.), by means of controllers 151, 152, 153, 154 (fig. 36, 39), and by means of electronic software 187 (fig. 40), etc., avoiding (thanks to the dialogue with the sensors 20 (fig. 8)), the overtaking of the pre-established safety limits, protecting in this way the health of the hair and / or the health of the scalp, and permitting the right diffusion of lotions, potions and nutrients substances etc., that are very sensible to the micro-climatic conditions,

VERSIONS- the system at electronic control for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, can be supplied with modular criteria in different versions, according to the required professional degree, and following the destination, as for example, hairdressers' shops 116 (fig. 31), 117 (fig. 32), 118 (fig. 33), didactic use 124 (fig. 34), portable for competitions and exhibitions 127 (fig. 35).

2. - HIGH EFFICIENCY MOTOR- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that
the electric motor or the electric motors 130 (fig. 8, 14), as described at point 3.8, 3.9, are long-life motor type, high efficiency motors type, brushless motor type, very silent and periodical "maintenance free" type, are controlled by electronic means for command and control 41 (fig. 14) with feedback device 40 (fig. 14) for the control and for the immediate variation of the dynamic parameters of the system, are built with electro-dynamic characteristics coherent with reference to the matching with the low pressure fan 39 (fig. 8, 13), supplies performances similar to the "Brushless" motors for industrial automation (point 3.8.1), and have low costs similar to the costs of the variable reluctance brushless motors type (point 3.8.2).

3. - HIGH EFFICIENCY FAN- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact that
the fan or the fans 39 (fig. 8, 13), as described at point 3.7, have aerodynamic characteristics and have low noise emissions, in coherence with the production of air at low pressure, and adequate to the optimal use in the present new methodology of hair drying and modelling with low energetic and environmental impact.

4. - ULTRA LIGHT PIPING- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized by the fact that
the main air duct 42 (fig. 8, 15), as described at point 3.10, are "ultra-light", with spiral structure made with electricity insulator characteristics, with quick connection and quick disconnection system 134 (fig. 15) for reasons of easy maintenance, is per-arranged for the passing of electric cables 45 (fig. 15) of the electric heater 4 (fig. 8), for the passing of the signal cables 46 (fig. 15) of the sensors 20 (fig. 8), for the passing of the cables 47 (fig. 8, 15) for the connection of switch-keys 25 (fig. 8) placed on the diffuser 50 (fig. 8), and for the passing of the independent air duct 48 (fig. 15) for the "Cold jet" device, cables and piping that also include a quick connection and a quick disconnection system for reasons of easy maintenance, piping light and easy to handle, with electric isolating capacity, with a favourable aesthetic impact and touch sensation, with optimal resistance to the low air pressure, required by the present new methodology of hair drying and modelling with low energetic and environmental impact.

5. - ULTRA LIGHT DIFFUSER- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, characterized by the fact that
the diffuser or the diffusers 50 (fig. 16) of air, as described at point 3.11, are built with ultra light fibres, as aramydic fibres (Kevlar) or carbon fibres, are pre-arranged for the installation of sensors 20 (fig. 8), and for the quick connection and the quick disconnection of tools 52 (fig. 8) which can rotate around the axis 60 (fig. 16) in order to allow the contemporaneous drying and modelling of the hair 5 (fig. 8), have a terminal portion 54 (fig. 16) inclined, with rotating flanges installed around zones 63 (fig. 16) to avoid torsion loads on the wrist of the operator, are built on the bases of ergonomic principles, because the area 57 (fig. 17) has a shape 58 (fig. 17), typical of a hand normally wrapped on the diffuser itself.

