Device and method for identifying a container
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to an wireless communication device and method for identifying a container. The device includes a wireless communication device for transmitting information regarding the container. The container includes an outer wall forming an enclosed interior chamber for containing contents, such as solid, liquid, and/or gaseous materials. The container also includes an opening through which the container contents are distributed. A valve assembly is positioned over the opening for controlling the flow of contents from the container. The wireless communication device is mounted within the valve assembly, and preferably within the ball. The wireless communication device communicates information regarding the container and/or its contents to an interrogation reader. The temperature associated with the container and/or its contents may be determined by various techniques including thermal contact between the temperature sensor and the container, measuring the discharge rate in a discharge capacitor associated with the wireless communication device, and determining the maximum energy absorption frequency of the wireless communication device to correlate it to temperature. The liquid level of the container may be determined by employing liquid level sensor techniques.
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Citations
122 Claims
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1-120. -120. (canceled)
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121. A device identifying a container containing contents, comprising:
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a valve assembly for controlling passage of the contents to and from the container, said valve assembly positioned to be in contact with the contents inside the container;
a wireless communication device positioned with said valve assembly for wirelessly communicating information associated with the contain; and
a temperature sensor operatively connected to said wireless communication device for determining the temperature of the contents inside the container.
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122. A device identifying a container containing contents, comprising:
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a valve assembly for controlling passage of the contents to and from the container, said valve assembly positioned to be in contact with the contents inside the container;
a wireless communication device positioned with said valve assembly for wirelessly communicating information associated with the contain; and
a liquid level sensor operatively connected with said wireless communication device for determining liquid level within the container.
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Specification