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

• US 20090040050A1
• Filed: 08/11/2008
• Published: 02/12/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Validfill LLC
• Original Assignee: Validfill LLC
• Inventors: Humphrey, Richard L.
• Application Number:
  US12/189,222
• Publication Number:
  US 20090040050A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.800
• 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 beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispenser having at least one dispensing head and at least one actuator being adapted to dispense a beverage when a user selects a type of beverage when an actuator is engaged if dispensing is authorized. Also provided is a handheld drinking container having an RF device for sending and receiving signals and storing information and a transmitter coupled to the beverage dispenser for receiving a first signal from the RF device and for sending a second signal to the RF device. A controller is coupled to the beverage dispenser for determining whether the first signal includes authorization to fill the container and to open the at least one dispensing head and for subtracting a quantity of beverage dispensed from a quantity of beverage purchased to determine a quantity of beverage remaining.

Claims

1. A drinking container for use with a beverage dispensing system capable of interpreting and updating information based on customer selections, said drinking container comprising:

a body including an upper rim, a side wall and a bottom forming an interior space for containing a beverage; and

an RF device coupled to said body, said RF device adapted to send a first signal to a transmitter operatively connected to a beverage dispenser and receive and store information sent via a second signal from said transmitter, said first signal including customer preference or payment information and said second signal including updated customer preference or payment information.

2. A beverage dispensing system comprising:

a beverage dispenser having at least one dispensing head and at least one actuator, each of said at least one actuator corresponding to a type of beverage, and adapted to dispense a beverage when a user selects a type of beverage when an actuator is engaged if dispensing is authorized;

a handheld drinking container having a RF device for sending and receiving signals and storing information;

a transmitter coupled to said beverage dispenser for receiving a first signal from said RF device and for sending a second signal to said RF device, said first signal containing information about quantity of beverage purchased, and said second signal containing quantity of beverage remaining following dispensing of a beverage;

a controller coupled to said beverage dispenser for determining whether said first signal includes authorization to fill said container and to open said at least one dispensing head and for subtracting a quantity of beverage dispensed from a quantity of beverage purchased to determine a quantity of beverage remaining.

3. A beverage dispensing system comprising:

a beverage dispenser having at least one dispensing head and at least one actuator, each actuator of said at least one actuators corresponding to a type of beverage, and adapted to dispense a beverage when a user selects a type of beverage when an actuator is engaged if dispensing is authorized;

a handheld drinking container having a RF device, said RF device capable of sending and receiving signals and storing information;

a transmitter coupled to said beverage dispenser for receiving a first signal from said RF device and for sending a second signal to said RF device, said first signal containing information about user preferences or payment information, and said second signal containing updated user preferences or payment information following dispensing of a beverage;

a controller coupled to said beverage dispenser for determining whether said first signal includes authorization to fill said container and to open the at least one dispensing head and for updating said user preferences or payment information based on the type of beverage selected by the user.