6. - INTERCHANGEABLE TOOLS ON THE DIFFUSER SIDE 52 (fig. 8)- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that
the tool or the tools 52 (fig. 8), as described at point 3.12, can rotate and / or oscillate around the axis 60 (fig. 8) to allow the simultaneous drying and modelling of the hair 5 (fig. 8), tools that have inner air ducts 17 (fig. 8), tools that are pre-arranged for sensors 20 (fig. 8) and can be built in the shape of a brush 67 (fig. 18), of a special comb 68 (fig. 18), of a waves modelling tool 69 (fig. 19), of an ironing tools 73 (fig. 20), 77 (fig. 21), of a tool for the installation of curler 79 (fig. 22), of a cap for the drying and modelling of the hair 85 (fig. 23), and can have any other shape to satisfy customer's requirements.

7. - "COLD JET" DEVICE 92, 95, 97 (fig. 25, 26, 27)- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that
there is at least a device 92 or 95 or 97 (fig. 25, 26, 27) for direct production and distribution of cold air (namely "Cold jet"), as described at point 3.13, functionally independent from the drying and modelling airflow, and this to allow the immediate and optimal "fixing" of the hair 5 (fig. 8), device composed by a mini compressor 21 (fig. 25, 26, 27), and possibly also composed by an air cooling system 22 (fig. 25, 26, 27) (with liquid nitrogen tech., or electric refrigerator tech., etc.), arranged as shown at points 3.13.

8. - INTERCHANGEABLE TOOLS ON THE SIDE OF THE "COLD JET" DEVICE 26 (fig. 28)-Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8); with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that
the tool or the tools 26 (fig. 8), as described at point 3.13.4, can rotate and / or oscillate around the axis 135 (fig. 28) to cooperate with the simultaneous drying and modelling of the hair 5 (fig. 28), tools that have inner air ducts 17 (fig. 28), are pre-arranged for sensors 20 (fig. 28), and are developed following new kinds of shapes, or with shapes derived from the tools placed on the main diffuser side 50 (fig. 8).

9. - SENSORS 20 (fig. 8)- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 8, characterized by the fact
that the sensors 20, as described at point 3.6, measure, for example, humidity 102 (fig. 8), and / or temperature 103 (fig. 8), and / or degree of reflection of the hair etc., and or measure humidity and/or temperature, and / or quantity of air, and / or pressure, and / or speed of the air used by the operator etc., and / or measure temperature, dynamic data of the components of the system 129 (fig. 8) etc., sensors that can use the technology considered as more suitable and up-to-date, such as the microwaves technology, and / or the infrared technology (fig. 11), sensors that can operate by direct contact 52, 26 (fig. 8), and / or without contact at a certain distance in the area 27 (fig. 8), sensors that (in case of acquisition of humidity and / or temperature values), are able to detect the superficial value and /or the value in a deepest area 136 (fig. 11) inside particularly voluminous hair, thanks to the possibility of modifying the power and the diameter of the microwaves rays emitted 36 (fig. 11).

10. - BRUSHES AND COMBS 67, 68 (fig. 18)- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that
brushes 67 (fig. 18) and combs 68 (fig. 18), as described at point 3.12.1 and 2, have different dimensions 137 (fig. 18), calculated in base to the different job typologies, and have bristles 138 (fig. 18) made in plastic, in steel or in other kinds of materials, brushes and combs with apposite quick-change connection 87 (fig. 24) and air ducts 17 (fig. 18), for the diffusion of the air 66 (fig. 18), with the consequential empowering of the results of the modelling operation.

11. - WAVES MODELLING TOOL "FERRO MARCEL" STYLE 69 (fig. 19)- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 10, characterized by the fact that
the tool 69 (fig. 19), as described at point 3.12.3, derives from the so called "Ferro Marcel" tool, is composed of a hollow cylindrical portion 70 (fig. 19) and of the semi- cylindrical portion 71 (fig. 19), capable of moving back and forth from that cylindrical portion 70 (fig. 19) by means of a mechanical action on the portion 139 (fig. 19) (portion 139 (fig. 19) hinged in point 140 (fig. 19)), tool 69 (fig. 19) that consequently compresses and models a portion of hair 72 (fig. 19) trapped between the described portions 70 (fig. 19) and 71 (fig. 19), tool 69 (fig. 19) with appropriate quick-change connection 87 (fig. 24) and air ducts 17 (fig. 19), for the diffusion of the air 66 (fig. 19), with the consequential empowering of the results of the modelling operation.

