METHODS FOR RESETTING STALLED PUMPS IN ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED DISPENSING SYSTEMS
First Claim
1. A method for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system, the method comprising:
- determining whether a refill container is received in the dispensing system; and
moving a pump actuator to a loading position when said refill container is removed.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Various methods are disclosed for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system. In one embodiment, it is determined whether a refill container is received in the dispensing system and then a pump actuator is moved to a loading position when the refill container is removed. Another method sets a run timer, starts a pump actuator, determines whether the pump actuator is still dispensing fluid from the fluid dispensing system upon lapsing of the run timer and then moves the pump actuator if the pump actuator is still dispensing upon the expiration of the run timer. And another method detects opening of a cover, energizes a motor to move an actuator to a loading position, determines when the actuator is at the loading position and then turns the motor off.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system, the method comprising:
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determining whether a refill container is received in the dispensing system; and moving a pump actuator to a loading position when said refill container is removed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispending system comprising:
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starting a run timer; starting a pump actuator; determining whether said pump actuator is still dispensing fluid from the fluid dispensing system upon lapsing of said run timer; and moving said pump actuator in an opposite direction if the pump actuator is still dispensing upon expiration of said run timer. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for resetting a stalled pump in a fluid dispensing system comprising:
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detecting opening of a cover; energizing a motor to move an actuator to a loading position; determining when said actuator is at said loading position; and turning said motor off. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A dispensing system comprising:
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a refill container filled with product; a housing adapted to accept said refill container; a pump maintained by either said refill container or said housing so as to dispense product from said refill container, wherein said pump has a loading position and a dispensing position; and an electronic keying mechanism associated with said pump wherein said electronic keying mechanism is configured to automatically return said pump to said loading position when a stall condition is detected. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification