RF device in drinkware to record data/initiate sequence of behavior

• US 20050099304A1
• Filed: 10/22/2004
• Published: 05/12/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Validfill LLC
• Original Assignee: Whirley Industries, Inc.
• Inventors: Humphrey, Richard L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,439,859 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.8
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/105 involving programming of a portable memory device, e.g. IC cards, "electronic purses"
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/204 comprising interface for record bearing medium or carrier for electronic funds transfer or payment credit

Abstract

A drinkware is provided to provide information to a receiver. The drinkware is a RF device coupled to a handheld drinking container. The RF device can receive and send RF signals and communicate with a sensory device. A transmitter can send a signal to the communication device, which then activates sensory device. The RF device can communicate with the transmitter to control a fountain machine.

Claims

1. A drinking container comprising:

a sensory device coupled to the drinking container; and

a receiver coupled to the drinking container and capable of receiving signals, the receiver in communication with the sensory device.

2. The drinking container of claim 1, further comprising a power supply connected to the receiver and the sensory device.

3. The drinking container of claim 1, wherein the drinking container has a wall, and the receiver is within the wall.

4. The drinking container of claim 1, wherein the drinking container has an outer surface, and the receiver is attached to the outer surface.

5. A drinking system comprising:

a handheld drinking container;

a transmitter;

a sensory device coupled to the handheld drinking container; and

a communication device coupled to the handheld drinking container in communication with the transmitter and the sensory device.

6. The drinking system of claim 5, wherein the transmitter can send a RF signal and the communication device can receive the RF signal.

7. The drinking system of claim 6, wherein the communication device can send a RF signal.

8. The drinking system of claim 5, wherein the communication device comprises a RF chip powered by a power supply.

9. The drinking system of claim 5, wherein the communication device comprises a radio frequency identification chip.

10. A drinking container, comprising;

a communication device attached to the drinking container capable of receiving and transmitting signals.

11. The drinking container of claim 10, further comprising a sensory device attached to the container in communication with the communication device, wherein the communication device is a RF circuit configured to receive a signal from a transmitter and transmit a signal to a receiver.

12. A drinking container comprising:

a sensory device coupled to the container;

a receiver communication device coupled to the container; and

a switch coupled to the container in communication with the receiver communication device and the sensory device.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the receiver communication device is configured to send a signal to the switch to cause the switch to activate the sensory device.

14. The container of claim 12, wherein the receiver communication device is a signal receiver and signal transmitter.

15. A drinking system comprising:

a handheld drinking container;

a receiver sensory device coupled to the drinking container and capable of receiving a signal.

16. The drinking system of claim 15, wherein the receiver sensory device is a RF circuit in communication with a light, which is powered by a battery.

17. A method of dispensing a liquid comprising:

providing a handheld drinking container having a RF device;

providing a transmitter that communicates with the RF device;

controlling a fountain machine being capable of dispensing a liquid in response to the communication between the transmitter and the RF device and/or sending a signal that an unauthorized refill is attempted.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the handheld drinking container is a disposable cup.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the fountain machine is controlled based on the amount of liquid dispensed into the handheld drinking container.