12. - FLAT IRONING TOOL 73 (fig. 20)- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that
the ironing tool 73 (fig. 20), as described at point 3.12.4, is composed by two opposed plates 74 (fig. 20) covered by a layer of bristles 75 (fig. 20) for the alignment of the hair, plates that have opposed ironing rollers 76 (fig. 20), plates and rollers capable to move back and forth by means of an action on the handles 139 (fig. 20), ironing tool 73 (fig. 20) with appropriate quick-change connection 141 (fig. 24) and air ducts 17 (fig. 20), for the diffusion of the air 66 (fig. 20), with the consequential empowering of the results of the modelling operation.

13. - SPIRAL IRONING TOOL 77 (fig. 21)- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 12, characterized by the fact that
the spiral ironing tool 77 (fig. 21), as described at point 3.12.5, includes a hollow portion with an outer profile 78 (fig. 21) shaped as a helicoid for the wrapping of the lock of hair 72 (fig. 21) around the helicoid profile 78 (fig. 21) itself, spiral ironing tool 77 (fig. 21) with the appropriate quick-change connection 87 (fig. 24) and air ducts 17 (fig. 21), for the diffusion of the air 66 (fig. 21), with the consequential empowering of the results of the modelling operation.

14. - CURLER INSTALLATION TOOL FOR THE MODELLING OF WAVES 79 (fig. 22)-Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that
the curler installation tool 79 (fig. 22), as described at point 3.12.6, includes the cylindrical hollow portion 80 (fig. 22) that receives one or a plurality of curlers 81 (fig. 22), that are blocked in their axial and rotational movement by means of the device 82 (fig. 22), curlers 81 (fig. 22) that can be disengaged from the cylindrical hollow portion 80 (fig. 22) through an action on the device 83 (fig. 22), tool for the installation of curlers 79 (fig. 22) that can be in this way disconnected from the curler or from the curlers 81 (fig. 22) installed on the hair 5 (fig. 8), tool for the installation of curlers 79 (fig. 22) that is supplied with the appropriate quick-change connection 87 (fig. 24) and that is supplied with air ducts 17 (fig. 22) for the diffusion of the air 66 (fig. 22), with the consequential empowering of the results of the modelling operation.

15. - CAP FOR DRYING AND MODELLING 85 (fig. 23)- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 14, characterized by the fact that
the cap 85 (fig. 23), as described at point 3.12.7, is composed of a bag-shaped portion with the profile of the hair, portion that adheres to the head without outflows of air thanks to the action of ropes, and / or elastic devices, etc., cap 85 (fig. 23) with apposite quick-change connection 87 (fig. 24) and air ducts 17 (fig. 23) for the diffusion of the air 66 (fig. 23), with the consequential empowering of the results of the modelling operation.

16. - MULTI PURPOSE TOOL FOR MODELLING, NAMED "CONCA" 26 (fig. 28)-Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 15, characterized by the fact that
the multi - purpose tool 26 (fig. 28), as described at point 3.13.5, includes a semi - cylindrical portion 100 (fig. 28), that covers the brushes 67 (fig. 18) during the modelling operation to avoid wastes of hot air, tool multi - purpose 26 (fig. 28) furnished with at least one side in shape of comb 101 (fig. 28), tool 26 (fig. 28) furnished with sensors 20 (fig. 28) for the measurement of physical - chemical values of the hair; tool 26 (fig. 28) that possibly includes the device for the diffusion of the "Cold jet" 96 (fig. 28) and the switch-key 94 (fig. 28), tool 26 (fig. 28) with suitable quick-change connection 141 (fig. 28), tool 26 (fig. 28) possibly with compressed air piping 93 (fig. 28) inside, tool 26 (fig. 28) supplied with air ducts 17 (fig. 28) for the diffusion of the air, with the consequential empowering of the results of the modelling operation.

17. - QUICK-CHANGE TOOL SYSTEM 87 and 141 (fig. 24, 28)- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 16, characterized by the fact that
the quick-change connection 87, 141 (fig. 24) of tools 26 and / or 52 (fig. 8, 24, 28), as described at point 3.1-2.8, is achieved at least by means of the conic coupling male - female 88 (fig. 24), at least by means of the safety element 89 (fig. 24), at least by means of a disengagement element 90 (fig. 24), possibly by means of a quick-change connection for the "Cold jet" device (fig. 25, 26, 27, 28), possibly by means of a quick-change connection for the electric supply 91 (fig. 24, 28) for the transmission of the low voltage signal from the sensor or from the sensors 20 (fig. 8, 24, 28) to the central process unit 19 (fig. 8), quick-change connection 87, 141 (fig. 24) where all the elements listed above, cooperate for the correct polarized coupling of the tools 26 and 52.

18. - SCHEME OF WORK- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 17, characterized by the fact that
the system has a central unit for control and command 19 (fig. 8, 36) that allows the selection and the set-up of the system itself, described at point 3.19, by means of the ways of use "MANUAL" 108 (fig. 30), in which the system is used as a traditional hairdryer, guaranteeing the use of adequate and not dangerous values of temperature and humidity, while the central unit informs about the reaching of the pre-set values of humidity 29 (fig. 9), with acoustic and visual signals 28 (fig. 9), or
"MANUAL" MODE WITH SELF-LEARNING FUNCTION 109 (fig. 30) in which the memorization of the technical data 110 (fig. 30) in use (times, profiles of speed and acceleration of the motor-fan, electric data and temperature of the electric heater or of the electric heaters, duration of job phases, etc.), is added to the functions mentioned previously, memorization of the technical data 110 (fig. 30) which can be fed and codified 111 (fig. 30) by "Customer", by "Kind of hair", by "Length of hair", by "Density of hair" etc.,
"DRYING AND PRE-MODELLING" MODE 112 (fig. 30) in which the system arranges the best profile for the air generator speed and the best profile for the electric heater (or electric heaters) heating, to executes a program that privileges the sending of high volume of air at high temperature 113 (fig. 30), compatible with the limits of no-damage for the hair, mode 112 (fig. 30) in which the system ends the program with the emission of acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 9), when the value of humidity compatible with the next modelling phase is reached,
"HAIR TREATMENT AND FINAL MODELLING" MODE 114 (fig. 30) in which the system arranges the best profile for the air generator speed and the best profile for the electric heater (or electric heaters) heating, to execute a program that privileges the sending of low volume of air at low temperature 115 (fig. 30), compatible with the limits of no-damage for the hair, mode 114 (fig. 30) in which the system ends the program with the emission of acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 9), when the pre-calculated ideal value of humidity is reached, mode 114 (fig. 30) in which the temperature and the speed of the air, can be slightly adapted on.the bases of other aspects previously evaluated, measured or memorized (fig. 37, 38), as for example the thickness of the hair, the chemical composition, the kind of structure (hair with a glass structure, a porous structure or a compact structure); the form of the hair (plain, rich, curled), data that are moreover used by the system to supply suggestions on screen and / or on paper, and / or through a vocal system directed to the operator, about the kind of lotions and treatments more appropriate to the typology of hair,
"IDENTIKIT" MODE (fig. 37) in which, through the insertion of the technology derived from the "Identikit" methods, the image of the face 185 (fig. 37) of the customer can be achieved through the device for acquisition 186 (fig. 8, 36, 37), and some new kind of modelling 184 (fig. 37) can be proposed to the customer, with the intention of helping the customer herself (or himself) to choose the more suitable one.

19. - HEALTH OF THE HAIR- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 18, characterized by the fact that
the system, as described at point 3.16, has a central unit for the control and command 19 (fig. 8, 36), studied with the aim to avoid physical - chemical stresses to the hair, this central unit 19 (fig. 8, 36) controls the speed of variation 142 (fig. 29) of the humidity 102 (fig. 29) and / or of the temperature 103 (fig. 29) and / or of other parameters, to avoid stresses and consequent micro - pathology of the keratin structure of the hair, then central unit 19 (fig. 8, 36) automatically corrects the anomalies and informs the operator with acoustic and visual signals.

20. - CONTINUOUS OR PERIODIC CONTROL BY SENSORS - Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 19, characterized by the fact that
the system, as described at point 3.17, has sensors specified in claim 9, activated by the operator in 3 complementary levels, with reference to the kind of help that, time after time, the operator himself wants, and with reference to the experience, the intuit, the speed of manipulation, the acquired personal skills of the operator himself, help that allows to the operator to get the adequate degree of control on the drying and modelling operation, help that can be obtained through the sensors placed in the area of the diffuser 50 (fig. 8) (as specified in claim 6), and / or through the sensors placed in the area of the "Cold jet" 26 (fig. 8) (as specified in claim 8), and / or through the sensors for the remote control 27 (fig. 8) (as specified in claim 9).

21. - ACQUISITION OF DIMENSIONAL AND PHYSICAL / CHEMICAL DATA FROM THE HAIR - Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 20, characterized by the fact that
the system, as described at point 3.19.4, can include devices 143 (fig. 8, 37) for the acquisition of dimensional and / or physical and / or chemical data, as, for example, the Ph degree of the hair, and / or its mineral composition etc., data acquired through the input of electronic data and / or through the input from paper information and stored in appropriate archives, and / or data directly acquired from the scalp, data like, for example, the thickness of the hair (acquired by means of high precision tool 144 (fig. 37)), and / or data like the basic mineral composition of the hair (acquired by means of simplified kit for rapid analysis 145 (fig. 37)), and / or data like the kind of structure of the hair (hair with glass structure, porous structure or compact structure), and / or data like the kind of hair (plain, rich, curled hair), data that are used by the system, with the aim to modify the performances of the system, and / or with the aim to supply the operator with suggestions about the appropriate kind of lotions and treatments.

22. - VERSION FOR HAIR FASHION SHOPS- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 21, characterized by the fact that the system,
as described at point 3.20.1, is arranged in the version for HAIR FASHION SHOPS, version composed by the motor-fan group 119 (fig. 8, 31, 32), by the balanced swivel arm 120 (fig. 31, 32), by the rigid piping 121 (fig. 31, 32), by the flexible piping 42 (fig. 8, 31, 32), by the diffuser 50 (fig. 8, 31, 32), group that has been designed for "Ceiling" installation 116 (fig. 31), and for "Wall" installation 117 (fig. 32), according to the needs and to the free space in the shop.

23. - VERSION FOR ARMCHAIRS- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 22, characterized by the fact that
the system, as described at point 3.20.1, is arranged in the version for ARMCHAIR 118 (fig. 33), version composed by the motor-fan group 119 (fig. 8, 33), by the fan 39 (fig. 8, 33), by the flexible piping 42 (fig. 8, 33), groups that has been designed for the installation near or inside professional armchairs 122 (fig. 33), according to the aesthetic necessities and to the free space in the shop.

24. - VERSION FOR HAIRDRESSERS' SCHOOLS - Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 23, characterized by the fact that
the system, as described at point 3.20.2, is arranged in the version for USE IN TEACHING, version composed by the motor-fan group 119 (fig. 8, 34), by the flexible piping 42 (fig. 8, 33), by the diffuser 50 (fig. 8, 34), groups designed to be installed on a structure 125 (fig. 34), and to be connected to said structure 125 (fig. 34), by means of a series of electric power supply connections 126 (fig. 34).

25. - PORTABLE VERSION FOR COMPETITIONS AND EXHIBITIONS- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 24, characterized by the fact that
the system, as described at point 3.20.3, is arranged in the version PORTABLE FOR COMPETITIONS AND EXHIBITIONS, version composed by the motor-fan group 119 (fig. 8, 35), by the rigid piping 121 (fig. 35), by the flexible piping 42 (fig. 8, 35), by the diffuser 50 (fig. 8, 35), by the tools 52 (fig. 8, 35) for the drying and modelling operations, by the system of sensors 20 (fig. 8), by the "Cold jet" device 23 (fig. 8), by the electronic control 19 (fig. 8, 35), by the device for command and control 128 (fig. 35), groups designed to be contained inside the structure 149 (fig. 35), structure with adequate dimensions, easy to be moved by the operator, structure with an apposite telescopic shelter 150 (fig. 35) for the tools.

26. - SIMPLIFIED DOMESTIC VERSION- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 25, characterized by the fact that
the system, as described at point 3.20.4, is arranged in the SIMPLIFIED DOMESTIC VERSION, in which the components (fig. 8) are decided by the customer, according to the needed degree of completion of the system, and-/ or according to the free space at home.

27. - MODULARITY OF THE COMPONENTS- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 26, characterized by the fact that
the components of the system, as described at point 3.20, like the motor group 130 (fig. 8, 35), the fan 39 (fig. 8, 35), the rigid piping 121 (fig. 35), the flexible piping 42 (fig. 8, 35), the diffuser 50 (fig. 8, 35), the tools 52 (fig. 8, 35) for drying and modelling operations, the system of sensors 20 (fig. 8), the "Cold jet" device 23 (fig. 8), the electronic control 19 (fig. 8, 35), the command and control device 24, 25, 28, 107, 128 (fig. 8, 30, 35, 36), have been projected with the aim to be used (in part or totally) in the composition of the various versions described in the claims from 22 to 26, with the aim to get economic advantages, to have project homogeneity, to get advantages in the management of spare parts, etc., and to collect all the advantages consequent to the application of the concept of modularity derived from the experience in the industrial design.

28. - CURVED FITTINGS FOR THE DIFFUSER- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 27, characterized by the fact that
the terminal part 54 (fig. 16), as described at point 3.11, has the curved portions 55 (fig. 16), inclined in different ways (for example 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°), with the aim to counterbalance the tilting momentum created by the piping 42 (fig. 16) during the modelling operation.

29. - MODIFIABLE CURVED FITTINGS FOR THE DIFFUSER- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 28, characterized by the fact that
the terminal part 54 (fig. 16) of the diffuser 50 (fig. 16), as described at point 3.11, has the deformable portion 56 (fig. 16) that allows to obtain and to quickly change the desired inclination, with the aim to counterbalance the tilting momentum created by the piping 42 (fig. 16) during the modelling operation.

30. - ERGONOMIC CROSS SECTION OF THE DIFFUSER AND WAY OF SEIZING - Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 29, characterized by the fact that,
as described at point 3.11, the cross section of the diffuser 50 (fig. 17), in the first portion 57 (fig. 17) set close to the centre of gravity of the group "piping + diffuser + tools" 42, 50, 52 (fig. 17), has an ergonomic curved and smooth shape 58 (fig. 17), assimilated to the print of the hand naturally wrapped on it, portion 57 (fig. 17) seized with the part of the palm of the hand 59 (fig. 17) set near the root of the thumb, and held by pressure with the ring finger and with the little finger 61 (fig.17) of the same hand.

31. - RING FOR THE ROTATION OF THE TOOLS, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE-Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 30, characterized by the fact that,
as described at point 3.11, portion 62 (fig. 17) is placed into portion 146 (fig. 17) inserted between the diffuser 50 (fig. 17) and the tool 52 (fig. 17), portion 62 (fig. 17) possibly free to rotate or to oscillate around the axis 60 (fig. 16, 17), portion 62 (fig. 17) with an ergonomic shape, derived in accordance with the combined profile of the rotational motion of the thumb and of the ring fingers 64 (fig. 17) on the portion 62 (fig. 17) itself, as specified at claim 30, ergonomic shape acquired while the diffuser 50 (fig. 17) is held by the same hand, ergonomic shape that consequently allows the firm hold of the diffuser 50 (fig. 17) and the efficient rotation of tools 52 (fig. 16, 17), as said portion 62 (fig. 17) is connected to tools 52 (fig. 16, 17) themselves.

32. - USE OF NATURAL PRODUCTS- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 31, characterized by the fact that
the low energetic and environmental impact characteristic, as described at point 3.5, has been also adopted with the aim to execute the drying and modelling operations and the diffusion of natural products, as these products are integrators for the modelling operation, and / or lotions for the care of hair and roots, as it was until now impossible to use these natural products in an efficient way, in consequence of the impossibility to guarantee adequate environmental micro - conditions, such as, for example, the low temperature of diffusion.

33. - AUTOMATIC AND / OR SEMIAUTOMATIC DIFFUSION OF PRODUCTS FOR HAIR TREATMENT- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 32, characterized by the fact that,
as described at point 3.19.3, the system could contains specific dispenser 147 (fig. 8, 38) of products 148 (fig. 38), for example, products that are "integrators" for the modelling operation, and / or are lotions for the care of hair and roots, dispenser connected with the central unit 19 (fig. 8) which selects suitable products 148 (fig. 38) for the kind of hair on the bases of the aspects specified at claim 21, dispenser that possibly delivers the right products in the right quantity to the operator, or spreads the right products directly on the hair, through specific piping 149 (fig. 38), piping possibly installed inside the air duct of the diffuser 50 (fig. 8, 38), and / or inside the air duct of the diffuser 26 (fig. 8, 38).

34. - FLOWCHART (fig. 40)- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 33, characterized by the fact that,
as described at point 3.24 into the flowchart 187 (fig. 40), the data 162 (fig. 40) acquired by the sensors 20 (fig. 8,40) (as the humidity 102 (fig. 29, 40), the temperature 103 (fig. 29), the air speed; the speed of variation 142 (fig. 29, 40) of the value of humidity 102 (fig. 29, 40), and / or the speed of variation 142 (fig. 29, 40) of the value of temperature 103 (fig. 29), during the phases 163, 164, 165, 166 etc. (fig. 40)), are compared to the right values (previously calculated and / or memorized), and consequently, if the acquired values are different with reference to the reference data, the central unit 19 (fig. 8) performs the variations of the electric current value supplied to the electric heater 4 (fig. 40), and / or supplied to the motor 130 (fig. 40), or carries out other adjustments, till it gets to the recovery of the needed condition of equilibrium, central unit 19 (fig. 8) that informs about any detected anomaly, with the emission of acoustic and / or visual signals 28 (fig. 8, 40), with the lighting-up of yellow 182 (fig. 40) or red 183 (fig. 40) signals, according to the importance of the detected anomaly, central unit 19 (fig. 8) that, in the case of detection of coherent values 179 (fig. 40), executes the readdressing 180 (fig. 40), and consequently performs the repetition of the control procedure by means of a pre-defined sampling frequency (i.e.: 100 ms), central unit 19 (fig. 8) that informs about the correct evolution of the drying operation, with the lighting of a green signal 181 (fig. 40).

35. - RE-USE OF TRADITIONAL HAIRDRYERS (fig. 41)- Electronically controlled system 129 (fig. 8), with low energetic and environmental impact, for the drying and the contemporaneous modelling of the hair, according to claims from 1 to 34, characterized by the fact that,
as described at point 3.25, the piping 42 (fig. 8, 41), the diffuser 50 (fig. 8, 41), the tools 52 (fig. 8, 41) can be connected to the traditional hairdryers 1 (fig. 1, 41), hairdryers that, in this way, are recycled as portable motor-fan, with the aim to create a simplified version of the present new system, with the aim to get the main functions offered by the new system itself, and this according to the possibility that this recycling operation, if performed, must respect the CEI, IMQ norms etc., and must be economically advantageous.

Drawing